Tenchi Muyo All Good Things Chapter 119 Concubine
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The next hour or so was blessedly uneventful, for the most part.
Beginning with the Grand marshal being sent on his merriest of ways, 'sarcasm intended', with a surprising minimum of fuss.
Azusa's bemusement at having so efficiently defused the situation however suddenly melted upon his return to the vicinity of the front yard.
The very moment his dark brooding eyes had set upon where Ayeka stood.
Something poignant seemed to have passed briefly between father and daughter.
Enough that somewhere, amid Mihoshi's assurances that despite appearances, her grandfather was not 'such an evil man'. The emperor decided the time was appropriate and had finally taken Ayeka aside. Disappearing with the crown princess inside of the house.
An announcement from a reemerging Washu just then had followed.
Though visibly still shaken by recent personal revelations herself, the good professor managed some welcome news.
Assuring everyone that Hero, now transfered to one of her labs was responding well to treatment. Going further to inform that his injuries while serious where far from life threatening.
Thanks to in no small way to his 'unique' physiology, she was quick to emphasize, and of course her amazing skill. The later of which Washu was as rapid to point out.
She was therefore confident Hero would certainly make a full recovery.
Tenchi was also equally sure that her personal discovery of Hero's Wolven nature almost guaranteed the prospects for the young diplomat's private life where bleak indeed.
At least Hero would have Ryo-oki by his side to help him through the coming and no doubt embarrassing ordeals. Both she and Mayuka were with him right now.
"It's been an amazing journey hasn't it young man?" Misaki asked Tenchi sometime later.
Though only some minutes had past in truth, it seemed to him they'd been standing awkwardly about for a much longer span.
"Having so much change in only the span of a few days?" Misaki continued cautiously.
Probably just trying to bridge the silence, which seemed to have settled.
"I'm still trying to get my mind around most of it." He admitted still understandably uncomfortable with any of the royal family. Though more concerned about Ayeka's reactions to the news of Azusa's condition than anything else at the moment.
It struck him as odd to note privately right then, that this was the first time Ayeka's and Sasami's biological mother had ever addressed him directly.
"I recall being somewhat stunned in the aftermath of my own wedding." Funaho added tactfully.
"It's only natural."
"I'm not sure I'll ever be able to forgive any of you." Tenchi told them both suddenly, eyeing the queen and Ayeka's mother sternly.
Watching with a small measure of grim satisfaction as the two of them visibly retreated.
"We have a difficult journey ahead." Funaho replied somberly. Allowing her gaze to slip downwards from his.
"There is much for you still to learn and understand Tenchi, before you are at last ready to ascend the throne!"
"We would hope you would avail yourself of the knowledge our experiences have given!" Misaki added carefully buoyant.
"Do not let the harsh necessity of our actions incense you from exploiting our wisdom!" Funaho continued evenly.
"None of what we've done here was out of malice." Ena concluded.
"I know!" He snapped quietly. "I just think another way could have been found."
Saying that the situation felt 'awkward' would have been an understatement. Tenchi was still uncertain exactly what lay ahead. But then, did anyone?
"Time was not gracious." Misaki shrugged sadly.
A smile lifted her countenance somewhat as Ryoko chose that moment to move to Tenchi's side. Regarding them curiously.
"But certainly the outcome must please you to some degree?" Misaki asked.
"Yeah." He muttered gazing deep into Ryoko's eyes momentarily. Thrilling to the smile he got in return.
"You hold our children's hearts and the future of our empire!" Misaki continued, just as the door to the house again opened.
Preceding the reappearance of Ayeka entwined with her father as they made their way towards the assembled group.
Tenchi studied the princess carefully, it was clear she'd had another emotional outburst from the way Ayeka's eyes were shining. Yet now her expression towards Azusa was one of proud sadness and undeniable love.
"I fear our moment for a timely departure has long since past." The emperor spoke solemnly as he neared.
"Just like that?" Tenchi mused, mildly surprised.
"Seems your visits are always so short."
Secretly he was astonished at the genuine if small regret he felt at the announcement. In spite of the mild sarcasm he'd been unable to refrain from interjecting. But then things were different now weren't they?
"Duties of the empire beckon." The emperor shrugged sadly, still taking the moment to fondly stroke his daughter's hair.
"One day," He promised, nodding darkly. "You too will know such joy."
"Well..." Tenchi shrugged after a moment. "At least things can get back to something approaching..."
He paused, looking about suddenly with some mild disdain.
"Jezz..." He then muttered, shaking his head. "I almost said 'normal' for a while."
Azusa favored him with a smile, halting briefly to bend and brush his lips across his daughter's forehead.
"Ayeka." He whispered gently while she favored her father a final embrace before taking only a single reluctant step backwards to Tenchi's side.
"Father, surely something can be done?" The princess implored, before glancing towards a certain resident mad scientist. "Perhaps, lady Washu... ?"
"Some of the finest minds in the empire have labored over these matters." Azusa told her firm yet gentle. Even as Tenchi caught the faint but unmistakable sound of a snort. He didn't even bother looking.
He was just happy to 'see' Washu recovering some of her equilibrium at least.
"I assure, you hope is not lost." The emperor added, having ether not heard or more likely having chosen to simply ignore.
"And at any rate. I do not regret my choices on behalf of the world and the people that I serve."
It was at that moment that he straitened. Bringing himself to his full regal hight as though the emperor of Jurai was bracing himself. Perhaps considering the one 'regret' which he might have had.
"Sasami?" Azusa then queried. Glancing at last to where she had been standing, oddly apart from everyone.
Tenchi had noticed her 'drifting back' more than likely in Washu's wake from the professors lab where she had gone with Ryo-chan and Mayuka. He had Just kept himself from dwelling on it, from thinking how she had returned ... alone.
Lately She had been noticeable in isolating herself, it was the thought of that which bothered Tenchi the most. He loved her as well. He loved all of them with all of his heart.
He and Sasami were going to have to have a very long talk.
Tenchi wanted to wait however for a better time. Preferably when the two of them were alone.
"Yes..." Sasami responded lightly after contemplating Azusa for a moment.
"I will speak with you now." She added decisively.
Moving then to stand several feet from the assembled royals and their surrounding Tanzuru.
"I'm mad as hell at all of you!" She whispered fiercely, making certain that she let her gaze move from Azusa to the rest where they stood regarding her resolute. The sum of them clearly dreading what it was she might say.
"As only expected." Azusa began gently. Seeming delighted and more than surprised that she was speaking with him.
"Be silent father." Sasami told him directly with a succinct nod of her head.
Favoring the emperor with the faintest ghost of a smile as she then looked again to each of them with careful deliverance.
Azusa looked stricken, his mouth hanging mildly open, as never the less he complied.
"I wish it known ... that I do understand what it is that you have done." She continued emphatically.
"And that I accept both your motivations and your reasons."
She then locked eyes directly with those of Funaho and Misaki, alternating between the two of them.
"I however, do not forgive!"
Tenchi drew a breath, swallowed. Not liking the sound of this in the slightest!
The statement while delivered by Sasami in modest tones, carried the force of a pistol shot. Not a single soul gathered there deemed it permissible to blink in the scant seconds which followed.
Yet cast in the moment, even as he was alarmingly aware of the reactions both subtle and gross occurring around him. Tenchi sensed no malice in her.
"It was for the good of the empire and its people!" Funaho suddenly blurted. The queen taking on the first semblance of actual panic Tenchi believed he had ever seen. The cool calculating mask ubiquitous in all things The lady Funaho presented to the world shattering in an instant.
"Sasami please!"
"The empire?" Sasami interrupted with a laugh as the Lady Funaho visibly started.
Standing in her place beside the queen, Misaki didn't speak looking however as though she might be considering a good faint.
"The empire as you know it 'died' the moment you and yours dare presume to lay hands upon me and mine!" Sasami continued icily, her voice betraying no hint of compromise.
"Rejoice however." She added mildly after another stunned pause. When it became clear that no one wisely wanted to add their opinion.
"In a real sense, you and my mother have accomplished your goal.
From this day forward the old ways are dead to me! And I morn their passing.
I will now serve only the new order! And all that statement entails!"
She then turned slightly. Just enough to look full upon where Tenchi stood.
"What ever he tells me." She added quietly gazing deep in to his eyes.
"I am his to command."
"Mother-puss-bucket..." Kiyone muttered under her breath. The full import of what Sasami was saying falling full upon her.
"Tsunami..." Ayeka breathed astonished as she too considered.
"Yes dear sister." Sasami replied lightly, looking directly at Ayeka.
"And Sasami..." She added, the tiny smile she wore then widening to brilliant proportions.
"Its still me you know?"
She continued to regard Ayeka, smile never faltering. Until the emotions of the moment finally overwhelmed and the crown Princess found herself mirroring that smile and the love she felt radiating from the young woman before her.
"As to the rest." Sasami continued, finally turning her attention full again upon the members of the old guard.
"Be comforted in the knowledge there will be no reprisals. For the sake of the new order."
She then raised a finger her demeanor turning deadly serious.
"Be warned however." Sasami cautioned.
"Take this to the ear of any who would set themselves against those whom I love!
Your agenda's, past, present or unfulfilled are of no consequence to me. And any who dare place themselves against us will come to know the true meaning of wrath."
Ryoko was silent, key thunderstruck. For Tenchi and more to the matter Ayeka, there was a mixture of concerns.
Yes, they and indeed all of their extended family could agree that 'the royals' as it was convenient to think of the Jurian nobles assembled, were deservingly reaping the whirlwind.
But at the same time it was difficult to equate the words and the manner of the young woman before them as the 'Sasami' they knew.
The pattern of her speaking, the regal air of address. This person was a stranger!
And yet there was that connection that Tenchi could somehow sense. An inner peaceful flow like the whisper of cool water on a sweltering summer day.
Calling out to him from the scant distance she stood apart. Calming his fears.
The smile and the single glance Sasami had given had been more than enough for Ayeka. The overwhelming outpouring of love she had sensed.
Besides, the princes reasoned smugly, her 'mothers' had certainly pressed this issue and were getting some proper comeuppance.
"Be careful what you wish for Mommy." Ayeka couldn't help but consider privately.
"You just might find yourself getting it!"
"One final thing." Sasami suddenly added. Guaranteeing that all attention again were riveted upon her.
Her gaze in turn now centered upon Azusa.
"Something for you alone." She continued sternly.
"Yes?" The emperor asked, looking upon Sasami uncertainly. Imagine his surprise when his youngest daughter suddenly raced forwards and threw her arms about him!
"I do love you poppa!" Sasami Sighed as she embraced him.
Azusa simply stood almost frozen in shock for several long moments. Until, his arms slowly rose as he wrapped them about her in return.
"And I you ... Little sprig." Azusa whispered, holding her tightly. Remembering a small face that had stared up at him so long ago. Wishing that he could have been wiser ... somehow.
"The weight you took upon yourself..." Sasami told him as she straitened.
"And the sacrifices you've made. So ... I guess I understand ... A little."
With a final squeeze she then turned on heel and walked away.
Kiyone watched along with the rest as Sasami continued away with out a backwards glance. Wondering as the second princess headed slowly towards the general direction of the hill away from the house, just what kind of reaction Azusa had expected?
Key believed she understood to a small degree at least. She herself couldn't even bear to look at Funaho and company at the moment. It was unlikely any of them would ever understand the motivations of the young woman who even now continued past where the rest of them were standing about.
"The Goddess has spoken eh?" Ryoko muttered wryly as Sasami move past.
"Shut up." Sasami hissed quietly, without so much as a glance Ryoko's direction as she continued on.
"It 'is' the nature of the goddess to forgive!" Sasami suddenly called to them, turning back to face all assembled. The light robe she wore fluttering in the breeze seeming somehow more than appropriate.
"But I am not at all what I once was! Nor am I who I intended to be!" She then paused. Her eyes finding Tenchi and a smile.
"You look good." Tenchi told the Princess as she stood leaning against the side of the porch. It had been several minutes now, the two of them standing there, alone. The air in the living room before had seemed, stifling. Beyond his ability finally to bear. There hadn't been anything so much as a plan in coming outside, rather than the sudden, almost overwhelming need to just get out of there! Tenchi had taken her hand almost without realizing he had done so. More of ... an after thought...
"WHA?!" A just arriving Ryoko yelped, suddenly finding her self standing at finger point, while Tenchi, among others blinked in surprise. He however was the only one suddenly very aware of the pressure Ayeka was exerting on his arm as just to the other side of the Princess, certain galactic law officials where sizing up the pending predicament. "And now it gets really interesting!" Kiyone thought glumly. Not, without an appropriate amount of sympathy for Tenchi to be sure. "OH!"...
Lady Funaho had changed little since Mihoshi had last seen her. But then, she had 'changed' little in the last thousand years if the truth were told. One did not bring such matters up around the queen of Jurai However, if one wished to remain in good health. "I would say that this is an unexpected pleasure." The queen politely intoned. "But of course we know that would be untrue." Kiyone stood staring, uncharacteristically mute. Mihoshi however, having met the queen on more than one...
"I'm surprised they're allowing us so much time together really." Tenchi huffed. Sparing only a few glances the direction of the massive tent the Jurian's had set up in the vicinity. Noting with some amazement something which had been absent only yesterday now towered over and almost completely engulfed most of the old rest stop. "Don't they have some traditions about, you know? 'Seeing' the bride before the wedding or some such?" He finished. Deliberately ignoring the now...
Sasami had been waiting patiently as she might. Attempting to hold a sense of what she believed was termed 'cultivated composer'. That managed to last until the first few bars of the all too familiar 'Wedding March' began. For the way that her heart leaped in her chest it might well have been 'Toccata en Fugue'. She quickly reminded herself that she was not about to greet some mad doctor or even a disfigured deranged organ playing actor for that mater. This was her wedding day and...
Several minutes, and as many buckets of soapy water later. The female contingent of Wataru's crew had almost restored the mini to showroom condition. While Sara, Mikito and Yoshi worked, the interval also witnessed Yuba's final tentative re-emergence from the caravan. "Now, Yuba dearest." Michele attempted to console. "Everyone has a moment or two of dementia now and then." "My god!" Yuba wailed, as Michele steered her sullenly towards a rest stop bench. "I really showed my...
Turning to regard the new speaker even as the others, Tenchi felt something in the location he normally associated as his brain simply freeze. In his twenty-one years he'd done and believed he had 'seen', many a great thing. Some of which could even be termed 'miraculous' Perhaps even godly. This however was the first time he could specifically remember seeing someone who actually looked ... Well, like one always expected an alien to look. She was blue! His mind instantly shooting...
'Tenchi the magnificent', glanced under at the first hold down's release mechanism, then again at the rectangular shape muted under the bright green tarp on top. Realizing he'd barley noticed it on the stage/bed behind Yuba. "Well, She had nice legs." He admitted privately, among other distractions at the time. "You go round." He started, pausing when noting Todd staring into the distance with a look of undisguised wonder. Just then on the ground, in front of him ... a moving shadow,...
Tenchi dragged more than walked himself up the darkened entry hall. Even by his standards, this had been one exhausting day. Thoughts of food, bath and bed circled his mind while trudging past entry into the living room, wondering who would be still up at this hour? Seated across from the doorway from him, Katsuhito sat holding a sleeping Mayuka while providing Ayeka a shoulder against which to slumber. It would have been an idyllic scene, if not for how pissed he currently were at his...
"Ow." Kiyone moaned softly. Fidgeting when gently as possible, Tenchi laid her down. "Lie still." He commanded, equally soft, before turning purposefully to a squat cupboard at one side of the Olsen's entryway. "Hold on." He told her soothingly. "I'll be just a moment." He would rather have taken her to the shrine however she'd insisted her injuries were not severe and the Olsen with its supply of healing herbs was closer. Once certain his back was to her Kiyone allowed her...
Day 3: (Faster than the speeding bullet.) The steady rhythmic hum of the passenger car nestled about him. The dull regular 'clackity-clack' as the train's bogies made their way across countless trestles beneath. So oddly soothing in its way as one came to terms and accepted. That after a time, it had almost Lulled Tenchi in to a kind of daze. Last night had been complete and utter hell, his thoughts wandered briefly backwards. The events of the previous day insuring a state of total...
"Tenchi?" Kiyone whispered urgently. "Uh?" he attempted, then embarrassed at the slight lapse, swallowed the portion in his mouth. He'd been concentrating on his meal, desperately avoiding eye contact with Sasami while ignoring Ayeka's periodic flinging of visual daggers at her sister. "What's on your mind Key?" He whispering at diminished volume. "Is, they're something wrong with your Grandfather?" She asked. "Huh?" "Would you mind?" Ayeka muttered, annoyed as Kiyone...
"Daaaaaadeeee." Tenchi seemed to hear from a great distance. "You gonna wake up?" The darkness shrouding his senses seemed to be lifting gradually, though the room about him remained fuzzy. "Key?" The child's voice came again. "Why don't he open he eyes?" Tenchi tried to concentrate, certain that he recognized the voices. Not an easy feat, feeling like he was swimming in Jell-O. "Give him a moment sugar bear," He seemed to hear distinctly. "You're daddy's been through a...
Smiling, his mind in a whirl Tenchi was yet again, wondering ... He was still uncertain exactly what had made that moment any different from countless others, but having no real regrets. What was more, it had all come so natural, instinctively. like he had done it before ... Had he? It was after all just a kiss. Mechanically it wasn't 'brain science' or even 'rocket surgery', but at the end of any day, is a kiss just as kiss? He'd always wondered also ... Well, what Ryoko would taste...
Hero had been sitting at the base of the entry hall stairs staring despondently at his shoes for several minutes. He been siting there far longer he supposed, lost in thought uncertain of his next move. His conversation with the queen had raised far more questions than it had answered. To say nothing of the considerable inner turmoil it had stirred up! The same questions had been rolling through his mind, over and over again since the Queen had made it her business to be elsewhere and no...
Elsewhere at roughly the same time, Tenchi was making his way along the house sun porch. Briefly he paused, taking the majestic view of the placid lake offered from this angle. Then, taking a deep breath, he smiled. "The coast is clear Mr. Sheagame." He addressed the empty air. "You can come out now." There followed a long pause during which nothing happened. Then suddenly, sounds of shuffling from underneath prompted seconds later a slight squeak. Signaling in turn loose boards being...
"I tell you Tenchi it was Achika!" Kiyone swore. "Right in front of me plain as day!" Having cleaned and washed, no longer looked like a victim of a food riot, Tenchi stopped. Turning slightly, holding the ends of a towel around his neck in both hands, staring at her evenly. "Why don't you believe me?" Kiyone challenged. "First of all," He told her slowly. "I never said that I didn't, Key." "Well what do you think..." She began. "What I said, was 'let's not talk about...
"Excellent!" Funaho breathed decisively, as Kiyone continued to glare holes in her. More than anything, Key thought the Queen seemed ... Relieved? Almost like she was expecting another answer? She wasn't certain, and didn't know that moment if she gave a damn anyway! "Not like this!" Ayeka openly wept, still kneeling on the floor leaning forward to bury her face into hands. "Please eternal Tsunami! Not like this!" She whispered, almost inaudibly. It was difficult to watch and almost...
Their arrival at stair's end was not at all disappointing. As usual, Sasami had pulled out all stops preparing lunch. The largest permanent table in the rest stops area covered with bright linen. Even from where they stood, the aroma was sheer heaven. "You know Sasami," Kiyone was saying, while Katsuhito and Washu looked on. "You're going to a lot of trouble for just a lunch!" Watching as the second princess was finishing a few last touches with Kiyone holding a box, on which Sasami...
"Dear mother and father," Ayeka wrote. Now siting in her side of the divided room she shared with Sasami. "I hope this writing finds you in the best of heath. I must confess I have been remiss in my correspondence with you, but with father's quite verbal abatements as to my 'living in shameful denial of my family duties' Nothing I could offer would have done more than simply aggravate the situation. To that end, I hope this pronouncement will gladden father's heart, as I wish to...
Ayeka stood, slightly stooped over eyes closed, totally out of breath. Slowly, methodically the princess began taking deep 'lung-fulls' of air. Sara, at that moment being the closest to the stairs stood blinking at the young woman's sudden appearance. Glancing then back along the ancient flight to a curious a trail of dust still spiraling, linking the front of the distant house to the top step of the shrine. "Who is that?" Yoshi asked voice brimming with awe, still standing over where...
"You are now Husband and wife," A voice coaxed softly behind them. With every thing going on it took Tenchi some seconds realizing it was Masaki addressing them. "There is no longer a need to restrain yourselves!" Ayeka's mother smiled. Responding to the gentle urging Tenchi opened his hand shifting his grip. Only just aware of the last of the vines still entwining their fore arms falling away. Noting in its passing the delicate patterns now indelibly there understandable more livid...
There was music in the air. The shrine and its grounds had been meticulously cleaned, not that Katsuhito had EVER allowed them to fade into disrepair. Tenchi had more than his share of calluses attesting to the fact. It was never the less a point of amusement for him to note several of the flagstones he was going to replace this week had been hastily dealt with. Obviously to his eye by someone new to using a trowel. Whatever they had 'stuck' them down with didn't even appear to be...
"Ah Mr. Masaki!" The man behind the counter said in surprisingly fluent Japanese. Tenchi had never considered himself racist, but hearing his native tongue from an someone of such obvious Jewish origin, without a trace of accent was ... Well, just plain odd. Not that 'it' coming from what appeared to be a floating wooden log was any less strange. "Or a bronzed, elf eared, blue eyed blond bomb shell for that matter!" He thought with a smile. "I understand you need some custom sizing...
"It's Beautiful." Mihoshi breathed. Looking over at her, Tony had to agree, enjoying the soulful perhaps 'mesmerized' look that had come over Miho. He could sympathize really, he was sort'a fixated himself, on Mihoshi. "You really like it?" He baited. "IT'S SO CUTE!!!!" She squealed. Clasping her gloved hands together and bouncing in place staring at the mini. "Well, I'm pleased to hear that Miho," He told her. "Cause were gonna take pictures of you and the car...
In spite of her being closer at start of their sprint, Tenchi easily beat Kiyone to roadside. Not that she was really going 'flat out' mind you. When coming finally a breast to him however, it seemed to her that most of his sense of urgency was lost. Obviously reading her next question with a glance, Tenchi simply pointed. Allowing her to follow the line of his gesture. Before Kiyone suddenly felt a groan rising from within. "Kiyone!" Came a weak and distant wail. Staggering up the...
"Grandpa's right." Tenchi thought bitterly, forcing the memory to subside with difficulty, taking its place among a multitude of lingering regrets. "I'm being selfish and it's just plain wrong!" He silently added. Having finished stowing all the tools, he then made his way towards the front entry. Of course, that was not precisely true ether, he continued to consider. Oh, he had tried to make amens with how he had unintentionally stabbed Ayeka in the heart. He had given her the...
With attention focused on the small screen, Ryoko absently reached into the box and after a moment of two of groping managed to procure the intended prize. "Quit hogging the crackers!" She hissed in a low voice. Sparing the princess only the smallest of sideways glances. "You know perfectly well you're the one shoveling them into you trap!" Ayeka whispered, fiercely indignant. "Shhhhh!" Ryoko snapped "They'll hear your big mouth!" grimacing while gesturing at the small device...
"Did you enjoy your meal sir?" The stunning brunette behind the lunch counter asked. "Not really," Tenchi thought, smiling politely, wondering if he should just come right out and say... "I'm accustom to larger portions and the sauce you use for your teriyaki eel is substandard at best!" Instead he simply nodded and smiled. After all Washu's seafood supply plus Sasami's cooking no doubt had him spoiled rotten! "And here's your change!" She intoned, pleasantly if mechanically,...
"Here we are again." Tenchi thought dryly. Though the observation was largely untrue. The ubiquitous rhythms beneath the earlier car were all but absent. Replace with a lulling 'throb' barely hinting at the power and speeds they were currently traveling. He'd also been spared the the indignations of being forced to stand, hanging on to a ceiling strap for dear life. More over and perhaps most importantly, Sasami was no longer stalking him. Like grandpa, she was dead to the world....
"Lucky son of a bitch!" Todd said wonderingly as Tenchi was dragging Ayeka away. "Come again?" Kiyone asked, in the act of taking a step forward to follow almost involuntarily, When Todd's remark brought her up short. "I mean some guys have all the luck!" He said quickly. Having seen what had just 'gone down' Todd was reevaluating his chances. 'Clearly, Masaki and that 'Ayeka' chick were an 'item'. "So." He ventured now that he seemed to have Kiyone's attention. "What's...
"One can't help but wonder," Petra intoned solemnly. "How many times have feet of countless multitudes traversed these stones?" He paused, gesturing at the step on which he stood. "Wearing them away as worshipers and acolytes tended to the needs of the spirits which bind these mountains together." Petra descended the flight of ancient stairs slowly as he continued his narrative. "Listen!" He said, stopping. "One can almost hear them whispering!" He looked toward the other side of...
To her credit Ryo-ohki didn't jump or lose grip on the tray, though her eyes did widen slightly. The ambient light catching the crimson jewel at her brow. Looking her over, Tenchi was in a mild state of shock. Ryo-chan looked nice. Really nice! It was plainly obvious there was feminine skullduggery a foot. Noting instantly not only was there only one glass on the tray but two straws. "I know Ayeka and Ryoko had a hand in the clothes and make up but the juice and straws," He paused...
It was only as the door behind them slid suddenly shut that Tenchi realized they simply weren't where they were suppose to be. No amount of redressing could have 'added' the extra space opening up before them supposedly inside of the priest quarters. That in of itself wasn't too disconcerting, he'd been telliported, translocated, dimensionally shifted and phased through solid matter once too often to go willy-nilly over such things anymore. For a good solid second or so the...
Kiyone had lain for more than several additional moments. Allowing her over taxed mind to simply 'idle' while just listening to the muffled exchanges from somewhere in the house below. The exact interval she lay there likewise went unnoticed when she suddenly started. Making out what was clearly Azusa amid the others she could hear. Perhaps she was still 'off balance' to put her current state into the mildest of terms but hearing the emperor's voice served to crystallize the...
"One hundred fifty seven!" Kiyone grimaced, chinning herself on a bar suspended between two of the older trees on the training ground. "Going to kill her!" She gasped upon lowering to full extension, before exerting, rising again. "One hundred fifty eight!" She rasped upon returning chin to the bar. "Finally lost what little brain she had!" She then growled, then lowered. Then, in spite of working off a serious 'mad on' since she had arrived, Kiyone executed her one hundred and...
"What I would like to know!" Misaki conferred angrily as she fairly stalked along besides Azusa. "Is how they always seemed to know our comings and goings!" They were moving towards 'the boardwalk' that spanned the small section lake almost touching the house. Now surrounded by a healthy selection of the imperial guard. "Come now good wife." Azusa soothed, seeming far less concerned. "They most certainly have their sources as indeed do we." Misaki seemed to consider, digesting...
Ryoko carefully slid the door open, glanced left, right, then just for good measure leaned impossibly backward. Defying gravity just shy of bringing both feet off the floor as she surveyed the darkened corridor behind to either side. "The coast is clear!" She whispered gleefully, having no real idea what that saying had to do with someone lurking about but when in Rome... Thinking 'that' in turn set her to 'thinking' which made her pause. "Whoo boy!" She grumbled shaking her head,...
"Soon." The thought drifted, as the presence unseen bided its time. Watching quietly as Sasami turned and left for the kitchen from the eves above of the entry hall, "Just a little longer" A silent promise was made from the shadows which clung there. "And he'll be all mine!" Patiently observing as the chosen quarry returned just below, watching as Tenchi set to stowing his heavy work boots. Waiting pensively for the right moment to strike! The instant Sasami hurriedly disappeared...
"Meyow..." Ryo-chan moaned. Watching darkness slowly fade as the shadows about her assembled themselves, taking on the familiar shapes of Sasami and Kiyone looking down at her. "Meyow?" she asked faintly, hoping, somehow she had imagined the whole business. "That's a big aye-firmitive Ryo-honey." Kiyone told her seriously. "You plum fainted." "Mooooooh." Ryo-ohki whispered, totally mortified suddenly identifying the new location she was in as the sun porch or patio. Smiling...
"Sis?" Sasami called quietly, knocking softly at the door. "You still awake?" In the darkness beyond Ayeka turned, in a way grateful for the intrusion. Try as she may, sleep simply would not come. She had lain for what seemed like hours, wrestling with her conscience. Listening to the sounds of house surrounding her. It had taken every ounce of will she could muster not to rise and follow, when she'd heard Tenchi's soft foot steps. Growing fainter and fainter as she noted his leaving...
In her room, Ayeka paused regarding herself in her full-length mirror. With the original destruction of Reyo, she had gone for the longest time unable to stand the sight of any artifacts, which they had managed to reclaim from the wreckage. So when Misaki's mirror had been recovered, seeing it broken covered in muck, only seemed to vigorously salt an open wound. She had no idea at the time it could be restored in such a fashion! She was a princess, not an artisan after all! So when Tenchi...
Night had at last fallen. "Time flies." Tenchi mused to himself quietly. "As the saying goes." He was uncertain of how long he had been laying there, the wedding seemed only a few hours ago. Not precisely tired from his exertions, though he supposed the word 'fun' was a raggedly deficient descriptor of the last few hours. It was curious that he found himself speculating as to the current location of the massive Ryeo unit in relation to his house. Was it floating? perhaps even...
"One should always remember, my princess." Shalla nodded pleasantly, her wizened features almost seeming to bob upon her neck. "Virtue is mostly for the masses! Nothing is inherently sinful in the bed chamber after all!" In the sun-room at the houses West End Ayeka, now dressed only in a light robe, surveyed her options without much enthusiasm. Gone where the carrot shaped throw pillows and cushions, replaced by row after row of garment racks holding the finest livery. Except for the...
"Roll up! Roll up! Roll up!" Ryoko called across the field. "You boys hungry? I got the cure! Plain, mild or spicy? It's great I'll insure! Step up quick, Jump up real fast! I got the beef but it sure won't last! Pork so juicy you'll yell for more! The pigs in heaven and the taste'll take you there for shore! Noodles so tasty slippery and hot! Come one, come all my Ramen will hit the spot! Roll up! Roll up! Roll up!" Ayeka found herself smiling, Ryoko seemed to be in her element. It...
"My god!" Tony gasped, standing finally at foot of the path gazing up, taking in the awesome glory that was Funaho. He'd been walking, taking picture and muttering since arriving at valley rim. So much so both Mihoshi and Michele trailing behind were beginning to think the camera was geared to his legs and larynx. Step, Click! Step, Click! "Good lord!" Step, Click! Step, Click! "Incredible!" On and on with only minor variations. Until finally standing at start of the modest path...
Suddenly within her minds eye Ryoko was aware of being lowered, feeling bare shoulders touch a smooth soft surface that yielded under her. Experiencing a brief but pleasant friction as her body was eased downward. All but suspended by a pair of wonderfully muscular arms. In the dark above her, enough light was present to reveal a pair of dark morocco eyes silently regarding her. "So ... beautiful," A man's voice sighed. "You have been haunting me all day!" In turn Ryoko simply stared,...
"Groggily I tried to reassure the panicky young gaggle of women, rapidly finding myself at spear point!" Ena's words continued contritely. The beach Ryoko now found herself standing upon had that curious blend of the familiar and the unknown. After all, she had trod the surface of many worlds and after a certain point, one beach front is much like another. The tidal pool in which the current drama was playing itself out, lacked the same overall serenity of a calm coastal day. Yet it was...
"The nerve!" Todd muttered sympathetically, having witnessed the entire scene. "Pardon me?" Ayeka started still stunned, turning to look uncomprehendingly at him. "Sounds like sour grapes if you ask me!" He added brightly, adjusting the strap holding the cam he was carrying. "I-I'm afraid I don't..." Ayeka stammered, still in a kind of shock. "Well, its kind'a obvious!" Todd continued smoothly, really wanting to cheer her up. "I think the girls around here should just 'wake...
"Ok," Kiyone was saying evenly, halting as she was passing through and under the Torii. "Now repeat it back to me." "No touching, no button pressing, no lever throwing." Mihoshi sighed, taking the final step up. "No cable disconnecting, no tying or untying for that matter." She continued after pausing beneath the Torii's arch, reciting in a sing song voice complete with rocking her head back and forth in time with the meter of her words. "And if I see anything in my way higher than...
"Tell me," Kagito addressed The girl pleasantly. "Why dose a 'weapon' need an education hmm?" The younger incarnation of Ryoko simply looked at him curiously as he approached. Continuing to study him when he stopped only a few feet away regarding her intently. "Power down." He commanded firmly. In response the girl closed her eyes, flipping a mental switch causing the colors of her battle skin to fade, ebony and crimson lightening, its protective epidermis thinning until she stood...
"MAYUKA!" A voice suddenly called. Ryo-oki came running into the room at almost a dead run. Before Washu and Ayeka's startled gaze, Ryo-chan slid to a halt then fell to her knees throwing her arms about the child. It was obvious to anyone Ohki had been crying her eyes out. "Hi dad ya hondar of lik dat?" She sobbed, squeezing the child tightly. "I sorry!" Mayuka sniffed. Petting Ryochan's fur. "Wanted see what wrong wit Papa yuki!" Ryo-ohki looked up. Glanced at where Nobuyuki now...
The Noise of the celebration cascaded all about the palace, as it had done for the past three days. Her ability to endure more unbridled adulation of her fawning subjects long since exhausted, Ayeka finally sought relative peace and sanctity in her chambers. She bore no ill will, did not fault the common folk their desire to see, to speak and even attempt touching her! After all, they were her subjects and she, their new queen. Still clad in her flowing gown, Ayeka found the relative quiet...
Ryo-Ohki was happy. Of course that was her usual state, being one of the most 'up beat' creatures in creation. Having left Sasami at last sleeping soundly, she was off on her nightly hunt, searching relentlessly for the perfect bed. She didn't sleep so much as 'catnapped' for want of a better term. With three solid hours being the longest interval Ryo-chan had ever slept in one go in her entire current existence, over seven hundred years of hibernation not withstanding. Carefully...
Only a few hours later, inside the more mundane portions of the Misaki home, Hero looked up expectantly from where he knelt at table side. Waiting patiently within the small dining area, he nodded respectfully to the queen as Funaho was first to arrive fresh from the bath. Noting Misaki trailing less than a step behind. Taking the moment also of delighting privately as any man would upon the arrival of so many healthy females, attending Tanzuru aside. "And where have you been all this...
"To recap; Just under and hour ago the entire entourage finally arrived here at the United nations." Andarka solemnly addresses her audience. "Consisting of the Japanese Prime Minister and several notable cabinet officials as well." With a well-lighted hallway serving as 'backdrop' Andarka Moi looks attractive and markedly different from the last time we saw her. Favoring a more tightly conservative cut and style. The majority of her hair is wound in a tight braid, coiled and...
At a gesture from Ena, Ryoko glanced to her left as yet another scene began its revelation. "I awoke,..." Ena explained quietly. "How much later I do not know, to find Azusa tending me." Ryoko raised an eyebrow at the vision revealed. The younger version of Ena now lay naked, starkly sprawled on a raised platform in some darkened chamber. The effect of her nudity heightened by a single source of overhead illumination and the ebony material upon which she lay. Rendering sight of the...
"Good evening ladies." Arin sneered, halting a short distance away. Bowing before them in a sarcastic mockery of polite formality, before turning to face a stunned Ryoko directly. "Did you really think to be rid of me so easily Ryoko?" "You can't be here!" She murmured thickly. "It's impossible!" Ryoko wailed, now in the grips of a rising hysteria. "HOW MANY TIMES DO YOU HAVE TO DIE?!" She screamed as she leaped igniting her sword. As she descended upon the sight of her own...