Chapter 16
Man, who would've thought that a stupid spring would be so hard to find?
Continuing walking, Trunks started to hear something. Crying? He walked towards the sound. And it was indeed crying. The mighty, proud and dangerous space pirate Ryoko was on her knees, face in hands, sobbing. He made his way cautiously towards her.
"Are you hurt, Ryoko?" It was the first thing he managed to say.
"Yes. I am" she answered through sobs, gasping after trying to talk.
"Well where?" he said, frustrated. She must be hurt pretty bad if she was sobbing like that. He searched her for wounds, then realized that her hands were over her face. He took them in his own, uncovering her pink face. Tears were streaming down her cheeks, but her face wasn't puffy from crying. She must have not been crying as hard as he thought. Searching her face, he didn't see any wounds. Mad, he yelled, "Ryoko, show me where you're hurt for crying out loud!"
Slowly, Ryoko put a shaky hand into a fist and covered her heart.
"Here......is where I'm hurt."
He was confused. There was no blood. He looked at her back, so see if blood maybe came out of the other side. A laser beam could do that. But then, suddenly, it hit him. You lunkhead, she isn' t injured. She's heartbroken.
He put an arm around her waist, and she turned towards him, her face still in one of her hands, and rested her head on his shoulder. I can't believe I'm doing this. I'm a space pirate, and here I am, crying. Something I've only done once in my life.
"Is....it Tenchi?" Trunks asked after she stopped shaking. She still was gasping a little.
After she settled down, she answered.
"I can't believe he kissed Ayeka. I love him more, I know it. But I don't think he loves me back because I'm a space pirate, and she's a princess. Like some little fairy tale stupid princess. I don't think you see space pirates in 'happily ever after' storys!"
Trunk suddenly felt a certin disliking towards Tenchi.
What a moron. Just because Ryoko is a space pirate doesn't mean she doesn't have a heart. He was sure she did, because here she was with it broken.
"Ryoko, you'll probably hate me for saying this, but I have to. The there is obviously something wrong with the guy. I've seen her with Tenchi, and she just likes him because he's some warrior person. In fact, I think that's why she took a liking to me at first. I guess she maybe could tell with her woman's intuition or whatever."
"I guess it doesn't matter now, anyway. He's chosen between the two of us." said Ryoko, interrupting Trunks. "I guess I can't blame him. Who WOULDN'T choose a princess over some crummy space pirate."
I wouldn't....
"Ryoko, listen to me!" said Trunks, grabbing her shoulders and turning her to face him, but she hung her head.
"Ryoko, you aren't a crummy space pirate. Ayeka is the 'crummy' one. She is a ditz, and only likes Tenchi because he's a warrior and is one of the only guys around her. Ryoko, you're beautiful, and smart too. You're much better than that girl. Don't ever think like that! He doesn't deserve you, so don't cry over him. When you find someone who does deserve you, I'm sure he'll blow Tenchi right out of the water and make Ayeka so jealous, okay?"
"Thanks for trying to make me feel better, but I don't believe you."
"Shut up, Ryoko. I'm not lying, because my nose twitches when I lie!"replied Trunks, desperate to make her believe him. He WAS telling the truth, but she just wouldn't believe him.
She looked up at him. His nose was still. She found her self giggling in between sobs.
"Now, don't make yourself hypervenelate over him." Trunks said, disgusted by Tenchi still.
He leaned over the water and cupped his hands in the water, then held them in front of Ryoko, who was leaning against a tree. She had exuasted herself from crying and she fell asleep. He drank it himself, then wiped off his hands. At least she had calmed down. Trunks held her as he flew into the air, flying towards the house.
Ryoko, if only you knew how special you REALLY are...
Chapter 17
Ryoko woke up only a few moments after Trunks had picked her up and started flying towards the house. She only had drifted into sleep for a moment. She wasn't really all that tired really. She wasn't shaking from crying so hard; it was just that she was trembling with fear. Fear that no one would ever love her, and that she would lose her best friend to Ayeka if they decided to marry, because they might return to Jurai to rule together.
Still with her eyes closed, she realized that she had been lost in thought, and hadn't even realized she was in the air. With the air whipping at her face, she shivered. Still thinking that she was asleep, Trunks held her tighter so she couldn't be cold. Poor girl...she must have had an obsession over Tenchi, just like my father had an obsession of getting stronger than Goku. Now it's all over, for her anyways. How could he choose Ayeka anyway? I just don't know.
"Trunks......."
He was startled by her voice. He was sure that she was fast asleep.
"Yeah, what is it?" he said, whispering.
"Trunks................you're cutting off my circulation..." laughed Ryoko.
"Huh? Oh sorry. I just didn't want you to fall or anything. I think the others would rip off my head if I did."
"You moron. I can fly also."
"Oh, right." He saw her fly many times during the battle. He had just...forgotten.
"So can I? Fly by myself I mean. I'm used to taking care of myself, you know."
"Whatever."
He let her go and they flew the rest of the way in silence.
Chapter 18
Both landed on the porch at the same time. Trunks began to reach for the door handle, but he was stopped by Ryoko.
"I'm not going with you, I'm going straight to bed. I totally forgot that it was my birthday tomorrow, and I don't want to look like the walking dead."
"Tomorrow's your birthday? Cool. How old will you be?"
"Hmph. That's very rude to ask a woman that."
"You're young."
She looked at him with a sneer. iThis will prove him wrong.../i
"I'll be 704 years old."
Trunks almost tripped over himself.
"Excuse m-me?"
"SEVEN HUNDRED AND FOUR. Hasn't anyone told you that I'm a demon?"
"Well color me happpy! I'm in a madhouse with a phsyco princess and a demon space pirate!"
"Color me happy? Have you gone fruity on me? Great. Now Tenchi has one more person to worry about being obsessed over him."
"I'm joking. I saw that on a movie once, I've always wanted to say it."
"You've always wanted to say it..." Ryoko sighed and with a quick shove she mumbled "Get AWWWAAAYYY from me you freak."
Trunks laughed. "I can't you haven't seen....oh of course you haven't. This is a different world, so of course you haven't seen 'Pretty Woman'."
"PRETTY WOMAN? OK maybe you aren't fruity but you still are weird.
"So? Man....I just realized how hot I am."
"First you talk about being powerful, now this? You ARE conceited!"
"I'm just being honest.........." Trunks said, looking at Ryoko for a reaction. He got one. She cocked an eyebrow at him. He smiled, to let her know he was joking.
"Idiot! I didn't mean cute. It feels like it's about 190 degrees out here." he explained, taking of his muscle shirt. There goes another piece of his clothes... thought Ryoko.
"What, are you going to change into a pink tube top now Mr. Fruit Loop?"
"Shut up and get over it!"
He shoved her, and they 'fought' back and forth laughing. Hearing all the commotion on the porch, Ayeka walked towards the sliding glass door and opened it.
"Well, I see the dirty little rodent has come crawling back after getting defeated in the sparring match." sneered Ayeka.
As Ryoko was about to protest, Trunks stepped out from behind Ryoko. Ayeka, not knowing that he was there and also seeing him shirtless, blushed.
"T-trunks, I didn't know that......"
"Well, that wasn't very much of what I think a princess would say!" he said, crossing his arms.
"And how would you know what a princess is like if you hang around Ryoko all the time?" said Ayeka angrily, mad that he doubted her royalness.
"Well, first off, she's more of a lady than you'll ever be. Secondly, I'm a prince, so I think I should know what a princess is supposed to act like." said Trunks, irritated. He had never brought up his royal side before but now seemed like a good time.
Ayeka, frustrated, stormed off to go back to her tea on the couch. Trunks just stood in front of the door. Ryoko starred at him. A prince? Ryoko thought in disbelief.
Seeing the look in her eyes of suprise Trunks said "I'll explain it later, I'm tired. Goodnight Ryoko, have a good rest." With that, he flew off.
Where is that goofball going? I thought he said he was tired? I'll never understand men.
Ryoko walked inside, and bumped into Tenchi, not one of the first people she wanted to see before trying to get a good sleep.
"Night Ryoko! C-ya in the morning!" said Tenchi in his usual, carefree and happy voice.
"G-good night Tenchi." she mumbled. She noticed that no one had mentioned her birthday, even her mother. They probably forgot, silly me. Why SHOULD they remember?
She thought, yawning as she climbed upstairs to her guest bedroom.
Chapter 19
Tears fell down the bridge of Ryoko's nose as she listened to the lyrics of a song that reminded her with her current situation with Tenchi.
You and me, we used to be together.
Everyday, together, always.
I really feel, I'm losin' my best friend.
I can't believe this could be the end.
Ohhh oh, you're, letting go.
And if it's real then I don't want to know....
Don't speak, I know just what you're sayin', so please stop explainin'.
Don't tell me 'cause it hurts..
Oh don't speak, I know what you're thinkin', I don't need your reasons, don't tell me 'cause it hurts..................
...............with my head in my hands you see me cry. Don't speak.....
"Oh well, Ryoko, you didn't really expect him to fall in love with you, did you?" she reminded herself inside of her baffled mind. Guess I hope too much then...Then she drifted off into a light sleep, tossing and turning in the early parts of the night.
Chapter 20
"Get up you old coot, you're 704 years old today." said a voice husky from the morning in her ear.
Ryoko shot out of bed and stared at who had said it. Trunks.
"Well, I figured it was you, you crazy freaking pshyco!" mumbled Ryoko. She looked at the clock.
"What's wrong with you? Creeping into my room at 6:30am? You pervert." said Ryoko sarcastically.
"Hmph. Actually all that noise downstairs woke me up."
A light went on in Ryoko's face.
"You mean....they actually remembered?"
"Well yeah, you're like a member of the family to them."
"You think?"
"Yeah...............now go downstairs and see for yourself if you don't believe me."
Ryoko smiled and nodded. As they began walking, Trunks snorted.
"Oh, and sorry that I wasn't coming in your room for the reason you thought I was. I can still carry you downstairs if you'd like..."he sneered.
"No, that's quite alright!" blushed Ryoko.
They walked down the stairs together, everyone yelled "HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYOKO!"
Shocked, she looked around. There were those corny traditional birthday decorations covering the entire room. A pile of presents was stacked on the table, and Sasami was running to continue stirring the eggs after telling Ryoko 'Happy Birthday'.
In awe, Ryoko stammered, "W-wow you guys, thanks!"
Proudly, Washu said, "I even made the Chocolate Sugar Deluxe cake!"
Ryoko laughed. "Well, then, you can be sure that I'm not eating it if YOU made it!"
While everyone was giggling, Washu snorted. "Speaking of 'sugar', Ryoko, you two sure were up there for a while......." Everyone started laughing, except for Tenchi. He was confused.
Trunks and Ryoko? They haven't known each other for that long, so how could Washu joke like that? Hmm...
Before Ryoko could shoot something back at her mother, Trunks interrupted.
"Well, Ryoko needed a few extra minutes for her beauty sleep. I know she looks bad now, but man! When I first walked in, I about wet my pants. You all are lucky that I'm willing to do that kind of stuff for you!"
Cracking up even harder, tears were streaming down everyones faces. Ryoko smiled at Trunks, sarcastically saying. "You just touch my heart."
Continuing down the stairs, Sasami announced that breakfast was ready. While Ryoko was eating bacon, Washu announced, "Well, 704 years old, huh? Do you feel any older?"
Ryoko sneered. "Nope! I feel young as ever!"
"Well, you look it." said her mother, not joking. She looked in her twenties if not a few years younger.
Ryoko looked around, pleased that they remembered and pleased that Tenchi and Ayeka didn't look 'together'.
"So, Ryoko, are you going to open your presents?" said Sasami anxiously. She loved the joy of unwrapping gifts on her own birthday, but also watching others do it too.
"Oh, sure, where are they?"asked Ryoko calmly.
"Ahem,"said Trunks sarcastically "I'm sitting right here."
Everyone was shocked, since they didn't catch onto things right away. Wahsu smiled. She knew he was joking.
"Well,"Ryoko snorted, "I hope you kept the recipt!"
Everyone laughed as Ryoko reached for one of her presents and Trunks hit her lightly on the head. Maybe this will be a good day after all...
Man, who would've thought that a stupid spring would be so hard to find?
Continuing walking, Trunks started to hear something. Crying? He walked towards the sound. And it was indeed crying. The mighty, proud and dangerous space pirate Ryoko was on her knees, face in hands, sobbing. He made his way cautiously towards her.
"Are you hurt, Ryoko?" It was the first thing he managed to say.
"Yes. I am" she answered through sobs, gasping after trying to talk.
"Well where?" he said, frustrated. She must be hurt pretty bad if she was sobbing like that. He searched her for wounds, then realized that her hands were over her face. He took them in his own, uncovering her pink face. Tears were streaming down her cheeks, but her face wasn't puffy from crying. She must have not been crying as hard as he thought. Searching her face, he didn't see any wounds. Mad, he yelled, "Ryoko, show me where you're hurt for crying out loud!"
Slowly, Ryoko put a shaky hand into a fist and covered her heart.
"Here......is where I'm hurt."
He was confused. There was no blood. He looked at her back, so see if blood maybe came out of the other side. A laser beam could do that. But then, suddenly, it hit him. You lunkhead, she isn' t injured. She's heartbroken.
He put an arm around her waist, and she turned towards him, her face still in one of her hands, and rested her head on his shoulder. I can't believe I'm doing this. I'm a space pirate, and here I am, crying. Something I've only done once in my life.
"Is....it Tenchi?" Trunks asked after she stopped shaking. She still was gasping a little.
After she settled down, she answered.
"I can't believe he kissed Ayeka. I love him more, I know it. But I don't think he loves me back because I'm a space pirate, and she's a princess. Like some little fairy tale stupid princess. I don't think you see space pirates in 'happily ever after' storys!"
Trunk suddenly felt a certin disliking towards Tenchi.
What a moron. Just because Ryoko is a space pirate doesn't mean she doesn't have a heart. He was sure she did, because here she was with it broken.
"Ryoko, you'll probably hate me for saying this, but I have to. The there is obviously something wrong with the guy. I've seen her with Tenchi, and she just likes him because he's some warrior person. In fact, I think that's why she took a liking to me at first. I guess she maybe could tell with her woman's intuition or whatever."
"I guess it doesn't matter now, anyway. He's chosen between the two of us." said Ryoko, interrupting Trunks. "I guess I can't blame him. Who WOULDN'T choose a princess over some crummy space pirate."
I wouldn't....
"Ryoko, listen to me!" said Trunks, grabbing her shoulders and turning her to face him, but she hung her head.
"Ryoko, you aren't a crummy space pirate. Ayeka is the 'crummy' one. She is a ditz, and only likes Tenchi because he's a warrior and is one of the only guys around her. Ryoko, you're beautiful, and smart too. You're much better than that girl. Don't ever think like that! He doesn't deserve you, so don't cry over him. When you find someone who does deserve you, I'm sure he'll blow Tenchi right out of the water and make Ayeka so jealous, okay?"
"Thanks for trying to make me feel better, but I don't believe you."
"Shut up, Ryoko. I'm not lying, because my nose twitches when I lie!"replied Trunks, desperate to make her believe him. He WAS telling the truth, but she just wouldn't believe him.
She looked up at him. His nose was still. She found her self giggling in between sobs.
"Now, don't make yourself hypervenelate over him." Trunks said, disgusted by Tenchi still.
He leaned over the water and cupped his hands in the water, then held them in front of Ryoko, who was leaning against a tree. She had exuasted herself from crying and she fell asleep. He drank it himself, then wiped off his hands. At least she had calmed down. Trunks held her as he flew into the air, flying towards the house.
Ryoko, if only you knew how special you REALLY are...
Chapter 17
Ryoko woke up only a few moments after Trunks had picked her up and started flying towards the house. She only had drifted into sleep for a moment. She wasn't really all that tired really. She wasn't shaking from crying so hard; it was just that she was trembling with fear. Fear that no one would ever love her, and that she would lose her best friend to Ayeka if they decided to marry, because they might return to Jurai to rule together.
Still with her eyes closed, she realized that she had been lost in thought, and hadn't even realized she was in the air. With the air whipping at her face, she shivered. Still thinking that she was asleep, Trunks held her tighter so she couldn't be cold. Poor girl...she must have had an obsession over Tenchi, just like my father had an obsession of getting stronger than Goku. Now it's all over, for her anyways. How could he choose Ayeka anyway? I just don't know.
"Trunks......."
He was startled by her voice. He was sure that she was fast asleep.
"Yeah, what is it?" he said, whispering.
"Trunks................you're cutting off my circulation..." laughed Ryoko.
"Huh? Oh sorry. I just didn't want you to fall or anything. I think the others would rip off my head if I did."
"You moron. I can fly also."
"Oh, right." He saw her fly many times during the battle. He had just...forgotten.
"So can I? Fly by myself I mean. I'm used to taking care of myself, you know."
"Whatever."
He let her go and they flew the rest of the way in silence.
Chapter 18
Both landed on the porch at the same time. Trunks began to reach for the door handle, but he was stopped by Ryoko.
"I'm not going with you, I'm going straight to bed. I totally forgot that it was my birthday tomorrow, and I don't want to look like the walking dead."
"Tomorrow's your birthday? Cool. How old will you be?"
"Hmph. That's very rude to ask a woman that."
"You're young."
She looked at him with a sneer. iThis will prove him wrong.../i
"I'll be 704 years old."
Trunks almost tripped over himself.
"Excuse m-me?"
"SEVEN HUNDRED AND FOUR. Hasn't anyone told you that I'm a demon?"
"Well color me happpy! I'm in a madhouse with a phsyco princess and a demon space pirate!"
"Color me happy? Have you gone fruity on me? Great. Now Tenchi has one more person to worry about being obsessed over him."
"I'm joking. I saw that on a movie once, I've always wanted to say it."
"You've always wanted to say it..." Ryoko sighed and with a quick shove she mumbled "Get AWWWAAAYYY from me you freak."
Trunks laughed. "I can't you haven't seen....oh of course you haven't. This is a different world, so of course you haven't seen 'Pretty Woman'."
"PRETTY WOMAN? OK maybe you aren't fruity but you still are weird.
"So? Man....I just realized how hot I am."
"First you talk about being powerful, now this? You ARE conceited!"
"I'm just being honest.........." Trunks said, looking at Ryoko for a reaction. He got one. She cocked an eyebrow at him. He smiled, to let her know he was joking.
"Idiot! I didn't mean cute. It feels like it's about 190 degrees out here." he explained, taking of his muscle shirt. There goes another piece of his clothes... thought Ryoko.
"What, are you going to change into a pink tube top now Mr. Fruit Loop?"
"Shut up and get over it!"
He shoved her, and they 'fought' back and forth laughing. Hearing all the commotion on the porch, Ayeka walked towards the sliding glass door and opened it.
"Well, I see the dirty little rodent has come crawling back after getting defeated in the sparring match." sneered Ayeka.
As Ryoko was about to protest, Trunks stepped out from behind Ryoko. Ayeka, not knowing that he was there and also seeing him shirtless, blushed.
"T-trunks, I didn't know that......"
"Well, that wasn't very much of what I think a princess would say!" he said, crossing his arms.
"And how would you know what a princess is like if you hang around Ryoko all the time?" said Ayeka angrily, mad that he doubted her royalness.
"Well, first off, she's more of a lady than you'll ever be. Secondly, I'm a prince, so I think I should know what a princess is supposed to act like." said Trunks, irritated. He had never brought up his royal side before but now seemed like a good time.
Ayeka, frustrated, stormed off to go back to her tea on the couch. Trunks just stood in front of the door. Ryoko starred at him. A prince? Ryoko thought in disbelief.
Seeing the look in her eyes of suprise Trunks said "I'll explain it later, I'm tired. Goodnight Ryoko, have a good rest." With that, he flew off.
Where is that goofball going? I thought he said he was tired? I'll never understand men.
Ryoko walked inside, and bumped into Tenchi, not one of the first people she wanted to see before trying to get a good sleep.
"Night Ryoko! C-ya in the morning!" said Tenchi in his usual, carefree and happy voice.
"G-good night Tenchi." she mumbled. She noticed that no one had mentioned her birthday, even her mother. They probably forgot, silly me. Why SHOULD they remember?
She thought, yawning as she climbed upstairs to her guest bedroom.
Chapter 19
Tears fell down the bridge of Ryoko's nose as she listened to the lyrics of a song that reminded her with her current situation with Tenchi.
You and me, we used to be together.
Everyday, together, always.
I really feel, I'm losin' my best friend.
I can't believe this could be the end.
Ohhh oh, you're, letting go.
And if it's real then I don't want to know....
Don't speak, I know just what you're sayin', so please stop explainin'.
Don't tell me 'cause it hurts..
Oh don't speak, I know what you're thinkin', I don't need your reasons, don't tell me 'cause it hurts..................
...............with my head in my hands you see me cry. Don't speak.....
"Oh well, Ryoko, you didn't really expect him to fall in love with you, did you?" she reminded herself inside of her baffled mind. Guess I hope too much then...Then she drifted off into a light sleep, tossing and turning in the early parts of the night.
Chapter 20
"Get up you old coot, you're 704 years old today." said a voice husky from the morning in her ear.
Ryoko shot out of bed and stared at who had said it. Trunks.
"Well, I figured it was you, you crazy freaking pshyco!" mumbled Ryoko. She looked at the clock.
"What's wrong with you? Creeping into my room at 6:30am? You pervert." said Ryoko sarcastically.
"Hmph. Actually all that noise downstairs woke me up."
A light went on in Ryoko's face.
"You mean....they actually remembered?"
"Well yeah, you're like a member of the family to them."
"You think?"
"Yeah...............now go downstairs and see for yourself if you don't believe me."
Ryoko smiled and nodded. As they began walking, Trunks snorted.
"Oh, and sorry that I wasn't coming in your room for the reason you thought I was. I can still carry you downstairs if you'd like..."he sneered.
"No, that's quite alright!" blushed Ryoko.
They walked down the stairs together, everyone yelled "HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYOKO!"
Shocked, she looked around. There were those corny traditional birthday decorations covering the entire room. A pile of presents was stacked on the table, and Sasami was running to continue stirring the eggs after telling Ryoko 'Happy Birthday'.
In awe, Ryoko stammered, "W-wow you guys, thanks!"
Proudly, Washu said, "I even made the Chocolate Sugar Deluxe cake!"
Ryoko laughed. "Well, then, you can be sure that I'm not eating it if YOU made it!"
While everyone was giggling, Washu snorted. "Speaking of 'sugar', Ryoko, you two sure were up there for a while......." Everyone started laughing, except for Tenchi. He was confused.
Trunks and Ryoko? They haven't known each other for that long, so how could Washu joke like that? Hmm...
Before Ryoko could shoot something back at her mother, Trunks interrupted.
"Well, Ryoko needed a few extra minutes for her beauty sleep. I know she looks bad now, but man! When I first walked in, I about wet my pants. You all are lucky that I'm willing to do that kind of stuff for you!"
Cracking up even harder, tears were streaming down everyones faces. Ryoko smiled at Trunks, sarcastically saying. "You just touch my heart."
Continuing down the stairs, Sasami announced that breakfast was ready. While Ryoko was eating bacon, Washu announced, "Well, 704 years old, huh? Do you feel any older?"
Ryoko sneered. "Nope! I feel young as ever!"
"Well, you look it." said her mother, not joking. She looked in her twenties if not a few years younger.
Ryoko looked around, pleased that they remembered and pleased that Tenchi and Ayeka didn't look 'together'.
"So, Ryoko, are you going to open your presents?" said Sasami anxiously. She loved the joy of unwrapping gifts on her own birthday, but also watching others do it too.
"Oh, sure, where are they?"asked Ryoko calmly.
"Ahem,"said Trunks sarcastically "I'm sitting right here."
Everyone was shocked, since they didn't catch onto things right away. Wahsu smiled. She knew he was joking.
"Well,"Ryoko snorted, "I hope you kept the recipt!"
Everyone laughed as Ryoko reached for one of her presents and Trunks hit her lightly on the head. Maybe this will be a good day after all...