::The princess and the pirate Chapter 11::
::A woman's touch::
All went quiet, as that single name seemed to roll off her tongue in a tidal wave of consequences and fatal outcomes, all the surrounding council gasped and her father's eyes widened in shock. He stood from his seat and pointed down to the now quivering woman in-front of him. "Do my ears deceive me!?" His voice bellowed in her ears and she yelped, letting her fear actually show for an instant.
Even if this man were indeed her father, there was no doubting how absolutely frightening he could be once angered. "Or does my daughter speak of that monster that plagued our planet 700 years ago!?"
She felt her legs try and give way, they shook and felt like jelly beneath her. But the use of her father's words sent a strength of anger cascading through her body, she held strong and stood forward "She is NOT a monster!" Her father's eyes widened once again and he even took a step back, the shear anger in his daughter's eyes shocked him thoroughly she pointed her own finger directly at him and her expression held one of pure rage. "She is KIND and CARING and she has changed since then! Besides! It wasn't even HER who attacked Jurai! She was being controlled by that bastard Kagato!!"
That had really done it. Azusa was knocked into speechlessness and fell back onto his throne, he looked a few shades paler as his breathing came in long heavy pants. His eldest daughter, the next inline for the throne. Destined to rule one of the most powerful empires in the universe....... had just sworn, shown him up in-front of the whole Juraian council and was standing against him.
She was born a leader.
Funaho stood from her seat and walked calmly down towards Aeka "Now now, calm down" Aeka's eyes still held a small amount of fury in them but she had calmed slightly. The first queen approached her and she gently rested a comforting hand on her shoulder. "This shall all be settled... do not worry"
"B-But Mother Funaho... F-Father he.. he called her..." Funaho nodded and she patted the girl's head gently, Aeka looked so timid, she looked hurt also, for Ryoko. Sending a glare towards her hyperventilating husband she sighed.
"Sadly, your Father is not very good with words Aeka... he tends to say things he doesn't mean..." Changing her glare into that of a penetrating death glare she kept her gaze on Azusa "Isn't that RIGHT Azusa, DEAR?"
Before he could start another argument Washu phased into the centre of the room. She held out her arms between both father and daughter "PLEASE PLEASE" All went silent and Aeka calmed completely, Azusa stared down at the peculiar red head he knew to be professor Washu "Can we just ALL stay quiet for a MOMENT"
And they did, and Washu nodded in approval. "There's a simple way to settle this" She said "Ryoko and Aeka love each other very much, and regardless of whether or not you allow her to be your daughter's suitor Azusa, Ryoko will not be separated from Aeka... And I doubt any of you have to power to do so in the first place" Azusa made a face of disgust and surprise, but never the less he stayed silent and let her continue. "We put Ryoko to the Juraian tests you guys use on suitors of high choice, and if she passes, then we go from there"
This time Azusa had his say "I will NOT allow that.... HER to go through any tests of Jurai tradition, she will NOT become my daughter's suitor without my permission"
Washu smirked.
Pulling a small book from her pocket she put on a small pair of spectacles. "Article number 3,00050 line 4,5060 of the Juraian laws of suitor acceptance; Any suitor may be accepted to endure the sacred tests ONLY if 3 members of Jurain royalty agree....."
This time Azusa smirked "Yes yes, that is all very well, Misaki and Funaho may agree but without my approval then there will BE no tests"
"Ah, but you see that is where you are wrong"
A royal low feminine voice came from across the great hall, the huge grand double doors opened with an almighty creek. And from in the centre of those doors, stood non other but Kamiki Seto Jurai smirking in all her glory. And not to mention her cool entrance.
She wafted her fan delicately around her face and walked slowly up into the centre of the room. "Hello there Little Washu...." Washu bowed and nodded.
"Lady Seto... how wonderful to be graced by your presence"
Seto nodded and looked toward her daughter Misaki, "The sacred book says only three members of Jurai royal family need approve..... Then by all means, If Aeka shall be happy, You have my approval"
"As you have mine" Nodded Funaho, giving a warm caring smile at Aeka who returned it with joy. The second queen bounded over to her daughter happily and nodded, her usual perky exterior showing brighter than ever.
"And mine!" She squealed happily and 'attacked' her daughter with a extra strong embrace. After a few moments of nearly suffocating her daughter Misaki let go and skipped over to her mother who patted her gently on the head. Even if Misaki was an adult and had children of her own, she still had the personality and energy of a child. Seto of course was obviously used to this as her face kept straight even as her daughter skipped laps around her.
Aeka- now with a happy smile on her face turned to Seto. She bowed politely "Thank-you Grandmot....." A death glare from Seto caused her to sweat-drop and step back, she coughed and laughed nervously "I-I mean AUNT Seto..." Seto smiled "I am very very grateful for what you have done"
An idle wave of her hand and she pointed her closed fan toward Aeka "Don't mention it Aeka, I am positive Ryoko will make a wonderful suitor, she makes you happy I can tell"
A small blush and she nodded in agreement, then looking about slightly she wore a puzzled look "...Speaking of which... Where IS Ryoko?" Her glance turned to Washu who looked lethargically at a time piece on her wrist.
She made a 'hmm' noise to herself and nodded, then looking up at Aeka a knowing grin pasted itself on her features "I'd step back if I were you, because your about to find out"
Raising her eyebrow in bewilderment the princess looked about "I don't understand miss Washu what are you- AGH!?"
Eyes widened in pure revelation as from out of no-where Ryoko materialised and flew straight into Aeka glomping her and hanging lovingly around her neck. All onlookers apart from Azusa made a face of approval and 'awwed' as Seto held tightly onto Misaki's collar stopping her from tackling both girls in glee. The second queens expression- not far from resembling that of a cat whom had just spotted a huge mouse- struggled in her mothers grasp, her arms outstretched in an attempt to scoop them both up in a hug.
The princess just blushed slightly and allowed Ryoko to hang contently around her neck, the tail of her dress swishing around- a sign of her state of mind as she nuzzled the back of Aeka's neck.
Suddenly a dazed groan came from over at the throne and all eyes turned to Azusa, who by now was starting to re-gain consciousness. looking over at his daughter and seeing Ryoko dangling around her neck caused him to groan again "Don't....*I* Get a say in this?" The look however he received off of Funaho, Misaki and Seto told him that of course, he wouldn't and probably wouldn't ever. So, sighing in defeat, he concluded that for the safety of his health. It would be better just to fall unconscious again and be carried to his room by nearby sentries.
***
It was mid afternoon as Yagami touched down on Earth's surface. The engine quietened and the door opened with a hiss. Out-stepped first class detective Kiyone, looking about for a moment she stepped onto the Masaki lawn.
"Sure is quiet" She spoke in a whisper to herself. "No explosions.... no fires, no screams.." Quickly she set off down the path to the Masaki house, not bothering to knock she slid open the door and ran inside.
There she was greeted by a peculiar scene. Everything was quiet, Mihoshi slept soundly on the couch, the smell of cooking from the kitchen. Nobuyuki sat on the floor staring at the T.V and some show with two women covered in dirt rolling about in a kiddy pool. Tenchi and that girl she knew to be Sakuya talked happily on the other couch. And not a sake bottle or high- pitched scream in sight or ear. "Uh..." She started in confusion, "What happened to Ryoko and Aeka?"
"Huh?" Came Mihoshi's sleepy voice as she lifted her head and propped her chin on the back of the couch, looking over at Kiyone her face immediately lost all drowsiness and she leapt over the back and skipped over to her partner.
Throwing her arms around the confused officer she beamed "Kiyone!" Her blonde hair waved under Kiyone's nose and she was shook out of her state of shear bafflement.
"Oh.... Hi Mihoshi....Say" She said, taking another extra look around the living room "Where's Aeka and Ryoko?"
Unlatching herself from the teal haired officer she giggled and smiled "They went to prove Ryoko's position as first chosen suitor for the princess......"
"....Right"
It took a moment for her to realize what had just been said. Her not being around for a while meant she had missed a lot.
".....Wait a second....... HUH!?"
***
Ryoko grumbled once more as she shifted about uncomfortably in her cushion , her eyes moved accusingly over to Aeka- who in turn gave her a smile "....Tell me one thing again" She looked back to the board game and to her sky blue haired opponent. Then back to Aeka "Why am I playing a game of chess..... and with your mother?"
In response she giggled "It's a test Ryoko, to test your focus and strategy on certain things...." She gained a puzzled look from the cyan haired woman "Basically if you win you pass the first test"
Ryoko grumbled again "But chess is so boring!"
She was caught slightly off-guard as Aeka leaned closer to her ear and whispered softly into it "I shall reward you personally if you win..."
A small blush and grin crossed her features and she quickly moved a pawn to take Misaki's castle. Misaki pouted and Ryoko continued playing.
***
"Wow" Was all officer Kiyone could say. After having a long, very detailed and not to mention confusing explanation of what was going on between Aeka and Ryoko she slumped down onto the couch and stared blankly at the wall.
"All this has happened since I've been away?" Her awe struck face caused concerned looks to be directed in her direction from all the members of the house hold. "..Who woulda thought it...."
***
Grinning triumphantly Ryoko took Misaki's final piece. "WOO! I won!" As Misaki pouted in defeat Ryoko placed her hands on her hips and lifted her head letting out a loud hearty laugh of glory. It seemed as though the first test was easily passed. If all the others were like these she'd get through them no problem.
As she looked to her right she caught sight of Aeka walking to the exit of the room, as the princess was about to walk through the now open grand doors she turned and flashed that seductive Aeka smirk that only Ryoko had yet seen. No one else, except the amber eyed Oni had EVER seen the princess's seductive side let alone witness and experience it. That tiny faint blush appeared over the bridge of her nose once again and as Aeka exited the room Ryoko turned her attention to the older women surrounding her "....I godda go... I'll be back in a few minutes"
Before either Funaho, Seto, Misaki or Washu could protest she had teleported from the scene and into the hallway leading from the grand hall. Looking about she only just caught glimpse of Aeka walking around a corner down at the end of the hall.
Ryoko grinned and followed.
Each time she turned a corner she looked to the end and just caught sight of the princess's kimono as she turned a corner, Ryoko briefly wondered how she was moving so fast, but she let that question slide and hurried on after her.
Twisting and turning around each corner and winding corridor in the palace Ryoko was beginning to wonder when she would finally catch up to Aeka, turning one final corner she was stunned to see that Aeka was no were in sight.
However, as she looked down the final corridor she saw it lead out into a garden of sorts. So, quickly she flew out into it. As she floated along a single path she took time to look about at the beautiful Juraian scenery surrounding her. Fountains of all shapes and sizes were placed here and there in the garden, as beautiful Juraian plants and trees decorated it.
She stopped though, when she came upon a strange structure. Looking at it she saw this building- a beautiful mass of twisted Juraian trees and wood- must house someone important, so continuing up the last of the path she came to the entrance. There, stood a huge red door, beautiful crafted and decorated with bands of twisted solid gold.
Looking again she saw two Juraian sentries posted on either side of the magnificent door, she approached slowly unsure as to whether her presence had been noted throughout the palace, for all she knew, those soldiers could have though she were still a threat to their planet.
To her relief however they did not ready their weapons and, instead, they stood aside. "Lady Ryoko...." The soldier on the right said, Ryoko raised her eyebrow, the first time she had ever been called 'lady' "The princess awaits you inside...." Ryoko paused and then looked at the door again.
"So what's that door lead to?"
The soldier on the left spoke up "To the princess's bedroom lady Ryoko"
Ryoko's grin widened again, her blush re-appeared.
Not saying another word she walked forwards and reached out for the door handle, just as she was about to turn it she stopped and decided that knocking might be a better choice. So- tapping lightly on the door she stood outside and waited for it to open as the two guards moved off back down the garden path and stood at the entrance to the hallway.
However when no answer came again Ryoko knocked once more, the sound of running water and the chirping of birds sang in the background from within the garden.
But to her dismay, again there was no answer. So instead she phased her head through the door.
To her surprise- and delight- the room was dark, only lit by a dim lamp over in the corner. Looking about she saw no Aeka. "..Uh..Aeka?" She said, as she phased her shoulders and half of her torso through "Are you in here?"
Completely phasing inside she looked into the darkness, stopping as her eyes picked up something. The dim light shone partly on a huge double bed- purple silk sheets spread across it and as she approached and ran a hand along the fabric her blush shone again.
Though, she did not have long to stare at the bed as she was pushed from behind, a feminine giggle sounded behind her as she fell onto the bed. "Oof!" was all she could say as the person who had pushed her climbed onto the bed beside her and pinned her down.
Then her eyes widened.
She could.... feel something.... warm and...... moist on her torso. As she looked up two rose eyes shone down at her, tinted with mischievousness.
Blushing respectfully she picked out parts of Aeka's body as the dim light shone on her, and she saw, that the shy princess, the one that would squeal if you playfully took her towel from her and ran around the onsen waving it, the Aeka she once knew... Was looking down at her- eyes narrowed into a seductive expression as she straddled Ryoko's hips, naked.
"...O-Oh god..." Gulping loudly she mentally sobbed with joy as this once shy princess leaned forward and whispered into her ear.
"What's wrong Ryoko?" Her breath warm as it blew heavily onto Ryoko's neck. "You seem to be a little surprised" Another giggle and Aeka ran her hands down Ryoko's front, grinning as she felt two certain rock hard things poking through Ryoko's front. "But you seem to be enjoying it...."
A whimper as the princess trailed her hand down to Ryoko's thighs, she pressed lightly against the fabric between her legs "Very much from the looks of things...." Pausing to smile down at Ryoko, the princess leaned forward and kissed her cyan haired lover passionately on the lips.
Her reaction was immediate, no sooner had their lips touched than Ryoko shot up her arms and wrapped them around the princess's neck kissing her back. The princess broke away from the kiss and Ryoko let out a groan of disappointment, which was soon followed by a groan of a very different kind as Aeka began to gently kiss down her neck.
Staring into the darkness she focused her eyes, her modified vision adjusting to the dark scenery, and as she felt the princess's kisses move to her collar bone, she grinned and phased out of her clothes.
As she felt Aeka shift on her torso she blushed again feeling that damp spot move onto somewhere else. "Seems I'm not the only one enjoying this Aeka" Quickly she flipped herself over and straddled the violet haired woman's hips, Aeka gasped in surprise which turned into a soft moan as Ryoko moved her hips slightly, brushing both their pelvises together. "Mmm..." It had been a while since Ryoko had taken control of their love- making. Usually the princess made all the moves and Ryoko followed, something she would never normally do, but when it came down to Aeka- she would do just about anything.
This time however was different, as Ryoko was now in full control. Moving her hips again she grinned down at the princess's expression, her mouth was hung slightly open, her eyes closed as her breasts moved with Ryoko's hip motions. She moaned again, lifting her hips up to meet Ryoko's, but to her surprise Ryoko was gone.
Blinking she opened her eyes and looked up, no Ryoko straddling her anymore. So, sitting up she looked about the room in confusion "..Ryoko? where are....ooh!" Her hands moved down to rest on the back of Ryoko's head as she lay back and spread her legs slightly, giving her lover more room to move freely. Her breath quickened as she felt Ryoko's tongue moving inside her, closing her eyes tightly she panted and moaned an explosion of bright lights as she scrunched her eyes up ever tighter.
It seemed as if that bright white light grew larger and larger with each passing second, her plans of catching Ryoko off-guard and doing to her as she pleased was being turned upside down in Ryoko's favour.
Though she didn't mind.
Oh no, and why would she? Her moans of pleasure showed that she had no objections to Ryoko's attention, in-fact the princess was gasping out words asking Ryoko to continue. "O-ooh.. Please..d-don't stop.." She groaned, Ryoko's face becoming steadily damp from Aeka's arousal. And she did not stop, the space pirate actually moaned softly herself, seemingly enjoying the moment as she lapped around like some giant purring tabby cat.
As the light almost blinded her and her screams of erotic pleasure seemed as though they may have even been heard back at the grand hall, Aeka's eyes burst open as she flung her head back and stared wild eyed at the ceiling, one last- loud yell of release as she climaxed before falling back limply.
Her lover purred and she wiped her lip with the back of her hand, mimicking the animal she so much resembled. Crawling, on all fours she crept up beside the worn out princess, leaning over to nuzzle her neck gently as she softly purred causing Aeka to smile. A small kiss on Aeka's cheek and she snuggled up beside her, closing her eyes as she decided to take- in her opinion- a well earned rest.
***
"What do you think?" Said Misaki, as she moved her knight one space forward and then a few spaces to the right.
Washu looked up from her game of chess with the second queen, at this stage in the game, it was quite clear that she would win. Only Misaki's king, queen and a single knight left. Where as she had all her pieces still intact. "What? About Ryoko you mean?"
The second queen nodded and moved her queen. "Yes, do you think she'll pass the Juraian tests?"
"For sure" The level of confidence in her daughter was evident in her tone of voice. She moved a pawn.
Seto sat a little way away from the two, her fan wafted lightly in her face as she shared a pot of tea with her daughter-in-law, Funaho. She raised an eyebrow at Funaho's look, turning her head she followed the second queen's gaze to the door leading towards the Juraian gardens, then looked back. "And just what has interested you so?"
Averting her gaze she looked to Seto "They've been gone for a long while don't you think?"
Not looking up from her chess game Washu added "Probably still at a little humpy bumpy" She was trying to figure out how the table had suddenly turned, and she was now loosing. Misaki raised an eyebrow.
"Is it even possible to go that long?"
"It is for Ryoko" The red-head clearly stated, suddenly face-faulting as Misaki moved her piece.
"Checkmate" She chirped happily.
***
Sasami sighed again, as she stared longingly out the window. She was worried about her sister, and Ryoko. She hoped that her father would listen to Aeka, though Aeka did make a good point and she hardly ever backed down when she was fighting for something she felt strongly about. And Sasami knew.
Aeka felt the strongest about Ryoko than anything.
That was why the little princess sighed, she was so happy that both of them were getting along, and even MORE happy for them when she found out they were in love.
"Just like mother and mother Funaho..." She whispered to herself.
Ryoko was so brave, and strong, and beautiful. She wished she would be with someone like that when she grew up. Once she had thought that she would be with Tenchi if Aeka and Ryoko were not chosen, but now Tenchi loved Sakuya. And no matter how much she hated admitting this. She was very jealous of Sakuya, enough that she even nearly hated her. Especially after she found out that she had purposely told everyone that Ryoko, Aeka and Washu had already gone home when the black haired girl knew she hadn't. Sasami was very angry at her for that. That day she didn't give Sakuya seconds for lunch.
That showed her. She thought.
She sighed again. One day, she would be with someone who loved her just as much as Ryoko loved Aeka, and she would love them back.
She just wished someday would hurry up.
***
Ryoko tugged once again on the strange garb she was wearing, fidgeting as it caused her to itch and squirm. Seto flicked Ryoko's hand from her sleeve "Don't fidget" She said, emitting a pout from Ryoko, and then a sigh.
"Why am I wearing this stupid thing anyways?"
"THAT stupid thing" Seto interrupted "..Is royal Juraian armour young lady"
"...Oh" A small sweat-drop and nervous smile on her face.
They were all stood in the palace courtyard, Seto, Misaki, Funaho, Washu, Aeka and of course Azusa. The king was talking to a palace guard quietly, the guard nodded and headed into a near-by door. Turning back to Seto Ryoko raised her eyebrow "So what's this test then?"
Seto looked down at the cyan haired girl, clad in a smart looking Juraian armour consisting of blues and greens, a dark blue ring around her arm. "Test number 2: Strength, wit, and skill"
She grinned at this "Sounds fun... but how do I prove I have all these?"
Pointing a finger to the door the guard had retreated into, Ryoko turned her head and looked over. The door opened and out stepped, as only could be described as; the most feminine looking man she had ever seen. He had long pure white hair stretching down to his back, a blue ribbon tying it at the bottom. His eyes a bluish silver sparkled as he looked directly at her, his clothes were bright red littered with fuzzy pink pompoms down the sides. The robe almost covered his feet and nearly resembled a kimono as he walked, hips swaying toward her. "Beat him" Was all Seto said.
Trying hard not to laugh at this strange girly man, she raised her eyebrow as Azusa stood behind him, both of them only a few metres apart as the onlookers, from the safety of a seating box to their right, looked on intently. The man stepped forward and bowed politely "I am Shinorio, a pleasure to meet you pretty lady" He rose again "May I ask you your name?"
"Ryoko" She said, trying to figure out the man. There was something to him that she couldn't quite place her finger on.
"My my..." He said, placing a hand over his mouth "Your name is so beautiful, like the sweet smell of roses in a morning, it matches your own beauty one so graceful I cannot compare anything to..."
Ryoko looked back at Seto, and whispered in her ear "Who's this loser?"
Grinning widely Seto whispered back "Shinorio, a rich lord's son, he's Azusa's chosen suitor for Aeka"
"THAT guy?" She glanced back at him then turned to Seto, "If he's Aeka's suitor, what's with all the compliments to me?"
"Sweet talk, he's trying to flatter you so you won't be as hard on him when you fight"
The king stepped forward, a confident smirk on his face as he stood between the two suitors. "As you already know, you both or the highest suitors for my daughter, today you are going to prove who is the greatest out of you both"
"Fine with me" Said Ryoko as Seto moved from behind her and walked over to the other spectators joining them and sitting beside Washu.
Shonrio bowed and pulled from his robe a wooden hilt of a sword igniting its pink blade. "Very well, let the best ..... person win" As Azusa also followed Seto, standing behind in-front of them all, Ryoko summoned her energy sword .
"....Begin"
Immediately Ryoko leaped forward, bringing her sword down above Shinorio's head. But to her surprise, as the blow was about to connect, a shield surrounded the ghost haired man and Ryoko's sword was deflected sending her flying back as she landed gracefully on the floor, crouching. "Damn..."
Standing again she dashed forwards, and as he brought his sword up to guard his face she flickered from sight, re-appearing above him, she took a slash at the back of his neck, but again, just as the blade was about to touch that same shield burst into life and defended against her blow. Jumping back she clutched her sword tightly and glared at the smirking man across from her.
{Don't use your sword}
Quickly looking to her right she saw Washu calmly looking over at her. {Huh?}
{Your sword isn't affecting his shield, it automatically defends against any kind of material energy, your gonna have to figure out another way of beating him Ryoko}
She nodded {Right} And dissipated her energy sword, crouching down into a hand-to-hand combat stance she turned..
And started running in the opposite direction.
"Just where do you think your going?!" Screamed Shinorio "Get back here you coward!" Stepping forward he tried to run after her, suddenly his eyes widened and he fell flat on his face.
Hearing this Ryoko immediatly stopped and turned to look over at him, a triumphant look on her face. "..Seems you can't run in that dress of yours huh?" The blue eyed man screamed and sat up.
"This is NOT a dress!"
From across the room Aeka giggled as her father sighed and slumped his shoulders. "Ill have you know! Your filthy ruffian, that this robe is the finest Ryuten robe money can buy!" He paused as he noticed Ryoko's expression, a curious look on her face as she stared at him. "W-Whaaaat?!" His cheeks puffed out as he panted heavily, Ryoko pointed at him.
"Your face is bleeding"
Reaching up slowly, his fingers met a warm liquid. As his eyes widened and he began whimpering he brought his hand down and looked at it "B-Blood" Quickly reaching into his robe he pulled out a mirror and began inspecting his face, dirt marks and cuts and blood smudged all over it. "M-MY face! MY BEAUTIFUL FACE RUINED!!"
Breaking down into a fit of sobs he was escorted out of room by nearby guards, Azusa let a long sigh. "Alright, you pass" Hearing his daughter's scream of delight and seeing her literally JUMP out of the seating box and run over to Ryoko throwing her arms around her neck Azusa couldn't help but smile. "HOWEVER" He said, getting confused looks from the embracing couple "You have one final test, then I will decide"
***
Back at the Masaki house, Mioshi and Kiyone sat on the living room couch quietly watching night-time TV, as the show went off and the commercials came on Mihoshi turned curiously to look at her teal haired partner. "Kiyone..." Kiyone paused a second then turned her head to look at her, "Don't you think Ryoko and Aeka make such a perfect match?"
Raising her eyebrow she shrugged "I dunno, I mean I've not been here for a while so I haven't seen them together, but what I've hear from you guys I guess they go pretty well together" She paused her eyebrow raising again "Why?"
The look Mihoshi gave her caused her to both blush and scamper off the couch, waving her arms in-front of her "Ooooh no, no no no no NO NO NO!"
***
It seemed as this was the last test. Washu said that usually, there would only be three tests if the suitor was already highly recommended. She stood in some sort of witness box, well that's what she described it as. She'd seen them on TV on some show called judge ..... July? Juni? She couldn't remember. Azusa sat on a large chair on a balcony above her. His hands were joined together as he stared down at her with a curious look. She had absolutely no idea what she was suppose to do, or what was going on.
Finally Azusa stood "So" He said, his voice echoing around the room. "You wish to be my daughter's suitor, you think that you are worthy do you?" Aeka from her near left was obviously nervous she sat in-between Washu and Misaki, both of them consoling her that everything would be fine. Seto sat behind her daughter and beside Funaho, both of them seemingly calm whispered among themselves.
She nodded and again Azusa spoke up. "You wish to be accepted by our people?" Again she nodded, he paused. ".....Very well, that can be achieved, it is quite evident that you do not threaten us or wish to....I shall explain to all of Jurai how the incident 700 years ago, was not your fault" Ryoko smiled and sighed in relief, at least now she would not be treated like a disease. "Tell me one thing though, Ryoko" She looked up, it was the first time he had actually ever called her by her name, it seemed as though he may have actually been starting to like her. "After you are accepted as high suitor, what do you wish to do then?"
She didn't hesitate in her answer and her tone held total confidence "I wish to take your daughter's hand in marriage" In the corner of her eye she saw Aeka smile widely and latch onto her mother's arm.
"And if you do, you realise that you would have an entire empire on your shoulders once I pass down reign?"
She nodded "Aeka'll be there to help me, I'll be there to help her." From where she sat, Aeka smiled and silently nodded to herself.
"And what do you intend to do for the Juraian empire if you married princess Aeka?"
At this Ryoko paused, she hardly knew anything about controlling an entire empire in all honesty, she had no idea what she would do. So she thought, carefully in what would be expected if she did rule an empire. The she looked up again "I would make strong alliances with strong and trustworthy planets. I would make sure that I knew exactly what my people were doing, what my allies were doing, what my enemies were doing. I would work to best to provide my people what they needed, protect them and keep them safe from any harm. I would assign a good amount of sentries to each district to ensure that crime rate was at its possible minimum and that safety was at its highest"
"We do not have enough sentries for such a task"
"I would employ more"
"Training would cost a lot of money"
She added calmly "The safety of others is a higher priority than training expenses"
This caused him to pause. He sat back down on his chair and he looked questioningly at her. Swallowing hard she wiped some sweat from her brow, his burning stare bore a hole straight through her and made her very nervous. His advisor came up and stood beside him- a tall skinny man with short black hair, he whispered a few words to the man and he then stepped forward.
"As of this day" He started, his screeching voice getting on Ryoko's nerves already "Ryoko Hakubi, daughter of Washu Hakubi, shall be, as of this day forward known as Ryoko-Hakubi.. Jurai"
::End chapter 11::
WOO! Finally, chapter 11done, and this time- as of request of a reader, I've made it longer than usual. Anyways, tell me how I've done! Email me at yokouragasi593@hotmail.com. Next chapter, the last and ending to The princess and the pirate. I'm thinking of doing a continuation set a few hundred years into the future. Should I do one? Email me and give me your suggestions.
::A woman's touch::
All went quiet, as that single name seemed to roll off her tongue in a tidal wave of consequences and fatal outcomes, all the surrounding council gasped and her father's eyes widened in shock. He stood from his seat and pointed down to the now quivering woman in-front of him. "Do my ears deceive me!?" His voice bellowed in her ears and she yelped, letting her fear actually show for an instant.
Even if this man were indeed her father, there was no doubting how absolutely frightening he could be once angered. "Or does my daughter speak of that monster that plagued our planet 700 years ago!?"
She felt her legs try and give way, they shook and felt like jelly beneath her. But the use of her father's words sent a strength of anger cascading through her body, she held strong and stood forward "She is NOT a monster!" Her father's eyes widened once again and he even took a step back, the shear anger in his daughter's eyes shocked him thoroughly she pointed her own finger directly at him and her expression held one of pure rage. "She is KIND and CARING and she has changed since then! Besides! It wasn't even HER who attacked Jurai! She was being controlled by that bastard Kagato!!"
That had really done it. Azusa was knocked into speechlessness and fell back onto his throne, he looked a few shades paler as his breathing came in long heavy pants. His eldest daughter, the next inline for the throne. Destined to rule one of the most powerful empires in the universe....... had just sworn, shown him up in-front of the whole Juraian council and was standing against him.
She was born a leader.
Funaho stood from her seat and walked calmly down towards Aeka "Now now, calm down" Aeka's eyes still held a small amount of fury in them but she had calmed slightly. The first queen approached her and she gently rested a comforting hand on her shoulder. "This shall all be settled... do not worry"
"B-But Mother Funaho... F-Father he.. he called her..." Funaho nodded and she patted the girl's head gently, Aeka looked so timid, she looked hurt also, for Ryoko. Sending a glare towards her hyperventilating husband she sighed.
"Sadly, your Father is not very good with words Aeka... he tends to say things he doesn't mean..." Changing her glare into that of a penetrating death glare she kept her gaze on Azusa "Isn't that RIGHT Azusa, DEAR?"
Before he could start another argument Washu phased into the centre of the room. She held out her arms between both father and daughter "PLEASE PLEASE" All went silent and Aeka calmed completely, Azusa stared down at the peculiar red head he knew to be professor Washu "Can we just ALL stay quiet for a MOMENT"
And they did, and Washu nodded in approval. "There's a simple way to settle this" She said "Ryoko and Aeka love each other very much, and regardless of whether or not you allow her to be your daughter's suitor Azusa, Ryoko will not be separated from Aeka... And I doubt any of you have to power to do so in the first place" Azusa made a face of disgust and surprise, but never the less he stayed silent and let her continue. "We put Ryoko to the Juraian tests you guys use on suitors of high choice, and if she passes, then we go from there"
This time Azusa had his say "I will NOT allow that.... HER to go through any tests of Jurai tradition, she will NOT become my daughter's suitor without my permission"
Washu smirked.
Pulling a small book from her pocket she put on a small pair of spectacles. "Article number 3,00050 line 4,5060 of the Juraian laws of suitor acceptance; Any suitor may be accepted to endure the sacred tests ONLY if 3 members of Jurain royalty agree....."
This time Azusa smirked "Yes yes, that is all very well, Misaki and Funaho may agree but without my approval then there will BE no tests"
"Ah, but you see that is where you are wrong"
A royal low feminine voice came from across the great hall, the huge grand double doors opened with an almighty creek. And from in the centre of those doors, stood non other but Kamiki Seto Jurai smirking in all her glory. And not to mention her cool entrance.
She wafted her fan delicately around her face and walked slowly up into the centre of the room. "Hello there Little Washu...." Washu bowed and nodded.
"Lady Seto... how wonderful to be graced by your presence"
Seto nodded and looked toward her daughter Misaki, "The sacred book says only three members of Jurai royal family need approve..... Then by all means, If Aeka shall be happy, You have my approval"
"As you have mine" Nodded Funaho, giving a warm caring smile at Aeka who returned it with joy. The second queen bounded over to her daughter happily and nodded, her usual perky exterior showing brighter than ever.
"And mine!" She squealed happily and 'attacked' her daughter with a extra strong embrace. After a few moments of nearly suffocating her daughter Misaki let go and skipped over to her mother who patted her gently on the head. Even if Misaki was an adult and had children of her own, she still had the personality and energy of a child. Seto of course was obviously used to this as her face kept straight even as her daughter skipped laps around her.
Aeka- now with a happy smile on her face turned to Seto. She bowed politely "Thank-you Grandmot....." A death glare from Seto caused her to sweat-drop and step back, she coughed and laughed nervously "I-I mean AUNT Seto..." Seto smiled "I am very very grateful for what you have done"
An idle wave of her hand and she pointed her closed fan toward Aeka "Don't mention it Aeka, I am positive Ryoko will make a wonderful suitor, she makes you happy I can tell"
A small blush and she nodded in agreement, then looking about slightly she wore a puzzled look "...Speaking of which... Where IS Ryoko?" Her glance turned to Washu who looked lethargically at a time piece on her wrist.
She made a 'hmm' noise to herself and nodded, then looking up at Aeka a knowing grin pasted itself on her features "I'd step back if I were you, because your about to find out"
Raising her eyebrow in bewilderment the princess looked about "I don't understand miss Washu what are you- AGH!?"
Eyes widened in pure revelation as from out of no-where Ryoko materialised and flew straight into Aeka glomping her and hanging lovingly around her neck. All onlookers apart from Azusa made a face of approval and 'awwed' as Seto held tightly onto Misaki's collar stopping her from tackling both girls in glee. The second queens expression- not far from resembling that of a cat whom had just spotted a huge mouse- struggled in her mothers grasp, her arms outstretched in an attempt to scoop them both up in a hug.
The princess just blushed slightly and allowed Ryoko to hang contently around her neck, the tail of her dress swishing around- a sign of her state of mind as she nuzzled the back of Aeka's neck.
Suddenly a dazed groan came from over at the throne and all eyes turned to Azusa, who by now was starting to re-gain consciousness. looking over at his daughter and seeing Ryoko dangling around her neck caused him to groan again "Don't....*I* Get a say in this?" The look however he received off of Funaho, Misaki and Seto told him that of course, he wouldn't and probably wouldn't ever. So, sighing in defeat, he concluded that for the safety of his health. It would be better just to fall unconscious again and be carried to his room by nearby sentries.
***
It was mid afternoon as Yagami touched down on Earth's surface. The engine quietened and the door opened with a hiss. Out-stepped first class detective Kiyone, looking about for a moment she stepped onto the Masaki lawn.
"Sure is quiet" She spoke in a whisper to herself. "No explosions.... no fires, no screams.." Quickly she set off down the path to the Masaki house, not bothering to knock she slid open the door and ran inside.
There she was greeted by a peculiar scene. Everything was quiet, Mihoshi slept soundly on the couch, the smell of cooking from the kitchen. Nobuyuki sat on the floor staring at the T.V and some show with two women covered in dirt rolling about in a kiddy pool. Tenchi and that girl she knew to be Sakuya talked happily on the other couch. And not a sake bottle or high- pitched scream in sight or ear. "Uh..." She started in confusion, "What happened to Ryoko and Aeka?"
"Huh?" Came Mihoshi's sleepy voice as she lifted her head and propped her chin on the back of the couch, looking over at Kiyone her face immediately lost all drowsiness and she leapt over the back and skipped over to her partner.
Throwing her arms around the confused officer she beamed "Kiyone!" Her blonde hair waved under Kiyone's nose and she was shook out of her state of shear bafflement.
"Oh.... Hi Mihoshi....Say" She said, taking another extra look around the living room "Where's Aeka and Ryoko?"
Unlatching herself from the teal haired officer she giggled and smiled "They went to prove Ryoko's position as first chosen suitor for the princess......"
"....Right"
It took a moment for her to realize what had just been said. Her not being around for a while meant she had missed a lot.
".....Wait a second....... HUH!?"
***
Ryoko grumbled once more as she shifted about uncomfortably in her cushion , her eyes moved accusingly over to Aeka- who in turn gave her a smile "....Tell me one thing again" She looked back to the board game and to her sky blue haired opponent. Then back to Aeka "Why am I playing a game of chess..... and with your mother?"
In response she giggled "It's a test Ryoko, to test your focus and strategy on certain things...." She gained a puzzled look from the cyan haired woman "Basically if you win you pass the first test"
Ryoko grumbled again "But chess is so boring!"
She was caught slightly off-guard as Aeka leaned closer to her ear and whispered softly into it "I shall reward you personally if you win..."
A small blush and grin crossed her features and she quickly moved a pawn to take Misaki's castle. Misaki pouted and Ryoko continued playing.
***
"Wow" Was all officer Kiyone could say. After having a long, very detailed and not to mention confusing explanation of what was going on between Aeka and Ryoko she slumped down onto the couch and stared blankly at the wall.
"All this has happened since I've been away?" Her awe struck face caused concerned looks to be directed in her direction from all the members of the house hold. "..Who woulda thought it...."
***
Grinning triumphantly Ryoko took Misaki's final piece. "WOO! I won!" As Misaki pouted in defeat Ryoko placed her hands on her hips and lifted her head letting out a loud hearty laugh of glory. It seemed as though the first test was easily passed. If all the others were like these she'd get through them no problem.
As she looked to her right she caught sight of Aeka walking to the exit of the room, as the princess was about to walk through the now open grand doors she turned and flashed that seductive Aeka smirk that only Ryoko had yet seen. No one else, except the amber eyed Oni had EVER seen the princess's seductive side let alone witness and experience it. That tiny faint blush appeared over the bridge of her nose once again and as Aeka exited the room Ryoko turned her attention to the older women surrounding her "....I godda go... I'll be back in a few minutes"
Before either Funaho, Seto, Misaki or Washu could protest she had teleported from the scene and into the hallway leading from the grand hall. Looking about she only just caught glimpse of Aeka walking around a corner down at the end of the hall.
Ryoko grinned and followed.
Each time she turned a corner she looked to the end and just caught sight of the princess's kimono as she turned a corner, Ryoko briefly wondered how she was moving so fast, but she let that question slide and hurried on after her.
Twisting and turning around each corner and winding corridor in the palace Ryoko was beginning to wonder when she would finally catch up to Aeka, turning one final corner she was stunned to see that Aeka was no were in sight.
However, as she looked down the final corridor she saw it lead out into a garden of sorts. So, quickly she flew out into it. As she floated along a single path she took time to look about at the beautiful Juraian scenery surrounding her. Fountains of all shapes and sizes were placed here and there in the garden, as beautiful Juraian plants and trees decorated it.
She stopped though, when she came upon a strange structure. Looking at it she saw this building- a beautiful mass of twisted Juraian trees and wood- must house someone important, so continuing up the last of the path she came to the entrance. There, stood a huge red door, beautiful crafted and decorated with bands of twisted solid gold.
Looking again she saw two Juraian sentries posted on either side of the magnificent door, she approached slowly unsure as to whether her presence had been noted throughout the palace, for all she knew, those soldiers could have though she were still a threat to their planet.
To her relief however they did not ready their weapons and, instead, they stood aside. "Lady Ryoko...." The soldier on the right said, Ryoko raised her eyebrow, the first time she had ever been called 'lady' "The princess awaits you inside...." Ryoko paused and then looked at the door again.
"So what's that door lead to?"
The soldier on the left spoke up "To the princess's bedroom lady Ryoko"
Ryoko's grin widened again, her blush re-appeared.
Not saying another word she walked forwards and reached out for the door handle, just as she was about to turn it she stopped and decided that knocking might be a better choice. So- tapping lightly on the door she stood outside and waited for it to open as the two guards moved off back down the garden path and stood at the entrance to the hallway.
However when no answer came again Ryoko knocked once more, the sound of running water and the chirping of birds sang in the background from within the garden.
But to her dismay, again there was no answer. So instead she phased her head through the door.
To her surprise- and delight- the room was dark, only lit by a dim lamp over in the corner. Looking about she saw no Aeka. "..Uh..Aeka?" She said, as she phased her shoulders and half of her torso through "Are you in here?"
Completely phasing inside she looked into the darkness, stopping as her eyes picked up something. The dim light shone partly on a huge double bed- purple silk sheets spread across it and as she approached and ran a hand along the fabric her blush shone again.
Though, she did not have long to stare at the bed as she was pushed from behind, a feminine giggle sounded behind her as she fell onto the bed. "Oof!" was all she could say as the person who had pushed her climbed onto the bed beside her and pinned her down.
Then her eyes widened.
She could.... feel something.... warm and...... moist on her torso. As she looked up two rose eyes shone down at her, tinted with mischievousness.
Blushing respectfully she picked out parts of Aeka's body as the dim light shone on her, and she saw, that the shy princess, the one that would squeal if you playfully took her towel from her and ran around the onsen waving it, the Aeka she once knew... Was looking down at her- eyes narrowed into a seductive expression as she straddled Ryoko's hips, naked.
"...O-Oh god..." Gulping loudly she mentally sobbed with joy as this once shy princess leaned forward and whispered into her ear.
"What's wrong Ryoko?" Her breath warm as it blew heavily onto Ryoko's neck. "You seem to be a little surprised" Another giggle and Aeka ran her hands down Ryoko's front, grinning as she felt two certain rock hard things poking through Ryoko's front. "But you seem to be enjoying it...."
A whimper as the princess trailed her hand down to Ryoko's thighs, she pressed lightly against the fabric between her legs "Very much from the looks of things...." Pausing to smile down at Ryoko, the princess leaned forward and kissed her cyan haired lover passionately on the lips.
Her reaction was immediate, no sooner had their lips touched than Ryoko shot up her arms and wrapped them around the princess's neck kissing her back. The princess broke away from the kiss and Ryoko let out a groan of disappointment, which was soon followed by a groan of a very different kind as Aeka began to gently kiss down her neck.
Staring into the darkness she focused her eyes, her modified vision adjusting to the dark scenery, and as she felt the princess's kisses move to her collar bone, she grinned and phased out of her clothes.
As she felt Aeka shift on her torso she blushed again feeling that damp spot move onto somewhere else. "Seems I'm not the only one enjoying this Aeka" Quickly she flipped herself over and straddled the violet haired woman's hips, Aeka gasped in surprise which turned into a soft moan as Ryoko moved her hips slightly, brushing both their pelvises together. "Mmm..." It had been a while since Ryoko had taken control of their love- making. Usually the princess made all the moves and Ryoko followed, something she would never normally do, but when it came down to Aeka- she would do just about anything.
This time however was different, as Ryoko was now in full control. Moving her hips again she grinned down at the princess's expression, her mouth was hung slightly open, her eyes closed as her breasts moved with Ryoko's hip motions. She moaned again, lifting her hips up to meet Ryoko's, but to her surprise Ryoko was gone.
Blinking she opened her eyes and looked up, no Ryoko straddling her anymore. So, sitting up she looked about the room in confusion "..Ryoko? where are....ooh!" Her hands moved down to rest on the back of Ryoko's head as she lay back and spread her legs slightly, giving her lover more room to move freely. Her breath quickened as she felt Ryoko's tongue moving inside her, closing her eyes tightly she panted and moaned an explosion of bright lights as she scrunched her eyes up ever tighter.
It seemed as if that bright white light grew larger and larger with each passing second, her plans of catching Ryoko off-guard and doing to her as she pleased was being turned upside down in Ryoko's favour.
Though she didn't mind.
Oh no, and why would she? Her moans of pleasure showed that she had no objections to Ryoko's attention, in-fact the princess was gasping out words asking Ryoko to continue. "O-ooh.. Please..d-don't stop.." She groaned, Ryoko's face becoming steadily damp from Aeka's arousal. And she did not stop, the space pirate actually moaned softly herself, seemingly enjoying the moment as she lapped around like some giant purring tabby cat.
As the light almost blinded her and her screams of erotic pleasure seemed as though they may have even been heard back at the grand hall, Aeka's eyes burst open as she flung her head back and stared wild eyed at the ceiling, one last- loud yell of release as she climaxed before falling back limply.
Her lover purred and she wiped her lip with the back of her hand, mimicking the animal she so much resembled. Crawling, on all fours she crept up beside the worn out princess, leaning over to nuzzle her neck gently as she softly purred causing Aeka to smile. A small kiss on Aeka's cheek and she snuggled up beside her, closing her eyes as she decided to take- in her opinion- a well earned rest.
***
"What do you think?" Said Misaki, as she moved her knight one space forward and then a few spaces to the right.
Washu looked up from her game of chess with the second queen, at this stage in the game, it was quite clear that she would win. Only Misaki's king, queen and a single knight left. Where as she had all her pieces still intact. "What? About Ryoko you mean?"
The second queen nodded and moved her queen. "Yes, do you think she'll pass the Juraian tests?"
"For sure" The level of confidence in her daughter was evident in her tone of voice. She moved a pawn.
Seto sat a little way away from the two, her fan wafted lightly in her face as she shared a pot of tea with her daughter-in-law, Funaho. She raised an eyebrow at Funaho's look, turning her head she followed the second queen's gaze to the door leading towards the Juraian gardens, then looked back. "And just what has interested you so?"
Averting her gaze she looked to Seto "They've been gone for a long while don't you think?"
Not looking up from her chess game Washu added "Probably still at a little humpy bumpy" She was trying to figure out how the table had suddenly turned, and she was now loosing. Misaki raised an eyebrow.
"Is it even possible to go that long?"
"It is for Ryoko" The red-head clearly stated, suddenly face-faulting as Misaki moved her piece.
"Checkmate" She chirped happily.
***
Sasami sighed again, as she stared longingly out the window. She was worried about her sister, and Ryoko. She hoped that her father would listen to Aeka, though Aeka did make a good point and she hardly ever backed down when she was fighting for something she felt strongly about. And Sasami knew.
Aeka felt the strongest about Ryoko than anything.
That was why the little princess sighed, she was so happy that both of them were getting along, and even MORE happy for them when she found out they were in love.
"Just like mother and mother Funaho..." She whispered to herself.
Ryoko was so brave, and strong, and beautiful. She wished she would be with someone like that when she grew up. Once she had thought that she would be with Tenchi if Aeka and Ryoko were not chosen, but now Tenchi loved Sakuya. And no matter how much she hated admitting this. She was very jealous of Sakuya, enough that she even nearly hated her. Especially after she found out that she had purposely told everyone that Ryoko, Aeka and Washu had already gone home when the black haired girl knew she hadn't. Sasami was very angry at her for that. That day she didn't give Sakuya seconds for lunch.
That showed her. She thought.
She sighed again. One day, she would be with someone who loved her just as much as Ryoko loved Aeka, and she would love them back.
She just wished someday would hurry up.
***
Ryoko tugged once again on the strange garb she was wearing, fidgeting as it caused her to itch and squirm. Seto flicked Ryoko's hand from her sleeve "Don't fidget" She said, emitting a pout from Ryoko, and then a sigh.
"Why am I wearing this stupid thing anyways?"
"THAT stupid thing" Seto interrupted "..Is royal Juraian armour young lady"
"...Oh" A small sweat-drop and nervous smile on her face.
They were all stood in the palace courtyard, Seto, Misaki, Funaho, Washu, Aeka and of course Azusa. The king was talking to a palace guard quietly, the guard nodded and headed into a near-by door. Turning back to Seto Ryoko raised her eyebrow "So what's this test then?"
Seto looked down at the cyan haired girl, clad in a smart looking Juraian armour consisting of blues and greens, a dark blue ring around her arm. "Test number 2: Strength, wit, and skill"
She grinned at this "Sounds fun... but how do I prove I have all these?"
Pointing a finger to the door the guard had retreated into, Ryoko turned her head and looked over. The door opened and out stepped, as only could be described as; the most feminine looking man she had ever seen. He had long pure white hair stretching down to his back, a blue ribbon tying it at the bottom. His eyes a bluish silver sparkled as he looked directly at her, his clothes were bright red littered with fuzzy pink pompoms down the sides. The robe almost covered his feet and nearly resembled a kimono as he walked, hips swaying toward her. "Beat him" Was all Seto said.
Trying hard not to laugh at this strange girly man, she raised her eyebrow as Azusa stood behind him, both of them only a few metres apart as the onlookers, from the safety of a seating box to their right, looked on intently. The man stepped forward and bowed politely "I am Shinorio, a pleasure to meet you pretty lady" He rose again "May I ask you your name?"
"Ryoko" She said, trying to figure out the man. There was something to him that she couldn't quite place her finger on.
"My my..." He said, placing a hand over his mouth "Your name is so beautiful, like the sweet smell of roses in a morning, it matches your own beauty one so graceful I cannot compare anything to..."
Ryoko looked back at Seto, and whispered in her ear "Who's this loser?"
Grinning widely Seto whispered back "Shinorio, a rich lord's son, he's Azusa's chosen suitor for Aeka"
"THAT guy?" She glanced back at him then turned to Seto, "If he's Aeka's suitor, what's with all the compliments to me?"
"Sweet talk, he's trying to flatter you so you won't be as hard on him when you fight"
The king stepped forward, a confident smirk on his face as he stood between the two suitors. "As you already know, you both or the highest suitors for my daughter, today you are going to prove who is the greatest out of you both"
"Fine with me" Said Ryoko as Seto moved from behind her and walked over to the other spectators joining them and sitting beside Washu.
Shonrio bowed and pulled from his robe a wooden hilt of a sword igniting its pink blade. "Very well, let the best ..... person win" As Azusa also followed Seto, standing behind in-front of them all, Ryoko summoned her energy sword .
"....Begin"
Immediately Ryoko leaped forward, bringing her sword down above Shinorio's head. But to her surprise, as the blow was about to connect, a shield surrounded the ghost haired man and Ryoko's sword was deflected sending her flying back as she landed gracefully on the floor, crouching. "Damn..."
Standing again she dashed forwards, and as he brought his sword up to guard his face she flickered from sight, re-appearing above him, she took a slash at the back of his neck, but again, just as the blade was about to touch that same shield burst into life and defended against her blow. Jumping back she clutched her sword tightly and glared at the smirking man across from her.
{Don't use your sword}
Quickly looking to her right she saw Washu calmly looking over at her. {Huh?}
{Your sword isn't affecting his shield, it automatically defends against any kind of material energy, your gonna have to figure out another way of beating him Ryoko}
She nodded {Right} And dissipated her energy sword, crouching down into a hand-to-hand combat stance she turned..
And started running in the opposite direction.
"Just where do you think your going?!" Screamed Shinorio "Get back here you coward!" Stepping forward he tried to run after her, suddenly his eyes widened and he fell flat on his face.
Hearing this Ryoko immediatly stopped and turned to look over at him, a triumphant look on her face. "..Seems you can't run in that dress of yours huh?" The blue eyed man screamed and sat up.
"This is NOT a dress!"
From across the room Aeka giggled as her father sighed and slumped his shoulders. "Ill have you know! Your filthy ruffian, that this robe is the finest Ryuten robe money can buy!" He paused as he noticed Ryoko's expression, a curious look on her face as she stared at him. "W-Whaaaat?!" His cheeks puffed out as he panted heavily, Ryoko pointed at him.
"Your face is bleeding"
Reaching up slowly, his fingers met a warm liquid. As his eyes widened and he began whimpering he brought his hand down and looked at it "B-Blood" Quickly reaching into his robe he pulled out a mirror and began inspecting his face, dirt marks and cuts and blood smudged all over it. "M-MY face! MY BEAUTIFUL FACE RUINED!!"
Breaking down into a fit of sobs he was escorted out of room by nearby guards, Azusa let a long sigh. "Alright, you pass" Hearing his daughter's scream of delight and seeing her literally JUMP out of the seating box and run over to Ryoko throwing her arms around her neck Azusa couldn't help but smile. "HOWEVER" He said, getting confused looks from the embracing couple "You have one final test, then I will decide"
***
Back at the Masaki house, Mioshi and Kiyone sat on the living room couch quietly watching night-time TV, as the show went off and the commercials came on Mihoshi turned curiously to look at her teal haired partner. "Kiyone..." Kiyone paused a second then turned her head to look at her, "Don't you think Ryoko and Aeka make such a perfect match?"
Raising her eyebrow she shrugged "I dunno, I mean I've not been here for a while so I haven't seen them together, but what I've hear from you guys I guess they go pretty well together" She paused her eyebrow raising again "Why?"
The look Mihoshi gave her caused her to both blush and scamper off the couch, waving her arms in-front of her "Ooooh no, no no no no NO NO NO!"
***
It seemed as this was the last test. Washu said that usually, there would only be three tests if the suitor was already highly recommended. She stood in some sort of witness box, well that's what she described it as. She'd seen them on TV on some show called judge ..... July? Juni? She couldn't remember. Azusa sat on a large chair on a balcony above her. His hands were joined together as he stared down at her with a curious look. She had absolutely no idea what she was suppose to do, or what was going on.
Finally Azusa stood "So" He said, his voice echoing around the room. "You wish to be my daughter's suitor, you think that you are worthy do you?" Aeka from her near left was obviously nervous she sat in-between Washu and Misaki, both of them consoling her that everything would be fine. Seto sat behind her daughter and beside Funaho, both of them seemingly calm whispered among themselves.
She nodded and again Azusa spoke up. "You wish to be accepted by our people?" Again she nodded, he paused. ".....Very well, that can be achieved, it is quite evident that you do not threaten us or wish to....I shall explain to all of Jurai how the incident 700 years ago, was not your fault" Ryoko smiled and sighed in relief, at least now she would not be treated like a disease. "Tell me one thing though, Ryoko" She looked up, it was the first time he had actually ever called her by her name, it seemed as though he may have actually been starting to like her. "After you are accepted as high suitor, what do you wish to do then?"
She didn't hesitate in her answer and her tone held total confidence "I wish to take your daughter's hand in marriage" In the corner of her eye she saw Aeka smile widely and latch onto her mother's arm.
"And if you do, you realise that you would have an entire empire on your shoulders once I pass down reign?"
She nodded "Aeka'll be there to help me, I'll be there to help her." From where she sat, Aeka smiled and silently nodded to herself.
"And what do you intend to do for the Juraian empire if you married princess Aeka?"
At this Ryoko paused, she hardly knew anything about controlling an entire empire in all honesty, she had no idea what she would do. So she thought, carefully in what would be expected if she did rule an empire. The she looked up again "I would make strong alliances with strong and trustworthy planets. I would make sure that I knew exactly what my people were doing, what my allies were doing, what my enemies were doing. I would work to best to provide my people what they needed, protect them and keep them safe from any harm. I would assign a good amount of sentries to each district to ensure that crime rate was at its possible minimum and that safety was at its highest"
"We do not have enough sentries for such a task"
"I would employ more"
"Training would cost a lot of money"
She added calmly "The safety of others is a higher priority than training expenses"
This caused him to pause. He sat back down on his chair and he looked questioningly at her. Swallowing hard she wiped some sweat from her brow, his burning stare bore a hole straight through her and made her very nervous. His advisor came up and stood beside him- a tall skinny man with short black hair, he whispered a few words to the man and he then stepped forward.
"As of this day" He started, his screeching voice getting on Ryoko's nerves already "Ryoko Hakubi, daughter of Washu Hakubi, shall be, as of this day forward known as Ryoko-Hakubi.. Jurai"
::End chapter 11::
WOO! Finally, chapter 11done, and this time- as of request of a reader, I've made it longer than usual. Anyways, tell me how I've done! Email me at yokouragasi593@hotmail.com. Next chapter, the last and ending to The princess and the pirate. I'm thinking of doing a continuation set a few hundred years into the future. Should I do one? Email me and give me your suggestions.