Tenchi Muyo Fan Fiction ❯ The Trial ❯ “All Good Things Come To An End” ( Chapter 3 )

*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 Three - "All Good Things Come To An End"

"Ok everybody!! Make way for the cake!!" Yelled out Sasami as she and Nobuyuki walked out with a huge white frosted cake with blue cream trimmings. "Tenchi, would you come here and stand in the middle while we sing a song?"

Tenchi looked at the front of the cake. It had twenty candles placed around the cake with a small figurine of a graduate right in the middle. On the top of the cake were the words inscribed: 'Happy Graduation Day Tenchi! Congratulations!' "Oh you guys! You don't have to sing anything on my part." The young prince said.

"Please Lord Tenchi, it's no trouble at all. I...er, I mean we all wanted to do this for you. This is our way of showing you how much you mean to us." Ayeka beamed.

"Well alright, but try not to sing off key ok?" Tenchi joked as everyone gathered around for a rendition of 'He's a jolly good fellow'. Mihoshi grabbed the microphone and led off, "Ok now; 1…2…and 'For he's a jolly good fellow, for he's a jolly good fellow…'

After two rounds of bad singing, everyone yelled and clapped a loud ovation to the embarrassed graduate who was now trying to look for a place to hide. <This is what happens when you mix sake, karaoke, and a warm day together. Kami, they sounded awful! >

Tenchi said to himself as a pair of soft slender arms came from behind and wrapped themselves around his neck.

"What do you say we open your presents now Tenchi? I'm dying to see what everyone got for you." Ryoko cooed in his ear. Tenchi turned to her and nodded in agreement. "Ok everybody, we'll cut the cake later, but right now it's present time!" She boomed out.

"AAAlright!! Present time, Present time, open the present and see what's inside!" Mihoshi rang out.

"Mihoshi, where did you get that line from?" Asked Kiyone.

"Oh, I was going through some TV channels on Yagami when I saw this show called 'Blue's Clues' and they had an episode where this little doggie cartoon character named Blue is having a birthday party and all her friends sang this tune. Isn't it cute Kiyone?"

"You're a Galaxy Police Officer and you're spending time watching kids shows? Don't you have anything better else to do?" Kiyone griped.

"Well I…er, that is I…well…no."

The teal haired officer just threw her arms up. "You're hopeless Mihoshi, you know that?"

"Sorry Kiyone, I just can't help myself. You know sometimes it's gets kind of boring patrolling the solar system and nobody ever comes by. It's either that or fall asleep."

"NO! Please don't remind me of that. I still can remember those days when we were hiding from the GP fleet and the Juraian Military, I'd find you taking a nap on the bridge when I took over your shift. My God woman, how many hours do you need to sleep?"

The blonde officer simply shrugged her shoulders and replied: "What can I say partner, I always seem to doze off when things are quiet and peaceful. Can we give Tenchi our present now?"

"Good idea. We have to get going soon anyway so go get it Mihoshi" Kiyone replied.

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

As everyone went off to get their gifts, Tenchi sat back at his chair to see what surprises were in store for him. A part of him was excited about what his family and friends had gotten him, but another part had reminded him that some of his friends were space aliens who have the tendency to overdo things and that's the part that was now making him nervous. < Ancestors please, the only surprise I want are what's inside the wrapped boxes. I don't need anything out of the ordinary, especially with my schoolmates here. > He pleaded in thought, hoping someone would heed him.

First up was Amagasaki and Tetsuo. They both chipped in and got Tenchi a bottle of Stetson cologne and a pair of weekend passes to Tokyo Disneyland. Tetsuo explained that his uncle worked at Disney and managed to get the passes from his boss as a favor. Amagasaki leaned over to Tenchi and whispered in his ear "Now that you got a girlfriend, wouldn't this be a great way to have a big date with her?" Tenchi nodded as Ryoko and Ayeka looked on, wondering what they were saying.

"So Lord Tenchi, do you have any idea on whom you plan on taking to the amusement park?" Ayeka inquired.

"Why are you asking that question princess? It's obvious that Tenchi is going to take me, isn't that right darling?" Ryoko smirked as her fangs started to show.

"Who asked you to butt in you barbarian? I'm asking Lord Tenchi when are we going. If you want to see some pirates, get on Ryo-oki and see some of your comrades in prison!" Ayeka yelled.

"And if you're so intent on seeing a big mouse or a goofy dog, go check yourself out in a mirror Ms. Prissy!" The space pirate snapped back.

"GIRLS PLEASE!! Save your argument for later. When I get the time, I'll let you know on whom I'm taking. Otherwise, can we continue with this?" Pleaded Tenchi who is right now starting to wonder if his ancestors were listening to him.

Amagasaki and Tetsuo just stared at each other, looking rather perplexed. Tetsuo leaned next to his buddy and asked him if there was something they missed. "You're asking me Tetsuo? I was hoping you knew. The Ayeka girl is called a princess and she calls Ryoko a space pirate. The two girls in uniform said they're cops, but I don't know any agency that has outfits like that. Something strange is going on around here Tetsuo and when this party dies down, I got a ton of questions for Tenchi to ask."

The boys kept their thoughts to themselves as Nobuyuki presented Tenchi with an Architect briefcase and a laptop PC for college. "I know you haven't decided what your major was, but I figure I'd nudge you a bit. Whatever you decide son, I'm still proud of you and I'll respect whatever decision you make."

"Thanks Dad, that really means a lot to me." Tenchi replied as he stood up and gave his father a loving hug.

Next up was Yosho. He bowed to his grandson and simply commented on how he had grown to be a fine young man, although his swordplay still needed some work. He then presented Tenchi with a book entitled 'Great Wisdom from Great Minds'. It was a collection of verses, dialogue and advices from all the great philosophers, scientists and leaders from modern history. "You may be surprised of what you'll find in there Tenchi. I highly recommend that you read it from time to time so as you move on in life, lessons may be applied to whatever you choose to do. Like your father, whatever path you decide to take for yourself, I'll be most supportive." And with that, the grandfather bowed to his grandson and stepped back to the crowd around Tenchi.

"We're next!" Yelled Mihoshi, as she nearly trampled over Washu in order to give Tenchi her gift. "Open it up Tenchi, it's from me and Kiyone!"

Tenchi unwrapped the long rectangular box and removed the cover to find a plague. It was a commendation from the Galaxy Police indicating that young prince was an honorary GP officer. "Come on Tenchi, read the inscription out loud." Begged Kiyone.

"Ok, let's see. It reads that 'The Young Juraian Prince, Tenchi Masaki, had acted with bravery beyond the call of duty in the overthrow of the criminal Kagato and thus, shall be given full courtesy and special privileges as an Honorary Member of the Galaxy Police' Signed on this date of the galactic year by Grand Marshall Kuramitsu. Mihoshi, your Grandfather did this?" Tenchi was shocked to say the least.

"Yeah, well HQ was so glad that the Kagato incident uncovered some of the bad apples in the ranks and since this all happened because of you, they asked us if it was ok to present you with the award…oh, look inside the box Tenchi."

Tenchi looked once more inside and to his surprise found a gold plated GP badge with the markings 'Honorary Officer' with the serial number 2000."That was from us Tenchi. It's more for show than anything else, but we figured you would like it." Kiyone said.

"Girls, this was nice of you. Please say thanks to the Marshall when you get the chance." Tenchi said as he got up and gave both girls an affectionate hug. Mihoshi started to cry a little with all the excitement that was happening around here.

"Well it's too bad that badge is not a real one Lord Tenchi, otherwise you could finally have Ryoko arrested for all the crimes she committed." Ayeka chimed in.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!?" screamed out Ryoko.

"Well Kiyone and Mihoshi won't arrest you, so maybe Lord Tenchi could have done the galaxy a favor and put you behind bars…"

"WHY YOU LITTLE FU…"

"GIRLS! For the last time please! I would like to enjoy this evening without you two fighting like pre-schoolers. Now I want the both of you to stay quiet and not say another word to each other alright?"

"But Tenchi, Ayeka started all this, why do I…"

"Ryoko, please?"

The cyan haired girl paused for a moment and just turned around and grumbled her way towards the back of the deck before sparks would fly some more. Ayeka couldn't help but chuckled at Ryoko's frustration. <Good, I'll be able to give my present to Lord Tenchi before that she-devil does… >

"Ok without any further interruption, I would like to present Lord Tenchi with my gift and latest invention: 'The Washu Galactic TimeKeeper X1'!" Proclaimed the diminutive scientist. As if on cue, both Washubots jumped out and trumpeted their creator's latest idea, "Yeah Washu! You're a genius! The most brilliant mind in the universe, Yeah!" At this point everyone else had sweat beads streaming down from the back of their heads.

Washu pulled a small box and when she opened it, out came a lightweight, stainless steel watch that would pass for a Rolex, but on the face of the watch, it appeared to have a little view screen with options listed in order for the wearer to choose whatever selection he or she would choose. "Uh, so what exactly is a Galactic TimeKeeper X1 little Washu?" Nobuyuki asked nervously.

Washu couldn't contain herself anymore and had such a silly grin when she started to explain how the TimeKeeper worked.

"It's quite simple actually. The TimeKeeper is a specialized watch that also serves as a microcomputer for analytical functions, tell you about the weather in any part of the world, carries a complete database of all known life species in the galaxy and can serve as a linguistic translator for all the known dialects in civilized space. Consider it the galactic version of the Swiss Army Knife. HA-HA, I'm such a genius!" Our egotistical redhead kept repeating.

"Say little Washu, this looks nice and all, but how do you tell the time on this thing? Tenchi asked.

"The time?" Washu asked with a perplexed look on her face. Then it hit her, she was so busy putting all the fancy features into the watch that she had forgotten the most important thing, being able to tell time. "Uh, well anyone can put the time in a watch, but since you mentioned, I, uh, I'll just take this back and have it readjusted. Sorry about that Tenchi." Washu said sheepishly as she grabbed the watch had scurried back to the house.

"Hey Washu, make sure you don't forget to put the batteries in there either, ok? Hahahaha!" Ryoko laughed hysterically.

"Careful Ryoko, I can still remember how to turn you into a water sprite!" Yelled Washu as she entered back into her lab.

<Hmph! Little shrimp can't take a joke…> Ryoko thought to herself, <Well it's down to me and Ayeka so I'll just…> but before she could complete her thought, Ryoko saw that Ayeka had ordered the Guardians to bring out her present to Tenchi. Her blood was starting to boil.

Sasami walked over to Tenchi and kneeled beside him. "Tenchi, this is suppose to be a present from Ayeka and me, but I really didn't have anything to do with it. I was too busy preparing the menu for the party. I hope that's alright with you." She whispered as she had a slight frown on her face.

"Sasami, you do most of the hard work around here and the food you prepared today is probably the most delicious since you been here. As far as I'm concern, that's the best present you could've given me today. I thank you little Sasami." The little blue hair girl blushed as Tenchi knelt down and gave her a kiss on her forehead. Ayeka then came over and cleared her throat to get everybody's attention for her presentation of gift to Tenchi.

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

"ATTENTION EVERYONE! I would now like to present Lord Tenchi with a gift that is most befitting for a crowned prince of the Jurai Royal Family."

"Does that mean you're leaving us?" Uttered a certain space pirate.

"RYOKO!!" Yelled Tenchi as he shot a glare back at her. Ryoko caught it and just bit her upper lip as she leaned against the house, deciding not to further annoy him. Ayeka couldn't help but display a wide grin, knowing that her rival was totally frustrated at this moment. She decided that now is the right time to show Tenchi and the others that this will prove once and for all that she belongs with him.

"Thank you Tenchi, now without further interruption, Azaka! Kamedake! Bring the portrait over here please…"

"As you wish your highness!" They replied in unison as they both levitated the covered item across the deck and right in front of Tenchi.

Meanwhile Amagasaki and Tetsuo were trying to contain themselves as they witnessed something that they thought was impossible. "T...T...Tetsuo, please tell me I didn't see that."

"Amagasaki! Let go of my arm! You're cutting off the circulation! Just chill out for now and we'll figure this out later. There has to be an explanation for what we just saw!"

Yosho noticed how the boys were reacting to the Guardians' presence and just shook his head. <Ayeka is being careless with her actions. In trying to impress Tenchi and the others, she's completely forgotten about our young guests. > He then walked over to Kiyone and whispered to her to get Washu back outside. Whatever adjustments she was making on the watch would have to wait for later.

Ayeka walked over and removed the white sheet from the portrait. Tenchi couldn't believe his eyes of what he saw. "Wow! Ayeka, uh this is… this is something else."

"Do you like it Lord Tenchi?"

"Yes…yes I do very much. Thank you Princess Ayeka. This is quite a surprise!"

Everyone else moved up and was truly impressed of the portrait of Tenchi. "Gee Tenchi, that picture really looks like you. You look so handsome with that royal outfit." Mihoshi commented.

"I must say son, the artist captured your likeness quite well. You really look like a prince." Gloated Nobuyuki, "We'll put it in the living room later so that way people can see what a fine young man you are."

"Yes, but no need to tell people that the picture was done in another planet nor that Tenchi is a descendent from that same planet." Added Yosho.

Ayeka walked up to Tenchi and held both his hands as she moved her face closer to his. "Tenchi, I just want to say that while I so happy that you like this gift I've presented you, by no means does it represent of how much you mean to me nor the..."

"Uh, Ayeka you're not…"

"ALL RIGHT!! Enough of this tender moment already!" Ryoko screamed as she phase right behind Ayeka. "Don't think I don't see what you're trying to pull princess!"

"And what do you think I'm trying to do you rude woman!!"

"Come on Ayeka, calling home to get some professional to paint a portrait of Tenchi and playing it that this will make him choose you over me. It ain't going to work!"

"Why you…what makes think that you have exclusive rights to Tenchi's heart? I don't recall that he's chosen anyone yet."

"Taking credit for someone's talent is cheating in my book, but then again, the only talent you ever displayed with art is drawing sticks. Even Ryo-oki can do better."

"Excuse me? Other than causing mayhem and destruction, what skills do you exactly possess? You're fortunate that the store manager from the department store even consider hiring you in the first place. For all we know, you could of made up that whole job story and stolen Tenchi's present so you won't be empty-handed!"

"THAT CUTS IT!! How dare you accuse me of lying and stealing! All I did this summer was to work my ass off so I can get something special for Tenchi and all I get from you is snobbery and insults. Power up princess 'cause I'm gonna kick your ass right here and now!"

"Ryoko, don't do anything foolish! I mean it!" Tenchi said, but he was falling on deaf ears. Everyone else just decided to move back. They knew that this was a long time coming. "Girls! Please, don't do this! I'm warning you!" Tenchi kept imploring, but neither one of them was listening.

"Fine with me monster woman. I'm more than ready for your bag of tricks. As they on Earth, 'Bring It On!' " Proclaimed Ayeka.

"No tricks, just one blast ought to do the trick. Here! Catch Ayeka!" And with that an orange-reddish energy ball appeared from Ryoko's right hand and in one motion fired it straight at the princess.

"RYOKO NO!!" Cried Tenchi, but it was too late. As the energy ball was about to reach Ayeka, she threw up her force shield to block it. However, her timing was such that instead of blocking its flight, the ball was deflected and headed straight for the table where the cake was laid. All of the sudden 'BOOM', chunks of cake and cream were flying all over the place and no matter where anyone tried to hide, they all got covered with burnt cake.

Washu and Kiyone ran out to see what was the commotion about and as they saw the mess that was strewn all over the deck, both of them sighed. "Those two went at it again." Washu sighed as she shook her head in disappointment. Kiyone just kept her head down, not wanting to look.

As everyone got up to assess the damage, a small noise was heard at the table. Sasami just stood there, seeing her masterpiece blown to bits by the two combatants. "It's ruined. MY CAKE IS RUINED!" Then she just started to cry uncontrollably. Mihoshi walked over and tried to comfort the little Juraian girl, but all Sasami could do was stare at the table where a minute ago her special meal for Tenchi was there.

Ryoko and Ayeka weren't covered with cake and cream since they both put up their shields, but no shield were going to protect them from the wrath of a certain young man who was now staring at them with a red face and boiling over with anger. Ayeka came over to try to speak to Tenchi, but she could sense that the young prince was ready to explode.

"Lord Tenchi I…I mean we're…"

"What Ayeka? Are you going apologize again? Are you going to say that you're sorry for the what, the billionth time? How are you going to apologize this time?"

Ryoko phased in front Tenchi and tried to reach for his shoulder. Tenchi saw this and turned his back on her. "Tenchi look, I know that me and Ayeka got carried away and it's no excuse for what we did, but…"

"BUT WHAT RYOKO?!? BUT WHAT?!? How could you do this to me? How could you act like an immature child on this day? I was looking forward to this day for weeks and you turned it into a disaster! I prayed to Kami that nothing would happen, but noooo! You and Ayeka had to duke it out again all because you got jealous of her present. Why can't you show some restraint for once?" Tenchi eyes were ready to bulge out as his anger was consuming him.

Ryoko was taken back of what he said. It appeared that while Tenchi was blaming both girls, she was taking the brunt of his rage.

"Tenchi, please I know you're angry, but…"

"Ryoko just shut up! I don't want to hear any more of your excuses. God Ryoko, sometimes I really hate you…"

<Hate me? HATE ME?!?> Ryoko thoughts echoed when those words penetrated her ears, as well as her heart. Now her anger was surfacing and she wasn't going to take his comments sitting down.

"Fine Tenchi! I screwed up! I lost control of my emotions and I'm sorry, but that doesn't give you the right to berate me in front of everyone! When the two of us started fighting, you hardly scold Ayeka for anything, but I get lectured for both our actions and that's not fair!

"Ryoko listen…"

"NO! You listen Tenchi! I did everything you asked me to do all year and while I know I helped mess up your party, I don't deserve to be treated like an idiot! I expect that from Ayeka, but not from you. You hate me Tenchi? Well, right now the feeling's mutual." And with that the cyan hair girl phased herself from the deck.

"Ryoko wait!! I didn't mean it, I'm just angry that's all. I…aw shit!" Tenchi cursed to himself, realizing what he just told Ryoko. This was to be the day that he was going that tell her that he was in love with her, but instead he told her that he hated her. <Good job Masaki! Remember to wash your mouth with soap the next time you say something before you think. >

Ayeka walked over to Tenchi while he was lost in thought. She wanted to make Ryoko jealous, but in no way she wanted to ruin Tenchi's party. Not only that, but in doing so, she made her sister upset over the destruction of her food. She'll make amends with Sasami later, but right now she needed to set things with Tenchi right now.

"Don't worry Lord Tenchi, Ryoko will calm down and come back later. This isn't the first time nor will it be the last."

"But she right Ayeka. I had no right to shout at her like that in front of everyone. She also right in the fact that I always take my anger out of her when you guys go at it. This is really more your fault this time Ayeka, I shouldn't have jumped at Ryoko like that."

"Well, Ryoko is used to such rough language anyway. She also knows that you don't hate her, but I do apologize for my actions though, it was uncalled for."

Tenchi just stared at Ayeka, "You're absolutely right princess and it was uncalled for. I think that I have been more tolerant with you because of your position and that's not fair to Ryoko. You two were getting along all this time. What happened today?"

"I really can't explain it Tenchi, I wanted to give you my gift before Ryoko did. Maybe our competitive nature just overwhelmed us, I can't say for sure, but I never wanted to ruin your party Lord Tenchi you must believe that."

"I do Ayeka, but now things are going to be a little more complicated."

"What do you mean by that Lord Tenchi?"

"Well, it's hard to explain right now, but I need to find Ryoko. After I straightened things out with her, we'll talk later ok?"

"As you wish, until then I might as well help clean up this mess"

Tenchi nodded as he turned way and walked off the deck towards the shrine. "Good idea Ayeka, I'll be right back and by the way, I do love the portrait. Thank you very much."

"You're welcome Lord Tenchi and do hurry back." Said Ayeka as she displayed a smile as she began to clear the table of all the damaged food that was still laid there. <He did loved the picture. Perhaps this is a good omen. I don't know what he has to say to Ryoko, but perhaps later when he returns he'll finally reveal his choice. After Ryoko's boorish behavior today, I wouldn't be surprised that he'll choose me. Then again, it might be wishful thinking on my part. I can never dismiss of what happened during the time when we, I mean Ryoko saved Tenchi from Haruna. We'll just have to wait and see…>

Meanwhile, the two startled schoolmates of Tenchi were in total shock. They couldn't believe of what they saw just witnessed and now they desperately wanted to get out before anything else happened. As they tried to sneak their way through the house and were coning upon the front door, an ancient voice stopped them cold in their tracks.

"Going somewhere boys? You didn't even say goodbye."

"Oh, Mr. Masaki, we're sorry about that. With all the confusion, we thought that it would be best that we leave." Tetsuo said nervously as Amagasaki nodded rapidly in agreement like an idiot.

"Well don't go empty handed. If you go through that door over by the staircase, the young lady with the red hair will have something waiting for you." Yosho said as he pointed towards the broom closet door.

"Well sir, we don't want to impose…" Tetsuo kept insisting.

"Nonsense, I will not take no for an answer. Now go ahead and when you're finished, I'll escort you back to the your car." Yosho replied.

Both boys cleared their throats as they headed towards the closet door. As they reached it, Washu popped her head out the door to find the startled boys staring at her. "Oh good, I was expecting you guys. Come on in! I got a nice surprise waiting for you." She then jumped out of the door and shoved both boys into her lab.

Kiyone came thru the back door when she saw Yosho standing by the entrance. "Did Washu wipe their memories yet?"

"She's starting now. She said it'll take a few minutes and then she'll implant some fake ones. Being normal Earthlings, the lads will assume that they attended a quiet party with no knowledge of the origins of their hosts." Yosho replied, "Pity that we couldn't do the same for Tenchi and Sasami."

"Well, Mihoshi's with Sasami. She says that she'll be ok, but that scene between Tenchi and Ryoko was really intense. You think that they'll be all right?"

"I believe so, but considering the restraint that Ryoko has been showing these last couple of months and Tenchi rather unusual display of anger, it may take some time for them to smooth things over."

Kiyone had a sullen look on her face. She remembered Ryoko's expression when Tenchi's words stabbed her like a knife. Ryoko looked rather happy until then and so did Tenchi, as if something good was going to happen between them. Then she wondered, <Did Tenchi finally choose and was planning to spring it on Ryoko? > She decided to forgo the question for another time. "Lord Yosho, is there anything else left to be done? Mihoshi and I have to go on patrol soon."

"No, I think everything's under control now. I'll just wait here until Washu is finished and I'll see to the boys' departure. Ayeka and Nobuyuki are cleaning up so the only problem right now is when Tenchi and Ryoko decide to come home..."

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

As the moon rose over the darkened hills, a lonely figure sat on one of the branches of Funaho, her mind still reeling from the events that occurred earlier today. Her feelings in turmoil right now, she looked up at the skies, searching for a clue, an answer to why things were happening the way they were.

Ryoko did everything she was asked to do. She kept her arguments with Ayeka to a minimum. She didn't tried to seduce Tenchi nor distract him from his studies and when she saw that he was down or really tense, she did her best to try and comfort him without coming on like a wild woman. She did all this so she could make herself believe that he may actually see her for what she really is: a caring and passionate woman who was deeply in love with him. Instead, she let her jealousy get the best of her and allowed Ayeka to get under her skin which resulted in Tenchi's party being ruined. On top of that, her fight with the princess destroyed what was probably Sasami's greatest cooking achievement. She couldn't bear thinking about how sad the little Juraian girl must be feeling right now.

<God, I just don't know what to think right now! I can't take this anymore. This waiting game is driving me crazy and if I'm being a problem to Tenchi then maybe I shouldn't be around here anymore! > The distressed space pirate kept thinking to herself as she began to cry. As tears started to roll down on her cheeks, she pulled out from her side pocket Tenchi's present. As she looked at the small box, she remembered how much joy it brought her, thinking how happy he'd be when he opened it and how hard she worked to get it. Now she felt like a total fool. All that effort and her thanks were to be hated by the one person she loved the most.

As she leaned back against the old tree, her mind wandered back to when all this mess began; the day that Ryoko felt that it would eventually lead to Tenchi opening his heart to her…

(FLASHBACK…January 2000)

When the New Year began, Tenchi asked Ryoko and Ayeka to come to his room so he could talk to them about something important. Her heart jumped with anxiety and anticipation. <Is this it? Is he finally gonna tell us who he's chosen? > Her mind must have gone through a hundred scenarios of what he might say. One moment she felt so convinced that after what their experience with Haruna that he would pick her over the Jurai princess. The next moment, she saw the two young Juraians heading off into space together happily ever after.

When the girls got to Tenchi's room, they looked at each other with a sense of dread. They always fought tooth and nail with one another to gain his attention and love. Over the course of time, especially those six months they spent together searching for him when he was kidnapped by Haruna, they managed to develop a bond that to the extent that they can honestly admit that they cared for each other, even as sisters. At this point, if Tenchi ever decided between the two, the other may not be so crushed, especially if it meant his happiness.

"Girls, please come in," Tenchi smiled when he slid open the door and saw them standing outside, "This won't take long."

Ryoko sat at one end of Tenchi's bed while Ayeka sat at the other side. Tenchi started to sit down between them, but decided to stay standing instead.

"As you girls know, I've pretty busy lately in trying to catch up with my studies, but I just spoke with my teachers, and it looks like I'm going to be spending a lot more time in school and possibly summer classes as well so I can graduate in time for college next fall…Ryoko, why are you looking at me that way? " Tenchi asked.

As soon as Ryoko heard the word 'studies' she immediately knew that this conversation was not going to be the one she and Ayeka were waiting to hear for over two years, <I KNEW IT!! > She yelled in her mind, <I start to overreact about being rejected by Tenchi and here he is discussing his school plans! >

"Oh, i...it's nothing Tenchi dear. I...I was just thinking of something." Ryoko looked towards her left at Ayeka. While the princess didn't say anything, the space pirate could tell that she was thinking of the same lines as she was.

Tenchi just shrugged his head and continued, "Anyway, since I won't be having much free time as I used to having, I figured I would tell you girls because I suspect that the two of you will be fighting over me even more so."

"But Lord Tenchi, why would you think we would go to such lengths to gain your affections?" Ayeka looked with such an innocent look that Ryoko just glared at her with puzzlement. <She really can't help herself can't she? >

Tenchi looked back at the princess and sighed, "Why do I say that? Let's see…maybe because the two of you have cause more damage in Okayama than I care to count?" Both girls couldn't help but put their heads down like two kids being lectured on behaving like adults.

"We're sorry about that Tenchi, but sometimes we can't help ourselves. It's not like we want to." Ryoko looked at him for forgiveness. "To tell you the truth, I think Ayeka and I have been pretty good the last few months, right princess?"

"She's right Lord Tenchi…" Ayeka fired back, "I believe our little 'search and rescue mission' in Tokyo may have helped us understand each other a little better, even though at times I still think Ryoko can be a witch. Heh-heh."

Ryoko glared back at Ayeka, but decided to just smile at her, "Yep, that's right 'Tench'...the little bitch and I have bonded in so many wonderful ways, it's almost sickening just to think about it."

"WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME?!?" The princess' face turned red with anger, as smoke appeared to be coming out of her ears.

"You heard me Miss prissy. Want me to spell it out?" Now Ryoko was really getting sarcastic with her remarks as both stood up, ready to duke it out.

"STOP IT BOTH OF YOU!!!" Tenchi yelled as he got in between the two combatants and silenced their bickering. "This is exactly what I was talking about. Yes, I noticed that both of you have gotten along with each other in the last few months, but at a moment notice, you two go at it for any little thing like right now." He stared at them with anger and then turned around towards his desk. Both girls just stood there in silence. "This is why I needed to talk to the both you about."

He walked back towards the bed and sat down, motioning the girls to sit beside him. He took a deep breath as he looked down at his feet, figuring what to say next. Then his head popped up and with a firm grip, took the hands of both girls and smiled.

"Listen girls, I really need to concentrate on my studies from now on. If you guys can control yourselves in not wrecking everything in sight and get along, I can relax and not be distracted on what happens around here. I want you girls to promise me that I can rely on the both of you to behave yourselves so I can finish high school. Can you at least promise to try?"

Ryoko and Ayeka weren't really paying attention to Tenchi's request. All they were thinking about was the firm, but gentle way he was holding their hands. When he looked up at their faces, he couldn't help himself but wondered which face was redder from blushing. "Girls, are you listening to a word I'm saying?"

Ryoko snapped out of her trance first. "Um, yeah Tenchi. I think you're absolutely right. We should be more considerate to your needs, especially now. Right Ayeka?"

"Oh yes, of course. Please forgive us Lord Tenchi. It's just sometimes we do get carried away at times. But Ryoko and I will pledge ourselves to be at our best behavior and to assist you in any way possible." The princess cranked her head up to scan Tenchi's desk and noticed some of the textbooks he had laid there. "Perhaps now is a good time to start and leave you to your studies. Come Ryoko, let's go see what Sasami is making for dinner."

"Sounds good to me. I'm starving! Catch you later Tenchi." Ryoko gave a wink as she steps out with Ayeka and started proceeded to the kitchen.

"Uh Ryoko, one more thing before you go downstairs?" Tenchi motioned the cyan beauty to come back for something else.

"Oh? Ok, I'll be right down Ayeka. Don't hog all the food will ya?" The princess just looked at Ryoko with contempt and headed downstairs, satisfied that everyone involved would conduct themselves accordingly for Tenchi's sake.

Ryoko stepped back into Tenchi's room wondering what was on his mind. She rather not speculate on what it was since she had been wrong on every guess. Tenchi pulled out his chair and waited until Ryoko sat down on the bed again.

"What's the matter Tenchi? Is there something else you want me to promise not to do to distract you?" She then lied down on the bed on her stomach. She lifted her feet up and crossed them together as the bottom of her skirt fell back to her knees, partially showing her perfectly shaped legs. She lifted her head up and placed her hands under her chin and gave Tenchi that seductive look. The look that always had him leery of what she would do next.

"Hey now, cut that out! This is serious Ryoko!" When she saw that serious look on Tenchi's face, Ryoko decided to stop playing with his mind for the moment.

"Ok, what is it that you need to tell me my Tenchi?" She asked.

"Uh well, I know that I just told the both of you that I may not have much free time pretty soon, but I just wanted to tell you that if you need to talk to me about anything…anything at all. Don't hesitate to ask."

Ryoko just looked at him with some confusion showing on her face. "What are you really trying to tell me my dearest Tenchi?"

Tenchi looked into those golden eyes of Ryoko, sensing she wasn't quite sure of what he was trying to get at. He tried again.

"What I'm really trying to get at Ryoko is that there are going to be days that things will get hectic for me and I'm going to need someone to lean on from time to time. I said to you once that you're the only person that really understands me and ever since you rescued me from Haruna's world, I realized that I could depend on you no matter what happens."

"Oh Tenchi, are you trying to say…" Ryoko's face started to brighten up, but Tenchi cut her off.

"I haven't made THAT decision yet Ryoko and I can't say when will I be able to. I just wanted to tell you that I consider you my best friend and I can't imagine what I would do without you."

The cyan haired beauty just stood there in silence. She wasn't sure how to take it. He didn't love her, at least not in love with her, but he wasn't rejecting her either. Confusion once again occupied her face.

Sensing that Ryoko wasn't thrill with this, the young prince felt a sweat dropped behind his head, and realized <This isn't working out like I hoped it would> He tried a different approach.

"Ryoko, I know you and Ayeka have been waiting for me to make a decision on the both of you, but I think you wouldn't respect me if I weren't completely honest with you. I care for both of you deeply, but right now I have so many things on my mind that choosing to pick the woman of my dreams is not at the top of my agenda. I know this isn't what you wanted to hear and I'll understand if you decide not to wait, but I feel that it wouldn't be fair to you if I keep you guessing. Are you alright with this Ryoko?"

Ryoko paused for a moment, taking in what Tenchi had said. <Well, at least he didn't choose the chipmunk. >

"Tenchi, I not going to stand here and say I'm happy about it, but I also know you wouldn't hurt any of us intentionally. I know this school thing is important to you so I promise to try and not to distract you." Ryoko looked at him with a straight face with no hint of emotion.

"Are you OK with this Ryoko?" Tenchi asked again.

The space pirate walked over to her love and suddenly gave him a bone-crushing hug. "AARGH!! RYOKO, I can't breathe!"

She flashed a grin on her face and coos next to his ear, "So I'm really your best friend hmmm? I can think a few things 'friends' like us can do for fun." Tenchi started to blush, not to mention feeling something waking up that he doesn't want Ryoko to notice.

"Hey now, I thought we were clear on this!" Tenchi pried himself from Ryoko before the oxygen was completely cut off.

Ryoko floated up in the air and settled by the door entrance. "We are my Tenchi, we are. I just love to get a rise out of you." She started to giggle as she looked down towards Tenchi's pants, "Tenchi, you're so easy to fluster."

As Tenchi sat down on the bed in embarrassment, Ryoko stopped giggling long enough to reinsure her heart's desire. "Tenchi, as a pirate, I'm not used to waiting for anything, and God only knows how many times I just wanted to steal you away to some faraway planet so we can be together, but I also know that there are some treasures out there worth waiting for. As long as I know where we stand, I'm content to wait for now. Besides, I don't think anybody ever consider me their best friend before. Hell, I didn't have that many friends before I came to Earth."

"I'm glad to hear that Ryoko. Maybe when I decide what I'm going to do with my life, I might be able finally answer your question…"

Tenchi gave a sigh of relief and noticed a smirk on cyan beauty's face as she was stepping out of the doorway.

"Well, lover boy, don't take too long. I love you to death, but love can only hold a person for so long." The pirate playfully warned him as she teleported her way out of Tenchi's room and to the kitchen to join Ayeka for dinner.

During the weeks and months that follow, Ryoko kept her part of the bargain, much to her surprise. She and Ayeka kept their feuding to a minimum, particularly when Tenchi came home exhausted from school. At times, when dinner was finished and everyone did their own thing, Ryoko would see her love busy concentrating on school assignments or pre-selecting a major for college. She saw the tension and stress on his face so much that she could tell the pressure to succeed was getting to him.

<I'm not exactly sure what's the big deal about all this 'college' stuff, but this constant studying can't be this good. > Ryoko pondered. Then she remembered that Tenchi asked her about being able to lean on her from time to time. <I guess this is what he meant. Poor boy's so worked up over this that he's probably forgotten about it. >

She floated from the rafter, checking out whose around the house, and onto the stairway. It was late so she figured since everyone were in their rooms, either asleep or soon to be. She made her way up the stairs and silently floated over to Tenchi's room. She tapped the door slightly to see if he was awake. "Tenchi? Tenchi, are you still up?" She wanted to phase through the door, but thought the better of it.

"Yes Ryoko, what's up?" Tenchi answered, sounding as if he was thinking elsewhere. "You need something?"

"I don't need anything, but maybe you do. Can I come in?" Ryoko started to slide open the door just he was about to say 'Come in'.

Tenchi looked up from his chair with a curious look, "What's up? You said I needed something?"

Ryoko walked past him and sat at the end of the bed, with a concerned look in her eyes, "Yeah, uh…I know it's kinda late, but I see that you look sort of worn down and I was wondering if you wanted to go for a walk or something? I figure the fresh air might do you some good."

Tenchi was quiet for a moment, thinking she was up to something, but the way she looked at him. It had a look of concern and maybe a little sympathy, "Tenchi, remember you asked me to check on you when things got 'hectic'? I'm just trying to see if I can help."

Finally it dawned on him and a small grin flashed across his face, "I'm sorry Ryoko. You're right. I been so focused that I forgotten our conversation. Give me a couple a minutes and I'll join you downstairs."

Her golden eyes beamed with satisfaction. It's not something she accustomed to doing, helping people with their problems, but for Tenchi she would do anything to make him feel better. <I guess this is what best friends do for each other. > She reasoned. It's still not what she really wanted, but it's a start.

Later on, they would take in what would be many strolls up to the shrine and ending up at the tree Funaho. Nothing romantic would happen, but they would sit for hours by the old tree, looking down at the pond that surrounded it and talked about things that popped up in their heads. Their talks would be from anything trivial, to the weather, to the members of the household or mostly Tenchi's day at school or sword training with Yosho. Never once did Ryoko brought up the subject of 'them', figuring that conversation might kill their time together, but she did noticed that he was getting more comfortable around her each time they hung out and not just by Funaho either. Whether it be by the table to eat, lounging by the living room, or when the family went on an outing, Tenchi didn't mind having Ryoko next to him (except for those crushing neck hugs though) and even smiled happily when she would phased right by him.

<He looks really happy to see me. Maybe that old Earth phrase has some truth to it. What was it again? 'The best way for someone to love somebody is to be friends with them first? > Ryoko wasn't sure if that was the correct phrase, but it was close enough…

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

<How stupid can I be? Two years we've been here living together and every time I think he's ready to choose, something else comes up. I…I just can't do this anymore! > Ryoko said to herself in frustration as she covered her face, trying to control herself from crying. As she sat there, lost in thought, a young man approached the tree to see if she was there.

Tenchi carefully stepped over each stone as he made his way to Funaho and as he walked around the large tree, he heard the sounds of crying. "R...Ryoko? Ryoko, is that you?" he asked nervously.

"Go away Tenchi, I don't want talk to you right now!"

"Please Ryoko, let me explain. I know I flew off the handle awhile ago, but I didn't mean to take it out on you." Tenchi kept talking, but as he looked up to the branches, she was gone.

"RYOKO! Please don't run away from me!"

"Why shouldn't I Tenchi?" Ryoko angrily said as she phased behind the startled Juraian. "Why should I even bother talking with you?

"Ryoko I…"

"No Tenchi! You're done talking for now. Right now you're going to listen what I have to say and so help me I'll break your jaw if you say one more word, got it?"

Tenchi wanted so badly to tell Ryoko how sorry he was and to say that he loved her, as he looked into those golden feline eyes, all he could see was a great fire stoked within that needed to be put out by themselves. Hopefully he thought she'd get whatever she had to say off her chest and be calm enough for him to say his peace.

Ryoko looked at Tenchi with such anger. She never thought in her life that she would feel like this towards him, but those words he spoken to her had burned into her soul with such pain. 'I hate you, I HATE YOU!' was all she could hear.

"Tenchi, I been living with you and your family for over two years and in case you haven't noticed, I have completely fallen in love with you. Now I tried to abide by your wishes when you made it clear to Ayeka and me that you needed to concentrate on your schoolwork and I accepted that. I also accepted your explanation at the time that maybe you might come to a decision about us at the right time. I did everything you asked to do and what do I get? A verbal dress down in front of everybody! You didn't raise your voice to Ayeka for cryin' out loud and the sad part about is that I expected it since you too damn scared to say anything to Ms. Prissy ever since we been living here."

"Uh Ryoko..."

"TENCHI, SHUT UP! I'm still talking here!" Ryoko started to break down, but cleared her throat and wiped her tears as she collected herself and began to speak again, "Tenchi, despite all the wonderful things you have done for me and the girls, you're still a coward when it comes to choosing me or Ayeka. Hell, if you did pick the chipmunk I'd be pissed, but at least you would've shown some backbone for once, but you can't even do that."

Tenchi was dismayed. He didn't like some of Ryoko's comments, but the truth was that she was right. If he knew for the longest that he had chosen Ryoko, he could've spared everyone the pain of waiting and this incident would never of happened. Now he had to deal with those consequences, but right now the one important thing in his life was furious with him. He decided to put his head down and let Ryoko finish her verbal barrage before he said anything.

Ryoko suddenly just stopped. As she saw the way Tenchi just stood there, she thought that he was tuning her out. "Aww, shit! Why do I even bother?" And with that, she turned around and started to walk back to the shrine.

"Ryoko, where're you going?" Tenchi screamed.

"I'm leaving! I can't bear to be here right now! I just need to get away!" As she kept walking, she telepathically called Ryo-oki, "Get over here cabbit, we're leaving!"

"Ryoko wait up! We can work this out, please!"

Ryoko turned around and snapped back, "Tenchi don't you understand? You hurt me! You hurt me real bad and right now I can't stand the sight of you. I need to get away from you now and as far away as I can."

"But where would you go?"

"Who knows and who cares, as long as you ain't there." As she moved her left hand by her left thigh, she felt the small box in her pocket and took it out. "Here, congratulations you bastard! Hope you choke on it!" With one swift move, she threw it directly at Tenchi's head and before he could react, the box struck him on the forehead. The box was small and light, but Ryoko threw it with such force, the impact momentarily knocked Tenchi off balanced and knocked him to the ground.

At that moment, Ryo-oki hopped over to her mistress. She mentally asked her what's wrong, but Ryoko just grabbed her and tossed her into the night sky where she morphed into her spaceship form. The furious pirate then teleported into the ship and sat at her command chair.

"Let's go Ryo-oki. I don't care where to, as long as we're away from here!"

"Miya, Miya?" The cabbit/ship kept repeating to her master as if to say does if she knows what she was doing.

"I don't know Ryo-oki, I'm just frustrated right now. Just let me cool off and I'll decide what to do later ok?"

"Miya?" (What about Tenchi?)

"Let him stew in his own misery for awhile alright? I just want to him see what its like being an emotional puppet. I know deep down he wouldn't hurt me intentionally, but he needs to understand that even though I love him to death, I can't keep waiting. It's not fair to me or even Ayeka, although I should've hit her over the head with that portrait, heh-heh" Ryoko managed to laugh a little for once.

"Don't worry Ryo-oki. Let's just cruise around for a few days and then we'll come back ok?"

"Meow, Me-ow" (I could live with that, where to?)

"Hmmm, let's go into deep space. We'll go to one of my old haunts near the Jurai sector and who knows, it might be fun y'know?" Ryo-oki then set the coordinates and within a second, she sped off into hyperspace.

Back on Earth, Tenchi managed to finally sit up even though he was still feeling woozy from getting smacked by the box. He looked up at the sky, hoping that Ryoko might still be hovering around, but to no avail. He then looked down and saw the small blue box right next to him. He picked it up he saw the inscription on the wrapping 'To my dearest Tenchi' written. He then unwrapped the box and opened it to see what's inside and what he saw made his heart skipped a few beats.

Ryoko had him given a heavy gold chain bracelet. Just by looking at it and feeling it, Tenchi knew that this was an expensive gift. Now he understood why she was so sensitive to Ayeka's remarks. Ryoko really worked hard to get this present and now it must've felt worthless to her since all he did was to push her away again like he had always done.

As he examined it, he noticed small flat plating; for adjustment he guessed. Underneath the plating it said 'Tenchi, with love, Ryoko'. He tried on his left wrist and it was a perfect fit. Under better circumstances, he would have been so happy to receive such a fine gift. He knew deep down he would loved this gift more than the others because of the effort Ryoko went through to earn it. He could had thank her by telling her he had chosen her and wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of his life with her. Instead, he just stared at the bracelet and wondered where she could have gone to or worse, when is she coming back, if ever.

As he took the box off the ground, a note fell out. It was folded very neatly and had Tenchi's name written on it. He unfolded the note and started to read its contents. What he read started to make him more miserable than he was feeling now. The note read:

'Dearest Tenchi, as you take the next important step in your life, I just wanted to give you this gift for all the hard work you put in this past year. I also wanted this gift to symbolize the deep love I have for you. You made such a big change in my life in ways that I may never be able to repay you. I could only hope that one day you'll feel for me that same way I feel about you, but if you don't, I will always love you no matter what.' {Love you, Ryoko}

After reading the note and with so many questions and emotions going through his head right now, Tenchi just wrapped his arms around his knees and put his face forward. The forest was quiet now except for the sobbing of a lonely young man who just lost his love.

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

On the other side of the lake, Oto had witnessed today's events and when Ryo-oki took off, he immediately contacted the planet Xeria. Yataka was ready to hit the bar when the transmission came in.

"What is it now Oto?" Yataka asked as if he night was ruined.

"Ryoko just took off a minute ago and from the looks of things, she may not be coming back for awhile."

"What happened over there, she got into another battle with that spoiled Juraian princess?"

"That and a big squabble with the Masaki kid. I think she's more pissed with him than anything else. You want me to follow her?"

"No stay put. The others may leave also. Are the space cops still there?"

"Negative, they left about an hour earlier for their scheduled patrol…"

"Good, just keep watching the house if case Ryoko comes back. I'll have Osaka tail Ryo-oki once she leaves the solar system."

"Are you going to tell the boss?"

"OOOOOOHH YES! Ryoko just did us a favor by leaving Earth. Now we can begin the setup and get rid of that Juraian Lord once and for all. I'll contact you later, Yataka out."

As the tall space pirate readjusted his console to contact his other lackeys, he couldn't help but smile, as his boss' master plan was about to take effect. "I don't know about the boss Ryoko, but I for one look forward to seeing you again, ha-ha-ha-ha…"

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

End Chapter Three

*What do you think? Will Ryoko ever come back?

*Will the girls have to return their gifts?

*And most important, who the hell is Oto working for and

what do they want with Ryoko? Stay tuned.

A/N: Sorry that this took awhile to come out, but I was concentrating on my other fic "Second Chance", which by the way will be out at the end of the week. My job has also kept me busy from writing anything else.

If you want a more elaborate explanation, you can email me at a.falc@verizon.net

Later, alighthawk