Okay, I lied. There will be one more chapter before the next section that takes place four years later.
I left to many strings untied with ch3. And plus, I'm a Ryoko+Tenchi4Ever! fan to. So, this chapter was
written as a gift to other Tenchi+Ryoko fans.
Thanx to all of you who have reviewed. And special thanx to Ambreen and mark the tax zombie for you're
encouragement. Hope you like where my lil' ficci goes next. I'm sure I don't know.
~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~
^*^One month later^*^
**What's up with Tenchi lately? He's been acting so strange. I never see him anymore. He's always with
Yosho or Washu, or worse, with Ayeka. I thought he was starting to return my affection! When he kissed my
hand. And the look he had in his eyes! He looked like, for once, he considering my suggestions. I thought I
was going to pass out! He never comes on time for dinner anymore. He sleeps in and misses breakfast. Some-
thing's wrong with him, and I'm going to find out what -today-!**
All that was visible of Ryoko while she was spying on Tenchi was her head from the nose up coming out of
the wooden floor behind a potted tree in Yosho's house. Tenchi and Yosho were seated on two pillows at a
table not even five feet away from her. What she was hearing confused her. They were talking about Jurian
customs. How to address various nobles, how to stand in court (there were different ways of standing up?),
the formalities of challenging someone to a duel depending on either their lineage or rank. On and on they
talked and rehearsed and memorized and practiced. The only thing Ryoko got were the phrases uttered by Yosho
every time Tenchi failed or succeeded in what they were doing. "You're not learning this for nothing, it will
come in handy when you get to Juri." "If you did that in Juri, they would laugh you off the planet!" "Ah!
Done like a true Jurian!" For at least 3 hours this went on! At last Yosho glanced over at a clock on
the wall.
"Enough for today. If you don't go now, you'll never get done working in the fields before dark. Good work."
The two of them stood, bowed to each other, and then Tenchi left. When Tenchi had made his way about half
way down the stone steps Ryoko appeared in front of him, her head hanging down. She looked crushed.
"Ryoko, what's wrong?!" Tenchi hoped Ayeka hadn't done or said something to make her look so pitiful.
"When are you leaving?" Ryoko wouldn't lift her head to look at him. She couldn't.
Tenchi was to shocked to speak at first. "I. ...I'm." It was over for him. He felt despair run through
his body. She would never come with him. Asking would only be a formality. He was just fooling himself to
think Ryoko would agree. But he would ask anyway. Just in case.
"I'm not leaving for awhile. Probably a few years...I have a lot to learn." Why wouldn't she look at him?
He wanted to see her face!...How did she know anyway?
"Oh...Ayeka and Sasami will go with you then, huh?" She knew it. She had lost. Tenchi was going to Juri
with Ayeka! **I hope they have stupid, pink-haired sons and ugly daughters as stuck up as Ayeka is!**
Lighting Ayeka's kimono on fire while she was still in it and then locking herself in her room to blast
an Alanis Morrisette CD sounded -really- good right now.
She felt angry. Really angry. She lifted up her head to face him. Who cared if he saw how furious and hurt
she was? "Do you want me to go so you and Ayeka can be together without me bugging you?"
Tenchi reached out as fast as he could and grabbed hold of one of her arms. He was terrified that she would
disappear right now and never come back.
"No Ryoko. I don't want you to go! I want you with me!" He grimaced as he said that, hating how clumsy and
stupid he sounded. Ryoko was just confused.
"How can you tell me you're going to Juri with -her- and say you want me to be with you?"
"There's nothing between Ayeka and I, honest! There is just so much going on right now. Please let me explain."
Tenchi still held on to her arm as if he could prevent her from leaving. She shook her arm free and backed down
a few steps. Then crossed her arms over her chest.
"Talk."
"Ookay. Uhh..."Now that he was given a chance to explain himself, he had no idea what to say. Oh well, might
as well tell it to her straight. Like there was any other way.
*Big breath* "....IwantyoutocomewithmetoJuributyouwon'tsayyessoitdoesn'treallymatterand *breathe* idon'tknow
whatwillhappenwithAyeka, butiloveyou!" Now Tenchi held his head down with his eyes shut, expecting her to
laugh, yell, or blow him to bits.
Ryoko was still trying to figure out what he had said. Was Ayeka in the picture or out? Ggrrr!...Chotto!
"Repeat that Tenchi."
"...The whole thing?" Yikes, he sounded miserable.
"No, just the last part."Ryoko was certain she heard right, she wanted him to say it again!
Tenchi opened an eye and glanced at her. In what was almost a whisper he said, "I love you?"
"...Tenchi."
Tenchi looked down at her. The look on her face was almost identical to the expression she wore when he saw
her in his mother's kimono. (Before she tore off the sleeves) Like she was walking in a dream. God, she was
beautiful!
He remembered that moment, remembered wanting to kiss her. Now he could.
Ryoko saw him bend his head down toward his and knew what was coming and held her breath. Both of them
completely unaware how much this would look like a scene from a movie to anyone watching, everything silent
and going in slow motion.
Tenchi felt his heart pounding through his chest, he was so nervous! He saw her close her eyes and he reached
out his hand and placed it on the back of her neck - not for dramatic effect, but more from not wanting to
lean over too far and fall over, which as you know, would make him look like an idiot.
Ryoko, after waiting for what seemed an eternity, felt his lips push lightly against hers.
They stayed like that for four or five seconds, just with their lips touching, moving ever-so-slightly against
each other. Ryoko had waited for this for so long. She had read every girlie manga, watched every cheesy romantic
movie of the week, and non of the deep, sloppy kisses she saw and dreamed of could ever compare to this. It was
just like Tenchi in every way : Sweet, gentle, and so hesitant. It was her first kiss, and it was perfect!
And, of course, since this was not a movie, but real life (hehehe), after pulling away and gazing into Ryoko's
eyes a few more seconds, he noticed the sky starting to darken. ~~ Ryoko noticed to sky as well.
"Can't you do it tomorrow?"
"Most of it, yes. But not all of it. Don't worry. I'll see you later tonight. Uh, we need to -talk-."
Ryoko let out a small giggle. "Fine, but I'll be waiting for you!" With that she disappeared.
"That went better than I thought it would." Tenchi said to the air in front of him. He went through the remainder
of his day as fast as he could and with a smile on his lips. He was even on time for dinner, Which could be
counted as both a good and bad thing. Seeing as how Ayeka was there.
~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~
Ayeka noticed Ryoko staring off into space from the roof and felt a little sorry for her. Tenchi was in a foul
mood lately and when he was in a bad mood, so was Ryoko. In a way, she knew she would never win Tenchi's
heart. Because, after a while, that's what it had come to be about: winning. She was infatuated with him for a
long time, but mere infatuation can only hold out so long without any response or encouragement. Ayeka saw only
Ryoko's back from her vantage point on the ground and climbed up the latter to see if she could cheer her up.
"So this is where you're sulking?" Ayeka stood behind Ryoko with her arms on her hips. When her friend didn't
turn around or make any remark, she sat down next to her.
Truth is, Ryoko was scared to let Ayeka see her face. She realized that she could never keep her moment with
Tenchi a secret and knew how much it would hurt Ayeka. Maybe Ayeka would really be stupid enough to never notice,
or maybe, just kind of -know- without anyone telling her, as if by magic. No such luck.
"Look, I know you're depressed about Tenchi, but that's just how things are meant to be. I don't know why you
fuss over him so much. After all, you're a demon and he is Jurian!" Ayeka only meant it in jest. Ryoko and herself
always fought with each other as a way to simply let out their frustrations, but the look Ryoko gave her sent
chills down her spine.
Ryoko had been floating on a dream cloud until she heard Ayeka say that. The simple truth it held sent a sudden
flash of fear and a pang of anguish through her soul. She turned and stared Ayeka.
"I don't care how little luck there is for us! Did you have to throw it in my face now?" The side of Ryoko that
had once been the separate identity Zero sprung out in a hot wave of emotion. Tear after hopeless tear fell off
her cheeks onto to tile roof. Her frame shaking from the overwhelming despair.
Ayeka sat there stunned. Lost for words and feeling ashamed of herself, she also let her instincts take over
for the time being. She embraced her friend and let her cry her heart out on her shoulder. She said 'I'm sorry'
once and than kept on saying it over and over again, unable to stop.
**So much for cheering her up.** She thought miserably.
They sat like that on the roof until Ryoko couldn't cry anymore. Weak from sobbing, Ryoko wanted to go to sleep.
But she didn't feel like moving. So she waited for Ayeka to do something.
Ayeka felt uncomfortable, she wanted Ryoko to say or do something to get them both out of this sentimental moment.
But she wasn't even moving. The two of them had never been on very good terms, but they had a basic understanding
of each other and in time had come to think of each other as friends. Ayeka was glad to have someone she didn't
have to pretend around. She could get as drunk as she wanted or say anything she felt like saying around Ryoko
and know that she would never be thought the less of for it. Such things were unthinkable for a lady in the high
society of Juri. Ryoko, in turn, could talk about Tenchi. She told Ayeka know about how she watched and fell in
love with him during her imprisonment. True, Ayeka often scorned her openly for it, but the stories and confessions
never found their way to anyone else's ears. She was Ryoko's confidant.
But, anyhow, they were both saved by Sasami who came outside yelling that dinner was ready and -someone- had to
eat it, she didn't care who.
Ryoko pulled out of Ayeka arms and rubbed her eyes and nose on her sleeve. Ayeka called down saying they would
be there shortly.
~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~
Tenchi made it to dinner a minute or two after the girls did. The first thing he noticed was the silence. The
second thing he noticed was Ryoko's puffy eyes and red nose. The last thing he noticed was Ayeka sitting on the
opposite side of the table, looking like she'd been caught with a knife in her hand. He sat down and the first
thing out of his mouth was' "What happened?" And he didn't sound at all happy.
"Gomennasai! I said something I shouldn't have." Ayeka sounded like she was confessing a crime. "Excuse me."
She rose from her seat and ran upstairs crying. Ryoko was next.
"The whole thing was stupid. I'm tired. I'm going to bed. Good night." Then she evaporated.
Tenchi had no clue what had gone on, but decided not to press either of them today. He would wait til' tomorrow
and talk to them. To try getting any information now would be useless. Most of his joy from the day gone, he
announced he was going to bed and left. The rest of the family sat at the table looking alternately at each
other and their plates in silence, wondering what had happened.
~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~
Kay. I lied again. I probably will write another chapter. I really did mean to finish this section
but this is going on and on. And this CH was hard to write. But, I hope you liked it. I'll try to
get the next CH up in a day or two. And, once again, Review! Need input! (lame Short Cercut joke)
PlEEAAAsEs!
I left to many strings untied with ch3. And plus, I'm a Ryoko+Tenchi4Ever! fan to. So, this chapter was
written as a gift to other Tenchi+Ryoko fans.
Thanx to all of you who have reviewed. And special thanx to Ambreen and mark the tax zombie for you're
encouragement. Hope you like where my lil' ficci goes next. I'm sure I don't know.
~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~
^*^One month later^*^
**What's up with Tenchi lately? He's been acting so strange. I never see him anymore. He's always with
Yosho or Washu, or worse, with Ayeka. I thought he was starting to return my affection! When he kissed my
hand. And the look he had in his eyes! He looked like, for once, he considering my suggestions. I thought I
was going to pass out! He never comes on time for dinner anymore. He sleeps in and misses breakfast. Some-
thing's wrong with him, and I'm going to find out what -today-!**
All that was visible of Ryoko while she was spying on Tenchi was her head from the nose up coming out of
the wooden floor behind a potted tree in Yosho's house. Tenchi and Yosho were seated on two pillows at a
table not even five feet away from her. What she was hearing confused her. They were talking about Jurian
customs. How to address various nobles, how to stand in court (there were different ways of standing up?),
the formalities of challenging someone to a duel depending on either their lineage or rank. On and on they
talked and rehearsed and memorized and practiced. The only thing Ryoko got were the phrases uttered by Yosho
every time Tenchi failed or succeeded in what they were doing. "You're not learning this for nothing, it will
come in handy when you get to Juri." "If you did that in Juri, they would laugh you off the planet!" "Ah!
Done like a true Jurian!" For at least 3 hours this went on! At last Yosho glanced over at a clock on
the wall.
"Enough for today. If you don't go now, you'll never get done working in the fields before dark. Good work."
The two of them stood, bowed to each other, and then Tenchi left. When Tenchi had made his way about half
way down the stone steps Ryoko appeared in front of him, her head hanging down. She looked crushed.
"Ryoko, what's wrong?!" Tenchi hoped Ayeka hadn't done or said something to make her look so pitiful.
"When are you leaving?" Ryoko wouldn't lift her head to look at him. She couldn't.
Tenchi was to shocked to speak at first. "I. ...I'm." It was over for him. He felt despair run through
his body. She would never come with him. Asking would only be a formality. He was just fooling himself to
think Ryoko would agree. But he would ask anyway. Just in case.
"I'm not leaving for awhile. Probably a few years...I have a lot to learn." Why wouldn't she look at him?
He wanted to see her face!...How did she know anyway?
"Oh...Ayeka and Sasami will go with you then, huh?" She knew it. She had lost. Tenchi was going to Juri
with Ayeka! **I hope they have stupid, pink-haired sons and ugly daughters as stuck up as Ayeka is!**
Lighting Ayeka's kimono on fire while she was still in it and then locking herself in her room to blast
an Alanis Morrisette CD sounded -really- good right now.
She felt angry. Really angry. She lifted up her head to face him. Who cared if he saw how furious and hurt
she was? "Do you want me to go so you and Ayeka can be together without me bugging you?"
Tenchi reached out as fast as he could and grabbed hold of one of her arms. He was terrified that she would
disappear right now and never come back.
"No Ryoko. I don't want you to go! I want you with me!" He grimaced as he said that, hating how clumsy and
stupid he sounded. Ryoko was just confused.
"How can you tell me you're going to Juri with -her- and say you want me to be with you?"
"There's nothing between Ayeka and I, honest! There is just so much going on right now. Please let me explain."
Tenchi still held on to her arm as if he could prevent her from leaving. She shook her arm free and backed down
a few steps. Then crossed her arms over her chest.
"Talk."
"Ookay. Uhh..."Now that he was given a chance to explain himself, he had no idea what to say. Oh well, might
as well tell it to her straight. Like there was any other way.
*Big breath* "....IwantyoutocomewithmetoJuributyouwon'tsayyessoitdoesn'treallymatterand *breathe* idon'tknow
whatwillhappenwithAyeka, butiloveyou!" Now Tenchi held his head down with his eyes shut, expecting her to
laugh, yell, or blow him to bits.
Ryoko was still trying to figure out what he had said. Was Ayeka in the picture or out? Ggrrr!...Chotto!
"Repeat that Tenchi."
"...The whole thing?" Yikes, he sounded miserable.
"No, just the last part."Ryoko was certain she heard right, she wanted him to say it again!
Tenchi opened an eye and glanced at her. In what was almost a whisper he said, "I love you?"
"...Tenchi."
Tenchi looked down at her. The look on her face was almost identical to the expression she wore when he saw
her in his mother's kimono. (Before she tore off the sleeves) Like she was walking in a dream. God, she was
beautiful!
He remembered that moment, remembered wanting to kiss her. Now he could.
Ryoko saw him bend his head down toward his and knew what was coming and held her breath. Both of them
completely unaware how much this would look like a scene from a movie to anyone watching, everything silent
and going in slow motion.
Tenchi felt his heart pounding through his chest, he was so nervous! He saw her close her eyes and he reached
out his hand and placed it on the back of her neck - not for dramatic effect, but more from not wanting to
lean over too far and fall over, which as you know, would make him look like an idiot.
Ryoko, after waiting for what seemed an eternity, felt his lips push lightly against hers.
They stayed like that for four or five seconds, just with their lips touching, moving ever-so-slightly against
each other. Ryoko had waited for this for so long. She had read every girlie manga, watched every cheesy romantic
movie of the week, and non of the deep, sloppy kisses she saw and dreamed of could ever compare to this. It was
just like Tenchi in every way : Sweet, gentle, and so hesitant. It was her first kiss, and it was perfect!
And, of course, since this was not a movie, but real life (hehehe), after pulling away and gazing into Ryoko's
eyes a few more seconds, he noticed the sky starting to darken. ~~ Ryoko noticed to sky as well.
"Can't you do it tomorrow?"
"Most of it, yes. But not all of it. Don't worry. I'll see you later tonight. Uh, we need to -talk-."
Ryoko let out a small giggle. "Fine, but I'll be waiting for you!" With that she disappeared.
"That went better than I thought it would." Tenchi said to the air in front of him. He went through the remainder
of his day as fast as he could and with a smile on his lips. He was even on time for dinner, Which could be
counted as both a good and bad thing. Seeing as how Ayeka was there.
~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~
Ayeka noticed Ryoko staring off into space from the roof and felt a little sorry for her. Tenchi was in a foul
mood lately and when he was in a bad mood, so was Ryoko. In a way, she knew she would never win Tenchi's
heart. Because, after a while, that's what it had come to be about: winning. She was infatuated with him for a
long time, but mere infatuation can only hold out so long without any response or encouragement. Ayeka saw only
Ryoko's back from her vantage point on the ground and climbed up the latter to see if she could cheer her up.
"So this is where you're sulking?" Ayeka stood behind Ryoko with her arms on her hips. When her friend didn't
turn around or make any remark, she sat down next to her.
Truth is, Ryoko was scared to let Ayeka see her face. She realized that she could never keep her moment with
Tenchi a secret and knew how much it would hurt Ayeka. Maybe Ayeka would really be stupid enough to never notice,
or maybe, just kind of -know- without anyone telling her, as if by magic. No such luck.
"Look, I know you're depressed about Tenchi, but that's just how things are meant to be. I don't know why you
fuss over him so much. After all, you're a demon and he is Jurian!" Ayeka only meant it in jest. Ryoko and herself
always fought with each other as a way to simply let out their frustrations, but the look Ryoko gave her sent
chills down her spine.
Ryoko had been floating on a dream cloud until she heard Ayeka say that. The simple truth it held sent a sudden
flash of fear and a pang of anguish through her soul. She turned and stared Ayeka.
"I don't care how little luck there is for us! Did you have to throw it in my face now?" The side of Ryoko that
had once been the separate identity Zero sprung out in a hot wave of emotion. Tear after hopeless tear fell off
her cheeks onto to tile roof. Her frame shaking from the overwhelming despair.
Ayeka sat there stunned. Lost for words and feeling ashamed of herself, she also let her instincts take over
for the time being. She embraced her friend and let her cry her heart out on her shoulder. She said 'I'm sorry'
once and than kept on saying it over and over again, unable to stop.
**So much for cheering her up.** She thought miserably.
They sat like that on the roof until Ryoko couldn't cry anymore. Weak from sobbing, Ryoko wanted to go to sleep.
But she didn't feel like moving. So she waited for Ayeka to do something.
Ayeka felt uncomfortable, she wanted Ryoko to say or do something to get them both out of this sentimental moment.
But she wasn't even moving. The two of them had never been on very good terms, but they had a basic understanding
of each other and in time had come to think of each other as friends. Ayeka was glad to have someone she didn't
have to pretend around. She could get as drunk as she wanted or say anything she felt like saying around Ryoko
and know that she would never be thought the less of for it. Such things were unthinkable for a lady in the high
society of Juri. Ryoko, in turn, could talk about Tenchi. She told Ayeka know about how she watched and fell in
love with him during her imprisonment. True, Ayeka often scorned her openly for it, but the stories and confessions
never found their way to anyone else's ears. She was Ryoko's confidant.
But, anyhow, they were both saved by Sasami who came outside yelling that dinner was ready and -someone- had to
eat it, she didn't care who.
Ryoko pulled out of Ayeka arms and rubbed her eyes and nose on her sleeve. Ayeka called down saying they would
be there shortly.
~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~
Tenchi made it to dinner a minute or two after the girls did. The first thing he noticed was the silence. The
second thing he noticed was Ryoko's puffy eyes and red nose. The last thing he noticed was Ayeka sitting on the
opposite side of the table, looking like she'd been caught with a knife in her hand. He sat down and the first
thing out of his mouth was' "What happened?" And he didn't sound at all happy.
"Gomennasai! I said something I shouldn't have." Ayeka sounded like she was confessing a crime. "Excuse me."
She rose from her seat and ran upstairs crying. Ryoko was next.
"The whole thing was stupid. I'm tired. I'm going to bed. Good night." Then she evaporated.
Tenchi had no clue what had gone on, but decided not to press either of them today. He would wait til' tomorrow
and talk to them. To try getting any information now would be useless. Most of his joy from the day gone, he
announced he was going to bed and left. The rest of the family sat at the table looking alternately at each
other and their plates in silence, wondering what had happened.
~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~
Kay. I lied again. I probably will write another chapter. I really did mean to finish this section
but this is going on and on. And this CH was hard to write. But, I hope you liked it. I'll try to
get the next CH up in a day or two. And, once again, Review! Need input! (lame Short Cercut joke)
PlEEAAAsEs!