Chapter 16 - Six Hands
Two days later, accompanied this time by Azusa as well as Funaho and Misaki, the group stood in the cavernous Arboretum at the first landing as they had many weeks prior.
"Do you remember Captain Pakma's bonding ceremony, Tenchi?" Funaho asked.
Tenchi nodded, "I think so. I step onto the transport disk, right?"
"Yes. When you step onto that disk you will be transported to the chamber of the Second Generation."
Tenchi nodded. "Here goes," he said, and he stepped firmly onto the transport disk.
As soon as he disappeared, Funaho led everyone onto the transport disk. Instantly they were transported to the room of the Second Generation. Enormous trees stretched out on either side of them into the distance. "I decided we might as well start here," Funaho said. "I have to believe that Tenchi will find his partner here - or farther along."
Tenchi stepped off the disk and began to walk the lane between the rows of trees. "Greet the trees, Tenchi. Your partner will beckon when the time is right," Funaho said.
Tenchi approached the first tree and bowed. "Hello," he said, "I'm Tenchi." The only response from the tree was a soft, audible chime.
"The tree speaks to you, Tenchi. But it does not accept you," Azusa said.
"How do you know?" Tenchi asked.
"If the tree accepted you, you wouldn't have to ask," Funaho said. "This is not your partner."
"Should I try the next one?" Tenchi asked.
"Yes," Funaho replied.
Tenchi greeted several trees in turn, the group following a short distance behind. Each tree responded in the same way, with a tone and nothing else.
After a while, Funaho called Tenchi over to the group. "Tenchi, each tree has greeted you in turn, but none has accepted you as its partner. This has not happened in many centuries."
"What does it mean?" Tenchi asked.
"It means that you should search for your partner among the First Generation," Funaho said.
There was a gasp from Ayeka and "Oh my!" from Misaki.
"What does that mean?" Ryoko asked.
"It means that Tenchi's partner will be one of the most powerful things in the universe; a tree only one generation removed from Tsunami herself," Funaho replied.
"Impossible!" Azusa cried. "There are no First Generation trees unclaimed. Funaho was the last."
"We should consult with Seto," Funaho said.
"Very well," Azusa said, glaring at Tenchi.
Funaho opened a link to Seto. After a brief explanation of the situation, her answer was short. "Take him there."
Azusa began to bluster, but Seto silenced him with a glance. "Son-in- law," she said sternly, "do not make me regret the time I've spent on you." Azusa fell quiet, although it was clear by his expression that he was not happy.
"Thank you, Mother Seto," Funaho said. "Tenchi, are you ready to go to the First Generation?"
"Yes," Tenchi replied.
"Only myself, Misaki and Azusa can accompany you," she said.
Tenchi nodded. "I understand."
"Very well," Azusa said. "Let us proceed."
They stepped to the transport disk and Funaho sent them on to the room of the First Generation.
"Wow!" Tenchi said in surprise.
It was as if they had been transported out of the Arboretum. Hills and valleys and lakes went on as far as the eye could see in all directions. The disk sat in a circle in the middle of five paths and at the end of each path was a tree far larger than those of the Second Generation.
"You see," Azusa said. "Only five."
"I don't understand," Tenchi said. "How can they be here, and be where they are?"
"This is not our place," Funaho explained. "Trees exist in many places at once. It is one of the things that makes them so powerful. Now, Tenchi," Funaho said. "You must greet these trees as you did those of the Second Generation."
"What will happen?" Tenchi asked.
"I don't know," Funaho said solemnly. "But this is what Seto decided, so we will do it. All right?"
Tenchi nodded.
"It is a waste of time," Azusa said angrily.
"Hush, husband," Funaho said. "Go ahead, Tenchi."
Tenchi picked a path and walked to the tree at its end. "Hello," he said, bowing, "I'm Tenchi Masaki."
As before, the tree responded with a tone and no more.
Tenchi returned to the center. "Next one, I guess," he said with a nervous smile.
As Tenchi walked up the next path, Azusa took an involuntary step forward and was immediately halted by Misaki's hand on his shoulder. "Azusa," she said with a note of warning.
Azusa stopped, but otherwise didn't seem to notice her. His eyes were wide, his gaze intent on the tree Tenchi was approaching. "Kirito!" he whispered.
"Patience, husband," Funaho said soothingly. "Have faith."
Tenchi stopped in front of the tree and again, bowed and introduced himself. Again, the tree emitted a tone of recognition but did nothing else.
Azusa sighed and relaxed. Misaki patted him on the arm.
Tenchi returned to the middle of the paths and twice more repeated his greeting, receiving only a tone each time.
Finally, Tenchi stood looking down the final path. "That's Funaho," he said.
"You recognize your grandfather's tree," Funaho said. Tenchi nodded. "Go, then," Funaho said. "Speak to her."
"What will it mean?" Misaki asked as Tenchi went up the path. "Can he replace Yosho?"
"I don't know," Funaho said. "He has an affinity for Yosho's tree, that is certain. But will that affinity allow him to take Yosho's place?"
"Even if he did," Azusa said. "Yosho's tree has taken root. It will never fly again. If Tenchi bonded with Funaho in place of Yosho, Tenchi would be as bound to Earth as Yosho is; and as unable to take the throne."
Tenchi approached Funaho and looked up at her. She looked much the same as she looked in Okayama. Tenchi bowed and said, "Hello Funaho."
Funaho sounded a sweet, ringing tone and was silent.
Azusa, Misaki and Funaho released breaths they didn't know they'd been holding.
Tenchi returned up the path.
"I don't understand," Funaho said. "None of them called to you?"
"I'm sorry," Tenchi said, shaking his head.
"But, don't you hear anything, Tenchi?" Funaho asked.
"Hear anything?" Tenchi asked. "Like what?"
"Like a sweet, gentle hum; or the sound of wind chimes."
"Well, yes," Tenchi said.
"Follow that sound, that is your tree," Funaho said.
Tenchi looked confused. "But..."
"What is it?" Funaho asked.
"They're all making that sound," he said.
"They all are?" Azusa said sharply. "Are you sure?"
"Yes," Tenchi replied. "I hear that sound whenever I'm near a space tree."
Azusa blanched. "Did you say 'whenever'?"
Tenchi nodded.
"Tenchi," Funaho said. "I want you to be very clear when you answer me, please. It's very important."
"Sure, Funaho," Tenchi replied.
"You've been aboard Ryu-Oh. Did you hear his voice?"
"Is that what you call it? His voice?" Tenchi asked. Funaho nodded. "Yes, I did. I hear a sound like that whenever I'm around grandpa's tree, too."
"Funaho speaks to you as well?"
Tenchi nodded. "It... She always has."
Azusa, Misaki and Funaho glanced at each other, their confusion clear. They turned back to Tenchi and Funaho said, "Tenchi, I'm sorry but we'll have to return for now."
"All right," Tenchi said.
"What does it mean, Mother Seto?" Funaho asked.
Seto looked at Funaho, then Misaki and Azusa in turn. "I don't know," she said. She took a sip of her tea and gazed off of the landing at the vast stretch of green below. "This has never happened before."
"Trees do talk to people," Azusa pointed out.
"Yes, son-in-law, they do. But there has never been anyone that every tree talked to. Certainly not during the bonding ceremony," Seto said.
"Perhaps it means that he is a friend to every tree," Misaki ventured.
"And should be bonded to none," Azusa said.
Seto looked at him, her expression dark. "And perhaps, son-in-law, you should worry more about your great-grandson and the happiness of your daughter and less about losing the throne," she barked.
Azusa gasped, then a look of shame took his face and he hung his head. "I... I am sorry, Mother Seto."
Seto grunted and took another sip of her tea. "I think you are right, daughter," she said. "Tenchi is a friend to all trees. But there may be more to it than that."
"Consider," she continued, "that a person bonded with a tree gains abilities and perceptions akin to his partner's power and relationships with the other trees. For instance: daughter, Funaho: you two are closely linked in spirit because Karin and Mizuho are twins."
"Tsunami..?" Funaho said in awe.
Seto nodded. "Perhaps. It would explain why all of the First Generation greeted Tenchi."
"But, Tsunami and Sasami are assimilated," Funaho pointed out.
"Which is different from bonding," Seto shrugged.
"No! I will not stand for it!" Azusa said angrily. "I will not have Sasami and-"
"Azusa!" Funaho said sharply. "What you will do is be quiet!"
"Dear," Misaki said soothingly. "You can't fight love."
"Nor Tsunami," Seto added.
"What makes you think Sasami is..." Azusa stopped himself, seeing the amused smiles on the faces of the women. "I'm an old fool, aren't I?" he asked.
Smiling widely, the three nodded.
"What do we do?" Azusa asked.
"Let nature take its course," Seto replied.
They were just finishing a late dinner. Outside it was dark; the fireflies that Funaho had brought from Earth were flickering and dancing above the sward and garden outside.
"That was good," Tenchi said. "Thank you."
"You hardly ate anything, Tenchi," Sasami said.
"I'm sorry, Sasami. I ate all I could. I just don't feel very hungry."
Sasami nodded and everyone at the table exchanged glances. Tenchi's health was clearly failing; they had been almost sick with worry since Tenchi had come back from the Arboretum without the pair bonding that would restore him. There was some sort of problem and if it wasn't resolved, they knew that soon they would be taking Tenchi home for the last time.
"What would everyone like to do?" Mihoshi asked.
Without thought, they all looked to Tenchi. Tenchi smiled and shrugged. "If it's okay with everybody, I think I'll sit for a while outside. I've got a lot on my mind right now."
They nodded and smiled and watched Tenchi rise and walk out the doors and into the garden. Without speaking, they began to clear the dishes from the table.
Ayeka watched Sasami gather things from the table, barely able to tear her eyes away from the door to the garden. Ayeka reached over and took the things from Sasami, saying, "Sasami, go to him."
"But-" Sasami began.
Ayeka shook her head. "No 'buts'. Just go."
Sasami glanced at Ryoko, who was watching intently. Ryoko smiled and nodded. Sasami rushed over to Ryoko and hugged her and whispered, "Thanks, Ryoko!" in her ear.
"You're welcome, kiddo." Sasami let her go. Ryoko said, "Sasami." Sasami stopped, looking at her. "Tell him how you feel."
Sasami looked surprised and a little scared. She looked at Ayeka, who smiled and nodded. Sasami smiled at both of them and dashed out the door into the dark of the garden.
Ayeka and Ryoko watched her go. Then Ayeka turned to Ryoko and said, "Thank you, Ryoko."
"I didn't do it for her sake. I did it for mine," Ryoko said. "I'm just tired, is all. You wore me down."
Ayeka smiled. "I understand, and I thank you anyway."
Ryoko smiled back and Ayeka returned to clearing the dishes. Ryoko saw that Washu had watched the exchange and that she didn't look happy. Ryoko went to her.
"What's your problem?"
"Oh, nothing at all, Ryoko," Washu said archly. "It's just that I never saw you as a quitter."
"A what?" Ryoko asked, confused.
"You just handed Tenchi to Sasami on a platter. I was hoping to have some grandchildren to spoil before I was twenty-five thousand. I guess I'll have to pin my hopes on Ryo-Ohki." Washu's voice was thick with sarcasm and ire.
"What the hell are you talking about, Washu?" Ryoko growled, anger clear on her face.
"Maybe I'll just make myself a son-in-law. I could combine Tenchi and the Mass and make you a nice husband. Oh! That's right. I never did get that last sample. Well, I guess you'll just have to settle for Nobiyuki, I'm sure I can get a sample out of him!"
Ryoko grabbed Washu by the shirt and hoisted the smaller woman up to her face. "You'd better shut the hell up now! You think that was easy? I thought you'd be happy that I'd grown up a little!"
Washu opened her mouth, then closed it. Her expression softened and she sighed. "Please put me down, Ryoko." Ryoko put Washu back onto her feet. "You're right, I shouldn't be so hard on you. I'm sorry, but I'm disappointed."
"You're disappointed," Ryoko snorted. "Try it from here. I just gave up my whole life. And my own mother-" Ryoko's voice caught and she began to cry. "My own mother-"
"You're right, Ryoko. I'm so sorry," Washu said. She put her hand on Ryoko's arm. But Ryoko shrugged it off.
"Leave me alone," she said in a low voice and, still crying, she went into her room.
Washu watched her go. "Damn it!" she hissed after Ryoko's door closed.
"How could you do that do her?" Washu turned to find Ayeka next to her, very angry.
Washu looked at her for a moment in a detached way and then went into her lab, leaving Ayeka blinking in surprise.
"What was that about?" Mihoshi asked.
"I have no idea," Ayeka replied.
Sasami walked out into the garden. In the dim light she could see Tenchi sitting on a bench and she went to him.
"Hi Sasami," Tenchi said when she got close.
"Hi Tenchi," Sasami said. "Can I sit with you?"
"Sure," Tenchi said. He shifted a little to one side to make room.
Sasami sat down and together they looked at the stars. After a while, Sasami reached out and took Tenchi's hand. They looked at each other and smiled.
"I really appreciate everything you've done for me, Sasami," Tenchi said. "I don't know what's going to happen, especially after today, but I've really enjoyed spending time with you."
"Tenchi, I..." Sasami looked away for a moment, then gazed into Tenchi's eyes. "I love you, Tenchi. I love you with all my heart. And I want us to spend the rest of our lives together, however long that is."
"I know," Tenchi said. "I feel the same way. I love you, Sasami."
They kissed gently and moved closer, sitting together and looking up at the stars overhead and at the fireflies darting about the garden.
A few moments later they were joined by Tsunami and neither Tenchi nor Sasami seemed surprised. She sat on the other side of Tenchi and took one of his hands and one of Sasami's. "I'm so happy," she said quietly.
"Me, too," Sasami said.
"Uh, when will the two of you finish merging?" Tenchi asked.
"Soon," Sasami said.
"Yes, soon," agreed Tsunami.
Tenchi smiled playfully. "Good," he said. "I'm not the kind of guy who can handle more than one woman. But I suppose if I was my life would have been a lot easier."
"Wrong, Tenchi," Tsunami said. "None of us would be happy being anything except First Wife. Each of us is an all or nothing kind of girl." Sasami nodded, agreeing.
Tenchi smiled. "Well, here we are, then."
"What's going to happen to us, Tsunami?" Sasami asked.
Tsunami smiled at them. "We're going to get married and have wonderful children and live long, happy lives," she said.
"But..." Tenchi said, leaving the question unspoken.
Tsunami smiled. "I know, you couldn't find a partner among the trees of the Second or First Generations. There's a reason for that: your partner is a higher generation."
Tenchi looked confused. "The only higher generation..."
"Is me," Tsunami said. She looked at Sasami and said, "Us."
"Oh, Tsunami!" Sasami said, her eyes shining. "Do you mean..?"
"I mean that Tenchi and we will be bonded partners as well as husband and wife. It's never happened before, and it will never happen again. It's something special."
"So, we're getting married then?" Tenchi asked, smiling.
"Yes!" Sasami and Tsunami said in chorus.
"I don't remember anyone actually asking anyone else," Tenchi said.
Sasami and Tsunami looked at each other. "Tenchi, will you marry me?" they said together.
"Isn't that my line?" Tenchi asked.
"Not on Jurai," Sasami said.
"Just say yes, Tenchi!" Tsunami said.
"Yes," he said quietly.
Sasami and Tsunami cried out and threw their arms around him, hugging him tightly and taking turns kissing him.
"Hey, gently, please!"
"Sorry, Tenchi!" they said together, letting him go and sitting back down on either side of him.
And then they were quiet again for a while, sitting together enjoying the night and being together; three sets of hands in Tenchi's lap.
Two days later, accompanied this time by Azusa as well as Funaho and Misaki, the group stood in the cavernous Arboretum at the first landing as they had many weeks prior.
"Do you remember Captain Pakma's bonding ceremony, Tenchi?" Funaho asked.
Tenchi nodded, "I think so. I step onto the transport disk, right?"
"Yes. When you step onto that disk you will be transported to the chamber of the Second Generation."
Tenchi nodded. "Here goes," he said, and he stepped firmly onto the transport disk.
As soon as he disappeared, Funaho led everyone onto the transport disk. Instantly they were transported to the room of the Second Generation. Enormous trees stretched out on either side of them into the distance. "I decided we might as well start here," Funaho said. "I have to believe that Tenchi will find his partner here - or farther along."
Tenchi stepped off the disk and began to walk the lane between the rows of trees. "Greet the trees, Tenchi. Your partner will beckon when the time is right," Funaho said.
Tenchi approached the first tree and bowed. "Hello," he said, "I'm Tenchi." The only response from the tree was a soft, audible chime.
"The tree speaks to you, Tenchi. But it does not accept you," Azusa said.
"How do you know?" Tenchi asked.
"If the tree accepted you, you wouldn't have to ask," Funaho said. "This is not your partner."
"Should I try the next one?" Tenchi asked.
"Yes," Funaho replied.
Tenchi greeted several trees in turn, the group following a short distance behind. Each tree responded in the same way, with a tone and nothing else.
After a while, Funaho called Tenchi over to the group. "Tenchi, each tree has greeted you in turn, but none has accepted you as its partner. This has not happened in many centuries."
"What does it mean?" Tenchi asked.
"It means that you should search for your partner among the First Generation," Funaho said.
There was a gasp from Ayeka and "Oh my!" from Misaki.
"What does that mean?" Ryoko asked.
"It means that Tenchi's partner will be one of the most powerful things in the universe; a tree only one generation removed from Tsunami herself," Funaho replied.
"Impossible!" Azusa cried. "There are no First Generation trees unclaimed. Funaho was the last."
"We should consult with Seto," Funaho said.
"Very well," Azusa said, glaring at Tenchi.
Funaho opened a link to Seto. After a brief explanation of the situation, her answer was short. "Take him there."
Azusa began to bluster, but Seto silenced him with a glance. "Son-in- law," she said sternly, "do not make me regret the time I've spent on you." Azusa fell quiet, although it was clear by his expression that he was not happy.
"Thank you, Mother Seto," Funaho said. "Tenchi, are you ready to go to the First Generation?"
"Yes," Tenchi replied.
"Only myself, Misaki and Azusa can accompany you," she said.
Tenchi nodded. "I understand."
"Very well," Azusa said. "Let us proceed."
They stepped to the transport disk and Funaho sent them on to the room of the First Generation.
"Wow!" Tenchi said in surprise.
It was as if they had been transported out of the Arboretum. Hills and valleys and lakes went on as far as the eye could see in all directions. The disk sat in a circle in the middle of five paths and at the end of each path was a tree far larger than those of the Second Generation.
"You see," Azusa said. "Only five."
"I don't understand," Tenchi said. "How can they be here, and be where they are?"
"This is not our place," Funaho explained. "Trees exist in many places at once. It is one of the things that makes them so powerful. Now, Tenchi," Funaho said. "You must greet these trees as you did those of the Second Generation."
"What will happen?" Tenchi asked.
"I don't know," Funaho said solemnly. "But this is what Seto decided, so we will do it. All right?"
Tenchi nodded.
"It is a waste of time," Azusa said angrily.
"Hush, husband," Funaho said. "Go ahead, Tenchi."
Tenchi picked a path and walked to the tree at its end. "Hello," he said, bowing, "I'm Tenchi Masaki."
As before, the tree responded with a tone and no more.
Tenchi returned to the center. "Next one, I guess," he said with a nervous smile.
As Tenchi walked up the next path, Azusa took an involuntary step forward and was immediately halted by Misaki's hand on his shoulder. "Azusa," she said with a note of warning.
Azusa stopped, but otherwise didn't seem to notice her. His eyes were wide, his gaze intent on the tree Tenchi was approaching. "Kirito!" he whispered.
"Patience, husband," Funaho said soothingly. "Have faith."
Tenchi stopped in front of the tree and again, bowed and introduced himself. Again, the tree emitted a tone of recognition but did nothing else.
Azusa sighed and relaxed. Misaki patted him on the arm.
Tenchi returned to the middle of the paths and twice more repeated his greeting, receiving only a tone each time.
Finally, Tenchi stood looking down the final path. "That's Funaho," he said.
"You recognize your grandfather's tree," Funaho said. Tenchi nodded. "Go, then," Funaho said. "Speak to her."
"What will it mean?" Misaki asked as Tenchi went up the path. "Can he replace Yosho?"
"I don't know," Funaho said. "He has an affinity for Yosho's tree, that is certain. But will that affinity allow him to take Yosho's place?"
"Even if he did," Azusa said. "Yosho's tree has taken root. It will never fly again. If Tenchi bonded with Funaho in place of Yosho, Tenchi would be as bound to Earth as Yosho is; and as unable to take the throne."
Tenchi approached Funaho and looked up at her. She looked much the same as she looked in Okayama. Tenchi bowed and said, "Hello Funaho."
Funaho sounded a sweet, ringing tone and was silent.
Azusa, Misaki and Funaho released breaths they didn't know they'd been holding.
Tenchi returned up the path.
"I don't understand," Funaho said. "None of them called to you?"
"I'm sorry," Tenchi said, shaking his head.
"But, don't you hear anything, Tenchi?" Funaho asked.
"Hear anything?" Tenchi asked. "Like what?"
"Like a sweet, gentle hum; or the sound of wind chimes."
"Well, yes," Tenchi said.
"Follow that sound, that is your tree," Funaho said.
Tenchi looked confused. "But..."
"What is it?" Funaho asked.
"They're all making that sound," he said.
"They all are?" Azusa said sharply. "Are you sure?"
"Yes," Tenchi replied. "I hear that sound whenever I'm near a space tree."
Azusa blanched. "Did you say 'whenever'?"
Tenchi nodded.
"Tenchi," Funaho said. "I want you to be very clear when you answer me, please. It's very important."
"Sure, Funaho," Tenchi replied.
"You've been aboard Ryu-Oh. Did you hear his voice?"
"Is that what you call it? His voice?" Tenchi asked. Funaho nodded. "Yes, I did. I hear a sound like that whenever I'm around grandpa's tree, too."
"Funaho speaks to you as well?"
Tenchi nodded. "It... She always has."
Azusa, Misaki and Funaho glanced at each other, their confusion clear. They turned back to Tenchi and Funaho said, "Tenchi, I'm sorry but we'll have to return for now."
"All right," Tenchi said.
"What does it mean, Mother Seto?" Funaho asked.
Seto looked at Funaho, then Misaki and Azusa in turn. "I don't know," she said. She took a sip of her tea and gazed off of the landing at the vast stretch of green below. "This has never happened before."
"Trees do talk to people," Azusa pointed out.
"Yes, son-in-law, they do. But there has never been anyone that every tree talked to. Certainly not during the bonding ceremony," Seto said.
"Perhaps it means that he is a friend to every tree," Misaki ventured.
"And should be bonded to none," Azusa said.
Seto looked at him, her expression dark. "And perhaps, son-in-law, you should worry more about your great-grandson and the happiness of your daughter and less about losing the throne," she barked.
Azusa gasped, then a look of shame took his face and he hung his head. "I... I am sorry, Mother Seto."
Seto grunted and took another sip of her tea. "I think you are right, daughter," she said. "Tenchi is a friend to all trees. But there may be more to it than that."
"Consider," she continued, "that a person bonded with a tree gains abilities and perceptions akin to his partner's power and relationships with the other trees. For instance: daughter, Funaho: you two are closely linked in spirit because Karin and Mizuho are twins."
"Tsunami..?" Funaho said in awe.
Seto nodded. "Perhaps. It would explain why all of the First Generation greeted Tenchi."
"But, Tsunami and Sasami are assimilated," Funaho pointed out.
"Which is different from bonding," Seto shrugged.
"No! I will not stand for it!" Azusa said angrily. "I will not have Sasami and-"
"Azusa!" Funaho said sharply. "What you will do is be quiet!"
"Dear," Misaki said soothingly. "You can't fight love."
"Nor Tsunami," Seto added.
"What makes you think Sasami is..." Azusa stopped himself, seeing the amused smiles on the faces of the women. "I'm an old fool, aren't I?" he asked.
Smiling widely, the three nodded.
"What do we do?" Azusa asked.
"Let nature take its course," Seto replied.
They were just finishing a late dinner. Outside it was dark; the fireflies that Funaho had brought from Earth were flickering and dancing above the sward and garden outside.
"That was good," Tenchi said. "Thank you."
"You hardly ate anything, Tenchi," Sasami said.
"I'm sorry, Sasami. I ate all I could. I just don't feel very hungry."
Sasami nodded and everyone at the table exchanged glances. Tenchi's health was clearly failing; they had been almost sick with worry since Tenchi had come back from the Arboretum without the pair bonding that would restore him. There was some sort of problem and if it wasn't resolved, they knew that soon they would be taking Tenchi home for the last time.
"What would everyone like to do?" Mihoshi asked.
Without thought, they all looked to Tenchi. Tenchi smiled and shrugged. "If it's okay with everybody, I think I'll sit for a while outside. I've got a lot on my mind right now."
They nodded and smiled and watched Tenchi rise and walk out the doors and into the garden. Without speaking, they began to clear the dishes from the table.
Ayeka watched Sasami gather things from the table, barely able to tear her eyes away from the door to the garden. Ayeka reached over and took the things from Sasami, saying, "Sasami, go to him."
"But-" Sasami began.
Ayeka shook her head. "No 'buts'. Just go."
Sasami glanced at Ryoko, who was watching intently. Ryoko smiled and nodded. Sasami rushed over to Ryoko and hugged her and whispered, "Thanks, Ryoko!" in her ear.
"You're welcome, kiddo." Sasami let her go. Ryoko said, "Sasami." Sasami stopped, looking at her. "Tell him how you feel."
Sasami looked surprised and a little scared. She looked at Ayeka, who smiled and nodded. Sasami smiled at both of them and dashed out the door into the dark of the garden.
Ayeka and Ryoko watched her go. Then Ayeka turned to Ryoko and said, "Thank you, Ryoko."
"I didn't do it for her sake. I did it for mine," Ryoko said. "I'm just tired, is all. You wore me down."
Ayeka smiled. "I understand, and I thank you anyway."
Ryoko smiled back and Ayeka returned to clearing the dishes. Ryoko saw that Washu had watched the exchange and that she didn't look happy. Ryoko went to her.
"What's your problem?"
"Oh, nothing at all, Ryoko," Washu said archly. "It's just that I never saw you as a quitter."
"A what?" Ryoko asked, confused.
"You just handed Tenchi to Sasami on a platter. I was hoping to have some grandchildren to spoil before I was twenty-five thousand. I guess I'll have to pin my hopes on Ryo-Ohki." Washu's voice was thick with sarcasm and ire.
"What the hell are you talking about, Washu?" Ryoko growled, anger clear on her face.
"Maybe I'll just make myself a son-in-law. I could combine Tenchi and the Mass and make you a nice husband. Oh! That's right. I never did get that last sample. Well, I guess you'll just have to settle for Nobiyuki, I'm sure I can get a sample out of him!"
Ryoko grabbed Washu by the shirt and hoisted the smaller woman up to her face. "You'd better shut the hell up now! You think that was easy? I thought you'd be happy that I'd grown up a little!"
Washu opened her mouth, then closed it. Her expression softened and she sighed. "Please put me down, Ryoko." Ryoko put Washu back onto her feet. "You're right, I shouldn't be so hard on you. I'm sorry, but I'm disappointed."
"You're disappointed," Ryoko snorted. "Try it from here. I just gave up my whole life. And my own mother-" Ryoko's voice caught and she began to cry. "My own mother-"
"You're right, Ryoko. I'm so sorry," Washu said. She put her hand on Ryoko's arm. But Ryoko shrugged it off.
"Leave me alone," she said in a low voice and, still crying, she went into her room.
Washu watched her go. "Damn it!" she hissed after Ryoko's door closed.
"How could you do that do her?" Washu turned to find Ayeka next to her, very angry.
Washu looked at her for a moment in a detached way and then went into her lab, leaving Ayeka blinking in surprise.
"What was that about?" Mihoshi asked.
"I have no idea," Ayeka replied.
Sasami walked out into the garden. In the dim light she could see Tenchi sitting on a bench and she went to him.
"Hi Sasami," Tenchi said when she got close.
"Hi Tenchi," Sasami said. "Can I sit with you?"
"Sure," Tenchi said. He shifted a little to one side to make room.
Sasami sat down and together they looked at the stars. After a while, Sasami reached out and took Tenchi's hand. They looked at each other and smiled.
"I really appreciate everything you've done for me, Sasami," Tenchi said. "I don't know what's going to happen, especially after today, but I've really enjoyed spending time with you."
"Tenchi, I..." Sasami looked away for a moment, then gazed into Tenchi's eyes. "I love you, Tenchi. I love you with all my heart. And I want us to spend the rest of our lives together, however long that is."
"I know," Tenchi said. "I feel the same way. I love you, Sasami."
They kissed gently and moved closer, sitting together and looking up at the stars overhead and at the fireflies darting about the garden.
A few moments later they were joined by Tsunami and neither Tenchi nor Sasami seemed surprised. She sat on the other side of Tenchi and took one of his hands and one of Sasami's. "I'm so happy," she said quietly.
"Me, too," Sasami said.
"Uh, when will the two of you finish merging?" Tenchi asked.
"Soon," Sasami said.
"Yes, soon," agreed Tsunami.
Tenchi smiled playfully. "Good," he said. "I'm not the kind of guy who can handle more than one woman. But I suppose if I was my life would have been a lot easier."
"Wrong, Tenchi," Tsunami said. "None of us would be happy being anything except First Wife. Each of us is an all or nothing kind of girl." Sasami nodded, agreeing.
Tenchi smiled. "Well, here we are, then."
"What's going to happen to us, Tsunami?" Sasami asked.
Tsunami smiled at them. "We're going to get married and have wonderful children and live long, happy lives," she said.
"But..." Tenchi said, leaving the question unspoken.
Tsunami smiled. "I know, you couldn't find a partner among the trees of the Second or First Generations. There's a reason for that: your partner is a higher generation."
Tenchi looked confused. "The only higher generation..."
"Is me," Tsunami said. She looked at Sasami and said, "Us."
"Oh, Tsunami!" Sasami said, her eyes shining. "Do you mean..?"
"I mean that Tenchi and we will be bonded partners as well as husband and wife. It's never happened before, and it will never happen again. It's something special."
"So, we're getting married then?" Tenchi asked, smiling.
"Yes!" Sasami and Tsunami said in chorus.
"I don't remember anyone actually asking anyone else," Tenchi said.
Sasami and Tsunami looked at each other. "Tenchi, will you marry me?" they said together.
"Isn't that my line?" Tenchi asked.
"Not on Jurai," Sasami said.
"Just say yes, Tenchi!" Tsunami said.
"Yes," he said quietly.
Sasami and Tsunami cried out and threw their arms around him, hugging him tightly and taking turns kissing him.
"Hey, gently, please!"
"Sorry, Tenchi!" they said together, letting him go and sitting back down on either side of him.
And then they were quiet again for a while, sitting together enjoying the night and being together; three sets of hands in Tenchi's lap.