INVASION: Volume 3, Part 7: Expectations

DISCLAIMER: TENCHI MUYOU! is copyright AIC/Pioneer, LDC. I claim no rights to it or the characters. However, the events depicted within this story are entirely of my own imagination. Please do not change them!

FOREWORD: My apologies for taking so long to get this chapter out. This Spring was very busy for me. Things will go much faster from now on, as I've pretty much finished writing the next chapter already. I'm aiming to finish Volume 3 by the end of the year. Although, ending volume 3 with the upcoming wedding would be a nice break point between volumes.

AUTHOR: Dreamr
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BEGIN.

Since relocating to the Galaxy Academy, breakfast in the Masaki family was an ongoing affair over the course of the morning due to everyone's differing schedules. Washu, when she deigned to show-up for the most important meal of the day, was always the first. Sasami was usually next, since her school started earlier than the college-going young adults. Shortly after her, depending on the day of the week, were Tenchi and Aeka, usually at the same time since their classes were almost identical, then Ryoko, who was usually in a rush due to over-sleeping. But today was different. Today, Washu decided to actually eat a real breakfast with the rest of the family.
Washu sat down at the now appropriately shortened wooden table, thinking nice thoughts about the very thoughtful Princess Aeka, who had redecorated the house in the Japanese style to make Tenchi more comfortable. The kitchen help, a tall woman with green hair in a pony-tail and golden eyes, was returning to the kitchen after serving Washu an omelet when Sasami came bouncing through the dining room door in her sailor-style school uniform. The girl stopped dead in her tracks at the sight of Washu stuffing her face with eggs.
"Little Washu!"
"Hiya!"
Sasami approached the table a little slower than her initial entrance into the room.
"Wow. It's nice to see you having breakfast for once."
"Yup. I decided to make some time for the family today."
"Oh? It's too bad you couldn't do that on a day when I'm making breakfast."
Sasami's tone prompted Washu to pause in her chopstick-to-mouth stuffing action to look at her. The girl remained silent and serious for a moment before smiling.
"Just kidding!"
Washu pointed her chopsticks at Sasami.
"I'll remember that the next time you want a favor."
Sasami's amusement quickly changed to concern.
"You don't really mean that, do you?"
Washu couldn't help a chuckle at the way Sasami was flashing her big pink eyes in her most pitiful look.
"Not really."
"Oh, you!"
The sound of a jaw-cracking yawn alerted the two girls to the next arrival. The second surprise of the morning made itself known when Ryoko made her first appearance of the day.
"Yo."
Washu took little note of her daughter's arrival, focusing instead on her breakfast. Sasami stared at Ryoko in amazement.
"Wow. You're up early."
"So?"
Seeing Washu's enthusiasm at the breakfast table, Ryoko chose to sit away from her on the far side of Sasami, where she would be out of range of any potential danger.
"Jeez, what's gotten into her?"
"Hunger, I think." Sasami whispered to Ryoko.
"By the way she's eating, you'd think she was the one eating for two."
The girls stared at Washu, their eyes narrowing in suspicion.
"Let's see." Ryoko began tallying the evidence. "She's never at breakfast."
Sasami took up the next point.
"She's always working late."
"When she does show-up, it's just to eat and run."
The girls both leaned closer to Washu, looking for some outward signs that they could interpret.
"Hmm..."
Washu looked up to see the two girls carefully examining her face.
"What?"
Sasami smiled.
"What's his name?"
Washu dropped her chopsticks.
"Eh?!"
"Come on, Washu. Who is he?" A frightening idea suddenly entered Ryoko's mind. "Hey! You'd better not be snogging my Tenchi!"
It started as a small snicker, then grew into a chuckle. Washu's face turned red as her laughter grew until it was shaking the house with its intensity.
"Me? Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Ha!"
"Admit it!" Ryoko demanded while Sasami nodded in agreement. "You've got a boyfriend!"
Washu hid her blushing face with one hand.
"Sweet innocent little ol' me? But, I'm so young! I'm not really sure I'm ready for that kind of a relationship."
"Don't play that innocent little girl act with me! We both know you can become an adult any time you want. So 'fess up!"
Washu had no intention of confirming or denying any relationship she may or may not have to these two little gossip mongers. The fact that she was still single made no difference what-so-ever when it came to her reply. Besides, it was way too fun to tease the girls than to simply put an end to it. Allowing her body to fill out to it's adult proportions, Washu wrapped her arms around her torso just under her breasts.
"But after ten thousand years, I do sometimes get lonely for a man's company."
The grown scientist hefted her arms up a bit, intentionally making her breasts jiggle. The girls stared at Washu's chest with obvious envy.
"If only a sweet, yet passionate young man would take me to his bed -- er, heart. Then I would have the sex, I mean love, that I need. Oh, poor me!"
Setting her face in her free hand, Washu added in a few fake sobs into her performance just for effect. The girls next to her groaned aloud.
The door to the kitchen swung open, admitting the green-haired lady again. By now, Sasami was used to seeing the few staff that Aeka had spared going about their business in the house. This woman was new to Sasami. Although she was wearing an apron and chef's hat, her tone of voice said she was more than just a cook.
"If it's a boyfriend you're looking for, I know someone who's very good at matching couples."
Washu abruptly reverted to her younger shape, releasing the strain her adult body put on her teenager-sized academy faculty uniform.
"No, thanks. I don't need that kind of help." Her flat tone of voice indicated a total lack of interest.
"Excuse me." Sasami looked up at the woman. "Are you replacing our cook?"
"Not at all. Professor Washu asked me to take over for today so the usual cook can have a day off."
"Oh!" Washu interjected herself into the conversation. "You naughty girls made me forget my manners! I'd like you to meet the assistant Headmaster of the Galaxy Academy, Airi Masaki."
Airi glared at Washu out of the corner of her eye.
"I'm only an assistant because Professor Washu suddenly decided she wanted her old job back."
"Masaki?" Sasami asked, curious as to her family name.
"Yes." Airi stared right at Sasami, her gaze unwavering. "Lord Yosho is my husband."
Both Sasami and Ryoko leaned forward at that.
"Eh!?"
"That old dog!" Ryoko remarked loudly. "When did he find time to get married?"
"Oh, he didn't have much say in the matter." Airi explained. "He got me pregnant, then went chasing after some space-pirate who's name I can't remember."
Scratching at the back of her head, Ryoko laughed weakly under Airi's withering stare.
"Is that so?"
Meanwhile, Sasami was mentally climbing the Masaki family tree.
"Well, that means you're mine and Aeka's sister, and... ha! You're Tenchi's grandmother!"
A gout of flames leapt from Airi's mouth as she very loudly informed Sasami of her status within the family.
"DON'T CALL ME GRANDMOTHER!"
Washu rotated the protective welder's mask up from her face.
"Don't call Airi --"
Airi glared at Washu.
"...that."
Sasami peered over the edge of the table to see if it was clear. "No... kidding..."
The door to the hallway opened again. This time, a still tired Aeka began to shuffle in to the breakfast chamber, intent on something strictly liquid to wake her up. Some tea sounded about right. Solid food in the morning just didn't agree with her these days. However, when she saw someone she had seen once before when she had gone to see her brother at this same academy seven hundred years ago, her eyes came open and all vestiges of sleep faded from her mind.
"You!"
"Me." Airi just smiled at the elder princess.
"W-w-w-Washu! What is that person doing here?"
"She is graciously cooking us breakfast. Be polite or your eggs'll be runny."
Aeka's stomach flipped over at the thought of runny eggs. She promptly turned around and ran for the restroom while Ryoko snickered at her abrupt departure.
"Wuss."
Tenchi strode in through the same door, which was still flapping in the breeze. He looked down the hall after Aeka, somewhat concerned, but knowing that there was little he could do for her other than offer emotional support and get out of the way.
"Things sure are off to a quick start today."
Seeing a stranger in the room, Tenchi was quick to introduce himself.
"Oh, good morning. I'm Tenchi Masaki." He bowed politely.
Airi merely inclined her head.
"It's very nice to finally meet you, Tenchi. I'm Airi Masaki."
"Masaki?" Tenchi asked, unaware of the danger he was putting himself in.
"Do I have to explain this again?"
"Yes." Washu answered her.
"Maybe I should just put a plaque around my neck." Airi muttered to herself before continuing. "Very well. I was married to Yosho in absentium after he left to chase after Ryoko."
"Hey!" Ryoko suddenly exclaimed. "I thought you couldn't remember my name!"
Airi glared at Ryoko out of the corner of her eye.
"Oh! Look at that! It just suddenly came back to me."
Ryoko looked away, disgusted.
"Yeah, right."
"Grandpa's wife!?" Tenchi exclaimed in surprise. "So..."
The girls hit the deck expecting another nuclear blast.
"I have a grandmother again!"
Veins bulged on Airi's forehead as she ground her teeth and clenched her fists. This time, she was prepared, and managed to control her displeasure. Tenchi recoiled in fear at the sight of her expression.
"Out of respect for my... husband's grandson, I will very POLITELY remind him not to call me GRANDMOTHER!"
"Uh... sure."
"Although, all this talk of my husband does remind me of an interesting rumor I heard just this morning. I understand congratulations are in order."
Tenchi raised an eyebrow at that, as Washu peeked over the top of the table.
"Is it clear?"
"Clear of what?" Airi asked.
"Uh, nothing." Washu responded, sitting up again. "Nothing at all."
As Tenchi took a seat next to Ryoko, he noticed a certain tenseness in her bearing. Gathering that it was probably from their argument last night, he decided that it would be a good idea to apologize sooner, rather than later.
"Ryoko, I'm sorry for how I acted last night. It was uncalled for."
Ryoko blushed as she meekly shook her head.
"No, I... guess you've got a point."
They sat quietly under the intense scrutiny of those assembled. Under the table where no one could see, Tenchi took Ryoko's hand and gave it a supportive squeeze. Ryoko returned the affectionate gesture as she turned her face to look at Tenchi with a loving smile. Someone's giggling reminded them that they were in the public eye, so to speak.
"How cute!" Airi quietly whispered to herself, grinning. "You know, about that pirate's name... I seem to have forgotten it again."
"Oh, really?" Ryoko mockingly asked.
"You were saying, um... Ms Airi?"
"Yes, thank you very much for paying attention to me. I hear you're getting married."
"Yes. But... how did you know? We haven't made any official announcements, yet."
"Oh, well there's no need, now. It's all over the news."
Everyone was quiet while they tried to figure out who could have spoiled the surprise. Gradually, everyone turned their attention to Ryoko.
"What? No one said I had to keep it a secret! And why should I?"
"Well, what's done is done, as Grandpa likes to say." Tenchi got up from the table without bothering to eat. "I'd better go get Aeka. We have to talk to her father before he finds out."
"Oh, it's much too late for that."
"Huh?"
"The King of Jurai has a very good information net. Almost as good as Lady Seto's. He'll probably be here in... a couple of hours. You'd better polish-up your sword skills."
"Do you think he'll want me to duel again?"
"Duel?" Airi flashed her toothiest smile. "You'll be lucky if that's all he wants."
"Oh, man." Tenchi dropped down to his knees.
"Actually," Washu rudely burbled around a mouthful of orange juice, "I bet he's more upset about you marrying Ryoko. You are a member of the royal family, after all. I don't think many people would appreciate her being brought into the family."
Sasami got up on her knees, drawing everyone's attention to her.
"We'd love to have her!"
"Well, it does make good sense, strategically. Even if you can convince the King of it, we still have to convince the other three Great Royal Houses. Lady Seto should support it, I think. Nishia Tatsuki will support it if Seto does. But Shusan Amaki... forget it. He and Azusa hate each other." Airi scratched at her tightly held hair. "This is very complex."
The room went earily quiet as those in attendance thought things over. Sasami's sudden screech brought everyone back to the everyday world.
"I'm gonna be late!" Looking down at the table, Sasami realized that they had spent so much time talking and gossiping that she had completely forgotten to have breakfast. Not even a single cup of tea had passed her lips. "And I forgot breakfast." Sasami's shoulders sank. She hated missing breakfast. It always made her feel sluggish and tired.
"Hold on!" Airi ran back into the kitchen. The sound of crashing pots and pans clanged through the air. A moment later, the green-haired woman burst from the kitchen with a box lunch in hand.
"Here you go! I made everyone a box lunch. If you like, you can have it on the way to school."
"Ah!" Sasami was so grateful for the thoughtful meal that she launched herself over the table at Airi to give her a hug. "Thank you so much, Sister Airi!"
Airi laughed in delight.
"It's my pleasure."
As they parted, everyone noticed that the box had been crushed between them. It's contents dripped from the broken corners.
"Sorry." Sasami apologized.
"I'll put it in a bag."
"Thanks."
Washu shook her head while chuckling with amusement. Tenchi and Ryoko were still making eyes at each other, and Airi was standing, so she figured that no one else had caught the flash of Sasami's Ryo-o-ki printed panties. Speaking of Ryo-o-ki, Washu wondered where the little creature had gotten off to.
"Hey, Ryoko. Have you seen Ryo-o-ki?"
"She's pottie-training." Ryoko answered without batting an eyelash.
"Eh?"

Aeka pounded on the restroom door again.
"Ryo-o-ki, please hurry! Oh, God..."
A little girl's voice came clearly through the door.
"Myan!"

"So, then." Washu asked, putting her feet up on the immense wooden desk in her very large faculty office. "What do you think?"
"Ryoko's a cute girl." Airi remarked as she rounded the desk. "She's obviously infatuated with Tenchi."
"It's more than an infatuation."
Airi grasped the big toe of Washu's right foot and tossed the shorter woman's feet from the desk-top.
"This may be your office, but it's my desk. Keep your stinky feet off of it."
"And such a nice desk it is, too!" Washu began spinning around in the chair, enjoying the sense of imbalance that the rotational forces of inertia were imparting on her inner ear.
"She's cute because she wears her heart on her sleeve. But that can be used against her."
"Anyone who gets between her and what she wants is either very stupid or very brave."
Airi sighed at Washu's seeming lack of interest.
"If Ryoko does any worse this semester than the last, she will be kicked out of the academy."
Washu stopped spinning around. Her head wobbled a bit as she waited for her balance to return to normal.
"Whatever for?"
Airi slapped her hands on the desk and leaned forward in Washu's face.
"Dammit, will you for one moment be serious!?"
"Ms Airi, why are you spinning around in a circle?"
Airi began to growl deep in her throat. If there was anything she disliked as much as being called Grandmother, it was not being taken seriously when she was trying to actually be serious.
"Listen very carefully, Professor Washu. If Ryoko's average falls even one percentage point, she will be placed on Academic Suspension for the next semester, and made to repeat the previous semester next year. There is nothing I can do about that."
Lifting a hand to her head, Airi stood up again, the irritation on her face having been replaced by worry.
"And I hear she's even joined a musical band! For goodness sake, she doesn't have the time to fool around with things like that! She needs to study and get her grades up!"
"True."
"So why won't you do something about it!?"
"Because if I get involved, everyone will think I used my pull as Headmaster to keep her in."
Airi sat on the edge of the thick wooden desk with her arms folded over her chest, grumbling to herself.
"She needs more discipline."
"No. Little Ryoko has had more discipline than she can take. What she needs is to realize that she is responsible for her actions, and that her future is dependant on those actions, not the whims of those around her. If she flunks out, then it will be her own fault and no one else's."
"Tough love."
Washu stared up at the expanse of stars displayed across the ceiling.
"I want Ryoko to succeed. It would be a snap for me to hack into the academy records and change her grades."
"It would also be very illegal."
"Yes, it would. As well as unfair to Ryoko."
"This is just so frustrating! I saw her entrance exam results. She is smart! But she won't consider going to any other department except Religion."
Washu gave the chair another spin.
"I wonder why that is?"
"Oh, yes. I almost forgot that she's now engaged. How wonderful. Another distraction."
"So, what are you going to do?"
Airi stood up on her own two feet, preparing to try to threaten Washu with the potential embarrassment of her daughter's failure.
"Professor, you sponsored Ryoko. If she fails, the media will have a field day. There are members of the Board that would love to see her expelled, and you publicly embarrassed. I can work to keep things quiet. But, if something doesn't change... Well, I think you should be prepared for the worst."
"So, you expect her to fail."
"Like all students, I expect her to at least make an attempt at passing."
Clasping her hands behind her back, Airi took a short stroll around the front of the desk.
"Besides those who want her out, there are some who are very enthusiastic about her attendance here, myself included. The split is about even. The decision, if it comes down to it, will be made by the few Board members who are neutral or undecided about her."
Again, Airi leaned forward over the large wooden desk pleading for some assistance.
"Professor, please try to convince her to transfer! Professor Naguma in Archaeology is begging for her reading skills! Cryptologists and linguists all over the academy want her! Even those stalwarts over in Astrophysics could use her! Professor... no. Little Washu, please try to convince Ryoko to transfer to another field of study."
Looking up into Airi's eyes, Washu could see she meant business. It was evident to her that Ryoko would fail if she continued to disregard her academics for other extracurricular activities, such as Tenchi, and playing guitar in a band. Those weren't bad things. In fact, Washu considered them vital to Ryoko's social development. But priorities needed to be established. If she did not pass, Ryoko would not be allowed to stay at the academy with Tenchi. Of course, she would refuse to leave him. Then there would be trouble. Besides the normal academicians, there were practical theorists who preferred weapons research. Many of them would love a chance to test their inventions against Ryoko. Some of their more interesting experimental prototypes had the potential to cause great damage. The Galaxy Academy was not the place to pick a fight. Trying to appear less concerned than she actually was, Washu lifted her feet back up on to the desk.
"I'll talk to her."
Airi heaved a sigh of relief.
"Thank you."

The day was bright. The sky was blue with some sparsely spread puffy clouds. The professor's voice droned on mechanically, lulling students to near catatonia. Suddenly, the classroom darkened, drawing the attention of the undergraduate students to the windows. The very large and dark shadow upon the ground indicated that something was blocking the sun's rays. Crowding the window in hopes of finding a little excitement, the class saw an immense wooden ship in the sky directly above the building that they were in. Everyone knew that only Jurai had the technology to create such a ship. However, this being the Galaxy Academy, having a Jurai battleship hovering overhead was not an everyday occurrence.
"Oh, no." Aeka uttered with dread when she saw the ship. Behind her and Tenchi, the other students were making bets as to how long Tenchi would live once the King of Jurai got a hold of him.
A sudden blast of wind whooshed through the window, heralding the King's arrival. Standing upon a floating wooden platform with one hand on the convenient safety rail, Azusa descended vertically into view. He glowered menacingly at the students, frightening them enough that they immediately backed-up to the far wall, leaving Aeka and Tenchi to face the brunt of his displeasure.
"Father." Aeka bravely greeted him. "What brings you --"
"Silence!"
Aeka visibly cringed at his stern reprimand.
"The two of you will come with me. This matter is not for the public."
"Yes, Father." Aeka promptly complied by climbing out the window to join Azusa on the same platform that he stood on. Once she was safely aboard, she turned and held out a hand to assist Tenchi.
"Come."
"Right." Tenchi briefly acknowledged before he also climbed out the window.

As in the past when he had traveled aboard a Jurai ship, Tenchi felt awed by its majesty. However, the bridge of this ship was several times larger than both Aeka's Ryuo and Misaki's Karin. It was so big that there was even room for a reflecting pool below the raised dais where the king sat on his throne at the foot of his tree. Strangely though, they seemed to be the only ones on board. Up on the upper deck, Azusa sat down upon his throne with a flourish of his royal robes. After a few seconds more spent glowering at the young adults, he waved them up to join him.
Aeka very nearly sighed aloud in relief. Getting invited up meant that her father wished to discuss the issue of her betrothal in a more relaxed, informal matter. As she and Tenchi started up, Aeka noticed that Azusa's fingers were drumming on the arm rest of his throne. He may be relaxed, but he still looked rather perturbed. There were several small variations of pillows strewn about on the floor around the King's throne. Aeka picked one that caught her fancy and sat down. Tenchi followed her lead without any prompting. He also chose a pillow, though at random, and sat, patiently awaiting his doom. Azusa sighed aloud, signaling the beginning of the conversation.
"I have heard a rather... disturbing rumor. They say that the First Princess of Jurai is to be wed."
"It's true." Both Aeka and Tenchi answered at the same time. The pattern of Azusa's finger drumming changed from a complex rhythm to a straightforward tapping.
"This... is not acceptable."
"I've made up my mind, Father." Aeka insisted. "This is what I want for myself."
"I feel the same way." Tenchi agreed.
"Do you know the first thing about politics?"
Tenchi found himself immediately on the defensive. But the question was valid, considering the importance of such a marriage as he and Aeka desired.
"Not really. But if learning about politics is what I have to do to marry Aeka, then that's what I'll do."
Azusa stared hard at Tenchi for almost a full minute as he considered what they were asking of him. It was certainly within his power to allow it, even command it if he felt it necessary. The worst thing about this was how he felt like he had been caught off-guard. He'd rushed to the academy as soon as he'd received the report, intending to make a big stink. Now that he was here with the two of them discussing it like rational people, his ire was not quite so strong. This was his daughter's future he was meddling in. He remembered vividly how Seto had loved meddling in his affairs when he was young. In the name of Tsunami, he hated having his affairs managed by that old grimalkin. Frankly, he wouldn't mind if the whole issue would evaporate like a bad dream. Unfortunately, that was not likely to happen anytime soon.
"What can you offer my daughter?"
Tenchi carefully considered his response before speaking. "I'm not certain of exactly how it works, but, if I understand things right, since my grandfather is the Crown Prince of Jurai, I could someday inherit the throne."
Azusa quickly adjusted his opinion of Tenchi's linguistic prowess up a notch. The young man had lured him in with the image of a country bumpkin and then come out like an angry bear who's cave was being invaded. If not for Aeka's near smirk, he might have laughed out loud.
"That is true. But this goes against all of our traditions. There should be a marriage candidacy and duels."
"Father, please. Lord Tenchi has already defeated your chosen man. Who else could there be?"
"If I have to fight another duel, then I will. I'd rather work things out peacefully, though."
The King found that his arguments were become less than effective. His only real concerns were Tenchi's lack of a proper upbringing, and the other half of the rumor, Ryoko.
"The rumors also say that you also intend to marry that... that demon, Ryoko."
"Ryoko is not a demon. And yes, I want to marry both Aeka and Ryoko."
The king's response was succinct, and to the point.
"No."
"Pardon?"
"As you were so quick to point out, you are a lineal descendant of the Jurai royal family. Ryoko is an enemy of Jurai. The union you wish to create would allow Ryoko to become one of us. That cannot be allowed."
Tenchi found himself in a difficult spot. Although Aeka's father seemed to be amenable to his marrying her, his pledge to marry both or neither meant that he would have to go against the wishes of the King of Jurai, which was probably a very bad idea, or give up on his wedding plans. That thought sent a jolt of irritation through Tenchi. Taking a deep breath, he braced himself for rough sailing.
"With respect, when I asked Aeka and Ryoko to marry me, I swore that I would only marry them if they both agreed. I believe that it would be wrong of me to place one above the other."
The King made a noise in the back of his throat that reminded Tenchi of his grandfather.
"It's impossible. Even if I were to agree, the other houses would not."
"Other houses?" Tenchi asked, wondering what any other families of Jurai had to do with it. Fortunately, Aeka was there to explain.
"Lord Tenchi, do you remember what I told you about the four great houses of the Jurai Royal Family?"
"Yeah, I think so. They're Masaki, Kamiki, uh, Tatsuki, and... um... Ame- ..."
"Amaki." Aeka reminded him.
"Yes! Amaki."
Anyway, if a prince or princess wishes to marry someone who is not of royal lineage, then he or she must get the other three houses to accept that person into the royal family. This is usually accomplished by adoption, or through the tree-choosing ceremony."
"I see. So, what if the answer is no?"
"Then..." Reminded of her father's mother, Amame, who left the royal family and Jurai itself to marry her love, Yotsuga, a mere Galaxy Police detective, Aeka looked up at her father. "Then he or she must either give up, or leave the royal family forever."
"So, all we have to do is get the four houses to accept Ryoko."
Azusa kept quiet, waiting to see how long it took Tenchi to realize the impossibility of what he was asking. It didn't take long. After a few seconds, Tenchi's shoulders slumped.
"I see your point."
"Very well." Azusa intoned as if the conversation were over. "Since you now see that what you ask is not going to happen -"
"No."
Azusa sat bolt straight when his daughter explicitly and firmly contradicted him.
"What?"
"Father, I know that Lady Funaho and Lady Seto would accept Ryoko. If house Kamiki were to publicly support her, then House Tatsuki would fall in line, as well."
"Hmph. And what of House Amaki, Aeka? What do you think it would take to get Lord Shusan to accept her, eh? Perhaps another dozen trees to help defend the Tenju?"
Aeka's mouth thinned as she pursed her lips in determination.
"I don't care if it take a hundred. Lord Tenchi has asked me to be his bride, and I will be so, even if I have to plant Ryuo right next to Funaho!"
The King's hair turned stark white when he heard Aeka's tone. He felt like his thumbs were in corkscrews and someone was tightening them millimeter by millimeter.
"But... but... it's not... I can't... urgh!" Azusa propped his elbow on one armrest and set his cheek on his clenched fist, sulking. "I'll practically have to hand the crown to him..."
"I'm sure you'll come up with something to satisfy him."
Azusa sighed loudly, knowing full-well that he was going to lose this debate. However, he could at least get some concessions from the opposition.
"Tenchi must learn the ways of Jurai. The day will come when he must serve the people, whether as king or otherwise."
"I understand." Tenchi respectfully answered, bowing his head.
"Father?"
"What?"
"Thank you. I know that I'll be very happy with Lord Tenchi as my husband."
Azusa blushed to hear his daughter thank him so.
"Ah, well... Ahem! You're welcome."

Kirito was just reaching orbital escape velocity when the proximity warning alarm went off. Since the alarm would only go off if a ship capable of causing his craft damage appeared, Azusa had a hunch who the alarm might be announcing. Not wanting to appear rushed or guilty, he waited to be hailed. It was no surprise when a holographic image of Seto Kamiki appeared in mid-air before him.
"I hope I'm not too late."
"Too late for what, Lady Seto?"
"Oh, aren't you playing coy today. Very well. Since you seem to be leaving, can I assume everything is taken care of?"
"Er, yes. Everything is fine here."
"Is that so? Well then, I'll just be on my way."
Azusa tried to keep silent, but he knew he had to breech the subject with Seto at some point. Better now than later.
"Wait!"
"Yes?"
"There is one... wrinkle."
"A wrinkle you say? Nothing a good flat-iron won't take care of, I hope."
The King grimaced on his throne, still sulking.
"My silly daughter insists on marrying Yosho's grandson."
"Tenchi? Wonderful! They should make a cute couple. Although, I have to admit to some disappointment at not having been their matchmaker."
Frustrated beyond tolerance, Azusa slammed his fist on the armrest of his throne.
"This is intolerable!" Lurching to his feet, the king began to prowl around in front of his seat. "How could I say yes to such an insane demand?"
"Oh, come now, Azusa-chan. I'm sure Tenchi will make Aeka a fine husband. Why, with the proper training, anyone can become King of Jurai."
Azusa sent Seto a nasty glare. He himself had been taken, with permission, from his parents and then trained in the ways of Jurai specifically for that purpose by Seto.
"That's not the problem!"
Seto felt a bit taken aback at Azusa's very verbal objections.
"Then, what is the problem? Or will I have to go ask Aeka myself?"
"Tenchi insists on marrying that... that demon-girl, as well!"
"Oh, my. That is rather..."
"Impossible!" Azusa shouted across the bridge of his ship. "And I said yes."
Seto nearly leapt through the view-screen in shock.
"What!? How in the name of Tsunami are we supposed to arrange that kind of a wedding?"
"I had no choice! Aeka threatened to leave the royal family if I said no."
Seto actually groaned out loud. There were only a few methods one could employ to get their way with this king. But whenever one of Azusa's precious little girls put her foot down, he folded like a cowboy with a bad poker hand.
"For heaven's sake, you've certainly put your foot in it this time. When Lord Shusan hears of this, he'll likely ask for a vote of no confidence."
"He wouldn't dare." Azusa growled.
"You give him too little credit. If I didn't know you as I do, I would ask, myself."
Azusa snorted in displeasure. "Your support in this matter is duly noted."
"You're quite welcome." Seto sighed again. "What a bother. Well, since you've already given your word..." Seto waited for Azusa's confirmation.
"Yes."
"Then we had best figure out how to get Lord Shusan to allow Miss Ryoko into the Royal Family."
"Tch. I may as well just hand the crown to him."
"Oh, stop. He's not getting the throne and you know it. Besides, can you imagine Lord Shusan as King of Jurai?"
"I have a harder time imagining Ryoko as a princess."
"Oh, I don't know. A little make-up, some lessons in etiquette..."
"Are you serious?"
"Do we have a choice?"
"No."
"Well, then. What about little Sasami. Lord Shusan has a nephew about her age. And I believe they've already met."
Azusa shook his head.
"You know how arranged marriages turn-out in this family."
"True. But, he is currently staying at the academy with his brother, Lord Seiryu. Perhaps you could offer him exclusive rights for courtship. No promises, just the opportunity to try and prove himself to Sasami."
Azusa circled the throne like a shark seeking prey.
"She's not old enough to be courted."
"Oh, it's only a matter of months." Seto reminded him. "And as you say, she is still young. What trouble could she possibly get into with Little Shuzan? He knows the rules, I'm sure."
"I don't like it." Azusa growled.
Since there was nothing that could be done at the moment, Seto decided a change in topic was in order.
"That is my suggestion, your Highness." Seto intentionally used the king's title to let Azusa know she was switching from family matters to official ones. "There are other issues to discuss, if you feel inclined."
"Please." Azusa rounded the throne and sat down again, glad to talk about something else. However, the image of Seto crackled and spat for a second, then cleared. Her picture was now accompanied by a small blinking red light, indicating that the transmission was on a secure frequency.
"We lost three ships today."
The King grimaced at this unwanted news.
"Where?"
"It was a small protected colony on the far side of the galaxy. Civilian casualties were minimal, but the planet was taken."
"Another colony. They seem to be focusing on those rather than strategic locations."
"Yes. I might add that the colonies that have been attacked all bear a strong resemblance to Tenchi's home planet."
"Are they after the planets, or are they looking for him?"
"Or one of the others. Washu perhaps?"
Azusa stared at his feet for a moment as he considered what this new information might reveal. There was a definite pattern to the attacks. If the enemy was going for the colony planets, they would simply continue to do so. If not, and the true target was Tenchi or someone with him, then they would have no choice but to launch a full-scale assault on the Galaxy Academy. While the academy was not officially affiliated with Jurai any longer, they still worked hand-in-hand on many occasions. The Galaxy Police also maintained it's headquarters in the same system, with it's own police academy on the very same planets.
"Hmm... if the enemy learns that the group has moved to the Galaxy academy, they may attack there."
Seto chuckled at the idea of an armed attack against the academy. Other than Jurai, the Galaxy Academy was the only other place in the galaxy that could resist an invasion as well as Jurai.
"That would be foolish unless the goal is assassination. A small group could infiltrate the academy undetected."
As much as he disliked the idea of Tenchi marrying both Aeka and Ryoko, Azusa had a strong premonition that there was little he could do about it. Therefore, the best thing to do would be keep an eye on things. Also, if there was any danger to his family, he would see to it that all efforts were taken to prevent any unfortunate occurrences.
"I want a constant watch on Aeka and Sasami."
"Done." Seto did not bother to tell Azusa that her agents had been watching the group since their arrival at the academy. "But that does little to protect the rest of the empire. I hate to say it, but we are spread too thin. We need the other houses to effectively protect our colonies. People are beginning to notice the sudden shifts in deployed vessels. Ships are leaving areas that have long enjoyed their protective presence in order to defend other areas. It's only a matter of time before word gets out that we are under attack."
"What of Lord Tatsuki? Has he responded to my request for more ships?"
"Nishia has offered his full and complete support. House Tatsuki's fleet is at your disposal."
King Azusa heaved a sigh of relief. Although he was the nominal leader of Jurai, the other Royal Houses were under no legal obligation to lend him use of their military might unless he chose to invoke his right to declare a military emergency. The houses would then have no choice but to obey. However, if he did so, every man, woman, and child in the galaxy would hear about it. For the moment, he wanted to keep things quiet and prevent a panic from spreading throughout the empire. Hopefully, the attacking forces would either see the futility of their attacks, or be destroyed before any significant damage was done.
"Very good."
"I would think so." Seto snorted in contempt. "But, so far the attacks have been of a rather small scale. Should these small groups combine into one large force..."
Azusa was well acquainted with the tactics the invading forces used against Jurai ships. With the Light-Hawk Wings pointed in one direction, scores of other attacking ships could swarm them from behind. The only effective defense was to have several Jurai ships together facing different directions for mutual defense. But the Royal trees were rare and difficult to produce compared to the mass-produced ships that the Galaxy Police and other nations used. Also, only third-generation or higher ships could create Light-Hawk Wings of their own volition. Lesser ships had to be accompanied by those higher generation ships to be effective. That meant Jurai forces had to adopt pack-tactics. Considering the number of ships available, this made for a very thin defensive screen. Azusa hoped that the enemy fleets would combine. Then they would all be in one place.
"Then our enemy shall be revealed and we can crush them in one blow!"
Seto felt a bit of surprise at Azusa's sudden enthusiasm. But, then again, he much preferred open battle to subtle strategy and tactical trickery.
"As you say. As well, I think the wedding will be good for the people of Jurai. Should things turn for the worse, it will give them something to celebrate. Parties are always good for moral."
Azusa harrumphed to himself, acting as if he were displeased. At least this time there would be enough time to arrange a proper wedding suitably large enough for his daughter.
"As you say."

Washu could hear the throbbing musical tune playing within the old-style theater even before she actually entered the building. Hearing the song wasn't much of a surprise, considering that it was still late summer and the building's windows and doors were all open. Strolling through the double doors that formed the main entrance, Professor Washu Hakubi, Headmaster of the Galaxy Academy and all it's attendant facilities, went to see what was going on inside. More specifically, she went to see what was going on with her favorite creation, Ryoko.
On the other side of the main doors there was a foyer where tickets had apparently once been sold for events, as evidenced by the clear-paneled booth to one side. The less impressive inner doors were also wide open, allowing passage to anyone who cared to enter. The main room of the theater was fairly typical of such venues, with sloping floors and many rows of seats. At the far end of the large room there was a stage with much electrical music equipment. Seeing all the amplifier cabinets and other sound equipment, Washu had to admit the band looked pretty well organized. She wondered if they had some sort of Academy sponsorship. Perhaps it was an official club or some such. It would be easy enough to find out. But that wasn't why she was here.
Ryoko was also up on the stage playing her guitar along with the three grungy young men who made up the rest of the band, when she was supposed to be in a Humanities class that would make up for having failed the normal class last year. Sighing with disappointment, Washu turned left to go around the center column of seats. As she made her way down the aisle, she noticed the lead guitarist was keeping an eye on her while both playing guitar and singing. It was an impressive feat of multi-tasking for a normal person. Although Washu would have liked to take the time to learn if he had received any form of enhancement, she had other business to attend to. Not bothering to yell over the music, Washu drew a thumb across her throat signaling that the group should cease playing. The lead player immediately complied and even began calling for the others to do the same.
"Hold it. Guys, stop."
The disrupted song came to a lurching halt as each of the other players also discontinued their respective contributions, Ryoko included.
"Hey, what gives?" Ryoko looked around, finally noticing that someone had come to watch. "Washu? What do you want?"
"Aren't you supposed to be in Remedial Humanities?"
Ryoko blanched visibly.
"Uh, that's tomorrow. Right?"
"No, Ryoko. It WAS tonight, almost an hour ago."
"Oops. I thought it was Wednesday." Ryoko chuckled weakly in an attempt to fool her mother into thinking she had forgotten which day it was. "Oh, well. Too late now."
"It's never too late for remedial classes, Little Ryoko." Washu glared up at her daughter from the theater floor. It didn't take any words, spoken or otherwise, to communicate to Ryoko that Washu was displeased. Her pursed lips and fixed stare spoke volumes. Ryoko sighed.
"Well, I guess I'd better go do some studying."
Washu waited patiently until Ryoko had gathered her guitar and books. Then she turned her attention to the other band members, who were nervously awaiting whatever fate may befall them.
"Thank you gentlemen for keeping an eye on my little girl. I hope she hasn't been too much trouble."
"Er... no." Rei answered. "Actually, we like having her here."
Washu raised an eyebrow as the other two musicians nodded their agreement.
"See?" Ryoko confidently spoke as she joined Washu on the floor with instrument in hand. "I can be helpful."
"Sometimes, you're just as clueless as Tenchi."
"Eh?"
Washu reached up and grabbed Ryoko by the ear.
"Yeow! Dammit, leggo! That hurts, you little freak!"
"Is that any way to speak to your mother?" Washu turned slowly around, dragging Ryoko in a circle around her. "You and me are gonna have a nice long chat when we get home, young lady."
"How am I s'poseta hear if you rip my frickin' ear off?!"
"Keep talking, my darling little delinquent."
The band members watched in astonishment as the Headmaster of the Galaxy Academy led Ryoko away like a disobedient little girl. Bo, the bassist, shook his head.
"Too weird, man."
Ken, the drummer, hit a rim-shot on his drum set, lending a comical aspect to the situation, which made Rei suddenly burst out laughing.
Ryoko apparently heard him. She turned as far as she could manage and yelled at him over her shoulder.
"What are you laughing at, clown-boy?!"
"Mind your manners, Little Ryoko." Washu gave Ryoko's ear a tug, pulling her back around front.
"Ow!"
Rei had the good sense to wait until Ryoko and Washu were out of sight, and hopefully out of earshot before speaking about them to his colleagues.
"So guys, what do you think?"
"She's hot." Ken instantly pointed out.
"Besides that."
While vocal opinions were not forthcoming, Bo began playing a simple rock tune on his bass. Almost immediately, Ken added a percussion line suitable to Bo's bass line.
"Her playing screams rock and roll, man!"
"So, what you're saying is..." Rei swung his arm around and struck a massive power chord that shook the disused theater to it's rafters. "...we should switch from grunge to rock and roll." Rei added the guitar piece that was meant to accompany the bass and percussion that his friends were playing. His playing was effective in telling the other band members that he felt the same.
Casting another glance towards the front of the theater, Rei knew that having a hot girl in the band would attract more attention from male fans, thereby broadening the band's appeal. But, besides that, Rei couldn't wait to see Ryoko in skin-tight leather.

Tenchi stood in Aeka's bedroom, looking down at his fiancée with great concern. Although he understood that with the hormonal changes she was going through, there would be good days and bad days, he still didn't like seeing her lying ill in bed. Aeka lay on her back covered up to her chin with a blanket and a warm cloth on her forehead. Worse, she refused to allow him to stay with her.
"Aeka, are you sure I shouldn't stay here with you? It won't hurt any to miss one class."
"No. You should go."
"I don't know..."
"Please, Lord Tenchi. I'm sure I'll be fine after I've rested some. And I'm depending on you to take notes so I won't fall behind."
"I'd rather stay here with you."
Aeka smiled despite her illness.
"Thank you. But, you're going to be late."
Tenchi sighed with reluctance at leaving Aeka behind when she was sick.
"All right. But I'll come straight home afterwards."
"Of course."
Aeka closed her eyes so she could get some rest. She got a pleasant surprise when Tenchi leaned over her and placed a small kiss on her lips.
"Ryoko's studying downstairs. I'll tell her to keep an ear out for you."
"Okay."
Picking-up his bag of books from where he had dropped it at Aeka's bedside, Tenchi left the room. Aeka remained in bed, waiting for the prearranged signal. Before long, Ryoko phased through the bedroom wall.
"He's gone."
Aeka threw her covers aside, revealing that she was fully dressed to go out. She practically leapt out of bed.
"Excellent. Although I hate lying to Lord Tenchi, I must ensure that nothing... inappropriate happens to Sasami while she is out with Shuzan. I am, after all, responsible for her welfare while she is staying with us at the academy."
"Sure, sure. Hurry up, will ya?"
"I'm coming! What good will it do if I fall down the stairs and break my neck?"
"Well, I would have Tenchi all to myself..."
"You beast!"
Ryoko snickered as she floated along beside Aeka towards the front door. Sasami had left a few minutes before Tenchi on her way to meet Shuzan for her date. Although Sasami probably wouldn't have termed it thus, everyone else called it that, except for Tenchi, who was too polite to put her in a position of discomfort.
Having reached the bottom of the stairs, Aeka went into the foyer and quickly put on her shoes. She then reached for the door handle and pulled it open. When she saw a man with dark stringy hair in black leather clothes with chains and other metallic accoutrements standing in front of the door with a raised fist, she screeched in fright.
"EYAHH!"
The man, suddenly confronted with a screaming woman that he had never seen before, shouted in surprise.
"HEY!"
Curious as to what all the shouting was about, Ryoko stuck her head through the door to see who or what had frightened Aeka. She recognized the man as Rei.
"Hey, Rei."
"You know this man?" Aeka asked while mentally willing her heart to return to its normal pace.
"Yeah. He's the singer and lead guitar for my band."
Rei relaxed when he realized that he was not about to be blown to dust by a frightened Jurai princess.
"Hey, Ryoko." Rei greeted. "Wow. That was quite a surprise, huh? Sorry for dropping in unexpectedly, but I wanted to talk to you about the band."
"Sure. Come on -- ow!" Ryoko jumped when Aeka interrupted her by delivering a sharp elbow to her side.
"Actually, we were just on our way out."
"Oh. Uh..."
"Aeka was just on her way out." Ryoko slipped behind Aeka and pushed her through the door, past Rei, and down the walk.
"Excuse me? I thought we were both going to keep an eye on my sister?"
"Change of plans." Ryoko turned back to the house to talk with her new friends. "I'm sure you can handle this itsy bitsy little thing all by yourself."
"Oh, thank you ever so much for your support, Miss Ryoko. Remind me never to ask you for a favor again." Aeka turned away from the band. "Azaka! Kamidake!"
Eager to be of use, the two rarely summoned guardians made a quick appearance.
"At your command, Highness!"
"We are going to follow Sasami, but discreetly. Understand?"
"Yes, Princess!"
"Very good. Which way did she go?"
Ignoring Aeka's departure, Ryoko walked confidently up to her fellow band-mate.
"So, what's the occasion?" Ryoko eyed Rei's new outfit. "And how come you're dressed like a goth?"
"Actually," Rei began the explanation, "we've decided in a format change."
"Huh?"
"We're going to be a rock band from now on."
"Okay." Ryoko paused, expecting that her friend would explain why they had made the change. But no explanation seemed to be forthcoming.
"Um... why?"
"To tell the truth, we've kind of been evaluating you."
Ryoko immediately felt a sense of annoyance. The last thing she wanted was to be evaluated some more.
"Say what? I thought I was already in?"
"You don't think we'd hire just anybody without so much as an audition, do you?"
"Uh, I guess not." Ryoko scratched at her scalp in consternation.
"Anyway, you're now officially in. But, we think you'd do better in a rock band. So, we changed the band just for you."
Ryoko felt genuinely surprised that the guys had made that kind of change just to suit her playing style.
"No shit?"
"No shit. However, there is one condition."
"Ah. Here it comes." Ryoko nodded in understanding, anticipating a specific request concerning further requirements for her continued association with the mostly male group.
Rei whipped out the outfit he and the other guys had picked out for her.
"If you want to play in a rock band, you have to look like a rocker. So, we emptied our extraordinarily shallow pockets, as well as the band's costume fund, and got you this. Anything else you want for clothes is on you."
Ryoko stared at the tight leather outfit. It was the sort of thing that would show her figure without showing too much, meaning there was plenty of open chest for visible cleavage. However, she was a bit leery of gifts from men since her little affair with Zak.
"Are you sure you're not trying to come on to me?"
Rei actually raised an eyebrow. While he was looking forward to seeing Ryoko in this outfit, he really hadn't been thinking anything like that at the moment of presentation. The possibility had crossed his mind a number of times, but not at that particular moment.
"No. That wasn't... that wasn't what I was thinking of."
Putting both hands on her hips, Ryoko stared some more.
"Hey, look. I think you're hot. But you already said your not available. And if that's the way it is, then fine. But in a rock band, you have to look the part. If you want to wear something else, that's fine. I'm sure the guys'll understand if you want to exchange this for something else."
Still feeling a bit uneasy about accepting a gift from another man, Ryoko finally averted her gaze. She searched about, hoping for some form of divine guidance. Without really intending to, she performed a very feminine gesture of reaching up to tuck a loose strand of hair over her ear.
"I don't know. It's probably not even the right size."
"Probably not." Rei agreed. "But, you could try it on."
Ryoko drew the big toe of her right foot across the wooden steps.
"You don't understand."
"Apparently not." Rei took a deep breath. Apparently, it was going to take a serious talk to convince Ryoko he and the other band members were serious about their desire to include her for professional reasons. "Ryoko, we really do want you in the band. We think you're a great guitarist, and we want you to contribute. Besides your playing, your looks and the novelty of having an infamous space-pirate in the group will contribute to the band's appeal. Rock bands are historically known for being rebellious. You fit in perfectly. With you in the band, we can be a success! Hell! We might even get rich!"
Ryoko kept her face averted, choosing instead to examine Rei's black leather cowboy boots.
"Swear."
"Huh?"
"Swear that you're only interested in my guitar skills."
"I would, but that isn't the truth."
"Then, I have to say no."
"What I mean is, we want you for what you can contribute to the band, professionally. That includes your reputation and looks. We're interested in you for professional reasons."
Remembering when people used to flee from her because of her looks, Ryoko cracked a rye grin.
"You know, people used to be scared of me because of how I look."
Rei smiled at that.
"I can't imagine why."
"Are you being sarcastic?"
"No."
Ryoko risked a look at his face. She noted he had hazel eyes before looking away again, blushing. Quickly, she snatched the leather outfit out of his hand. Turning around, Ryoko floated back inside, leaving Rei on the front steps.
"You comin' in, or what?"
"Right behind you."
Stopping at the foot of the stairs, Ryoko turned around again.
"Hold it."
Rei stopped in mid-stride.
"What?"
"You wait there. I'll go upstairs and change."
"Sure." Rei nodded in agreement.
Ryoko teleported up to her room where she would be out of sight while changing. She was getting a serious feeling of deja vous about this whole thing. At least this time she knew what precautions to take. Stripping off her tiger-striped top and skirt, she stepped into the leather pants. They were of the super low-rise variety and showed a great deal of tummy. But the fit was just about right. The second part was a simple leather halter top split in the middle to show a generous amount of cleavage. Looking in the mirror, Ryoko had to admit it looked pretty good on her, although a belt with some sort of silver metal attachments was needed to finish the look, and to provide a little extra insurance against the low-rise pants slipping off of her hips.
"Does it fit?" Rei called from the downstairs foyer.
"Yeah."
Long pause.
"Can I see?"
Ryoko teleported half-way down the stairs and set her feet on the floor so that she would be standing normally. She said nothing, only watching how Rei stared at her. And stare he did, too. She recognized that kind of look. He obviously greatly appreciated what this outfit did for her.
"Turn around."
Ryoko did as he requested, turning slowly around in a circle. When she came back around, she found that Rei was smiling broadly.
"You look..."
"What?"
"It looks great on you."
"That so?"
Rei nodded politely. "You'll have fans pounding on the dressing room door for your autograph."
Ryoko spent a moment thinking about how it might feel to actually be popular. The idea appealed to her ego.
"Well, I guess I can wear this, then. But only for performances. Speaking of which, when do we start performing for real?"
Rei laughed.
"As soon as we learn some more rock tunes. Say, you've been around. You must know some rare songs."
"Hmm..." Ryoko thought about what kind of songs she knew how to play. Honestly, her repertoire was not very extensive. However, Tenchi, being from an isolated planet, might be able to help with some rare and unheard of rock songs. "I just might."

Aeka stood on the sidewalk outside of the popular restaurant in which Sasami and Shuzan were currently imbibing root-beer floats. Her only protection from discovery was her clown disguise. A hand-cranked music box hung suspended from her neck by a multi-colored strap while Ryo-o-ki danced and did tricks at her feet. To either side, the two guardians were disguised as mafioso bodyguards, complete with pin-striped suits.
"Who's idea was this again?"
"It was mine." Azaka proudly claimed. "Data indicates that traveling performers often frequent this part of town seeking donations."
"But a clown and performing monkey with accompanying bodyguards? This is so embarrassing."
Actually, they were making a significant sum of change with Ryo-o-ki's performance. The small animal was quite skilled. Aeka's huge red hair, massive flipper-like shoes, and giant blinking red nose may also have something to do with it.
Inside the old-style fountain restaurant, Shuzan looked out the window at the strange clown and her weird companions.
"Sasami, I don't mean to be rude, but why is your sister following us around town wearing a clown costume? And that nose..."
Sasami sighed for what seemed like the thousandth time. Aeka was really beginning to embarrass her with this little act.
"I really don't know."
"I didn't do something to offend her, did I?"
"Of course not. You've been a perfect gentleman."
"I try."
Sasami smiled as she joined Shuzan in staring out of the window at her silly older sister.
"At least she's doing something useful."
"Is that useful?" Shuzan asked looking at her.
"It's much more useful than what she normally does."
Shuzan wisely stayed silent on that. It would not do to call Sasami's sister lazy, even if she thought it was so. However, after few uncomfortable seconds, Sasami broke out into a fit of giggling.
"I'm just kidding!"
Shuzan heaved a huge sigh of relief as Sasami explained.
"When we were staying at Tenchi's house in Okayama, Aeka always helped with the housework, even though she hated it."
"What was it like, so far away from Jurai? It's hard for me to imagine living like that, without any servants or hover-cars."
"It's not so bad. It wasn't like we had no water or power. But getting around was much harder. All they have is liquid fuel ground cars and airplanes."
"They rely on internal combustion engines?!"
"Yup."
"I saw one in a museum, once. It horrified me to read all the pollutants that those things put out."
"I know. Washu offered to make us an ultra-efficient fusion powered car, once."
"Washu Hakubi? The famous professor?"
"That's her."
"You know so many interesting people."
"I'm sure you know plenty of interesting people."
"Not really." Shuzan blushed a bit. "Just you."
Sasami blushed a lot.
"Well, your uncle is head of House Amaki. He must be an interesting person."
"I wouldn't know."
"How come?"
"I rarely see him. Lord Shusan is always off doing diplomatic things. I had my brother for company until he came of age. Then Uncle started sending him on diplomatic missions, and all I had was the family's staff and servants. I trained in the arts and studied diplomacy and economics like my uncle wanted me to. But... that stuff is so boring. You're very fortunate to have a sister who takes you on adventures."
Sasami stared at Shuzan's face. She could see the loneliness in his eyes. Slowly, while he wasn't looking, she reached across the table and took his hand.
"If you ever get lonely, all you have to do is come over to my house. It's always an adventure there."
Shuzan looked at Sasami and smiled.
"Thanks."
Suddenly, a large shadow loomed over the young couple, disturbing the shared moment of tranquil fondness. They looked up and saw a young woman in the uniform an upperclassman of their private school. The four stripes on the collar of her white long-sleeve shirt indicated that she was in the senior class. Shuzan groaned at the sight of her.
"So this is where you've gotten off to." The woman looked down her nose at them.
Sasami stared at the woman. She was very rude to interrupt a private meeting, even if she was a senior in their school. However, since Sasami was not wearing her own school uniform, it was unlikely this woman knew she was a student.
"Is there something wrong?"
The woman barely even looked at Sasami. She reserved her most ferocious glaring for Shuzan.
"My little ward keeps running off without permission. How very irksome. Come along, Shuzan." The lady reached right out, grabbed Shuzan by the arm, and tried to physically drag him from his seat. Sasami watched aghast as Shuzan said nothing to oppose the older student. But his face was screwed up tight with indignance. Shuzan was Sasami's very good friend, as well as distant family. Her Jurai upbringing came forth quickly.
"You let Shuzan go!"
The woman stopped pulling on Shuzan, and turned to look at Sasami.
"Are you talking to me, little girl?"
"Yes, I am. Shuzan and I are out on a date and we wish to be alone. So, please leave."
Shuzan looked right at Sasami when he heard her proclaim that they were on a date. His cheeks colored a very pretty shade of crimson.
"How cute." The woman remarked with a smirk before turning the full force of her intense scrutiny on Sasami. "However, you must be aware that school codes forbid high-school and middle-school students from dating, Miss Sasami Masaki."
Hearing the senior say her name without having been introduced made Sasami think that she may have just jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire.
"Um, well..."
"Oh, yes. I know who you are. But you obviously don't know me. I am Kassandura Donhower, Senior Classwoman and head of the school's Student Disciplinary Board. Oh, and I am also little Shuzan's student sponsor. Besides being very disrespectful, you're breaking an important school code. It is my duty to report this transgression and take steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
"That won't be necessary." Shuzan said, trying to keep Sasami from getting in trouble. "It wasn't really a date. Sasami was just showing me around."
Sasami felt a bit injured hearing Shuzan say that they were not in fact on a date.
"Ah. Then you won't mind coming along quietly."
"Yes, Sempai." Shuzan dutifully obeyed.
Kassandura looked down her nose at Shuzan as he clambered out of the booth he and Sasami were sitting in. Once he had his feet on the floor and was heading for the door, Kassandura turned her back on Sasami to follow him out.
"Troublesome boy." Kassandura griped out loud. "Why must I be burdened with such a disreputable lout?"
Sasami overheard the comment. A rush of anger at the mistreatment suddenly shot through her body. Without thinking, she grabbed her half-full ice-cream float glass and threw it across the room. Vanilla ice-cream and root-beer splattered all over as it spun through the air and smashed against the far wall, missing the back of Kassandura's head by a very slim margin.
"My, how childish." Kassandura turned back around to see Sasami standing up, her fists in balls and her face scrunched-up with anger.
"You take that back!"
"Excuse me? Did you say something, little girl?"
"Yes, I did!" Sasami angrily replied as she marched forward to stand toe-to-toe with the older student. "Shuzan is the nicest, most mature, and well-respected person I have ever known! Well, maybe except for Tenchi. The only troublesome, disreputable, lout around here is you!"
Kassandura slapped Sasami so hard she left a visible hand print on the girl's face.
"How dare you say such vile and contemptible things about me in public! I'll have you know --"
The entrance doors swung open so hard they slammed against the walls, shattering the glass panes. Glass rained down on the black and white checkerboard faux-linoleum floor. Everyone looked to see a clown with fire in her eyes.
"You wretched monster!" The clown stomped across the floor, her super-sized clown shoes slapping with every step. "How dare you strike a child? You must be punished for your insolence!"
Kassandura stared at the strange sight of a clown that was actually yelling and ranting in public.
"Is that so? And just who are you supposed to be?"
The clown straightened up considerably.
"I am Aeka Masaki Jurai, First Princess of the Jurai Royal Family. The punishment for your actions is fifty lashes! Ten for each finger you have raised against my sister!"
Every occupant of the ice-cream shop burst out laughing.
"Wha!? Why are you laughing at me?"
"Jurai Royal Family? Are you certain?"
"Well of course I'm certain!"
"I'm so sorry, Princess. I mistook you for Bozo the Clown!"
"Bozo the...!" Then Aeka remembered the disguise. She grew so angry that her giant red nose began blinking at a much faster pace. "I'll show you who's a bozo!"
"Aeka, stop it!"
Everyone quieted when Sasami yelled at her sister.
"But, Sasami!"
"Miss Kassandura is right. I was rude and disrespectful. So, I deserved to be slapped."
"Oh, so you're apologizing, then?"
Sasami glared at Kassandura.
"No. I meant every word."
The upperclasswoman gnashed her teeth in annoyance.
"Fine. Expect to receive your punishment first thing tomorrow morning." Kassandura turned towards the door to leave with Shuzan still in her clutches.
"I think not." Aeka said in a much calmer voice, stepping between Kassandura and her escape route.
"And just what are you going to do about it?"
"You seem quite knowledgeable about school rules and regulations."
"Of course." Kassandura flipped her shoulder length hair back. "I am head of the Student Disciplinary Board, after all."
"Then you must be aware that striking another student is a serious violation of your school's rules."
Kassandura flinched at that. However, she had an out.
"The girl was quite rude. When words become insufficient to maintain discipline, corporal punishment may be used."
"But only in the presence of two witnesses."
"And I have several!" The senior student gestured towards those who were watching the events unfold.
"Ah, but the witnesses must be school staff members." Aeka leaned right in Kassandura's face. "Teachers!" Aeka pulled back. "In addition, corporal punishment may only be administered by staff. You are obviously a violent and temperamental person unsuited for your position. In the interest of the student body, I must report your grossly negligent actions to the Headmaster."
"Professor Washu? Hakubi Washu? Headmistress Washu?"
"Yes, indeed. It just so happens that we reside together."
Kassandura's jaw dropped.
"That... isn't really necessary. Is it?"
"Well, perhaps if you apologize to Sasami..."
"Me? Apologize to a middle school student?" Kassandura looked at Sasami, who was still glaring at her. She turned her nose up in disgust. "I think not."
"Very well. Since expulsion doesn't seem to concern you... Azaka! Kamidake!"
The two mafioso guardians phased through the restaurant walls, solidifying at Aeka's side.
"Yes, Princess."
"If this woman does not apologize for her actions within ten seconds, she is to be stripped naked in the street and given fifty lashes."
"Understood!" The guardians deployed their frontal armor, revealing four mechanical manipulator arms each, as well as a large assortment of laser cannons, particle beam emitters, sub-machine guns, and large-caliber semi-automatic pistols. In addition, Azaka held a block and tackle with two of his claw-like manipulators, while the third clenched a set of brass knuckles, and the fourth held a billy-club. Kamidake also deployed four arms. One held a switch-blade knife, another a pair of scissors, the third held a small spinning circular saw, and the forth clutched a whip, which he snapped back and forth menacingly.
Seeing that the princess and her guardians meant business, Kassandura quickly turned to Sasami and bowed.
"I'm very very sorry for slapping you, Princess. Please accept my most humble apologies."
Although she was still pissed off at the woman and really did not want to accept her apology, Sasami knew it wasn't beyond Aeka to cause this high-school senior some serious difficulties, although she was most likely bluffing about the whipping. Either way, if Sasami did not accept the apology, Aeka would have to make good on her threat. That could cause serious trouble for herself and Shuzan that Sasami did not want to have to deal with.
"Apology accepted."
Kassandura straightened. Forgetting about Shuzan in her haste to escape, she brushed past Aeka and went for the door. On the way out, she made the mistake of looking back through the broken doors. Aeka stamped her foot, sending the woman scurrying away. Some bets were grudgingly exchanged among the crowd, and everyone settled down to finish their ice cream and talk amongst themselves about the incident. Finally relieved of his overbearing student sponsor, Shuzan smiled broadly.
"That was great! I can't tell you how much of a pain Kassandura has been for me. Thank you both."
Sasami remained rather distant in demeanor, simply standing there.
"Your welcome, I guess."
"Sasami? Is something wrong?"
"I'm sorry about what I said. I guess it was pretty presumptuous of me to say we were... on a date."
"Oh." Shuzan realized that perhaps Sasami actually liked him and wanted the outing to be a date. As he looked at her shy expression, he found his affection for this cute and spunky little princess growing by the moment.
"Well... I guess it can be a date. That is... if you want it to be."
Sasami looked up at him with a joyful smile.
"Um, excuse me." Aeka interrupted. Sasami promptly gave her a very threatening glare that made it crystal clear that, while she appreciated Aeka's assistance earlier, her did not require her sister's input on this matter. Aeka quickly rethought what she was going to say. Sighing, she decided this was not a battle she could win. Besides, who was she to say anything about relationships.
"Lord Shuzan, whatever happens, do NOT go chasing after any space-pirates. Am I clear?"
Shuzan looked at the elder princess, not understanding what she meant by that. However, since he did not know the full story about the Crown Prince Yosho's flight from Jurai, he found it an easy condition to agree to. Sasami on the other hand, knew exactly what Aeka meant. She relaxed visibly as Shuzan answered.
"Absolutely I will not."

Kassandura ran for her life. She ran herself ragged to escape from the terror that was Aeka. Not until she returned to her apartment and blockaded the door with every piece of furniture in her possession could she even begin to think about revenge. And revenge there would be. No one embarrasses Killer Kassandura and gets away with it. Not even the First Princess of Jurai.

END.

AFTERWORD: Some readers may be thinking that this chapter has some similarities to volume 2, with a new character interested in Ryoko. Rest assured I do not intend nor will I attempt a repeat of volume 2. Ryoko finally has a direction to go, even if she is somewhat, ah... delinquent (as Washu puts it) in her studies.