Quick note from the author:
It was brought to my attention that this chapter was missing about a page and a half of text. (thank you dennisud) Sorry about that. I don't usually read through my updates. Lesson learned I'll try and break that habit. As luck would have it, I could only find about half of the missing text. So I filled out the rest today, if it seems different, I'm sorry. I did try and stay pretty close to what I originally had, but just deviated this way. Of course once I had finished deviating, my wonderful roommate found the hard copy version of the original missing text. But I think I prefer this better. Oh well, thanks much for your patience.
So I have added the new/old section in. If you'd rather not read the entire chapter over again, simply scroll down to the ~~~~~~@ and that should bring you to the beginning of the addition. Otherwise enjoy
Why are you here?
Yosho stood patiently by Ryoko's side as he waited for her to wake. She was so changed… her appearance almost too much for his mind to reconcile. If Ryoko was so changed then how much more, must the other girls have altered? Yosho felt a moment's hesitation. Did he want to see them all again? To find them now was to forsake the image he held of them in his heart and regard them as they truly were.
Hesitation gone Yosho smiled as Ryoko's eyes began to flutter. She was too important. It had been too hard watching his grandson, slowly die from lack of will to live. Constantly living in the past was not the way for one so young as Tenchi to live. So with the help of Washu he had arrived through a long unused portal. The scientist had decided to keep it open just incase. She had projected a 99.648% probability for one of the Masaki men coming to retrieve Ryoko. There was simply too much to lose, too much left unsaid, for matters to remain as they had.
Yosho had felt a small joy watching his grandson's revival after talk of retrieving the girls. Soon, their family would be returned, all that was needed was Ryoko. The key to so much turmoil and happiness, everything laid at her feet to accept or reject. Smiling gently down at shocked eyes, Yosho could not contain the quiet chuckle. She looked so much like Washu and yet… still so much of the old Ryoko hid deep within the golden flecks of her eyes. "I am certain you have several questions to ask of me… I will gladly answer them if you will consent to sharing lunch with me?" Yosho elegantly swept to her side and helped her down from the table.
Ryoko straightened her clothes, adjusted her hair and retrieved her glasses from the floor. With a gentle cough she cleared her throat. "I have classes to attend to Lord Yosho. I am not obliged to join you, and while I have a small freakin' mountain of questions, I will nonetheless endeavor to contain my curiosity, until a more appropriate time. Now if you will excuse me, I have a lesson plan to attend to." Ryoko imperiously brushed past him and settled again atop her stool.
A sweeping eyebrow rose with the momentary vexation. Yosho had a mind to jog Ryoko's memory, as to who was the mature adult between the pair. The girl dared to ignore him with such palpable distain. It wasn't until his slow inspection of her that Yosho noticed her faint trembling. Annoyance swiftly transforming into tenderness, he wondered how hard she was trying to hide her true emotions. It must have been painfully unsettling to have him appear before her so suddenly. Looking so similar to what she must have imagined Tenchi looking like by now. Yosho approached Ryoko again.
Ryoko was desperately rattled; her world was slowly crumbling around her. Why was Yosho here? Had something terrible happened to Tenchi? Were the other girls okay? Had something happened to Ayeka or Sasami? Worry suffused Ryoko and almost overwhelmed her. Feelings of love and concern hit her hard. It had been so long since she had allowed emotions for the others to register, that with this momentary opening the floodgates burst. Overcome, Ryoko followed instinct and called for her mother.
Washu had been on her own the moment she had sensed Yosho's presence on the campus. Deciding that Ryoko needed a moment alone with Yosho, she actually walked across campus. It was a glorious spring day, bright and clear with the gentle smell of lilac, magnolia and honeysuckle drifting on the wind. Washu watched the students meander around campus, some sunbathing, others simply enjoying the escape from the stifling confines of class. She occasionally waved at a few of her students and colleagues. Looking around appreciatively at the beauty and promise around her, Washu had to smile. Maybe she'd change one of the levels of her lab to resemble this fabulous moment.
Out of the corner of her eye, Washu noticed a trio of students, two girls and a boy. The trio stopped Washu. The instant similarities were drawn. Washu smiled, the girls teased and fought over the boy so playfully. Then when it was obvious the boy was getting annoyed both girls simply looked at each other and kissed him on the cheek. His face had become an adorable shade of crimson and he had looked like he had swallowed his tongue. Finally the young man closed his eyes and placed an arm around each girl. Then squeezed one and kissed the other.
Washu raised an eyebrow and gave a regretful nod. Even this triangle was unfairly skewed to one side. With a shrug Washu tried to move her feet and advance past the trio, but she simply could not pass. She had to know more about them. Something seemed to work with them, that hadn't with the love triangle her daughter had ill fatedly stumbled into. Moving numbly off to sit in front of the fountain, Washu watched them closely. Somehow the girl that had received nothing more than a hug was satisfied with it. Not fighting or demanding more, not jealous, not spiteful, not resentful, just simply accepting. It seemed beyond Washu that a person, that loved another as much as this second girl obviously loved the young man at her side, was willing to tolerate such a situation. Why? What was the advantage of playing second fiddle to the other girl?
Turning her attention to the other girl, Washu wondered why the other girl even tolerated the distraction. It was plain to see that she held the loin's share of the young man's heart, if not the entirety of his affections. But still the first girl remained. Almost like a glaring example of the bias of the relationship. And yet despite all obvious conclusions neither girl gave the impression to be suffering ill will to the other, instead the seemed to have accepted the other's role in the young man's life.
Washu shrieked with a startled "IEEIEEEEEEEEE!" The tap on her shoulder had been unexpected, especially since she had been so absorbed by the trio on the bench.
"Why are you watching them professor Washu?" One of her graduate student's questioned lightly.
"Oh, nothing Nabeshin. Do you know anything about those three over there?" Washu pointed a gracefully slender finger at the trio gently joking around and laughing on the bench.
"Yeah, sure…" The student squinted for a moment, then pushed up his glasses. "Yeah, that's Iria Mirosaka, Marou Shinnijitsu and Miyaki Ishikawa." He said as he pointed at his fellow students, his finger moving from right to left respectively.
"Shinnijitsu? Mirosaka? Aren't those names of secondary houses of the Royal family of Jurai?"
"Yes professor they are. I'm sure you've heard about them recently. Because of his supposedly questionable heritage Shinnijitsu has managed to get himself labeled "The Mongrel Prince", an honor previously only held by First Prince Yosho."
Washu's brows furrowed. How could she have managed to miss a matter as important as this? Turning from the trio, Washu's full attention fell upon the student to her right. "I have been consumed with other events, please save me the trouble of looking it up later and spill the story."
The student was momentarily shocked. Professor Washu rarely admitted to lacking knowledge. But of all the professors on campus, she was one of the few that believed she didn't know everything… just most of it. Gathering his voice, Nabeshin began telling as much as he knew of the trio on the bench. "Well, from what I understand of the story, Marmou fell in love with Miyaki, but was obligated by an arranged marriage to marry Iria. He decided to invoke the right of the second sacred scroll, which allows any prince or princess to delay the proceedings of any arranged marriage. He used the time to secretly marry Miyaki. When it was discovered what had happened it was beyond the point of annulment. And to attempt and annul the marriage after consummation would have caused an inter-galactic scandal."
"Why so?" Washu was intrigued. Such a delicious story, but none of this explained why Iria was so content with playing second fiddle to her usurper.
"Simply because, Miyaki is of a higher level of royalty than Iria and Marmou. The long-standing treaty between the Dianeo Empire and Jurai would have greatly suffered, if not been severed. To insult and deny the second princess and heir to the chancellery with such flagrant disregard would have been too much to bear." Washu's eyes grew momentarily in size.
"Their relationship is the evolution of having suffered through the rigors of Jurai's trial of isolation." The sarcastic chuckle in Nabeshin's voice was not lost on Washu. "Nothing like being trapped in a tiny little one room cabin, on the highest of mountain summits. It's a trial that all multiple-member marriages on Jurai must face. At least before another member is added to the mix, sort of a trial by fire. In this case the trio, namely the married couple and the third member have to spend no less than three months trapped in the cabin. Supplies are transported to them, but beyond that they are allowed no contact with the outside world. After that, their differences are usually settled and whatever situation that best suits all members, is arrived at."
"But are they all in love with each other?" Washu wondered how she would pull such a stunt off with Ryoko and Ayeka. Surely one would kill the other after a week of battling completely unrestrained.
"Well as you can see the relationship is painfully slanted in Miyaki's favor, but that does not mean that Marmou does not love Iria in his own way. The three are the best of friends. And in truth, I do not believe that either could imagine their lives spent any differently. Although sometimes, I do think the marriage is unfair to Iria, she does seem happily contented most of the time. But then she was raised to believe that Marmou was her soul mate. She'd probably be happy with nothing more than living in the same city as him, if that was all she were allowed."
Washu caught the subtle hint of adoration and envy in Nabeshin's voice. So the young man was in love with Irai? Makes sense, the poor girl is the out girl out in a two-person relationship. Then it occurred to her… "But can't Iria marry another man? If her marriage with Marmou is unconsummated then logically, it could be annulled. Thusly, leaving her free to remarry. Besides, I thought that those of the lower houses of Jurai were allowed a second marriage, despite sex?" Washu saw a faint hope for Nabeshin, if Iria could learn to love him, then who knows?
Sunlight reflected off of Nabeshin's glasses rendering his expression completely unfathomable. Whatever the suddenly intense youth was thinking, Washu knew she'd see the results soon enough. Turning her attention back to the easily joking trio, Washu smiled. That was how Ryoko, Tenchi and Ayeka should have been. That is how they should have ended up. A trio of friends forever bound by their friendship. Maybe a couple, maybe a loving threesome, but at the very least they should have managed to stay together. Fresh tears sprang momentarily to her eyes as memories clenched at her heart.
They all deserved so much more than the pain they hung in. There had been so much hope for better for the trio, if only Tenchi had been willing to try for more, and the girls willing to settle for less. Washu shook her head. That was wrong of her to think. Even if she wanted both girls to have their chosen hero, it was unfair to demand they be happy with only a portion of his heart. Both Ayeka and Ryoko deserved their knight in shining armor. And Tenchi wasn't graceful enough to handle being both knight and lover to more than one woman. It seemed that the triangle would forever be skewed unfairly, just like the threesome on the bench. How sad, Washu thought. To spent your life forever playing odd man out in your own marriage?
No, Ryoko had been right to reject Tenchi's offer. Ryoko's desire to be Tenchi's only love would have torn the trio apart eventually. Washu shrugged her shoulders the threesome before her could never be Tenchi, Ayeka and Ryoko. Ryoko was still too much an all or nothing girl, and Ayeka would not lose her share of Tenchi's heart to Ryoko. Tenchi would either have to settle the score between them, or choose one. There were no simple ways out; no, isolation on a mountain top; no, stranding them to find their own way.
Ryoko had finally, miraculously defined herself. Emerging from her pain and past like a butterfly from its chrysalis. Washu could not turn her back on the daughter that had emerged from the ruins. To reject the woman that had forged herself from the pain of loss and self-denial was simply beyond Washu's abilities. Shaking her head and regarding the loving pair and friend on the bench, Washu's determination crystallized. There was a solution to the problem. There would be a way of getting the family back together. It would just have to be more involved than simply throwing the three together and expecting them to form a relationship.
Hope restored Washu smiled at the trio on the bench and moved on, sending an off-handed "bye" to the still intense Nabeshin over her shoulder. Washu continued on her way, she was at the doors to her and Ryoko's department when she heard Ryoko's pleading summons. Racing on frantic feet, Washu sprinted to Ryoko's classroom. She wasn't surprised by Yosho's presence, as it had been her own doing. What had shocked her was Ryoko's obvious distress.
Entering the classroom Washu walked slowly to her daughter and wrapped loving arms around the shaken woman. Glaring at Yosho, Washu was momentarily jarred by his youthful appearance. Shaking her head, Washu calmed herself. She knew she had to get the facts before jumping to conclusions. If another member of the faculty or worse yet the dean or superintendent of the school that had found Ryoko treating royalty with such blatant disregard, dismissal would have been unavoidable. Ryoko was still trying to achieve tenure and while she had several things going in her favor there were many within and without the school against her reaching said goal. And an incident such as this would as good as kill her chances of reaching tenure.
Turning silently to Washu and slowly taking in her adult form, Yosho began to talk. "Miss Washu, I'm here to discuss an important matter with Ryoko. Would it be at all possible for someone to take over the rest of her classes today?"
Washu raised her hand to silence Ryoko's beginning protestations. "Yes, it is very possible. I do not have classes today. But what is it you intend to discuss with my daughter, Lord Yosho?"
Yosho quirked an eyebrow, Washu knew exactly what his intentions were. "Miss Washu what I must discuss with Ryoko is a private matter. I am not at liberty to discuss it with you until Ryoko has had a chance to hear what I have to say." Yosho's now youthful voice was calm yet forceful.
Washu again glared at Yosho. Shinto priest or not he was pushing his luck. Washu swallowed the urge to lash out at him and composedly replied. "Lord Yosho I seriously doubt you have anything to say to Ryoko that you cannot say with me present." The silent challenge hung in the air.
Ryoko sighed in frustration. Great a showdown between mom and Yosho. That's just what I need today. Talk about from bad to worse. Hell, how's about Tenchi and Ayeka show up… that would just make things about perfect! "Ahem… if you two don't mind I'd like to join this little chat, since I am the topic of discussion."
Ryoko turned to Washu, "First off Mom, I know you want to protect me, but, and I say this with all the love in my heart, butt out and cover for me." Then Ryoko turned to the faintly smug Yosho. "And as for you? You'll spill your guts over lunch, now lets go before I convince myself to kick your ass."
Ryoko stormed out of the classroom. It took Yosho a few seconds to realize that Ryoko had agreed to speak with him. Nodding to Washu Yosho turned and went through the door and turned left. Washu chuckled and shook her head then sprinted quickly to the door and stuck her head out. "Psst, Yosho? That's the wrong way." Washu pointed down the hall to the tersely waiting Ryoko. "That way." Yosho allowed the reflection of the sun off his glasses to hide his annoyance, he tersely thanked her off-handedly, her laughter following him down the hall. Finally as the pair disappeared down the hall and turned the corner, Washu returned to the classroom shaking her head. "Good luck Lord Yosho, I'm sure you'll need it."
Ryoko led Yosho to a remarkably peaceful little bistro that was within walking distance of the Academy. And since the school was in session at the moment it was quite empty. Seating themselves at a table directly in front of the large picture window, Yosho and Ryoko waited for their server before starting a conversation. After having ordered Yosho decided to break the silence first. There was a faint air of timidity that seemed desperately out of place. Ryoko didn't remember the quality in the Yosho of old.
The man before her spoke with a younger version of the voice she had once loathed then learned to regard with affection. "Ryoko, I'm glad to see you doing so well. And I must say the changes to your outward appearance are very attractive, but I must ask… Why?" Yosho arched an eyebrow in accompaniment to his question.
Ryoko settled back further into her chair and stared at the pedestrians walking past the window. With a voice that seemed distracted and distant she answered. "Because that Ryoko died that day. I'm not the same person I was back then. I am Ryoko Hakubi now; a professor in Astro-Physics and Quantum Thermo-dynamics, which is the simplest way of explaining most of what I teach. I make a modest living here at the academy enough to support myself and my two dogs, one kitten and Ryo-ohki quite well. I own a house and all the things within it are all things that I have purchased with money that I've earned or stuff that I have made. I am simply me now Yosho. Not the demon-woman that had to fight for Tenchi's affections, not the lonely little girl that waited patiently and sometimes not so patiently for Tenchi to love her. That person died eleven years ago. If you were looking for her then I strongly suggest you leave now. She's gone."
The entire time Ryoko spoke Yosho simply sat and basked in the memory of her voice. He had gone for far too long without the sound of it. Even though he had wanted nothing but friendship from her, her voice somehow calmed and soothed his worries. Hearing Ryoko pause Yosho realized it was time for him to explain his presence. "Ryoko, I guess you're wondering why I'm here?" Ryoko nodded. "I'm here because…"
The server arrived with their drinks and appetizer at the perfect moment to interrupt Yosho. Lord bless waiters and waitresses for their excellent timing, Ryoko thought bitterly. Glaring menacingly up at the server Ryoko was shocked when she felt Yosho grab her hand. Turning back to Yosho, Ryoko gave him her full and undivided attention. "Yes?"
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Yosho gathered his words; a gradual re-introduction was in order. " I understand that you have changed. Allowed time and distance to heal old wounds, but Ryoko you must understand that you are still needed?"
Ryoko floundered for a moment. She was needed? She was needed? Anger and outrage took zealous flight as years of bottled anguish lent them wings. How dare he tell her that she was needed. Tenchi could have said something… ANYTHING, and she would have stayed. Asked her to stay by his side and she would have sacrificed her happiness and her life gladly for him. But he hadn't said anything. NOT JACK SQUAT! And now the old man comes in his place?
By the time Ryoko was ready to speak, she had mentally stirred herself to such a frenzy that Yosho was a bit taken back by her ferocity. "I was given no such idea that I was needed during the eleven years I have been away. What's wrong? Life too boring with nothing but a bunch of men to talk to?" Ryoko's voice was strident and rang with a pained cruelty.
Yosho momentarily winced at the truth in her statement. Life had been too boring with just the Masaki men. Their lives needed the breath of joy and excitement the girls had added to it. "Ryoko, Tenchi is dying." The statement was not a lie. Tenchi was dying, slowly fading into the past and dying away from the present.
Ryoko's heart immediately fell to her feet. Tenchi was dying? How was that even possible? Ryoko began calculating how fast she could wrap up all her classes in order to take a two-week sabbatical. Her heart instantly finding its place and taking control of her thoughts, whom would she get to care for her pets? Shaking her head, Ryoko shrugged her shoulders, what did that matter; she would just take them along for the ride. Resolved to leave Ryoko looked up at Yosho determinedly.
Yosho watched Ryoko closely. For a flicker of a second, everything about her had changed. For the tiniest of seconds, Ryoko had looked like an older version of the cyan hair-beauty he had known. Shaking his head, Yosho pushed thoughts and questions out of his mind. He had more important concerns, like how he was going to remain alive once Ryoko saw through his slight bending of the truth. Hopefully Tenchi has matured enough to deal with her. Somehow, Yosho doubted it. Sighing Yosho watched and when Ryoko looked to him, he had to smile.
Despite the years and despite all the pain and tears, Ryoko still and would probably always love Tenchi. Yosho faintly envied Tenchi. The young man had so much devotion waiting readily for his acknowledgement. Pushing past his emotions Yosho invited Ryoko to finish her meal.
A shake of her head and a fierce "No time" was her reply. Ryoko called their server over, quickly paid the bill, grabbed Yosho by the hand and raced to her house. If Tenchi was truly dying then there was no time to waste over simple frivolities like lunch. She had much to settle and even more to prepare.
The pair arrived at Ryoko's classroom just as another class was leaving. Students stared at the pair in shocked amazement. Somehow it seemed inconceivable that Professor H. had hooked up with anyone. I mean, She was, along with her mother of course, the hottest teacher on campus and hadn't given any signs of ever wanting to date. And now here she was storming into her own class dragging a young, handsome man that resembled Jurai royalty. Remaining students hovered within the classroom trying to gain illicit information about the gorgeous teacher.
Ryoko started blathering at her mother. And for her part Washu tried to keep up, but wanting to wrap up Ryoko's class participation notes and whatnot, she allowed herself to become distracted with her computer again. It was the twittering giggles of students that pulled at Washu's attentions. Looking up and blithely ignoring the ranting woman to her left, Washu's eyes grew as she realized the students were hearing everything that Ryoko was saying.
Launching from her seat and clapping her hand over Ryoko's ranting mouth, Washu pointed an accusing finger at the flock of students standing off to the sidelines. The group gave a collective nervous chuckle, as Ryoko's glare seemed hot enough to spontaneously ignite them. The room was tense for a moment as the students began praying to all that was holy for their lives, and Ryoko began thinking of ways to fillet her wayward students.
Yosho was quite impressed with Ryoko's ability to still arouse immediate fear in her students. A talent for any teacher to cultivate, even if it was never used or the threat ever carried out. Sometimes a scared student was a respectful student. But it was obvious the fear radiating from the gaggle of students was not the same desperate fear that had once surrounded Ryoko like a mantel, inspired by the wrath of her destruction. No instead, it was the same fear held by youth everywhere for those either older or wiser, the fear of more work!
As Ryoko's ire finally settled enough, pulling Washu's hand from her mouth, she calmly issued out a painful amount of homework to the assembled mass. The round of moans and gripes instantly dying when Ryoko glare returned. Quickly thanking her and stealing out the door, the group grumbled loudly outside in the hall. Washu shook her head and chuckled, well at least little has changed in that respect, students would always be students.
Ryoko began her ranting about needing to take a sabbatical when Washu raised her hand. "how do you think Lord Yosho got here?"
Ryoko shrugged, she hadn't actually taken a moment to think about it. Having simply assumed he had found his own way. After all, he was younger now, that had to mean that Funaho was restored.
Washu looked at her daughter, all that genius and sometimes it was the easiest answer that eluded her. "I re-opened the portal to Tenchi's." Washu explained.
The looked of momentary confusion was gradually replaced with an appreciate "oh". Washu shook her head; despite everything… sometimes it amazed Washu how Ryoko was not related to Mihoshi. Some days there was just no other way to explain it.
Waiting for the information to sink in, Washu watched as Ryoko's expression didn't seem to be gathering any more wit. Nodding gently trying to infer that Ryoko finish her statement, Washu continued on. "Because since I left the portal open that means that you…" Washu stared at Ryoko as the silent seconds grew.
The patient has gone flat line!!
Still nothing Doctor!
CLEAR!
"…Can go back and forth from Tenchi's place and your classes. It also means that you…" Washu petered off, waiting for Ryoko to finish. Ryoko was still standing there mind either a total blank or simply offline.
She can't take much more of this captain! The dylithium crystals are gonna blow!
It's worse than that its dead Jim!
Oh my god its full of stars.
Washu shook her head, now where had those archaic quotes come from? Looking at Ryoko, Washu waved her hand in front of the woman's face. For her part Ryoko simply stood there.
She was going to see Tenchi. After all these years she was going to see Tenchi. It wasn't going to take months or weeks or even days. She would see him seconds after stepping through the other side of the portal. All this time and she would see him. So many things to ask, so many things to say… how much time did she have before he died? Could she save him? Was there hope for them? Ryoko's mind raced with resurrected hope and the ever-present longing. She was going to see Tenchi.
Yosho's eyes softened. She must be overwhelmed. To be given a second chance was sometimes a daunting undertaking.
Washu watched Ryoko, momentarily sneaking a peek at her thoughts. The jumble of confused emotions that spun widely around stunned Washu. Looking at Ryoko with appraising eyes, Washu wondered how long the younger Hakubi's outward appearance would remain. Chuckling to herself Washu had to smile. Thank you Tenchi… even if you break her heart again. Thank you, for giving her the chance to become the person she should be. I never wanted a clone, I wanted my daughter. This Ryoko… this isn't the real Ryoko. That person went into hiding 11 years ago. Thank you for giving her a second chance. Soon Ryoko would meet Tenchi and the family would come. One by one, they would all come.
Yosho smiled at Washu, the scientist had missed the madness as well. Life with the girls would be different. Much had changed. But with time and hopefully, honesty, the family would be together again. But first things first, they had to get Ryoko back to Tenchi. The pair needed time to talk alone, and if those students had recognized him it would be only a matter of time before Jurai would come looking for explanations. After all, its not everyday a former First Prince and an ex-space pirate are caught holding hands, looking disheveled and sounded out of breath. Yosho wondered what his mother, father and especially Ayeka would make of the whole matter.
Yes, whether he liked it or not, the madness would start again… and like always it began with Ryoko.
It was brought to my attention that this chapter was missing about a page and a half of text. (thank you dennisud) Sorry about that. I don't usually read through my updates. Lesson learned I'll try and break that habit. As luck would have it, I could only find about half of the missing text. So I filled out the rest today, if it seems different, I'm sorry. I did try and stay pretty close to what I originally had, but just deviated this way. Of course once I had finished deviating, my wonderful roommate found the hard copy version of the original missing text. But I think I prefer this better. Oh well, thanks much for your patience.
So I have added the new/old section in. If you'd rather not read the entire chapter over again, simply scroll down to the ~~~~~~@ and that should bring you to the beginning of the addition. Otherwise enjoy
Yosho stood patiently by Ryoko's side as he waited for her to wake. She was so changed… her appearance almost too much for his mind to reconcile. If Ryoko was so changed then how much more, must the other girls have altered? Yosho felt a moment's hesitation. Did he want to see them all again? To find them now was to forsake the image he held of them in his heart and regard them as they truly were.
Hesitation gone Yosho smiled as Ryoko's eyes began to flutter. She was too important. It had been too hard watching his grandson, slowly die from lack of will to live. Constantly living in the past was not the way for one so young as Tenchi to live. So with the help of Washu he had arrived through a long unused portal. The scientist had decided to keep it open just incase. She had projected a 99.648% probability for one of the Masaki men coming to retrieve Ryoko. There was simply too much to lose, too much left unsaid, for matters to remain as they had.
Yosho had felt a small joy watching his grandson's revival after talk of retrieving the girls. Soon, their family would be returned, all that was needed was Ryoko. The key to so much turmoil and happiness, everything laid at her feet to accept or reject. Smiling gently down at shocked eyes, Yosho could not contain the quiet chuckle. She looked so much like Washu and yet… still so much of the old Ryoko hid deep within the golden flecks of her eyes. "I am certain you have several questions to ask of me… I will gladly answer them if you will consent to sharing lunch with me?" Yosho elegantly swept to her side and helped her down from the table.
Ryoko straightened her clothes, adjusted her hair and retrieved her glasses from the floor. With a gentle cough she cleared her throat. "I have classes to attend to Lord Yosho. I am not obliged to join you, and while I have a small freakin' mountain of questions, I will nonetheless endeavor to contain my curiosity, until a more appropriate time. Now if you will excuse me, I have a lesson plan to attend to." Ryoko imperiously brushed past him and settled again atop her stool.
A sweeping eyebrow rose with the momentary vexation. Yosho had a mind to jog Ryoko's memory, as to who was the mature adult between the pair. The girl dared to ignore him with such palpable distain. It wasn't until his slow inspection of her that Yosho noticed her faint trembling. Annoyance swiftly transforming into tenderness, he wondered how hard she was trying to hide her true emotions. It must have been painfully unsettling to have him appear before her so suddenly. Looking so similar to what she must have imagined Tenchi looking like by now. Yosho approached Ryoko again.
Ryoko was desperately rattled; her world was slowly crumbling around her. Why was Yosho here? Had something terrible happened to Tenchi? Were the other girls okay? Had something happened to Ayeka or Sasami? Worry suffused Ryoko and almost overwhelmed her. Feelings of love and concern hit her hard. It had been so long since she had allowed emotions for the others to register, that with this momentary opening the floodgates burst. Overcome, Ryoko followed instinct and called for her mother.
Washu had been on her own the moment she had sensed Yosho's presence on the campus. Deciding that Ryoko needed a moment alone with Yosho, she actually walked across campus. It was a glorious spring day, bright and clear with the gentle smell of lilac, magnolia and honeysuckle drifting on the wind. Washu watched the students meander around campus, some sunbathing, others simply enjoying the escape from the stifling confines of class. She occasionally waved at a few of her students and colleagues. Looking around appreciatively at the beauty and promise around her, Washu had to smile. Maybe she'd change one of the levels of her lab to resemble this fabulous moment.
Out of the corner of her eye, Washu noticed a trio of students, two girls and a boy. The trio stopped Washu. The instant similarities were drawn. Washu smiled, the girls teased and fought over the boy so playfully. Then when it was obvious the boy was getting annoyed both girls simply looked at each other and kissed him on the cheek. His face had become an adorable shade of crimson and he had looked like he had swallowed his tongue. Finally the young man closed his eyes and placed an arm around each girl. Then squeezed one and kissed the other.
Washu raised an eyebrow and gave a regretful nod. Even this triangle was unfairly skewed to one side. With a shrug Washu tried to move her feet and advance past the trio, but she simply could not pass. She had to know more about them. Something seemed to work with them, that hadn't with the love triangle her daughter had ill fatedly stumbled into. Moving numbly off to sit in front of the fountain, Washu watched them closely. Somehow the girl that had received nothing more than a hug was satisfied with it. Not fighting or demanding more, not jealous, not spiteful, not resentful, just simply accepting. It seemed beyond Washu that a person, that loved another as much as this second girl obviously loved the young man at her side, was willing to tolerate such a situation. Why? What was the advantage of playing second fiddle to the other girl?
Turning her attention to the other girl, Washu wondered why the other girl even tolerated the distraction. It was plain to see that she held the loin's share of the young man's heart, if not the entirety of his affections. But still the first girl remained. Almost like a glaring example of the bias of the relationship. And yet despite all obvious conclusions neither girl gave the impression to be suffering ill will to the other, instead the seemed to have accepted the other's role in the young man's life.
Washu shrieked with a startled "IEEIEEEEEEEEE!" The tap on her shoulder had been unexpected, especially since she had been so absorbed by the trio on the bench.
"Why are you watching them professor Washu?" One of her graduate student's questioned lightly.
"Oh, nothing Nabeshin. Do you know anything about those three over there?" Washu pointed a gracefully slender finger at the trio gently joking around and laughing on the bench.
"Yeah, sure…" The student squinted for a moment, then pushed up his glasses. "Yeah, that's Iria Mirosaka, Marou Shinnijitsu and Miyaki Ishikawa." He said as he pointed at his fellow students, his finger moving from right to left respectively.
"Shinnijitsu? Mirosaka? Aren't those names of secondary houses of the Royal family of Jurai?"
"Yes professor they are. I'm sure you've heard about them recently. Because of his supposedly questionable heritage Shinnijitsu has managed to get himself labeled "The Mongrel Prince", an honor previously only held by First Prince Yosho."
Washu's brows furrowed. How could she have managed to miss a matter as important as this? Turning from the trio, Washu's full attention fell upon the student to her right. "I have been consumed with other events, please save me the trouble of looking it up later and spill the story."
The student was momentarily shocked. Professor Washu rarely admitted to lacking knowledge. But of all the professors on campus, she was one of the few that believed she didn't know everything… just most of it. Gathering his voice, Nabeshin began telling as much as he knew of the trio on the bench. "Well, from what I understand of the story, Marmou fell in love with Miyaki, but was obligated by an arranged marriage to marry Iria. He decided to invoke the right of the second sacred scroll, which allows any prince or princess to delay the proceedings of any arranged marriage. He used the time to secretly marry Miyaki. When it was discovered what had happened it was beyond the point of annulment. And to attempt and annul the marriage after consummation would have caused an inter-galactic scandal."
"Why so?" Washu was intrigued. Such a delicious story, but none of this explained why Iria was so content with playing second fiddle to her usurper.
"Simply because, Miyaki is of a higher level of royalty than Iria and Marmou. The long-standing treaty between the Dianeo Empire and Jurai would have greatly suffered, if not been severed. To insult and deny the second princess and heir to the chancellery with such flagrant disregard would have been too much to bear." Washu's eyes grew momentarily in size.
"Their relationship is the evolution of having suffered through the rigors of Jurai's trial of isolation." The sarcastic chuckle in Nabeshin's voice was not lost on Washu. "Nothing like being trapped in a tiny little one room cabin, on the highest of mountain summits. It's a trial that all multiple-member marriages on Jurai must face. At least before another member is added to the mix, sort of a trial by fire. In this case the trio, namely the married couple and the third member have to spend no less than three months trapped in the cabin. Supplies are transported to them, but beyond that they are allowed no contact with the outside world. After that, their differences are usually settled and whatever situation that best suits all members, is arrived at."
"But are they all in love with each other?" Washu wondered how she would pull such a stunt off with Ryoko and Ayeka. Surely one would kill the other after a week of battling completely unrestrained.
"Well as you can see the relationship is painfully slanted in Miyaki's favor, but that does not mean that Marmou does not love Iria in his own way. The three are the best of friends. And in truth, I do not believe that either could imagine their lives spent any differently. Although sometimes, I do think the marriage is unfair to Iria, she does seem happily contented most of the time. But then she was raised to believe that Marmou was her soul mate. She'd probably be happy with nothing more than living in the same city as him, if that was all she were allowed."
Washu caught the subtle hint of adoration and envy in Nabeshin's voice. So the young man was in love with Irai? Makes sense, the poor girl is the out girl out in a two-person relationship. Then it occurred to her… "But can't Iria marry another man? If her marriage with Marmou is unconsummated then logically, it could be annulled. Thusly, leaving her free to remarry. Besides, I thought that those of the lower houses of Jurai were allowed a second marriage, despite sex?" Washu saw a faint hope for Nabeshin, if Iria could learn to love him, then who knows?
Sunlight reflected off of Nabeshin's glasses rendering his expression completely unfathomable. Whatever the suddenly intense youth was thinking, Washu knew she'd see the results soon enough. Turning her attention back to the easily joking trio, Washu smiled. That was how Ryoko, Tenchi and Ayeka should have been. That is how they should have ended up. A trio of friends forever bound by their friendship. Maybe a couple, maybe a loving threesome, but at the very least they should have managed to stay together. Fresh tears sprang momentarily to her eyes as memories clenched at her heart.
They all deserved so much more than the pain they hung in. There had been so much hope for better for the trio, if only Tenchi had been willing to try for more, and the girls willing to settle for less. Washu shook her head. That was wrong of her to think. Even if she wanted both girls to have their chosen hero, it was unfair to demand they be happy with only a portion of his heart. Both Ayeka and Ryoko deserved their knight in shining armor. And Tenchi wasn't graceful enough to handle being both knight and lover to more than one woman. It seemed that the triangle would forever be skewed unfairly, just like the threesome on the bench. How sad, Washu thought. To spent your life forever playing odd man out in your own marriage?
No, Ryoko had been right to reject Tenchi's offer. Ryoko's desire to be Tenchi's only love would have torn the trio apart eventually. Washu shrugged her shoulders the threesome before her could never be Tenchi, Ayeka and Ryoko. Ryoko was still too much an all or nothing girl, and Ayeka would not lose her share of Tenchi's heart to Ryoko. Tenchi would either have to settle the score between them, or choose one. There were no simple ways out; no, isolation on a mountain top; no, stranding them to find their own way.
Ryoko had finally, miraculously defined herself. Emerging from her pain and past like a butterfly from its chrysalis. Washu could not turn her back on the daughter that had emerged from the ruins. To reject the woman that had forged herself from the pain of loss and self-denial was simply beyond Washu's abilities. Shaking her head and regarding the loving pair and friend on the bench, Washu's determination crystallized. There was a solution to the problem. There would be a way of getting the family back together. It would just have to be more involved than simply throwing the three together and expecting them to form a relationship.
Hope restored Washu smiled at the trio on the bench and moved on, sending an off-handed "bye" to the still intense Nabeshin over her shoulder. Washu continued on her way, she was at the doors to her and Ryoko's department when she heard Ryoko's pleading summons. Racing on frantic feet, Washu sprinted to Ryoko's classroom. She wasn't surprised by Yosho's presence, as it had been her own doing. What had shocked her was Ryoko's obvious distress.
Entering the classroom Washu walked slowly to her daughter and wrapped loving arms around the shaken woman. Glaring at Yosho, Washu was momentarily jarred by his youthful appearance. Shaking her head, Washu calmed herself. She knew she had to get the facts before jumping to conclusions. If another member of the faculty or worse yet the dean or superintendent of the school that had found Ryoko treating royalty with such blatant disregard, dismissal would have been unavoidable. Ryoko was still trying to achieve tenure and while she had several things going in her favor there were many within and without the school against her reaching said goal. And an incident such as this would as good as kill her chances of reaching tenure.
Turning silently to Washu and slowly taking in her adult form, Yosho began to talk. "Miss Washu, I'm here to discuss an important matter with Ryoko. Would it be at all possible for someone to take over the rest of her classes today?"
Washu raised her hand to silence Ryoko's beginning protestations. "Yes, it is very possible. I do not have classes today. But what is it you intend to discuss with my daughter, Lord Yosho?"
Yosho quirked an eyebrow, Washu knew exactly what his intentions were. "Miss Washu what I must discuss with Ryoko is a private matter. I am not at liberty to discuss it with you until Ryoko has had a chance to hear what I have to say." Yosho's now youthful voice was calm yet forceful.
Washu again glared at Yosho. Shinto priest or not he was pushing his luck. Washu swallowed the urge to lash out at him and composedly replied. "Lord Yosho I seriously doubt you have anything to say to Ryoko that you cannot say with me present." The silent challenge hung in the air.
Ryoko sighed in frustration. Great a showdown between mom and Yosho. That's just what I need today. Talk about from bad to worse. Hell, how's about Tenchi and Ayeka show up… that would just make things about perfect! "Ahem… if you two don't mind I'd like to join this little chat, since I am the topic of discussion."
Ryoko turned to Washu, "First off Mom, I know you want to protect me, but, and I say this with all the love in my heart, butt out and cover for me." Then Ryoko turned to the faintly smug Yosho. "And as for you? You'll spill your guts over lunch, now lets go before I convince myself to kick your ass."
Ryoko stormed out of the classroom. It took Yosho a few seconds to realize that Ryoko had agreed to speak with him. Nodding to Washu Yosho turned and went through the door and turned left. Washu chuckled and shook her head then sprinted quickly to the door and stuck her head out. "Psst, Yosho? That's the wrong way." Washu pointed down the hall to the tersely waiting Ryoko. "That way." Yosho allowed the reflection of the sun off his glasses to hide his annoyance, he tersely thanked her off-handedly, her laughter following him down the hall. Finally as the pair disappeared down the hall and turned the corner, Washu returned to the classroom shaking her head. "Good luck Lord Yosho, I'm sure you'll need it."
Ryoko led Yosho to a remarkably peaceful little bistro that was within walking distance of the Academy. And since the school was in session at the moment it was quite empty. Seating themselves at a table directly in front of the large picture window, Yosho and Ryoko waited for their server before starting a conversation. After having ordered Yosho decided to break the silence first. There was a faint air of timidity that seemed desperately out of place. Ryoko didn't remember the quality in the Yosho of old.
The man before her spoke with a younger version of the voice she had once loathed then learned to regard with affection. "Ryoko, I'm glad to see you doing so well. And I must say the changes to your outward appearance are very attractive, but I must ask… Why?" Yosho arched an eyebrow in accompaniment to his question.
Ryoko settled back further into her chair and stared at the pedestrians walking past the window. With a voice that seemed distracted and distant she answered. "Because that Ryoko died that day. I'm not the same person I was back then. I am Ryoko Hakubi now; a professor in Astro-Physics and Quantum Thermo-dynamics, which is the simplest way of explaining most of what I teach. I make a modest living here at the academy enough to support myself and my two dogs, one kitten and Ryo-ohki quite well. I own a house and all the things within it are all things that I have purchased with money that I've earned or stuff that I have made. I am simply me now Yosho. Not the demon-woman that had to fight for Tenchi's affections, not the lonely little girl that waited patiently and sometimes not so patiently for Tenchi to love her. That person died eleven years ago. If you were looking for her then I strongly suggest you leave now. She's gone."
The entire time Ryoko spoke Yosho simply sat and basked in the memory of her voice. He had gone for far too long without the sound of it. Even though he had wanted nothing but friendship from her, her voice somehow calmed and soothed his worries. Hearing Ryoko pause Yosho realized it was time for him to explain his presence. "Ryoko, I guess you're wondering why I'm here?" Ryoko nodded. "I'm here because…"
The server arrived with their drinks and appetizer at the perfect moment to interrupt Yosho. Lord bless waiters and waitresses for their excellent timing, Ryoko thought bitterly. Glaring menacingly up at the server Ryoko was shocked when she felt Yosho grab her hand. Turning back to Yosho, Ryoko gave him her full and undivided attention. "Yes?"
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Yosho gathered his words; a gradual re-introduction was in order. " I understand that you have changed. Allowed time and distance to heal old wounds, but Ryoko you must understand that you are still needed?"
Ryoko floundered for a moment. She was needed? She was needed? Anger and outrage took zealous flight as years of bottled anguish lent them wings. How dare he tell her that she was needed. Tenchi could have said something… ANYTHING, and she would have stayed. Asked her to stay by his side and she would have sacrificed her happiness and her life gladly for him. But he hadn't said anything. NOT JACK SQUAT! And now the old man comes in his place?
By the time Ryoko was ready to speak, she had mentally stirred herself to such a frenzy that Yosho was a bit taken back by her ferocity. "I was given no such idea that I was needed during the eleven years I have been away. What's wrong? Life too boring with nothing but a bunch of men to talk to?" Ryoko's voice was strident and rang with a pained cruelty.
Yosho momentarily winced at the truth in her statement. Life had been too boring with just the Masaki men. Their lives needed the breath of joy and excitement the girls had added to it. "Ryoko, Tenchi is dying." The statement was not a lie. Tenchi was dying, slowly fading into the past and dying away from the present.
Ryoko's heart immediately fell to her feet. Tenchi was dying? How was that even possible? Ryoko began calculating how fast she could wrap up all her classes in order to take a two-week sabbatical. Her heart instantly finding its place and taking control of her thoughts, whom would she get to care for her pets? Shaking her head, Ryoko shrugged her shoulders, what did that matter; she would just take them along for the ride. Resolved to leave Ryoko looked up at Yosho determinedly.
Yosho watched Ryoko closely. For a flicker of a second, everything about her had changed. For the tiniest of seconds, Ryoko had looked like an older version of the cyan hair-beauty he had known. Shaking his head, Yosho pushed thoughts and questions out of his mind. He had more important concerns, like how he was going to remain alive once Ryoko saw through his slight bending of the truth. Hopefully Tenchi has matured enough to deal with her. Somehow, Yosho doubted it. Sighing Yosho watched and when Ryoko looked to him, he had to smile.
Despite the years and despite all the pain and tears, Ryoko still and would probably always love Tenchi. Yosho faintly envied Tenchi. The young man had so much devotion waiting readily for his acknowledgement. Pushing past his emotions Yosho invited Ryoko to finish her meal.
A shake of her head and a fierce "No time" was her reply. Ryoko called their server over, quickly paid the bill, grabbed Yosho by the hand and raced to her house. If Tenchi was truly dying then there was no time to waste over simple frivolities like lunch. She had much to settle and even more to prepare.
The pair arrived at Ryoko's classroom just as another class was leaving. Students stared at the pair in shocked amazement. Somehow it seemed inconceivable that Professor H. had hooked up with anyone. I mean, She was, along with her mother of course, the hottest teacher on campus and hadn't given any signs of ever wanting to date. And now here she was storming into her own class dragging a young, handsome man that resembled Jurai royalty. Remaining students hovered within the classroom trying to gain illicit information about the gorgeous teacher.
Ryoko started blathering at her mother. And for her part Washu tried to keep up, but wanting to wrap up Ryoko's class participation notes and whatnot, she allowed herself to become distracted with her computer again. It was the twittering giggles of students that pulled at Washu's attentions. Looking up and blithely ignoring the ranting woman to her left, Washu's eyes grew as she realized the students were hearing everything that Ryoko was saying.
Launching from her seat and clapping her hand over Ryoko's ranting mouth, Washu pointed an accusing finger at the flock of students standing off to the sidelines. The group gave a collective nervous chuckle, as Ryoko's glare seemed hot enough to spontaneously ignite them. The room was tense for a moment as the students began praying to all that was holy for their lives, and Ryoko began thinking of ways to fillet her wayward students.
Yosho was quite impressed with Ryoko's ability to still arouse immediate fear in her students. A talent for any teacher to cultivate, even if it was never used or the threat ever carried out. Sometimes a scared student was a respectful student. But it was obvious the fear radiating from the gaggle of students was not the same desperate fear that had once surrounded Ryoko like a mantel, inspired by the wrath of her destruction. No instead, it was the same fear held by youth everywhere for those either older or wiser, the fear of more work!
As Ryoko's ire finally settled enough, pulling Washu's hand from her mouth, she calmly issued out a painful amount of homework to the assembled mass. The round of moans and gripes instantly dying when Ryoko glare returned. Quickly thanking her and stealing out the door, the group grumbled loudly outside in the hall. Washu shook her head and chuckled, well at least little has changed in that respect, students would always be students.
Ryoko began her ranting about needing to take a sabbatical when Washu raised her hand. "how do you think Lord Yosho got here?"
Ryoko shrugged, she hadn't actually taken a moment to think about it. Having simply assumed he had found his own way. After all, he was younger now, that had to mean that Funaho was restored.
Washu looked at her daughter, all that genius and sometimes it was the easiest answer that eluded her. "I re-opened the portal to Tenchi's." Washu explained.
The looked of momentary confusion was gradually replaced with an appreciate "oh". Washu shook her head; despite everything… sometimes it amazed Washu how Ryoko was not related to Mihoshi. Some days there was just no other way to explain it.
Waiting for the information to sink in, Washu watched as Ryoko's expression didn't seem to be gathering any more wit. Nodding gently trying to infer that Ryoko finish her statement, Washu continued on. "Because since I left the portal open that means that you…" Washu stared at Ryoko as the silent seconds grew.
The patient has gone flat line!!
Still nothing Doctor!
CLEAR!
"…Can go back and forth from Tenchi's place and your classes. It also means that you…" Washu petered off, waiting for Ryoko to finish. Ryoko was still standing there mind either a total blank or simply offline.
She can't take much more of this captain! The dylithium crystals are gonna blow!
It's worse than that its dead Jim!
Oh my god its full of stars.
Washu shook her head, now where had those archaic quotes come from? Looking at Ryoko, Washu waved her hand in front of the woman's face. For her part Ryoko simply stood there.
She was going to see Tenchi. After all these years she was going to see Tenchi. It wasn't going to take months or weeks or even days. She would see him seconds after stepping through the other side of the portal. All this time and she would see him. So many things to ask, so many things to say… how much time did she have before he died? Could she save him? Was there hope for them? Ryoko's mind raced with resurrected hope and the ever-present longing. She was going to see Tenchi.
Yosho's eyes softened. She must be overwhelmed. To be given a second chance was sometimes a daunting undertaking.
Washu watched Ryoko, momentarily sneaking a peek at her thoughts. The jumble of confused emotions that spun widely around stunned Washu. Looking at Ryoko with appraising eyes, Washu wondered how long the younger Hakubi's outward appearance would remain. Chuckling to herself Washu had to smile. Thank you Tenchi… even if you break her heart again. Thank you, for giving her the chance to become the person she should be. I never wanted a clone, I wanted my daughter. This Ryoko… this isn't the real Ryoko. That person went into hiding 11 years ago. Thank you for giving her a second chance. Soon Ryoko would meet Tenchi and the family would come. One by one, they would all come.
Yosho smiled at Washu, the scientist had missed the madness as well. Life with the girls would be different. Much had changed. But with time and hopefully, honesty, the family would be together again. But first things first, they had to get Ryoko back to Tenchi. The pair needed time to talk alone, and if those students had recognized him it would be only a matter of time before Jurai would come looking for explanations. After all, its not everyday a former First Prince and an ex-space pirate are caught holding hands, looking disheveled and sounded out of breath. Yosho wondered what his mother, father and especially Ayeka would make of the whole matter.
Yes, whether he liked it or not, the madness would start again… and like always it began with Ryoko.