Howdy everyone! Been awhile, nay? Good excuse for that, I had no internet. MY computer was being rebuilt to get all the viruses and shit. Well after getting it back, it still didn't work, so we ended up saying F it and throw it away and got a new. Good thing too, the thing was like eight years old or something. But then the new computer didn't have a floppy disc inserter thing, so I was screwed yet again. I had to wait for a chance to go out and buy re-burnable CDs to transfer my stories. Sigh... well I can finally start updating again, thank god. So anyways, without any further excuses and such and such. I now present the next long awaited chapter to WGAE.
Disclaimer- After all the time I've been gone, you'd think they would get rid of this. Sigh... I don't own Tenchi Muyo, alright? God... so annoying.
Strange Thing To See
Four weeks. Four miserably long weeks, enough to drive anyone out of their minds. Ryoko couldn't take it much longer. It's been four weeks since they saved Kiyone, four weeks since Azaka muttered his last breath. And Ryoko hates to admit it, but its been four weeks that Tenchi and a certain police officer have been getting closer. A week after the incident, Tenchi had explained everything to Kiyone, just like he promised.
Some parts Ryoko already knew, and some she didn't. Some of his story he wished he didn't have to here, like how Tenchi really got mixed up with Azaka and Kimedaki. Turns out, Tenchi was there when his father and grandfather were murdered, both were shot and killed in his old apartment. The people who killed them were none other than Azaka and Kimedaki. They covered it all up by starting a fire in the apartment. It soon spread and the bodies of Tenchi's family were burned beyond recognition. Tenchi had seen it all, totally helpless to save his family. They spared Tenchi's life however, which Tenchi admits he still doesn't know to this day why. They forced him to work, following their boss's orders.
Ryoko has to give Kiyone credit, she hasn't turned Tenchi in for everything he said admits to doing, like his true 'profession'. Perhaps it's because he said now that Azaka and Kimedaki are gone, he no longer will be forced to do such wrongful jobs and will go out and find a real one. What surprised Ryoko even more was that Tenchi told Kiyone about Sasami, that she's not really related to him in any way, and yet, Kiyone decided not to hand the child over to an orphanage.
Perhaps the reason why the last four weeks have seemed so long for the guardian angel is because she doesn't know what's going to happen. Kiyone has been searching for anyone by the name of 'Kagato.' Rumors are all the police officer was able to find so far. Ryoko refused to help in any way for several reasons. One, she'd rather not have Tenchi meeting anyone like Kagato. Two, that would mean that she'd have to explain how she knows the person, and that's better left alone. And finally, and most importantly, it could be that 'this' Kagato is not the same one she knows. After all, if she has indeed been dead for as long as she's led to believe, than how would 'her' Kagato be alive.
Here's the problem though, Ryoko is beginning to find several things off about her time in Heaven. She never questioned it before, but with the mention of Kagato, she's beginning to realize some things she didn't before. The world as she once knew it, when she was a alive, is the same as it is today. If she has indeed been dead for centuries, then why hasn't much changed in the world? Shouldn't there be hovering cars by now, and other futuristic technologies? Something's off indeed. And it's beginning to drive the cyan haired angel out of her mind. Why didn't she notice these things before? Is it because she hasn't really cared about her surroundings?
If she had just cared to notice everything before, she would have noticed everything around her is familiar. After all, she herself lived in New York. She lived there, worked there, and finally died there. She hasn't seen anyone she recognizes, but that's probably because when she worked for Kagato, she didn't really socialize with outsiders, only with other people working for him, and she took care of a majority of them before she died. If this is the same Kagato, and if he's still located in the same area, than she knows exactly where to find him. Has she gone to check it out you ask? No... why? Because she doesn't want to find out the truth. That's the bottom line, she doesn't think she'll be able to take the truth.
Ryoko shakes her head, giving a bored sigh. Tenchi's out again, leaving her to herself. 'Ah... at least he's not with the cop.' Ryoko thinks to herself positively. True to his word, Tenchi found a job, a 'real' job. She never really pictured Tenchi to be the type to work at a deli. Then again, it's hard to picture him as doing anything else considering the only things she's seen him do involve being sneaky and crafty enough to evade the police. Ryoko still doesn't understand how Tenchi was able to never get caught, he's got some luck.
Ryoko glances out the kitchen window from her spot on the counter, watching as a few snowflakes fall. 'Getting closer to that damn holiday.' Ryoko thinks to herself miserable. Okay... so she's not one with much of a Christmas cheer. She wonders if Tenchi even celebrates the holidays, he hadn't celebrated any so far, not even Thanksgiving. Then again, Thanksgiving is suppose to be a time to give thanks to what you have, what does Tenchi have that's worth thanking for? A life full of misery?
Ryoko's gaze snaps from the window towards the kitchen door as her ears pick up the sound of footsteps and gentle humming. Reacting quickly, Ryoko vanishes through the kitchen wall as Sasami walks in with a duster in her hand. One thing Ryoko has noticed in the last four weeks is that Tenchi's little roommate is becoming aware of her presence. It took her awhile to realize why the little girl would suddenly tense up whenever Ryoko looked over the little girl's shoulder to see what's cooking. But that's as far as it has come along, she's just becoming aware of a presence in the house. And she's not the only one either, believe it or not. Sasami's pet... whatever it is... Ryo-Oki, has been aware of her to, as much as being able to see her even. She tends to walk up to Ryoko, calling for attention. Ryoko knows Sasami hasn't mentioned anything to Tenchi, the kid probably thinks he'll tell her she's crazy. Well anyways, Ryoko isn't going to let Sasami become more aware of her than she already is, after all, it's bad enough to have Tenchi able to see, hear, and touch her.
Speaking of Tenchi, he's been acting indifferently towards her lately. Ryoko isn't surprised, after all, she's the reason for his behavior. She admits, she's been acting strange since the night of Azaka and Kimedaki's deaths. She hasn't really spoken much to Tenchi, at least not as much as she used to. She tends to stay away from him also. It's just that she's got a lot on her mind. And Tenchi obviously noticed too, because he's been asking about it every now and than. As if Ryoko would tell him.
Ryoko heads out to the living room to look at the clock. She sees that it's four-thirty, which means Tenchi will be home soon. Ryoko has to admit, he's actually been making her a bit unnerved this past week. She'd catch him every now and than starring at her, and when she glances back towards him, he'd merely smile and go about his business. A few days ago he was walking around saying something like, 'Rain won't be a problem this time.' She has no idea what he was talking about. It's as if he's planning something, and Ryoko hasn't been able to figure out what it is, which only makes her irritated, she hates surprises.
'Speak of the devil.' Ryoko thinks to herself as she hears the sound of the doorknob being turned at the front door. A moment later, the door is opened, a cold gust of wind blowing in some snow before Tenchi manages to step into the apartment and close the door. Ryoko watches him for a moment as he brings his freezing hands to his mouth and blows on them, trying to warm them up.
With shaking hands, Tenchi unzips his jacket and puts it on the coat rack. "Tenchi?" Tenchi turns to the sound of Sasami's voice. The little girl peeks outside of the kitchen, a wide smile appears on her face as she sees Tenchi, "You're home! How was work? Did anything interesting happen today?" Sasami asks, her eyes shining with curiosity.
Tenchi chuckles a bit at Sasami, shaking his head in disbelief, "What could possibly happen in a deli Sasami. Oh right... there was something..." Tenchi says, just remembering.
"Really?"
Tenchi nods his head, "Yes.. I had a small chat with Kiyone and Mihoushi." Ryoko crosses her arms in annoyance at the mention of the officer's name. "They're going to be taking you out tonight. As a matter of fact, they should be here soon?"
"But..." Sasami begins to object, "What about you? Aren't you coming too? And where are they taking me?"
Tenchi walks over to his sofa, and takes a seat, "Well... for one... No, I'm not going with you three. I've got other plans. And they're taking you out to have some fun, you're cooped up in this apartment all the time. You need to get out more."
"I don't mind." Sasami says as she begins dusting the small coffee table with her duster. "Besides... Who will cook for you if I'm gone for the night...." Sasami pauses in thought as she just thinks of something, "You have plans tonight?" She questions a bit confused.
Tenchi scratches the back of his neck, chuckling a bit embarrassed, "I let that slip didn't I?" Tenchi shrugs his shoulders uncaringly, "Yeah, I've had it planned out for a while now."
Ryoko tilts her head to the side a bit curious as she listens to the conversation unfold as she hovers near the ceiling of the living room. 'Planning something?" Shaking her head and giving a irritated sigh, one though crosses her mind, 'Probably for that annoying cop.'
Sasami taps her chin in thought, seemingly trying to figure out what Tenchi is planning, "If I'm with Mihoushi and Kiyone... than you're not going to be going out with them..." Tenchi raises an eyebrow at the comment, "So... does that mean you plan on taking someone else out?"
Tenchi leans his head back, his gaze going up to the ceiling. "Yup." Ryoko's brows raise up in interest as Tenchi grins up at her. Knocking comes from the front door, causing Tenchi to stand up, "Guess they're here. Better get your jacket on." Tenchi announces. Sasami quickly dashed off to the bathroom, deciding it better to get changed before going anywhere. Tenchi heads towards the front door and opens it up to reveal Kiyone and Mihoushi waiting at the other side. "Hello ladies."
"Hi Tenchi!" Mihoushi exclaims cheerfully. "We're here to pick up Sasami because we're taking her out tonight." Kiyone gives a tired sigh, not bothering to remind Mihoushi that it was Tenchi's idea to begin with.
Tenchi scratches the head and gives an appreciative grin, "Yea well.. She'll be out in a few minutes. I think she wanted to get something else on, since she was just cleaning."
Kiyone crosses her arms and raises an eyebrow at the man, "So why is it that you want us to watch her tonight? You never did give me a reasonable explanation. You just said you have plans, and you need someone to watch her."
"Uh yeah about that... Do you think perhaps she can stay with you tonight?" The question only makes Kiyone more suspicious, and Tenchi can tell. "It's just that I don't know how late I'll be out." That doesn't help him much either. Tenchi gives a small hopeful smile, "Please?"
Kiyone gives a defeated sigh, "Alright.. But I'll have to drop her off early in the morning. I can't take her to work with us." Shaking her head in annoyance, "It's bad enough I have to put up with Mihoushi. I still don't see how you could lose your apartment!" Kiyone says, her voice raising a bit in annoyance.
"I'm sorry Kiyone! It's just that I forgot to pay my rent and I didn't have any money and I didn't have anywhere else to go." Mihoushi begins apologizing, her eyes becoming tearful, "I promised I'd pay you back for letting me stay!"
"You owe me big time Mihoushi." Kiyone reminds her partner. The officer turns her attention back to Tenchi, "Are you going to tell me what it is you're going to do?"
"Nope." Tenchi replies a bit teasingly.
Just then Sasami appears at his side, ready to go. "Hi Kiyone, hi Mihoushi." Sasami greets politely.
"Hi Sasami!" Mihoushi greets excitedly, "Are you ready to have some fun? We're going to go to the movies and go out to eat, and then we can have ice cream and than we're going to have a sleep over at Kiyone's!" Sasami stands there blinking a bit, trying to process what exactly the woman had just said. For someone who's suppose to be an adult, Mihoushi acts more like a child than Sasami. Sasami just nods her head, thinking it best to just wait to find out what the plans are for them.
"Alright you two. Let's go." Kiyone says as she heads towards her car. With a quick farewell to Tenchi the other two head towards the car.
Shaking his head a bit, Tenchi closes his door and turns around, giving a sigh of relief as he wipes his forehead with his arm, "Well, that was interesting." Tenchi comments to himself. He directs his gaze towards Ryoko as she sits her self down on the back of the couch, crossing her legs, she stares at him, as if expecting him to say something. Tenchi can't help himself from grinning ear to ear, "Ready?" He asks, which is definitely not what Ryoko was expecting him to say. "Well?" Tenchi presses on.
Ryoko sits there, blinking in confusion. "What are you talking about? Am I ready for what?" She doesn't recall ever being told she was going anywhere, and she'd definitely remember having some sort of plans with Tenchi.
Tenchi shrugs his shoulders, the grin never leaving his face, "You haven't come out of this apartment since... " Tenchi pauses, having trouble to voice it, "Well you know... So I decided to get you out."
Ryoko rolls her eyes at Tenchi, "I'm a ghost haunting your home, remember? Being dead kind of makes it hard to do anything."
Tenchi walks over to the couch and grabs one of Ryoko's wrists. Pulling her off the couch, Tenchi proceeds to dragging her towards the door, "That doesn't mean anything. You still do everything the living do, even if you don't need to. I see you sneak a bite to eat whenever Sasami cooks. Besides, you've been a bit quiet lately, I think the fresh air will do you good." Tenchi grabs his jacket off the coat rack with his free hand as he continues to drag Ryoko away from the couch.
Ryoko's gaze remains on the hand Tenchi is dragging her with. No matter how many times he touches her, it always seems to shock her to no end. Perhaps she should be used to it by now, but she isn't. She could just disappear on him so she wouldn't get stuck with whatever he has planned for her. But than again, getting out does seem like a good idea, it could clear up her head a bit. Deciding to make the best of things, Ryoko gives a playful smirk, "Gee Tenchi... You sure know how to sweet talk a girl into going out on a date with you." She teases.
Tenchi chuckles at the comment, "It's a gift I guess."
Ryoko brows raise in surprise when she realizes Tenchi isn't denying the fact that he is, in fact, taking her out on a date. After a moment Ryoko shakes her head, deciding it best not to think about it. Glancing around the snowy sidewalks, Ryoko decides to ask the question that's been racking her mind for a few minutes now, "So where are we going anyway?"
"That's a surprise."
'I hate surprises...'
------
"You do realize that people think you're crazy." Ryoko points out as Tenchi takes a seat at one of the small tables outside of the cafe. The 'surprise' happened to be a stop at a cafe to get a small bite to eat. Not very exciting, Ryoko admits, but she guess Tenchi doesn't know what to do with a guardian angel, or ghost as Tenchi thinks of her. Then again, Ryoko could be wrong, after all, this is just the beginning of their night as Tenchi pointed out as they walked up. "Why don't you take a seat inside, where you'll be warm?" Ryoko asks, noticing the small white clouds coming out of Tenchi's mouth with each breath he takes. Tenchi just shakes his head as he glances through the small menu, trying to decide on what to order. Ryoko just gives a defeated sigh and sits in the seat across from him. "So what are you getting?" Ryoko asks, trying to strike up a conversation.
"Hmm..." Tenchi seems to have found what he wants, "I think I'll have a French Vanilla coffee and an eclair." Tenchi answers before closing his menu, "What about you Ryoko? What are you getting?"
"Do you know what it would look like if I was eating or drinking anything?" Ryoko asks in disbelief, "People would freak out at the sight of a floating coffee and food disappearing out of thin air." Actually.. the image is quite amusing to Ryoko, almost enough for her to try it. Almost being the key word, Ryoko shakes her head, "I don't need anything Tenchi."
Tenchi gives a frustrated groan at her answer, "I'm not going to let you sit there with nothing while I eat."
"Um... sir?"
Tenchi directs his gaze to the waiter at his table. Tenchi figures he's been standing there for a while on account that the waiter is starring at him strangely, probably thinking Tenchi has lost his mind, or has some mental illness, considering it appears Tenchi has been talking to an empty seat for a last few minutes. Tenchi just laughs embarrassedly, "Oh.. hello. Sorry, I didn't see you there."
"Of course you didn't sir." The waiter replies, a bit uncomfortable. "Could you order please? The weather is a bit cold and I'd like to get back inside."
"Right... um... I'd like two eclairs." The waiter jots it down on his note pad. "And... I'd like two French Vanilla coffees." Tenchi holds up his menu for the waiter to take.
"Uh, two sir?" The waiter questions, a bit confused. Tenchi nods his head. "O--k. I'll be back in a few minutes with your eclairs and... coffees."
Ryoko chuckles a bit from her spot, finding the situation rather amusing, "He more than likely thinks you've lost your mind." Ryoko decides to point out.
Tenchi crosses his arms, shivering a bit in the cold air, "I already deciding a long time ago that I have lost my mind." Ryoko raises an eyebrow at the comment, as if asking 'oh really?' Tenchi gives a short laugh, "I mean come on... Here I am.. having a drink with a dead person... And not only that, but I'm having a conversation with you too, and I can here you. So I most definitely lost my mind somewhere along the ways. No other explanation for it, I see, hear, and talk to dead people."
"You can touch me." Ryoko reminds him.
Tenchi's face suddenly feels warm, despite the cold air. "Oh yea." In Tenchi's mind he's asking himself, 'Did she have to say it like that?' Why Tenchi even took the comment the wrong way is beyond him, he'll have to smack himself for letting his mind wander a bit. Tenchi lets out a cough, trying to cover up his embarrassment, "Ok.. So maybe I haven't lost my mind, yet. I'm pretty sure I'm close though."
"Believe me sir... You're closer than you think." The waiter says as he places Tenchi's order in front of him, "Your order sir. I'll be back with the check."
Tenchi keeps his gaze at his lap as the waiter walks away. So everything isn't turning out to be as great as he hoped, especially since he's currently freezing in his seat. He glances over to Ryoko as she takes one of the eclairs of the small plate. She glances around a bit to make sure no one is around before she takes a bite of it. "Not bad."
A half smile appears on Tenchi's face as he decides not to worry about the waiter. After all, why should he care what someone he doesn't even know think of him. He picks up his coffee and brings it to his lips. Giving the hot substance a blow of air, he sends steam off into the cold night before taking a sip, instantly feeling a bit warmer with something hot in his body. "So..." Tenchi drags on as he tries to think of something to say, "Tell me about yourself Ryoko."
Ryoko blinks, a bit caught off guard at the question. Recovering from her surprise she finishes taking a bite of her eclair, "Like what?" She asks, not really sure what Tenchi would want to know about her.
"Well..." Tenchi thinks for a moment, "Anything. I mean... I don't really know much about you at all.. Just that you died young and you've been haunting my place for a few months now. Do you know anything about yourself? Or do you forget everything about your life when you die?"
Ryoko finishes off the eclair and folds her hands in her lap, "No... you don't forget it."
"So tell me about it." Tenchi says, generally curious about the life of the person who's been haunting him for some time now.
Ryoko's golden orbs glance down to the table, finding it interesting at the moment, "Well... there isn't much to tell... I lost my family when I was small... got into a line of work... then I died."
Tenchi's head tilts to his side, his curiosity showing through his expression, "Ryoko... how'd you die? Were you sick?"
"That's something I'd rather not talk about."
Tenchi nods his head in understanding, knowing that it'll always be itching his mind until she tells him. "So... how many years have you been.. uh.. dead?" Tenchi asks, not able to find a better way to ask.
Ryoko rests her cheek on one of her hands as she drums her fingers on the small table, "To tell you the truth... I don't know... It seems like forever since.. then.. but I'm beginning to think it hasn't been long at all."
"Why's that?" Tench's brows lower in question.
"Nothing has changed... Everything is just like I remember it." Ryoko explains a bit bored.
"Oh.. so you are from around here." Tenchi says, his suspicions answered. He figured she was. Why else would a ghost be around here? Certainly not for the crowded streets and foul tempered people who go about the day cussing as if it was their only way to communicate. Tenchi stands up from the table, pulling his wallet out of his pocket in the process, "Well I'm ready." Tenchi places a twenty dollar bill under his half filled coffee cup, "Let's get out of here."
------
"You've never done this before, have you?" Ryoko asks, laughing loudly. After they left the cafe, they wandered a bit aimlessly on the sidewalks, listening to a few carolers singing the holiday songs. It was a bit annoying to Ryoko after awhile considering the majority of the carolers only sing four different songs, the same ones that any other group knows. Of course the two used the time to do some window shopping to see what was being sold for the holiday rush. Nothing very interesting, to Ryoko at least, she isn't sure about Tenchi.
Then they came across the park, where they are now. Tenchi had the bright idea to go skating in the ice rink, forgetting to mention that he has never once ice skated in his life. Fortunately, Ryoko convinced Tenchi that she can go without ice skates, due to the fact that she wouldn't want to cause everyone else ice skating to die of shock at the sight of a pair of ice skates traveling across the ice on their own, no matter how tempting it is.
So Ryoko gets the pleasure of laughing at Tenchi as he tries to stand on the ice skates, only to fall on his backside every time he tries to move. "You're killing me!" Ryoko manages to say as she clutches her stomach in laughter.
Tenchi laughs a bit from his spot on the ice, his face flush in embarrassment. Perhaps it wasn't such a great idea to suggest skating. Not to mention all the other people on the ice look as if they are about to just burst out laughing at him, he wouldn't blame them if they did, he must look quite pathetic sitting on the freezing cold ice, causing his butt to go a bit numb from the cold.
He has to admit, if it gets Ryoko to laugh, it's worth it. Tenchi had enough of her depressing nature this last month, that's why he wanted to get her out of the apartment. Hoping to cheer her up. It seems strange to him that she would be the one falling in depression when it was he who had killed someone. He just thanks god that Kiyone had covered it up for him, in return for information. Not that he had much to give, but it was enough anyway. He just had to tell her everything he knew, which wasn't much considering Azaka and Kimedaki had always kept him in the dark about a lot off things.
Tenchi gives a defeated sigh as he fails to get up to his feet again. He glances up to the laughing cyan haired woman, "You know.. help would be nice."
Ryoko puts a hand over her mouth stifling a giggle as she holds out her free hand for Tenchi to take, "Of course." She says humorously. Once Tenchi gets a hold of Ryoko's hand, she pulls him to his feet, and goes the extra step of supporting him until he manages to get some sort of balance, as awkward his stance is, at least it works. Though if he's not careful, he'll be doing a split since his feet keep sliding further apart as he moves forward. Ryoko shakes her head, laughing a bit as she get behind him and begins pushing him along the ice. "Just try to keep your feet pointed forward." Ryoko comments.
Tenchi does as she says and lets her push him forward, trying his best not to fall. Lucky for him, every time he's about to slip, Ryoko tightens her grip on his shoulders and keeps him at his feet. It's quite embarrassing to need someone to push you along the ice, but Tenchi figures it's better than falling down again, and besides, it's not like anyone else knows he's being pushed on the ice. "Me and my bright ideas." Tenchi chuckles a bit to himself.
"It isn't so bad." Ryoko replies, joining in his laughter, "You're just not used to the ice yet. Although it was more entertaining to watch you fall on your face when you first stepped out on the ice."
"Thanks for reminding me." Tenchi shakes his head.
"So..." Ryoko trails off.
"So..." Tenchi repeats.
"How are you and Kiyone doing?" Ryoko manages to bite back the venom in her voice and ask.
Tenchi glances over his shoulder and raises an eyebrow at the question, "What kind of question is that?" He asks a bit confused.
Ryoko rolls her eyes, "I'm just trying to start conversation Tenchi. But it's alright if you don't want to talk about your little girlfriend."
"Girlfriend!?" Ryoko catches Tenchi before he ends up kissing the ice again. She stops pushing him as Tenchi turns himself around. "What do you mean 'my little girlfriend?'" Tenchi asks a bit embarrassed, "Kiyone is a friend."
"Oh..." Ryoko gives a short laugh, "Well... you two spend so much time together, I just drew out my own conclusions."
Tenchi raises an eyebrow, "Uh Ryoko, we spend so much tie together because she's helping me search for that man Kagato." Ryoko's eyes twitches at the name. "I mean..." Tenchi continues, "Kiyone's a good friend and everything, but she scares me sometimes." Tenchi admits embarrassed.
Ryoko stands there, starring at Tenchi for a moment, dumbfounded at his confession. Than without warning she bursts out laughing, "You're afraid of her?" Ryoko could hardly hold herself up, much less Tenchi. Here she was getting jealous over Kiyone when in reality, Tenchi is afraid of her. Okay, so she's been jealous, so sue her, she's dead anyway, you won't get anything. Just because she's dead doesn't mean she can't like a guy, it just means she stands no chance whatsoever.
Tenchi scratches the back of his head, "If I didn't know better Ryoko, I'd say you were jealous." He chuckles a bit at the prospect.
Ryoko's laughter immediately stops as she crosses her arms and stares at Tenchi, trying to look as unaffected as possible. "Tenchi... I'm dead. There's no point in me being jealous considering it would never happen." She explains to him.
Tenchi nods his head a few times, "Good point." he admits. He tries to give ice skating another shot, but with his first movement he begins flailing about and grabs hold of Ryoko's hands to steady himself, all the while Ryoko is laughing at himself. "Ok.. so I can't skate." Tenchi says as he gives a goofy little smile.
Ryoko shakes her head, "No you definitely can't. And I don't think you'll ever be able to." After a moment, Ryoko glances down at their hands as Tenchi brings them up. He entwines his fingers with hers, and pulls the cyan haired woman closer, leaving only a few inches between them. Ryoko bites her bottom lip as she stares back and forth from their hands and up at Tenchi. Tenchi just stands there, grinning a bit as he tries to remain steady on his feet. Ryoko lowers her head a bit, trying to conceal the smile forming on her lips, "Heh.." Tenchi staggers a bit at first as Ryoko begins to twirl them slowly, as if they were dancing on the ice, their hands never breaking apart.
------
"That was so much fun! We should see it again sometime!" The blonde officer exclaims, obviously excited after seeing the movie.
Both Sasami and Kiyone share a glance before giving a tired sigh. Sasami for one doesn't see why an adult, such as Mihoushi, would want to see SpongeBob Square Pants: The Movie, in the first place. She had no desire to see the movie, and she just knows Kiyone wouldn't want to see it. So how did the two get stuck in seeing the movie? It shall forever be a mystery to Sasami, that's for sure.
"Mihoushi..." Kiyone draws out her name, telling her she's growing annoyed. The movie only gave her a headache, it was one of the worst things she had to sit through. How the heck did she get suckered into seeing such a thing? Oh right... it was either that or Garfield the movie. She should of gone with the cat. Mihoushi's childish nature really surprises Kiyone sometimes. It probably shouldn't by now, this is a grown woman who enjoys watching cartoons in the morning while eating a bowl of Lucky Charms.
The trio continue on their way, Sasami just enjoying her time out. Her eyes seemingly shinning with happiness, Sasami just takes in one of the finer places of the city. The soft white blanket of snow covering the grass and trees is a beauty in itself. Sasami can't remember seeing a better view in the city. All her life she was tossed about until she finally gave up on the orphanage and tried to live on the streets. Of course, when your young and naive you think you can do anything. Sasami learned the hardships of living homeless. Were it not for Tenchi, Sasami isn't sure she'd still be alive.
Sasami snaps out of her reverie at the sound of Mihoushi mentioning something about ice. Stopping in her tracks, Sasami turns around to see Mihoushi starring over to the ice rink where several people are ice skating. Sasami lets her gaze wander to the people on the ice, finding entertainment by the few exceptional skaters on the ice. "Is that... Tenchi?" Sasami hears Kiyone say.
Sasami blinks a bit surprised before searching the ice for the mentioned person. Brows raise in surprise as Sasami sees him, sure enough, Tenchi is indeed on the ice. Sasami squints her eyes a bit. Than a thought raises in her mind, 'Why is he just spinning on the ice and why does her have his hands in front of him?' A strange thing to see.
"What is he doing?" Kiyone asks, obviously confused at the sight of Tenchi on the ice. She glances down to Sasami to see her input, only to notice that the girl isn't listening to her, her attention glued on Tenchi, her mouth parted a bit as if shocked. Kiyone can't blame her though, she's a bit shocked at seeing Tenchi too, who would of thought he'd be one to go ice skating? 'So this was his plan for tonight?' Kiyone thinks amusingly, 'Probably was embarrassed to tell me he skates.'
As hard as she tried, Sasami couldn't tear her eyes off of Tenchi's skates. Not wanting to believe her eyes. It wasn't possible, it couldn't be, it's beyond all logic. Perhaps she's seeing things, after all, no one else has seemed to mention anything. But Sasami is certain that she isn't just seeing things. So is it her, or is Tenchi actually floating a few centimeters above the ice? Blinking a few times, Sasami redirects her gaze to his hands, only to rubs them a bit in disbelief. Is she actually seeing another pair of hands held in Tenchi's?
"Oh! It is! It's Tenchi!" Mihoushi exclaims excitedly. Mihoushi begins waving her hand, jumping in her spot, trying to get his attention, "HI TEN-MURPH!"
"Shh!" Kiyone says before removing her hand from her partner's mouth. Shaking her head she glances back down to Sasami, "Let's go. I bet Tenchi wouldn't be too thrilled about us finding out his little secret." Kiyone suggests. Sasami manages to nod her head a bit dumbly before turning away from the scene and walking away, Kiyone following while dragging her partner behind.
------
Tenchi glances around the ice, thinking he heard someone call his name. Ryoko too looks around, trying to figure out what Tenchi is looking for. Tenchi just gives a short laugh deciding he's just hearing things. Tenchi glances down at his feet and gives a surprised shout, just noticing he isn't on the ice anymore, "Ryoko!"
The cyan haired woman gives a laugh at the man's obvious discomfort, "What? You actually thought you were ice skating? Fat chance, you'd of fallen by now." She teases before lowering him back down on the ice, but keeping him steady so he doesn't end up cracking his skull open on the ice.
Tenchi gives a defeated sigh, "I wish you'd warn me before you do something like that. What if someone saw me hovering off the ground?" Ryoko shrugs her shoulders a bit uncaringly, a smirk playing across her face. Tenchi shakes his head in disbelief, "Glad to you care so much." He comments, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"You know.. I could do worse. I could just make it look like you're flying ten feet in the air." Ryoko points out.
"Can I ask you something?" Tenchi asks suddenly.
Ryoko blinks a bit caught off guard from Tenchi suddenly changing the subject. She tilts her head to the side, a bit in curiosity and a bit in confusion, "You know... You don't need my permission. You can just ask."
"Yea... uh.. right.." Tenchi replies, seemingly confused.
Ryoko just rolls her eyes at him, "What is it Tenchi?"
"What's gotten you so... depressed this month?"
Ryoko stops moving, her hands dropping to her sides as she looks off to the side, leaving Tenchi to support himself. Tenchi's a bit surprised at the sudden mood change, but decides it's best to wait for an answer. "I've just been thinking about a lot of things..." Ryoko answers, almost too quietly for Tenchi to hear.
"Like what?"
Ryoko lets out a breath of annoyance, 'Can't he take a hint that I don't want to talk about it?' She thinks to herself. 'He'll probably keep asking until I tell him.' That's something Ryoko does not want to have to put up with. Ryoko crosses her arms over her chest, her expression void of emotion as she decides it's best to get it over with, "If you must know... I've been thinking about the day I died."
Tenchi hangs his head in shame, feeling a bit guilty to bring up the subject, especially since its been bothering Ryoko for the past month. "Ryoko... Was it an accident?" Tenchi asks, not really sure he'll get an answer, after all, he had already asked the question earlier, and she just brushed him off.
"No." Ryoko replies, her voice colder than Tenchi's ever heard it. Ryoko's nose scrunches up in obvious anger, "Tenchi... If you must know.. I didn't die from a sickness, or an accident, or any natural causes for that matter. I was killed."
Tenchi's brows raise in surprise, "Killed? Why? What reason would anyone have to kill you?"
Ryoko closes her eyes, trying to keep her anger in check. After all, its not Tenchi's fault for wanting to know, he doesn't know anything about her anyway, and it's only natural for anyone to ask the dead questions, well Ryoko figures as much anyways, she can't really be sure. "Let's get off the ice. This'll take awhile." Ryoko says before heading off the ice.
Tenchi staggers back to the ice skate post, managing to get to it without falling. After returning the rented ice skates, Tenchi quickly heads over to Ryoko who found a spot on an empty bench near the ice. Tenchi takes a seat next to her, not saying a word as he waits for Ryoko to tell him what he wants to know.
"I was in the 'business' too." Ryoko starts, referring to the jobs Tenchi was doing just a month ago. "Except unlike you, I knew who was in charge and I did worse things than you can imagine. I did what I was told for years, and stayed where I was, despite what he did to me." Tenchi manages to stop himself from asking what this person did to her, finding it best not to interrupt her. "I didn't do any of it because I wanted to, I had no other place to go. More times than I can count I've tried t run away, but that bastard has more eyes than a spider. He was able to find me each time and drag me back." Ryoko lets her shoulders sag as she lets out a miserable sigh, "Than after taking too much, I began plotting my way out, a way to escape permanently."
Ryoko's eyes narrow in a blaze of anger as she raises a clenched fist up at the memory, "Instead of running from him, I decided that my only way for freedom was to kill the bastard who would not let me go. I waited for a long time, then my chance finally came, and I took it without hesitation. I killed dozens of his lackeys until I made it to the top floor, my mind was made up, I'd kill him or die trying. I walked into his office, he was there, waiting for me, knowing why I was there. I was an idiot and didn't shoot him when I had the chance, he managed to grab me, we fought. Than finally, he tossed me through the window, from the top of the building. I had the gun in my hand at the time. I fired until the gun was empty, my last sight was seeing him collapse before I hit the ground below. My only regret is not being able to watch that bastard die completely"
Tenchi isn't all that surprised by the fact that she was killed. He kind of figured it out from the beginning but didn't want to ask just in case he was wrong. But he never would of thought that Ryoko had killed someone, much less a bunch a people as she claims. It kind of makes him nervous to be around her now. Granted, he doesn't know everything about Ryoko's past, heck, this is most likely just a small fraction of what she's been through. Tenchi doesn't know what to say really, so he just sits there silently, just thinking about what Ryoko has told him. Finally, gathering up enough courage to ask, Tenchi glances back to the silent woman at his side, "Ryoko... who was the man who killed you?" She had obviously taken effort in not using the man's name, and for that Tenchi is curious. Tenchi waits as he stares at Ryoko. But she sits there, her eyes closed, as if she didn't hear him. "Ryo--"
"Kagato."
Tenchi blinks a bit confused. "What?"
Ryoko opens her eyes back up, her eyes void of emotion as she stares blankly ahead, "His name was Kagato. The same name of the man you're searching for."
Tenchi leans back in the bench, stunned with shock. Questions begin to swarm through his mind. Is that why she's been upset lately? Why didn't she tell him before? What does this mean? And finally, is it the same person? "I don't doubt it." Tenchi blinks a bit at Ryoko's answer, apparently, he voiced his last question without realizing it.
"So what now?"
"..........."
Phew.. Finally! I've finished! And let me tell you this one thing people... This chapter... sucked! No really... It was really hard to write! I don't like how it came out at all. It's a bit sloppy. I dunno, maybe it's just me... It doesn't feel like it's as good as my previous chapters. This one seems... off some how. Sigh... Oh well... I'll let you guys decide on that one. So anyways... I'm back... Kind of... Updates are going to be slowing down with the fact that I have lots of make up work for school to do, I'm failing a class, and mid terms are coming up. But at least I have the internet again 0) Well tell me what y'all think! TTNC
This chapter is dedicated to my dog, Buster who was put down today while I was at school. Fifteen years old, and clumpy as hell, he lived out his life as a puppy. Never letting his age slow him down until this last month. Wherever you are my fuzzy friend, I wish to let you know that the twelve years you were with us was as fun and loving as the first day we got you. I'll never forget your stupidity, your playfulness, and most importantly I'll never forget this... YOU PISSED ON MY CLOTHES YOU STUPID DOG!