Tenchi Muyo All Good Things Chapter 119 Concubine
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Even if the sound of his voice had not been enough, the room suddenly awash in pale bluish radiance insured all eyes turned. Beholding Tenchi, incredibly now standing just behind the queen, his Lighthawk blade inches from her throat.
"If you hurt my child." He assured the room thickly. "I'll kill every one of you!"
His eyes were haunted as he made the pronouncement, his face set into the hardest of lines as he moved the blade a fraction closer. "Starting with her." Tenchi concluded flatly.
In the two rooms, which comprised the Masaki's dining area and living space, all eyes were riveted upon the impossible event.
"Tenchi..." Fell from hushed from Mihoshi's lips as she too gazed in stunned horror. Kiyone only cupped herself tighter about Mayuka, determined that she would not see what her father had righteously been driven to. Thus the only ones not bearing witness when the queen slowly, incredibly ... smiled.
"So, my sweet Ena..." Funaho mused calmly regarding the blades almost blinding radiance. "This then is my decision!" Her eyes almost causally surveyed the faces in front of her, finding a sort of amusement in the collective looks of panic and awe.
"You and your bloody cards!" She added mentally to the tally. "Always right! About everything! So, it seems I must now make the right choice!"
"Stand away from the child." Funaho at last commanded the room firmly. "There will be no innocent blood shed here this day!" Still smiling, she then turned her head with the same infinite calm.
"Don't you agree Tenchi?" She asked, regarding him mildly eyes locked with his over the radiance of the Lighthawk sword.
The quiet assurance and total composure of the queen did much to reclaim a measure of his equilibrium. Allowing him to step back from the edge of sanity where the threat to his daughter had bidden he go. Even under the circumstances Tenchi couldn't help thinking.
"What a remarkable woman!" He quietly if begrugingly marveled."I can see where Grandpa gets his strength!"
"Let her come to me." he then told her cautiously. Nodding to where Kiyone was still holding Mayuka protectively underneath her body.
"First," The queen addressed him mildly. "I need you to swear, That you will at least listen to what I have to say. Before you take any kind of punitive action!" Funaho paused, her smile waning only slightly. "Do we have a deal?"
Tenchi chewed his lip for a moment, feeling the weight of so many eyes. Weighing also the moment and his options, or the enormously evident lack there of. Before curtly nodding dismissing his weapon and stepping away. Deciding to trust simple instinct though he gave a silent prayer as the queen straightened, reclaiming her dignity.
"Let the child come to him!" Funaho then intoned firmly to the room. "I have commanded it!"
There was, some general murmurs about the room as one by one each of the Knights gave ground. Clearing a path, begrudgingly notable in some cases, between where Tenchi stood and where Kiyone lay.
"Is daddy mad at me Key?" Mayuka sniffed.
Kiyone looked at the child. Wide eyed, tiny lips trembling, even with the extra hair and incisors, Mayuka was still, Mayuka. More worried about displeasing Tenchi than the mayhem her dropping from the rafters had caused. Key took a moment to smile.
"I don't know." She said, deliberately light as she could muster. "Why don't you go ask him sugar runt?" Over beside the queen Tenchi squatted down holding out his hands to her. In response Mayuka squirmed out from under.
"D-DADDY!" Mayuka cried as she ran directly towards him, becoming less hirsute until a very normal, naked little girl leaped into Tenchi's waiting arms!
"I was bad!" She wailed. Burying her little face against his tunic. "I did'n hide like you say!"
"Shhhhhh!" He told her gently. "How could that be?" Tenchi pulled her close, whispering "You're the 'bestest' little girl in the whole wide world!"
A short distance away, looking decidedly rough around the edges, Kamadaki extended his hand to his mentor Azaka.
"Brother?" He asked the prone knight, still lying in a ragged concave in the west walls sheet rock where catapulting off Tenchi's right fist had flung him. "Allow me to lend you aid?"
"Speak for yourself young pup!" Azaka grimaced, tenderly fingering his jaw. "The prince packed quite a wallop!"
In his mind Azaka wondered if perhaps he were finally slowing down? Certainly he had been concentrating, seeing to the queen's safety. That after all was the point! Tenchi seemed to have come out of nowhere. One instant he's been at a set distance, the next a fist materializing in time to contact Azaka's jaw. The elder Knight found astonishment anyone that size could move that fast! To say nothing of reaching let alone taking the queen unawares. Lady Funaho was not some damsel in distress after all! He paused another moment before accepting the offered hand.
"What manner of beast is that child?" He added, after regaining his feet.
"Perhaps Karaga will tell you." Kamadaki nodded then mildly grimaced, still smarting from his own 'hair pulling'. Gazing at the raven-haired knight whose face Mayuka had nearly filleted. Where she still stood bleeding. The intact side of her visage not covered by her hand, favored both Tenchi and his daughter with a look that could have frozen hell over.
"I suspect she wishes to dissect the creature." Kamadaki concluded ruefully.
"Lady Funaho," Still close to the queen, Tenchi addressed her quietly. "Can this wait for a moment?" He gestured to Mayuka still clutched to his chest. "I need to put her to bed." He explained. More over he was anxious to remove her, far from harms way as currently possible.
"Nooooooooooo." Mayuka whined in protest. "Wanna stay! Help fight evil queen!"
Funaho, certainly not immune to children, had been in the act of smiling. Upon hearing that last, a rather dark cloud settled over her features.
"Of course." She consented. Bowing ever so slightly.
Kiyone audible snorted, still standing close to the wounded Karaga, noticing immediately with grim satisfaction, Tenchi neglected to correct Mayuka. Her face was set in a dubious cast, having sympathy for neither The female Tanzuru or perhaps an 'apply' identified queen.
"Now stop that fussing!" Tenchi told his daughter as he turned, heading for the stairs. "Using your Lighthawk sword draws directly on your chi!" He continued to her gently. Even if he knew privately that wasn't precisely true.
After all, he knew better than most Mayuka's 'blade' wasn't technically the same as his. Tenchi wouldn't had been disposed disclosing intimate details of his daughter's power's under the best of circumstances. Any mention of the Jurian Shadow Demon, who was Mayuka's actual 'Mother' even if only in the sense of the blending of DNA in current company, was absolutely unthinkable!
"Right now you need to rest." He continued firmly, as Tenchi's foot lit on to the first step, he glanced meaningfully at Kiyone. "I'm sure this is all just a big misunderstanding."
Kiyone blinked. Watching him start up the stairs. Marveling at Tenchi's phenomenal talent for understatement! Understanding fully the need to comfort the child but remembering that wild look in his eyes a few moments ago.
Would he have done it? Every instinct at her disposal said a resounding yes! given the stakes involved. Tenchi was the kindest soul she believed she'd ever met in her travels. It was that very depth, the 'size of his heart' which forced her to contemplate what had almost occurred. Kiyone felt a mild shudder passing though her entire being, thinking of the line that he had nearly been forced to cross. What was wrong with these people? What could have prompted this outright insanity?
Funaho watched in silence until Tenchi had disappeared from sight, before turning to the assembled Knights.
"Magnificent!" She snapped angrily eying the battered and bleeding assembly. "The noble Tanzuru!" She paused, the Queens face contorting disgustedly. "Laid low by a child!"
"But Milady!" Karaga gasped miserably from where one of her fellows was hastily applying a dressing to her wound. "Twas a not a child! More like unto a devil!"
"Then perhaps you would cast aside your stave's for prayer tapers?" Funaho demanded of her acidly, as the wounded knight visibly shrank back from that withering gaze. "And amid your whining to deities unseen, a prayer perhaps? That whatever female bore that child did not have twins?"
"Could in fact she be?" Azaka considered aloud to one side. "Ryoko's?"
Being the only Knight of sufficient rank to speak directly to the queen as counsel, his question lingered a moment before the mute assembly.
"you're all such a bunch of clueless morons!" Ayeka snapped tersely, returning from the patio where she's been hauled like a sack of potatoes. She had not seen all of the dubious proceedings. But she had seen enough.
"Then perhaps you could shed some light upon these matters?" Funaho asked, as 'halting about mid-room the princess blinked then studied the queen.
"Mother," Ayeka addressed Funaho coldly. "Do not 'now' pretend that this is some cordial family visit!" The queen visibly startled, looking mildly surprised.
"You will not answer?" She queried abstractedly. In response Ayeka almost mirrored the queen's reaction before drawing herself up regally, to regard her mother coolly.
"Get stuffed."
"Child, there is no need to be overly unpleasant." Funaho breathed. Prompting the princesses jaw to almost impact the floor.
"OVERLY UNPLEASANT?" Ayeka yelled, utterly astonished. "IF YOUR 'GOONS' HADN'T REMOVED MY KEY!" She waved a hand at the assembly about her. "I WOULD SHOW YOU OVERLY UNPLEASANT!"
The first princess then paused, visibly seeming to compose herself.
"Being however that is the case..." She smiled tightly once again ever the lady. "Get stuffed."
"Huzzah!" Kiyone sniffed uncharitably over at the base of the stairs.
"Ditto!" Mihoshi added, still next to the ruined Television whose 'passing' she'd been mildly pinning for over the last several minutes. Funaho, for her part looked more than slightly miffed. A mixture of Ayeka's quite understandable attitude, 'and a few of her daughters choice of words' had been mildly unsettling. A mood made more foul when what was unmistakably a snicker had escaped Azaka.
"Well then." Funaho sighed uncomfortably after a moment. Whatever The queen might have been about to say faded from consideration at the sudden reappearance of Tenchi at the second floor balcony.
"She's fast asleep." He told them as he descended. "I would like to check on her in an hour or so."
"A remarkable child." Funaho said, almost as though musing aloud.
"I'm glad you agree." He told her as his foot left the last step. "Now then, I think you have some explaining to do my lady."
"I'll gladly second that notion!" Ayeka seethed, visibly declaring her fealty, moving to stand beside Tenchi.
"Ditto!" Kiyone sniped, now leaning against a wall, refusing to except any glares from the Tanzuru close at hand.
"Huzzah?" Mihoshi added uncertainly, prompting a brief paused as everyone glanced her way.
"Sorry." She took a moment to mutter. Begging a slight sigh to escape Kiyone as the current surreal quality of the situation continued to persist.
"Then, I suppose the best way to begin this..." Funaho told them, straitening. "Is at the beginning..."
"As you well know, " The queen began slowly. Speaking clearly and in a voice whose mature femininity declared the power and authority of its owner. "Seven hundred years ago, as time is a reckoned upon this sphere. On that day, when Ryoko attacked our world of Jurai. A cascade of fateful subsequent events ... some known, while others of equally importance lay hidden, were all set inexorably into motion."
Still observing from her wall, Kiyone mildly winced, wondering vaguely if it was really necessary to dig quite this far back? Certainly everyone here knew 'the story' or most of it as the queen herself had just indicated.
"It was on that day My eldest son, took it upon himself to pursue the devil," Funaho intoned with a note of obvious pride. "Alone and across the void. Eventually ... Running her 'aground' upon on this," She gestured mildly indicating the floor. "Upon my home world ... of Earth."
Kiyone nodded gravely, mostly to herself. While news of the queens 'terrestrial' heritage wasn't a well kept secret, it was still disconcerting hearing it so irrefutably confirmed directly from the source.
"The battle which ensued required all the skill and guile Yosho possessed as one of the empire's finest warriors!"
Funaho continued. Relating the tail as though telling of some recent event rather than a story long passed into dim history. "A conflict of which my son emerged ultimately victorious!"
Tenchi's mouth reflexively quirked, in spite of the current 'gravity' almost finding a movement in which to smile at the queens undeniable pride in her son. Well, it had long since been discovered, the great and powerful 'Yosho' ultimately had been something of a 'mommas boy'. Tenchi considered. Though he would never let 'grampa' over hear any musing like that!
"Though only at the most horrendous of cost." Funaho continued solemnly. "For even with all the power he and his tree ship possessed..." she paused again notably here, smiling ever so slightly at the mention of the tree which bore her name. "He chose to subdue, rather than destroying the menace!"
The queen paused, the lines of her face deepening ever so slightly.
"This he did out of fear, he assured me." Funaho began again. "Although much later of course. Across empty centuries during which A mother only had the silence of the void to answer her sorrows. And a queen consoled herself to the affairs and needs of her realm!
Yosho, told me he feared Ryoko's life force, inexorably 'linked' to the strange gems she possessed. And that killing her, might well unleash the powers 'unknown' he instinctively sensed contained within. Fearing as well she might somehow, one day escape the confinement he had hastily constructed. Using his sacred tree, the very heart of his vessel, My son appointed himself guardian of her 'tomb' choosing to remain here upon the world of my birth."
Tenchi glanced mildly at Ayeka, they had both been present when Grandpa had admitted 'his reasons' for not returning home. Sighting a possible rivalry of succession with her and mostly for Jurians and their pure blooded bigotry. It was evident he had never told his mother!
"As a direct result, the royal line was left without an immediate heir." The queen resumed gravely, oblivious to this minor revelation. "Under any circumstance approaching normal, this would not have been cause for undue concern." Again a slight pause intruded here, as The queen's thoughts seemed to cloud over.
"Except... " The next words fell solemnly from her lips. "With our world in flames and fearing Ryoko merely 'harbinger' of some larger force. We had also placed both our crown princesses aboard Ayeka's Ryu-oh, launching them away, in hopes of protecting the bloodline!" Funaho's eyes shifted subtly, gazing with unveiled tenderness at where The princess stood. "Thus, charged with their safety, and with only the most minimal of instruction, precious Ryu-oh wisely took them into the dark recesses of known space."
Ayeka shifted uncomfortable under that gaze, honestly wondering what her step-mother expected her reactions to be?
"We had planned to retrieve them," Funaho continued, almost with a laugh. "When certain that Jurai was safe. However, unknown to us at the time ... Tsunami, our greatest warship and perhaps, most importantly 'the focus for all our trees'. Inexplicably seemed to have wandered away." She managed a slight actual chuckle, devoid of all but the barest trace of humor.
"It was only, recently even as we Jurians perceive time. Sasami's bond with the first tree was discovered. With Tsunami gone and our world in shambles," The queen added with a bitter edge. "We virtually had to master our ships all over again! With nothing to truly coordinate them, Jurai's defenses were indeed broken ... reduced to a farce. In short, no place for our princesses." She concluded solemnly.
"And so, it was decided we allow them continue to sleep among the uncaring stars!" Funaho told them. "It has taken much of the subsequent seven hundred years just to rebuild! Ryoko on her rampage did much damage to the inner sphere, not just Jurai itself."
"You would think you'd have had another kid by now!" Kiyone hissed uncharitably.
"Key!" Tenchi snapped. "For Christ sake!" Even under the circumstances, he saw no reason to further provoke the issue.
Kiyone bristled slightly under the admonishment. Perhaps, she was talking 'out of turn', 'beneath her 'station' and so on. Under any other conceivable situation. The queen's bit of reminiscing about 'things' which everybody damn well already knew about was lovingly caressing the covering on her last nerve!
"It is not something I would expect the likes of you, to understand!" Funaho sniffed, regarding Key coldly. "Not being granted virtual immortality as we." She paused, eyes growing ever harder.
"And for your information, Constable." She spat the word like a curse, indicating she'd not 'conveniently forgotten whom she was addressing'.
"I have had, no less than twenty three children by the emperor!" Upon this admission the Queen seemed to wither inwards ever so slightly. "None, are allowed to sit upon the throne!"
"Why is that?" It was Mihoshi's turn to suddenly ask. Everyone turned, Kiyone managed a mildly bemused expression in aftermath of the queens assault. Leave it to good 'ol Miho to cut strait to the chase! Blunt though she may be.
"None, I imagine could exhibit the holy power." Ayeka supplied softly. Glancing her way, Tenchi felt a pang noting a modicum of the anger had managed to slip from the furious mask Ayeka had worn. She now gazed at her step mother somberly.
"Yes..." Funaho answered quietly, seeming genuinely if mildly surprised.
"It was the only reason that makes sense." Ayeka helplessly shrugged, Answering the unasked question with the first trace of benignity Funaho's direction since this 'little excursion' into the unreal had begun.
"But Grandpa has the power!" Tenchi blurted. Not exactly 'following' the flow.
"My eldest son was conceived, different than all others." The queen again paused. "Upon the world of my birth." The bitterness to her tone softened only slightly at the renewed mention of her son. Funaho's eyes studied Tenchi speculatively a moment longer.
"And that, it would seem broaches another matter of business..." she added softly. "We will leave unattended for now."
Tenchi continued regarding her uncomprehendingly. Ayeka and Sasami were both Masaki's children by Emperor Azusa. He'd even learned the first princess had dyed her hair to its present ebony shade, mimicking Funaho's long ago in hopes of pleasing young prince Yosho.
Tenchi had also gathered from many conversation not to mention examples of behavior. The Jurians placed a high priority indeed upon the so called 'power'. If, for some reason the queen of Jurai were found incapable of producing 'viable' children in that respect...
His thoughts turned out wards again away from contemplating yet another piece of the current puzzle. Noting the Queen now regarding Ayeka.
"Since it appears both, my daughter and son have not deemed an explanation of our political structure a worthy endeavor," Funaho added briskly as Ayeka noticeably bristled."The task, it seems falls to me."
"While Jurai is indeed ruled by the Emperor, our empire is vast." The queen continued her oratory gravely. "Too vast to be governed effectively by the central monarchy alone. The moment to moment minutia, those decisions, required per capita have always been assigned to various local governments, comprised of families directly related to the royal line. Twelve recognized families rule the inner sphere of the Jurian Empire." She related.
"This is what we call the commonwealth. Each family in turn has a representative who answers directly to the Emperor. It is these twelve individuals which wear the name of the consulate."
Lady Funaho paused, speculatively, mildly surveying the faces of Tenchi's household. Almost as if expecting some question.
"During the prolonged crisis, which began with Ryoko's attack," She then resumed. "Azusa had to rely heavily upon the support of our people. For a time utter chaos reigned, and we came with in a small stone throw of falling as an empire!" The note of finality held no allotment for melodrama. It was clear she believed every word which she said. It was hard for Tenchi even now, not to ponder. He knew so little of Galactic or even local politics for that mater!
"It was therefore necessary to hide our weakness from those that sit watching from the darkness." Funaho continued. "In our galaxy there are so many that wait, like so many Terran vultures! And still so many more who depend upon Jurai! Who need our strength to protect them!"
The Queen paused, drawing a solemn breath.
"If we should crumble, these opportunists would burst forth! Raping and plundering, all the small worlds lacking the power to resist!" Funaho continued forcefully. "Earth is but one of hundreds of systems, simply too primitive to realize they are all as young squabs being eyed by a hoard of hungry tigers!"
The Queen seemed to shudder mildly, contemplating the horror of her own words.
"But less I digress," She resumed firmly."It was during this span, The Conciliate grew to believe ... that perhaps, The emperor was now too weak to rule decisively."
"And of course, they reasoned, since 'The Throne' lacked a legitimate successor." Funaho again paused looking at each of her listeners in turn. "They had grown confident enough ... that eventually they dared even put forth, that Azusa might be incapable of siring a suitable heir."
"I'm surprised that father would have tolerated such a treasonous act!" Ayeka interrupted, clearly astonished. Tenchi found he could only agree even given what little he knew of the Jurian emperor.
There was a general noise in the immediate area, issuing from the various Tanzuru present, an amused
wave of consensus. Even as Azaki crystallized the moment, emitting a derisive snort.
"He didn't." The elder knight added wryly.
"Yes." Funaho nodded mildly directing her response to Ayeka directly. "Your father thanked the august body of the Conciliate for their collective wisdom." She paused smiling tightly.
"By sending the heads of all twelve back to their respective homes."
"Thats barbaric!" Kiyone gaped. The horror on her face mirroring the look on both Tenchi's and Mihoshi.
"Consider it rather, as just compensation." Funaho supplied coolly. "For those who would dare tell the emperor that it was they, not he who would appoint an heir to the throne!"
Tenchi gulped, sounding loud in his own ears. The sweetness and sunshine image of her home world Ayeka and yes, even Sasami had often painted was receiving a splash of turpentine. Revealing a much grimmer reality.
Again, what did he really know about the Jurians and their politics? The histories of Earth ... Particularly Japan was a mosaic of blood horror and honor! It was so easy to Judge and perhaps miss-judge as well being a practical outsider as he was. Yet challenging the emperor in the fashion The queen related, if he could take Lady Funaho at her at word, would be tantamount to high treason!
"Mother?" Ayeka asked suddenly, seeming to have digested it all. "does the House of Camoe have anything to do with this?" Funaho turned, favoring her Daughter with the subtlest of smiles.
"You do your father justice." She told the princess smoothly.
"Who is the house of Cameo?" Tenchi asked, mildly befuddled by the sudden change in tone.
"You've met their representative Tenchi." Funaho blinked. Then regarded him mildly. "Or do you not remember who Mihoshi nearly drowned?"
"Seiryo?" Tenchi asked, still somewhat bewildered, though it required only a brief search of his memory to unearth the appropriate name.
"That 'pink' poodle cut sissy boy?" Mihoshi suddenly gasped.
Around the room and in the gallery above, the general quiet was disturbed by the attempt of various knights within earshot of Miho to contain their reaction. Even Azaka leaned forward subtly, actually biting the end of his battle staff to keep himself from laughing out loud. Funaho herself smirked wryly, clearly not in total disagreement.
"Well," Tenchi muttered. "He certainly was..." He looked over to where Ayeka was blankly staring holes in him. "Flamboyant." He finished.
"Flaming! is the word you're looking for Tenchi!" Mihoshi sniffed. Since the queen herself had drawn her in to this conversation, She didn't feel any pressing need to censor herself.
"Whoa!" Kiyone gasped astonished, looking wide-eyed at her partner. It was so rare to see her put forth an opinion like that!
"You didn't see him Key!" Miho grimaced, only slightly apologetic, towards her long time partner anyway.
"If Ayeka would have married him she'd have doubled her wardrobe!"
Kiyone just stared, trying to piece it together. This must have occurred sometime before her arrival on earth, several months after Mihoshi had been officially declared missing and she had dutifully begun her search.
"Let us rather," Funaho told them, attempting to dispel the wry smile inflicting her features. "Press on with the issue at hand."
"Tharry." Mihoshi lisped, totally deadpan. Extracting an involuntary snort from Tenchi, shaking his head unbelievingly while even Ayeka mildly tittered, blushing.
Key merely looked on, thinking that guy must have been something! Mihoshi never stooped to that kind of character assassination! This situation was, unreal!
"After the conciliate had delivered, their," Funaho paused even as she continued. Flashing the slightest of grimaces.
"Suggestion? As to the succession of throne. Viewing what both Masaki and I believed to be the beginnings of a coup, Azusa was obliged to declared marshal law. The inner sphere is now exclusively under control of the emperor and his armies."
"How long ago was this?" Tenchi wanted to know. The last time they had visited ... well, discounting the mild unpleasantness involving Seiryo. among other things. Things had seemed down right amiable!
"Less than three of your standard years." Funaho informed him gravely.
"My god Mother!" Ayeka whispered loudly. "The empire's on the brink of a civil war!"
"A vague earthly reference," Funaho smiled grimly. "But I see you are beginning to appreciate the gravity of the situation."
"My lady." Kiyone spoke up. "Forgive me, but what has any of this have to do with invading this house?" She shrugged as Funaho, noting her prescience ground teeth.
"It is our opinion," Funaho began slowly, now focusing directly at Kiyone. "That a union between Ayeka, who is recognized unequivocally, by all people of Jurai as the first princess of the blood, with someone who clearly commands Imperial levels of the holy power, will quiet this unrest."
The queen turned her gaze looking full into Tenchi's eyes.
"That someone, is you Tenchi Masaki."
No one spoke, what could be said? In light of what they had just heard? The quiet seemed to stretch on to infinity. Shattered finally not by any one's tongue but when the gong of the old grandfather clock Grandma Masaki had given Nobuyuki, ominously chimed eight times. As the dull echo of the last chime reverberated to a close. Ayeka now kneeling composed beside Tenchi drew a deep breath.
"I, understand Mother." She sighed, her voice seeming loud in the new silence. "And I hope you will forgive me my impertinence" The princess carefully added. "But what you suggest is quite impossible." She paused, taking a moment to smile at Tenchi.
"As I have already stated, Tenchi has chosen to marry Ryoko. And, we must accept their wisdom in this matter."
Still standing framed against the front entry halls doorway, Funaho listened attentively. The queens expression however was unreadable.
"I'm aware, as I have always been." Ayeka continued. "Of the responsibilities carried by my blood line! And I will of course honor them."
"How noble." Funaho told her cooly after another slight pause. "You're assuming of course, this is a matter of choice?"
"How could it be otherwise Mother?" Ayeka politely glared. "Father has made his feelings on the mater quite clear! He wanted nothing to do with Yosho or Tenchi!" Ayeka smiled tightly as her word visibly struck a cord. And the queen bristled.
"Even an Emperor must bow to reality." Funaho shot back, the coolness of her previous voice falling to arctic temperatures. "And errant princesses as well!" She added. The Queen then drew herself up returning Ayeka's glare.
"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...
"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...