Tenchi Muyo All Good Things Chapter 119 Concubine
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"Just what IS this shit you have on my face?" Petra grumbled, his voice naturally sounding muffled, covered as he was from neck to crown of head with a moist towel, reclining in a folding lounger.
"Wow!" Michele told him brightly. "That's a pretty good guess!"
"What?!" Came the muted response. "Y-you're joking right?" There was a long pause. "Hello?" Petra almost whined.
"It's a natural astringent made from guacamole and cucumbers" She finally replied. "All those years of heavy makeup have rendered your skin too sensitive for standard cleansers." Walking over, Michele uncovered one of Petra's eyes.
"And you're allergic to cold cream!" she added firmly. "Or maybe you'd like to have that 'pretty boy' action star mug of yours swell up till you could face double for a sumo?" Michele snapped before recovering it. The only response forth, coming was a grunt, before Petra settled back, lighting up, the cigarette looking like a chimney sticking out from the center of the towel.
"Dip shit." Michele shook her head sadly, walking back toward the tent.
"I'm ready for my close up Mr. De Mille!" Mihoshi called as she slowed her approach, throwing her arms up in one of her patented 'hurray for everything!' gestures.
"Wow!" Tony looked up from his worktable, instantly enchanted. "You certainly are!" Mihoshi posed coyly for them, enjoying immensely the appreciative way they were staring at her. it gave her a warm glow she could feel in her stomach, a pleasant tingling all over. This more than any other was the reason she liked working at the bar. It felt so good to be the center of attention for a change.
"Slide on over here with me little lady!" Tony continued with a smile matching her own. "There're a few details to cover while Michele takes a look at you!"
"You silly goose!" Michele scolded playfully as Mihoshi strolled over to the indicated stool. "We were setting up this tent!" She continued tweaking Miho's nose. "If you'd waited a moment you could have changed up here and not had to run all the way to your house and back!"
"It's ok, I'm not tired!" Mihoshi sighed, only slightly embarrassed, she really had not thought about it. "Me and my partner run ten miles before dawn four days a week."
"Wow!" Michele said, clearly impressed. "I guess that explains these!" She gestured at Mihoshi's legs. It took every thing she had, remaining perfectly still as the older woman clinically raised the short pleated skirt revealing her to the waist, unable to keep the deep blush from coloring her face.
"Lovely." Tony breathed, glancing down smiling even more widely. He seemed more intent on looking her in the eyes however before sighing. "It's going to be a real pleasure working with you." "But first down to business." He said, gesturing at the stool behind her. "First of all, and this is a stupid question, have you ever worked professionally before?"
"Huh." She said, thinking while smoothing her skirt Mihoshi sat while remaining at attention focusing on his voice. "Well a lot of different places really." Mihoshi held up a weight gloved hand. "Dicard construction, for about two weeks." She started, counting off on her fingers. "Burger blasters." She paused. "That was until I had to leave suddenly and they fired us, Moi-Moi's puff shack, they make the best Octopuss puffs by the way!" She brightened. "Not nearly good as Sasami's but they have this great honey sauce? It just melts in your mouth!"
"I meant, as a model dear." Tony smiled patiently, rolling his eyes.
"Oh!" Mihoshi started, realizing how silly she must have just sounded. "No." She added hoping she hadn't just made a bad impression.
"Ok!" Tony beamed, relived and just a little worried. "Well, what we are doing today, from your perspective, is referred to as... 'a freelance contract'." He paused checking to see if he had her full attention. "Now, in layman's terms I, meaning the photographer, am hiring you, the model, to work for today only, alright? Now, all that really means is, I'm paying for you, 'directly' for services rendered, you see? You work for me," He emphasized. "Not the company or any entity which employs me, understand?"
"Roger!" Mihoshi answered making a pistol with her fingers. It seemed simple enough.
"So," Tony paused momentarily, halted by her charms. "Since I'm paying you directly, out of my own pocket, any pictures or 'images' WE create are a joint venture with each of us owning about forty percent."
"Oh?" Smiling, slightly uncertain at this point, Mihoshi raised a hand.
"Hang on!" He told her. "And I'll explain why I'm flapping my gums in a moment." "If any such 'images' are desired by the company which hired me for this job, they will then pay me then I in turn will pay you." Tony again halted, fixing her with a glance. "That's over and above what I pay you today, incidentally. Follow so far?"
"Aye-fimitive! Commander!" Mihoshi quipped, saluting.
"So to that end," Tony continued, shaking his head with a smile. "I will have you sign a release so that any images I pass on to my employer may be used, as they then see fit!" Tony stood up and glanced elaborately around. "Hmmm, " He then mused aloud. "Why, it seems I haven't got any of those forms on me?" He added, with a mild grin.
"Is that a problem?" She asked cocking her head to one side.
"Yes and no." He said, grin widening. "You see, all I need is your consent so that I can take the pictures, which with a witness," He gestured at Michele, "Constitutes a verbal contract that is valid in a court of law."
At least in America it does, I am guessing international laws might have a similar flavor?
"But without such a release form, my company can't use any images of you other than the ones I say are ok, because I am assumed to have joint ownership."
"Meaning?" She asked. Following every detail, she was a policewoman after all! Mihoshi understood forms, paperwork and legalistic double talk not to mention diplomatic triple speak quite well, actually having crafted a few fine examples her self from time to time.
"Meaning," Tony nodded. "That, after today, if any of the image we take of you get used in a fashion, which angers or harms you..." He trailed off. "You could turn around and sue the pants off 'em!" Tony stopped for a moment, looking deep into her eyes. "I've seen this business eat too many pretty young things alive!" He stated with sudden emotion. "And I'll be dammed if I ever stand idly by and let that sort of thing happen."
"Do all photographers work like this?" Mihoshi asked, crossing her legs, As she understood it; in addition, what she already of various legal systems, she could also conceivably sue him as well!
"Hell no!" He swore, unable to keep from being 'riveted' ok, fine sue him, if he was a legman. "And you stay away from those god damn sharks!" Tony added venomously.
"That's awfully sweet of you!" She told him smiling finding his protectiveness positively charming.
"Ahem!" Michele coughed, causing both to look her way. "If you're through scaring the model I'd like to get to work on her please?"
"Of course!" Tony replied with obvious enthusiasm. "That's if you're ready hon?"
"Yes sir!" Mihoshi told him coming to her feet, crisply saluting.
"In that case," Michele said, taking Mihoshi by the hand. "Come with me dear." The two of them disappearing inside 'zipping' the modest tent closed behind them leaving Tony continuing the endless process of loading and checking cameras.
"Alright dear," he over heard Michele. "Drop the jacket and the skirt please, so I can have a look at you."
Tony smiled, he'd heard it all before but it was still always exciting to be around a new model, particularly one as beautiful as Mihoshi. He had not felt this good in years!
"I need you to turn around for me dear." Michele was saying. "Oh! Now don't you just have the longest legs I have ever seen!" she said appreciatively. "And so muscular!"
"Well, Some guys don't like that sort of thing." Miho replied a little sadly. "And we got a name for em where I come from sweetie." Michele told her succinctly. "Calls 'em damn fools we do!" The response was a delightful giggle, which found Tony shaking his head. Anyone who thought that blond angel was unfeminine had to be out of his or her mind!
"The suit seems to lay just fine on you though honey." Michele continued.
"It's kind'a snug!" Mihoshi admitted, with a hint of audible shyness.
"Well sweetie, it was meant for someone a little ... smaller than you?" Michele emphasized. "And about a head shorter I'd say."
"Christ!" Tony complained happily. "I'm getting too old for this sort of thing!" Of course the day a prospect of photographing a beautiful woman did not send his heart soaring, it would be defiantly time to head out to pasture!
"It's not so bad." Mihoshi said. "The suit stretches a lot"
"Well, I can make some adjustments." Michele told her. "But in the mean time, go 'head take it off. Then I want you to hop up on the table." Tony stopped what he was doing and closed his eyes. listening intently at the delightful sound, or at least the ones he imagined, of Lycra sliding on skin. Of course, when the sound of motion stopped was the moment his metal was truly tested.
"Sometimes being so professional is a burden!" He muttered, never would he even dream of sneaking a peek! That did not stop a man from wishing a zipper would fail or a divine wind would rip that tent open!
"Were going to have trim you a little hon." Michele was telling her. "Its clear you don't normally wear anything as high cut as that one piece, and we want you pretty for the camera." When he heard the electric buzz, Tony knew he'd reached his limit. Shouldering one of his camera bags, he walked a discrete distance away.
Twenty minutes later Mihoshi emerged, a vision in pink, white and ready for action! Now sporting a yellow stencil running down her right leg emblazoned with the word "anpebble". The name of the Tire Company incomplete due to the initial letters hidden under her short skirt. An intriguing challenge to any one literate and lecherous enough to appreciate it. Taking charge, Tony marched her over away from the rest of the film crew with Michele in tow. Arriving at the spot he had set up for the shot.
"But, we don't have a car." Mihoshi was saying. Staring more than a little confused at the small stack of steel belted radials, six-point safety harness, racing seat and assorted car, slash racing theme type products. "How does any of this stuff 'tie into' the shrine?"
"It doesn't!" Tony laughed smiling. "Trust me darling! All that logic will get you is a headache!" As Mihoshi did everything short of scratching her head. "Ok, Rather than try to explain why this makes no sense at all," Tony mildly unburdened his soul. "I'm stuck with the job of making it look good on film." He continued as Miho she took up her directed position beside the tires. "One made particularly easy when you're in the frame! Tony sighed, prompting a giggle.
"Ok!" He continued. "Now, all I want is for you to stand next to the tires and..." He hefted one, standing the tire on end atop a stack of the other four. "Place your right hand on top of this one." He directed, "And trace the lettering on the side with your finger."
Mihoshi looked at him curiously before shrugging. Doing as instructed she began tracing the first letter.
"Now look at me," He added, almost as an after thought. "And think sexy!"
"Huh?" Mihoshi asked, now clearly confused.
"You know!" He prompted brightly. "Pucker your lips, run your hands through your hair, sigh! Gaze longingly at the tire." Tony stopped for moment, scratching his head responding to 'the look' she was giving.
"Pretend it's your boyfriend!" He then said, gesturing at the twelve inch steel belted radial. "That it's your lover!"
"You're kidding me, right?" She asked, looking at him then glancing at the tire then back. "Not at all!" Tony exclaimed. "Its how you sell a product! By lending it, ssseeeex appeal!" He told her drawing out the word as Mihoshi stared. The glanced again back at the tire again for a moment.
"No." She finally said. "I'm definitely not getting this at all."
"Well." Tony began, trying to think of an alternative way of explaining.
"But ok!" She shrugged smiling. "If that's how it's done!" Leaning cautiously forward Mihoshi began gently stroking the tire with her hand, lightly caressing its surface with the tips of her fingers.
CLICK! "Good!" He called. Encouraged, she began making slow circles with her fingernail across the surface of the tire just above its brand name.
CLICK! "Excellent!" Tony said jubilantly. Slowly carefully tracing each one of the letters Mihoshi was rewarded by a click of his camera every few seconds.
CLICK! "You got it babe!" He told her smiling. Smiling herself, she lifted her left hand and trailed it through her hair while running her fingers down the tread pattern.
CLICK! "Ouch!" He sang. "That's hot!" Mihoshi leaned over and kissed the tire.
CLICK! "Oh mama!" Tony called. "Go to it!" Still bent over, she closed her eyes and licked the whitewall.
CLICK! "YUCK!" She spat, face contorting.
"What the hell are you doing??" Tony asked, dropping his camera to swinging by its strap, totally astounded.
"You said get sexy with it!" Mihoshi whined. "BLEECH!''
"Fraternize honey!" Michele called from the sidelines. "Not fornicate!"
"Ewww!" She rasped, shaking her head, tongue flapping, while Tony and Michele made unsuccessful attempts at keeping straight faces.
After a while, it became clear this was nothing like she had expected. Sure, she had seen magazines, watched enough television to have 'kind'a sort'a', an idea the way 'model photography' worked. It just wasn't the same as actually experiencing it first hand. She tried to keep from asking what were almost certainly stupid questions.
For instance, why keep striping down to just the swimsuit only to get dressed again? Sometimes, just the suit and her shoes, sometimes just it and the sun-visor. Skirt on skirt off. Jacket zipped, unzipped in so many variations, it was almost mind boggling. Not to mention potentially tiring, they had been shooting easily for an hour, long enough for Mihoshi to give thanks, she and Kiyone maintained a high level of fitness. When Tony stopped, stepped forward and adjusted the tires yet again. This time however, he looked over at her critically.
"I'd like to try something, a bit daring and visually tricky." He said raising his eyebrows. "Think you're up for it?"
"Sure!" She replied brightly. After all, she was having a ball! Unless you count finding out why 'vulcanized rubber' wasn't one of lifesavers best selling flavors! Taking Tony's lead, she moved over opposite him, the pile of tires again between them.
"Ok. Now lean in a little." He directed. "Fold both your arms on top of the tire and place your chin on the backs of your hands ... like that, Perfect!" Leaving her in that position Tony walked around behind her, gently indicated she widen her stance guiding her with his hands.
"Now honey." He began, once satisfied, moving back around to the other side of the pile. "I'm going to show you what I want." He added, his voice gentle and low. "Just tell me to stop if your get scared." So saying he reached carefully behind her neck, presumably she thought to adjust her hair as any number of times before. A slight gasped escaped, when he slowly pulled releasing the drawstring holding her top.
"Are you ok with this?" Tony asked looking directly into her eyes.
"I'm not sure." She answered quietly, matching his gaze hugging the tire protectively, holding her top in place. "I-I don't know what it is you want."
"Well, The idea is to make it look like you're naked behind there." He told her carefully.
"Why?" She asked coyly, not frightened really, jut mildly confused.
"Because it's sexy!" Tony smiled at her trying to reassure. "And that's what sells." Tony touched the tire thoughtfully. "I promise you there won't be any shots taken that you might feel uncomfortable about."
Mihoshi did not answer right away just stood looking shyly down. She hadn't realized what he was about to do, or hadn't she? She'd seen enough 'behind the scenes' shows about this sort of thing to know some nudity might be involved. Flipping though any 'swimsuit issue' was enough to acknowledge freely, the real 'issue' was anything but!
"And if I don't get at least a few shots of you with your navel showing." He continued buoyantly. "I'll never forgive myself!" Tony finished speaking, waiting patiently for some response. When finally she did look up her expression was still uncertain, perhaps even a little afraid.
"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...
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...
"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...