Figuring it all Out
Washu stepped out of her lab into the empty living room looking around. Now where is he, she thought to herself opening the door to the kitchen. Not finding anyone the diminutive scientist poked her head around the corner looking into the entrance way, nope everyone was out somewhere. Standing there holding her hand in her chin Washu tapped her finger against the side of her face in profound thought. staring into space she continued to ponder her dilemma, could she convince him to do it. Lost in her own world Washu didn't hear the door open, and nearly jumped out of skin when she heard Tenchi's voice. "What's going on little Washu," Tenchi asked. Washu jumped and whirled around a look of shock on her face.
"Oh, nothing, you scared me Tenchi," breathed Washu her hand clutching her chest, "Have you seen Matt around?" Tenchi stiffened at the sound of the swordsman's name Washu noted. Maybe jealousy was just the thing to finally push Tenchi off the fence she thought to herself. Tenchi hadn't quite been himself since Ryoko's passionate kiss, and subsequent night alone, with Matt. He seemed on edge, especially when the tall American was around, for some odd reason it reminded her of how Ayeka reacted towards Ryoko's antics. Maybe now he won't just take my daughter's feelings for granted, Washu thought nastily.
"I just saw him out on the deck," Tenchi said woodenly as he turned to head up the stairs muttering under his breath. Washu giggled to herself as she watched him stalk away, shaking her head she walked over to the glass doors and looked out. There he is, Washu thought rubbing her hands together in anticipation. Opening the door Washu stepped out into the early afternoon sun and surveyed the scene. Matt was laying stretched out on the deck clad only in a pair of loose shorts and wrap around sunglasses, wedged between two planks was a fishing pole with a line in the water. This was perfect, Washu clasped her hands behind her back and slowly crept up on the snoozing swordsman.
Matt slowly opened an eye as a shadow intervened with the his sunlight, looking up he saw a huge pair of green eyes, barely a foot above him, staring down hungrily. Opening the other eye he focused on the diminutive scientist's face, "Yes, what can I do for you little girl," he asked not bothering to get up. Matt blinked in surprise as her face crewed up in rage, fuming she straightened and raised a finger up.
"No, I am Washu, the greatest scientific genius in the universe," this said the small woman, then pressed her fingers into her cheeks, "Although I have to admit I am cute."
"Right," Matt said as he sat up. Taking off his sunglasses he focused on her for a moment, "My apologies little Washu, what can I do for you?"
"I'd like to discuss some things with you," Washu said turning her back on him, "Like how you were able to match Tenchi blow for blow." Matt stood up brushing dust from his shorts he towered over the diminutive scientist, when he didn't answer Washu turned around and looked searchingly into his eyes.
"Fine, whatever," finally said Matt breaking the odd silence. He picked up his discarded shirt and pulling it over his head walked towards the house. Washu allowed herself a moment of satisfaction before she followed him.
Ryoko lay back into the warm waters of the onsen letting her thoughts drift away in the warmth. It had been a confusing last couple of days since Matt had shown up, but even more confusing were his truthful observations concerning her relationship with Tenchi. Of course it helped that he was a mind reader which made it even worse, what did he know that he wasn't telling her? He was such an enigma, a handsome enigma, but a mystery none the less. The more she learned about Matt the more intriguing he became, she was happy he decided not to leave after Tenchi had attacked him.
Then there was Tenchi, she was touched that he had been so concerned for her, but his rash actions on her behalf were also confusing. He rarely showed he cared about her, unless she was in trouble, the rest of the time he spent prying her off him. Before she had accounted it Ayeka's presence, but now she was starting to see that he really didn't like her affections. So why had he come after her last night? Was it because he loved her, or was it out of mere friendship. It was hard to tell, Tenchi was so unreadable and never opened up to anybody. Who did Tenchi really love anyway?
What was obvious was the growing connection between her and their unusual guest. Ryoko melted when she recalled the kiss they had shared, the feel of his strong arms around her and the softness of his lips against hers, had been exactly what she wanted in a first kiss. Then, later that night, she saw mirrored in Matt the same loneliness she always felt but no one else understood. Ryoko had never slept better, before last night, as she did close to him. She wanted to feel those powerful arms around her again, she wanted to taste those lips one more time. Standing up, the water running down her body, Ryoko stepped out of the warm pool and phased into her clothes. She wanted to be loved. Leaving the onsen, Ryoko phased back to the house to look for Matt. She wanted to love him.
"I know this isn't necessary," Matt said to Washu as she plucked away on a keyboard. Currently the swordsman had been stripped to his briefs and rendered immobile by multiple metal arms, Washu glanced up when he spoke but then turned back to the screen.
"blood, body fluids, hair samples, that's just about all of the physical samples," Washu muttered looking intently at the screen, "organic pattern, astral pattern, psycho layer pattern, over dimension, parallel pattern, hmm, this is interesting."
"As interesting as all this must be to you, I really would like my pants back," Matt said some what testily. Washu walked up to him, chin cradled in her hand she looked right into his eyes, "Don't even try it."
"What, I didn't say anything," Washu said defensively holding her hands up.
"But you were thinking it," Matt glared back trying to loosen the bonds his muscles flexing impressively but his efforts were futile, "look you got what you need, now let me go."
"I have all the samples I need but I would like some first hand information on your abilities," Washu said still looking into his eyes searching.
"Uhhh, fine," Matt sighed, "what is it you want to know?" Washu giggled and clapped her hands while Matt merely hung his head in defeat.
"Ok lets start with your telepathic abilities," Washu began, "I know you can read peoples thoughts, but to what extent?"
"For the most part only what people are thinking at the current moment, Like how you're comparing Tenchi and I," Matt said as Washu turned red, "I hear words and see images, It can get confusing at times."
"And you always hear everyone's thoughts," Washu said astonished.
"No, god no, I'd go crazy," Matt laughed, "It only works when I have eye contact, that's why I wear sunglasses a lot, it gets irritating hearing peoples opinions of you all the time."
"Ok, that said, how is it that when you fought Tenchi you were able to block Tenchi-ken?" Washu asked, "The sword can pass through almost any physical barrier yet you stopped with that katana of yours."
"Tenchi told you that my sword was wrapped in crackling energy," Matt asked, to which Washu nodded, he continued, "I can project my essence into to inanimate objects drawing out kinetic energy which takes the form crackling arcs of electricity. With most things it's not a lot, but the more I come in contact with an object the more of my essence it collects which makes the energy stronger over time."
"Your essence," Washu asked confused.
"Well that is what I call it, from what I know every living thing has a unique essence kind of like a finger print," Matt explained, "I can manipulate mine to achieve various effects, like mind reading and drawing energy out of objects. I can also find people I know by following their essence, that's how I found Ryoko last night before you did."
"Ok I think I'm beginning to understand," Washu said quietly deep in thought, "But how is it you have these abilities and no one else does if we all have this so called essence?"
"I don't know," Matt replied barely above a wisper a troubled look on his face, "My powers started manifesting when I was a kid, but when I started my training with master Tsutargi they became stronger, more pronounced. It has taken me years to gain control of them so I could resume a normal life, I had to live in seclusion with my master because of the damage I was capable of causing. I found out as my mastery of weapons progressed I gained more control over my powers."
"Hmm, while all this is interesting what made you decide to come here," Washu asked.
"You see, after my master proclaimed my training complete he bade me come to Japan to have a weapon made to my specifications by master smiths in Owari," Matt began, "I also wanted to explore Japan and see if I could learn anything about my powers. I study the occult trying to figure out why I have these abilities, so far I haven't had much luck."
"And when you heard about the demon trapped in the cave near Masaki shrine you came here," Washu guessed looking at Matt for confirmation.
"That's right, but now that I know there's no answers here I need to continue on my journey," Matt finished, "so I really need my pants back, if you don't mind." Matt once again struggling to free himself to no avail.
"Well if you decide to stay a bit I could finish my analysis and run a search comparing your results with all other known life forms, it might give you a place to start," Washu said drawing a surprised look from Matt, "But if you don't want me too...." she trailed off
"Fine by me," Matt said a hint of enthusiasm in his voice, "As long as it doesn't entail me staying like this the rest of the time," he concluded with a wry grin and a shrug.
Ryoko phased into the house set on finding Matt, the entry hall was empty however several pairs of shoes were neatly lined up by the door proving some one was here. she swung her head from side to side looking through the wall into the kitchen, nope no one here. Floating into the living room she saw the television on and found Mihoshi passed out on the couch. Deciding the ditsy galaxy police officer wouldn't know anything she phased through the roof, and found herself face to face with a half naked Ayeka. Several garments were strewn across the floor as if the princess were trying to find the perfect outfit.
"Sorry princess," Ryoko mumbled, phasing through the wall ignoring Ayeka's outraged scream. Standing on the upper deck she spotted Sasami playing with Ryo-ohki, the small cabbit trying to grab onto a carrot Sasami kept just out of reach. Sasami spun around at the sound of her sisters outburst catching sight of Ryoko. In her distraction Ryo-ohki took advantage to procure that ever elusive carrot, devouring it in mere seconds. Ryoko floated up to the two looking down at the younger princess.
"Oh, Ryoko, it's only you," Sasami said looking past the former to the bedroom she shared with her sister, loud Jurian cursing could be heard coming form the other side of the door, "What did you do to my sister this time"
"Nothing this time, I swear," Ryoko said defensibly, "I was just looking for Matt, have you seen him?"
"He was out on the deck earlier," Sasami stared, but had to grab Ryoko's hand before the former space pirate could float through the wall, "But he came inside with Washu about an hour ago, I haven't seen him since."
"That damn Washu," Ryoko growled in anger, "It's bad enough what she did to Tenchi and me but now she has to go after helpless travelers too." Sasami merely shrugged as Ryoko phased through the floor and started to pound on the door to Washu's lab.
Matt opened the door leading back into the house happy to finally have his clothes back on, not normally self conscious Washu's scrutiny made him uncomfortable. Still she had given him something to hope for so it had been worth it after all. "Not that I'll do it again," he muttered walking through the door, and right into Ryoko's swinging fist. Caught totally off guard he took the fist full force in the face. The last thing he knew he was laying on his back staring up at Ryoko's blurred, and fast fading image. This is just not my day, Matt thought as blackness overtook him.
Tenchi went through the routine again making sure he had it right. Holding the boken at his side Tenchi exploded into motion snapping the wooden blade out and following it into a running charge. He then brought the blade up and swung out, his body in perfect form. With a graceful move of his arm Tenchi then brought the sword down low and with a twist came back up and into a ready position. He held the pose for just a second to make sure he had it right before returning to his beginning stance of holding the sword at his side.
Ayeka smiled quietly to herself throughout the entire display, the last few months really had refined his technique. She wished she had been there to witness the duel earlier that morning, according to both combatants it had been a sight to see. The crown princess held no doubts over who would have won if the fight had continued but had been relieved when clash had ended short of anyone getting hurt. Still smiling Ayeka handed Tenchi a towel as he walked up to her.
"You are becoming even better than my brother Tenchi," Ayeka remarked as Tenchi wiped the sweat from his face.
"I don't know about that," Tenchi said doubtfully, "Grandpa still makes chopped liver out of me during our sparring."
"Speaking of my brother why didn't he come to practice today," Ayeak asked as the pair began their walk back to the house. Ayeka had been coming to watch Tenchi train for the past several weeks, she enjoyed the reminder of her home planet, and the peaceful walks home. Just her and Tenchi.
"Grandpa said there was no point in sparring after this morning," Tenchi explained, "He told me to just go through the basic routines and try to refocus."
"Oh, I see," Ayeka said as the two of them started down the stairs, "You did great this morning standing up to Matt."
"You weren't there Ayeka," Tenchi said somewhat down cast, "I fought my best but I don't know if Matt was honestly challenged, or if he was just toying with me."
"What do you mean lord Tenchi," asked Ayeka some what baffled, "I thought you fought him to a stalemate."
"I can't explain it really," Tenchi said looking for a way to describe what he felt, "It was like his concentration wasn't all focused on me. It was like he was there but he wasn't."
"I don't really understand Tenchi," Ayeka said looking down, "but I still believe you would can win against anyone."
"Thank Ayeka," Tenchi said quietly. Together the couple continued home in companionable silence as the sun started to sink into the western sky.
Ever so slowly, Matt returned reluctantly to reality. He brought his right hand up to gently rub his aching jaw, and with a groan opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was Ryoko's worried, tear rimmed, eyes looking down at him. He discovered he was laid out on the couch his head resting in Ryoko's lap while she gently stroked his hair. Matt tried to lift his head but the room began to spin and he was forced to lay back down and stare up into his attackers sad amber eyes.
For her part Ryoko was trying her best not to break down into tears, she felt so bad about having laid him out like that. God only knows what he had previously suffered at Washu's hands. After having realized what she had done Ryoko had sat on the floor clutching Matt's unconscious form to her chest until Sasami had come down stairs and intervened. Following instructions from the little princess Ryoko moved had Matt to the couch and stretched him out. Ryoko had insisted on holding his head in her lap instead of using a pillow. When Ryoko felt him begin to move she was overcome with emotion, when his strange eyes focused on her she froze suddenly confronted with the consequences of her actions.
"Are you ok," Ryoko couldn't think of anything else to say when he laid his head back down on her lap after his attempt to sit up.
"I feel like I got hit with a sledge hammer," Matt groaned trying to focus once again on her face.
"Sasami went to make you an ice pack," Ryoko quickly said, and after a moment of silence, "I'm so sorry I didn't mean to hit you like that. I was trying to find you when Sasami told me you were with Washu. I figured she was using you for some experiment, and I was coming to rescue you when you opened the door."
"You were a little late," Matt muttered taking the ice pack offered by Sasami, who had just walked in from the kitchen, "Thank you Sasami." Placing the ice against his bruised jaw made him wince in pain but he forced himself to hold it in place.
"I have to start on dinner," Sasami declared to no one in particular. The little princess jumped up and ran into the kitchen leaving a distraught Ryoko still cradling Matt's head in her lap. For his part Matt was still trying to make a few stubborn spots fade away, while Ryoko continued to gently stroke his hair. After several minutes passed in uncomfortable silence Matt decided it was time to try sitting up again. With great effort the swordsman managed to pull himself up into a sitting position and looked at his attacker. Ryoko was rigid, her hands gripping the hem of her robe in a death grip, she was biting her lip in an attempt not to cry. When Matt gestured for her to come closer she flung herself into his arms with a strangled sob, crying over and over into his shoulder how sorry she was. after a few moments her drew her back, and still holding her shoulder, looked deeply into her eyes.
"It's ok Ryoko," Matt said smiling as best he could with his aching jaw, "I forgive you, it was an accident that's all."
"Really," Ryoko piped in a high pitched voice her eyes shinning.
"Yes, really," Matt said before Ryoko engulfed him in a hug. After a moment Ryoko pulled back and looked into Matt's unusual eyes searching. In answer to her unspoken desire Matt leaned down and brought his lips to hers. Ryoko gave herself up into the sweetness of that kiss and once again lost all perspective of where she was or what was going on around her.
Tenchi and Ayeka walked into teh living room just in time to catch a repeat performance of yesterdays passionate display between Matt and their resident space pirate. This time however Tenchi merely groaned and walked past the two heading upstairs to change. Ayeka stood there wondering if this scene like her walks with Tenchi would become a daily occurrence also. Reluctantly breaking the kiss Ryoko hoped it would be.
Authors note
Thanks for all you who continue to review this story. This chapter took forever to write for some reason but I think it was worth it all in all. In the next chapter Washu will tell us the results of her analysis and everyone will have to make some big decisions. Well enjoy.
Smack 54
