The author does not own Tenchi Muyo! or any characters related to the Tenchi franchise. This story is meant for recreational purposes only.
--
Is a road less taken always the most adventurous path?
Was the difference made by knowing the path or walking it?
What is marriage but a long intimate dance together?
Are all bonds made in heaven and consummated on earth?
Do all of love's most heated flames fade and end cooler than ice?
--
Kochira Koso
A Tenchi Muyo Fan Fiction by Sebayn
"Episode 4: Apprehensive Interludes"
"To love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage." - Lao Tzu
Chopsticks impacted against the small white porcelain bowls relentlessly, filling the void with a decisively hollow sound that somehow magnified the already deafening silence of the room. All members of the Masaki clan were gathered around the table. Each stared thoughtfully at their food while they chewed.
Sasami seemed perplexed. The little princess was sure that she had made everything alright, at least it tasted fine to her. The only times it got this quiet was in the aftermath of one of Ryoko and Ayeka's gigantic fights -- and they hadn't had one of those in months.
Even Mayuka was abnormally subdued while quietly being held in Ryoko's arms. Normally after a nap she was excited and very lively.
Tenchi Masaki sat from his place at the head of the table, scrunched in-between Ryoko and Ayeka, and considered the scene before him. They're afraid, he knew beyond a doubt from the look he read on each face. It's like a wonderful dream coming to an end. But what happens when they...when *we* return to the reality we've been sheltered from?
Blonde curls bobbled wearily. Normally bubbly blue eyes remained sullen. Kiyone exchanged glances briefly with Mihoshi. Each knew what the other was thinking but the strength to speak out eluded both of the Galaxy Police officers.
Washu's head still hurt. The pain from the headache had reached a plateau and was now only a nagging sensation confined to the recesses of her trained mind, for now. What's your next move, Tenchi? Washu thought as she studied Tenchi impartially. Her emerald eyes traced every contour and line of his face. She noted that the once round face was becoming more defined, more angler. Age and experience were beginning to make their mark. But will the maturity and wisdom he has gained in the past year be enough?
Ryoko shifted Mayuka slightly in her arms. It was an incredible balancing act; eating with one arm while safely holding onto the infant child. The ability was one countless scores of mothers had trained and perfected over the millennia. That's all this is for him... Ryoko sighed deeply triggering a few fleeting stares from other people from around the table. One big balancing act. But he knows it's a burden he can't juggle for much longer. Which of us will he drop?
What will he choose? Ayeka pondered. Her mouth was parched even though she had just finished drinking another cup of water. She was trained to handle delicate situations with pose and grace since before she could remember. Yet now in this time of need she felt a sense of foreboding gnawing at her from inside. Subconsciously she smoothed out the seams of her lavender kimono maintaining rigid perfection. Crimson eyes timidly danced between Tenchi's dark brown eyes and an empty plain space located on the dining room's side wall.
Until she stood firm and held his gaze at last.
"Lord Tenchi, have you considered Aunt Funaho's invitation?" Ayeka asked hesitantly.
Everyone instantly set down their bowls and stared attentively at Tenchi in absolute silence.
The faintest of smiles grazed Tenchi's lips as he nodded. "Yes."
"And your decision?" Ayeka said while fidgeting slightly.
Tenchi glanced at the two Galaxy Police Detectives. "I think since Mihoshi and Kiyone will be making part of the trip, the rest of us might as well come along and accept the Empress' invitation."
Ayeka felt like someone had plunged a dagger through her stomach. Incredulously, she gulped slowly. "I'm afraid that is not possible, Lord Tenchi."
"Huh?" Concern was etched on Tenchi's face. "What do you mean Ayeka, is something wrong?" In his heart, he already knew the answer to the question. Truth be told, he regretted having to go along with this -- but he hoped that the understanding it would bring to the group in whole would be worth it.
Some things must be said aloud.
Ayeka stuttered for what must have been the first time her life. "Well..err...you see that--"
"The invite is for you, not us. That's what her royal highness is trying to say." Ryoko interrupted.
Tenchi could see beads of sweat beginning to form on the First Princess' face as she nodded almost daintily. "Why?"
"I'll answer that one," Washu blurted with a hellish gleam her emerald eyes. "Funaho wants to meet with you all to your little-itty-bitty-self. No chores, no baby, no over-protective grandfather, and certainly no would-be-suitors for the Crown Prince."
Tenchi blinked twice. "Then why are Ayeka and Sasami coming?"
"'Cause they live there and haven't been back in over 700 years?" Kiyone snapped out loud. It was more sarcastic than she intended it to be and she visibly regretted it.
"Oh."
"You guys are being silly," Sasami pouted. "It's just for a little bit and then we're coming back here. Right Ayeka?"
The elder princess squeezed her hands tighter. She could only lead her sister on so long, even with the best intentions.
Sasami's face lost it sparkle as soundless moments begin to pass. "Right Ayeka?"
"I don't know," Ayeka mumbled quietly. A lump was forming fast in her throat, nervousness beginning to override all of the graceful princess' talents and diplomatic training.
With all standoffs there must be a cataclysmic moment -- an event to alter all others to follow. Such moments are often larger than life, the intense focus of nations, worlds and galaxies. Other times they're minute and humble in nature and then only significant to trained eyes and ears.
"Two weeks."
All faces returned to stare dumbfounded at Tenchi.
"W-what?" Ryoko sputtered.
Tenchi's gaze never broke. "I am willing spend two weeks to meet with the Empress to hear and see what she wants to show me. No more." His voice softened. "Ryoko could you, and maybe with Washu's help if she was willing, watch over Mayuka for me while I'm gone?"
Ryoko was fighting a losing battle to hold back her tears. Instinctively she was clutched Mayuka tighter against her breasts. "Su-sure. I'd be happy to."
Tenchi turned his gaze to meet Ayeka's. Her crimson eyes turned slowly to the side, unwilling to stay connected. She was clutching the hem of her kimono tightly and her petite hands were clearly shaking as a result. "That is my one condition, Ayeka. Will it be acceptable to Funaho?" he inquired.
"Yes," Ayeka slowly nodded in the affirmative.
Tenchi's brown eyes narrowed. "Good."
At least two weeks will be a good start, Ayeka mentally thought. It's all I can ask for, now it will be all in Funaho's hands now. Ayeka could feel Sasami's young eyes bearing into her. No doubt she knew something was wrong and even more importantly knew that it had been kept from her.
"Ambassador Valenrik's ship will be departing tomorrow at 0700 hours. That doesn't leave us much time to pack." Kiyone stated.
Ayeka and Tenchi nodded in unison.
This was intolerable to the Crown Prince; his distaste for having to play in this charade was bad enough. Things so far had gone as he expected. Courtesy and politeness dictated that under normal circumstances they could have all gone together on this galactic road trip. Something else was at play here, words had been carefully chosen, people conveniently orchestrated. He had his own ideas, but none of them lightened his mood.
The Empress wouldn't even let me bring my own daughter, he thought.
That single revelation spoke volumes to him.
Ryoko gently laid her set of chopsticks to the side of the bowl and handed Mayuka wordlessly to Tenchi before getting to her feet. She stood in the doorway for minute with her back to the rest of her family. Strands of normally wild hair remained utterly motionless, posed in perfect still form accentuating the difference between cyan and the flawless skin that lay exposed on her upper back. Only the hems of her long slitted skirt showed any signs of life as they dangled idly.
"Thank you Sasami. It was delicious...just as like always." With those soft-spoken words of gratitude spoken the feline demon vanished into thin air.
Tenchi turned his focus back to Ayeka where she was still sulking next to him, inwardly cringing at Ryoko's dinnertime departure. Ayeka seemed emotionless and devoid of the energy she normally carried so regally. Her lavender bangs hit her eyes from him and only moved slightly when the outside breeze trickled in through the window sealing.
"What would be appropriate to pack?" Tenchi wondered out loud. "I'm not very familiar with Jurian customs, but will my regular clothes be alright?"
Laughter suddenly erupted from the person sitting beside him. "Of course they will not." A thin smile appeared on Ayeka's slender lips. It was clear to all that she hadn't fully composed herself, but everyone knew this was not a time to draw light to such matters. "Funaho will have something proper onboard her ship for you to wear. Just pack a spare change of normal clothes and whatever items you need and the Empress will handle the rest."
Tenchi groaned, "I guess that makes things simpler for me then."
The absurdity of the notion of a Crown Prince waltzing around the Empire in nothing more than a t-shirt and khakis tickled Ayeka to her core. And to think, he would probably be running around in that silly field jacket of his. "Crown Princes of Jurai have never been known to be very casual in their attire," she thought out loud unbeknownst to her. Well why not? It isn't the clothes that make the man, she decided. It's just not proper!
Three more pairs of chopsticks were simultaneously dropped to the side of their dishes as throats were cleared. Accolades of "Thank you's" and "It was great, Sasami" were quickly exchanged before Mihoshi, Tenchi, Washu, Kiyone and of course Mayuka exited the room. Sasami remained calmly seated directly in front of the older princess.
The look in her sister's eyes made Ayeka wince. She knew it would be difficult to conceal the nature of the troubles plaguing their trip home any further.
* * *
I had to find her.
It wasn't a question of soothing the troubles of her heart. She had them. I had them. We all did. No, my purpose was to truly commit myself this time. No doubts, nothing hidden. All intentions laid down on the table like a game of poker.
And this time, there would be no folding and no interruptions.
The unspoken condition of accepting Funaho's offer was the stipulation of committing to something more. We all knew it. Something unseen but wholly encompassing. I thought -- no I believed -- that I could sidestep it with no consequences.
Besides, all of them thought I had already agreed. The "two week" clause was merely a meek attempt at bartering in a game played by those who ruled empires. In all honesty, it was not. It was my ticket out in theory. But I was wrong. Perhaps I was only deceiving myself foolishly, because in reality I didn't have the first clue about what was to come. The damning thing about timetables is that no two persons are a like, and if they are, all the more reason to fear.
Nonetheless, I went forward from that final meal we all shared together firmly entrenched in my "decision creed."
Just have to hold fast, hold true and I'd have nothing to worry about. It's that simple.
My theories have never been really been thought out well.
* * *
The sun was drifting below the dense forest and mountains surrounding the Masaki Shrine. Deep crimson rays of sunlight dwindled over the horizon filling the sky with regal shades of indigo red and in turn dramatically illuminating the drifting clouds. The air was rapidly cooling off, giving the land and it's inhabitants a much needed reprieve from the dreaded heat.
Ryoko sat high above on the roof of the Maskai house, hugging her legs while propping her chin up between them. Her amber feline eyes stared outwards toward the horizon blinking slowly and evenly.
It's funny how everything can change so quickly, Ryoko thought. We were as thick as thieves, she almost smirked. Until today. Ayeka had avoided her since returning from the ship. They had always been able to gauge each other's moods and to an extent intentions. Whatever had happened left Ayeka shaken but still determined, Ryoko decided. Determined for what was anyone's guess. Mihoshi and Kiyone had barely said a word since the arrival. The strange recall had yanked the collars both of them wore as GP officers.
Each of their lives were not their own entirely, she knew. Ayeka and Sasami's life was not their because of their royal blood, Kiyone and Mihoshi's were not due to their profession. Princesses and Galaxy Police officiers. Bound by the will of those above them.
Those unseen forces of the galaxy that controlled them had now resurfaced in full force, dictacting actions, moves and events like puppets on a string.
Is Tenchi going to bow to them, too?
It scared her, terrified her more than anything. Tenchi's blood was royal. Tenchi was powerful. Tenchi was pure.
He'll be gone for two whole weeks. That's an eternity, or could easily be fashioned into one, the former space pirate thought grimly. Alone. With Ayeka and the rest of the royals as well.
Ryoko inhaled the sickly sweet smell of summer. All around her life flourished and lived at it's peak, but the air was still for nothing moved.
"I really am a demon to the rest of the universe. That's all I'll ever be to them," she muttered to no one in particular. The glares and grimaces she had received from all the troops were hardly unexpected. Part of though had secretly hoped, prayed to whatever gods were listening, that maybe, just maybe things had changed. But no, this planet would be her happy prison until such time she had to leave. Until she had no other option but to leave.
"I wish things were different."
As fast as ever, Ryoko's arched her neck to locate the unexpected intruder. The voice had already given him away -- it's soft calm allure had vanquished all doubts about who's identity it belonged to. Now she could clearly smell him. His aroma was rich and inviting with an odor mixed of organics and that of a soft scented soap that he always used. Truth be told she hated that soap. It tainted his otherwise delicious scent.
"That's life, " she replied gruffly while returning her line of sight to the forest beyond. A moment passed before she spoke again, still annoyed that he had managed to sneak up on her -- again. "How long have you been hiding there anyway?"
"Too long," the reluctant prince replied. "But I wasn't hiding -- just enjoying the scenery. And if you thought I was hiding then, well, I'm not now." The conviction in his voice was not lost on Ryoko as she tilted her head to one side to gaze at him once more.
Slowly Tenchi took step after step until at last he was beside the curvaceous woman. Without speaking a word he extended his hand toward her. Whatever symbolic message was being communicated Ryoko did not care. Her own slender hand clasped his firmly as she rose to embrace him. The two coupled together instantly bringing both of their bodies together in a tight embrace neither would willingly break.
Ryoko's noise caressed the side of Tenchi's cheek lovingly until suddenly leaning forward to whisper into his ear.
"Hold me."
Tenchi knew the day had been a roller coaster of emotions -- it had been for him, certainly for her and everyone else thrown in for irony -- but he was taken back by genuine needfulness in her voice. Ryoko was the strongest person he had ever known. She was the fiercest warrior, the most loyal friend to all of them. Not without her own (often more-than-noticeable) faults, but she was headstrong and had survived literally everything the universe had thrown at her in her thousands of years of existence.
Yet she seemed more scared, more vulnerable, than he had ever seen her before.
So he did the only thing he could do -- the only thing he wanted to.
Gently he scooped her up entirely in his arms. She was lighter than he expected, or perhaps she was secretly hovering, but it didn't matter to him. Tenchi descended slowly to the rafters with Ryoko cradled against him. He leaned his back against the slanted rafter while Ryoko entangled her limbs with his even more than Tenchi had thought possible. She purred contentedly while snuggling up under Tenchi's chin, having approved of this newly found position.
"It's been a big day," Tenchi spoke quietly.
"Mm," Ryoko acknowledged by burying her face even deeper in Tenchi chest.
"I have to do this," he said hesitantly running his hand through her lush hair. "I wish I didn't...but there's no other way."
"No you don't," she murmured in response, her heart beating faster.
"They won't understand it until I tell it to their faces. I'm not a prince."
"You are a prince and if you give them an inch, they'll take a light-year from you, Tenchi. These people are ruthless in ways your mind can't even begin to think of."
Tenchi paused. "You may be right but it doesn't really matter."
A ripple of giggles erupted from Ryoko's lips. "And why doesn't it matter?" she said, pulling her head away from his chest where it was nestled to meet his innocent chocolate eyes.
"Because I'm going to tell them that I will have nothing to do with the crown -- with Jurai -- and that I'm in love with the women their enlightened world considers a malevolent demon. Not to mention the fact that she is the de facto mother of my daughter -- who herself has a less than perfect pedigree by their standards."
Her eyes went wide. Under any normal circumstance the twin orbs of golden beauty were slightly narrowed, disciplined and focused intensely on whatever happened to occupy her interest. Provided she was awake and they were actually open that is. Now they held utter disbelief at the words that had entered her sharp elven-like ears. Words escaped her and even her mouth even lay gaping open in sheer shock.
"I love you," he repeated firmly looking straight into her amber eyes with unbridled boldness. "The winds of change have come Ryoko, but we are that change. Not them."
"How? I don't understand..." Ryoko sputtered, her jaw now plainly quivering. Unbeknownst to her she was grasping Tenchi's hand much tighter now.
"Ayeka's feelings for me run deep. She deserves to be surrounded by her real family when she is told...when I tell her. After all, her life is not tied to either us or this planet." He sighed sadly -- almost shamefully -- and instinctively curled up closer to Ryoko. "It's not perfect, but there is no perfect way to explain it to her. It's the best I think of it. It's all I can do."
She blinked twice, regaining some of her shattered composure, before moving her face closer to peer into his eyes at point-blank-range.
"You love me?" she asked, a distinct sound of curiosity overriding sheer unbelief.
"Beyond a doubt," he responded firmly. Gently he traced one of the long spikes of untamed cyan hair that Ryoko had pushed away from her face before flicking it back playfully to it's proper position above her angular left temple.
A smile brilliantly cascaded across her face -- washing away all traces of doubt and sorrow that had been laced so heavily to her persona moments ago.
"I love you too, my Tenchi," she whispered gently before clasping the sides of his head and pulling him into a tender kiss that last only a moment in the physical plane but would endure for an eternity. When it ended, it was Ryoko who pulled out and glared at him coquettishly. "But of course you already knew that. Didn't think you'd finally get the guts to fess up to it. You had me worried there for a while," she stated coyly, causing a blush to dash over his cheeks.
A carnal flash swept over her own face before she pounced on the oblivious shrine keeper, hurdling him back against the tiled roofing. A ravenous smile creased her lips as she knelt on him and pinned his hands to both sides with hers.
He couldn't move if he if he had wanted to thanks to her demonic strength. His own smile reflected hers and showed no signs of wanting anything less than what she was doing to him now.
When she came down on him again it was in full force.
Her lips attacked his with all of the ferocity of a lioness -- kissing and ravishing at will as Tenchi valiantly counter her moves in perfect synchronization. Bodies pressed together elicited different, more primal responses than before, Tenchi noticed as he become aware of the ample bosoms so kindly shoved right beneath his chin while he concentrated kissing and exploring her swan-like neck.
He loved the feel of her skin -- so smooth, cream-colored yet firm and toned. He carassed her with increasing vigor, taking in the sight, smell and taste of her as one.
A delicate moan ruptured from Ryoko's throat, inadvertently causing her lithe body to reflectively stretch outward. Tenchi smirked shyly at her before wrapping his arms tightly over her waist and pulling her to him.
"I want to watch the sunrise with you." It was a simple request, one that filled Ryoko's heart with even more warmth.
Both of them were contentedly staring into each other's eyes once more, a soft purring noise elapsing every so often from the cyan beauty's throat. His sincere smile and gaze bore into her like nothing else and she quickly found herself losing herself once again.
She cocked her head to one side, curiosity written all over her face. "Mmm sounds nice." Her smile morphed into a mock-pout, realizing what that would entail. "Want me to make sure your up in time?" she asked wantonly, while tracing little circles with her index finger on his chest.
His face still uncomfortably flushed, Tenchi arose to his feet detaching himself from anxious woman in earnest. The look of forlorn annoyance that graced Ryoko face and body language only made Tenchi chuckle as he walked over to the other edge of the roof. There he gathered a thick bundle wrapped in tight cording. He returned to where Ryoko sat cross legged, looking at him in intense interest.
"I thought we could use these for tonight," he explained while he untying the first of three cords that held the bundle together.
The second and third strings came undone without a hassle, letting Tenchi easily proceed to unroll the soft fabric. The outer layer obviously was a thick blanket. Eloquently embroidered and hand crafted, the ivory blanket felt as soft as silk but denser than a normal one. The kanji character Ai was sewn in the center with unmistakable blue lettering.
When it was unrolled entirely, another smaller parcel wrapped in brown paper was found. Tenchi grinned, watching Ryoko's questioning face peer at the unknown item.
"Sake?" she asked incredulously, hardly believing her own two eyes.
He nodded; a twinge of mischievousness edging it's way into his grin. "I thought tonight might be an appropriate occasion."
The thick yellow blanket swirled around in midair for a second before coming fluttering down around the eager couple. Ryoko nuzzled up closer to her beloved as he passed her the bottle for closer inspection. She nodded approvingly after studying the label briefly -- and grinned eagerly as he pulled out two saucer cups from the brown wrapping paper.
"You have excellent choice on sake, Tenchi." The complement coming from her was a true mark of excellence given her expertise in the matter. "You must have had some good role models."
"Thanks -- but you really should be thanking Grandpa and not me." He opened the bottle ceremoniously while under observant eyes before pouring her the first glass.
"Why's that?" she asked, holding her cup patiently with one hand while snatching the bottle in the other.
"Oh you know, after cleaning the shrine and doing all those chores you get to know all the...how should I say...premiere spots for luxury items?" he replied dryly.
"Aha," she grinned, "so we're drinking courtesy of him tonight?" Almost reverently, Ryoko poured the liquid into his smooth ceramic saucer cup until the it was full. It was a duty she had wanted to perform for long time.
"You could say that," he chuckled lightly. Tenchi's eyebrow arched up suddenly, "Speaking of which, you haven't had a glass in quite a while, haven't you?"
"And just how would you know that?" she peered at him through narrowed eyes.
"About the time Mayuka was born the amount of money we spent on sake suddenly dropped by about...oh lets say half," Tenchi pointed out coolly before draping his arm over her shoulder. "You didn't think we wouldn't notice?"
"Didn't give it much thought," Ryoko shrugged honestly. "I had better things to do."
"Mayuka."
She nodded ushering in a new bout of silence. Moments passed before a new breeze washed over the house, triggering the melodious sounds of the wind chimes that dangled from various spots around the house and on trees. "You...you really think of me as Mayuka's mothers?" she asked in a hushed tone.
"I was confused at first...I mean you two were at each other's throats the first time around. I knew things would be different after she was reborn, but you really surprised me."
"Surprised?" she asked inquiringly.
"Out of all of us, it's you that responds first -- and the quickest -- whenever something upsets her. Whenever she wakes up, you're always on the scene."
"But we all take care of her. I may do a little more from time to---"
Tenchi interrupted her. "No. I thought it was out of guilt and maybe a sense of duty for the first few weeks. We all stumbled while we learned to coupe while having a baby around, but you didn't stop and you haven't since. That's more than just duty, Ryoko, that's pure love."
Ryoko remained silent as Tenchi continued. "She thinks your her mother -- I can tell. Anyone can. She responds to you differently than the rest of the girls, and even me. That's not just playing favorites, that's recognition of the obvious by someone incapable of deception." He turned his focus back to his untouched cup of sake, jiggling it carefully while watching the liquid whoosh around in the center. "I think you know it too."
He looked at her and saw the drops of moisture beginning to accumulate under her eyes. Without thinking he brushed them away, creating another glorious smile on her tender lips.
"Say it," Tenchi urged without hesitation. "Say it out loud, Ryoko."
"I am Mayuka Masaki's mother." The words rolled off her lips softly but with the unmistakable tone of conviction.
"Yes you are," he agreed happily raising his cup to the stars above.
They were now shining down on them vibrantly and clearly thanks to the lack of clouds now in the night sky. Ryoko's cup soon joined him as a shooting star streaked by -- mirrored in the clear sake as though it was descending into the cups itself.
"To the winds of change then," Ryoko proclaimed.
"To us -- all three of us," Tenchi agreed.
Each swallowed down the cupful in one brisk gulp. Tenchi almost coughed back the liquid until Ryoko patted him on the back heartily grinning.
He wiped his mouth with his free arm. "How can you stand this stuff?"
"Oh, you'll get used to it Tenchi," she cackled. "Trust me. You'll get used to it."
Drawing the blanket closer, Ryoko and Tenchi snuggled together underneath the brilliant stars. Neither of them slept a wink, instead they only leaned against one another for support as they gazed above into infinite sky above. There they stayed until the sun ascended in the eastern sky filling the horizon with waves of newborn light.
Side by side together.
* * *
"So this is goodbye," Tenchi observed, his outer calm belied by a faint quiver in his voice. He still wore the same clothes from the previous day; a clean t-shirt, a pair of khakis and a well-worn pair of sandals. "But only for two weeks," he quickly added, silently hoping it would be true somehow.
The entire Masaki clan was gathered around, save it was for Noboyuki who was still in Tokyo and staying at his apartment he had begun renting out. He was tired, at least he thought he was, or should be at the very least. The night's activities had left him in a state of bewildered joy.
Mihoshi stood proudly next to her partner Kiyone in full military dress uniform. Golden emblems gleamed brightly in the sun, drawing any auspicious eyes to them immediately. Ayeka and Sasami wore formal Jurian kimonos as they stood by the side of Ambassador Valenrik. Ayeka's face was emotionless, Sasami's however held a depressed look of uncertainty. Neither spoke.
Ryoko, Washu and Mayuka held their backs to the house they now called home. Washu seemed irritated and rubbed her aching head periodically while stamping her feet impatiently. This was very much an unneeded formality for her. One she wanted dispensed with. Ryoko and Mayuka clung together as mothers and baby daughters tend to do. She worse a simple white sleeveless turtleneck with an outer blue vest that fell down just below her chest along with a skintight pair of blue pants made of elasticy fabric that most definitely was not of this world.
Without a trace of noise, she rocked her infant daughter reassuringly back and forth slowly. The blue haired baby had seemed sad this morning when she had awoken from her slumber. A few hours before, Ryoko would have reciprocated those feelings but now her face held newly discovered confidence.
Things would be alright for them. Tenchi had said so, and that was the end of that as far as she was concerned.
They were all gathered before Funaho, just on the edge of the lake where the massive Jurian ship hovered silently casting a long shadow along the far shore blanketing everything along it in a second night. Jurian honor guards in regal shades of blue and white flanked them on both sides.
"My Prince, are you ready?" the longhaired Ambassador asked. "The time to depart is at hand."
Tenchi slowly turned his head to view the mountains around his home once last time. Pure white snow adorned the high tops despite the summer heat. Lush green trees dotted the cool gray landscape reminding him of why he loved living here so far from the rest of the world. It wasn't detachment, it was clarity. Away from the regular hustle and bustle of life had shaped his consciousness in ways he hadn't contemplated until now. But its effect on him was no longer lost.
From the distant base of the countless gray stone stairs that lead to the shrine, Yosho returned his gaze unwaveringly. Tenchi didn't pause to blink. If the Crown Prince was startled or at all surprised to see the lost Crown Prince in his true form his face did not show it. A minute passed before Yosho Jurai vanished into the thick foliage that encompassed much of the area.
Valenrik cleared his voice, snapping Tenchi back to attention.
"Yes, Ambassador. I'm ready -- but I would like a moment to say goodbye. Would it be alright if you and the princesses boarded the ship while I tend to this?" Tenchi asked hopefully, the wind blowing his increasingly long hair distantly in the wind. Playful waves of water crashed along the shore sending a splashing sound echoing around the immediate area.
Ayeka seemed upset momentarily before dismissing all emotions from her face once more with the power only royalty was endowed with. Valenrik considered his request but a minute before replying. "Certainly. We'll be waiting for you onboard. Just inform the Lieutenant here when you are ready for transport." A quick gesture with his hand sent his subordinate officer scrambling for his communicator. Seconds later the Ambassador, Ayeka and Sasami disappeared in a flash of light leaving Tenchi alone with a platoon of honor guards, their lieutenant, and the remnants of his family.
Tenchi approached Ryoko, causing both girls' smile to brighten. "Are you two going to be ok?"
"We'll be fine. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, ya know?"
"Something like that," he chuckled.
Before either of them knew it, Tenchi had pulled both of them into a tight hug. Mayuka cooed happily because of their close proximity while Ryoko only drew him in tighter. The two shared a deep kiss that immediately turned into one filled more passionately than either had meant for public display.
Washu watched bemused -- but not at the happy trio but rather the dumbfounded detectives who observed with blank stares. Even a couple of a of the Jurian guards turned their head with looks of puzzlement and others of disgust.
"Take care, my love. I'll be back before you know it," Tenchi spoke softly before separating from the two most important people in his life.
"I know," she shot back with one of her trademark grins, both cuspids gleaming brightly in the sunlight. "Get going, will ya? The rest of us have things to do you know."
He took a few steps forward along the supple grass before turning back to look at Ryoko and Mayuka once more. Warmth filled his heart as he watched the two lovingly. I made the right choice, he knew without a trace of doubt. He raised his hand to wave goodbye and watched bemusingly as Ryoko prodded Mayuka to flap her chubby little arm in the air before doing the same with her own. He was about to give the go-ahead for the Jurian lieutenant to teleport him on the ship before a nasal-filled voice called him to him.
"Aren't you forgetting something, Tenchi?"
Tenchi found himself staring at the petite redheaded scientist who gazed at him with a plain look of utter disgust written on her face. He returned the facial expression with a look of puzzlement of his own before she lifted up his old school backpack to her side. The deep blue fabric was worn, but still sturdy and more than dependable. In it he had packed a few items, books and of course the prized Tenchi-ken.
He scrambled over to retrieve the pack from her. "Thanks Washu, I thought I had it transported with Ayeka and Sasami's luggage but I guess I forgot," he said, scratching the back of his neck lightly out of habit.
She motioned to him to come closer. He did so, getting to one knee to accommodate her unique size. She leaned over and whispered in his ear carefully but kept the tone to the point. "Keep your guard up."
He nodded sagely, returning to his feet and walking back over to the Jurian officer.
"Now if you'll excuse me, my head hurts like hell. See you in two weeks, Tenchi." With no further ado, the adolescent-looking scientist scurried off back to the house without delay, paying no further attention to either the Jurians, the departing prince or her daughter and granddaughter.
"I'll see you two at Port Kane, alright?" he asked in the general vicinity of Kiyone and Mihoshi. Each of them nodded in response, still a bit flustered from what they had witnessed a few minutes ago. He returned his attention to the man with blonde hair in front him, anticipation and fear seizing his heart once more.
Tenchi slowly nodded to the officer indicating that he was ready at last. Light engulfed him a moment later, whisking him away off of the planet's surface for a trip that he would never forget.
* * *
Ambient sounds fizzled and echoed through the black space endlessly. Lights, screens and control panels flickered to life displaying numerous amounts of information and data as Washu's keen eyes scanned over it all.
The pain was increasing.
Furiously she typed at her control panel located deep within her lab. She was trying to get to the bottom of the cause of it and had been at it for quite some time now. It was an unbelievably simple problem she was finding increasingly unanswerable.
Yet the pain only grew.
Her head throbbed, a slight sound magnifying the feeling to proportions greater than what she had wanted to see calculated.
:: Analysis concluded. No anomalies detected ::
The display screen read like a blank book telling her the thing she most dreaded. "How the hell can there not be any anomalies detected?" she screeched in anger. The lights whirling around her aggravated her condition, nagging it like the festering wound it was.
Desperation had been sinking in since last night when her condition began escalating again. Test after test revealed the same frightening fact: nothing could be found, detected, analyzed, theorized, hypothesized and deduced. She had left to witness Tenchi's departure, and pass along her little gift, out of fear for what could be without her assistance. The price she had paid for time lost went unnoticed by her.
Time had already run out for her.
She had always maintained the strictest control over her unique body, keeping it in the best of health and ensuring that immunizations and protections were adequately in place. This new phenomenon was unlike anything she had ever encountered, or had ever heard of.
Pain lanced through her head like bolts of lighting. She gasped out in sheer agony, vision going blurry. She tried shaking off the effects but it was to no avail.
Images began racing through her mind at inhuman pace, raging with all the fury of a typhoon. Visions she had long pushed aside resurfaced with new and horrifying power that threatened to overwhelm her completely and totally.
Things she had long forgotten edged back into conscious sending chills down her spine as her agony increased.
The cataclysm came shortly after.
A single scream pierced the endless void with uncontrollable and bitter torment the likes of which the galaxy had not witnessed in countless eons.
Silence reigned thereafter.
* * *
Stars whirled past the view screen at sub-light speeds while Ambassador Valenrik watched them with fleeting interest. Four hours had passed since embarking on the journey to the outer edges of the Sol system. The navigations officer had informed him that the rendezvous with Empress Funaho was less than a few minutes away. There they would exchange passengers and continue to the home planet with one stop along the way.
The crown prince was sitting nearby on an elaborately carved wooden chair. He had mentioned to him that it reminded him somewhat of a "medieval" thrown or something ridiculous along those lines.
Both princesses were still in their temporary quarters waiting.
The knot that had reared it's ugly way into his stomach the day before was now turning and rapidly expanding.
At first he had been excited to take this mission from his Empress. The mundane life of a diplomat was rewarding, but the enticements of secrecy and missions involving controversial people was always a treat. Or so he had thought.
Now he was disturbed and fearful -- of what he was not entirely certain of.
It was coming, he knew, whatever it was. It was only a matter of time now, and deep down he knew he was playing some part, no matter how minor, in it.
A loud beeping sound began emanating from the science officer to his left. He watched him straight his elaborate uniform, adjusting the neckline, for a moment before tapping the screen and reporting. "Sir, vessel now registering on short-range sensors. It's the Empress Funaho's first generation treeship."
"Acknowledged. Please raise hailing frequencies and inform the princesses." he ordered.
The communications officer suddenly turned around. "Ambassador, we are being ordered to approach from vector angle 531.43."
"Sir, that will require us to come about by 45 degrees and travel for an extra 6 and a half minutes before rotating back on an interception angle," the helmsman chimed in. "Instead of approaching the shimp from port it will cause us to approach it from starboard."
Valenrik lifted his hand to cup his chin. "Did they give any reason for this desired approach?"
"No sir, they were quite explicit that it was not a request. We are then to transport the Royalty onboard without delay."
"Understood. Make adjustments in our speed and heading as specified," he decided. He turned to face Tenchi. "You had better join Princess Ayeka and Princess Sasami. It was a pleasure to meet you."
Tenchi jumped to his feet and clasped the Ambassador's hand in gratitude. "Likewise, thank you for the ride. Safe journeys, Ambassador."
Valenrik smiled warmly. "And the same to you, young prince. Farewell." Without delay, Tenchi strolled to the main lift and through the open doors. An audible hiss sounded when the doors sealed themselves.
Whatever noble things you are destined for Prince Tenchi, I know not. But something tells me this will not be the last time I hear of you, he decided to himself.
"Now approaching at vector angle 531.43. Estimated time for rendezvous is one minute," the helm officer reported. All bridge officer's eyes were glued to their duty stations.
"Understood. Is the Prince's party ready to teleport over?"
"Affirmative, awaiting coordinates now."
The sleek vessel reduced speed until it had come to an effortless stop. Less than a hundred yards away the majestic first generation spaceship who's tree was bonded to the First Empress cruised in all it's glory. Sleek light brown beams of space wood jetted outward creating a distinct shape that was unrivaled and mimicked by no other vessel in the entire known galaxy.
"Ambassador, Prince Tenchi and Princesses Ayeka and Sasami have transported aboard the Empress' ship along with all their luggage. We are cleared to depart and the Empress herself sends her appreciation to you for a accomplishing your mission." The comm's officer's voice was jovial and ecstatic having relayed an actual first-hand message from Funaho. Pride was reflected in many of the bridge officers faces from receiving such high praise.
"Acknowledge the signal and set course back to our original destination. We have another task waiting to be accomplished," Valenrik said, crossing his arms over his thick robes. "Set our left horizontal thrusters to 3/4 power."
"But sir, that will bring us to---" the helms officer barged in before being interrupted.
"I am accurately aware of that fact, Lieutenant. None the less, bring us to face her port side before jumping into hyperspace," he ordered, a stern look engraved on his face.
With much reservation, the young lieutenant swiftly pressed the appropriate buttons. "Aye aye, sir. Vertical thrusters activated."
The ship lurched sideways, almost awkwardly given the elegant nature of Jurian ships. Gradually the main view screen began rotating along the sleek hull of the first generation's ship -- intricately carved mahogany space wood was always a lavish sight to behold.
Gasps and murmurings violently erupted among all the bridge's officers. Jaws lay gaping open and even Ambassador Valenrik found himself thrust to his feet.
The sleek contours and grooves of the Jurian space wood ended witthout warning just as the portside of the ship began to peer into view. A gaping hole outlined with jagged and broken shards of space wood, stretched for several meters in all directions, exposing the innards of the vessel to black cold space and blended in with the rest of the ship's surface with all the subtly o a brutal disfiguring wound inflicted on a pristine and pure woman.
The fact the ship was damaged at all sent shivers racing up and down the Ambassador's spine. What could cause such massive damage to a first generation space tree?!
"Sir...we're clear to jump to hyperspace," the helmsman managed to choke out.
He nodded slowly, eyes refusing to leave the sight in front of him.
"Get us away from here, Lieutenant. Maximum velocity."
To be concluded...
--
Author's notes: Not much to say here...see you next time. Much sooner than you'll expect. For those interested, I'm also working on a revision of the first three chapters to iron a few things out as well as working on a stand alone story.