The Sea of Change

by La Magdalena

Set after Tenchi Forever, Ryoko is no longer satisfied with the current love triangle situation. An introspective look at her steps to mature.

17. In a certain reign there was a lady

This is going to be a long chapter…

The Sea of Change

Chapter 17

In a certain reign there was a lady not of the first rank,

whom the emperor loved more than any of the others.

The grand ladies with high ambitions thought her a presumptuous upstart,

and lesser ladies were still more resentful.

Everything she did offended someone.

~ Murasaki Shikibu

** ** ** **

"Don't open that door!" Basho yelled at Fei.

"I'll just slip through a crack," Fei soothed her uncle down, edging her way to the door.

"You open that door and I will chop all your hair off!"

"You don't have to be nasty about it!" Fei exclaimed as she sat back down on the steel table, feeling her way around the dark room.

"I told you not to come in here while I develop these photos. Now you're stuck until I'm through."

"But we've been here for four hours already! You could have warned me or something." Fei said squinting to see Basho's expression. "How can you see with that little red bulb? My head is hurting just from trying to focus on what's two inches in front of my nose!"

"You don't have photographer blood in you is all. Now Catara on the other hand, she has exceptional eye site, and a knack for all this tedious work." Basho said laughing as he lowered his face millimeters from the table and eyed one of his photographs. "Don't fidget so much niece." He moved some trays around the tiny room, using every possible space as storage for his various chemicals and such. "I'm almost out of developer… just a few more films to go," He mumbled to himself as he shifted around.

Fei looked around to the bag of film lying languidly on the wall. The red bulb, resting a few inches away gave her an easier view. And what her eyes met discouraged her more than anything… The industrial garbage size bag was full to the rim with film. Some had even rolled to the floor and rested hazardously on the floor, sinisterly waiting to trip someone up.

"I think this is going to be a long night," Fei said to herself as she sat defeated on the iron table. "A very, very long night."

** ** ** **

"This is going to be an event to remember." Mayuri exclaimed excitedly as she and Ryoko arrived at the restaurant. The college artists had arrived since the early morning, fighting over the best walls to display their works of art for the Empress to view. Their faces where beaming like rays of sunshine peaking out from the horizon. They spoke in urgent tones to each other, pointing to this and that and nodding importantly to each other. Mayuri would have sworn they were discussing national politics instead of art. Of course she knew that when it came to an artist's creations, it meant as much to them as politics and defended it with their lives. A good geisha would stay out of politics when it proceeded to appear in a conversation. A great geisha would subtlety bring it up, starting riots and insults with her different guests. A legendary geisha would be able to control her guests and have them leaving as life long friends after a night of chaos.

"I don't feel like attending tonight." Ryoko aid to herself in a low voice as they politely held the doors open for two workers who were carrying an eight-foot tall painting of a rooster.

"What do you suppose that's about?" Mayuri whispered conspiratorially with Ryoko as they eyed the horrendous painting, not hearing her friend's last comment.

"If a blank canvas with a yellow dot can be considered art, then so can that chicken." Ryoko shrugged, never really understanding exactly how some things where considered art and others trash. To her most of it looked exactly the same. "If you were asking me, I wouldn't think of stealing half the stuff they'll have here tonight." Ryoko eyed the retreating painting with exasperation. "It wouldn't be worth squat in the black market."

Mayuri eyed her friend with astonishment. Did I just hear her correctly? Steal? Black market?

"You're finally here!" a high-pitched voice thundered through the walls as Ayeka came stomping through the main dining hall.

She glared at Ryoko before noticing Mayuri standing next to her. "Oh, I didn't know you had company." She fixed her frazzled hair hastily, licking her lips as she eyed the rich decor of Mayuri's dress and makeup.

"This is Mayuri-san. She will be helping Fei and I host tomorrow night." Ryoko turned to Mayuri with a small sigh. "Mayuri this is Ayeka, the master mind behind this monster of a party." Ryoko meant it as a compliment. A geisha when having high hoped for a performance or a party always spoke ill of it, not wanting to attract any bad luck. Very superstitious creatures by nature, Ryoko had picked up the geisha's way of speech quickly and didn't think to explain to Ayeka the hidden meaning. Though as superstition went Ryoko could have cared less. For most of her life she was the demon that superstitious people feared and cast enchantments to keep at bay. She burst out laughing the first time Serla had "baptized" a new kimono in their okiya, but she learned the that day how important these little rituals were for geisha and Japanese people in general. All developed cultures had their share of superstitious mumbo jumbo Ryoko reasoned. If she wanted to belong anywhere she would at least have to seem like she believed them. Though now a days any sort of ritual that took time from her day added flame to the exasperation eating away inside her. There's only so much I can take before I blow up at these people and their ignorance.

Before Ayeka could manifest her displeasure, Mayuri smiled and bowed. "Nice to meet you Ayeka." Mayuri looked around the room, timing her glance to the second for it to be enough for Ayeka to be pleased at her manners but not long enough to look grotesque. "You have exceptional taste."

"Thank you!" Ayeka said pleased. She gave Ryoko one last glance of disapproval of having arrived late, which Ryoko didn't catch, before leading them to the tokonoma, showing them the decorations and colors, enquiring about this and that, and the proper etiquette for receiving such distinguished guests.

"The shun is one season ahead." Mayuri observed as Ayeka read the menu out to them.

"Excuse me?" she asked as she stopped reading.

"You chose herring for an appetizer." Mayuri pointed out.

"What she means is that herring are at the freshest in the spring. It would not do to feed the Empress and her family a dish that is not in season." Ryoko pointed with more tenderness than what Mayuri was expected too hearing from her geisha friend. Ryoko thought for a moment, biting her lip in concentration. "How about matsutake?"

"That could work," Ayeka said thoughtfully.

"We also need meishi, maybe light brown or orange to highlight the warmth from this cold weather we have been having."

"Okay." Ayeka said as she made a mental note. "Matsutake and name settings…"

"Other than that…" Mayuri began as she peaked at the restaurant's gardens, "Ooh what a beautiful view," she sighed. "Catara-san, Ayeka come here and look at this! Isn't it spectacular how the ocean and the green of the gardens contrast?"

Both women moved to stand beside her and nodded.

"We should go to Shira-hama next summer. I visited the beach with my brother when I was a little girl, the water was delicious." Mayuri remembered fondly. "Looking out into the horizon, the sky seemed to stretch on forever…" She paused, deep in thought while Ryoko noticed the boats on the shoreline, all parked next to each other like sardines in a can. The smell of dead fish and rusting iron greeted her just then, making her eyes water and her throat contract in itself. "Those-" she cleared her throat before looking over her shoulder at Ayeka. "Those fishermen won't be here tomorrow will they?"

"I don't think so," Ayeka answered.

"What's wrong with your voice?" Mayuri snapped out of her faze and asked.

"It's that awful smell."

"What smell?"

"The one coming from the boats." Ryoko made a face and managed to croak out, "It's overwhelming!" She covered her nose with her hands, trying to block the smell. "Close that door will you?" Ryoko asked while retreating into the restaurant and taking a few deep breaths.

"You mean you smelled the fish from all the way over here?" Ayeka asked impressed. Ryoko nodded as she motioned a passing waiter for a glass of water.

"The Empress' family won't be able to smell it will they?" Mayuri asked alarmed.

"No… I just have … an abnormally developed sense of smell." Ryoko said as the waiter returned with her glass of water. She drank it as fast as possible without gulping it, as Mayuri softly padded her back.

"That must be a nightmare."

"You have no idea." Ryoko answered, nodding her head and swallowing slowly, trying to keep her stomach from rejecting the water. This city hides smells that make my insides twist, shrink and convulse. She paused, breathing easier. "I don't know why it hit me so hard, I've been to this part of town many times…"

"The cooks have made some samples." Ayeka interrupted her, motioning with her hand to follow her.

Ryoko shot an eye at Ayeka. She had forgotten exactly how narcissistic Ayeka was. I should bop her aside her head for interrupting me like that. Ryoko smiled wickedly at the mental image her thoughts produced. Her hand made its ways sneakily to Ayeka's side, but before the final swat could be given another wave of wooziness hit her hard. She moaned deep in her throat. "You go ahead, I'm going to sit here for a minute." Ryoko informed, pushing Mayuri softly towards Ayeka.

After a few more carefully controlled breaths Ryoko gave herself the luxury of looking around the tokonoma slowly, admiring the paintings already hanging on the walls.

Ayeka has really outdone herself this time… I wonder where Tenchi will hang his painting?" Ryoko stepped down and began walking towards the quieter part of the restaurant. It was an old Japanese home, which had been rebuilt and some rooms added spontaneously here and there they were needed to hold more guests. She traveled towards the back exit where the cooks and servers were coming and going from.

The walls where of a natural wood finish with simple vases adorning the walls. Ryoko peaked inside one of them, surprised they were empty but for some dirt.

Stepping outside she continued walking, happy to find her stomach was settling down, and that the she could not longer detect the stench of fish.

There was music playing in the background, old kabuki music, which she had first heard in the early years of her imprisonment in the cave.

On those nights she would project her self outside, and look at the stars. Just gazing… trying to dream of a life free from all her mistakes, free from all the lives that weighed in her shoulders. In those dreams she always felt light as a feather. Traveling through space for the sheer adventure of it. Meeting would be friends and lovers along the way.

Those daydreams, visited so very long ago popped up in her mind all of a sudden. Filling her with such melancholy in her chest, that her breathing became raspy and her eyes stung as if violently allergic to her wretchedness. All she remembered from those dreams was the feeling it gave her, laughter and happiness permeated her being in those dreams, she was saturated with them.

She looked up instinctively, squinting her eyes at the sun. After a few minutes of blinking furiously she finally saw them, her stars. It had been so long since she had looked up.

Her feet felt sewn into the ground with iron thread. Ryoko had begun to think like an earthling, only weighing the possibilities this planet had to offer. Since the time in her cave she understood, or at least recognized how different she was from other people. And not just on earth, but also in most of the places she had plundered and conquered. She was fine with it, relishing in her own individuality, besides no one but her knew how to really have fun and look as beautiful as she did while doing it. Ryoko smiled smugly at herself. But time passed, Tenchi came and went, and she had failed to become one of them. Failure never came easy to Ryoko, and when it did she decided she needed to change or die trying, and when Ryoko did something she did all the way. She changed completely. But now she was getting tired of restraining her normalcy over the top reactions to things simply because it wouldn't be normal. Who wants to be normal anyway?

Ryoko looked down at the ground, trying to remember why she had chosen earth instead of space. One was stable and dependable, the other ethereal and elusive. Much like the qualities Ryoko once had thought she possessed.

I'm so silly. Ryoko laughed at herself, as she blinked away the gathering moisture in her eyes. I'm happy here. She repeated over and over. Those were just dreams of an imprisoned soul.

She walked towards the sound of the fishermen yelling, and of spectators laughing and speaking excitedly to one another as they looked at the blue sea. The awful smell that had nauseated Ryoko moments before was a lost memory.

Her stomach grumbled, but she pushed her need aside and enjoyed the sight before her. Rows of tiny fishermen shack lined the coast, small, dilapidated crowded homes, even though Ryoko noticed the shacks were a good fifty feet if not more from each other. There was an ominous wind that blew in; making Ryoko's skirt fly up to her hips and her hair thrash wildly in the air, wiping her face painfully. She looked at the horizon, and spotted the tiniest blemishes of purple on the clouds.

"There's a hell of a storm approaching," she said to herself.

Just as quickly as the wind began it ended, and that the blemishes disappeared with the renewed force of the sun's rays blinding Ryoko for a second.

"Catara," Ryoko flashed her head around, spooked at the voice that seemed to invade her thoughts. "You better come inside before that wind comes back and gives everyone a better view of your panties." Tenchi smirked from the doorway.

"Nice to know somebody was looking." Ryoko blushed but recovered stoically as she nonchalantly followed him inside. She was careful to hold her arms straight down, keeping watch over her rebellious skirt.

"What are you doing here?"

"Ayeka wanted to get our opinion on some stuff she chose for the party tomorrow night."

"Our?"

"Mayuri's and I." Ryoko clarified as Tenchi led her to a table next to the tokonoma. There were a couple of canvases resting on the wall, which Ryoko noticed he hurriedly turned over.

"Those belong to you?" She asked pointing with a nod of her.

"Uh yeah." He said as he stood in front of them awkwardly. "So…" Tenchi swallowed loudly, very obviously searching for a topic of conversation. "… I thought geisha were suppose to wear kimonos everyday?"

"Nope." She answered; feeling Tenchi's efforts at avoiding his paintings behind him tickle her curiosity. She leaned her head from side to side and Tenchi leaned his body side to side.

"Well that's something I didn't know…" He laughed nervously.

Ryoko inched closer to him, edging her hand to the canvases.

"Hey!" Tenchi grabbed her hand suddenly. "… How's Ryo-ohki?" He asked desperately, pulling her away from the tokonoma.

"Ouch! Tenchi you're hurting me!"

"Sorry." Tenchi let go of her hand instantly, realizing how delicate she was without her powers.

"Why can't I see them?" she asked as she rubbed her hand.

"What?" He rocked on his heels nervously.

"The paintings! Your acting like an idiot trying to get me away from them." Ryoko laughed and mimicked his rocking.

"You'll see them tomorrow alright?" He pleaded with big brown eyes as he massaged her hand for her. "Sorry I hurt your hand. I forgot how fragile you are without the gem-"

"I'm not fragile." Ryoko interrupted. "But hell, you really wanted me away from your things," she said feigning hurt.

"I want them to be a surprise for everybody, including you."

"Can't you just give me a little peek?" She asked him with a wink. "I'll act very surprised tomorrow …" Seeing she wasn't convincing Tenchi she added desperately, "I might even be inclined to put in a good word with the Empress' family."

"Are you bribing me?" Tenchi asked, not being able to withhold with a smile.

"No, bribing would be if I offer you something." Ryoko clarified while giving him a very mischievous grin. "I won't tell if you don't," she whispered the words as she inched her face loser to his. Tenchi inhaled, but stood firm, and after her face was close enough for him to feel the heat radiating from her skin, he leaned closer still. With a grin to rival her own he paused, "Tempting offer… but no."

"No!?" Ryoko gasped stunned and pulled back, taking the hand that Tenchi still held with his own. "Why the hell not?" she yelled.

"Keep it down," Tenchi laughed while looking out into the corridor. "You'll see it tomorrow Ryoko."

Neither of them noticed his slip of the tongue. Ryoko was too busy stomping around the tokonoma in a state of fury. "I don't see why you can't just give me a preview!"

"Because I said no." Tenchi answered with a stern tone that Ryoko found impressive.

"You're the first man to say no to me."

"Really?" He asked. "Imagine that."

"It doesn't count though." Ryoko said defensively. "If I really wanted to," she sashayed towards him slowly, "You would show me…"

"What?" he asked with a dry throat.

"Anything I want." She whispered, unconsciously drawing feather light circles on his chest.

"I…" He looked down at her hand, "I'll believe it when I see it," he dared her.

"You wish." She answered him without skipping a beat.

"You feeling better Catara?" Mayuri asked as she and Ayeka made their way towards them.

Tenchi gave her a once over, wondering what was wrong with her.

"I'm fine." She answered him without needing to be asked. "So stop giving me that look."

"Everything is now in order and the corrections have been made." Ayeka informed them proudly. "All we need now is for the paintings to be hanged. Did you choose the painting of R-"

"Uhu." Tenchi answered too quickly for Ryoko to guess what Ayeka was about to say. "It's all taken care of." He gave a teasing smile to Ryoko as she glared silently at him.

"It's time for us to go then." Mayuri spoke to no one in particular. "We need to pick up the shamisen's from the teahouse before we go home."

"Are you bringing a date?" Ayeka asked.

"A date?" All three of them raised their eyebrows. "Geisha's don't bring dates when they entertain." Mayuri laughed. "We'll be too busy trying to keep the royal family in line."

"I don't think they will be much trouble."

"Oh you'd be surprised." Ryoko butted in. "In my experience royalty are spoiled, lazy, rude individuals who complain about how the sun didn't shine just for them." She looked directly at Ayeka as she said this, narrowing her eyes playfully.

"Oh you're the one to talk Catara." Mayuri laughed and took her hand. "We have to go now. See you guys tomorrow." Both girls waved and left Tenchi smiling and Ayeka fuming.

"Why can't I ever have a quick comeback!?" Ayeka spat in frustration when the geisha were out of earshot.

"She knows how to get under your skin better than anyone." Tenchi answered with a secretive smile.

"I don't know why you're so gleeful Lord Tenchi. When we came in your face was flushed redder than a tomato." It was Ayeka's turn to grin satisfied at Tenchi's sheepish expression.

"She gets under both our skins, lets just leave it at that."

** ** ** **

"Hello Geisha Catara, Geisha?" Kiyoki greeted them bow with a nod of her head, smiling a little too eagerly for either Ryoko or Mayuri's tastes.

"Mayuri." Ryoko introduced the two women.

"I am so excited about the party, it already looks too wonderful for words!"

"It will be a night to remember." Mayuri concurred.

"Oh yes, oh yes! That's certainly an understatement if I ever heard one!" Her high pitched laugh made Mayuri flinch slightly and steals a glance at her friend to see if it had had the same affect on her. As expected Ryoko furrowed her eyebrows ever so slightly, making Mayuri recall how Ryoko seemed to have a very acute sense of hearing.

"You girls will have to help me." She laughed again, making the geisha's smiles a little tighter as she looked around for any other people. "I am not quite as, how should I put this? As experienced as you with matters concerning men-"

"I think I know where you are going with this." Mayuri interjected curtly. Offended at this girls brass after having met her literally seconds before. "We are here to please her majesty and her family, not to be flirting saucily with some guy. Remember that this is not a party thrown for anyone but the Empress. Everyone else," Mayuri looked at Kiyoki intently meaning her as well, "will be focused solely on the task of making her majesty and her family feel at ease."

Kiyoki's eyes turned downward, and her face held a very uncomfortable flush that Ryoko as much as she reasoned with her mind that she was a nice girl, she couldn't rid the pleased feeling of having her put in her place. It should have been me.

** ** ** **

"What do you think she'll be like?"

"Two eyes, a nose, a mouth… you know the usual." Ryoko answered indifferently as she arranged Fei's obi.

"What's wrong with you?"

Ryoko sighed and shook her head slightly, searching for the right words. "I don't like the idea of the ambassador going with us."

"I think it was a smart move that Aunt Serla extended an invitation to him. He has dined with the imperial family on more than one occasion in the past and besides," Fei turned around to look her friend in the face, "I thought he held a special significance for you?"

Ryoko shrugged as she stepped sideways to get a good look at her kimono in the mirror. "Can you tie my obi tighter Fei?"

"Tighter? Are you sure you'll be able to breath?"

"Yes Fei." Ryoko answered impatiently, while she sucked in her stomach.

"You better hide that bad mood you're in or you'll ruin Basho's big night." Fei smoothed out the wrinkles out of Ryoko's kimono.

"I don't know why I'm so…" Ryoko stopped to measure the width of her waist in the mirror. "I feel like crawling out of my skin." She turned around suddenly with exasperation framing her voice. "I want to go dancing or … exploring… something that will get me away from myself a little while."

"I can't believe you just said that Cat! You're one of the best geisha in the country, about to go entertain the emperor's wife and all you can think of is dancing? Do you know how many people would give their left arm to be in your place?"

"They're morons if they give anything to us but their disdain." Ryoko blurted out.

"You're starting to scare me Catara, what's wrong?" Fei asked taking one of her hands in concern.

"… I'm getting all this attention for nothing. I see my face posing in magazines, in paintings. I hear my name mentioned on the TV, but what have I done?" Ryoko looked at Fei helpless. "What have I done that is worth anything? Just got dressed up, posed with some people, said the right words…"

"You're a geisha Cat. That's what we do." Ryoko pulled her hand away.

"I know, but… I need some excitement in my life, a challenge." Fei looked at her with utter puzzlement, but before she could speak Ryoko continued. "I know, I know. It was my choice to become a geisha, and I'm glad I did. I don't regret anything I have done but now that I am where I am, what else is there to do? Get a danna? Marry? Serve the court? Those things are not for me."

"What are you going to do?"

"There's one place which has never disappointed me before." Ryoko said to herself more than to Fei. "Space."

"You mean leave earth!" Fei asked in a surprised whisper.

A small grin crept upon Ryoko's face as she warmed up to the idea. "There are so many adventures out there! Wonders you haven't even dreamed of! We could travel together; we'd take baby Miki and Ryo-ohki with us! It'd be interesting to see what kind of mischief I can get into with only my wits about me." Ryoko's grin flourished and she purred unconsciously. "What do you say?"

"What do you mean what do I say? It's not the kind of question that I can answer just like that," Fei burrowed her brow. "It's such a fantastic type of question that it seems unreal…"

"Remember what it felt like to look at the stars in Ryo-ohki?" Ryoko tempted her with a smile.

"Of course! It was … fantastic! Terrific!" Fei looked at Ryoko with a huge smile. "Remember how I puked? I was so nervous!"

"We would have to get your stomach fluctuations under control, but you get my idea. Imagine having the freedom to go wherever we wanted, do whatever pleased us! Doesn't that sound great?"

Fei's smile vanished as a very important thought appeared in her mind. "What about Serla and Basho?"

** ** ** **

"The night is upon us!" Basho said as he took his third spoonful of medicine for his upset stomach. "I'm going to hurl at any moment…"

"Don't you start with this old man!" Serla warned as she paced back and forth in the kitchen. They were waiting anxiously for their car to arrive. Fei, Ryoko, and Mayuri had already gone ahead. They were to escort the Empress and her family and the ambassador to the restaurant. The phone rang two times, signaling Serla that the car had arrived.

"Oh no." Basho whined as Serla helped him up helped him into his coat. "I can't do it."

"How many times do we have to have this conversation Basho?" Serla asked lovingly as she led him slowly to the elevator. "You always let your nerves dictate you." Basho simply huffed and clutched the medicine bottle tighter in his hand. "Thank the gods that Fei and Cat will be attending, if it was only us you would have given me a heart attack years ago!"

Serla rolled her eyes as the elevator doors closed and they descended with annoying music in the background. "Don't get to comfortable with the girls Basho, they'll be on their way soon."

"Are the leaving us? Explain yourself woman!"

"All I know is that the energy around Catara has been electrifying the past few days. So much so that it seems things have been gravitating towards her whether she wants them to or not."

** ** ** **

"Wow Ayeka, you look stunning!" Mihoshi complemented friend her.

"Thank you." Ayeka blushed and smiled as the doorbell rang. Both girls look at each other in confusion and then at Kiyone who was seated on the couch waiting impatiently for Sasami to finish so they could get going.

"Don't look at me, I'm just sitting here." Kiyone said defensively.

"I'll get it." Tenchi came from the kitchen. "It's probably Kiyoki."

"Kiyoki! What is she doing here?" Kiyone asked.

"She's my date."

"You're date?" Mihoshi repeated astonished.

"Now don't make a big deal out if this girls. It's just a date." Tenchi tried to ease their questions.

"Lord Tenchi's right. He has a right to do what he pleases. And even though Kiyoki has some displeasing manners in her character, we can't fault Tenchi for having such bad tastes." Ayeka said this very dignified as she went to answer the door.

"Well thanks Ayeka." Tenchi muttered under his breath as he scratched the back of his head. "Just call me plain and dumb while you're at it."

Ayeka looked back just in time to flash his a teasing smile before she returned to her dignified demeanor and talked herself up to being civil with Tenchi's horrible date. She swallowed her jealousy. It was still very difficult to think of Tenchi as a friend and nothing more, but her heart was well on its way to healing. There was one thought that still consoled her. At least she's not prettier than me.

** ** ** **

"So what did you get her?" Mayuri asked Fei as she eyed her rice paper wrapped gift.

"A dried sakura bloom. At the point before it begins to bloom and drift away with the wind, you think she'll like it?" Fei asked unsure of her selection.

"Sounds better than my gift, that's for sure," Mayuri answered as she sat down next to Fei and Ryoko on a bench. They had been waiting in the garden of one of the Empress' mother's house for over an hour. Fei and Mayuri had resisted the idea of sitting down to wait for the royal family in fear their kimonos would wrinkle, but after the first forty minutes had passed and their feet began to throb, they quietly followed Ryoko's advice and sat down.

All three girls had exquisite gowns on. Fei's deep blue kimono accentuated by a crimson obi which had light golden threads interwoven that made her shine as the light the fabric. Her shoulder length hair was left untouched except for a golden washed fish pin that Fei had in the spare of the moment decided to wear on her hair instead of her kimono. Mayuri's kimono was in contrast light green and very colorful, something a geiko was more apt of wearing instead of an established geisha such as Mayuri. Mayuri's obi, a bright fabric of yellow with red leaves laced and intertwining with each other gave an illusion of a violent thunderstorm that had stolen handfuls of leaves of the trees and were traveling rapidly through the air.

Ryoko had chosen her kimono on the last minute, literally. From the death threats she had received from Fei and Mayuri about not being late, she closed her eyes and picked up the first thing her hands touched which happened to be a red silk kimono with a scene stitched on the helm of the kimono of a samurai in battle. Sword in the air, his expression is fierce and determined as he runs to kill his foe with deadly aim, a rather odd kimono. Her obi, a pale yellow, had a faint stitch of flowers, which drew no eye away from the spectacular story being told on her kimono. Ryoko had planned to apply her white makeup and red lips, but opted against, again on the last minute. She instead applied blush, and a light pink to her lips.

"What did you get her?"

"An ornament fan from the sixteenth century."

"Didn't Uyiko give that to you as a present?"

"Yes but that's the only thing I have that's worth anything." Mayuri sighed as she caressed her box. She was going to miss that fan immensely. It was her favorite one, given to her by one of her favorite men.

"Don't part ways with that Mayuri-san. Put it away before the Empress sees you and my gift can be from the both of us."

Mayuri smiled at the gesture and turned to the silent geisha on her right. "What did you get her majesty Catara-san?"

"A bottle of sake."

"A bottle of what?"

"You have to be kidding." Both girls said at once.

"And I thought my gift was bad." Mayuri grinned.

"What did you get her for real?"

"I told you, a bottle of sake." Ryoko answered Fei. Being faced with two pairs of eyes that held confusion in their depths Ryoko felt the urge to explain herself, something she was getting tired of doing.

Shrugging her shoulders and rolling her eyes she explained, "I imagine that her majesty," and this she said with an over exaggerate tone of courtesy, "has all the things she can dream of. So why even try and compete with that? Anyway you try, and anything you give," this she said looking at Mayuri and pointing to her box, "will look at the most trivial. So I decided to give her some sake. Let her loosen up and have some fun, even if she drinks it in private."

"Huh."

The trio remained silent, one enjoying the view of the garden and the other two digesting Catara's words. A few minutes later Mayuri hid her present within her sleeve and nudged Fei gently. They would give Fei's gift together and Mayuri would get to keep her fan. Ryoko witnessed this through the corner of her eye, making a small smile appear on her face.

** ** ** **

"Irasshaimase." All three geisha bowed, holding their pose for more than a minute before a faint cough permitted them to rise.

"Please accept these omiyage on our behalf." Mayuri presented the empress both her gift and Ryoko's with both hands outstretched and her head and eyes parallel to the floor.

The Empress gave them cordial look over with her eyes, and handed them over to the person to her left.

"Here in alien earth
Planting their island seedlings
Of angelica,
They must have keen memories
Of their own Miyake soil."

Her words were crisp and clear, her tone a very melodious one as she waited with a serene expression for Mayuri to respond. Meanwhile both Ryoko and Fei had been observing demurely a few steps behind Mayuri. Ryoko recognized the waka poem she had just recited. It had been the same one she had given on the year-end presentation in Hachioji City.

"Sweet the memory
Of that town where I would go
To seek moor-lilies
And saw them flower in the fields
Colored a pale moon yellow."

It was one of Ryoko's favorite waka; also recited by her Empress on a visit Ryoko had witnessed on TV she had given.

"What a lovely sentiment. Did you make that up just now?" the Empress Masako impressed asked Ryoko.

"I could not dream of imagining such clever words." Ryoko said this with a bowed head, but peaked her eyes at the woman standing a few feet in front of her. She felt no great respect for Masako, but Basho's name was at stake, and Ryoko did know how to behave when it suited her. Besides, she did think the Empress had a gift for waka. She returned her eyes to their position and continued. "If I am not mistaken, such inspirational words were spoken by your majesty last summer."

No more words passed between the two women. Two black cars with tinted windows pulled up and six women made their way out of the house, all laughing gaily. A man, who Mayuri had noticed before, following every movement the Empress made with his eyes, approached her majesty as she turned her head towards him and whispered something in his ear before stepping in the car. Her family made their way to the car behind hers; the three geisha would be accompanying them. A hand tapped Ryoko's right elbow and she stopped.

"Geisha Catara." He bowed his head and she bowed hers. "Her Empress would like your company on the ride to the party."

To be quite frank, the idea did not appeal to Ryoko at all. She had been tense and her feet hurt too much to be in her presence more than a few minutes at a time. A whole car ride with her made Ryoko's muscles tense all over just by the mere thought. She groaned inwardly, but made not outward sign of her negative feelings. She offered him a small smile and gave one last look at her two friends as they waved her goodbye.

Mayuri and Fei looked at their friend with innocent envy as she disappeared in the empress' car. They overheard the excited chatter in their own car and just as they were going in Mayuri spotted a well dressed man exit the house and with quick, sensuous strides open the car door, bow, smile and enter.

"The ambassador." Fei observed out loud. "I bet he has something to do with the fact that Ryoko is riding with them."

"He is relentless isn't he?" Mayuri asked.

Fei nodded and both women prepared themselves to entertain their guests.

** ** ** **

"You are ravishing as usual Masako," the ambassador smiled seductively at the empress while at the same time giving her a nod with his head. Ryoko and the ambassador were seated opposite of her.

Masako in turn smiled with her eyes, giving him a momentarily look over. What she saw made the smile in her eyes travel down to her lips. He was a sight to behold. Ryoko, sitting somewhat uncomfortably to the ambassador's right had been looking out the window to demonstrate her 'respect' yet her eyes strained to catch the scene on the window's reflection. Unconsciously her breathing came out in short loud puffs through her nose, and her hands were clenched tightly underneath the folds of her kimono. Why don't they just get a room?

Ryoko was not a woman used to being second fiddle. How do I get always get myself in these messes! I would give anything to just disappear… As she surveyed the scenery before her, she spotted a woman and her daughter, she couldn't have been more than four years old, walking hand in hand on the sidewalk. Both talking gaily, the daughter spoke excitedly with her free hand, waving it through the air, occasionally pointing to things she found interesting on the street. A sigh escaped Ryoko's lips and her thoughts traveled inward through haze and fog to a voice she had not heard in her mind for a very long time.

"You're going to get hurt." A mocking voice warned her. "You're body has not yet stabilized to allow your internal molecules to disintegrate and arrange themselves."

"Huh?"

A warm smile flashed and vanished through Ryoko's mind as the voices continued.

"You're not big enough to walk through walls yet sweetie."

"But you said yesterday I was a big girl! Remember Mommy you told me when I was born I was as big as you!" A stubborn little girl with burrowed eyebrows and a pouty mouth whined to her mother.

"You're not big right now my little Ryoko-chan."

A feeling of indignant pride washed over Ryoko like rain. She closed her eyes tightly, trying to catch those fleeting images in her mind long enough to decide if this was an actual memory or her repressed imagination. She was brought back to the present as the Empress and the ambassador's conversation reached her ears.

"I suppose the family will be traveling to the beaches as spring comes?"

"Yes. You can't imagine how I detest cold weather. Your teeth chatter, your limbs go numb."

"But your majesty can't complain on a day like today." The ambassador interrupted. "The air is warm and inviting."

The empress smiled. "On a day like this one forgets it's a cold and dreary winter."

"I for one love winter." Ryoko spoke up loud and clear, making both of their faces whip to face her. Ryoko smiled and shrugged her shoulders at the ambassador who was giving her an 'how dare you disagree with the empress' look. "Nothing is better than strolling through the sakura trees on a cold winter day." Ryoko paused to gage the empress' expression. "Of course…" her eyes grew big and harmless, a technique she had noticed Mihoshi do when she wanted to get away with things. "That's only my opinion."

** ** ** **

She flashed the ambassador a grin and winked at his gaping mouth, proud in the astonishment his eyes held. She had forgotten how cathartic it felt to live out the shell a little. The idea of going to space appealed to her more and more. She enjoyed the rest of the car ride in silence.

** ** ** **

"Here they come!" Mihoshi squealed as she rushed to the restaurant's main entrance and then ran back to Ayeka's side with a flushed face. "She's here! Aren't you nervous?"

Ayeka looked her incredulously. "Nervous?" I'm the princess of Jurai. What do I have to be nervous for?

"Who's nervous?" Sasami asked.

"Your sister."

"You are?" Sasami asked her sister surprised.

"I'm not-" Ayeka began with a roll of her eyes.

"Don't worry Ayeka we won't tell anyone, will we Sasami?"

Sasami nodded along with Mihoshi as the doors opened and the empress entered. The students who had gone to the entrance to greet her were huddled in an awe inspired cloud behind her. As for the rest of them, as she entered they all lowered their eyes and bowed. All of course except for Ayeka. She alone stood, not out of spite or malice, but it simply didn't occur to her to bow. She had never done so to anyone except her peers, which were her parents. Kiyone looked up quickly, tugging on Ayeka's arm as Basho approached the Empress and spoke to her in whispers.

** ** ** **

As the Empress stepped out of the car, Ryoko took her time, wanting to hold back and not enter with the entourage she traveled with. The other car had arrived a few minutes before theirs, and Ryoko spotted Fei and Mayuri speaking with the royal family a few yards in front of them. She sighed and hid behind the car, the last thing she wanted today was to entertain those old biddies.

"You're not hiding are you?"

Ryoko's head spun around, her hand forming a fist and almost colliding with the ambassador's face. "Don't do that!"

"Quick reflexes." The ambassador observed intrigued. "It's not everyday I meet a geisha who can defend herself so successfully."

"You know…. I don't even know your name."

"You've never asked."

Ryoko waited, and waited. "What's your name then?"

"Rojya."

"Rojya." She tried it out on her tongue. It flowed surprisingly well.

"Nice to meet you geisha." He grinned at her and bowed. "And might I add my name coming from your sweet lips is heaven to my ears."

She smiled and rolled her eyes. "To be quite frank, I didn't think about you often enough to wonder about your name." She examined his reaction to such an insulting confession. If he wants to date me lets see how much he can take.

"You didn't think about me once?"

"Nope."

His eyes traveled to the ruby bracelet hanging from her left wrist. Her eyes followed his. I only wear it because it reminds me of my gem, but I can't tell him that. Ryoko shifted uneasily on her feet and glanced at the restaurant. Everyone was inside now.

"Why are you making me work so hard?"

That question brought back Ryoko to full alert. "Excuse me?"

Rojya burrowed his eyebrows. "Enough games. I want you to be your danna, benefactor, husband… whatever you want to call it. I came here today to make my intentions known to your okiya Catara."

"My okiya! What about me?" Ryoko burst out in anger. "Don't I count for something in?" Rojya grinned at her which only served to infuriate her further.

"I can give you wealth, fame, a good name-"

"I don't care." Ryoko interrupted him. She poked him hard on the chest with her finger before continuing. "Listen buddy. I don't know who the hell you think you are, but if you think I'm just going to swoon in your presence and give myself over to you, then you must be demented! And all those things you offered, I can get them myself! I don't need some man to offer me what I can get and better than anything you could possibly offer me." Her eyes traveled to the hand poking his chest and the ruby bracelet that dangled on her wrist, wanting to throw it back in his face but not finding the courage to do so.  "I don't need anything from you got it?" With that she swerved on her heel and began walking to the restaurant, swearing under her breath the whole way. Before she entered the restaurant she heard the ambassador say in a heart broken voice, "I'm not offering you a golden cage Catara, I'm offering a comfortable life any woman would envy."

Ryoko stopped but didn't turn around. "You should have thought of that before you started treating me like an object instead of a human being." She turned around to face him. "It took me a long time to accept that fact that I am a free individual which has as many rights as the next. I won't give up my freedom for anybody, and if you really loved me you would not try to own me." She had unloaded a big fear from her chest and mind for her own benefit as well as the ambassadors.

Ryoko heard the Empress' voice coming from the dining room at the end of the hall. It gave her goose bumps to think of the evening ahead of her. Better to bow out now and go walking on the- Basho! I can't do that to him. The reason why she was here in the first place came back to her. She would not let Basho down. He had worked tirelessly for this project with the students. They all had high hopes of this night. And even though Ryoko was not sure how her presence would help she would stay. Her eyes traveled to the paintings hanging on the hallway walls. I wonder where Tenchi's paintings are? She remembered that he had placed them in the tokonoma and made her way over. The room was bare except for a pale green flower and a ceramic vase in the middle of the tatami mat. Where are they?

"Looking for something?"

"Tenchi!" Ryoko gasped. "You're the second person to sneak up on me today."

"What's wrong?" He asked concerned.

"Nothing." Ryoko looked surprised. "Why do you think anything is wrong?"

Tenchi looked her over closely, noticing the tense muscles and wide eyes. He also noticed how beautiful she looked with her kimono, but he put that thought aside just as quickly as it came. He knew her well, even if she had left him for a year, he knew when something was bothering her and today something was definitely bothering her. Yet he wasn't going to press the issue, now that they were friendlier with each other he wasn't going to corner her into confessing something she wasn't ready to confess.

"I guess I'm mistaken." Tenchi eased off a little bit. "What are you doing here by yourself?" Tenchi grinned as a new thought entered his head. "Weren't you going to put a good word in with the Empress for me?"

Yeah... Like that's going to happen. Ryoko thought with amusement. If she ever were to suggest a painting of Tenchi's the Empress was liable to burn it before even taking a glance. I guess I've never been a hit with the royals… in any planet.

"I was, but you never showed me your works. Which reminds me…" Ryoko mentioned coyly, "Where are they?"

Tenchi swallowed hard and scratched the back of his neck. "You know… uh… Ayeka hung them up and never told me exactly where." He gave her a sheepish smile.

It must be something really good for him to be jumping hoops around me when I broach the subject. Right then and there Ryoko made up her mind that she had to see them. The plan now was to find Ayeka and get their location.

"Tenchi there you are! You were gone too long." Kiyoki walked up to Tenchi and intertwined her arm with his. Her eyes met Ryoko's before she giggled and kissed his cheek with a smack for emphasis. "Hi Geisha Catara. You look beautiful tonight." Ryoko didn't smile back.

"We should go back to the dining room now Tenchi." She pulled his arm and both walked away, Tenchi nodding his farewell to Ryoko.

** ** ** **

She let a smile sigh escape her lips as she forced herself to swallowed her feelings down. I have to calm down if I'm ever going to get through this night. She sighed again, forcing herself to smile, a little tortured, but the best she could muster in the situation.

She glanced behind her shoulder to the back door. She turned around and froze. Her eye had caught some movement in the shadows. Leaning tightly against the wall she made her way to the back of the hall, leaving her wooden shoes behind her. It was difficult enough to be quiet with the folds of the kimono; it would be impossible with her shoes clanking on the wooden floors. Where'd that noise come from? Ryoko bit her lip in excitement as she discovered a hidden room. The door was slid open a crack, big enough for Ryoko to look through. She glanced up the ceiling and positioned her body so that her shadow was out of the way. Her iris dilated, taking in as much light as the tiny room offered. I can't see anything. Ryoko huffed silently. Whispers reached her ears quietly, unobtrusively.

She turned her head to the side, her ear directly over the crack.

A tight clear voice traveled through the air.

"Why didn't he let me know personally?"

"Would you have come?" A deep, resonating voice made its presence known.

"No."

It's the Empress. Ryoko thought to herself in mild surprise. I thought she was in the dining room?

"He commissioned the project as a fail safe Masako. Now that he and the prime minister have resolved their differences we can do away with everything else." Prime minister? Project? Ryoko racked her brain trying to understand their conversation. Serla was talking about the prime minister a few days back. Insulting was more like it. Serla had never shown any kind of appreciation for the man, calling him a money hungry animal. He had just taken an undisclosed sum from the national treasury for what he called, "Japan's people". To Ryoko it sounded more like an excuse to eat up all the money and just offer some cheap festival to keep the people happy. Or at least that's what she would do in his place. Who really gives a man so much money? They deserve whatever they get for being so stupid.

The voice continued. "Your husband didn't want to look like a louse. Instead of looking uncaring to the people he started inviting cameras into the palace…. taping private family outings."

"So that's why he kept insisting on those stupid cameras." She put two and two together.

Bingo genius. Ryoko thought sarcastically. The only power the emperor has nowadays is the crowd. If he loses favor with them, they are liable to do away with emperors all together.

"Basho is a very liked character."

Ryoko paid full attention at her uncle's name. "He has given a lot of credibility to Naruhito, but now that he and the prime minister have made up…" There was a long pause, unconsciously causing Ryoko to lean all her weight dangerously on the sliding door. "… Basho isn't needed."

Bastards! This is why I put up with all this crap? To have them play with Basho that way? Ryoko's eyes held a dangerous gleam as she decided on a fit punishment for those backstabbers. And after they promised him and the students. She growled deep in her throat.

"Catara get away from that door." A tired voice jilted her.

"Basho!" She stood up, cringing at the sudden movement of her muscles from their uncomfortable positions. She looked at the door, it had slide shut with the movement of her body. She rushed to his side. "They're not going to go ahead with the project Basho! This was all just a waste of time!" Her fists were clenched and her jaw tight and firm.

"Relax Cat. Come on." He motioned for her to follow him.

"Where are you going? They're in there." She pointed confused to the door.

"Good for them." He answered while taking her arm and pulling her towards him. She struggled, enraged at his actions. "What are you doing? Let me tell them off! I'll show them not to shit with me!" She slipped from his fingers easily.

"If you have ever respected me you will keep your mouth shut." His words penetrated her. She turned around with such a bewildered expression Basho's heart tightened in his chest. "I've known the cause of the emperor's sudden interest in me and my work since the beginning." Ryoko blinked in response. "What does an aging man have to gamble with? There was no other option for me but to say yes. No one else would have hired me. Sure I work… for free. And as much as everyone says that's just as righteous as working, you and I know better. I've seen how much you work and keep your money safe Cat. You have a stealthy business mind in there." He pointed to her head with a small smile. "My hope was that my work would be so brilliant that the emperor would decide to go ahead with the project."

Ryoko frowned. "What about the students? Do they know all this?"

Basho signed in pity. "No. That's the real injustice here." He inhaled but before he could continue they heard footsteps behind them.

"Is there a problem?" the deep voice that Ryoko had failed to recognize was no other than the empress' bodyguard.

"Just speaking to my niece." Basho answered quickly and laid a hand on Ryoko's shoulder to calm her down.

"Nice work Basho." She signaled to a couple of the paintings on the wall. "I'm impressed." Masako commented. That little hypocrite! Ryoko's eyes traveled all over her body, remembering a thousand ways in which she could take down. Impressed my ass.

The tension radiating from Ryoko's foul mood intensified as the seconds bore on. Making everyone shift uncomfortably in their shoes. The Empress was used to being in control of the situation, but for some reason whenever she was in the presence of this geisha she felt off tilt. She narrowed her eyes at the geisha, feeling threatened.

"I feel like an idiot standing here… lets go to the tokonoma." She said this in a light, joking tone, but the intense stare she was receiving from Ryoko dampened the atmosphere.

"Everyone stands the only way they know how." Ryoko said with a grin.

"Excuse me?"

Basho coughed. "Nothing, nothing." They all made their way.

** ** ** **

The dinner had gone famously. Ayeka felt like she was walking on air from all the praise she was getting from the students. The food was exquisite, the sake to perfection, and the conversation witty… I am perfect. Ayeka was pleased to find out. Well I've always known it. She smiled smugly. Now the party moves on to the yatch. She scanned her surroundings quickly. The boat was one of the finest in Japan. It's main deck was adorned with paper lanterns and candles, all lit, giving a magical mood. The downstairs offered a bedroom and bathroom for the Empress. In these rooms Ayeka had ordered fresh flowers and snacks, something she herself appreciated on her outings as a princess. In the yatch no more than fifteen people were allowed for everyone to feel comfortable, so most of the students were asked to go back home. The only ones remaining where herself, the Empress, her scary bodyguard, her family, Ryoko, Mayuri, Fei and the rest of her family. Serla had decided to stay on land. She didn't know how to swim and the approaching storm was all she needed for a resounding no.

When Ryoko teased her; she reminded her, much to Ayeka's delight, at her own inability to swim. I never knew she couldn't swim? I guess all those times in the lake she was floating in the water….

Sasami, Mihoshi, and Kiyone were all enjoying the free trip and making the most of the snacks. She rolled her eyes as she spied Mihoshi and Kiyone arguing over the last piece of sashimi.

Her eyes moved on to Tenchi. I can't believe he brought her onboard. Ayeka huffed as she saw Tenchi talking intimately with Kiyoki. I'm losing my patience with that freeloader. Ayeka had a sudden urge to trap her in the downstairs closet for the night, seal it with an energy field so her screams couldn't be heard. Ayeka chuckled at the image, and she left that plan in the backburner, for now.

Her idea for the yatch was to sit down and take it easy. She had been tense throughout the night, and now all she wanted was a big cup of sake, an entire bottle would do nicely, and a comfortable chair to relax in.

"Tired?" Sasami guessed.

Ayeka looked at her sister with a weary smile. "Just a little bit." She indicated while pressing her thumb and index fingers together. "Are you having fun?"

Sasami nodded. "Yeah, but I think this boat ride isn't such a good idea." She looked at the black sky and her sister followed. It won't rain. Ayeka thought. I've worked too much for it to be all ruined by a little water. "Don't worry so much and have fun." Ayeka hugged her sister as they sat down on the biggest table on the deck. Everyone else was following their example and soon a conversation followed, centered on the Empress.

Ayeka slumped in her chair bored. How many poems can they stand!? She asked herself as one of the students, lucky enough to be on the yatch, asked for yet another poem from 'her majesty'. Ayeka rolled her eyes in disgust. Could her nose be further up her ass? Of course the brown nosing wasn't what was bothering her, it was the fact that they weren't sucking up to her that was wrong. I didn't suffer through years of painful royal training to be here getting this kind of treatment! Ayeka winced at the memories of those tortuous lessons. It's not easy being a princess. Ayeka consoled herself.

The poem ended, everyone applauded and Ayeka couldn't help but roll her eyes. She felt a jab in her ribs and turned to the perpetrator ready to unleash some pent up anger. "Lord Tenchi?"

"Stop tapping your fingers on the table." He whispered to her.

"Huh?" she looked at her hand, unaware she had been so obvious in her feelings. She turned to look at Tenchi, wanting to explain her careless behavior but he was already looking at the Empress. Great! All I need now is for Tenchi to be mad at me. I can see the lecture he'll give me later tonight… ugh. She decided to eat it up and look interested when she heard a sigh from across the table. Ryoko's left elbow was resting on the table and her hand cradled her face. Another, softer sigh escaped her lips as she looked out into the sea. Her eyes were glazed over and she looked…. Disappointed? Ayeka examined the pirate slowly. Her kimono was wrinkled, her hair escaping its careful folds as the wind picked up speed… what's wrong with her? She looks like Sasami when she discovered that her father wasn't the perfect person she thought he was and had faults like everyone else.

"So when is the Emperor planning to take a look at our work?" Another student by the name of Igisho, asked the empress.

"Our emperor is a very busy man." One of the Emperor's sisters, Sakayo, answered innocently. Ryoko could tell she had been honest in her answer. Perhaps not all royals are lowdown scoundrels. Sakayo smiled warmly at Igisho before the Empress spoke up.

"He is a very good poet, my husband. I remember the last time he attended a gallery opening… Because the Emperor loves art, he studied some painting in his youth… but anyway, he dedicated a very touching waka to the artists."

"Do you by chance remember how it went?" Kiyoki asked taking the bait.

Ryoko and Ayeka both groaned. Not another stupid poem… I'd rather have someone drilling holes in my head… Ryoko looked around the table, noticing with disgust that most people were in fact eating up the Empress' show like it were delicious mouthfuls of… shit. Bunch of masochists. Her gaze traveled over to Basho who was listening politely. Her eyes instantly lost their luster. I can't believe he doesn't care. All that work, all his hopes at a renewed career, and he doesn't even have the balls to say anything. She shook her head, trying to erase the negative feelings coursing through her body. If he won't get even… then I guess it's all up to me. Her grin appeared and disappeared just as quickly when she remembered the stern warning he had given her.

"If you have ever respected me you will keep your mouth shut."

Those words had hurt Ryoko more than she cared to admit. Doesn't he understand that it's because I respect him that I want the confront them? She let out a sigh and propped her head on her left hand. She glanced at Fei and Mayuri, also listening to the Empress' poem. Feeling Ryoko's heavy stare Fei turned and smiled at her friend. Ryoko smiled back with renewed confidence. It's doesn't matter. Basho just doesn't know how to handle backstabbing royals… Little does he know that's my specialty. She grinned mischievously at Fei who smiled back a little bewildered at the sudden change of mood of her friend. Not knowing what Ryoko wanted, she turned her attention back to the Empress.

Damnit! Ryoko bit her lip. This is going to be harder than I thought… Fei's never played with me before… she'd ruin the game before it even started. She heard fingers tapping on the table and turned her head just in time to catch Tenchi elbowing Ayeka.

She smiled. It was often when Ayeka and Ryoko would get overzealous in their 'war' with each other an demolish the house. When that happened Ryoko could bet a entire pirate's treasure that a long and boring lecture was to follow from Yosho, Nobuyuki, or Tenchi. They would sit them both down on the kitchen table and begin pacing the room. In the latter years, Mihoshi, Kiyone and even Washu joined in their schemes and when they would get caught or the game would backfire in their face (as it often did when Mihoshi was involved), then they all got a lecture. And most of those latter times it was Tenchi who sat them down. Nobuyuki had given up on a lost cause and Yosho knew better than to lecture Washu, but Tenchi still held hope of getting through to his girls. Ryoko stifled a laugh at the memories. Another glance confirmed what Ryoko had been thinking; Ayeka disliked the Empress as much as she did.

Her mind came back to life as she felt the table shift and the Empress stand. She looked around the table for an explanation. She caught Fei's attention again and mouthed, "What is she doing?"

Fei smiled and mouthed back while covering her lips from the Empress' view, "She's talking about her wonderful upbringing." Fei couldn't stop herself from laughing as Ryoko did a gagging face in response.

"I wasn't born an Empress, but a plain Japanese girl…-" Masako began, but by 'plain Japanese girl' she meant anything but.

Ayeka narrowed her eyes maliciously. So this is what Ryoko felt like whenever she had to sit through one of my 'I am a princess' phases. Ayeka thought. At least when I speak I'm more engaging.

Ayeka felt a foot jab hit her leg, causing her eyes to sting as she forced a yelp down her throat. Ouch! What the? Ryoko's eyes twinkled as she saw Ayeka fidget in her seat. Ayeka narrowed her eyes, and shrugged her shoulders, asking her what the hell was the matter with her.

"When I won the scholarship to attend JPU, I was the first woman to ever get that kind of award at such a prestigious school." Masako continued.

Ryoko motioned to the Empress with her eyes then her lips twitched. Ayeka's eyes grew round in response. Is she kidding? Her eyes traveled to the Empress and her 'life story'.

"On our first date he took me to the movies, a 'normal' people date. Of course," Masako blushed mechanically and continued with a flushed face, "it was anything but ordinary…"

She looked back at Ryoko and nodded. I'm in. Ryoko nodded back and cocked her eyebrow playfully and mouthed, careful not to attract any attention, "Wait for my signal". Ryoko almost vibrated in her chair with glee. If there was anyone who could insult like she could it was Ayeka. Ryoko more than wished she had videotaped their fights, there was some pretty good material there.

We need a scapegoat… Ryoko sized the table up. Her eyes traveled down the table. The Empress' bodyguard sat up straight. Ryoko could see his chest heave up and down with every breath and his face looked like he had just swallowed the bitterest lemon he could find. I'll have to play around that guy. Hmm… Fei and Mayuri are too busy being geisha to understand the rules of the game… Basho… definitely not. The students… I don't even know them… Kiyoki… hell no! Tenchi… Ryoko thought back to their times in the Okayama. He won't play along. She thought sadly. She skipped Ayeka and her eyes settled on the ambassador. He would probably be excellent for this. She admitted to herself. But I won't risk it. He was speaking in Sakayo's ear as she giggled silently while Masako gave them death glares for conversing as she was trying to entertain. There she is… Ryoko sat up alert and ready for her cue.

"After all those long years of hard work our graduation finally came." Masako looked over her audience. "We have a few students with us today, I bet you can relate to the amount of hours school takes up?" A few heads nodded in agreement before she continued. "And imagine with all that work they wanted me to be the master of ceremony!"

"I'm sorry," Ryoko interrupted inquiringly, "You said our?"

That broke Masako's concentration. "What?"

Ryoko looked around the table. "You said something about our graduation?"

"Yes, Masako and I graduated in the same class." Sakayo spoke up.

"Oh." Ryoko nodded in understanding, settling back in her seat satisfied.

"Well," Masako began, reanimated with her story, "I had to think of a speech…-"

"Excuse me." Ryoko smiled. "What did you graduate with?"

"Well, all honors naturally…-"

"I meant Sakayo." Ryoko clarified pointing to her sister.

"Me?" Sakayo asked taken aback that somebody had taken an interest in her.

Ryoko nodded.

"Well I was the class valedictorian."

"The what?" Ryoko pursed her lips in confusion and leaned in closer to Sakayo's part of the table.

"The valedictorian." Sakayo stood up and spoke louder, exactly what Ryoko wanted to happen. Before she could sit back down Ayeka took her turn.

"I thought the highest honor of graduation was the valedictarian and not the master of ceremonies?" She looked at Ryoko, "did I say that right?"

"Va-le-dic-to-rian." Ryoko said slowly.

"Isn't that what I just said?"

"No… you said valedictarian."

"Oh. Thank you."

"Your welcome."

"Being a master of ceremonies is a very difficult job." Sakayo began when she noticed her sister glare at the girls. Masako smiled at her sister, please with her, and motioned for her to retake her seat.

"What is a valedictorian anyway?" Mihoshi genuinely asked. Both Ryoko and Ayeka inwardly smiled at her question. You can always count on Mihoshi.

"Uh… It's the person who has the highest scores of her class." Sakayo informed her uncomfortably.

"But didn't you just say that you had the best grades of the class?" Ryoko asked the Empress confused.

"I didn't say best, I just said high." Masako answered irritably.

"But there were people smarter than you?" Ryoko continued.

"Don't you listen Catara?" Ayeka butted in, defending the Empress. "Of course there are people smarter than her. She just said so."

Masako gritted her teeth. Sensing her temper would explode at any moment both Ryoko and Ayeka settled down, valiantly concealing their grins.

"Anyway," she looked at the two women, waiting for them to interrupt her again. When it seemed they would finally quiet down for the evening she continued. "My first job was as a lawyer for the municipal court here in Tokyo."

"Don't you have to have a certain level of experience to work there?" Kiyone asked, quickly getting the gist of Ryoko and Ayeka's little game; bring her Majesty down a notch or twenty.

"Yes." She answered. "But I was so talented and such a quick study that they let me in."

"Did they let you in too?" Ayeka asked Sakayo.

"No. I was … turned down." She said quietly. Ayeka could tell it wasn't a subject she was comfortable in discussing, and by the Empress' jolting reaction to her sister's answer, she wasn't comfortable either. "But … aren't you way smarter than her?" she asked pointing to Masako.

"It doesn't work that way-" Sakayo began.

"No. Her majesty was talented," Kiyone began, "Sakayo was just the smartest girl in her class." Kiyone said 'smart' as it were rotten cheese. "It wouldn't take a genius to choose between the two."

"What do you mean by talented Kiyone?" Mihoshi once again asked.

"She just means that Masako had to suck-"

Tenchi stood up in the pretense of having a sudden coughing fit while glaring at Ryoko. He had been the victim of her little games more times than her dared to count, and Ayeka had often been her accomplice, but he never would have expected them to join forces against the Empress of Japan for crying out loud! And what was weirder, Kiyone and Mihoshi were all of a sudden playing along.

When did they make up?

"-up to the lawyers." Ryoko finished, batting her eyelashes innocently at him.

Tenchi sighed in relief, forgetting how slyly Ryoko manipulated words, but not being able to hold back a grin.

"Are you okay Tenchi?" Kiyoki asked concerned.

"Why don't you get him some water?" Ayeka suggested, removing her hand from his shoulder.

"I'll just ask a waiter…"

"Oh but I think he'll feel much better if you get it for him." Ayeka gave her a little push of encouragement. "The kitchen is downstairs and to your left." She smiled and avoided Tenchi's bewildered expression. She hasn't acted this jealous since Ryoko left Okayama.

Kiyone eyed Masako's bodyguard who had stood up at Ryoko's words with disgust. If he wanted a fight, she would give him one. To her surprise Masako held him back, looking at Ryoko maliciously.

"That reminds me!" she clapped her hands together and smiled so bright everyone turned to listen with apprehension. "Congratulations Catara!" Everyone in the table turned to look at the geisha, she herself was surprised.

"Thank you." Was all she could think to say to stall for time. What the hell is she talking about?

"Speaking of suck…ing up. You and Rojya make a wonderful couple!"

Ryoko froze, looking over at the ambassador for an answer. He smiled and stood up almost languidly while everyone waited for his reaction. "Now, now my Empress." He kissed her hand before continuing. "That was a little secret between us." He waved an un-approving finger at her playfully before giving Ryoko his full attention.

"But now that the subject has been brought up, it seems I've been put on the spot." He smiled and like magic he produced a lavender box. Holding it with one hand he opened it ceremoniously, laying it down in the middle of the table for all to see its contents.

"This is just a small part of what I'm willing to offer you as your danna Catara. Along with my love and complete devotion."

Ryoko glanced at the open box, her eyes widening at its contents.

"A ruby necklace and ring to match the bracelet adorning your left wrist my dear."

Everyone's eyes traveled to her arm, and then to the box's jewels, they were a perfect match. There was an empty holding case in the box, very obviously were her bracelet had held residence before he had given it to her. I can't believe this! Why the fuck did I wear this thing? She thought desperately as she felt herself closed in with all the enquiring minds awaiting her response.

"Here's you water Tenchi. Oh! Whose are those?" Kiyoki asked.

"It's Catara's engagement present." The Empress was quick to answer with a smile.

"Congratulations! I love happy endings! Don't you Tenchi?"

Tenchi placed his hands on the table as he momentarily lost his balance. He felt like someone had just knocked the wind out of him. He knew Ryoko had moved on… but he never expected or wanted to be present when she accepted another man. What kind of hell was this he was living in? When she wanted him he was too immature to know what he wanted. When he finally chose, stopped running from his heart… it was her turn to run and flee.

His throat had gone dry, and he nodded in response to Kiyoki's question, all the while looking at Ryoko head on.

For her part, Ryoko was more occupied in reading the look on Tenchi's face than on answering the ambassador's question. After what seemed like an eternity he took the glass of water, took a sip and smiled, offering his hand in congratulations.

Ryoko mechanically gave her hand, though it went limp at his touch. He doesn't even care! If he doesn't care then neither should I. She realized that what had bothered her the most with Rojya's question was that Tenchi was there to witness it, not that he asked her, but seeing he could give a damn she smiled. Not giving one answer or the other.

"EVERYONE BELOW DECK! THE STORM JUST BROKE!" One of the boatmen informed with a hurried shout. To prove his point lighting flashed through the sky and rain began to hammer away at the guests, making them scatter in every direction, trying to make their way into the lower deck first.

A hand grabbed Ryoko's arm tightly and led her down safely. When she turned to thank the person, she stepped back in a jolt. "Ambassador!"

"Are you okay?" He said as the ship tousled its passengers roughly from side to side. Ryoko grabbed hold on a banister before answering him. "Yes, but we need to talk."

"It can wait Catara…-"

"No it can't" Ryoko insisted. She recognized the wet object he was holding in his right arm, the jewelry box, and in one swift movement, before the ship could knock her off her feet; she took of the bracelet and placed in his hand. "Here… I never should have accepted that."

"No, no. I meant for you to have that." Rojya said sincere. "It's a present with no strings."

She smiled sadly. "If only that were true ambassador, but no matter. I think you know what my answer is."

"Give yourself some time to think about it." He suggested desperately.

"WE NEED MORE HANDS ON DECK!" A boatman snuck his head in the lower deck and yelled before disappearing again.

The Empress' bodyguard, along with a few male students made their way to the surface deck, ready to be in any assistance in steering the boat safely home. Ryoko acknowledged this quickly, making her mind to go up with them and help.

"Catara!" Rojya's voice snapped her out of the thoughts; he pushed against the wall and kissed her.

Tenchi had finally dislodged himself from Ayeka and Sasami, who were begging him not to go and help and as he closed the bedroom door containing the women, he turned and found Ryoko and Rojya kissing in the hallway. Lightning struck, illuminating their figures, the passion of the storm fueling their own passion in his eyes. The ship danced in the water and Rojya losing his balance broke the kiss earlier than he would have liked to.

"HOLD THE LINE DOWN! HOLD IT DOWN!"

More screaming was heard from the surface and Tenchi in a few quick steps made his way upstairs, successfully hiding his presence from them.

Ryoko's mind went into a whirlwind dance as the ambassador cornered her against the wall and pushed his lips on hers. This kiss could not have been any more different than the one in Kyoto. The first one had been slow and gentle. This one was desperate and violent, characteristics that Ryoko abhorred, but the biggest difference was that the last time she had wanted to kiss him, now… he had forced her into it. Nobody forced Ryoko to do anything she didn't want to do.

"I'm sorry." Rojya began but then changed his mind as he regained his footing. "No I'm not."

Ryoko's eyes held fury. "You need to stop pulling you own dick long enough to get this through your head." She spat out the following words as if she were talking to the dumbest person on the planet. "N-O!"

The trap door that led to the surface deck slammed opened, ruining what was left of Ryoko's makeup and leaving her face clear and her eyes blazing. The ship jerked, each time more violently than the last. The bedroom door opened, with Kiyone making a sloppy exit as she attempted to walk to the surface deck.

"Wait for me!" Mihoshi yelled, her voice reaching Kiyone's ears as a whisper

.

"No!" She waved her hands at her, signaling for her to close the door. "Stay there! Take care of Ayeka and Sasami!" she pointed to the princess behind her, all looking scared. "You're the only one I trust!"

Mihoshi's mood hit the ceiling with Kiyone's confession. With a heartfelt nod, and tears stinging her eyes she gave her friend a trembling smile.

"Rojya! Come here!" The empress signaled to the ambassador fearfully.

"But the men need help."

"We need you in here!" She pleaded.

He made his way, body plastered against the wall until he made it, grabbing her hand before looking out into the hall at Ryoko.

"I'm going with you." She said to Kiyone determined. "Two heads are better than one.

Kiyone nodded in agreement, and before the floor door closed firmly behind them, Sasami made a silent prayer that all her friends would be safe and sound. "Please Tsunami, please." For some reason Tsunami wasn't answering, making Sasami's eyes wide with fear, she clutched Ayeka's hand as the bedroom door closed; they were at the mercy of the people above.

The sight that mat their eyes was disheartening for anybody… that is what little they saw when the lightning broke over their heads. It was pitch black, the floor rocked incessantly, they were soaked and Kiyone spied broken cables whipping in the air dangerously. If one of those hits a person, it'll slash him in two. She thought quickly, trying to assess the situation.

Ryoko's mind was also alert, trying to ignore the aching fear of the dark that had plagued her since her days in the cave. With her gems she could simply faze away and laugh her fear off, but without the gems… she swallowed again, crouching low on the floor and cursing her kimono. With all the water it was twice as heavy, making any sort of movements clumsy and slow. The boat rocked, giving her a dead defying view of the enormous waves that threatened to tip their tiny yatch upside down. They're at least a hundred feet tall!

She looked around her, but Kiyone was nowhere to be found. She wasn't sure how, but she had moved herself. Instead of crouching below the trap door, she was somewhere in the front of the ship. She stood up carefully, catching her balance. The water was falling down hard, and any time she opened up her mouth it filled with salt water, making her gag.

"MISS! … MISS!"

A body knocked into her, almost sending her overboard if it hadn't been for her quick action of grabbing the railing. She turned her head; it was one of the boatmen. "GO BACK DOWNSTAIRS! IT'S TOO DANGEROUS!"

Ryoko saw his lips move with difficulty, squinting against the wind, but it was as if she were watching a horror movie with the 'mute' button on. She grabbed his face and moved her lips next to his ear before shouting back. "HOW CAN I HELP?"

He looked at her in shock but noticing the determination in her eyes. He pointed to the sail ropes, waving wildly in the air and then pointed to the steel rod where they had been previously secured. Ryoko nodded and made her way, hands clasping the railing. She was having trouble breathing, but she overlooked it and reached the steel rod. Now all she had to do was figure a way of catching the ropes.

Kiyone was having more luck. She recognized the bridge and with a galaxy police officer's training she took hold of the situation.

"YOU! CHECK THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM!" she pointed to another crewmember. "HAVE YOU TRIED TO CONTACT LAND?" he shook his head. "GET ON IT!"       

She noticed the wheel spinning furiously from one side to the other as the boat danced. She sucked in her breath and grabbed on, using her full body weight to keep it under control. Another officer offered his assistance, both of them trying valiantly to keep the ship steady.

Tenchi and Igisho were busy securing all the open doors and lose latches when he saw a figure leaning dangerously over the railing; fingers stretched to the maximum as the rope flew centimeters from her reach. Igisho looked in the direction Tenchi was facing… An ominous wave roared its head high, the sound was so deafening Igisho covered his ears with his hands, his legs trembling at the shear size and power of the sea. Tenchi gasped as he caught site of the wave and of the person oblivious to the danger he was in. He dashed ahead, jumping in the air when the boat jerked, keeping a relatively good balance.

The wind howled in his ears, threatening to throw him overboard as it reached dangerously high-speed levels. Thankful to his grandfather's training, Tenchi was able to keep his cool and before the wave collapsed on the tiny boat a strong, steady arm wrapped around Ryoko's waist and held her firm as the water crushed them down.

Shit! Tenchi took a deep breath, readying himself as they were submerged in the freezing water. He felt a sharp pain go through side as their bodies were pushed down into the floor. He grimaced slightly, trying to keep hold of the person in his arms, careful not to squeeze him too tightly. The water slowly receded, making his captive squirm and cough in his arms.

"RYOKO!" Tenchi yelled when he realized just whom he had saved. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE?!"

Ryoko looked at him and then at her hands. The rebellious rope was safely within them. So elated was she that she didn't notice the rope burns that scarred her palms.

"RYOKO?"  

She turned to look at him through the darkness, knowing that his powers would enable him to see her a lot better than she was seeing him.

"I HAVE TO TIE THIS ROPE UP!" she hoped she heard him as she stood up shakily, making her away to the steel rod.

"ARE YOU CRAZY?" The anger was stirring in him as he spat out at her. "YOU CAN BARELY STAND UP! GO BACK DOWN WITH THE REST OF THE WOMEN!" He ordered as he snatched the rope from her hands and pushed her in the opposite direction.

Ryoko's entire body burned with fury. "YOU DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO TENCHI!" she lunged at him aiming for the rope but being too slow for his movements she fell hard on her knees.

She felt him grab her arm and force on to her feet, shaking her a little bit as the wind changed direction and the rain hit them from the left. "GO BACK DOWN TO YOUR DANNA AND LEAVE THIS STUFF TO …-"

Ryoko didn't hear the last part of his sentence but she didn't have to. Something had happened to make Tenchi lash out at her so ruthlessly, but she wasn't about to stop and think about it. With renewed determination she screamed, slamming him down hard. She knew, even using all her strength she would not even give him a bruise. She had lost her gems, she had lost part of herself when she gave them up, and for the first time, the full realization of such a rash decision slapped in the face. He's right. I could get killed up here. She looked around the boat quickly, everything happening in slow motion in her mind. She saw the rope escape from Tenchi's grip. She saw the sky turn bright as lightning broke, for the first time letting her judge what an awesome storm this was. She looked behind her while the lightning was illuminating the boat, She saw a man running towards them, waving his hands in the air, his face contorted with fear and then…. black.

The cold water had engulfed her, and she felt like she was walking through jelly. The ground wasn't there anymore. Her feet moved wildly from side to side and her hands reached for anything solid. Her heart stopped beating. I'm in the cave! She thought terrified as she opened her mouth to scream only to be choked with freezing salt water. I'm the cave! I'm in the cave! Her body jerked and thrashed but she had lost her sense of direction. There was no north or south… nothing. Her brain yelled as her body stopped listening to her. Her skin burned and her eyes stung. The anguish in her heart over took any other emotion. This is how I'm going to die… in the dark… in the cold… alone. Ryoko's body stopped moving and floated in the water. Her last fleeting thoughts were of a happy little girl giggling as her mother made funny faces at her. She had never been as happy and carefree as she had been with her. Mommy she thought with the emotions of the little girl she had forgotten. Ryoko lost consciousness.

Tenchi let his feelings over take his judgment, and as he turned away from Ryoko something hit him hard and he lost his balance, sliding down the floor as the boat shifted. He turned around to find Ryoko gone. His eyes went wide with fear as he stood up.

"RYOKO?! RYOKO?!"      

Igisho almost slammed into him, trying to catch his breath he pointed to the sea. Ryoko! He felt his heart drop to his feet, as he understood what Igisho was trying to tell him. She went overboard. He looked at the sea in desperation, trying to find her. Hopelessness began to eat away at his heart as he jumped ship, hoping he wasn't too late.

"TENCHI! NO!"

** ** ** **

"I should help." Ayeka said absently as the shouts came in muffled through the closed door. "You can't leave this room!" Mihoshi immediately told her. "Kiyone put me in charge of you two, and I can't let anything happen to you." She finished moving in front of the door in case Ayeka made any rash decisions.

Ayeka looked at her friend, giving her a small smile, but not convinced in the least.

"I can't believe she is still up there?" Fei cried out in frustration. Mayuri nodded in agreement, better able to keep her emotions in check. "She's so foolish! Why couldn't she just let the men help?" she asked Mayuri through teary eyes. Mayuri shrugged her shoulders but didn't answer.

Basho was pacing the small room, knowing that his presence would be burdensome instead of helpful if he offered his assistance, but nervous about the men on deck and of Catara in particular. Someone needs to knock some sense into that girl.

The air became stale, and the noise ceased instantly as Ayeka and Sasami felt a wave of energy travel through them as if they were water. Both their bodies stung from the speed of the wave, leaving their muscles sore. Both sisters looked at each other in surprise, realizing what that feeling could mean, Tenchi had felt the need to use his power. The immediate thought was that the boat was sinking and Tenchi was helping save everyone on board, but deep down Ayeka had a nagging though it had something to do with her pirate friend and how similar to the old Ryoko she had been acting like today.

"I have to help her." Ayeka said to Mihoshi who was standing over the doorway. She pleaded with her eyes, ready to forcefully move her over if Mihoshi did not relent.

"Huh?" she asked, already knowing something wrong, a tear sliding down her face as her arms flopped to her sides and she moved, almost sobbing. Fei had been watching them closely, not liking for a second the change over Ayeka. Ryoko had spoken to her about them a few times in the past, and she knew that if anything happened it was only the princess or Tenchi, which could save them. If Ayeka was going to the deck it only meant something bad had happened to Tenchi.

** ** ** **

He dove under the water fast and hard, not bothering to close his eyes on impact. His heart felt like it was tearing itself to pieces with each second that passed. Ryoko had no way to protect herself, she was defenseless, and as much as he hated thinking of her that way, she was now fragile inside and out. Where is she? He shot through the water, not knowing how fast he was traveling or in what direction. Tenchi was focusing on feeling, his one sense that never let him down where Ryoko was concerned. When Dr. Clay kidnapped her, he would have never thought anything was amiss with her, if not for the sickening feeling that had temporarily plagued his senses. It had vanished just as quickly as it had come, but now… he couldn't get rid of it. It only grew and grew, choking his rational thought out the window as he began to act on instinct. Focus Tenchi! Remember your training, he fleetingly fought to maintain sane.

A pain shot through his body, paralyzing him as he felt her… inside. This is how I'm going to die… in the dark… in the cold… alone. Her already high level of anguish tripled his own; almost causing a mental break down, if not for one thing. His eyes caught a flicker, a small one, barely perceptible to even him, but sufficient to catch his attention. He immediately traveled towards it, his entire body jumping a beat when he saw her long tresses float around her. His brain acknowledged the fact that she wasn't moving, but he forcefully pushed that thought aside as he took her in his arms, She's so cold, and breaking through the water's surface headed to the beach.

Ryoko wake up! Wake up! Tenchi prayed. Prayed to the Shinto gods, to Tsunami, to anyone who would listen. Her body was limp and cold. He checked under her eyelids, white. The amber color of her pupils had disappeared, and her face was beginning to turn purple. He let out a sob as he laid her on the beach, rubbing her arms roughly, trying to warm her up.

"Open your eyes." He ordered her, begged her. A breeze swept through them, causing his body to tremble involuntarily. He eyed the shacks a few yards away from the beach, choosing the closest one; he took Ryoko in his arms, recklessly flying through the air as he felt her heart stop beating. The storm had not lost power and in the back of his conscious he felt the presence of another power, a Juraian power… Ayeka. She would take care of the ship so he could focus his entire attention on Ryoko.

He forced the tiny wooden door open with his leg as he made his way in, careful not to bang any part of Ryoko's body on the doorframe. The shack, a regular fisherman's quarters, was stocked with three of four blankets on a hard futon. On the floor next to it were a couple of unopened cans of soup scattered carelessly on the wooden floor, along with a couple of sake bottles that were empty. The only luxury these fishermen allowed themselves during the long winter months was the fireplace, a whopping one with lots of wood for an all night fire and a well-ventilated airway so they wouldn't choke on the fumes.

He placed her down on the futon; quickly throwing some logs into the fireplace and with a few sparks from his fingers he had in a matter of seconds started a fire. He dashed back to the space pirate. He placed his ear on her chest searching for a heart beat. His grandfather had taught him CPR when he was young just in case some eager tourist decided to take a dip in the lake and began to drown. He thanked him as he tilted her head back, placing his lips on top her own and blowing air into her lungs. He focused his entire energy with each breath, if he could have given one of his limbs for her to simply open her eyes he would have. He checked her pulse again…nothing.

Tenchi clutched his fists, trying hard not to panic as he forced more air into her lungs, this time brusquely, focusing all his muscles from his lips to his toes on giving her life. He squeezed his eyes shut, tears slipping through the cracks and falling on her face. She's so cold! The fire flickered, forcing him out of his trance. If she was cold, he was going to warm her up. Dragging the futon next to the fire, he began undressing her. Maybe if she got some heat in her body she would react. They both needed to warm up; Tenchi's own muscles began to burn with the cold temperatures of the ocean. He undressed quickly, keeping a constant eye on Ryoko. The kimono was no easy thing for anybody to handle, much less Tenchi. After a few failed tries to find the buttons or zipper he grabbed two ends and ripped up, revealing to him her legs, torso, belly, chest, her naked figure. She was porcelain white and absolutely beautiful. The water glistened on her skin.

Tenchi froze with the site of Ryoko. It had been ages since he had last seen her in the nude. She was even more exquisite than he had remembered, but now she was … ethereal. Not the lustful, exuberant woman whom he had last seen parading her figure proudly to him in the onsen.

His hands found her legs, gruffly rubbing each leg in turn, then her arms, making her skin red with the coarse treatment. He tilted her chin once again, not giving up, not on his Ryoko. His chest collapsed unto itself when after the third time, Ryoko had not responded. He covered both their bodies with the blankets, warm from resting next to the fire. Her body was even colder than before. Body heat! Body heat will get her warm. All Tenchi could think of was of Ryoko's fear of the dark... the cold… and that's exactly where she had been before she lost unconsciousness. He couldn't, he wouldn't let that be the last sentiment she experienced in her life.

He sat on the futon, with Ryoko sideways on his lap, both underneath the covers; his hands traveled her face, her nose, her mouth, and her eyes. How he wished she would just open them, it wouldn't matter if she saw him as Catara or Ryoko, just as long as she opened them. How he had missed her eyes, full of mischief, lust, fun, fear, anger, hate, love... She wore her emotions on her sleeve and at the same time he couldn't figure out what she was thinking half of the time. She always surprised him. Tears now fell freely down his tan skin, sinking into the covers as his body shook with sobs. He clutched her body to him, hugging her as if he were squeezing the life out of her instead of trying to revive it. "My Ryoko… my little Ryoko." Tenchi let out a strangled laugh as he used Washu's pet name for her daughter, knowing how Ryoko hated it.

His arms wrapped around her, his legs entangled with hers, his tears becoming hers… his forehead slowly began to glow, and three green luminescent triangles appeared. The heat radiating from his Juraian birthmark engulfed the two warriors; making them one and the same as the Juraian power seemed to recognize Ryoko as an "extension" of Tenchi himself.

He closed his eyes, touching foreheads with the pirate as he sighed, his body trembling. "I never got to tell you." He whispered in broken sobs. "I love you."

He looked down at the covers, recognizing the dampness of the fabric as his tears. He took her lifeless hand, turning over the palm and tracing her lifeline with his fingers. His touch left a light green glowing mark on her skin, as if it were on fire, his fire. He traced his fingers lightly on her arm, reveling on the beauty his touch made on her skin. He was marking her as his, or at least that's what went through his mind as he pressed his thumb, leaving a darker green mark that slowly disappeared. His ear, close to her lips heard the smallest of sighs escape her mouth. Tenchi's eyes immediately flashed to her face, knowing in the back of his mind she was dead but never losing hope. Her mouth was partly open and her lips dry. He moved one hand to the small of her back to hold her up while the other cradled her face, leaving the green traces of his touch on her neck and cheek. This was when he noticed them… pale almost invisible green triangles identical to his…but on her forehead. They flickered as her heart jumped a few times, renewing its rhythmic pulse, sending fresh blood to the rest of her body, filling her with life.

Her chest heaved as her lungs took in air. He felt her warm breath on his face making his eyes water instantly.

Tenchi held his breath as she calmly opened her eyes, two glorious orbs that seemed to illuminate the room. He felt like he was seeing the sun for the first time in his life. Those golden orbs shone with such brightness he felt his own eyes sting with the brilliance of them. She blinked a few more time, running her tongue over her parched lips as she let out a soft moan. He gasped as he witnessed this miracle happen. My Ryoko has come back! Her eyes moved around the room lazily as her body readjusted itself to life.

He saw her eyes focus from the fogginess from whey had come from and move around the room, from the fireplace to the rood and finally to him. She stared at him and through him, her eyes unreadable to his eager gaze. She blinked once slowly, so slowly that Tenchi thought she might have gone to sleep. Her body shifted underneath him, her triangles glowing brighter. Tenchi held his breath, knowing she would soon realize who was holding her and focus her beautiful eyes on him. Ryoko's body jumped-started, but her mind was slower to wake. Her mind hazy; images weren't able to form long enough in her mind's eye for her to recognize anything…. and then Tenchi.

As her hands found their way out of the blankets, she lifted her right arm, staring at her hand and flexing her fingers experimentally before looking back at him. Tenchi had been frozen on the spot, but when he saw a smile fight its way unto her lips he let out a shaky sigh. He felt relief flood his body as he pulled her into a hug, smelling her hair and murmuring in her ear, "I thought I'd lost you. I thought I'd lost you…"

He sobbed into her hair, kissing her ear lightly. She felt so good, he could feel her heart beat steadily and he smiled, thanking the gods she was alive; he had no idea how it happened or what it meant, he didn't care. His lips moved with a purpose of their own as he nibbled on her ear before moving to kiss her cheeks, her forehead, the tip of her nose… Her beautiful nose! Her lips… Full, moist and pink. His throat went dry as his brain caught up to his actions. He looked into her eyes with surprise at how easily he had let his judgment get away from him. Seeing her look at him, and remembering just how moments before he thought he would never see those eyes again he let out a cry of relief and kissed her. Her lips were even softer than he had imagined them and as she began to respond to his caresses Tenchi pulled back, wanting to see if she still yearned for him as he did for her. Her lips were swollen, her cheeks rosy with a sweet flush and her eyes half shut if not for a golden slit. She stretched luxuriously in his arms; her head bending backwards making the blanket covering them slide down to their hips. All he did was stare at her, reveling in each movement she made. She stretched her arms, reaching for the roof with a purr as she flexed her muscles. With one eye she noticed the green traces Tenchi's skin had left on her skin before returning her full attention to the man in front of her.

Her hand reached for his shoulder on an impulse, making him gasp at the sudden contact. Her eyes traveled to his quickly, searching for any signs of encouragement. He searched her own and finally smiled. Her fingers lightly tapped his skin but the green was not there. A frown appeared in her face as she looked from her arm to his shoulder not understanding.

Tenchi took her hand in his and turning the palm outward he brought it to his lips, kissing it tenderly and then showing her the green mark he had left on her with a smile. Ryoko glanced down at their naked bodies, for the first time noticing the intimate moment she had woken up to.

She gazed at him through her bangs, trying to make sense of the situation. She glanced back at her palm, still light green from his touch. Her other hand traced Tenchi's earlier path; feeling a pleasant tingle in the places he had touched. She had a sudden urge to see if all her skin reacted in such a way to his touch. In one quick motion she moved closer to him, taking his hand with both of hers and placing it on her breast. His breath came out in constrained cough, but his face didn't betray his emotions as she noticed tiny green fingertips show up around her chest. Her hand still resting over his led the caress. Her eyes closed, Ryoko purred as she bit her lip and burrowed her brow, throwing her head back. Her own breath was becoming labored and an almost invisible sheen of perspiration appeared on her skin. Her hands itched to return the favor and she looked up at him, licking her lips tentatively she leaned in cautiously. Tenchi's body was vibrating with emotion. She purred louder when she felt a very distinct warmth press on her stomach, pressing her body closer to his, relishing the sensation as Tenchi groaned. She kissed his shoulder weakly. It was all she could muster as new emotions ravaged her body, but she did her best to translate all her emotions as she gave him a loving bite before laying her head on his shoulder, arms around him tightly.

Tenchi shivered with her kiss and he made a conscious effort to keep his hands off her body unless she led the way. He knew she was unsure, but it wasn't like he did this everyday, especially not with the object of his fantasies. Suddenly her lifeless body floating in the ocean sprung in his mind making him spontaneously lift Ryoko's head of his shoulder and look her in the eyes to reassure himself she was alive. Her eyes were heavy lidded and she gave him a lethargic sexy smile, showing the tip of her fangs as he felt her grind herself against his thigh. She leaned in close, their noses touching as she nibbled and sucked on his lower lip seductively, urging him to take the next step. He let out a shaky breath against her lips. Tenchi stared into her eyes; narrow slits that stared right back at him mischievously, as a carnal groan escaped. She was feline; he felt like the canary and Ryoko was the cat that was toying with him before she swallowed him up. They were millimeters apart, golden to brown as Ryoko saw a tear escape from his eye. She moved quickly and kissed it away, pressing her chest against his and kissing him full on, probing his lips with her tongue as he gave way, both tongues discovering each other. Their breathing became labored as Tenchi noticed Ryoko was straddling him, leaning her weight on his body. She moaned in his mouth, answering his unasked question. His hands traveled down her back to her hips, lifting her up temporarily as he positioned himself and with both their eyes on one another he entered her. Tenchi groaned deep as he kissed Ryoko, savoring the taste of her orgasm. Both rocking, their breath entering one and leaving the other as Ryoko gave him a shaky kiss and laid her face on his shoulder. Hugging him tightly she thrusted with him, against him, for him. Her body was on fire as she bit his shoulder to keep from crying out. Tenchi's face was engulfed in her hair, taking in her scent that permeated the room as he groaned in pleasure. There were no congruent thoughts, but the celebration of life and their insatiable thirst for each other as the storm continued to roar outside.

** ** ** **

Her eyes felt like lead as she tried to open. That single action caused so much agony… it felt like waves of pain all throughout her body, making her yelp and grit her teeth. Even breathing was a painful labor as her lungs tried heroically to fill up with enough air. Her throat felt raw as she attempted to speak, and her head felt like it was about to explode from the pain. Her anguish terrified her, if she could have cried she would have but thankfully the pain was too much for her to take and before she knew it, she slipped back into sweet unconsciousness.

The next time she awoke there were hushed voices conversing not too far away from her to hear them, but too far away for her to recognize them. She groaned, as renewed waves of pain made their presence known. She wanted to known where she was, but before her mind could put any kind of thought process together a hand traveled up her arm and instantly she felt a hot liquid course through her vein and then unconsciousness.

The third time she woke up, her body was feeling much better but as she tried to move her arm she discovered how weary still she was. Ryoko never liked being defenseless but she had not choice. She was at the mercy of whoever was attending to her. She hesitated in moving, knowing if the person found out she was awake he might try to knock her unconscious again. She had to find out where she was being held first. She attempted to move her arm but the throbbing pain that resulted stopped her from trying again. She sighed internally. At least she felt pain that meant her body was working, anything was better that being numb. She was able to crack open an eye; her iris dilated and contracted adjusting to the bright light in the room. It was a big room, her sheets felt cool and silky next to her skin. A figure moved silently to stand besides her, creating a shadow that let her open the other eye and adapt much faster to the dimmer atmosphere. A flash of red mane met her stare as a grinning face moved in front of her vision.

"Wakey, wakey my little Ryoko. Your mommy is here." The scantily dressed nurse was grinning from ear to ear as she checked Ryoko's eyes with a tiny penlight. Ryoko instantly tried to turn away, her eyes rejecting the light. She groaned in protest as the nurse tried to make Ryoko take a thermometer underneath her tongue. She felt the thin plastic device in her mouth and spit it out, wincing even her mouth hurt.

"Tsk, tsk little Ryoko. Good girls always follow their mother's orders." With a teasing laugh the nurse forced a spoon full of some horrible tasting liquid down her throat, making Ryoko gag. "You'll thank me later you ungrateful child." The nurse reprimanded lightly as she backed off some, giving Ryoko more space to breathe.

Ryoko tried to swallow as much of the medicine as she could. The after taste was horrendous. She glanced up at the woman with confusion, burrowing her eyebrows and clearing her throat before asking the woman, "Where am I? Who are you?"

Washu's jaw dropped in surprise, her eyes nearly falling off their sockets.

"What?!"

Ryoko smiled weakly, "Just kidding."

Author's Notes:

Told you this was a long chapter. I had the first half of this written in January, but I wanted the party to happen in one chapter instead of two or three. Since ff.net doesn't allow much of anything resembling sex b/c of the nc-17 rating I left of the love scene with that. Oh and the boat terminology I tried to avoid since I now squat about the subject so don't focus on that.

Thanks for sticking with this story so far into it. I appreciate every review and encouragement. Please remember to allow me poetic license…

Thanks to a certain puerto rican who checked this beast for me and corrected any mistakes I might have had… so if anything is wrong… blame him. =)

OVA2 Episode 11: Clay abducts Ryoko and Tenchi "feels" her cry

out to him.

* In Tenchi feeding Ryoko some of his powers I took from the "link" that they both share and from the suspicion that the gems are similar to the power of Jurai as speculated in the one of the last episodes of OVA2

Here are some translations of Japanese words I used.

* shun = (adj-no,n) season (e.g. fruit, fish) is believed to be good for your health.

* tokonoma = alcove

* matsutake = (n) (type of mushroom) and chestnuts of the season of autumn/winter.

* Irasshaimase = welcome (conversational)

* omiyage = (n) gift

* sakura = (n) cherry blossom

* shamisen = (n) three-stringed Japanese guitar/shamisen

* waka = traditional Japanese poem

* sashimi = raw fish served as food

* Shira-hama = Shira-hama beach and Onjuku beach are also renowned for their women

divers.

* Rojya = The name of Rojya has given you good business ability and a high regard for

proper standards of conduct. You have an appreciation for good music,

literature, art, drama, and philosophy, and you could be creative in those fields.

* Crown Prince Naruhito, his wife Crown Princess Masako and Princess Sayako