Chapter 11
August 20, 2003
--Clam Before the Fury--
The large tree ship that was the Juraian Medical ship looked as grand as ever amidst the rain as it came to a rest above the lake. The water rippled slightly as it halted and hung in the air. It was soon joined by the two chosen Jurai Battle ships that hung back, above the ship as well above the trees, the others stationed at the edges of the system.
The rain seemed to not even touch the intricately carved hull of the tree ship as Washu approached from the house, she was first out merely because she was the last to return home. She had resumed her adult form, which had the unfortunate side effect of confusing Ukyo even more than ever. Her emerald eyes picked out the details on the ship, her mind running numbers as they watched the ship hover in the air. She turned her head slightly seeing Mihoshi and Kiyone follow her out into the rain. She turned her attention back to the ship and thought to herself it was indeed a good thing that the ships were invisible to the local sensors; otherwise they would have had a major problem.
By the time Katsuhito and Ukyo had joined her and the other girls to see what was happening Washu was impatient and soaked through to the skin. There was a crackling of air as Ukyo came to a stop at the back of the family, and then a blue beam formed depositing three men on the dock of the lake. They stood there seeming to take in their surroundings and then started forward, Washu studied them critically the one in front seemed familiar. He was tall, with short green hair and a pair of small wire framed glasses tinted a slight blue. His face was handsome with no hint of expression. His white lab coat seeming to be unaffected by the rain or the wind, just like the others, which led Washu to realize that one of them was supplying a shield to keep them dry.
Washu shifted her gaze to the right hand side off his shoulder taking in the man back there. He was youngest of the group. He was tall, not as tall as the first though. He seemed to fit in the style of dress with them, but his facial expressions and the way he carried himself led her to believe he was only an intern. He was dressed in the white lab coat and she supposed he was part of the medical team. She slid her gaze over to the last of the men who seemed more imposing. He was older than either of them, and he was dressed in more priestly blue and white robes. His face showed no emotions, which told her one very important thing that he held the most power in this group.
"The Holy Council of Jurai." A voice whispered to her, she turned her head a fraction of an inch to see it was Katsuhito who was just as blankly looking as the Holy Council member. She heard Ukyo mutter a name and turning she saw him start to lower himself to the ground, he rose before he even knelt looking at Katsuhito who had shook his head not to.
She turned back to the group; something interesting was going to happen if a member of the Holy Council was here as well. Katsuhito started forward to met them and Washu quickly caught up. After all they were the elders of the family, besides Tenchi was still at the gravesite more than likely. Washu knew that Kiyone was cursing under her breath about making them stand in the rain, but also knew that nobody could bring themselves to leave until they knew what was going on.
The two separate groups stopped with a small distance between them. The rain was not letting up, if anything it seemed to be getting heavier. Their seemed to be a small shift in the shield and suddenly Washu realized that the rain was no longer falling on her or Katsuhito. The man in the lead of the group inclined his head slightly speaking in his quiet calm voice. "Greetings, I am Taliesin head of the Royal Juraian Medical Board." He turned slightly to indicate the younger man and continued on. "This is Laurynas, Head Medical Officer on this mission."
The young man followed Taliesin's lead and inclined his head to them. There was a pause and then Taliesin turned slightly indicating the last member of the group. "And this is the esteemed Second Elder of the Juraian Holy council, Tralu."
Washu raised an eyebrow and spoke taking charge almost immediately. "Hello, I am Washu...this is Katsuhito the shrine master here." She paused and then continued talking. "I believe that at least two of you gentleman are here for Sasami."
The youngest nodded and began to speak "Yes. We will need all data you've collected since our last..." He didn't get to finish as Washu cut him off. "I've already uploaded all the data to your system."
Taliesin smiled slightly. "Same Washu…" The red haired scientist looked at the man and frowned slightly, her sense that she knew him was reinforced. When he slid his glasses down his nose revealing his silver eyes, she recognized him as a former student from the Royal Space Academy. He had been one of her more brilliant students, so it wasn't to surprising to her that he had become the Head of the Royal Juraian Medical Board.
Katsuhito spoke up breaking her train of thought "I would like to speak with Elder Tralu in private." Tralu inclined his head just slightly and spoke to his associates. "Then I would say that while you gentleman and…Miss Washu, I believe, discuss Princess Sasami's condition I will go with this gentleman." The Councilman motioned with a sweep of his arm for the Elder Masaki to lead the way to wherever he wished to go. Katsuhito dipped his head to Washu and then the others before he started off towards the mountain and the shrine Tralu at his side.
Washu watched them go for a moment and then turned to face the two remaining men. "This way then." turning she led them past the rest of the family, Taliesin and Washu talking in a rapid manner. Laurynas followed along listening closely. He glanced to his right and locked his eyes on Kiyone, he paused the two others heading into the house ahead of him. A smile played across his face and Kiyone smiled a small one when she realized that he was looking at her. He quickly looked away from her and hurried to catch up to Taliesin.
***
The council member walked along beside Katsuhito, there was no need to share a shield since the older gentleman had erected his own, obviously using his Jurai power. The well-worn stairs they were following towards the stairs were slick and a dull gray from the rain. Katsuhito broke the silence, which had descended between them. "May I ask why exactly the Holy council has sent a well respected representative?"
Tralu paused long enough for it to be normal and then answered, stating in the calm clear tone that he always used. "It was decided that a council member should be present for Princess Sasami's recovery."
"That doesn't answer why the Second Elder of the council was sent." Katsuhito responded in his own calm clear tone.
Tralu didn't show any outside surprise or even hesitated adding to his story quickly. "I was sent because the council also deemed it pertinent that I observe Prince Tenchi and Lady Ryoko." he fell silent his face as neutral as ever, but he was honestly not fond of having to refer to her in such a way. She was a demon, not a Lady she was used to terrify their children not to comfort them.
Katsuhito looked at him and frowned just slightly. "I see...and if you do not find her satisfactory?"
The councilman shrugged slightly. "I am assuming your Prince Yosho otherwise you'd not have asked."
The priest shrugged slightly speaking quietly. "Maybe I was once, along time ago. But now I am merely Katsuhito Masaki, the shrine master of the Masaki Shrine."
Tralu nodded slightly speaking more to himself than anything. "I see then that it is true that your tree has taken root here." He went quiet as they cleared the last step and stood in the shrine yard. He looked around, taking it in. Despite what it looked like he could feel a presences, one he felt on Jurai. It was Tsunami, it was dull but it was there. He looked over at the former prince to say something but Katsuhito didn't let him. "You should know that no matter what you think, Tenchi will not listen to you if you tell him that he can not marry Ryoko."
Tralu seemed to straighten up and look at the shrine master a small ghost of a smile crossing his face. "He will do as he is told."
Katsuhito shook his head slightly sighing just slightly. "Do you truly believe that? If so you are more foolish than those that told Azusa he could not marry Funaho if he wished to claim the throne."
"I have more power than they did. I can force him." was Tralu's simple answer.
Katsuhito smiled slightly. "Allow me to enlighten you on something's. Political pressure will not work on my grandson; he doesn't care or want his title. Force will get you nowhere for he is in love and this prince is powerful enough to summon his own Light Hawk Wings. He would fight to your death or his to keep her and his family together and safe. Can you really believe that you can force him?" He paused slightly studying him and then continued. "And that is not counting Ryoko, she will not sit idly by and let you try and force him to do anything. She has all her power back, and the only person left that can control her in this universe is Tenchi."
The council member didn't look convinced and Katsuhito sighed, much like when Tenchi refused to learn a lesson. "You are much like my grandson, you refuse to learn without doing it the hard way."
He turned slightly glancing at the stairs and then back to the council elder. "I would suggest that you return to the house, Tenchi will be there with Ryoko soon."
Tralu bowed his head slightly and turned speaking. "Yes, and I must check to see how Princess Sasami's condition is coming along." He started back down the stairs quietly the rain continuing to roll off his shield; Katsuhito watched him for a minute and then turned continuing on to his small office.
***
Taliesin stood arms crossed listening to Laurynas and his former professor talking, his eyes surreptitiously studying the room. He noted that the young man was very sharp; he definitely knew what he was talking about. Washu however was going over his head quite often, and if Taliesin was honest she was doing it to him as well. He turned his eyes to the bed with the princess and studied her pale face.
"If we use an Electromagnetic Induction sequence and reverse the EM and increase the Induction into her neural pathways, we might be able to trigger the re-firing if her synapses that would allow her to wake up." Taliesin raised an eyebrow and turned to look at the young intern, yes Washu had done that already, but still that was a rather impressive thing for an intern like him to know and to suggest.
"Already did that, page fourteen. There was no response." The red haired scientist responded almost immediately.
Taliesin decided that it was time for him to interject something. "There is a chance that we can perform a negative induction sequence, which would give her a chance. As long as her mind is turned inwards like this we can do nothing."
Washu looked at him and raised an eyebrow. "A Negative induction sequence is a highly dangerous program. You may wish to be more specific about which version your recommending."
Taliesin looked at her with that perfectly blank face, but the entire time was mentally wondering what she meant. There was just one that he knew of and it was highly theoretical. "I would suggest before we discuss it any further that we see what other options are left to us and then inform, I believe it's Prince Tenchi, about what options we have."
Washu nodded slightly her hand already a blur as she typed on her holo-computer. "Fine. I've linked this room to all of your sensors."
Taliesin nodded slightly, flashing her one of his infamous smile, she waved a hand banishing it away. She turned and smiling still left the room without waiting for a reply.
***
The pouring rain reminded Tenchi of when Aekea had hurt her leg back when she had first arrived. He found that he was thinking about anything and everything other than the fact that he had just buried his father. He hadn't spoken since the ships had arrived and Ryoko knew him well enough by now to leave him be. Although she was a little surprised that he had chosen a smaller; narrow set of stairs that would take longer for them to get back home.
Tenchi squeezed her hand absently, and then spoke in a soft voice that was almost drowned out from the rain. "I have to tell you something."
"Yes Tenchi?" she looked at him earnestly. Her eyelashes were dripping with water, indeed both were drenched their hair and clothes clinging to them.
He stood there staring into her eyes for a long time before he continued. "It's got something to do with our lives..."
Ryoko seemed to breath a little quicker and looked a little more anxious. Indeed her heart was racing. The tone he had used was one that scared her. He continued oblivious or maybe not, to her reaction to his statement.
"I have to tell you, I can't keep it from you anymore. I was afraid." He rambled on for a little longer and then stopped himself and composing himself continued back on track. "I'm going to die." He said it in a very somber, very serious look on his face.
"DIE?!!?" She screamed causing Tenchi to wince. He reached up with his free hand and covered her mouth. Speaking in a quicker more hurried tone. "Not right this instant love, I mean I'm going to get older and die."
Her eyes were wide as she looked at him, searching his for understanding. She saw pain, and worry, and a little hint of fear. She wasn't sure what she was feeling right this moment but she had to set him at ease. One thing she'd learned about people on earth was they thought aging was a bad thing. She kissed the palm of his hand covering her mouth and looked at him as he lowered it. "Of course your going to get older, but that doesn't mean you'll die."
He shook his head and sighed looking away and then back at her. "Ryoko...I'm not like you. I can't stay as young as I am now. The older I get the more my body will give out." he reached up and stroked her cheek softly. "I have a hundred, maybe two hundred years to live. Not nearly as long as I want to be with you."
Ryoko just stared at him, her mind sort of shut down as she absorbed this information. Ryoko felt part of her heartbreak as she realized exactly how short a hundred; even two hundred was to her. And that was all she would have with him? She wanted him forever, not just for such a short amount of time. She refused to believe it, she denied it to herself, and he was going to be with her forever. But she would enjoy the time she had with him now, just in case.
Tenchi just stared at her, watching her face. He sighed and expanded just a little. "Washu...er...mom, anyway, she explained it all to me. I can't remember how she explained it, but if I understood her right my Juraian heritage should extend my life...which is why I say maybe two hundred."
Ryoko felt a trail of warm water on her cheek and she realized she was crying, not bawling or anything but just that quite crying she had learned to perfect under Kagato's rule. She was however grateful that it was raining since it hid the fact. If her mother said two hundred then no matter how much she hated to admit it that was how long he had, unless her 'mother' could come up with something.
Tilting her head towards his hand stroking her cheek she smiled softly at him her voice low. "I will love you no matter how old you get..." she stepped in close and made herself sound like she was her old herself. "Or however wrinkly you get."
His lips twitched into a smile and moved in kissing her softly, which still caused her heart and passion to speed up. He just seemed to have that effect on her; even just smiling at her had the same effect. He broke the kiss and whispered softly to her. "I Love you, lets go home."
Ryoko smiled in response nodded and teleported them to the front yard, getting the hint that he wanted to get home quickly.
***
Kiyone pulled on a beige shirt, not her color but then it was dry that was all that mattered. She grabbed the pink towel, the only one which had been left, and dried her hair. She was very happy to be back inside and out of that cold stinging rain. She turned slightly reveling in how it felt to be dry and stared as her partner stood there in a pair of dry sweat pants and a bra.
Mihoshi was absently digging through drawers looking for a shirt to put on, every so often standing which caused parts of her body to jiggle just slightly. Dissatisfied with each shirt she'd produce she'd bend over swaying as she looked through her drawer.
Kiyone watched for several minutes, taking in everything she saw and then promptly looked away feeling guilty. She was also blushing from her thoughts. She shook her head clearing it and forcing down any thing like arousal that she was feeling. So lost in thought she didn't hear the thump the draw made as Mihoshi found shirt and put it on.
Kiyone heard the door close and turned finding herself alone in the room, which meant Mihoshi was gone, more than likely to hunt down Ukyo and spend some time with him. Which was fine with Kiyone, she had a sudden new found energy and wanted to be alone to relieve it. Things had been so difficult and confusing that she hadn't had time, nor thought it was right to ask Tenchi about a date with his friend.
She smiled to herself, a hand traveling lightly along her side and down to her hip; maybe she wouldn't have to. The new man, Laurynas she thought his name was, looked quite capable and he was a doctor! She allowed her smile to widen as her touch grew lighter...he was her age, and he was very good looking. Her breathing picked up a notch as she continued her light exploration and wondered if he had a girlfriend.
Then through the cloud of building lust she heard the beeping. She stopped and thought for a minute that it was the patrol alarm. Her mind cleared quickly and she realized that it was an alarm Washu had given her.
She moved across the room and picked up the alarm that looked like a pocket watch and tapped its side. There was a small blimp on the LCD screen before it was filled with the face of the red haired scientist. Mentally Kiyone was cursing her for ruining her private time, but she was anxious to know what was up. "Go ahead Washu."
The red headed scientist shook her head. "No, you better come to the lab."
The teal haired officer sighed and nodded. She turned off the alarm and set it to the side and grabbing her standard red hair band left her room in a hurry. As anxious as she was she was not to fond of seeing Washu right at this moment.
She entered the lab without even knocking, a rather dangerous thing. She was thankful when she realized what she did that it was Washu seated before her and not one of her experiments. After the flesh eating flower incident she made sure to knock. She just forgot this time.
The scientist stared at her for a moment and a larger transparent screen appeared before Kiyone. Washu spoke as she typed a few keys. "I finally got through the Galaxy Police security system and accessed Mihoshi's files like you asked." Washu paused as the screen in front of Kiyone displayed the official Galaxy Police symbol. "You need to see this."
Kiyone watched as the screen changed to that of Mihoshi. Only this one was different, if she had had teal hair and different colored eyes she could have been Kiyone herself. She looked every bit as serious as Kiyone ever could, sort of how she looked in Kiyone's memories at the academy at times.
Then she spoke and Kiyone realized this was the Mihoshi that was her 'friend' in the academy not just a ditz. "Case Number 0090- first assignment. I was assigned to the beta system to investigate a strange series of events..."
Kiyone listened as Mihoshi laid out the investigation, and then as several more followed. Each as impressive and well laid out as any she herself had ever preformed. The reports moved quickly, it was becoming a hit parade, hit men, whole pirate guilds, mobs, all high profile. And all brought in by her. It wasn't long before Kiyone started to wonder why Mihoshi had acted like a ditz in the academy and was acting like one now.
The screen went blank longer than normal and a new face filled the screen. It was a man, it took Kiyone a moment to remember this was Mihoshi's old superior. He spoke in his commanding, yet quiet tone. "Case Number 00214-Misao. Officer Mihoshi Kuramitsu was assigned the task of infiltrating the notorious Annica smuggling group. Upon doing so it was discovered that Annica had direct ties to the Pirate Guild Llarod..."
Kiyone raised an eyebrow, there was nothing in any details about the case, there was not even any record about this arrest anywhere else. That was intriguing since the Pirate guild and the Annica group had been the most notorious of the criminal groups and they still were. If she had made the arrest they were talking about, even if she just arrested one it should have made headlines.
What really bothered her was that the case file was very censored. No real details, and all her commanding officer would say at the end was she did a superb job. The screen went blank and she was about to turn away when it was filled with the commanding officer again. "Recommendations for Detective First Class Mihoshi: Reassignment to system patrol and Extensive Psychiatric review." Then it went blank, the screen sat there for a moment and then disappeared from view.
She looked over at Washu, who looked back at her and spoke. "I'm seeing if I can find a record not so heavily censored. But it's interesting, her cases go from 00214 which was dated in the Galactic standard year of 7956 to the next one which was dated in 7984."
Kiyone frowned and shook her head none of it making any sense. Mihoshi is promoted then demoted in assignment. And the Extensive Psychiatric Review part was not sitting well with her. She looked at the scientist and spoke sounding a little sick. "That would mean she was out of the field for seven years, more than likely under Extensive Psychiatric Review."
Washu nodded, looking very serious. "Yes, seven years under E.P.R. and then when she returns its like she never left, but everything's simple cases, she causes lots of damage in the process however. Then three years later she's assigned to the most un-troublesome area, the Sol system, where she runs into the infamous Kagato."
Kiyone shivered slightly from the venom in her voice when she mentioned that name. The scientist let out a tired sounding sigh and shook her head. "I deiced you should see that at least. I have a lot on my plate right now, so there's no telling when I'll get more."
Kiyone nodded grateful for this at least. She said an absent goodbye and left the lab, to rejoin the house. Her partner passed by carrying a tray of food and two glasses of water. Kiyone smiled; obviously she was taking food to Ukyo. Kiyone felt glad that for once she was not spending every waking moment hounding her.
Then her mood darkened slightly and she frowned. What happened to her to warrant E.P.R? The seven years of inactive duty? She headed for the stairs and the room she would find out soon she hoped.
***
Sasami winced how long she had been here? She asked herself. How many things had come to terrorize her? But for now she was alone, for now she was safe. That was rare and afterwards things were always worse than before. She knew that the darkness surrounding her was ready to consume her soul. But still she was safe for now.
There was a glimmer of light. This was not the first time that the glimmer had appeared. Sasami had learned that sometimes it was a trick, but sometimes it wasn't. This time the glimmer grew and spread out causing the darkness to fall back leaving a dull misty gray area. The light grew brighter and brighter to reveal the figure of someone Sasami recognized instantly.
Sasami felt joy rush through her as she saw the traditional dress of the matron goddess of Jurai. She remained where she was at though, not daring to move lest she destroy whatever magic had allowed the goddess to reach her. She was bothered however that she was not pulled to the goddess normal domain of trees and water and platforms.
The goddess looked down at her with wide her pink eyes locking their stare together. It was almost as if she was trying to speak without using her voice, Sasami herself was unwilling to speak for fear of destroying this aura of safety that had descended around her.
The goddess regarded her for a moment longer and then spoke. Her voice, a soft and gentle sounding. "Sasami, soon all will be well."
The young princess nodded smiling brightly, the goddess smiled back and Sasami's smile widened even more. "Tsunami is Tenchi...everyone else all right?" she asked anxious and full of enthusiasm.
"Hai they are fine or as fine as they ever are." the goddess answered then her voice turned serious in an instant. "But you must warn them." Tsunami began but then fell quiet her runes glowing brightly. "There is a great darkness coming, warn them. The cycle will be upon us soon..." her runes glowed even brighter as did Sasami's which caused her to feel a tremor run through the small princess.
Tsunami shook her head slightly seeing that Sasami was lost at her cryptic statement. "I can not say any more, it is prohibited. But you must tell them..." Sasami looked at her in fright confused about everything.
Tsunami spoke softly once more trying to comfort her. "Not to much longer you know, oh, did you know that Mihoshi and Ukyo are getting close?"
Sasami smiled held her hand up and giggled nodding. "Hai."
Tsunami matched her in response. "Think he'll survive long?"
Sasami laughed and shrugged happy again. They spent what seemed like hours and hours talking and gossiping about everything. The darkness was fading even more, the dull gray was beginning to peel back to reveal the goddesses domain.
"I must go now Sasami, but it won't be to much longer." Tsunami said as she began to fade out, Sasami stood there a moment and then rushed forward crying for her to try and keep her there.
She tripped and fell forward, catching herself before she crashed to the ground completely. She kept herself propped up on her hands and knees, tears damped her cheek as she looked around seeing the darkness encroaching slowly, till at last all that was left of the goddesses domain was a single stone tile and a small amount of still water.
She huddled up on the stone her knees pulled up to her chest and her arms wrapped around them. She kept repeating the conversation she had with Tsunami, but the warning was slipping further and further from her mind as her fear of the darkness consumed her.
***
The rain had let up, but this was lost on the young man who was busy scrolling through a data pad. He had a small frown on his face, it had been child's-play to completely heal the knight, so why the knight continued to remain sitting in the room watching the princess was beyond him.
Laurynas shook his head clearing it and still they had yet to met the elusive Prince Tenchi. He walked out into the drizzle of rain, his feet getting a little muddy, forgetting to use his shield generator.
He looked up seeing a few knights from the battle ships taking up positions around and inside the yard. He shook his head did they expect something to happen now? No body could be that foolish to act now. He saw a few knights tensing up and he stopped looking around paying attention.
Then he spotted a young man and a young woman, their hair and clothes clinging to them. They had not been in the front yard when he'd looked last time; he frowned altering his direction towards them.
He reached them and spoke sounding as official as he could. "Greetings."
The man nodded seemingly keeping the woman from heading off towards the house. Laurynas continued not waiting for the man to say something. "I am sorry...but this house is under a Military Medical Situation. You'll have to leave."
The man cracked a small smile. "Really? That's funny since it's my house."
"Your house?"
The man nodded and reached up rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Yes, my father left it to me when he died."
"Are you Prince Tenchi?" Laurynas asked, understanding filling him.
He nodded slightly. "Yes and this..." he motioned with his free hand to the cyan haired woman beside him. "Is Ryoko, my fiancée."
The woman sniffed at him, and frowned slightly, Laurynas felt himself go cold in sudden understanding. In the Jurai system, it had become popular among the juvenile delinquents to dye they're hair liked hers. As a matte of fact his ex had dyed her hair that color as well.
But now he was face to face with the demon that had nearly destroyed Jurai seven hundred years ago. What really caused him to go cold was that she was to marry Tenchi, which meant she would become Juraian royalty.
"How is Sasami?"
Laurynas almost jumped when the young prince spoke, he calmed himself and caught a look of concern flash in her eyes before they were covered up with indifference. He steadied himself and looked down at the data pad for reference. "The princess is in the same condition as when we arrived. Taliesin will be wanting to discuss the few options we have open to use with you, since you are her family."
He glanced up seeing the prince nod he sighed in relief. "I believe security is going to be extra tight..." he left the statement hanging knowing they would understand him.
Ryoko spoke for the first time her voice rather cold. "Fine."
Tenchi nodded and the young medical officer saw the squeeze he gave her hand. He sighed and turned allowing them to pass, they approached the house quietly. The knights knuckles going white as they gripped their staffs, and Laurynas felt worry build, not for Tenchi or his wife, but for the knights if they attacked.
They passed the first knights and then the second set, each became more worried and anxious looking the further they went. Laurynas watched for a minute and then turned hurrying to reach the medical ship.
"So, you've met the happy couple?" Taliesin's voice sounded from behind him, which really did cause him to jump this time. He turned to look at his superior and gave a weak smile, not bothering to ask how he had managed to surprise him like that. "Yes, actually I did."
Taliesin gave a rare small smile and turned leading the way to the ship, Laurynas falling into step next to him. "How would you feel about a special assignment?"
Laurynas blinked and stammered "I...what about the princess?"
"I can handle her for now. But there is another rather urgent matter concerning the royal family."
They stopped talking as they reached the edge of the lake and the ships beam enveloped them and redeposit them onboard. After a moment of reorienting themselves they started walking down the hallway talking once more.
"But why me?" Laurynas finally asked.
"Because there is no one else qualified really for this. Also you are young and to be perfectly honest as gifted and sharp as you are the situation involving Princess Sasami is a wasteful use of your skills."
"Actually, I believe that it is beyond my abilities." Laurynas stated in a low voice.
"Honestly, it may even be beyond mine." Taliesin admitted.
"Does this mean that I'm being given an interns case?"
Taliesin looked at him giving another rare small smile. "No, you're not an intern now are you? This case is better suited for you, and it'll be a learning experience. Remember: You must learn to crawl before you can walk."
"Ok. What's the assignment?"
Taliesin handed him a data pad. "This is all of Miss Washu's findings on the subject and it is fairly obvious when you read the case report."
Laurynas frowned slightly tapping the screen and read the case report he looked up surprised and confused but his mentor was gone without a trace. "Great..." He muttered and then turned making his way to the medical data base research would be his only option for now.
***
The palace was quiet; Jurai's moons high overhead shining along with its stars. A sense of tranquility seemed to have settled on the planet, well everywhere but inside the royal palace in the first crowned princess's room.
Aekea sat subdued on the edge of her bed; her delicate hands resting upon one another, her gown covered by a robe. Her beautiful face and lavender eyes betrayed her inner turmoil however; her father had suffered an attack. She was supposed to be the target; she was supposed to suffer, not her mothers and father.
Her mind was roaming, trying to figure out things. It had been quite strategic over the years; having fought and delayed Ryoko's plans, she felt foolish though is she had missed the obvious with Tenchi. But still, maybe things had worked out for the best.
She shook her head when she realized she was thinking about Tenchi and concentrated once more on the assassination leader. Obviously he had to have access to the palace and he also had to have enough clout to get guards to do as he asked.
She had at thought first, that it was Lord Chijiro perhaps trying to take over, but then realized that it couldn't be him. Despite being a lord, and having access, the palace guards would not step aside for him to do as he pleased.
She sighed and rose removing her robe, when there was a knock at her door. She paused and then went ahead and put the robe up speaking over her shoulder 'come in.' thinking it was a servant she turned her short gown riding up as she bent slightly to adjust something on her bed.
"Aek..." The male voice began and then cut it self off.
The princess whirled around and stared wide eyed at the silver haired lord, her heart beat quickly and her face flushed, but her body also received a small shiver of excitement at him standing there.
And that's all he did, just stand there and look at her, his own face looking a little red, he to was dressed for bed a red silk robe pulled tied tightly around him. He blinked and stammered for a moment before getting control of himself and adverted his gaze.
"Princess Aekea...I was just stopping bye to see if you were comfortable going back to earth. I mean are you really?"
Aekea nodded slightly smiling to herself, he was acting very child like not looking at her. "Yes, I am perfectly fine going back there." she wasn't really but still her sister was in trouble "Besides my sister needs me and I will not let mother go without me."
Chijiro nodded and sighed slightly. "You hide your emotions very well, but if you insist that you are fine with going back then I will leave it at that."
She blinked and found herself confounded, he always seemed to be able to do that to her. He always knew what she was thinking or feeling despite what she was saying. He looked at her and graced her with a charming smile that made her knees a little weak. "Good night Aekea."
And then he left closing the door behind him, she felt giddy but controlled herself. She turned down her bed and climbed in, speaking quietly to herself. "He is just acting..." yet she did not believe that, as her hands touched her thighs lightly as she thought about him.
***
Tenchi looked out the kitchen window with Ryoko already in bed. He had insisted she go get some rest, she had been reluctant saying he needed it more. Tomorrow they would return to school, which was not something he was looking forward to.
School would mean the return of Emi and her brother. In the months before his fathers death things had been harder due to them, Emi had been actively trying to worm her way into Tenchi's life, which failed. It didn't take long for Emi's brother to begin his approach, questioning Tenchi's honor, insulting his family and his Ryoko.
Tenchi sighed and grabbed a glass filling it with water, he sipped it quietly. His highly trained senses told him he was not alone, but he didn't think he was in any trouble. His hand did however drift to Tenchi-ken that he kept with him, just to be safe.
"Excuse me...Prince Tenchi?" He turned letting Tenchi-ken go and looked at the young man standing behind him. Tenchi recognized him almost immediately.
"Laurynas right?" The young prince stepped up and rested against the counter his glass set before him. The young doctor nodded slightly and smiled in relief. "Yes sir, that's right. I was afraid you wouldn't remember me."
Tenchi smiled and waves his hand in dismissal. "I remember a lot and please Tenchi would be fine. I'm very informal around here."
The young man nodded, but looked uncomfortable. "Yes sir. I just came to tell you that I'm taking over for Miss Washu concerning your problems."
Tenchi raised an eyebrow and tilted his head. "Oh, well how does it look so far?"
The young doctor sighed and looked at the prince closely. "Well, Washu was right, your inherent Juraian DNA would keep you alive for a mere two hundred years. But with a few chemicals...we could extend it upwards to a thousand."
Tenchi blinked in surprise, his mouth opened slightly. A thousand? How did Washu miss something like that? He started to ask but the young man continued. "Miss Washu was onto it when Princess Sasami...well at any rate, that's one of the options left open to us. Another would be the bonding of a Space Tree."
Tenchi nodded slightly and leaned forward thinking slightly. "I see so without these actions I will definitely die in two hundred years?"
Laurynas shook his head slightly. "Not definitely, but before we do anything I need a fresh sample of your blood."
Tenchi looked slightly alarmed, but the young doctor continued on. "Just stop bye tomorrow and well take care of that."
Tenchi grabbed his glass and gulped it down. "After school."
The young man raised an eyebrow, but Tenchi brushed it to the side. "I have family responsibilities, I have to learn how to provide for my family."
"But you're going to be King of Jurai one day..."
Tenchi shrugged and sighed. "I don't want to be king of Jurai. I just want to stay here with Ryoko and live happily."
Laurynas shook his head. "Family responsibilities, I believe that's what you called them, requires you to."
Tenchi pushed off the counter and shook his head. "Maybe your right, but I need to get to bed. I will stop by tomorrow for the blood sample you need."
Laurynas bowed his head as the young prince placed the glass into the sink and then left the kitchen. He sighed and followed the young prince out of the room, leaving the house heading for his ship for sleep. Tomorrow would be a long day he was sure.
Tenchi walked into his room and quietly changed into his sleeping clothes and climbed in next to Ryoko. She stirred and rolled over moving into his arms and made a sleepy sound as she spoke. "Better love?"
Tenchi nodded and sighed closing his eyes kissed her forehead. "Much." There was a long stretch of silence as they lay there holding each other, only broken when Tenchi whispered to her as he drifted off to sleep. "I Love you and no matter what tomorrow brings my Ryoko, we'll be together so it won't matter." She smiled as did Tenchi and drifted off to sleep together.
***
Ukyo rose quietly and looked down at the sleeping form of Mihoshi. He felt a smile tug at the corners of his mouth, her form hidden beneath a thick blanket.
He put his hands behind his back assuming a classic military at ease stance as he stood in front of the window of the princesses' room. He wasn't tired, and he had a lot to think about. One thing was Lord Tenchi, Juraian custom dictated that he should have been slain for failing his Lord.
But yet the prince had spared him, it confounded him. He could not kill himself for it would dishonor his family and the Prince's family as well. Shame should not be brought upon anyone's house, yet he had, but it was also due to this shame that he could not kill himself.
He wondered if maybe Lord Tenchi, by sparing him, was releasing him from his duty. Earth customs are odd, he noted, like the not setting the chopsticks down lengthwise on the rice bowel.
But he knew that was wrong, Lord Tenchi had told him "Everyone makes mistakes. You've been given a second chance." And Ukyo had to admit, he was going overboard with protecting Sasami staying in her room since the incident, eating and drinking only when Mihoshi brought him food.
He smiled at the thought of the blonde Galaxy Police officer and sighed a little, she was very beautiful. And funny. She could make him laugh, no matter how serious he was being and she was always wide eyed hanging on every word that he said about his career.
He heard the soft movement of shifting covers and turned towards Mihoshi, she had just rolled over a foot and an arm sticking out from under the blanket. He smiled and shook his head how...why, he asked himself, could she ever like me?
He shrugged and sighed; she should be in bed not on the hard floor. Quietly he walked over and knelt scooping her up into his arms and carried her out of the room. He turned and carried her down the long hallway past Tenchi and Ryoko's room and then with a foot carefully slid her room's door open.
The light from the hallway spilled into the room and he saw Kiyone slumbering form. She was facing Mihoshi's bed the blankets just about completely obscuring her face. He realized they may not see eye to eye on a lot of things, especially how to treat Mihoshi, but they both cared for her.
He quietly entered the room and knelt once more depositing Mihoshi in her bed and covered her up. He remained there for several long minutes staring at her flawless face and reached out with curled fingers and stroked her cheek softly. She murmured slightly and opened her eyes. "Ukyo..."
Her voice was laden with sleep and he nodded giving her a soft smile. "Yes, I just put you to bed."
"Mmm…can I have a good night kiss?" She asked her eyes fluttering like she was trying to stay awake.
He nodded and leaned down slowly, nervously actually, and kissed her softly. He had aimed for her cheek, but she'd turned her head at the last minute and he found himself kissing her on the lips.
They kissed softly for what seemed like an eternity to Ukyo, it soon grew harder, more demanding. They broke it only when Ukyo sat back hearing a noise, he looked around the room surprised and nervous realizing it had just been Kiyone rolling over.
Mihoshi smiled and muttered a sleepy thank you before promptly falling back to sleep. Ukyo remained knelt there for a while and then stood quietly whispering "Your welcome." as he quietly left the room closing the door behind him. He was smiling the entire time.
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BurningEmber: Thanks, its always good to know when I do something perfect.
Styxx: I will but I take forever, sorry to say.
Alighthawk: Sorry about the long delay, but this took longer than expected, but I think this is by far the shortest chapter I've done.
Trust me, I always have a reason for doing something. Character death is not something I toss around lightly. I'm glad that you approve of Nobuyuki's death (as much as anyone can)
I am worried about mainly about Ryoko's maturity, staying steady and constant. So feel free to tell me when I've went to far to fast with her or any of the characters.
What suggestions do you have for a title of this one? I have no title leaping to mind, and you always seem to pick good chapter names.
David S.: David my friend, you almost missed this chapters author responds to the review section. (that's just what I call it.) I'm glad you love this story so far. As for my syntax two things are at fault A) My HTML skills have fallen into disuse and b) I'm doing my best. Is this chapter smoother to read?
Glad you love it and I'll keep giving it my best. As for Nekoshipper, it is a term from a Tenchi site, that I picked up, it stands for A Tenchi and Ryoko supporter. I'm not fanatical about it like some but it's how I feel.
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AN: Four reviews. Thats discouraging, but I can live with it. I'm not going plead with the readers for reviews.
Chapter 12 I'm working on it already, but it will take a while, longer than normal.
Enjoy the chapter.
Sincerely,
Georsama
A Nekoshipper