::The Princess And the Pirate Chapter 9::
::Juraian Determination::
".....Ryoko?"
As the sound of water cascading over the small fall in the Onsen and the small sound of it lapping against the two girls bodies, Ryoko shifted herself and opened one eye.
"Hmmm?" Was her only reply. Too tired for much talk she raised her eyebrow as Aeka snuggled against her. "Can we stay like this forever?" Came Aeka's small voice. Ryoko had heard that line once before, and it puzzled her.
Now, opening both eyes she looked down, at the princess' violet hair. Though she didn't speak, she knew that Aeka wasn't finished. "...I don't think we can Ryoko..." Sighing softly, she looked up, and Ryoko was surprised to see the start of tears in her eyes.
Gently she reached down and wiped away the stray tears that began their descent down Aeka's cheek. She tilted her head to the side, "..Why not?"
The princess gave a small saddened smile, this caused Ryoko to frown in a slight confusion. "Not now that everybody knows...." She shook her head, "No... Brother Yosho will probably have heard by now, Tenchi's father looked very excited. I'm sure that he went to the shrine to inform him of us..." The amber eyed girl opened her mouth to speak, but she was silenced as Aeka gently put a finger to her lips. She sat back, and looked Ryoko directly in the eyes, her serious look sent a chill up Ryoko's spine. Then she nodded "I have made my decision.... I shall return to Jurai and speak with my father"
Shaking her head Ryoko huffed "Don't, you know more than any of us just how pig headed that guy is.... He wouldn't ever accept me as Juraian let alone suitor for his daughter!"
"Then I shall make him accept you"
"Don't bother, there's no way in hell-
Aeka stood and turned, causing Ryoko to stop in mid sentence. "...I will make him see.... Even if I have to give up my title... You will be accepted by my father, he has no right to cast judgement" Glancing over her shoulder, she turned back and looked at the amber eyed girl "...He doesn't even know you"
She stepped out of the Onsens water and headed toward the exit, She stopped however as she heard a movement in the air and the tell noise of Ryoko's teleportation. Then a hand on her shoulder.
"Your determined about this aren't you?"
Aeka nodded, her back still to Ryoko, she did not turn, nor glance over her shoulder.
"You don't have to do this for me you know..... I don't mind"
Her own hand went up and gently rested on Ryoko's "...You don't see.... sooner or later father will get ear of this.... He will come for me. And he will not listen... If I go there first, I may be able to change his mind... He may listen to me"
"This is just gonna be trouble for you, ya know"
A light giggle and Aeka looked at her "...Yes, but you are worth the hassle.. My troublesome Ryoko" Ryoko grinned as the princess gently poked her nose.
Her response was a short nod "Alright, then I'll come with ya..." The princess smiled and nodded. Gathering her clothes she dressed, Ryoko phasing into an outfit and they left the onsen.
***
Back on Jurai, the two queens sat comfortably in a large room, a small table in the centre with a pillow at each end. Each sat on a pillow of their own, quietly sipping tea. Once in a while, Misaki would look up from her cup and give Funaho- who kept her gaze on her cup- a puzzled and curious look. This went on for a few more minutes until at last, the first queen placed the tea cup on the table.
"...Is something wrong Misaki?" The blue haired queen jumped slightly, her hands flailing about in an attempt not to drop the cup in shock. Some how she managed to place it back onto the table, without spilling a drop. Funaho gently smiled. "There seems to be something on your mind"
".Um..w-well...." She started, obviously not very comfortable to say it openly. Her pink eyes shifted about the room and focused on the guards standing inside next to the door.
To this Funaho smiled again. She looked over at the men standing there and nodded to them, both each beat the end of their wooden staff on the floor twice before walking hastily out of the room.
Once the huge double doors at the entrance of their bedroom closed behind the guards, Misaki breathed a sigh of relief. Relaxing slightly she smiled "I'm always so tense when they're here..." Her Co-wife gave a small chuckle, holding her hand over her mouth in politeness .
The steam off her teacup rose in a gracefully dancing spiral, flowing around the room until it seemed to disappear when it travelled into the light. Neither spoke, as Funaho waited for Misaki to continue, Misaki waiting for Funaho to ask her again. She saw this and closed her eyes, a knowing smile hidden as she looked down at her cup. "....So" That was all she needed to say as Misaki instantly spoke up.
"Don't you think Aeka and Ryoko m-make.. such wonderful friends?" The nervousness in her tone was evident, each word seemed to shake and shiver through her lips. Deep brown eyes rose and focused upon cerise. The second queen swallowed hard, her co-wife's quizzical stare burned through her. Funaho was looking deeper, she was perceptive, and she saw a hidden meaning to this conversation. Misaki knew it.
Quickly, as not to be interrupted she continued "I-I mean.. It'd be.... A-A shame.... If they... were to, be separated... By reasons beyond our control of course.... D-Don't you think so Funaho?" It seemed as if her sentence was almost a struggle to say.
Steam from the tea rose again as Funaho lifted her cup to her lips, a short sip and she lowered the cup, keeping it gently in her hands. Misaki fidgeted. "...F-Funaho?"
"Their love is too strong, I doubt any force could truly keep them from each other....."
"Yes I agree.........wait......." Her pink eyes widened as her head shot up and looked the first queen in the eyes "You know!?" She paused "You knew!?" She pointed "How!?"
There was a brief pause as the blue haired queen huffed and puffed in shock, sweating and as the echo of her voice bounced off each surrounding wall. "I am not blind Misaki, protecting her from attackers, saving her life, Buying her expensive clothing. Those goo goo eyes directed at our daughter all the time, eyes of love......" Misaki nodded at each fact, Funaho had been paying attention.
Another calm sip "And not to mention the fact that they were feeling each other up at dinner while we were there...."
Misaki sweat-dropped.
***
Washu placed a hand on her hip "And she wants to do what?" She had changed back into her child form after she had healed her leg. Preferring this body as she felt comfort and safety in it, though she would never admit that to anyone else. Aeka almost towered over the short scientist as both talked in private down in the depths of her lab
"She wants to accompany me when I return to Jurai to speak with my father..." The lighting in the room caused an almost ominous glow across each girl's face, Washu nodded silently and then raised an eyebrow.
If she knew her daughter - which she did, thoroughly. Then she knew exactly what Aeka meant. Two small pointed fangs peeped over her lip "...And you don't want Ryoko going along with you because she'll most likely cause a ruckus, get even DEEPER into your father's bad books, get kicked of Jurai and blemish any plans you may have had to get her accepted as your top suitor" She breathed out heavily after saying that all in one breath. Her grin widened reasonably as the princess's cherry eyes widened in astonishment.
She paused "...I see you already know my plans to have Ryoko as my suitor..." Washu nodded, the small scientist held her hands firmly on her hips, if her height didn't work she at least wanted her ATTITUDE to help her keep her wise look. Amethyst strands of hair fell down over Aeka's shoulders as she tilted her head "Then you will help me?" Washu nodded again.
"If it helps her, and you, then of course. Nothing I can't handle" The princess face-faulted as Washu finished her sentence with her trademark mad scientist cackle.
***
The sound of running water and the turning of taps was heard as Tenchi Masaki closed the bathroom door behind him, he stepped out of the bathroom and gave a long sigh of relief.
Should mere coincidence past his way, he saw Ryoko floating from Aeka's room- clearly searching for her as she wore a puzzled expression on her face. Tenchi smiled and walked forward, she turned as she heard someone approach.
As he stopped in-front of her he wore a smile that was both a mixture of nervousness and shame "..Look Ryoko" He said, at this she raised an eyebrow and cocked her head "About earlier...." Before he could say anymore she had begun walking away, he rushed forward and grabbed her arm "Wait wait!"
"Let go of me!" She tried to yank her arm away but the boy's grip was surprisingly strong .
He pulled her arm again and held onto it "Just let me talk to you please!" She settled slightly but kept her gaze on anything but him, "I want to apologise..." He said, his voice holding a genuine tone of sincerity.
"For what?" She spat.
Releasing her arm he raised an eyebrow "Don't be silly Ryoko.. You know what I mean, I lost my temper and I hit you....For that I'm sorry"
She paused and she stared at him.
A small smile crept upon her face as a shiny, glistening white fang peeked over her bottom lip. She brought her hand out and held it outstretched, just as he was about to take it and shake it in a friendly sign of making up, she raised it again and sent a fist into his face. He yelped and stumbled back, backed into the bathroom door and fell into the bathtub.
Though, as he looked up he was surprised to be greeted by Ryoko - now in a fit or raucous laughter, tears in her eyes as he clutched her stomach in a giddy pain. Tenchi took a moment to take this scene in before breaking into laughter himself. He extracted himself from the tub and stepped outside. Now slightly damp yet grinning all the way. "..So I take It I'm forgiven?" Ryoko managed to cool down and breathed finally, her face returning its normal colour. She nodded and flashed a toothy smile. "...But why on earth did you hit me?"
She shrugged "I didn't, I just tapped you... Guess I don't know my own strength huh?" A large sized sweat-drop fell down upon Tenchi's head and he nodded.
"...I-I Guess...."
Tenchi raised an eyebrow as Ryoko looked about the hall once more, a puzzled expression on her face. "....Are you...Looking for something Ryoko?" Once more glance at Aeka's door and she turned her golden eyes to him.
"Hmm? Oh, Yeh.... Have you seen Aeka about anywhere?" Tenchi inwardly smiled, after he had thought about it he realised that Ryoko and Aeka being together was a wonderful thing. Ryoko's hard exterior had softened and she had become less angry at the world. Aeka had also been easier to approach, her princess duties did not interfere with her every day life so often and she accepted that on earth, she was, and could be as ordinary as any other person. He nodded.
Pointing down the stairs his eyes followed his finger "Yeh, I saw her go into Little Washu's lab a while after she had changed clothes...." Ryoko raised and eyebrow.
What would Aeka be doing in Washu's lab? Unless she needed a favour from her. But if that was so, what favour could she possibly need that Ryoko couldn't do for her? Phasing down in-front at the pine arch-topped door she knocked gently on it and waited any sign of Washu. Sure enough her cheery bright-eyed face appeared onto the tinted circular window that resided in the centre of the upper half of the door. Upon seeing Ryoko Washu's smile widened that much more. "Yes little Ryoko? Can I help you?"
Ignoring that word she so hated being placed before her name she nodded and folded her arms "Yeh, I've been told Aeka is down there?"
"Ah yes, the princess came to me to see whether Ryu-oh had made any progress, she did want to use her ship to go back to Jurai, sadly it hasn't finished re-generation yet" Quite pleased with her cover up Washu finished her sentence with a sigh.
"......Oh right"
"Don't worry dear she's coming now"
Washu's face vanished and the lab door opened with a hiss, Aeka stepped outside and smiled at her nodding. "Hello Ryoko, did you want me?"
As the door closed the cyan haired girl followed Aeka into the living room, standing in-front of her as she sat down her eyes darted over her form. Seeing this Aeka raised an eyebrow and tilted her head "....Is.... something wrong?"
Ryoko shook her head and looked up at Aeka "...She.... didn't DO..any-
Aeka gave a slight giggle "Oh Ryoko I am just fine do not fret" Then at Ryoko still constant stare she grinned and added "So sweet of you to worry about my safety, goodness KNOWS what miss Washu could have done to me"
Blushing Ryoko sat herself down next to Aeka and flipped through the channels on the T.V "I wasn't worried just.... concerned...."
From up on the landing Tenchi rested his arms on the wooden banister and peered over into the living room, a smile on his face. He nodded to himself and made his way back down to his room, to leave the two in peace.
End Chapter 9
Finally its done ^_^ Sorry it took so long I've been preoccupied with other things. Anyways, TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK! Email me at yokouragasi593@hotmail.com How else would I know to continue or not? If I dont get a certain amount of emails there wont be any next chapter 'till I do.
And reveiw!
((Yuffie))
::Juraian Determination::
".....Ryoko?"
As the sound of water cascading over the small fall in the Onsen and the small sound of it lapping against the two girls bodies, Ryoko shifted herself and opened one eye.
"Hmmm?" Was her only reply. Too tired for much talk she raised her eyebrow as Aeka snuggled against her. "Can we stay like this forever?" Came Aeka's small voice. Ryoko had heard that line once before, and it puzzled her.
Now, opening both eyes she looked down, at the princess' violet hair. Though she didn't speak, she knew that Aeka wasn't finished. "...I don't think we can Ryoko..." Sighing softly, she looked up, and Ryoko was surprised to see the start of tears in her eyes.
Gently she reached down and wiped away the stray tears that began their descent down Aeka's cheek. She tilted her head to the side, "..Why not?"
The princess gave a small saddened smile, this caused Ryoko to frown in a slight confusion. "Not now that everybody knows...." She shook her head, "No... Brother Yosho will probably have heard by now, Tenchi's father looked very excited. I'm sure that he went to the shrine to inform him of us..." The amber eyed girl opened her mouth to speak, but she was silenced as Aeka gently put a finger to her lips. She sat back, and looked Ryoko directly in the eyes, her serious look sent a chill up Ryoko's spine. Then she nodded "I have made my decision.... I shall return to Jurai and speak with my father"
Shaking her head Ryoko huffed "Don't, you know more than any of us just how pig headed that guy is.... He wouldn't ever accept me as Juraian let alone suitor for his daughter!"
"Then I shall make him accept you"
"Don't bother, there's no way in hell-
Aeka stood and turned, causing Ryoko to stop in mid sentence. "...I will make him see.... Even if I have to give up my title... You will be accepted by my father, he has no right to cast judgement" Glancing over her shoulder, she turned back and looked at the amber eyed girl "...He doesn't even know you"
She stepped out of the Onsens water and headed toward the exit, She stopped however as she heard a movement in the air and the tell noise of Ryoko's teleportation. Then a hand on her shoulder.
"Your determined about this aren't you?"
Aeka nodded, her back still to Ryoko, she did not turn, nor glance over her shoulder.
"You don't have to do this for me you know..... I don't mind"
Her own hand went up and gently rested on Ryoko's "...You don't see.... sooner or later father will get ear of this.... He will come for me. And he will not listen... If I go there first, I may be able to change his mind... He may listen to me"
"This is just gonna be trouble for you, ya know"
A light giggle and Aeka looked at her "...Yes, but you are worth the hassle.. My troublesome Ryoko" Ryoko grinned as the princess gently poked her nose.
Her response was a short nod "Alright, then I'll come with ya..." The princess smiled and nodded. Gathering her clothes she dressed, Ryoko phasing into an outfit and they left the onsen.
***
Back on Jurai, the two queens sat comfortably in a large room, a small table in the centre with a pillow at each end. Each sat on a pillow of their own, quietly sipping tea. Once in a while, Misaki would look up from her cup and give Funaho- who kept her gaze on her cup- a puzzled and curious look. This went on for a few more minutes until at last, the first queen placed the tea cup on the table.
"...Is something wrong Misaki?" The blue haired queen jumped slightly, her hands flailing about in an attempt not to drop the cup in shock. Some how she managed to place it back onto the table, without spilling a drop. Funaho gently smiled. "There seems to be something on your mind"
".Um..w-well...." She started, obviously not very comfortable to say it openly. Her pink eyes shifted about the room and focused on the guards standing inside next to the door.
To this Funaho smiled again. She looked over at the men standing there and nodded to them, both each beat the end of their wooden staff on the floor twice before walking hastily out of the room.
Once the huge double doors at the entrance of their bedroom closed behind the guards, Misaki breathed a sigh of relief. Relaxing slightly she smiled "I'm always so tense when they're here..." Her Co-wife gave a small chuckle, holding her hand over her mouth in politeness .
The steam off her teacup rose in a gracefully dancing spiral, flowing around the room until it seemed to disappear when it travelled into the light. Neither spoke, as Funaho waited for Misaki to continue, Misaki waiting for Funaho to ask her again. She saw this and closed her eyes, a knowing smile hidden as she looked down at her cup. "....So" That was all she needed to say as Misaki instantly spoke up.
"Don't you think Aeka and Ryoko m-make.. such wonderful friends?" The nervousness in her tone was evident, each word seemed to shake and shiver through her lips. Deep brown eyes rose and focused upon cerise. The second queen swallowed hard, her co-wife's quizzical stare burned through her. Funaho was looking deeper, she was perceptive, and she saw a hidden meaning to this conversation. Misaki knew it.
Quickly, as not to be interrupted she continued "I-I mean.. It'd be.... A-A shame.... If they... were to, be separated... By reasons beyond our control of course.... D-Don't you think so Funaho?" It seemed as if her sentence was almost a struggle to say.
Steam from the tea rose again as Funaho lifted her cup to her lips, a short sip and she lowered the cup, keeping it gently in her hands. Misaki fidgeted. "...F-Funaho?"
"Their love is too strong, I doubt any force could truly keep them from each other....."
"Yes I agree.........wait......." Her pink eyes widened as her head shot up and looked the first queen in the eyes "You know!?" She paused "You knew!?" She pointed "How!?"
There was a brief pause as the blue haired queen huffed and puffed in shock, sweating and as the echo of her voice bounced off each surrounding wall. "I am not blind Misaki, protecting her from attackers, saving her life, Buying her expensive clothing. Those goo goo eyes directed at our daughter all the time, eyes of love......" Misaki nodded at each fact, Funaho had been paying attention.
Another calm sip "And not to mention the fact that they were feeling each other up at dinner while we were there...."
Misaki sweat-dropped.
***
Washu placed a hand on her hip "And she wants to do what?" She had changed back into her child form after she had healed her leg. Preferring this body as she felt comfort and safety in it, though she would never admit that to anyone else. Aeka almost towered over the short scientist as both talked in private down in the depths of her lab
"She wants to accompany me when I return to Jurai to speak with my father..." The lighting in the room caused an almost ominous glow across each girl's face, Washu nodded silently and then raised an eyebrow.
If she knew her daughter - which she did, thoroughly. Then she knew exactly what Aeka meant. Two small pointed fangs peeped over her lip "...And you don't want Ryoko going along with you because she'll most likely cause a ruckus, get even DEEPER into your father's bad books, get kicked of Jurai and blemish any plans you may have had to get her accepted as your top suitor" She breathed out heavily after saying that all in one breath. Her grin widened reasonably as the princess's cherry eyes widened in astonishment.
She paused "...I see you already know my plans to have Ryoko as my suitor..." Washu nodded, the small scientist held her hands firmly on her hips, if her height didn't work she at least wanted her ATTITUDE to help her keep her wise look. Amethyst strands of hair fell down over Aeka's shoulders as she tilted her head "Then you will help me?" Washu nodded again.
"If it helps her, and you, then of course. Nothing I can't handle" The princess face-faulted as Washu finished her sentence with her trademark mad scientist cackle.
***
The sound of running water and the turning of taps was heard as Tenchi Masaki closed the bathroom door behind him, he stepped out of the bathroom and gave a long sigh of relief.
Should mere coincidence past his way, he saw Ryoko floating from Aeka's room- clearly searching for her as she wore a puzzled expression on her face. Tenchi smiled and walked forward, she turned as she heard someone approach.
As he stopped in-front of her he wore a smile that was both a mixture of nervousness and shame "..Look Ryoko" He said, at this she raised an eyebrow and cocked her head "About earlier...." Before he could say anymore she had begun walking away, he rushed forward and grabbed her arm "Wait wait!"
"Let go of me!" She tried to yank her arm away but the boy's grip was surprisingly strong .
He pulled her arm again and held onto it "Just let me talk to you please!" She settled slightly but kept her gaze on anything but him, "I want to apologise..." He said, his voice holding a genuine tone of sincerity.
"For what?" She spat.
Releasing her arm he raised an eyebrow "Don't be silly Ryoko.. You know what I mean, I lost my temper and I hit you....For that I'm sorry"
She paused and she stared at him.
A small smile crept upon her face as a shiny, glistening white fang peeked over her bottom lip. She brought her hand out and held it outstretched, just as he was about to take it and shake it in a friendly sign of making up, she raised it again and sent a fist into his face. He yelped and stumbled back, backed into the bathroom door and fell into the bathtub.
Though, as he looked up he was surprised to be greeted by Ryoko - now in a fit or raucous laughter, tears in her eyes as he clutched her stomach in a giddy pain. Tenchi took a moment to take this scene in before breaking into laughter himself. He extracted himself from the tub and stepped outside. Now slightly damp yet grinning all the way. "..So I take It I'm forgiven?" Ryoko managed to cool down and breathed finally, her face returning its normal colour. She nodded and flashed a toothy smile. "...But why on earth did you hit me?"
She shrugged "I didn't, I just tapped you... Guess I don't know my own strength huh?" A large sized sweat-drop fell down upon Tenchi's head and he nodded.
"...I-I Guess...."
Tenchi raised an eyebrow as Ryoko looked about the hall once more, a puzzled expression on her face. "....Are you...Looking for something Ryoko?" Once more glance at Aeka's door and she turned her golden eyes to him.
"Hmm? Oh, Yeh.... Have you seen Aeka about anywhere?" Tenchi inwardly smiled, after he had thought about it he realised that Ryoko and Aeka being together was a wonderful thing. Ryoko's hard exterior had softened and she had become less angry at the world. Aeka had also been easier to approach, her princess duties did not interfere with her every day life so often and she accepted that on earth, she was, and could be as ordinary as any other person. He nodded.
Pointing down the stairs his eyes followed his finger "Yeh, I saw her go into Little Washu's lab a while after she had changed clothes...." Ryoko raised and eyebrow.
What would Aeka be doing in Washu's lab? Unless she needed a favour from her. But if that was so, what favour could she possibly need that Ryoko couldn't do for her? Phasing down in-front at the pine arch-topped door she knocked gently on it and waited any sign of Washu. Sure enough her cheery bright-eyed face appeared onto the tinted circular window that resided in the centre of the upper half of the door. Upon seeing Ryoko Washu's smile widened that much more. "Yes little Ryoko? Can I help you?"
Ignoring that word she so hated being placed before her name she nodded and folded her arms "Yeh, I've been told Aeka is down there?"
"Ah yes, the princess came to me to see whether Ryu-oh had made any progress, she did want to use her ship to go back to Jurai, sadly it hasn't finished re-generation yet" Quite pleased with her cover up Washu finished her sentence with a sigh.
"......Oh right"
"Don't worry dear she's coming now"
Washu's face vanished and the lab door opened with a hiss, Aeka stepped outside and smiled at her nodding. "Hello Ryoko, did you want me?"
As the door closed the cyan haired girl followed Aeka into the living room, standing in-front of her as she sat down her eyes darted over her form. Seeing this Aeka raised an eyebrow and tilted her head "....Is.... something wrong?"
Ryoko shook her head and looked up at Aeka "...She.... didn't DO..any-
Aeka gave a slight giggle "Oh Ryoko I am just fine do not fret" Then at Ryoko still constant stare she grinned and added "So sweet of you to worry about my safety, goodness KNOWS what miss Washu could have done to me"
Blushing Ryoko sat herself down next to Aeka and flipped through the channels on the T.V "I wasn't worried just.... concerned...."
From up on the landing Tenchi rested his arms on the wooden banister and peered over into the living room, a smile on his face. He nodded to himself and made his way back down to his room, to leave the two in peace.
End Chapter 9
Finally its done ^_^ Sorry it took so long I've been preoccupied with other things. Anyways, TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK! Email me at yokouragasi593@hotmail.com How else would I know to continue or not? If I dont get a certain amount of emails there wont be any next chapter 'till I do.
And reveiw!
((Yuffie))