Here's Chapter 2! I'm hoping I can keep up this inspiration to write this
story. I have a feeling that I can, so hopefully there's not gonna be too
much of a wait between chapters, so here ya go. As usual, C&C is always
welcome.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Misguided Destiny: A Tale of the Heart
By KajiSan
Usual disclaimer: All characters belong to AIC and Pioneer Entertainment. So please don't sue me! :-)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 2: The Road to Recovery
Boredom has its way of irritating just about everyone. Around the Masaki household, it usually rears its ugly head for the most part of the day. For Sasami, it usually means lounging around the TV and aimlessly flipping through the channels. Today was no different.
"There is just nothing on right now, huh?" whined the little girl.
"Me-oow." purred Ryo-Ohki who was slouched on the couch next to her.
"I've got to find something that'll help Tenchi!" she exclaimed all of the sudden. Ryo-Ohki, startled at the sudden outburst jumped a little bit. "Oh sorry, Ryo-Ohki," apologized Sasami. "But I can't stand to see Tenchi like this every day. It's not healthy for him!"
"Meow!" agreed Ryo-Ohki.
Sasami continued to flip through the channels. After going through a few more, she stopped at one. It was a commercial advertising some of the current activities going on in Tokyo this weekend. "Hmm. Maybe something interesting is going on," said Sasami. "Let's see."
First, there was a dog show this Saturday in which anyone can participate. "Various contests and shows will be held, so come one, come all," said the announcer. It followed with many clips of different dogs doing tricks, races and other crazy things.
"Don't think Tenchi would be very interested." Sasami sighed. "Hopefully, there'll be something more interesting coming up.
"Meow," sighed Ryo-Ohki along with her.
Over at the Masaki shrine, Tenchi was busy doing mainly clean up. Apparently, there was a storm that passed by the previous night and the shrine was a big mess. He spent just about all day sweeping the steps leading to the shrine and raking up leaves and some other debris from the lawn nearby. Of course, the hot sun did not help much as the heat and humidity were taking its toll on the young man. Nevertheless, he continued on as he knew that his grandpa would be disappointed if he did not complete his chores. As he continued, he thought about many things. Sakuya, of course was still on his mind. Images of them and his other friends at school flashed through his head. He stayed silent for just about all of the day concentrating only on his work and his thoughts. He didn't even realize just how much time was passing by.
Nearby, his grandfather was observing his every move. Tenchi was doing his job, but noticed that all emotion in him was gone. It looked like it was just a body with no soul sweeping and cleaning. He knew that he was thinking about Sakuya again - just like the day before and the day before that. He closed his eyes. "Yuugi. What have you done to my grandson?!" he thought. He thought about the little person who had befriended Sasami and brought nothing but chaos to the Masaki home. But then he thought about Sakuya - such an innocent being whose soul was controlled by the evil Yuugi. She did not even know who she was. The only thing that seemed real to her was Tenchi and to Tenchi, she was as real as the sun in the sky. He can remember just how happy he was especially when she was with him. He saw a smile on his face that was unlike any smile he had even seen from his grandson. He knew he was in love. But now, he seemed nothing more than a shell of his former self. When Sakuya left, it was as if she took Tenchi's soul with her. He remembered how he felt when his wife Itsuki had passed. He couldn't blame the boy for feeling the way he is, but he also knew that he has got to get over her. Life continues to move one and if you do not get back on track with it, it will just continue to move on without you. He knew he had to do something. So he stopped what he was doing and grabbed his bokken (*wooden sword).
Tenchi was oblivious to what ever was going on around him. He was lost in his memories of just a few short weeks ago. He had met the perfect girl - young, beautiful, funny and just about everything else he had always wanted. But now she was gone. What is he supposed to do without her? He was so lost in his thoughts that he never noticed the blur coming toward him. In an instant, the broom that he was holding was hurled from his hands and his legs were knocked out from under him! Before he realized what was going on, he was on his behind looking up at a bokken pointed to his face.
"You're getting slow, Tenchi!!" snarled what seemed to be an angry Katsuhito Masaki. "At this rate, a novice swordsman will make mincemeat out of you! How do you expect me to be confident in your ability to protect the Masaki shrine if you can't even defend yourself!"
Tenchi start to rub his behind where he landed. "Ow!" he exclaimed. "Where'd all of this come from?"
Katsuhito just shook his head. "Tenchi, you've been acting like this for quite some time - ever since Sakuya left." He noticed Tenchi cringe at the mere mention of her name. He knocked Tenchi on the head with his bokken when he saw it. "C'mon, Tenchi!! You have to face it. She's gone.."
He lowered his wooden sword and sat down next to Tenchi. "I'm sorry, Grandpa," Tenchi replied. "I just don't know what to do. I can't stop thinking about her." Tears once again started to well up in his eyes. "I loved her!"
Katsuhito put his arm around his grandson. "And don't you think I know how you feel?" he said to him. "I too was in love, or have you forgotten about that! You wouldn't even BE here if it hadn't happen to me!" Tenchi stopped crying and looked up at his grandfather. He hadn't talked about his grandmother very much to him nor anyone. "When Itsuki passed, I thought that my world had ended. She was one of the main reasons why I had chosen to stay here on Earth rather than to return to Jurai. I had given up everything for her including my claim to the Jurai throne. Something about her made me finally realize there is more the life than the throne. Looking into her eyes, I knew that my place - my destiny was here with her. And, I never regretted doing it." He paused for a moment. "When she died, I was totally devastated. I was pretty much acting just like you were these past several days. I felt cheated. I felt like the only thing that had kept me alive was taken away from me. So why was I still around?" He looked at Tenchi. "I remember that day when I was about to lose all hope. It was a day similar to one like this - hot and hazy. But then, this bundle of joy bounced onto me. She said, 'Daddy, don't be sad. Mommy never liked it when you were sad.' It was then I realized that I had to move one. My period for mourning the death of your grandmother was over. I had to be strong for Achika - your mother."
"My mother," thought Tenchi. He began thinking about the moment a few months back when he was sucked back into time and had to help his mother fight off the evil monster known as Kain. She was only a teenager back then. But the moments he shared with her were the only moments he had. He shuddered to think what would've happened to him had Kain succeeded in his plans.
Katsuhito stood up. "Don't keep your feelings bottled up inside you, Tenchi. It'll eat you up inside." He looked at his grandson. "I may not be up to speed on the times of today, but you know that I'm always here if you need me to listen. But I would not be hurt at all if you decide to talk with someone else - probably more along the line of your age. But you must not let these feelings dominate you. It is affecting not only your work and concentration, but also other relationships you have with others - now and quite possibly, future ones."
"I see," answered Tenchi. He knew his grandfather was right. For the past couple of weeks, he had not talked with anyone about Sakuya. Sure everyone knew that he was in love with her and they all met her as well. But he has been pretty much keeping to himself after the day Sakuya left. It was time to start picking up the pieces and moving on. "Thank you, Grandpa."
Katsuhito smiled back at Tenchi before climbing back up the stairs toward the shrine. After taking two steps up, he quickly grabbed his bokken and swung at Tenchi. This time, Tenchi felt it coming and drew his bokken to parry his grandfather's attack. "Very good, Tenchi," he said. "I'm proud that you're getting your concentration back." Then he smiled a bit more. "Maybe next time, I won't hold back and be as quick as I know I can be." With that, he turned to leave Tenchi and proceeded back up toward the shrine.
Tenchi sheathed his bokken after the mock attack. He went over and picked up the broom that was "disarmed" from him by his grandfather. He continued to finish sweeping the stairs while he pondered his grandfather's words. "Don't keep your feelings bottled up inside." Those words echoed inside his mind. He knew his grandfather was right. But who does he know and trust enough to confide in? There were his buddies from school. But could he really trust them? He knew some of them were jealous of him when Sakuya chose him over them. Sure they were a good group of friends, but when it came to girls, they pretty much were "every man for himself".
"So who else?" he thought. As he did, he did not realize that there were other eyes and ears nearby catching all that is happening.
In the trees above where Tenchi was sweeping, Ryoko was quietly listening in on what had just happened. "Tenchi." she whispered. How can Tenchi not recognize her advances? She had thought that all men liked that sorta thing. Ryoko was definitely not the type to hide her feelings - even when it came to Tenchi. She then thought about the argument she had earlier that day with Ayeka.
"...Tenchi would want a civilized woman to be with and console him." Those words rang through her mind as she looked at Tenchi down below. "Is that what you really want, Tenchi," She thought. She closed her eyes and began to think about her, her attitude and of Tenchi. Sure she was very aggressive and somewhat of an exhibitionist with her body. It was her personality - she could not deny that. But maybe that's why Tenchi was not answering her advances. Could she really be like a "ravaging animal" as Ayeka said? "I'm just showing my feelings for Tenchi the only way I know how," she said to herself.
She sighed as she sat on a branch high up in the trees. It was not as hot there since most of the sun was being shaded by all of the leaves. Even though, Ryoko could feel the sweat on her body. She began to think about all of the adventures that they had. Ones in particular were the battles against Kain, Kagato and more recently, Yuugi. She risked her life for him in all of those battles. "Isn't that enough for you to realize just how much I care about you, Tenchi?" She once again looked down at him, innocently sweeping the stairs that led up to the shrine. She's been pining over him for how many months now. But she cannot still bring herself up to talk him - especially recently.
Ryoko knew Sakuya had stolen Tenchi's heart - the one she had wanted for herself. The thought of how close Tenchi and Sakuya were still bothers her, even today. She even remembered the thoughts she had of her back when Sakuya was still with him. She remembers wishing she were gone, wishing that she had never come into Tenchi's life. When she pictured them together, she often tried to imagine that it was HER with Tenchi rather than Sakuya. Heck, she even remembers partnering with AYEKA out of all people to conspire against Sakuya! Now if that wasn't enough determination.
But then, she thought about Yuugi - the evil being that used Sakuya to get what she wanted. She knew that by putting Sakuya into Tenchi's life that it would tear everyone apart. Her selfish needs almost destroyed everything she had known to be dear in her life. Before she met Tenchi and the others, her life was nothing but stealing and looting.
The life of a space pirate - sometimes she misses it. The freedom to do whatever and whenever she wanted to whomever she wanted was very invigorating to her. Though at times, she misses that life, she knew that she would never give up what she has now. She would never give up her pursuit of the boy she was looking at before her very eyes. No. She knew she was happier now than she has ever been in her life. The only thing she was missing was Tenchi's heart.
She then thought back to Sakuya. Even though she knew she did not like Sakuya, no one deserved to be manipulated like the way she was by Yuugi. Despite the fact that she was an "obstacle" in her fight for Tenchi, she knew she had no ill will towards anyone. This poor girl had nothing but the best intention for Tenchi and that's probably why Tenchi had fallen for her. Her innocence was what she knew Tenchi loved so very much. "...Tenchi would want a civilized woman to be with and console him." Those words that Ayeka said earlier once again rang through her mind. "Tenchi," she said to herself. "You loved that girl with all your heart. But she's gone now. What had happened to her, I would not wish on ANYONE I know in the universe - even my worst enemy. But it happened. Talk to me, Tenchi. I'm here for you." With that, she sat up and slowly levitated down to meet the young man on the steps.
Tenchi was alone to his thoughts as he continued to sweep the steps to the Masaki shrine. He was still thinking of what his grandfather told him earlier. "Who do I trust?" he thought. "Well, there's Ryoko. I know she cares about me. But can I really trust her with my feelings for Sakuya? She was ready to kill her when she found out about her the first time."
"Hello, Tenchi," said Ryoko who appeared before him.
"Ah!!" yelped Tenchi. "Ryoko!! You scared me!!"
"I'm sorry," she apologized. "So, are you feeling any better? This morning, you could've woken up the dead the way you were screaming."
Seeing the concern on her face, he knew Ryoko was being sincere. "I'm feeling better now, Ryoko. Thanks." Tenchi knew how irritable Ryoko can get when it involves another girl in his life - especially when it came to Sakuya. But he could tell that she wasn't about to start anything this time. Could it be that Ryoko is also sad that Sakuya is gone? In the crazy life that Tenchi leads, nothing surprises him anymore. "What can I do for you, Ryoko?"
"Oh, nothing," she replied. "I just wanted to see how you were doing." She paused for a moment. The next few words that she says had to be carefully thought out. She did not want to scare him off nor did she want to alienate herself from him. After a brief moment, she began, "Listen, I know I wasn't very nice to Sakuya, but if it means anything, I really didn't hate the girl. It's just that. that."
Ryoko couldn't find the words to continue. She started to panic. Tenchi noticed this and decided to help her out. He put his hand on her shoulder and said, "It's ok, Ryoko. I'm fine." She looked up at him with pleading eyes. He continued, "These past few weeks have been real rough for me. I apologize to you and to everyone if I've caused you any trouble. I knew it was going to be tough getting over her, but I didn't know it was going to be this hard." He turned away from Ryoko for a moment. He could feel some tears starting to form again. He did not want Ryoko to notice them. After a few moments, he composed himself and turned back to Ryoko with a smile. "But I promise to get through this! And before you know it, I'll be back to my old self again!"
The space pirate saw him smile, but noticed that it seemed forced. To herself, she said, "He is still thinking about her and he probably will be for a long time." She just wanted to tell him, "Please, Tenchi. Let me help you get over her. You can talk to me. I'm a good listener." But she knew that she couldn't force him to do so. She started to feel dejected. The only thing she could manage for a reply was, "Ok, Tenchi. I'll be here for ya. I can't wait to go back to the way things used to be!" She too feigned a smile as well.
"Yeah," said Tenchi. "The way things used to be," he thought to himself.
Feeling that the conversation was at its end, Ryoko decided the cut her losses before they got any worse. "Right," she responded. "Well, I gotta run. Your grandpa kinda got mad at us this morning for not helping out around the house very much. So, I better find something to do before he gets mad." She began to levitate back into the trees. "See ya later, Tenchi," she called out to him as she disappeared.
"Later, Ryoko," cried Tenchi. He thought to himself, "Wow. I didn't expect Ryoko to be that sincere." He thought of Sakuya again. "Sakuya. See how much influence you have on people. Even of you're no longer with us, you still make a profound impact on everyone here." A small smile crept to his face as he continued his sweeping.
Just then, coming from the house, he hears, "LUNCH IS READY!!!"
Tenchi looked up toward the house and sees Sasami waving her arms and shouting out that her food was ready for all to eat. He smiled as he started to walk up toward the shrine to let his grandpa know that it was lunchtime. When he got up to the shrine, he called to the inside, "Grandpa, lunch is ready!"
"I'll be there, Tenchi," replied Katsuhito from the inside. "Tell Sasami to go ahead and start serving the food. I'll be there as soon as I'm finished."
"Ok," said Tenchi. There was no arguing with his grandfather. He put down his broom and started to make his way down the stairs and toward the house. He remembered the breakfast in bed that Sasami had made for him that morning. "If lunch is going to be as good as breakfast was, then I can't wait to eat." He began to imagine what food she might have prepared. "It doesn't matter, does it? If Sasami cooked it, it must be good."
In the kitchen, Sasami shut off the stove as her food was ready to be served. Looking over at an open magazine on the counter, she smiled and thought to herself, "I know Tenchi is going to like that! I can't wait to tell him!" She giggled a little as people finally started to enter the house for lunch.
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Well, what do you think? Again, I know where I'm going with this, so bear with me.
C&C is always welcome!!! Thanks!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Misguided Destiny: A Tale of the Heart
By KajiSan
Usual disclaimer: All characters belong to AIC and Pioneer Entertainment. So please don't sue me! :-)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 2: The Road to Recovery
Boredom has its way of irritating just about everyone. Around the Masaki household, it usually rears its ugly head for the most part of the day. For Sasami, it usually means lounging around the TV and aimlessly flipping through the channels. Today was no different.
"There is just nothing on right now, huh?" whined the little girl.
"Me-oow." purred Ryo-Ohki who was slouched on the couch next to her.
"I've got to find something that'll help Tenchi!" she exclaimed all of the sudden. Ryo-Ohki, startled at the sudden outburst jumped a little bit. "Oh sorry, Ryo-Ohki," apologized Sasami. "But I can't stand to see Tenchi like this every day. It's not healthy for him!"
"Meow!" agreed Ryo-Ohki.
Sasami continued to flip through the channels. After going through a few more, she stopped at one. It was a commercial advertising some of the current activities going on in Tokyo this weekend. "Hmm. Maybe something interesting is going on," said Sasami. "Let's see."
First, there was a dog show this Saturday in which anyone can participate. "Various contests and shows will be held, so come one, come all," said the announcer. It followed with many clips of different dogs doing tricks, races and other crazy things.
"Don't think Tenchi would be very interested." Sasami sighed. "Hopefully, there'll be something more interesting coming up.
"Meow," sighed Ryo-Ohki along with her.
Over at the Masaki shrine, Tenchi was busy doing mainly clean up. Apparently, there was a storm that passed by the previous night and the shrine was a big mess. He spent just about all day sweeping the steps leading to the shrine and raking up leaves and some other debris from the lawn nearby. Of course, the hot sun did not help much as the heat and humidity were taking its toll on the young man. Nevertheless, he continued on as he knew that his grandpa would be disappointed if he did not complete his chores. As he continued, he thought about many things. Sakuya, of course was still on his mind. Images of them and his other friends at school flashed through his head. He stayed silent for just about all of the day concentrating only on his work and his thoughts. He didn't even realize just how much time was passing by.
Nearby, his grandfather was observing his every move. Tenchi was doing his job, but noticed that all emotion in him was gone. It looked like it was just a body with no soul sweeping and cleaning. He knew that he was thinking about Sakuya again - just like the day before and the day before that. He closed his eyes. "Yuugi. What have you done to my grandson?!" he thought. He thought about the little person who had befriended Sasami and brought nothing but chaos to the Masaki home. But then he thought about Sakuya - such an innocent being whose soul was controlled by the evil Yuugi. She did not even know who she was. The only thing that seemed real to her was Tenchi and to Tenchi, she was as real as the sun in the sky. He can remember just how happy he was especially when she was with him. He saw a smile on his face that was unlike any smile he had even seen from his grandson. He knew he was in love. But now, he seemed nothing more than a shell of his former self. When Sakuya left, it was as if she took Tenchi's soul with her. He remembered how he felt when his wife Itsuki had passed. He couldn't blame the boy for feeling the way he is, but he also knew that he has got to get over her. Life continues to move one and if you do not get back on track with it, it will just continue to move on without you. He knew he had to do something. So he stopped what he was doing and grabbed his bokken (*wooden sword).
Tenchi was oblivious to what ever was going on around him. He was lost in his memories of just a few short weeks ago. He had met the perfect girl - young, beautiful, funny and just about everything else he had always wanted. But now she was gone. What is he supposed to do without her? He was so lost in his thoughts that he never noticed the blur coming toward him. In an instant, the broom that he was holding was hurled from his hands and his legs were knocked out from under him! Before he realized what was going on, he was on his behind looking up at a bokken pointed to his face.
"You're getting slow, Tenchi!!" snarled what seemed to be an angry Katsuhito Masaki. "At this rate, a novice swordsman will make mincemeat out of you! How do you expect me to be confident in your ability to protect the Masaki shrine if you can't even defend yourself!"
Tenchi start to rub his behind where he landed. "Ow!" he exclaimed. "Where'd all of this come from?"
Katsuhito just shook his head. "Tenchi, you've been acting like this for quite some time - ever since Sakuya left." He noticed Tenchi cringe at the mere mention of her name. He knocked Tenchi on the head with his bokken when he saw it. "C'mon, Tenchi!! You have to face it. She's gone.."
He lowered his wooden sword and sat down next to Tenchi. "I'm sorry, Grandpa," Tenchi replied. "I just don't know what to do. I can't stop thinking about her." Tears once again started to well up in his eyes. "I loved her!"
Katsuhito put his arm around his grandson. "And don't you think I know how you feel?" he said to him. "I too was in love, or have you forgotten about that! You wouldn't even BE here if it hadn't happen to me!" Tenchi stopped crying and looked up at his grandfather. He hadn't talked about his grandmother very much to him nor anyone. "When Itsuki passed, I thought that my world had ended. She was one of the main reasons why I had chosen to stay here on Earth rather than to return to Jurai. I had given up everything for her including my claim to the Jurai throne. Something about her made me finally realize there is more the life than the throne. Looking into her eyes, I knew that my place - my destiny was here with her. And, I never regretted doing it." He paused for a moment. "When she died, I was totally devastated. I was pretty much acting just like you were these past several days. I felt cheated. I felt like the only thing that had kept me alive was taken away from me. So why was I still around?" He looked at Tenchi. "I remember that day when I was about to lose all hope. It was a day similar to one like this - hot and hazy. But then, this bundle of joy bounced onto me. She said, 'Daddy, don't be sad. Mommy never liked it when you were sad.' It was then I realized that I had to move one. My period for mourning the death of your grandmother was over. I had to be strong for Achika - your mother."
"My mother," thought Tenchi. He began thinking about the moment a few months back when he was sucked back into time and had to help his mother fight off the evil monster known as Kain. She was only a teenager back then. But the moments he shared with her were the only moments he had. He shuddered to think what would've happened to him had Kain succeeded in his plans.
Katsuhito stood up. "Don't keep your feelings bottled up inside you, Tenchi. It'll eat you up inside." He looked at his grandson. "I may not be up to speed on the times of today, but you know that I'm always here if you need me to listen. But I would not be hurt at all if you decide to talk with someone else - probably more along the line of your age. But you must not let these feelings dominate you. It is affecting not only your work and concentration, but also other relationships you have with others - now and quite possibly, future ones."
"I see," answered Tenchi. He knew his grandfather was right. For the past couple of weeks, he had not talked with anyone about Sakuya. Sure everyone knew that he was in love with her and they all met her as well. But he has been pretty much keeping to himself after the day Sakuya left. It was time to start picking up the pieces and moving on. "Thank you, Grandpa."
Katsuhito smiled back at Tenchi before climbing back up the stairs toward the shrine. After taking two steps up, he quickly grabbed his bokken and swung at Tenchi. This time, Tenchi felt it coming and drew his bokken to parry his grandfather's attack. "Very good, Tenchi," he said. "I'm proud that you're getting your concentration back." Then he smiled a bit more. "Maybe next time, I won't hold back and be as quick as I know I can be." With that, he turned to leave Tenchi and proceeded back up toward the shrine.
Tenchi sheathed his bokken after the mock attack. He went over and picked up the broom that was "disarmed" from him by his grandfather. He continued to finish sweeping the stairs while he pondered his grandfather's words. "Don't keep your feelings bottled up inside." Those words echoed inside his mind. He knew his grandfather was right. But who does he know and trust enough to confide in? There were his buddies from school. But could he really trust them? He knew some of them were jealous of him when Sakuya chose him over them. Sure they were a good group of friends, but when it came to girls, they pretty much were "every man for himself".
"So who else?" he thought. As he did, he did not realize that there were other eyes and ears nearby catching all that is happening.
In the trees above where Tenchi was sweeping, Ryoko was quietly listening in on what had just happened. "Tenchi." she whispered. How can Tenchi not recognize her advances? She had thought that all men liked that sorta thing. Ryoko was definitely not the type to hide her feelings - even when it came to Tenchi. She then thought about the argument she had earlier that day with Ayeka.
"...Tenchi would want a civilized woman to be with and console him." Those words rang through her mind as she looked at Tenchi down below. "Is that what you really want, Tenchi," She thought. She closed her eyes and began to think about her, her attitude and of Tenchi. Sure she was very aggressive and somewhat of an exhibitionist with her body. It was her personality - she could not deny that. But maybe that's why Tenchi was not answering her advances. Could she really be like a "ravaging animal" as Ayeka said? "I'm just showing my feelings for Tenchi the only way I know how," she said to herself.
She sighed as she sat on a branch high up in the trees. It was not as hot there since most of the sun was being shaded by all of the leaves. Even though, Ryoko could feel the sweat on her body. She began to think about all of the adventures that they had. Ones in particular were the battles against Kain, Kagato and more recently, Yuugi. She risked her life for him in all of those battles. "Isn't that enough for you to realize just how much I care about you, Tenchi?" She once again looked down at him, innocently sweeping the stairs that led up to the shrine. She's been pining over him for how many months now. But she cannot still bring herself up to talk him - especially recently.
Ryoko knew Sakuya had stolen Tenchi's heart - the one she had wanted for herself. The thought of how close Tenchi and Sakuya were still bothers her, even today. She even remembered the thoughts she had of her back when Sakuya was still with him. She remembers wishing she were gone, wishing that she had never come into Tenchi's life. When she pictured them together, she often tried to imagine that it was HER with Tenchi rather than Sakuya. Heck, she even remembers partnering with AYEKA out of all people to conspire against Sakuya! Now if that wasn't enough determination.
But then, she thought about Yuugi - the evil being that used Sakuya to get what she wanted. She knew that by putting Sakuya into Tenchi's life that it would tear everyone apart. Her selfish needs almost destroyed everything she had known to be dear in her life. Before she met Tenchi and the others, her life was nothing but stealing and looting.
The life of a space pirate - sometimes she misses it. The freedom to do whatever and whenever she wanted to whomever she wanted was very invigorating to her. Though at times, she misses that life, she knew that she would never give up what she has now. She would never give up her pursuit of the boy she was looking at before her very eyes. No. She knew she was happier now than she has ever been in her life. The only thing she was missing was Tenchi's heart.
She then thought back to Sakuya. Even though she knew she did not like Sakuya, no one deserved to be manipulated like the way she was by Yuugi. Despite the fact that she was an "obstacle" in her fight for Tenchi, she knew she had no ill will towards anyone. This poor girl had nothing but the best intention for Tenchi and that's probably why Tenchi had fallen for her. Her innocence was what she knew Tenchi loved so very much. "...Tenchi would want a civilized woman to be with and console him." Those words that Ayeka said earlier once again rang through her mind. "Tenchi," she said to herself. "You loved that girl with all your heart. But she's gone now. What had happened to her, I would not wish on ANYONE I know in the universe - even my worst enemy. But it happened. Talk to me, Tenchi. I'm here for you." With that, she sat up and slowly levitated down to meet the young man on the steps.
Tenchi was alone to his thoughts as he continued to sweep the steps to the Masaki shrine. He was still thinking of what his grandfather told him earlier. "Who do I trust?" he thought. "Well, there's Ryoko. I know she cares about me. But can I really trust her with my feelings for Sakuya? She was ready to kill her when she found out about her the first time."
"Hello, Tenchi," said Ryoko who appeared before him.
"Ah!!" yelped Tenchi. "Ryoko!! You scared me!!"
"I'm sorry," she apologized. "So, are you feeling any better? This morning, you could've woken up the dead the way you were screaming."
Seeing the concern on her face, he knew Ryoko was being sincere. "I'm feeling better now, Ryoko. Thanks." Tenchi knew how irritable Ryoko can get when it involves another girl in his life - especially when it came to Sakuya. But he could tell that she wasn't about to start anything this time. Could it be that Ryoko is also sad that Sakuya is gone? In the crazy life that Tenchi leads, nothing surprises him anymore. "What can I do for you, Ryoko?"
"Oh, nothing," she replied. "I just wanted to see how you were doing." She paused for a moment. The next few words that she says had to be carefully thought out. She did not want to scare him off nor did she want to alienate herself from him. After a brief moment, she began, "Listen, I know I wasn't very nice to Sakuya, but if it means anything, I really didn't hate the girl. It's just that. that."
Ryoko couldn't find the words to continue. She started to panic. Tenchi noticed this and decided to help her out. He put his hand on her shoulder and said, "It's ok, Ryoko. I'm fine." She looked up at him with pleading eyes. He continued, "These past few weeks have been real rough for me. I apologize to you and to everyone if I've caused you any trouble. I knew it was going to be tough getting over her, but I didn't know it was going to be this hard." He turned away from Ryoko for a moment. He could feel some tears starting to form again. He did not want Ryoko to notice them. After a few moments, he composed himself and turned back to Ryoko with a smile. "But I promise to get through this! And before you know it, I'll be back to my old self again!"
The space pirate saw him smile, but noticed that it seemed forced. To herself, she said, "He is still thinking about her and he probably will be for a long time." She just wanted to tell him, "Please, Tenchi. Let me help you get over her. You can talk to me. I'm a good listener." But she knew that she couldn't force him to do so. She started to feel dejected. The only thing she could manage for a reply was, "Ok, Tenchi. I'll be here for ya. I can't wait to go back to the way things used to be!" She too feigned a smile as well.
"Yeah," said Tenchi. "The way things used to be," he thought to himself.
Feeling that the conversation was at its end, Ryoko decided the cut her losses before they got any worse. "Right," she responded. "Well, I gotta run. Your grandpa kinda got mad at us this morning for not helping out around the house very much. So, I better find something to do before he gets mad." She began to levitate back into the trees. "See ya later, Tenchi," she called out to him as she disappeared.
"Later, Ryoko," cried Tenchi. He thought to himself, "Wow. I didn't expect Ryoko to be that sincere." He thought of Sakuya again. "Sakuya. See how much influence you have on people. Even of you're no longer with us, you still make a profound impact on everyone here." A small smile crept to his face as he continued his sweeping.
Just then, coming from the house, he hears, "LUNCH IS READY!!!"
Tenchi looked up toward the house and sees Sasami waving her arms and shouting out that her food was ready for all to eat. He smiled as he started to walk up toward the shrine to let his grandpa know that it was lunchtime. When he got up to the shrine, he called to the inside, "Grandpa, lunch is ready!"
"I'll be there, Tenchi," replied Katsuhito from the inside. "Tell Sasami to go ahead and start serving the food. I'll be there as soon as I'm finished."
"Ok," said Tenchi. There was no arguing with his grandfather. He put down his broom and started to make his way down the stairs and toward the house. He remembered the breakfast in bed that Sasami had made for him that morning. "If lunch is going to be as good as breakfast was, then I can't wait to eat." He began to imagine what food she might have prepared. "It doesn't matter, does it? If Sasami cooked it, it must be good."
In the kitchen, Sasami shut off the stove as her food was ready to be served. Looking over at an open magazine on the counter, she smiled and thought to herself, "I know Tenchi is going to like that! I can't wait to tell him!" She giggled a little as people finally started to enter the house for lunch.
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Well, what do you think? Again, I know where I'm going with this, so bear with me.
C&C is always welcome!!! Thanks!