Chapter 12

Ryoko sat on the rock, looking up at the clear winter sky. In the early evening, stars were beginning to show now that the sun had set. Many a time she had sat in on this very same stone, in her astral form, over the centuries, taking solace in the stars above, awaiting their appearance to begin their nightly spectacle.

She could never come to terms with her imprisonment back then. Her forced solitude eventually became an unwanted loneliness, which she nonetheless endured; there was little else she could do. The immediate area in and around the cave had been her entire world which she both loved and resented. Her existence had been sadness, threatening to remain a part of her for the rest of her life.

That first changed with Tenchi; he freed both her body and soul from its long incarceration. Because of him, many of her inner demons had also been released. Many, but not all. Even though her life was happier than she had dared hoped, a few dark shadows had still remained… until tonight.

Her conversation with Yosho had not only expressed her gratitude, but freed her from the last vestiges of her imprisonment. She looked upon the early stars above with a level of serenity she had never before experienced. She was smart enough to realize that this feeling would not, could not be a constant companion -After all I am a pirate at heart… she admitted to herself. And a pirate can only stand so much peace and quiet- but inner peace was there for her now should she ever want or need it. She knew that Tenchi would appreciate this newfound potential in her, bring them closer together, and that prospect pleased her greatly.

Yes, the future was looking bright and shiny for them, except for that one tiny detail; Aeka. The thought of the princess brought forth a heavy sigh from the former space pirate. "I hope I can get through to your stubborn ass, even if I have to let you kick mine a bit, " she scoffed, smirking and shaking her head.

She wanted to find Tenchi, wanted to feel his arms around her, but first she had to return to see if Sasami needed anything else, or perhaps just her company.

She disappeared from the rock, reappearing over the trees, flying in the direction of home. She flew above the frozen lake, then crossing it, dove down towards the house. As she neared the roof, she phased out and reappeared in the dining room. Looking around she saw that the table had already been cleared and proceeded to float toward the kitchen entry way. As she entered the room, she came face to face with Aeka, so close their noses almost touched.

It took a few moments for both of them to find their 'game' faces: After the initial shock of almost colliding had passed, the princess displayed a pained look that was quickly replaced by an austere pride; The face of her former rival followed the same pattern of the princess up to a point, reflecting shock, a pained look, but then switching to her telltale grin, accompanied by her right hand going to her hip.

Behind Aeka she could see the remainder of the household, save Washu and Nobuyuki, who had all been apparently helping with cleanup, but who were now watching the two women with varying expressions: Mihoshi was apparently biting her lip, with a slight deer in the headlights look, her hands clasped together in front of her; Sasami was looking over her shoulder, her eyes shiny with unshed tears; Tenchi watched them with a fearful, wide eyed expression, his mouth slightly opened. No one however was making a sound.

Ryoko decided to break the silent stalemate. "Princess," she said.

"Pirate," replied the woman across from her.

Ryoko scoffed. "Decided to rejoin the land of the living did ya?"

"What I decide to do or not do is none of your concern," countered the princess.

"Maybe, maybe not. I was just interested to know what brought you out of your hole, why you chose to finally grace us again with your royal presence." Ryoko saw no need to play nice, especially because she DID want Aeka to get riled up, eventually.

Much to her credit, the princess seemed to pause and take a breath. "Since you appear to be so interested in my affairs, I was simply returning the dinner tray my sister had so kindly prepared for me."

"Affairs huh?" Ryoko noticed. "Interesting word." Her grin enlarged. She noted a fiery look briefly displayed in the princess' eyes, no doubt due to her comment.

Aeka quickly recovered her haughty demeanor. "If you don't mind moving aside, I have things to attend to."

"What's the rush Princess?" she goaded. "It's not like anyone's going anywhere, are they?" Ryoko's expression wavered with the last question, revealing true concern for the briefest of moments. Only Aeka caught it, slightly surprised at what she thought she saw, before her veneer returned as well.

Ryoko relented, moving aside for her, open handedly pointing the way, saying, "Be my guest."

"Thank you," Aeka replied icily, and walked past her.

The princess moved towards the closet door, Ryoko watching her the entire way. She had dropped her façade now that Aeka was facing in the opposite direction, viewing her friend at first with deep concern, then changing to fierce determination.

Sasami recognized Ryoko's displayed feelings for what they were, causing a smile to slowly form on the younger princess' face, a glimmer of hope beginning to grow inside her. Tenchi seeing both Ryoko's and Sasami's faces could not help but also smile.

Ryoko turned back towards the kitchen counter to find both Sasami and Tenchi smiling at her, causing instant self-consciousness and the expression to match.

"I-Is there something on my face?" she hesitantly asked them, who immediately broke down laughing, causing her to frown and cross her arms.

Mihoshi soon joined the two in their laughter without actually knowing why they were laughing.


Aeka passed through the closet door once again, en route to Washu's lab, trying her best to put the run-in with Ryoko out of her mind. That insufferable demon woman... I can hardly wait to put her out of my life once and for all, she thought. She'll never change. She'll always be an uncouth selfish savage, thinking only of herself.

There was something though, something nagging at the periphery of her thoughts. It's presence confused her enough to force her to actually stop in the short subspace tunnel, where the thought finally broke through to the forefront. Why did she have that pained look, when she asked about someone leaving? I know I saw it there, I didn't imagine it. She should want me to leave as much as I do. She searched for a plausible answer. There's two possible explanations, she concluded. She either wants me to stay so that she can torture me with their relationship, which is more likely or... she actually cares... Aeka stopped her line of thought. No it can't be that. It contradicts everything I know about that woman. No it has to be the first reason; that's more like a pirate, she concluded.

"I'll not give her the satisfaction!" she stated aloud. With this self vindication of her intentions, she proceeded through the tunnel, opening the door once again into Washu's laboratory.

The scientist's station in front of the door was empty, as she expected. She turned and headed to where the communications array was located. As she approached she heard the unmistakable sound of Washu's laughter. Getting closer to the source of mirth, she spied the diminutive scientist facing her, apparently speaking with someone on the array that Aeka could not see. Coming up to the redhead she heard her deliver what must have been the end of an amusing story: "...finding a fully grown dinosaur in the teachers' lounge was the LAST thing I expected!" followed by the ex-professor's cackle.

Washu, noting the new arrival with her look of staring disbelief, again spoke to the hidden figure on the screen, "Well she's finally here and I'm sure you tired of hearing about old school stories so I'll leave you both to it.

"Thank you, Professor," the familiar voice answered. "As always its been a pleasure."

The mini-scientist regarded the princess after secretly confirming that the recorder was running unobtrusively. "It's on automatic so you can take as much time as you like. Toodles." She walked away whistling.

Aeka rounded the corner to look up at a face she knew very well. "Lady Funaho!"

"Hello, Aeka my dear," replied her stepmother in greeting. "You're looking well. Earth seems to agree with you."

Stung by the congenial comment about Earth, Aeka otherwise hid her reaction. "This time of the year is rather invigorating. It is winter here and we have had snow."

"Snow, mmmm," said Funaho, a wistful look in her eyes. "It's been centuries since I've seen my homeland covered in snow. Tell me, is it as beautiful as ever?"

Aeka, thought of yesterday, seeing the Okayama hills covered in a fresh new white blanket, remembering how pretty it was. "Yes it is," she said. "A lovely sea of white, cold but beautiful." She couldn't help but smile at the memory, encountering a pang at the thought of leaving. She realized the memory distracted her from her purpose, and silently chastised herself.

"It would be nice to see it again sometime," mused the Lady.

"Perhaps you will someday," the princess offered.

"Perhaps," Funaho agreed. "Washu said that you had wished to contact us, reaching me here on Mizuho. How can I help you, my dear?" she asked with a warm smile, not betraying the fact that Washu had informed her of quite a bit more. In fact, before the princess had arrived, the former Science Academy professor had briefed her so well on the situation; she probably had a better overall picture of it than Aeka herself.

Aeka's gaze faltered as she looked down, but made her request just the same. "I would like to request a transport. It is time we returned home to Jurai." She was on the verge of tears. She had known what she was going to say, but never imagined the wave of emotion she felt when she verbalized it.

Funaho was silent for a moment to allow Aeka's own words to impact the princess. She saw their effect, but did not acknowledge it. "Are you sure this is what you want, Aeka? You both seemed so happy there the last time we saw you. Has something happened to change your opinion of living there?"

Aeka's head dropped a bit lower. "Yes, it has. Tenchi is..." she just couldn't say it again. "He and Ryoko are together now." She took a deep breath. "He has made his decision and I am not the one he has chosen." She was able to get it all out, but it had not made her feel any the better for it.

"I see," said the First Queen of Jurai. "So because of his choice of Ryoko, you have made your own choice, to leave what has become your new home to return to your former home."

"Yes," replied the princess.

"Does Sasami share your wish to return?" she asked, already aware of the answer.

"She does not, but as I am her older sister, I feel that I cannot leave her alone here without me. She is still a child after all."

"Aeka, I think we both know that that is not exactly true. She is never alone. Tsunami is always with her," Funaho pointed out.

"I am her older sister nevertheless and as such I am responsible for her," Aeka acknowledged. "I cannot do my duty to her if we live on separate planets."

"On that we agree, but you would still be forcing her to leave a place she loves, leaving behind people she loves, all because you cannot live with Tenchi's decision." She left Aeka little doubt as to her opinion on the matter. To this she added, "If you leave I don't see how you could ever return even if you later reconsidered."

Tears flowed down her cheeks, as Aeka's emotions gained the better of her. She spoke to her stepparent, directly from her broken heart. "How can I stay here, Funaho, and watch them together? Even though I do love living here, and I care for them all... even that damned accursed pirate..." she admitted out loud,"I-I don't think I have the strength to do it." She looked up into Lady Funaho's eyes for the first time. "Please," she begged.

The Jurian Queen looked upon her stepdaughter, wishing she could be there to comfort her. "As you wish Aeka," she said acceding to the princess' request. "As luck will have it we are in the vicinity and can arrive early tomorrow evening by your time. Please inform your sister." To that she added with a small smile, "It seems I will get to see the snow after all."

"Thank you. We shall see you tomorrow then. Goodnight Lady Funaho."

"Goodnight Aeka. Sleep well," she said, closing the connection.

"Tomorrow..." Aeka mumbled. "Tomorrow," she repeated as she slowly dropped to the floor, the sobs beginning.


Nobuyuki finally arrived home only minutes after Aeka's departure. Sasami had kept his food warm which he now ate at the table, joined by Tenchi and Ryoko. While he was eating, he talked about his day at work and the many projects in which he was involved. Once he had finished, Tenchi broke the news, with Ryoko, about their relationship. His father's eyes went wide, but were quickly followed by a monumental smile.

"That's wonderful news, Tenchi, Ryoko! " he said to them in turn. "I'm happy for you both. If your mother was here Tenchi, I know she would be too." He looked at Ryoko. "I'm sure you and Tenchi's mom would have hit it off famously. In many ways you remind me of her."

Tenchi looked at his father. "Do you really think so, Dad?"

"Oh yes. Your mother was no dainty flower, Tenchi," he assured him. "Although she could be very sweet and gentle, she was a free spirit, with a zest for life, never afraid to speak her mind." He smiled and asked his boy, "Remind you of anyone you know, son?" He saw the look of happy surprise on both their faces.

"Now that I've thought about it, the two of you being together, is no great surprise at all," he said knowingly. If they are as well matched as we were Kiyone, they should have a wonderful life together. He considered the possibility. It may be time, my love...

"Ryoko, if you don't mind, I'd like to borrow Tenchi for a while. I think he and I need to have a father-son/man to man talk." He smiled graciously at her as they all rose from the table.

Ryoko smiled. "You two manly men go have your talk. I'll go hang out with the girls."

"I'll see you later," Tenchi said.

She kissed him, saying, "You bet your cute little butt you will," and winked at him as he blushed.

She teleported into the living room and sat down next to Sasami on the couch.

Nobuyuki watching her, smiled. "Quite the spitfire you got there, Tenchi."

"Yeah," he said, his blush just fading.

His father looked him in the eyes, telling him, "You're a very lucky man, son. I hope you realize that."

Tenchi replied back, "I know I am, Dad. Damn lucky."

Nobuyuki nodded. "Let's go to my room. It'll be easier to talk."

Tenchi followed his father to his bedroom. Inside he sat on the bed as his dad pulled over a chair and set it in front of him.

Setting himself in the chair, Nobuyuki asked his son. "So does everyone else know about you two?"

His son nodded and said, "They do."

"How'd everyone take it?" his father asked.

"Most seemed to be okay with it," Tenchi answered. "Grandpa, Mihoshi, Washu. Even Sasami told us she was happy for us. Everybody except for..."

"Aeka," his father finished.

Tenchi nodded, his expression a sad one.

"Yeah, I kind of figured that would be the case," his father stated. "You told her yourself, in private, right?"

Again his son nodded.

Nobuyuki also nodded. "She didn't take it well, I suppose and now you feeling guilty about it," he assumed.

Tenchi lowered his head.

"Well don't," his father ordered, causing Tenchi to raise his head and look at him. "You don't deserve to feel guilty about this."

Tenchi's look to him was one of disagreement and confusion.

"You didn't force her to fall in love with you, she did that all on her own, just like Ryoko," he told his son, who still looked unconvinced. "Did you tell her you loved her, make any promises to her, or... even kiss her?"

Tenchi shook his head saying, "No, none of that. But I didn't tell her the truth about how I felt either."

Nobuyuki nodded. "When did you know the truth, Tenchi? Honestly, when did your head finally figure out where your heart was?"

His son returned a solemn smile answering, "I guess I kind of knew it for a while but I admit I wasn't sure about it until last night."

"Last night," his father echoed. "And when did you tell Aeka?" Tenchi's father asked him with slight smile.

His son returned an understanding smile. "This morning," he replied.

His father's smile had broadened. "So tell me again why you feel so guilty about this."

Tenchi said nodding, "I get it, Dad. I see what you're saying." Tenchi's expression became serious once again. "There's a good chance she may leave because of this though and take Sasami with her."

His father's expression matched his own. "If that happens, son, it'll be her decision, not yours."

"I know," Tenchi replied. "It just doesn't seem right though."

"Not many things in life are, son," Nobuyuki offered, then he changed the subject. "Speaking of right, are you sure that Ryoko is the right woman for you? Is she the one you want to raise a family with, the one you want to spend the rest of your life with?"

Tenchi looked his father in the eye answering him firmly, "Yes, dad, she is. I can't imagine myself with anyone else, or my life without her in it. I love her, Dad, and she loves me."

Nobuyuki smiled, nodding, considering his son's answer. "Alright," he said, deciding and stood up. He moved over to the dresser, opened a drawer, rummaged through it, and finally pulled out an object. Closing the drawer he moved back to the chair and sat back down. He held the object out to his son, saying, "You'll be needing this then." It was a small box.

Tenchi took the box, then looked at his father, who nodded toward it. He opened the box and found a jewelry case inside. Opening the case, he found a gold ring, set with a rounded gem, he assumed was a diamond. With eyebrows raised he looked up at his father.

"That was your mother's. I gave that to her when I proposed and she accepted. Now I'm giving it to you to give to your girl when you propose. Your mother would have wanted that."

"But, Dad, I'm only..." Tenchi said starting to object when his father interrupted him.

"I know what you're going to say, you think you might be too young, but you told me yourself that she was the only one for you. You change your mind already?"

"No, of course not," Tenchi replied, a little annoyed at his father for suggesting such a thing.

"I didn't think so," Nobuyuki confirmed, then his expression became serious. "Listen, son. Nothing in this life is certain. You're mother and I had a wonderful life together, but she left way too soon." Tenchi could see his fathers eyes filling with emotion. "There's almost nothing I wouldn't give to spend just one more day with her. I hope neither of you ever have to face anything like that, but no one can predict the future."

He paused for a second. "Both of you have powers I don't understand and probably never will. If history has taught us anything it's that powerful people attract powerful, dangerous enemies; and those were just from this planet." He saw Tenchi give an understanding nod.

Nobuyuki put his hand on his son's shoulder. "Time is precious, son. Make the most of it."

Tenchi smiled gratefully to his father. "I will, Dad. I promise." Looking at the ring he said, "I think we should sort this thing out with Aeka first." He looked back at his father, smiling. "Then I'll talk to Ryoko."

His father returned his smile, nodding. "Sounds good."


Washu was sitting at her main terminal location as a silent Aeka, head down, passed by her and exited the lab. The scientist accessed the conversation between the royals from Jurai, listening to every word. She had to give Lady Funaho credit; she could tell that her words had definitely affected the Princess, making her question her decision to leave. What made the deepest emotional impact on the Universe's Greatest Scientist was when Aeka's revealed her true feelings about her home here and those around her: -"I do love living here, and I care for them all... even that damned accursed pirate..."- Tears welled up in the little redhead's eyes.

"No, damn it," she protested as she wiped the offending tears from her eyes. "There will be no more breaking of hearts here. Not on my watch!"

"Ryoko, Ryoko"

"Yes, Washu?"

"The clock's about to run out. Aeka's ride will be her TOMORROW EVENING! If they leave that's it, game over."

"I guess tomorrow morning she and I are gonna have to have that heart to heart."

"Get some rest, and I do mean REST! You're gonna need it for the morning."

"Gee Mom, you almost sound like you're worried about me. You built me tough, I'll be fine. Nighty night."

I hope so, thought her mother.


In the living room, Ryoko sat on the couch, next to Tenchi, who had just joined her from his talk with his father, holding his hand. She turned to face him. As he turned to her in response, she said, "Tomorrow morning's the time."

Not realizing what she meant he asked her, "Time for what?"

She gave him "That Grin" and answered, "Time to poke the bear."