Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Tenchi characters Pioneer does. Matt is my character however and if you would like to use him please obtain my permission first
Gifts Before the Journey
"Let me get this straight," Matt asked looking at the tiny creature, "You used that giant tank to store something the size of my hand?"
"Well it's all standardized," explained Washu red faced, "These are the same tanks from the academy, of course now I have a much better design."
"Whatever," Matt let the subject drop and turned back to what was supposed to be his new pet. It looked like a cat but was roughly half the size of a normal feline with bright golden fur. Matt watched curiously as the creature began to stir, it's mouth opened into a gaping yawn revealing it's sharp tiny teeth and rough tongue. Slowly it stood up and arched it's back in a very cat like stretch, the only difference was it added it's two blue gossamer wings stretching them out to the side of it's sleek torso. It walked a full circle before it sat down on it's haunches and peered up at Matt returning his curious look.
"What should I do," Matt whispered glancing at Washu.
"How would I know," Washu shrugged, "I told you, we never understood these creatures."
You could try asking me, the voice flooded into Matt's mind startling him. He snapped his gaze back onto the creature kaleidoscopic eyes, he was shocked at the intelligence he found in it's thoughts. This little creature had human intelligence!
"Utterly amazing," Matt said under his breathe.
Yes, isn't it, came the sarcastic response echoing in his thoughts, Now if you don't mind would you please explain what is going on here.
"Well Washu here just unthawed you," Matt explained out loud, "After she asked me if I wanted a pet."
Pet! the cat stood up and arched it's back in anger and snapped it's wings out I'm no pet, and if your going to be my host then you had better get that idea out of your head right now, I'm in charge here.
"Now wait one minute there kitty," Matt returned glaring at the small animal, "Nobody's making you boss here, we just saved your life."
Oh yes of course, the creature sneered, You and that primitive there got it into your thick skulls to take me and my mate away to this torture chamber. Don't claim to have saved me, I watched as your lackeys tortured my mate to death along with several other creatures.
"Stop right there little guy," Matt said getting his temper under control, "Now I don't know about any mistreatment but you were saved from death. The people that took you had a good reason, your planet was about to be destroyed."
Hmmph, it broadcast as the winged cat sat back down, Even if what you say is true the way we were treated is inexcusable, they should have explained this to us first and given us the choice to go with them. Instead the captured us and kept us in cages and only took us out to torture one of us. You can't defend their cruelty, they even had their minds closed off to keep us from gaining the energies we needed.
"They did not do it intentionally," Matt said shaking his head glancing at a confused Washu, "But I can attest for their lack of decency. They didn't close off their minds to you, they don't know how to communicate telepathically, and I've never done it before all I do is read peoples thoughts."
I see, it sent back, Then I apologize to you host, it seems I made a mistake thinking your species were all the same. Now if that we understand one another introductions are in order. My name is Sosselleselarian Etchican Torivarian Thinderal Monicar, I thank you for your decision to become my provider.
"I am Matthew Aaron Carson," Matt smiled at the cat, "Mind if I call you Ses your name is beyond pronunciation, you can call me Matt."
"What in the name of Tsunami are you talking about," Washu said scratching her head looking from Matt to the creature and back again in confusion.
"This is not health Tenchi," Yosho admonished his grandson, "You cannot remain like this forever, nor will the girls always wait for you to decide. You must see it after what has happened these past two weeks. What will you do when Matt has found his answers and comes back for Ryoko?"
"You think that Matt will find out about what he is," Tenchi asked trying to avoid the subject. Currently the two were sitting in the shrine office sipping green tea and talking about the future. Tenchi had come after his embrace with Ryoko hoping his grandfather would help his put some perspective on his current situation and offer him some advice.
"Yes Tenchi Matt is a very driven young man," Yosho explained, "He has mastered a very difficult combat style in the matter of a few years all the while dealing with his developing powers. Have no doubt that he will succeed in finding his answers. But that is besides the point, succeed or not once he is at peace with himself he will be back for Ryoko. Even you know that he loves her, and she clearly has feelings for him."
"You don't really think Ryoko would leave do you," asked Tenchi worriedly.
"Tenchi," the older prince sighed, "Unless you return Ryoko's love openly she will find that love elsewhere, and have no doubt that Ayeka is the same. They want to be loved Tenchi, nothing more nothing less. Even though they love you now they can't wait on you forever, nor should they have too."
"But grandpa," Tenchi protested, "I don't know if I truly love either one of them, and I don't want to hurt them by choosing the other."
"Tenchi you are helping no one with your current course," Yosho scolded, "Your just hurting all three of you by keeping the status quo. Putting Matt aside what are you going to do when Ayeka is called back to Juria to be named heir to the empire?"
"What do you mean grandpa," Tenchi frowned.
"I have given up my claim to the throne," Yosho began, "And Sasami lost her right to the throne when she bonded with Tsunami. So unless you present yourself as crown prince Ayeka will be named and as tradition demands she will be must have a mate to assume the throne."
"Wait a minute," Tenchi interrupted, "Your saying Ayeka could be leaving too?"
"Not could Tenchi," Yosho said gravely, "But when, once her space tree is strong enough to make the journey she will have to return home as tradition dictates."
"But, but," Tenchi stammered, "Ayeka's never said anything about this to me."
"And she won't," Yosho said shaking his head, "She doesn't want to force your hand because of Jurian customs, she wants you to love her honestly not because of her station."
"Then why are you telling me now Grandfather," Tenchi asked perplexed.
"Because you must understand the that all things change," Tenchi's Grandfather sighed again, "I'm not telling you all this to hurt you, or force your decision but Tenchi you have to grasp the future or it will pass you by."
"I know grandpa," Tenchi said lowering his head, "But it's just so confusing, I need more time."
"I understand Tenchi," Yosho smiled at him, "Now it is late let us return home before teh girls begin to worry about us."
"Yeah," Tenchi responded, rising to follow the old man, his head full of thoughts.
Ses tried his best to ignore the cabbit's loud chewing as he took a careful bite of the cooked fish Sasami had placed in front of him. Finding it to his liking the winged cat began to eat with more zeal. Currently the entire family was seated around the low kitchen table which was the lone surviving piece of furniture left from Sor-ra-eyu's battle in the living room. Tenchi, seated between Ayeka and Ryoko, was still lost in thought and barely touched his food. Ryoko ate with relish, several days spent in a coma had left her ravenous. Ayeka ate with more décor but still managed to consume several helpings. The rest of the family ate with zeal and praised Sasami's skill ate every turn. The little princess blushed especially when Matt complimented her food, as he sampled every dish on the table.
Ses was glad to have an intelligent host, it made life much more interesting. On his home world the creatures he bonded with had massive psychic energy but very simple though process. He was beginning to understand his host now through the link they shared but you didn't need psychic powers to see that he was in love with the cyan haired woman. Ses understood what it was like to have mate, but was lost on the fact as to why Matt hadn't already claimed her. Instead he was planning on leaving without telling her, something about not deserving her. From what Ses could tell Matt would be a far better mate for the woman than that scrawny boy. Loud smacking to the left shook Ses from his thoughts, and he glance over at the cabbit, who he had learned was a familiar to the golden eyed girl. Then again, thought Ses with a disgusted look to Ryo-Ohki, Maybe Matt is right.
As the meal came to a close Ayeka offered to help Sasami with the dishes while the rest of the family split up to go about their evening routines. Matt was the last to leave the table, standing up he stretched to his full height before walking out onto the porch. Ses flexed his gossamer wings and flew after his host. The warm night air closed around him as he stepped out onto the wooden deck, he gripped the railing as Ses landed lightly on his right shoulder.
"I really hate to leave," Matt sighed looking out over the moonlit lake.
Then why go, Ses asked.
"Because I must," Matt reasoned, "I can't just give up on my quest, besides it's Tenchi she really wants."
You've been over this, Ses broadcast flatly, All you've been thinking about is that night you two spent together and what you told her. If you want her take her, that boy is no threat to you, admit it, he doesn't love her the way you do.
"But she doesn't love me like she love him," Matt frowned, "He's the world to her, when I first came here I didn't understand the depth of that love. She wants him more than life itself, it doesn't matter to Ryoko that he never returns her affections. How do I compete with that kind of devotion?"
By giving her what she wants, the small creature answered dryly, She could come to love you just the same if you gave it time. As it is she like you now, it wouldn't be hard to push her over the edge and into your arms.
"No," Matt whispered to the night, "I've already caused enough harm here, and Ryoko deserves to have her prince. All I can give her is a never ending journey. I won't take her away from her family anyhow, at least not until I've resolved my own problems. I won't start something with Ryoko until I can give myself to her one hundred percent."
I can see your adamant about this so I won't argue any further on it, Ses replied and then changing the subject, So where are you planning to go now?
"Back home to the US to do some research," Matt answered, "And then most likely to South America, from what I know many of the cultures there have legends about beings with powers that are similar to mine."
When are we leaving, Ses asked.
"Tomorrow," Matt replied looking far off into the night.
Ryoko dumped the bucket of warm water over her shoulder with a sigh of contentment. She had forgotten the last time she had been clean, sometime before Matt arrived she guessed. She spent several more minutes washing away the dirt and grime from all her recent adventures, from her night alone with the swordsman to the bloody battles that followed. After washing she slid into one of the warm pools and poured herself some saki from the bucket floating in the water beside her. Taking a sip she frowned, something didn't feel right. She looked around the darkened bath house trying to find the source of her discomfort but found nothing out of place. Shaking her head she sank back down into the warm water with a rueful grin. I'm just paranoid, she thought to herself as she poured some more saki.
"And to think I gave up my mortal existence so you could sit here and get drunk," Scolded a familiar female voice, "What was my lord thinking when he gave me up to bring you back."
Ryoko jumped at the sound of the regal woman's voice echoing in the darkness. She almost snapped her neck as she whipped her head from side to side trying to locate the source of Sor-ra-eyu's voice. A female outline began to form in front of her just above the water and condensed into a hazy image of Matt's perfect woman. Ryoko sat there stunned unable to grasp what was going on, I thought she was gone for good.
"No," the spirit said, "All Matt did was take away the essence that kept me mortal. Now I have just returned to what I was before a ghost that exists only when he sleeps, unable to help in any significant way."
"Big deal," Ryoko sneered, "Big bad spirit mad her 'Lord' doesn't love her, tell it to some one who cares sister."
"I just came to ask why you weren't with my master," Sor-ra-eyu asked sharply, "After all he died to save you, and then gave up his happiness to do it again. I wanted to make sure you was worth all the pain he's suffering to make you happy. But I can see it was a waste after all, your not even with that pathetic boy."
"That's not the way it works Sor-ra-eyu," Ryoko protested, "Sure I love Tenchi, but he's not ready to commit to me yet, and Matt is leaving soon, what am I supposed to do?"
"Pick one," the ghost suggested.
"It's not that simple," Ryoko tried to explain but got cut off.
"Yes it is," Sor-ra-eyu snapped, "I didn't think a space pirate could be this indecisive, maybe you and that boy are made for each other after all."
"And what's that supposed to mean," Ryoko shot back not liking where this was going.
"What I mean is,' the tall woman hissed, "is that you have to ability to end all of this one way or the other now. But no you persist on procrastinating while Matt suffers and the fool boy continues to sit on the fence. My lord is in love with you and doesn't want to leave because of it, but he thinks his presence will stand in the way of your developing a relationship with that insipid child. Now after all he's gone through to help you, you throw it back in his face by going right back to your pointless game playing."
"I hope your happy," the spirit snapped before disappearing in a flash.
Ryoko sat there for several long minutes in stunned silence, and then in a flash of rage she vaporized much of the water in the pool and phased away to the roof to think. Sitting there under the stars she looked up and wondered; was she really letting Tenchi walk all over her, her the Demon of Juria, the most feared space pirate in the galaxy? She loved him that was obvious, but was it enough when he rarely returned her affections? Since Ryoko had met Tenchi she could count on one hand the number of times he had held her like he cared for her. When she thought about it logically she found the answers to her questions rather easily, yes to the first and no to the second.
"So why am I still here," she asked the darkness.
"Because this is your home," Matt said as he sat down next to the surprised pirate.
"Geez, you nearly scared me to death," Ryoko said settling back down beside him, "What are you doing up so late?"
"Ses woke me up when the link between us went dead," Matt explained, "Apparently when I sleep and Sor-ra-eyu wanders about she uses my powers to manifest herself and it cut the connection to Ses. It's going to take some time to get used to having him around. I hope Sor-ra-eyu didn't hurt you too bad with what she said."
"You know what she told me," Ryoko asked searching his eyes, "But she told us you didn't know what she does when your asleep."
"And I don't," Matt smiled at her confusion, "But knowing her I figured she went straight to you after she found me alone, I'm sorry if she said anything to hurt your feelings."
"Well I can't say it was a pleasant experience but it did make me think," Ryoko admitted.
"Ryoko," He said looking deep into her eyes warmly, "I really do love you, but even if Tenchi weren't here I couldn't take you away from your family and friends just to drag you along with me on some fruitless quest. You deserve to be happy Ryoko, I mean that with all my heart. And if your not happy being with me then so be it, but you had have to stop this run around with Tenchi and Ayeka. You keep waiting for him to decide, why?"
"Because," but Matt cut her off bringing a finger to her lips to quiet her.
"Because you want him to feel the same way about you as you feel about him," Matt told her, "But that's not the way relationships work. People are different with different feelings you can't expect to for him to feel exactly as you do, it's not fair to him."
"I never though about it like that," she said staring off into the night, "but is see your point."
"Ryoko," Matt began hesitantly, taking her hands in his he looked into her golden eyes sadly, "I love you, I really do, so I hope you understand why I have to leave. I just can't give you what you deserve until I know who and what I am. I don't expect you to wait for me, I really do wish you and Tenchi the best. I just want you to be happy Ryoko even if it isn't with me."
With that Matt stood up and walked away, he slid off the edge of the roof and landed neatly on the balcony below leaving Ryoko alone with her thoughts. She sat there contemplating what he had just said, trying to find where her feeling fit in all of this. She loved Tenchi with all her heart, or so she thought until Matt had entered her life. Now she was confused and torn as to what to do, so she did nothing. She watch him leave without a word of protest. I this how Tenchi feels all the time, she wondered looking at the space where Matt had just been.
May I be so bold as to ask Why you just shot yourself in foot, Ses asked hovering in the air before Matt's face just as he landed lightly on the deck. Matt ignored his new friend and walked past the flying creature and into the house shutting the door behind him as he went. Ses followed him and seeing he wasn't going to get an answer out of Matt the winged cat settled himself down among the cushions and closed his eyes. He would deal with this in the morning.
Matt sat there in the darkness for a long time, his active mind refused to give into sleep this night. Then just as he was about to close his eyes and try again for welcomed oblivion he saw her phase through the roof and stand before him silhouetted by the moon light a vision of unsurpassing beauty. The faint light gave her cyan hair a soft cloud like illusion, her golden eyes flashed in the darkness like wet sparkling gems. Her shadow engulfed Matt like blanket soothing his thoughts. He opened his mouth to speak but she shook her head to silence him and looking in her eyes he understood no words were necessary. Ryoko walked towards him with a slow smooth gate and knelt before the swordsman has he came to knees to meet her. She searched his unusual eyes looking for acceptance and he nodded. She fell into his arms as they lay back among the carrot shaped cushions and together they began to dream.
Slowly Matt came awake, the after effects of the dream fading as he sat up and looked around. Ryoko was gone. Matt shook away the last vestiges of the dream and wondered what time it was. Looking out the glass doors the rising sun told him it was still early morning. Smiling to himself he nudged Ses awake before heading down stairs to the kitchen. Hopefully he beat Sasami and could work in peace.
Tenchi awoke to the morning calls of birds outside his window heralding the dawn of a new day. With a yawn he sat up to stretch, or at least that's what he tried to do. Something was holding him down, looking down at the blanket he couldn't see anything restraining him. When trying to pull the covers back he found his left arm pinned also. Using his right arm Tenchi flung the blankets aside and his eyes opened wide in shock. There lay Ryoko snuggled close to his side with one smooth skinned hand on his shoulder. Worse yet her dress was open at the bust leaving precious little to the imagination. Tenchi was about to yell at her when he noticed the peaceful expression on Ryoko's face. The last time he had seen her looking so content was when he had found her asleep in Matt arms in that clearing near her cave. Slowly and carefully he disentangled himself from her and left Ryoko to her dreams as he went downstairs to see if Sasami needed any help with breakfast.
The young prince shook his head as he looked at the mess that used to be their living room. Tenchi and his father hadn't made much headway yesterday in cleaning up the destruction. He was about to open the door to the kitchen when he heard someone out on deck. Scratching his head he looked out eh ruined glass doors and saw Sasami and Ayeka setting out folding chairs around a large folding table Tenchi didn't even know they had.
"Good morning Tenchi," Sasami called noticing him before her sister.
"Oh, good morning lord Tenchi," Ayeka greeted walking up to him.
"Good morning Sasami, Miss Ayeka," Tenchi said somewhat bewildered, "What's all this for?"
"When I came down to start breakfast this morning Matt was already in the kitchen cooking," Sasami explained, "He said he wanted to do something for us in return for the all we've done for him, and then he asked me to set up a table outside for us to eat at. He told me where he comes from he always eats breakfast outside."
"Well ok I guess," replied Tenchi not really understanding it all.
Just as they finished setting the table as Matt had asked them with American style plates and silverware he began to bring out food, and lots of it. The rest of the family trickled out drawn by the enticing aromas. Ayeka, Sasami, and Tenchi wait patiently for everyone to join them at on the deck. Mihoshi's eyes opened wide at the site of the food and praised Sasami profusely before Washu pointed out it was Matt who had prepared the meal. The blonde GP apologized to Matt and was reaching for the butter when she tipped a pitcher of juice, the travelers timely reaction saved much of the food from being ruined as he caught the pitcher. Mihoshi laughed at her self and apologized again but slammed her elbow down on her fork and sent it flying at Tenchi. He ducked just in time as the fork stuck into the back of his chair and quivered there for several long moments. They all laughed, but Tenchi made a mental note not to sit across from Mihoshi at any restaurants.
Ryoko was the last person to come downstairs for breakfast. Confusion played across her face when she woke up in Tenchi's bed after having fallen asleep with Matt. Matt, she blushed when she remembered the dream she had sleeping in his arms. Shaking her head she greeted everyone before sitting down next to Washu at the outdoor table. Her jaw hit the table at the sight of the food. When she heard that Matt had made breakfast she was a bit hesitant at first, after all Tenchi couldn't boil water. But after seeing the spread she was prepared to make a decent attempt at trying everything. There were all sorts of western dishes from several types of eggs to bacon, ham, sausages even beef. Matt had made several different flavored pancakes along with waffles both regular and Belgium. Pitchers contained orange, apple, and grapefruit juice as well as milk. A plate piled high with toast was surrounded with a half dozen jams of various flavors. Everyone dug in trying different pancakes with various syrups Matt provided. For his part Matt ate relatively little and seemed more focused on the others than his food. Ses sat beside his plate licking milk from a saucer occasionally looking up to glare at Ryo-Ohki who across the table was noisily eating several large carrots. They seem to be enjoying your food a lot, Ses sent going back to his milk trying his best to ignore the unrefined cabbit. Matt didn't answer out loud but stroked a finger across Ses's back between his wings acknowledging him. Yes, Matt thought, I owe them this at least for everything they have done for me.
Once breakfast was completed Matt asked that everyone gather in the upstairs living room after he was done cleaning up. There were a couple of confused looks but they all agreed and head into the house to prepare for the day. Tenchi and Mihoshi set about putting up the lawn furniture while the other girls went the onsen to wash up. An hour later they all gathered upstairs to see what Matt had planned now.
Matt walked up the stairs with Ses on his shoulders to find everyone gathered there waiting for him. He smiled as he toped the stairs and picked up his back pack and sword.
"I know your wondering why I asked you all to get together here," Matt began addressing all of them, "I just wanted to thank each one of you for all you've done for me. I've really enjoyed my time here, and as much as it pains my to say it, my time with all of you is at an end. I have to leave to continue my journey to discover who I really am, and until I do so I can't be at peace with myself. I hope each one of you treasures what you have here, a home and people who care about you. But enough sap, lets get to the good part, to say thank you to each one of you I have something for each of you."
"Matt you didn't have to," Ayeka said, "You helped us to don't think that you owe us anything."
"But I do Princess," Matt answered and then walked up to Sasami he held out a notebook to her, "This is for you Sasami, I wrote down every recipe I know in here and translated it into Japanese to make it easier for you."
"Oh Matt that's great," Sasami cried, and then flipped through the book, "Wow it has all the dishes you made this morning. Wow look Ryo-Ohki new carrot recipes." The cabbit meowed excitedly at the thought. Matt went to Mihoshi next and handed her a paper wrapped bundle. The GP officer tore off the wrapping with enthusiasm.
"Oh Wow," she cooed looking at the stack of manga books, "These are collectors additions, they don't make these anymore, how can I ever thank you."
"Don't worry about it," Matt smiled at her, "I master had these books and gave them to me to help me learn Japanese, I brought them with me to see what they were worth, but I thought you might appreciate them more."
"Oh thank you," the blonde sniffed, "I'm so moved"
"And moving on," Matt said sliding up before Ayeka and presenting her with small box, "I noticed your love of wood work so this is for you."
Ayeka opened the small box and pulled out the object to show everyone, it was a hand carved wooden doll decorated with feathers and small beads.
"This is beautiful," Ayeka whispered looking at the intricate craftsmanship, "I didn't know anyone on this planet could make such things."
"Native Americans in Arizona where I live craft these," Matt explained, "I'm not sure what this particular represents but I bought it because of how well made it was and the essence that went into it's making. I felt sorry for the person that had to give it up for money but he guy I bought it from didn't know the maker personally."
"I thank you," Ayeka said sweetly smiling at him holding the doll to her chest.
"Washu," he said kneeling down before the scientist and handing her white pill bottle, "These are special pain killers master uses when he gets frustrated with me, I figure with trying to keep this crew in line you must get some killer migraines. These will cure any headache regardless of the source." He finished with a glance at Mihoshi who was currently giggling while she flipped through one of her new mangas.
"Thanks," Washu said, "My headaches are killer and it's the only thing I can't seem to cure. Hopefully I won't need them till Mihoshi is done reading your gifts."
"Right," Matt chuckled, and then got serious before coming up to Yosho, "Sir in respect from one warrior to another I thank you, and commend your teachings which have made Tenchi a true warrior. In gratitude I present to you this." Matt held out a worn scroll which the old prince took carefully from his hands and unrolled it.
"Is this what I think it is," Yosho asked pushing his glasses up on his nose looking into Matt's eyes.
"Yes," Matt returned, "I was instructed by master Tsutargi to present that to a school I found worthy. With in is the history of the weapon's master and the basics of the style. I can think of no one better to keep it."
"I will care for this so it the lesson's of the past will not be lost to the future," Yosho said bowing from the waist.
"I thank you lord Katsuhito," Matt said returning the bow. He then walked over to Tenchi and looked him directly in the eye almost as if he wanted to pick a fight.
"Tenchi I know we have our differences," Matt started, "But I want you to know I respect you as a man and a swordsman. And in that respect I present to you this gift." Matt reached into his bag and pulled out folded game board and a black silk bag and handed them to Tenchi. Tenchi set the board on the floor and opened the silk bag a pulled out a marble chess knight.
"A chess set," Tenchi asked confused.
"Chess like combat is a game of strategy," Matt explained, "That particular set I got in Mexico a few years ago and then taught the game to my master. After playing he said the game had much to teach and was worth mastering for any true warrior. I offer this to you as one swordsman to another, someday I'll come back and we can have a match. This way we won't kill each other during a duel."
"Yeah," Tenchi laughed, "I'll practice till then, you won't defeat me."
Matt misled to Tenchi before turning to the last person in the room. Ryoko stood there wondering what he would give her, he had already given her so much. She didn't want any mere bauble she wanted him, he had helped her see things in a whole new light and giving her hope for the future. She wanted him with her either as a friend or lover, the dream had shown here what it would be like to be with him.
Matt dropped his back pack as he approached her and drew his sword from it's scabbard. The room fell deathly silent as Matt flipped the sword once and with a quick motion snapped it back into the sheath. He held up in both hands and offered to Ryoko.
"I can't accept this Matt," she whispered looking into his eyes as her's filled with tears.
"Ryoko," he said softly, "This sword was made for me because I had completed my training, but what I learned her is that my training is far from over. I cannot call myself a true weapon's master until I have learned the truth about myself. I'm not asking you to take the sword only to hold it in trust until I return to reclaim it as a true weapon's master."
"I, I," Ryoko stammered taking the sword, "I understand, I'll keep this for you until you come back for it."
"Thank you Ryoko," he whispered unable to say more. Finally he turned and walked down the stairs. He shouldered his back pack and started across the bridge, Ses flew next to him wings beating softly as the creature flew slow enough to stay be his host's side. He stopped suddenly as Ryoko appeared in front of him. She stood there a moment tears running down her cheeks before Matt opened his arms and she rushed into his embrace. She cried into his chest with sobs of hurt and frustration.
"Don't leave," she cried looking up at him, "Stay with me, I don't want to be alone any more."
"You're not alone Ryoko," Matt said pulling her out to arms length he stepped to the side. Standing several yards away on the bridge was Tenchi. She dried her eyes as Tenchi came up to stand beside her. Matt smiled and turned to leave once more. Ryoko stood there with Tenchi and wrapped her arms around him as the traveler moved on to the path and disappeared into the trees. The two of them stayed looking at the empty bridge for along time and for once Tenchi didn't feel tense with Ryoko holding him like this.
Authors Note
Now I know I said this was going to be the last chapter in this story, but I think I lied. You see I was going to continue this plot under another story title but the more I thought about it the more it made sense to just keep it going under the title of Midnight on the Last Perfect Day. Anyway this brings the first part of the saga to a close and I hope every one enjoyed it. Expect some big shake ups in the next few chapters as well as Matt's continuing quest for answers. Yes they will meet again. Beside how could I end the story when Tenchi hasn't picked anyone and Matt is still alone? Also keep an eye out for my side story coming soon about the dream Ryoko and Matt shared on their last night together. Anyhow Thanks for all the great reviews and please keep 'em coming
