INVASION, Volume 1, Part 5: Junk Mail.
DISCLAIMER: "TENCHI MUYO!" is copyright AIC/Pioneer, LDC. I claim no rights to any of the characters. However, the events portrayed in this work are of my own imagination, so please don't copy it. Feel free to disseminate as widely as possible.
FOREWORD: I have assumed the seasons on Jurai are not in sync with the seasons on Earth. Also, although I have no reference for the physical characteristics of planet Jurai, I have found that Jurai's moon is 1/13 the size of Jupiter (WOW!).
AUTHOR: Dreamr
LAST REVISION: 06 February 2003
E-MAIL: TrueDreamr@Hotmail.com
BEGIN.
A stiff breeze blew across the top of the Jurai Royal Palace. The clouds had cleared overnight, and the morning sun shown down on the great Capitol City. The breeze carried a slight chill with it, a sign of the changing seasons. On the ground below, many of the trees had begun to assume their autumn colors. People milled about, attending to whatever business they had this morning. Periodically, someone would pause to admire the golden leaves, as if paying homage to the end of summer, and the beginning of fall.
The restless wind picked up one of the leaves and blew it over the roof of the palace and into Ryoko's face. She swatted away the annoyance. The leaf flew past her and slapped Tenchi in the face just as he emerged from the same dimensional hole he had used two days ago. Tenchi also tossed the leaf aside. The wind slackened for a moment, allowing its plaything to rest upon the palace roof.
"Ah-ha. I thought so." Tenchi smirked, self-satisfied he was finally getting to understand the girl before him by tracking her down. He climbed the rest of the way out onto the roof.
"I guess you really like these high places, huh?"
"Nobody can bug me when I come up here." Ryoko explained.
"Nobody except the construction crew, right?"
Two hundred meters to Ryoko's left, a repair crew was busy working on the damage she had done to the roof. They hadn't got much work done with how much time they spent staring at her. Ryoko had been considering showing them how the hole had been made when Tenchi arrived. At least they were out of earshot.
"Everyone's waiting for you." Tenchi reminded her.
"Let 'em wait."
"Ryoko..." Came Tenchi's expected admonishment.
"It's not over."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Whoever sent those ships will send more. Whoever sent the assassin will send another." Ryoko revealed her concerns.
"You don't know that."
Frustrated, Ryoko whirled around and grabbed Tenchi by the shirt collar. He was wearing that same outfit the servants insisted he had to wear because he was a prince.
"What if I'm right? When we go back to Okayama, they might follow us! And you'll be in danger again!"
As Ryoko expected, Tenchi did not give her warning any real credence. He always chose the worst times to be cavalier about his own safety.
"Maybe. But... I'm not worried."
Frustrated, Ryoko turned back around to look out over the distance. Or perhaps just to avoid Tenchi's eyes.
"How can you be like that?"
This gave Tenchi cause to consider Ryoko's words. Why was he so unconcerned? The answer came to him almost immediately.
"Because I believe in my friends."
Ryoko had to laugh a little.
"Friends... heh.... Is that all I am to you?"
"What's wrong with that?" Tenchi was suddenly struck with a disturbing thought. "We are still friends, right?"
Ryoko half-turned to Tenchi, wondering what he was talking about. Why would Tenchi think she didn't like him anymore? Tenchi's eyes got big for a moment. Then he relaxed.
"I understand." Tenchi bowed deeply to Ryoko. He rapidly blurted out the most insane thing she had ever heard from him.
"I apologize for not trusting you. I don't deserve to be your friend anymore. I'll be going." Without looking up, Tenchi turned to leave. He nearly jumped out of his skin when Ryoko appeared right in front of him. She grabbed his shirt again and yelled directly into his face.
"Damn it, Tenchi! Don't you understand that I love you?" Tears began flowing freely down Ryoko's face as the restraints she kept tightly wrapped around her emotions came completely unraveled. The thought of losing Tenchi for the third time in as many days was too much, even for her. "You... big... stupid... dumb... block-head! I've always... I..." Managing one more ragged breath before her tears began in earnest, she clutched Tenchi as a child would its parent during a thunderstorm.
Tenchi stood beside himself. He wrapped his arms around Ryoko, holding her close while she cried into his neck. Her warm tears trickled down the neck of his coat.
"I thought... I don't know. You're right. I am a stupid, dumb, block-head." Tenchi did not say anything more for fear of making matters worse. He rested his cheek against Ryoko's head, risking the points of her bristly hair.
After a couple of minutes, Ryoko's highly unusual crying jag spent itself. Taking a couple of deep breaths, she stretched her arms up around Tenchi's neck and whispered into his ear.
"You're not dumb and stupid."
"Ryoko, I'm truly sorry for being so inconsiderate of your feelings."
"All right." Ryoko lifted her head and with one hand wiped the wetness from her face. She looked Tenchi in the eyes. "But you're still a block-head for making me cry."
Tenchi wanted Ryoko to forgive him, but he was getting the feeling any further apology would be either painful or expensive. Probably both.
"Er... Ah, so-o-o... how can I make it up to you?" He slowly asked.
Ryoko drew her face so close to his, Tenchi could feel her warm breath against his skin.
"You have to kiss me." She told him, closing her eyes.
At least it was not painful or expensive. Tenchi had already decided that as long as it was not too outlandish, he would fulfill her request. A kiss... Tenchi closed his eyes. A kiss didn't seem like too much to ask.
As Tenchi leaned forward to complete the proscribed penance, Ryoko's hands tightened around his neck. Now that he had made up his mind for this one-time apology, he actually found he was looking forward to it. When Ryoko's breath caressed his face again, he finally gave in and closed the distance between them. Their lips touched. The work-crew cheered.
WORK CREW!?
Tenchi and Ryoko both whipped their heads around in the same direction. The members of the repair team were cheering them on. Tenchi released Ryoko, blushing. Ryoko jumped up and down, screaming at the gawking workers.
"AAAAAAA!!! What are you guys staring at? Get back to work you slackers!" She was so mad the surrounding air began to get significantly warmer. The work crew suddenly found they had a great deal of work to complete. They attacked their task as if their very lives depended on it. As Tenchi watched on, he suddenly remembered why he had come to get Ryoko.
"Ryoko, I just remembered. I'm supposed to bring you to the main hall so... you..." Tenchi's voice trailed off. Ryoko was now giving him the "I have a better idea" look. Her penetrating stare always put him on edge.
"You're not off the hook, yet." She grabbed his hand then jumped down through the dimensional hole, dragging Tenchi along. They passed through the hole and into a dimly lit hallway just beneath the roof. Ryoko expertly touched down, while Tenchi nearly crashed to the floor.
"Whew." Tenchi breathed a sigh of relief at his mostly safe landing. "You know, we could have used the ladder to get down." He informed Ryoko, as she looked left then right. She seemed satisfied with whatever it was she saw, or possibly what she did not see.
"Hmm... Nice and dim, nobody around... perfect." She pulled Tenchi close against her body. "Now where were we...?" Determined to get her apology from the reluctant young prince, Ryoko bent her neck forward to kiss Tenchi.
"Ahem!" A soft feminine voice cleared itself from within the shadows. Surprised, Ryoko turned to see whom this new interruption could be attributed to. Her surprise faded as when Aeka stepped forth from the darkness underneath the ladder.
"Aeka! Were you watching us, you peeping-tom-boy?"
"Peeping-... tom-boy?!" Aeka asked in shock. "I should slap you silly for insinuating I would violate someone's privacy in such a vulgar manner."
"Go ahead!" Ryoko taunted her. "Hit me! I dare you!" She stuck her chin out. "Right here. Come on." Aeka only stood there, fuming.
"Still not good enough? I know! How about this?" Ryoko put her hands behind her back and closed her eyes.
Sparks flew from Aeka's teeth as she ground them together. It took her a moment to come up with a suitable comeback.
"I don't want you to think that I don't... appreciate... your kind offer, but I'm afraid we don't have time to play right now, Miss Ryoko." Aeka turned to Tenchi. "Isn't that right, Lord Tenchi?"
"Yes, it is." Tenchi confirmed, relieved Aeka had not accepted Ryoko's challenge.
Ryoko withdrew the offer of her chin. She looked questioningly from Aeka to Tenchi.
"What for?"
Tenchi gave a mysterious answer.
"Lady Funaho said she wanted to see us in the council chamber."
"Yes, indeed." Aeka supported his answer. "Though why she would want to see you is beyond me."
Ryoko immediately took advantage of the verbal opening.
"Just like everything else."
"Will you give it a rest." Aeka chided her. She turned to take Tenchi's arm.
"Come along, Lord Tenchi."
"Hey!" Ryoko objected. "Tenchi's going with me!" She took Tenchi's other arm. Tenchi sighed.
"For the moment." Aeka responded cryptically, as they marched off to the appointment.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Ryoko demanded.
"If you're having difficulty understanding, perhaps you should have Miss Washu examine your brain for frostbite."
"Oh, look who's talking! You were in the freezer just as long as I was. At least you had a choice about it!"
Tenchi muttered to himself.
"I wish I had a choice..."
"Did you say something?" Both girls asked him.
Tenchi sighed again, then gave his traditional response.
"No. It's nothing."
The two adversaries argued all the way to their destination. As soon as they arrived at the large double doors, Aeka instructed the guards to admit them. Tenchi tried to convince the girls to let him go in by himself.
"Is it really okay to go in like this?"
His escorts looked at him for a moment, then glared at each other. Aeka spoke first.
"It would be rather unseemly to enter with a self-proclaimed demoness on your arm, wouldn't it?"
"Uh... that's not-"
Ryoko didn't wait for Tenchi to defend her.
"Better a beautiful demon than an ugly princess."
"Wha? Who are you calling ugly, you... you... buck-toothed, knock-kneed, horse-faced space-dog!?"
Ryoko merely pointed forward, smiling broadly. Aeka looked forward to see the chamber doors open. The Master at Arms was just finishing the introductions. Within, the entire Holy Council of Jurai and the Royal Family waited for them. They began applauding politely. Aeka was mortified. Had they witnessed her outburst? She sank back as far as she could into the hood of her royal vestments.
"You'll pay for that." She promised Ryoko, just loud enough to be heard.
"I'm looking forward to it." Ryoko assured her.
"Can we go now?" Tenchi prompted them a moment before he started down the aisle to the center of the chamber.
The doors shut behind them with a ponderous thud. Ponderously thudding portals always gave Ryoko an uneasy sense. If they wanted to try something funny she would be happy to rearrange the place. She kept her eyes open just in case.
The expressions on the people's faces were as varied as the people themselves. Most seemed fairly impartial. But for every person that looked pleased, there was another who looked displeased. A few went so far as to openly sneer or scowl. They did not show any reaction when she bared her fangs for them. Of course, she did not really have fangs. Her bicuspids were just a little longer than average. When they reached the center of the chamber, Aeka gave them further instructions.
"Lord Tenchi is with me, along with the rest of the Royal Family. Ryoko, all you have to do is stand right here. Do you think you can manage that?"
"I don't know. It's pretty hard for me to stay in one place for long."
To Tenchi and Aeka's surprise, Ryoko willingly relinquished her hold on Tenchi's arm when Aeka tried to lead him away. She simply stood there, waiting patiently for whatever might happen next.
When Aeka and Tenchi took their seats, the ovation finally quieted. Aeka looked completely at ease in her place on high. On the other end of the spectrum, Tenchi looked so out of place dressed-up and on display, that Ryoko was suddenly seized by the urge to kidnap him next time, and take him to some place they could be alone together and no one would make demands on them. She temporarily suppressed the urge. It would be interesting to see what these people had in mind for her. Kidnapping Tenchi could come later.
Along with Aeka and Sasami's parents, Seto was present, as well. She calmly sat near to the King with a detached air of absolute confidence. The woman made eye contact with her. Ryoko felt her soul freeze, not in terror, but in respect. The woman's aura was incredible. This was a person she would not like to have angry with her.
The President of the Holy Council introduced the first speaker.
"Royal Highnesses, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Council, I introduce the Minister of Intelligence, her Royal Highness, Lady Funaho."
Funaho rose to the applause of the Council. She descended from her place to the speakers' pit where she would address the Council not as a queen, but as a servant of the people. The applause grew more thunderous, as the gesture was not lost on those present. She addressed Ryoko privately when she reached the center of the pit.
"Ryoko, please, turn around and face the Holy Council. You'll want to see their expressions when I give them the news." She winked at the young woman.
Ryoko's curiosity was operating at full intensity now. She turned to see what would happen. Funaho gestured to the Council for silence so she could speak. Coincidentally, it was the same gesture her husband used.
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Holy Council, today we close an old chapter in our history and open another."
"Two days ago our great nation was invaded by an unknown enemy."
Murmurs rippled through the people. They had heard something had happened. But this was their first official briefing.
"His Highness, our King, personally led the interception force."
A few voices of approval could be heard in the crowd. Funaho continued in a more serious tone.
"Unfortunately, three fourth generation ships were lost."
Those present were shocked into silence. Not a breath could be heard. It was widely accepted that Juraian ships are the most powerful in the galaxy. Three being destroyed in a single engagement had not occurred since the events of seven hundred years ago.
"I can see there is no need to impress upon you the seriousness of such losses. However, I am happy to report that the engagement was a success, due in large part to assistance rendered both before and during the battle by certain intelligence assets which I am unable to identify for security reasons."
There were a few chuckles in the council chamber. Most of those present were familiar with the concept of "intelligence assets".
"This brings me to events of the past; and I stress the word 'past'. I'm sure everyone present remembers the report made by Galaxy Police Detective Mihoshi Kuramitsu."
There were more chuckles from several council members who had worked the four days to summarize Mihoshi's exhaustive report.
"That report spoke in depth of the fate of my son, Yosho, and the woman known as Ryoko." Funaho paused, expecting some sort of outburst. But there was none. The Council waited patiently for her to continue.
"Detective Mihoshi indicated that Ryoko was under a form of mind-control, a barbarous and despicable act, and not acting of her own free-will when she attacked our planet. Since the defeat of the eternally wanted criminal Kagato by Prince Tenchi, Ryoko has been free to act on her own conscience, as evidenced by her assisting in the defense of the Holy Jurai Empire and King Azusa at great personal risk to herself. In fact, her own ship, Ryo-o-ki was destroyed in the battle."
Of course, Ryo-o-ki had regenerated and was now sitting between Washu and Mihoshi in the front row. A number of people had commented on how cute she looked in her dress. The Council did not need to know Ryo-o-ki could be regenerated. That was a piece of knowledge Mihoshi had not been around early enough to acquire.
"I dare say" Funaho continued "we would be without a King, and Lady Misaki and I would be without a husband if not for her."
Aeka could not believe what she was hearing. Ryoko had blasted a hole in the roof of the palace, she had destroyed a major sports complex, kidnapped the First Princess, namely herself, ruined her potential wedding to Tenchi, and was now being praised for it! Even though Lady Funaho had planned and authorized the entire event to counter the invasion, Aeka did not feel Ryoko should be given accolades for acting selfishly. She turned to address her mother. She received a very stern look in response. Aeka faced forward again and sulked.
Ryoko was having difficulties similar to Aeka's. Though the basic facts were intact, Funaho had altered the story to let everyone save as much face as possible. Even more amazing, she was being publicly thanked. Ryoko had been expecting to be politely told "Thank you for helping, but we would be really embarrassed to acknowledge you in public, so please go home quietly." This was totally new to her. Funaho turned to address her.
"Miss Ryoko, my husband has something he wishes to tell you."
The Holy Council and its guests directed their attention to the King of Jurai as Funaho and Ryoko turned to see what he had to say.
"Ehem!" Azusa cleared his throat. "The Royal Family wishes to recognize the assistance freely given in defense of the Holy Jurai Empire and its people, as well as a lack of implication in any past events. Therefore, I do hereby pardon Ryoko for any and all crimes she may have committed."
The King appeared to have completed his statement. But Funaho and Misaki were still giving him the hairy-eyeball. They were expecting more.
"Uh... On behalf of the people of Jurai I..." Azusa gritted his teeth, "...thank you." Finished, the King sank back into his throne, relieved at having finished his distasteful task.
Ryoko stood gaping in the center of the Council chamber. A pardon? Technically it was just a gesture, since the statute of limitations had taken effect. But it was still a public pardon, something she had never expected to receive. Some of the things she had done had never even been traced to her and probably did not deserve to be forgiven. But the wording was explicit. She had been given a blanket pardon. Nothing could come back to haunt her now. It was a fresh start.
Someone started clapping. Ryoko looked towards the source of the sound and saw Tenchi, on his feet, applauding. Others began following his example. Soon the entire Council Chamber was echoing with applause. Her face turned red from bottom to top. She could remember being embarrassed before, but it had felt nothing like this. Funaho leaned in close to be heard over the crowd.
"I do believe you're blushing." Her comment just made it worse. Ryoko's face went from red to crimson.
"I...uh...we- I... err-" Ryoko tripped over her own tongue. "I only did it because Tenchi asked me to. How many times do I have to tell you people that?"
"Of course you did."
"If you're done with the public display I'd like to take Tenchi home now."
"Be my guest, dear."
A few days after the Masaki family returned to Okayama, Tenchi was coming home from school. The guardians, Azaka and Kamidake, who had returned as well, were posted at their usual place by the front gate. They greeted him in their traditional manner.
"Good afternoon, Lord Tenchi."
"Afternoon, guys. How was the day?"
"About as can be expected." Azaka answered.
"Peaceful and quiet." Kamidake added.
"Really? That's amazing!" Tenchi remarked as he pushed open the gate. "Did anyone get the mail today?"
"I'm afraid not." Azaka spun around to reveal an overflowing mail receptacle.
"Yeah, imagine that. Thanks." Tenchi retrieved the day's mail.
"Pleased to be of service, Lord Tenchi."
On his way up the trail to the house Tenchi sorted through the posts, looking for anything important. To his surprise, he found a letter for Ryoko mixed in with all the bills and junk mail. There was no return address, but there were lots of foreign postage stamps. Having arrived at the front door, Tenchi went in and announced himself.
"I'm home!"
Someone grabbed his rear.
"Eyahhh!!!" Tenchi yelled in fright, dropping the mail. He spun around to see who had grabbed him. Ryoko was standing behind him, giggling mischievously.
"For crying out loud! How many times do I have to tell you no to do things like that?!"
"But you look so funny when I do."
Ryoko was smiling brightly, obviously enjoying herself. Tenchi squatted down to pick-up the mail he had dropped, muttering to himself.
"But it scares the crap out of me every time you do that."
Aeka rushed into the hallway to see what was going on.
"Of course! Miss Ryoko, will you never tire of your silly games?"
"What? I'm just showing Tenchi how much I love him."
"If that's how you show affection, I'm surprised Lord Tenchi hasn't died of fright!"
Seeing the quiet and peaceful day Azaka had mentioned earlier flying out the window (pardon the pun), Tenchi decided to reveal today's posts.
"Aeka could you take these to Grandpa up at the shrine?"
"Uh... Of course. I would be happy to. I'm glad you trust me with such an important task." She gave Ryoko a smug look.
"Bye-bye. Have fun climbing all those steps!"
Aeka turned and stalked off towards the rear door.
"Ryoko," Tenchi asked, "wasn't today your day to bring in the mail?"
"Well, there's never any for me, so why should I bother?" She stuck her hands behind her head and looked away.
"Oh, then I guess you don't want this, then?"
Tenchi held the letter out to his side opposite Ryoko.
"For me?" She asked, curious. She leaned to one side to get a better look at the letter.
"Only if you promise not to skip your chores anymore." Tenchi would not have really denied Ryoko her letter. But any chance to impress upon her the importance of completing her housework was not to be ignored.
"Yeah, yeah, right..." Ryoko tried to get past Tenchi both physically and verbally. Tenchi kept himself between the girl and her letter.
"Promise." he insisted.
"All right, already! I promise. Jeez..."
Tenchi handed over the letter. Ryoko shredded the envelope getting to the contents. Tenchi sat down on the ledge below her, finally getting an opportunity to take off his shoes.
"Who's it from?"
Ryoko scoffed at the contents of the envelope.
"Nobody. It's nothing. Just junk. I'll throw it away." she declared.
"Are you sure?" Tenchi asked. "Maybe I should look at it just in case."
"No! I mean... no. Don't worry. It's junk."
Ryoko flew upstairs before Tenchi could insist any further. Once she reached her room, she took out one of her earrings. She held it in the same hand as the letter. With her other hand, she grasped the metal loop and straightened it, making a pin.
Holding the letter and its associated document against the wall, Ryoko drove the pin through it, affixing it to the wall so she would not forget to throw it out later.
That night, when Ryoko went to bed, she saw the document pinned to the wall and reminded herself to throw the useless paper away the next day. It went on like that everyday. Soon, other things began finding places on the wall next to it. Pictures mostly. She started calling it her Wall of Junk. Nestled between all the other junk, Ryoko's Royal Certificate of Pardon never did get thrown out.
END CHAPTER 5.
AFTERWORD: My apologies if the scene in the Council chamber seemed a little over-the-top. But the exchange between Ryoko and Aeka on the way back went so well; I didn't want to edit it out. In addition, I personally felt Ryoko deserved some sort of acknowledgement for being controlled by Kagato when she attacked Jurai.
Volume two is in the works. Those of you who have been keeping up with current events know Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-o-ki OVA part 3 is currently being produced. According to Masaki Kajishima, a new character, tentatively known as "Z", will appear. Mr. K. says he and Tenchi will have an issue to deal with. The next volume of my fanfic will deal with that. Be ready for some surprises.
Before volume 2 starts, I have something else to add in. Think of it as a "Special", similar to the Ryo-o-ki and Mihoshi Specials. Its called Interlude One: Christmas Eve, and it takes place between volumes 1 and 2. You don't have to read it to understand the later events. But there will be some interesting foreshadowing.
For all you Mihoshi fans, she gets to shine for once!
I was wondering, though. Can Ryoko wear real earrings? Or would her body be resistant to piercings? I took a guess on that one. If she can control her body enough to keep herself drunk, then I figure she can force a piercing to stay, as well.