Invasion

by Dreamr

An epic length continuation of the OAV manga storyline, after part 2.

16. Ryoko's Island

INVASION, Interlude 3: Ryoko's Island.

DISCLAIMER: Tenchi Muyou! is copyright AIC/Pioneer, LDC. I do not own or claim any rights to the series or characters. However, this story is entirely a product of my imagination. So, please do not change it! Other than that, feel free to distribute as widely as desired.

FOREWORD: Just want to let you, the reader, know that this piece is totally T+R. It takes place between Volumes 2 and 3 of INVASION, and serves as a conjunction between the two.

AUTHOR: Dreamr

EMAIL: TrueDreamr@Hotmail.com

LAST REVISION: 16 August 2002

BEGIN INTERLUDE 3.

"I can't reach!" Sasami stretched as far over the large baskets of vegetables as she could, but the turnips were much farther away than her short arms could reach. All of Tenchi's hard work in the fields this spring was paying off now. The shed was stuffed full with so many vegetables that she did not think they would ever run out. The problem now was the only way to get to some of them was to climb over the tops of the baskets. That was a sure way to slip and fall. Taking the more prudent course of action, Sasami went back into the house to get some help.

Her first stop was the main room. Since there was an air conditioner mounted in that room, it was the coolest room in the house during the summer, other than the basement. Most of the family gathered there when the weather got too hot. At the moment, Mihoshi, Aeka, and Ryo-o-ki were watching a soap opera. On the television, the male lead character failed to kiss the lead female again, eliciting a groan from the girls who were watching. Sasami looked up into the rafters for Ryoko. No help there either.

"I'll have to get Tenchi!" Sasami cheerfully realized.

Since Tenchi's graduation from high school, he had been unusually cheerful. Any excuse to get him to help was even more welcome than usual. Graduating from school was certainly a cause to be happy. But Sasami was thinking there was another reason.

The other day, she had caught Tenchi watching Aeka. She teased him about it, asking what he was looking at. He immediately denied any guilt, explicit or implied, then went running off, saying he had to go weed the fields. She, of course, cheerfully waved goodbye, knowing full-well that he had been ogling her older sister.

It was no wonder. Tenchi was getting more mature and at ease with so many girls in the house. It also probably helped that Aeka seemed to have relaxed her self-imposed dress code a little this summer. Her clothes showed more of her figure than in previous years.

As for Ryoko, since her claim that Zakaraia had tried to kill everybody, she had become somewhat sullen. She had even allowed Washu to perform a withering array of tests on her to confirm the story. Over the course of the next couple of days, she had gotten over it. However, regardless of whether or not the story was true, she definitely did not seem to be as interested in Tenchi as before.

When Sasami reached the top of the stairs, she found Ryoko indecisively standing in front of Tenchi's closed bedroom door. Sasami called to her loud enough to be heard inside.

"Hi, Ryoko! Aren't you going to knock?" Ryoko turned to Sasami in surprise. Some stumbling sounds emanated from Tenchi's room. Ryoko leapt backwards, disappearing through the hallway wall before Tenchi could slide the door open. He looked about, finding only Sasami.

"Was Ryoko just here?"

"She was, but she left right after I said 'hi'."

Tenchi looked somewhat disappointed.

"Tenchi, did you tell Ryoko something to make her mad?"

Tenchi sighed. "No."

"You're going to, aren't you?"

"Yeah." Tenchi leaned back against the door frame.

"Tenchi, can't you... do like what Daddy did and marry both Aeka and Ryoko?"

Tenchi looked at Sasami in surprise.

"Marry both...?" It took him a couple seconds to realize what Sasami was thinking. "Oh! No, it's not like that."

Sasami went with her second choice.

"Then... you must be leaving."

"Sasami, I don't want to be a farmer for the rest of my life, constantly trying to fend off the girls." A sniffle next to him alerted Tenchi to his verbal faux pas.

"Don't you like us anymore?" Sasami was nearly in tears.

Tenchi's first instinct was to kneel down to address the girl at eye-level. He was surprised to find that Sasami's eye-level was now only a head lower than his own. He did some quick math in his head and realized Sasami was, physically, eleven years old, now.

"Of course I like you, Sasami!"

Sasami's mood immediately went back to bright and cheery.

"Good! 'Cause I need your help with something."

"Ah-hah. Of course."

Sasami lead Tenchi to the shed where they kept the vegetables and then described how she would like them arranged.

"Sure. No problem." Tenchi went straight for the turnips. He had not realized just how far back they really were. Some of the baskets were pretty heavy. As he twisted around with a large basket of carrots, he felt a slight twinge in his back. He immediately dropped the basket, heedless of the contents that spilled out.

Sasami had already gone back inside to finish dinner, so he simply stood still for a moment, trying to decide if he had hurt himself. There was no further pain as he experimentally twisted and flexed, so Tenchi continued with the task at hand. From then on, however, he dragged the baskets instead of lifting them.

That night, Tenchi awoke to throbbing pain in the middle of his back. When he tried to sit up, the sensation instantly multiplied, sending waves of pain through his spine. Tenchi grunted, trying to keep from crying out.

"Oh, Hell. Why does it have to hurt now?" There was no doubt in Tenchi's mind how he had hurt himself. The question now was how he would deal with it.

"No choice. I'm going to have to go get Washu." Tenchi steeled himself, then sat up. The waves of pain ground through his back again. Beads of sweat began popping out on his forehead. The worst part over, Tenchi began slowly making his way out of his room and down the stairs. Each step hurt badly. But as long as he went slowly, it was bearable. When Tenchi reached the second floor balcony, he received a very unwelcome surprise. Ryoko appeared before him.

"Looking for a midnight rendezvous?" Ryoko grinned slyly.

"Ryoko, please don't..." Tenchi begged. Before he could finish explaining, Ryoko grabbed him in a big hug.

"AAAAAAAAAHH!" Tenchi yelled as Ryoko's well meant embrace made his back explode with pain. Ryoko immediately let go.

"I didn't do it!"

Tenchi clutched at Ryoko's sleeves to keep himself from moving. His vision started to swim.

"Hey, crazy girl!" Washu emerged from her lab to get a late-night snack. "What are you doing, trying to draw and quarter him?"

"No! Something's wrong!"

Washu quickly ascended the stairs to examine Tenchi.

"Where does it hurt?" She asked Tenchi.

"My back." He was breathing heavily in an attempt to get more oxygen. Hopefully that would stave of the dizziness. "I... think I pulled it or something earlier."

"Oooh. Bet that hurts. I'll tell you what. Since you probably don't feel like walking to the lab, I'll teleport you there."

"Thanks."

Washu called up her remote computer terminal and began tapping away.

"By the way, Ryoko. I can hear Aeka shuffling around in her room. If she tries to grab hold of Tenchi, don't let her. It'll just hurt more."

"Sorry." Ryoko whispered to Tenchi.

"It's not your fault." He told her. "You didn't know. Just don't start dancing around or anything."

Ryoko smiled, despite the situation.

"Who says you don't have a sense of humor?"

"What is going on?" Aeka finally emerged from her room. "Is Tenchi all right?" When she saw Ryoko standing close to Tenchi, she immediately assumed her rival was responsible for hurting Tenchi.

"Ryoko! How could you hurt Lord Tenchi? Get away from him this instant!"

"Stay away." Ryoko warned her. Aeka ignored the warning. She moved quickly forward to protect Tenchi.

Tenchi tried to take a deep breath so he could override the girls' misunderstanding, but the pain returned as his back flexed. He quickly exhaled.

"Dammit, Aeka, stay back!" Ryoko warned once more. Again, Aeka ignored her.

"Release Lord Tenchi or I swear I'll make you regret it!"

When Aeka got within an arms length of them, Ryoko let loose with a major kinetic blast. Aeka flew back through the air and landed right on top of Washu, just as she was initiating the teleportation sequence. They went down in a heap. Washu's computer terminal bleeped twice then disappeared.

"Move it, girl!" Washu thrust the dazed princess aside. She recalled her terminal just as Tenchi and Ryoko disappeared. Looking at the data monitor, Washu could see the last set of tri-dimensional coordinates were way off.

"Oh, boy..."

Ryoko was very surprised when the Masaki house was suddenly replaced by palm trees and black sand.

"What the...?"

"Ryoko, is this part of Washu's lab?"

"No part that I remember."

Ryoko craned her head around, taking in the new locale. Palm trees with coconuts, low brush, and old drift wood were in abundance. The black sand was a little different from what she imagined a tropical island would be like. But it matched the volcano which was quietly sending small streamers of smoke into the air above. A short distance out from shore, the water changed color from aquamarine to deep blue, indicating where the shallows ended and deep sea began.

"Tenchi, I hope you like seafood."

"Let's find some shade." Tenchi suggested.

The bright sunlight beat down on them from the crystal-clear blue sky as they slowly walked towards the trees. Tenchi stopped to take a break halfway there.

"This sucks." He complained. "I hope Washu finds us quickly."

"I don't know, Tenchi. We're alone together on a deserted island. What more could a couple ask for?"

"No way. We may be alone together but we are definitely not a couple. Besides, my back won't take it."

"I know." Ryoko said quietly.

"Let's go." Tenchi prompted her. Ryoko escorted Tenchi the rest of the way into the shade of the trees. When they reached an area that appeared to be sufficiently shaded, she helped Tenchi to lie down so he could rest.

"Thanks."

Ryoko did not bother to answer. She felt totally useless. Aeka had always insisted that her powers were good for nothing but destruction. Right now Ryoko agreed. She sat on the dark sand while Tenchi tried to sleep.

A few hours later, Tenchi gave up on sleep. He had rested, but not slept. His back bothered him too much. Gingerly, he levered himself into a sitting position. It did not hurt quite so much as before. Hopefully, the worst was over.

Tenchi looked over at Ryoko, who still sat quietly looking out to sea. The sun was getting low in the sky, giving it a slightly orange hue. This side of the island would be the western shore, if the planet they were on rotated in the same direction as Earth.

"Washu sure is taking a long time to find us."

"Looks that way."

"Well, I'm sure she'll show up soon."

"Tenchi, what if she doesn't?"

Tenchi looked at Ryoko, contemplating her question.

"What if she never finds us?"

"Don't worry. She'll find us." Tenchi sat still for a while, watching as the sun slowly traversed the sky towards the western horizon. He looked again towards Ryoko. She sat there, quiet and unmoving. It was unusual for her.

"Is something bothering you?" Tenchi asked.

"Aeka was right." Ryoko cryptically answered.

"Right about what?"

"My powers are good for nothing but destruction."

"That's not true."

"Yeah, right. Tell me one thing I can do with my powers that's constructive."

Tenchi thought about it for a minute. He looked around hoping an idea would come to mind. Looking up at the palm trees gave him an idea.

"You could easily fly up and pick some coconuts."

"What?" Ryoko looked at him.

"Coconuts."

"Coconuts?"

"Coconuts. They have water in them. Unless there happens to be a fresh water spring around here some place, coconuts will have to work."

"Shit. I wish I'd thought of that. I'll be right back." Ryoko took off to the nearest tree with coconuts dangling from it. She returned a minute later with a coconut in each hand. She held them at chest level.

"Do you like my coconuts, Tenchi?"

"Ha-ha. Funny. Can I have one?"

"Why should I give you one? You wouldn't give me your balls."

"Poor, Ryoko. Come on. I'm thirsty."

"All right. But I don't see what you'll be able to do with it."

Tenchi realized Ryoko was right. Not only did he have no way of husking the coconut, but his back would severely disagree with the strain.

"Could you open them, please?"

"Why, yes, Tenchi. I'd be happy to."

Tenchi was not quite sure what was up with Ryoko's attitude. She had been pretty moody since that episode with Zakaraia. Her story had been pretty fantastic. Still, Tenchi did remember how Ryoko had gone to live with Zak for a short time. He especially remembered that she had left because of how he had treated her. Maybe she was still hurt over it. While Ryoko sat ripping the coconut husks off with her bare hands, a feat only she could have accomplished, Tenchi tried to address the issue.

"Ryoko, are you still mad at me?"

"No." She said simply.

"I'm sorry for being so selfish."

Ryoko did not answer as she finished the first coconut. Now it looked like a coconut was supposed to look like. She easily drilled a hole in the top with a much smaller version of her energy sword.

"Here." She handed the coconut to Tenchi.

"Thank you, Ryoko. I told you your powers weren't useless."

"I guess. Anything else?"

"Well, not unless you feel like making dinner. Or maybe it's breakfast. It's a little confusing."

Ryoko dropped the unpeeled second coconut on to the ground next to her.

"No problem." She stood up. "Fish, crab, lobster, shrimp, you name it, it's yours." Ryoko looked at Tenchi, determination smoldering in her eyes once again. Tenchi smiled at her.

"That's better. I like you more when you're motivated."

"Then I'll make sure to stay that way." Ryoko assured him, smiling.

True to her word, Ryoko did her best to stay motivated. Over the next day, Tenchi's back quickly healed. The pain was almost gone. He watched from the sidelines as Ryoko went fishing in the shallows. She had no line or hook, so she fished with her powers. When she spotted a fish, she snatched it out of the water or levitated it, then threw it onto the beach. She also pulled some crabs from the bottom. But when she threw those along with the fish, they crawled back into the water without so much as click of dismay. When Ryoko came out of the water she threw a fit over the loss. Tenchi chuckled to himself as each crab snuck away unnoticed. When Ryoko started yelling at the escaped crabs, he laughed out loud. She dove into the water, chasing more game.

Ryoko came up a couple minutes later with a much larger crab in her hands. She hefted it in the air and called to Tenchi.

"How's this for dinner?" The crab promptly began assaulting her with it's leg pincers.

"Ow! Hey, stop that!"

Tenchi laughed harder.

"It's not funny!" She yelled at him. The crab managed to get a hold of one of her hands with it's main claws.

"Yoooow-ow-ow! Come on, let go, dammit!" Ryoko shook her hand with as much force as she could muster. The crab's claw broke off at the shoulder, sending the large crustacean flying out to sea. Ryoko looked at the remaining claw in dismay. She pried it from her hand, then scowled some more. Tenchi was laughing so hard it made both his sides and his back hurt.

"To Hell with it." Ryoko tossed the claw back, then came out of the water. As Tenchi watched her return, he couldn't help but notice how she looked. Ryoko wore a two-piece strapless swimsuit, which was typical for her. The coloring, however, was not. Ryoko usually preferred complex patterns and designs. This one was entirely dark blue, which actually looked pretty good on her. It matched the natural surroundings. As was also normal for Ryoko, the suit covered very little of her body.

Tenchi turned his gaze away from the scantily clad female. He had only his boxers to wear, which was okay for modesty's sake. But if he looked too long, he might embarrass himself. Besides, it was rude to stare.

Ryoko retrieved her remaining catch of fish and brought it back to the shaded clearing they had adopted as their own. As she approached, Tenchi congratulated her on her catch.

"Thanks, Ryoko. I was really getting hungry."

"Heh. No problem. I figured there'd be something out there."

"I didn't know that kind of fish lived in the shallows."

Ryoko looked at the fish she held by their tails and shrugged.

"I wouldn't know."

"Well. Now all we need is a cooking fire."

Ryoko tossed the three white-fish at Tenchi's feet.

"That," she paused for dramatic effect, "really is no problem." Holding her right hand out, Ryoko made a small flame appear above her hand.

"Hey, nice trick." Tenchi complemented her again. "But I think we need some wood to burn, first."

"Wood, okay. Hold on a minute." Ryoko extinguished the flame and disappeared for a minute. Tenchi heard a huge ripping sound from the trees nearby. Ryoko reappeared a moment later with an entire palm tree over her shoulder.

"Here we go. Lots of wood."

"Ah, well, that certainly is a lot of wood. But I don't think it's going to burn."

"It'll burn."

"It's too wet."

"Trust me." Ryoko flashed a fiendish smile. "It'll burn."

"Ryoko," Tenchi tried to sound stern, "wet wood won't burn. Especially if it's that big."

"At least let me try!"

"I'd be happy to! But I know what's going to happen! You'll set a huge gout of flame on it, it'll smoke a little bit, and that's it! You'll keep trying more and more fire until you lose your temper and burn the whole island down with us on it!" Tenchi looked Ryoko right in the eye to get his point across. "It won't work."

Ryoko winced at Tenchi's sharp words. She hated it when he talked to her this way.

"I'll go get some drift wood." Tenchi gingerly rose to his feet.

"No!" Ryoko tossed the freshly plucked tree aside as if it were no more than the drift wood Tenchi was looking for. "No. You just sit still. I'll... I'll do it."

"Are you sure?" Tenchi asked.

"Yes!" Ryoko snapped back. "I said I'd get it, didn't I?"

"Okay! All right." Tenchi sat back down as Ryoko drifted through the air. "Make sure it's dry!" He shouted.

A huge explosion rocked the island.

"It's dry as Hell, over here!" Ryoko's harsh voice called back. "And, oh, look! It's burning!"

Tenchi decided to keep quiet for a while.

Ryoko returned a few minutes later with a large driftwood tree. It was easily four meters long and much too large to fit in their little clearing. Tenchi dared not tell Ryoko it was too big. But she figured it out when he looked at it without saying anything.

"What? Too big, right? Here, I can fix it." Ryoko summoned her energy saber and proceeded to hack the tree into small pieces. "There. Is that better?" She glared at Tenchi, daring him to disapprove.

"Yes." Tenchi told her.

"I knew it! How come nothing I do is..." Ryoko paused as she realized Tenchi had said "yes".

"Huh? What do you mean, "Yes"?"

"I mean yes. That's perfect."

"Really?" Ryoko did not seem to believe what Tenchi was saying.

"Really."

Smiling once more, Ryoko turned her attention back to the drift wood.

"Oh. Well, okay! One camp-fire, coming up!"

Together, Tenchi and Ryoko arranged the pieces of wood into a passable campfire. Using her powers, once more, Ryoko started the smaller pieces burning. Soon, the had a cheery fire going. However, the lack of kitchen-ware halted their progress towards a decent meal.

"Oops. I didn't even think about it." Tenchi suddenly announced.

"Think about what?"

"If we're going to cook, we need pots and pans."

"Can't we just stick 'em on a stick or something?"

"Uh, I guess. But what about plates and table-ware?"

"Sticks and stones?"

"I guess. Or we could just eat with our hands. There's another thing I just thought of. I don't know about you, but if I don't get enough fruits and vegetables, I'll end up getting sick."

Tenchi realized he now had Ryoko's full attention.

"Not right away, but eventually, it will happen. Unless, of course, Washu shows up. It looks like we're out in the ocean somewhere, so it might be a day or two. Ha-ha! I guess I'm just worrying about nothing."

Despite the negative aspects of an extended stay that Tenchi had just mentioned, Ryoko found the idea of a long time spent alone with Tenchi appealing. Although they had made up after the incident a couple weeks ago, relations between them were still a bit strained. Perhaps, now that they had some time to themselves, they could iron out some of the more sensitive details.

After another day, Washu still had not arrived. Tenchi's enthusiasm quickly began to wain. The midday heat was fairly strong, and Tenchi required a steady intake of water to replace what he lost through sweating. Their supply of coconuts was quickly dwindling.

"Ryoko, I've been thinking. If we could come up with some way to boil seawater and catch the steam, there'd be plenty of drinking water."

"Boil water, huh? Hmm." Ryoko considered the problem. After a moment, she held her hands out and conjured a large stainless steel pot. "Will this help?"

Tenchi's eyes bugged out.

"How did you do that?"

"Uh, I don't really know how it works. It just does."

"What else can you make?"

"Just about anything, if I know how it's made. Like the bath house. I made that. But only because I knew how it was put together. The same with a guitar or my clothes. A pot's easy compared to that."

"Can you make me some clothes? I'm gonna roast if I get any more sun."

"Sure." As easy as that, Ryoko conjured a set of Tenchi's favorite summer clothes. "Here you go." She cheerfully held out a light white shirt and khaki shorts.

"Wow! Thanks, Ryoko. You're a life-saver!"

Ryoko smiled brightly at his compliments. His words reminded her of the time aboard Ryo-o-ki when he had spoken so highly of her. Her smile quickly faded as she remembered that Tenchi no longer had any memory of that time. As Tenchi pulled the shirt over his head, he noticed that Ryoko's expression was not as happy as it was a moment ago.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Um... I saw some really big leaves on a tree in the woods. What if we put that over the pot. The steam would cool on it. Then the water would go down the leaf and we could catch it in another pot."

"That's... a really good idea. Maybe you should go to college."

"Me?" Ryoko looked at Tenchi as if he were crazy. "Yuck. Too boring."

"You know, I've been wondering about that. Have you ever had any formal education?"

"Nope. And that's fine with me." Ryoko answered as she laid down on her back and closed her eyes. "Sitting at a desk all day doesn't exactly do it for me."

"Me neither. But it's important if you want to succeed in life."

"I've never had a day of school and look at me."

"Yeah, no kidding. You've been living off of my dad's income for almost three years."

"Hey. I help out in the house, and Sasami's teaching me to cook."

"True. And we're all grateful for the help. But I think you'd do pretty well in school. I know you're smart. You've just never had the opportunity to show it."

Ryoko cracked an eye open so she could look at Tenchi. She appreciated Tenchi saying he thought she was smart, even though the subject matter they were discussing was not exactly to her taste.

"Anyway, why don't you show me where those leaves are? I'm sure that between the two of us, we can get something to work. My back's feeling better, and I'm sore from sitting around for so long. We can even take a look for some fruit trees while we're walking around. I could use some fruits and vegetables."

To Ryoko, a walk through the woods with Tenchi sounded like a great idea.

At the end of the first week, Tenchi decided he needed a real bath. He swam in the ocean, which helped. But now it was no longer sufficient. Ryoko had not said anything, but Tenchi knew he stank.

"I don't know about you, but I could use a real bath."

It was only an offhand comment, but Ryoko took it as a serious request.

"Okay. I'll have something for you by tomorrow morning."

Tenchi thought she was joking. But, just after dawn the next morning, Ryoko woke him earlier than he would have liked.

"Tenchi, wake up. I want to show you something."

"Wha? It's early."

"So what? You should be used to it." She pulled him to his feet. "Come on. You'll like it. I promise."

Annoyed, yet curious, Tenchi got up and followed Ryoko into the still dim foliage. She led him to the base of the volcano where a large, bowl-shaped, pool of water steamed at waist height. On the edge of the pool rested an honest to goodness real sea-sponge.

"Ryoko!" Tenchi exclaimed. "Did you make this?"

"Sure did." She proudly claimed.

"How?"

"Does it matter?"

"Well, no. I guess not." Tenchi quickly stripped off his shirt and climbed in with his shorts still on. When Ryoko began to follow him, Tenchi quickly put a stop to her plans.

"Ryoko, I prefer to bathe alone."

"I know. But somebody has to wash your back for you. You're covered in dirt."

Tenchi inwardly groaned. She had a very good point. There was no way he could adequately clean his back with just a sponge. Tenchi turned away as Ryoko quickly stripped off her clothes. She jumped in right next to him, splashing hot water everywhere. When she came up, Ryoko reached over and grabbed the sponge. She immediately began scrubbing the dirt from Tenchi's back.

The cleansing action actually felt pretty good. The filth had been starting to itch, so Ryoko's attention to his cleanliness was well received. She was very thorough, making sure to get every spot. Tenchi decided he rather liked having his back scrubbed. It was very relaxing.

"Tenchi?"

"Hmm?"

"I wasn't going to say anything, and it's not like I don't like it, but, haven't you noticed I'm not washing your back anymore?"

Tenchi looked down to see Ryoko was now washing his chest. She had one hand on his shoulder while the other snaked around his midsection. He could remember how Ryoko had slowly worked her way forward and how he had barely taken notice of it. He was so relaxed, he had not thought to stop her. Tenchi reached up and gently pulled the sponge from Ryoko's grasp.

"Thanks. I can get the rest."

"Damn. I should have kept my mouth shut."

Tenchi grinned.

"I guess so."

"My turn!"

"Huh?"

"Now you have to wash my back."

"Wait a minute..."

"Come on, Tenchi. I have the same problem you do. Wash my back."

Tenchi sighed in resignation. He did not speak any further, only applying the sponge to Ryoko's back.

"Mmm, harder."

Tenchi rubbed harder. Unlike Ryoko, Tenchi stuck strictly to the middle of the back. When he had scrubbed the area clean, Tenchi announced his completion.

"Done."

"Tenchi-i-i! I did your whole back and then some!" Ryoko pouted. "You're not being fair."

"Ryoko, the idea was to wash the parts you couldn't reach. I did that."

Ryoko's shoulders slumped.

"You don't like being close to me, do you?"

Tenchi immediately recognized the pattern this conversation was adopting. He had sworn he would never hurt Ryoko like that again, no matter what. He had also thought long and hard over what to say if this ever came up again. Now he was prepared to deal with the situation.

"Ryoko, it's not you. It's me. I'm not ready for a serious relationship. It doesn't mean there can't be something in the future." Tenchi put the sponge back up to Ryoko's skin as a consolation. "Please don't be angry. I'm flattered you feel that way about me." Tenchi consented to scrubbing a wider area. Tenchi let the silence that followed continue for a while before talking again.

"Can I ask a personal question?"

"Only if it's juicy." Ryoko's sense of humor seemed to have returned.

"Why did you leave?"

Though the question itself was vague, Ryoko knew Tenchi was talking about Zak. She also knew what Tenchi really wanted to know was why she stayed with Zak for so long.

"Nothing happened, Tenchi. I swear nothing -- " She stopped short. Ryoko would not lie to Tenchi. She was still trying to understand exactly what happened between her and Zak. However it had happened, it was more than she had intended.

"I guess that's not true. I was... hurting. I don't understand." There was a pause while Ryoko considered her words. "When he... Zak... could make me feel the way I wanted you to make me feel. Dammit, I can't believe I let him play me like that."

"The more I learn about him, the more I dislike the guy."

Ryoko looked over her shoulder. Tenchi rarely admitted if he disliked someone.

"Tenchi, are you jealous?"

Tenchi almost said no. But something stopped him. He reviewed in his mind how Zak and Ryoko's relationship had progressed.

"Maybe just a little."

After a few moments more, Tenchi realized he had finished washing Ryoko's back.

"All right. This time I really am done."

"Thank you, Tenchi."

"Sure."

"You can wash my front, if you like."

"I'm sure you could do a better job of it yourself."

"Damn."

Tenchi smiled. He had meant it when he said Ryoko's feeling for him were flattering. For a moment, Tenchi felt an impulse to embrace Ryoko and show her he really cared about her. He held back for a moment and the feeling passed, leaving Tenchi with more questions. At least this time, Ryoko was not mad at him.

Tenchi could tell Ryoko was getting extremely bored. He was feeling pretty restricted, as well. Even though they had the run of the island, it was still just an island. They needed some entertainment. Tenchi knew plenty of physical routines to keep both in shape and occupied. Maybe Ryoko would join him. After they had their dinner that evening, Tenchi invited Ryoko to practice.

"You want to teach me how to fight?" Ryoko smiled.

"Do you have something better to do?"

"I just remember a certain school house burning down."

Tenchi scowled. He also remembered how Ryoko had chased him around his school. Her recklessly destructive behavior had gotten the place torched. Still, Tenchi had defeated her.

"I remember that." He said slyly. "I also remember who won."

"No fair! You had help!"

"Excuses, excuses."

"But -- "

"No buts. I heard Washu nagging you about how you've let your fighting skills deteriorate. No warrior worth her salt would let that happen. Well, it's your choice. I'm going to practice." With that Tenchi got up and left. He slowly walked a short way down the beach and began stretching.

"Tenchiii!" Ryoko pleaded for him to come back.

"If you want to be with me you have to come practice!" Tenchi yelled back.

Ryoko flopped down onto the sand. She lay there for a while, grumbling and feeling lonely. After fifteen minutes of loneliness, she got up, and slowly floated over to where Tenchi was still warming up. She stretched out on a large log and watched him.

Occasionally, Tenchi tossed a quick look in her direction. But, for the most part, he concentrated on his practice. Ryoko watched on and off as Tenchi stretched and twisted. After he felt sufficiently relaxed, he moved on to forms.

"What's the point to that?" Ryoko suddenly asked.

"The point to what?"

"Doing that pattern?"

"Patterns build stance, direction, and technique."

"Huh?"

"Practice makes perfect." Tenchi explained as he completed his second form. "By doing these forms, I get to practice the basic techniques in the way they were designed to be applied. The patterns are actually mock-combat against imaginary opponents."

"You've got to be kidding! That'll never work in a real fight."

"You're right."

Ryoko's eyebrows went up.

"I am?"

"Sure. You're not supposed to do these patterns in an actual fight. It's kind of like a demonstration."

"Ah. So if I went over there and tried to kick your butt, I'd win."

"Hmm." The barest hint of a grin fleetingly passed over Tenchi's face. "Why don't you try it and find out?"

"Nah. I wouldn't want to embarrass you."

"Oh, come on. I can almost beat Grandpa, now."

"Forget it." She said, turning her head away.

Tenchi sighed with frustration.

"Ryoko, you always used to say that you want to spend more time with me. I can tell you're bored and I thought you might like to do something like this. I'm willing to teach you what I know, if you're willing to learn."

It was the right thing to say. Ryoko sat up and looked lovingly at Tenchi for several seconds before responding.

"Why didn't you just say so?"

Tenchi's jaw dropped.

"Ah, well, um..."

Ryoko smiled as she hopped off the log to join him. As she walked, her black and red battle-suit phased into existence over her body, replacing the tiger-striped bikini she had been wearing.

"Okay, Sensei. Teach me." She demanded when she reached Tenchi's side.

"All right." Tenchi said with a smile. "Let's see what you know."

He took a step back.

"I'm going to throw a couple of punches at you. I want you to block them."

"No problem."

Tenchi threw his first punch at chest level at moderate speed. Almost instantly, he found himself thrown backwards onto the sand. Although he had barely even seen what Ryoko had done, he had felt it. She had followed his instructions to block. But after that she had stepped outside the punch and tripped him over backwards with a good shove and a leg placed strategically behind his feet.

"How's that?" Ryoko gloated, standing over him.

"Jeez, you're fast." He said climbing to his feet. "But I only wanted you to block, not counter. I need to see what you know and how well you know it."

"Hmm." Ryoko considered that for a moment. "Okay. I get what you're saying. Do it again."

"Okay."

Tenchi took up a front stance and threw another punch at her. Ryoko easily slapped the hand aside.

"That's it. I'll punch at different areas and you just keep blocking."

"Gotcha."

As Tenchi threw his punches at different levels and speeds, he found that Ryoko knew enough to block away from her body. But when he started throwing at the centerline of her body, she became indecisive as to which direction to block. After a few more similar punches, Tenchi found that she usually deferred to her left arm and leaned away from the attack. Once he was fairly certain he had a good understanding of Ryoko's defensive capabilities, Tenchi called an end to the exercise.

"Okay. That's enough."

"So? What do you think?" Ryoko confidently asked, grinning from ear to ear.

"It seems like you know the basics of blocking. But, you could benefit from more extensive training."

The grin disappeared.

"However, I could tell you wanted to move away from the attack, rather than stand there and take it. That's good. Why don't we keep going. This time, I'll throw in some kicks, and you move around how you want."

"Okay."

As Tenchi assumed an 'L'-stance, he noticed that Ryoko stood at ease, without assuming any sort of stance of her own. This would have to be corrected. He made a mental note to check her stances after this exercise.

Tenchi attacked, and Ryoko leapt to the side. Tenchi was pleased when she tensed for a moment, then relaxed without striking. The fact that she had moved aside from the attack and into her own striking range showed that she really did know what she was doing, even if her technique was weak. He found that when he went after her body, she moved aside, whereas if he went for the head, she tended to move ahead, taking away his reach.

Mixing up attacks with feints, Tenchi began to get Ryoko to make small mistakes. However, her superior speed kept her out of trouble. Now that he was getting a better idea of her evasive tactics, Tenchi began using that to his advantage. The next time he attacked Ryoko at head level, he immediately followed up by jumping into the air and kicking at her midsection. As he expected, Ryoko moved closer, catching the ball of his foot right in the middle of the chest. She stumbled backwards and fell down on her rear. She growled, disappointed in her poor performance.

Tenchi knelt down in front of Ryoko. He had meant to give her a good push. But he was still worried that he had used too much force.

"Are you all right?"

Ryoko met Tenchi's gaze for a moment. The disappointment she felt flowed away when she saw Tenchi's concerned look. She shook her head with a furtive laugh.

"Now you know how the old-man beat me." She held her right hand out to him. "Help a lady up?"

Tenchi relaxed when Ryoko let the matter go. He got back to his feet, then he helped Ryoko up by pulling on her hand. With his assistance, she easily made it upright. She then let go of his hand and brushed the sand from her suit.

"Okay. You've proven you can kick my butt. So when to I get to fight back?"

Tenchi smiled. This was the Ryoko he was used to. He stepped back and assumed a good fighting position, rather than a strict stance.

"Any time you're ready."

With a look of excitement, Ryoko attacked.

Tenchi looked around to see if Ryoko were present. She seemed to spend a lot of time in the small onsen she had made for them. But, right now, she appeared to be else where. Breathing a sigh of relief, he removed his clothes and slipped into the steaming waters. Salt had begun to accumulate around the edges of the pool, giving it a frosted look.

As Tenchi rubbed himself down with the sponge, he noticed a cyan-colored fin surface. It swam slowly back and forth as it approached him. When the fin came with an arm's length, Tenchi held out his hand under the water. It was no surprise when he felt Ryoko's forehead smack into it. Rising from the water, she revealed herself.

"And where do you think you're going?" Tenchi suspiciously asked her.

"Um, heh. Ah, no where?" It was more of a question than an answer.

"That's what I thought." Tenchi accepted Ryoko's excuse as he lowered his arm.

Ryoko reached up to wrap her arms around Tenchi's neck.

"Tenchi would you like me to scrub your back again?"

"No, thank you. In fact, if I had known you were here, I would have waited until later."

Tenchi tried to disentangle himself from Ryoko's grasp. She just giggled in amusement. Then she spoke in a low and seductive voice.

"Tenchi, let me show you what I can really do."

"I don't wanna know!" Tenchi complained as he finally managed to free himself from Ryoko's iron grasp. He started climbing out of the pool, then, just in time, he remembered he had no towel.

"Tenchiii!" Ryoko called to him again.

"Would you please turn around while I get out?" Tenchi insisted.

After a couple seconds of waiting for her reply, Tenchi heard Ryoko moving away from him.

"Will you stay if I leave you alone?" Ryoko sullenly asked.

Tenchi risked a glance over his shoulder. Ryoko was already on the other side of the pool, looking off into the trees with her arms over the side. He considered the risks involved versus how emotionally unstable Ryoko had become in recent weeks and decided he could afford to show some compassion for her sake.

"All right, Ryoko. I'll stay if you promise to let me take my bath in peace."

Ryoko stared off into the foliage in silence.

"Ryoko, you have to promise." Tenchi insisted.

"All right, I promise." She reluctantly answered.

Satisfied, Tenchi resumed scrubbing with the sponge. After a few calming minutes, he began to think he might have over-reacted. Looking in Ryoko's direction, Tenchi saw she was resting her head on her arms. Ryoko's upper-body formed an inverted trapezoid above the water. The musculature in her back stood out, showing how well-built she was. To the sides, Tenchi could see the roundness of her breasts showing. Realizing he was openly admiring Ryoko's body, Tenchi quickly averted his gaze.

"I'm sorry I yelled."

Ryoko turned around, and submerged herself up to the neck in hot water.

"It's okay." She looked up at the sky. "I'm used to it."

"Do I really yell at you that much?"

Ryoko thought about it for a second and decided she was tired of being yelled at.

"Yes."

Tenchi thought more about how Ryoko acted towards him. She had said any number of times she loved him, and he believed it. It was only natural for her to want to be with someone she loves. Tenchi decided he was being hypocritical for telling Ryoko off so strongly, when, only a moment ago, he had been staring at her body.

As he thought about what she had said, Tenchi found something odd. Ryoko had said she wanted to show him what she could really do for him. He wondered how she knew she could do anything for anybody unless she had been with someone before. The question gnawed at Tenchi for several minutes until he could not stand it any longer.

"Ryoko?"

"Mmm?"

"Can I... ask a personal question?"

"Go ahead." She offered.

"Um, you said something about, ah, showing what you know..."

A small grin broke out on Ryoko's lips.

"Did you change your mind?"

"Ah, no. What I meant was, um... I hope you don't mind me asking. But, how DO you know?"

Ryoko continued to look up at the sky. A blue sky which held no comfort for her now. Tenchi had finally figured out the truth. She had liked knowing Tenchi thought of her as a virgin. The truth was she had lost that tens of hundreds of years ago. The memory of that time came back to her unbidden. It was a time she wished to hide from Tenchi forever. Although, she supposed it meant he was taking more of an interest in her.

"I guess the secret's out." Ryoko replied with a sigh. "It wasn't Zak, if that's what you're thinking."

Tenchi remained silent.

"It's ancient history, Tenchi. Old news, like me." She sighed again. "When I was first moving around, doing Kagato's dirty work, I heard about sex, and love, and other things, too. I didn't have those feelings or the knowledge of what they were. So, in my spare time, I tried to find out."

"Ryoko," Tenchi finally interrupted, "you don't have to explain. I understand."

"No, Tenchi. I don't think you do. Eeh, besides, it was bound to come up sooner or later."

"If it's too personal..."

"Doesn't matter. My life's an open book. All you have to do is look at my Galaxy Wanted File, if you can still find a copy. It's all there. Death, destruction, theft..." Ryoko lowered her face almost to the water and breathed in the rising moisture.

"I told you I was learning about peoples' feelings and why they did things. Before people began to recognize me, guys were always hitting on me. At first I didn't know what to do. If I had the time and the inclination, I'd go out with him, just to see what he had planned. Eventually, one of them asked me if I wanted to go to his apartment."

"Ryoko," Tenchi interrupted again, "you don't have to tell me. I get the idea."

"No, Tenchi. I'm... sick of living a lie. I want you to know the truth."

"You can guess what happened." Ryoko continued. "He wanted sex and I wanted to know what it was like, so I let him. He got really pissed when I just laid there like one of Aeka's logs. Afterwards, he told me how lousy I was and..." she reached up to wipe a stray tear, "damn it... he said I was a cold-hearted slut and that he wouldn't screw me again if I were the last woman on the planet." A small laugh of irony issued from Ryoko's lips.

"I actually got mad. I thought that, because I hadn't felt anything, that he had done it wrong. So I hit him. He, um, didn't get up. A couple days later, the local cops caught up to me. They shot at me and Ryo-o-ki, so I shot back. They didn't get up, either. You know what the stupid part is? I didn't even realize I was the one with the problem. I kept trying with other guys until I got tired of trying. Sometimes more than one. I even tried it with women. No matter how many times or who I did it with, I never felt a thing." Ryoko finally made eye contact with Tenchi.

"I never felt anything until I met you." She looked away again. "But, now that you know what I really am, you probably think I'm really messed up." Ryoko stood up in the water. Turning around, she climbed out and up until she was standing on the rim of the onsen she had made for Tenchi.

"Everything Aeka ever said about me was true. I am a monster. I was stupid to think you could ever love me." Ryoko hung her head in defeat.

Tenchi stared at Ryoko in shock. Never had he heard her say such pitiful things. It made him angry that she was just giving up on what had always been most important to her. Ignoring Ryoko's naked body, Tenchi waded across the pool, making sure not to step in the central vent. When he reached the far side, he grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her over backwards into the water.

Ryoko hit with a huge splash, spraying water all over the place. She hung suspended in the warm liquid for a moment, then rose to the surface. As soon as she emerged, Tenchi began splashing her with the largest waves he could make.

"Everything you just said is crap! Get mad! Get happy! Anything! Just quit acting so damn pitiful!" Ryoko tried to defend herself against the waves of water. But Tenchi continued his assault. "Come on, fight back! Show me how strong you are! Do something besides wallowing in your own self-pity!"

His next wave of water vaporized just before striking Ryoko. She suddenly burst through the wall of steam with a growl and an expression of anger. For a moment, Tenchi thought he had pushed her too far. Ryoko tackled him, driving the both of them across the pool. They slammed into the far wall with a loud thud.

Tenchi waited for the pain of broken bones to come, but there was none. He thought maybe he deserved it for ignoring Ryoko's feelings for so long. But all he felt was the distraught woman's strong limbs around his shoulders and waist. She had protected him from the impact with her arms and legs. Tenchi opened his eyes, and found Ryoko staring right through his eyes and into his soul. He stared back, showing her he was not afraid.

"The Ryoko you told me about doesn't exist anymore." Ryoko's eyes got wide as Tenchi told her what he had to, to get her to believe in herself. "I like you better when you show your true self."

Tenchi did not flinch when Ryoko suddenly leaned forward and kissed him. He allowed her this moment so she would believe what he was saying. Somehow, Tenchi knew if he refused Ryoko at this point, that would be the end of it. The end of what, he was not sure. But the end of something, to be sure.

Tenchi began to notice how close Ryoko held him against her body. He could feel the tightness of her legs around his waist and the firmness of her breasts against his chest. As he began to relax, Tenchi found himself enjoying the long, open-mouthed kiss. He moved his hands to Ryoko's waist, causing her to tighten her embrace in response. But with enjoyment also came excitement. Tenchi decided to stop things before Ryoko found out just how excited he was getting. Leaning back to signal he was finished, Tenchi pried his face from Ryoko's.

"I... liked that. But I, um, kind of need some space right now."

Ryoko looked at him in confusion.

"Could you move back, please?"

Instead of heeding his warning, Ryoko set her head down on his shoulder.

"I don't understand you, Tenchi. One minute we're kissing, and the next you tell me to get away. Why?"

"Ryoko, please. I need you to back up."

"Tell me why!"

"Ryoko..."

Ryoko's head snapped up when Tenchi's body answered her question for him.

"Tenchi..."

Tenchi's face flushed red with embarrassment.

"I'm sorry! I can't help it when that happens! I, um, warned you."

Ryoko laughed deep in her throat.

"It's all right. I'd be more upset if that didn't happen."

"Ryoko. Please, back up."

"All right, Tenchi. Here you go." Ryoko moved back a decimeter.

"That's not what I meant." Tenchi told her after a moment of silence.

"How about this, then?"

She move forward again, pressing her entire body against his. Tenchi's hands fell from her waist and his head rolled back.

"Is that what you want?" She suggestively inquired.

Tenchi did not answer. Neither did he move. Curious as to the sudden change, Ryoko leaned back so she could see his face. His eyes were closed and a thin stream of blood oozed from his left nostril. Ryoko groaned her disappointment.

"Not again."

Somewhere, Ryoko had found lobsters. Dripping salt-water everywhere, she gleefully presented them to Tenchi for their dining pleasure. Tenchi had noticed how she seemed to be in good spirits since they had started training together. He was actually spending more time training with Ryoko than he ever did with his Grandfather. The thing was, he was enjoying it. Training with Grandpa had always seemed like a chore. Practicing with Ryoko was fun! Tenchi gave his practice partner a broad smile.

"Hey! Looks good!"

Ryoko knelt down and set the lobsters on the sand between them.

"How do they taste?"

Tenchi had to think about that one. There was not much one could use to describe the taste of lobster.

"Well, um, I guess... they taste like lobster."

"Oh, ha ha! You're a big help!"

One of the brown crustaceans flapped it's tail, sending a plume of sand into the air.

"Whoa!" Tenchi exclaimed. "You better catch that one before he crawls away."

"Oh, no, you don't!" Ryoko pounced on the still vigorous shellfish, keeping it from escaping. With a chuckle at the silly scene, Tenchi leaned to his left and pulled one of the large metal pots Ryoko had previously conjured to the small fire-pit. There was already a small cooking fire going in the shallow pit they had dug, so Tenchi put the empty pot on the hot stones nestled within.

"Okay! Now we just need some water."

"Water, coming up!" Ryoko held out a hand and several liters of fresh water suddenly fell into the pot. Scattering droplets fell onto the hot stones, making them hiss and spit at the cold caresses. Tenchi stared at the pot in awe. Every time she did something like that, it absolutely amazed him. A moment later, Ryoko held the lobsters over the pot. But, for some reason, she hesitated.

"Ryoko?"

Ryoko slowly pulled the lobsters from certain doom. She stared at them as they flailed about with their spindly legs.

"Tenchi, is there some way we can cook lobsters without boiling them alive?"

Tenchi looked at Ryoko, then the lobsters, then the pot, back to the lobsters, and finally, back to Ryoko. He could not believe Ryoko was showing compassion for a lobster! It was the strangest thing. It was also strangely endearing. Tenchi smiled.

"If there is, I don't know about it."

"Umm..." Ryoko gave Tenchi a questioning look. It was the look that usually meant she had a question, but was too embarrassed to ask.

"Why don't we let them go?"

Tenchi's suggestion seemed to satisfy Ryoko. She turned the lobsters towards her face and started talking to them.

"Sound good to you guys?"

The one in her left hand reached out with it's cutter claw and snipped her bikini top clean in half. The severed cloth burst open, revealing her well-formed breasts.

"Hey!"

Ryoko looked at Tenchi to see how he was reacting to this. He was already facing away from her, quietly humming to himself. Indignancy flared.

"Is that the thanks I get? Screw you!" Ryoko tossed the lobsters in the pot without further thought. "Tenchi, we're having lobster for dinner. Any problem with that?"

"No, Ryoko. Not at all."

Ryoko noticed that Tenchi seemed to be shaking.

"Are you okay?"

Tenchi tried desperately to keep from laughing out loud.

"Yes."

Ryoko watched him a bit closer.

"You're... laughing at me."

Tenchi could not take it any more. His control failed and he started laughing.

"I'm sorry!" He told Ryoko between breaths. "But... hee-hee after all the times... ha-ha-ha... you've teased us about... hah-hah... being naked, snicker... you've had it coming! Ah-ha ha ha ha! It's too funny!"

Ryoko disagreed.

"Stop laughing at me!"

"I can't help it!"

If Tenchi had been able to see through his tears of laughter, he would have seen the look of dismay on Ryoko's face. It was not that she was embarrassed by what had happened, she was worried that Tenchi would catch sight of her naked body and get upset. He always got upset if he saw her without her clothes on.

"It's not funny!" Ryoko got up and flew away.

When Tenchi realized that Ryoko had taken offense at his levity, he was finally able to stop laughing. He really did think it was funny. No harm had been done to either of them and, in his opinion, she really had had it coming. He simply could not understand why she was so upset.

Ryoko did not return to their small dwelling that night. Nor did she attend the next day's training session. Tenchi still went through the routines. But, without her there, it was rather droll. Finally, she returned for dinner the next night, sort of.

When Tenchi returned after completing the rigorous routines, he found an entire hammer-head shark lying in the sand next to his abode. There were three neat holes burned completely through it near the front, just behind the head. Tenchi scratched his head.

"I guess this is dinner." He shrugged. "Well, could be worse. At least it's edible."

He went under the palm frond roof to find the knife that Ryoko had conjured for him so he could help make meals. Something lying carelessly across the knives caught his attention. When he picked it up to examine it, he realized it was a pad of spiral bound paper with a pen stuck in the spirals. Curious, he opened the cover and began to read the words inside.

"I DON'T UNDERSTAND! One minute you're nice, and the next you're mean! It makes me so mad! No, I'm not mad... I don't know. I don't understand anything about you. I want you to love me. Nobody loves me."

"I watched you grow up. We grew up together. Sort of. I wish you could remember about Zak. I just can't forget hearing you say you love me. We kissed! It was beautiful. We held each other so close. I want to hold you again. I want you to hold me again. I want you to touch me. Whisper in my ear that you love me. BUT YOU WON'T DO ANY OF THAT! I don't understand. It's not fair!"

At the end there was a small line-face with dots of tears coming from the eyes. Tenchi's heart writhed in his chest. For several seconds he could not even think of how to respond to such a heart-felt confession. Finally, when he regained his sanity, one sentence continued to stare him in the face; "Nobody loves me."

Without any further consideration of the consequences, Tenchi immediately began writing a response.

"That's not true. We all love you. It's just that I don't feel comfortable getting that close to someone. I know what'll happen if we get together. I don't want to do the wrong thing. I don't want to mess it up for you. I'm not good enough for you. If we get close, I won't want to let go. Then something will happen, I know it. I don't want to hurt you. I don't want to hurt anybody."

The next part was difficult for Tenchi to write.

"All the women in my family died. I never knew my Grandmother. And my Mother died when I was young. I don't want anyone else to die. I don't want you to die."

Quickly, before he changed his mind, Tenchi closed the notepad and set it on the sand in a place safely away from the fire-pit. Though he was nervous, he felt as if he had finally said something that would make a difference without hurting Ryoko's feelings. In addition, he had shared with her a very personal issue he had never before shared with another person. It was no longer an issue of trust for him. It was an issue of understanding. It was obvious that neither of them understood the other, so it was high-time they addressed that issue. Suddenly, Tenchi thought of something else he wanted to tell Ryoko. He took the pad up again and wrote a little more.

"I care about you. A lot more than you know."

"There." With a firm nod, Tenchi put the pad back. "That's what I wanted to say."

Feeling better about the situation, he then set to carving shark steaks for dinner.

The next morning, Tenchi found the shark carcass had been replaced by a different fish for breakfast. This time it was not as large, but it sure was ugly. It's skin was mottled dark grey and brown. It was about half a meter long with a thick skull and really nasty teeth. He had some doubts about whether or not the fish would even be edible.

"I guess she didn't like what I wrote."

Looking around, Tenchi found the notepad propped up against the entrance to the small shelter. He ignored the fish and retrieved the pad.

"That's bull! If you don't want to be with me, just say so, and I'll leave. Don't give me a bunch of lame excuses! People die! That's the way it works. Wait. I didn't mean it like that. I'm sorry your mom died. I remember that. I wish I could have done something to help. I have an idea. Why don't we get married? Then we'll both have a mom and a dad!"

There was a big smiley-face at the end of the sentence. Tenchi rolled his eyes at the thought of being married to Ryoko. That kind of life was way in the future. Tenchi read on.

"I know. You're not ready to get married. That's okay. Me neither. I just wish you would show how you feel more. It hurts when you push me away. It didn't used to hurt. Please don't hurt me anymore. I love you."

Tenchi could barely lift his hand to write another response. His heart hurt so much it felt as if it would burst. Something within him was responding intensely to the feelings that Ryoko was trying to relate to him. Somehow, where talking and acting had failed, she was finally getting to him with written words. He could no longer treat her the same, knowing that she was being hurt by his actions, or lack thereof. Something had to change, he just was not sure what. The words began to flow from his hand.

"Ryoko, I don't know what to do. The harder I try to keep from hurting you, the worse I do. I was a little". Changing his mind, Tenchi scratched the words "a little". "I was mad at you when you said that what I wrote was bull. They're not lame excuses. That's really the way I feel. I'm really scared that something could happen. I don't want anything to happen to you. I want you to be safe and happy. After everything you've been through, you deserve that more than anyone. DON'T LEAVE! Please? I promise I'll try to do better. I want you to understand how I feel about you. Why don't you come back to train this afternoon? I had the impression you liked practicing with me. I think you're very good at it. I liked how we could be together without there being so much stress."

Tenchi decided that was a good place to end his entry. He had no doubt there were a few other things he could say to Ryoko. But not much of it was coherent at this point. He needed more time to put some of his thoughts together after writing so much. With his mind a little quieter, he returned his attention to the fish.

"God, what am I gonna do with this thing?"

When Tenchi returned to his abode from a short pre-lunch walk, he found a small basket of various fruits from all over the island. Within the basket was the notepad. He marveled at the assortment Ryoko had collected for him. Surely it had taken all morning for her to find so many. Tenchi stood outside his shelter for the time being. Cloud cover had moved in and there was a stiff breeze from the South. It felt good to be comfortable for a change. Reaching down, he retrieved the pad and flipped the cover over.

"I'm sorry I said that what you wrote was bull. I guess, if that's how you feel... I don't know. I just don't know what else to do."

"I'm glad you want me to feel safe and happy. I like that feeling! But, the only time I feel that way is when I'm with you. And you always push me away or run away when I try to show you how I feel. I promised I would never leave again when you rescued me, and I meant it."

"Sometimes I think you only want me around because you're afraid that if I leave, I'll start doing things like Kagato made me do. I HATE HIM! I HATE EVERYTHING HE MADE ME DO! I hate myself for doing those things."

"You know what really hurts? After everything that happened, all you remember is that I stayed with someone else for a week. You only remember the bad stuff, and none of the good stuff. You save my life! You protected me. You said so many really nice things to me. You even said you loved me. I thought we were going to be together, finally, after so many years. Sometimes, I even dream about it. Being with you, my one true love, is all I have. I wish you would at least give me a chance. I know I don't know much about being someone's girlfriend. I don't know the things to do to impress you, or make you like me. Other guys like to look at me. They like me even more when I take off my clothes. I learned a long time ago that they like me the most when I let them have sex with me. But, I've learned that you're not like that. I don't know what you like, but I do know what you don't like. I've screwed-up enough times to figure out that real good. Maybe once you've stopped laughing at me, you can tell me what you like."

Tenchi cringed at the last sentence. But, he knew what to write to fix that.

"Ryoko, I'm really sorry I laughed at you. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I'm sorry for all the times I've hurt your feelings. Sometimes, because of how we met, it's hard for me to remember that your feelings are just as sensitive as anyone else's. It's taken me a long time to get to the point where I thought of you as a person, rather than an alien or a demon. No matter how you were born, I do think of you as a person."

"I did say that I want you to feel happy and safe. I guess I haven't been doing a very good job of that. From what you've written, I can tell you feel sad and alone. Forget about Kagato. He's gone and he's never coming back. Even if he did, I'd send him right back to where he came from."

"About being together... I don't think guys like you because you take off your clothes. They just like seeing a naked woman, especially one as attractive as you are. It wasn't you that they wanted. It's what you were doing. Just about everybody likes sex, so, of course guys seem to like you when you do that with them. I'll bet some of them even said they love you. It's not true! They just liked what was happening. That's why that guy you told me about said those mean things to you, afterwards. He didn't care about you as a person, he just liked what you did."

Tenchi took a deep breath as he considered the seriousness of what he was thinking of writing next.

"I like you for who you are. I'm sorry for not giving you a chance. I think being here is our chance to get to know each other better. Writing like this has been a big help. I could never say half of this stuff. It's all important things that we needed to say to each other."

"I also like how, when it comes to important things, I know I can trust you. Since this is important, I'm going to tell you something I probably shouldn't. I'd like to have you for a girlfriend. You're really cute, and I know being with you would feel great. Cheer-up! At least you have experience. I'll probably make a fool of myself my first time. But here's the problem. I like Aeka the same way. If I choose between the two of you, one of you will be hurt. I think that would hurt a lot more than any of the stupid things I've done before. That's not the only problem."

"If I choose, I need to be sure that the person I choose is someone I want to be with for the rest of my life. Once I'm with someone, I don't think I'll be able to change my mind. So, whomever I'm with my first time, I want to be the person I'm going to spend my life with. You're right about one thing, though. I'll never find that person if I never give anyone a chance. It's not fair that I went out with Aeka and never did the same thing with you. But, then again, she isn't here, either. I guess it kind of evens out. Please come back soon."

It took Tenchi a couple of seconds before he decided to end his entry there. There were a couple of other things he still wanted to say. But he decided to hold off for the time being, so that he would have more to write later. Hopefully, the next time they conversed, it would be face-to-face. In the meantime, Tenchi headed out to the beach for a swim in the wildly rolling surf.

After getting tossed like one of Sasami's garden salads for half an hour, Tenchi returned. The pad was right where he left it. Disappointed, he started to enter the shelter. However, something nagged at him. He stepped out again and picked up the notepad. Expecting that he would not find a response so soon, he flipped the pad to the last place he had written. Just underneath was one sentence written in Ryoko's handwriting.

"See you at practice!"

Tenchi grinned.

When the first raindrops began to fall, Tenchi decided he and Ryoko had better call an end to the session. He had been keeping an eye on the weather, and he could see the dark clouds approaching the island. A strong wind had gradually built and was pushing the line of thunderheads towards them.

"Okay, Ryoko. I think we had better call it quits."

"Aw, come on, Tenchi! Teach me another form."

"Another one?"

Tenchi stared at Ryoko in astonishment. Since they had started training together, she had all but mastered the forms he had already taught her. She could perform the movements with nearly perfect precision and flawless memory. The only mistakes she made were due to his inability as a teacher.

"I'd like to. But I think were in for some pretty bad weather. We had better find some better shelter."

"Don't worry about it." Ryoko reassured him by taking hold of his arm. "I'll protect you."

Tenchi scratched the back of his head with his remaining free hand.

"Uh, I'm sure you will. But I think we might be in for a typhoon. We need to gather some food before it gets any worse. Then we have to find someplace higher."

"Higher? What for?"

"Well, when the typhoon gets closer, the water will start to rise. The air in the eye of the typhoon pushes down on the ocean's surface, displacing the water outwards and upwards. It's kind of like when you get in a bathtub. If it's too full when you get in, the water overflows."

"Wow. I think you've been spending too much time with Washu."

Tenchi chuckled at that.

"Nah. I learned that in school."

Suddenly, a crack of thunder echoed across the island.

"Whoa! I think we waited too long!"

"How high will the water get?" Ryoko asked over the din of the bellowing wind.

"If we're lucky, it'll be less than a meter. It we're not, it could get as high as five meters."

"But that'll flood the whole island!"

Tenchi was very much aware that most of the island was less than five meters above sea level, depending on the tide. The only place that would be consistently higher was the slopes of the volcano. And with the wind and lightning, that was not a very safe place, either.

"I know." Tenchi stood there, shielding his face from the falling rain. "But, unless you have a better idea, we'll have to camp on the side of the volcano."

"No way! There's no shelter up there! Besides, what if it erupts?"

"We'll have to chance it."

It took only seven seconds for Ryoko to decide on a better course of action.

"I've got a better idea. Come on."

She grabbed Tenchi about the waist and teleported to the shelter they had made. The fire still burned fitfully, despite the water that assaulted it, trying to extinguish it's life. Taking a place between the fire and the beach, Ryoko erected a large energy shield. The wind immediately stopped and the rain no longer fell over the area she was covering. Tenchi looked around, impressed that she had found a way to grant them a temporary reprieve.

"You know, that's a pretty good idea. But, unless you plan on standing there for a few days, we still need to come up with another plan."

Ryoko looked over her shoulder in surprise.

"A few days?"

"Well, probably, depending on how big the storm is and how much of it hits us."

Ryoko growled as she directed her ire at the ocean, once again.

"Fine. I can do it." Raising her voice, Ryoko yelled at the ocean in defiance. "You're not getting my Tenchi! Do you hear me? Never!"

Tenchi stood silently by, amazed once more that Ryoko was willing to go to such lengths for his sake alone. He was fairly sure the typhoon posed her no danger. But, he wanted to be certain.

"Ryoko, you're not in any danger from this storm, are you?"

"Nope."

It was true, then. She was doing this solely for his benefit.

"Won't you get tired or hungry?"

"Nope."

Tenchi was very glad it was Ryoko whom he was stranded with. Further discussion on this topic would probably be a waste of time. Once Ryoko made up her mind as to his safety, no one in the universe could change it. Resigning himself to the situation, he sat down and stoked the fire in preparation for dinner.

All through the evening Ryoko stood silently holding the shield between them and the raging typhoon. Night came quickly with the increased cloud cover, rendering the whole island invisible, except for the flashes of lightning. If it weren't for the fire, Tenchi would never even have noticed that Ryoko had found a moment to change into one of her many dresses. However, as Tenchi ate his dinner, he began to notice how stuffy and smoky it was getting within the shield.

"Ryoko?"

"Yes, Tenchi?"

"I was wondering, can anything get through your shield?"

"Don't worry. Nothing's getting through."

"I hate to say it, but I think that might be a problem."

Ryoko looked over her shoulder at him.

"What do you mean?"

"If nothing gets through, that means that no air can get in. We'll suffocate."

Ryoko looked out at the roaring ocean. She did not bother to remind Tenchi that she could survive indefinitely with no oxygen, or even in a vacuum. It was a moot point. Whether or not she could survive, Tenchi needed fresh air to live. She thought about it for a long time. What she really needed was a way to let the air in and keep the water out.

As she compared the differences between the two, an idea began to form in her head. Air is a gas, and water is a liquid. Liquids are denser than gases, which is why they separate in a gravity field. After a while with no further progress, she directed her thoughts in a different direction.

What she really needed was something like a screen window that would keep water out of their small house, rather than bugs. Suddenly, she realized the connection. It was not density she needed to think about, it was volume.

"Hey, Tenchi. Which is bigger, air or water?"

"Huh? What do you mean by bigger?"

"Air and water are both made up of molecules, right? Which molecule is bigger?

"Oh, I see what you're getting at. Um, I'm pretty sure air molecules are smaller than water. Air is mostly free oxygen and nitrogen, while water is made up of oxygen and hydrogen molecules. Plus, surface tension holds water molecules together. Air doesn't have any surface tension."

Ryoko grinned. She closed her eyes and imagined her shield had an uncountable number of really small holes. Water immediately began spraying through the pin-sized holes, showering everything with a fine mist.

"Too big!" Tenchi exclaimed, shielding the fire.

Ryoko immediately shrank the hole size in half. The spray turned into a fine mist.

"Getting there."

"Well, come on! I don't think I can imagine anything smaller than that."

"Try. You can do it."

Ryoko bent her rarely used, yet considerable mental capacity to the task. She narrowed her sight to a small area of her shield and imagined the holes shrinking to about a quarter of their current size. She opened her eyes and saw that the mist had stopped. The shield seemed to weep as drops of water ran down the inside of the shield. Quickly, she forced the size of the holes to as small as she could see in her mind's eye. The remaining drops ran down and were not replaced. A very slight breeze, a draft really, still flowed in the same direction as the wind. Tenchi took a deep breath of the fresh air.

"Mmm. I knew you could do it."

Ryoko smiled.

"So, did I do something right?"

Tenchi got to his feet and joined her in looking out at the angry ocean.

"You've been doing a lot of things right, Ryoko."

Ryoko got a pleasant surprise when Tenchi put his arm around her shoulders. She looked at his face and saw that he seemed content. She slipped her arm around his waist and watched as he glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. She noticed the slight blush that came over his face. But he did not say or do anything to signal he disagreed with what she had done. She wondered if Tenchi had realized she could not do anything else without risking losing control over the shield. If that happened, the whole place would be flooded and Tenchi would probably get washed out to sea. That was definitely not her idea of a good time.

Overnight, the fire burned out. Neither of them had thought to keep a significant quantity of wood on hand so that they could keep the fire going. While Ryoko could have simply conjured more, she had not counted on maintaining her shield to be so mentally taxing. The physical act of doing so was not an issue. She had no real need for food or sleep, so continuing was no problem. However, she had found that her mind stayed more focused if she slept on a normal cycle like everyone else. Using more than one power at a time was significantly more difficult than just using one if she had not slept recently. So they decided to let the fire die, rather than risk getting flooded to keep it going. Tenchi had already eaten the ugly fish she had brought him, so there was little point to it, in any case.

The weather grew progressively worse. Rain and lightning beat down across the seascape, illuminating an ocean that seemed furious at itself. Immense waves crashed against each other. The angry waters slowly climbed the beach until they reached half a meter up the side of Ryoko's shield. The waves crashed against the shield, making conversation impossible.

Tenchi tried to keep himself from getting too bored by indulging in stretching and light exercises. At other times he reread some of the things he and Ryoko had written to each other in the notepad. At one point he started doodling on a blank page. He surprised himself when he realized he was drawing a young woman, standing on a beach, facing-off against a typhoon. It was then that he realized something inside of him was changing. Slowly, but surely, he was beginning to understand how Ryoko could feel so strongly for him.

"Damn. What am I going to do?"

When Tenchi awoke the next day, he found that the water had receded a great deal. However, the skies were an angry roiling black. Thunder and lightning still crackled around them and rain blasted across the ocean, scouring everything in it's path.

Some time around noon, or so Tenchi guessed, the rain suddenly stopped, and the wind came to a deafening halt. The skies cleared, and bright sunshine flooded the island. The two castaways looked about in wonder at the sudden change. Ryoko let her shield come down, allowing a cool breeze to sweep across the area, carrying away the stench of an area occupied for too long. Ryoko was the first to remark about the sudden calm.

"Well, that was quite an adventure, wasn't it?"

"You don't know the half of it."

"Hmm? What's that?"

"Seriously. You don't know the half of it. We're in the eye of the storm."

Tenchi stood up and looked around.

"Yup. Sure looks like it."

Ryoko imitated his movements, looking for herself everywhere that Tenchi looked.

"What? What are you looking at?"

"If I'm not mistaken, if you look over the trees in that direction, you'll see more clouds just like those." He pointed to the vertical wall of clouds the was rapidly receding away from them. "We're going to... Ryoko?" Tenchi looked around for the missing person.

"You gotta be kidding me!" Ryoko's voice called from above.

Tenchi looked up at Ryoko as she floated overhead.

"You mean I gotta stand around for another two days?"

"Well, you don't have to. That is, if you don't want to."

Ryoko descended to the ground where she could stand in front of Tenchi.

"Of course, I'm going to. What makes you think I wouldn't?"

Tenchi suddenly felt that feeling again. The feeling that said he was not doing enough. Unfortunately, he could not think of a way to act on that feeling.

"I, um... I... didn't mean it like that." His face started to blush as the feeling got stronger. "You've just... done so much already. I... thought you might want some rest. That's all."

"Hmm..." Ryoko stared at him suspiciously. "Are you sure?"

"Yes! Yes, I'm sure. Um, why don't we go looking for more food? With the water this low, there should be a bunch of fish stranded in the shallows."

Ryoko continued to watch suspiciously as Tenchi headed for the water.

It was not very long before the weather turned sour again. It came upon them almost without warning. The only sign they had was the towering cloud bank that eclipsed the bright blue sky with black mist. Tenchi took what he had for fruit in his arms and ran for the protective cover that he knew Ryoko would provide for him.

They both arrived at the same time, just as the rain began to resume it's torrential downpour. The shield went up and Tenchi was protected, once more. He looked at Ryoko to thank her and realized she was wearing one of her scantiest swimsuits and was dripping wet. He instantly noticed how the tiny droplets followed every curve of her well-toned musculature. Where drops encountered her bikini swimsuit, they flowed along the edges of the red material until they found a way around it.

"Tenchi?"

"Uh..."

"Jurai to Tenchi."

The entranced young man had to shake his head before he could meet Ryoko's smiling eyes.

"What?"

"Whatcha lookin' at?"

Tenchi instantly blushed when he realized Ryoko had seen him taking such a close look at her body. He cast about for an excuse. Seeing the eel (an eel?) she held in one hand, he presented that for his excuse.

"Uh, I was just looking at the, uh... eel. Yeah. Um, it's a Moray Eel."

"Hmm..."

Tenchi gulped as Ryoko gave him that same suspicious look.

"Is that what they call it? I know you Japanese like eels, so I thought this would do the trick. There wasn't a whole lot else around."

"Uh, yeah. They're probably in deeper water. I mean, would you want to be a fish in those waves?" He pointed out to sea.

As Ryoko tossed a semi-curious look over her shoulder, Tenchi immediately set to the task of preparing lunch. He quickly found the wooden crate filled with straw brooms that Ryoko had conjured for the fire before she went fishing.

"Okay. Brooms. Sure. Why not? The straw will make great tinder, and the handles will burn forever!"

With a whistle, Tenchi set to breaking up the brooms for the fire. Ryoko just stared at him as he worked, a confused look on her face. After a while, she tossed the dead eel aside and returned her attention to the raging ocean.

The typhoon blew out faster than it blew in. The first signs of relief came towards the end of the next day. The winds began to slacken and more sunlight was able to penetrate the cloud cover. However, since it was later in the day, only Ryoko, with her exceptional vision, was able to notice the changing light.

Tenchi checked on her more frequently than the previous two days. He constantly asked her if she was feeling well, or if she needed anything. It got to the point where she was getting annoyed, rather than amused. He also looked at her frequently. She had forgotten to change out of her bikini before resuming her post. She wondered if she should chance trying to conjure something more modest, despite the huge waves beating at the edges of her shield. Eventually, she decided against it. If he wanted to look at her, then it was fine with her. There was no way she was going to take a chance with Tenchi's safety.

Tenchi awoke the next morning to a quiet island. The sound of dripping plants and the surf crashing upon the beach were stunningly pleasant compared to the roar he had been hearing for the last few days. As always there was the smell of salt water. Wondering if Ryoko was still standing at her position, Tenchi opened his eyes to check on her. A long mane of cyan hair filled his range of vision.

Pulling back a little, Tenchi realized that, not only was Ryoko no longer at her post, she was sleeping right in front of him. After getting over his initial shock, Tenchi smiled. He felt relieved she had finally broken her vigil to get some rest. As he laid behind her, he felt that feeling again. A feeling that clearly said he needed to show Ryoko he cared for her, rather than just saying it. Haltingly, he raised his free hand until it hovered just over her slim waist. He hesitated, wondering if Ryoko were awake, or even if he really wanted to take such a large risk. Tenchi closed his eyes for a moment as he consulted with the feelings that filled his heart. His hand slowly dropped until he felt her smooth skin. Ryoko's hand suddenly slapped over his, holding his hand in place.

"I'm sorry! I wasn't trying anything! I just, um..."

Ryoko low, throaty laugh filled the morning air.

"It's all right. Mmm. You just caught me by surprise."

The young woman lying in front of him turned over, bringing her only a few centimeters from his face.

"Tenchi?"

"Yes?"

"I stood there for almost five days protecting you."

"Yes, you did."

"I expect to be richly rewarded for my self-sacrifice."

"What did you have in mind?"

Ryoko took hold of his hand once more and placed on her waist again.

"Why don't you decide?"

As Tenchi looked deep into Ryoko's golden eyes, he thought of the perfect way to show his appreciation of what she had done for him. It was not too much to start, but it was sufficient to show how he felt. As he considered his options, he gingerly felt her smooth skin with his fingertips. The feeling suddenly hit him full-force. His decision was simple.

"All right."

Tenchi closed his eyes and leaned forward until he felt Ryoko's lips against his. At first, he was unsure of exactly what to do. Fortunately, Ryoko was quick to take the lead. They kissed for what seemed like forever. All the stress and pain she had accumulated in the time she had waited for Tenchi flowed away like the receding tides that the typhoon took with its passing. Even though he made no other advance on her person, it was enough to rejuvenate Ryoko's ebbing confidence in her future with Tenchi.

Tenchi reveled in how wonderful he felt to finally release the restraints on his feelings. All at once, he realized he had been missing out on something very special for too long. None of the reasons why he had denied himself this feeling for so long seemed to make sense anymore. All he could think of was the profound desire this wonderful woman made him feel. He wanted to hold her, cherish her, protect her, and ravish her all at the same time. Only a little bug in the back of his mind kept him in line. It spoke to him, saying "Take it easy! Don't push. One step at a time."

Understanding the importance of what his conscience was telling him, Tenchi slowly backed away from where ever it was he had been heading. He smiled in unison with Ryoko as they heard their respective consciences tell them they had performed both admirably, and properly. They laughed, and the Gods laughed with them.

Tenchi opened his eyes, and realized the additional laughter he heard was not due to the gods, but rather, due to the short redhead sitting on the other side of the fire-pit with a video camera pointed at them.

"Please. Don't mind me." Washu giggled again. "You are so cute!"

Then Tenchi heard a deep growl begin to rumble within Ryoko's throat. She suddenly turned over and swiped at the video camera. Washu leaned back, narrowly avoiding Ryoko's angry assault.

"You bitch! You ruined my moment with Tenchi!"

"I did not! I waited until you were done."

The camera suddenly jumped out of her hand. She had barely seen what had happened. But now she could easily see Tenchi holding the camera high above his head, with a look of anger on his face. His eyes focused on the largest of the rocks in the fireplace, then his body tensed. Washu shied back, expecting an explosion of plastic, but none came. When she regained the courage to open her eyes, she saw that Tenchi no longer appeared angry. He lowered the camera and looked at her, anger smoldering in his eyes.

"Washu, that is the rudest thing anyone has ever done to me. Don't ever do that again. Not to me, and not ever to Ryoko."

Washu actually shivered at the iron in Tenchi's voice. He left not a shred of doubt in her mind what the penalty would be if she disobeyed. Recalling the video she had made of Ryoko following her assimilation with Zero, she made a mental note to destroy that tape and all nine hundred and ninety nine copies she had made as soon as she got back to her lab. However, it would be unseemly if she let on that he had actually gotten to her with his words.

"Sorry. I was just documenting my daughter's development in sex, uh, I mean, life. It's important to keep tabs on your child's development." Washu wagged a finger in the air as if she were giving sage advice, rather than an excuse. "You'll understand that some day when you have children of your own."

Tenchi just glared at her.

"You sure took your sweet time!" Ryoko complained, breaking in on their confrontation.

"It may seem that way to you. But, back home it's only been three hours."

"Three hours?"

"Yup. And I can think of a certain princess who's going to be very disappointed."

"That's... my problem." Tenchi sighed in resignation. He knew now that, although it had not been a conscious decision, he had chosen. While the rewards would be great, so would the penalties. "I'll just have to talk to Aeka." He looked at Washu again. "Please, don't tell her anything."

"Hell, no, I won't tell her! You think I'm nuts? She'd tear me apart just for suggesting it. If you want to commit suicide, that's up to you."

"Gee, thanks."

"And you!" Washu pointed at Ryoko. "You and me have to have a long talk, little girl."

"Oh, please. Don't even. I already know all about the birds and the bees, not that it means anything to -- ah!" Ryoko suddenly remembered a short discussion with Washu a few weeks ago on that very topic.

"Mmm-hmm. So you do remember. Well, here's one more meatball for the table. Time in this dimension flows three hundred times faster than in Okayama. So, while it seemed like five weeks here, it was only three hours there."

Tenchi fixed Washu with a worried stare.

"So, when we go back, it'll only be three hours after we left?"

"You got it."

Tenchi cast a nervous glance towards Ryoko. It took Washu a couple of seconds to realize Tenchi had not yet informed her of his decision to attend the Galaxy Academy.

"Well, it looks like you two have some things to sort out, so..." Washu stood up. "I'll wait for you back in my lab."

Ryoko leapt after her.

"Wait! How do we get back?"

"Through the glowing green square."

"Washu!" Ryoko gave chase across the ocean-scoured sand until Washu disappeared through the afore mentioned glowing green square.

"Damn it! Not even so much as a "Sorry for losing you for a month." She rubbed her head in consternation before turning back to Tenchi. Right away she noticed how he was just sitting there, looking into the fire-pit. She quickly floated back to his side.

"Don't look so sad! You wanted to go back, right?"

"Yeah. It's just..." he took a deep breath before continuing, "...there's something I haven't told you."

Ryoko paid rapt attention as she sat down next to Tenchi.

"What?"

"I didn't think it mattered anymore because of how long we were here. But, now that Washu says it was only three hours, I still have to go."

"Go?"

"Ryoko, I'm going to the Galaxy Academy. I was going to tell you. But, when I thought I had missed the arrival date, I didn't think it mattered any more. So, I didn't say anything. I... was afraid you'd be mad at me. I'm sorry for not telling you sooner."

Meekly, Tenchi looked sidelong at Ryoko. Now she was staring into the half-dead fire-pit as well.

"I want to go to college, Ryoko. I want to be somebody, not a farmer. It doesn't mean I don't like you! I..." Tenchi hung his head. "I'm sorry."

Despite the fact that he could not see Ryoko's face through the long strands of hair that hung down around her face, he could still hear her voice as she quietly spoke.

"Don't go."

It took Tenchi a couple of seconds to come up with a suitable response.

"This is something I have to do. I know it sounds weird, but, I want to see some of the things that must be out there. I never imagined that there was a whole civilization out there, waiting to be discovered. I know that doesn't really sound like me, but it's true. I want to see it."

"I'll take you, then. Anywhere you want."

"Ryoko..."

Suddenly, Ryoko whirled to face him. She grabbed him by the shirt and gave him a good shake.

"You're not leaving me, again! You're not! You can't do this to me! Not again." Her grip slackened and her head hung almost to the ground.

"Don't leave me." Ryoko slipped right down into his lap. "Please, don't leave me again."

Tenchi felt warm tears dribbling down the side of his leg. He placed his right hand on the back of her head and gently stroked her neck to comfort her.

"I'll be back for vacations. And, we can write to each other."

"It's not the same." She complained through her tears.

"Ryoko, I have to do this for myself. For almost three years, I've been living for everyone else. I need this. I need to know who I am."

Ryoko suddenly sat up again. She looked him right in the eyes and yelled at him.

"You're Tenchi Masaki, you block-head!" Ryoko took a deep, tremulous breath before speaking again. "You're my Tenchi. Isn't that enough?"

Feeling unspeakably low and undeserving of so much love from such a person, Tenchi carefully wiped the tear streaks from Ryoko's face. As he gazed into her eyes, he noticed something was different.

"You're eyes... they've changed."

Tenchi's observation caught Ryoko off guard. She had actually forgotten for a while that one of the changes she had made to her new body was to have circular pupils, rather than the cat-like orifices that made her so alien to others. Her pain forgotten for the moment, Ryoko asked the only thing that made any sense for her right now.

"Do you like my eyes?"

"You have pretty eyes."

By some unspoken mutual agreement, they leaned forward and kissed again. Ryoko's passion flared brightly. She suddenly climbed right into Tenchi's lap, causing him to lose his balance and fall back onto the sand. Ryoko did not give him a chance to recover. She climbed on top of him and kissed him hungrily, devouring his affection.

For a moment, Tenchi thought Ryoko would try to move too quickly, as she had so many times before. But, she only laid atop his chest, kissing his lips, and holding him tightly. As he relaxed, he found he enjoyed kissing Ryoko a great deal.

Tenchi stood before the glowing green square. He and Ryoko were decently attired, once more. That choice had been easy enough. The choice of whether or not to return hand in hand was not so easy. There were many possibilities for the immediate future. If they returned as they stood right now, everyone would notice and there would definitely be a scene. Tenchi no longer wished to deny the feelings he knew he had for Ryoko. But, he also knew Aeka would be the first to suffer the consequences. He agonized over what to do until Ryoko broke in on his contemplation.

"Aeka will be there, waiting." Ryoko could see Tenchi was having trouble deciding what to do next. "It really doesn't matter to me what she thinks about us. But, I guess it matters to you."

"I don't want Aeka to think I don't care about her." Tenchi explained. "If we just waltz in and say we're together, either there'll be a fight, or she'll run away crying. I'm not sure which would be worse."

Ryoko pouted, unsure of what to do. She knew Tenchi harbored some feelings for Aeka, especially with everything that had been happening lately. Dealing with this kind of situation was something she had no experience with.

"Ryoko, would you mind if I talked to Aeka first about this? I think it's best if she hears it from me."

Ryoko's hand drifted upwards from Tenchi's hand to his neck. She moved in front of him and wrapped her other arm around his neck as well.

"All right. But you have to pay a penalty."

"Uhh..." Tenchi looked into Ryoko's twinkling eyes. "What kind of penalty?"

"You have to kiss me."

Tenchi relaxed. He had been wondering what Ryoko had in mind. He gently slipped his arms around her waist.

"Such a harsh penalty." He sarcastically responded as he leaned forward to comply.

"Isn't it?" Ryoko's eyes slid shut as Tenchi paid the price for her permission to be alone with Aeka for a short time. She hungrily devoured his attention and demanded more by firmly holding his head close to hers. Letting her feelings run amok, Ryoko felt her body blooming with passion. She was only moments away from trying something more meaningful when Tenchi pulled away.

"Is the offering acceptable?" He teased.

Ryoko let her head rest against his shoulder.

"I want more."

"That's the best I can do, for now."

It was not what Ryoko wanted to hear. She could feel her entire being calling out to Tenchi to become one with her. Within his arms, she could feel the entire universe.

"I want you." She tightened her grip and pressed herself against Tenchi's body. He embraced her tightly letting her know he wanted her near, without giving her the idea he was consenting to her desire.

"Tenchi," she whispered in his ear, "make love to me."

Tenchi sighed.

"Ryoko..."

"We can do it right now. No one will know. Washu said time flows faster here. We can even take our time! Tenchi..." Ryoko took two fistfuls of his shirt. "Tenchi, please. I... I need you."

Tenchi could feel her literally shaking against his chest, her need for him was so great. He held the shuddering girl close, giving her as much feeling as he could muster.

"I love you so much." Ryoko sniffled back a loose tear.

"I know." Tenchi assured her he was aware of her feelings. "I know you do."

Ryoko's iron grip on his shirt gradually relaxed as her feelings came under better control.

"Tenchi, you'd better not leave without making love to me."

Tenchi idly wondered what Ryoko would do if he did not give her what she wanted. When the image of an ultra-powerful energy wave speeding across the face of the Earth came to mind, he decided he would give the matter more serious thought.

Tenchi and Ryoko emerged from the portal separately, ladies first. As expected, the others were waiting. They immediately crowded around him and Ryoko, demanding to know if he was all right.

"I'm fine. We're both fine. Everything's fine."

Ryoko seemed miffed that everyone was paying attention to Tenchi and ignoring her. She glared at them.

"Hey! What about me?"

Aeka was the only one who deigned to answer her.

"What about you?"

Returning her attention to Tenchi she fawned over him, concern running deeply in her soft voice.

"Lord Tenchi, are you certain you are well? Only a few hours ago, you seemed to be in great pain."

"Uh, well... It went away pretty quickly."

"Ah! I see." Aeka sent a grateful look to Washu. "Thank you, Little Washu for healing Lord Tenchi's wound. I was beside myself with worry."

"Uh... sure."

Tenchi looked at her as if he disapproved. Washu held her hands up and shrugged, as if to say "What?" Aeka quickly returned her attention to Tenchi.

"Lord Tenchi, you've been awake for most of the night. You should get some rest."

Actually, Tenchi was wide awake. He had just slept for an entire night and wanted nothing more than to walk around and stretch his limbs.

"Actually, I'm not really tired anymore. But, I wouldn't mind having someone to talk with for a little while before breakfast."

All was suddenly very quite. The only noise was from Washu's various contraptions, and a soft snoring from Sasami and Mihoshi as they slept standing up against Tenchi's chest. A wet spot was beginning to form where Mihoshi was drooling against his shirt. He looked at them in surprise, then chuckled aloud.

"Heh heh. Um, would somebody mind?"

His Grandfather was the first to volunteer.

"I believe I can be of some assistance." Katsuhito arrived at his grandson's side and easily scooped up his younger sister into his arms.

"Miss Ryoko, would you be so kind as to relieve Tenchi of his burden?"

Ryoko looked at Katsuhito with astonishment and pleasure.

"You want me to get rid of Aeka?"

"Who are you calling a burden, you parasite!"

Ryoko laughed.

"Ha hah! Relax, Princess! I'm just yanking your chain! Go have you little talk with Tenchi. Enjoy yourself." She took hold of Mihoshi and trussed her over a shoulder. Drool began to run down the other side of Mihoshi's face as Ryoko made her way to the lift.

"Come on, Grandpa. You're holdin' up the works."

"I may be old, but I'm not blind just yet."

Just as Katsuhito was entering the lift, Ryoko met Aeka's gaze. She could see that Aeka had no idea what was about to befall her.

"Aeka?"

"What now, Miss Ryoko?"

"Nothing personal."

Aeka failed to comprehend the meaning of Ryoko's statement. But before she could inquire further, the lift platform shot into the darkness above, taking it's passengers from sight.

"Now what do you suppose that meant?"

Tenchi remained conspicuously silent as another platform took the place of the first. He said nothing until they boarded the lift.

"There's something we have to talk about."

Looking at Tenchi, Aeka could see that he did not seem very enthusiastic. Ryoko's comment began to make more sense. Sensing the demise of all hope, she mentally prepared herself for the worst.

Tenchi climbed the ladder he had installed on the balcony up to the roof. As expected, Ryoko was there. She sat on the edge, behind the false chimney she had made, with her legs dangling off the edge. Tenchi carefully made his way across the roof and sat next to her. She snuggled into the crook of his arm and chest as his arm found it's way around her shoulders.

"Did you talk to Aeka?" She asked.

"Yeah."

"I'll bet she was pissed."

"Well... no."

"Really?"

"Hmm. She was pretty upset. But, she took it better than I thought she would. I still feel bad, though."

There was a long pause while neither spoke. They simply sat together, looking at the golden sunrise.

"You're really going to leave, aren't you?"

"I'm sorry. But, I really want to do this. It's my chance to do something meaningful with my life. Until recently, I had no idea what I wanted to do with myself. I was just a teenager, waiting for the next school vacation. Going to the Academy is an opportunity to find out what I want to do with the rest of my life."

"A person has to work and make money, so that they can do the things they want. Sure, I could stay here and work at some fast-food place or something like that and make enough money to survive. But what kind of life would that be? I've seen people that live that way. They don't look happy. I know I can do better than that. Besides, I don't think you would be happy living like that."

Ryoko looked at Tenchi in surprise and anticipation. His lips curled into a wry grin.

"Neither would Aeka, now that I think about it. She'd go insane living in one of those little apartments in the city."

Ryoko almost fell off the roof. She grabbed hold of the chimney for support and pointed a finger in Tenchi's face. Her cheeks puffed out in mock indignation.

"You... you..."

Tenchi smiled at her.

"Is there something wrong?"

"You," she paused for effect, "have been very bad lately."

"Is that so?" Tenchi looked up as if he had no idea what she was talking about.

Ryoko quickly warmed to Tenchi's mild-mannered play.

"You'll have to pay for that."

He closed one eye and grumbled.

"Again?"

"Yes, Tenchi. Again."

Tenchi the Villain sighed as if his lot in life was insurmountable.

"What did I do to deserve such an unjust punishment?"

"I think it's very fair." Ryoko informed him.

"Can I plea bargain?" Tenchi offered his judge.

"Mmm, what do you have in mind?" Ryoko curiously asked.

"How about a date?"

"Really?" Ryoko smiled brightly, very happy with Tenchi's offer.

"Yes. If you want."

"Hell, yeah, I want! When?"

"How about this afternoon?"

"You got it! Ah! But, Tenchi," Ryoko slyly added in a small condition, "It's expensive to take me out on a date. There's a price you have to pay before I'll even step out the door."

"Gee, I wonder what that is?" Tenchi scratched the back of his head.

"Tenchi..." Ryoko reached behind his neck with her right hand and pulled his mouth to hers. Tenchi paid the price for the date he had just made, and then some when Ryoko stuck her tongue in his mouth. He hesitated for a moment while he considered if he liked it. The results came back positive, so he gently touched his tongue to hers. He carefully moved his free hand to Ryoko's waist, where it felt completely natural for it to be. They remained stuck together for several minutes while they gained a greater understanding of each other.

END INTERLUDE.

AFTERWORD: Just when it looks like Tenchi has chosen who he wants to be with, he runs off to the Academy. How do you think the girls are going to handle this? Tenchi's grand journey begins in Volume 3.