Chapter Three
"Well, Spring is here at last."
The tall, slender figure of the Crown Princess of Jurai stood at the balcony of her chamber, gazing out pensively across the landscape of her planet, a slight smile on her face. "The seasons seem to move so quickly these days, somehow."
"Spring on Jurai isn't exactly like Spring on Planet Earth, though." The Princess's companion said with a sigh, coming to join her at the railing. "New flowers bloom, but it's not the same. Don't you miss the melting snow and sweeping the blossoms from the Shrine steps, Ayeka-oneechan? I know I do."
"Yes, of course." Ayeka nodded her head slightly. "Actually, Sasami, I was thinking about the Earth as well. You're right - there's nothing quite as beautiful as seeing all those pretty pink blossoms fluttering to the ground."
"Are you sure you're feeling better, sister?" Sasami sent her companion a concerned look. "You're sounding distracted - are you sure you should be up and around already?"
"I'm fine, Sasami." Ayeka dismissed her sister's concern with a flick of her fingers. "I'm quite rested, and ready to take on my duties again. No, I was thinking about the Earth for another reason. Uncle received communication from Ryo Ohki just yesterday morning - I suppose that you've already heard that now Tenchi has finished at his Earth college, he and Ryoko will be formalising their arrangement?"
"You mean they're finally getting married?" Excitement flitted into Sasami's expression, followed by concern. "Oh! Onee-sama..."
"Sasami, I'm fine." Ayeka offered her sister a gentle smile. "Really, I am. I did worry how I'd feel when the news came - but to be honest, I'm happy. I think that I've finally conquered it inside of me - I can genuinely be happy for Tenchi and Ryoko when they make their promises. But the real reason I was thinking about it was that I gave Tenchi my word when he told me about his betrothal that I would do my best to attend their wedding. Since it seems to be imminent, I was wondering what chance I had of getting some time away from Jurai - and seeing Earth's spring again, after so long away. Jurai and Earth are friends now - after all. There shouldn't be a political risk to us going to visit allies on such a significant mission - don't you think so?"
"Oh!" Sasami's eyes became big. "Could we go? Ayeka-oneechan, do you think that Uncle..? And well, do you think Tenchi and Ryoko would want me...?"
"Of course they would, you silly girl." Ayeka laughed. "Ryo Ohki's message pretty much said as much."
"So Ryoko invited us to the Earth?" Sasami demanded. Ayeka shook her head.
"Washu sent the message...apparently Ryoko and Tenchi are away from the mountains and left Ryo Ohki with her for safe-keeping whilst they pack up whatever belongings they have in the city." She replied thoughtfully. "Ryoko was afraid she might get put into a box by mistake."
Sasami giggled.
"Poor Ryo Ohki." She said appreciatively. "She does like to get into everything. Ryoko is probably right."
She gazed up at her sister, squeezing her by the hand.
"And if Uncle says we can, are we really going to go to the Earth?"
"Yes." Ayeka nodded her head. "I want to keep my word to Lord Tenchi, and it's been a long time since we paid a visit."
"But are you sure you're well enough? I mean, Ayeka, you did collapse in the middle of the Council session yesterday." Sasami bit her lip. "You fell headlong - are you sure you should be thinking about rushing across the universe on a whim? You know Father almost had a heart attack on the spot - he might not want you haring all over the place if he thinks your health is suspect. You know how protective of us he still can be, even now."
"I told you, Sasami-chan. I'm quite well." Ayeka gripped her sister gently by the hands, meeting her gaze with a serious one of her own. "And this is important to me, just as it is to you. So don't worry. I will be fine...you know that I'm not weak."
"I know." Sasami sighed. "I just...Tsunami..."
She faltered, turning her gaze back towards the landscape, and Ayeka frowned, following her gaze towards the clearing where Tsunami's stone shrine was in the process of being renovated.
"What about Tsunami?" She asked softly. "Do you think she won't let you leave?"
"No, it's not that." Sasami shook her head. "I think she'd understand. Just, she has me worried about you, that's all."
"About me?" Ayeka looked startled. "Why on earth?"
"Well, I don't think she thinks you're as well or as strong as you think you are." Sasami pursed her lips. "She won't tell me exactly what she means, but still. She's worried about you and so am I. You still are very pale."
"You worry far too much." Ayeka grinned, hugging her sister tightly. "Although I'm glad that you do."
"Perhaps." Sasami acknowledged. "What about Takeru? Will he come with us, if we go?"
"Yes, if Uncle can spare him." Ayeka agreed. "He is my husband - it would be wrong to omit him from the invitation."
"And you'd miss him." Sasami said astutely. Ayeka blushed, nodding her head.
"I would." She agreed slowly. "It's strange how things can change, you know. But since the business with Yugi, and your experiences on Yousai, he and I have been closer than ever. I think...no, I know now that my feelings for him have changed over the course of the last year. He's more than my consort, now - he's someone I trust and have faith in."
She clasped her slim fingers together, gazing dreamily out across the landscape of her planet as she did so.
"I won't pretend to you that I've stopped loving Tenchi. You know me too well to be deceived, and I don't suppose I ever will stop, not fully. He's very special to me and he always will hold that place in my heart."
"But you just said..." Sasami looked bewildered, and Ayeka nodded, a faint gravity entering her ruby eyes.
"I've realised that I have to put it to one side and move on." She said simply. "Things Ryoko said to me, when Yugi was manipulating me...they stuck in my mind and I've thought of them more and more as time has gone on. I do care for Takeru, and something else...I realised that, whatever happens, Tenchi is always going to chase after Ryoko. When she's in danger, it's her that's in his heart and his mind. Not me. In a way, that was the most difficult thing to face. Even when he came to Jurai to rescue me from Kagato, he was still thinking of her. And he still left, even though he could have stayed here and had everything. Even if Ryoko had died then, he would still not have loved me."
She sighed.
"Not in that way, anyway." She amended. "And that led me to another realisation. That even if we had wed, we wouldn't have been well suited. We might even have been unhappy. Because if Tenchi can love a woman like Ryoko - he could never love a woman like me. We are too different. We would have been in conflict."
"It all seems complicated to me, Nee-chan." Sasami said reflectively. "Are all adult relationships that messed up? Because I've got another four years to go before I think about betrothals. And I don't want to be caught up in all of this kind of stuff if I can help it."
"I guess I don't know." Ayeka looked amused. "But it's not easy to be a Princess and have a free heart, Sasami-chan. I've actually come to see that more and more in recent years. But I'm also aware that by being Tenchi's close friend, I have the best chance of keeping him in my life. That will satisfy me. When I've been in trouble, after all, Tenchi has been around. But it is not him constantly at my side when there is a crisis on Jurai. It's Takeru...and I'm coming to appreciate that more and more. That not all great wedding matches are borne out of passion or fancy, but reliability."
"You don't think Tenchi's reliable, then?" Sasami blinked.
"Sasami, he's marrying a Space Pirate." Ayeka said wryly. "Good as his heart is, I don't think he's cut out for the kind of world you and I deal with on a daily basis. Do you? Could you imagine Father's face if I'd asked to wed a notorious space criminal?"
"Yes." Sasami's crimson eyes lit up with humour. "I guess he wouldn't like it too much."
"Exactly." Ayeka laughed. "So it's all right. I've come to decide that I've done the right thing - the best thing - for me and for Jurai. I'll take Takeru as mine, and care for him as much as I ever can. I do love him, even if it's not quite the same kind of love. It's a love I can depend on, when I need it. And I will need it, as time goes on. So it's all all right. But in a way that is another reason to go to Earth. To test my own convictions, if you like. Discover how I really do feel."
"I suppose that makes sense." Sasami seemed to be considering this carefully. "I hope Uncle says we can fly. I'd like to see everyone and it'd be so much fun, to go to their wedding and see what an Earth wedding is really like."
"With Ryoko involved, I doubt that it'll be your average Earth wedding." Ayeka said ruefully. "But yes, I agree. It will be a nice holiday for the both of us."
She paused, eying her sister pensively for a moment.
"Perhaps Kamidake would like to accompany us, also." She said lightly, watching her sister's expression carefully as she did so. "After all, we can't travel with no security, can we? The Earth might be Jurai's allies, but there's no sense in taking risks - after all, it's still very new to all of them and I'm sure they'd be more nervous, if we showed up for the wedding with an armed guard in tow. Since you gave Kamidake and Azaka back elements of Tsunami's magic, he should be more than good enough - and less imposing on any jittery Earth officials who happen to wonder why we're landing there all of a sudden."
Sasami did not answer, but her pink cheeks told Ayeka all she wanted to know, and she laughed, squeezing her sister's hand affectionately.
"I had my suspicions about that." She murmured, more to herself than to her companion, though Sasami glanced up at her words, her gaze full of consternation. "Even if it is four years before Father will officially allow you to become betrothed. It's nice to know that I do still know you as well as I thought, Sasami-chan. Even as you grow up."
"What do you mean, suspicions?" Sasami asked apprehensively. "About what, Onee-chan?"
"Oh, Sasami." Ayeka looked amused, leading her companion away from the balcony and indicating for her to sit down on the end of her bed. Sasami did as she was bidden, and Ayeka followed suit, leaning up against the wooden bedhead as she eyed her sister carefully. Sasami, she realised, was no longer the small girl she had been when they had first visited the Earth. She had grown, it was true, but in more than just stature, and the previous month she had abandoned her two bouncing tails of hair permanently for a more grown up style, thick waves clasped neatly at the base of her neck. She still had the cheeky, upturned nose and dancing eyes that had attracted so many people to secure her friendship, but the gentle flush of colour in her cheeks told Ayeka that her sister's thoughts were not all those of a child any longer. At fourteen, Sasami was blossoming into a young adult, and Ayeka's expression softened.
"You are going to be very beautiful, when you are grown." She said gently. Sasami looked startled, the colour fading from her cheeks as she eyed her sister in confusion.
"Ayeka?"
"There will be many men who will clamour for your attentions. I hope you realise that."
"I'm not looking for any man, Ayeka. I'm fourteen. I don't want to get married or do any of that stuff yet."
Sasami shook her head, but there was an unsettled expression in her crimson eyes, and Ayeka squeezed her sister's hand reassuringly.
"It's quite all right. You can trust me." She said softly. "You have feelings for Kamidake, don't you, my sister?"
Sasami stared at her, stricken, and Ayeka smiled.
"I've seen it for a while, but I wondered if you'd trust me enough to tell me." She added. "First love is always very special, isn't it, Sasami-chan?"
Sasami reddened, burying her head in her hands to hide her flushed cheeks from view, and Ayeka laughed, hugging her sister gently.
"So I am right."
"Yes." Sasami admitted, raising her gaze to her companion's. "But I don't know how Father or Uncle would take it, Onee-chan. So I'm not saying anything yet. Even he doesn't know about it...I don't know how I'd even tell him. I don't know how he might react, and, well, I'm only fourteen. I'm not ready to involve myself in that kind of world yet."
"Yes, I can see that." Ayeka pursed her lips, contemplating. "It's funny...Takeru asked me some months ago if I knew of anyone who might have claimed your heart. It took me aback that you might even have those kinds of thoughts, but I realise that you're less of a child than people think, sometimes. I don't know what possessed him to ask me - something obviously put the idea into his head, but he has never said exactly what. And so I decided to pay closer attention to you, my sister...I was surprised by the things I saw."
"You're really not mad at me?" Sasami asked apprehensively. "I know that this whole being a Princess thing makes it complicated. But I can't help it. I think it was Tsunami's fault in the beginning - she chose him, after all. But it's really not about that - at least, I don't think so. I'm a bit muddled. I just...I don't want to do anything at the moment. Or tell anyone, really. I just want to see...how things go."
"I'm not mad at you." Ayeka shook her head. "Kamidake is one of the few men at this court who is deserving of a Princess's affection."
She pulled a face.
"Had it been someone like Jun Hirata, I might be choosing different words." She added. "But whatever his station, Kamidake is a man of courage and honour. Yes, you could choose worse."
Sasami was silent for a moment, then,
"I've felt like this for a while." She admitted. "Since Tsunami had control of my body flying to Kihaku, but maybe even before. She just...clarified it into something else, when she was in command. And since then..." She faltered, shrugging.
"I don't think I'm going to stop feeling it." She said finally. "What if I don't?"
"Do you think that he'd reject you?"
"I...I don't know." Sasami sighed. "And worse, Uncle and Father might not understand, Ayeka-oneechan. I was afraid that, well, even you might not. So I haven't really told anyone at all - not even Suki. I didn't know what people might think. I don't consider Kamidake beneath me, but I am anxious that he might not feel...feel the same. And it's so complicated. So I've sort of left it alone, for now. I'm too young - it gives me a headache worrying about it."
"There's nothing that hurts so much than telling someone you love them if they don't feel it in return." Ayeka mused absently. She smiled, shaking her head. "But I don't think that you need worry yourself about that just yet. As you said, you're only fourteen. Things might change. And if they don't, and you still feel this way, well, you should follow your heart and try not to worry about what people might think. I want you to be happy, whatever you choose to do, so you won't find any opposition with me."
"Ayeka." Sasami flung her arms around her sister, hugging her tightly. "Thank you for understanding. I'm sorry I didn't tell you, only...well, I'm sorry."
"It's all right." Ayeka assured her. "And if we do go to the Earth, Sasami-chan, I will ask Uncle for Kamidake specifically. All right?"
"Yes." Sasami raised shining eyes to her companion, and Ayeka smiled.
"Then it's settled and I will address the matter with Uncle first thing in the morning, before session begins." She said softly.
"You still are very pale, my sister." Sasami observed. Ayeka looked rueful, shrugging her shoulders.
"Well, I'll just have to be pale." She said frankly. "And with any luck, Tenchi and Ryoko will set a date soon. Who knows - maybe some long distance space travel is exactly what I need!"
-----------------
"Wow. They really have gone all out tonight."
Ryoko gazed around the huge hotel reception room with a grin of approval, sliding her arm through Tenchi's as they made their way into the centre of the decked out chamber. "Either they're really proud of you all, or they're sick of you and want to give you a good send off."
"Either is possible, considering." Tenchi looked rueful. "But you're right. It is something else."
"So you see, I told you that spending money on an outfit wouldn't be a waste." Ryoko eyed him mischeivously. "Now I look pretty and the room looks pretty and I guess you'll do, also. We're all set for a great night out, don't you think? Just point me in the direction of the bar, and everything will be perfect."
"You can't want to drink already, Ryoko?"
A fresh voice interrupted their conversation, preventing Tenchi from responding, and as the couple turned, a smile touched the pirate's features.
"Hi, Sakura." She said warmly. "And sure...these things are nothing without a little tipple here and there. Don't you know me better than that yet?"
"I know you can drink most people under the table." Sakura Ito exchanged amused glances with Tenchi, then shrugged. "But everyone else will want something to drink, so ration yourself, huh?"
"I suppose so." Ryoko sighed, pursing her lips.
"I'm glad to see familiar faces, actually." Sakura admitted. "Or at least, friendly ones. Hiroshi is nowhere to be found and I'm not sure if he's even going to turn up. I was worried you two might have blown it off, too - after all, isn't that guy kicking you out of the apartment this week?"
"Tomorrow, officially." Tenchi agreed. "But we'll still come to Osaka from time to time, I think."
"That's good to know." Sakura dimpled, casting a glance from one to the other. "Since I'm definitely going to be around these parts. I got a job lined up at one of the design places in the centre, so I've actually been apartment hunting myself this last week or two. Nothing yet, but I am going to be staying in Osaka for sure. Tomorrow I've got a bunch to go look at, so wish me luck - this job is a really good one and I want it to work out."
"Congrats." Tenchi grinned. "I know you were looking for one nearby, so I'm glad you nailed it."
"Yes, but commuting from my parents' house would be a drag, so hopefully this place I'm looking at tomorrow will be all right." Sakura grimaced. "It's not that expensive, so it will be tiny - but I've noone to share with, so it'll have to be that way."
"Did you come to this thing alone, this evening?" Ryoko asked quizzically at that point, and Sakura pinkened, nodding her head.
"You don't have to have a date." She defended herself. "And I didn't, so..."
"Oh, I know that." Ryoko shrugged her shoulders. "I just wondered. That's all."
She grinned.
"It is more fun, with a date." She added. "There are so many more after-party possibilities that way."
"Ryoko!" Hot colour flooded through Tenchi's features at this, and Sakura laughed.
"You two are funny." She said, amused. "I'm going to miss you always being around, so make sure you do come visit me sometimes, okay? I'd hate to lose touch with people, just because college is done."
"Speaking of losing touch, here's the missing link in the chain." Ryoko jerked her head towards the door, and Tenchi turned, seeing his other closest college friend Hiroshi Ikeda entering the hotel room. His eyes were bright with anticipation and energy behind his glasses, and he was not alone. Tenchi's eyebrows shot up, and he cast Ryoko a doubtful glance.
"Does he actually have a date?" He asked hesitantly, and Ryoko turned to see, pursing her lips.
"Looks that way." She agreed. "Do you think she knows what she's getting into?"
"Ikeda has a date?" Sakura blinked. "Since when?"
"I guess there must be a good escort agency somewhere in this city." Ryoko smirked, and Tenchi shook his head.
"That's mean, Ryoko-chan." He chided. "It's nice, if he has found himself someone at last."
"This is the guy who asks you questions about what aliens do in the bedroom. Loudly, and in public." Ryoko reminded him. "I know he's probably your best friend, Tenchi, but he isn't exactly subtle in his pursuit of the opposite sex."
"Well, I suppose stranger things have happened." Sakura observed with a shrug. "He's coming this way, so shut up, the both of you."
"Masaki-kun!" Hiroshi raised his hand in a greeting, bowing his head mock-formally in Ryoko's direction as he did so. "Ryoko-san, Sakura...you all made it safely through the paparazzi outside, then?"
"They're not paparazzi. They're taking souvenir photos, and yes." Tenchi nodded. "Who's your companion, Hiroshi? Will you introduce us?"
"This is Mayume." Hiroshi smiled, indicating his friend, who bowed her head, offering a pretty smile. "Mayume, these are my college friends Sakura Ito and Tenchi Masaki - and Tenchi's girlfriend, Ryoko."
"Pleased to meet you." Mayume's smile widened. She spoke in low, sweet tones, and glancing at her, Tenchi guessed she was about the same age as he was. He returned the smile.
"Likewise, Mayume-san." He agreed. "We were heading to find a drink - are you two going to join us?"
"Why not?" Hiroshi nodded his head. "Mayume, are you thirsty?"
"That would be nice." Mayume agreed.
"Then we'll go." Ryoko's eyes sparkled. "Can't start the party without a drink or two - Ikeda, did you see where the bar is, on your way in?"
"I might have known that's where your mind would be." Hiroshi grinned at her. "Yes, I did. It's through this way. Follow me, all - Ikeda to the rescue, as ever."
"Someone's full of themselves tonight." Sakura muttered, and Tenchi cast her a smile.
"Impressing the ladies isn't an easy job." He bantered back. "But she seems nice enough. Don't you think?"
"Sure, if you like that vacuum-packed beauty look." Sakura shrugged carelessly. "I'm just trying to work out how a guy like Hiroshi picked up a girl that pretty. That's all."
"Shh. He'll hear you." Tenchi chided. Sakura looked rueful.
"True." She admitted. "I'm sorry...it sounds like sour grapes, doesn't it? Because I don't have a date and even he does? But honestly, Tenchi, you know that he's a complete fool where women are concerned. I'm his friend - I just don't want him to get messed around, that's all."
"I'm sure Hiroshi can take care of himself." Tenchi said firmly. "And hey, you said the same thing about me...you worried about my choice in women, for a while there. And I did all right - didn't I?"
"I still worry about you, sometimes." Sakura's eyes lit up with amusement. "I'm fond of Ryoko, you know that. She's the weirdest friend I've ever had, but it works for her. Whether or not you can really handle her, though - well, I don't know. Sometimes I think she's still too much for you, even now."
"Perhaps, but it keeps life exciting." Tenchi's eyes twinkled.
"Are you seriously setting a date now? I mean, you said that you would when graduation was past...and now it is." Sakura eyed him quizzically, and Tenchi nodded, his gaze flitting across to where his fiancee was ordering her drink, settling herself comfortably on the bar stool as did so.
"That's the plan." He agreed. "You and Ikeda will be invited, if that's what you want to know. In fact, you might even be able to help out with the whole deal. Ryoko doesn't know a lot about Earth weddings, and I'm not exactly someone she can ask. Mother is no longer around, and Washu isn't exactly clued up on things like that. But I know your sister got married not so long ago, and so you must know more than I do about the whole thing. If you'd be willing, I know Ryoko could use your help."
"Oh, for sure. If she wants." Sakura nodded her head. "Weddings are so romantic - I'll help out any way I can."
"I knew I could count on you." Tenchi looked relieved. "Thanks, Sakura. I owe you one. With the way things are, the ceremony is likely to be at short notice - so anything you can do will be great."
"I suppose when you live at your own shrine complex, you have that luxury." Sakura mused. "Don't worry, Tenchi...you can rely on me."
"Hey, Tenchi! Sakura! Aren't you coming to join us?" Ryoko called out at that moment, and Tenchi nodded, casting his fiancee a warm smile.
"I was just asking Sakura if she'd help out regarding the wedding." He told her as he climbed up on the bar stool beside her. "You know, in terms of all the bridal stuff. She probably knows more than I or Washu do, after all."
"It's no problem." Sakura assured her. "If you want, Ryoko, I'll help you out."
"Sure." Ryoko grinned. "Thanks, Sakura. Earth traditions still aren't my specialty, even after all this time."
"Earth...?" Mayume's eyes widened, and she stared at Ryoko as if seeing her for the first time. "Are you...one of those...people from, you know, up there?"
Her gaze flitted upwards, and Ryoko offered her a playful smile, draining the last of her drink and indicating to the bartender that she wanted a refill. She nodded her head.
"Fraid so." She agreed, her expression unrepentant. "Sorry, didn't Hiroshi tell you? We're a very eclectic group of people, all things being equal."
"Ryoko works as a liason between Earth and the planet Jurai. She's on our side." Sakura explained. "Her quirks take a bit of getting used to - but she's quite safe to be around, really."
"Wow...a real live alien." Mayume seemed stunned. "I didn't realise."
"That's me." Ryoko nodded. "But Sakura's right. So long as you don't annoy me or try and kill my man, I'm perfectly house-trained."
"That is a matter of opinion." Tenchi sent her a teasing look, and Ryoko poked out her tongue at him.
"Didn't I already tell you that there are ways in which to treat beautiful women?" She bantered. "Especially ones you intend to marry, Tenchi-kun! Shame on you!"
Hiroshi chuckled.
"Those two are always like this." He told his date with a shrug. "I guess it's just so normal now I didn't even think about it."
"Normal?" Mayume stared at him. "Okay. If you say so."
"Yo, Masaki!"
Before Tenchi could comment, someone from the crowd beyond called his name and he turned, a frown touching his expression as he recognised the speaker.
"Kyoda-san. Kamikura-san." He said quietly. "Hi there...how are you enjoying the party?"
"Just fine, actually." Kane Kyoda offered him a smile. "You?"
"We're working our way through the alcohol quota." Ryoko observed smoothly, her gaze flitting between the two former classmates as she spoke. "Evening, boys. Nice outfits."
Kane glanced at her, the smile freezing on his lips as he registered her presence for the first time. He raised an eyebrow.
"Masaki - you brought her here?"
"Well, of course I did." Tenchi looked confused. "Why wouldn't I? Ryoko's my fiancee, Kyoda. You know that."
"Fiancee, huh?" Kane's companion, Wataru Kamikura pursed his lips, eying Ryoko carefully for a moment, then shaking his head.
"You know, I still don't get it, even now. After the last time you brought her to one of our get-togethers...Masaki, I'm all for freedom of choice, but we don't want the whole hotel falling down around our ears. And well, you know what she...did the last time."
"Saved a lot of people's lives." Sakura said angrily, before Tenchi could respond. "If the two of you are just going to snipe at Ryoko and Tenchi, you might as well go and do it somewhere else. Tenchi-kun is entitled to bring a date tonight, just like anyone else. If he chooses to bring Ryoko, that's none of your business. She's never hurt any of us, and you've no right to suggest that she did."
"I'm sure the owners of a certain nightclub in the city beg to differ." Kane said quietly, and Tenchi frowned.
"That wasn't Ryoko's fault, and you know it." He said quietly. Kane shook his head.
"What I know is that that girl...if she is a girl...flew out of a burning building like some phoenix from the ashes, as the place crumbled around her." He said softly. "And that there's nothing left of that club now, after she treated it to her own particular brand of...shall we say...celebration?"
"Kyoda, lay off." Hiroshi began, but Ryoko held up her hands, shaking her head.
"Do you have an issue with me, Kyoda-san?" She asked quietly. "Because if you do, address it to me directly - not through my fiance as if you're afraid to even meet my gaze."
"I haven't anything to say to someone who blows up buildings for fun." Kane said frankly. "Come on, Kamikura. Let's leave them to it."
With that he grabbed his friend by the shoulder, pulling him away across the floor and Tenchi grimaced, turning to meet Ryoko's gaze.
"I'm sorry about them, Ryoko-chan." He said gently. "Even now they don't understand what happened at the nightclub that evening."
"Well, people like them probably don't care, so long as they have someone to blame." Ryoko shrugged. "Don't sweat it, Tenchi. I can deal with a couple of idiots hating my guts from a distance. They're not important - forget them."
"Kyoda and Kamikura have had chips on their shoulders ever since Earth started opening it's atmosphere to visitors." Sakura said with a sigh. "They really have no clue. We know that the person responsible for the nightclub fire was Seiryo Tennan when he came looking for Tenchi, not you, Ryoko. And we know that if you hadn't intervened and given away who you were by using your gifts, a lot of people would have been hurt. They're just idiots and they're scared of you. That's all."
"Gifts?" Mayume looked nervous. "What...I mean...what kind of...what are you...?"
"Ryoko can fly." Hiroshi said calmly. "And you know, walk through walls, and teleport, and stuff. And blow things up, if she really wants to - although not when she's hanging with us, because it's anti-social."
"The teleport thing is useful." Sakura observed. "Especially if you're running late or you can't find enough yen for the train."
"Tele..." Mayume swallowed, and Ryoko grinned.
"I'm a girl of hidden talents." She said playfully. "But not everyone can deal with an alien in their midst."
"Mayume, you're not going to be funny about Ryoko, are you?" Sakura asked pointedly. Mayume looked blank, then shook her head.
"No, I'm fine." She said, seemingly recovering her composure. "I just didn't expect...well, I had no idea coming to Hiroshi's graduation party would be quite so...unusual."
"I'll drink to that." Ryoko said decidedly. "Except my glass is empty again."
"Are you going to spend the whole night at the bar, Ryoko-chan?" Tenchi teased. Ryoko raised an eyebrow at him.
"I've seen you dance." She said bluntly. "I think I'm safer here."
Sakura laughed, even as Tenchi looked embarrassed.
"She has you there, Tenchi-kun." She observed. "Dancing really isn't your talent."
"No, but mingling a little might be nice. Seeing the hall and everyone." Tenchi got a grip on his composure. "Maybe we could come back here after?"
"All right, all right." Ryoko got to her feet. "I'm coming. The things I do for love, huh? But I warn you - any hint of dancing and you can forget it. I have way too much rhythm to fall in with whatever it is you call steps."
"Deal." Tenchi looked relieved. "Sakura? Ikeda, Mayume-san? Are you coming?"
"Mayume and I will stay here a while, I think." Hiroshi shot his date a thoughtful look. "Mayume hasn't finished her drink."
"Sakura?"
"I'll come with, if you don't think I'm playing date-crasher." Sakura got to her feet.
"In this place, there's no such thing as date-crashing." Ryoko looked rueful. "It's not exactly designed for private romantic moments - I think you're okay."
"You know, there are a lot of people here I don't even know." Tenchi remarked, as they moved through the crowd. "Weird, isn't it? You go to school with folk for however many years and yet..."
"They all know you, though." Sakura reminded him. "The boy who was kidnapped by one alien and who's living with another. That makes you stand out."
"What would they say, then, if they knew that Tenchi was a good part alien himself?" Ryoko looked mischievous. "Besides, if you want to be technical about it, Tenchi lives with more than just me. Back home in the mountains there's his Grandfather - he was a Juraian Prince, don't forget. My mad Kii mother...my spaceship Ryo Ohki, and Yume, the robot-turned-housekeeper who insists on squatting with us. It's a regular alien central."
"True." Sakura looked rueful. "But I doubt most of the alumni here realise that. And you know, having seen your other lifestyle for myself, I figure it might be safer that way."
"Possibly." Tenchi rubbed his chin pensively. "Washu is engrossed in trying to expand the house inter-dimensionally without cracking the foundations at present...you might have a point. Our house has been through the wars since she first came to stay with us."
"It's been to Jurai and back, once." Ryoko laughed. "I think it can take a few dimensional twiddlings."
"You took your house to Jurai?" Sakura stared, and Tenchi nodded.
"Once." He agreed. "It...well, it's a long story."
"I won't ask." Sakura raised her eyes skywards. "Your life is really too, too weird, Tenchi-kun."
"But weird is fun." Ryoko reflected, then she frowned. "Oh, dammit!"
"Damn what?" Tenchi looked startled. "What's wrong, Ryoko? Something happen?"
"I left my purse at the bar." Ryoko grimaced. "I guess I'd better go back and get it."
"Someone will have handed it in, or Hiroshi might have noticed." Tenchi pointed out. "I'm sure it'll be fine - you weren't carrying that much money with you, were you?"
"No, but Tenchi, Achika's ring is inside." Ryoko admitted. "I took it off in case of losing it while we were here, but I wanted it with me anyway. So..."
"Oh, I see." Tenchi's expression became one of understanding. "All right, then. But Ryoko, don't teleport over to find it, huh? It might freak people out."
"I wasn't going to." Ryoko shook her head. "Give me some credit, will you? I'm not using my magic this evening."
"Good." Tenchi looked relieved.
"Shall I come help you look?" Sakura offered. "It might have slipped down, and two sets of eyes are better than one."
"Okay, thanks." Ryoko grinned. "Tenchi, we'll see you in a few moments, all right? I'm sure it will be right where I left it, and if it isn't, well, I'm sure I'll track down what's happened to it. Noone is going to get their hands on my ring, after all."
"Sure. But don't scare anyone." Tenchi warned. "I doubt anyone will try and steal it, so ask questions before you explode."
"Promise." Ryoko agreed. "Back in a few!"
As he watched his fiancee disappear into the crowd, Sakura in tow, Tenchi leant up against the wall, folding his arms idly across his chest as he settled to wait.
At least, he mused, with Sakura for company, Ryoko was less likely to do something impulsive or crazy to get hold of her purse.
"Which is a good thing." He murmured. "The last thing we want is her accidentally causing a scene."
"Masaki...all alone, now?"
Wataru Kamikura's voice startled him and he turned, casting his former friend a wary smile. He nodded.
"Ryoko left something at the bar." He agreed levelly. "That's all."
"Do you really think it's safe to let her out of your sight?" Kane asked doubtfully. "Tenchi, I know that you think you love this girl, but you have to see that she's only a few inches shy of psychosis. Whatever did happen at that club - do you really think you're safe with someone who can blow things up just by looking at them?"
"She can't do that, you're exaggerating." Tenchi's brows drew together as he contemplated his companion's words. "Look, I don't know what you want - whether you think you're looking out for me, or what. But Ryoko isn't a threat to anyone here. She's not going to hurt anybody. She just wants to be accepted, that's all. And I happen to love her very much. Whatever you see when you look at her, I see a girl who means a lot to me. Can't you just accept that? Noone's asking you to marry her, after all."
"Did you ever stop to consider the idea that she might be biding her time?" Wataru asked softly. "Tenchi, you've always been a dope. We all know that. A well meaning dope, true, but a dope nonetheless. Women and you - not generally on the same level. And yes, she's very pretty. But how do you know what she's really planning? With all those powers of hers - how do you know that all this liason with Jurai business is above board? How do you know she's not an advance party for an invasion?"
"Ryoko isn't Juraian, so that doesn't quite work out." Tenchi said stiffly.
"Not what I heard." Kane shook his head. "I thought she was some relation of this Jurai family who keep interfering in Earth politics."
"This is really none of your business." Tenchi shook his head, turning to move away, but Kane grabbed him by the wrist.
"Listen to me, Masaki." He said urgently. "We know you were sucked up into one of their ships, and who knows what they did to your brain? But you have to snap out of it. The whole planet could be in danger and you're encouraging it! If one alien can settle here, more can come. Don't you realise that? This planet is going to wind up enslaved by one of these big gun powers we keep hearing about on the news. Don't you worry about that? When you think what that girl can do - what if more of her come to the Earth? We wouldn't stand a chance. How can you just stand there and let it happen?"
"Ryoko is not here to hurt anyone." Tenchi wrenched his arm free from his companion's grip, glaring at him as he did so. "And if you opened your eyes and your mind you'd know that. If you bothered to see the Osaka fire in the way most people do, you'd know that her forcefields protected people from falling masonry and she gave away who she really was in order to protect innocent people who live here. You among them...don't you get that? Ryoko loves the Earth - this is her home. And whether you like it or not, she's staying. With me. Where she belongs."
"You really are warped, you know that?" Wataru said frankly. "Shacking up with some alien because no Earth girl is interested."
"I'm not looking for an Earth girl." Tenchi snapped.
"Well, maybe you should be. There are plenty to go around." Kane said philosophically. "And most of them don't cause massive explosions whenever they're in the vicinity. That girl is a freak of nature, true enough, and they should have sent her back to whatever world she did crawl out of. Wherever it was, it wasn't here, and no matter how much you try and integrate her, it won't work. You can marry her as many times as you like, but she'll still be alien scum and she'll still be looked on as a lower form of life by anyone on this planet with any sense of logic. If the Government had any sense, they'd have taken her and exterminated her already - show these alien people what will happen to them, if they dare send more like her to this Earth."
This was too much for even Tenchi's composure and he grabbed his companion by the collar of his shirt, pushing him up against the wall of the hotel chamber as rage coursed through his veins.
"Take that back!" He demanded. "What you just said - take it back!"
"Why, am I hitting too close to the truth?" Kane raised an eyebrow. "You know it as well as I do, Tenchi. Your girlfriend is a freak and freaks like that should be taken out, before they hurt this world beyond all help."
Thwack!
Before Tenchi knew what he was doing, he had landed his fist square across Kane's jaw. Oblivious to the gasps or the gathering crowd that had begun to encircle their dispute, he tossed his foe down against the wall, glaring at him as Kane struggled to his feet.
"I warned you." He said darkly. "You leave Ryoko alone! You have no idea of the things she's been through, or the sacrifices she's made to keep this world safe in the past. You have truly no idea of anything, so keep your mouth shut."
"You shouldn't have done that, Masaki." Anger glinted in Kane's eyes as he recovered himself, balling his own fists. "You want to fight over it? Fine. I'll fight you. Whatever the aliens did to your brain, they warped it. If you can even imagine that girl has anything positive about her..."
"Do you want me to hit you again?"
"Oh, I promise you, you aren't getting another chance." Kane swung in Tenchi's direction, and the Prince only just managed to duck out of the way of the blow, sidestepping it and regaining his composure. "Stand still, you coward. You need all the sense knocked into you that I can manage."
"Why, you..."
"Stop this!"
Ryoko's voice startled Tenchi back to himself, and he faltered, dropping his fists as the anger flooded out of him. Kane took advantage of his moment of hesitation, swinging for him again, but Ryoko was too quick for him and a glittering amber forcefield shot up between the two men, Kane's blow glancing harmlessly off it as he fell backwards.
"I said stop." Ryoko's eyes were dark with anger, and the forcefield flickered and faded as she turned her gaze on Tenchi. He stared at her uncomprehendingly, taking in the expression on her face.
"What in hell are you doing?" She asked softly. "Can't I leave you alone for ten seconds?"
"He..." Tenchi faltered, his cheeks burning as he realised where he was and what he had done. He cast Kane a troubled glance, taking in the blood that coloured his foe's lip, and he swallowed hard, glancing at his fists.
"He what?" Ryoko pressed.
"He said something that upset me. Something about you." Tenchi admitted, and Ryoko sighed, shaking her head.
"I told you, I don't care what he thinks of me. Him or anyone." She said reproachfully. "And it was you who told me not to cause trouble here tonight. You could follow your own advice."
She turned her attention to Kane, holding out a hand to haul him to his feet. Once upright, he wrenched his arm away, glaring at her with a mixture of fear and suspicion, and Ryoko pursed her lips.
"Stay away from us." She said quietly. "Else next time it won't be Tenchi who swings for you, all right? I can fight my own battles...and if you threaten his safety again, I will be fighting his too. Do you understand me? I don't want trouble, but if you cause it, I will be there to intervene."
Before the stunned Kane could react, Ryoko had taken Tenchi firmly by the arm, dragging him through the crowd of bemused people and out towards the door of the hotel chamber. Once out of sight of the crowd, she gripped him more tightly, teleporting the both of them to the grounds outside.
"Right." She said, as Tenchi struggled to bring his swirling thoughts back into order. "Now you can tell me what he said that upset you so badly."
"He said you were a freak and that the Government should have terminated you when they had a chance." Now that his temper had calmed, Tenchi was rapidly beginning to realise the nature of his actions, and he bit his lip, eying his fiancee guiltily. "I'm sorry. I feel a hypocrite, now...thank you for interfering."
"Much as I'd like to see you kick his butt, I'd rather you didn't do it in a public place, where people are always going to associate us with trouble." Ryoko sighed. "This world means a lot to me, Tenchi. I want to stay. And I don't want people here to have any more reason to fear me than they already do."
She touched his cheek gently.
"I love you, and I'm proud that you would defend me so readily." She added softly. "It means the world to me that you care that much. But staying here is important, too. And having a future together where we're not molested or feared or hated. You know that your grandfather would say the same - that it will take time for Earth to get used to the idea of its new connections. We just have to sit it out. There will always be people who doubt, you know. But not everyone is that way - you taught me that. That there are always people you can put faith in...people like Sakura and Ikeda, who have come to terms with me for who I am and who have become proper friends. It's just not worth it to fight everyone who doesn't agree. All right?"
"I know." Tenchi gazed at the ground. "I'm sorry. It feels surreal, you saying this to me, but you're right."
"Of course I am." Ryoko smiled, and in that moment, Tenchi knew he was forgiven. "But no more heroics. Truly, I can defend myself. And they're really not worth it."
"Did you find your purse?" Tenchi asked hesitantly. Ryoko nodded.
"Sakura has it." She agreed. "So we'd better go back and find her. When I heard the commotion, somehow I knew you were in the midst of it, so I just left it with her and hurried over to see what was going on. I know I said I wouldn't use my magic, but it seemed to be the only way to break up the fight."
"No, I think this time you were excused." Tenchi eyed his knuckles ruefully. "All right. We'll go back. And this time, maybe you should keep an eye on me...make sure I don't do anything I shouldn't."
"It will be a pleasure, Tenchi-kun." Ryoko's eyes flickered with amusement. "Okay. Let's go."