Kochira Koso Chapter 2: The Trouble With Sleeping In, a tenchi muyo fanfic

The author does not own Tenchi Muyo! or any characters related to the Tenchi franchise. This story is meant for recreational purposes only.

What is time but the end of one event and the beginning of another?

Are alarm clocks always out to get us?

How long can you soak in the water before pruning like a raisin?

Ever feel like the world was conspiring against you?

Did you get on with your life without even caring about it?

Kochira Koso

A Tenchi Muyo Fan Fiction by Sebayn

"Episode 2: The Trouble With Sleeping In"

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." - Mahatma Ghandi

Tenchi squinted as beams of bright yellow morning sunlight invaded his room. The young prince had not slept well that night, tossing and turning exhaustedly while trying to understand what exactly had happened between himself and Ryoko. Thirty minutes her sudden departure Tenchi had gone in search of the cyan-haired woman. It had been a halfhearted attempt, he didn't know what he would do or say if and when he found her.

He did know that she was hurt. Much more to his shame, he knew he was solely responsible for the pain she was now feeling.

What time is it? He groggily thought as he reached over to pick up the small electronic alarm clock. His eyes quickly focused on the glowing digits where to his shock it read 8:45AM. Damn, I'm going to be late!

The plodding prince pulled his tangled bed covers off of him as he stumbled awkwardly over to his dresser. Pulling out a clean pair of light tan khakis and blue shirt, Tenchi exited his room and walked down the hallway and into the bathroom.

Ten minutes later Tenchi remerged showered, clean-shaven and dressed in fresh clothes. Although still a little groggy, he felt new energy building within him that he would definitely be needing to get through this day. All he needed now was a meal. I hope Sasami saved me some food, he thought to himself.

Silently descending the stairs, Tenchi's ears perked up as he was meet with the sound of clanging silverware and other kitchen utensils clearly coming from the kitchen. Taking a few whiffs of the air, Tenchi could also smell the scent of something delicious emanating from within.

Needing no further incentives or motivation, Tenchi casually strolled into the kitchen where he was met with a chorus of greetings.

"Good morning, Lord Tenchi!" Ayeka exclaimed warmly.

"Hi Tenchi!" Mihoshi waved.

"'Morning Tenchi," Washu stated impartially as she bottle-fed Mayuka.

"Hey Tenchi," Kiyone smiled.

"So you're finally awake sleepyhead," Sasami chided sweetly. "I saved you some food."

"Good morning girls." Tenchi replied. "Whatever it is, it smells great, Sasami!" He enthusiastically stated as he pulled a chair up to the kitchen table.

"Oh it's nothing much," Sasami blushed slightly, "just some miso soup, tamago dashi-maki with some leftover steamed rice."

"Well..." Tenchi began saying in a mock-serious manner, "it will just have to do I suppose."

The aqua-haired little cook suddenly appeared to be on the verge of tears before Tenchi gave her a wink and smiled warmly at her.

"So how's everyone doing this morning?"

"Just fine, thank you for asking." Ayeka replied.

He received similar responses from the rest of the girls. Mayuka gurgled happily as Tenchi walked over to take her from Washu.

"And a very special good morning to you, precious one." Tenchi gazed lovingly at his small daughter as he cradled her in his arms.

"Where's Ryoko?" Tenchi suddenly questioned with a tinge of nervousness in his voice. "Has anyone seen here this morning?"

Though not wanting to waste the opportunity, Tenchi began shoveling spoonfuls of food into his mouth with one hand while holding Mayuka in the other. It was a tricky arrangement, but one Tenchi has somewhat mastered over the past three months.

"She's eaten already. And she brought Mayuka down, just as usual." Kiyone shrugged.

"Did she say where she was going?"

Washu cleared her throat as she stood up and look at Tenchi for a moment. "I think you already know."

A bit annoyed at where this line of questioning was going, Ayeka jumped in. "Lord Tenchi, weren't you supposed to be to practice with Lord Katsuhito an hour ago?"

"I've decided to take the day off."

The sounds of chewing, silverware clattering and other conversation immediately stopped as all eyes turned once again to Tenchi.

"Your...skipping training today, Tenchi?" Kiyone questioned not sure if she heard right.

A bit surprised at the girl's reaction, Tenchi nodded. "Yes, that's right. I have to take care of a few other...things today."

"Such as?" Ayeka inquired, obviously still shocked from such a major deviation from Tenchi's schedule.

Since arriving on Earth, each of the girls had observed Tenchi religiously following the same schedule under the tutelage of his grandfather. Not once had he ever missed practice, aside from the normal intergalactic incident of course.

Scratching the back of his nervously, Tenchi gulped down another bite of tamago dashi-maki (a Japanese-style omelet). "I need some time to think about some things. But to be honest, I guess I'm kinda burned out and just want some time off."

"I see." Ayeka nodded sullenly. "So then Lord Katsuhito already knows not to expect you today."

"Well...no...not exactly." He muttered while cursing to himself. "I kinda, sorta, haven't told him yet."

The silence that followed was deafening. Tenchi was beginning to sweat a little from being under so many scrupulous eyes. Hurriedly he gulped down the last bit of miso soup and downed a glass of water.

"Well I better get going." Tenchi chuckled in his patented "I-better-run-as-fast-as-I-can-before-they-get-me-into-even-more-trouble" tone. "See you guys at lunch!"

Handing Mayuka to Kiyone, he darted out the door with one final wave leaving five confused wide-eyed girls in his wake.

* * *

Ryoko meanwhile was soaking in the onsen contemplating the previous night. The former space pirate had actually seen Tenchi searching for her after she left the nursery. Truth be told, he had almost stumbled into her without her even knowing it when he searched the rooftops. Only a quick teleportation had saved her from another forced apology from her would-be love.

Part of her even regretted not talking with him after his effort to find her last night. Maybe he'd even let her rest her had against his shoulder like last time?

Having a few intimate moments at the cost of so much emotional turmoil was getting old very quickly she decided.

Tenchi, Tenchi, Tenchi. What am I going to do with you? With a sorrowful whimper, she contemplated an even more troubling thought. What are you going to do with *me*?

Yes she loved him. That much was clear no matter what.

She had "grown up" a lot during the last two years in many ways. She wasn't doting on him as she once did, although she would never admit that it still hurt her inside not to be close to him. No more suggesting ridiculous ideas and notions, following him around or even watching him sleep. Although to be completely honest, she did make a few exceptions on that last one.

It was tough having your future decided on by a very indecisive 19-year old.

Well, that's not really fair of me, she thought. Between six girls and a daughter you didn't even get a choice in *having*, that's ample trouble for any person to handle, let alone a poor sweet innocent boy on some backwater world. Though he sure isn't a boy anymore...

Indeed he wasn't anymore.

The rigors of sword practice, shrine chores and tending to the fields (not to forget those intergalactic incidents he seemed to keep getting embroiled in) had permanently placed the mark of manhood upon him. Perhaps sooner than it should have been, but the universe was hardly a fair place as Ryoko could testify to. He was now starting to fill out his once-skinny form with hard-earned muscle. His skin was tanned from the constant exposure to the sun and his hair had even begun to become thicker.

Is he growing his hair down Jurian-style? She thought to herself. He'd look even cuter than he does now, which is a hard enough feat as it is to top. She giggled to herself.

She basked in the warmth of the spa water and sighed to herself. The tension and emotional strain of last night were beginning to lift, albeit temporary, as she well knew. The time in the onsen was doing her good. Perhaps in another hour or two she could even confront the troubles of the world again?

Of course, it was right then that someone knocked on the Onsen's door; it was a rapid, hard sound that seemed to bring the world crashing back down on her.

"Ryoko, are you in there?"

Oh no, it's Tenchi, she gasped in shock. She had hoped turning off his alarm clock last night would have bought her some more free time before the inevitable happened.

Regaining her composure, she responded. "Go away!" There was harshness in her voice that left no doubt that she meant the words she spoke.

"Please Ryoko," Tenchi pleaded sincerely, "We really need to talk." When no response came he added, "I guess it's not really a matter of talking, much more than it is me apologizing for what I did last night. There really is no excuse."

"I'm naked and bathing, so go away!" She shouted back.

It was the perfect way out she reasoned. Tenchi would never come in here knowing full well she was both naked and cranky. By her calculations, which were nothing to sneeze at considering that she was the daughter of the greatest scientific genius in the universe, Tenchi should be slithering at this moment dejectedly back to sword practice with Yosho where he belonged.

To her shock and annoyance the door was knocked on again, albeit much softer and only one strike.

"In case you didn't get my drift, I said beat it Ten--" She yelled forcefully as she launched herself out of the water turning to directly face the door only to be met with the sight of the dark haired Jurain prince himself. "--chi." She finished.

The silence that followed was perhaps the most awkward and deafening than all other previous silences combined. So quiet that only the sound of birds chirping and water ebbing and flowing could be heard.

For his part, Tenchi only stared intensely directly into her golden eyes with a faint smile on his lips.

Ryoko's own eyes softened as she became entranced once more, the tenderness reflected in his eyes soothing her troubled spirits.

The moment would be short lived however.

"Nooo!" Ryoko cried despairingly. "Not again! Not again!" She chanted over and over. Collecting herself momentarily, she continued in an even but deadly seriously tone. "You went too far this time, Tenchi."

Never shifting his gaze away, he nodded to her knowingly. But what he did next really surprised her.

Slowly kneeling down, Tenchi bowed so that his back was completely parallel to the ground. He then proceeded to unfold his arms and spread them both out horizontally to the left and right respectively.

"Forgive me please, Ryoko. I have wronged you greater than I have anyone else in my life before. I have hurt you again emotionally and have taken advantage of the love and kindness you have always shown me. I know that I have not even begun to earn your forgiveness, or even your trust back, but I ask that you allow me to try."

Ryoko struggled to hold choke back the tears that were forming in her eyes. She was genuinely touched by this gesture, but she didn't want him groveling before her, at least not like this. His sincerity and more importantly his submissiveness toward her reassured some of her worst fears brought to surface last night, but it hadn't erased all of them, and certainly not his behavior.

The very wet former space pirate nimbly glided to the towel rack where she wrapped a clean white one snuggly around her buxom form.

"If you think I'm going to just forgive you just-like-that for what you did last night you have another thing coming to you buddy."

"I know."

Sighing deeply, Ryoko returned to the spot above the water she was hovering moments before. "Get up Tenchi."

The humbled young man obliged her accordingly.

"You pushed me."

"Yes, I did."

"You pushed me while I was holding *your* daughter."

"Yes."

"And you pushed me away while you were kissing me!"

He nodded solemnly.

"You kissed me! The first time I've ever been kissed and I get shoved away like a little rag doll!" She was breathing rapidly now as her breasts rose and fell faster and faster in an uneven rhythm.

"It was incredibly stupid and cowardly of me to do." The guilt and sadness on his face made no attempt to cover up the truth.

"You're damn right it was! And you know what sickens me the most about all of this? You used me, Tenchi! Not for personal gain, not to kill anyone, not to destroy anything, you used me to--"

"That's NOT true!" Tenchi interrupted suddenly with fire in his eyes. "I'm a foolish, indecisive and cowardly person, Ryoko. But I would never use you just to satisfy my raging hormones."

Ryoko only scoffed at that comment. "Hah! You really are dense, Tenchi. What you did had nothing to do with raging hormones, or your pent up physical 'passions.' What you did went way beyond any of that." Her voice was trembling with anger as the words rolled out of her tongue.

"What do you mean?"

"You really don't get it do you? You held me, Tenchi. Can't you see that?" Anger turned to despair. "You held me! You took me in your arms and let me embrace you back while I held your daughter! You caressed my very soul by doing that. Don't you remember it, they way we..." She paused and then shook her head for a moment. "No. You do understand that part. You may not admit it, but at least that much you do."

Tenchi was puzzled but remained silent. He knew he had hurt her badly, but he never realized how deep the pain ran.

"Tenchi. You love me. You love all of us. I know that. What kind of love that is.... well I guess that depends." She stopped not knowing how to complete that spoken thought. "You have to decide for yourself what you want in life."

He nodded in response.

"Can you feel it, Tenchi?" She asked in a pleading voice. "Change is coming. One way or the other, things cannot remain the same here forever. Something will happen and soon."

"I feel it as well." He sighed. "Ryoko, what I...what we...did last night I do not regret. Except for the, you know, very end." He spoke the last part very quickly and gave a halfhearted chuckle. Despite his changing appearance and gained experience, there were a few precious moments where his shy and awkward self came into full light once more. "I need you to know that."

And she could only smile at that. Crossing her arms over her toweled breasts, Ryoko laughed softly. Surprised at this sudden change of mood, Tenchi scratched the back of his head.

Her voice was almost hushed as she continued to stare directly into his chocolate-colored eyes. "You know there, for a moment last night, I thought you really did see me as a monster."

"You were never a monster, Ryoko." The First Crown Prince of Jurai meant every word of it.

Her smile broadened into a full grin highlighting her pair of sharp white canine teeth.

Smiling slyly, Tenchi added, "You might be one sexy demon, but a monster you are most definitely not."

The cyan haired woman hovering before him looked at him funny as though trying to remember something she had forgotten. Absently she pushed a wet strand of hair out of her face.

"You.... you heard all of that?!" She suddenly exclaimed with disbelief. "You just stood there spying on me while I talked to myself in the mirror?"

"Hey now, let's not forget that you were the one chasing me." He grinned.

"That's no excuse, buddy." Her mood was again serious.

Confused at yet another unpredicted mood swing, Tenchi became apprehensive. "Uh...Ryoko...I was only kidding."

"So you don't think I'm a sexy demon?" She inquired vengefully.

"I didn't say that, I meant that..." His words became jumbled in his own mouth as he tried in vain to regain his composure.

Flashing him a wicked grin, she phased out of sight. "I think you need to be taught a lesson, my Tenchi."

Tenchi's eyes darted around the room trying to figure out where the lithe pirate had vanished to. The attempt would be in vain as Ryoko swooped down in a blur of cyan hair and scooped the young prince up bringing him close to the onsen's dome ceiling. Joyously laughing, she looked into Tenchi's brown eyes one more time before dropping him.

Resigned to his fate, Tenchi never screamed or looked at all surprised. In fact, he grinned and even laughed out loud during the trip down before splashing into the warm water.

Continuing to laugh herself, Ryoko flew down to the water's surface to get a good look at Tenchi's face once he resurfaced.

After a moment or two Tenchi's face suddenly bobbed up. Sure enough, Ryoko got her look as each of them playfully looked into the other's eyes.
"You sir, are in violation of traditional Japanese bathing etiquette!" She stated in a mocking voice as she pointed to his now soaked clothes.

Tenchi gave her a knowing smile before grabbing her around the waist and pulling her into the water with him.

Coming up to the surface at the same time, with Tenchi once again not letting go of her waist, the two drew closer together while wading through the deep end of the onsen.

"It has been a while since you've been in here."

"Yes, it has been a while."

Indeed it had been several months since Tenchi had last journeyed into the luxurious bathing facilities. After surviving several rather unexpected incidents during past usages, Tenchi had decided that it would be more practical to shower in the regular men's bathroom.

"Hmmm." She purred curiously. "Aren't you supposed to be practicing with your grandfather right now?"

He grinned sheepishly. "I sort of took the day off."

She looked at him funny. "You're kidding me?"

"Nope." He answered truthfully. "The universe will survive Tenchi Masaki missing one day of practice."

"And he just let you?" She questioned referring to his grandfather.

"I didn't ask him." He stated matter-of-factly.

"Ohhhh Tenchi. You're soooo going to get it!" She giggled at him.

Inwardly he sighed, she was right of course. As were the other girls who he left staring wide eyed at him when he had made his unexpected announcement. His grandfather would not let him off easily for this missed training time.

"That doesn't matter." He replied confidently. "It was worth it."

"I'm glad." Ryoko sighed happily while she gently ran her hand down his face as Tenchi continued to embrace her tightly. Leaning even closer, Ryoko leaned her head against his forehead as they gently nuzzled noses once more.

"Tenchi, do you want to earn my trust back and forgiveness for last night?" She whispered softly.

"More than anything," he replied quitely.

"Replace last night's sour memory with a good one then." She responded dreamily. "You know what I mean."

He knew full well what she meant, and he didn't have to be asked a second time either.

Gently he titled his head to the side and pressed his lips against her's. This time it was Ryoko who intensified the kiss after a few lingering seconds while Tenchi pulled her even tighter against his muscular form.

But once more the fates conspired against them.

"Ahem." It was not an amused sound, or even an impartial sound. It was said in the very spirit of annoyance and impatience.

This time however, miracle of miracles, Tenchi did not push Ryoko away. The kiss ended a few moments later, and rather reluctantly by both participants, as both pulled away. Tenchi didn't need to turn around to know that his grandfather was the one standing at the doorway.

"Hello Grandfather."

The wrinkled face of Katsuhito Masaki regarded him indifferently. "I was asked by the others to come get you for lunch." He shifted his glare to Tenchi. "You missed practice today."

"I know, Sensei."

"I trust you have a good excuse then, boy? Or did I barge in on your excuse?" He asked with a tinge of mockery in his gravely voice.

"Yes, you did. But it's more complicated than that." He shot back confidently. "We can discuss it after lunch if you'd like."

"We will discuss it now." He evenly stated. "Ryoko, the food is no doubt getting cold. Let's go Tenchi and give this woman some privacy."

Nodding in defeat, he climbed out of the onsen and regarded his soaked clothes for a moment. "Let me run home and put on a dry set of clothes and I'll join you at your office, alright Grandfather?"

"Now Tenchi, not later." His grandfather's tone left no room open for discussion.

Glancing back one last time at Ryoko, he smiled and walked out the door. He never had the chance to hear what Ryoko said next.

"Thank you, my Tenchi." She sighed before sinking back into the Onsen.

* * *

The sound of squishy wet clothes echoed unceasingly as Katsuhito and Tenchi climbed the steps toward the shrine office. Overhead the sun glared down on upon them without remorse. It was a hot and humid, but the lush forest teemed with the other sounds of life.

Wordlessly they ascended the ancient steps, the tension between teacher and student unwavering. Tenchi had been in trouble with his grandfather before. He knew the routine, yet he couldn't stop feeling especially troubled.

After an eternity the two reached the top where they then proceeded directly to the training grounds, only pausing momentarily to let Katsuhito collect a couple of bokkens from his office.

Can't start practicing yet, haven't been chewed out yet, the young prince thought gloomily. Sure enough, he was right.

"You disappointed me today, Tenchi."

"I'm sorry for missing practice, Grandfather. Something came up that needed to be tended to." He offered his apology sincerely.

"There are no excuses, Tenchi." His reply was stern and was laced with harshness.

"After all that has happened, I now understand why you've trained and pushed me so hard. But one day will not bring about the end of the universe."

His grandfather glared him. "You understand nothing, boy."

Well, that much is true. But it's not entirely my fault either, old man. Tenchi thought sarcastically to himself. "I hurt Ryoko last night. I had to make amends, and skipping practice was a small price to pay in order to do it."

"If you had to skip practice every time you hurt one of the girl's feelings you would never get any time in," he replied smugly.

Tenchi sighed. This was getting him nowhere.

"I'm sorry Grandfather, I won't let it happen again."

"It had better not." He paused thoughtfully to look at the puffy white clouds that were rolling along the horizon. "Tomorrow you will have your chores done before sunrise. Then we will make up for what you have missed and have overlooked. Do not plan on returning home until the sun has set. I will make arrangements with Sasami to have our lunches prepared."

Tenchi groaned inwardly.

"We will repeat this exercise for the next two weeks, Tenchi. Or until I am satisfied you have properly learned from this experience."

"Two weeks?" Tenchi blurted out in shock.

"Perhaps even longer." He scratched his chin.

All this over one missed day of practice? Tenchi thought franticly. It has to be something more...

"This isn't about me missing practice today, is it Sensei?"

Katsuhito made no reply.

"This is really because I kissed Ryoko."

Katsuhito scolded him, "You shouldn't be toying so carelessly around with these girl's feelings, boy."

An idea suddenly sprung into Tenchi's mind as he pondered his grandfather's actions. He wanted to know something. "What makes you think that I'm toying around with them?"

"Kissing one of them and then coming home and pretending like nothing happened is irresponsible. You know better then that." The disgust and contempt was thick in his voice.

"Pretend it didn't happen?" Tenchi replied as though he were lost in thought. "I don't know what you mean, Grandfather."

"Until the day you choose to whom your heart belongs to, you can't string the rest of them along by using them like that." He turned his back toward Tenchi to gaze over the valley.

Tenchi paused to smile to himself. His plan was working, although the answers he could receive scared him. "But Grandfather, what makes you think that I haven't chosen Ryoko already?"

Katsuhito gasped and spun around only to see Tenchi smiling darkly before him. What his grandfather didn't say answered unspoken questions in volumes to him and confirmed Tenchi's darkest suspicions.

He doesn't want me with Ryoko. But why?

Composing himself from his grandson's obvious ruse, Katsuhito nodded sagely. "Enough talk. It's time to train."

Nodding smugly himself, Tenchi accepted the bokken and prepared himself mentally.

* * *

In a secluded clearing somewhere near the Masaki Shrine a breeze swept across the surrounding treetops. Two figures stood posed perfectly still as both of them stared at one another with the old wooden bokkens in a ready position. It was a daily ritual that had taken on new meaning after the events of the past hour.

Katsuhito took in a deep breath. "Ready Tenchi?"

"Hai." The single word was pronounced coolly with a sense of newfound determination.

Not waiting for his grandfather to attack, Tenchi sprang forward with a sudden burst of energy and jabbed his sword to his midsection. Easily parrying it, but surprised at the amount of energy behind the attack, Yosho sidestepped to the right. Tenchi immediately turned around with a grunt and slashed again at his chest.

Tenchi pressed his attacks relentlessly over the next several minutes. Katsuhito skillfully blocked each of them while remaining cool and calm throughout the exchange.

Switching to an offensive posture, Katsuhito rolled sideways while striking forward simultaneously. Tenchi turned sideways to avoid the surprise attack but then spun backwards while swiping at his grandfather's right leg.

Demonstrating his agility and strength beyond his age, Katsuhito back flipped to a safe distance from his younger opponent. "You're expending a lot of energy early on in the match. You should be more balanced in your attacks so that you do not tire out too quickly." He breathed heavily.

Sweat was now rolling off of Tenchi's brow, but he was far from spent. "Getting tired already, Grandfather?" He smiled at him.

Smirking at his grandson, Katsuhito charged liked lightening at his protégé. Adrenaline heightening his senses, Tenchi charged forward as well. When the two swords impacted against one another, it was comparable to two freight trains colliding head on.

Both bokkens cracked loudly and broke in two.

"Well, we seem to have a stalemate on our hands. Don't we, Tenchi?"

He was giving his grandson an easy out, something very uncharacteristically like him. Tenchi wasn't taking it.

Tenchi looked at the bright yellow sun directly overhead of them. He had never felt so energetic and empowered in his life before. While the reason behind this sudden change eluded him, he figured he might as well make the most of it while he could. "The sun won't be coming down for another good seven hours by my count."

With those words spoken, Tenchi shifted his right leg out into a wide front stance and arched his arms into a guarding position.

The sword match had changed and become a martial arts match instead.

Katsuhito acknowledged the turn of events and slid into a back stance while shifting his arms into an open knife hand guarding position.

Tenchi charged against and launched a lightening quick sidekick at him. Choosing to avoid the block, Katsuhito stepped to the side and threw a spinning right hand strike against Tenchi's back. It successfully connected and sent Tenchi spiraling to the ground with a loud thump.

Groaning at his misstep, Tenchi lurched back to his feet just in time to block a series of round kicks launched by his grandfather. Slowly he backed away while staring at the man who had trained him since before he could remember. There was a fire in his eyes that Yosho had never seen before.

As unexpectedly as the moment of silent reflection came, it vanished even quicker as Tenchi leaped higher into the air than any normal human being could ever dream of jumping. His downward kick missed, but it put him at more manageable distance from his foe where they resume their fight.

The match continued on in this manner for several more minutes as the blocks, kicks, steps and jumps increased in power. It was obvious each was drawing on their Jurai energy from the nature of this new sparring match. They were quite literally a blur of motion accompanied by the sound of battles cries and grunts.

As with all battles, eventually something must give way. This match was no exception to that rule as Katsuhito found himself knocked flat on the ground after Tenchi had surprised him with a powerful spinning crescent kick to the face.

Tenchi wasted no time in pinning his grandfather down as his hand hovered just above Katsuhito's neck. He had won, or more accurately would have won had he not been distracted by the sudden shadow that overlapped the entire clearing.

A massive Juraian treeship appeared silently overhead that appeared to be headed toward the lake. It was different in design than Ayeka's ship, or even the Emperor and Empresses' treeships. It was wider in design but still had the traditional long slenderness found in Jurian ships. The organic colors blended elegantly into the design and gave the craft a unique look.

When Tenchi regained his focus, he found himself staring into the tip of one of the bokken shards. His grandfather must have picked up and stashed it away while he wasn't looking.

Grinning at the fortunate shift in the tides of war, the old man gave a feeble grin. "A noble effort, Tenchi. But this match has come to a close."

Tenchi wouldn't argue the point. He knew he had won, and what grandfather had done was cheap and not entirely legitimate in any case. He had beaten him whether Katsuhito would admit it or not. A 19 year old from a backwater planet had successfully defeated a warrior with centuries of experience. The very idea boggled his mind, but he had done it!

"I'm going to see what this is about." Tenchi declared as he collected himself from the ground and dusted himself off. He was drenched in his own sweat, dirty and bruised but otherwise intact. The mere fact that neither of them had sustained any serious injury from the "practice" they had just taken part in was due solely to their otherworldly heritage.

Nodding to his grandson, Yosho dusted himself off as well. "I'll join you and the others in a while."

With that he turned on his heels and walked toward the shrine office without another word.

Tenchi meanwhile only grinned to himself. He had taken a beating, received a massive punishment, potentially alienated his friends, discovered some dark answers to the lingering questions in his mind and now he had a Jurian treeship floating next to his house.

None of that matter, however, because of what he was able to accomplish. He had made amends with Ryoko. He had unknowingly come to terms with her and their relationship in its current state. Perhaps most importantly, or ironically, he had unnerved his grandfather for the first time in his life. After observing him with Funaho, he knew it could be accomplished, but he never thought he of all people would be able to so unexpectedly.

Absently Tenchi noted that his lip was bleeding from the strange taste on his tongue. He paused for a moment sucking on the small wound until he was satisfied it was no longer bleeding as seriously. The taste was bitter but he swallowed his life's substance anyway in a poetic gesture to the unseen forces of the universe.

He threw his head back and laughed as he begun the journey back to he house.

* * *

The Jurian craft hovered several feet off the water's surface as two rows of solders stood neatly at attention with staff weapons held at their side ceremoniously. The girls meanwhile had gathered just outside of the house expecting the return of Tenchi.

Ryoko held Mayuka proactively against her as she pondered the arrival of this new Jurian presence. Sasami and Ayeka were curious but remained strangely reserved while Kiyone and Mihoshi hurriedly changed into their standard Galaxy Police uniforms. Mihoshi, as usual, was running a bit late as she worriedly tucked in her shirt and adjusted her gun holster. Washu, being true to her nature, regarded the craft indifferently.

It had been over a year since the last time a Jurian ship had visited the Maskai shrine. The last time one had visited it had brought with it an intense but brief hurricane of trouble and chaos.

Minutes later Tenchi finally arrived and walked directly toward the girls, completely ignoring the legion of guards positioned near the ship.

"They just arrived, Lord Tenchi." Ayeka smiled politely.

"Washu, did they announce they were coming?" Tenchi questioned.

A communications linkup between Washu's lab and Jurai had been established after the two Empresses had visited over a year ago in the case of an emergency and in theory to help expedite communication between the two groups of people.

The petite redheaded scientist shrugged in response. "No. My scanners picked them up once they entered the system but they didn't hail us at all before landing."

"Strange." Tenchi thought out loud while he rubbed his sore muscles. "Have they said why they're here?"

Ryoko spoke this time, her hair was still a bit damp from her extended time in the onsen. "They haven't spoken a word since deploying the troops. I think they're waiting for you Tenchi."

"Well I guess I'll just go and see what's up then," Tenchi said with a smile. "Shall we ladies?"

Each nodding in the affirmative, Tenchi lead the way toward the alien craft with the girls behind him. As they approached, the Jurian soldiers all simultaneously shifted position so that the staff weapons they carried were placed directly in center of them in a saluting position.

Tenchi continued to walk between the two rows of soldiers to what he discerned as the front of the ship. Immediately three figures phased into sight twenty yards a head of them. One obviously was royalty or a diplomat of sorts as he was clad in an obscenely elaborate set of colorful robes. The other appeared to be a high-ranking member of the military due to his decorated uniform, the captain of the space vessel Tenchi thought, while the last appeared to be a junior officer.

The Crown Prince of Jurai did not pause as he took in the appearance of the new Jurians. His bruised, soaked and sweaty appearance obviously made a quick impression judging by the odd look of their faces. Tenchi only chuckled to himself as he confidently strolled up to them.

"Good afternoon! My name is Tenchi Masaki. If I'm not mistaken, you're a long way from home." He cheerfully greeted them.

The robed Jurian stepped a head of his companions and bowed deeply to him. His long brown hair and sharp facial features made him look around 28 years of age, although Tenchi knew that Jurian's seldom looked their appearance.

"Prince Tenchi Jurai," he addressed him in a formal tone, "It is a great honor to finally meet you. The Empresses have told me so much about you. I am Ambassador Valenrik of House Sunder."

Cringing visibly at the substitution of his surname, Tenchi only nodded in response.

"I am here personally on behalf of Empress Funaho to deliver a message from her to you." He continued dryly.

"A message? Why didn't she just send it through Washu's communication link?" Tenchi asked a bit confused.

Valenrik's voice remained formal as he explained, "The Empress desired that it be given to you personally."

Deciding against pressing the issue, Tenchi shrugged indifferently. "Very well. What is the message then?"

The ambassador stiffened in response. "Shall we go someplace more...private...before relaying the Empress' communiqué?"

The young prince shook his head. "Here is just fine. What does she have to say?"

Sighing deeply, Ambassador Valenrik made a gesture with his left hand that brought the junior officer to his side instantly. He carried what looked like was a flattened plant pot. It was obviously organic with completely smooth corners and a highly polished oak finish in-between a silver edging.

The junior officer wasted no time in setting the contraption on the ground directly in front of the battered prince.

"My Prince, to activate the message simply touch the recorder with your hand."

Crouching down low, Tenchi looked at the funny device for a moment before placing his hand on top of it's smooth surface. The action had an immediate affect on it.

An unfamiliar female voice suddenly resonated from the smooth object as beams of light shot up from the top of it. "DNA pattern confirmed. Prince Tenchi Jurai. Accessing message. Please standby."

They had only a moment to wait before a life-sized holographic image of Funaho appeared in front of them. She wore the same elaborate robes that she had when he had first met her.

"Greetings Tenchi. I pray this message finds you well. I apologize for not being here to present you with this message personally, but unfortunately matters elsewhere required my immediate attention." Her voice remained soft and calm, completely unchanged from Tenchi's memory of her from over one year ago.

"You have just turned 19 years of age. It is no doubt an exciting time of your life, especially with so many girls around you. But you are also at a crossroads in your life where you will begin making some important decisions about your future."

Tenchi was confused about where this was going. The rest of the girls also had puzzled looks on their faces.

Funaho continued, "Because of your unique upbringing, the greater part of the universe has been a mystery hid behind a locked door for you."

She got that part right, Tenchi agreed to himself.

"As a result, we feel that now would be an appropriate time to show you your heritage and where your ancestors come from. We would like to invite you to come see the Empire and visit Jurai itself. I am sure your grandfather would be more than willing to excuse you from your shrine duties and other training obligations over the summer months to free up your schedule. If this is agreeable with you, I have instructed Ambasador Valenrik to take you to the outer part of the Sol system where you will rendezvous with my ship. From there we will journey to Port Kane where we will make a routine stop for supplies and then travel to Jurai itself."

An all expense paid trip to some of the galaxy's best hotspots, plus a free ticket out of my shrine duties and training. Not bad! Tenchi thought to himself. He completely missed seeing the saddened look on Ryoko's face before she teleported herself and Mayuka out of sight.

"Please consider our offer, Tenchi. The galaxy is a very big place and it's time you became acquainted with it. Please be take care and hopefully I shall see you soon."

The message concluded itself and deactivated the holoimage of Jurai's First Empress. The junior officer scrambled back to the recorder where he collected it and returned to his previous position.

"That's a very generous offer," Tenchi slowly started. "Ambassador Valenrik, thank you for coming all the way to deliver it to me. You and your men are free to enjoy the beautiful scenery here while I consider Empress Funaho's gracious offer. There is a small town about twenty kilometers away, should you choose to visit it we would appreciate it if you kept a low profile." Tenchi paused before continuing while he looked back at his family, "We value our privacy greatly here."

The look on Valenrik's face made no effort to hide his emotions. He was visibly shocked and confused by Tenchi's words. Nodding to the ambassador, Tenchi turned around and headed toward his father's house. He did not miss seeing the happy looks on Ayeka and Sasami's face as he passed them. The girls turned to follow him back inside before Valenrik interrupted them.

"Princesses, there was one final thing I failed to mention at first. Your mothers and friends sent along a few messages and goods along with me to give to you. They're available on the ship right now if you'd like to see them."

Sasami and Ayeka looked at each other briefly before turning to nod happily at the Ambassador.

"We'll see you soon, ok Tenchi?" Sasami asked.

"Sounds good, Sasami. See you in a little bit then." He turned briefly to smile and wave goodbye to them before continuing his trek back towards the house.

* * *

"Well that was certainly interesting." Tenchi declared as he entered the air-conditioned house. The dirt and sweat on him began drying instantly in the environment devoid of heat and humidity.

"Yes it was." Washu agreed.

Tenchi stepped over to the living room table where a pitcher of water and several glasses were seated. "Did you see the look on that guy's face at the end? It was like he was shocked, confused and horrified all at once! I wonder what was the matter."

Kiyone laughed out loud. "He's shocked because you didn't instantly agree to an offer handed to you by the second most powerful person in the galaxy. She's certainly the most powerful woman. Although you could debate that she is in fact the most powerful person if you buy into all those rumors about the royal family..."

Tenchi gulped down an entire glass of water before forgoing all manners to pick up the entire pitcher and drink directly from that. The other three girls only smiled at his obliviousness.

Regaining her serious composure, Kiyone sighed. "I do need to tell you something important, Tenchi. Right before they landed I received a Priority-1 transmission from the GP ordering us to escort the Ambassador's ship to the rendezvous point. Afterwards we are supposed to head to Port Kane for a 'routine evaluation' from our superiors."

"It does seem that this was highly orchestrated, doesn't it?"

Kiyone nodded and agreed.

I wonder why they just didn't send the transmissions to Washu's lab? Where they afraid she'd tamper with or alter them? Tenchi studied the unusually subdued scientist as he took another sip of water. She didn't know about the ship arriving, but she does know something about it. I wonder...

His thought was cutoff as Washu spoke. "So what are you going to do, Tenchi?"

Tenchi smiled. "It should be obvious to the universe's great scientific genius."

Washu looked confused as Tenchi laughed out loud. Unnerving my grandfather and stumping Washu, what a day!

The bruised prince walked to the stairs before continuing, "It's simple Washu. I'm going to go take a shower!"

With a final chuckle Tenchi climbed the stairs and entered the bathroom. It would be the longest shower of his life as he contemplated the day's events, and the day wasn't even close to over yet.

* * *

Looking back it was much too soon. We were happy, damn it. To say we had survived a lot while we'd been together was an understatement. It just wasn't fair at all.

I know, I know. The universe isn't a fair place. Everyday I'm constantly reminded of it, but that doesn't make things any easier for me. It's no way to justify or explain away something.

Ryoko had been right all along. The winds of change had arrived along with the Ambassador's ship, much sooner than either of us expected.

The events that followed would change our lives forever and ultimately tear our family apart…

To be continued...

Author's notes: Awwww, it looks like Tenchi's growing a backbone at last. I wonder if it'll last? It does appear that he's gaining better control of his Jurai power...