When two eyes meet: Chapter 9 (part one): A Very Merry Masaki Christmas
By, CoupleKeeper
Disclaimer: I don't own Tenchi Muyo or it's characters. I own a select few characters in my story though; I also own the plot. Get it? Got it? Good. ----------------- You all know the drill
*Mind link* "Talking out loud" ~Thoughts~ ----------------- Authors notes: Well if you remember I talked about Christmas being near in earlier chapters. This part of my story is drawing to a close and there will be only one more chapter after this. I'm not sure if I'm going to go on with the trilogy thing I was thinking about before. If you guys want it though, I'll write, even if it's only one person who wants it. After I finish my up and coming fic called one week that is. I know two weeks has past, but I should be writing more often. I do believe I've found my muse and I thank goddess he doesn't know it either. Oh and this is a somewhat fluffy/funny chapter. (Longest one yet!) This is split into two parts since this one is so long and because I'm having the hardest time with the second part!
Okay enjoy this installment of When Two Eyes Meet. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
The wind was near below freezing outside and surprisingly there was no snow on the ground for this time of year. The trees were bare and the air was silent except for the soft sound of a sweeping broom. Tenchi Masaki could be seen standing alone sweeping the stairs of the Masaki Shrine. Deeply lost in thought the young boy didn't notice the woman with the cyan locks of hair walking slowly up the stairs. When the woman reached her destination she wrapped her arms around her unsuspecting victim. "Hello my Tenchi." She whispered seductively.
The poor boy jumped in shock by her sudden touch, but fell into it and quickly turned around to face her giving a growl of annoyance. "Ryoko... what have I told you about coming up these stairs?" The space pirate sighed, she too was annoyed. "Yes, I know. I shouldn't be walking around, but Tenchi I'm a strong woman. I am not made of glass or any other easily breakable material." Tenchi just smiled sweetly and kissed her forehead.
He gave her a silent nod and suddenly swept her off her feet leaving his broom to fall to the ground. He started to carry her down the stairs with smug smile on his face. Ryoko just snaked her arms around his neck and rested her head on his chest. They continued walking down the steps in perfect silence both wearing content smiles.
Half way down the steps Tenchi noticed a red headed scientist was waiting for him and his love. Washu now in her adult form, permanently as she claimed, sat on her floating cushion, waiting impatiently for her daughter and her boyfriend. Once they reached the bottom she opened her mouth to speak aloud when she noticed her sleeping daughter. Smiling kindly she began to whisper. "Hurry up Tenchi, she needs to come with me. It's only been a week and she still isn't fully healed." Tenchi again only nodded keeping completely silent even with his footfalls. After lightly kissing her Tenchi handed Ryoko over to her mother. "She'll see you tonight after she finishes her testing." She whispered. "Thank you Washu." Was all he said to her and walked back up the steps.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Wakey, Wakey little Ryoko." Washu said lightly shaking her pregnant daughter. Ryoko groaned and rolled over on the small makeshift bed. "What is it now mom?" I just finished testing, you can go now. Oh wait, you're probably going to want the results so wait here, I told Tenchi to come get you soon. So I'll wait till he gets here." Ryoko just nodded and began rubbing sleep from her eyes when she felt a familiar set of arms snake around her waist.
Ryoko giggled and then began to whisper to the boy behind her back. "Tenchi, mom is going to say something if she finds us like this." "No she wo..." Tenchi began, but was quickly cut off by another voice. "Yes I will say something. I'm telling both of you to get a room, because if Sasami sees something she might get some ideas she shouldn't have as an eleven- year-old. Now on to the reason I wanted you both in here. First off, the baby is fine." Ryoko and Tenchi both breathed a sigh of relief. "Second the healing is going fine except for one complication. You're right leg is going to need a cast, the muscles and tendons aren't healing right because you keep moving. So no more walking on it, in fact constant bed rest only for the next three weeks. I'll put the cast on after dinner."
Ryoko's eyes were wide and filled to the brim with tears. "But.. but... mom! I can't visit Tenchi at the shrine then! That's not fair." She shrieked. Tenchi gave Washu a reassuring smile and swept Ryoko back up into his arms. "She'll be back after dinner." And he proceeded to walk out of the lab carrying a very whiney Ryoko. "But Tenchiiiiii!" ~*Sigh* That's my daughter.~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
After walking up to their room Tenchi lightly dropped his beautiful girlfriend onto the bed. "Ryoko, we need to talk, about what you tried to tell me last week. You've been avoiding the subject." ~I don't want to talk about this now.~ Ryoko averted her gaze from Tenchi's. "Please Ryoko, look at me. I know it was something important." Ryoko sighed and stood up, still not looking at him. "No." She whispered. Tenchi just looked at her with pleading eyes knowing she couldn't see them, but she might feel his pain.
"Fine Tenchi, but remember this was your choice. You wanted to know about this." Ryoko sat back down and looked him in the eye. Her face both hard and grief stricken. "Tenchi, this was all a ploy. All of it was a plot to make you fall in love with me, it backfired in my face. I came to like Dagger more then just a friend, but it still wasn't what I felt for you. It got even more complicated after that I got pregnant. I was confused." Tenchi just gave her a knowing look as if to say 'tell me something I don't know already.'
"It became a question of right and wrong and it still is because I know Dagger is out there and I'm carrying his son. I love you so much Tenchi, but still I don't know what to do." Tenchi just sat there, his expression completely neutral, which was very unlike him. Ryoko went on in hopes of getting a response. "Tenchi, you mean everything to me. You are my everything and I'm sure you know how I feel. I've told you thousands of times and I'll never stop saying it. I love you Tenchi, I always have and always will." Ryoko then leaned over and gave Tenchi a very passionate kiss, one he didn't return. A tear dripped out of her eye as she pulled away.
"Ryoko," Tenchi began, "this is a choice you will have to make alone. I don't want to influence you in anyway on which choice to make either. Just know that no matter what you choose I will love you either way and I will until the end of time, but you need to make a decision you think is right." With that said Tenchi got up and began to walk out the door. Ryoko just leaned back on the bed and thought. ~I've made my choice, but is it right?~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The first crown princess of Jurai came bounding up the steps of the Masaki home as fast as she could while being chased by a small brown fur ball. When she reached the door of Tenchi and Ryoko she turned around and smiled triumphantly. "I beat you fair and square Ryo-Ohki now give me my carrots back please." Ryo-Ohki flopped on her back and began rubbing her stomach. "Mya mya!" Came the cabbit's happy reply. "No fair you promised! Oh well we have to wake up Ryoko anyway come on."
Then the little princess opened the door and walked into the room. "Wake up Ryoko!" Sasami chimed while trying to wake up the pirate. *Wakey, wakey!* Ryo-Ohki told her. Ryoko rolled over in bed and murmured. "I heard the both of you coming upstairs." The little princess just laughed and started pulling the cyan haired woman right out of bed. "Come on dinner's ready!" Once Ryoko was out of bed she scrunched up her face and said. "I'll race you!" Then she was gone with the little girl running behind her.
At the bottom of the stairs stood Jurai's first crown prince, Tenchi Masaki. He was not pleased in the least bit. "Ryoko! Stop it right now!" Ryoko just gave him a smile and a kiss as she ran past him. "Love you too!" She called back. Tenchi just hit his forehead and joined her at the table. The family continued their meal with only the usual chatter.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I'm not doing it Tenchi! I am not letting her put that thing on my leg!" Ryoko yelled as her boyfriend carried her into the scientist's laboratory, kicking and screaming all the way. "Tenchi please don't make me do it! Please? I want to be able to go and see you!" Tenchi then set her on an operating table and laid her back to her dismay. "Let me think about it for a second." Tenchi softly kissed her on the mouth. "Ah, no." He told her, but she didn't seem to care at the moment. She was in total bliss just like she always is when Tenchi kisses her.
"You don't like playing fair with my daughter do you?" Washu asked as she walked up to the pair. "Washu, you got to admit it's better then any sedative you can give her." "You've got a point. Now onto the first point of business, time to wrap that leg up!" Washu then began to work wrapping up her daughter's right leg, making a cyan colored cast to match Ryoko's hair. When she was done she pulled Tenchi aside out of Ryoko's hearing range.
"Keep her off that leg at all costs, I don't care what you have to do. It'll get worse if she doesn't stay off of it." Tenchi nodded and looked back when he heard movement coming from the place where his girlfriend resided. "I've got to go Washu, give me her crutches quickly." She did just that too afterwards Tenchi took off like a bat out of hell towards his love.
"Ryoko, I got your crutches now come on, I want to get you out of here." Ryoko didn't reply, she was still blissfully happy. ~Will you ever get used to that my love?~ Since she was still in her little dreamland Tenchi picked her up, cradling her in his arms. "Washu can you drop those off in our room?" Washu nodded and opened up a subspace transporter and dropped in her child's crutches.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tenchi had been lying next to his love for fifteen minutes now watching his love. She was curled up next to him still in her bliss like Dream State. ~My, this is a little longer then usually maybe I should try waking her up.~ He lightly shook her. "Ryoko, wake up, I want to talk to you." Ryoko rolled over smiling. "If it's about my choice, I've already decided." Tenchi opened his mouth to speak, but she spoke first. "Although, I'm not sure whether I should tell you." Tenchi frowned. "It all depends on how good the bribe is my Tenchi." ~So again we play this game.~ "Well what do you want?" He asked her suspiciously.
"I can think of a few things." Ryoko said slyly as she snaked her arms around Tenchi's neck. As Ryoko began pulling herself up to him she quickly fell back when pain shot through her leg. "Ow, ow, owwww!" Tenchi laughed softly at her attempt. "You shouldn't be making sudden moves like that, let me come to you." Tenchi kissed her softly on the lips, but Ryoko had a different idea. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a very passionate kiss.
Tenchi tried to lightly slip away, but Ryoko had a strong grip on him. "Ryoko." He mumbled in between breaths. ~Please Tenchi, don't ruin this. You haven't really kissed me since our first night back home.~ Tenchi finally was able to slip his way out of her hold when she started to relax. "Ryoko! What do you think you're doing?" Tenchi slightly shouted. Ryoko just slipped her dress off her shoulder showing a mark in the shape of a Jurian Tree. Tenchi's tree to be exact, the same down to the last leaf.
"That's what I'm doing Tenchi! You marked me Tenchi, this same exact mark is on your palm!" Ryoko grabbed his right hand and showed him his palm. "I am yours and it's because I chose to be, my choice has been made from the start!" Ryoko screamed, tears flowing down her face. Tenchi closed his eyes as they began to water. ~I hope that wasn't a mistake Ryoko.~ "Tenchi don't just think, tell me what's on your mind." She whispered softly. He murmured his reply, it was almost inaudible. "I hope that wasn't a mistake."
Ryoko broke out sobbing even harder, she kept trying to teleport out of there, but she couldn't with her currently limited powers. Washu sensing her daughter extreme distress teleported in there herself and teleported back out with her daughter.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Sshhh Ryoko, calm down and tell me what happened." "He.. He..." Ryoko couldn't say it so she just sent her mother the images. Washu's face winced in pain. "He's confused, a little bit hormonal right now. Everything will be fine later." *Lock your lab mother.* Washu nodded and mentally set the locks up on her lab door. *I'm through with his games mom.* Ryoko sighed. "I think this'll be the end of us." Washu shook her head and held her daughter tighter. *You don't know what you say my dear.*
"I know perfectly well what I say. He proved his love, but now he falls back. Leave me alone for awhile." Washu just silently backed away and left her daughter quickly. ~Tenchi.... will I have to?~ She curled up in a ball and sobbed harder. She whispered "Tenchi...." ~I don't want to loose you, but I have a duty to my child. He needs a father figure.... someone who loves me...~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Open up Washu!" Tenchi banged on the door some more. Only one little tear trickling down his face. "I know you're both in there. I need to talk with her so open up Washu." Washu's face appeared in the small circle on the door. Her voice rang out from two little speakers. "No, she's making a decision she needs to make tonight. You can wait until later." "It will be too late then Washu. I need to know something." "Yes, she loves you Tenchi. With all of her heart she does, but you've just betrayed her. This was a major mistake on your part."
Tenchi nodded knowingly. "I know," he whispered. "I have no more to say to you, now go away!" And then Washu's picture disappeared along with her words. Sasami, Mihoshi, and Kiyonie all stood in the hallway watching this unfold. "This will be one very merry Masaki Christmas for the books." Kiyonie muttered before going back to scrub the pots. "You said it." Sasami and Mihoshi agreed quietly.
Tenchi ran up to his room his face contorted in confusion. He slammed his door shut and leaned against it. "I'm so, so sorry." Then he slumped down onto the floor with his head in his hands. ~Forgive me my love. I didn't mean it.~ After several minutes of wallowing in his sorrow he got up and laid down on his bed, sprawled out, body hanging every which way. With half lidded eyes he had one final thought before drifting off into a disturbing slumber. ~Oh Kami, how can I make it up to her?~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tenchi's dream....... (All thoughts are Tenchi's in here)
Tenchi was as if he were floating. From a place in the sky Tenchi watched everything unfold, yet it was like he wasn't even really there. Down on the ground Ryoko lay back in some unknown man's arms. A small child with Raven black hair, just like that mystery man's hair, played with Ryo- Ohki. Laughter filled the air and everyone had smiles on their faces. ~Who are they?~ Ryoko flipped over and pinned the man down on his back planting small butterfly kisses all over his face.
"I love you." Ryoko told him before delving into a passion filled kiss. ~Stop that Ryoko! You love me!~ "And I you, my sweet demon." The man whispered before flipping her onto her back. Ryoko gave a little giggle before giving in and letting him pin her down. ~Get off her.~ "Remember when we first met? Remember how sad that little boy was to see your face?" Ryoko smiled smugly and gave a nod. "Good, now remember when I took you away. The tears he shed and his pleas for you to love him still." "I remember perfectly, that little brat was in so much pain. Of course that fight he challenged you topped that hurt."
The man gave a bellowing laugh with a huge grin on his face. "Ah yes, he lost not only his love, but his pride and integrity along with it." Ryoko had a good long laugh and so did the little raven-haired boy. Ryoko pushed the man off her playfully and ran to sweep the boy into a hug. "I've got it all, perfect husband," she shot a look at the mystery man, "and the best son in all creation. My life is grand." Ryoko rubbed noses with her son.
~Ryoko watch out!~ The mysterious man who seems to be her husband had pulled out a gun and was slinking behind Ryoko. He whispered in her ear, "good-bye Ryoko, it was fun, for a bit." Then he shot her in the back of the head. ~NO!!~ Ryoko fell to the ground with her son in her arms, blood poured all of them. The boy was in tears and was screaming. "Mommy! What'd you do to mommy?" The man's purple eyes shined with a mischievous gleam. "She served her purpose, I have you, now you'll come with me." Then the man began dragging him along and physically forced Ryo-Ohki into her space ship form.
~No! Not my Ryoko! You fucking bastard! My love, my perfect angel, why?~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tenchi shot up in bed sweat matted his hair to his face. "No..." He whispered, his hand clamped firmly over his chest. "It was only a dream, thank Kami." Darkness had fallen outside and for the first time during that
winter snow began to fall. Tenchi slowly turned his head to the window, feeling the cold. He frowned and a tear came to his eye. "The first snow,
now where is my first love?"
There was a soft knocking on his door. "Tenchi, it's me can I come in?" Tenchi's heart caught in his throat. ~Ryoko, I'm sorry~ "Yes, it's our room so come on in." Ryoko hobbled inside with her crutches and a solemn look was on her face. "That's what we're going to talk about Tenchi. This is once again only your room." She sat down, avoiding his grief-stricken gaze. "Ju.. Just my room?" Ryoko nodded. "Yes, now please hear me out." Tenchi gave his nod.
"I love you Tenchi, but I can no longer just think for myself. I have a child to think about and we've addressed that already, but my child needs a father figure and he doesn't need to see that person hurting me emotionally like you do. You keep hurting me Tenchi and you regret what you did. I'm beginning to think you did it out of lust, not love. Nothing can ever stop me from loving you, not anything or anyone, but I think I have to end this thing with us. Not for me, but for both my child and for you. If you regret what you did I don't want to stop you from loving someone else."
Tenchi's face was one of pure terror and he was shaking his head profusely. "No, no, no! This can't happen Ryoko, I love you beyond all words. I do not regret my decision at all, nothing can ever make me regret it. You are my love and my light Ryoko, I can't loose you like this, I can't loose you ever. What I did was out of pure and honest love, the same love that hurts me right now because of your words. Don't do this Ryoko, I made a mistake and I am sorry, I am so, so sorry. Please don't leave me, you're all I've got to live for." He finished his last words in a barely audible whisper.
Ryoko was crying, tears were staining her clothes. She stared down at the floor, not daring to look in his eyes. "Tenchi, there is no negotiating. This is the end, it has to be, there can be no more hurt like this." ~Time to get bold again, where are those hormones when you need them?~ Tenchi softly, but swiftly grabbed her chin and pulled her into a kiss. After minutes with no air Tenchi pulled away. "Tell me you don't want this to continue and it won't, but no matter what you do I'm going to change. I'm going to fix all of my flaws and wait for you. I will wait a millennia if I must, if it means I can get you back." Ryoko cried a little more and whimpered slightly when he took his hand away from her.
"I'm sorry Tenchi, it's over." With that said and done Ryoko walked out of the room. That's when Tenchi broke down. Tenchi did the one thing he hasn't done since Ryoko first left, he cried his heart out. Tenchi swore he felt his heart break, swore that nothing was left in his heart, but sorrow.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Five days had passed since Ryoko and Tenchi's confrontation. It was the night before Christmas. Tenchi sat on the couch, quietly watching Ryoko and the other girls do their hair on the floor in a circle. ~Are you thinking about me?~ He mused, a small smile played across his lips. Ryoko sat with her back to Tenchi brushing Sasami's hair. Washu sat behind Ryoko tying her daughter's hair back. Mihoshi sat behind her doing the same thing and Kiyonie was brushing Mihoshi's hair straight while Sasami brushed her hair.
"Everybody ready for Christmas?" He asked. "Yup!" They all replied in unison. As Tenchi took a breath of air his face fell into a look of bliss. ~You smell it don't you?~ Ryoko thought, a triumphant smile on her face. "I uh.. have to go!" Then Tenchi swiftly ran up the step to his room, tripping once along the way. ~Gods Ryoko, you know that perfume does to me.~ Ryoko grinned even bigger when he ran. She whispered ever so softly, "It must be done."
*Ryoko, look what you do to that poor boy.* *It's my perfume, I have a right to wear it.* Washu gave a mental laugh. *Yes, but to torture him like that?* *It's s side effect, I can't help it.* *You are definitely my daughter.* *Seems to be so.* *Yes, now quit playing with that poor boy's heart.*
After that being said Washu gave her daughter a hug. "Alright kiddies, it's Christmas Eve and all through the house, five girls were stirring, but yet not a mouse. Now time to have a little fun. Girls to the lab!" Each girl, except Ryoko, got in line behind Washu and they all literally marched into the lab. Ryoko slowly followed them in.
The room was silent for about five minutes when a middle-aged man popped his head out of his study. "Is anyone there?" "Just me dad." Tenchi said as he descended the stairs his arms full of gifts. "Good," Noboyuki said, as he too came out with many gifts in hand. "Whose turn is it to stand guard?" Tenchi asked as he put the gifts under the tree. A new voice rang out to answer. "That would be me Tenchi." Kamidake, Azaka, and Yosho all with their own gifts.
"Alright then Kamidake, remember keep those woman away from the tree at all costs. Failure is not an option. Oh and I got Kiyonie to give me Washu's x-ray sensors." Azaka raised a handful of small objects. Yosho gave a stifled laugh. "Just watch what you say and do in here. Washu has a pin camera on the picture frame of the family." The Shinto Priest pointed at a small picture on the coffee table. "Well boys, I think this year we finally beat those girls." Noboyuki said, a huge grin on his face.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Everyone groaned in annoyance. "Damn it Kiyonie, what made you do that?" Washu demanded. Kiyonie just backed away a little trying to put space between her and the four enraged women. "It was not my fault! He can make me do anything when the timing permits. I would prefer not to get into that at the moment though." Every other girl besides Kiyonie had a menacing scowl on her face, even little Sasami.
Then a voice came clearly ringing over the speakers of Washu's machine. "Well boys, I think this year, we finally beat those girls." An odd gleam came to Washu's eyes. "Leave her, those men think they're so slick. I think it's about time we played a little game...."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kamidake lay back on the couch with the television going. There was an American basketball game showing and the noise was at a moderate level. He was all alone now and completely enraptured with the television. Since he was so engrossed he didn't notice the figure slinking towards him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A fresh blanket of snow covered the countryside and Tenchi Masaki rose from bed with half-lidded eyes. ~Normally the girls are in here by now, ready to open gifts.~ Tenchi pondered on that thought as he dressed. Once he was ready, he began to walk down stairs only then to spot a horrible scene. Kamidake was stripped down to his boxers with his hands and feet handcuffed together. He even had a sock in his mouth, which muffled his screams to Tenchi.
Quickly Tenchi undid the bindings that held his friend only to be quickly pushed down. Kamidake ran into the kitchen and roared, "what is your problem Yosho! I was strapped down since last night, you could have helped me!" Yosho gave a cocky grin and replied, "I was hoping Azaka would find you first." Insane laughter came from the living room as three men, holding their sides, laughed to their heart's content. In Azaka's hand were several pictures all from the view of the coffee table picture frame.
"Guess I should've helped you out." Yosho mentioned as he slide past to look at the pictures. "Yeah, Yeah, just someone help me find my pants." Once Kamidake was fully clothed again after finding his clothes hidden all over the room. "Now would you guys like an explanation as to what happened and where the gifts are." Just then everyone noticed all the presents were missing from the tree. "Yes, well they left me with a message. It seems Noboyuki didn't watch what he said to carefully because they took his words as a challenge. They left a note, it's on the table." Tenchi went to go pick it up. This is what it read....
To the dear, dear baka who is reading this,
As you may have noticed we, the supreme five you dare to challenge, have stolen Christmas. We promise not open them, but under one condition. You will all enter the lab at 11:42 exactly, no sooner, no later. If any of you do not enter the lab, then you all shall suffer and we will open the gifts. Or accept our challenge and enter the lab and learn true terror, choose wisely.....
Signed,
The Supreme Five
Tenchi frowned after reading it aloud. "They're up to something humiliating, I know it. I can feel it in my blood," Azaka told them. It was then Ryo-Ohki came bounding down the steps and ran through the laboratory door. Tenchi took a second look at the note and suddenly it read The Supreme Six. Tenchi laughed a little and looked at the clock. "Uhh... guys, it's 11:41." Everyone's wide eyes traveled to the clock.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- Author's notes: Well I'm ending part one of chapter nine here. Can this be considered a bit of cliffhanger? IDK and oh well! I'm working on part two. I cut about 3 pages off what I already had to make this chapter. So At least I've got a start on the new chapter! Well I'm off and you remember if you want I'm open for comments, flames(I'm fireproof!), or whatever else you got! R/R!!!!!!
Merry and Blessed Be!
CoupleKeeper
Disclaimer: I don't own Tenchi Muyo or it's characters. I own a select few characters in my story though; I also own the plot. Get it? Got it? Good. ----------------- You all know the drill
*Mind link* "Talking out loud" ~Thoughts~ ----------------- Authors notes: Well if you remember I talked about Christmas being near in earlier chapters. This part of my story is drawing to a close and there will be only one more chapter after this. I'm not sure if I'm going to go on with the trilogy thing I was thinking about before. If you guys want it though, I'll write, even if it's only one person who wants it. After I finish my up and coming fic called one week that is. I know two weeks has past, but I should be writing more often. I do believe I've found my muse and I thank goddess he doesn't know it either. Oh and this is a somewhat fluffy/funny chapter. (Longest one yet!) This is split into two parts since this one is so long and because I'm having the hardest time with the second part!
Okay enjoy this installment of When Two Eyes Meet. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
The wind was near below freezing outside and surprisingly there was no snow on the ground for this time of year. The trees were bare and the air was silent except for the soft sound of a sweeping broom. Tenchi Masaki could be seen standing alone sweeping the stairs of the Masaki Shrine. Deeply lost in thought the young boy didn't notice the woman with the cyan locks of hair walking slowly up the stairs. When the woman reached her destination she wrapped her arms around her unsuspecting victim. "Hello my Tenchi." She whispered seductively.
The poor boy jumped in shock by her sudden touch, but fell into it and quickly turned around to face her giving a growl of annoyance. "Ryoko... what have I told you about coming up these stairs?" The space pirate sighed, she too was annoyed. "Yes, I know. I shouldn't be walking around, but Tenchi I'm a strong woman. I am not made of glass or any other easily breakable material." Tenchi just smiled sweetly and kissed her forehead.
He gave her a silent nod and suddenly swept her off her feet leaving his broom to fall to the ground. He started to carry her down the stairs with smug smile on his face. Ryoko just snaked her arms around his neck and rested her head on his chest. They continued walking down the steps in perfect silence both wearing content smiles.
Half way down the steps Tenchi noticed a red headed scientist was waiting for him and his love. Washu now in her adult form, permanently as she claimed, sat on her floating cushion, waiting impatiently for her daughter and her boyfriend. Once they reached the bottom she opened her mouth to speak aloud when she noticed her sleeping daughter. Smiling kindly she began to whisper. "Hurry up Tenchi, she needs to come with me. It's only been a week and she still isn't fully healed." Tenchi again only nodded keeping completely silent even with his footfalls. After lightly kissing her Tenchi handed Ryoko over to her mother. "She'll see you tonight after she finishes her testing." She whispered. "Thank you Washu." Was all he said to her and walked back up the steps.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Wakey, Wakey little Ryoko." Washu said lightly shaking her pregnant daughter. Ryoko groaned and rolled over on the small makeshift bed. "What is it now mom?" I just finished testing, you can go now. Oh wait, you're probably going to want the results so wait here, I told Tenchi to come get you soon. So I'll wait till he gets here." Ryoko just nodded and began rubbing sleep from her eyes when she felt a familiar set of arms snake around her waist.
Ryoko giggled and then began to whisper to the boy behind her back. "Tenchi, mom is going to say something if she finds us like this." "No she wo..." Tenchi began, but was quickly cut off by another voice. "Yes I will say something. I'm telling both of you to get a room, because if Sasami sees something she might get some ideas she shouldn't have as an eleven- year-old. Now on to the reason I wanted you both in here. First off, the baby is fine." Ryoko and Tenchi both breathed a sigh of relief. "Second the healing is going fine except for one complication. You're right leg is going to need a cast, the muscles and tendons aren't healing right because you keep moving. So no more walking on it, in fact constant bed rest only for the next three weeks. I'll put the cast on after dinner."
Ryoko's eyes were wide and filled to the brim with tears. "But.. but... mom! I can't visit Tenchi at the shrine then! That's not fair." She shrieked. Tenchi gave Washu a reassuring smile and swept Ryoko back up into his arms. "She'll be back after dinner." And he proceeded to walk out of the lab carrying a very whiney Ryoko. "But Tenchiiiiii!" ~*Sigh* That's my daughter.~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
After walking up to their room Tenchi lightly dropped his beautiful girlfriend onto the bed. "Ryoko, we need to talk, about what you tried to tell me last week. You've been avoiding the subject." ~I don't want to talk about this now.~ Ryoko averted her gaze from Tenchi's. "Please Ryoko, look at me. I know it was something important." Ryoko sighed and stood up, still not looking at him. "No." She whispered. Tenchi just looked at her with pleading eyes knowing she couldn't see them, but she might feel his pain.
"Fine Tenchi, but remember this was your choice. You wanted to know about this." Ryoko sat back down and looked him in the eye. Her face both hard and grief stricken. "Tenchi, this was all a ploy. All of it was a plot to make you fall in love with me, it backfired in my face. I came to like Dagger more then just a friend, but it still wasn't what I felt for you. It got even more complicated after that I got pregnant. I was confused." Tenchi just gave her a knowing look as if to say 'tell me something I don't know already.'
"It became a question of right and wrong and it still is because I know Dagger is out there and I'm carrying his son. I love you so much Tenchi, but still I don't know what to do." Tenchi just sat there, his expression completely neutral, which was very unlike him. Ryoko went on in hopes of getting a response. "Tenchi, you mean everything to me. You are my everything and I'm sure you know how I feel. I've told you thousands of times and I'll never stop saying it. I love you Tenchi, I always have and always will." Ryoko then leaned over and gave Tenchi a very passionate kiss, one he didn't return. A tear dripped out of her eye as she pulled away.
"Ryoko," Tenchi began, "this is a choice you will have to make alone. I don't want to influence you in anyway on which choice to make either. Just know that no matter what you choose I will love you either way and I will until the end of time, but you need to make a decision you think is right." With that said Tenchi got up and began to walk out the door. Ryoko just leaned back on the bed and thought. ~I've made my choice, but is it right?~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The first crown princess of Jurai came bounding up the steps of the Masaki home as fast as she could while being chased by a small brown fur ball. When she reached the door of Tenchi and Ryoko she turned around and smiled triumphantly. "I beat you fair and square Ryo-Ohki now give me my carrots back please." Ryo-Ohki flopped on her back and began rubbing her stomach. "Mya mya!" Came the cabbit's happy reply. "No fair you promised! Oh well we have to wake up Ryoko anyway come on."
Then the little princess opened the door and walked into the room. "Wake up Ryoko!" Sasami chimed while trying to wake up the pirate. *Wakey, wakey!* Ryo-Ohki told her. Ryoko rolled over in bed and murmured. "I heard the both of you coming upstairs." The little princess just laughed and started pulling the cyan haired woman right out of bed. "Come on dinner's ready!" Once Ryoko was out of bed she scrunched up her face and said. "I'll race you!" Then she was gone with the little girl running behind her.
At the bottom of the stairs stood Jurai's first crown prince, Tenchi Masaki. He was not pleased in the least bit. "Ryoko! Stop it right now!" Ryoko just gave him a smile and a kiss as she ran past him. "Love you too!" She called back. Tenchi just hit his forehead and joined her at the table. The family continued their meal with only the usual chatter.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I'm not doing it Tenchi! I am not letting her put that thing on my leg!" Ryoko yelled as her boyfriend carried her into the scientist's laboratory, kicking and screaming all the way. "Tenchi please don't make me do it! Please? I want to be able to go and see you!" Tenchi then set her on an operating table and laid her back to her dismay. "Let me think about it for a second." Tenchi softly kissed her on the mouth. "Ah, no." He told her, but she didn't seem to care at the moment. She was in total bliss just like she always is when Tenchi kisses her.
"You don't like playing fair with my daughter do you?" Washu asked as she walked up to the pair. "Washu, you got to admit it's better then any sedative you can give her." "You've got a point. Now onto the first point of business, time to wrap that leg up!" Washu then began to work wrapping up her daughter's right leg, making a cyan colored cast to match Ryoko's hair. When she was done she pulled Tenchi aside out of Ryoko's hearing range.
"Keep her off that leg at all costs, I don't care what you have to do. It'll get worse if she doesn't stay off of it." Tenchi nodded and looked back when he heard movement coming from the place where his girlfriend resided. "I've got to go Washu, give me her crutches quickly." She did just that too afterwards Tenchi took off like a bat out of hell towards his love.
"Ryoko, I got your crutches now come on, I want to get you out of here." Ryoko didn't reply, she was still blissfully happy. ~Will you ever get used to that my love?~ Since she was still in her little dreamland Tenchi picked her up, cradling her in his arms. "Washu can you drop those off in our room?" Washu nodded and opened up a subspace transporter and dropped in her child's crutches.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tenchi had been lying next to his love for fifteen minutes now watching his love. She was curled up next to him still in her bliss like Dream State. ~My, this is a little longer then usually maybe I should try waking her up.~ He lightly shook her. "Ryoko, wake up, I want to talk to you." Ryoko rolled over smiling. "If it's about my choice, I've already decided." Tenchi opened his mouth to speak, but she spoke first. "Although, I'm not sure whether I should tell you." Tenchi frowned. "It all depends on how good the bribe is my Tenchi." ~So again we play this game.~ "Well what do you want?" He asked her suspiciously.
"I can think of a few things." Ryoko said slyly as she snaked her arms around Tenchi's neck. As Ryoko began pulling herself up to him she quickly fell back when pain shot through her leg. "Ow, ow, owwww!" Tenchi laughed softly at her attempt. "You shouldn't be making sudden moves like that, let me come to you." Tenchi kissed her softly on the lips, but Ryoko had a different idea. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a very passionate kiss.
Tenchi tried to lightly slip away, but Ryoko had a strong grip on him. "Ryoko." He mumbled in between breaths. ~Please Tenchi, don't ruin this. You haven't really kissed me since our first night back home.~ Tenchi finally was able to slip his way out of her hold when she started to relax. "Ryoko! What do you think you're doing?" Tenchi slightly shouted. Ryoko just slipped her dress off her shoulder showing a mark in the shape of a Jurian Tree. Tenchi's tree to be exact, the same down to the last leaf.
"That's what I'm doing Tenchi! You marked me Tenchi, this same exact mark is on your palm!" Ryoko grabbed his right hand and showed him his palm. "I am yours and it's because I chose to be, my choice has been made from the start!" Ryoko screamed, tears flowing down her face. Tenchi closed his eyes as they began to water. ~I hope that wasn't a mistake Ryoko.~ "Tenchi don't just think, tell me what's on your mind." She whispered softly. He murmured his reply, it was almost inaudible. "I hope that wasn't a mistake."
Ryoko broke out sobbing even harder, she kept trying to teleport out of there, but she couldn't with her currently limited powers. Washu sensing her daughter extreme distress teleported in there herself and teleported back out with her daughter.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Sshhh Ryoko, calm down and tell me what happened." "He.. He..." Ryoko couldn't say it so she just sent her mother the images. Washu's face winced in pain. "He's confused, a little bit hormonal right now. Everything will be fine later." *Lock your lab mother.* Washu nodded and mentally set the locks up on her lab door. *I'm through with his games mom.* Ryoko sighed. "I think this'll be the end of us." Washu shook her head and held her daughter tighter. *You don't know what you say my dear.*
"I know perfectly well what I say. He proved his love, but now he falls back. Leave me alone for awhile." Washu just silently backed away and left her daughter quickly. ~Tenchi.... will I have to?~ She curled up in a ball and sobbed harder. She whispered "Tenchi...." ~I don't want to loose you, but I have a duty to my child. He needs a father figure.... someone who loves me...~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Open up Washu!" Tenchi banged on the door some more. Only one little tear trickling down his face. "I know you're both in there. I need to talk with her so open up Washu." Washu's face appeared in the small circle on the door. Her voice rang out from two little speakers. "No, she's making a decision she needs to make tonight. You can wait until later." "It will be too late then Washu. I need to know something." "Yes, she loves you Tenchi. With all of her heart she does, but you've just betrayed her. This was a major mistake on your part."
Tenchi nodded knowingly. "I know," he whispered. "I have no more to say to you, now go away!" And then Washu's picture disappeared along with her words. Sasami, Mihoshi, and Kiyonie all stood in the hallway watching this unfold. "This will be one very merry Masaki Christmas for the books." Kiyonie muttered before going back to scrub the pots. "You said it." Sasami and Mihoshi agreed quietly.
Tenchi ran up to his room his face contorted in confusion. He slammed his door shut and leaned against it. "I'm so, so sorry." Then he slumped down onto the floor with his head in his hands. ~Forgive me my love. I didn't mean it.~ After several minutes of wallowing in his sorrow he got up and laid down on his bed, sprawled out, body hanging every which way. With half lidded eyes he had one final thought before drifting off into a disturbing slumber. ~Oh Kami, how can I make it up to her?~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tenchi's dream....... (All thoughts are Tenchi's in here)
Tenchi was as if he were floating. From a place in the sky Tenchi watched everything unfold, yet it was like he wasn't even really there. Down on the ground Ryoko lay back in some unknown man's arms. A small child with Raven black hair, just like that mystery man's hair, played with Ryo- Ohki. Laughter filled the air and everyone had smiles on their faces. ~Who are they?~ Ryoko flipped over and pinned the man down on his back planting small butterfly kisses all over his face.
"I love you." Ryoko told him before delving into a passion filled kiss. ~Stop that Ryoko! You love me!~ "And I you, my sweet demon." The man whispered before flipping her onto her back. Ryoko gave a little giggle before giving in and letting him pin her down. ~Get off her.~ "Remember when we first met? Remember how sad that little boy was to see your face?" Ryoko smiled smugly and gave a nod. "Good, now remember when I took you away. The tears he shed and his pleas for you to love him still." "I remember perfectly, that little brat was in so much pain. Of course that fight he challenged you topped that hurt."
The man gave a bellowing laugh with a huge grin on his face. "Ah yes, he lost not only his love, but his pride and integrity along with it." Ryoko had a good long laugh and so did the little raven-haired boy. Ryoko pushed the man off her playfully and ran to sweep the boy into a hug. "I've got it all, perfect husband," she shot a look at the mystery man, "and the best son in all creation. My life is grand." Ryoko rubbed noses with her son.
~Ryoko watch out!~ The mysterious man who seems to be her husband had pulled out a gun and was slinking behind Ryoko. He whispered in her ear, "good-bye Ryoko, it was fun, for a bit." Then he shot her in the back of the head. ~NO!!~ Ryoko fell to the ground with her son in her arms, blood poured all of them. The boy was in tears and was screaming. "Mommy! What'd you do to mommy?" The man's purple eyes shined with a mischievous gleam. "She served her purpose, I have you, now you'll come with me." Then the man began dragging him along and physically forced Ryo-Ohki into her space ship form.
~No! Not my Ryoko! You fucking bastard! My love, my perfect angel, why?~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tenchi shot up in bed sweat matted his hair to his face. "No..." He whispered, his hand clamped firmly over his chest. "It was only a dream, thank Kami." Darkness had fallen outside and for the first time during that
winter snow began to fall. Tenchi slowly turned his head to the window, feeling the cold. He frowned and a tear came to his eye. "The first snow,
now where is my first love?"
There was a soft knocking on his door. "Tenchi, it's me can I come in?" Tenchi's heart caught in his throat. ~Ryoko, I'm sorry~ "Yes, it's our room so come on in." Ryoko hobbled inside with her crutches and a solemn look was on her face. "That's what we're going to talk about Tenchi. This is once again only your room." She sat down, avoiding his grief-stricken gaze. "Ju.. Just my room?" Ryoko nodded. "Yes, now please hear me out." Tenchi gave his nod.
"I love you Tenchi, but I can no longer just think for myself. I have a child to think about and we've addressed that already, but my child needs a father figure and he doesn't need to see that person hurting me emotionally like you do. You keep hurting me Tenchi and you regret what you did. I'm beginning to think you did it out of lust, not love. Nothing can ever stop me from loving you, not anything or anyone, but I think I have to end this thing with us. Not for me, but for both my child and for you. If you regret what you did I don't want to stop you from loving someone else."
Tenchi's face was one of pure terror and he was shaking his head profusely. "No, no, no! This can't happen Ryoko, I love you beyond all words. I do not regret my decision at all, nothing can ever make me regret it. You are my love and my light Ryoko, I can't loose you like this, I can't loose you ever. What I did was out of pure and honest love, the same love that hurts me right now because of your words. Don't do this Ryoko, I made a mistake and I am sorry, I am so, so sorry. Please don't leave me, you're all I've got to live for." He finished his last words in a barely audible whisper.
Ryoko was crying, tears were staining her clothes. She stared down at the floor, not daring to look in his eyes. "Tenchi, there is no negotiating. This is the end, it has to be, there can be no more hurt like this." ~Time to get bold again, where are those hormones when you need them?~ Tenchi softly, but swiftly grabbed her chin and pulled her into a kiss. After minutes with no air Tenchi pulled away. "Tell me you don't want this to continue and it won't, but no matter what you do I'm going to change. I'm going to fix all of my flaws and wait for you. I will wait a millennia if I must, if it means I can get you back." Ryoko cried a little more and whimpered slightly when he took his hand away from her.
"I'm sorry Tenchi, it's over." With that said and done Ryoko walked out of the room. That's when Tenchi broke down. Tenchi did the one thing he hasn't done since Ryoko first left, he cried his heart out. Tenchi swore he felt his heart break, swore that nothing was left in his heart, but sorrow.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Five days had passed since Ryoko and Tenchi's confrontation. It was the night before Christmas. Tenchi sat on the couch, quietly watching Ryoko and the other girls do their hair on the floor in a circle. ~Are you thinking about me?~ He mused, a small smile played across his lips. Ryoko sat with her back to Tenchi brushing Sasami's hair. Washu sat behind Ryoko tying her daughter's hair back. Mihoshi sat behind her doing the same thing and Kiyonie was brushing Mihoshi's hair straight while Sasami brushed her hair.
"Everybody ready for Christmas?" He asked. "Yup!" They all replied in unison. As Tenchi took a breath of air his face fell into a look of bliss. ~You smell it don't you?~ Ryoko thought, a triumphant smile on her face. "I uh.. have to go!" Then Tenchi swiftly ran up the step to his room, tripping once along the way. ~Gods Ryoko, you know that perfume does to me.~ Ryoko grinned even bigger when he ran. She whispered ever so softly, "It must be done."
*Ryoko, look what you do to that poor boy.* *It's my perfume, I have a right to wear it.* Washu gave a mental laugh. *Yes, but to torture him like that?* *It's s side effect, I can't help it.* *You are definitely my daughter.* *Seems to be so.* *Yes, now quit playing with that poor boy's heart.*
After that being said Washu gave her daughter a hug. "Alright kiddies, it's Christmas Eve and all through the house, five girls were stirring, but yet not a mouse. Now time to have a little fun. Girls to the lab!" Each girl, except Ryoko, got in line behind Washu and they all literally marched into the lab. Ryoko slowly followed them in.
The room was silent for about five minutes when a middle-aged man popped his head out of his study. "Is anyone there?" "Just me dad." Tenchi said as he descended the stairs his arms full of gifts. "Good," Noboyuki said, as he too came out with many gifts in hand. "Whose turn is it to stand guard?" Tenchi asked as he put the gifts under the tree. A new voice rang out to answer. "That would be me Tenchi." Kamidake, Azaka, and Yosho all with their own gifts.
"Alright then Kamidake, remember keep those woman away from the tree at all costs. Failure is not an option. Oh and I got Kiyonie to give me Washu's x-ray sensors." Azaka raised a handful of small objects. Yosho gave a stifled laugh. "Just watch what you say and do in here. Washu has a pin camera on the picture frame of the family." The Shinto Priest pointed at a small picture on the coffee table. "Well boys, I think this year we finally beat those girls." Noboyuki said, a huge grin on his face.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Everyone groaned in annoyance. "Damn it Kiyonie, what made you do that?" Washu demanded. Kiyonie just backed away a little trying to put space between her and the four enraged women. "It was not my fault! He can make me do anything when the timing permits. I would prefer not to get into that at the moment though." Every other girl besides Kiyonie had a menacing scowl on her face, even little Sasami.
Then a voice came clearly ringing over the speakers of Washu's machine. "Well boys, I think this year, we finally beat those girls." An odd gleam came to Washu's eyes. "Leave her, those men think they're so slick. I think it's about time we played a little game...."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kamidake lay back on the couch with the television going. There was an American basketball game showing and the noise was at a moderate level. He was all alone now and completely enraptured with the television. Since he was so engrossed he didn't notice the figure slinking towards him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A fresh blanket of snow covered the countryside and Tenchi Masaki rose from bed with half-lidded eyes. ~Normally the girls are in here by now, ready to open gifts.~ Tenchi pondered on that thought as he dressed. Once he was ready, he began to walk down stairs only then to spot a horrible scene. Kamidake was stripped down to his boxers with his hands and feet handcuffed together. He even had a sock in his mouth, which muffled his screams to Tenchi.
Quickly Tenchi undid the bindings that held his friend only to be quickly pushed down. Kamidake ran into the kitchen and roared, "what is your problem Yosho! I was strapped down since last night, you could have helped me!" Yosho gave a cocky grin and replied, "I was hoping Azaka would find you first." Insane laughter came from the living room as three men, holding their sides, laughed to their heart's content. In Azaka's hand were several pictures all from the view of the coffee table picture frame.
"Guess I should've helped you out." Yosho mentioned as he slide past to look at the pictures. "Yeah, Yeah, just someone help me find my pants." Once Kamidake was fully clothed again after finding his clothes hidden all over the room. "Now would you guys like an explanation as to what happened and where the gifts are." Just then everyone noticed all the presents were missing from the tree. "Yes, well they left me with a message. It seems Noboyuki didn't watch what he said to carefully because they took his words as a challenge. They left a note, it's on the table." Tenchi went to go pick it up. This is what it read....
To the dear, dear baka who is reading this,
As you may have noticed we, the supreme five you dare to challenge, have stolen Christmas. We promise not open them, but under one condition. You will all enter the lab at 11:42 exactly, no sooner, no later. If any of you do not enter the lab, then you all shall suffer and we will open the gifts. Or accept our challenge and enter the lab and learn true terror, choose wisely.....
Signed,
The Supreme Five
Tenchi frowned after reading it aloud. "They're up to something humiliating, I know it. I can feel it in my blood," Azaka told them. It was then Ryo-Ohki came bounding down the steps and ran through the laboratory door. Tenchi took a second look at the note and suddenly it read The Supreme Six. Tenchi laughed a little and looked at the clock. "Uhh... guys, it's 11:41." Everyone's wide eyes traveled to the clock.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- Author's notes: Well I'm ending part one of chapter nine here. Can this be considered a bit of cliffhanger? IDK and oh well! I'm working on part two. I cut about 3 pages off what I already had to make this chapter. So At least I've got a start on the new chapter! Well I'm off and you remember if you want I'm open for comments, flames(I'm fireproof!), or whatever else you got! R/R!!!!!!
Merry and Blessed Be!
CoupleKeeper
