Disclaimer: I don't own Tenchi Muyo

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.