Disclaimer:
A.N: Ok, just to answer to the "who is going to be paired in this story" questions..... This Is Not Going To Be A Ryoko/Ayeka Lesbian Pairing Story! Ok, I've said it. I said from the beginning that this was going to be a T/R pairing story. And I plan to keep it that way. Thank you very much. I never had the plan or idea to do Ryoko/Ayeka, never wanted to a Ryoko/Ayeka story, and I never plan to do one now or any time in the near futture. K? Now that I've got that whole thing straight, on with the story.....
'...thoughts...' "...talking..." (...me talking...) ...link... ~...reading...~ ~*~...lyrics...~*~ ---...notes...--- ::...any other needed to know info...::
Unheard Love
//Previously//
It was now 2 weeks b/4 Ryoko and Ayeka were going to leave. They were enjoying their time at the Masaki residence, but both knew that they would have to leave soon. They had contacted Jurai, telling how they were doing and to get information on how Jurai and their family were. Ryoko would read from the notebook at least once a day. Just enjoying the words that Tenchi had writted. She's read some to Ayeka, Sasami, and Washu when they asked. And would even read outloud to herself when she was sure that no one else was around. Ayeka would spend as much time with everyone as humanly possible, especially Sasami. She even spent time with Mihoshi, no matter how airheaded the girl was, she would at least attempt.
Today, while relaxing in the Onsen, Ryoko's and Ayeka's conversation was disturbed by Washu who had come from her lab with a message from Jurai.
"Hey you two, mind if I tell you guys something?"
"Sure mom, what's up?"
"Well, I recieved a message from the Jurai royal family just a few moments ago and they asked for you Ryoko."
"Huh? Why?"
"Don't know, they said they wanted to speak to you and that you couls relay the message to Ayeka and Sasami later. I would've figured that they'd ask for you Ayeka."
"I'm not surprised. They usually always tell Ryoko because I was always somewhere different and they could never find me. So Ryoko would tell me later. They must be doing the same here just incase no one knew where I was."
"Oh, I see. Well, I recorded their message Ryoko. When you decide to take a look at it, come to the lab. I'll give it to you. K?"
"Alright mom. Be in there in about 15 minutes."
"Alright. See ya then."
Washu waved good bye to Ryoko and Ayeka and walked out of the Onsen, leaving Ryoko and Ayeka alone again.
"Well, I suppose I should really get finished here so I can check the message out."
"Alright. I should go find Sasami anyway to tell her about it."
"Alright. How about we meet in the kitchen?"
"Sure. I'll make sure to do that."
"K. Well, talk to ya later then."
With that, Ryoko hopped out of the bath/pool (what ever you want to call the thing) grabbed a towel (she was wearing a suit, k?) and walked towards the "dressing area" to change. Ayeka, doing the same, left shortly after to fetch Sasami. Ryoko left not to long after and headed towards her mother's lab, disappearing through the darkness of the disguised lab (aka, Tenchi's closet).....
//Back 2 now//
Ryoko walked into her mother's dark lab. She felt chills run up her spine as she remembered the time she was locked inside. But she shrugged the memory away and walked to the main room of her mother's lab.
"Hey mom, I'm here!" she called, lookng around for her mom.
"Good. Thought you were going to run late for a moment there," said Washu as she appeared behind her daughter.
"Mom! Quit doing that!"
"Sorry. Didn't mean to scare ya like that. But anyways, come over here and I'll show you your message."
Washu walked over tot he main computer, motioning for Ryoko to follow, and typed something in. Causing a vidoe's image of Funaho, Misaki and Azusa appear on the large screen.
"Hey Ryoko and Ayeka!" said Misaki's image. "Just wanted to say hi first of all."
"Misaki, don't you think that we should get straight to the point?" said Funaho.
"Yes, I agree sister. Husband dear, you want to do the honors?"
"Why not." Azusa walked closer so that he was more visable and began to speak again. "Ok, Ryoko, since you're most likely getting this, I want to warn you first. When you tell this to Ayeka, she's gonna snap on you and I know. Even though I'm pretty sure she wants to do it to me."
"That don't sound to good," mumbles Ryoko as she listened to the message.
"Well, here's what we wanted to say....."
"You mean you dear," said Funaho quietly.
"Yes hun. We didn't want to be invovled in any of this," agree Misaki.
"Oh, will you two just let me continue?"
"Yes dear," they said in unison.
"Ok, what I was saying before. What I wanted to say was that we found a suiter for Ayeka....."
"Oh boy, she's not going to like this AT ALL!" said Ryoko becoming a little petrified as she thought of what Ayeka was going to do when she found out.
"We wanted to find someone for you too, but you weren't our actual daughter, so we couldn't...."
"Thank Tsunami for that one."
"Now, I'm pretty sure that Ayeka won't be so mad when she finds out who he is, considering he happens to be a close friend of both of you." This really began to confuse Ryoko, but she continued to listen to the message. "I was going to tell you who it was, but since you weren't here when we called, I'll just tell you some other time. Bring Ayeka with when you do so that you don't have to relay that message either. So until we hear from you guys, see ya."
"We miss you guys! And remember to call us and tell us how you're doing!" called out Funaho and Misaki as the screen went black.
Ryoko was silent for a few moments, letting the whole message to sink in. "Ayeka REALLY isn't going to like this AT all."
"I have to agree with you there Ryoko-chan."
Ryoko looked her her mother and gave a deep sigh. "I guess I should really get this over with huh?"
"Better now then never."
Ryoko groaned and began walking out of the lab.
"I wish you luck Ryoko!"
"Thanks, I'll need it!"
Ryoko walked out began walking out of the lab, her head bowwed forward as she thought of the disaster that was about to accure.
//With Tenchi//
Tenchi walked through the fields as he finished his work. He grabbed the sack of carrots, slinging them on his back, and walked to the direction of the house. When he got there, he walked to the shed and placed the carrots inside. He then walked to the front door and walked inside. But just before closing the door behind him, he heard Ayeka scream from towards the kitchen then a loud explosion come from the same direction.
"He Did WHAT!? How DARE He! He Had No Right To Do That!"
"Ayeka calm down! Don't yell at me for it, I was just the messanger. Don't get all pissy at me for it!"
"Hey you guys, what happened?" asked Tenchi as he walked into the now almost distroyed kitchen area.
"To put a long story short, Azusa arranged a marrage for Ayeka and she's not taking it the best way. But, who could really blame her," answered Ryoko as she let down the shield from around her and Sasami.
"Ah, I see. When did he decide this?"
"While we were gone. If he just thinks he can control my life like that, he can just go to..."
"Ayeka! Child in room. Watch language!" Ryoko said with a small frown on her face.
"Well I'm sorry that about my language, but could you really blame me Ryoko!? He's trying to take over my life again!"
"I know Ayeka, he would've done the same for me too if I was his daughter. He said so himself in the message."
"He did?"
"Yes, so don't feel bad. It's not only your life he's trying to take over here now."
"Man, I don't even think he'd find a guy to suit you. I mean, no offence, but no guy seems to really mesh with you."
"Mesh? What kind of word is mesh?"
"You know what I mean."
"Ok, did me and Sasami suddenly disappear and not know it?"
"Huh? Oh, sorry 'bout that Tenchi. Guess we got a little caught up in our conversations again."
"It's alright. I'll just got upstairs and take a shower and let you two continue your conversation with Sasami. I think I'd rather stay out of it and not get blown up by someone anyway."
"Oh haha. I'll just get mom to fix the kitchen for us."
"Ok, I'll see you guys at dinner then. Until then, bye."
"Bye Tenchi!" said Ryoko, Ayeka, and Sasami as Tenchi exited the kitchen.
As Tenchi walked up the stairs, he sighed and shock his head slightly. 'How in the world Asuza can handle both of them under one roof is beyond me.'
//1 week and 4 days later//
It was now over a week since the exploding news of Ayeka's fiancee being announced. The kitchen in th process was nearly blown in two and whipped out of the face of this earth. But Washu managed to salvage all of it and fixed everything back to what it was. Ayeka and Ryoko had not yet called back Jurai to find who Ayeka's soon-to-be-husband was, mainly for the simple fact that Ayeka was still too angry at her father for what he'd done. But Ayeka was slowly becoming her calm self again and decided that when she was calmed enough, she'd call her father, mother, and aunt back. Which knowing Ayeka, wouldn't be until she got back to Jurai.
Ryoko on the other hand was still her normal self. She took pleasure into knowing that Asuza was about to be told off by his oldest daughter. Not that she didn't like Asuza, in fact she quite enjoyed his company. But she still liked seeing things like that happen every once in a while just to boost her spirits a little bit. She figured whatever Ayeka might say to her father, if she said anything at all, would be enough to make you laugh for a couple of days about it. But she would still feel sorry for Asuza. She couldn't help but pity him. The only thing that would make her mood change was the fact that she and Ayeka would be leaving soon, including all that she loved, again.
So now here she was. Sitting on the roof of the Masaki residence, her facial expression that of sadness. She watched Sasami and Ryo-ohki play tag in front of the lake. Their giggles were heard, like soft music to Ryoko's ears. She smiled sadly at this as she just watched this happy moment go by. She held Tenchi's book in her hands. She wanted so much to read more, but she realized that she had only 4 more entires, than no more. And she had exactly 3 days before she left. One a day. That's what she said she'd do. Read one a day, the last entry would be read on Jurai. She opened the book to one of her entries and began to read word for word....
~Entry 38
Well, another day come and gone. Nothing has changed much, except the usual. Sasami's gotton a little cheerier, Washu's gotton better and is actually acting like her normal self, Mihoshi is putting confidence into all by saying that she feels Ayeka and Ryoko are coming back soon. Don't know what I can say about that though. And Kiyone is actually coming out of her enclosed shell and spending more time with us again. I guess she finally feels that she can't stay away forever. At least I hope.
As for me. I'm finishing my first year of college. Just half a semester to go. Boy am I glad for that. Although because we almost are out, the teachers seem to have gotton worse and giving more homework that I've ever seen in my life. But it's not as bad as I thought, so I'm surviving. Grandpa is being lieniant and is letting my training and chores lessen for now since schools almost out. Or at least that the excuse he gives me. Can't be sure with grandpa anymore. Other than that, same old me. Living a somewhat normal life. As normal as it could get for me. Hell, I forgot what normal was to tell you the truth. But, I'm pretty sure that if I lived a normal life, I wouldn't have had so many wonderful years that I have already.
As to other news. Nothing has changed, which I'm pretty sure I've already mentioned. All well, who cares right? You know what I've noticed though? There was one thing that seems to change everyday. Funaho, my grandpa's tree, seems to, I guess you could say, talk more. It's strange, but it seems to know something we don't. My grandpa tries to talk to it since it doesn't seem to ever want to talk to me about anything, but it won't even tell him. Or at least that's what grandpa says. I just find it kind of strange I guess since it never seems to ever talk. It just acts like any other normal tree. It started talking just a little while ago, but it was never anything that big to bother any of us. It wasn't until today, this afternoon around lunch to be precise, that it wouldn't stay quiet. Good thing there were no people coming around to see the tree, other wise they'd think we were some nutso people. And I really don't want that right now.
Anyway, I don't really have much more to talk about right now. Just wanted to mention Funaho. So I guess I'll get going. I'll talk to you whenever I can. So until I do, Ja!
Tenchi~
Ryoko closed the book and a smile creeped along her face. 'So, tree Funaho somehow sensed we were coming the whole time even before I did, huh? I should really go talk to her and tell her to be a little more quiet about it next time.' Ryoko stood up on the roof and noticed that the sun was beginning to set. So she decided to stay there and watch. She watched the colors in the sky change. The orangres, yellows, blues, purples, pinks and reds seemed to mix together beautifully as the sun began lowering itself in the horizon. She felt the wind play with her hair slightly, as well as the bottom of her dress.
She placed the book against her chest and wrapped her arms around herself, holding Tenchi's journel protectively against her heart. She sighed and her eyes became soft with sadness once again. And as the sun disappeared along the earth's horizen, she could feel the cool night air begin to blow along her dress, skin, and hair. Ryoko quickly turn around when she heard footsteps behind her and smiled when she found who it was.
"Hey Ryoko, what are you doing up here this late?" asked Tenchi as he stood in front of her.
"Well, first off, it's not that late. The sun just set."
"That's true."
"And secondly, I just came up here to think I guess. Needed some alone time for a little while."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I disturb you?"
"Oh no. Not at all. I was just about to come down when you came up here. I was just enjoying the cool night breeze for a few minutes first."
"Ah, I see. Well, dinner's done if you want it."
"Nah, I'm not really hungry tonite. I'll just grab something to eat if I do. Why don't you go back inside and get something to eat. I'll be in shortly."
"I'm not really hungry either. I've been vegging out on snacks all day. Guess that was my downfall huh?"
"::chuckle:: Yea, guess so."
"Hey Ryoko, mind if I ask you something?"
"Sure. What is it?"
Tenchi took a seat, followed close by Ryoko, and was quiet for a few moments. As though trying to put his wording together.
"I'm not quite sure how to ask this. But I was wondering, if Jurai ever got the chance, would you ever marry who they said?"
"Huh? That's a little unorthidox of a question now isn't it? But, no. I wouldn't. I'd rather leave like Ayeka did oh so many years ago. I'd rather find someone I was in love with, and I knew that he loved me too, and I'd marry him. I don't think I could really cope with the idea that I married someone I never really ever loved like I could've with someone else. That's why I kind of pity Ayeka with her ordeal with having to marry someone that we have no idea who it is yet."
"Yea, I see your point."
"What brought this up?"
"I don't know. Guess I was just wondering your opinion on it."
"Oh."
"So, how far are you in my book?"
"Almost done. I have only 3 more too go."
"That far huh? You enjoy it so far?"
"Very. Who knew you had such a talent for writing Tenchi."
"Yea, and I thought it was only the art I was good at."
"::smiles:: So, you still do art huh?"
"Yea, but I'd never show it to anyone."
"Why not?"
"Because it's kind of personal drawings. Nothing like your old self would come up with, but it's personal none the less."
"Ah, well would you ever show me?"
"Maybe. But that depends."
"On what?"
"Nothing really. I don't think you'd really understand anyway."
"Since when?"
"I didn't mean for it too come out that way. It's just... well... kind of hard to explain."
"Oh, ok. BUt will you maybe show them to me someday?"
"... Yea, probably someday. Just not today."
"::smiles:: Good enough for me..... Well, I suppose we should get back inside before someone suspects we ran away."
"::chuckle:: I guess. But I was kind of enjoying the night air. It's quite relaxing."
Tenchi and Ryoko were quiet for a few moments, neither wanting to really speak to the other. But as Ryoko's stare moved from the lake to the stars, she broke their silence with her quiet voice.
"Tenchi?"
"Yea Ryoko?"
"I was wondering something."
"What was that?"
"Well, when Ayeka and I leave in a few days, will you ever think that we deserted you guys?"
"No. I know you didn't the first time. What would be different about this time?"
"I don't know. Guess I was just thinking."
"Ryoko?! Tenchi?! Where are you guys?"
Ryoko got up and floated near the end of the roof top and found Ayeka walking towards the lak to find them.
"Hey Ayeka! We're up here!"
Ayeka turned around and smiled.
"Well, we need you for a moment, so do you think that Tenchi would mind if we stole you for a few minutes?"
"No, but who's we?"
"Miss Washu and myself."
"Oh, sure, I'm coming!" Ryoko turned around and faced Tenchi, a small smile on her face. "I'm sorry, but I got to go. Duty awaits."
"::chuckle:: Alright. I guess I'll see you later than."
"Alright. Until then." Ryoko then fazed away, reappearing next to Ayeka, and walked inside to her mother's lab.
Tenchi on the other hand continued to sit on the roof, his mind else where. He reached for something in his pocket and took it out. He played with it, twisting it around in his fingers. He looked down at the crystle that he always wore on his neck. 'I wonder if she still even wears her's.' He thought as his mind drifted back to the beginning of his friendships with everyone. He sighed deeply and put the crystle back around his neck. He then stood up and climbed off the roof and back through his window. He looked at the time and noticed it was still early enough. So he went to his desk, opened the top drawer, pulled out his sketch pad and pencil, and began to draw once again.
//Back wih Ryoko//
Ryoko and Ayeka walked into her mother's lab and began searching for Washu. When they found her next to her main computer, typing away as usual, Ryoko coughed lightly to get her mother's attention.
Washu turned around and smiled when she saw the company she was waiting for. "Hey you two! I was wondering when you'd get here."
"Well, we're here. So, what did you want us for mom?" asked Ryoko as she walked up to her mom and looked at was Washu was typing in her holographic computer.
"Oh, it's nothing really. I just needed to talk to you guys for a little bit before you guys go home."
"Oh really? About what Miss Washu?" questioned Ayeka as she took a seat in a chair, that Ryoko typed in on her mother's computer, from another demension.
"Well, Ayeka I was wondering if you were ever going to call you parents and aunt to find out who your future husband was."
"Yea, I want to know who it is so I can see if he's suitable for you or not," agreed Ryoko as she took a seat in a chair next to Ayeka.
"I don't know if I should. i jsut kind of figured that I'd find out who it was when we got back," explained Aeyka. "But you want me to call now, don't you Ryoko?"
"I'd prefer it. And besides, I think that mom would like to find out who it is too as soon as she can." Washu nodded her head in agreement with her daughter.
"::sigh:: Alright. If you really want me too."
After a few moments, Asuza, Funaho, and Misaki were all shown on the large computer screen, Misaki's hands were waving over her head as she said hi. Ryoko, Ayeka, and Washu, of course, sweatdropped.
"Hello you guys! We were wondering when you'd call!" called out Misaki after Funaho told her to put her hands down.
"Yes, well sorry it took so long. We had some... technical difficulties," explained Ryoko while glancing slightly at Ayeka.
"Oh, I see. Well, it's good to see you guys anyway!"
"Did you call to find out about the rest of your earlier 'news'?" asked Funaho while looking back and forth at Ryoko and her niece.
"Yes, we did. Although I'm not liking it very much that you three are trying to take over my life again," said a slightly angry Ayeka. "You even tried on Ryoko. I'm surprised she's not angry at you herself."
"Yes, well dear your father was just being your father. He wanted to see you married to someone who deserves to be your husband," explained her mother.
"Yea, I bet. Could you please just tell me who it is that you appearently chose for me this time?"
"Alright. But I think your father should explain this to you."
"Alright. Father, would you mind explaining it to me?"
"Why not," began Azusa sarcastically. "Well Ayeka, do you by any chance who it is before I tell you."
"Not a clue. That's why I'd prefer if you told me now."
"Alright. Brace yourself sweet heart.... He happens to be a close of your's, he looks about your age, but he's actually quite older. He 'hung' around with you and Ryoko a lot. And he.... hehappenstobeyourguardian..."
"What!?!? Say that again!"
"Hehappenstobeyourguardian," Azusa mumbled again quickly.
"Excuse me. But I think I heard you wrong. I thought I heard you say that 'he happens to be my guradian'."
Ryoko and Washu stood behind Ayeka, their eyes wide in shock.
Mom?
...Yes Ryoko-chan?
Did I just hear what I thought I heard come from Azusa?
I... I believe so Ryoko.
Oh boy, this isn't going to be pretty.
I agree. Do you suppose we should take cover?
That might be a good idea.
And with that Washu quickly brought up her holocomputer and typed in a strong shield around her and Ryoko just in time to hear. "WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!" come from Ayeka and a hugh explosion following. Thank Kame everything in here was protected already.
"How could you do that to me!?" demanded Ayeka in a loud voice.
"No need to yell Ayeka..."
"You try being arranged to marry someone who happens to be a close friend of your's! Then you try and keep your cool about it! Does Kamedake even know!?" (hehe! oh come on, like you couldn't guess it was him. and it'd the human one, not the log that's with them on earth, k?..... :p :D )
"Well of course dear. But he had pretty much the same reaction as you," explained her mother.
Ayeka didn't know what to say to this and instead looked down at her feet. When she looked up, her eyes now showing very little anger, she began to speak again. "Look, mother, father, aunty, we'll speak about this when we come back. But right now, I need to think about everything. So I'll speak to all of you in a couple of days. So until then, goodbye." And with that, Ayeka turned around and walked out of the lab and proceeded up to her and Ryoko's room.
Ryoko watched Ayeka leave, her eyes showing some sadness for her, then she turned around and said her goodbyes as well to the three, who returned them, and turned the vidscreen off. She the turned to her mother, who shrugged, and walked out of the lab, waved goodbye to her mother, and followed Ayeka to to their room.
//the day they leave//
Ryoko stood just in front of the portal area that she and Ayeka would be leaving from. Her eyes scanned her feet, as though looking for something that she couldn't figure out. She could feel tears fight heir way out of her eyes, but held them back, promising herslef she wouldn't cry this time.
When it came the time for her and Ayeka to leave, she, Ayeka, and everyone else stood in Washu's lab awaiting for the portal to open and take Ayeka and Ryoko back. They all were saying their goodbyes to each other when the portal finally opened. Ryoko just finished hugging Sasami and Tenchi and was now hugging her mother.
"We'll be seeing you soon on Jurai I hope?" Ryoko asked in a hopeful voice.
"Oh course Ryoko-chan. Prepare to be bombared by your mother. Alright?" said Washu in a calm voice as she too fought back her own tears.
Ryoko smiled and nodded her head. She and Ayeka then began walking into the portal. But just before it closed behind her, she turned around and took one last look at Tenchi. Then there was nothing.
She and Ayeka walked to the other end and found Azusa, Misaki, Funaho, and A LOT of the servents waiting for them. They were happy to see them all and hugged each one. But when Ryoko finished hugging everyone, she excused herself, a small but fake smile on her face, and walked to her room. When she go there, she took a seat at a bench on her balcony.
Everyone watched her leave and looked at Ayeka for an explaination. Ayeka just gave them all a sad look, which told them what was wrong, and nodded their heads understanding. Ayeka then excused herself and followed Ryoko to her room. She found her sitting on her balcony, a few tears finally fought their way out of Ryoko's eyes.
Ayeka took a seat next to her friend and placed a comforting hand around her shoulders. Ryoko turned and looked at Ayeka. She smiled lightly at her friend, who returned it, but it soon faded as tears began falling from her precious eyes. Ayeka sighed in sadness at her friend, and hugged her close. Ryoko burned her face in Ayeka face, finally letting her eyes fall from her eyes. Ayeka rocked slightly back and forth and she began rubbing Ryoko'a back and let a few tears of her own fall form her eyes.
They stayed this way for the rest of the day. Just crying and holding each other. The other's would come in and check on them, but soon would leave to leave them alone. This lastest all through the way into the night until both were too tired to cry anymore and decided to get some sleep.
~*~ TBC ~*~
A.N. Ok, ok, it was totally corny at the end. But I couldn't think of anything and my fingers just kind of took over. I had total writer's block at the end of this chapter. But I've got a great start for the next chapter. Go figure that with me though. But newhoz... plz review and tell me what you think of this chapter. The next chapter will, I think, be the last. But I'm not sure yet. I might have more. So I'll see. Neway, tnx for reading. PLZ REVIEW!!!!! Ja 4 now!
~*~ Q.M. ~*~
A.N: Ok, just to answer to the "who is going to be paired in this story" questions..... This Is Not Going To Be A Ryoko/Ayeka Lesbian Pairing Story! Ok, I've said it. I said from the beginning that this was going to be a T/R pairing story. And I plan to keep it that way. Thank you very much. I never had the plan or idea to do Ryoko/Ayeka, never wanted to a Ryoko/Ayeka story, and I never plan to do one now or any time in the near futture. K? Now that I've got that whole thing straight, on with the story.....
'...thoughts...' "...talking..." (...me talking...) ...link... ~...reading...~ ~*~...lyrics...~*~ ---...notes...--- ::...any other needed to know info...::
Unheard Love
//Previously//
It was now 2 weeks b/4 Ryoko and Ayeka were going to leave. They were enjoying their time at the Masaki residence, but both knew that they would have to leave soon. They had contacted Jurai, telling how they were doing and to get information on how Jurai and their family were. Ryoko would read from the notebook at least once a day. Just enjoying the words that Tenchi had writted. She's read some to Ayeka, Sasami, and Washu when they asked. And would even read outloud to herself when she was sure that no one else was around. Ayeka would spend as much time with everyone as humanly possible, especially Sasami. She even spent time with Mihoshi, no matter how airheaded the girl was, she would at least attempt.
Today, while relaxing in the Onsen, Ryoko's and Ayeka's conversation was disturbed by Washu who had come from her lab with a message from Jurai.
"Hey you two, mind if I tell you guys something?"
"Sure mom, what's up?"
"Well, I recieved a message from the Jurai royal family just a few moments ago and they asked for you Ryoko."
"Huh? Why?"
"Don't know, they said they wanted to speak to you and that you couls relay the message to Ayeka and Sasami later. I would've figured that they'd ask for you Ayeka."
"I'm not surprised. They usually always tell Ryoko because I was always somewhere different and they could never find me. So Ryoko would tell me later. They must be doing the same here just incase no one knew where I was."
"Oh, I see. Well, I recorded their message Ryoko. When you decide to take a look at it, come to the lab. I'll give it to you. K?"
"Alright mom. Be in there in about 15 minutes."
"Alright. See ya then."
Washu waved good bye to Ryoko and Ayeka and walked out of the Onsen, leaving Ryoko and Ayeka alone again.
"Well, I suppose I should really get finished here so I can check the message out."
"Alright. I should go find Sasami anyway to tell her about it."
"Alright. How about we meet in the kitchen?"
"Sure. I'll make sure to do that."
"K. Well, talk to ya later then."
With that, Ryoko hopped out of the bath/pool (what ever you want to call the thing) grabbed a towel (she was wearing a suit, k?) and walked towards the "dressing area" to change. Ayeka, doing the same, left shortly after to fetch Sasami. Ryoko left not to long after and headed towards her mother's lab, disappearing through the darkness of the disguised lab (aka, Tenchi's closet).....
//Back 2 now//
Ryoko walked into her mother's dark lab. She felt chills run up her spine as she remembered the time she was locked inside. But she shrugged the memory away and walked to the main room of her mother's lab.
"Hey mom, I'm here!" she called, lookng around for her mom.
"Good. Thought you were going to run late for a moment there," said Washu as she appeared behind her daughter.
"Mom! Quit doing that!"
"Sorry. Didn't mean to scare ya like that. But anyways, come over here and I'll show you your message."
Washu walked over tot he main computer, motioning for Ryoko to follow, and typed something in. Causing a vidoe's image of Funaho, Misaki and Azusa appear on the large screen.
"Hey Ryoko and Ayeka!" said Misaki's image. "Just wanted to say hi first of all."
"Misaki, don't you think that we should get straight to the point?" said Funaho.
"Yes, I agree sister. Husband dear, you want to do the honors?"
"Why not." Azusa walked closer so that he was more visable and began to speak again. "Ok, Ryoko, since you're most likely getting this, I want to warn you first. When you tell this to Ayeka, she's gonna snap on you and I know. Even though I'm pretty sure she wants to do it to me."
"That don't sound to good," mumbles Ryoko as she listened to the message.
"Well, here's what we wanted to say....."
"You mean you dear," said Funaho quietly.
"Yes hun. We didn't want to be invovled in any of this," agree Misaki.
"Oh, will you two just let me continue?"
"Yes dear," they said in unison.
"Ok, what I was saying before. What I wanted to say was that we found a suiter for Ayeka....."
"Oh boy, she's not going to like this AT ALL!" said Ryoko becoming a little petrified as she thought of what Ayeka was going to do when she found out.
"We wanted to find someone for you too, but you weren't our actual daughter, so we couldn't...."
"Thank Tsunami for that one."
"Now, I'm pretty sure that Ayeka won't be so mad when she finds out who he is, considering he happens to be a close friend of both of you." This really began to confuse Ryoko, but she continued to listen to the message. "I was going to tell you who it was, but since you weren't here when we called, I'll just tell you some other time. Bring Ayeka with when you do so that you don't have to relay that message either. So until we hear from you guys, see ya."
"We miss you guys! And remember to call us and tell us how you're doing!" called out Funaho and Misaki as the screen went black.
Ryoko was silent for a few moments, letting the whole message to sink in. "Ayeka REALLY isn't going to like this AT all."
"I have to agree with you there Ryoko-chan."
Ryoko looked her her mother and gave a deep sigh. "I guess I should really get this over with huh?"
"Better now then never."
Ryoko groaned and began walking out of the lab.
"I wish you luck Ryoko!"
"Thanks, I'll need it!"
Ryoko walked out began walking out of the lab, her head bowwed forward as she thought of the disaster that was about to accure.
//With Tenchi//
Tenchi walked through the fields as he finished his work. He grabbed the sack of carrots, slinging them on his back, and walked to the direction of the house. When he got there, he walked to the shed and placed the carrots inside. He then walked to the front door and walked inside. But just before closing the door behind him, he heard Ayeka scream from towards the kitchen then a loud explosion come from the same direction.
"He Did WHAT!? How DARE He! He Had No Right To Do That!"
"Ayeka calm down! Don't yell at me for it, I was just the messanger. Don't get all pissy at me for it!"
"Hey you guys, what happened?" asked Tenchi as he walked into the now almost distroyed kitchen area.
"To put a long story short, Azusa arranged a marrage for Ayeka and she's not taking it the best way. But, who could really blame her," answered Ryoko as she let down the shield from around her and Sasami.
"Ah, I see. When did he decide this?"
"While we were gone. If he just thinks he can control my life like that, he can just go to..."
"Ayeka! Child in room. Watch language!" Ryoko said with a small frown on her face.
"Well I'm sorry that about my language, but could you really blame me Ryoko!? He's trying to take over my life again!"
"I know Ayeka, he would've done the same for me too if I was his daughter. He said so himself in the message."
"He did?"
"Yes, so don't feel bad. It's not only your life he's trying to take over here now."
"Man, I don't even think he'd find a guy to suit you. I mean, no offence, but no guy seems to really mesh with you."
"Mesh? What kind of word is mesh?"
"You know what I mean."
"Ok, did me and Sasami suddenly disappear and not know it?"
"Huh? Oh, sorry 'bout that Tenchi. Guess we got a little caught up in our conversations again."
"It's alright. I'll just got upstairs and take a shower and let you two continue your conversation with Sasami. I think I'd rather stay out of it and not get blown up by someone anyway."
"Oh haha. I'll just get mom to fix the kitchen for us."
"Ok, I'll see you guys at dinner then. Until then, bye."
"Bye Tenchi!" said Ryoko, Ayeka, and Sasami as Tenchi exited the kitchen.
As Tenchi walked up the stairs, he sighed and shock his head slightly. 'How in the world Asuza can handle both of them under one roof is beyond me.'
//1 week and 4 days later//
It was now over a week since the exploding news of Ayeka's fiancee being announced. The kitchen in th process was nearly blown in two and whipped out of the face of this earth. But Washu managed to salvage all of it and fixed everything back to what it was. Ayeka and Ryoko had not yet called back Jurai to find who Ayeka's soon-to-be-husband was, mainly for the simple fact that Ayeka was still too angry at her father for what he'd done. But Ayeka was slowly becoming her calm self again and decided that when she was calmed enough, she'd call her father, mother, and aunt back. Which knowing Ayeka, wouldn't be until she got back to Jurai.
Ryoko on the other hand was still her normal self. She took pleasure into knowing that Asuza was about to be told off by his oldest daughter. Not that she didn't like Asuza, in fact she quite enjoyed his company. But she still liked seeing things like that happen every once in a while just to boost her spirits a little bit. She figured whatever Ayeka might say to her father, if she said anything at all, would be enough to make you laugh for a couple of days about it. But she would still feel sorry for Asuza. She couldn't help but pity him. The only thing that would make her mood change was the fact that she and Ayeka would be leaving soon, including all that she loved, again.
So now here she was. Sitting on the roof of the Masaki residence, her facial expression that of sadness. She watched Sasami and Ryo-ohki play tag in front of the lake. Their giggles were heard, like soft music to Ryoko's ears. She smiled sadly at this as she just watched this happy moment go by. She held Tenchi's book in her hands. She wanted so much to read more, but she realized that she had only 4 more entires, than no more. And she had exactly 3 days before she left. One a day. That's what she said she'd do. Read one a day, the last entry would be read on Jurai. She opened the book to one of her entries and began to read word for word....
~Entry 38
Well, another day come and gone. Nothing has changed much, except the usual. Sasami's gotton a little cheerier, Washu's gotton better and is actually acting like her normal self, Mihoshi is putting confidence into all by saying that she feels Ayeka and Ryoko are coming back soon. Don't know what I can say about that though. And Kiyone is actually coming out of her enclosed shell and spending more time with us again. I guess she finally feels that she can't stay away forever. At least I hope.
As for me. I'm finishing my first year of college. Just half a semester to go. Boy am I glad for that. Although because we almost are out, the teachers seem to have gotton worse and giving more homework that I've ever seen in my life. But it's not as bad as I thought, so I'm surviving. Grandpa is being lieniant and is letting my training and chores lessen for now since schools almost out. Or at least that the excuse he gives me. Can't be sure with grandpa anymore. Other than that, same old me. Living a somewhat normal life. As normal as it could get for me. Hell, I forgot what normal was to tell you the truth. But, I'm pretty sure that if I lived a normal life, I wouldn't have had so many wonderful years that I have already.
As to other news. Nothing has changed, which I'm pretty sure I've already mentioned. All well, who cares right? You know what I've noticed though? There was one thing that seems to change everyday. Funaho, my grandpa's tree, seems to, I guess you could say, talk more. It's strange, but it seems to know something we don't. My grandpa tries to talk to it since it doesn't seem to ever want to talk to me about anything, but it won't even tell him. Or at least that's what grandpa says. I just find it kind of strange I guess since it never seems to ever talk. It just acts like any other normal tree. It started talking just a little while ago, but it was never anything that big to bother any of us. It wasn't until today, this afternoon around lunch to be precise, that it wouldn't stay quiet. Good thing there were no people coming around to see the tree, other wise they'd think we were some nutso people. And I really don't want that right now.
Anyway, I don't really have much more to talk about right now. Just wanted to mention Funaho. So I guess I'll get going. I'll talk to you whenever I can. So until I do, Ja!
Tenchi~
Ryoko closed the book and a smile creeped along her face. 'So, tree Funaho somehow sensed we were coming the whole time even before I did, huh? I should really go talk to her and tell her to be a little more quiet about it next time.' Ryoko stood up on the roof and noticed that the sun was beginning to set. So she decided to stay there and watch. She watched the colors in the sky change. The orangres, yellows, blues, purples, pinks and reds seemed to mix together beautifully as the sun began lowering itself in the horizon. She felt the wind play with her hair slightly, as well as the bottom of her dress.
She placed the book against her chest and wrapped her arms around herself, holding Tenchi's journel protectively against her heart. She sighed and her eyes became soft with sadness once again. And as the sun disappeared along the earth's horizen, she could feel the cool night air begin to blow along her dress, skin, and hair. Ryoko quickly turn around when she heard footsteps behind her and smiled when she found who it was.
"Hey Ryoko, what are you doing up here this late?" asked Tenchi as he stood in front of her.
"Well, first off, it's not that late. The sun just set."
"That's true."
"And secondly, I just came up here to think I guess. Needed some alone time for a little while."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I disturb you?"
"Oh no. Not at all. I was just about to come down when you came up here. I was just enjoying the cool night breeze for a few minutes first."
"Ah, I see. Well, dinner's done if you want it."
"Nah, I'm not really hungry tonite. I'll just grab something to eat if I do. Why don't you go back inside and get something to eat. I'll be in shortly."
"I'm not really hungry either. I've been vegging out on snacks all day. Guess that was my downfall huh?"
"::chuckle:: Yea, guess so."
"Hey Ryoko, mind if I ask you something?"
"Sure. What is it?"
Tenchi took a seat, followed close by Ryoko, and was quiet for a few moments. As though trying to put his wording together.
"I'm not quite sure how to ask this. But I was wondering, if Jurai ever got the chance, would you ever marry who they said?"
"Huh? That's a little unorthidox of a question now isn't it? But, no. I wouldn't. I'd rather leave like Ayeka did oh so many years ago. I'd rather find someone I was in love with, and I knew that he loved me too, and I'd marry him. I don't think I could really cope with the idea that I married someone I never really ever loved like I could've with someone else. That's why I kind of pity Ayeka with her ordeal with having to marry someone that we have no idea who it is yet."
"Yea, I see your point."
"What brought this up?"
"I don't know. Guess I was just wondering your opinion on it."
"Oh."
"So, how far are you in my book?"
"Almost done. I have only 3 more too go."
"That far huh? You enjoy it so far?"
"Very. Who knew you had such a talent for writing Tenchi."
"Yea, and I thought it was only the art I was good at."
"::smiles:: So, you still do art huh?"
"Yea, but I'd never show it to anyone."
"Why not?"
"Because it's kind of personal drawings. Nothing like your old self would come up with, but it's personal none the less."
"Ah, well would you ever show me?"
"Maybe. But that depends."
"On what?"
"Nothing really. I don't think you'd really understand anyway."
"Since when?"
"I didn't mean for it too come out that way. It's just... well... kind of hard to explain."
"Oh, ok. BUt will you maybe show them to me someday?"
"... Yea, probably someday. Just not today."
"::smiles:: Good enough for me..... Well, I suppose we should get back inside before someone suspects we ran away."
"::chuckle:: I guess. But I was kind of enjoying the night air. It's quite relaxing."
Tenchi and Ryoko were quiet for a few moments, neither wanting to really speak to the other. But as Ryoko's stare moved from the lake to the stars, she broke their silence with her quiet voice.
"Tenchi?"
"Yea Ryoko?"
"I was wondering something."
"What was that?"
"Well, when Ayeka and I leave in a few days, will you ever think that we deserted you guys?"
"No. I know you didn't the first time. What would be different about this time?"
"I don't know. Guess I was just thinking."
"Ryoko?! Tenchi?! Where are you guys?"
Ryoko got up and floated near the end of the roof top and found Ayeka walking towards the lak to find them.
"Hey Ayeka! We're up here!"
Ayeka turned around and smiled.
"Well, we need you for a moment, so do you think that Tenchi would mind if we stole you for a few minutes?"
"No, but who's we?"
"Miss Washu and myself."
"Oh, sure, I'm coming!" Ryoko turned around and faced Tenchi, a small smile on her face. "I'm sorry, but I got to go. Duty awaits."
"::chuckle:: Alright. I guess I'll see you later than."
"Alright. Until then." Ryoko then fazed away, reappearing next to Ayeka, and walked inside to her mother's lab.
Tenchi on the other hand continued to sit on the roof, his mind else where. He reached for something in his pocket and took it out. He played with it, twisting it around in his fingers. He looked down at the crystle that he always wore on his neck. 'I wonder if she still even wears her's.' He thought as his mind drifted back to the beginning of his friendships with everyone. He sighed deeply and put the crystle back around his neck. He then stood up and climbed off the roof and back through his window. He looked at the time and noticed it was still early enough. So he went to his desk, opened the top drawer, pulled out his sketch pad and pencil, and began to draw once again.
//Back wih Ryoko//
Ryoko and Ayeka walked into her mother's lab and began searching for Washu. When they found her next to her main computer, typing away as usual, Ryoko coughed lightly to get her mother's attention.
Washu turned around and smiled when she saw the company she was waiting for. "Hey you two! I was wondering when you'd get here."
"Well, we're here. So, what did you want us for mom?" asked Ryoko as she walked up to her mom and looked at was Washu was typing in her holographic computer.
"Oh, it's nothing really. I just needed to talk to you guys for a little bit before you guys go home."
"Oh really? About what Miss Washu?" questioned Ayeka as she took a seat in a chair, that Ryoko typed in on her mother's computer, from another demension.
"Well, Ayeka I was wondering if you were ever going to call you parents and aunt to find out who your future husband was."
"Yea, I want to know who it is so I can see if he's suitable for you or not," agreed Ryoko as she took a seat in a chair next to Ayeka.
"I don't know if I should. i jsut kind of figured that I'd find out who it was when we got back," explained Aeyka. "But you want me to call now, don't you Ryoko?"
"I'd prefer it. And besides, I think that mom would like to find out who it is too as soon as she can." Washu nodded her head in agreement with her daughter.
"::sigh:: Alright. If you really want me too."
After a few moments, Asuza, Funaho, and Misaki were all shown on the large computer screen, Misaki's hands were waving over her head as she said hi. Ryoko, Ayeka, and Washu, of course, sweatdropped.
"Hello you guys! We were wondering when you'd call!" called out Misaki after Funaho told her to put her hands down.
"Yes, well sorry it took so long. We had some... technical difficulties," explained Ryoko while glancing slightly at Ayeka.
"Oh, I see. Well, it's good to see you guys anyway!"
"Did you call to find out about the rest of your earlier 'news'?" asked Funaho while looking back and forth at Ryoko and her niece.
"Yes, we did. Although I'm not liking it very much that you three are trying to take over my life again," said a slightly angry Ayeka. "You even tried on Ryoko. I'm surprised she's not angry at you herself."
"Yes, well dear your father was just being your father. He wanted to see you married to someone who deserves to be your husband," explained her mother.
"Yea, I bet. Could you please just tell me who it is that you appearently chose for me this time?"
"Alright. But I think your father should explain this to you."
"Alright. Father, would you mind explaining it to me?"
"Why not," began Azusa sarcastically. "Well Ayeka, do you by any chance who it is before I tell you."
"Not a clue. That's why I'd prefer if you told me now."
"Alright. Brace yourself sweet heart.... He happens to be a close of your's, he looks about your age, but he's actually quite older. He 'hung' around with you and Ryoko a lot. And he.... hehappenstobeyourguardian..."
"What!?!? Say that again!"
"Hehappenstobeyourguardian," Azusa mumbled again quickly.
"Excuse me. But I think I heard you wrong. I thought I heard you say that 'he happens to be my guradian'."
Ryoko and Washu stood behind Ayeka, their eyes wide in shock.
Mom?
...Yes Ryoko-chan?
Did I just hear what I thought I heard come from Azusa?
I... I believe so Ryoko.
Oh boy, this isn't going to be pretty.
I agree. Do you suppose we should take cover?
That might be a good idea.
And with that Washu quickly brought up her holocomputer and typed in a strong shield around her and Ryoko just in time to hear. "WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!" come from Ayeka and a hugh explosion following. Thank Kame everything in here was protected already.
"How could you do that to me!?" demanded Ayeka in a loud voice.
"No need to yell Ayeka..."
"You try being arranged to marry someone who happens to be a close friend of your's! Then you try and keep your cool about it! Does Kamedake even know!?" (hehe! oh come on, like you couldn't guess it was him. and it'd the human one, not the log that's with them on earth, k?..... :p :D )
"Well of course dear. But he had pretty much the same reaction as you," explained her mother.
Ayeka didn't know what to say to this and instead looked down at her feet. When she looked up, her eyes now showing very little anger, she began to speak again. "Look, mother, father, aunty, we'll speak about this when we come back. But right now, I need to think about everything. So I'll speak to all of you in a couple of days. So until then, goodbye." And with that, Ayeka turned around and walked out of the lab and proceeded up to her and Ryoko's room.
Ryoko watched Ayeka leave, her eyes showing some sadness for her, then she turned around and said her goodbyes as well to the three, who returned them, and turned the vidscreen off. She the turned to her mother, who shrugged, and walked out of the lab, waved goodbye to her mother, and followed Ayeka to to their room.
//the day they leave//
Ryoko stood just in front of the portal area that she and Ayeka would be leaving from. Her eyes scanned her feet, as though looking for something that she couldn't figure out. She could feel tears fight heir way out of her eyes, but held them back, promising herslef she wouldn't cry this time.
When it came the time for her and Ayeka to leave, she, Ayeka, and everyone else stood in Washu's lab awaiting for the portal to open and take Ayeka and Ryoko back. They all were saying their goodbyes to each other when the portal finally opened. Ryoko just finished hugging Sasami and Tenchi and was now hugging her mother.
"We'll be seeing you soon on Jurai I hope?" Ryoko asked in a hopeful voice.
"Oh course Ryoko-chan. Prepare to be bombared by your mother. Alright?" said Washu in a calm voice as she too fought back her own tears.
Ryoko smiled and nodded her head. She and Ayeka then began walking into the portal. But just before it closed behind her, she turned around and took one last look at Tenchi. Then there was nothing.
She and Ayeka walked to the other end and found Azusa, Misaki, Funaho, and A LOT of the servents waiting for them. They were happy to see them all and hugged each one. But when Ryoko finished hugging everyone, she excused herself, a small but fake smile on her face, and walked to her room. When she go there, she took a seat at a bench on her balcony.
Everyone watched her leave and looked at Ayeka for an explaination. Ayeka just gave them all a sad look, which told them what was wrong, and nodded their heads understanding. Ayeka then excused herself and followed Ryoko to her room. She found her sitting on her balcony, a few tears finally fought their way out of Ryoko's eyes.
Ayeka took a seat next to her friend and placed a comforting hand around her shoulders. Ryoko turned and looked at Ayeka. She smiled lightly at her friend, who returned it, but it soon faded as tears began falling from her precious eyes. Ayeka sighed in sadness at her friend, and hugged her close. Ryoko burned her face in Ayeka face, finally letting her eyes fall from her eyes. Ayeka rocked slightly back and forth and she began rubbing Ryoko'a back and let a few tears of her own fall form her eyes.
They stayed this way for the rest of the day. Just crying and holding each other. The other's would come in and check on them, but soon would leave to leave them alone. This lastest all through the way into the night until both were too tired to cry anymore and decided to get some sleep.
~*~ TBC ~*~
A.N. Ok, ok, it was totally corny at the end. But I couldn't think of anything and my fingers just kind of took over. I had total writer's block at the end of this chapter. But I've got a great start for the next chapter. Go figure that with me though. But newhoz... plz review and tell me what you think of this chapter. The next chapter will, I think, be the last. But I'm not sure yet. I might have more. So I'll see. Neway, tnx for reading. PLZ REVIEW!!!!! Ja 4 now!
~*~ Q.M. ~*~