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All "Tenchi Muyo" references are copyrighted by Pioneer and AIC. This is an amateur non-commercial story, which is not produced, approved of, or sponsored by the holders of the trademarks/copyrights from which this work is derived. The views expressed herein are solely those of the author.
On Wings of Change: Part One
Chapter One: Wings of Beginnings
"Tennnccchiiiiii!" Purred Ryouko's low, sultry voice.
Masaki Tenchi, subject at hand, froze where he stood in the carrot field, a sweat drop perched atop the back of his head, his eyes scanning all around him in hopes of spotting Ryouko before she got to him.
A pair of long, lean arms snaked their way around Tenchi's waist. A soft, fuzzy sensation brushed across his face as her "tail" attached to her navy and gold dress rubbed across his cheek. He dropped the hoe out of his right hand and sighed. "Come on, Ryouko, you see that I'm working here don't you?
Ryouko let loose her grip, a dejected look crossing her face. Before Tenchi could mumble an apology, Ryouko had switched tactics and was back to herself. Amber eyes gleaming, Ryouko's purr returned to her voice. "Sasami finished making lunch and asked me to come to get you."
Standing up straight, Tenchi pulled his towel off his shoulder, looked up at the sky and dabbed at a few errant drops of sweat on his brow. "It must be getting later than I realized." He said, leaning down to pick up his hoe. "Lets get back to the house, shall we?"
Ryouko's arms returned to Tenchi's waist and her suggestive voice spoke again. "How about we go to your room instead? I can get us there real fast, Tenchi."
"Ryouko, quit it!" Whined Tenchi.
Ryouko laughed it off and let Tenchi go. "Can't we at least walk together?" She asked.
Tenchi visibly relaxed, a smile creeping across his face as he overcame his embarrassment. "Sure. Let's go, Ryouko."
* * *
Sasami was in the kitchen, chopping the last of the daikon radish for the day's lunch, humming a tune to herself and Ryo-ohki. She looked up as she heard the sound of Washu's jingle crab ring as the little scientist came out of her lab.
"Hello Washu, lunch is almost ready!" Sasami called out.
"Actually Sasami, I came to tell you that your mother and Funaho are on the sub-space transmission line in my lab. They want to speak to you and Aeka." Washu informed the young girl.
"Mommy!" Sasami cried out as she ran into the living room, her long aqua ponytails streaming out behind her. "Aeka! Aeka! Come quickly!"
A confused expression on her face, the first crown Princess of Jurai began, "What is it Sa-"
"Mommy and Auntie Funaho are on the line in Washu's lab! Let's go!" Exclaimed Sasami, tugging on Aeka's hand to pull her off the couch.
The three girls hurried into the lab and Washu led them to her sub space transmission room. Aeka sat down on a couch and Sasami stood expectantly as Washu opened the line to the royal family.
"Mommy! Auntie Funaho!" Sasami cried as the screen turned on.
"My little Sasami, you're growing so fast! Little Aeka, it's so good to see you!" Misaki sobbed, her eyes squinted shut.
"Mother, it is so good to-" Began Aeka. Misaki instantly ceased her sobbing and glared holes right through Aeka, expectantly. Aeka sighed a great sigh, shut her eyes and clenched her hands together. "Mommy, I've missed you so much!" She squealed in her tiny voice.
Misaki nodded approvingly. "That's better."
A cough sounded on the line, and Misaki quieted down as her sister-wife and the voice of reason, Funaho, began to speak. "The reason for our call, girls, is that we wanted to remind you that it has been more than 600 years since you last attended one of our family vacations."
"My goodness you are right, Aunt Funaho. It has been a very long time since Sasami and I attended indeed." Agreed Aeka.
Funaho continued. "For this year's trip, we have reserved the royal resort planet of Umano."
"Umano?" Asked Ayeka. "Is that planet not known for its similarity to Earth, and for attractions and adventure themed excursions?"
"That's correct, and, as it's name would suggest, Umano is also known as the heart of Jurai's history of horses, as well as hosting numerous luxurious resorts." Supplied Funaho.
"Resorts and horses? Sounds like fun!" Exclaimed Sasami. "When can we leave?"
"Two Earth weeks from now." Answered Misaki, cheerfully. "We really want to see you girls, and your father misses you terribly!"
Sasami worriedly looked at her mother. "Mommy, what about our friends here? What about Tenchi, Ryouko, Washu and Ryo-chan, and Mihoshi and Kiyone, and Mister Masaki and Grandpa? Can they come to? I bet they'd really like it on Umano!"
Aeka sucked in air, "Sasami, surely you do not want that devil woman to-"
"If that is what you wish Sasami, of course they may attend." Replied Funaho.
Aeka face-faulted as Sasami giggled. "Thank you Mommy, thank you Auntie Funaho."
Sasami, Funaho and Misaki continued making their plans as Aeka sat with her mouth open, visible shock on her face. Of course she had wanted Lord Tenchi to accompany them on their vacation, but she definitely did not want to have that demon woman to contend with.
'This could have been my perfect chance to get Lord Tenchi alone!' She mused, plotting. 'Perhaps not all is lost. Perhaps I may still dissuade Ryouko from coming, and I think I know just the right words to use.'
When the royal mothers ended the transmission, Washu came out of a door in what had previously appeared to be a seamless wall. Sasami was eager to spread the news about the vacation. "Come on vacation with us Little Washu, we're going to planet Umano! They've got resorts, and horses, and lots of fun stuff to do!" Said Sasami, her words traveling at a million miles a minute.
Washu dragged out her answer. "Well, I don't have any new experiments to work on right now…"
Two pink puppy dog eyes implored Washu. "Pleeeaaaaaase." Pleaded Sasami. Washu glanced over at Aeka, who shut her eyes and nodded her approval.
"I'd love to go, Sasami." She replied, as she was instantly silenced by the little princess' happy squeals.
"Come, Sasami. We should finish setting out lunch. I am sure Lord Tenchi will be returning from the fields shortly." Prompted Aeka.
"I can't wait to ask Tenchi-oniichan!" Exclaimed Sasami as she cheerfully skipped out of the lab, Aeka and Washu in tow behind her.
* * *
Tenchi and Ryouko silently walked side by side on their way back to the house. It was apparent that the young man had grown over the last few months. Finally he was standing taller than the cyan haired woman by his side, even if only by a few inches. In addition, his sword practice and working in the fields had turned his small, lithe frame into a more mature and muscular one. His shoulders were wider, his arms larger, and he held himself more confidently. The roundness of his face had matured into a slightly more angular look and he had allowed his hair to begin to grow out as well, the once short spikes of black bangs now reached just below his eyebrows, and the ponytail tied at the back of his head had become longer and fuller.
Sunlight filtered down through the canopy of the trees, dappling light on the two people walking below. A slight breeze blew through the air providing relief to the summer heat and humidity. Birds danced from limb to limb and the sound of cicadas and grasshoppers provided a soundtrack to the late morning atmosphere.
The silence between the two was all encompassing, but not uncomfortable. It was only a short time ago since their trip in which they had met Ibara and the nameless tree. Tenchi and Ryouko had never discussed the events that took place on that nameless planet, but the events and emotions still wore heavily on their minds.
Begin Flashback:
Ryouko remembered Tenchi's lame reaction to her sudden confession she had blurted out when she feared that she was in love with the man in her dreams. "That's not it, Tenchi! I love you the most! But, it's also true…that I can't get that guy out of my head…I…I don't want to lie." She had said to him with tears in her eyes.
Tenchi had only compounded matters after telling Ryouko that her mystery man meant nothing to him. "Nothing? How could you say that! Are you saying you couldn't care less about me?"
Tenchi had, surprisingly redeemed himself. "I'm sorry, Ryouko. For saying such a careless thing without thinking about your feelings…but I don't want you to worry, we all just want you to get back to your normal cheerful self." Tenchi's compassion had eased Ryouko, but she was acutely aware that he had not answered her question.
Once they had arrived on the nameless planet and met Ibara, the man from Ryouko's dream, Tenchi became downtrodden when Ryouko had asked his permission to speak with Ibara alone and he had granted it to her. Tenchi could feel the stares given off by Aeka upon seeing his obvious despondence with the situation. 'I hate myself.' He realized, still thinking of Ryouko.
" A woman of such rare value…why do you make her wait?" Ibara had asked Tenchi as they sparred in a friendly match. All Tenchi could do was think to himself, 'Ryouko…he's right! Ryouko opened her heart to me without reservation! And I never did anything for her!'
At that moment, Yataka and Mikamo attacked the planet with the intent to steal the nameless tree, and in the final battle, it was Tenchi and Ryouko who had defeated Mikamo together. The nameless tree had called to them, and Ryouko clung to Tenchi, in his full Jurian regalia, from behind. As she directed the power of her gem into Tenchi, he in turn directed their combined power into his Light Hawk Wings, creating a force never seen before as the two worked seamlessly as one unit.
Before leaving that nameless planet, the nameless tree had spoke to Ryouko, showing her the meaning of the dream that had led them there. It wasn't a dream at all, but a guarded memory of her past. 'The dream was the future…how I met Tenchi and became attracted to him…how emotions rose in me for the first time 800 years ago. I was just an unfeeling marionette…although it was only a vision at the time, I panicked at the unknown sensation and I…I shut down my own memories!' Ryouko had then realized that it was eight hundred long years ago when she had first fallen in love with Tenchi.
End Flashback
Tenchi looked around him, trying to dispel his train of thought. "See Ryouko? There is a benefit to walking instead of phasing. How else would you get to see such beautiful sights in nature?" He asked as he surveyed the forest.
Ryouko pondered that thought. 'It is nice out here. I haven't really thought about the beauty of nature in a long time. I should try to notice it more. After all, Tenchi obviously enjoys it.'
Tenchi caught a glance of Ryouko out of the corner of his eye and saw that she was honestly studying her surroundings. 'Nature isn't the only thing that's beautiful out here.'
He shocked himself by thinking. Trying to continue their conversation, he continued, "When I was a child, I used to love to be outdoors. My mother and grandmother would take me for walks outside, and I grew up to really like nature. I used to climb trees, chase butterflies, and play games in the woods."
Ryouko smiled softly as she remembered watching Tenchi play by her cave when he was young. She then turned serious, a gust of wind blowing her spiky locks behind her as she spoke. "I know Tenchi. But for me, I…I don't remember my childhood, my life before Kagato. I know I had some kind of existence with Washu. She's told me that I used to enjoy being outdoors as a child before Kagato took me, but…I can't remember any of it." Ryouko spoke quietly, hesitantly.
Tenchi stopped walking and looked into Ryouko's eyes, speechless for her sudden openness.
Ryouko continued. "It wasn't until a few hundred years ago, after Yoshou had imprisoned me in that cave that I ever again noticed my surroundings. Once I gathered enough strength to project my astral form, before you came along, Tenchi, I would take comfort in nature, in the area around the cave. It was an escape from the dark, cold confines of my prison, but it was also an exercise in examining the beauty of nature. It calmed my fears of being held in there for eternity, until at least, I laid eyes on you, Ten-"
"Ryouko…" Tenchi began. His heart was being torn to pieces and a lump had formed in his throat. He looked into Ryouko's deep amber eyes and reached a hand for her shoulder.
"Ryouko-oneechan! Tenchi-oniichan! Hurry up and come inside! Lunch is ready and we have big news!" Sasami's happy voice stole their moment as they saw her little form crest the hill that lead to the house.
Ryouko snapped out of the spell of reminiscence that had fallen over herself. Realizing she must have said too much, she changed the subject. Rubbing her tummy, she cheerfully said, "Lunch time! Let's go, Tenchi."
Tenchi merely nodded, still deep in thought over Ryouko's words.
* * *
Aeka was setting a bowl of edamame on the table as Ryouko and Tenchi came in through the front door. "Lord Tenchi, I trust this demon woman didn't give you any trouble on your way back to the house." She quipped, glaring at Ryouko for her proximity to Tenchi.
"At least I'll step foot out of the house to go outside, Miss Pampered Princess." Retaliated Ryouko.
Aeka fumed. "Now you look here, you undignified trollop, proper ladies don't go about playing in the dirt."
"Girls, please." Sighed Tenchi, sitting down at the table to join Washu and Ryo-ohki. "Let's just eat lunch."
Aeka and Ryouko glared at each other as they took their normal places on either side of their object of affection. Just then, Mihoshi and Kiyone came in through the front door. "We got your message that lunch was ready, so here we are!" Announced Mihoshi.
Mihoshi's woeful partner held a hand to her head. "We really can't be leaving our patrol for something like this all the time!"
"Sit down you two, we have big news!" Exclaimed Sasami. Dishes began being passed around the table as they looked at Sasami for her to continue. Sasami explained to everyone the invitation from her mother and aunt, and explained about Umano and all they could do there. Everyone listened excitedly at the prospect of going on a vacation.
Tenchi voiced his concern. "Sasami, Aeka, are you sure that it's ok for your family to have all of us with them? We are a large group, and it can't be cheap."
"Nonsense, Lord Tenchi. Expenses are not an issue, and many guests are invited as a courtesy of the royal family. And, do not forget," giggled Aeka. "That you are family, also. Besides, it would be a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate your graduation of High School."
"I don't suppose this 'gracious' invitation gets extended to me." Grumbled Ryouko.
Aeka began to answer, "You can go to he-"
"Everyone is invited, Ryouko!" Sasami said, cutting off Aeka. "Even Washu agreed to come with us!"
Washu flashed the victory sign. "Well, even the universe's number one scientific genius needs a break every couple of thousand years, you know."
"Kiyone, can we go with them? Pleeeaaase?" Begged Mihoshi, her big blue eyes sparkling.
"Well…I suppose we do have just enough time to take, but I don't know, we have a responsibility to this system, and we are the only ones currently in the sector…" Stalled Kiyone as she weighed the options. She looked at her partner's puppy dog eyes one more time and sighed. "Ok, ok, so long as it's alright with Aeka and Sasami."
"Certainly, Kiyone. You are both more than welcome to attend." Approved Aeka as Mihoshi cheered loudly.
Tenchi began, "Well, it certainly sounds like a lot of fun, and it is summer break after all. If you're sure we wouldn't be imposing on your family…"
Aeka started, "Lord Tenchi, I am honored that you wish to attend our family vacation with me. I-"
Ryouko put her arms around Tenchi's shoulders "I hate to break it to you princess, but he's not going because of you."
Before Aeka could retaliate, Sasami sweetly asked, "Ryouko, you'll come too, won't you?"
Ryouko glared at Aeka. "Well, if Tenchi's going, than I'm going."
Aeka began to shake as her force field of logs formed around her, a stray energy bolt singing the wall behind her. At the same time Ryouko snapped her wrist and balled up her fist as her energy sword appeared. The two superpowers prepared to fight. Aeka's crimson eyes bored into Ryouko's cat like eyes as she spat, "Just do not destroy this innocent Jurian Planet of ours like you did our home, you monster."
Ryouko's mouth shut with an audible click and her energy sword dissipated. For once, she was rendered speechless. Tenchi began to sweat as he inched backwards. Glancing at Aeka, he saw her intense concentration on Ryouko. Glancing at Ryouko, he could have sworn he saw a tear in the corner of her eye. Ryouko gathered herself and shut her eyes. Trying to appear casual, she teleported away. The others sat, speechless.
A cone of silence hung heavily in the room. No one dared to move or make any noise, save Mihoshi, who was obliviously munching on a piece of salmon.
"You know that what she did to your planet wasn't her fault, don't you, Aeka?" Asked the saddened but stern voice of Washu, magenta bangs hanging slightly in her eyes.
Aeka looked down to examine her hands in her lap as her force field vanished. "Yes…not only myself, but most educated Jurians understand her to have been Kagato's weapon and under his control." Admitted Aeka.
"Poor Ryouko, I wonder if she knows that." Asked Sasami.
"Oh well, let's eat! She needs time to cool off anyway." Exclaimed Washu, diving into her lunch.
* * *
Ryouko phased herself outside to a row of old oak trees at the base of the mountain. Her eyes downcast, her cyan bangs hanging in her watery eyes, she replayed Aeka's bitter comment in her mind.
'Doesn't she think that I hate myself enough already for what Kagato made me do?' She asked herself as she settled herself into a low laying branch. 'I suppose there is no excuse for me though. I'm sure the Jurians could never forgive me, especially if I…I can't forgive myself.'
Hearing a rustling sound in the bushes near the tree sat in, Ryouko's ears perked up to identify the source of the noise. On alert, her eyes were sharp and her muscles tense until she felt the familiar presence of Ryo-ohki's consciousness brush against the back of her mind. The fuzzy little cabbit jumped through the bushes and into her mistress's lap, but instead of curling up to comfort her, she called out, "Miya! Miya!"
"Who are you calling to, Ryo-ohki?" Asked Ryouko, confused.
More rustling came from the bushes and Tenchi's voice suddenly called out, "Ryouko, where are you?" Ryouko scrambled to wipe her eyes to hide her tears before Tenchi bounded into the clearing.
"Ryo-ohki sure does move fast." He commented, panting. "I asked her to help me find you."
"What is it, Tenchi?" Asked Ryouko, considering that he usually only came looking for her if she had gotten into trouble.
"Are you alright, Ryouko?" Asked Tenchi.
Ryouko casually chuckled, waving her hand in the air. "Of course I am, what are you talking about?."
"Will you go on vacation with everyone?" Pried Tenchi.
Ryouko sighed and looked away, her feet and tail dangling above the ground like that of a child's. "I don't know Tenchi. If everyone else is going, I'd like to go too, but I think Aeka is right, how can I possibly travel to a Jurian planet after all I've done to their home world and expect them to treat me as a visitor or a guest?"
Ryouko shocked Tenchi by her openness and understanding for her second time that day. "About what Aeka said after you left," He began.
"I don't care what that stuck up princess had to say about me after I left." Ryouko defended herself.
"Wait Ryouko, hear me out," Pleaded Tenchi. "It was Washu who defended you."
"Washu?" Asked Ryouko.
Tenchi continued. "Yes. Keep in mind, I don't fully understand the whole story, but she reminded Aeka that what happened wasn't your fault and that you were under Kagato's control." Ryouko looked the other way at the mention of Kagato's name as Tenchi continued. "But Aeka admitted that she did understand that, and that most Jurians understood that you were being controlled as well." Finished Tenchi.
"Re-really?" Asked Ryouko, a look of hope on her face.
"Un." Replied Tenchi, a smile on his face. "So you'll go then, right?"
Ryouko smiled and nodded, reaching out to twiddle a finger on Tenchi's chest. "You want to share a room at the hotel together, Tenchi?"
"Ryouko, cut that out!" Whined Tenchi, turning red and thinking to himself, 'Guess she's back to normal now.'
"Well, I need to get to the shrine. Grandfather will be waiting for me for sword practice." Faltered Tenchi.
Ryouko raised her hand in a wave as Tenchi took off running towards the shrine. "Tenchi!" She called out suddenly.
He stopped in his tracks to turn around to look at her.
"Thanks." She said, a pleasant smile on her face.
He returned her smile and ran off to the shrine.
* * *
Two weeks later…
Aeka was rummaging through her wooden storage containers in the room she shared with her little sister, considering what to take with her on vacation. In front of her, all her cabinets were open, neatly folded garments and accessories spilling onto the floor.
"I just can't decide what to take with me." Aeka sighed, and then shrugged. "I'll just have to take it all." She said, matter of factly as Sasami was scurrying around the room, tossing selected items into a couple of bags.
"Sasami, that is not a proper way to put clothes in a bag." Scolded Aeka.
"But Aeka-oneechan, I'm just so excited, I don't want to fold them!" Whined Sasami, sticking her tongue out at her big sister.
'Two can play at that game.' Aeka thought to herself as she got a gleam in her eye and stuck her tongue out farther to one-up Sasami. Giggling, Aeka pulled a long over robe out of a container and crumpled it up before shoving it back in, defiantly.
"Well, well, look at the uncivilized princess now. Who knew she had such horrible manners when no one else was looking?" Taunted Ryouko from the hallway as she had been passing by their room. Aeka turned white from embarrassment as Ryouko continued her tirade. "You could never be Tenchi's wife with folding skills like that!"
"Rrrrr, look here you dirt for brains, I was merely entertaining my little sister-" Began Aeka.
"Sasami? Why, I don't see Sasami anywhere." Chided Ryouko as Sasami's pigtails could barely be seen escaping through the door as she fled the scene of an upcoming fight. Ryouko laughed a triumphant laugh and continued on her way down the hallway as she called back to Aeka. "We're meeting out on the dock in an hour Princess."
* * *
Everyone was assembled on the dock in preparation for departure. The decision to take Aeka's ship, the Ryu-oh had been made as the Ryu-oh was a larger, more comfortable ship. Noboyuki could not take the time from work to leave, as his company was finalizing blueprints for a new national museum. Katsuhito as well would not be attending, stating that he had obligations at the shrine.
Tenchi stood on the dock with two suitcases and a backpack. Sasami and Aeka were each holding a stack of bentou boxes, their luggage had already been teleported onto the Ryu-oh. Kiyone and Mihoshi stood among a collection of suitcases and bags, most of them, by their pink color, presumably belonging to Mihoshi. Ryouko stood on the dock with her hands propped behind her head, looking decidedly bored. Everything was ready except the ship.
"Leave it to Washu to hold us up." Mumbled Ryouko.
"Ryouko, where's your bags?" Asked Sasami, with little Ryo-ohki perched on her head.
Ryouko was stumped. "Well…uh…I don't really own anything Sasami. I just kinda phase into the clothes I wear." Replied the pirate.
Tenchi turned to look at Ryouko and thought to himself. 'I've never really thought about that. Aside from Washu and Ryo-ohki, Ryouko doesn't really have anything that's hers.'
Before he could continue his train of thought, Aeka took the opportunity for an insult. "You don't deserve to own anything, you lowly creature."
"And you don't own anything you have, Miss-High-and-Mighty. Everything that you have has been given to you by mommy and daddy!" Retorted Ryouko.
Washu appeared at just the right time to break up the fight. She began to walk down the dock from the house as the Ryu-oh rose out of the lake. "Our chariot has arrived!" She exclaimed. "All aboard!"
The Ryu-oh teleported the eager vacationers into the central atrium while Aeka went directly to the ship's bridge to set their course. Tenchi gazed at his surroundings. It had been a long time since he had been aboard Ryu-oh, and at that time, he was a bit too preoccupied to appreciate its beauty.
The atrium was a wide space full of trees and plant life. At the center rose a great tree, Ryu-oh herself. She was similar in appearance, but smaller in size to Katsuhito's Funaho on Earth. An immense dome simulating natural sunlight and sky was fixed to the ceiling, giving a true outdoor feeling to the atmosphere. Here and there small creeks with stone waterfalls coursed through the landscape, providing the trees with water and producing a calming effect for visitors. Wildflowers sprouted at the bases of the trees near the creek providing a variety of colors that were pleasing to the eye.
Aeka seemingly appeared out of a tree, an elevator-like door parting as she gracefully stepped out. "We are on our way. It should take us about three earth days to arrive at our destination."
"Three days, Miss Aeka?" Asked Tenchi.
"Yes, Lord Tenchi." Giggled Aeka, her ponytails shaking gently. "As you have not spent much time traveling in space, I would recommend that you, and perhaps the rest of us as well should opt for suspended sleep. We often choose this method while traveling as a chance for rest as well as to more easily pass the time during travel."
"Suspended sleep is for wusses." Muttered Ryouko.
Before another spat could begin, Sasami cut in. "Well, I brought us all bentou boxes for lunch, so why don't we have a picnic here before we go to sleep?"
"That sounds like an excellent idea, Sasami." Agreed Aeka.
Washu pulled a large neatly folded blanket out of a sub-space pocket and Mihoshi and Ryo-ohki in toddler form began trying to unfold it. As they tried to lay the blanket down, Mihoshi tripped and fell into it, getting herself tangled up as she tried to get back up.
"No, no, you bubble-head!" Exclaimed Washu. "That's no ordinary blanket! I built it to unfold by itself, I call it the Super-Automatic-Unfolding-Blanket. All you have to do is press the button and-"
"This button?" Asked Mihoshi as she pressed a small red button, causing the blanket to rise up off the ground, getting Mihoshi even more tangled up in it. She started crying as Tenchi, Kiyone and Ryo-ohki tried to pull her out.
"Azaka, Kamidake, please find us more blankets." Requested Aeka, holding a hand to her temple as her log-guardians complied with her wishes.
* * *
Once they had finally settled down, the awkward family sat around the blanket picnicking from Sasami's bentou boxes. Ayeka and Ryouko were competing to feed Tenchi food from their chopsticks.
Tenchi dodged a pickled radish that Ryouko was trying to serve him. "Miss Aeka, when you mentioned that there were horses on this planet, did you really mean horses as in the ones on Earth?"
Aeka nodded her head and smiled at Tenchi. "Yes, the very same. As the story goes, when my father, Emperor Azusa, landed on Earth and met Aunt Funaho, he spent quite some time on your planet with her. It was on your planet that he was introduced to the species of animal, and upon seeing them, he was instantly captivated. My father became so fond of them, that when he and Aunt Funaho left Earth for Jurai, they brought several horses with them to breed and introduce to my planet and those of our colony worlds, where our people began to love them as well. They began to use the animal for recreation and racing, and ever since, breeding and training has been almost like a national past time. Still, after the thousands of years that my father has reigned, he continues to search out new breeds on Earth so that he can have a variety of breeds for his empire and himself.
"Wow, Aeka." Admired Tenchi, smiling back at the princess.
Washu caught her daughter rolling her eyes. "You know, little Ryouko, you had been very fond of horses in your childhood yourself."
Ryouko pointed to herself, a quizzical look in her eye. "Me?" She asked.
Washu stuffed first her hand, then her whole arm into a sub-space pocket. "Now where is it?" She asked herself as she continued rummaging. "Here it is!" She exclaimed, pulling out a bright piece of orange construction paper with a crayon drawing of something that looked like a table with a head. "You used to draw horses all the time before I finally got you into lessons!"
Everyone leaned in close to get a good look at the picture. A giggle started to develop from Mihoshi, causing everyone to start laughing at Ryouko's horse.
Washu talked to her daughter over their mental link ::Come on Ryouko, it's cute!::
::Thanks a lot, Mom:: Snapped Ryouko as she grabbed the picture and crumpled it up, stuffing it down her dress, her red face broadcasting her embarrassment, her tail standing straight up behind her.
The giggles died down as Sasami said, " At least you've had real lessons, Ryouko. I've only been on pony rides. I know, let's all go riding together!"
"I don't really remember taking lessons though." Protested Ryouko.
"Umano has lots of teachers who will show us how!" Exclaimed Sasami. "Even you, Aeka-oneechan!"
Aeka froze. "Now Sasami, you know I don't enjoy getting on those big animals."
"Come on, princess, I'd pay good money to see you on a big old horse!" Taunted Ryouko.
Before Aeka could reply, Tenchi said, "Sure, Sasami, that sounds like fun for all of us to ride together! I've ridden as a child, but I'd like to do it again."
"It's been a long time for me too." Agreed Kiyone. "My grandfather used to have a farm, and he had horses that I used to love to ride."
Mihoshi had a worried expression on her face. "I'm not so sure, but if Kiyone does it, I'll try it too!" She said cheerfully.
"Miya, miya, miiiya." Said Ryo-ohki.
"What did she say?" Asked Sasami.
Ryouko translated for her little cabbit sister. "She said that her human form is still too shaky, but she wants to ride with Sasami in her cabbit form."
"Yea! Ryo-chan gets to ride with me!" Exclaimed Sasami.
"Well then," Prompted Aeka, changing topics. "Now that we have finished lunch, perhaps we should turn in for the remainder of the trip. Azaka and Kamidake will escort each of you to your rooms. Unfortunately, Ryu-oh is short on guest rooms, as we have only three. One is Sasami's room, the other I will give to Lord Tenchi, and the last is large enough for the rest of the ladies to share comfortably."
"If it's all the same to you, Princess, I'll just stay out here." Said Ryouko.
"Do as you wish, but I will have a guard outside of Lord Tenchi's room to prevent you from entering, so do not try anything funny." Replied Aeka.
"Whatever, Princess." Answered Ryouko.
Everyone parted ways while Ryouko remained. She watched Tenchi's retreating figure before settling herself down on the grassy bank of a creek.
Simulated sunlight shone down through the canopy of leaves provided by the space trees as she reached into her dress and pulled out the piece of crumpled construction paper. She gently opened the paper, attempting to flatten out the wrinkles. She placed the picture in her lap and ran a finger across the drawing, feeling a stirring of jumbled memories as she tried hard to remember a past deeply buried in the depths of her mind. A time before the cave, a time before Kagato, a time lost to the suffering and heartache of thousands of years. She shed a single tear for a past that she couldn't seem to remember.
* * *
Tenchi sat in his room and looked at the smooth synthetic strip that was meant to attach to his forehead to induce suspended sleep. 'I wonder what Ryouko is doing out there all by herself.' He wondered. Quietly opening the door to his room, he inched out past Azaka and shut the door behind him. Trying to trace his way back the way he came, he again found the expansive atrium and the area where they had shared lunch.
Not really knowing where to look, He followed the creek for a ways before he saw her. Her back was to him and she sat on the grass by the creek. It seemed as though she was looking at something, but he couldn't be sure. He was only a few feet away from her when he called out to her. "What are you looking at Ryouko?"
Ryouko was startled, she hadn't noticed his approach. "What are you doing out here, Tenchi? You're supposed to be asleep."
Tenchi looked up at the canopy of trees. "I'm just not ready to fall asleep for the next three days I guess."
Ryouko scooted to the side slightly, giving Tenchi a cue to sit down. "Are you still looking at your picture Ryouko? You look like something's wrong." He asked, taking her cue and sitting next to her.
"I just wish I could remember drawing this picture." Said Ryouko.
"You mean you really don't remember drawing it?" Asked Tenchi.
She shook her head and said quietly, "Tenchi, like I said before, I don't remember most of my childhood. I don't remember much of anything before Kaga-"
"Ryouko," He said, cutting her off, seeing the pain in her eyes. "I'm sure you can remember your childhood. It sure sounds like it was a good one. Washu is very proud of you, and has all those stories. Something just needs to trigger your memory for you to remember."
"You really think so?" Asked Ryouko, hopefully.
Tenchi smiled. "I'm sure of it, Ryouko."
She sighed, looking down at the picture again, changing the topic. "It sure is ugly, isn't it? It really does look like a table with two legs."
Tenchi chuckled. "Not really. I've made worse pictures than that when I was a kid. Look here," he said, pointing at the horse's head. "You've drawn his ears and his mane. Look at the detail in the wavy mane you colored. The same detail is in his tail." He pointed to the horse's legs. "They don't look so much like table legs, look, you've drawn where his hoofs are. Heck, I don't think I could draw something like this at my age now!"
"Tenchi." Ryouko said, softly, gazing into his eyes. "Thank you."
He nodded, smiling. "Well, I am feeling a little tired now, perhaps I should get back to my room." He stood and stretched his arms up toward the artificial sky. "Will you be okay out here?" He asked, seriously.
"Un." Agreed Ryouko, nodding her head. "Rest well, Tenchi."
With that, Tenchi left her to again ponder her past.
* * *
End chapter One.
All "Tenchi Muyo" references are copyrighted by Pioneer and AIC. This is an amateur non-commercial story, which is not produced, approved of, or sponsored by the holders of the trademarks/copyrights from which this work is derived. The views expressed herein are solely those of the author.
On Wings of Change: Part One
Chapter One: Wings of Beginnings
"Tennnccchiiiiii!" Purred Ryouko's low, sultry voice.
Masaki Tenchi, subject at hand, froze where he stood in the carrot field, a sweat drop perched atop the back of his head, his eyes scanning all around him in hopes of spotting Ryouko before she got to him.
A pair of long, lean arms snaked their way around Tenchi's waist. A soft, fuzzy sensation brushed across his face as her "tail" attached to her navy and gold dress rubbed across his cheek. He dropped the hoe out of his right hand and sighed. "Come on, Ryouko, you see that I'm working here don't you?
Ryouko let loose her grip, a dejected look crossing her face. Before Tenchi could mumble an apology, Ryouko had switched tactics and was back to herself. Amber eyes gleaming, Ryouko's purr returned to her voice. "Sasami finished making lunch and asked me to come to get you."
Standing up straight, Tenchi pulled his towel off his shoulder, looked up at the sky and dabbed at a few errant drops of sweat on his brow. "It must be getting later than I realized." He said, leaning down to pick up his hoe. "Lets get back to the house, shall we?"
Ryouko's arms returned to Tenchi's waist and her suggestive voice spoke again. "How about we go to your room instead? I can get us there real fast, Tenchi."
"Ryouko, quit it!" Whined Tenchi.
Ryouko laughed it off and let Tenchi go. "Can't we at least walk together?" She asked.
Tenchi visibly relaxed, a smile creeping across his face as he overcame his embarrassment. "Sure. Let's go, Ryouko."
* * *
Sasami was in the kitchen, chopping the last of the daikon radish for the day's lunch, humming a tune to herself and Ryo-ohki. She looked up as she heard the sound of Washu's jingle crab ring as the little scientist came out of her lab.
"Hello Washu, lunch is almost ready!" Sasami called out.
"Actually Sasami, I came to tell you that your mother and Funaho are on the sub-space transmission line in my lab. They want to speak to you and Aeka." Washu informed the young girl.
"Mommy!" Sasami cried out as she ran into the living room, her long aqua ponytails streaming out behind her. "Aeka! Aeka! Come quickly!"
A confused expression on her face, the first crown Princess of Jurai began, "What is it Sa-"
"Mommy and Auntie Funaho are on the line in Washu's lab! Let's go!" Exclaimed Sasami, tugging on Aeka's hand to pull her off the couch.
The three girls hurried into the lab and Washu led them to her sub space transmission room. Aeka sat down on a couch and Sasami stood expectantly as Washu opened the line to the royal family.
"Mommy! Auntie Funaho!" Sasami cried as the screen turned on.
"My little Sasami, you're growing so fast! Little Aeka, it's so good to see you!" Misaki sobbed, her eyes squinted shut.
"Mother, it is so good to-" Began Aeka. Misaki instantly ceased her sobbing and glared holes right through Aeka, expectantly. Aeka sighed a great sigh, shut her eyes and clenched her hands together. "Mommy, I've missed you so much!" She squealed in her tiny voice.
Misaki nodded approvingly. "That's better."
A cough sounded on the line, and Misaki quieted down as her sister-wife and the voice of reason, Funaho, began to speak. "The reason for our call, girls, is that we wanted to remind you that it has been more than 600 years since you last attended one of our family vacations."
"My goodness you are right, Aunt Funaho. It has been a very long time since Sasami and I attended indeed." Agreed Aeka.
Funaho continued. "For this year's trip, we have reserved the royal resort planet of Umano."
"Umano?" Asked Ayeka. "Is that planet not known for its similarity to Earth, and for attractions and adventure themed excursions?"
"That's correct, and, as it's name would suggest, Umano is also known as the heart of Jurai's history of horses, as well as hosting numerous luxurious resorts." Supplied Funaho.
"Resorts and horses? Sounds like fun!" Exclaimed Sasami. "When can we leave?"
"Two Earth weeks from now." Answered Misaki, cheerfully. "We really want to see you girls, and your father misses you terribly!"
Sasami worriedly looked at her mother. "Mommy, what about our friends here? What about Tenchi, Ryouko, Washu and Ryo-chan, and Mihoshi and Kiyone, and Mister Masaki and Grandpa? Can they come to? I bet they'd really like it on Umano!"
Aeka sucked in air, "Sasami, surely you do not want that devil woman to-"
"If that is what you wish Sasami, of course they may attend." Replied Funaho.
Aeka face-faulted as Sasami giggled. "Thank you Mommy, thank you Auntie Funaho."
Sasami, Funaho and Misaki continued making their plans as Aeka sat with her mouth open, visible shock on her face. Of course she had wanted Lord Tenchi to accompany them on their vacation, but she definitely did not want to have that demon woman to contend with.
'This could have been my perfect chance to get Lord Tenchi alone!' She mused, plotting. 'Perhaps not all is lost. Perhaps I may still dissuade Ryouko from coming, and I think I know just the right words to use.'
When the royal mothers ended the transmission, Washu came out of a door in what had previously appeared to be a seamless wall. Sasami was eager to spread the news about the vacation. "Come on vacation with us Little Washu, we're going to planet Umano! They've got resorts, and horses, and lots of fun stuff to do!" Said Sasami, her words traveling at a million miles a minute.
Washu dragged out her answer. "Well, I don't have any new experiments to work on right now…"
Two pink puppy dog eyes implored Washu. "Pleeeaaaaaase." Pleaded Sasami. Washu glanced over at Aeka, who shut her eyes and nodded her approval.
"I'd love to go, Sasami." She replied, as she was instantly silenced by the little princess' happy squeals.
"Come, Sasami. We should finish setting out lunch. I am sure Lord Tenchi will be returning from the fields shortly." Prompted Aeka.
"I can't wait to ask Tenchi-oniichan!" Exclaimed Sasami as she cheerfully skipped out of the lab, Aeka and Washu in tow behind her.
* * *
Tenchi and Ryouko silently walked side by side on their way back to the house. It was apparent that the young man had grown over the last few months. Finally he was standing taller than the cyan haired woman by his side, even if only by a few inches. In addition, his sword practice and working in the fields had turned his small, lithe frame into a more mature and muscular one. His shoulders were wider, his arms larger, and he held himself more confidently. The roundness of his face had matured into a slightly more angular look and he had allowed his hair to begin to grow out as well, the once short spikes of black bangs now reached just below his eyebrows, and the ponytail tied at the back of his head had become longer and fuller.
Sunlight filtered down through the canopy of the trees, dappling light on the two people walking below. A slight breeze blew through the air providing relief to the summer heat and humidity. Birds danced from limb to limb and the sound of cicadas and grasshoppers provided a soundtrack to the late morning atmosphere.
The silence between the two was all encompassing, but not uncomfortable. It was only a short time ago since their trip in which they had met Ibara and the nameless tree. Tenchi and Ryouko had never discussed the events that took place on that nameless planet, but the events and emotions still wore heavily on their minds.
Begin Flashback:
Ryouko remembered Tenchi's lame reaction to her sudden confession she had blurted out when she feared that she was in love with the man in her dreams. "That's not it, Tenchi! I love you the most! But, it's also true…that I can't get that guy out of my head…I…I don't want to lie." She had said to him with tears in her eyes.
Tenchi had only compounded matters after telling Ryouko that her mystery man meant nothing to him. "Nothing? How could you say that! Are you saying you couldn't care less about me?"
Tenchi had, surprisingly redeemed himself. "I'm sorry, Ryouko. For saying such a careless thing without thinking about your feelings…but I don't want you to worry, we all just want you to get back to your normal cheerful self." Tenchi's compassion had eased Ryouko, but she was acutely aware that he had not answered her question.
Once they had arrived on the nameless planet and met Ibara, the man from Ryouko's dream, Tenchi became downtrodden when Ryouko had asked his permission to speak with Ibara alone and he had granted it to her. Tenchi could feel the stares given off by Aeka upon seeing his obvious despondence with the situation. 'I hate myself.' He realized, still thinking of Ryouko.
" A woman of such rare value…why do you make her wait?" Ibara had asked Tenchi as they sparred in a friendly match. All Tenchi could do was think to himself, 'Ryouko…he's right! Ryouko opened her heart to me without reservation! And I never did anything for her!'
At that moment, Yataka and Mikamo attacked the planet with the intent to steal the nameless tree, and in the final battle, it was Tenchi and Ryouko who had defeated Mikamo together. The nameless tree had called to them, and Ryouko clung to Tenchi, in his full Jurian regalia, from behind. As she directed the power of her gem into Tenchi, he in turn directed their combined power into his Light Hawk Wings, creating a force never seen before as the two worked seamlessly as one unit.
Before leaving that nameless planet, the nameless tree had spoke to Ryouko, showing her the meaning of the dream that had led them there. It wasn't a dream at all, but a guarded memory of her past. 'The dream was the future…how I met Tenchi and became attracted to him…how emotions rose in me for the first time 800 years ago. I was just an unfeeling marionette…although it was only a vision at the time, I panicked at the unknown sensation and I…I shut down my own memories!' Ryouko had then realized that it was eight hundred long years ago when she had first fallen in love with Tenchi.
End Flashback
Tenchi looked around him, trying to dispel his train of thought. "See Ryouko? There is a benefit to walking instead of phasing. How else would you get to see such beautiful sights in nature?" He asked as he surveyed the forest.
Ryouko pondered that thought. 'It is nice out here. I haven't really thought about the beauty of nature in a long time. I should try to notice it more. After all, Tenchi obviously enjoys it.'
Tenchi caught a glance of Ryouko out of the corner of his eye and saw that she was honestly studying her surroundings. 'Nature isn't the only thing that's beautiful out here.'
He shocked himself by thinking. Trying to continue their conversation, he continued, "When I was a child, I used to love to be outdoors. My mother and grandmother would take me for walks outside, and I grew up to really like nature. I used to climb trees, chase butterflies, and play games in the woods."
Ryouko smiled softly as she remembered watching Tenchi play by her cave when he was young. She then turned serious, a gust of wind blowing her spiky locks behind her as she spoke. "I know Tenchi. But for me, I…I don't remember my childhood, my life before Kagato. I know I had some kind of existence with Washu. She's told me that I used to enjoy being outdoors as a child before Kagato took me, but…I can't remember any of it." Ryouko spoke quietly, hesitantly.
Tenchi stopped walking and looked into Ryouko's eyes, speechless for her sudden openness.
Ryouko continued. "It wasn't until a few hundred years ago, after Yoshou had imprisoned me in that cave that I ever again noticed my surroundings. Once I gathered enough strength to project my astral form, before you came along, Tenchi, I would take comfort in nature, in the area around the cave. It was an escape from the dark, cold confines of my prison, but it was also an exercise in examining the beauty of nature. It calmed my fears of being held in there for eternity, until at least, I laid eyes on you, Ten-"
"Ryouko…" Tenchi began. His heart was being torn to pieces and a lump had formed in his throat. He looked into Ryouko's deep amber eyes and reached a hand for her shoulder.
"Ryouko-oneechan! Tenchi-oniichan! Hurry up and come inside! Lunch is ready and we have big news!" Sasami's happy voice stole their moment as they saw her little form crest the hill that lead to the house.
Ryouko snapped out of the spell of reminiscence that had fallen over herself. Realizing she must have said too much, she changed the subject. Rubbing her tummy, she cheerfully said, "Lunch time! Let's go, Tenchi."
Tenchi merely nodded, still deep in thought over Ryouko's words.
* * *
Aeka was setting a bowl of edamame on the table as Ryouko and Tenchi came in through the front door. "Lord Tenchi, I trust this demon woman didn't give you any trouble on your way back to the house." She quipped, glaring at Ryouko for her proximity to Tenchi.
"At least I'll step foot out of the house to go outside, Miss Pampered Princess." Retaliated Ryouko.
Aeka fumed. "Now you look here, you undignified trollop, proper ladies don't go about playing in the dirt."
"Girls, please." Sighed Tenchi, sitting down at the table to join Washu and Ryo-ohki. "Let's just eat lunch."
Aeka and Ryouko glared at each other as they took their normal places on either side of their object of affection. Just then, Mihoshi and Kiyone came in through the front door. "We got your message that lunch was ready, so here we are!" Announced Mihoshi.
Mihoshi's woeful partner held a hand to her head. "We really can't be leaving our patrol for something like this all the time!"
"Sit down you two, we have big news!" Exclaimed Sasami. Dishes began being passed around the table as they looked at Sasami for her to continue. Sasami explained to everyone the invitation from her mother and aunt, and explained about Umano and all they could do there. Everyone listened excitedly at the prospect of going on a vacation.
Tenchi voiced his concern. "Sasami, Aeka, are you sure that it's ok for your family to have all of us with them? We are a large group, and it can't be cheap."
"Nonsense, Lord Tenchi. Expenses are not an issue, and many guests are invited as a courtesy of the royal family. And, do not forget," giggled Aeka. "That you are family, also. Besides, it would be a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate your graduation of High School."
"I don't suppose this 'gracious' invitation gets extended to me." Grumbled Ryouko.
Aeka began to answer, "You can go to he-"
"Everyone is invited, Ryouko!" Sasami said, cutting off Aeka. "Even Washu agreed to come with us!"
Washu flashed the victory sign. "Well, even the universe's number one scientific genius needs a break every couple of thousand years, you know."
"Kiyone, can we go with them? Pleeeaaase?" Begged Mihoshi, her big blue eyes sparkling.
"Well…I suppose we do have just enough time to take, but I don't know, we have a responsibility to this system, and we are the only ones currently in the sector…" Stalled Kiyone as she weighed the options. She looked at her partner's puppy dog eyes one more time and sighed. "Ok, ok, so long as it's alright with Aeka and Sasami."
"Certainly, Kiyone. You are both more than welcome to attend." Approved Aeka as Mihoshi cheered loudly.
Tenchi began, "Well, it certainly sounds like a lot of fun, and it is summer break after all. If you're sure we wouldn't be imposing on your family…"
Aeka started, "Lord Tenchi, I am honored that you wish to attend our family vacation with me. I-"
Ryouko put her arms around Tenchi's shoulders "I hate to break it to you princess, but he's not going because of you."
Before Aeka could retaliate, Sasami sweetly asked, "Ryouko, you'll come too, won't you?"
Ryouko glared at Aeka. "Well, if Tenchi's going, than I'm going."
Aeka began to shake as her force field of logs formed around her, a stray energy bolt singing the wall behind her. At the same time Ryouko snapped her wrist and balled up her fist as her energy sword appeared. The two superpowers prepared to fight. Aeka's crimson eyes bored into Ryouko's cat like eyes as she spat, "Just do not destroy this innocent Jurian Planet of ours like you did our home, you monster."
Ryouko's mouth shut with an audible click and her energy sword dissipated. For once, she was rendered speechless. Tenchi began to sweat as he inched backwards. Glancing at Aeka, he saw her intense concentration on Ryouko. Glancing at Ryouko, he could have sworn he saw a tear in the corner of her eye. Ryouko gathered herself and shut her eyes. Trying to appear casual, she teleported away. The others sat, speechless.
A cone of silence hung heavily in the room. No one dared to move or make any noise, save Mihoshi, who was obliviously munching on a piece of salmon.
"You know that what she did to your planet wasn't her fault, don't you, Aeka?" Asked the saddened but stern voice of Washu, magenta bangs hanging slightly in her eyes.
Aeka looked down to examine her hands in her lap as her force field vanished. "Yes…not only myself, but most educated Jurians understand her to have been Kagato's weapon and under his control." Admitted Aeka.
"Poor Ryouko, I wonder if she knows that." Asked Sasami.
"Oh well, let's eat! She needs time to cool off anyway." Exclaimed Washu, diving into her lunch.
* * *
Ryouko phased herself outside to a row of old oak trees at the base of the mountain. Her eyes downcast, her cyan bangs hanging in her watery eyes, she replayed Aeka's bitter comment in her mind.
'Doesn't she think that I hate myself enough already for what Kagato made me do?' She asked herself as she settled herself into a low laying branch. 'I suppose there is no excuse for me though. I'm sure the Jurians could never forgive me, especially if I…I can't forgive myself.'
Hearing a rustling sound in the bushes near the tree sat in, Ryouko's ears perked up to identify the source of the noise. On alert, her eyes were sharp and her muscles tense until she felt the familiar presence of Ryo-ohki's consciousness brush against the back of her mind. The fuzzy little cabbit jumped through the bushes and into her mistress's lap, but instead of curling up to comfort her, she called out, "Miya! Miya!"
"Who are you calling to, Ryo-ohki?" Asked Ryouko, confused.
More rustling came from the bushes and Tenchi's voice suddenly called out, "Ryouko, where are you?" Ryouko scrambled to wipe her eyes to hide her tears before Tenchi bounded into the clearing.
"Ryo-ohki sure does move fast." He commented, panting. "I asked her to help me find you."
"What is it, Tenchi?" Asked Ryouko, considering that he usually only came looking for her if she had gotten into trouble.
"Are you alright, Ryouko?" Asked Tenchi.
Ryouko casually chuckled, waving her hand in the air. "Of course I am, what are you talking about?."
"Will you go on vacation with everyone?" Pried Tenchi.
Ryouko sighed and looked away, her feet and tail dangling above the ground like that of a child's. "I don't know Tenchi. If everyone else is going, I'd like to go too, but I think Aeka is right, how can I possibly travel to a Jurian planet after all I've done to their home world and expect them to treat me as a visitor or a guest?"
Ryouko shocked Tenchi by her openness and understanding for her second time that day. "About what Aeka said after you left," He began.
"I don't care what that stuck up princess had to say about me after I left." Ryouko defended herself.
"Wait Ryouko, hear me out," Pleaded Tenchi. "It was Washu who defended you."
"Washu?" Asked Ryouko.
Tenchi continued. "Yes. Keep in mind, I don't fully understand the whole story, but she reminded Aeka that what happened wasn't your fault and that you were under Kagato's control." Ryouko looked the other way at the mention of Kagato's name as Tenchi continued. "But Aeka admitted that she did understand that, and that most Jurians understood that you were being controlled as well." Finished Tenchi.
"Re-really?" Asked Ryouko, a look of hope on her face.
"Un." Replied Tenchi, a smile on his face. "So you'll go then, right?"
Ryouko smiled and nodded, reaching out to twiddle a finger on Tenchi's chest. "You want to share a room at the hotel together, Tenchi?"
"Ryouko, cut that out!" Whined Tenchi, turning red and thinking to himself, 'Guess she's back to normal now.'
"Well, I need to get to the shrine. Grandfather will be waiting for me for sword practice." Faltered Tenchi.
Ryouko raised her hand in a wave as Tenchi took off running towards the shrine. "Tenchi!" She called out suddenly.
He stopped in his tracks to turn around to look at her.
"Thanks." She said, a pleasant smile on her face.
He returned her smile and ran off to the shrine.
* * *
Two weeks later…
Aeka was rummaging through her wooden storage containers in the room she shared with her little sister, considering what to take with her on vacation. In front of her, all her cabinets were open, neatly folded garments and accessories spilling onto the floor.
"I just can't decide what to take with me." Aeka sighed, and then shrugged. "I'll just have to take it all." She said, matter of factly as Sasami was scurrying around the room, tossing selected items into a couple of bags.
"Sasami, that is not a proper way to put clothes in a bag." Scolded Aeka.
"But Aeka-oneechan, I'm just so excited, I don't want to fold them!" Whined Sasami, sticking her tongue out at her big sister.
'Two can play at that game.' Aeka thought to herself as she got a gleam in her eye and stuck her tongue out farther to one-up Sasami. Giggling, Aeka pulled a long over robe out of a container and crumpled it up before shoving it back in, defiantly.
"Well, well, look at the uncivilized princess now. Who knew she had such horrible manners when no one else was looking?" Taunted Ryouko from the hallway as she had been passing by their room. Aeka turned white from embarrassment as Ryouko continued her tirade. "You could never be Tenchi's wife with folding skills like that!"
"Rrrrr, look here you dirt for brains, I was merely entertaining my little sister-" Began Aeka.
"Sasami? Why, I don't see Sasami anywhere." Chided Ryouko as Sasami's pigtails could barely be seen escaping through the door as she fled the scene of an upcoming fight. Ryouko laughed a triumphant laugh and continued on her way down the hallway as she called back to Aeka. "We're meeting out on the dock in an hour Princess."
* * *
Everyone was assembled on the dock in preparation for departure. The decision to take Aeka's ship, the Ryu-oh had been made as the Ryu-oh was a larger, more comfortable ship. Noboyuki could not take the time from work to leave, as his company was finalizing blueprints for a new national museum. Katsuhito as well would not be attending, stating that he had obligations at the shrine.
Tenchi stood on the dock with two suitcases and a backpack. Sasami and Aeka were each holding a stack of bentou boxes, their luggage had already been teleported onto the Ryu-oh. Kiyone and Mihoshi stood among a collection of suitcases and bags, most of them, by their pink color, presumably belonging to Mihoshi. Ryouko stood on the dock with her hands propped behind her head, looking decidedly bored. Everything was ready except the ship.
"Leave it to Washu to hold us up." Mumbled Ryouko.
"Ryouko, where's your bags?" Asked Sasami, with little Ryo-ohki perched on her head.
Ryouko was stumped. "Well…uh…I don't really own anything Sasami. I just kinda phase into the clothes I wear." Replied the pirate.
Tenchi turned to look at Ryouko and thought to himself. 'I've never really thought about that. Aside from Washu and Ryo-ohki, Ryouko doesn't really have anything that's hers.'
Before he could continue his train of thought, Aeka took the opportunity for an insult. "You don't deserve to own anything, you lowly creature."
"And you don't own anything you have, Miss-High-and-Mighty. Everything that you have has been given to you by mommy and daddy!" Retorted Ryouko.
Washu appeared at just the right time to break up the fight. She began to walk down the dock from the house as the Ryu-oh rose out of the lake. "Our chariot has arrived!" She exclaimed. "All aboard!"
The Ryu-oh teleported the eager vacationers into the central atrium while Aeka went directly to the ship's bridge to set their course. Tenchi gazed at his surroundings. It had been a long time since he had been aboard Ryu-oh, and at that time, he was a bit too preoccupied to appreciate its beauty.
The atrium was a wide space full of trees and plant life. At the center rose a great tree, Ryu-oh herself. She was similar in appearance, but smaller in size to Katsuhito's Funaho on Earth. An immense dome simulating natural sunlight and sky was fixed to the ceiling, giving a true outdoor feeling to the atmosphere. Here and there small creeks with stone waterfalls coursed through the landscape, providing the trees with water and producing a calming effect for visitors. Wildflowers sprouted at the bases of the trees near the creek providing a variety of colors that were pleasing to the eye.
Aeka seemingly appeared out of a tree, an elevator-like door parting as she gracefully stepped out. "We are on our way. It should take us about three earth days to arrive at our destination."
"Three days, Miss Aeka?" Asked Tenchi.
"Yes, Lord Tenchi." Giggled Aeka, her ponytails shaking gently. "As you have not spent much time traveling in space, I would recommend that you, and perhaps the rest of us as well should opt for suspended sleep. We often choose this method while traveling as a chance for rest as well as to more easily pass the time during travel."
"Suspended sleep is for wusses." Muttered Ryouko.
Before another spat could begin, Sasami cut in. "Well, I brought us all bentou boxes for lunch, so why don't we have a picnic here before we go to sleep?"
"That sounds like an excellent idea, Sasami." Agreed Aeka.
Washu pulled a large neatly folded blanket out of a sub-space pocket and Mihoshi and Ryo-ohki in toddler form began trying to unfold it. As they tried to lay the blanket down, Mihoshi tripped and fell into it, getting herself tangled up as she tried to get back up.
"No, no, you bubble-head!" Exclaimed Washu. "That's no ordinary blanket! I built it to unfold by itself, I call it the Super-Automatic-Unfolding-Blanket. All you have to do is press the button and-"
"This button?" Asked Mihoshi as she pressed a small red button, causing the blanket to rise up off the ground, getting Mihoshi even more tangled up in it. She started crying as Tenchi, Kiyone and Ryo-ohki tried to pull her out.
"Azaka, Kamidake, please find us more blankets." Requested Aeka, holding a hand to her temple as her log-guardians complied with her wishes.
* * *
Once they had finally settled down, the awkward family sat around the blanket picnicking from Sasami's bentou boxes. Ayeka and Ryouko were competing to feed Tenchi food from their chopsticks.
Tenchi dodged a pickled radish that Ryouko was trying to serve him. "Miss Aeka, when you mentioned that there were horses on this planet, did you really mean horses as in the ones on Earth?"
Aeka nodded her head and smiled at Tenchi. "Yes, the very same. As the story goes, when my father, Emperor Azusa, landed on Earth and met Aunt Funaho, he spent quite some time on your planet with her. It was on your planet that he was introduced to the species of animal, and upon seeing them, he was instantly captivated. My father became so fond of them, that when he and Aunt Funaho left Earth for Jurai, they brought several horses with them to breed and introduce to my planet and those of our colony worlds, where our people began to love them as well. They began to use the animal for recreation and racing, and ever since, breeding and training has been almost like a national past time. Still, after the thousands of years that my father has reigned, he continues to search out new breeds on Earth so that he can have a variety of breeds for his empire and himself.
"Wow, Aeka." Admired Tenchi, smiling back at the princess.
Washu caught her daughter rolling her eyes. "You know, little Ryouko, you had been very fond of horses in your childhood yourself."
Ryouko pointed to herself, a quizzical look in her eye. "Me?" She asked.
Washu stuffed first her hand, then her whole arm into a sub-space pocket. "Now where is it?" She asked herself as she continued rummaging. "Here it is!" She exclaimed, pulling out a bright piece of orange construction paper with a crayon drawing of something that looked like a table with a head. "You used to draw horses all the time before I finally got you into lessons!"
Everyone leaned in close to get a good look at the picture. A giggle started to develop from Mihoshi, causing everyone to start laughing at Ryouko's horse.
Washu talked to her daughter over their mental link ::Come on Ryouko, it's cute!::
::Thanks a lot, Mom:: Snapped Ryouko as she grabbed the picture and crumpled it up, stuffing it down her dress, her red face broadcasting her embarrassment, her tail standing straight up behind her.
The giggles died down as Sasami said, " At least you've had real lessons, Ryouko. I've only been on pony rides. I know, let's all go riding together!"
"I don't really remember taking lessons though." Protested Ryouko.
"Umano has lots of teachers who will show us how!" Exclaimed Sasami. "Even you, Aeka-oneechan!"
Aeka froze. "Now Sasami, you know I don't enjoy getting on those big animals."
"Come on, princess, I'd pay good money to see you on a big old horse!" Taunted Ryouko.
Before Aeka could reply, Tenchi said, "Sure, Sasami, that sounds like fun for all of us to ride together! I've ridden as a child, but I'd like to do it again."
"It's been a long time for me too." Agreed Kiyone. "My grandfather used to have a farm, and he had horses that I used to love to ride."
Mihoshi had a worried expression on her face. "I'm not so sure, but if Kiyone does it, I'll try it too!" She said cheerfully.
"Miya, miya, miiiya." Said Ryo-ohki.
"What did she say?" Asked Sasami.
Ryouko translated for her little cabbit sister. "She said that her human form is still too shaky, but she wants to ride with Sasami in her cabbit form."
"Yea! Ryo-chan gets to ride with me!" Exclaimed Sasami.
"Well then," Prompted Aeka, changing topics. "Now that we have finished lunch, perhaps we should turn in for the remainder of the trip. Azaka and Kamidake will escort each of you to your rooms. Unfortunately, Ryu-oh is short on guest rooms, as we have only three. One is Sasami's room, the other I will give to Lord Tenchi, and the last is large enough for the rest of the ladies to share comfortably."
"If it's all the same to you, Princess, I'll just stay out here." Said Ryouko.
"Do as you wish, but I will have a guard outside of Lord Tenchi's room to prevent you from entering, so do not try anything funny." Replied Aeka.
"Whatever, Princess." Answered Ryouko.
Everyone parted ways while Ryouko remained. She watched Tenchi's retreating figure before settling herself down on the grassy bank of a creek.
Simulated sunlight shone down through the canopy of leaves provided by the space trees as she reached into her dress and pulled out the piece of crumpled construction paper. She gently opened the paper, attempting to flatten out the wrinkles. She placed the picture in her lap and ran a finger across the drawing, feeling a stirring of jumbled memories as she tried hard to remember a past deeply buried in the depths of her mind. A time before the cave, a time before Kagato, a time lost to the suffering and heartache of thousands of years. She shed a single tear for a past that she couldn't seem to remember.
* * *
Tenchi sat in his room and looked at the smooth synthetic strip that was meant to attach to his forehead to induce suspended sleep. 'I wonder what Ryouko is doing out there all by herself.' He wondered. Quietly opening the door to his room, he inched out past Azaka and shut the door behind him. Trying to trace his way back the way he came, he again found the expansive atrium and the area where they had shared lunch.
Not really knowing where to look, He followed the creek for a ways before he saw her. Her back was to him and she sat on the grass by the creek. It seemed as though she was looking at something, but he couldn't be sure. He was only a few feet away from her when he called out to her. "What are you looking at Ryouko?"
Ryouko was startled, she hadn't noticed his approach. "What are you doing out here, Tenchi? You're supposed to be asleep."
Tenchi looked up at the canopy of trees. "I'm just not ready to fall asleep for the next three days I guess."
Ryouko scooted to the side slightly, giving Tenchi a cue to sit down. "Are you still looking at your picture Ryouko? You look like something's wrong." He asked, taking her cue and sitting next to her.
"I just wish I could remember drawing this picture." Said Ryouko.
"You mean you really don't remember drawing it?" Asked Tenchi.
She shook her head and said quietly, "Tenchi, like I said before, I don't remember most of my childhood. I don't remember much of anything before Kaga-"
"Ryouko," He said, cutting her off, seeing the pain in her eyes. "I'm sure you can remember your childhood. It sure sounds like it was a good one. Washu is very proud of you, and has all those stories. Something just needs to trigger your memory for you to remember."
"You really think so?" Asked Ryouko, hopefully.
Tenchi smiled. "I'm sure of it, Ryouko."
She sighed, looking down at the picture again, changing the topic. "It sure is ugly, isn't it? It really does look like a table with two legs."
Tenchi chuckled. "Not really. I've made worse pictures than that when I was a kid. Look here," he said, pointing at the horse's head. "You've drawn his ears and his mane. Look at the detail in the wavy mane you colored. The same detail is in his tail." He pointed to the horse's legs. "They don't look so much like table legs, look, you've drawn where his hoofs are. Heck, I don't think I could draw something like this at my age now!"
"Tenchi." Ryouko said, softly, gazing into his eyes. "Thank you."
He nodded, smiling. "Well, I am feeling a little tired now, perhaps I should get back to my room." He stood and stretched his arms up toward the artificial sky. "Will you be okay out here?" He asked, seriously.
"Un." Agreed Ryouko, nodding her head. "Rest well, Tenchi."
With that, Tenchi left her to again ponder her past.
* * *
End chapter One.