Disclaimer: I don't own
Tenchi Muyo.
"Lord Tenchi, you're going to
be late for dinner!" Akito said fretfully, hovering over the prince. Tenchi swung the pale blue cloak over his
shoulders, hurriedly checking his appearance in the gilded mirror before him.
"It's
alright, Akito, I'm off." He
strode past the servant, his brow creased in worry. What if mother agrees with Akito? What if she wants me to marry this woman I've never even met? Before he even entered the spacious dining
hall, he could hear his mother's firm voice.
"Another
ship's been disabled? How did this
happen?" There was a slight
pause. "She hit the power box? You're telling me that the power box, which
distributes power throughout our crafts, is located on the outside?" As Tenchi drew nearer he made out the other
man's voice.
"Yes,
Highness. Several hundreds of years
ago, when we kept the power box inside of the ships, a mechanic dropped his
hammer on this box, causing the entire craft to explode from the inside, so -
"
"Well,
your solution obviously didn't work.
Have our engineers come up with new plans."
"Yes,
your highness." As he entered the
dining hall, Tenchi offered the unfortunate messenger a reassuring smile. He bowed nervously and increased his pace.
"Ah,
Tenchi, there you are," his mother greeted him warmly. "Have a seat right -"
"Hey
Tenchi! I made it after all!" came
the bright bubbly voice. Tenchi froze,
afraid to turn. His mother looked
startled, but soon composed herself.
"Officer
Mihoshi. I take it my son invited you
for dinner?"
"Yes
ma'am, your highness." Mihoshi
paused and saluted smartly.
"I
trust you'll make an effort not to injure my son."
"Oh,
yes your highness. Is your hand okay,
Tenchi?"
"Fine,
Mihoshi, just fine." Tenchi sighed
with resignation and sat down.
"What happened with Ryoko?"
"Oh,
I was hot on her trail! She was trying
all of the most advance evasive tactics, but I didn't let it phase me. I was mere inches from the tail of her ship,
ready to beam her aboard!" Mihoshi
stabbed a piece of meat with her fork.
"Then that meddlesome Kiyone got in my way, stealing my
glory." Tenchi looked at her in
surprise.
"I
thought you two were good friends.
Didn't you both finish top of your class?" Mihoshi nodded.
"I
was first in my class, she was second.
We were even partners for a time, before she stabbed me in the
back. I asked for reassignment at the
opposite end of the galaxy, which happened to be Jurai. Apparently she was assigned to Balsi."
"Balsi? That's where you lost Ryoko?" Queen
Achika asked. "Funny, I just
talked to King Azusa before dinner, and he didn't mention capturing the famed
criminal."
"What
did you two talk about?" Tenchi asked hesitantly.
"We
talked about arranging a marriage between you and the first crown princess of
Balsi." Tenchi leaped up from his
chair.
"Mother!"
he shouted, "I thought you of all people would be against that sort of
thing."
"Tenchi,
I didn't promise him anything. I know
this is a heavy burden to place on you, but this treaty would mean a lot for
Jurai. I just want you to consider
it. I invited the Balsi royal family to
a formal dinner." Tenchi sat back
down slowly.
"When?" He grumbled.
"Exactly
six months from today."
"Six
months?" he asked incredulously.
I can't believe this…how ironic.
I have to fight Ryoko and eat dinner with my future fiancée on the same
day. Achika assumed that he was
reacting to the length of time.
"Well,
the fall harvest is coming up soon, then Startica, the winter ceremonies, and
these galactic embassies are so damn formal.
It takes months of rehearsals and the proper clothing must be chosen, as
well as decorations…" The Queen continued to ramble on while Tenchi
slumped in his chair, deep in thought.
"You
know," Mihoshi said to Tenchi through a mouthful of food. "I bet that Kiyone failed to catch
Ryoko, that's why the King didn't mention it." Tenchi smiled at her.
He
said, partly to himself, "Yeah, Ryoko's too good to be caught so
easily. And anyway she's planning to
come back here in six months." Oops
"Really? Thanks for the tip, Tenchi!" She won't remember Tenchi thought
confidently, poking at his food.
* *
* *
Ryoko
regained consciousness late the next morning, the sun warming her face.
"Too
bright," she moaned.
"Good,
I arranged it that way." Ryoko sat
up slowly, pushing aside the silken sheets.
"Oh
god, I never imagined I'd get drunk enough to come back here!"
"I'm
so hurt, Ryoko. Sasami has missed you a
great deal." Ryoko grinned.
"What
about you, Ayeka? Miss me?" Ayeka frowned at her and muttered something
under her breath. "Hmmm? I can't hear you." Ayeka smiled reluctantly.
"Yes,
of course I missed you. Like it or not,
you're still my sister." Ryoko
smiled back and got to her feet, stretching.
"Twin
sister, mind you." Ryoko teased.
"Thankfully
not identical."
"Now
Ayeka, I know you're jealous of my superior beauty, but there's no need to get
rude."
"What?! My beauty surpasses yours by far!"
"Ayeka,
all of Balsi knows that you have flat, flabby breasts."
"My
breasts are not flabby!" Ayeka shrieked.
Behind her someone cleared his throat.
Ayeka whirled around. "Oh! Father, I um…I…I'll leave you
two." She edged past him shooting
a dark look at Ryoko, who stuck her tongue out playfully. King Azusa strode into the room staring at
Ryoko reproachfully.
"Hey
pop." Ryoko sat down on the bed
eyeing him.
"Ryoko,
it's been two years since I've seen you, and all you can say is 'hey
pop'?" She fingered her silk
sheets, torn between anger and guilt.
"Well,
you know why I left."
"To
become a common criminal? To dishonor
me and all of Balsi?"
"I
was looking for Mom!" she cried out, tearing the sheet in her hands. "It's more than you can say."
"That's
not fair, Ryoko. I searched for Washu
for a very long time. Ryoko, she's been
gone for over ten years. I'll always
love her."
"Oh
yeah, then why'd you marry Misaki?"
Azusa looked away.
"I
won't lie to you Ryoko, I fell in love with her too. That doesn't mean I love your mother any less."
"To
me it does." Azusa shook his head
sadly.
"I
hope one day you can forgive me, Ryoko.
Lunch is in one hour. Sasami is
looking forward to seeing you."
Azusa stood and left the room, latching it behind him. Ryoko took a deep breath and let it out
slowly. Looking down, she noticed she
was wearing a light blue nightgown. They
took my red and black battle uniform…Seems dad is going to make me into a
princess if it kills me.
* *
* *
Ryoko
showed up for lunch in a silver and blue kimono, similar to Ayeka's lavender
and pink one. Sasami, who was already
seated, jumped up and ran over to her.
Ryoko swooped her up and swung her around in a full circle, then set her
back down gently. Sasami giggled and
grabbed Ryoko's hand.
"Come
sit next to me, Ryoko!" Ryoko
smiled and allowed herself to be towed over to the table.
"You
look lovely dear," Masaki called.
Ryoko muttered her thanks. She
didn't really hate Misaki - she missed her own mother. Besides, without Misaki there wouldn't be a
Sasami.
Ryoko
was seated between Ayeka and Sasami, directly across from a young man with
pink, poodle hair.
"Who's
this?" she demanded testily.
"Uh,
Ryoko this is Seiryo," Misaki answered anxiously, "He's a noble from
the Far East."
"May
I say that you look absolutely stunning, your ladyship." Seiryo said
sweetly, in a high, nasal voice.
"No,"
Ryoko said shortly, then yelped in surprise as something sharp pricked her
side. She looked at Ayeka suspiciously,
who smiled back innocently.
"Flabby," Ryoko muttered.
"What
did you say!" Ayeka demanded shrilly.
"I
said, 'Flapjacks!'" Ryoko amended quickly, "please pass the
flapjacks!" Ayeka picked up the
plate, her eyes narrowed. Seiryo spoke
up hastily.
"I
must say I was surprised to learn that you two are twins. Each of you has a distinctly different
beauty; Lady Ayeka with hair of violet and eyes of soft fuchsia, and Lady Ryoko
with cyan tresses and eyes of the purest gold, accented with cat-like features. Her movements fluid and graceful, like that
of a jungle beast - "
"Are
you comparing me to a beast?" Ryoko inquired in soft, dangerous tones.
"Uh,
no, my ladyship, I would never…" Ryoko continued to stare at him, until he
stammered out an apology and fled from the room. Ryoko continued her meal.
"Ryoko,
that was very improper, not to mention immature," Azusa reprimanded. Ryoko shrugged irritably.
"It
was obvious you were trying to marry me off to that sickening moron."
"Ryoko
I just want what's best for you!"
"What's
best for me is doing what makes me happy!"
"Does
it make you happy to hurt people?" a new voice piped up, wavering
slightly. Sasami jumped up from the
table and ran from the room.
"Sasami!"
Ryoko called, then glared at her father.
Throwing her napkin on the table, she pushed away from the table and
hurried after her little half-sister.
She
found the pig-tailed girl sobbing on her bed.
"Sasami, what is it, what's wrong?" Ryoko asked gently,
sitting down beside her.
"I
saw this news broadcast…they said that two bank guards had to be hospitalized
because of your attack on the Saliza Bank!
Why did you leave Balsi, Ryoko?
Its nice here, if you give it a chance."
"I
needed the money for food, Sasami. I
never killed anyone, and hurt people as little as possible. And anyway, I'm retired as a pirate. I'll even stay in Balsi for a while, if it
will make you happy." Sasami
nodded.
"How
long?" Ryoko ruffled her hair.
"Six
months."
* *
* *
"Come on guys, the
fireworks are over this way!" Sasami urged impatiently. She tugged on the hands of her two older
sisters.
"You
go ahead, Sasami, we'll catch up," Ayeka told her. Sasami nodded and sprinted off. A light breeze blew, relieving the warm
autumn air. Crystal clear waves lapped
the moonlit beach, and palm trees swayed in rhythm. The two twins walked in comfortable silence for a while, before
Ayeka spoke. "It is truly
beautiful on Balsi, don't you think Ryoko?" Ryoko shrugged. "A
real paradise," Ayeka insisted.
"It
depends on what you call paradise," Ryoko finally responded. "Space is my paradise. Surrounded on all sides by an ocean of
stars, all the planets of the galaxy at your feet. Freedom…" she trailed off.
"What
is Jurai like?" Ayeka asked abruptly.
"Eh? Oh, that planet. They're utterly obsessed with trees. Everything is wood, the land is covered with vast forests of oak,
maple, redwood - you name it. Even
their ships are wood. Like your
Ryo-ouh, or Sasami's Tsunami. Except
both yours and Sasami's ships are more powerful."
"So
is it very beautiful there?" Ayeka asked softly.
"I
suppose. Why the sudden interest?"
"Because
I might be living there."
"What?! What are you talking about?" Ayeka refused to look at her.
"I…I
might marry Prince Tenchi of Jurai."
Ryoko grabbed her arm.
"Is
this father's idea? Do you even know
this prince?" Ryoko spat angrily.
"I
haven't' met him yet, but - "
"Don't
worry, Ayeka, I'll get you outta here.
We can become partners in crime, traveling the stars, defying the -
"
""I
can't do that Ryoko! I'm the first
crown princess of Jurai - "
"Yeah,
by a couple of minutes!"
"
- And I have responsibilities to the people of Balsi - "
"Screw
the people! When are you going to learn
that you have to live for yourself?"
"When
you learn that you can't always live for yourself!" The two glared at each other, hands
clenched. Ayeka backed down first,
looking at Ryoko sadly. "I'm not
like you Ryoko. I can't drop everything
and run away, I was meant to be a princess.
Maybe you were born for some greater destiny, I don't know."
"Ayeka,"
Ryoko began.
"Besides,
there's more." Ryoko groaned.
"How
much worse could it be?"
"Well,
if I become Queen of Jurai, that makes you the first crown princess of Balsi,
and next in line for the throne."
* *
* *
Ryoko
sat cross-legged on her bed, staring off into space moodily. After Ayeka dropped that last bombshell, she
had immediately stormed into the throne room, asking her father for an
explanation.
*
"Ryoko, you
have responsibilities as a princess."
"I didn't ask
to be princess, and I don't want these responsibilities!"
"An alliance
with Jurai would be very beneficial for us at this point. You can't put all of this on Ayeka, she
can't be first crown princess and Queen of Jurai."
"I won't
stay."
"Planets as
large and influential as Balsi and Jurai cannot remain neutral when located in
the same galaxy. We are either allies,
or enemies. Do you want to throw this
planet into war?!" King Azusa was
shouting now.
"Do you want
to throw Ayeka into an unhappy marriage, just because it's 'very beneficial'
for everyone else?" Ryoko cried fiercely.
King Azusa remained silent, glowering.
"Now I understand why you invited that Seiryo idiot for breakfast. You need a king for Balsi. What, was he the only person left on Balsi
who didn't know about my criminal record?"
"He
had taken an extended vacation on a remote planet - "
"I
don't believe this! I'm outta
here!"
"No,
you're not."
"Yes,
I am."
"No
you're not!" he roared, standing up.
Ryoko ignored him and turned to leave.
"Azaka, Kamidake, contain Ryoko in a force field this
instance." The two logs obeyed at
once, catching Ryoko off guard.
"What
the - " Ryoko banged on the shield furiously. "How dare you use Mom's creations like this?!" She immediately began to power up for an energy
blast, her gems glowing red.
"I
wouldn't do that if I were you," Azusa warned grimly, "A powerful
blast in such a tight area would completely destroy Azaka and Kamidake. You wouldn't want to damage your mother's
inventions, would you?" Scowling, Ryoko
released the energy ball she was creating.
"The
people of Balsi will never consent to being ruled by a known criminal."
"The
people of Balsi have fond memories of you as a child. They have taken great pains in hiding the connection between the
princess Ryoko and the space pirate Ryoko a secret from the galactic
media. You give a public apology, tell
them you were on a quest to find your mother, and they'll instantly adore you
again. As for the other planets you've
robbed from, I've more than paid them for their silence. In a few months, all charges against you
will be dropped."
"You
can't hold me here forever." King
Azusa glared at her.
"I
just don't understand how you can be so selfish! In time, you will learn to accept your
position and rank. Until then, you will
stay in your room, guarded by Azaka and Kamidake."
*
Ryoko
stood up suddenly, crossing the room to her door. If I try to blast my way through, Azaka and Kamidake will
simply contain me in a shield again.
She stared at the door grumpily, then phased to the opposite side of the
room. "Now, if I blast this
wall…" Ryoko grinned, then called
to Ryo-ohki over her shoulder.
"What do you think?"
The petite cabbit raised its head and yawned delicately from its
position on Ryoko's bed.
"Mew,
miya."
"Ayeka
can take care of herself!" Ryoko said, trying to keep the guilt from her
tone.
"Meow."
"Sasami…Sasami
will…be devastated," Ryoko admitted finally. "You're right, I know you're right." Ryoko sighed, then wandered over to her window. She gazed out wistfully, reaching up to grip
one of the bars.
"I'm
coming mom."
* *
* *
Tenchi
crouched, his sword raised, every muscle in his body tense. His opponent faced him in a similar
stance. Tenchi sprang suddenly,
bringing his sword down in a wide arc over his head. His opponent leapt to the side nimbly, jabbing his own sword at
Tenchi. But Tenchi had already bounded
away. He stood for a moment, studying
his opponent, before leaping into a somersault. The opponent crouched, sword ready. Suddenly Tenchi twisted in the air, redirecting his course to
land behind the other man. The opponent
made a sound of approval, then rolled to the side as Tenchi sliced air. With a challenging shout, the opponent
charged Tenchi. Tenchi rushed to meet
him, but just before they clashed swords, Tenchi jumped and kicked the other
man in the gut. His opponent fell to
the mat with a surprised 'oof'. Tenchi
landed on his feet in a crouch, and raised the tip of his wooden bokken to the
neck of his grandfather. Yosho
chuckled.
"Well
done, Tenchi, very impressive. Near
flawless technique, quick reflexes, improvisation…your improvement and
dedication these past six months have been commendable. I believe that you are ready to face
Kagato." Tenchi gulped nervously.
"Kagato? But the last time he…"
"Beat
you into a bloody pulp," Yosho finished, raising an eyebrow. "That was a long time ago, Tenchi. I have been training both of you since you
were young boys, and I feel that you could now beat your cousin." Tenchi nodded, pleased. The two stood slowly, wiping the sweat from
their faces. Yosho glanced at Tenchi,
then said mildly, "Actually, I was afraid that your concentration would
suffer, what with this dinner coming up next week." Tenchi blanched, then looked glum.
"I
had almost forgotten about that," he muttered. "What do you think Grandpa, should I marry this Balsian
princess?" Yosho sighed.
"Tenchi,
if you want to become King of Jurai, you must always put the people before
yourself. It is your duty and your
privilege."
"What
kind of privilege is it to have to marry some girl I don't even know?"
"The
privilege to aid millions of people."
Tenchi groaned. "You could
step down Tenchi, let your cousin become king."
"I
don't trust him." Tenchi growled.
"He
has had a difficult life Tenchi, with both his father and Tokimi
dying." Tenchi nodded hesitantly,
but looked disturbed.
"He
is full of hate, grandfather."
* *
* *
One
more week…just one more…Ryoko thought absently, staring at the cracks in
her ceiling. She carefully formed a
tiny energy ball, no bigger than her thumbnail, and flicked it towards her
ceiling. Another thin crack appeared.
"I
see you're making valuable use of your time."
"What's
up, Ayeka?" Ryoko formed another
tiny energy wad, one fang peeping out over her lower lip.
"The
dressmaker's on her way, to fit you for a dress."
"What
for?"
"We're
having dinner at the Jurai Royal Palace next week."
"What?!" Ryoko's energy ball flew out of control,
careening across the room and popping directly in the sleeping Ryo-ohki's
face. The cabbit yelped in surprise and
scrambled under the bed.
"So
what? It's a formal dinner, to begin
negotiations for a peace treaty."
"You
mean to begin negotiations for your engagement to that prince."
"That
too."
"I
just robbed from that planet a few months ago!
How could you not know? I'm sure
it was all over the news."
"Father
cut off galactic television transmission to Balsi a while ago. I think it depressed him to see you on the
news every other week."
"I
can't go! Those Juraian Royals will
recognize me."
"Father
will never allow you to stay here…Hmm, I'd better call the make-up artist. She'll have some good
suggestions." Ryoko watched as
Ayeka slipped out of the door.
"And
anyway, I have to fight that boy next week." Ryoko muttered. She stuck an arm through her bed mattress
and produced a very disgruntled Ryo-ohki.
"Do you have any suggestions?"
"Mreow."
"I'm
sorry, I should be more careful with my energy balls."
"Meow,
miya."
"Yes,
I suppose I could slip away from the dinner long enough for the fight. And it would be convenient to travel
in a ship without a criminal record."
"Meow,
mreow!"
"I
know it's not your fault you're wanted by the galaxy police. I take full responsibility."
"Miya."
"Don't
get sarcastic with me," Ryoko said sternly. "Anyway, it's settled.
I'll do the stupid dinner, fight the boy, then get as far away as I can
from these royal creeps!"
* *
* *
Ryoko
looked in the mirror in disgust. The
woman looking back at her was definitely a princess - a disgusted princess, but
a princess nonetheless. The make-up
artist had recommended color contact lenses, which turned her golden irises to
ice blue. Her cyan hair was swept up and
piled onto her head in a loose bun to disguise its distinct spikiness. A silver tiara set with sapphires encircled
the bun, and two long strands of hair fell over her ears to her shoulders. Her dress was a very pale blue, almost
white. The bodice and waist clung
tightly to her form, the skirt flaring to hang loosely. The dress exposed half of her back and the
neckline plunged daringly low. The
sleeves fell from the shoulders in an elegant, wide cut, made from a
transparent film. The hem, the back and
neckline, and the edge of the sleeves were embroidered with pale gold. Ryoko had to admit, the dress was light and
cool, and was very reminiscent of her own preferred style. She turned away from the mirror with a sigh
and crossed the room in her silver and sapphire encrusted heels. She knocked on the door loudly.
"Okay,
I'm ready!" The door swung open,
revealing the Balsi Royal family.
Sasami squealed in delight and Ayeka smiled.
"You
could almost pass for a princess, Ryoko," she teased.
"Don't
be silly, Ayeka!" Sasami said excitedly.
"She looks beautiful!"
Ryoko made a face and tugged on one of Sasami's pigtails.
"Thanks,
kiddo."
"You
really do look lovely, Ryoko," Misaki said, her eyes shining. Azusa shifted his weight uncomfortably.
"Your
mom would be proud, Ryoko," he said softly. Ryoko had planned to stay angry, but at his tone she softened.
"Thanks
dad," she muttered. Just then
Ryo-ohki leapt on her shoulder.
"Oh,
no, you're not bringing Ryo-ohki!" Azusa said firmly.
"But
- "
"No."
"Come
on - "
"Absolutely
not." Ryoko sulked.
"Alright."
She conceded finally. The others stared
at her.
"She's
usually much more stubborn," Ayeka commented suspiciously. Azusa shrugged gleefully, happy to avoid a
scene this time. He strode down the
hallway, whistling brightly.
"Let's go,
the people of Balsi are waiting to see us off!" One by one, each royal family member followed the king. Ryoko brought up the rear, mentally
contacting Ryo-ohki.
'Gem-form,'
she commanded. The cabbit obeyed immediately,
transforming into a sleek, gleaming red crystal. Ryoko grabbed her cabbit-gem quickly and slipped it into one of
the wide, loose pockets she had insisted on.
The family paused as they reached the gilded double doors, leading
outside the palace to a long marble staircase.
Enormous crowds eagerly awaited their appearance.
King Azusa stepped
out first and the crowds cheered wildly.
He strode towards the waiting ship, looking neither left nor right. Misaki was next, and she nodded regally, smiling
broadly. Ayeka stepped out, followed by
Sasami. The two waved cheerily, much to
the delight of the people of Balsi.
Ryoko was last. She took a deep
breath and stepped out confidently. The
entire crowd fell silent, muttering quietly.
Ryoko cast her eyes over them, then began her descent, her head held
high and a twist of a smile on her face.
About halfway to the ship, the cheering began again, deafeningly loud as
they celebrated the return of their wild princess. Ryoko resisted an urge to laugh, feeling herself softening at the
display of forgiving kindness.
My thoughts and prayers are with
the victims and the victims' families during these horrific events. I know that many of you are grieving, and I
hope that by continuing to post fanfics I can, in a very minor way, relieve
some depression. Thank you for
reviewing.