The Day of the Angels
Prologue: Losing Heaven
By: Julie-chan
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Tenchi Muyo! characters, for they belong to AIC and Pioneer. I do own the rest, for they are from a story that I had planned on that was not based on any animated shows. If this is similar to someone else's work, then it is coincidence. I have part of that story that I was working on written, and that was long before I even heard of Tenchi Muyo! so it is an honest mistake. I don't own much money, so I hope that you don't have it in your heads that you can sue me. Thank you
Notes: I won't be giving you many details of this story, but I hope that you will enjoy it.
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The crowded sanctuary of the Tsunamic Temple of Jurai was filled with the people of Jurai to see the wedding of their crowned prince and princess. Everyone, including the formal rival of Princess Ayeka, the Space Pirate Ryoko. Even though she wasn't controlled by Kagato anymore, and wasn't what he had made her to be, she was still called space pirate. Even worse, a monster, demon, or both. Guilt would wound its way to the very core of her soul whenever someone gave her a hateful glance. She remembered the nightmares of the things she had done, and how low it had made her, but when she was near Tenchi, the nightmares and guilt would go away. Now that he is marrying Ayeka, Ryoko's world was darker now than it was in that cave. She looked up at the alter and saw Tenchi up ahead, waiting for the ceremony to start. He scanned the crowd that had arrived to see this special day, and she was praying that he wouldn't see her among the crowd. She didn't think he would, for she had
chosen the very back of the massive temple. Then against all her prayers and wishes, he had spotted her. After the initial shock of seeing her here, he had smiled warmly. The very breath was knocked out of her at the sight of his smile. It was the same gentle smile he had used on that day... She blocked the memory of what happened two weeks before his engagement to Ayeka. She looked into those gentle brown eyes, and didn't know whether to run away, avert the gaze, scream out all of her sorrow, or to run up to the alter and into his arms. She shook those thoughts off mentally and just forced a smile. His smile faded lightly, knowing that it was forced. He gazed into those golden orbs, with his brown ones sympathetically. She dropped her facade of a smile and looked down to her feet. Didn't he know that this was hard enough on her.
When she finally looked up, Tenchi was no longer looking her way. She sighed in relief, and dismay. She didn't want him to see her pain, but yet she did in hope that he would run from his place to gather her into his arms, and not let the world hurt her anymore. But that was just a dream, and plus he loved Ayeka. The proof of that was the temple, the crowd, and Tenchi standing up ahead in all his glory.
He looked every bit of a prince in his Jurain wedding attire. The attire was the exact replica of the light hawk armor. That symbolized strength, and a gold broach of the Tree Tsunami was attached to the left side of his robes, and it symbolized power. She had to stop thinking about how he looked today. It made the torment rage even more within her soul. She looked down at her clothes. It wasn't the same type of clothes she had always worn in her days as a space pirate, or at the Masaki house on Earth. She wore a long dress of pale orange silk, with a cream coloured sheer over dress. She wore a orange sable cloak, with gold embroidered trimmings. The colors had seemed to compliment with her feline like eyes of gold. The cloak hid her body frame unlike her regular clothes, which had shown off almost every curve of her body. And her cyan mane was in its usual spikiness.
Any thought that she had on her mind had ended when a Jurain wedding medley had sounded throughout the massive temple. Everyone looked on as the bride's maids made their way down the aisle. Washu, Mihoshi, and Kiyone had made their way down the aisle. They looked like nymphs in the white knee-length dresses with long sleeves. Mihoshi and Kiyone had both of their hair pulled up in a french twist while Washu was in her adult form, and still maintained the same spiky hairstyle she always had. Following the bride's maids, were the two flower girls, Sasami and Ryo-ohki in her humanoid form. They were in white dresses with puffed sleeves, and with pink flowers embroidered on the fabric. The two looked like little cherubs, and Ryoko sent that thought to Ryo-ohki. Seeing the blush on her friend/pet/ship/sister, she smiled, and for once, it wasn't forced.
The previous tune had changed when the bride had stepped out. Ayeka looked every bit of a princess as she appeared in her royal wedding attire. She wore a silk Jurain kimono with light blue trimmings. She had a crown of cherry blossoms in her hair, and a bouquet of startika blossoms in her hand.
She held her head up regally, but in her eyes. In her eyes you could see the flame of love lit up so bright, Ryoko was sure people would have been blinded if they were to gaze into the pink depths. Ryoko looked over at Tenchi, who was mesmerized by this vision of lovliness, who will be his wife after this. Ryoko had imagined that look would be set upon her if she were to marry the Jurain Earthling prince. Alas, she is not, but the princess was. It had always seemed that it was the prince and the princess that was to be married, like in the fairy tales. But this was not a fairy tale, but real life. She watched as Ayeka made it to the alter and kneeled alongside Tenchi.
The music faded away as a old priest appeared. The priest was carrying himself like a nobleman, but he appeared ancient. The long white hair and beard had added to the appearance, but the most notable feature was his pale crystal silver eyes. Those eyes have the last twinkle of youth, but they had shown centuries gone by. The priest was garbed in the ceremonial robes of royal weddings. He spoke in ancient Jurain, while blessing them with special dust. He was speaking of the ancient times when weddings were just to bind to families together, and how it was to build an alliance between two empires, then how it became for love. He spoke of the rarity of nobles choosing their own soul mates, and the rarity of it being a love match. He chanted a prayer of a eternal happiness for the couple, and then bade them to rise. He spoke the modern tongue when he spoke of the crowd that had gathered to witness this event, and how they would be able to verify that this couple was married in
the eyes of all Jurai, and in the name of Tsunami. He brought their hands together until their fingers were intertwined, and he bound their wrists with a white cloth, symbolizing that this is a ceremony to bond their lives as well as their souls together. He spoke again in the ancient tongue, and told the symbolism of this act. They said their vows, that were from the heart, and the pledges to Tsunami and each other that they would love, honor, and cherish each other, and serve each other faithfully as they would Tsunami. The priest chanted another prayer that the two would follow and honor the vows as they would each other for many years to come. Tenchi and Ayeka looked into each other's eyes as they had gave their consent to honor the vows as they would each other. The look between them was pure and true love.
Ryoko had to admit that this was the most beautiful and romantic weddings she had seen, actually it was the only beautiful one she had been able to see. The last wedding she remembered, was near the end when she had arrived. She was fascinated when she saw the lovely bride with lavender eyes, snow white skin, and ink black hair. She remembered the bride's name. She had met the woman while she was touring the city of the planet Kagato planned to destroy. The woman had shown her around, and when they ate lunch together, she told Ryoko her name. Sophia. Ryoko had heard stories about her life, and about her wedding the next day. She had invited Ryoko, and Ryoko had to decline of course. While she reported in to Kagato that day, he had told her he knew of the invitation, due to his ability to read her memories, and he decided to give the cathedral a dramatic entrance. Ryoko protested of course, but Kagato had smacked her so hard, that she was knocked cold. The next day she was
ordered to go to the wedding and to destroy everything, and everyone. She had reluctantly entered as the bride and groom were saying their vows. Ryoko marveled at the decorations, and the well dressed people. She was in awe at the gown Sofia was wearing. It was a white dress with a strapless bodice, and the skirt was of many layers of chiffon and a silk under dress. Her black hair was braided and wound about her head, and looked like it was part of the silver tiara she had on top of her head. Ryoko saw Sophia look over towards her and smiled at her arrival. Ryoko smiled back until she felt that ripping sensation in her mind. Kagato was not pleased with her reluctance, and had meant for her to carry out his will, and she shall as he commanded. Kagato had took control of her, and she suddenly went on a murdering spree. She remembered the screams, and smells. She killed the people who had welcomed her into their town, and she remembered their looks that mirrored their feelings
of betrayal. She had killed the the blue eyed man who Sophia was to marry. The last person left was Sophia. Ryoko remembered exactly the look of fright in Sophia's eyes. Ryoko had fought to get out of Kagato's control, when she had for a brief second, she told Sophia to run before she was in his control again. Sophia looked at her, puzzled, but understood and ran. Amazingly, she ran very fast despite the heavy dress she was wearing. Ryoko had watched her run out of sight until Kagato had brought her back into control. Kagato had her to blow up the cathedral and allowed her control. Ryoko looked around in terror at all the bodies that were burned in the flames. She looked down at her feet and saw a silver ring that Sophia's husband to be was about to place on her hand. She picked it up and took it with her, hoping to herself that Sophia had escaped the explosion, and hoped that she would find a way to leave the planet before Kagato destroyed it. She went back to the Souja,
and watched as Kagato had destroyed the planet. Ryoko remembered the punishment and the pain from it. She still had nightmares on what he did to her. He had told her after he had injured her to not feel anything for the scum of the universe. She remembered his lecture.
"You were created to destroy, and to be ruthless. I did not create you to have feelings for anyone who will not sink as low as to have feelings for a waste product like you. I hope from your punishment, that you had learned your lesson by now."
"You were created to destroy, and obey me in everything I wish. You will not resist, or try to rebel for that would only make it much worse for you. You disobey me, and try to resist again, I will teach you a lesson in the most painful way possible."
Ryoko felt sick to the stomach. But she had felt that way ever since Tenchi's announcement about his engagement to Ayeka. She thought it was probably something else causing it though, she concluded that it was probably the wallowing in self pity. She didn't want to dwell on it any further as she watched the ceremony. She watched as the priest looked out to everyone, and asking them that if they had any reason, that the couple shouldn't go any further to end the ceremony, that they should speak up, or they shall conclude it. Ryoko wanted to scream out every reason why they shouldn't, she wanted to scream out that they shouldn't continue because she loved Tenchi with all her heart. She even wanted to declare every feeling she had, and a certain reason. But she kept silent. The priest had pronounced them husband and wife, and gave them consent to kiss to seal the vows they have spoken. Ryoko didn't know whether to run away, turn her head, or to cry out in pain her heart caused
as last remains of her heart shattered, but she clutched onto her cloak tightly, and watched them as they kissed. She swallowed the sob that was about to rise to her throat. She didn't want to cry, because it would ruin this for Tenchi. So she just smiled woefully and stated "Just smile, and try to be happy for them both." as she donned her façade of a smile, she thought she had heard the remains of her heart shatter.
She had just entered the grand hall of the Jurai Royal Palace for the banquet. She had stayed behind trying to keep her feelings in check, before she faced the newly weds. She had waited while avoiding the guests, for surely they would say something cruel about her and what she had done in the past, and she wouldn't be able to keep her emotions in check. She cursed Washu and Zero. Zero for bringing out her true emotions, and Washu for assimilating them, even if she gave her consent. But she never was this easy to get brought down. She is glad to be leaving after this, her nerves are on the edge. The crowd of people were gone to feast while the newly wedded couple were now alone. Ryoko made her way towards them. They saw her and greeted her warmly.
"Ryoko, we are so glad that you have decided to join us." Tenchi stated while giving her a warm hug.
Please don't torture me like this, Tenchi, Ryoko thought to herself, for it was torture with him being this close to her.
"Miss Ryoko..." Ayeka began, but was cut off
"Ayeka, just call me Ryoko. I never did too well with the formalities." Ryoko held out her arms to receive Ayeka's hug. At least Tenchi had let go, Ryoko thought. They talked for awhile, and Ryoko was amazed that they hadn't noticed how hollow she seemed. Her smiles were false, but they were convincing, and she talked woodenly, but tried to keep conversation about the wedding so they wouldn't notice it.
"Ryoko, how long do you plan on staying with us before we leave for Earth?" Ayeka asked. Ryoko sighed, then smiled wanly.
"I'm afraid that I will be leaving today." Tenchi was puzzled.
"Ryoko, you don't have to leave for now, you can stay the night if you want."
"Tenchi is right, Ryoko. You may stay a night or two. I won't allow anyone to say anything against it, if that is why you want to leave now." Ayeka said laying a hand on the former pirate's shoulder. Ryoko thought it felt strange that now after all this time, they are now friends. She smiled wanly
"I'm not going to Earth." she stated. Ayeka and Tenchi realized now that she didn't intend to stick around any longer. Of course they can't blame her. She could have left a long time ago, but she wouldn't leave without the gems. But what mainly kept her from leaving was her love for Tenchi, and now Ayeka had won his heart, and so Ryoko had won her reason. Tenchi looked down sadly. Ayeka spoke up
"Where are you going?" Ryoko looked up at ceiling, where a skylight was, and up at the stars.
"I don't know, I just need to leave. I finally admit that you two were meant for each other, and that this was more a beautiful wedding than the one Tenchi and I would had have. And I'm glad that he's happy." Ryoko shot a glance towards Tenchi, then continued "But I can't stand around and watch you two as a married couple, and I don't think you would want me darkening your doorstep with the gloomy mood I'm in right now." Ayeka was about to say something but Ryoko held up her hand, thus cutting her off.
"Don't say anything about not going to feel burdened. Face it, when someone is down in the dumps, so is everyone else. I don't want to ruin everyone's happiness with my gloominess." Everyone was silent for one long minute. Ayeka had spoke up
"Ryoko, you don't have to leave today, just wait until tomorrow." Ryoko bit her lip and shook her head, trying not to give her consent.
"Please, Ryoko, stay for the night." Tenchi pleaded. Ryoko smiled mentally at the irony. She didn't want to think about 4 months ago, a week before his engagement to Ayeka, and what had happened that had involved the "Please stay for the night." she blocked the memory out of her mind, for it might break the last remaining piece of her heart. She closed her eyes and shook her head slowly.
"Besides, I have to for I can't stand seeing the man I love being with the one he loves. I know I said I'm happy for you, and I truly am, but it would hurt. The only thing I can do is get away for awhile." Seeing the question she knew that was coming up she smiled "Yes, I do plan to visit. I'm not leaving this family completely. What kind of woman do you take me for?" She put on her most convincing false smiles, and it was convincing for the couple laughed. She smiled the second true smile she had that day.
Ryoko sat sulking at a table. Those two had somehow gotten her to stay at least until the end of the banquet. She watched Tenchi and Ayeka grace dance floor as they began the first dance. And it hurt worse than any form of torture Kagato could come up with. She smiled a little whenever she saw one of the Masaki family members wave at her, and sometimes finds the strength and courage to wave back. She sat there watching everyone dance, soon she saw Katsuhito walk towards her. The old priest loomed over her while she sat and looked up at the man who had she had once lost to in battle, and was imprisoned in the cave by. She used to vow that she would kill the prince for doing that to her, then she would realize the reason, and be glad that he had let Tenchi free her. Katsuhito smiled his warm grandfather smile, "Excuse me, Ryoko, but does a young lady mind if I sit here?" she smiled and shook her head. The old man had pulled himself out a seat and sat down in it. It was a long
silence, until he spoke "I know you are suffering a great deal, Ryoko. You had always took on the suffering that Kagato had caused, you had suffered by my hands when I had imprisoned you, you had managed to keep your heart well guarded when Ayeka made those jabs at you, and whenever Tenchi had pushed you away, you hadn't let your pain show. Now you are enduring the pain of seeing my grandson and Ayeka together as a husband and wife. I had great respect for you for many years."
"Now I consider it an honor to sit with who is truly the strongest woman in the universe. The former Space Pirate Ryoko Hakubi." He stood up and bowed to her, and Ryoko smiled.
"Thank you, Yosho." She used his real name, and expected a small scowl, but he still had that warm smile.
"I was hoping that maybe a young lady would honor me with a dance, then I am living it up." he offered his hand. Ryoko stared at it for a moment, then accepted his hand. Katsuhito led her out to the dance floor. She had always felt that he had a small place for her in his heart, but it was just a place, a small place. He had a place for many people, so she was no different, but she felt special, for it was a different place such as the rest of the family's. Even so for Tenchi, she thought. He has a place in his heart for all the girls, yet a bigger place for Ayeka. This celebration was the proof of that. She looked around briefly and noticed that everyone was dancing and watching the former Prince Yosho dance with the Space Pirate Ryoko. They saw that she had meant no harm for the moment and relished in viewing the scene. The young woman and the old man looked as if they were a grandfather with his granddaughter, and having a good time. Some people who had no doubts that she
is a completely different person smiled. Those who did, just sneered, or watched in amusement. The last part of the waltz played and the dancing came to a cresendo. Then it finally stopped. Katsuhito lead Ryoko back to her table, and left to speak to his mother. Ryoko sat down and sighed. She had to leave before someone else decided to tell her how well she's taking this. And if they manage to move her with another speech like Katsuhito, then she really had to leave, they would have her to stay with such kindness. She stood up and saw Washu come her way
{Sit down, you are not leaving without telling your mommy goodbye, Little Ryoko.} Washu had sent through her link. Ryoko sighed and sat down and drummed the table with her fingers and with her head propped on her left arm. She hoped that Washu would make this quick. She stared at Washu for a minute waiting for her to say something.
"Well?" she finally asked. Washu smiled.
"Well what?" Washu replied, and this irritated the hell out of Ryoko
"Well, what do you want? I have to leave now before everyone tries to talk me into staying. And quite frankly it won't take much. So get on with it!" she growled.
Washu stared at her strangely and then laughed. Ryoko just shot her a glare. This was going to take forever.
"Look, I don't have all day. Either get serious and tell me what you have to say or I will just get up and leave you looking like a lunatic!." she finally said. Washu finally stopped laughing and finally spoke.
"I just wanted to talk to my daughter before she leaves. And this is going to involve picking on her a little. But my daughter wants to be a stick in the mud so I have to be serious. Well, Ryoko, this is as serious as I'm going to get. I just wanted you to know that even if you don't want me to, or let me, I love you as my daughter. I could only hope that you would realize that and love me as a mother. And maybe everything would be right with us."
"Maybe someday you may come to understand that I wanted to be there for you during those times with Kagato. Maybe you will understand that I had tried. Maybe you will understand that I do love you with every being in my soul, and more than life itself. And maybe you will love me just as much." Washu looked down and let her tears slide down her cheeks. She looked up as she felt a hand on her face drying those tears, and she met the golden feline orbs of her daughter's eyes.
"Maybe I already have, Mom." she said it with a finality, yet with a tenderness and with no sarcasm. This brought tears from the genius' green eyes. The mother and daughter were in a embrace that no one could get between. after 5 minutes, they finally released each other. Washu smiled warmly and stood up. She was still in her adult form, something she saved for this occasion. She did it more for Ryoko than for the wedding. She knew Ryoko would come today, and she wanted to show Ryoko that in any size or form, that she would always love her. Washu finally left so that Ryoko could make her 'great escape'.
Of course that never happened. Mihoshi, Sasami, and Nobiyuki had to come up to her and said endearing words and praises on how well she's taking this. When they had finally left, she fled. She started walking briskly, and then ran into something. She looked up to see what wall she ran into. She gazed up into a face, and saw that it was, indeed, no wall. The stranger and she both gasped as they saw each other for the first time in 700 years. She had ran into a descendant of the royal line of Fuerza, the Lord Zarin Dimos.
Notes: Well now that's finished, I'll be working on the first chapter. Finding Heaven. I understand that many questions haven't been answered, but I hope that I can get to answering them soon. How was it so far? Good? Bad? You tell me. C&C would be greatly appreciated.
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Prologue: Losing Heaven
By: Julie-chan
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Tenchi Muyo! characters, for they belong to AIC and Pioneer. I do own the rest, for they are from a story that I had planned on that was not based on any animated shows. If this is similar to someone else's work, then it is coincidence. I have part of that story that I was working on written, and that was long before I even heard of Tenchi Muyo! so it is an honest mistake. I don't own much money, so I hope that you don't have it in your heads that you can sue me. Thank you
Notes: I won't be giving you many details of this story, but I hope that you will enjoy it.
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The crowded sanctuary of the Tsunamic Temple of Jurai was filled with the people of Jurai to see the wedding of their crowned prince and princess. Everyone, including the formal rival of Princess Ayeka, the Space Pirate Ryoko. Even though she wasn't controlled by Kagato anymore, and wasn't what he had made her to be, she was still called space pirate. Even worse, a monster, demon, or both. Guilt would wound its way to the very core of her soul whenever someone gave her a hateful glance. She remembered the nightmares of the things she had done, and how low it had made her, but when she was near Tenchi, the nightmares and guilt would go away. Now that he is marrying Ayeka, Ryoko's world was darker now than it was in that cave. She looked up at the alter and saw Tenchi up ahead, waiting for the ceremony to start. He scanned the crowd that had arrived to see this special day, and she was praying that he wouldn't see her among the crowd. She didn't think he would, for she had
chosen the very back of the massive temple. Then against all her prayers and wishes, he had spotted her. After the initial shock of seeing her here, he had smiled warmly. The very breath was knocked out of her at the sight of his smile. It was the same gentle smile he had used on that day... She blocked the memory of what happened two weeks before his engagement to Ayeka. She looked into those gentle brown eyes, and didn't know whether to run away, avert the gaze, scream out all of her sorrow, or to run up to the alter and into his arms. She shook those thoughts off mentally and just forced a smile. His smile faded lightly, knowing that it was forced. He gazed into those golden orbs, with his brown ones sympathetically. She dropped her facade of a smile and looked down to her feet. Didn't he know that this was hard enough on her.
When she finally looked up, Tenchi was no longer looking her way. She sighed in relief, and dismay. She didn't want him to see her pain, but yet she did in hope that he would run from his place to gather her into his arms, and not let the world hurt her anymore. But that was just a dream, and plus he loved Ayeka. The proof of that was the temple, the crowd, and Tenchi standing up ahead in all his glory.
He looked every bit of a prince in his Jurain wedding attire. The attire was the exact replica of the light hawk armor. That symbolized strength, and a gold broach of the Tree Tsunami was attached to the left side of his robes, and it symbolized power. She had to stop thinking about how he looked today. It made the torment rage even more within her soul. She looked down at her clothes. It wasn't the same type of clothes she had always worn in her days as a space pirate, or at the Masaki house on Earth. She wore a long dress of pale orange silk, with a cream coloured sheer over dress. She wore a orange sable cloak, with gold embroidered trimmings. The colors had seemed to compliment with her feline like eyes of gold. The cloak hid her body frame unlike her regular clothes, which had shown off almost every curve of her body. And her cyan mane was in its usual spikiness.
Any thought that she had on her mind had ended when a Jurain wedding medley had sounded throughout the massive temple. Everyone looked on as the bride's maids made their way down the aisle. Washu, Mihoshi, and Kiyone had made their way down the aisle. They looked like nymphs in the white knee-length dresses with long sleeves. Mihoshi and Kiyone had both of their hair pulled up in a french twist while Washu was in her adult form, and still maintained the same spiky hairstyle she always had. Following the bride's maids, were the two flower girls, Sasami and Ryo-ohki in her humanoid form. They were in white dresses with puffed sleeves, and with pink flowers embroidered on the fabric. The two looked like little cherubs, and Ryoko sent that thought to Ryo-ohki. Seeing the blush on her friend/pet/ship/sister, she smiled, and for once, it wasn't forced.
The previous tune had changed when the bride had stepped out. Ayeka looked every bit of a princess as she appeared in her royal wedding attire. She wore a silk Jurain kimono with light blue trimmings. She had a crown of cherry blossoms in her hair, and a bouquet of startika blossoms in her hand.
She held her head up regally, but in her eyes. In her eyes you could see the flame of love lit up so bright, Ryoko was sure people would have been blinded if they were to gaze into the pink depths. Ryoko looked over at Tenchi, who was mesmerized by this vision of lovliness, who will be his wife after this. Ryoko had imagined that look would be set upon her if she were to marry the Jurain Earthling prince. Alas, she is not, but the princess was. It had always seemed that it was the prince and the princess that was to be married, like in the fairy tales. But this was not a fairy tale, but real life. She watched as Ayeka made it to the alter and kneeled alongside Tenchi.
The music faded away as a old priest appeared. The priest was carrying himself like a nobleman, but he appeared ancient. The long white hair and beard had added to the appearance, but the most notable feature was his pale crystal silver eyes. Those eyes have the last twinkle of youth, but they had shown centuries gone by. The priest was garbed in the ceremonial robes of royal weddings. He spoke in ancient Jurain, while blessing them with special dust. He was speaking of the ancient times when weddings were just to bind to families together, and how it was to build an alliance between two empires, then how it became for love. He spoke of the rarity of nobles choosing their own soul mates, and the rarity of it being a love match. He chanted a prayer of a eternal happiness for the couple, and then bade them to rise. He spoke the modern tongue when he spoke of the crowd that had gathered to witness this event, and how they would be able to verify that this couple was married in
the eyes of all Jurai, and in the name of Tsunami. He brought their hands together until their fingers were intertwined, and he bound their wrists with a white cloth, symbolizing that this is a ceremony to bond their lives as well as their souls together. He spoke again in the ancient tongue, and told the symbolism of this act. They said their vows, that were from the heart, and the pledges to Tsunami and each other that they would love, honor, and cherish each other, and serve each other faithfully as they would Tsunami. The priest chanted another prayer that the two would follow and honor the vows as they would each other for many years to come. Tenchi and Ayeka looked into each other's eyes as they had gave their consent to honor the vows as they would each other. The look between them was pure and true love.
Ryoko had to admit that this was the most beautiful and romantic weddings she had seen, actually it was the only beautiful one she had been able to see. The last wedding she remembered, was near the end when she had arrived. She was fascinated when she saw the lovely bride with lavender eyes, snow white skin, and ink black hair. She remembered the bride's name. She had met the woman while she was touring the city of the planet Kagato planned to destroy. The woman had shown her around, and when they ate lunch together, she told Ryoko her name. Sophia. Ryoko had heard stories about her life, and about her wedding the next day. She had invited Ryoko, and Ryoko had to decline of course. While she reported in to Kagato that day, he had told her he knew of the invitation, due to his ability to read her memories, and he decided to give the cathedral a dramatic entrance. Ryoko protested of course, but Kagato had smacked her so hard, that she was knocked cold. The next day she was
ordered to go to the wedding and to destroy everything, and everyone. She had reluctantly entered as the bride and groom were saying their vows. Ryoko marveled at the decorations, and the well dressed people. She was in awe at the gown Sofia was wearing. It was a white dress with a strapless bodice, and the skirt was of many layers of chiffon and a silk under dress. Her black hair was braided and wound about her head, and looked like it was part of the silver tiara she had on top of her head. Ryoko saw Sophia look over towards her and smiled at her arrival. Ryoko smiled back until she felt that ripping sensation in her mind. Kagato was not pleased with her reluctance, and had meant for her to carry out his will, and she shall as he commanded. Kagato had took control of her, and she suddenly went on a murdering spree. She remembered the screams, and smells. She killed the people who had welcomed her into their town, and she remembered their looks that mirrored their feelings
of betrayal. She had killed the the blue eyed man who Sophia was to marry. The last person left was Sophia. Ryoko remembered exactly the look of fright in Sophia's eyes. Ryoko had fought to get out of Kagato's control, when she had for a brief second, she told Sophia to run before she was in his control again. Sophia looked at her, puzzled, but understood and ran. Amazingly, she ran very fast despite the heavy dress she was wearing. Ryoko had watched her run out of sight until Kagato had brought her back into control. Kagato had her to blow up the cathedral and allowed her control. Ryoko looked around in terror at all the bodies that were burned in the flames. She looked down at her feet and saw a silver ring that Sophia's husband to be was about to place on her hand. She picked it up and took it with her, hoping to herself that Sophia had escaped the explosion, and hoped that she would find a way to leave the planet before Kagato destroyed it. She went back to the Souja,
and watched as Kagato had destroyed the planet. Ryoko remembered the punishment and the pain from it. She still had nightmares on what he did to her. He had told her after he had injured her to not feel anything for the scum of the universe. She remembered his lecture.
"You were created to destroy, and to be ruthless. I did not create you to have feelings for anyone who will not sink as low as to have feelings for a waste product like you. I hope from your punishment, that you had learned your lesson by now."
"You were created to destroy, and obey me in everything I wish. You will not resist, or try to rebel for that would only make it much worse for you. You disobey me, and try to resist again, I will teach you a lesson in the most painful way possible."
Ryoko felt sick to the stomach. But she had felt that way ever since Tenchi's announcement about his engagement to Ayeka. She thought it was probably something else causing it though, she concluded that it was probably the wallowing in self pity. She didn't want to dwell on it any further as she watched the ceremony. She watched as the priest looked out to everyone, and asking them that if they had any reason, that the couple shouldn't go any further to end the ceremony, that they should speak up, or they shall conclude it. Ryoko wanted to scream out every reason why they shouldn't, she wanted to scream out that they shouldn't continue because she loved Tenchi with all her heart. She even wanted to declare every feeling she had, and a certain reason. But she kept silent. The priest had pronounced them husband and wife, and gave them consent to kiss to seal the vows they have spoken. Ryoko didn't know whether to run away, turn her head, or to cry out in pain her heart caused
as last remains of her heart shattered, but she clutched onto her cloak tightly, and watched them as they kissed. She swallowed the sob that was about to rise to her throat. She didn't want to cry, because it would ruin this for Tenchi. So she just smiled woefully and stated "Just smile, and try to be happy for them both." as she donned her façade of a smile, she thought she had heard the remains of her heart shatter.
She had just entered the grand hall of the Jurai Royal Palace for the banquet. She had stayed behind trying to keep her feelings in check, before she faced the newly weds. She had waited while avoiding the guests, for surely they would say something cruel about her and what she had done in the past, and she wouldn't be able to keep her emotions in check. She cursed Washu and Zero. Zero for bringing out her true emotions, and Washu for assimilating them, even if she gave her consent. But she never was this easy to get brought down. She is glad to be leaving after this, her nerves are on the edge. The crowd of people were gone to feast while the newly wedded couple were now alone. Ryoko made her way towards them. They saw her and greeted her warmly.
"Ryoko, we are so glad that you have decided to join us." Tenchi stated while giving her a warm hug.
Please don't torture me like this, Tenchi, Ryoko thought to herself, for it was torture with him being this close to her.
"Miss Ryoko..." Ayeka began, but was cut off
"Ayeka, just call me Ryoko. I never did too well with the formalities." Ryoko held out her arms to receive Ayeka's hug. At least Tenchi had let go, Ryoko thought. They talked for awhile, and Ryoko was amazed that they hadn't noticed how hollow she seemed. Her smiles were false, but they were convincing, and she talked woodenly, but tried to keep conversation about the wedding so they wouldn't notice it.
"Ryoko, how long do you plan on staying with us before we leave for Earth?" Ayeka asked. Ryoko sighed, then smiled wanly.
"I'm afraid that I will be leaving today." Tenchi was puzzled.
"Ryoko, you don't have to leave for now, you can stay the night if you want."
"Tenchi is right, Ryoko. You may stay a night or two. I won't allow anyone to say anything against it, if that is why you want to leave now." Ayeka said laying a hand on the former pirate's shoulder. Ryoko thought it felt strange that now after all this time, they are now friends. She smiled wanly
"I'm not going to Earth." she stated. Ayeka and Tenchi realized now that she didn't intend to stick around any longer. Of course they can't blame her. She could have left a long time ago, but she wouldn't leave without the gems. But what mainly kept her from leaving was her love for Tenchi, and now Ayeka had won his heart, and so Ryoko had won her reason. Tenchi looked down sadly. Ayeka spoke up
"Where are you going?" Ryoko looked up at ceiling, where a skylight was, and up at the stars.
"I don't know, I just need to leave. I finally admit that you two were meant for each other, and that this was more a beautiful wedding than the one Tenchi and I would had have. And I'm glad that he's happy." Ryoko shot a glance towards Tenchi, then continued "But I can't stand around and watch you two as a married couple, and I don't think you would want me darkening your doorstep with the gloomy mood I'm in right now." Ayeka was about to say something but Ryoko held up her hand, thus cutting her off.
"Don't say anything about not going to feel burdened. Face it, when someone is down in the dumps, so is everyone else. I don't want to ruin everyone's happiness with my gloominess." Everyone was silent for one long minute. Ayeka had spoke up
"Ryoko, you don't have to leave today, just wait until tomorrow." Ryoko bit her lip and shook her head, trying not to give her consent.
"Please, Ryoko, stay for the night." Tenchi pleaded. Ryoko smiled mentally at the irony. She didn't want to think about 4 months ago, a week before his engagement to Ayeka, and what had happened that had involved the "Please stay for the night." she blocked the memory out of her mind, for it might break the last remaining piece of her heart. She closed her eyes and shook her head slowly.
"Besides, I have to for I can't stand seeing the man I love being with the one he loves. I know I said I'm happy for you, and I truly am, but it would hurt. The only thing I can do is get away for awhile." Seeing the question she knew that was coming up she smiled "Yes, I do plan to visit. I'm not leaving this family completely. What kind of woman do you take me for?" She put on her most convincing false smiles, and it was convincing for the couple laughed. She smiled the second true smile she had that day.
Ryoko sat sulking at a table. Those two had somehow gotten her to stay at least until the end of the banquet. She watched Tenchi and Ayeka grace dance floor as they began the first dance. And it hurt worse than any form of torture Kagato could come up with. She smiled a little whenever she saw one of the Masaki family members wave at her, and sometimes finds the strength and courage to wave back. She sat there watching everyone dance, soon she saw Katsuhito walk towards her. The old priest loomed over her while she sat and looked up at the man who had she had once lost to in battle, and was imprisoned in the cave by. She used to vow that she would kill the prince for doing that to her, then she would realize the reason, and be glad that he had let Tenchi free her. Katsuhito smiled his warm grandfather smile, "Excuse me, Ryoko, but does a young lady mind if I sit here?" she smiled and shook her head. The old man had pulled himself out a seat and sat down in it. It was a long
silence, until he spoke "I know you are suffering a great deal, Ryoko. You had always took on the suffering that Kagato had caused, you had suffered by my hands when I had imprisoned you, you had managed to keep your heart well guarded when Ayeka made those jabs at you, and whenever Tenchi had pushed you away, you hadn't let your pain show. Now you are enduring the pain of seeing my grandson and Ayeka together as a husband and wife. I had great respect for you for many years."
"Now I consider it an honor to sit with who is truly the strongest woman in the universe. The former Space Pirate Ryoko Hakubi." He stood up and bowed to her, and Ryoko smiled.
"Thank you, Yosho." She used his real name, and expected a small scowl, but he still had that warm smile.
"I was hoping that maybe a young lady would honor me with a dance, then I am living it up." he offered his hand. Ryoko stared at it for a moment, then accepted his hand. Katsuhito led her out to the dance floor. She had always felt that he had a small place for her in his heart, but it was just a place, a small place. He had a place for many people, so she was no different, but she felt special, for it was a different place such as the rest of the family's. Even so for Tenchi, she thought. He has a place in his heart for all the girls, yet a bigger place for Ayeka. This celebration was the proof of that. She looked around briefly and noticed that everyone was dancing and watching the former Prince Yosho dance with the Space Pirate Ryoko. They saw that she had meant no harm for the moment and relished in viewing the scene. The young woman and the old man looked as if they were a grandfather with his granddaughter, and having a good time. Some people who had no doubts that she
is a completely different person smiled. Those who did, just sneered, or watched in amusement. The last part of the waltz played and the dancing came to a cresendo. Then it finally stopped. Katsuhito lead Ryoko back to her table, and left to speak to his mother. Ryoko sat down and sighed. She had to leave before someone else decided to tell her how well she's taking this. And if they manage to move her with another speech like Katsuhito, then she really had to leave, they would have her to stay with such kindness. She stood up and saw Washu come her way
{Sit down, you are not leaving without telling your mommy goodbye, Little Ryoko.} Washu had sent through her link. Ryoko sighed and sat down and drummed the table with her fingers and with her head propped on her left arm. She hoped that Washu would make this quick. She stared at Washu for a minute waiting for her to say something.
"Well?" she finally asked. Washu smiled.
"Well what?" Washu replied, and this irritated the hell out of Ryoko
"Well, what do you want? I have to leave now before everyone tries to talk me into staying. And quite frankly it won't take much. So get on with it!" she growled.
Washu stared at her strangely and then laughed. Ryoko just shot her a glare. This was going to take forever.
"Look, I don't have all day. Either get serious and tell me what you have to say or I will just get up and leave you looking like a lunatic!." she finally said. Washu finally stopped laughing and finally spoke.
"I just wanted to talk to my daughter before she leaves. And this is going to involve picking on her a little. But my daughter wants to be a stick in the mud so I have to be serious. Well, Ryoko, this is as serious as I'm going to get. I just wanted you to know that even if you don't want me to, or let me, I love you as my daughter. I could only hope that you would realize that and love me as a mother. And maybe everything would be right with us."
"Maybe someday you may come to understand that I wanted to be there for you during those times with Kagato. Maybe you will understand that I had tried. Maybe you will understand that I do love you with every being in my soul, and more than life itself. And maybe you will love me just as much." Washu looked down and let her tears slide down her cheeks. She looked up as she felt a hand on her face drying those tears, and she met the golden feline orbs of her daughter's eyes.
"Maybe I already have, Mom." she said it with a finality, yet with a tenderness and with no sarcasm. This brought tears from the genius' green eyes. The mother and daughter were in a embrace that no one could get between. after 5 minutes, they finally released each other. Washu smiled warmly and stood up. She was still in her adult form, something she saved for this occasion. She did it more for Ryoko than for the wedding. She knew Ryoko would come today, and she wanted to show Ryoko that in any size or form, that she would always love her. Washu finally left so that Ryoko could make her 'great escape'.
Of course that never happened. Mihoshi, Sasami, and Nobiyuki had to come up to her and said endearing words and praises on how well she's taking this. When they had finally left, she fled. She started walking briskly, and then ran into something. She looked up to see what wall she ran into. She gazed up into a face, and saw that it was, indeed, no wall. The stranger and she both gasped as they saw each other for the first time in 700 years. She had ran into a descendant of the royal line of Fuerza, the Lord Zarin Dimos.
Notes: Well now that's finished, I'll be working on the first chapter. Finding Heaven. I understand that many questions haven't been answered, but I hope that I can get to answering them soon. How was it so far? Good? Bad? You tell me. C&C would be greatly appreciated.
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