Tenchi Muyo Fan Fiction ❯ The Trial ❯ “Reminiscing and Hope” ( Chapter 1 )

*Disclaimer: The main characters in this story are property of AIC, Pioneer, & Viz Comics. All the others were thought of by me. Any similarities are just dumb luck so please don't sue me.

** Author's notes: This story takes place about a year after "Tenchi Forever" in which it follows the "Tenchi Universe" storyline, though some names and places from the OAV and manga might appear. C & C is welcomed, but remember, this is my first fanfic, so easy on the flame throwing! ENJOY!!

The Trial: by alighthawk

Chapter One - "Reminiscing and Hope"

<Ahhhhhhhhh! Now this is my definition of Heaven! > The lovely vision of cyan beauty thought as she immersed herself in the warm waters of the Onsen. She figured she had some time left for a relaxing bath before she headed back to the house and get fancied up for the party.

As she leaned over the edge of the bath to get a sip of sake from the saucer cup, Ryoko paused to look at the small rectangular box that had Tenchi's graduation present inside. She was so excited when she brought it that it never occurred to her that she could of had it gift wrapped at the store. <No big deal, I'll just borrow some of Sasami's wrapping paper that she had left over from Tenchi's birthday. It's not so much of how it looks outside, the what's inside that counts. God, I can't believe I actually worked all summer to get it. > She smiled happily with pride.

When Tenchi announced that he was to be spending most of the time in school, it left Ryoko with a lot time on her hands and to think, thinking of how life had been for her ever since she crashed on Earth after her space fight with Galaxy Police Officer Mihoshi. <To this day, I still can't believe I was that drunk enough to let her crash her ship into Ryo-oki and force us to land on Earth…> She shook her head in dismay as she took another sip of sake and chuckled. <Not that I'm complaining now. >

(FLASHBACK…)

Her mind shifted back to last spring when all the girls decided to plan a party for Tenchi when he completed his studies. Everyone was debating on what to make, what to wear and mostly, what kind of present each of would give to the graduate. "Guys, it's only May, why are doing this so soon?" Ryoko asked.

"Because Ryoko, if we do things your way, we won't be planning anything until the last minute." Chided Ayeka as Ryoko glared back at the princess, her right hand becoming a fist. "Are you implying that I can't plan ahead chipmunk?"

"What I'm implying is that you'd wait until the last possible moment and then go frantic when it's not done. Some of us do like to plan things properly you know." Ayeka looked around as the rest of the group all nodded in unison.

"Besides, some of us need to save money to buy Tenchi's graduation present, so the earlier the better." Kiyone replied as she looked into her uniform pant pockets and realized she was broke again. "Mihoshi, got any money? I'm tapped out."

"Sorry Kiyone. I spent my last Yen on my manga 'Galactic Samurai', I thought you had some money left."

"No I don't dimwit! Unlike you, I remember to pay the rent first before buying the junk you spend on." Kiyone snapped while everyone else just looked away, sensing that this is going to be one of their 'moments'.

Washu then interrupted the two space cops before war broke loose between them. "Well, as the greatest scientific genius in the universe, I'll just whip up something in the lab that will dazzle Lord Tenchi. I just need some time to figure out what."

"Ayeka, what are we going to get for Tenchi?" Sasami asked her big sister.

"Don't worry Sasami, I already have something in mind, so what you need to worry about is what are we going to eat at the party. Maybe later on we'll prepare a menu on what you would like to cook."

"Sounds good Ayeka." The little princess replied as she looked up at her big sister. Then her eyes lit up when she realized, "Oh my gosh! It's almost lunchtime! Tenchi will be heading back from the carrot fields with Ryo-oki and I didn't make anything yet!" And with that, the blue hair girl darted back into the house and straight to the kitchen.

"Say Ryoko, what are you planning on getting Tenchi for his graduation?" Washu asked, " It's not like you gonna put a bow on yourself and yell surprise!"

"M...Miss Washu!! Don't give the monster woman any crazy ideas!! She'll also likely go naked & surprise Lord Tenchi in his room!" Snapped Ayeka.

"Well that was an interesting suggestion, but somehow princess, I don't think you'll let me pull it off…" Smirked the space pirate, "But don't get mad because I'll look good doing it and you can't."

"And what do you mean by that?" Ayeka asked as a look of annoyance started to appear on her face.

"Let's just say that Tenchi probably couldn't get a nosebleed if he ever saw you naked in his bed." Ryoko smiled as she pointed towards the princess' chest or there lack of. "I wouldn't consider 'those' real competition to me." Washu, Kiyone and Mihoshi all stood there with sweat beads coming down from the back of their heads. <Here they go again…> they sighed in their thoughts.

"H…H...How dare you! I will not stand here to be insulted by the likes of you! Y-You monster woman!" Ayeka yelled back as the veins on her left temple started to bulge. Both girls started to power up as Washu stepped in between them as she tried to diffuse the situation.

"Ladies, this isn't helping us here. Lord Tenchi is going to be back here any minute now and I don't think he'll be too please if he saw the two of you slugging it out. Let's cool off for now and continue our party planning later tonight. Agreed?"

Kiyone jumped in, "She's right. Besides Mihoshi and I are late for our patrol. So we'll take this up later, Ok?"

Ryoko and Ayeka paused, realizing the predicament they were getting into. They powered down and sighed at one another.

"Sorry Ayeka. I guess I hit a sore spot. I didn't mean it though." Ryoko said as she stretched out her right hand.

"I'm sorry also Ryoko. This isn't about us. We should focus our attention to Lord Tenchi's graduation and settle our differences later." Ayeka then put her right hand out as both shook hands for a temporary ceasefire.

While the GP Officers took off for Yagami, the rest headed towards the dining area while Sasami prepared lunch.

"What's on the menu Sasami? I'm starved!" Ryoko asked. She could almost her stomach rumbled as the little girl came out with large salad bowl.

"Here's the salad. I'll be out with the Sushi and rice cakes in a few minutes, so dig in."

"Save some for Lord Tenchi, Ryoko. He should be arriving in a few moments." Ayeka reminded Ryoko, worried the cyan hair girl will clean up the salad bowl.

"Relax chipmunk, I know better than that." Ryoko mumbled back.

"Seriously Ryoko, have you thought of what you would like to give to Lord Tenchi for a present?"

"Honestly Ayeka, I haven't given it much thought. Figure I got time for that later."

<That's not totally true. I do have something in mind for my Tenchi, but the question is how am I going to buy it? I ain't got money and stealing is out of the question. I could ask Ayeka to let me borrow some, but I could hear it now: 'What's the matter? Space Pirate Ryoko can't afford to buy a simple present for Lord Tenchi? Maybe you should rob the local bank for money. It's what you do best.'>

"Ryoko, are you listening to me?" Ayeka asked while waving her left hand to see if she was paying attention.

"Yeah Princess I hear you." She replied, "Anyway, by the time the party comes around, I'll have my present for Tenchi one way or another." As she finished, a certain cabbit phased through the kitchen door and ran into the room.

"Hey Ryo-oki!" Sasami smiled as she was happy to she her playmate. "You're back. I guess Tenchi should be walking through the door any second now."

"Ladies, we'll discuss about the festivities later." Washu said as they got down to eat and waited for Tenchi to walk in….

That night Ryoko figured there was only one thing left to do. The next morning she woke up early before Sasami made breakfast, took a quick bath in the Onsen and changed clothes. Before anyone knew where she went, she traveled to the town of Kurashiki and went job hunting.

The only problem was that she wasn't sure in what she was good at. The only job she ever held on Earth was the waitress job she and Ayeka had when they were in Toyko looking for Tenchi. And while she managed not to get fired, her work ethic was less than exemplary.

<Damn! Why couldn't somebody drop their wallet and leave me with a couple of thousand yens?!?>She thought to herself as she looked through the newspaper ads and searched over the rows of businesses that were hiring summer help. One thing she did remember was to dress appropriately in case she did get an interview. With a long pleated beige skirt, a white blouse with a small red bowtie and with a matching dress jacket, she figured if she looked the part, somebody might hire her on good looks alone. She also tied her hair back in order to look more business like. If she kept her wild cyan mane loose, it might give the wrong impression to certain people. <I may be desperate for a job, but not that desperate. > She said to herself as she walked the streets of the old district of the city.

As she crossed the street, she happened to look up and saw the big red and white store sign of 'Okayama Department Store Merchandise, since 1959'. She strolled up to the window display and saw something that caught her attention. It was a sign that said 'For Hire, no experience necessary'. <God, I'm in luck. Lets see if I don't screw this up. > Ryoko thought to herself as she went in.

She entered the store and asked about the hiring position. She waited for a couple minutes until an older, balding gentleman walked over and identified himself as the store manager. He told Ryoko that the position was for stock clerk and occasional cashier when the summer crowds started to come. He had no problem with inexperienced people as long as they worked hard and do as they're told. "People who want to learn can be taught, but lazy people have no use in this store, got it?" The store manager stressed to the golden-eyed girl if she wanted the position. The only thing she needed to do was to fill out the employment form for home address, phone number to be reached and any references that would be useful. <Hmmmm... Forget the restaurant. I think the manager only put up with me was because he liked Ayeka…> Ryoko then thought maybe Nobuyuki could help. <He got an office in Okayama, maybe he can put in a good word for me. >

She put down Nobuyuki's work number and told the manager he could call tomorrow if he needed to. Her only other questions were how much was the salary and when could she start.

"Well, the pay is starting around 875 yen per hour, but that don't include commission if you sell any merchandise as a cashier. As far as starting, is the day after tomorrow good enough?" Ryoko nodded her head with satisfaction.

"Great. Well, I'll look over your application and we'll see you Monday. Ok uh, Miss Masaki?"

"Sure thing sir. Oh by the way, uh, do I get something of a discount if I buy anything in the store?" Ryoko inquired.

"Of course, employees get a 25% discount on all merchandise. Why? You do see something you like already?" The manager asked.

Ryoko pointed over towards the window display, "Yes, that item over there. Is it expensive?"

"Sort of. But if you do well here, maybe we can work something out. I take it that it's for someone special?" The store manager was starting to get nosy right about then.

"Y...Yes it is. I'm looking for something special that will show him how much he means to me." Ryoko started to get flustered. She was not the usual type to reveal anything personal to total strangers, but figured this may help get some sympathy with the manager.

"Is there anything else you need sir?"

"Nope, that's all for now young lady. I'll see you bright and early Monday morning, Ok?"

"Yes I will and thank you for hiring me. You won't regret it!" Ryoko replied as she headed outside and breathed a sigh of relief. <Thank the gods this is over! I can't believe I have go through this to buy a present for Tenchi. This is really a pain in the ass! > Ryoko muttered to herself, but looking back she realized…<Then again, I wouldn't do this for anybody except for my sweet Tenchi. What people do for love. > She scratched the back of her head and realized it was time to head back to the house…

(END FLASHBACK)

"Hey Ryo-oki! Where did you come from? I didn't hear you coming in." Ryoko said as her cabbit phased into the baths and startled her. "Miya Miya?" The little fur ball sounded off as if asking her mistress a question.

"Yeah, I'm ok. I was just thinking about the last few months and how busy I was, but you know what? Everything turned out perfect. Now let's get back and change before they start the party without us." Ryoko gleefully said as she dried herself off and phased into her regular clothes to head back to the house. "Ryo-oki? You think Tenchi will like my gift?"

"Miya?" The cabbit answered with a quizzical look on her face like 'you're kidding?'

"Sorry. I guess you're right. It's just I want it to be perfect for him and now that he's finished with school for now, maybe he'll see how much he means to me. Hell, he might even finally admit on whom he loves the most! What do you think Ryo-oki?"

The cabbit jumped on top of Ryoko's head and yelled out "Miya, Miya!" as if saying everything was possible.

The pirate smiled. If there was one being in the universe that actually understood Ryoko's feelings, it was her faithful companion. Even though the cabbit was spending her days more with Sasami, Ryoko knew that her little friend would always be there for her no matter what happened.

**************************************

"I can't believe the likeness of the portrait is so life-like." Observed an astonished Ayeka as she got some wrapping paper to cover her present to Tenchi.

Right in front of her, leaning against the wall was a large commissioned painting of Tenchi, dressed in a Juraian noble wardrobe. When the battle against Kagato was over. The Masaki family spent several weeks on Jurai recovering from their wounds and fatigue. In that time, Yosho and Tenchi had to wear the clothing specially worn by the Jurai Royal Family. Tenchi obliged, but Ayeka could tell that he wasn't too comfortable wearing such lavish garments.

During that time, every photo and video shot was taken of the Masaki clan. As the anointed hero who vanquished the evil Kagato, Tenchi had his face plastered all over the universe. Privacy was a scarce thing. Under Yosho's guidance however, the young prince managed to get by. It was during one of these photo sessions that one of Jurai's public relation people gave the princess a series of photos that happened to be set aside for a photo album of the Royal Family.

When Tenchi finally returned to Earth, Ayeka was heartbroken that he left, but knew they would meet again someday. Until then, she kept the photo album as a memento of their time together. But there was one picture that sort of stuck out: the shot of Tenchi posing in the Juraian outfit, holding Sword Tenchi with his right hand against his chest. Ayeka couldn't help but notice how handsome and noble he looked in that still pose. So when the idea of what to get Tenchi for a graduating gift came up, she thought of the picture instantly.

After the girls had planned for the party in advance, the princess asked Washu if she could contact Jurai from her lab. From there, she contacted the royal knights Azaka and Kamidake to have an artist commissioned to paint the portrait. When it was completed, a royal transport brought the portrait over through space and was beamed down to the Masaki household.

Since then, the portrait had been kept under wraps in the princess' room. Ayeka made Sasami swear not to say anything to the other girls until the party. She also had the guardians keep watch outside their room when they weren't there. Ayeka wanted it to be a pleasant surprise for Tenchi and no one, especially Ryoko, was going to spoil it.

"I must say princess, the resemblance is eerie, but it does compliment Lord Tenchi's likeness" Commented Azaka the Guardian.

"Yes indeed, the prince will be most pleased." Fellow Guardian Kamidake added.

"Do you really think so? I'm hoping this isn't being overzealous, but I do really want to give a good impression." Ayeka worried at first, but as she kept looking at the portrait, she couldn't help but smile and feel overjoyed. <Perhaps this may show Lord Tenchi how much I really do love him. > She thought to herself.

Ayeka went over to her closet and pulled out the white bed sheet that she used to keep the painting covered. She ordered the Guardians to carefully lift it out the open window and watch over it by the deck. "Yes your highness!!" They responded in unison.

As soon as they left, she changed into her light green summer kimono and walked downstairs to the kitchen to find Sasami putting the vegetable dumplings on a serving tray.

"Sasami, are you finished yet? You need to get ready for the party." Ayeka asked as she surveyed all the dishes her little sister had prepared.

"All done cooking sis, but I need to take the food outside." Sasami answered as she took out the chopsticks and serving utensils.

"Never mind that Sasami! I'll take care of it while you run upstairs and change. Lord Tenchi should be arriving from the shrine soon…"

"Ok Ayeka. Did you bring the painting downstairs? I can't wait 'til Tenchi sees it." The little princess said with an excited face. She practically waited all summer for this and just thinking about Tenchi opening his present was giving her goosebumps.

"Yes sister, Azaka and Kamidake transported it outside just a few minutes ago. Now go upstairs and change…"

"Ayeka? Do you think after the party, Tenchi might get around to choosing who he wants to be with?" Sasami startled her big sister with that question. Ayeka looked back at her with astonishment. With everything that was going on, she figured that would be the last thing on her mind.

"I don't know Sasami. But really, this is about Tenchi graduating from his high school. I doubt that issue will surface today, but it would be nice if he did get around to that." Ayeka let out a sigh as she looked at her sister, but changed her expression quickly to a smile so as not to worry her younger sibling. "Get going Sasami!"

"Be right back!" And with that the little Juraian girl ran up the stairs and into her room to change, but as she grabbed her yellow summer dress, she couldn't help but wondered…

<I love Ayeka with all my heart and it would be nice to have Tenchi as a brother-in-law, but somehow, I wouldn't be too sad if chooses Ryoko. > She pondered, <I love Ryoko like a sister too and if Tenchi decides to stay with her, I'd be happy for them as well. > With that, the little princess got dressed and went downstairs.

**************************************

"All finished! Now to gift wrap it and head outside! Once again, I have proven that Washu is most brilliant scientific genius in the whole universe HA-HA-HA!" Bellowed the little redhead.

"Yeah Washu! You're the greatest! Yeah Washu, you're a genius!" Washu-bots A & B cried out in unison; obviously trying to suck up to their creator.

"Well, you guys know that, but I hope Tenchi knows that to after he opens this box." Washu couldn't help but smile when she looked at the box with her latest gizmo. In all the years she roamed the universe before being sealed in the crystal meteorite and even at the science academy, she could hardly recalled if she ever gave someone a present for any particular reason. She figured that being busy creating all sort of inventions (and having them destroyed by the academy due to being too dangerous for the universe) she never actually got close to anyone to give them something special.

But that all changed when she was accidentally released by Ryoko in the cave. Living with Tenchi and the rest of the Masaki clan sort of mellowed her out. When she returned from her disgraceful dismissal as honorary chairperson of the Science Academy, everyone was happy to see her again. <One of the few happy non-scientific events in my life. > She happily reminisced as a tear fell from her face.

<Well, if anything, this will be my way of saying 'thank you' to Lord Tenchi for treating me like one of the family. It's a good feeling to have. Too bad it took me over 700 years to figure it out. > Sighed Washu. And with that she got up from her floating chair and headed out the door for the festivities.

*************************************

"Ok Mihoshi, the table spread is set, the paper lanterns are hung up and I just hooked up the Karaoke machine. Is there anything left?" Asked GP Officer Kiyone.

"Well let's see…ummm, Ayeka is bringing out the rest of the food, cups, liquid refreshments, munchies…oh yeah, are we drinking any Sake Kiyone?"

"Yeah, but that's Ryoko's department. She said she brought a case of the premium stuff from the liquor store yesterday, but I wouldn't be surprised if she drank the whole thing." Mumbled Kiyone.

"Oh Kiyone. You shouldn't be so negative about Ryoko. After all, this is her 'graduation day' too you know…"

Kiyone looked at her partner with utter confusion. "And what pray tell is that suppose to mean?"

"Well, since Tenchi is finished with his studies, Ryoko can go back to seducing him and fighting with Ayeka again." Explained the blonde woman.

"And that's suppose to be a good thing?" Kiyone was starting to get one of those headaches whenever Mihoshi tries to explain certain things logically.

"Well, at least things will be back to normal after today, and we'll see Tenchi more often." Mishoshi was starting to babble on when Ayeka came out with last tray of food. Kiyone couldn't help but muttered to herself, <Thank God for the interruption! >

"Is there anything else left to do princess?" Mishoshi asked.

"No. I think we're all set, but Mihoshi, why are you and Kiyone dressed for duty? I thought this was your day off?" Ayeka curiously asked.

"Well princess, we received several reports from HQ regarding some criminal activity in the solar system and were ordered to investigate. So we'll only be able to stay for a short while." Kiyone answered.

"That's not fair Kiyone!! I wanted to party down today!! Couldn't we report for duty later?" Pleaded Mihoshi.

"We can't Mihoshi! HQ said this was important. We'll just stay until Tenchi opens his presents and then we'll leave."

"Uh Kiyone? By any chance, are you holding our present to Tenchi?"

"No Mihoshi, You were suppose to wrap it up remember?" Kiyone snapped back, sensing that headache was coming on strong. As she stared back at her partner and saw that blank expression on her face, she knew the ditz had screwed up.

"MIHOSHI!! Where did you put Tenchi's present?!? You do remember where it is right?" The angry teal haired officer was starting to lose it.

"Of course I know where it is. It's in the box by my futon, all wrapped up. I'm not that absent minded you know." The blonde officer was feeling smug until she saw her partner's face starting to glow red with anger.

"You dimwit!! Do you realize you left it at our apartment? How scatterbrain can you be?!?"

Mishoshi's brain suddenly woke up and realizing what she did, she began to sob non-stop. "I...I'm sorry. I…I just don't know what I was thinking.

Ayeka intervened, "Well Mihoshi, if you hurry up and go back to the apartment, you could be back in time for the party. Everybody won't be here for awhile yet." The blonde girl suddenly perked up and looked back at her partner, "Is it ok Kiyone?"

"Go ahead Mihoshi. It's the least you can do, but make it quick." With that, Mihoshi ran across the front entrance and headed for the bus stop to get to town.

As she headed off, Ayeka and Kiyone looked at each other and sighed. "She's really something isn't she?"

"Yeah princess, a real piece of work. I'm amazed that I haven't tried to kill her at times." The frustrated officer replied and without giving a second thought, both girls finish up with the preparations.

**************************************

Tenchi tiptoed past the vegetable shed and through the kitchen. Seeing no one around he sneaked upstairs and into the bathroom. He knew Ryoko would be bathing at the Onsen, so he figured it would safer taking a shower in the house. <I'm not ready to face her yet. Maybe after a few sips of Sake, I'll be brave enough to tell her how I feel. > He surmised, but wasn't sounding positive about it.

After a quick shower, he ducked into his room and searched in his closet the new blue shirt and tie he brought last week. As he turned around, he saw something lay out on his bed. It was a cap and gown from school. On top of the cap was a note with his name inscribed on the envelope. As he opened it, he recognized the writing. It was a surprise from his dad, Nobuyuki.

The inscription read: Dear son, I know you wanted to be with your classmates and walk up the aisle and hear the applause from the crowd when you received your diploma. But since you couldn't, I thought this would help and not to worry, we'll still going to cheer when you step outside the door. I'm so proud of you my son. And I know your mother from heaven is smiling upon you right now. Love Dad.

Tenchi couldn't help but smile. He got dressed and tried on his graduation gown, <Not bad, let's see how my cap looks. >

He put on his cap and adjusted the tassel. It felt a little big on him, but he's too happy now to complain. He took the note and folded it into his left pocket. <Thanks Dad, I love you. > He said to himself as smiled coming out of his room.

As he slid the door open, he accidentally bumped into Ayeka, who was coming from outside. "Oops, sorry about that Miss Ayeka. Didn't see you coming."

"That's alright Lord Tenchi, I know you must be all excited!" The princess suddenly noticed the cap and gown on Tenchi and couldn't help but smile with a wide grin. "My you look so handsome with that Tenchi. Is that the customary attire when someone graduates from high school?"

"Yep. Dad left for me as a surprise. I guess he wanted me to have a taste of what its like to be in a graduate ceremony. Pretty cool don't you think?"

"Indeed it is. Are you coming down now?" Ayeka asked.

"Yes I am…" Tenchi replied, "Is everybody outside yet?"

"No, not yet. I'm going to check on Sasami now. Mihoshi had to go back to her apartment to retrieve something and I believe Lord Yosho is still at the shrine.

"Have you seen Ryoko?" Tenchi asked with a look of anticipation on his face that didn't escaped the princess' eyes.

"Uhh…no Lord Tenchi, not yet, but you know her. She likes to make a dramatic entrance wherever she goes. She'll turn up soon enough and with the Sake I hope."

"Yeah, you're right Miss Ayeka, I'm sure Ryoko will make her presence known soon enough." Tenchi nodded in response and turned towards to staircase to go outside, not knowing that the cyan hair woman was eavesdropping on their conversation from her room.

"Wonder why he was looking for me Ryo-oki? Is he afraid I'll disrupt the festivities?" Ryoko asked her furry companion, but Ryo-oki just gave a small 'miya' and phased out of the room to join the others outside. "Gee, thanks for the help fur ball." Mumbled Ryoko.

She quickly phased into her new outfit, a powdered blue summer dress with matching sandals. The dress wasn't too revealing, but enough to let Tenchi know she was all 'woman'. <I'm glad I gave Sasami my money for safekeeping, otherwise it's my blue and yellow dress and that's starting to be played out too often. > Ryoko thought to herself as she looked in the mirror, checking herself out. "Not bad. You are one good looking space pirate!"

As she grabbed Tenchi's present and started to gift wrap it, her thoughts went back to the last three months working at the store.

As promised, she showed up on time and did everything that was required for her do. There were moments that she wanted to kill unsavory customers, screaming children and the male employees that were hitting on her whenever possible.

When they put her at the cash register, she felt uneasy at first. When she saw all that money, her old pirate instincts were telling her to take the money and run. Too easy, she said to herself. The point to all this was to earn enough money to buy Tenchi's present and maybe a few things for her as well. <How can I be worthy of Tenchi's love if I decide to rip off a department store? I need to do this honestly and be sincere about it. > She reasoned.

Because she did so well, the manager saved the item that Ryoko wanted to give to Tenchi so badly. He even gave it to her with a bigger discount with no strings attached and with the money she was earning, she managed to buy some dresses for herself, a stuff animal for Sasami, carrot treats for Ryo-oki and even some of the good Sake for the weekends.

Whatever money was left, she gave to Sasami for safekeeping, figuring she couldn't trust herself with it. <I'll probably drink up a whole bar if I kept any extra cash around. > She would tell herself, but with Sasami holding the money, she had enough to buy all the stuff she wanted and even took her last paycheck from the job and got a case of Sake for the party. She just had to remember not to drink the whole thing before the party…

Ryoko looked at the mirror once more. While to most earthlings a job like hers may seem easy, it was challenge to the golden eye beauty. She went about it the right way and was very satisfied at the end result. <I'm proud of myself. Maybe when I give Tenchi his present, and tell him how I got it, He'll see how much I love him and maybe be proud of me too. > As she finished, she went into her closet, picked up the case of Sake and grabbed her present. She headed towards the window and phased outside to join the party.

On an adjoining mountain near the Masaki house, a cloaked dark figure sat behind the trees observing the events taking place. He adjusted his binoculars to expand his search until he saw his intended target. He then pulled out a communication device and contacted his superior.

"This is Oto. I have the house in sight. How should I proceed?" A response in code beeped back and the cloaked man answered back, "Acknowledged. Will continue to observe until further instructions, Oto out!" He then sat back down and picked up the binoculars once again, looking at his intended target.

End chapter one

*The party's about to start, how will it end?

*Will the princess and the space pirate play nice?

*And most important, who is our spy and which one of the Masaki family is he observing?

Stay tuned.

A/N: I wrote this chapter at two in the morning, so if there are any questions you would like to ask or clear up, you can e-mail me at a.falc@verizon.net. Anything else you can leave with reviews.