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

To Live Another Day

Matt knelt there, his sword in front of him, trying to focus his essence. He started slowly from the beginning by simply drawing out the power allowing it to bathe him in a warm blue glow. Sinking deeper into his meditation Matt continued to allow the essence to build slowly. His mind cleared of outward distractions the swordsman focused inward seeking the disharmony within his soul. Several long minutes passed as he moved through the swirl of images before finding the core of himself. Sweat appeared on his brow and his eyes squeezed tight as he mentally wrestled with his dark side.

In his mind Matt saw himself as he was two days before, walking death, a creature with green glowing eyes that would allow nothing to stand in it's chosen path. Here was all that was evil in him, the part that wanted to use his powers to gain what it wanted regardless of the consequences. Matt stood looking at himself while trying to best decide on how to deal with the problem. Before he had only used his powers in small doses keeping this part of his soul trapped, but now he had unleashed his true powers and there was simply lock away this part of himself again.

The simplest answer was to simply not use the essence, however there were consequences with that decision. Not using his powers would cause the essence to slowly build until he was forced to loose it all at once, this had happened before and caused the death of his parents, not only that but it would probably be harmful to Ses. The next solution also gave him little hope, to never practice his weapons skills again. The problem with this idea was that without martial arts to focus his energy he could loose control of the power at any time if it was not kept in check. Then the answer hit him in the face, it was so obvious, even if it wasn't the most desirable solution it would work.

Opening his eyes Matt shook off the slight dazed feeling meditating always left him with. Looking at his sword Matt ran his fingertips along the scabbard for what would be almost the last time. Picking up the serpent engraved weapon Matt stood and looked at his surroundings. The design was similar to the stone work of his ship Salvation, green tinged stone carved with runes that reacted to his essence. This place had once housed the entire Guardian clan, now only Matt remained. The runes glowed along the walls as he walked down the long corridor, illuminating his path. Coming to a stop before the massive doors the lead back into the Jurai royal palace, Matt took a deep breath as he mentally prepared what he was going to say to the others.

"How long has he been in there," Tenchi asked coming to sit down next to Ayeka.

"Thirty six hours now," Ayeka yawned. Since Matt had gone into his ancestral home either him, Ayeka, or Ryoko had waited outside along with a contingent of guards incase Matt lost control again. Tenchi had taken the first shift while Ryoko recovered from the wounds she had received during their fight with Serendus. After twelve hours Ryoko had relieved him and in turn Ayeka had taken up the watch half a day later, now Tenchi had come for his second stint at guard duty.

"Do you think he's ok in there alone," Tenchi wondered aloud.

"I don't know," Ayeka replied sleepily, "The doors locked behind him when he went in."

"I wonder what's in there," Tenchi mused for the sake of conversation.

"No on knows for sure," Ayeka shrugged, "This part of the palace has been off limits for the past six thousand years. Not that it matters much, according to aunty Funaho no one but Matt can open the doors anyways."

"It's kinda weird that his ancestors built all their stuff out of stone while all the Juraians use wood," Tenchi continued his musings, "Don't you think Ayeka?"

"They did it to spite authority," Funaho said coming upon the pair causing both of them to jump in surprise

"Oh aunt Funaho you scared us," Ayeka breathed one hand on her chest.

"That's not entirely true," came a clear voice as the massive stone door swung silently open. The guards gripped their weapons tightly as the dangerous young man walked past them towards the royals. Queen, prince, and princess stiffened as Matt came to a stop several feet from them. At six feet he cut a lean, imposing figure. The black gi and matching belt he wore made the magnificent sword he carried stand out against the dark cloth. Sweeping his dull brown hair back Matt crossed his arms resting one hand on the hilt of his sword.

"Perhaps not," Funaho said slowly trying to find the right way to phrase what she was going to say next, "However you are still very much like your ancestors, stubborn at defending your freedom, even if it costs others theirs. Aside from that have you discovered a way to control your inner demon ?"

"There is nothing worth defending more than freedom," Matt said in a determined tone, "As for my inner demon I am in control of myself for now."

"For now," Ayeka repeated angrily, "We've been here for almost two days and that's all you have to say to us?"

"Calm down Ayeka," Tenchi soothed.

"I will not calm down," Ayeka spun on her heel to face Tenchi glowering, "We have given him every concession he asked for and all we get in return is a big maybe that he won't go off on a killing spree again!"

"That will not happen Princess," Matt said drawing her glare away from Tenchi, "As long as Ryoko and myself remain free and unharmed I will have no reason to use my powers. I say for now because until I act upon my new resolution I can still enter the 'walking death' mind set if I overuse my powers."

"May I ask why you have not done so if you have the solution to your problem," Funaho asked.

"It's not entirely my decision to make," Matt explained, "It involves the cooperation of others."

"What others," Tenchi asked worriedly.

"Well Funaho for one," Matt began nodding towards the tall dark haired woman, "And Misaki for another if she'll listen to me after what I did."

"Who else," Tenchi forced himself to ask dreading the answer he knew was coming.

"I'll need Ryoko's help too Tenchi," Matt said avoiding looking Tenchi in eyes not wanting to know what the young prince was thinking at that moment.

Gripping his hands into fists Tenchi tightened his jaw and glared trying his best not to lash out at the American. It had been building for months, the jealous anger he never knew he had. Ever since Matt had kissed Ryoko the first time Tenchi knew he was losing her. Then came the mess with Sor-ra-eyu which, even though it had been Tenchi that kissed the ex-pirate awake, had brought the two of them closer together. Ryoko had followed Matt into space during his search for his origins and again they had saved each other's lives while Tenchi had played a minor role. To his mind it just wasn't fair, sure he knew he had been sitting on the fence too long and his grandfather had warned him this might happen. Tenchi's world was falling apart and all because Matthew Aaron Carson and stepped into it. Unable to stay there any longer Tenchi turned and walked away leaving the other three standing there in surprise at his anger.

Are you sure you want to go through with this, Ses mentally asked as the two moved through the palace towards Ryoko's suite.

"You were there the whole time I was out of control Ses," Matt reminded his companion, "You saw what I did to all those innocent people. I have to give it up, there is no other way."

Granted, Ses agreed, But why not return to Earth?

"My debt is here," Matt said simply, "I owe these people. I should use my powers in the way they were meant to be used, to protect life, not take it."

I'm with you either way, Ses imparted landing on Matt's shoulder folding his gossamer wings.

"That means a lot to me you know," Matt smiled patting Ses on the head lightly, "I'm lucky to have a friend like you."

Just try not to go terminal again, Ses frowned, I never want to go through anything like that again.

"Agreed," Matt frowned shaking his head in regret as they approached the door to Ryoko's suite of rooms. Reaching out with his mind Matt felt Ryoko's essence in the room beyond telling him she was asleep. After all that had happened Matt didn't blame her in the least for escaping reality through rest. He himself wished he could just close his eyes and make it all go away too. After having come out of his rage and realizing what he had done Matt began the enormous task of setting things right. This began with healing Tenchi, Ryoko, and Ayeka of the wounds they had received from Serendus and himself. Then Matt restored the essence he had stolen from Azusa and his wives. Funaho and Misaki awoke without any ill effects, however Azusa did not fair as well. The Juraian king had was currently bed ridden and it looked as though he would be a long time, if ever, in recovering. Apparently the sudden loss of his essence caused his Juraian powers to weaken permanently and had left him with a slight case of memory loss, he didn't remember Matt at all or Ryo-Ohki's crash.

Matt didn't bother to knock as he entered Ryoko's room. He slid the door shut behind him as he surveyed the elegant room. Like most of the palace the wooden wall were shaped into smooth flowing forms, the floor was covered in a thick red carpet that went well the burgundy furniture. Sitting on a love seat was the glossy, black egg of Ryo-Ohki which Ryoko had salvaged from the wreckage of her ship. Matt shook his head still trying to imagine the cute cabbit transforming into a space battleship. Then again, he smiled to himself, I fly around in a big stone tablet. Folded neatly on the larger couch were several outfits Matt assumed either Tenchi or Ayeka had left for the former pirate.

When he thought about it Matt felt sorry for her. Ryoko had almost no other worldly possessions besides her Gems, her weapons were energy based, her armor appeared as needed, Matt knew of nothing besides clothes that she owned. Even to a traveler like him it seemed wrong, yes Matt needed very little to go on, but back home he had a house full of things he had gathered on his journeys. Then it hit him, Ryoko had no real place to call her own. Matt wondered if any of this had ever occurred to Tenchi, or better yet, Washu. It was a parent's job to provide for their children when they are in need, and here was Washu with her massive lab letting Ryoko sleep on a rafter. Frowning Matt walked past the sitting room and into the darkened bedroom.

Ses spread his wings and jumped off Matt's shoulder flying back towards the sitting room telling his host mentally to go for it. Matt started to protest but then shut up remembering Ryoko was trying to sleep. Ses of the opinion that the sooner Matt and Ryoko got together the better things would be for everyone involved. Tenchi was a nice kid and all, but he was clueless where women were concerned and Ses was reasonably sure the prince wasn't ready to get involved with woman yet. The boy needed to mature, and Ses guessed it would be several years more before Tenchi was prepared for a life long relationship. Ayeka could wait if she was so inclined, which the winged cat doubted, but Ryoko needed that kind of bond now.

Landing on the back of the couch Ses found a comfortable spot on the edge where the cushions met the hard backing. Curling up Ses was about to close his eyes when a cracking sound caused him to look over to the love seat and the egg resting there. Hopping to his feet Ses spread his gossamer wings and floated over to the egg. Sniffing at the egg Ses was unsure what to do as the egg continued to quiver. He jumped back, hackles raised, as red cracks appeared along the glossy surface followed be a puff of steam. Bits of shell scattered as a white socked paw broke through the egg. Feeling foolish at threatening an egg hatching Ses sat back on his haunches and looked on curiously.

It only took a few minutes for the newest incarnation of Ryo-Ohki to free herself from the remains of the egg. With a tired meow she crawled away from the shell before opening her eyes. Seconds after birth system protocols ran through her mind giving her the basic knowledge she would need along with establishing a connection to her partner. Once this was done Ryo-Ohki opened her eyes and looked at the world beyond. A pair of kaleidoscopic stared back. Sitting across from her was a creature of similar size with blue wings and golden fur.

Ses looked at the brown cabbit trying to decide how he felt. He had made it no secret with Matt the he didn't like the former Ryo-Ohki, considering the creature crude and uninteresting. Still this was a new version of the cabbit, a clean slate if you will. And Ses had the first crack at her. The two sniffed each other as they came together circling one another curiously. Finding the other acceptable they did what creatures of their persuasion did best to get to know each other. They took a nap.

Matt stood there watching the rise and fall of the blankets as Ryoko slept peacefully upon the bed. A quietly as he could Matt leaned his sword on the nightstand before taking a seat on the edge of the bed. Matt remembered the first time he had watched her sleep in a forest clearing near her cave. Then he had held her after they had confessed to each other their secrets, he about his powers, and she about her love for Tenchi. The feel of having her in his arms was bliss for Matt and being with her helped put a blanket over his troubled soul. He needed that feeling now more than ever.

Ryoko awoke slowly as she felt someone come to sit at the edge of her bed. Rolling over she didn't bother to sit up knowing who it was. Tenchi would have managed to fumble somehow by now and Ayeka would never have entered unannounced, neither would Sasami, Mihoshi was louder than a mack truck, and Washu used the link to communicate most of the time. Nope, that left only one person with both the skill and daring to enter her room while she slept. There was Matt with a warm smile but Ryoko also noticed the tired sag to his shoulders.

"You look like someone who's been putting off sleep for way too long," Ryoko rasped out snuggling into her pillow further.

"I'm glad you've gotten your sense of humor back," Matt said wryly, "Besides looks like you've gotten enough sleep for the both of us."

"You should know be now that one can never get enough sleep," Ryoko said playfully.

"You and Ses would be the best of friends," Matt muttered before turning the conversation to a serious tone, "Ryoko I need to talk to you about something, something important."

"We're talking now so go for it," she said offhandedly.

"Ok, well here it goes," Matt began, "I want you to stay here with me."

"What." Ryoko shrieked sitting up now, "Say that again."

"Well, you see," Matt started avoiding her flashing eyes, "I came up with this idea to control my powers better but I need your help."

"Ok I follow you there," Ryoko agreed, "But what was the part about you staying here? I thought you wanted to go home to Earth."

"Give me a chance to explain," Matt said trying to calm her, "After Funaho pardoned me for what happened and showed me the Guardian's enclave I got the idea while meditating there. I owe it to these people to set things right for what I have done. I'm going to take up the mantle of my ancestors and become a Guardian."

"You what," Ryoko said incredulously, "Have you lost your mind, there's nothing for you here."

"There's nothing for me on Earth either," Matt responded, "But you haven't let me finish yet. I have to find a balance to my powers otherwise what happened before will happen again. I have to learn new ways to channel my abilities and what better way than by protecting life instead of taking it."

"But why here Matt," Ryoko asked.

"Ryoko I don't like it any better than you, but on Jurai I have access to the knowledge and training I need to control my powers," Matt explained.

"I don't know if I can do it," Ryoko burying her face into Matt's gi, "I don't know if I can stay here."

"I'm not saying it will be easy Ryoko," Matt said smoothing her wild hair with one hand as he held her, "But it's the only way I'll ever be able to live with myself."

"I, I understand," Ryoko said pulling away and looking into his wondrous eyes, "I love you Matthew Aaron Carson, and I'm not going to lose you again."

"My heart and soul belong to you Ryoko," Matt said before their lips met.

Across the palace a very different conversation was taking place. In the lavish sitting room Ayeka and her aunt were trying to persuade the other two people in the room not to leave. With Azusa unfit to perform his duties as ruler of the empire it was decided that Ayeka, as heir, would fill his shoes for the time being. Also Sasami would remain on Jurai to receive formal training on her position as a princess of Jurai. Although the others didn't know it yet Matt would also stay along with Ryoko if he could persuade her to do so. Mihoshi had been recalled to the central office to report on teh incident and would be leaving wthin a matter of hours. That left Washu, and more importantly Tenchi to convince to remain on the capital world. It was not going well.

"I know Mihoshi has to go back to the galaxy police but why won't you two stay," Ayeka asked hoping for an explanation after both had refused her offer.

"I was partially do to Jurai's involvement with my work before that allowed Kagato to capture Me and Ryoko," Washu explained, "I like the privacy and anonyminity I have on Earth that I don't have here. I don't need the council breathing down my neck to solve their technical problems at every turn, they have the academy for that."

"We can't stop you Lady Washu," Funaho said sadly before turning to Tenchi, "But what about you Tenchi, here you are prince of a galactic empire, while on Earth you are but a student?"

"I know that Lady Funaho," Tenchi gulped facing the regal woman, "I'm not ready for the responsibility of being Crown Prince though. And after everything that's happened I just want to go home where things are simple."

"But Tenchi," Ayeka protested, "Washu might be the only one of us going back to Earth with you. Ryoko's going with Matt, what are you going to do then?"

"Don't you think I know that Ayeka," Tenchi said with more force than he meant too, "I just don't feel right staying here Ayeka. I saw the ugly side to being royalty and all the compromises you have to make. I can't do that."

"You'll be all alone like before Tenchi," Ayeka said quietly looking him in the eyes, pleading .

"I'm sorry Ayeka," was all he said before standing up and leaving.

Authors Note

I know this was a short one But I've been so busy I haven't had much time to work on this. I promise the next one will be longer but in the interest of moving the plot along I'm posting this. Anyhow the next chapter will see us full circle back the beginning of chapter one where Tenchi muses to the stars. Thanks to everyone for your always encouraging reviews and please keep 'em coming.

Smack54