Here's the usual disclaimer: I don't own Tenchi, it's characters, or anything else about it. This story comes out of respect for the creator's and distributors of this impressive anime show. If anyone involved in Tenchi sees this, I only hope you enjoy reading it as much as I've enjoyed writing it. Don't sue me, okay!? ^^;
Author Note: The title of this chapter means exactly what it says. It's more or less seperate from the main story and can be skimmed over if the reader chooses. I wrote it mainly because I wanted to give my fave character Kiyone center stage for a bit.
Some of you may find the comedic elements a bit jarring with the drama running through the main story, and so you may want to pass this chapter by. Others may find certain scenes risque or uncomfortable, and again you may feel you want to give it a miss.
The chapter is not gratuitously erotic, nor is it intended to be. Rather it continues the trend of exploring the characters' thoughts, feelings and emotions. You may disagree with the way I've done it, which is why I've given you the option of jumping straight to Chapter 9.
Whatever you decide, I've chosen to leave it in so you can make up your own minds. For those of you who do read it, I hope you enjoy it as much as the other chapters. =D
PS: Any comments/criticisms you have to make can be done via Fanfiction.net or my email mccpcorn@hotmail.com as usual.
A QUICK RECAP:
Washu's latest scheme to extract a 'sample' from Tenchi has gone haywire thanks to a last minute intervention by Ryoko. The result has been everyone in the house having their personality transplanted into someone else's body:
Ryoko is now in Sasami's body. (Ryoko/Sasami)
Sasami is in Kiyone's body. (Sasami/Kiyone)
Kiyone has found herself stuck in Tenchi's body. (Kiyone/Tenchi)
Tenchi now occupies Mihoshe's body. (Tenchi/Mihoshe)
Mihoshe is getting drunk in Ryoko's body. (Mihoshe/Ryoko)
Washu has swapped bodies with Ayeka. (Washu/Ayeka & Ayeka/Washu)
Noboyuki was - rather fortunately - out of town after driving Katsuhito to a conference, and Ryo-Ohki was out in the Carrot Field raiding the harvest.
The Story so Far: Ryoko is missing and in serious danger. But while the others finally head out in the right direction, Mihoshe and Kiyone are still checking out the shrine...
Tenchi Muyo: Changing Faces
---------------------------
By Mccpcorn
CHAPTER EIGHT: GP INTERLUDE
========================
Kiyone had a dark sense of forboding about this whole crazy situation that threatened to overwhelm everyone.
Ever since she had arrived upon Earth Kiyone had found herself seemingly stumbling from one disaster to another. Most would seem comical in retrospect - if Kiyone knew they were just the occasional one off rather than the permanent streak of bad luck that seemed to follow her around. A bad-luck streak that usually had blonde hair, but at the moment was distinctly cyan coloured.
Kiyone/Tenchi sighed heavily to herself/himself, the noise reaching much further than she would've liked; a combination of Tenchi's deeper voice and the echo of the cave. Mihoshe didn't seem to notice though; she seemed far too wrapped up in her own thoughts to notice much of anything in fact. For a moment, Kiyone was tempted to prompt her partner to focus on the task in hand, but at the last second she realised how unusual it was to be walking next to a quiet Mihoshe - unusual and pleasant.
I can keep a look out for both of us, she decided with a wry smile, figuring she probably WOULD laugh this whole affair off someday. From the inside of a padded cell maybe...
Kiyone felt an odd dizziness scratching at the back of her mind. It was almost like having a queasy stomach, but somehow the sensation had been transplanted into her head. The effects of the personality transfer must be wearing off faster than Washu thought, Kiyone thought grimly to herself. Setting her jaw, she tried to concentrate harder upon herself and her identity, as well as the task at hand.
This proved no easy task for Kiyone as she spent most of her time trying to keep her mind as far away as possible from the bad dream that was her life on Earth. It wasn't that she didn't LIKE the place; as worlds went Earth was pretty nice. It had fairly stable seasons, some breathtaking scenery, and a night-life a young woman could die for.
But...
Earth's gravity was a tad heavier to what Kiyone was used to. Most days she didn't notice it, but after a long day at work being rushed off her feet, or a particularly stressful time with Mihoshe, Kiyone found herself sometimes feeling far more drained than you'd expect for a young, healthy woman. That, and chronic financial problems wearied her to the point where she saw precious little of that aforementioned night-life.
Then there was Earth's changeable weather, which also hit her hard. Although Earth's seasons were long, distinct and stable, winter really WAS winter, and summer really WAS summer, with all the disadvantages that implied. And of course, she still had to WORK in summer, which usually left her even more tired than usual.
Kiyone had developed a strong attraction to the public baths to counter most of these nuisances. There were few things more relaxing than floating effortlessly in the water, allowing all the aches and pains to melt away. This paradox of her love/hate relationship with Earth strangely mirrored her love/hate relationship with Mihoshe.
And the love/hate relationship with her own life.
After all, Kiyone received NO recognition from ANY of the jobs she'd had on Earth - or even her own career as a GP Officer. For a person who's sole goal in life was to make a real difference to people's lives it had to be the ultimate irony that she languished, seemingly forgotten by her superiors and peers. A dead-end career on a dead-end planet.
And yet the people here who had become her family...
They truly DID appreciate her, in a way that made her heart almost ache with joy. Life on Earth with the friends she had made was about as deep and rich and rewarding an existence as any person could hope to expect. It had come to the point where Kiyone wondered what she would do if she WAS offered a promotion or relocation. On the surface, she couldn't stand Earth and should jump at the chance to move, but underneath...
Kiyone forced the thoughts firmly to the back of her mind. There were more important things to worry about now. But before she buried the thoughts completely, one thing wedged solid in here consciousness for a moment.
This was a world where Kiyone had met people who really DID appreciate her. People who WOULD miss her should she go; people Kiyone would miss also. Kiyone was living two different lives, but they overlapped in a way that made Ayeka's life seem almost simple by comparison.
And Kiyone wanted BOTH her lives.
* * *
Up ahead, Mihoshe/Ryoko walked with ever more faltering steps; Kiyone could see a faint sheen of sweat on her partner's face, yet Mihoshe was trembling as if she were violently cold.
She must be feeling the effects of the personality transfer too, Kiyone realised suddenly. Ryoko's personality is surfacing, trying to assert itself.
And it'd be damn sure Ryoko wouldn't have any fond memories of this place. 'Mihoshe?' Kiyone asked carefully. 'Are you okay?'
Mihoshe/Ryoko's head snapped around at the sound of Kiyone/Tenchi's voice, like a startled cat. Her eyes were wide, and Kiyone could now hear her partner's rapid breathing.
'I think so,' Mihoshe responded, but her voice seemed oddly slow and subdued, a stark contrast from her sudden, swift movements. Kiyone placed a hand on her friend's shoulder. 'You know, you can wait outside if you want to...'
'No - no, I'm all right. I just feel kinda hyper for some reason.'
It was obvious that Mihoshe would be ashamed to let her partner down on something as simple as searching a cave, and with her in such a clearly fragile mood, Kiyone was unwilling to push her. Instead she just smiled and nodded. 'Well, as long as you're sure.'
Mihoshe smiled back weakly, clearly welcoming Kiyone's faith in her, and the pair continued on into the main chamber.
Tenchi had once related the story of the cave to Kiyone, and how he had unwittingly released Ryoko from her prison of 700 years. Upon encountering it first hand, she could understand why Ryoko would feel little love for the place. It was dark; lit only by a single feebly burning lamp, probably set there by Yosho, Kiyone realised. The roof was damp with moisture seeping through from the rainstorm outside, and was score-marked where Funaho's roots had withdrawn. Off to the left lay a small stone, seemingly split in two, with some discarded cord by it. A wooden shrine stood empty; from what Kiyone remembered, this was where Sword Tenchi had been stowed.
It was clear from a single glance that no-one was in the chamber, nor could they have hidden long from the two GP Officers. However, directly across from them was a crack in the wall, from which a faint glow emanated. The inner sanctum, Kiyone realised, where Tenchi had found the 'demon' of the Masaki shrine.
Kiyone shone her torch experimentally over the opening, trying to pierce the gloom beyond it. All she could tell for sure was that it sloped away from an angle, and the floor reflected light as if dotted by puddles.
'Well,' she announced. 'Speaking for myself, I don't think Ryoko came here. But we'd best be thorough.' With that, Kiyone took a step over to the crack in the wall.
Kiyone felt a sudden, painful pressure on her right arm as Mihoshe grabbed hold of her. With a startled yelp, Kiyone was flung half-way across the chamber, smashing the shrine to match-wood. The walls were suddenly bathed in an eerie red glow as Ryoko's energy sword flashed into existence.
Wide-eyed and fearful, Kiyone shot a glance at her partner. Ryoko's energy sword was not directed at her; Mihoshe/Ryoko stood in front of the crevice in the wall standing tall and erect, a vacant look in her eyes. She still trembled slightly, a barely seen tremor in the shadows cast by her sword. Mihoshe appeared to be mouthing words silently, but it was all a jumble and Kiyone couldn't read her partner's lips.
Kiyone wondered if entering the cave had triggered some kind of automatic response deep within Ryoko's subconscious, submerging Mihoshe's personality beneath it. For an agonising moment, Kiyone debated whether trying to get Mihoshe to come to her senses would only make the situation worse.
The debate was swiftly ended when Kiyone/Tenchi saw Mihoshe/Ryoko raise her free arm and begin gathering a photon blast to fire at the wall.
'Mihoshe, NO!!!' Kiyone somehow had her feet under her in less than half a second; a combination of Tenchi's greater strength and tolerance of Earth's gravity. Literally launching herself across the chamber, Kiyone used Tenchi's extra weight and muscle to send herself slamming hard into Mihoshe/Ryoko's left shoulder, spinning the two of them around. The still forming photon blast discharged prematurely at the ceiling.
Kiyone squeezed her eyes shut at the sudden, painful, flash of light. There was a dull thud, like a muted bang, followed by a tumbling or rushing noise. The chamber was suddenly thick full of dust or smoke and both GP Officers found themselves gasping and choking for air.
Mihoshe was on all fours, her head bent low. 'Kiyone!' she gasped. 'What's going on? What happened?'
Kiyone wiped at the dust on her face, in her eyes. 'You don't remember?' she demanded, struggling to hold onto her temper.
'It's hazy,' Mihoshe admitted in a trembling voice. 'Everything went fuzzy, like I was having a nice warm dream, and then you crashed into me...' Her eyes went wide suddenly. 'Kiyone! Oh no!'
'That's right,' Kiyone confirmed grimly as she struggled to her knees. 'You were getting ready to take a pot shot at the wall.'
'I - I got scared,' Mihoshe almost sobbed. 'I suddenly felt very cold and alone. I dunno why; I just didn't wanna go in there. I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking. It was all just so dark and cold...' she started to shake.
Kiyone crept over to where Mihoshe lay, got hold of her shoulders and hauled her up to a sitting position. She suddenly felt very ashamed at her own anger, remembering that Mihoshe wasn't in complete control of her situation.
Like she ever is, a nasty voice snapped at the back of her mind.
Kiyone firmly slammed the lid down on the voice as she concentrated on Mihoshe. Her partner did not appear hurt; they were BOTH lucky not to have been injured by Ryoko's sword. But Mihoshe was clearly suffering a mixture of embarrassment and shame at her actions, not to mention fear of Kiyone's reaction.
'It's all right Mihoshe,' Kiyone explained looking at her. 'There's no real harm done. Nothing that we can't fix anyway,' she added, looking towards the smashed shrine.
And caught her breath. Behind them, part of the chamber wall had collapsed, sealing them inside.
'Say it,' Mihoshe said simply.
Kiyone turned back to Mihoshe/Ryoko, saw her partners grim, tearing eyes. 'What?' she asked, distractedly.
'Say: You screwed things up again Mihoshe.' Mihoshe arched forward, a cat-like wail coming soft and high from her lips. Her shoulders began to buck with her sobbing, and she pounded the floor with her fists, leaving distinct cracks.
'Screw up, screw up, SCREW UP!' she choked out between hoarse rapid breaths. 'I can't even screw up right!' She suddenly scrabbled to her feet and stormed over to the blockage. Wrapping Ryoko's slender but strong arms around a mid-sized chunk of rubble, Mihoshe staggered back, lifted it, then swung in a circle to throw the debris clear. It landed on the far side of the room will a dark sounding thud.
'I've had enough!' she said, an unstable edge in her voice. 'I am SICK AND TIRED of always messing up. I am going to do something right for a change and get us out of here!'
'Mihoshe, STOP!' Kiyone's shout came out like a roar in Tenchi's deeper voice, enough to startle Mihoshe out of her actions. She took a step back, clearly dazed, as the wall collapsed further. Her own body mimicked the action as she fell back against the far wall. Tears streaked her face, which was a mask of pained emotion.
'Mihoshe, snap out of it!' Kiyone staggered over to Mihoshe, took her partner's shoulders again, and lowered Mihoshe's head so that it was between her knees.
'You're having a panic attack,' Kiyone explained gently. 'Hyperventilating. Just try to stay calm; I'm here with you.' Kiyone/Tenchi slid her/his arms protectively around Mihoshe/Ryoko's shoulders. Kiyone could hear Mihoshe muttering to herself between rapid breaths: 'I am a Galaxy Police Officer... I am a Galaxy Police Officer...'
'Hush, never mind that now,' Kiyone said softly, as she drew Mihoshe/Ryoko tighter into her - Tenchi's - arms. Idly, she wondered if she HAD found Ryoko after all.
A few long minutes passed, in which Mihoshe's breathing became more steady. 'Don't focus on being a GP Officer, Mihoshe,' Kiyone said. 'Just concentrate on being you.'
Mihoshe coughed a little, then raised her upper body and wiped at her eyes. 'I'm such a fool, Kiyone. I'm so sorry.'
Kiyone sighed heavily. 'Don't say such things. You're my FRIEND, Mihoshe. We all care about you, and we ALL appreciate what you do for us.' It was impulsive, but seemed oddly appropriate as Kiyone kissed Mihoshe on her forehead. Mihoshe responded by snuggling closer into Kiyone/Tenchi's embrace.
Mihoshe continued to talk around shallow sobs. 'But - but I've always ruined everything for you. It's my fault Washu's machine got blasted.'
'You didn't know how to control Ryoko's abilities then. That could have happened to any of us.'
'But, I KNOW you dun wanna be here; and I know I'm not that good a cop. You're always baby sitting me -'
'Now that's enough,' Kiyone said in a kind but stern voice, hardly aware that she was acting in exactly the way Mihoshe had just described. 'If you wanna talk GP, then a Galaxy Police Officer doesn't pout around feeling sorry for themselves; the Mihoshe I know doesn't either.
'A GP Officer takes each challenge as it comes and faces it with pride and determination. There is NO-ONE I know who does that more or better than you do.'
'But - but your career -'
'Mihoshe, that's LIFE. We're ALL entitled to grumble about life. We just make the best we can of it. Life is separate from job or career; even when life sucks, we can still do our jobs, and do them well. We've NEVER failed an assignment during our time here on Earth. Sure, we've not stopped any big time heisters, or took down any gangs, or infiltrated any syndicates - it DOESN'T MATTER. This stretch of space is a safer place to be, because of US. And that DOES matter.'
'Then... then you're not mad at me?'
Kiyone sighed. 'Mihoshe, I'm not sure if I've ever been REALLY angry with you. I'm angry with our bosses, because I don't think we get the respect we deserve. I don't think any of our hotshot colleagues appreciate how difficult our assignment here is. Balancing commitments on Earth with our Resident Officer status - I'd like to see THEM try it.' Kiyone sighed, then surprised herself by laughing - REALLY laughing.
Mihoshe/Ryoko gave Kiyone/Tenchi a confused smile. 'What is it, Kiyone?'
'It's - nothing. Just - I dunno,' Kiyone laughed again, Tenchi's voice ringing loud and clear. 'I just never thought about our lives here in this way before. I mean, I want to do well, but...'
'But you like it here?' Mihoshe/Ryoko finished for her, smiling.
Kiyone/Tenchi smiled down at her friend. 'I like it here,' she agreed.
Mihoshe/Ryoko's smile widened; a grin of fangs and green eyes and cyan hair, but somehow, oddly innocent and wondrous. With a happy sigh, Mihoshe/Ryoko wrapped her arms around Kiyone/Tenchi and snuggled into her friend's embrace.
That's when Kiyone felt it. The same hideously embarrassing sensation she'd experienced in the bathroom when Mihoshe - as a stark naked Ryoko - had hugged her.
It had to be the ODDEST sensation of her life. Washu had tried to trigger the response herself back in the lab. For a moment, Kiyone shuddered as the memory of a scantily clad schoolgirl Washu/Ayeka floated up in her mind.
Why NOW, of all times!? Kiyone's voice shrieked inside her head. What happened to the damn 40 below libido Washu said I was supposed to have!? Either her personality had adjusted to life in a male's body, or Tenchi's body was naturally reactive to Ryoko's.
Or...
Kiyone slammed the door firmly shut on THAT line of reasoning. There was NO WAY she was responsive to MIHOSHE!!
It's Tenchi, that's what it is. He's a young, healthy guy, full of hormones and stuff. He's surrounded by attractive young women. It's only natural.
The problem was that, natural or not, Mihoshe could feel it too. And the way she was snuggling closer into Kiyone/Tenchi's embrace suggested that she wasn't in the least bit bothered by it.
Well I am! Kiyone thought with a mixture of anger and embarrassment as she began to hurriedly disentangle herself/himself from Mihoshe/Ryoko. 'Come on,' she spoke to Mihoshe, 'We have to figure a way out of here.'
Mihoshe/Ryoko giggled, a singularly unsettling sound that had Kiyone/Tenchi break out in a cold sweat.
'Did you forget?' Mihoshe/Ryoko raised her head and spoke softly, teasingly, into Kiyone/Tenchi's right ear. 'I'm Ryoko; I can teleport us out of here anytime I want.' She giggled again. 'I guess I was too mixed up before to realise.'
Kiyone/Tenchi smiled, but with far more nervousness than relief. 'That's great, Mihoshe, that's just great!' she replied in a voice more fearful than reassuring. 'In that case, we'd better be getting back to the others-'
Mihoshe/Ryoko's grip didn't budge. 'You didn't hear me, right, Kiyone,' she answered in that same sweet, teasing voice. 'I said I can teleport anytime "I" want to.... And right now, I dun want to.'
Kiyone found Tenchi's heart hammering so hard she was almost passing out with the oxygen rush. She struggled to find her voice, knowing that only through reason could she save both herself AND Tenchi's body. With an effort, Kiyone/Tenchi managed to squeeze a little out of Mihoshe/Ryoko's tightening embrace.
'Mihoshe, LISTEN to me. You need to concentrate on yourself, your own identity. What you're experiencing are Ryoko's subliminal feelings towards this place, and towards Tenchi. She must have picked up a touch of autophobia after being locked up all alone for so long, and perhaps claustrophobia too.'
'And scotophobia?' Mihoshe added.
Kiyone/Tenchi frowned. 'SCOTOPHOBIA? What the heck is THAT?'
'A fear of the dark.' Mihoshe beamed.
'Ah... yeah, right,' Kiyone stammered. 'So, like I said, the others may be REALLY needing us, and-'
'But I feel so warm and safe with you,' Mihoshe/Ryoko cut Kiyone's increasingly desperate words off softly.
'Mihoshe, Please! We really need to go.' Mihoshe responded by snuggling up against the increasingly exasperated and flustered Kiyone/Tenchi. Kiyone shivered slightly at the warm breath on her ear, then jerked slightly as she felt the edge of a fang trace around the lobe.
'I can tell you know,' Mihoshe whispered. She pressed up against Kiyone/Tenchi's body.
Kiyone winced. 'Mihoshe this is TENCHI'S body - it's probably a conditioned response; an automatic reaction to contact with a woman.'
Ryoko's cyan hair tickled the side of Tenchi's neck as Mihoshe shook her head. 'Uh uh,' she admonished. 'I know different. I know about Tenchi, and I know about Ryoko, and I know about me.'
'But you DON'T know about me!' Kiyone pointed out, almost painfully.
It was as sudden as it was surprising. Mihoshe's arms fell away, so that Kiyone almost toppled backwards onto the floor. For a moment, Kiyone feared she would be pounced upon, but instead Mihoshe just sat there, a slightly bittersweet smile on her face.
'It's okay,' she replied to Kiyone's sudden look of concern. 'I understand; you're probably right, anyway.'
Kiyone felt suddenly and inexplicably guilty; as if SHE'D done something wrong. It then occurred to her that Mihoshe herself hadn't actually DONE anything wrong, though it was far from something Kiyone had felt comfortable with.
Or was it....?
No, NO!
'It's all right Mihoshe,' Kiyone said reassuringly, though now she herself doubted her own words. She felt suddenly cold after withdrawing from Mihoshe's embrace.
With a pop of displaced air, Mihoshe vanished from in front of Kiyone. The GP Officer turned in time to see her partner reappear in front of the blockage, near where they had entered the chamber. She was apparently assessing the damage with a critical eye.
'This will have to be fixed before Yosho gets back,' Mihoshe said in a neutral voice. 'He'll give us hell if he finds out about it.'
Kiyone nodded agreement as she came up behind Mihoshe. 'He'll probably guess anyways,' she said with a sigh. 'Even if Washu fixed it. He has a knack for stuff like that.'
Mihoshe nodded in her turn, then flicked a look back over her shoulder at Kiyone. 'Well, there's nothing we can do about it for now.' She reached out and took hold of Kiyone/Tenchi's right hand. 'Grab hold; I'll get us out of here.'
Kiyone didn't really know why she did it. On reflection it was fairly straightforward; she merely stepped up close behind Mihoshe and slid her - Tenchi's - hands around Mihoshe/Ryoko's waist.
But it was when she brought her face close up behind Mihoshe's and breathed lightly on it that things changed. Mihoshe shivered slightly; her body stiffened and she leaned back into Kiyone's embrace. The next thing Kiyone knew, she was kissing Mihoshe/Ryoko's neck. Mihoshe's hands moved down to grip Kiyone/Tenchi's tightly.
It was only when Kiyone - under her own volition rather than Mihoshe's urging - moved her left hand upwards at the same time that her right hand drifted down, that a sliver of reason penetrated her fuzzy mind. What the HELL am I DOING!?!
Kiyone/Tenchi began to sluggishly pull herself/himself away from Mihoshe/Ryoko as the latter reached back with a trembling arm to grip the former's waist and press her lower body back towards Kiyone.
Kiyone/Tenchi hesitated, allowing the soft noise of rain to fill her/his ears, and the warmth of Mihoshe/Ryoko's body to soak into her/his skin. Outside, the raging storm had become an apt metaphor for the raging, conflicting feelings within Kiyone's own heart, and probably Mihoshe's too, she realised. The pulsing heat was almost intoxicating, and the GP Officer within knew it was time to make or break.
It was time to decide.
* * *
Azaka floated, patient and unflustered in front of Tenchi/Mihoshe and Washu/Ayeka while the two of them considered Ayeka's report.
'Sounds like she didn't have a specific direction in mind,' Washu/Ayeka decided. 'Just to get away.'
'A typical child's reaction,' Tenchi/Mihoshe agreed.
Washu/Ayeka actually smiled - possibly for the first time since this whole mess happened, Tenchi thought. 'Did you ever run away from home?' Washu asked Tenchi.
Tenchi laughed softly. 'Actually, no,' he replied. 'I never had to I guess. After my mother passed away I may have kept to myself a bit more than other kids, but Dad just let me be. He's always been good like that.'
'And now?' Washu grinned mischievously.
Tenchi shrugged and smiled. 'Well, there ARE times when I feel I could use a little air - or space.'
Washu nodded knowingly, then turned to Azaka. 'We're ready, Azaka,' she told the Guardian. 'Take us to Ayeka and Sasami.'
'What about Kiyone and Mihoshe?' Tenchi asked.
'My orders were to fetch them after bringing the two of you to Princess Ayeka,' Azaka responded.
'That's good enough,' Washu agreed. 'Now we have a vague idea where Ryoko is, the important thing is to get over there ASAP. I just hope those two'll be okay until Azaka can collect them.'
'What do you mean?' Tenchi asked, puzzled.
Washu shrugged. 'Well, from what you said about that cave, there's all kinds of potential pitfalls they could get mixed up in.'
'Don't worry,' Tenchi/Mihoshe said confidently. 'If nothing else, Kiyone's sure to be on top of the situation.'
'Well, she better be,' Washu/Ayeka remarked tartly. 'Sooner or later Mihoshe is bound to end up with her legs in the air.'
With that, the two clambered aboard Azaka, and the Guardian set off back in the direction of the forest.
END OF CHAPTER 8
Author Note: The title of this chapter means exactly what it says. It's more or less seperate from the main story and can be skimmed over if the reader chooses. I wrote it mainly because I wanted to give my fave character Kiyone center stage for a bit.
Some of you may find the comedic elements a bit jarring with the drama running through the main story, and so you may want to pass this chapter by. Others may find certain scenes risque or uncomfortable, and again you may feel you want to give it a miss.
The chapter is not gratuitously erotic, nor is it intended to be. Rather it continues the trend of exploring the characters' thoughts, feelings and emotions. You may disagree with the way I've done it, which is why I've given you the option of jumping straight to Chapter 9.
Whatever you decide, I've chosen to leave it in so you can make up your own minds. For those of you who do read it, I hope you enjoy it as much as the other chapters. =D
PS: Any comments/criticisms you have to make can be done via Fanfiction.net or my email mccpcorn@hotmail.com as usual.
A QUICK RECAP:
Washu's latest scheme to extract a 'sample' from Tenchi has gone haywire thanks to a last minute intervention by Ryoko. The result has been everyone in the house having their personality transplanted into someone else's body:
Ryoko is now in Sasami's body. (Ryoko/Sasami)
Sasami is in Kiyone's body. (Sasami/Kiyone)
Kiyone has found herself stuck in Tenchi's body. (Kiyone/Tenchi)
Tenchi now occupies Mihoshe's body. (Tenchi/Mihoshe)
Mihoshe is getting drunk in Ryoko's body. (Mihoshe/Ryoko)
Washu has swapped bodies with Ayeka. (Washu/Ayeka & Ayeka/Washu)
Noboyuki was - rather fortunately - out of town after driving Katsuhito to a conference, and Ryo-Ohki was out in the Carrot Field raiding the harvest.
The Story so Far: Ryoko is missing and in serious danger. But while the others finally head out in the right direction, Mihoshe and Kiyone are still checking out the shrine...
Tenchi Muyo: Changing Faces
---------------------------
By Mccpcorn
CHAPTER EIGHT: GP INTERLUDE
========================
Kiyone had a dark sense of forboding about this whole crazy situation that threatened to overwhelm everyone.
Ever since she had arrived upon Earth Kiyone had found herself seemingly stumbling from one disaster to another. Most would seem comical in retrospect - if Kiyone knew they were just the occasional one off rather than the permanent streak of bad luck that seemed to follow her around. A bad-luck streak that usually had blonde hair, but at the moment was distinctly cyan coloured.
Kiyone/Tenchi sighed heavily to herself/himself, the noise reaching much further than she would've liked; a combination of Tenchi's deeper voice and the echo of the cave. Mihoshe didn't seem to notice though; she seemed far too wrapped up in her own thoughts to notice much of anything in fact. For a moment, Kiyone was tempted to prompt her partner to focus on the task in hand, but at the last second she realised how unusual it was to be walking next to a quiet Mihoshe - unusual and pleasant.
I can keep a look out for both of us, she decided with a wry smile, figuring she probably WOULD laugh this whole affair off someday. From the inside of a padded cell maybe...
Kiyone felt an odd dizziness scratching at the back of her mind. It was almost like having a queasy stomach, but somehow the sensation had been transplanted into her head. The effects of the personality transfer must be wearing off faster than Washu thought, Kiyone thought grimly to herself. Setting her jaw, she tried to concentrate harder upon herself and her identity, as well as the task at hand.
This proved no easy task for Kiyone as she spent most of her time trying to keep her mind as far away as possible from the bad dream that was her life on Earth. It wasn't that she didn't LIKE the place; as worlds went Earth was pretty nice. It had fairly stable seasons, some breathtaking scenery, and a night-life a young woman could die for.
But...
Earth's gravity was a tad heavier to what Kiyone was used to. Most days she didn't notice it, but after a long day at work being rushed off her feet, or a particularly stressful time with Mihoshe, Kiyone found herself sometimes feeling far more drained than you'd expect for a young, healthy woman. That, and chronic financial problems wearied her to the point where she saw precious little of that aforementioned night-life.
Then there was Earth's changeable weather, which also hit her hard. Although Earth's seasons were long, distinct and stable, winter really WAS winter, and summer really WAS summer, with all the disadvantages that implied. And of course, she still had to WORK in summer, which usually left her even more tired than usual.
Kiyone had developed a strong attraction to the public baths to counter most of these nuisances. There were few things more relaxing than floating effortlessly in the water, allowing all the aches and pains to melt away. This paradox of her love/hate relationship with Earth strangely mirrored her love/hate relationship with Mihoshe.
And the love/hate relationship with her own life.
After all, Kiyone received NO recognition from ANY of the jobs she'd had on Earth - or even her own career as a GP Officer. For a person who's sole goal in life was to make a real difference to people's lives it had to be the ultimate irony that she languished, seemingly forgotten by her superiors and peers. A dead-end career on a dead-end planet.
And yet the people here who had become her family...
They truly DID appreciate her, in a way that made her heart almost ache with joy. Life on Earth with the friends she had made was about as deep and rich and rewarding an existence as any person could hope to expect. It had come to the point where Kiyone wondered what she would do if she WAS offered a promotion or relocation. On the surface, she couldn't stand Earth and should jump at the chance to move, but underneath...
Kiyone forced the thoughts firmly to the back of her mind. There were more important things to worry about now. But before she buried the thoughts completely, one thing wedged solid in here consciousness for a moment.
This was a world where Kiyone had met people who really DID appreciate her. People who WOULD miss her should she go; people Kiyone would miss also. Kiyone was living two different lives, but they overlapped in a way that made Ayeka's life seem almost simple by comparison.
And Kiyone wanted BOTH her lives.
* * *
Up ahead, Mihoshe/Ryoko walked with ever more faltering steps; Kiyone could see a faint sheen of sweat on her partner's face, yet Mihoshe was trembling as if she were violently cold.
She must be feeling the effects of the personality transfer too, Kiyone realised suddenly. Ryoko's personality is surfacing, trying to assert itself.
And it'd be damn sure Ryoko wouldn't have any fond memories of this place. 'Mihoshe?' Kiyone asked carefully. 'Are you okay?'
Mihoshe/Ryoko's head snapped around at the sound of Kiyone/Tenchi's voice, like a startled cat. Her eyes were wide, and Kiyone could now hear her partner's rapid breathing.
'I think so,' Mihoshe responded, but her voice seemed oddly slow and subdued, a stark contrast from her sudden, swift movements. Kiyone placed a hand on her friend's shoulder. 'You know, you can wait outside if you want to...'
'No - no, I'm all right. I just feel kinda hyper for some reason.'
It was obvious that Mihoshe would be ashamed to let her partner down on something as simple as searching a cave, and with her in such a clearly fragile mood, Kiyone was unwilling to push her. Instead she just smiled and nodded. 'Well, as long as you're sure.'
Mihoshe smiled back weakly, clearly welcoming Kiyone's faith in her, and the pair continued on into the main chamber.
Tenchi had once related the story of the cave to Kiyone, and how he had unwittingly released Ryoko from her prison of 700 years. Upon encountering it first hand, she could understand why Ryoko would feel little love for the place. It was dark; lit only by a single feebly burning lamp, probably set there by Yosho, Kiyone realised. The roof was damp with moisture seeping through from the rainstorm outside, and was score-marked where Funaho's roots had withdrawn. Off to the left lay a small stone, seemingly split in two, with some discarded cord by it. A wooden shrine stood empty; from what Kiyone remembered, this was where Sword Tenchi had been stowed.
It was clear from a single glance that no-one was in the chamber, nor could they have hidden long from the two GP Officers. However, directly across from them was a crack in the wall, from which a faint glow emanated. The inner sanctum, Kiyone realised, where Tenchi had found the 'demon' of the Masaki shrine.
Kiyone shone her torch experimentally over the opening, trying to pierce the gloom beyond it. All she could tell for sure was that it sloped away from an angle, and the floor reflected light as if dotted by puddles.
'Well,' she announced. 'Speaking for myself, I don't think Ryoko came here. But we'd best be thorough.' With that, Kiyone took a step over to the crack in the wall.
Kiyone felt a sudden, painful pressure on her right arm as Mihoshe grabbed hold of her. With a startled yelp, Kiyone was flung half-way across the chamber, smashing the shrine to match-wood. The walls were suddenly bathed in an eerie red glow as Ryoko's energy sword flashed into existence.
Wide-eyed and fearful, Kiyone shot a glance at her partner. Ryoko's energy sword was not directed at her; Mihoshe/Ryoko stood in front of the crevice in the wall standing tall and erect, a vacant look in her eyes. She still trembled slightly, a barely seen tremor in the shadows cast by her sword. Mihoshe appeared to be mouthing words silently, but it was all a jumble and Kiyone couldn't read her partner's lips.
Kiyone wondered if entering the cave had triggered some kind of automatic response deep within Ryoko's subconscious, submerging Mihoshe's personality beneath it. For an agonising moment, Kiyone debated whether trying to get Mihoshe to come to her senses would only make the situation worse.
The debate was swiftly ended when Kiyone/Tenchi saw Mihoshe/Ryoko raise her free arm and begin gathering a photon blast to fire at the wall.
'Mihoshe, NO!!!' Kiyone somehow had her feet under her in less than half a second; a combination of Tenchi's greater strength and tolerance of Earth's gravity. Literally launching herself across the chamber, Kiyone used Tenchi's extra weight and muscle to send herself slamming hard into Mihoshe/Ryoko's left shoulder, spinning the two of them around. The still forming photon blast discharged prematurely at the ceiling.
Kiyone squeezed her eyes shut at the sudden, painful, flash of light. There was a dull thud, like a muted bang, followed by a tumbling or rushing noise. The chamber was suddenly thick full of dust or smoke and both GP Officers found themselves gasping and choking for air.
Mihoshe was on all fours, her head bent low. 'Kiyone!' she gasped. 'What's going on? What happened?'
Kiyone wiped at the dust on her face, in her eyes. 'You don't remember?' she demanded, struggling to hold onto her temper.
'It's hazy,' Mihoshe admitted in a trembling voice. 'Everything went fuzzy, like I was having a nice warm dream, and then you crashed into me...' Her eyes went wide suddenly. 'Kiyone! Oh no!'
'That's right,' Kiyone confirmed grimly as she struggled to her knees. 'You were getting ready to take a pot shot at the wall.'
'I - I got scared,' Mihoshe almost sobbed. 'I suddenly felt very cold and alone. I dunno why; I just didn't wanna go in there. I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking. It was all just so dark and cold...' she started to shake.
Kiyone crept over to where Mihoshe lay, got hold of her shoulders and hauled her up to a sitting position. She suddenly felt very ashamed at her own anger, remembering that Mihoshe wasn't in complete control of her situation.
Like she ever is, a nasty voice snapped at the back of her mind.
Kiyone firmly slammed the lid down on the voice as she concentrated on Mihoshe. Her partner did not appear hurt; they were BOTH lucky not to have been injured by Ryoko's sword. But Mihoshe was clearly suffering a mixture of embarrassment and shame at her actions, not to mention fear of Kiyone's reaction.
'It's all right Mihoshe,' Kiyone explained looking at her. 'There's no real harm done. Nothing that we can't fix anyway,' she added, looking towards the smashed shrine.
And caught her breath. Behind them, part of the chamber wall had collapsed, sealing them inside.
'Say it,' Mihoshe said simply.
Kiyone turned back to Mihoshe/Ryoko, saw her partners grim, tearing eyes. 'What?' she asked, distractedly.
'Say: You screwed things up again Mihoshe.' Mihoshe arched forward, a cat-like wail coming soft and high from her lips. Her shoulders began to buck with her sobbing, and she pounded the floor with her fists, leaving distinct cracks.
'Screw up, screw up, SCREW UP!' she choked out between hoarse rapid breaths. 'I can't even screw up right!' She suddenly scrabbled to her feet and stormed over to the blockage. Wrapping Ryoko's slender but strong arms around a mid-sized chunk of rubble, Mihoshe staggered back, lifted it, then swung in a circle to throw the debris clear. It landed on the far side of the room will a dark sounding thud.
'I've had enough!' she said, an unstable edge in her voice. 'I am SICK AND TIRED of always messing up. I am going to do something right for a change and get us out of here!'
'Mihoshe, STOP!' Kiyone's shout came out like a roar in Tenchi's deeper voice, enough to startle Mihoshe out of her actions. She took a step back, clearly dazed, as the wall collapsed further. Her own body mimicked the action as she fell back against the far wall. Tears streaked her face, which was a mask of pained emotion.
'Mihoshe, snap out of it!' Kiyone staggered over to Mihoshe, took her partner's shoulders again, and lowered Mihoshe's head so that it was between her knees.
'You're having a panic attack,' Kiyone explained gently. 'Hyperventilating. Just try to stay calm; I'm here with you.' Kiyone/Tenchi slid her/his arms protectively around Mihoshe/Ryoko's shoulders. Kiyone could hear Mihoshe muttering to herself between rapid breaths: 'I am a Galaxy Police Officer... I am a Galaxy Police Officer...'
'Hush, never mind that now,' Kiyone said softly, as she drew Mihoshe/Ryoko tighter into her - Tenchi's - arms. Idly, she wondered if she HAD found Ryoko after all.
A few long minutes passed, in which Mihoshe's breathing became more steady. 'Don't focus on being a GP Officer, Mihoshe,' Kiyone said. 'Just concentrate on being you.'
Mihoshe coughed a little, then raised her upper body and wiped at her eyes. 'I'm such a fool, Kiyone. I'm so sorry.'
Kiyone sighed heavily. 'Don't say such things. You're my FRIEND, Mihoshe. We all care about you, and we ALL appreciate what you do for us.' It was impulsive, but seemed oddly appropriate as Kiyone kissed Mihoshe on her forehead. Mihoshe responded by snuggling closer into Kiyone/Tenchi's embrace.
Mihoshe continued to talk around shallow sobs. 'But - but I've always ruined everything for you. It's my fault Washu's machine got blasted.'
'You didn't know how to control Ryoko's abilities then. That could have happened to any of us.'
'But, I KNOW you dun wanna be here; and I know I'm not that good a cop. You're always baby sitting me -'
'Now that's enough,' Kiyone said in a kind but stern voice, hardly aware that she was acting in exactly the way Mihoshe had just described. 'If you wanna talk GP, then a Galaxy Police Officer doesn't pout around feeling sorry for themselves; the Mihoshe I know doesn't either.
'A GP Officer takes each challenge as it comes and faces it with pride and determination. There is NO-ONE I know who does that more or better than you do.'
'But - but your career -'
'Mihoshe, that's LIFE. We're ALL entitled to grumble about life. We just make the best we can of it. Life is separate from job or career; even when life sucks, we can still do our jobs, and do them well. We've NEVER failed an assignment during our time here on Earth. Sure, we've not stopped any big time heisters, or took down any gangs, or infiltrated any syndicates - it DOESN'T MATTER. This stretch of space is a safer place to be, because of US. And that DOES matter.'
'Then... then you're not mad at me?'
Kiyone sighed. 'Mihoshe, I'm not sure if I've ever been REALLY angry with you. I'm angry with our bosses, because I don't think we get the respect we deserve. I don't think any of our hotshot colleagues appreciate how difficult our assignment here is. Balancing commitments on Earth with our Resident Officer status - I'd like to see THEM try it.' Kiyone sighed, then surprised herself by laughing - REALLY laughing.
Mihoshe/Ryoko gave Kiyone/Tenchi a confused smile. 'What is it, Kiyone?'
'It's - nothing. Just - I dunno,' Kiyone laughed again, Tenchi's voice ringing loud and clear. 'I just never thought about our lives here in this way before. I mean, I want to do well, but...'
'But you like it here?' Mihoshe/Ryoko finished for her, smiling.
Kiyone/Tenchi smiled down at her friend. 'I like it here,' she agreed.
Mihoshe/Ryoko's smile widened; a grin of fangs and green eyes and cyan hair, but somehow, oddly innocent and wondrous. With a happy sigh, Mihoshe/Ryoko wrapped her arms around Kiyone/Tenchi and snuggled into her friend's embrace.
That's when Kiyone felt it. The same hideously embarrassing sensation she'd experienced in the bathroom when Mihoshe - as a stark naked Ryoko - had hugged her.
It had to be the ODDEST sensation of her life. Washu had tried to trigger the response herself back in the lab. For a moment, Kiyone shuddered as the memory of a scantily clad schoolgirl Washu/Ayeka floated up in her mind.
Why NOW, of all times!? Kiyone's voice shrieked inside her head. What happened to the damn 40 below libido Washu said I was supposed to have!? Either her personality had adjusted to life in a male's body, or Tenchi's body was naturally reactive to Ryoko's.
Or...
Kiyone slammed the door firmly shut on THAT line of reasoning. There was NO WAY she was responsive to MIHOSHE!!
It's Tenchi, that's what it is. He's a young, healthy guy, full of hormones and stuff. He's surrounded by attractive young women. It's only natural.
The problem was that, natural or not, Mihoshe could feel it too. And the way she was snuggling closer into Kiyone/Tenchi's embrace suggested that she wasn't in the least bit bothered by it.
Well I am! Kiyone thought with a mixture of anger and embarrassment as she began to hurriedly disentangle herself/himself from Mihoshe/Ryoko. 'Come on,' she spoke to Mihoshe, 'We have to figure a way out of here.'
Mihoshe/Ryoko giggled, a singularly unsettling sound that had Kiyone/Tenchi break out in a cold sweat.
'Did you forget?' Mihoshe/Ryoko raised her head and spoke softly, teasingly, into Kiyone/Tenchi's right ear. 'I'm Ryoko; I can teleport us out of here anytime I want.' She giggled again. 'I guess I was too mixed up before to realise.'
Kiyone/Tenchi smiled, but with far more nervousness than relief. 'That's great, Mihoshe, that's just great!' she replied in a voice more fearful than reassuring. 'In that case, we'd better be getting back to the others-'
Mihoshe/Ryoko's grip didn't budge. 'You didn't hear me, right, Kiyone,' she answered in that same sweet, teasing voice. 'I said I can teleport anytime "I" want to.... And right now, I dun want to.'
Kiyone found Tenchi's heart hammering so hard she was almost passing out with the oxygen rush. She struggled to find her voice, knowing that only through reason could she save both herself AND Tenchi's body. With an effort, Kiyone/Tenchi managed to squeeze a little out of Mihoshe/Ryoko's tightening embrace.
'Mihoshe, LISTEN to me. You need to concentrate on yourself, your own identity. What you're experiencing are Ryoko's subliminal feelings towards this place, and towards Tenchi. She must have picked up a touch of autophobia after being locked up all alone for so long, and perhaps claustrophobia too.'
'And scotophobia?' Mihoshe added.
Kiyone/Tenchi frowned. 'SCOTOPHOBIA? What the heck is THAT?'
'A fear of the dark.' Mihoshe beamed.
'Ah... yeah, right,' Kiyone stammered. 'So, like I said, the others may be REALLY needing us, and-'
'But I feel so warm and safe with you,' Mihoshe/Ryoko cut Kiyone's increasingly desperate words off softly.
'Mihoshe, Please! We really need to go.' Mihoshe responded by snuggling up against the increasingly exasperated and flustered Kiyone/Tenchi. Kiyone shivered slightly at the warm breath on her ear, then jerked slightly as she felt the edge of a fang trace around the lobe.
'I can tell you know,' Mihoshe whispered. She pressed up against Kiyone/Tenchi's body.
Kiyone winced. 'Mihoshe this is TENCHI'S body - it's probably a conditioned response; an automatic reaction to contact with a woman.'
Ryoko's cyan hair tickled the side of Tenchi's neck as Mihoshe shook her head. 'Uh uh,' she admonished. 'I know different. I know about Tenchi, and I know about Ryoko, and I know about me.'
'But you DON'T know about me!' Kiyone pointed out, almost painfully.
It was as sudden as it was surprising. Mihoshe's arms fell away, so that Kiyone almost toppled backwards onto the floor. For a moment, Kiyone feared she would be pounced upon, but instead Mihoshe just sat there, a slightly bittersweet smile on her face.
'It's okay,' she replied to Kiyone's sudden look of concern. 'I understand; you're probably right, anyway.'
Kiyone felt suddenly and inexplicably guilty; as if SHE'D done something wrong. It then occurred to her that Mihoshe herself hadn't actually DONE anything wrong, though it was far from something Kiyone had felt comfortable with.
Or was it....?
No, NO!
'It's all right Mihoshe,' Kiyone said reassuringly, though now she herself doubted her own words. She felt suddenly cold after withdrawing from Mihoshe's embrace.
With a pop of displaced air, Mihoshe vanished from in front of Kiyone. The GP Officer turned in time to see her partner reappear in front of the blockage, near where they had entered the chamber. She was apparently assessing the damage with a critical eye.
'This will have to be fixed before Yosho gets back,' Mihoshe said in a neutral voice. 'He'll give us hell if he finds out about it.'
Kiyone nodded agreement as she came up behind Mihoshe. 'He'll probably guess anyways,' she said with a sigh. 'Even if Washu fixed it. He has a knack for stuff like that.'
Mihoshe nodded in her turn, then flicked a look back over her shoulder at Kiyone. 'Well, there's nothing we can do about it for now.' She reached out and took hold of Kiyone/Tenchi's right hand. 'Grab hold; I'll get us out of here.'
Kiyone didn't really know why she did it. On reflection it was fairly straightforward; she merely stepped up close behind Mihoshe and slid her - Tenchi's - hands around Mihoshe/Ryoko's waist.
But it was when she brought her face close up behind Mihoshe's and breathed lightly on it that things changed. Mihoshe shivered slightly; her body stiffened and she leaned back into Kiyone's embrace. The next thing Kiyone knew, she was kissing Mihoshe/Ryoko's neck. Mihoshe's hands moved down to grip Kiyone/Tenchi's tightly.
It was only when Kiyone - under her own volition rather than Mihoshe's urging - moved her left hand upwards at the same time that her right hand drifted down, that a sliver of reason penetrated her fuzzy mind. What the HELL am I DOING!?!
Kiyone/Tenchi began to sluggishly pull herself/himself away from Mihoshe/Ryoko as the latter reached back with a trembling arm to grip the former's waist and press her lower body back towards Kiyone.
Kiyone/Tenchi hesitated, allowing the soft noise of rain to fill her/his ears, and the warmth of Mihoshe/Ryoko's body to soak into her/his skin. Outside, the raging storm had become an apt metaphor for the raging, conflicting feelings within Kiyone's own heart, and probably Mihoshe's too, she realised. The pulsing heat was almost intoxicating, and the GP Officer within knew it was time to make or break.
It was time to decide.
* * *
Azaka floated, patient and unflustered in front of Tenchi/Mihoshe and Washu/Ayeka while the two of them considered Ayeka's report.
'Sounds like she didn't have a specific direction in mind,' Washu/Ayeka decided. 'Just to get away.'
'A typical child's reaction,' Tenchi/Mihoshe agreed.
Washu/Ayeka actually smiled - possibly for the first time since this whole mess happened, Tenchi thought. 'Did you ever run away from home?' Washu asked Tenchi.
Tenchi laughed softly. 'Actually, no,' he replied. 'I never had to I guess. After my mother passed away I may have kept to myself a bit more than other kids, but Dad just let me be. He's always been good like that.'
'And now?' Washu grinned mischievously.
Tenchi shrugged and smiled. 'Well, there ARE times when I feel I could use a little air - or space.'
Washu nodded knowingly, then turned to Azaka. 'We're ready, Azaka,' she told the Guardian. 'Take us to Ayeka and Sasami.'
'What about Kiyone and Mihoshe?' Tenchi asked.
'My orders were to fetch them after bringing the two of you to Princess Ayeka,' Azaka responded.
'That's good enough,' Washu agreed. 'Now we have a vague idea where Ryoko is, the important thing is to get over there ASAP. I just hope those two'll be okay until Azaka can collect them.'
'What do you mean?' Tenchi asked, puzzled.
Washu shrugged. 'Well, from what you said about that cave, there's all kinds of potential pitfalls they could get mixed up in.'
'Don't worry,' Tenchi/Mihoshe said confidently. 'If nothing else, Kiyone's sure to be on top of the situation.'
'Well, she better be,' Washu/Ayeka remarked tartly. 'Sooner or later Mihoshe is bound to end up with her legs in the air.'
With that, the two clambered aboard Azaka, and the Guardian set off back in the direction of the forest.
END OF CHAPTER 8
