"Wow, the weekend sure got here fast..." Minagi clasped her hands behind her head, passing Washu a saddened stare. They had worked together to install the last of the modules on Minagi's ship. Now she could call "home" whenever she felt like it. She felt a bit better with this new equipment on her ship, but it wasn't the same as being physically there.
Washu smiled softly, trying to comfort the girl. "Time flies when you're having fun. I hate to see you go, Minagi. I wish you'd stay a bit longer."
"There's a whole galaxy with my name on it. I guess I have to do my part while I'm alive too, you know." The young girl spoke. "But I'll be back someday, you better believe it!"
"Yakusoku...?" Came a quieter voice from behind her. Minagi dare not turn to face it's owner. She didn't have the heart to stare into the hurt gaze of someone she loved so dearly. She fought it, but she turned around anyway to meet Ryoko's tear-soaked stare. A stare that seemed to penetrate into the depths of Minagi's soul and expose a part of her she kept suppressed these few days. A sadness and a true face of pain for the loss of her family. Ryoko saw into the child that was inside Minagi, that lost her master at a young age and swore to avenge him. A child who learned sword techniques and who grew up to be a better person that she ever dreamed of being. An adventurous space pirate and a crazy little sister. She saw the Minagi that Minagi hid, because she didn't want to seem so naive to everyone else. They stood for the longest time, Minagi having her layers stripped from her slowly. Layer by layer, Minagi stood, in a sense, naked in front of Ryoko. "Do you promise you'll be back one day, Little Minagi?"
Minagi drew back, feeling like a little girl all over again. Feeling like she found a childhood she lost in Ryoko's eyes. "I gotta come back to see my nephews and nieces, don't I?" She flashed a peace sign. "I'll be back before you know it, Ryoko-chan!" Her smile faded, though. "When Tenchi made the announcement at the dinner table so suddenly last night, I felt like there would be no more secrets from anyone anymore. I felt like now you could really be you. The secret you that you do so well to hide away."
"As you will be the you that you try to hide away." Ryoko stepped closer to Minagi, hoping to feel the sense of her sister being close once more. "I wish you didn't have to leave so soon. There's so much more we could have done."
Minagi's mind flashed about. "Well, we fought in every room, put a hole in Tenchi's wall, blew up Washu's lab twice... we burnt dinner and we even pulled two successful pranks on the princess, I'd say we did well for this visit. I'll come back with a whole new arsenal of mischief for us, trust me when I say." The two embraced for a long time, just trying to remember the way the other felt. The way she'd remember her big sister during the long journey. "Thank you, Ryoko. Thank you for being you."
When Minagi boarded her ship for the first time in months, she felt relieved and saddened. She felt like she did good for her family and friends, but she was sad to leave them behind. Ryoko stood disconnected from the rest of the family, silently fearing living her life without any guards and without Minagi. It seemed like she would have to work double-time to defend who she was without slipping back into the lifeless shell she used to be. Surely Tenchi wouldn't want to be with the Ryoko that pretended to be someone else.
Nightfall would disconnect the rest of the family, each mourning in their own ways. Minagi was kind of like the piece that linked them all together. Her spirit and liveliness really gravitated the family into one central point where they co-existed as one happy entity instead of separate beings just living together. After much consoling, Tenchi left Ryoko in his room where she sat on his bed, gazing out of the skylight, hoping to catch a glimpse of Minagi's ship. Her eyes weren't that good, though, and Minagi was light years away by now. She held up her wrist and gazed down at the communicator that Washu had given her. It linked her closest to Minagi, and she could speak with her sister whenever she pleased. Still, it wasn't the same as long nights of gossip and stories in the Onsen. It's warm waters washing away their guards and leaving them bound by heart and similar appearances, but different aspects of each other.
Tenchi found himself by Minagi's docking point. Her ship wasn't docked in a space rip, but instead docked in a blindspot between Ryoko's cave and the end of the forest. She left her ship there because it didn't seem like it was necessary to go about hiding it. It also made it easier for Washu to work. He hoped to just wander about trying not to miss the girl that had done so much to change his life for the better. He was always so thankful to her, but he never got the chance to say thank you. Tucking his hands into the pockets of his oversized pants, he looked up to catch the eyes of a very curious princess. Her purple eyes flickered and she looked away quickly.
"I'm sorry, Lord Tenchi. I didn't know you were out here." Aeka spoke softly, feeling like she wanted to leave.
Tenchi's shoulders slumped. Realizing he hadn't talked to Aeka since the announcement, he felt really inconsiderate for not saying thank you to Minagi and now not ever considering Aeka's feelings about the whole ordeal. "It's OK. I hope I'm not interrupting you. I just came here to wander around a bit. I'll leave if you wanted to be alone."
"Oh no, that's not it at all. I just..." She looked away, growing solemn and worried about saying something wrong. "Nothing."
Tenchi's head tipped backwards, he thought strongly about the words he'd say next. "Princess Aeka, I'm really sorry about how I've neglected your feelings during all of this. It's just that exploring love like this is new to me, and I spend more time to myself than with Ryoko, just wondering if I'm doing everything right. One thing I never worry about is all of our bonds. I wanted to give you this..." Tenchi held out his hand. "I bought one for each of the girls in the house, so that we could always have a way to be closer. We're all family despite our backgrounds. Even the ones that come and go every so often, never leave our hearts."
Aeka took into her hands, a pendant dangling from a very delicate chain. No doubt the gift had set him back quite a bit, but Aeka came to realize that each one was personalized. Had Tenchi been saving up for this for a very long time? Now she really felt the impact of Minagi's love. These people really did love her in more ways than one. All the presents her mother had sent her, were thoughtful gifts from mother to daughter. In attempts to ease her loneliness and homesickness, she allowed these gifts to comfort her. Now the chain she held before her with a simple angel pendant bore the engraving "Masaki" in the corner. It was a small Angel that could be easily concealed and easily protected. She realized that this gift was meant to ease her true homesickness. The sickness she'd felt inside for the home she'd been denying for a long time. Now she was really a part of this family that really loved her. Tears sprang to her eyes as she felt shame for being so selfish before. "Thank you... for this gift of love, Tenchi."
"I love you all the same." Tenchi smiled softly, offering Aeka a sleeve.
Aeka gently dabbed her eyes with Tenchi's sleeve. "I know that now."
They gazed to the sky, noticing the bright flash of light. They hoped it was Minagi, hailing them from where they watched her. Minagi who was holding onto her very own angel with the Masaki inscription in the corner. The one Tenchi had given to her the night before she left. Closing her eyes, she felt as one with everyone.
Aeka was the last to receive the angel pendant. Everyone wore theirs proudly. Ryoko held onto hers as she wished Minagi would come back. A shooting star zoomed by, she hoped that it heard her prayers.
It was late when everyone gathered around outside, lighting fireworks just for the fun of it. Out in the country, no one was there to complain about a few loud bursts in the air.
"The fireworks are so bright that it seems to light up the sky!" Mihoshi beamed.
Everyone grew silent. The sky did seem brighter.
"Hey, you're right, Mihoshi!!" Sasami turned towards the sky. "Look how much brighter it is!"
Washu's face dropped. "I don't think that's the fireworks..." she stepped back. "Shields up!" The little scientist's fingers moved at lightning speed. A huge panel appeared before the group, shielding them from the huge explosion in front of them.
When the smoke cleared, there lay a ship in ruins, totally beyond repair - or at least quite a lot of work for one particular scientist who seemed bemused that she would have something new to do. A body stumbled from the wreckage. Tenchi squinted into the haze of dust and falling debris. The form started to take shape, hair spiked to various points, curves that would make a cola bottle seem shapeless. The form put a hand to it's face to wipe the soot from it's eyes. A pair of amber eyes flashed in the firelight before everyone realized that Minagi was standing before them once more.
"Washu-chan... I think you crossed some wires..." She pointed over her shoulder to the busted ship.
Washu sweatdropped. "These accidents do happen, you know!" She pranced towards her new conquest.
Ryoko smiled softly, thanking her shooting star (and Washu) for making her prayers come true.
"Hey Tenchi, do you mind if I stick around for just a little bit longer?" Minagi laughed. "I'm sorta grounded for a while." The girl stared at her mature double.
Tenchi laughed out loud. "Wellllll if it's OK with Ryoko, it's OK with me!" He passed her a damp cloth to clean her face.
"Stay as long as you'd like, this is your home as well." Ryoko smiled softly. "This is where we truly belong."
Everyone turned their gaze towards Tenchi's house. A strong foundation with walls and windows, doors and locks, but a place of unity for this great family.
And not a secret was kept from you.
END!
Author's Notes: If you don't know, "Yakusoku" means "promise."
This is my first, and probably last, Minagi fic. Lol I don't really know much more about her other than what I've read in graphic novels and in-depth profiles of her. She's a really great character to work with, because she provides an aspect of Ryoko that not even Zero Ryoko provided, a real depth to Ryoko's character.
For the first time, I wanted to emphasize on Aeka's reaction to Tenchi and Ryoko getting together. I didn't want to make her seem maniacal or the one to go back to Jurai. I think a lot of fanfic writers out there dumb Aeka down to make it easier to make her "react" to Tenchi's choice of Ryoko. I'm not saying this is what she would do or how she would feel, I just wanted to give her some credit.
Take note... I WAS NICE TO MIHOSHI!
I do NOT own Tenchi Muyo or it's characters. Tenchi Muyo is the product of AIC, Pioneer and it's various counterparts. Thanks for reading, though!
DC02
Washu smiled softly, trying to comfort the girl. "Time flies when you're having fun. I hate to see you go, Minagi. I wish you'd stay a bit longer."
"There's a whole galaxy with my name on it. I guess I have to do my part while I'm alive too, you know." The young girl spoke. "But I'll be back someday, you better believe it!"
"Yakusoku...?" Came a quieter voice from behind her. Minagi dare not turn to face it's owner. She didn't have the heart to stare into the hurt gaze of someone she loved so dearly. She fought it, but she turned around anyway to meet Ryoko's tear-soaked stare. A stare that seemed to penetrate into the depths of Minagi's soul and expose a part of her she kept suppressed these few days. A sadness and a true face of pain for the loss of her family. Ryoko saw into the child that was inside Minagi, that lost her master at a young age and swore to avenge him. A child who learned sword techniques and who grew up to be a better person that she ever dreamed of being. An adventurous space pirate and a crazy little sister. She saw the Minagi that Minagi hid, because she didn't want to seem so naive to everyone else. They stood for the longest time, Minagi having her layers stripped from her slowly. Layer by layer, Minagi stood, in a sense, naked in front of Ryoko. "Do you promise you'll be back one day, Little Minagi?"
Minagi drew back, feeling like a little girl all over again. Feeling like she found a childhood she lost in Ryoko's eyes. "I gotta come back to see my nephews and nieces, don't I?" She flashed a peace sign. "I'll be back before you know it, Ryoko-chan!" Her smile faded, though. "When Tenchi made the announcement at the dinner table so suddenly last night, I felt like there would be no more secrets from anyone anymore. I felt like now you could really be you. The secret you that you do so well to hide away."
"As you will be the you that you try to hide away." Ryoko stepped closer to Minagi, hoping to feel the sense of her sister being close once more. "I wish you didn't have to leave so soon. There's so much more we could have done."
Minagi's mind flashed about. "Well, we fought in every room, put a hole in Tenchi's wall, blew up Washu's lab twice... we burnt dinner and we even pulled two successful pranks on the princess, I'd say we did well for this visit. I'll come back with a whole new arsenal of mischief for us, trust me when I say." The two embraced for a long time, just trying to remember the way the other felt. The way she'd remember her big sister during the long journey. "Thank you, Ryoko. Thank you for being you."
When Minagi boarded her ship for the first time in months, she felt relieved and saddened. She felt like she did good for her family and friends, but she was sad to leave them behind. Ryoko stood disconnected from the rest of the family, silently fearing living her life without any guards and without Minagi. It seemed like she would have to work double-time to defend who she was without slipping back into the lifeless shell she used to be. Surely Tenchi wouldn't want to be with the Ryoko that pretended to be someone else.
Nightfall would disconnect the rest of the family, each mourning in their own ways. Minagi was kind of like the piece that linked them all together. Her spirit and liveliness really gravitated the family into one central point where they co-existed as one happy entity instead of separate beings just living together. After much consoling, Tenchi left Ryoko in his room where she sat on his bed, gazing out of the skylight, hoping to catch a glimpse of Minagi's ship. Her eyes weren't that good, though, and Minagi was light years away by now. She held up her wrist and gazed down at the communicator that Washu had given her. It linked her closest to Minagi, and she could speak with her sister whenever she pleased. Still, it wasn't the same as long nights of gossip and stories in the Onsen. It's warm waters washing away their guards and leaving them bound by heart and similar appearances, but different aspects of each other.
Tenchi found himself by Minagi's docking point. Her ship wasn't docked in a space rip, but instead docked in a blindspot between Ryoko's cave and the end of the forest. She left her ship there because it didn't seem like it was necessary to go about hiding it. It also made it easier for Washu to work. He hoped to just wander about trying not to miss the girl that had done so much to change his life for the better. He was always so thankful to her, but he never got the chance to say thank you. Tucking his hands into the pockets of his oversized pants, he looked up to catch the eyes of a very curious princess. Her purple eyes flickered and she looked away quickly.
"I'm sorry, Lord Tenchi. I didn't know you were out here." Aeka spoke softly, feeling like she wanted to leave.
Tenchi's shoulders slumped. Realizing he hadn't talked to Aeka since the announcement, he felt really inconsiderate for not saying thank you to Minagi and now not ever considering Aeka's feelings about the whole ordeal. "It's OK. I hope I'm not interrupting you. I just came here to wander around a bit. I'll leave if you wanted to be alone."
"Oh no, that's not it at all. I just..." She looked away, growing solemn and worried about saying something wrong. "Nothing."
Tenchi's head tipped backwards, he thought strongly about the words he'd say next. "Princess Aeka, I'm really sorry about how I've neglected your feelings during all of this. It's just that exploring love like this is new to me, and I spend more time to myself than with Ryoko, just wondering if I'm doing everything right. One thing I never worry about is all of our bonds. I wanted to give you this..." Tenchi held out his hand. "I bought one for each of the girls in the house, so that we could always have a way to be closer. We're all family despite our backgrounds. Even the ones that come and go every so often, never leave our hearts."
Aeka took into her hands, a pendant dangling from a very delicate chain. No doubt the gift had set him back quite a bit, but Aeka came to realize that each one was personalized. Had Tenchi been saving up for this for a very long time? Now she really felt the impact of Minagi's love. These people really did love her in more ways than one. All the presents her mother had sent her, were thoughtful gifts from mother to daughter. In attempts to ease her loneliness and homesickness, she allowed these gifts to comfort her. Now the chain she held before her with a simple angel pendant bore the engraving "Masaki" in the corner. It was a small Angel that could be easily concealed and easily protected. She realized that this gift was meant to ease her true homesickness. The sickness she'd felt inside for the home she'd been denying for a long time. Now she was really a part of this family that really loved her. Tears sprang to her eyes as she felt shame for being so selfish before. "Thank you... for this gift of love, Tenchi."
"I love you all the same." Tenchi smiled softly, offering Aeka a sleeve.
Aeka gently dabbed her eyes with Tenchi's sleeve. "I know that now."
They gazed to the sky, noticing the bright flash of light. They hoped it was Minagi, hailing them from where they watched her. Minagi who was holding onto her very own angel with the Masaki inscription in the corner. The one Tenchi had given to her the night before she left. Closing her eyes, she felt as one with everyone.
Aeka was the last to receive the angel pendant. Everyone wore theirs proudly. Ryoko held onto hers as she wished Minagi would come back. A shooting star zoomed by, she hoped that it heard her prayers.
It was late when everyone gathered around outside, lighting fireworks just for the fun of it. Out in the country, no one was there to complain about a few loud bursts in the air.
"The fireworks are so bright that it seems to light up the sky!" Mihoshi beamed.
Everyone grew silent. The sky did seem brighter.
"Hey, you're right, Mihoshi!!" Sasami turned towards the sky. "Look how much brighter it is!"
Washu's face dropped. "I don't think that's the fireworks..." she stepped back. "Shields up!" The little scientist's fingers moved at lightning speed. A huge panel appeared before the group, shielding them from the huge explosion in front of them.
When the smoke cleared, there lay a ship in ruins, totally beyond repair - or at least quite a lot of work for one particular scientist who seemed bemused that she would have something new to do. A body stumbled from the wreckage. Tenchi squinted into the haze of dust and falling debris. The form started to take shape, hair spiked to various points, curves that would make a cola bottle seem shapeless. The form put a hand to it's face to wipe the soot from it's eyes. A pair of amber eyes flashed in the firelight before everyone realized that Minagi was standing before them once more.
"Washu-chan... I think you crossed some wires..." She pointed over her shoulder to the busted ship.
Washu sweatdropped. "These accidents do happen, you know!" She pranced towards her new conquest.
Ryoko smiled softly, thanking her shooting star (and Washu) for making her prayers come true.
"Hey Tenchi, do you mind if I stick around for just a little bit longer?" Minagi laughed. "I'm sorta grounded for a while." The girl stared at her mature double.
Tenchi laughed out loud. "Wellllll if it's OK with Ryoko, it's OK with me!" He passed her a damp cloth to clean her face.
"Stay as long as you'd like, this is your home as well." Ryoko smiled softly. "This is where we truly belong."
Everyone turned their gaze towards Tenchi's house. A strong foundation with walls and windows, doors and locks, but a place of unity for this great family.
And not a secret was kept from you.
END!
Author's Notes: If you don't know, "Yakusoku" means "promise."
This is my first, and probably last, Minagi fic. Lol I don't really know much more about her other than what I've read in graphic novels and in-depth profiles of her. She's a really great character to work with, because she provides an aspect of Ryoko that not even Zero Ryoko provided, a real depth to Ryoko's character.
For the first time, I wanted to emphasize on Aeka's reaction to Tenchi and Ryoko getting together. I didn't want to make her seem maniacal or the one to go back to Jurai. I think a lot of fanfic writers out there dumb Aeka down to make it easier to make her "react" to Tenchi's choice of Ryoko. I'm not saying this is what she would do or how she would feel, I just wanted to give her some credit.
Take note... I WAS NICE TO MIHOSHI!
I do NOT own Tenchi Muyo or it's characters. Tenchi Muyo is the product of AIC, Pioneer and it's various counterparts. Thanks for reading, though!
DC02