The author does not own Tenchi Muyo! or any characters related to the Tenchi franchise. This story is meant for recreational purposes only.
--
What shapes us into the people we eventually become?
What drives us to maintain that expectation we have created?
What happens when we fail to maintain it?
Do we always end up hurting the ones who love us?
What makes us turn away those who _wish_ to love us?
--
Kochira Koso
A Tenchi Muyo Fan Fiction by Sebayn
"Episode 3: Tainted Masks"
"It is equally offensive to speed a guest who would like to stay and to detain one who is anxious to leave." - Homer, the Odyssey
Crystal blue water gleamed brightly as it spiraled endlessly downward then parted at the base creating a small moat surrounding the elegantly decorated room. The soft rhythms of clear liquid cascading and gushing along played tranquility in a never-ending crescendo. Exotic absinthe-colored foliage hung neatly trimmed from the ceilings giving a distinguished look that was undeniably Jurian.
At the center of the room stood Ayeka Jurai posed gracefully in her traditional kimono colored in regal shades of lavender. Her crimson eyes sparkled with unspoken curiosity and excitement. The unexpected chance that she could return to Jurai with her beloved encompassed her every thought.
The arrival of Ambassador Valenrik had been sudden, but not altogether unexpected. She and her sister were running out of time here on their extended Earth vacation. Another life awaited them back on Jurai that they had neglected for far too long. Shirking off their royal duties and obligations could not continue indefinitely as Ayeka well knew. She would miss this remote planet, but deep in her heart she knew that this simple yet strangely rewarding existence would always be waiting here for her and her family.
But something seemed off, not entirely right, and the First Princess of Jurai knew it.
She idly closed her eyes and began focusing intensely while gently touching each side of her organic tiara with both her index and middle fingers. Without speaking a word, her mind communicated with the space tree that powered the ship. Instantly she was recognized by the royal blood coarsing through her veins and granted access to everything the core tree deemed suitible for the Princess.
Ayeka scanned the tree's databanks for a moment before finding what she had come for. "Play message." she commanded enthusiastically.
Identical pillars of organic space wood jetted upward until they stood parallel to the front of the waterfall while the florescent lights dimmed slightly.
The same sterile female voice that had addressed Tenchi when he activated his message moments earlier spoke again, "Please stand by."
A puzzled look appeared on Ayeka's face as she waited patiently for the message to be played. What could be taking so long? The database surely could not have been corrupted... she pondered to herself. Normally the process was instantaneous on a space tree.
The computerized voice suddenly interupted her thoughts, "Communication link established."
Communication link? Ayeka thought looking even more puzzled. With whom? The Ambassador told me it was prerecorded! Who in Tsunami's name have I contacted?
The vertical space in-between the two pillars cackled brightly with energy for a moment before forming a translucent communication screen. To Ayeka's mild surprise, the First Empress of Jurai stared back at her with a bemused smile perched on her face.
Compared to the message relayed to Tenchi earlier, she was dressed rather informally.
Gone where the magnificent flowing robes that symbolized the prestige and power the Royal Family processed. Instead, her smooth pale skin lay exposed in all it's natural glory. She was clad in a outfit that to the untrained eye only consisted of a sheer white piece of silk cloth tightly wrapped around her bosoms with one strap over her right shoulder and another angled around her taut stomach that extended below to wrap around her waist completing the one piece ensemble.
The edge of the exotic raiment was embroidered with traditional Juraian runes that stretched around and hugged the upper part of her curvaceous body that was otherwise unseen when in full formal garb. It was sensually elegant in both design and appearance without taking the appearance of being gaudy. Truly fit for the first wife of the Emperor of the Juraian Star Empire.
Ayeka smirked and giggled slightly. "Hello Aunt Funaho. My aren't we dressing appropriately today?"
Funaho only smiled as she curled her slender legs around into a kneeling position. It was obvious from the slightly crumpled sheets that she had just climbed out of bed.
A flash of concern crept into Ayeka's face as her mind continued to make sense of this situation. "Aunt Funaho, did I wake you?"
The First Empress was undeniably the master at masking and controlling her emotions from others behind a calm and composed exterior face. It was an expertise often required for her duties as Supreme Intelligence Commander and First Empress; diplomatic and covert efforts as always were fickle at best. Her son Yosho was also chiefly talented in this ability, but mother reigned supreme.
Funaho's nose twitched slightly before she yawned loudly. The purple-haired woman giggled again as she continued to watch her father's first combat the obvious signs of fatigue.
It was rare when members of the Royal Family or Nobles let down their guard and acted as normal people do, and only doing so in the presence of other family and close friends. The two Princesses and their mothers shared a special bond that not many in Jurai's elite society shared. When the rigors of the day's activities were at an end, the four had often shared tender moments together relaxing as only mothers and daughters could.
Ayeka had missed moments like these. She had always admired Funaho's gracefulness and intelligence, even more so considering her roots. She had a connection with Funaho that ran just as deep as with her biological mother Misaki. They were all family and they loved each other dearly.
"Hello Ayeka." Funaho said with a lighthearted laugh when she had at last composed herself. "It has been a while, hasn't it?"
Ayeka nodded in agreement. "You didn't stay very long when you last visited us."
"Misaki and I were originally going to come back a few months later," she sighed almost wistfully, "but other things kept appearing that required our attention."
"Never a dull moment." Ayeka smiled dryly.
All member of the Royal Family are taught early on in life your time is seldom your own. The duties and demanding obligation that accompany the throne of Jurai are plentiful and great, as well as often unexpected and sudden.
"You are probably curious as to why I felt the need to contact you in this fashion?" Funaho asked knowingly.
"It can't be good, can it Funaho?" Ayeka sighed sadly.
The bittersweet look on the Empress' face removed all doubt for better or worse. "I'm afraid it's Jorandan."
Ayeka shuddered at the mere mention of the High Priest's name. "What do you mean, Funaho? What has he done this time?"
Funaho's gaze never wavered. "It started over a year ago, Ayeka, when the Galaxy Police passed along Mihoshi's report. It was really the cataclysm."
Ayeka folded her arms over her chest worriedly.
"When your father announced so long ago that he would be taking me as his first wife, an outsider from a distant and primitive colony, it angered many powerful people. You're of course familiar with the great effort led by Jorandan to overturn your father's decree that allows all Jurians to marry people of different origin. While it narrowly failed, it did not impede his anger over the decision. It is no surprise that time has not caused his anger to fade as well."
Ayeka sadly nodded her head, the excitement over Funaho's invitations to Tenchi that had brightened her face minutes ago was completely drained. "He's going after Tenchi now, isn't he?"
"A great many in the Council are concerned with the events here on Earth," she continued calmly, "particularly with the unique living arrangements. As head of the Council, Jornadan 'feels' especially concerned."
"Living arrangements?" Ayeka repeated.
"It actually caused a mild hysteria in the inner chambers of the Council that lasted over a week. We couldn't get anything done at all." Funaho chuckled with a faint smile on her lips.
Ayeka's lips curled briefly in appreciation for her efforts to soften the mood.
Funaho's smile vanished as she shifted on top of her bed slightly. "Ayeka, you know the true nature of the Great Council of Jurai. Politics combined with religion has always been a dangerous mix. The absence of Tsunami's tree has heightened the already cautious nature of most fundamentalist and clerics who are seated on the Council. The passage of time has brought many past issues back into the foray."
"Including Father's decree?"
"Among others I'm afraid. The desire to preserve and contain the Jurai Power has been a focal point over the last several months. The knowledge that a certain former Crown Prince of Jurai has sired offspring in a remote part of the galaxy disturbed many of them to say the least."
Ayeka gasped. "But Tenchi is the most powerful Jurain the Empire has ever seen! It would never had happened if Yosho had..." She stopped unexpectedly and slowly began to kneel down upon the hard wooden floor. "Tenchi would never have been born if Yosho hadn't married an Earth woman."
"In this instance, Ayeka, it's not about power than it is control. The fact Tenchi is as powerful as he is proves the worth of Azusa's original decree. It scares them because they are afraid Tenchi might abandon Jurai and continue the cycle started by his grandfather."
Ayeka turned to look idly at the flowing stream of water beside her. Tenchi would never have born if Yosho had not stayed on Jurai...does that mean... Confusion suddenly gave way to understanding as she finally grasped the final piece missing in the puzzle.
"Tenchi. You expected him, which is why Father made the decree in the first place! I mean, you knew that if Yosho married someone not of Jurai--"
The Empress' eyes narrowed as she studied Ayeka's distressed face.
"Yes." She said at last. "His coming was prophesized to the Royal Family itself thousands of years ago by Tsunami herself." Funaho finished for the confused princess. "It has been the family's most carefully guarded secret. Only a few have been entrusted with it, Ayeka, including the order's highest ranking cleric. For the time being, it is one secret that we must continue to keep."
"The man who can generate Light Hawk Wings. There has to be more to this prophecy that just that!"
Funaho took a deep breath. "Much more Ayeka."
"Tell me, please Funaho. What is this all about?" She said while slowly getting to her feet.
"I will, you have my word. But not here, even if the communications link is secured."
Ayeka's gentle face became contorted with worry and fear. She did not like being in the dark on such obviously important matters that regard her, her friends and family. Whatever the threat may be, Ayeka thought, we shall face it together as a family. The worried look on her face changed and became on of grim determination.
"I understand. What shall I do in the meantime then?"
Ayeka's determination was not lost on Funaho as she silently slid off her bed. "Nudge Tenchi in the right direction. Everything hinges on him accepting my offer to show him Jurai. It's absolutely critical that he comes, Ayeka."
"I will then. But I doubt that he would decline your invitation anyway."
Funaho's face softened. "Nothing is simple for Tenchi. Every choice right now in his life is more complex and challenging than we can both imagine. Understand this, Ayeka, for it will help you considerably in your personal pursuits."
Ayeka nodded quietly as she took in her words. Nothing is as ever simple as it appears, she thought not fully grasping what Funaho's real meaning was, but I will do everything I can to help make Tenchi see the truth and take the right path.
"You can trust Ambassador Valenrik. House Sunder has long been loyal to the Royal Family. Trust him, but be wary and cautious all the same. Jorandan would never be so foolish as to try something so blatantly aggressive at this point in time, but it's best to be on our toes."
"Understood." Funaho was keeping something important from her again, Ayeka could tell it by the uncertainty in her voice.
"Sasami will no doubt pass along a few messages from some of your friends back at home. You've both have been greatly missed over these past many years."
"I've missed everyone as well, it would be good to be home and see them again."
"Hopefully I will be seeing you soon. We will be arriving at the outer edge of Sol to rendezvous with Valrenk within two Earth days. Take care and be careful until then, Princess."
"Always. Tsunami be with you, Empress." The graceful Princess bowed deeply before the sparsely clothed Empress.
Ayeka was left pondering her unexpected conversation with her father's first wife as the the translucent view screen flickered and vanished into the nothingness it came from. The twin pillars rumbled quietly as they began descending back into the wooden floor.
Tsunami be with you... The words for some reason echoed over and over in her mind. It was such a meaningful and important salutation in her society, but after the events of the past year they didn't mesh the way they once did. Continuing to kneel on the smooth floor, Ayeka slumped her shoulders and sighed heavily as she reexamined the events that had transpired thus far today.
Time became blurred as she gazed upward toward the sparkling waterfall. The organic lights brightly illuminated the streaming liquid as it fell downward and collided endlessly in the pool only feet away from the depressed princess. As endless as the cycle was, it was nothing compared to the one daunting thought that kept pounding away inside of Ayeka's embattered mind.
Change.
* * *
Sasami Jurai was the very epitome of a young girl as she nimbly traversed the never-ending corridors of the ship. Everything the young girl gazed at seemed to be magical or process some enchanted quality hidden to other eyes.
It was possible they very well did.
The crew and officers seemed somewhat distraught yet at the same time bemused by the sight of the eight-year-old girl skipping down the hallways. As a diplomatic ship, the crew was accustomed to different cultures and ways, but the sight of their Second Crown Princess running along barefoot in only a pair of cutout jean shorts and a loose pink t-shirt was something new.
The aqua tressed princess noticed both the cheerful smiles and questioning gazes she was met with but paid all of them no heed as she journeyed deeper in to the ship.
She had just spent the last hour viewing messages from family and friends a like. Granted she hadn't actually remembered who they all were exactly, but it was the thought that counted. The little girl had much to tell her older sister.
Finding her sister proved no trouble at all thanks to her link with the ship's tree. She was now being guided to her sister telepathically by the tree itself. All members of the Royal Family shared a special link to Jurai's Trees, however her connection went far deeper than anyone could even begin to fathom.
Arriving at last at a large circular doorframe, Sasami skidded to a stop as she looked at the carvings masterfully etched from the Jurian wood. The young girl knew from the distinct features that the room that lay beyond was special and reserved solely for those of royal blood. Each Jurian treeship in the fleet had one of varying sizes in cases of emergency and for unexpected royal visits.
Gradually she extended her arm forward and pressed her open palm gently on the door's surface. A loud whooshing noise greeted her as the circular frame slid open revealing the still form of her elder sister.
"Hi Ayeka!" Sasami squealed excitedly.
The lavender haired woman surprised at the sudden arrival responded slowly. "Hello Sasami."
Sasami's happy expression vanished. "Is something wrong, sister?" Now that she thought about it, it was strange that the two were given separate rooms to play the messages saved for them.
"Nothing at all. Everything's just fine of course." Ayeka replied with a loving smile. There will always be a need to wear one mask or another, she thought darkly.
A smile appeared once more on the young Princess' face. "Oh...so how were your messages? I just got done listening to mine! It was really great to hear from mommy and all the others back on Jurai."
"Just fine, thank you. What were yours like?" Ayeka's voice contained a great deal of curiosity and a twinge of hidden jealously to it.
"Oh mostly it was just mommy saying how much she missed us and how much she was looking forward to seeing us back on Jurai when we visit. There were a bunch of other kids too who said a lot of nice things about missing me too, but I don't know who they are..." She trailed off for a moment. "I don't think I ever met any of them, have I Ayeka?"
"Ah, I don't know to be honest." Ayeka thoughtfully acknowledged. "We have been gone a very long time after all."
Sasami tilted her head thoughtfully. "Well I guess we'll just have to go meet them when we get back to Jurai, huh sister?"
Ayeka smiled. "We a lot to catch up on over the last 700 years. That sounds like a good place to start."
Acqua pigtails bobbed up and down suddenly as Sasami grabbed her sister's hand and pulled her down the hallway. Smiling all the while, the elder princess walked across the threshold as the doors swooshed closed behind her.
"And just think about Tenchi, he doesn't know anyone at all except for Mommy, Funaho and Daddy. I bet a lot of people will want to meet him too!"
Ayeka sighed while taking in Sasami's naive but painfully obvious predictions. This excursion should have been a happy time for everyone and now it all seemed so...so tainted! There would always be fanatical members of the council, this was a fact and a constant for all members of the Royal Family and their allies, but Ayeka couldn't help but feel Lord Jorandan was somehow the least of Tenchi's problems...
"Indeed they will Sasami."
* * *
The old brown rag contorted and twisted as pair of veiny wrinkled hands rung the water out as shadows danced and played about the darkened room. The shutters had been drawn and the ancient kanji-inscribed paper blinds were pulled down separating the isolated Shrine Office from the bright rays of sun from outside. A simple ceramic water basin was placed to the side of the small bedroom table that lay adjacent to a humble futon.
Kneeling beside the basin Katsuhito Maskai gingerly dabbed his blood stained forehead with the damp rag. Dark indicolite bruises were already beginning to form on his leathery skin's surface. For the first time in the nineteen years that he had trained with his grandson he had been the one to walk away with the bumps on the head. Although three hours had elapsed since the duel's end sweat mixed with dirt and dust still lingered on his face and body.
It was then that the doors to the gloomy-lit office slid open with a barely audible clunk and then were closed just as quickly as they were opened.
The elder shrine keeper paid no attention to the unwelcome disturbance as he continued to slowly tend to his wounds. Padded footsteps echoed in the sparely decorated outer room as the intruder slowly moved toward his open room.
"If I didn't know any better I would say that you are sulking."
Katsuhito stopped dabbing his wounds to rinse out the rag in the water basin. "It is fortunate then that you are not like the rest of this world, and the rest of the Universe for that matter I should add, to make such a flagrant assumption so hastily."
"It's been a while, Yosho."
"So what if it has?" he replied indifferently.
"Is that any way to talk to an old friend? Oh, and I love that disguise by the way. Very becoming on you." His voice carried a mock-hurt tone but a friendly and light hearted one at the same time.
"What do you want Valenrik?"
"You are sulking, aren't you?" He chuckled.
Yosho dropped the rag into the ceramic basin with a small splash and lurched to his feet wincing inwardly from the pain he felt in his left calf. Now face to face with his unwelcome guest, the contrast between the vibrant ambassador and the battered old priest was more apparent than ever.
"That's cut looks like it hurts. Where did you get it?" Valenrik asked concerned.
Yosho narrowed his eyes slightly. "One of many surprises I received this morning courtesy of my own grandson."
"It sounds painful."
"Yes, something like that." Yosho muttered while gesturing his guest back to the more suitable outer room of the shrine office. "Have a seat. I'd offer you tea but I'm not in any mood to make it for you I'm afraid."
"That's fair enough." Valenrik replied coolly while kneeling down in front of a rustic old traditional Japanese table. Japanese culture was of course similar to Juraian for a variety of obvious reasons, however the ambassador could never fathom why they insisted on building everything so low to the ground.
Regaining some of his lost composure but still visibly annoyed and frustrated, Yosho pressed his previous question. "Why are _you_ here?"
"Can't an old friend stop by and visit every millennium or so? Really Yosho, I'm quite hurt." Valenrik replied sarcastically. "Besides, you never come to the class reunions." He laughed, "In fact, we just had our 745th Galactic Acadamy Reunion not two months ago. Everyone knows you're still alive even though media reports say otherwise and not to mention the growth in popularity of the 'Lost Prince' legend. Anyone who has ever met you, let alone spent time with you, knows this." Taking a deep breath of air Valenrik let out a heavy sigh. "One would almost get the feeling you're trying to avoid the rest of the galaxy."
"Where is my mother?" The Shinto Priest asked evenly.
Sighing again Valenrik paused to wipe something from his eye. "Currently on route to the outer edges of the Sol system. We are to rendezvous with her in less than thirty six hours."
Yosho's mood grew darker with this new revelation. "Why hasn't she contacted me in the last five months?"
Valenrik hesitated for a moment as he adjusted his suddenly uncomfortable robes. "She hasn't been in contact with anyone for the last three months."
"Three months. The Inspector General of Information does not randomly disappear off the face of the galaxy for three months." Yosho stated darkly.
The Ambassador nodded his head. "She left very suddenly and unexpectedly considering the recent tensions in the Council. No one has any clue as to where she's been since. No one, Yosho, believe me if there was *any* information I would know it by now."
"And the rumors?"
"There's always rumors of course. The Royal Palace hasn't been the same she she left, especially with the trouble the High Council has been brewing as of late. Gossip is everywhere, and that's not even a fraction compared to the galactic media reports out there...people have said there had been a breakdown in her relationship with Azusa, or perhaps a planned vacation on some remote world, a secret diplomatic mission in the neither regions, or even exploring the Outer Rim. "
"Which brings us back to my original question. Why are you here?" Yosho asked sterner than before.
Valenrik turned away to stare at the small bookshelf a few feet away as a silence fell over the room. The strong wind raced through the forest outside while indoors the two men were completed shielded from its effects. The room was hot and humid being devoid of any modern air conditioning; sweat was now pouring off of both men equally.
"Empress Funaho contacted me roughly two and a half weeks ago." Valenrik broke the silence. "Me Personally."
Yosho shifted his body to a more comfortable position. "Go on."
"She ordered me to divert from our current trade negotiations Polaris IV and head to Earth immediately to pickup Crown Prince Tenchi and Princesses Ayeka and Sasami respectively. What is important to note, however, is this mission is being conducted under the Gemini Omega protocols until the rendezvous with the Empress herself."
"Gemini Omega? The rest of the fleet and even the council doesn't know you're here." This fact disturbed Yosho more than he showed outwardly. Gemini Omega was one of the most rarely used protocols in the Fleet and reserved almost exclusively for what the GXP commonly referred to as "Black Ops." In essence, it effectively removes a specific Space Tree from the rest of the organic Juraian fleet network so that it's movement could not be traced or communicated by anyone in the military or above the military. It also prevented the ship from recording it's records and mission logs enabling the ship to do whatever those above deemed necessary to do in secret. It was so sensitive of an ability that it required the authorization from either three members of the Royal Family or five members of the Juraian High Council.
"Precisely. This is the first time I've ever commanded a ship under these circumstances." He said matter-of-factly. "I can't understand the reasons, for she didn't provide me with any. Only the mission and the authorization were given to me. But Funaho wouldn't have--"
Yosho interrupted suddenly. "Yes I know. She would not have sought such measures unless she deemed it absolutely necessary."
"She left two encrypted sets of messages for each of the princesses. They should be just about done going over them if I'm not mistaken." Valenrik face turned dark as he stared at the person before him. "You look old Yosho."
"I feel old." Yosho quietly admitted.
The brown haired man shook his seriously. "This isn't you."
"But I want it to be. Doesn't presume to judge my life or know the cycles I've gone through since arriving this planet."
Valenrik stared intensely at the tired, defeated old man before him. "I never understood you, Yosho."
"That's none of my concern." He replied with no hesitation.
Valenrik's face became clouded with anger. "Did any of us mean anything to you back then? Was it all for show?"
"What does it matter now?"
The sour look on the brown haired Ambassador's face continued to grow. Getting to his feet, he bowed deeply to his reluctant host and walked gently to the door collecting his shoes on the way.
"There was one more thing that Funaho wanted me to do."
The aging shrine keeper looked up in interest from across the room where he was kneeling. Valenrik slid open the thin door and stepped in between the doorframe itself before turning his face to look at his old friend one last time.
"She said to give you this message..." he trailed off for a moment before resuming the message he had gone over in his mind countless times over the last several days. "She said to tell you...to tell you..." he nervously hesitated again. "It has begun."
Shivers ran up the Ambassador's spine as he continued to stare at the lost prince. He had seen Yosho conquer countless opponents in sparing matches, competitions and battles of all sorts both intellectually and physically. His confidence and cool under fire were legends of their own, after all this was the same so-called halfling Prince of Jurai that had taken on the most formidable members of the High Council and come out unscathed only to give up the thrown a year later.
By Tsunami's holy fury, Valenrik thought, what the hell have I got myself in to? With one last haunting glance, Valenrik closed the door and slowly began walking back to his ship with the face of an ancient Yosho Jurai forever burned into his mind.
A face that when told the final message had instantly drained of all color, of all emotion and of all visible signs of life.
* * *
"It isn't fair!" Ryoko quietly cried in despair as she curled herself up into a fetal position. Tears freely splattered and dropped down onto her cadmium-colored skirt leaving a moist impression on the fabric's surface. Rays of sunshine flooded every corner of the kitchen engulfing everything in an bright coat of white light.
The former space pirate knew that Kiyone and Mihoshi had just boarded the Juraian ship to confer with the ship's captain about the details concerning their escort plans. Ayeka and Sasami had been on the ship for sometime now while Tenchi was still upstairs cleaning up, presumably still lost in his own thoughts. She had originally wanted to take the small infant to some place more open yet secluded at the same time. The presence of Juraian troops had put a considerable damper on any outdoor plans still lingering in her mind so instead she had put her down for a nap.
"It just not fair!" she sobbed again as hugged herself tightly.
"Don't be sad, Little Ryoko." Washu cheerfully said, suddenly appeared directly by her estranged daughter's side.
Amber eyes flashed with sudden anger as they began to vainly blink back the tears that have been shed. "Sad? Why the hell shouldn't I be sad?" Ryoko all but shouted with a small sniffle. "They're here, they've come to finally take him away! Don't you get it?" Ryoko was visibly shocked from the arrival of the Ambassador's ship and Funaho's invitation to Tenchi, her entire body was visibly trembling inexplicitly.
Washu placed her hands on her hips and let out a slow exasperated sigh. "Hardly. What makes you so sure they're here to drag Tenchi away?"
Ryoko took a few deep breaths and partially composed herself before opening her eyes once more to gaze upon the person who would have her call her mother. "It isn't any of your business." She replied between clenched teeth. "And it's not like it isn't completely _obvious_ to everyone else in the galaxy!"
"Is that so? Then please do enlighten me about all the wonderfully _obvious_ things that I've missed." Washu nasally cackled.
Ryoko reclined her back into a more comfortable position against the tiled wall and paused to push a strand of cyan hair out of her face.
"Tenchi's a prince."
Washu coughed. "Not just any prince, but the first crown prince of Jurai." she corrected.
A husky growl escaped Ryoko's throat. "You see?"
The petite scientist could only smile as she shook her head. "Tenchi's made it pretty darn' clear that he isn't interested in Juraian politics." Deciding she no longer wished to stand, she hopped a few steps toward the kitchen counter and plopped herself down on top of it.
"He's the unknown heir to the most powerful empire the galaxy's ever known. He's never even seen it, I mean really seen it. Tenchi's hasn't even been to another planet!"
"Hmm he doesn't get out much, does he?"
"They'll show him new worlds and take him to exotic places. He's going to meet so many new people. Different people from all over the galaxy; nobles, leaders, other legendary warriors, revered painters and artists, dazzling architects and the list goes on. But most importantly, he will truly discover the other half of the family tree he never knew exited until she arrived and then, Washu, he'll finally figure out who he really is and what it means." Ryoko's voice suddenly became much quieter. "Then he'll see how boring this planet really is."
"You think Earth is boring?" Washu asked while she absently noticed her head was still throbbing slightly from a small headache she had been nursing since breakfast.
"No--" Ryoko almost stuttered. "Of course not. But it's just a drop in the pool..."
"Why not just take Tenchi for a spin around the cosmos yourself then if you think he's so interested?"
Ryoko scoffed. "You know damn well that even though the statute of limitations has expired, the moment I leave this system I have to run again. Most of the bounties on my head are probably still around, hell there's probably more of them now than there was before I was sealed in that cave. Every wannabe and hardcore bounty hunter in the galaxy would be trailing me and giving me nothing but grief. Most Juraians wouldn't waste a second thought if presented with the chance to finally 'conclude' the Kagato Chronicles in their oh-so-noble history books. Everywhere I go I will be hated and hunted."
"Phhhtt. Like they could catch you."
"So? What kind of life would that be to share with someone else? Always on the run, always looking behind your back. That's not true freedom."
Washu tilted her head to gaze outside the window for a moment while considering Ryoko's words. It was true for the most part, in fact not only were most of the bounties still in effect but many had actually increased the rewards they offered according to her reports. Revenge and misguided justice were a profitable business on any side of the galaxy. But as always Ryoko is ignoring the simple solutions and giving up on battles she has no right to back away from so easily, Washu chuckled to herself.
"Oh don't worry yourself over that incy-wincy-bitty problem, sweetie." Washu turned back to face Ryoko and gave her one of her trademark mischievous grins. "Mommy will take care of it all for you."
Ryoko looked at her suspiciously. "How?"
Washu's smile only became wider at this remark. "It should be extremely _obvious_ to even the most simplest minds."
Choosing to brush the last comment off, Ryoko began levitating herself off the kitchen floor as she placed her head in her hands.. "Even then, it's not like Tenchi would agree to go with me or anything...yet."
"Ryoko, this isn't about Tenchi being shown around the galaxy first class, isn't it?"
Ryoko shrugged uncommittedly as she uttered a single name. "Funaho."
"She is up to something, I'll grant you that." Washu nodded sagely.
"But what? I mean she's not like most of those snobbish stick figures in robes. And I don't hate her or anything...but she's--"
"Not being upfront with her true intentions." Washu finished for her.
"Yes." The 'older' looking woman quietly agreed. "I can't stand that. I mean, what's the big deal anyway? If you want something, take it. You want to do something, then just _do_ it! But why can't people just be clear and say it out loud?"
"You're certainly one to talk." Washu giggled. "As if you've never tried anything sneaky before when it came to Tenchi."
Ryoko scoffed. "So? I've never wrapped my true goals around in a three inch thick black cloak."
Washu couldn't help but smile at her daughter's own brand of unique logic. "It still might be kind of fun to get out and do something together as a family."
"Wow your right!" Ryoko voice dripped with sarcasm. "Two crown princess of Jurai, a demon baby with Jurian and Terran blood, two low ranking Galaxy Police officers, a simple country boy with amazing hidden powers, a perverted architect, a Shinto priest, a redheaded freak and a space pirate who has massacred countless people under the command of a psychopath. We could travel across the universe together solving mysteries wherever we go!" Ryoko let out a indignant laugh. "Suuure, it could happen if we were all fugitives running from the law." The lithe woman considered this bizarre thought for a moment. "And the odds of that happening is about as likely as Tenchi leaving home to attend another school just to get away from us."
Red spikes of hair tussled lightly against one another as Washu jumped off of the counter. Her whole demeanor became darker for the first time as she clenched her fists. "Unfortunately that that's true enough. All of them would get in a certain degree of trouble if the wrong people caught us. If I could invent something that would cure this damned galaxy from the insufferable pride and hatred inbreed by those elitist bastards I---"
"We are who we are. At least we'll always have Earth no matter what happens. We could try it sometime I guess, we'd have to keep a low profile and use different names..." Ryoko put her index finger to her lips and giggled. "Ayeka would have to buy a new wig."
"Not to mention we'd have to encase Mihoshi in mendintine alloy to keep her from causing an accident on the galactic level." Washu wryly added.
Both women openly laughed as the mood lightened considerably. The ethereal sounds of the porch chimes floated into the room giving both women pause to bask in the intoxicating sunlight that poured through the windows.
"But really, Ryoko, don't worry about it. Any of it. Not about Tenchi being brainwashed into wanting to hop into the wonderful world of those elitist bastards. Not about being trapped on Earth without risking your sanity. None of it, you hear me?"
Ryoko took a deep breath of air and nodded confidently.
"That's my girl." Washu beamed.
"And..thanks Washu." Ryoko sheepishly acknowledged.
Walking to the kitchen door, Washu smiled brightly at the unexpected display of gratitude from her daughter. "Anytime, and if you ever need to talk you know where--"
The air where Ryoko had been hovering shimmered briefly as she teleported out of sight.
That girl, Washu happily thought, what am I going to do with-- A sudden lance of pain ripped through her head giving her a rather unexpected startle. "Ouch!" she winced as she instinctively raised her right hand to touch her throbbing head. Guess it must be all those extra strength "Stay Awake" pills I've been chugging lately, Washu concluded as she waddled off to find her equally potent brand of Washu-enhanced advil.
* * *
Kiyone Makibi kicked the ground in frustration sending a cloud of brown dust and gravel in all directions. The meeting with their Jurian liaison officer had past quickly and efficiently, a small miracle Kiyone appreciated. The problem was now breaking the true reasons for this escort mission to her partner. Adjusting her white tank top, Kiyone shouted to Mihoshi who was still lagging behind at the mailbox.
"C'mon Mihoshi! Would you hurry up already and get a move on it already?"
Thirty yards away at the spot where many a many a mailman had met an unexpected end to their postal careers, Mihoshi Kuramitsu leaned against the fence while absorbing the view of the diplomatic ship and half a dozen Jurian troops that were scattered across the lakeside. Briefly she turned her head to look at her teal tressed partner before giving the lake a last glance and walking toward her fellow Galaxy Police officer without muttering a word.
"So," Kiyone began once Mihoshi was walking by her side, "what do you think of the mission specs?"
"Oh it looks fine to me. I kinda wish we could go on board or at least talk with everyone else on the way to the port, but I guess we can catch up once we're there. "
Kiyone nodded before adjusting her orange headband slightly. "Maintaining communication silence for the duration of the escort is a bit strange."
The small country road that bordered along part of the Maskai's fields was well paved considering the light volume of traffic it revealed. Often times Kiyone would get up early in the morning and jog the a few kilometers into town to get a few last minute groceries that Sasami forgot she needed for the day's first meal. It served as good exercise while providing her with a much-needed change of pace from living with so many people in such close quarters.
"Mihoshi, what do you think about HQ ordering us to Port Kane for a 'routine' evaluation?" Kiyone asked cautiously.
Mihoshi shrugged indifferently. "We've never had any evaluations since we first got assigned to Sol."
"Well that much is true. It's been a few years since we faced the board."
The dark skinned detective stopped dead in her tracks to stare at motionless rock that had become wedged in between a fence post. "Do you think they're going to reassign us, Kiyone?" Mihoshi asked quietly.
Kiyone turned around to face her partner a little surprised she asked that question or even suspected it could happen. ''I think it's a very strong possibility. We should probably pack up everything before we leave just to be sure." Turning to gaze at the same rock Mihoshi was fixated on Kiyone mumbled, "If we do get reassigned I don't think they'll let us come back here since this is a protected system."
"I don't want to say goodbye to everyone," Mihoshi all but whispered as tears threatened to spill from her sky blue eyes. "This is our home."
Kiyone put her arm on her shoulder, "Think positive, Mihoshi. We don't know anything for sure yet. Let's enjoy all the time we have here on Earth before Ambassador Valenrik leaves. There's no point in worrying everyone else, especially Sasami. If we have to say goodbye we'll do it at Port Kane."
"Do you think..." Mihoshi trailed off. "I mean, do you think they'll..."
"They'll what, Mihoshi?"
"Do you think they'll transfer us to different partners?"
Kiyone threw her head back and laughed. "Nothing in the universe could separate us, partner." Mihoshi's face instantly brightened up. "Believe me I know. We've got nothing to worry about there, Mihoshi."
Side by side the two First Class Detectives began strolling back down the country road to the Maskai residence while idly chatting about past adventures and future possibilities.
* * *
"You know precious, I never expected you." Tenchi said lovingly to his infant daughter as he leaned against the crib's railing. "You were such a surprise to me. And here I thought I'd seen and been through everything; how absolutely stupid of me."
The young prince, just out of the shower, had come in to check on Mayuka after overhearing Ryoko enter the nursery to lay her down for nap. His black hair remained uncombed and still wet, and he wore a pair of loose sweat pants while draping a towel over his bare shoulder. The new father was most anxious to catch up for time lost after having to hurry through breakfast earlier that morning.
Mayuka only gurgled and giggled happily for some reason after hearing the word "stupid" echoed.
Picking up on this, Tenchi indulged her. "Stupid, stupid, stupid." He smiled serenely. "Daddy's a very stupid person, but hopefully that's over now."
Tenchi moved his head down closer to his daughters, who had now perched herself into a sitting position. Mayuka's orange eyes glittered in response to the closer contact with her father.
"I'll tell you something I never told anyone else," he whispered into her small ear, "The night you were reborn I made a promise to myself. I promised that I would stop being so cowardly. You see precious, I used to get upset and startled over anything for a while and boy did I used to nag people to death! Things would keep happening to me and I kept getting angry and frustrated over it. I felt like I had no control. I thought the universe kept throwing weird, awkward and bad things at me for no reason at all."
Tenchi's tiny audience only blinked her eyes twice before farting rather violently, as babies tend to do, and spreading a foul odor in the air.
"Exactly," Tenchi eagerly agreed with a rather sour smile. "But I was wrong, Mayuka. And it wasn't until you came along that I realized it for the first time, I mean really realized it."
Scooping Mayuka up in his arms gently, he moved her over to the changing table that was setup perpendicular to the crib. Wasting no time, Tenchi got to work immediately by removing the soiled diaper and discarding it in the nearby trashcan.
"So I'm not going to run anymore. Problems will come, that's life of course, but instead of worrying about it I'm just going to deal with them as they happen without complaining. And I'm not hiding anything anymore. When I freed Ryoko from the cave, I changed without realizing it. I had always hidden a part of myself from dad and grandfather, but I buried an even bigger part of me for no real reason at all. I'm not as introverted as everyone probably thought."
Mayuka blew bubbles in her own salvia as Tenchi applied some baby powder on her as he continued with the diaper change.
"Hmm Ryoko." Tenchi thought out loud. "So what do you think of her considering you've the only one here who has known her for all of your life?"
The demon infant only gurgled and continued to blow bubbles in her salvia in response.
Tenchi laughed while he stopped to wipe her mouth off, "I thought as much. You two are something else, you know that?"
Putting the finishing touches on the diaper, Tenchi slide on her pink over shirt and picked her up once more in his arms while Mayuka ravished in all of the attention her daddy was giving her.
"You know what May? I think a trip to Jurai might be a good little getaway." Tenchi admitted again to his daughter. "I bet your great, great grandmother would love to meet you. I don't know her too well myself, but I do know she's a kind person and would absolutely adore you. As for your great, great auntie, I think you should begin practicing how to hold your breath now." Tenchi teased lightly.
How would Jurai itself receive her? Tenchi thought to himself. I know Grandfather said that there were mixed feelings on Jurai about those who had married outside races. Would Mayuka be scorned if the public knew of her true origins? The thought darkened Tenchi's mood for only a moment. It's not like I'd make it public knowledge and broadcast it everywhere, and no one besides those here even know about it. I'm probably just worrying too much again; I guess I still have a ways to go on that. Funaho wouldn't have invited us otherwise I guess. After all, she doesn't strike me as the type of person who'd knowingly put another in danger.
"I should probably let you get back to that nap of yours before a certain someone comes in and finds out that I've interrupted your sleep." Tenchi grinned at her eliciting a happy giggle.
Tenchi gently placed the small purple haired infant back in her crib and pulled a small yellow blanket over her body while making sure she was comfortable. "Thanks for listening," he whispered before he lightly kissed her forehead. Walking to the door, Tenchi flipped the light switch off and exited the room and slid the door closed quietly.
In the corner of the dimmed room a pair of feline amber glinted brightly. The voluptuous cyan haired woman finished phasing all the way through the floor and hovered silently over Mayuka's crib.
Ryoko couldn't help but smile. "Same old Tenchi."
To be continued...
--
Author's notes: For those new to the game, it's pretty much official that I'm ignoring whatever background information on Juraian politicians or system setups explained in the True Tenchi Novels or any other book/manga. Haven't read them, don't want to fake it, so I'm blazing my own trail for better or worse.
Yosho is an interesting character the more you think about it. Legendary warrior, Shinto priest, father many times over, former Prince of Jurai. Most of Tenchi's problems in any timeline can be directly traced back to him. Most of the time he's portrayed as very cool customer who always knows the score, except when he's groping Ryoko's breasts or getting in trouble with Ma Ma (of course only referring to the OAVs and not any other series). But the guy is half human, and humans have bad days. Exploring his troubles with an old friend seemed interesting enough, but not too deep.
Oh by the way, this episode was brought to you by the number 2. :)