Disclaimer: Tenchi-Muyo is owned by Pioneer and AIC.
Important Author's note at the end!!!! But don't go down and read it now it contains SPOILERS!
Chapter 14:
High on a misty mountain stood a figure…a feeling of sadness seemed to saturate the surrounding mists as the lonely soul looked down towards the hills and valleys below. Ryoko, was looking out over the same cliff that she had once before. The mists were so thick Ryoko couldn't see the ground below just the tips of hills that were far away. The last time she had tried to kill herself she landed on Kado. This time however there would be no one to stop her…
A few tears trickled down Ryoko's check…
'How could you do this to me, Tenchi' Ryoko thought to herself as she prepared to jump. Prepared to end her misery. Without Tenchi there was nothing left to live for…
Ryoko jumped…
But then she was suddenly pulled back. Ryoko looked behind her, and saw Adrien. He had grabbed onto Ryoko just as she was falling over the edge.
"Ryoko what were you doing? You weren't trying to kill yourself again were you?! Answer me Ryoko! What happened? What did Tenchi say to you?"
Ryoko looked away from Adrien, "It's not what he said…it's what he did…"
"Tell me what did Tenchi do?! That bastard! Did he hurt you?" Adrien asked while gabbing Ryoko's shoulders and turning her to face him. "Answer me!"
"No…not physically if that's what you mean." Ryoko said while trying not to look at Adrien directly in the eyes. Even though she knew he didn't remember loving her, she still felt guilty about showing how much Tenchi affected her.
"Well then what happened?"
"Washu's son was able to find a cure for my virus…" Ryoko said bringing herself to look into Adrien's calming green eyes.
"But that's wonderful! Now you and Tenchi will be able to be together" 'Of course that also means I will lose you forever…'
"That's what I thought too. I was so happy when I was cured of the Virus the first thing I wanted to do was wrap my arms around Tenchi and tell him the good news. So I went to his room…"
Flashback…
'I can't believe it. I finally get to be with Tenchi!' Ryoko thought excitedly. 'Wow that took longer than they thought, it's 3 in the morning, dinner was hours ago. Oh well, I'm sure Tenchi won't mind being woken up with this news!'
Ryoko phased into Tenchi's room…
The sight that met her was one she couldn't believe. Tenchi and Ayeka were kissing each other passionately while making their way over to Tenchi's bed.
The two collapsed onto Tenchi's bed while caressing each other and continuing to kiss…
For a few moments Ryoko just stood there starring at the two of them, unable to move. Right in front of her very eyes was her worst nightmare coming true. Ryoko managed to get a grip on herself as she phased away leaving Tenchi and Ayeka alone.
At that moment Ryoko's heart broke into a million pieces. Ryoko was so hurt that it hurt to live, to breath, to exist. Ryoko wanted it all to end. She didn't want to feel the pain that was in her heart any longer. That was why she decided that she would end her life by going back to the mountain, she figured that at 3 in the morning no one would be around to stop her this time. Luckily she was wrong…
Adrien had noticed Ryoko leaving the Masaki house at 3 in the morning and had followed her to see what was going on. He had been resting on the couch in the living room wondering if Ryoko managed to talk to Tenchi or not.
End of Flashback.
"So you see…I want it all to end. I can't go on like this anymore. I thought he loved me…"
"Ryoko…maybe this is all a big misunderstanding. Let's go to Tenchi right now and see what he has to say."
"No, I'm not going!" Ryoko said pulling out of Adrien's grasp and trying to make a run for the mountain's edge. "I know what I saw!" Ryoko said despairingly as she looked out over the edge of the cliff.
"Oh no you don't!" Adrien said running to Ryoko and grabbing her arm. He then took the struggling form of Ryoko into his arms and made his way back to the house. "You're going whether you like it or not!"
Meanwhile in Tenchi's room…
Ayeka and Tenchi were still making out when Tenchi spoke…
"Mmmm Ryoko" Tenchi mumbled as he kissed Ayeka.
Ayeka pulled away from him, "What did you just call me?"
Tenchi realizing that the person he was kissing had pulled away, slowly opened his eyes and gave Ayeka a confused look.
"Uh Ayeka why are you in my room?" Tenchi asked with a hand behind his head.
Ayeka then slapped Tenchi.
"What do you think I'm doing in your room?! You're the one who was making out with me. I thought we were going to…going to! You jerk! How dare you treat the first princess of Jurai this way! I have never been so humiliated in my entire life! I hate you Tenchi Masaki!" With that said Ayeka stormed out of the room, leaving a very confused Tenchi.
'I must of drunk too much Sake…' Tenchi thought to himself rubbing his head. 'Was I really making out with Ayeka…strange I don't remember that happening at all. And yet, I'm not all that drunk…' Tenchi couldn't make sense of what had just happened and remained lying on his bed in a befuddled state. He also couldn't understand why he had a splitting headache.
****
"Let go of me! I said let go!"
"No Ryoko we're going to straighten this all out." Adrien said as he dragged Ryoko into the house.
"Tenchi! TENCHI GET DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW!" Adrien yelled in a commanding voice.
Tenchi nearly fell out of bed, upon hearing Adrien yell his name. Tenchi quickly ran down the stairs to see what all the fuss was about.
"Ryoko?…" Tenchi questioned as he saw the struggling Ryoko in Adrien's arms. Ryoko gave him a hateful glare in return. This took Tenchi aback, he had never seen Ryoko look at him that way before. Had he done something wrong?
"Now, I want you to explain yourself." Adrien demanded.
"I…don't know what you mean?" Tenchi began.
"Stop playing dumb, Ryoko saw you…she saw you kiss Ayeka when you two went on that walk together and she saw you just now making out with Ayeka and God knows doing what else to her!"
"What!?" Tenchi questioned both shocked and surprised by what Adrien had just said. "I will admit that a kiss did happen between me and Ayeka when we went on that walk, but she was the one that initiated it. And as for now…I still can't remember what happened in my room a few hours ago…it's all a blur."
"What do you mean you can't remember?" Ryoko asked calming down a bit, as she stopped trying to get out of Adrien's arms.
"I mean just that, I found Ayeka in my room but that's all I know. I don't know how she got there, and I don't remember if we did anything."
"How could you not remember if you had sex with Ayeka or not!" countered Adrien.
"Well I…" Tenchi stuttered sheepishly putting a hand behind his head, "I don't really know"
Adrien realized that Ryoko was no longer struggling against his grasp and so released her.
"Something is going on here" began Ryoko as she balled up her fists by her sides out of frustration, "And I want to know what it is"
"I agree. This is twice now that Tenchi has had memory lose or something along those lines" agreed Adrien.
"What are you two talking about?" asked Tenchi totally confused.
"Well Tenchi you were kidnapped a few days ago and just came back not remembering that you had ever left. And just now you can't remember if you…well…did anything with the princess." Ryoko said.
Just then a voice ran out from the top of the stairs, "I'll tell you what Tenchi did! He used me, that's what he did. He was all depressed about you avoiding him, Ryoko, that he got piss drunk on Sake. Then he started saying things to me…and the next thing I know we're in his room. We were about to get serious when he called me your name, demon!" cried Ayeka from the top of the stairs.
It seemed that Adrien's yell had awoken some of the other members of the household. Raiden and Mihoshi could apparently sleep through anything, but Sasami had awoken along with Ayeka because of the commotion. Sasami looked sadly upon the scene before her, she hated it when the household wasn't getting along. She also noticed how concerned Adrien was for Ryoko, she thought that maybe she shouldn't have returned his memory after all, it may have saved him pain.
"Ayeka?" questioned Tenchi.
"You mean to tell me you and Tenchi didn't do anything?" asked Ryoko.
"Ha! We barely got past kissing when Tenchi called me your name! Do you think I would have kept going after that? I think you're sadly mistaken, I am the first crowned princess of Jurai and I have my pride and dignity! I deserve better than the likes of Tenchi anyways! For all I care you can have him Ryoko, I'm through with Tenchi and his indecisive behavior. One minute he's in love with you, the next he's saying he loves me! I'm going back to bed! I hope you two have a wonderful life together!" Ayeka said as she stormed back to her room slamming the door with a load bang.
Sasami stayed behind and began to slowly come down the stairs…
"You said you loved her Tenchi?" Ryoko asked sadly turning to Tenchi and looking deep into his eyes.
"Like I said Ryoko I don't remember" Tenchi said as he turned away from her. Even though he wasn't sure what it was he did exactly, he felt guilty for causing Ryoko any sort of pain.
"I think we better go and see Washu, maybe she can figure out what's wrong with Tenchi." Suggested Adrien.
Tenchi and Ryoko made their way into the lab. Sasami went up to talk to Adrien.
"Adrien…"
"Oh Sasami, what's up?" Adrien said turning around and seeing Sasami.
"What do you think is going on?"
"I really don't know?"
Sasami looked sadly at the ground and Adrien put a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry Sasami everything will be ok"
"I sure hope so" Sasami said bringing her beautiful pink eyes off the ground, looking at Adrien and smiling sweetly, 'Ryoko's right he does always have hope…'
The two followed Ryoko and Tenchi into the lab.
****
"Hey where's Mikomo?" asked Ryoko looking around the lab.
"Oh he's asleep somewhere" responded Washu. "Now Tenchi sit down over there and I'll begin my observations."
Tenchi sat down in a strange looking chair that immediately restrained Tenchi's arms and legs with metal bands.
"Um…little Washu is this really necessary" asked Tenchi.
"Hopefully not" 'But just in case you're not the real Tenchi…'
Tenchi sweat-dropped.
"Hmmm now let's see" started Washu as she began to type away on her holographic computer. She activated something on the chair and a metal ring appeared around Tenchi's head. "I'm going to examine your brain, ok Tenchi" Washu continued typing at her computer…
Ryoko, Adrien, and Sasami stood by waiting anxiously for what Washu would find.
"What's this…" began Washu looking at some of the data on her screen. "Oh my God…"
"What is it Washu?" asked Tenchi nervously.
"Tenchi…you have some sort of implant in your brain."
"What!?" cried Tenchi.
"A brain implant?!" exclaimed Ryoko.
"Hmmm it seems that the implant works as a controller device…"
"Controller device?" asked Tenchi disbelieving.
"Yes, I think that whoever implanted this in you Tenchi has the ability to control your mind as long as it's still in your brain"
"Ah! Get it out!" said Tenchi.
"I'm afraid this isn't going to be so easy…the implant has branched out all over your brain…infecting major parts of it."
"There has to be something you can do!"
"Let me see what else my data tells me" Washu said as she continued to type away at her computer. "Hmmm interesting…"
"What is it Washu?"
"Well I have some good news and some bad news. Which would you like first Tenchi?"
"Give me the good news"
"Well according to my data you are not a clone but in face the real Tenchi."
"A clone?! Who thought I was a clone?" Tenchi exclaimed.
"Well, we had our suspicions ever since you came back after your disappearance not remembering anything, especially when you started to pay extra attention to Ayeka" said Adrien with a smirk.
"Well, what's the bad news" Tenchi said dreading the answer. The good news hadn't been all that good to begin with.
"It may be impossible to remove all of the implant without causing serious damage."
"Washu you have to get that thing out of Tenchi's head" pleaded Ryoko. Things were finally beginning to make sense. The Tenchi before her was in fact the real Tenchi and because of the implant he had been under someone else's control lately. No wonder he had been acting strangely. Maybe what he was doing with Ayeka had not been of his own free will after all. Due to Ryoko's train of thought she was beginning to be concerned about Tenchi rather than mad at him.
"I know Ryoko. But this is going to be a very complex surgery. Tenchi I need you to agree to this before I proceed. There is a risk that you may suffer serious brain damage. I could just leave the implant in your brain but then whoever put it there will still be able to control your mind. It's up to you Tenchi."
"I want it removed. I don't want someone to have control over me like this. Ryoko, I swear to you that I love you, and if what you saw earlier in my room made you think otherwise I'm truly sorry. You have to believe me that the last time you saw Ayeka and I kiss she initiated it. And as for what happened tonight, it's all a blur to me and you'll just have to believe me about that also. The last thing I ever wanted was to hurt you. I love you."
Ryoko listened to Tenchi's words desperately wanting to believe in what he was telling her, but what if that was the implant talking. What if she believed in what he said and he took it all back? Ryoko didn't know if she could handle that, and would Adrien be there to stop her from trying to end her pain again?
"Well, since you're willing to go through with this, I might as get started. I'm going to need you all to leave, I can't afford to have any distractions." Declared Washu.
"But-" started Ryoko.
"No butts little Ryoko. Do you want to put Tenchi's life at risk?!"
Ryoko humphed, "No…" she mumbled.
Ryoko along with Sasami and Adrien exited the lab so that Washu could begin the operation. Ryoko paced the room for a few hours nervously before Adrien made her sit down. She was really worried about Tenchi and it showed. Even though she wasn't sure if what had gone on between him and Ayeka was because of the implant or not, she still cared about him. She couldn't bare the thought of something happening to him.
She had always thought that as long as he was happy she would be happy. She reminded herself that if Tenchi was happy with Ayeka then she should be happy for his happiness. But what she had found was that it wasn't that easy. But then again, he had said he loved her. Maybe she just had to have more faith in his love for her…and then she remembered what Adrien had said to her about having faith in the power of her love.
'Tenchi you just have to get through this' Ryoko thought to herself looking towards the lab door.
The three of them all fell asleep on the living room couch…
Until the next day…
The door to Washu's lab swung open loudly, disturbing the three out of their restless sleep on the couch. They slowly opened their eyes and turned in the direction of where the noise had come from. Sasami had fallen asleep with her head on Adrien's lap. She blushed and quickly straightened herself up mumbling, "Sorry". Adrien just smiled at her reaction.
'She really is innocent isn't she…' Adrien thought to himself. Innocence was actually one of the things that had attracted him to Ryoko believe it or not. Sure she didn't seem innocent when she had been mind controlled by Kagato and killed billions of people mercilessly. But when she had tried to save that young girl, when she had managed to break free from Kagato's control to try and do what was right. That was when Adrien had seen a glimpse of Ryoko's true self. Who Ryoko would have been if Kagato hadn't taken her from Washu. Also Adrien noticed that since Ryoko had merged with the droid Zero she had let her true emotions and feeling show even more. Adrien was happy to see that there still was some innocence left in Ryoko after all she had been through…
In a way Sasami was going through a lot of the same things Ryoko had gone through. The feeling of being trapped inside herself was one of them. Sasami was still getting used to being in a woman's body as her personality slowly merged with Tsunami's. Soon Sasami would be able to think like a grown woman but the transition was a hard and complicated one. Adrien wondered if Sasami would keep her innocence after she had fully completed her assimilation with Tsunami. Adrien knew that what Sasami was going through must be tough and made a mental note to be there for her if she needed him. Only time would tell…
"I've done it!" Washu beamed.
"You've done what mother?" came the voice of Mikomo.
Washu turned around to see that Mikomo had materialized behind her.
"Oh Mikomo I was wondering where you went off to. You see Tenchi had this implant in his brain and I managed to remove the damn thing. I must say it was some piece of work! But it was nothing for the Greatest Scientific Genius in the Universe to figure out!"
"An implant? And you say you managed to remove it entirely…"
"Why yes! Like I said for anyone else it would have been impossible but not for me!"
"You mean Tenchi is ok?" questioned Ryoko. 'I hope Tenchi is ok…'
"Of course he is little Ryoko, why don't you go and see him"
"Can I really"
"Yes"
Ryoko bounded over to the lab and was inside in almost an instant.
Adrien was about to follow her when he felt a hand on his shoulder, he turned to see Sasami. She shook her head and Adrien understood…
****
In Washu's lab…
Ryoko saw that Tenchi was on one of Washu's metal tables and slowly walked over to it. She had been happy to hear that he was ok but now she was have those same feelings of doubt…
"Tenchi?" Ryoko asked looking down on Tenchi's sleeping face. His entire head was wrapped in bandages from where Washu had to operate. Other than that, he looked ok and was sleeping peacefully. At the sound of Ryoko's voice he slowly opened his eyes…
"hey" Tenchi weakly replied giving Ryoko a small smile.
"Oh Tenchi" Ryoko replied as tears began to shimmer in her eyes.
Ryoko took Tenchi's hand in hers and grasped it gently. At first Tenchi wanted to pull away, he still didn't know Ryoko had been cured of the Virus yet, but the look in her eyes told him what he needed to know.
"Yes Tenchi I'm cured now"
"Oh Ryoko…I love you…"
All of Ryoko's feelings of doubt left her as she heard Tenchi speak those three words. This wasn't the implant talking, this was Tenchi, her Tenchi.
"And I love you Tenchi"
Tenchi then gathered the strength to sit up and lean over to give Ryoko a kiss. Ryoko helped him and their lips met. They stayed embracing each other while deepening the kiss. All the love Ryoko had ever felt for Tenchi went into that kiss, and Tenchi felt this. He also poured his emotions into the kiss. The two were lost to each other. They had waited so long for this and now they finally felt complete. Everything felt so right, so meant to be. Things finally felt as they should be. They had finally become one.
****
Adrien was still sitting on the couch with Sasami. No one else had gotten up yet seeing as it was only 5 in the morning. Washu and her son Mikomo were watching the news, every now and then Mikomo would cast a glace in Sasami's direction. Adrien noticed this and it bothered him…
"I think I'm going to see if Ryoko needs anything" said Adrien getting up.
This time Sasami didn't stop him. Adrien entered the lab and saw Ryoko and Tenchi kissing. Adrien was surprised at first but smiled slightly at the two of them, 'They look so happy together, I guess it was meant to be after all.' He slowly backed up and left the lab.
****
When Adrien came back into the living room he noticed that Washu and Mikomo had left somewhere. Sasami was still sitting on the couch waiting…
Adrien looked sadly at Sasami as he made his way over to sit next to her. Sasami noticed Adrien's downcast look, "Adrien…is something wrong?"
"No Sasami everything is just as it should be."
"I see, then Tenchi and Ryoko…"
"Yes,"
"Oh Adrien, I wish I hadn't given you your memory back. It has caused you pain, and it's all my fault." Sasami said turning to Adrien as tears began to build up in her eyes.
"Oh no, Sasami it's not your fault. It just wasn't meant to be. I'm just confused that it had to be this way."
"Adrien, everything happens for a reason. You loved Ryoko when she needed your love. Without you she may have made the wrong decisions. You helped her to follow her heart. You have been her Guardian Angel it seems."
"Do you really think so, you don't think that all this was for nothing?"
"Of course not! You still have Ryoko's friendship and she values that greatly. You have been a true friend to her."
"Just like you have been to her also."
Sasami smiled, "Yes it seems we both care about Ryoko a lot. But you can't think that our sacrifices have been in vain, it would be wrong to think that. Because of us Tenchi and Ryoko are finally together."
"Yes, you're right. True love is the greatest thing to fight for and protect."
Sasami nodded, "Yes, I hope that one day I will find true love…" Sasami said looking into Adrien's emerald green eyes.
"That day may be sooner than you think" came a voice.
Sasami turned around to see Mikomo.
"Oh Mikomo it's you" Sasami stuttered as she pulled her gaze away from Adrien.
"You know, we were never properly introduced. I'm Mikomo." Mikomo said smiling as he took Sasami's hand and placed a gentle kiss on it. Sasami blushed slightly, while Adrien looked on unhappily. For some reason Adrien didn't like this guy but he couldn't quite figure out what it was.
Sasami pulled her hand away from Mikomo, "I really ought to start breakfast, everyone will be waking up soon." Sasami said as she walked away to the kitchen, Mikomo's eyes following her.
"She is very beautiful." Mikomo said more to himself than to Adrien.
"Yes, she is but she's still a little girl on the inside."
"Every girl must become a woman someday" responded Mikomo, with a sly grin on his face.
****
Tenchi and Ryoko pulled out of their kiss, both out of breath.
"Wow" muttered Tenchi.
"And that's only the beginning" Ryoko said in a sultry voice.
Tenchi turned beat red and put a hand behind his head, "Uh, can we at least wait for my head to stop spinning before we…you know…I have enough of a hard time staying conscious with such a beautiful girl like you being so close to me"
"Oh Tenchi, you called me beautiful! A girl could get used to receiving complements like this! Of course we'll wait until you're better…but there are so many other things we can do until then" Ryoko said giving Tenchi a wink and giggling.
Tenchi smiled nervously and then became serious, "You know Ryoko about the other day-"
But Ryoko put a finger to his lips silencing him, "Don't worry about that Tenchi. I believe that it was Ayeka that initiated that kiss and about what happened in your bedroom…well…someone was controlling your mind obviously."
Tenchi sighed with relief, 'thank God she believes me' "But who do you think was doing that?"
"I don't know, and that's what makes me worried. Until whoever did this reveals who they are we are vulnerable."
"You're right Ryoko."
"But there's something else…why would someone do this?"
"I don't know"
The two just stood there starring into each other's eyes in a loving way until Tenchi spoke, "Ryoko I'm so glad that you believe me and believe that I love you. I love you so much."
"Oh Tenchi and I'm glad that we finally realized this at the same time for once. I love you deeply as well"
Tenchi motioned for Ryoko to lie down in the bed with him and she did so. Ryoko snuggled up to her Tenchi, and Tenchi enjoyed the feeling of having Ryoko so close to him. He put a protective arm around her, 'I'll never let her stray from me again.' Tenchi vowed to himself.
****
The next day…
Sasami was up early cooking breakfast and slowly the rest of the household started to wake up. The first people to come to breakfast were Ryoko and Tenchi.
"Good morning Sasami" said Ryoko.
"Oh hey Ryoko, hey Tenchi"
"Good morning Sasami" said Tenchi.
The two sat down across from each other and just enjoyed starring into each other's eyes. The mystery of Tenchi's kidnapper was still on Ryoko's mind though.
'I wonder who kidnapped Tenchi?' Ryoko thought but didn't realize that she had actually said that out load.
"What? Tenchi was kidnapped?" came the bubbly voice of Mihoshi who had just woken up as she was coming down the stairs.
"Uh, yeah, a few day ago…some weird ship came out of a worm hole and took Tenchi away…" Ryoko trailed off as she remembered.
"Oh was it red with black spikes?" asked Mihoshi completely oblivious to the stare Ryoko was giving her as sat down and poured herself some tea absentmindedly.
"Mihoshi you mean to tell me you saw that ship?"
"Of course I did, that's the A1 class criminal's ship me and Raiden went chasing after the other day, but he got away from us by going into some hole in space."
"Wait who is this A1 class criminal"
"Well, no one knows his true identity, only that he calls himself Genius"
"Genius…you've got to be kidding me, who could be that egotistical-"
"Good morning everybody" came the nasal voice of Washu as she sat down at the table. Ryoko's eyes widened and she just starred at her thinking 'I wonder if Washu…'
'You wonder if I what?' Washu asked Ryoko in her head after hearing her thoughts. Ryoko nearly fell out of her seat.
"No it couldn't have been Washu, Ryoko, the A1 class criminal is a male." Said Mihoshi nodding her head knowingly.
For a split second Ryoko wondered if Mihoshi could read minds, then dismissed the thought entirely.
"What A1 class criminal?" asked a voice.
Everyone turned around to see Mikomo. Before anyone could answer Sasami told everyone that breakfast was ready and the conversation was ended by the distraction.
Ryoko and Tenchi decided to take a walk together after breakfast. Ryoko lead Tenchi too an area filled with cherry-blossom trees. They were her passion. If she could have one wish it would be that they would last forever and not come only in the spring. The cherry-blossoms blooming were one of the few things that Ryoko could look forward to during her imprisonment in the cave. She would project her astral body in order to get a glimpse of the beautiful trees and now she could see them up close whenever she wanted.
"Ryoko who do you think this Genius is?" asked Tenchi.
"I have an idea of who it might be…I think he is Mikomo."
"Mikomo? You're just saying that because Washu-"
"And no I'm not saying it because I'm jealous of the attention Washu is giving him, if that's what you think. It's just that all signs point to him. You can't ignore the evidence…he's a male…he's a genius…he just appeared out of no where"
"But you're forgetting something. Why would he want to kidnap me and implant a brain control device? What would his motive be?"
"His motive…well what did he use it for? To make you and Ayeka, you know…well for me to get hurt."
"Are you saying your own brother did that to hurt you. That doesn't make any sense. Isn't he the one that found you the cure for Tokimi's Virus?"
"Yes but-"
"You can't ignore that. If he really wanted to hurt you he wouldn't have cured you Ryoko. That virus was already destroying you because you and me-."
"Don't flatter yourself Tenchi just because I was distressed that we couldn't be together doesn't mean I would have been destroyed by it."
"Really?" Tenchi asked in a mock-hurt voice.
"Really, I could have moved on and found someone else" Ryoko continued in an offhand voice.
Tenchi looked at Ryoko seriously for a moment and considered what she was saying. "But you didn't move on did you Ryoko?"
Ryoko noticed how serious Tenchi had gotten, "Tenchi isn't it obvious that I haven't!"
Just then Tenchi felt something behind him.
"What the-" Ryoko was behind him and in front of him at the same time. "Hehe Ryoko…" Tenchi began to laugh nervously. What kind of mischief was Ryoko up to? The Ryoko that was behind him pressed herself up against Tenchi's back so that he could feel her hot breath in his ear. The Ryoko in front of him began to walk towards Tenchi swaying her hips.
"It's time for some fun Tenchi dear"
Tenchi gulped.
Meanwhile at Funaho (Yosho's tree ship)…
Sasami had gone to the tree to have some time to think by herself. Ever since she had assimilated with Tsunami she was having a hard time getting used to her new body. Going from a pre-teen into a young woman was a huge change to handle.
'What are these feeling inside of me every time I'm near-'
Sasami's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a tree branch breaking. Sasami quickly turned around to see what or who had make the noise and saw Mikomo.
"Oh Mikomo it's only you."
"Am I disturbing you Sasami?"
"No, not really, I was just-"
"Thinking"
Sasami nodded. Mikomo came and stood right next to her while placing a hand on her shoulder in a comforting way.
"I know what you're going through," Mikomo began.
"You do?" asked Sasami turning to face him with a surprised look on her face.
"You have become a woman and don't know how to deal with it. Am I right?"
Sasami smiled at Mikomo while nodding.
"Becoming a woman is nothing to be afraid of. You shouldn't worry yourself so. As a woman you will be able to have emotions you never would have had as a child. Being a woman is a wonderful thing, you'll have more freedom and independence." Mikomo smiled while admiring Sasami. 'She truly is beautiful, worthy of someone as great as myself.'
"But the emotions I have now are so confusing," began Sasami shyly.
Mikomo placed both hands on Sasami's shoulders and turned her to face him. "It doesn't have to be" Mikomo said as he leaned in to kiss Sasami. Sasami realized what he was about to do and tried to pull away only to find Mikomo's grip tighten.
"No Mikomo I can't" started Sasami as she turned her head to the side. Mikomo stopped and looked at her.
"Sasami it's only natural to have these feeling and I want you to know that I feel the same way."
"It wasn't you I was thinking about" Sasami stated coldly, she didn't like how Mikomo still had his hands on her shoulders in an intimidating way.
"I see. Who then?" Mikomo questioned while keeping his hands firmly on Sasami's shoulders so she couldn't get away.
"Why should I tell you?"
"What do you mean why? I'm Mikomo!" Mikomo said as he shook Sasami. Sasami was too shocked by his behavior to do much of anything. Her rational mind told her to just use her powers and blast him away but the other side of her mind was screaming with confusion…she felt afraid and she didn't understand why.
"Let go of me" Sasami managed to say.
"Ha! Let go of you? You women are all the same, you never know what you want. I know you want me Sasami, don't try to deny it. And have me you shall."
Mikomo roughly brought Sasami closer to him and started to kiss her forcefully while Sasami struggled against his grasp.
"LET GO OF HER!" boomed a voice.
Mikomo reluctantly let go of Sasami, who now had tears in her eyes. The owner of the voice was Adrien.
"You, what do you want?" asked Mikomo coldly turning to face Adrien while licking his lips. "Can't you see you're interrupting something."
"Yes and it's a good thing too. How could you take advantage of Sasami like that?" demanded Adrien.
"Take advantage of her…I was only giving her what she wanted."
Sasami whimpered at the comment. Why was she acting so weak? She was a goddess, she could blast Mikomo to the next dimension if she wanted to. Couldn't she? Sasami was so confused she just stood their trembling while Adrien and Mikomo continued to speak.
"She doesn't want you, you bastard." Adrien said scathingly then turning to Sasami, "Sasami come to me, it's ok now" Adrien said in a comforting voice as he reached his hand out to Sasami. Sasami began to walk towards Adrien when Mikomo grabbed her arm stopping her.
"And where to you think you're going?" Mikomo asked Sasami, she just remained motionless like a deer caught in the headlights. Why was she acting this way?
"Sasami" Adrien said his voice cracking seeing Sasami's reaction. 'Why isn't she fighting back? She's a goddess for heaven's sake! Something is terribly wrong here.'
"Let go of her you asshole!" Adrien yelled as he charged Mikomo. Mikomo just remained unmoving as Adrien got closer and closer. Adrien ignited his energy sword and was about to bring it down on Mikomo when something got in his way.
"Hahahaha! How do you life my ultra force field 2002! It's the greatest, it's impenetrable!" Then Mikomo pointed his hand at Adrien and sent an energy blast towards him. The blast hit Adrien full force, knocking him back several feet where he collapsed.
Sasami coming out of her stupor yelled, "No Adrien!" but Adrien didn't get up as his unconscious body remained still.
"Shut up!" Mikomo said as he backhanded Sasami. Sasami just starred at him abashed. No one had ever hit her before.
"Mikomo what do you think you are doing?!" a voice rang out.
Mikomo turned to see Washu, "Mother, it's not what you think…" stammered Mikomo guiltily.
"Actually it's exactly what I think. You can't fool a genius remember." Washu said as she coldly looked at her son. Then seeing Adrien's unconscious form, "What did you do to him?"
"I just knocked him out with one of my special energy blasts mother, he'll be ok."
Washu sighed with relief.
"Mikomo let Sasami go"
Mikomo just tightened his grip on Sasami as she yelped in pain. "No mother…I…I love Sasami."
"Mikomo, please, it's nice that you love Sasami but this isn't how you show someone that you love them," began Washu.
"How would you know mother? You never loved me! You were never there for me! If you had loved me you wouldn't have let them take me away!"
"Mikomo that's not true. I had no choice."
"Liar! Are you or aren't you the Greatest Scientific Genius in the Universe?! You could have found a way!"
Washu was startled by her son's words. Was it true, what he said? Maybe if she had tried to figure some way out but what then?
"Mikomo I'm sorry, but you know this isn't right. Let Sasami go."
"No mother I won't!"
Meanwhile under the cherry blossom trees…
"Mmmm oh Tenchi…"
"Ryoko…"
Just then a muffled scream was heard.
"Did you hear that?" asked Ryoko.
"Yeah I did, that didn't sound good, we better go check it out."
"Right" said Ryoko pulling her dress back up over her shoulders.
Back at Funaho…
Mikomo had released one of his energy blast attacks at Washu, the blast hit Washu's own protective shield. Although the blast did not penetrate it hit with such force that Washu was send backwards slamming into a near by tree. Because the knock out blast did not hit Washu's body she had remained conscious.
"Mikomo" muttered Washu in dismay.
Just then Ryoko and Tenchi appeared out of thin air. Ryoko had teleported them both to where she sensed an energy outburst.
"Mom!" yelled Ryoko as she noticed Washu's fallen form and went to her side.
"Little Ryoko" Washu managed to get out. "Be careful your brother he's-"
"What mother?! Not living up to your expectations! No less than that defective experiment has I'm sure!" spat Mikomo giving Ryoko a hateful glare.
"You're wrong Mikomo, Ryoko is not a defective experiment. She's my daughter!" Washu said proudly while Ryoko helped her to stand.
Mikomo clenched his fists in anger and then composed himself.
"I thought I could make you love me mother. I guess I was wrong. But if I can't have your love neither can she!" Mikomo said motioning to Ryoko.
Tenchi got in front of Ryoko saying, "Stay away from Ryoko"
"Hahahaha foolish boy I don't need to come to you to get her!"
Just then Ryoko's eyes glazed over and she phased away reappearing next to Mikomo where she stood unmoving next to Sasami. Sasami had been standing next to Mikomo in a trance like state this whole time.
"What the-" started Tenchi.
"You weren't the only one I kidnapped and implanted a controller device in, boy. I also kidnapped your precious Ryoko and dear Sasami. They are now under my control. And like you, they don't remember that they were kidnapped. Ah, the genius of my device! You see, I've been watching you all. That's how I came to love Sasami…she's truly is amazing isn't she? Such innocence and yet she's a mature woman; Sasami is also a goddess with immense power aswell.
I also saw the controller device Kagato came up with using the power of the gems. That of course was nothing compared to Tokimi's ability to control minds using the hate within people's hearts. Both Tokimi and Kagato's methods to control people's minds were faulted, however, and that's why they're dead. But my creation is without fault! It is perfect! There is nothing you can do to stop me from controlling their minds! Hahahahahaha!" Mikomo laughed.
"Why you! Let them go!"
"I don't think so, boy. If I can't have my mother's love neither will Ryoko. And if Sasami won't love me of her own free will, I'll just have to make her love me! They belong to me now!" Mikomo yelled while grabbing onto Sasami and Ryoko as they began to rise into the air.
"No!" Tenchi yelled as he ignited his sword and charged Mikomo.
"Tenchi watch out!" warned Washu but it was too late.
Tenchi's sword just collided with Mikomo's powerful energy shield much like Adrien's had done. Being caught off guard Tenchi was thrown backwards immediately.
"Hahahahaha! Maybe if you figure out how to find us you can save your precious Ryoko and your dear friend Sasami! But I doubt it!" And with that said a the dark opening to a wormhole appeared in the sky and out came the same red and black ship that had abducted Tenchi the last time. Mikomo, Ryoko and Sasami just disappeared into thin air as they were beamed aboard the ship.
"No Ryoko!" yelled Tenchi but she was already gone.
Adrien who was slowly coming to had opened his eyes in time to see Sasami being beamed aboard Mikomo's ship. "Sasami…no"
****
End of chapter 14! Will Washu be able to figure out "Wormhole travel"? Will Tenchi and Adrien be able to save the women they care about?! (Will Tenchi and Ryoko ever get it on?)
Obviously Tenchi and Ryoko are an item now, poor Adrien…but for all of you Adrien/Ryoko fans this is for you! At the end of my story Kahlua Dawn I intend to post at least 3 alternate endings along with the last chapter and one of them will be an Adrien/Ryoko get together! So don't lose hope! Oh and if there any couplings you'd like to see tell me b/c I can make them alternate endings-like Ayeka and Raiden for example. So tell me what you want! And if it still isn't clear: it was only a speculation between Washu and Ryoko that the Tenchi that came back was a clone. He's the real Tenchi, he was just acting weird because of the brain implant. Oh, and in this version Adrien is going to find love with someone, but it won't be Ryoko. Hmmmm I wonder who…guess you'll just have to read and find out. Buwhahahaha!