Chapter 17 - "Here in the space between us and each other..."
When Tenchi and Sasami came back inside, Sasami said, "I have to go tell my family!"
"All right," Tenchi said. "It's too late for me to call home. I'm pretty tired, I think I'll turn in." Sasami nodded, kissed Tenchi on the cheek and dashed out the door. Tenchi watched her go with a smile.
"You don't have to marry her, you know."
Tenchi turned to find Washu standing in the door to her lab, her arms folded across her chest, her expression dark.
"Oh, hello Washu," Tenchi said. "We were going to tell everyone at once, but I guess since you're still up-"
"Did you hear me, Tenchi?" she asked. "You don't have to marry her."
"I don't understand," he said.
"You can bond with Tsunami and be cured without marrying Sasami."
"I want to marry Sasami," Tenchi said. "I love her."
Washu sighed, then became visibly angry. "Damn it, Tenchi. How could you do this?"
"How could I do what?"
"Toss Ryoko aside? Do you have any idea what this will do to her?"
Tenchi was taken aback, then he said, "I can't be with someone I don't love, Washu."
"You do love Ryoko; I know it and you know it."
"We all love Ryoko, Washu. But I'm not going to marry her. Besides, how could I? Would Ryoko be satisfied sharing me? Even if she was my wife and Sasami was my partner?" Tenchi asked.
Washu paused for a moment, then looked down. "No," she said, "she wouldn't."
"None of that matters anyway, Washu," Tenchi continued. "I'm in love with Sasami and we're going to be together."
Washu seemed about to say something; her mouth opened and then she closed it. "All right, Tenchi. I'm sorry; it was unfair for me to do this."
"It's all right, Washu. You were just worried about Ryoko. I am, too."
Washu nodded. "You should tell her now. Don't let her find out from someone else."
Tenchi glanced at Ryoko's closed door and nodded. "All right."
He walked to her door and knocked gently. "Come in," he heard.
Tenchi opened the door and found Ryoko laying on her bed fully dressed, arms behind her head. She hadn't been asleep.
"Tenchi," Ryoko said, sitting up.
"Hi Ryoko," Tenchi said. "Can we talk?"
"Sure."
Ryoko sat up, putting her feet on the floor. Tenchi sat next to her on the bed and took one of Ryoko's hands. "Ryoko, I..."
Ryoko looked at him, her golden eyes seemed to glow with the intensity of her stare.
"Ryoko," Tenchi started again. "Sasami and I..." Tenchi faltered again.
"I know, Tenchi."
"You do? How?"
"I've known for a while; weeks, I think. Congratulations, Tenchi. I'm sure you two will be very happy," she favored him with a wan smile. "I'm just sorry for both of you that it will be so short."
"That's the other thing," Tenchi said. "My partner, the tree I'm meant to bond with, is-"
"Tsunami," Ryoko said with a gasp. Then her face fell.
"I'm sorry, Ryoko. I know this isn't what you'd hoped for."
"Don't be sorry," she said. "Even if you didn't love Sasami, you'd still have to marry her. I know you; you can't split your affections. If you could, you'd have tried to get all of us in the sack years ago. It's one of the things we all love about you, Tenchi."
"Still..."
Ryoko shushed him, putting a finger on his mouth. "Tenchi," Ryoko's eyes burned into his. "You know that I would die for you. That also means that I can give up the life I want to make sure you're happy."
"Ryoko, I... I don't know what to say. Thank you."
"Can you tell me one thing?" she asked.
"Anything."
"Tenchi, do..." Ryoko hesitated and looked at her hands clutched in her lap. Tenchi reached over and took her chin gently in his hand, tilting her head toward him. Her eyes met his.
"What?" he asked softly. "What is it Ryoko?"
Ryoko's mouth twisted and her brow furrowed. "Well... Do you think, if things had been, you know, different, that maybe - maybe, it could have been me instead of Sasami?"
Tenchi smiled. "It definitely could have been you," he said.
"Thank you," she said. "You'd better get to bed now, you look like hell. Try to get some sleep."
Tenchi nodded, and squeezed Ryoko's hand. "Good night, Ryoko."
"Good night, Tenchi."
Ryoko watched Tenchi leave, letting him close the door before she rolled over and began crying into her pillow.
The next day they were all assembled again at the Arboretum. To one side stood the members of the Royal Family: Seto, Funaho and Misaki and Azusa; on the other side were Mihoshi, Ayeka, Washu and Ryoko.
Between these two groups and a little back from the doors stood Tenchi and Sasami, holding hands and looking very nervous.
Seto noticed that Azusa's expression was clearly not happy. "Azusa!" Seto said, leaning in to talk to him. "This might as well be Sasami's wedding. Be happy for her."
Azusa sighed heavily. "I am, Mother Seto. But even though my bond with Kirito is that of a mentor and student; I know enough to know that most pair bondings are... different." The Juraian women glanced at each other with small smiles. "I can't help but be feel a little... bothered," he finished.
"Azusa!" Seto said. "Do you not have two daughters with my daughter?" Azusa nodded. "And have I ever treated you oddly for it?" Azusa shook his head. "Then stop being so foolish and look happy!" Azusa looked chagrined and embarrassed.
"There's a saying on Earth, Mother Seto," Funaho said. "It goes: 'A son is a son until he takes a wife. A daughter is a daughter for the rest of her life.'"
"Women are so much more practical in these things," Misaki said.
"Can we get on with this?" Azusa asked.
Seto stepped forward and said, "Here we are again, everyone. But this time I think that all the pieces are in place. Sasami and Tenchi are about to start a great adventure with Tsunami; in fact, it will be a great adventure for us all. We wish you luck."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Tenchi and Sasami looked at their friends and family and smiled.
The doors opened and they stepped to the first landing.
"Where do you need to go, children?" Seto asked Sasami and Tenchi.
"It doesn't matter, Mother Seto," Sasami said.
"It doesn't?" Seto asked, surprised.
"No," Sasami said. "Come on." She and Tenchi stepped onto the transport disk and were transported to the nearest of the floating platforms. On it was a young tree of the Fourth Generation. As the others appeared behind them on the disk, Sasami stepped toward the tree leading Tenchi by the hand.
She stopped as she approached the tree and turned to Tenchi. "Are you ready?"
Tenchi nodded, "Yes. But I'm nervous."
"Me too," Sasami said. They smiled at each other. Then Sasami turned to the tree and bowed. "Hello," she said. "I'm Sasami and this is Tenchi."
The tree responded with a sweet chime and dozens of colorful beams of light emerged from the undersides of its leaves. They reflected off the pool at its base and coalesced into a beam that reached upwards into the darkness above them.
Then, one by one, every tree in the Arboretum did the same. The sound was like the ringing of hundreds of bells of all sizes and the light from all of them was bright enough to hurt the eyes.
There was a final, resounding chord that rang through the Arboretum, and the trees were suddenly quiet. Their lights went out.
"Wow!" Mihoshi said, shattering the sudden silence. The others said nothing, stunned by the greeting the trees had given Sasami and Tenchi.
Sasami bowed again to the tree and said, "By the royal seal and my true name, please open the path to our ancestors, the space trees. Heaven to ocean, ocean to earth, earth back to heaven. Show me the path engraved by the light."
A shaft of light emerged from the center of the tree's trunk and fell upon Sasami and Tenchi. Sasami looked at Tenchi and he nodded. They stood face to face and Sasami touched her forehead to Tenchi's and they were gone and the light receded into the tree.
When Tenchi opened his eyes, he was in a night forest. There were trees growing on small, raised mounds that seemed to float in an endless lake. Across a small stretch of water he faced a larger mound with a larger, though still small, tree.
In front of the tree stood Tsunami, facing him. Reflected in the water below Tsunami was Sasami; a mirror image.
"Hello, Tenchi," Tsunami said.
"Tsunami," Tenchi said.
"I have waited so long for this moment," Tsunami said.
"Me too," Sasami said.
Tsunami and Sasami both closed their eyes and their forms glowed blindingly bright. Then they merged into a single, brilliant column of light; Tenchi shielded his eyes and cried out in surprise.
When he opened his eyes again, there were no longer two: the reflection was just a reflection. She stood for a moment with her eyes closed and Tenchi stepped forward. When he was almost at arm's reach, her eyes opened and she said, "Hi, Tenchi."
Tenchi glanced at her forehead and saw two dots. "Tsunami?"
She nodded, smiling.
"What about Sasami? Is everything all right?" Tenchi asked.
"I am Sasami. Everything is fine, Tenchi. We were three, now we're two."
"Three? Two?"
"Yes. And soon we will become one." She smiled and put her arms around him, her face very close. "Are you ready, Tenchi?"
Tenchi nodded. "Yes, I'm ready," he said.
Sasami leaned forward again and touched her forehead to Tenchi's. The marks glowed and Tenchi felt energy leap into his body. It moved from his forehead in a wave down to his feet. As it passed, his skin felt fresh and glowing, as from a hard scrub in the bath. The feeling eventually reached the very tips of his fingers and toes and when it was done his whole being felt refreshed and alive, like waking up on a fine spring morning after a good night's sleep.
"Wow," he said. "I feel great."
"You're cured of the nano-poison," Sasami said.
Tenchi smiled. "Thank you, Sasami."
"You are so, so welcome," she said.
Sasami stepped back and, while Tenchi watched, she took off her clothes, laying them carefully on the grass beneath the tree. In a few moments she was nude. She stood poised and glorious, looking at him; a small smile on her lips. Tenchi stayed rooted in place, seemingly shocked into immobility.
"Well?" she asked.
"You... You're beautiful. The most beautiful thing in the universe," he said.
Sasami laughed and stepped forward and kissed him. "Thanks, Tenchi. But what I meant was, are you just going to stand there or are you going to get undressed and make love to me?"
It was only a few moments before the tree in front of them was again split with a brilliant shaft of light and Sasami and Tenchi stepped out. The light dimmed and Sasami turned back to the tree and bowed. "Thank you," she said. The tree responded with a tone and a brief display of multicolored beams of light before settling into silence again.
"Hello everyone," Tenchi said, smiling.
"One side, ladies!" Washu said stepping forward. "I need to make sure this boy's back in tip-top condition!" Though it was clear just from his voice that Tenchi was himself again, they obligingly stepped aside while Washu waved a portable scanner over Tenchi. She then keyed for a few moments into her terminal and announced to the group, "He's cured."
There was a shout of joy and a rush forward; Washu, Ryoko and Mihoshi went to Tenchi; Ayeka, Funaho and Misaki to Sasami. Azusa and Seto hung back.
"Oh, Tenchi! I'm so glad you're okay," Mihoshi said.
"Thanks for all your help, Mihoshi."
"I couldn't have done it without Ryoko," she said.
Tenchi looked at Ryoko. "Thank you, Ryoko," he said.
"Anytime, Tenchi," she said. Tenchi took her hand and squeezed it briefly.
"And thank you, Miss Washu."
Washu sighed and smiled. "You're welcome, Tenchi. And congratulations."
"Oh! Congratulations!" Mihoshi said.
"Congratulations," Ryoko said with a sad smile.
Tenchi smiled.
"Oh, Sasami!" Misaki said, squeezing her daughter. "I'm so happy for you!"
"Ugh... Thanks mom," Sasami said. Misaki let her go and stood crying happily.
"So, Sasami," Funaho said with a small smile. "How did the bonding go?"
Sasami's cheeks colored. "Oh, fine..." she said, wistfully.
Ayeka giggled, her hand over her mouth.
"Oh, Little Ayeka!" Misaki said. "When are you going to find a nice husband and give us some grandchildren like your sister Sasami?"
"What?" Ayeka exclaimed. "Sasami has not... Husband?"
"That Captain Pakma was certainly nice," Funaho said.
"And so handsome," Misaki chimed.
Ayeka blushed and spluttered; the other women laughed.
Sasami took Tenchi's hand and stepped through the group to her father and Seto.
"Father, Mother Seto," she said happily.
"Sasami, Tenchi," Azusa said. "Congratulations. I'm glad you found someone that can make you happy. Young man," he said to Tenchi.
"Yes, sir?"
"Take care of Sasami. I expect you to make her happy."
"I will, sir," Tenchi said, bowing slightly.
Seto looked searchingly into Sasami's face for a moment and asked. "What about the marks?"
"You mean, why do I have Tsunami's marks and not Sasami's?"
Seto nodded.
Sasami smiled. "Those don't matter, Mother Seto. I can change them when I want now." As they all watched, the two dots glowed briefly and morphed into the matching triangles the Sasami had worn. "See?" she said. "I can even do this..." The marks glowed again and merged into a single dot in the center. "Look, Auntie Funaho!" she said playfully. "I'm First Queen!"
Azusa began coughing in surprise. "Here now! Sasami! That is not appropriate!"
Sasami laughed. "Yes, Father," she said, and her marks glowed again and became the familiar dots.
"Well," Seto said, "if we're done here, I think we have a wedding to plan."
Funaho, Misaki, Ayeka, Ryoko and Ryo-Ohki stood in the common area of the suite the family had been using. Across from them in front of the doorway to Washu's lab were Tenchi, Sasami, Mihoshi and Washu. Misaki had already said goodbye and her tears were only just now under control.
"We'll see you all soon," Funaho said.
"I'll miss you all so much!" Misaki said. "Washu, is there any way you could make a portal that would go straight from here to Okayama?" she asked, her eyes welling with fresh tears.
"Well-" Washu began, but before she could say any more Ayeka - out of Misaki's view - began shaking her head frantically; Sasami jabbed Washu in the ribs with her elbow. "Oww!" Washu said. "Uh... No, there isn't."
As Misaki began crying at Washu's answer, Mihoshi said, "Okay, well, bye!" and stepped into Washu's lab. Tenchi and Sasami waved and followed her.
"Ryoko," Washu said, "I'll see you soon. Be careful."
"I will, Washu," Ryoko said. "Ryu-Oh should be ready to go, so I'll be there soon."
Washu nodded. She looked at Ayeka and said, "You're a good friend to my daughter, Ayeka."
"Thank you, Washu."
Washu raised her hand to the group and said, "Bye," and stepped into the lab and closed the door behind her.
There was a tone and a flash of light under the door.
"When will you three be leaving?" Funaho asked.
"As soon as Princess Luggage here can get her things packed," Ryoko said, cocking a thumb at Ayeka. "You're over your baggage allowance, you know; Ryo-Ohki's going to want extra carrots."
"Miya!" Ryo-Ohki said happily.
"Perhaps there would be more room if you brought a little less sake," Ayeka retorted.
Ryoko snorted. "Like you don't know your way around a liquor bottle!"
"Ha!" Ayeka barked. "Are you saying your wardrobe is any smaller than mine?"
The two stood nose to nose, glaring at each other; smiling.
"When will you three be leaving?" Funaho repeated.
"Miya! Miya miya mreow!" Ryo-Ohki said to her.
"Thank you, Ryo-Ohki," Funaho said. "Good bye, ladies. Have a good trip and we'll see you in a couple weeks." She turned and went out the door, leaving Misaki facing the three girls.
"And say hello to that nice Captain Pakma for us!" Misaki said.
"Mother!" Ayeka replied, blushing slightly. Ryoko laughed.
"See you at the wedding!" Misaki said as she left.
"Bye!" Ryoko waved, smiling. Ayeka, closing the door behind her mother, barely caught her next words. "If I go," Ryoko mumbled.
Ayeka turned to Ryoko in shock. "You must go to the wedding, Ryoko!" she said. "Tenchi and Sasami will be heartbroken if you do not."
Ryoko looked unhappy. "I know, you're right. I know it's not fair to them. But I feel like the entire universe is grinding to a halt. And no matter how hard I try to think past it, it just gets worse every day. It's everything I can do just to get up in the morning. In a few weeks, I may not even bother."
"Oh, Ryoko," Ayeka said, sadly. "Is there anything I can do?"
Ryoko shook her head. "No, there's nothing anyone can do. I think it's just my destiny to be unhappy. Washu must have designed me for it."
"Miya," Ryo-Ohki said sadly, wrapping her arms around Ryoko's legs.
Ryoko reached down and stroked Ryo-Ohki's hair. "Let's just get going," she said.
Resetting the dimensional door to Okayama only took a few moments. When it was done, everyone gathered their things and left; Tenchi the last one in the lab with Washu.
"Tenchi," Washu said. "Can I talk to you?"
Tenchi turned to her. "Washu, is it about Ryoko again? I'm sorry, but- "
"No, Tenchi," Washu cut in. "It's about you and Tsunami."
Tenchi's confusion showed in his face. "What about me and Tsunami?"
"Well, with your ability to manipulate the Light Hawk Wings and Tsunami's almost unlimited power, you should be able to do some really amazing things; god-like things."
"Like what?"
"Well, I'm not sure yet. But if you get some time, I'd like to run some tests and take some readings."
"Okay Washu, I'll definitely keep it in mind. But right now I just want to get through this wedding and get settled down."
"Just because you're getting married doesn't mean you aren't my little guinea pig anymore, you know!" Washu said, smiling.
"I know," Tenchi said. "And I promise that I'll try to make some time for you whenever you like. But right now I need to get going."
"All right, Tenchi. I need to get my lab straightened out anyway."
"Okay, bye Washu."
"Bye, Tenchi."
She'd already turned away when Tenchi said, "And Washu..." Washu turned back, regarding him silently. "Washu, I'm really sorry about Ryoko."
Washu smiled. "I know, Tenchi. I'm sorry I took it out on you. It's my problem, my mess."
Tenchi nodded, turned and left and the door disappeared behind him.
Washu watched him go, then sighed, hanging her head.
Sculptor Takebe and Captain Pakma were waiting when Ryo-Ohki set Ayeka and Ryoko down with their things on the grass. Seconds later there was a dull 'pop' and Ryo-Ohki tumbled to the ground among them. The two men bowed low, Ayeka returned the gesture.
"Princess Ayeka, Ryoko," Takebe said. "Welcome back."
"It is nice to be back, Sculptor Takebe. Thank you," Ayeka said.
"Princess, Ryoko," Pakma said. "It's nice to see you."
"Oh, nice to see you, Latel!" Ryoko said. "Real nice! Huh, Ayeka?"
"Do not let her bother you, Latel," Ayeka said to Pakma. "But it is nice to see you."
Ryoko looked at Ayeka with a playful smirk. "Oh, please! The entire time we were on our way it was 'Latel this' and 'Latel that' and 'Oh, he's so handsome! Oh, he's so dashing!'" Ryoko laid her hand on her chest and batted her eyelashes, staring dreamily off into space.
"Ryoko!" Ayeka said, with a small smile. "I am sure that Latel appreciates your gross exaggerations even less than I do."
"What did she exaggerate, Princess?" Pakma asked with a dazzling smile. "How handsome I am or how dashing I am?"
"Oh, ho!" Ayeka said. "Listen to you, my good captain; thinking that your smile and profile can turn the head of every princess who comes your way."
"Not every princess who comes my way," he said. "Just the most beautiful princess who comes my way." Ayeka smiled and blushed slightly at the compliment.
"What a charmer!" Ryoko said. "Pretty smooth, Latel. I think you scored some points there!"
"Ryoko! Would you please be quiet!" Ayeka said in mock anger. "Latel, you may escort me to Sculptor Takebe's house for some lunch." She stepped up to Pakma and put her arm in his.
"Lunch! Hey, good idea Princess. Let's not forget about all the carrots you owe Ryo-Ohki," Ryoko said. "Maybe Nomori can spot you some."
"Miya!" Ryo-Ohki said. With an audible 'pop' she changed into her child form and rushed over to Takebe. She stood at his feet, babbling up at him.
"Woah, little one!" Takebe said, patting her on the head. He squatted until he was face to face with her and said, "I don't think I have any carrots, but I'm sure we can find something you'll like." Ryo-Ohki smiled happily.
"Let's go then, shall we?" Takebe said. He took Ryo-Ohki's hand and Ryoko took Pakma's other arm and they started for Takebe's house.
"After lunch, Princess, we'll head out to the shipyard and let you see what we've done with Ryu-Oh. I think you'll be happy," Takebe said. "We managed to light a fire under the shipwright and the naval architect and Ryu-Oh and Kinpa are both ready for a shakedown."
"How did you manage that? I was very surprised to hear that the ships were ready."
Pakma smiled. "Let's just say there were a few ships in construction in the yards that won't be ready for space flight as soon as they might have been," he said. "Being able to put the Royal Seal on work orders certainly does open doors, correct attitudes and expedite matters."
Tenchi came in from the fields for his lunch and found Sasami sitting on the couch.
"Oh!" Sasami said. "You're early. Let me get your lunch."
"Wait," Tenchi said. "Would it be okay if we sat together for a minute? Then I'll help you get it and we can both eat."
"Sure!" Sasami said happily. Tenchi sat next to her on the couch and took her hand.
"What are you watching?" Tenchi asked, seeing the normal mixture of aliens that Washu's video receiver brought in.
"I'm not exactly sure," Sasami said. "But it's funny."
Tenchi watched it for a minute and asked, "Is it supposed to be funny?"
Sasami shrugged. "I don't know."
They watched for a few moments, then Sasami looked at him and asked, "Are you happy, Tenchi?"
Tenchi turned to her. "Of course," he said. "Are you?"
Sasami nodded, smiling.
"You know," Sasami continued. "You haven't said anything about the wedding."
"Well, I have my suit and I think the dress you picked out is beautiful, we've written our vows and Grandpa has agreed to do the ceremony. I didn't think there was much else that needed to be said."
"Well..." Sasami said hesitantly. "It's just that it's going to be a big wedding and I know you like small things better. You're not unhappy about it, are you?"
"About how big the wedding is going to be?" Tenchi asked. She nodded. Tenchi shrugged. "Sure, I'd like something smaller, but I fell in love with a princess. There's really not much chance of having a small wedding, is there?"
Sasami shook her head.
"Besides," Tenchi said, looking into her eyes. "It's not about how many people are there; it's about who is there. And as long as you're there beside me, it will be perfect." He smiled and squeezed her hands.
"Oh, Tenchi!" Sasami cried. "You always know the right thing to say. I love you!"
"I love you, Sasami." Tenchi's stomach growled loud enough for both of them to hear it. "Can we get lunch now?" Tenchi asked.
"Sure, if you give me a kiss," Sasami replied.
"Deal!" Tenchi said.
"Mihoshi."
"Yes, Yukinojo."
"Mihoshi. My scanners are detecting several vessels approaching our patrol zone."
Mihoshi grunted and called up a tactical display. A blinking red icon showed the incoming craft. "Hit their transponders and give me a good scan," Mihoshi ordered.
"I have. The responses are just coming in. One vessel shows no transponder codes, although the energy signature is that of Ryo-Ohki. The other two respond as the Jurai vessels Ryu-Oh and Kinpa."
"Thank you, Yukinojo. Please open a channel."
A blank communication screen appeared before Mihoshi. "Done."
"This is Galaxy Police Patrol Ship Yukinojo, First Class Detective Mihoshi Kuramitsu commanding, hailing vessels inbound to Earth. Come in please."
The communication display in front of her split three ways showing Ryoko, Ayeka and Pakma.
All three greeted her warmly.
"So, I guess space trees don't travel alone any more?" Mihoshi said, smiling.
"You are correct, Mihoshi," Ayeka confirmed. "Since the attack on Ryu- Oh, all space trees travel with escorts or as part of a fleet."
"And Kinpa needed a shakedown cruise," Pakma said.
"How is she, captain?" Mihoshi asked.
"Smooth and powerful. She handles like a dream," he beamed. "And hardly any problems with secondary systems."
"I'm glad," Mihoshi said. "I guess you all are heading for Earth?"
"Just in the neighborhood, actually," Pakma replied. "Kinpa will be responsible for providing security and space control for the wedding."
"Space control?" Mihoshi said in surprise. "How many ships are you expecting?"
Ayeka and Pakma smiled. "You had better call in some reinforcements, Mihoshi," Ayeka said. "Because it is going to be very crowded in a few days."
The wedding and reception had been enormous; held in a gigantic space vessel - especially designed for these events - in orbit on the far side of the moon. The political significance of holding it at Earth instead of Jurai was missed by no one. The guest list ran into the thousands, including every elected member of Jurai's government and representatives from every subject system and trading partner. As a state wedding, it had been broadcast throughout Jurai space and into the nearby regions of the galaxy.
The wedding itself was a ceremony that was oddly common to intelligent beings throughout the galaxy. The bride and groom wore clothing that showed their fertility, purity and strength and were presented to the guests, who acknowledged the joining happily. And then everyone got drunk.
The reception lasted for forty-eight hours.
It was several days after that before the last of the ships departed lunar orbit - including the wedding ship itself. The last of the Galaxy Police cruisers departed shortly after, followed finally by Kinpa leaving on the next leg of her shakedown cruise in the company of a Jurai navy patrol squadron.
It was days after the wedding when the family finally arrived back in Okayama for a chance to unwind. The summer was nearly over, fall was in the air and it was time to think about returning to normal. Everyone began to happily take care of the things they'd been putting off; things many of them thought they'd never do again.
"Ryoko!"
Ryoko heard Tenchi call her, she sighed, then turned with a smile. "Hi Tenchi."
"Hi," he said. He stepped up to her and said, "Ryoko, are you okay?"
"Why do you ask, Tenchi?"
"You haven't seemed yourself lately."
Ryoko smiled sadly. "I'm sorry Tenchi. It's going to take a while to get over you. Especially after hoping for so long."
Tenchi nodded. "I'm sorry."
She shook her head, "Don't be. You have to be true to your heart; just as I have to be true to mine."
They looked at each other for a moment and then Ryoko said, "Was there something you wanted?"
"Oh, sorry. Yes. I wanted to give you your other two gems back."
"Oh!" Ryoko said, raising her hand to her throat. "My..."
Tenchi nodded. "I suppose I should have given them back to you a long time ago. I'm sorry."
Ryoko shook her head. "No. I wanted you to have them, Tenchi," Ryoko replied. "As long as you had my gems you had a piece of me."
Tenchi smiled. "I'd like you to have all of you back. Not because I don't like having them, or having part of you with me, but because I think you need to be a whole person again."
"Tenchi I don't-"
"You don't have to say anything," Tenchi said. "I've already talked to Washu and Grandpa and they think it will be okay. But, just to make sure, Grandpa would like to do it at the shrine. Is that okay?"
Ryoko nodded.
"Good," Tenchi said. "Because they're waiting for us now."
They arrived at the shrine a few minutes later. Katsuhito and Washu were waiting for them on the sward.
"Well, Ryoko," Katsuhito said as they approached. "Today is a big day."
"Uh, I guess so," Ryoko said dully.
"Be happy," Katsuhito continued. "You deserve them. But, since I am not the man I once was and you will soon be the woman you once were, let me apologize now for anything I may have done to offend you." Katsuhito smiled at her. "I wouldn't want you mad at me when you regain your full power."
Ryoko smiled and said, "You're not fooling anyone, old man. I doubt I've gained a step on you since we both got here."
Katsuhito bowed to Ryoko, acknowledging the compliment.
"All right, Ryoko, let's have a quick look at you." Washu conjured her terminal and pulled a portable scanner out of a subspace pocket and ran it over Ryoko, studying the readouts on her terminal. "Okay, you're as good as you're going to get. Maybe after you get the gems back you can drop that five pounds you gained." Washu patted Ryoko's backside for emphasis.
"Hey! I haven't-"
"Uh uh uh," Washu said, wagging a finger.
"Okay, maybe I did overdo it a little bit at the reception," Ryoko said with an embarrassed smile.
"That's my girl!" Washu said. "Ready when you are, Tenchi."
"Right," Tenchi replied. "Ready, Ryoko?"
"Yes," she said.
Tenchi held the Tenchi-ken out and closed his eyes in concentration. There was a shrill tone and the two red gems disappeared from the hilt, appearing an instant later at Ryoko's throat and wrist.
Ryoko staggered and Katsuhito stepped forward and caught her. Everyone at the shrine could feel a vibrant hum of power in the area. Ryoko's eyes flew open and for an instant they glowed an unnatural red. Then the color subsided and they were their normal vibrant gold. The hum was gone.
"Are you all right, Ryoko? Or do I need to put you back into that cave?" Katsuhito asked.
"The cave..." Ryoko said distractedly. Then she put her hand on Katsuhito's shoulder and, with his help, stood. "I'm fine, I think," she said. Then she stood straighter, looked at the gems at her wrists and felt the one at her throat. Looking at everyone she said, "Yes, I'm fine."
Washu began scanning her again. "Hmm... Well, I'll need to take further readings in my lab, but everything seems to be in order. Any violent thoughts, Little Ryoko?" she asked.
"Only when you call me 'Little Ryoko'," Ryoko replied.
"She's fine!" Washu said, smiling.
"Thank you, everyone," Ryoko said.
"You're welcome, Ryoko," Tenchi replied. "I've got to get back. I guess I'll see you at dinner?"
Ryoko nodded.
"I, too, have things that need attended to before dinner," Katsuhito said. "Please, Ryoko, if you need anything do not hesitate to ask me."
"Thank you," Ryoko said.
Tenchi set off down the stairs and Katsuhito entered the shrine office, leaving Washu and Ryoko standing alone.
"Washu?"
Washu turned to Ryoko. "Yes?"
Ryoko looked at Washu for a long moment. "I want to be sealed back into the cave," she said finally.
Washu looked panicked and her hands flew to her face. "Oh, no! Oh, Ryoko! Oh, you can't!" she said, tears already starting.
"I... I..." Ryoko started, then she dropped her head into her hands and began to weep. A moment later, she felt Washu step up to her in her adult form and her strong arms went around Ryoko, pulling her into an embrace, cradling her.
"Oh, my poor little Ryoko," Washu was saying, stroking Ryoko's hair. "Mommy's so sorry..."
"I'm sorry, Washu - mom," Ryoko choked out. "I know you're disappointed in me but I just can't bear it. I can't do it!"
"I'm not disappointed in you, little one," Washu said quietly. "I'm disappointed that the daughter I worked so hard to bring into the world, lost so suddenly and waited so long to be with again hurts so bad that she wants to seal herself away from the entire universe."
Washu pulled Ryoko away from her chest and held her at arms length, looking into her eyes. "Ryoko, my daughter, I love you more than I can say. I would do anything to make you happy or to keep you from pain." She paused, hesitating, searching for the right thing to say.
"If you want, I can take Tenchi away from your memory. It would be as if you never met him. You would wake up with no memories other than being sealed in the cave by Yosho the first time."
Instantly, Ryoko began shaking her head. "No," she said in surprise, shock and fear. "No! Tenchi and this family and my time here are the only things in my life that are worth remembering. I won't let that go, no matter how much it hurts."
Washu swallowed. "I understand. Let me see what I can do," she said.
When Tenchi and Sasami came back inside, Sasami said, "I have to go tell my family!"
"All right," Tenchi said. "It's too late for me to call home. I'm pretty tired, I think I'll turn in." Sasami nodded, kissed Tenchi on the cheek and dashed out the door. Tenchi watched her go with a smile.
"You don't have to marry her, you know."
Tenchi turned to find Washu standing in the door to her lab, her arms folded across her chest, her expression dark.
"Oh, hello Washu," Tenchi said. "We were going to tell everyone at once, but I guess since you're still up-"
"Did you hear me, Tenchi?" she asked. "You don't have to marry her."
"I don't understand," he said.
"You can bond with Tsunami and be cured without marrying Sasami."
"I want to marry Sasami," Tenchi said. "I love her."
Washu sighed, then became visibly angry. "Damn it, Tenchi. How could you do this?"
"How could I do what?"
"Toss Ryoko aside? Do you have any idea what this will do to her?"
Tenchi was taken aback, then he said, "I can't be with someone I don't love, Washu."
"You do love Ryoko; I know it and you know it."
"We all love Ryoko, Washu. But I'm not going to marry her. Besides, how could I? Would Ryoko be satisfied sharing me? Even if she was my wife and Sasami was my partner?" Tenchi asked.
Washu paused for a moment, then looked down. "No," she said, "she wouldn't."
"None of that matters anyway, Washu," Tenchi continued. "I'm in love with Sasami and we're going to be together."
Washu seemed about to say something; her mouth opened and then she closed it. "All right, Tenchi. I'm sorry; it was unfair for me to do this."
"It's all right, Washu. You were just worried about Ryoko. I am, too."
Washu nodded. "You should tell her now. Don't let her find out from someone else."
Tenchi glanced at Ryoko's closed door and nodded. "All right."
He walked to her door and knocked gently. "Come in," he heard.
Tenchi opened the door and found Ryoko laying on her bed fully dressed, arms behind her head. She hadn't been asleep.
"Tenchi," Ryoko said, sitting up.
"Hi Ryoko," Tenchi said. "Can we talk?"
"Sure."
Ryoko sat up, putting her feet on the floor. Tenchi sat next to her on the bed and took one of Ryoko's hands. "Ryoko, I..."
Ryoko looked at him, her golden eyes seemed to glow with the intensity of her stare.
"Ryoko," Tenchi started again. "Sasami and I..." Tenchi faltered again.
"I know, Tenchi."
"You do? How?"
"I've known for a while; weeks, I think. Congratulations, Tenchi. I'm sure you two will be very happy," she favored him with a wan smile. "I'm just sorry for both of you that it will be so short."
"That's the other thing," Tenchi said. "My partner, the tree I'm meant to bond with, is-"
"Tsunami," Ryoko said with a gasp. Then her face fell.
"I'm sorry, Ryoko. I know this isn't what you'd hoped for."
"Don't be sorry," she said. "Even if you didn't love Sasami, you'd still have to marry her. I know you; you can't split your affections. If you could, you'd have tried to get all of us in the sack years ago. It's one of the things we all love about you, Tenchi."
"Still..."
Ryoko shushed him, putting a finger on his mouth. "Tenchi," Ryoko's eyes burned into his. "You know that I would die for you. That also means that I can give up the life I want to make sure you're happy."
"Ryoko, I... I don't know what to say. Thank you."
"Can you tell me one thing?" she asked.
"Anything."
"Tenchi, do..." Ryoko hesitated and looked at her hands clutched in her lap. Tenchi reached over and took her chin gently in his hand, tilting her head toward him. Her eyes met his.
"What?" he asked softly. "What is it Ryoko?"
Ryoko's mouth twisted and her brow furrowed. "Well... Do you think, if things had been, you know, different, that maybe - maybe, it could have been me instead of Sasami?"
Tenchi smiled. "It definitely could have been you," he said.
"Thank you," she said. "You'd better get to bed now, you look like hell. Try to get some sleep."
Tenchi nodded, and squeezed Ryoko's hand. "Good night, Ryoko."
"Good night, Tenchi."
Ryoko watched Tenchi leave, letting him close the door before she rolled over and began crying into her pillow.
The next day they were all assembled again at the Arboretum. To one side stood the members of the Royal Family: Seto, Funaho and Misaki and Azusa; on the other side were Mihoshi, Ayeka, Washu and Ryoko.
Between these two groups and a little back from the doors stood Tenchi and Sasami, holding hands and looking very nervous.
Seto noticed that Azusa's expression was clearly not happy. "Azusa!" Seto said, leaning in to talk to him. "This might as well be Sasami's wedding. Be happy for her."
Azusa sighed heavily. "I am, Mother Seto. But even though my bond with Kirito is that of a mentor and student; I know enough to know that most pair bondings are... different." The Juraian women glanced at each other with small smiles. "I can't help but be feel a little... bothered," he finished.
"Azusa!" Seto said. "Do you not have two daughters with my daughter?" Azusa nodded. "And have I ever treated you oddly for it?" Azusa shook his head. "Then stop being so foolish and look happy!" Azusa looked chagrined and embarrassed.
"There's a saying on Earth, Mother Seto," Funaho said. "It goes: 'A son is a son until he takes a wife. A daughter is a daughter for the rest of her life.'"
"Women are so much more practical in these things," Misaki said.
"Can we get on with this?" Azusa asked.
Seto stepped forward and said, "Here we are again, everyone. But this time I think that all the pieces are in place. Sasami and Tenchi are about to start a great adventure with Tsunami; in fact, it will be a great adventure for us all. We wish you luck."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Tenchi and Sasami looked at their friends and family and smiled.
The doors opened and they stepped to the first landing.
"Where do you need to go, children?" Seto asked Sasami and Tenchi.
"It doesn't matter, Mother Seto," Sasami said.
"It doesn't?" Seto asked, surprised.
"No," Sasami said. "Come on." She and Tenchi stepped onto the transport disk and were transported to the nearest of the floating platforms. On it was a young tree of the Fourth Generation. As the others appeared behind them on the disk, Sasami stepped toward the tree leading Tenchi by the hand.
She stopped as she approached the tree and turned to Tenchi. "Are you ready?"
Tenchi nodded, "Yes. But I'm nervous."
"Me too," Sasami said. They smiled at each other. Then Sasami turned to the tree and bowed. "Hello," she said. "I'm Sasami and this is Tenchi."
The tree responded with a sweet chime and dozens of colorful beams of light emerged from the undersides of its leaves. They reflected off the pool at its base and coalesced into a beam that reached upwards into the darkness above them.
Then, one by one, every tree in the Arboretum did the same. The sound was like the ringing of hundreds of bells of all sizes and the light from all of them was bright enough to hurt the eyes.
There was a final, resounding chord that rang through the Arboretum, and the trees were suddenly quiet. Their lights went out.
"Wow!" Mihoshi said, shattering the sudden silence. The others said nothing, stunned by the greeting the trees had given Sasami and Tenchi.
Sasami bowed again to the tree and said, "By the royal seal and my true name, please open the path to our ancestors, the space trees. Heaven to ocean, ocean to earth, earth back to heaven. Show me the path engraved by the light."
A shaft of light emerged from the center of the tree's trunk and fell upon Sasami and Tenchi. Sasami looked at Tenchi and he nodded. They stood face to face and Sasami touched her forehead to Tenchi's and they were gone and the light receded into the tree.
When Tenchi opened his eyes, he was in a night forest. There were trees growing on small, raised mounds that seemed to float in an endless lake. Across a small stretch of water he faced a larger mound with a larger, though still small, tree.
In front of the tree stood Tsunami, facing him. Reflected in the water below Tsunami was Sasami; a mirror image.
"Hello, Tenchi," Tsunami said.
"Tsunami," Tenchi said.
"I have waited so long for this moment," Tsunami said.
"Me too," Sasami said.
Tsunami and Sasami both closed their eyes and their forms glowed blindingly bright. Then they merged into a single, brilliant column of light; Tenchi shielded his eyes and cried out in surprise.
When he opened his eyes again, there were no longer two: the reflection was just a reflection. She stood for a moment with her eyes closed and Tenchi stepped forward. When he was almost at arm's reach, her eyes opened and she said, "Hi, Tenchi."
Tenchi glanced at her forehead and saw two dots. "Tsunami?"
She nodded, smiling.
"What about Sasami? Is everything all right?" Tenchi asked.
"I am Sasami. Everything is fine, Tenchi. We were three, now we're two."
"Three? Two?"
"Yes. And soon we will become one." She smiled and put her arms around him, her face very close. "Are you ready, Tenchi?"
Tenchi nodded. "Yes, I'm ready," he said.
Sasami leaned forward again and touched her forehead to Tenchi's. The marks glowed and Tenchi felt energy leap into his body. It moved from his forehead in a wave down to his feet. As it passed, his skin felt fresh and glowing, as from a hard scrub in the bath. The feeling eventually reached the very tips of his fingers and toes and when it was done his whole being felt refreshed and alive, like waking up on a fine spring morning after a good night's sleep.
"Wow," he said. "I feel great."
"You're cured of the nano-poison," Sasami said.
Tenchi smiled. "Thank you, Sasami."
"You are so, so welcome," she said.
Sasami stepped back and, while Tenchi watched, she took off her clothes, laying them carefully on the grass beneath the tree. In a few moments she was nude. She stood poised and glorious, looking at him; a small smile on her lips. Tenchi stayed rooted in place, seemingly shocked into immobility.
"Well?" she asked.
"You... You're beautiful. The most beautiful thing in the universe," he said.
Sasami laughed and stepped forward and kissed him. "Thanks, Tenchi. But what I meant was, are you just going to stand there or are you going to get undressed and make love to me?"
It was only a few moments before the tree in front of them was again split with a brilliant shaft of light and Sasami and Tenchi stepped out. The light dimmed and Sasami turned back to the tree and bowed. "Thank you," she said. The tree responded with a tone and a brief display of multicolored beams of light before settling into silence again.
"Hello everyone," Tenchi said, smiling.
"One side, ladies!" Washu said stepping forward. "I need to make sure this boy's back in tip-top condition!" Though it was clear just from his voice that Tenchi was himself again, they obligingly stepped aside while Washu waved a portable scanner over Tenchi. She then keyed for a few moments into her terminal and announced to the group, "He's cured."
There was a shout of joy and a rush forward; Washu, Ryoko and Mihoshi went to Tenchi; Ayeka, Funaho and Misaki to Sasami. Azusa and Seto hung back.
"Oh, Tenchi! I'm so glad you're okay," Mihoshi said.
"Thanks for all your help, Mihoshi."
"I couldn't have done it without Ryoko," she said.
Tenchi looked at Ryoko. "Thank you, Ryoko," he said.
"Anytime, Tenchi," she said. Tenchi took her hand and squeezed it briefly.
"And thank you, Miss Washu."
Washu sighed and smiled. "You're welcome, Tenchi. And congratulations."
"Oh! Congratulations!" Mihoshi said.
"Congratulations," Ryoko said with a sad smile.
Tenchi smiled.
"Oh, Sasami!" Misaki said, squeezing her daughter. "I'm so happy for you!"
"Ugh... Thanks mom," Sasami said. Misaki let her go and stood crying happily.
"So, Sasami," Funaho said with a small smile. "How did the bonding go?"
Sasami's cheeks colored. "Oh, fine..." she said, wistfully.
Ayeka giggled, her hand over her mouth.
"Oh, Little Ayeka!" Misaki said. "When are you going to find a nice husband and give us some grandchildren like your sister Sasami?"
"What?" Ayeka exclaimed. "Sasami has not... Husband?"
"That Captain Pakma was certainly nice," Funaho said.
"And so handsome," Misaki chimed.
Ayeka blushed and spluttered; the other women laughed.
Sasami took Tenchi's hand and stepped through the group to her father and Seto.
"Father, Mother Seto," she said happily.
"Sasami, Tenchi," Azusa said. "Congratulations. I'm glad you found someone that can make you happy. Young man," he said to Tenchi.
"Yes, sir?"
"Take care of Sasami. I expect you to make her happy."
"I will, sir," Tenchi said, bowing slightly.
Seto looked searchingly into Sasami's face for a moment and asked. "What about the marks?"
"You mean, why do I have Tsunami's marks and not Sasami's?"
Seto nodded.
Sasami smiled. "Those don't matter, Mother Seto. I can change them when I want now." As they all watched, the two dots glowed briefly and morphed into the matching triangles the Sasami had worn. "See?" she said. "I can even do this..." The marks glowed again and merged into a single dot in the center. "Look, Auntie Funaho!" she said playfully. "I'm First Queen!"
Azusa began coughing in surprise. "Here now! Sasami! That is not appropriate!"
Sasami laughed. "Yes, Father," she said, and her marks glowed again and became the familiar dots.
"Well," Seto said, "if we're done here, I think we have a wedding to plan."
Funaho, Misaki, Ayeka, Ryoko and Ryo-Ohki stood in the common area of the suite the family had been using. Across from them in front of the doorway to Washu's lab were Tenchi, Sasami, Mihoshi and Washu. Misaki had already said goodbye and her tears were only just now under control.
"We'll see you all soon," Funaho said.
"I'll miss you all so much!" Misaki said. "Washu, is there any way you could make a portal that would go straight from here to Okayama?" she asked, her eyes welling with fresh tears.
"Well-" Washu began, but before she could say any more Ayeka - out of Misaki's view - began shaking her head frantically; Sasami jabbed Washu in the ribs with her elbow. "Oww!" Washu said. "Uh... No, there isn't."
As Misaki began crying at Washu's answer, Mihoshi said, "Okay, well, bye!" and stepped into Washu's lab. Tenchi and Sasami waved and followed her.
"Ryoko," Washu said, "I'll see you soon. Be careful."
"I will, Washu," Ryoko said. "Ryu-Oh should be ready to go, so I'll be there soon."
Washu nodded. She looked at Ayeka and said, "You're a good friend to my daughter, Ayeka."
"Thank you, Washu."
Washu raised her hand to the group and said, "Bye," and stepped into the lab and closed the door behind her.
There was a tone and a flash of light under the door.
"When will you three be leaving?" Funaho asked.
"As soon as Princess Luggage here can get her things packed," Ryoko said, cocking a thumb at Ayeka. "You're over your baggage allowance, you know; Ryo-Ohki's going to want extra carrots."
"Miya!" Ryo-Ohki said happily.
"Perhaps there would be more room if you brought a little less sake," Ayeka retorted.
Ryoko snorted. "Like you don't know your way around a liquor bottle!"
"Ha!" Ayeka barked. "Are you saying your wardrobe is any smaller than mine?"
The two stood nose to nose, glaring at each other; smiling.
"When will you three be leaving?" Funaho repeated.
"Miya! Miya miya mreow!" Ryo-Ohki said to her.
"Thank you, Ryo-Ohki," Funaho said. "Good bye, ladies. Have a good trip and we'll see you in a couple weeks." She turned and went out the door, leaving Misaki facing the three girls.
"And say hello to that nice Captain Pakma for us!" Misaki said.
"Mother!" Ayeka replied, blushing slightly. Ryoko laughed.
"See you at the wedding!" Misaki said as she left.
"Bye!" Ryoko waved, smiling. Ayeka, closing the door behind her mother, barely caught her next words. "If I go," Ryoko mumbled.
Ayeka turned to Ryoko in shock. "You must go to the wedding, Ryoko!" she said. "Tenchi and Sasami will be heartbroken if you do not."
Ryoko looked unhappy. "I know, you're right. I know it's not fair to them. But I feel like the entire universe is grinding to a halt. And no matter how hard I try to think past it, it just gets worse every day. It's everything I can do just to get up in the morning. In a few weeks, I may not even bother."
"Oh, Ryoko," Ayeka said, sadly. "Is there anything I can do?"
Ryoko shook her head. "No, there's nothing anyone can do. I think it's just my destiny to be unhappy. Washu must have designed me for it."
"Miya," Ryo-Ohki said sadly, wrapping her arms around Ryoko's legs.
Ryoko reached down and stroked Ryo-Ohki's hair. "Let's just get going," she said.
Resetting the dimensional door to Okayama only took a few moments. When it was done, everyone gathered their things and left; Tenchi the last one in the lab with Washu.
"Tenchi," Washu said. "Can I talk to you?"
Tenchi turned to her. "Washu, is it about Ryoko again? I'm sorry, but- "
"No, Tenchi," Washu cut in. "It's about you and Tsunami."
Tenchi's confusion showed in his face. "What about me and Tsunami?"
"Well, with your ability to manipulate the Light Hawk Wings and Tsunami's almost unlimited power, you should be able to do some really amazing things; god-like things."
"Like what?"
"Well, I'm not sure yet. But if you get some time, I'd like to run some tests and take some readings."
"Okay Washu, I'll definitely keep it in mind. But right now I just want to get through this wedding and get settled down."
"Just because you're getting married doesn't mean you aren't my little guinea pig anymore, you know!" Washu said, smiling.
"I know," Tenchi said. "And I promise that I'll try to make some time for you whenever you like. But right now I need to get going."
"All right, Tenchi. I need to get my lab straightened out anyway."
"Okay, bye Washu."
"Bye, Tenchi."
She'd already turned away when Tenchi said, "And Washu..." Washu turned back, regarding him silently. "Washu, I'm really sorry about Ryoko."
Washu smiled. "I know, Tenchi. I'm sorry I took it out on you. It's my problem, my mess."
Tenchi nodded, turned and left and the door disappeared behind him.
Washu watched him go, then sighed, hanging her head.
Sculptor Takebe and Captain Pakma were waiting when Ryo-Ohki set Ayeka and Ryoko down with their things on the grass. Seconds later there was a dull 'pop' and Ryo-Ohki tumbled to the ground among them. The two men bowed low, Ayeka returned the gesture.
"Princess Ayeka, Ryoko," Takebe said. "Welcome back."
"It is nice to be back, Sculptor Takebe. Thank you," Ayeka said.
"Princess, Ryoko," Pakma said. "It's nice to see you."
"Oh, nice to see you, Latel!" Ryoko said. "Real nice! Huh, Ayeka?"
"Do not let her bother you, Latel," Ayeka said to Pakma. "But it is nice to see you."
Ryoko looked at Ayeka with a playful smirk. "Oh, please! The entire time we were on our way it was 'Latel this' and 'Latel that' and 'Oh, he's so handsome! Oh, he's so dashing!'" Ryoko laid her hand on her chest and batted her eyelashes, staring dreamily off into space.
"Ryoko!" Ayeka said, with a small smile. "I am sure that Latel appreciates your gross exaggerations even less than I do."
"What did she exaggerate, Princess?" Pakma asked with a dazzling smile. "How handsome I am or how dashing I am?"
"Oh, ho!" Ayeka said. "Listen to you, my good captain; thinking that your smile and profile can turn the head of every princess who comes your way."
"Not every princess who comes my way," he said. "Just the most beautiful princess who comes my way." Ayeka smiled and blushed slightly at the compliment.
"What a charmer!" Ryoko said. "Pretty smooth, Latel. I think you scored some points there!"
"Ryoko! Would you please be quiet!" Ayeka said in mock anger. "Latel, you may escort me to Sculptor Takebe's house for some lunch." She stepped up to Pakma and put her arm in his.
"Lunch! Hey, good idea Princess. Let's not forget about all the carrots you owe Ryo-Ohki," Ryoko said. "Maybe Nomori can spot you some."
"Miya!" Ryo-Ohki said. With an audible 'pop' she changed into her child form and rushed over to Takebe. She stood at his feet, babbling up at him.
"Woah, little one!" Takebe said, patting her on the head. He squatted until he was face to face with her and said, "I don't think I have any carrots, but I'm sure we can find something you'll like." Ryo-Ohki smiled happily.
"Let's go then, shall we?" Takebe said. He took Ryo-Ohki's hand and Ryoko took Pakma's other arm and they started for Takebe's house.
"After lunch, Princess, we'll head out to the shipyard and let you see what we've done with Ryu-Oh. I think you'll be happy," Takebe said. "We managed to light a fire under the shipwright and the naval architect and Ryu-Oh and Kinpa are both ready for a shakedown."
"How did you manage that? I was very surprised to hear that the ships were ready."
Pakma smiled. "Let's just say there were a few ships in construction in the yards that won't be ready for space flight as soon as they might have been," he said. "Being able to put the Royal Seal on work orders certainly does open doors, correct attitudes and expedite matters."
Tenchi came in from the fields for his lunch and found Sasami sitting on the couch.
"Oh!" Sasami said. "You're early. Let me get your lunch."
"Wait," Tenchi said. "Would it be okay if we sat together for a minute? Then I'll help you get it and we can both eat."
"Sure!" Sasami said happily. Tenchi sat next to her on the couch and took her hand.
"What are you watching?" Tenchi asked, seeing the normal mixture of aliens that Washu's video receiver brought in.
"I'm not exactly sure," Sasami said. "But it's funny."
Tenchi watched it for a minute and asked, "Is it supposed to be funny?"
Sasami shrugged. "I don't know."
They watched for a few moments, then Sasami looked at him and asked, "Are you happy, Tenchi?"
Tenchi turned to her. "Of course," he said. "Are you?"
Sasami nodded, smiling.
"You know," Sasami continued. "You haven't said anything about the wedding."
"Well, I have my suit and I think the dress you picked out is beautiful, we've written our vows and Grandpa has agreed to do the ceremony. I didn't think there was much else that needed to be said."
"Well..." Sasami said hesitantly. "It's just that it's going to be a big wedding and I know you like small things better. You're not unhappy about it, are you?"
"About how big the wedding is going to be?" Tenchi asked. She nodded. Tenchi shrugged. "Sure, I'd like something smaller, but I fell in love with a princess. There's really not much chance of having a small wedding, is there?"
Sasami shook her head.
"Besides," Tenchi said, looking into her eyes. "It's not about how many people are there; it's about who is there. And as long as you're there beside me, it will be perfect." He smiled and squeezed her hands.
"Oh, Tenchi!" Sasami cried. "You always know the right thing to say. I love you!"
"I love you, Sasami." Tenchi's stomach growled loud enough for both of them to hear it. "Can we get lunch now?" Tenchi asked.
"Sure, if you give me a kiss," Sasami replied.
"Deal!" Tenchi said.
"Mihoshi."
"Yes, Yukinojo."
"Mihoshi. My scanners are detecting several vessels approaching our patrol zone."
Mihoshi grunted and called up a tactical display. A blinking red icon showed the incoming craft. "Hit their transponders and give me a good scan," Mihoshi ordered.
"I have. The responses are just coming in. One vessel shows no transponder codes, although the energy signature is that of Ryo-Ohki. The other two respond as the Jurai vessels Ryu-Oh and Kinpa."
"Thank you, Yukinojo. Please open a channel."
A blank communication screen appeared before Mihoshi. "Done."
"This is Galaxy Police Patrol Ship Yukinojo, First Class Detective Mihoshi Kuramitsu commanding, hailing vessels inbound to Earth. Come in please."
The communication display in front of her split three ways showing Ryoko, Ayeka and Pakma.
All three greeted her warmly.
"So, I guess space trees don't travel alone any more?" Mihoshi said, smiling.
"You are correct, Mihoshi," Ayeka confirmed. "Since the attack on Ryu- Oh, all space trees travel with escorts or as part of a fleet."
"And Kinpa needed a shakedown cruise," Pakma said.
"How is she, captain?" Mihoshi asked.
"Smooth and powerful. She handles like a dream," he beamed. "And hardly any problems with secondary systems."
"I'm glad," Mihoshi said. "I guess you all are heading for Earth?"
"Just in the neighborhood, actually," Pakma replied. "Kinpa will be responsible for providing security and space control for the wedding."
"Space control?" Mihoshi said in surprise. "How many ships are you expecting?"
Ayeka and Pakma smiled. "You had better call in some reinforcements, Mihoshi," Ayeka said. "Because it is going to be very crowded in a few days."
The wedding and reception had been enormous; held in a gigantic space vessel - especially designed for these events - in orbit on the far side of the moon. The political significance of holding it at Earth instead of Jurai was missed by no one. The guest list ran into the thousands, including every elected member of Jurai's government and representatives from every subject system and trading partner. As a state wedding, it had been broadcast throughout Jurai space and into the nearby regions of the galaxy.
The wedding itself was a ceremony that was oddly common to intelligent beings throughout the galaxy. The bride and groom wore clothing that showed their fertility, purity and strength and were presented to the guests, who acknowledged the joining happily. And then everyone got drunk.
The reception lasted for forty-eight hours.
It was several days after that before the last of the ships departed lunar orbit - including the wedding ship itself. The last of the Galaxy Police cruisers departed shortly after, followed finally by Kinpa leaving on the next leg of her shakedown cruise in the company of a Jurai navy patrol squadron.
It was days after the wedding when the family finally arrived back in Okayama for a chance to unwind. The summer was nearly over, fall was in the air and it was time to think about returning to normal. Everyone began to happily take care of the things they'd been putting off; things many of them thought they'd never do again.
"Ryoko!"
Ryoko heard Tenchi call her, she sighed, then turned with a smile. "Hi Tenchi."
"Hi," he said. He stepped up to her and said, "Ryoko, are you okay?"
"Why do you ask, Tenchi?"
"You haven't seemed yourself lately."
Ryoko smiled sadly. "I'm sorry Tenchi. It's going to take a while to get over you. Especially after hoping for so long."
Tenchi nodded. "I'm sorry."
She shook her head, "Don't be. You have to be true to your heart; just as I have to be true to mine."
They looked at each other for a moment and then Ryoko said, "Was there something you wanted?"
"Oh, sorry. Yes. I wanted to give you your other two gems back."
"Oh!" Ryoko said, raising her hand to her throat. "My..."
Tenchi nodded. "I suppose I should have given them back to you a long time ago. I'm sorry."
Ryoko shook her head. "No. I wanted you to have them, Tenchi," Ryoko replied. "As long as you had my gems you had a piece of me."
Tenchi smiled. "I'd like you to have all of you back. Not because I don't like having them, or having part of you with me, but because I think you need to be a whole person again."
"Tenchi I don't-"
"You don't have to say anything," Tenchi said. "I've already talked to Washu and Grandpa and they think it will be okay. But, just to make sure, Grandpa would like to do it at the shrine. Is that okay?"
Ryoko nodded.
"Good," Tenchi said. "Because they're waiting for us now."
They arrived at the shrine a few minutes later. Katsuhito and Washu were waiting for them on the sward.
"Well, Ryoko," Katsuhito said as they approached. "Today is a big day."
"Uh, I guess so," Ryoko said dully.
"Be happy," Katsuhito continued. "You deserve them. But, since I am not the man I once was and you will soon be the woman you once were, let me apologize now for anything I may have done to offend you." Katsuhito smiled at her. "I wouldn't want you mad at me when you regain your full power."
Ryoko smiled and said, "You're not fooling anyone, old man. I doubt I've gained a step on you since we both got here."
Katsuhito bowed to Ryoko, acknowledging the compliment.
"All right, Ryoko, let's have a quick look at you." Washu conjured her terminal and pulled a portable scanner out of a subspace pocket and ran it over Ryoko, studying the readouts on her terminal. "Okay, you're as good as you're going to get. Maybe after you get the gems back you can drop that five pounds you gained." Washu patted Ryoko's backside for emphasis.
"Hey! I haven't-"
"Uh uh uh," Washu said, wagging a finger.
"Okay, maybe I did overdo it a little bit at the reception," Ryoko said with an embarrassed smile.
"That's my girl!" Washu said. "Ready when you are, Tenchi."
"Right," Tenchi replied. "Ready, Ryoko?"
"Yes," she said.
Tenchi held the Tenchi-ken out and closed his eyes in concentration. There was a shrill tone and the two red gems disappeared from the hilt, appearing an instant later at Ryoko's throat and wrist.
Ryoko staggered and Katsuhito stepped forward and caught her. Everyone at the shrine could feel a vibrant hum of power in the area. Ryoko's eyes flew open and for an instant they glowed an unnatural red. Then the color subsided and they were their normal vibrant gold. The hum was gone.
"Are you all right, Ryoko? Or do I need to put you back into that cave?" Katsuhito asked.
"The cave..." Ryoko said distractedly. Then she put her hand on Katsuhito's shoulder and, with his help, stood. "I'm fine, I think," she said. Then she stood straighter, looked at the gems at her wrists and felt the one at her throat. Looking at everyone she said, "Yes, I'm fine."
Washu began scanning her again. "Hmm... Well, I'll need to take further readings in my lab, but everything seems to be in order. Any violent thoughts, Little Ryoko?" she asked.
"Only when you call me 'Little Ryoko'," Ryoko replied.
"She's fine!" Washu said, smiling.
"Thank you, everyone," Ryoko said.
"You're welcome, Ryoko," Tenchi replied. "I've got to get back. I guess I'll see you at dinner?"
Ryoko nodded.
"I, too, have things that need attended to before dinner," Katsuhito said. "Please, Ryoko, if you need anything do not hesitate to ask me."
"Thank you," Ryoko said.
Tenchi set off down the stairs and Katsuhito entered the shrine office, leaving Washu and Ryoko standing alone.
"Washu?"
Washu turned to Ryoko. "Yes?"
Ryoko looked at Washu for a long moment. "I want to be sealed back into the cave," she said finally.
Washu looked panicked and her hands flew to her face. "Oh, no! Oh, Ryoko! Oh, you can't!" she said, tears already starting.
"I... I..." Ryoko started, then she dropped her head into her hands and began to weep. A moment later, she felt Washu step up to her in her adult form and her strong arms went around Ryoko, pulling her into an embrace, cradling her.
"Oh, my poor little Ryoko," Washu was saying, stroking Ryoko's hair. "Mommy's so sorry..."
"I'm sorry, Washu - mom," Ryoko choked out. "I know you're disappointed in me but I just can't bear it. I can't do it!"
"I'm not disappointed in you, little one," Washu said quietly. "I'm disappointed that the daughter I worked so hard to bring into the world, lost so suddenly and waited so long to be with again hurts so bad that she wants to seal herself away from the entire universe."
Washu pulled Ryoko away from her chest and held her at arms length, looking into her eyes. "Ryoko, my daughter, I love you more than I can say. I would do anything to make you happy or to keep you from pain." She paused, hesitating, searching for the right thing to say.
"If you want, I can take Tenchi away from your memory. It would be as if you never met him. You would wake up with no memories other than being sealed in the cave by Yosho the first time."
Instantly, Ryoko began shaking her head. "No," she said in surprise, shock and fear. "No! Tenchi and this family and my time here are the only things in my life that are worth remembering. I won't let that go, no matter how much it hurts."
Washu swallowed. "I understand. Let me see what I can do," she said.