Tenchi Muyo!
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Disclaimer: This episode of Tenchi Muyo! is of my own creation. I do not own any portion of Tenchi Muyo. "Tenchi Muyo!" and all related characters, names, etc. are ©1992-2003 AIC Inc. and Pioneer LDC. All rights reserved.
Note: This episode takes place shortly after the events of Tenchi Muyo! Special Episode: Here Comes Jurai Part Two.
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Of Happiness and Sorrow
Episode 12:
Here Comes Jurai...Again!
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"Come on Ayeka," Tenchi encourages, "you can do it!"
Ryoko, Tenchi and Ayeka are in the forest near the shrine, Tenchi is training the two women to summon their Lighthawk Wings. The crown princess struggles with her arms outstretched to summon her Wings, but to no avail. Over the last few days, she and Ryoko were able to successfully activate them, but today, Ayeka's mind is occupied and nobody is in any doubt why.
Ayeka and Sasami received a message from their mother a few days ago that the Royal Family will be visiting again, they are expected to be in later this day.
Ayeka is not disturbed by the thought of her parents visiting again, or the thought of revealing to them Tenchi's decision to be with both her and Ryoko, but the fact that the message said that her father will be bringing several suitors for Ayeka with them.
The princess' arms slump to her side and she sags her head. "I can not concentrate," she replies dejectedly, "they will be here very shortly. I am unsure of what they will say or what Father will do."
Ryoko walks up to her and rubs her shoulders in a comforting way. "Don't worry princess, whatever happens, we'll handle it. Right Tenchi?" she adds while turning to the prince.
Tenchi nods his head vigorously. "Yeah! Don't worry Ayeka!"
Ayeka sighs deeply and shakes her head. "I know, it is just that so much has happened to all of us so quickly. I am afraid to think of what will come to us in the future." Tears begin to pour from her eyes as she runs into Tenchi's warm embrace. "Oh Tenchi! I am so afraid of losing you! I am happier than I have ever been in my entire life, I do not want this to end!"
"It's okay Ayeka," Tenchi responds in a warm, soothing voice, "just be the strong, incredible woman that you've always been and everything will come out good in the end."
The princess backed off of Tenchi and wiped her eyes, regaining herself. "Yes, of course. I am sorry for acting so silly."
Ryoko waves her apology aside. "Ah don't worry about it! Let's go back home and get washed up and everything before they get here."
And with that, the trio makes their way out of the forest and down the shrine steps to their home.
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The shrine door slides open and Yosho and Washu walk out, looking towards the shrine steps. "I am very impressed with Tenchi," the shrine priest starts. "He has made his decision, the right one might I add, and he is holding up to it magnificently."
"Yeah," Washu adds. "At first I only wanted Tenchi to choose Ryoko. She had no real life of her own before she met Tenchi. Her entire life revolves around him and nothing makes me happier than to see that he is finally returning the love she so desperately needs." She suddenly looks at him suspiciously. "You know, I could almost guarantee that he would've chosen my little Ryoko and only her. Did you happen to mention anything about him being able to have two wives?"
Yosho looks up to the sky, avoiding her gaze. "I might have mentioned something to him some time ago."
The genius playfully shoves him to the side. "I thought so." They both laugh at each other then go into a warm embrace. She looks at him with a playful smile. "So, what do you think mommy dearest will say when she finds out that her baby boy is knocking boots with a goddess?"
Now it is Yosho's turn to shove Washu to the side. She cackles at him as he flushes lightly at her words. "I do not think that she will mind us being together, but I suggest you not use the phrase 'knocking boots' when you describe our relationship."
Washu shrugs while replying, "Okay, how about getting our freak on?"
Yosho slaps his forehead and drags his hand down his face as the genius laughs merrily at him.
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The earth begins to shake slightly around the Masaki residence as the roar of engines can be heard overhead. The family leaves the table, where they were having lunch, and go out to the dock to see the emperor and empresses' ships land in a large field near the lake.
"Here we go," Ryoko sighs to everyone.
Azusa, the emperor of Jurai, appears with his two wives, Funaho and Misaki, at his side. Sasami suddenly runs straight towards her mother, screaming, "Mommy! I missed you!"
Misaki also runs to her daughter. "Oh my little Sasami! I missed you too!"
The two meet up in a powerful embrace that lasts several moments. They finally let go when the emperor clears his throat loudly. Sasami suddenly breaks into a mischievous smile. "Guess what mommy?"
"What Sasami?"
The little princess leans in and begins to whisper into her mother's ear. Misaki's eyes go wide and, in the blink of an eye, she is in front of Ayeka, Tenchi and Ryoko. "Oh I'm so happy for you three!" She reaches down and gives all three of them a crushing bear hug. All three gasp for air as Misaki tightens the hug.
She releases them after a few moments, much to their lungs delight. Azusa and Funaho make their way to the rest of the family. Funaho smiles warmly at them. "Hello everybody, it is very nice to see all of you again." She stops as her eyes settle on Kiyone. "Um...who might you be Miss...?"
Kiyone goes into a sharp salute. "I am Lieutenant Kiyone Makibi, Detective First-Class Mihoshi Kuramitsu's partner. I must say that it is an extreme honor to meet the emperor and empresses of the mighty planet Jurai."
"It's nice to meet you too!" Misaki says, jumping in her sister/wife's way and giving Kiyone one of her patented hugs.
She releases Kiyone, who furiously rubs her arms to regain the feeling in them.
"Oh sister!" Misaki shouts while grabbing Funaho's arm, "You'll never guess what has happened!"
"What is it?"
"Tenchi decided!"
The first empress' eyes go wide. "Really!? Wh..." she trails off as she sees Ayeka and Ryoko's arms wrapped around Tenchi's. All three are smiling brightly. Funaho's smile widens. "Ah I see." She leans in to ruffle Tenchi's hair. "Good decision."
"Thank you Lady Funaho," he replies, a light flush coming to his cheeks.
The emperor also catches on. "Ayeka!" he quickly shouts, causing everyone to jump lightly. "Is this true? Are you and this...boy together?"
Ayeka and Ryoko's smiles faded slightly. 'Boy?' they both think at the same time, 'my Tenchi is not a boy!'
The crown princess clears her throat and answers, "Yes Father, my heart has always belonged to him, but just last week he admitted that he feels the same for me!"
"Me too!" Ryoko chimes in happily. They both hug him tightly, causing him to blush slightly again.
Azusa'a eye twitches. "Be that as it may, do you really think that the people of Jurai will welcome Ryoko back with open arms, considering her past history with our planet?"
"F...Father!" Ayeka stammers, "Miss Ryoko was not responsible of her actions back then! Kagato controlled her body and forced her to do all of those terrible things! I saw it firsthand when he came here and tried to kidnap both myself and Sasami!" She stops after her short outburst to recompose herself. "And besides, I am sure Mother and Lady Funaho could make some arrangements and announcements to the people of Jurai to inform them of Miss Ryoko's most unfortunate past."
"Of course we could!" Misaki beams while wrapping an arm around her sister/wife. "Couldn't we sis?"
The first empress smiles warmly. "It would be our pleasure."
The emperor clears his throat loudly, looking sour. "Be that as it may, but there is still one small piece of unsettled business." An odd smile spreads on his face. "There are still several suitors waiting in my ship. I think it to be unfair that they would come all of this way for nothing, so they will all challenge your.choice Ayeka to prove if he is worthy both of your heart and of the throne of Jurai!"
Everyone stares blankly at him. He holds up a hand and snaps his fingers. The air behind him shimmers and about six men appear, the one in front being...
"Oh great," Washu mutters next to Yosho, "Seiryo."
The pink haired man looks around at the house and its scenery, a looks of distaste clearly etched on his face. "Though I must admit that the scenery here is very nice, this house is what takes all of it away. I still do not understand why the princesses can stand to live in such a pathetic place like this!"
Everyone who lives in the house is about to take a step forward, but Tenchi beats him to it. "Okay, I am getting very tired of you insulting my house like this! If you really think that you can defeat me, then come on! I'm more than ready!"
The emperor's eyes widen. 'He's changed,' he thinks to himself. 'I can see that he has become more confident and strong willed. I am impressed...well slightly.'
Tenchi turns to both Ryoko and Ayeka, their eyes shining with nothing but love, and embraces them both.
"Good luck Tenchi," Ayeka whispers into his ear.
"Don't hurt him too much!" Ryoko giggles in his other ear.
The prince turns around and faces Seiryo. He holds out his hands and summons the Tenchi-ken. Its blue blade lights up as the prince takes a fighting stance in front of the suitor.
Seiryo pulls out a similar energy sword and lights it up, its pink blade shining brightly. Behind Tenchi, Ryoko snorts in laughter. "Man, is this guy a little on the girly side or what?"
Everyone, except Azusa and Seiryo, cover their mouths to hide their laughter. A vein starts to throb on the pink haired man's forehead. "Can we start this duel so I can wed the princess now?"
"Sure," the prince calmly replies. The Tenchi-ken's blade suddenly disappears and Tenchi throws the sword aside.
Seiryo smiles broadly. "So I see you have made the wise choice. You could never defeat a being as beautiful and perfect as me. Giving up is the best choice you have ever made."
"I'm not giving up," Tenchi replies, holding out his arms. "I'm just showing you what I'm really made of." Three glowing triangles appear on his forehead.
The Royal Family and all the suitors stare wide-eyes at Tenchi as five, brilliant Lighthawk Wings appear in front of him. Four Wings pass over him, creating his Lighthawk armor. The fifth rises up until it is chest level with him. The prince reaches out and takes it, creating his Lighthawk sword. "So," he begins, a sly smile now on his face, "Shall we duel?"
Seiryo takes a few steps back, looking frightened. He was not expecting this. The emperor and empresses knew that he can summon the Lighthawk Wings, they have just never seen him do it before and all three are both surprised and greatly impressed at the feat.
The pink-haired suitor is now back in the crowd of suitors, all of whom are looking both astonished and frightened. "I did not know that he could perform such an amazing task! The Lighthawk Wings being created by a common farmer boy? How is this possible?"
Ayeka takes this opportunity to speak up. "Obviously you do not know who you are dealing with. This young man is Lord Prince Tenchi, grandson to my brother, Prince Yosho." She turns to look at her brother, who is watching the entire situation bemusedly next to Washu.
"Yeah!" Ryoko shoots in, "so that means he's the one that's gonna be emperor one day and he choose me and Ayeka to be his wives!" She sticks her tongue out at the suitors.
It is then when all the suitors, besides Seiryo, finally take notice of Ryoko. Their moods instantly change from shocked and frightened, to hate filled and vengeance seeking. They have definitely not forgotten what she did to Jurai 700 years ago. They advance on the pirate with weapons ready, when...
"Stop!" Azusa bellows.
Everyone jumps at the emperor's words. He looks around before speaking again. "Miss Ryoko, the former space pirate Ryoko, was innocent of all charges. She was not under control of her own body when she attacked Jurai, she was being used by the nefarious criminal Kagato. I wish to make it clear that she will not be attacked by anyone under any circumstances. Do you understand me?"
Everybody stares at Azusa in utter shock. All the suitors quickly nod their heads to agree with the emperor.
Silent tears are pouring down Ryoko's face. In the blink of an eye, she teleports next to the emperor and wraps him in a strong embrace. "Thank you," she mutters weakly. "Thank you so much. You don't know how much those words mean to me." She tightens the embrace.
Azusa smiles warmly and returns the hug. It is quite a strange sight, the emperor of Jurai hugging the very woman who nearly destroyed it 700 years earlier.
After a few seconds, Ryoko lets go, her eyes shining with tears. Azusa looks over to his family and their friends. "I think it wise to go inside. I could really go for a good cup of tea."
"Oh good!" Sasami squeals, "I'll go make some for everybody right now!" And with that, she runs into the house.
The emperor chuckles at his daughter's enthusiasm. He turns back to look at the suitors. "It seems that I have made a mistake bringing all of you here. My daughter is already taken, making your presence here unneeded. Therefore, all of you shall remain on my ship for the remainder of my stay here." He snaps his fingers again, and all of the suitors shimmer for a moment and disappear, transporting back into the emperor's tree ship.
Everyone else walks back into the house. Azusa notices his son and Washu walking hand in hand. He smiles bemusedly to himself. 'I think I will have a small talk to him later,' he stops as he looks at his great grandson, 'but first things first.' He clears his throat loudly, getting everyone's attention. "Tenchi. I would like to speak with you in private."
The prince scratches the back of his head and looks at his two loves, who nod at him. "Um, okay emperor sir."
"Please, there are no need for formalities," he begins while walking towards him. "After all, we are family."
His wives give him a look of admiration. The prince and the emperor start to walk to the side of the house. The emperor sighs very deeply. "First off, I would like to apologize to you."
"Apologize? What for?"
"I have not been the kindest person to you. I suppose it is because I was angry at my son's decision to leave Jurai and all his titles and formalities to live as a priest at a shrine in a relatively unknown planet. I vented my distaste of his life choice onto you and I apologize for that."
"Its no problem, really."
Azusa chuckles at Tenchi's warm heartedness. "I guess that is another reason I was not too fond of you: you reminded me of myself when I was about your age."
"Really?" Tenchi asks surprised.
"Yes. I was trained to someday become the emperor of Jurai, but I had never really cared too much about that title at the time. I just wanted to travel the universe and enjoy my life as much as I possibly could. That is how I met Funaho." He stops for a moment to smile at the memory. "I came across this planet a long time ago. I landed in an area similar to this one, secluded with endless forest nearby. I was touring through the nearby town when somebody grabbed me and pulled me behind a cottage and tried to rob me. Me, a future ruler of an entire planet being mugged!"
He began to laugh and Tenchi found himself doing the same. "So, what happened next?"
"Well naturally I defended myself. I was going against what you would call a ninja, and a very skilled one at that. The two of us fought for a short while, when I pinned him to the ground. I pulled off his mask to see who would dare to attack me when I found out that 'he' was actually a she."
"Don't tell me?" Tenchi starts, a knowing grin appearing on his face.
"Yes, it was Funaho. I was arranged to wed Misaki and I did love her, but I was captivated by Funaho's beauty. Our 'relationship' was quite rocky at first, but I eventually won her over and told her everything about me. After a good deal of persuading, I got her to come back to Jurai with me. I wanted to marry her, but I knew that she would face a lot of prejudice for not being Jurian. That is where Misaki's mother Lady Seto comes in." He leans in close. "I must warn you, she is nothing like her daughter, very devious and cunning. She thought of the double marriage prospect and somehow got it approved by the Holy Council of Jurai. So I was able to have what I wanted, two women who I love dearly."
The emperor puts a hand on Tenchi's shoulder and rubs it in a very fatherly fashion. "When Misaki and Funaho first met, they fought tooth and nail for my attention. I was completely torn between those two. They were both so similar yet so different at the same time."
"Boy, you were right, I am a lot like you!" Tenchi exclaims. "So how did you get the two of them to stop fighting?"
Azusa shudders involuntarily. "I thought that they never would."
"I know the feeling," Tenchi says in a knowing manner.
"Any way, the two of them finally realized that they were fighting over nothing. I loved them both equally, neither one higher or lower than the other. I could never choose between the two because it would be too painful for me."
"I think that Ryoko and Ayeka came to the same conclusions."
"That warms my heart Tenchi, it truly does." The emperor stands up. "I am proud to know that the future of my planet is in safe and capable hands. Come now Tenchi, the others await. And thank you for the talk."
The prince stands up also. "It was my pleasure great-grandpa, or should it be future father-in-law?"
Azusa frowns. "Good point. I will have to think that over."
The two laugh all the way into the house. Ayeka, Ryoko, Misaki and Funaho are all waiting impatiently by the front door. "So?" Funaho begins, the anticipation clearly noticed in her voice, "How is everything?"
"Perfectly fine," Azusa replies while putting a hand on Tenchi's shoulder. "I was just having a little chat with the future emperor of Jurai."
Everybody's eyes go wide when they hear Azusa'a statement. Tenchi's face goes so red that he looks like he is about to pass out. "Tenchi!" Ayeka and Ryoko quickly exclaim. They lead him over to the living room couch and sit him down.
Azusa is just about to say something when he is caught in a giant bear hug from both of his wives. "I'm so proud of you dear!" Misaki starts.
"Yes, you are finally beginning to realize what Misaki and I have been trying to tell you from the start," Funaho finishes.
Just at that moment, somebody knocks at the front door. Nobuyuki jumps out of his seat and rushes to the door, grinning from ear to ear. He opens the door and talks with whoever it is on the other side for a few moments. He then walks back in with a person that nobody has seen before, well except for Nobuyuki, Tenchi, Yosho. Ryoko has seen him before, but he has aged much since then so she doesn't immediately recognize him.
Tenchi and Yosho's eyes widen as the see the person standing next to Nobuyuki. "Hayato?"
To be continued...
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Author's notes: For those of you who have read my other series 'The More Things Change...' you will recognize who Hayato is. If you haven't read my other fics, then shame on you! Read up! All will be explained soon.
Questions or comments? E-mail me at: lighthawkdemon@yahoo.com
Next episode: Guest Mates and Goddesses
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Disclaimer: This episode of Tenchi Muyo! is of my own creation. I do not own any portion of Tenchi Muyo. "Tenchi Muyo!" and all related characters, names, etc. are ©1992-2003 AIC Inc. and Pioneer LDC. All rights reserved.
Note: This episode takes place shortly after the events of Tenchi Muyo! Special Episode: Here Comes Jurai Part Two.
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Of Happiness and Sorrow
Episode 12:
Here Comes Jurai...Again!
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"Come on Ayeka," Tenchi encourages, "you can do it!"
Ryoko, Tenchi and Ayeka are in the forest near the shrine, Tenchi is training the two women to summon their Lighthawk Wings. The crown princess struggles with her arms outstretched to summon her Wings, but to no avail. Over the last few days, she and Ryoko were able to successfully activate them, but today, Ayeka's mind is occupied and nobody is in any doubt why.
Ayeka and Sasami received a message from their mother a few days ago that the Royal Family will be visiting again, they are expected to be in later this day.
Ayeka is not disturbed by the thought of her parents visiting again, or the thought of revealing to them Tenchi's decision to be with both her and Ryoko, but the fact that the message said that her father will be bringing several suitors for Ayeka with them.
The princess' arms slump to her side and she sags her head. "I can not concentrate," she replies dejectedly, "they will be here very shortly. I am unsure of what they will say or what Father will do."
Ryoko walks up to her and rubs her shoulders in a comforting way. "Don't worry princess, whatever happens, we'll handle it. Right Tenchi?" she adds while turning to the prince.
Tenchi nods his head vigorously. "Yeah! Don't worry Ayeka!"
Ayeka sighs deeply and shakes her head. "I know, it is just that so much has happened to all of us so quickly. I am afraid to think of what will come to us in the future." Tears begin to pour from her eyes as she runs into Tenchi's warm embrace. "Oh Tenchi! I am so afraid of losing you! I am happier than I have ever been in my entire life, I do not want this to end!"
"It's okay Ayeka," Tenchi responds in a warm, soothing voice, "just be the strong, incredible woman that you've always been and everything will come out good in the end."
The princess backed off of Tenchi and wiped her eyes, regaining herself. "Yes, of course. I am sorry for acting so silly."
Ryoko waves her apology aside. "Ah don't worry about it! Let's go back home and get washed up and everything before they get here."
And with that, the trio makes their way out of the forest and down the shrine steps to their home.
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The shrine door slides open and Yosho and Washu walk out, looking towards the shrine steps. "I am very impressed with Tenchi," the shrine priest starts. "He has made his decision, the right one might I add, and he is holding up to it magnificently."
"Yeah," Washu adds. "At first I only wanted Tenchi to choose Ryoko. She had no real life of her own before she met Tenchi. Her entire life revolves around him and nothing makes me happier than to see that he is finally returning the love she so desperately needs." She suddenly looks at him suspiciously. "You know, I could almost guarantee that he would've chosen my little Ryoko and only her. Did you happen to mention anything about him being able to have two wives?"
Yosho looks up to the sky, avoiding her gaze. "I might have mentioned something to him some time ago."
The genius playfully shoves him to the side. "I thought so." They both laugh at each other then go into a warm embrace. She looks at him with a playful smile. "So, what do you think mommy dearest will say when she finds out that her baby boy is knocking boots with a goddess?"
Now it is Yosho's turn to shove Washu to the side. She cackles at him as he flushes lightly at her words. "I do not think that she will mind us being together, but I suggest you not use the phrase 'knocking boots' when you describe our relationship."
Washu shrugs while replying, "Okay, how about getting our freak on?"
Yosho slaps his forehead and drags his hand down his face as the genius laughs merrily at him.
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The earth begins to shake slightly around the Masaki residence as the roar of engines can be heard overhead. The family leaves the table, where they were having lunch, and go out to the dock to see the emperor and empresses' ships land in a large field near the lake.
"Here we go," Ryoko sighs to everyone.
Azusa, the emperor of Jurai, appears with his two wives, Funaho and Misaki, at his side. Sasami suddenly runs straight towards her mother, screaming, "Mommy! I missed you!"
Misaki also runs to her daughter. "Oh my little Sasami! I missed you too!"
The two meet up in a powerful embrace that lasts several moments. They finally let go when the emperor clears his throat loudly. Sasami suddenly breaks into a mischievous smile. "Guess what mommy?"
"What Sasami?"
The little princess leans in and begins to whisper into her mother's ear. Misaki's eyes go wide and, in the blink of an eye, she is in front of Ayeka, Tenchi and Ryoko. "Oh I'm so happy for you three!" She reaches down and gives all three of them a crushing bear hug. All three gasp for air as Misaki tightens the hug.
She releases them after a few moments, much to their lungs delight. Azusa and Funaho make their way to the rest of the family. Funaho smiles warmly at them. "Hello everybody, it is very nice to see all of you again." She stops as her eyes settle on Kiyone. "Um...who might you be Miss...?"
Kiyone goes into a sharp salute. "I am Lieutenant Kiyone Makibi, Detective First-Class Mihoshi Kuramitsu's partner. I must say that it is an extreme honor to meet the emperor and empresses of the mighty planet Jurai."
"It's nice to meet you too!" Misaki says, jumping in her sister/wife's way and giving Kiyone one of her patented hugs.
She releases Kiyone, who furiously rubs her arms to regain the feeling in them.
"Oh sister!" Misaki shouts while grabbing Funaho's arm, "You'll never guess what has happened!"
"What is it?"
"Tenchi decided!"
The first empress' eyes go wide. "Really!? Wh..." she trails off as she sees Ayeka and Ryoko's arms wrapped around Tenchi's. All three are smiling brightly. Funaho's smile widens. "Ah I see." She leans in to ruffle Tenchi's hair. "Good decision."
"Thank you Lady Funaho," he replies, a light flush coming to his cheeks.
The emperor also catches on. "Ayeka!" he quickly shouts, causing everyone to jump lightly. "Is this true? Are you and this...boy together?"
Ayeka and Ryoko's smiles faded slightly. 'Boy?' they both think at the same time, 'my Tenchi is not a boy!'
The crown princess clears her throat and answers, "Yes Father, my heart has always belonged to him, but just last week he admitted that he feels the same for me!"
"Me too!" Ryoko chimes in happily. They both hug him tightly, causing him to blush slightly again.
Azusa'a eye twitches. "Be that as it may, do you really think that the people of Jurai will welcome Ryoko back with open arms, considering her past history with our planet?"
"F...Father!" Ayeka stammers, "Miss Ryoko was not responsible of her actions back then! Kagato controlled her body and forced her to do all of those terrible things! I saw it firsthand when he came here and tried to kidnap both myself and Sasami!" She stops after her short outburst to recompose herself. "And besides, I am sure Mother and Lady Funaho could make some arrangements and announcements to the people of Jurai to inform them of Miss Ryoko's most unfortunate past."
"Of course we could!" Misaki beams while wrapping an arm around her sister/wife. "Couldn't we sis?"
The first empress smiles warmly. "It would be our pleasure."
The emperor clears his throat loudly, looking sour. "Be that as it may, but there is still one small piece of unsettled business." An odd smile spreads on his face. "There are still several suitors waiting in my ship. I think it to be unfair that they would come all of this way for nothing, so they will all challenge your.choice Ayeka to prove if he is worthy both of your heart and of the throne of Jurai!"
Everyone stares blankly at him. He holds up a hand and snaps his fingers. The air behind him shimmers and about six men appear, the one in front being...
"Oh great," Washu mutters next to Yosho, "Seiryo."
The pink haired man looks around at the house and its scenery, a looks of distaste clearly etched on his face. "Though I must admit that the scenery here is very nice, this house is what takes all of it away. I still do not understand why the princesses can stand to live in such a pathetic place like this!"
Everyone who lives in the house is about to take a step forward, but Tenchi beats him to it. "Okay, I am getting very tired of you insulting my house like this! If you really think that you can defeat me, then come on! I'm more than ready!"
The emperor's eyes widen. 'He's changed,' he thinks to himself. 'I can see that he has become more confident and strong willed. I am impressed...well slightly.'
Tenchi turns to both Ryoko and Ayeka, their eyes shining with nothing but love, and embraces them both.
"Good luck Tenchi," Ayeka whispers into his ear.
"Don't hurt him too much!" Ryoko giggles in his other ear.
The prince turns around and faces Seiryo. He holds out his hands and summons the Tenchi-ken. Its blue blade lights up as the prince takes a fighting stance in front of the suitor.
Seiryo pulls out a similar energy sword and lights it up, its pink blade shining brightly. Behind Tenchi, Ryoko snorts in laughter. "Man, is this guy a little on the girly side or what?"
Everyone, except Azusa and Seiryo, cover their mouths to hide their laughter. A vein starts to throb on the pink haired man's forehead. "Can we start this duel so I can wed the princess now?"
"Sure," the prince calmly replies. The Tenchi-ken's blade suddenly disappears and Tenchi throws the sword aside.
Seiryo smiles broadly. "So I see you have made the wise choice. You could never defeat a being as beautiful and perfect as me. Giving up is the best choice you have ever made."
"I'm not giving up," Tenchi replies, holding out his arms. "I'm just showing you what I'm really made of." Three glowing triangles appear on his forehead.
The Royal Family and all the suitors stare wide-eyes at Tenchi as five, brilliant Lighthawk Wings appear in front of him. Four Wings pass over him, creating his Lighthawk armor. The fifth rises up until it is chest level with him. The prince reaches out and takes it, creating his Lighthawk sword. "So," he begins, a sly smile now on his face, "Shall we duel?"
Seiryo takes a few steps back, looking frightened. He was not expecting this. The emperor and empresses knew that he can summon the Lighthawk Wings, they have just never seen him do it before and all three are both surprised and greatly impressed at the feat.
The pink-haired suitor is now back in the crowd of suitors, all of whom are looking both astonished and frightened. "I did not know that he could perform such an amazing task! The Lighthawk Wings being created by a common farmer boy? How is this possible?"
Ayeka takes this opportunity to speak up. "Obviously you do not know who you are dealing with. This young man is Lord Prince Tenchi, grandson to my brother, Prince Yosho." She turns to look at her brother, who is watching the entire situation bemusedly next to Washu.
"Yeah!" Ryoko shoots in, "so that means he's the one that's gonna be emperor one day and he choose me and Ayeka to be his wives!" She sticks her tongue out at the suitors.
It is then when all the suitors, besides Seiryo, finally take notice of Ryoko. Their moods instantly change from shocked and frightened, to hate filled and vengeance seeking. They have definitely not forgotten what she did to Jurai 700 years ago. They advance on the pirate with weapons ready, when...
"Stop!" Azusa bellows.
Everyone jumps at the emperor's words. He looks around before speaking again. "Miss Ryoko, the former space pirate Ryoko, was innocent of all charges. She was not under control of her own body when she attacked Jurai, she was being used by the nefarious criminal Kagato. I wish to make it clear that she will not be attacked by anyone under any circumstances. Do you understand me?"
Everybody stares at Azusa in utter shock. All the suitors quickly nod their heads to agree with the emperor.
Silent tears are pouring down Ryoko's face. In the blink of an eye, she teleports next to the emperor and wraps him in a strong embrace. "Thank you," she mutters weakly. "Thank you so much. You don't know how much those words mean to me." She tightens the embrace.
Azusa smiles warmly and returns the hug. It is quite a strange sight, the emperor of Jurai hugging the very woman who nearly destroyed it 700 years earlier.
After a few seconds, Ryoko lets go, her eyes shining with tears. Azusa looks over to his family and their friends. "I think it wise to go inside. I could really go for a good cup of tea."
"Oh good!" Sasami squeals, "I'll go make some for everybody right now!" And with that, she runs into the house.
The emperor chuckles at his daughter's enthusiasm. He turns back to look at the suitors. "It seems that I have made a mistake bringing all of you here. My daughter is already taken, making your presence here unneeded. Therefore, all of you shall remain on my ship for the remainder of my stay here." He snaps his fingers again, and all of the suitors shimmer for a moment and disappear, transporting back into the emperor's tree ship.
Everyone else walks back into the house. Azusa notices his son and Washu walking hand in hand. He smiles bemusedly to himself. 'I think I will have a small talk to him later,' he stops as he looks at his great grandson, 'but first things first.' He clears his throat loudly, getting everyone's attention. "Tenchi. I would like to speak with you in private."
The prince scratches the back of his head and looks at his two loves, who nod at him. "Um, okay emperor sir."
"Please, there are no need for formalities," he begins while walking towards him. "After all, we are family."
His wives give him a look of admiration. The prince and the emperor start to walk to the side of the house. The emperor sighs very deeply. "First off, I would like to apologize to you."
"Apologize? What for?"
"I have not been the kindest person to you. I suppose it is because I was angry at my son's decision to leave Jurai and all his titles and formalities to live as a priest at a shrine in a relatively unknown planet. I vented my distaste of his life choice onto you and I apologize for that."
"Its no problem, really."
Azusa chuckles at Tenchi's warm heartedness. "I guess that is another reason I was not too fond of you: you reminded me of myself when I was about your age."
"Really?" Tenchi asks surprised.
"Yes. I was trained to someday become the emperor of Jurai, but I had never really cared too much about that title at the time. I just wanted to travel the universe and enjoy my life as much as I possibly could. That is how I met Funaho." He stops for a moment to smile at the memory. "I came across this planet a long time ago. I landed in an area similar to this one, secluded with endless forest nearby. I was touring through the nearby town when somebody grabbed me and pulled me behind a cottage and tried to rob me. Me, a future ruler of an entire planet being mugged!"
He began to laugh and Tenchi found himself doing the same. "So, what happened next?"
"Well naturally I defended myself. I was going against what you would call a ninja, and a very skilled one at that. The two of us fought for a short while, when I pinned him to the ground. I pulled off his mask to see who would dare to attack me when I found out that 'he' was actually a she."
"Don't tell me?" Tenchi starts, a knowing grin appearing on his face.
"Yes, it was Funaho. I was arranged to wed Misaki and I did love her, but I was captivated by Funaho's beauty. Our 'relationship' was quite rocky at first, but I eventually won her over and told her everything about me. After a good deal of persuading, I got her to come back to Jurai with me. I wanted to marry her, but I knew that she would face a lot of prejudice for not being Jurian. That is where Misaki's mother Lady Seto comes in." He leans in close. "I must warn you, she is nothing like her daughter, very devious and cunning. She thought of the double marriage prospect and somehow got it approved by the Holy Council of Jurai. So I was able to have what I wanted, two women who I love dearly."
The emperor puts a hand on Tenchi's shoulder and rubs it in a very fatherly fashion. "When Misaki and Funaho first met, they fought tooth and nail for my attention. I was completely torn between those two. They were both so similar yet so different at the same time."
"Boy, you were right, I am a lot like you!" Tenchi exclaims. "So how did you get the two of them to stop fighting?"
Azusa shudders involuntarily. "I thought that they never would."
"I know the feeling," Tenchi says in a knowing manner.
"Any way, the two of them finally realized that they were fighting over nothing. I loved them both equally, neither one higher or lower than the other. I could never choose between the two because it would be too painful for me."
"I think that Ryoko and Ayeka came to the same conclusions."
"That warms my heart Tenchi, it truly does." The emperor stands up. "I am proud to know that the future of my planet is in safe and capable hands. Come now Tenchi, the others await. And thank you for the talk."
The prince stands up also. "It was my pleasure great-grandpa, or should it be future father-in-law?"
Azusa frowns. "Good point. I will have to think that over."
The two laugh all the way into the house. Ayeka, Ryoko, Misaki and Funaho are all waiting impatiently by the front door. "So?" Funaho begins, the anticipation clearly noticed in her voice, "How is everything?"
"Perfectly fine," Azusa replies while putting a hand on Tenchi's shoulder. "I was just having a little chat with the future emperor of Jurai."
Everybody's eyes go wide when they hear Azusa'a statement. Tenchi's face goes so red that he looks like he is about to pass out. "Tenchi!" Ayeka and Ryoko quickly exclaim. They lead him over to the living room couch and sit him down.
Azusa is just about to say something when he is caught in a giant bear hug from both of his wives. "I'm so proud of you dear!" Misaki starts.
"Yes, you are finally beginning to realize what Misaki and I have been trying to tell you from the start," Funaho finishes.
Just at that moment, somebody knocks at the front door. Nobuyuki jumps out of his seat and rushes to the door, grinning from ear to ear. He opens the door and talks with whoever it is on the other side for a few moments. He then walks back in with a person that nobody has seen before, well except for Nobuyuki, Tenchi, Yosho. Ryoko has seen him before, but he has aged much since then so she doesn't immediately recognize him.
Tenchi and Yosho's eyes widen as the see the person standing next to Nobuyuki. "Hayato?"
To be continued...
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Author's notes: For those of you who have read my other series 'The More Things Change...' you will recognize who Hayato is. If you haven't read my other fics, then shame on you! Read up! All will be explained soon.
Questions or comments? E-mail me at: lighthawkdemon@yahoo.com
Next episode: Guest Mates and Goddesses