Tenchi Muyo Fan Fiction ❯ A Crown of Lies ❯ Reunions ( Chapter 2 )

Disclaimer: Tenchi is the product of AIC and Pioneer. I do not own any of the characters in this fic except for: Achika, Indigo, Matthias, Asmodean (see chapter 1), and Sudorin. I am not getting any money for this fic, but am writing it for merely the enjoyment of readers and myself.

Author's note: Sorry it took so long to get this one out to all you. I got a little sidetracked (I bought every Tenchi DVD except for Shin Tenchi.). Anyways, enjoy and give me feedback please.

This one is dedicated to the genius herself whom I have finally gotten into the fic.

A Crown of Lies

Chapter 2- Reunions

Sasami clung onto her sister as if Aeka was the last support in the princess's life. In all truth, Aeka was the only support she had ever really had. Aeka had always been the pillar holding Sasami upright.

Now was another time that Aeka was her pillar… her foundation. Though her parents had always tried to be there for her, ruling an empire did not leave much time for family. She loved them and they loved her, but Aeka had always been there.

Aeka held onto Sasami tightly as the little princess sat in her lap. They both were terribly confused as they watched the still body of Matthias. He was in an aqua green regeneration field that was very quickly healing his body. His shirt had been fallen off when the two Jurian princesses had dragged him into the small Medical facility in the ship.

Aeka stared intently as the wound where a beam of energy had struck him. The wound was very serious, but thanks to the cauterizing effect of the energy blast and the speed in which he had been placed in the regeneration field, the only danger was the potential of him being in a grumpy mood when he woke up.

"Aeka, what is going on?" Sasami asked her sister, hoping for clarification of their position. Aeka shook her head and stared at the ground. She let out a sigh and searched her mind for an answer.

"I don't know Sasami. I just don't know," the first crown princess of Juria answered.

________

Kamidake watched as the two ships began their descent to Earth. Years of experience had left the Lord Protector of Juria with a level head and ability to make thoughtful decisions in a short amount of time.

"Identify ships," the knight commanded the computer of his ship. He absently drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair.

"Scanners identify two ships. One is determined to be the Yagami while the other is unknown," the feminine voice of the computer answered. "Ninety-five percent chance that the ships will not survive entry into the atmosphere at their current speeds."

Kamidake jumped up from his chair and clenched his jaw as he took in the news. "Computer, analyze options for slowing down the Yagami."

"The action with the highest possibility of success is to maneuver our ship in front of the Yagami and push back on it. This should allow for all of the ships to make it to Earth safely. However, the force our ship needs to exert in order to slow down the Yagami will cause immense damage. In all likelihood, we may never make it off the ground."

Kamidake scratched his chin in thought. He let out a slow breath. "Alright, we'll do your plan. Just try to get us to Lord Tenchi safely," he said. He sat back down and braced himself for the bumpy ride he would soon have.

________

Lord Sudorin Hikage gave an amused chuckle as he entered the throne room. Even though Sudorin was a Jurian noble distantly related to the royal family, he would never have been allowed in the throne room of the Jurian emperor during normal conditions. But these were not normal conditions.

He watched as one of the knights standing before him stepped forward. "Lord Sudorin, the emperor has been apprehended," the knight said with a proud grin.

"Very good," Sudorin said with a snort. "Where did you catch the filthy beast?" Sudorin asked. The knight stood rigid at the question, increasing Sudorin's curiosity.

"He was captured in the defense control room," the knight replied weakly.

Black fire coursed out of the noble's hands at the news. "He was where?" Sudorin asked filled with rage. Evil seemed to burn behind his crimson red eyes.

"In the defense control room, sir," the knight answered, trying to hide in his battle garb. Sudorin's intense gaze was leveled at him, invoking even more fear into the unfortunate warrior.

"Did he shut down the defense parameters," Sudorin drilled. The knight seemed to shrink in size.

"Yes sir. But they have been reactivated."

"Were their any ships that ignored the command to not leave Juria? Did any ships make it off Juria?" the noble asked very calm and patiently. The mood swing further inspired fear into the heart of the knight being questioned.

"Yes sir, one royal transport," the knight said meekly.

"You fool! That was probably the rest of the royal family," Sudorin screamed at the warrior. The knight barely had a chance to flinch as he was consumed in dark flames. The flames dissipated just as fast as they had appeared, leaving a figure blanketed in darkness. Black armor cascaded over his body.

"I thank you for my rebirth Lord Sudorin. I am your loyal knight Tetta," the knight stated as he twirled his black staff around with his fingers. His dark hair was thrown askew and a mask of sturdiness covered his face.

Another knight stepped back in fear. "Wh… wha… what did you do to him?" the knight asked, shaking with fright. He screamed out as black flames covered his entire body.

"I am Tessei," a voice hissed out of the black flames. Tessei's pale white hair glistened down his dark armor and his eyes were slanted giving his face a look of serenity intertwined with death.

"We are your loyal knights here to protect you, the new emperor of Juria," they stated in unison. Sudorin laughed as he ascended the stairs and took his place on the throne.

________

Tenchi diligently swept the shrine stairs, removing the cherry blossoms that had made their way to the ground. He smiled at the spring weather. 'It was on a day like this that my life turned upside down,' he thought as he gazed at the sky.

A sudden change in the air was all the warning he got before a pair of lips clamped down on his own. Time seemed to stop as he met his cyan haired wife in a passionate embrace. He pulled away reluctantly with a smile and blush. No matter how much the young warrior changed, a certain pirate would always be able to leave him flustered.

'That's one of the things I love about her. I can relax with her, yet life is never boring. Each day is full of excitement and possibilities,' he mused.

"Aren't you supposed to be doing laundry?" he taunted. She flashed him an innocent smile and clasped her hands together.

"Who me? You just don't want to kiss me any more, do you?" she teased back. He shook his head at her mischievous spirit. His love had mellowed her out some. The harsh atmosphere that she had worn while she was biding for his affections was gone. 'Who would've thought that a space pirate and a prince of the most powerful empire in the universe could fall in love? And that that Ryoko could be a housewife, let alone be good at it?'

She had become a great mother for her daughter and a perfect wife. 'Grandfather and Dad seem to love her and be happy with her as well,' he thought with amusement. Still…. Ryoko would be Ryoko. Her love for life and mischievous spirit made her who she was.

He pulled her into a kiss of his own. "Does that answer your question?" he breathed in her ear. She burst into laughter breaking the romantic atmosphere.

"Hey what's so funny?" He asked while returning to his sweeping. The cherry blossoms seemed to land on the ground faster than he could sweep them off.

"You are. Years ago, you would have had a bloody nose, and passed out from loss of blood. But now, you're pulling me into kisses! Not to mention, you can be quite the master of seduction when you want to be," she said giving him a playful elbow in the ribs. He blushed at her words, though it could hardly come close to his past shows of embarrassment.

"Anyways, I am doing the laundry for your information," she said putting her hands on her hips. "Being able to split in two really comes in handy when I got to keep you in line." She smiled contently as she lay back in the air, letting the sun's warm rays cascade over her body. She watched as the black haired man worked. An idea jumped into her head, causing her to sit upright.

"Want to go have a picnic?" she asked. Before Tenchi could answer, an identical Ryoko appeared next to her.

"All done with the laundry and lunch," Ryoko A cheered holding up a picnic basket and blanket. Ryoko B nodded as they merged together.

"I don't see why not. Besides I need something to get my mind off Achika," he said as he laid the broom against a tree.

She let out a sigh. "You miss her too?" the pirate asked. Her husband nodded as he made his way over to her. He wrapped an arm around her waist as they began to ascend the stairs. She leaned on his shoulder enjoying the warmth and closeness as they headed towards the lake.

________

Tenchi laid on his back, nestling into the mattress the grass made. "I never would've thought you'd be so good at cooking," Tenchi said with a happily full stomach. "It didn't take that many classes either. I'd love to see you and Sasami do a meal together."

Ryoko blushed at his compliment, but soaked in the words like a sponge. "That's just because I'm so perfect," she murmured happily as she lay down on Tenchi's chest. She wrapped her arms around him, taking in as much love as she could.

"I love you Ten-chan," she said dreamily, her eyelids almost shut. She listened closely to the rhythmic beating of his heart as her head rose up and down with his breaths.

"I love you too, my Ryo-chan," he replied as weariness overcame him. He felt his consciousness leaving as his eyes shut.

The hiss of air clashing with something immediately brought the two Masaki's out of their would-be slumber. Instinctively, they looked up at the source of the sound. Above their heads were three ships heading straight towards the lake.

Ryoko's breath caught in her throat as she identified the ships. One was a black ship that she had never seen before but she recognized the other two. One was definitely a Jurian ship. Its elegant structure could only have belonged to a Jurian Royal transport.

The other was a very familiar ship. The Yagami was crashing along with the other two ships. Ryoko smiled as the ships continued their descent. Everyone was coming back.

Her excitement was cut short when she noticed the amount of damage on each ship. Smoke billowed off of the Yagami and unknown ship, while the engines of the Jurian ship seemed to be dying out.

It was too late to get Ryo-ohki to help them. There was simply not enough time to get the cabbit before the ships made their impact with the ground.

She threw a shield up, following her husband's actions. Ryoko muttered a short prayer that the ships would land all right and returned to her vigil.

________

Kamidake counted down silently in his head. A blunder now could seal their fate. 'Three… two… one!' he thought. A bead of sweat trickled down his face.

"Computer, engines to maximum!" He screamed. His ship roared as the engines were pushed to their limits. A smile crossed his face as he looked at the monitor. The ships hit the water, narrowly missing Ryu-oh and crashed onto the ground safely.

"Begin repairs," he said as he exited the craft. He had to check and see if the others were all right. Kamidake briefly hesitated before heading over to the other wreckage.

His heart beat with joy at the sight he saw. A person he had thought dead was heading at mach one towards the Yagami. The space pirate Ryoko formed an energy sword and cut into the hull of the GP cruiser.

Knowing that the occupants of the Yagami were in good hands, he started towards the black ship. He approached the hatch to it and jumped back in surprise as it burst open. Smoke poured out of the opening in the disabled craft.

Tenchi Masaki floated out of the hatch, supporting a man with his body. The man had short, dark red hair that stood up on his head in spikes. His frame was medium sized yet very muscular. Black scorch marks adorned his clothes and his intense blue eyes shone with fury. He immediately jumped out of the prince's support.

"Hey take it easy, just trying to help," Tenchi said while brushing off the ash on his own clothes. The man snorted in response to Tenchi's statement.

"Like I need the help of some backwater slobs. Imagine I, Indigo, the greatest space pirate that has ever existed, needing the help of you. That's a joke," Indigo laughed while standing up straight. He cracked his knuckles, in a fruitless attempt to inspire fear into Tenchi.

"If you hadn't had our help, you would not be standing here right now. I prevented your ship from crashing and Lord Tenchi saved you from the inside of your ship. You should be grateful," Kamidake stated as he approached Tenchi.

The crown prince of Juria immediately spun around. "Kamidake?" Tenchi questioned in disbelief.

"It's such a pleasure to see you again Tenchi. We have all missed you," Kamidake said.

"Hah. Like you could do something to help the greatest space pirate in the universe," Indigo blurted out, interrupting the reunion.

"Would you be quiet," Tenchi said, annoyed with the pride of the space pirate. "If my wife hears you, I'd hate to see what she'd do to you."

'Wife?!!!' Kamidake's mind screamed. He stepped back in amazement.

"Like your bitch could do something to me," Indigo taunted back. Fire immediately leapt into Tenchi's eyes at Indigo's remarks. "You want to see why they call me Indigo?" Indigo said in a further attempt to anger Tenchi.

Tenchi's training with Ryoko had increased both their power levels, to unbelievable heights. 'Listen to that guy run his mouth. I could take him down with one hit,' he thought. 'I just hope for his sake that Ryoko doesn't hear him.'

Tenchi watched as a pair of indigo colored knives erupted from the hands of the space pirate. "Indigo, the color of my blades. It is the color that strikes fear into all," he stated proudly. "Like your pathetic woman could do something to me," he taunted even more.

"You want to see what I can do to you?" Ryoko said, emerging from the Yagami and approaching the center of conflict. Another Ryoko teleported behind Tenchi and laid down an unconscious Mihoshi and Kiyone, unbeknownst to the boasting pirate.

She glared at Indigo, leaving uncertainty into the heart of the proud man. Kamidake shook off Tenchi's comments and decided to make sense of it later. He knelt down beside the two GP's and checked for injuries.

"Ryoko, no you can't fight him," Tenchi said addressing both the cyan haired pirates. His face was a mixture of determination and apathy towards the man in front of him.

"Tenchi pleeeeaseeee," the Ryoko behind him whined. She gave him her best set of puppy dog eyes. Tenchi put his hands on his temples and began to massage them. He gave out a defeated sigh.

"Ryoko, you'll probably kill him, not that I'll blame you," he said looking at her sternly. She giggled a little at his assumption. His face grew into a mask of confusion at her response.

"Tenchi, tenchi, tenchi," she said shaking her head to emphasize her point. "I don't want to kill him. I don't want to kill anybody. You know that I have never committed a crime like that."

He nodded his head agreeing with her train of thought. "Yeah, I know that you would never kill anyone unless they were threatening your family," he said with a warm smile.

"Yup, your right," she answered back with an all too perky attitude for the insults she had just received. He looked at her questionably.

"So your not gonna kill that guy even though he deserves it?" he asked her, wanting to confirm his assumption. She flashed him a mischievous grin that gave him her answer.

"Nope," she replied. He let out a sigh of relief. "No. I'm just gonna hurt him really, really, really, badly," she cheered. Tenchi let out a groan at his wife's reasoning. "Awww c'mon Tenchi. You almost pounded him when he let his mouth loose," she pointed out.

Indigo studied the woman before him, oblivious to the argument going on behind him. 'There's something familiar about her,' he thought as he studied Ryoko. Her intense stare had not diminished at all.

"Alright… just don't hurt him too badly Ryoko," Tenchi said meekly. "You don't want to have anything on your conscience, do you?" he asked her.

She shook her head in response. "Nope, all I want is one hit. And I won't even make it a strong one," she agreed. She teleported back to her other half and merged together.

A grin spread across her face leaving Indigo with a feeling of dread. "Good luck Ryoko," Tenchi shouted. She nodded and phased into her red and black battle garb.

Indigo swallowed the spit in his mouth with an audible gulp. He turned his head towards Tenchi and Kamidake. "R-r-r-ryoko. As in the space pirate Ryoko?" he asked with a new sense of fear. Both men nodded their heads. "Oh shit," he breathed out in defeat.

As he prepared for battle, a memory resurfaced in his head.

________

"You must find them, no matter the cost," Indigo's father said with a warm smile. The sixteen-year-old boy nodded, accepting his father's words.

"They are essential to the survival of our empire, as well as the universe. You will succeed where your grandfather and I failed, my son. You can do this task," he continued as he reached into a pocket and drew out a locket. He pressed a button on the locket and a holographic image appeared.

"Take this locket. This image is what they will most likely look like in when they reach maturity. But remember that this is only a guess that our scientists have produced. When you find them bring them back to our empire. All those involved in the conspiracy have been weeded out so it will be safe for them to return." The boy looked at the image projected by the locket he had just been given. A cyan haired woman with golden eyes was and a woman with light purple hair and crimson red eyes was stood before him.

"They have been given identities that will draw away any suspicions of their true identities. From now on you shall be known as the space pirate Indigo. Your identity should help you find them considering that one of the girls is a space pirate and the other is a bounty hunter. I'm sorry that I cannot tell you their names. Their alias's were never was available to us. Please forgive me for the burden I give you. No matter what, remember that your family will always love you."

"I understand dad," the redheaded boy replied. "I love you all. Please tell everybody that."

"I will son. I look forward to the day we meet again," he said while he walked out of the black claw. He turned around in the doorway and smiled. "I know you can do this. I believe in you and have never been prouder." He let a tear trickle down his face. It reached his chin, and slowly fell to the floor.

Indigo watched as his father walked out of his ship. "Black claw let's go," he said, his voice shaking a little. He made no effort to hide the tears streaming down his cheeks. He let out a wail as his ship flew into the black vortex and sharply accelerated.

That was the last time he saw his father.

________

The image popped into his head. 'She looks exactly like the woman in the locket. And she is a space pirate. She's the one,' his mind cried out in disbelief. The joy he found in his revelation was cut short as a fist connected with his head, knocking him backwards and out of consciousness.

________

"Azaka what do you think happened to Azusa?" Misaki asked with fear and anticipation in her voice. She had been silent the whole trip, deep in thought as she sat in the co-pilots chair on the bridge.

"Shh Misaki," Funaho said as she approached her husbands other wife. "Let him concentrate on getting us to earth safely before we start questioning him.

"That's quite alright my queen," Azaka replied. He turned to face Misaki and gave her the warmest smile he could muster. "I believe that if anyone can make it out of the situation your husband is in, Emperor Azusa Juria can."

Misaki smiled, her spirits obviously uplifted. "I going to check on my widdle girls," she said, addressing the lord protector and other queen. She left the bridge with more life than she had shown since the coup d'etat.

Funaho sighed as she sat in the seat her 'sister' had just occupied. They had originally resigned from the position of ruling Juria, leaving it to Aeka since Yosho had declined the offer. After they had been rescued from subspace, they had retaken the throne, sensing that Aeka was not yet ready to take on her responsibilities and that a leader was needed.

It was unfortunate that Aeka did not even know she had a brother. Neither Aeka nor Sasami had been given the information of their relation to the legendary swordsman Yosho. It had been decided that they would wait till the right time to tell the princesses.

"You don't think that he will survive, do you?" the wise queen asked. Azaka stared at her with a puzzled look.

"My queen, I meant what I said. If there is anyone that can do it, its Azusa," he replied.

"I hope your right," Funaho said. "What?" she murmured in astonishment as she was pulled off her chair by something. Her eyes were forced closed.

________

"Arghh, my head," Kiyone muttered as she woke up. Her blurry vision cleared and she found herself looking around in astonishment. "Am I in heaven?" she questioned.

A light chuckle grabbed her attention and she quickly looked for the source of it. "Well since when is this heaven Kiyone?" Ryoko teased, while she floated towards Kiyone, holding a tray containing tea in front of her.

"Ryoko?" Kiyone asked eliciting a giggle out of the pirate.

"Who else could have this much beauty?" she asked. She finished her journey to the futon on which Kiyone was laying on. Kiyone made a motion to get up but was quickly stopped by a shake of Ryoko's head.

"You have a concussion so you really shouldn't be moving around all that much. I can manage to play mommy. Believe me, I've had lots of practice," she said as she took a seat in the chair next to Kiyone. She poured a cup of tea for the GP and held it out.

Kiyone at first reached out for the cup enthusiastically but soon caught herself. "Hey Ryoko, who made this?" she asked with a nervous laugh.

"I did of course," she said with pride. Kiyone's hands began retracting to her body. "Oh come on Kiyone. It's not bad. Look," she said while taking a big swig of the tea. She refilled the cup up to the top and offered it again. "Ahh, that really hits the spot," she said as she swayed the teacup in front of the detectives face, taunting the GP to take it.

Kiyone grabbed it and without a second thought, began to drink. She wasn't usually one to make rash actions, but she was too thirsty to care. Her eyes nearly bulged out of her sockets with shock. "Ryoko. This is amazing tea! When did you learn to cook like this? It's as good as Sasami's," Kiyone cheered.

Ryoko's face lit up at the praise. "It got boring when Tenchi was at school all day, so I took cooking lessons. I guess I wanted to show him I could cook and be a good wife, but it also made the time he was at school seem shorter," she said.

"Wow, I got to say that I'm impressed Ryoko. It's so good to see you again." Ryoko reached over and refilled the cup with tea. "I still can't believe I'm home," she said with excitement.

"Believe it," Ryoko replied. "I've missed you all too. Hell, I even missed the chipmunk and the ditz."

"Speaking of the ditz, how's Mihoshi doing?"

"She's doing fine. Tenchi is checking up on her as we speak. So how are you feeling?"

"Pretty good, except for my headache. God Ryoko, it's so good to be back. How long have you been back here? Who else is here?"

Ryoko propped her legs up on an empty piece of bed and smiled contently. "I've been back for five years, today," she said with a dreamy smile. "Five wonderful years. The only thing missing from it was the others."

"So you came right back to Earth after our little rebellion?" Kiyone asked.

"Yup. Actually, besides Dad and Gramps, you, Mihoshi and Kamidake are the first ones to come back."

"Kamidake?"

Ryoko stood up and stretched. "Yeah, he put his ship in front of yours and basically saved you, by slowing you down. He's out salvaging pieces from the ships right now." She started towards the door. "Now if you'll excuse me, I got to check on my man," She said innocently.

It took a second for Kiyone to analyze the information until she blurted out, "Your man? What do you mean?" she asked as she sat up and crossed her arms in front of her chest. Ryoko shrugged her shoulders and continued out of the room.

"Now wait a sec. Your not leaving until you tell me what the hell you're talking about," Kiyone stated. Ryoko smiled and teleported back into the chair. She made sure she was comfortable before she started her long story.

________

'What is going on?' Aeka thought as she slowly opened her eyes. 'I was just talking with mother and watching Mathias when… Tsunami, where is everyone?' she thought with exasperation. The world became clear as her eyes adjusted to the light surrounding her.

"Ahh, Aeka what happened?" Matthias groaned. Her heart beat faster. Matthias was conscious which meant he was all right for the time being. She spun her head and gazed upon the second sword of Juria.

"Yeah, Aeka what happened?" Sasami muttered rubbing her head. "Mommies, do you know? Wait, Mommy Funaho, Azaka, how'd you get here?"

"I don't know princess," Azaka said as he jumped up to a fighting stance. Matthias did the same but wavered a little as he clutched his side.

"Matthias," Aeka cried as the knight fell to his knees. The lights in the room flickered out, leaving them in total darkness. A screen appeared with two spotlights focused on it. Two small shadows appeared on the screen and a fanfare echoed off the walls.

"Allow us to introduce the most amazing and greatest, not to mention cutest scientific genius in the universe," two voices cheered. "WASHUU!"

An evil cackle rang in the ears of the Royal family and escort as the screen disappeared. "I am such a genius," Washu stated as she held up two fingers in a victory sign.

"Miss Washu?" Aeka questioned. In an instant the genius was upon the princess holding her by the collar of her kimono.

"What did you call me?" Washu asked, her voice low and menacing.

"Umm, Washu-chan," Aeka spurted out while laughing nervously.

The genius let out a yelp as she was whipped away from the princess and met with a dangerous gaze. "Were you just threatening my little Aeka," Misaki asked, her eyes reflecting hatred. The scientist gulped in fear.

Sasami mouthed some words to Washu and the red head caught on quickly. "Sorry, pretty young lady. I did not mean to make fun of your pretty wonderful daughter," Washu said nervously.

"Oh that's so much better, now give me a hug," Misaki cooed. Washu gasped for air as the light blue haired queen of Juria enveloped her in a tight bear hug. After what seemed like an eternity to the oxygen-deprived scientist, Misaki let go of Washu.

"Washu its really you," Sasami cried out in joy as she ran over to the scientist, tears of happiness in her eyes. Azaka and Aeka smiled at each other while watching the reunion.

"I must say that is very nice to see you Miss Washu-chan," Azaka said. "But if I may ask, what in the name of Tsunami is going on?"

"Watch this," Washu commanded while summoning her astral computer. A holographic screen appeared in front of the group displaying the Jurian craft they had just been on. Matthias let out a grunt as five Galaxy Police ships appeared out of nowhere and made short work of their previous transport.

"Those are the GP's most advanced ships," Washu said as the attacking ships disappeared. "They have advanced stealth and weapons systems, however these are the only ones in commission. Someone must really want you dead."

Funaho nodded, and Washu decided to not pry farther. "So Washu, where are we?" Sasami asked innocently. Washu turned to the small princess with a mischievous smile.

"I'm glad you asked that Sasami. Now this has taken many years of research and work. What started off as a mere propulsion system has become the most advanced spaceship in the universe. Allow me to introduce you to the Yagami Two," she cheered.

"The design is based on the Yagami, however everything has been upgraded by yours truly making this sucker a force to be reckoned with." A tear came to her eye and she wiped it off while sniffing dramatically. "I never thought it possible but I am even more of a genius than I ever believed."

There were collective sighs at the show of vanity. "Wow Washu, that's really cool," Sasami said.

"Most impressive," Azaka added. The others muttered their approval causing the redhead to beam with joy. Matthias let out a cough as he attempted to stand again.

In a heartbeat, he was in a hospital bed with Washu peering over him on a stool. Her normal clothes had been replaced by a white lab coat and stethoscope. "Hmm, you're not going anywhere until you take this Matthias. You may be the Second sword of the royal guard, but don't argue with a genius." She forced a pill down the weary knights throat.

"There you go. You should be up and running on one hundred percent in no time. Maybe even a little higher," she said with a snicker that struck fear into the heart of the courageous warrior.

"How did you know of my position?" he asked in astonishment. She gave him another snicker and tapped her head.

"I'm a genius remember," she said. Two chibi Washu's scurried out of her hair and held pom-poms in both their hands.

"That's right, Washu's a genius," Washu-bot A cried out.

"Washu is the best scientific genius in the universe," Washu-bot B cheered. They waved their pompoms wildly and jumped up and down.

"Yay Washu!" they yelled before returning to the spiky hair of the scientist.

"I am such a genius," Washu cackled.

"Don't ask," Aeka whispered to Matthias. He gave her an unsure nod in response.

"Well anyways, we should be arriving at Earth by tomorrow night," she stated. "Hah, and you probably wouldn't have made it in a week," she bragged. The group smiled at the vain little scientist. The presence that the fate of Juria's emperor had in their minds was lessened with the reunion. The insecurity left by the coup was replaced by a firm sense of anticipation. Once their family was reunited, there would be no stopping them.

________

"So he kissed you as you were about to leave?" Kiyone said excitedly. Ryoko giggled a little and nodded. The two GP's broke into laughter. As Tenchi climbed down the stairs and came upon the three laughing women, he couldn't help but be reminded of schoolgirls talking about boyfriends and crushes.

He had taken care of Mihoshi's injuries, which do to her amazingly good luck, had been very few. After a short reunion and a box of tissues later, he had taken the GP to check on her partner. They had entered just as Ryoko was about to tell her lengthy story to Kiyone.

Mihoshi had at once been overjoyed to see Kiyone and ran to the GP, hugging her tightly and further increasing the GP's headache. Ryoko, seeing Kiyone's discomfort, stifled her laughter and suggested that they finished the story downstairs. Kiyone, finding an excuse to get out of Mihoshi's grasp agreed quickly, while Mihoshi, consented for the sake of agreeing with her partner.

Tenchi had just finished checking up on Mihoshi and Kiyone's room. After seeing that everything was in order he had headed down the stairs to meet with his friends again.

"Wow, who would've thought that Tenchi could do something like that?" Kiyone asked in amazement.

"Yeah," Mihoshi agreed as Tenchi walked into the room. The three women immediately snapped their attention to him. Ryoko gave him a loving smile while Kiyone and Mihoshi looked on him with astonishment.

Tenchi laughed nervously at their change in focus. "Is there something I can do for you?" he asked while scratching the back of his head. Ryoko shook her head a little with a wide smile. 'Tenchi will always be Tenchi. But I love him,' she mused to herself.

For the first time, Kiyone noticed the physical changes in her friends. Kiyone admitted to herself long ago when she first came to the Masaki house that despite the fact that Mihoshi and she had been the most attractive officers on the force, they had much competition at the country house in Okayama. Ryoko had probably always been the most beautiful women she had ever known and that had not changed at all. The years had only augmented her beauty.

Tenchi had been the biggest change though. She had left him as a medium sized boy that was bulky but not skinny either. He had grown much taller, to the point that he stood over the girls instead of under them. His muscles had also defined much more. But despite these changes, they were still the friends she knew and loved.

'Hmm, Ryoko's got to be lying,' she thought. 'There is no way in hell that Tenchi would do something like that. I wouldn't call her a liar to her face, but that's a little much to believe.'

"Hmm, what can you do for me Ten-chan? Well you can kiss me," Ryoko purred as she moved her head closer to his. Kiyone's jaw almost dropped out of her head when he did the same. 'Okay, what universe did Washu send us to now,' she thought when their lips connected in a passionate kiss.

"Ohhh, that's so romantic," Mihoshi said as they separated. "Wow. So I guess you and Ryoko are an item Tenchi," Mihoshi stated.

"Yeah," Tenchi agreed without a blush or sign of embarrassment. Ryoko was filled with happiness that Tenchi did not seem at all ashamed for being with her.

"Is this for real," Kiyone asked in bewilderment.

"Yup. It must be kind of weird for you right now," Ryoko said proudly. Kiyone nodded with a far off look on her face.

She pushed away her disbelief and smiled. "I never thought I'd see the day that Tenchi Masaki would be decisive. And to think he kissed you without blushing or his nose bleeding," Kiyone teased.

"Hey, is everybody on my case," Tenchi whined.

"Yup," Ryoko agreed.

"Oh my gosh, it's time!" Mihoshi declared as she left her companions and took off towards the TV.

"Things are getting back to normal," Tenchi remarked.

They all listened as a joyous cry came from the other room. "Moldiver!" Mihoshi yelled with happiness.

"I'm really, honestly, happy for you two," Kiyone said as the squeals of delight lowered in intensity. "I actually thought that you would make the best couple, of course it was always Tenchi's decision."

"Thanks Kiyone. You don't know how happy it makes us to see you come back and congratulate us," Ryoko said while smiling at Tenchi. "You guys are staying now, right? I mean your not leaving as soon as you came back?" Ryoko asked with a little bit of fear in her voice.

"Is that an invitation to stay at your house for as long as we want?" Kiyone asked slightly.

"You bet'cha," Tenchi said with a chuckle.

"Well then how can we refuse?" They all exchanged laughter, enjoying the happiness their reunion brought. 'The carnival is coming back,' Ryoko thought. 'And it's better than ever.'

________

"Grampa Noboyuki, let's get this for mommy and daddy," Achika cheered as they made there way down the aisle of the toy store. Noboyuki looked at the object of the four-year-olds' attention. She was gazing at a Ryo-ohki and Ken-ohki plush set.

Noboyuki picked up the Ken-ohki doll and searched for a brand name. He chuckled triumphantly when his search bore fruit. 'Hmm, Washu enterprises. Now why does that not surprise me,' he mused as he read the little tag on the stuffed animal.

"I think they'll love it," he replied with a grin. He handed it down to her as she picked up the Ryo-ohki plush. She made a meowing noise, imitating her favorite cabbit as she cuddled them together. The moment their nose made contact together a heart shaped plushy appeared in front of the cabbits. Each one held an end of the heart in a paw.

'I wonder how parents will explain that to their kids,' he thought. 'Leave it to Washu to forget the technology levels of a planet. This has probably got scientists confused.'

"You have quite an eye, little one," Katsuhito said as he walked up the aisle with a bag full of items. He reached into his pockets and pulled out a set of keys and tossed them to Noboyuki. "I put pretty much everything I got into the car," he said while completing his approach.

"Yes," Achika said with a yawn.

"Hey wait a minute Achika, aren't you forgetting something," Katsuhito said in a very serious tone. She looked up at him with confusion written all over her face. "You only picked out one toy for yourself. I think that for being such a generous girl, you deserve two," he finished as his gaze softened.

She immediately snatched a ship that looked strangely like Ryo-ohki in spaceship form. "Now what do you say Achika," Noboyuki reminded.

"Thank you Grampa Kassy," she said giving the Shinto priest a bear hug. Katsuhito smiled at his nickname. She had announced to the whole family that Katsuhito was too long a name so she had dubbed him Kassy.

"Thank you Grampa Noboyuki." Tenchi's father smiled with joy at his granddaughter.

They headed towards the checkout desk with Achika bouncing up and down pretending to fly her Ryo-ohki ship. Her pigtails moved wildly through the air. Soon they were exiting the mall and heading towards their car. Within seconds of their trip home, the cyan haired, brown eyed, little girl was enjoying blissful sleep.

________

"So Matthias, how are you feeling," Aeka asked from her seat in the sick bay. The redheaded knight smiled at her concern.

"Do you think that such a little flesh wound could keep an amazing knight like me down for long?" Matthias asked her back. She groaned at his comment eliciting a hearty laugh out of the knight.

"Hey, don't make me laugh," he complained while grabbing his side. "It hurts too much."

She broke out into giggles at the sudden reversal of positions. He soon followed her into laughter as he tried to calm himself.

"Well not so tough now, are you Mat?" Aeka asked. "I can't imagine a big strong knight like you crying out like a baby because of a little laughing," she taunted.

"Thanks for the sympathy, princess," he muttered. Her comical tone immediately turned to one of compassion.

"I am truly happy that you are all right Matthias." His gaze softened at her kind words and he looked at her with deep emotion. Aeka couldn't place her finger on what he was staring at her with, but she knew she recognized the emotion from somewhere.

"Thank you Aeka. That means more to me than you will ever know," he replied. It was quite ironic that her personal guard talked with her so loosely, yet she had had to earn Matthias's respect for him to address her with respect. She had won it from him over the years but found herself asking for his informal pet names opposed to what he was expected to address her by.

"Well you seem happy," he said, changing the conversation.

She giggled a little and a light blush covered her cheeks. "Yes, we are going back to Lord Tenchi," she said.

Jealously stung at his heart. That was really the first time he had ever seen her giggle, blush, and add a title to a man's name all at the same time. Curiosity got the better of him. "Why don't you tell me about him," he asked meekly.

She didn't need any coercing before she was telling him all about the man that had captured her heart.

________

"Now if you two ladies will excuse me, I have to go check on our other guest," Tenchi said as he removed Ryoko's arms form his neck and started walking away.

"Kamidake?" Kiyone asked in confusion. Tenchi shook his head.

"I think his name was Indigo," he replied as he exited the room.

Anger immediately clutched the GP. "Why that bastard. When I get my hands on that criminal he's going to wish he never was born," she brooded. "He ruined my Yagami."

"Relax Kiyone," Ryoko said while restraining the Detective. "I took care of him." She cracked her knuckles and smiled wickedly.

"Besides, why don't we enjoy each other's company? It's been a long time," Ryoko pleaded. Kiyone agreed with a sigh and allowed her self to be led into the family room.

Ryoko hummed happily as she entered the kitchen. She floated over to a cupboard and pulled out a box of Mihoshi's favorite crackers. Her faithful cabbit Ryo-ohki jumped up onto her shoulder and purred affectionately as she rubbed her masters chin against her body.

"Where have you been all day?" she asked.

Ryo-ohki gave out a disheartened "Miya". "

"You miss Achika, don't you," she said as she opened up the box and grabbed a bowl.

"Miya," the cabbit agreed as she hopped down the pirate's arm.

"I got something that will make you feel better," she said as she made her way to the refrigerator. She opened the door and produced a carrot, much to the delight of the brown cabbit.

"Miya! Miya, miya miya!" Ryo-ohki cheered while holding out her paws, beckoning the carrot to come to her. Ryoko tossed it into the air and Ryo-ohki wasted no time in grabbing the orange vegetable.

"Guess who came here while you were off doing whatever you were doing," Ryoko said as she returned to the crackers.

"Miya?" Ryo-ohki asked quickly.

Ryoko scowled at her cabbit. "No it wasn't him. Why do you have your heart set on him of all cabbits?"

Ryo-ohki glared at the cyan haired woman. "Whatever. Well anyways, Mihoshi, Kiyone and Kamidake came back. And I have a feeling that Miss Priss and Sasami will be back soon."

The cabbit, finished with her carrot began to fly in excitement. Ryoko laughed as Ryo-ohki went to phase through the door of the kitchen and bumped her head. The carrot crazy cabbit let out another Miya before disappearing through the door.

<<Don't forget your job tonight my little Ryo-ohki. Get yourself set up and we'll be there in a half an hour.>> she told her companion telepathically. Ryoko looked out the window at the growing night. 'Yes, it should be dark enough in a half an hour,' she agreed.

She grabbed the bowl full of crackers and teleported back to the GP's. Kiyone let off another yawn. "Really Mihoshi, I don't see why you like this show so much. It's pretty boring and unbelievable," she said as she lazily watched the TV. Her stomach growled to the point that she was almost ready to take Ryoko up on her offer of dinner. But then again, she wasn't quite yet ready to eat Ryoko's cooking.

'Maybe Sasami will come back and cook us a meal,' Kiyone hoped. As the golden-eyed seductress phased into the room, her hopes were dashed. "Hey you guys, me and Tenchi are going to be busy for a while, make yourself at home," Ryoko added with a wink as she set the crackers down on a coffee table.

Kiyone could only guess at what she had meant by the last sentence. It lacked the sultry tone the pirate used when she made any innuendo, leaving the GP confused. 'They're really rubbing off on each other,' Kiyone mused happily.

Mihoshi ignored her partner as the commercial ended and the TV show came back on. "Yeah it's back," she cheered. The blond GP was happier than she had been in years. She and Kiyone were finally home, and the family was coming back together. Her shock at Tenchi and Ryoko's revelation had been pushed aside by her interest in the TV.

As Ryoko disappeared, Kiyone got up and began to walk around in an effort to regain her bearings. She carefully avoided the upstairs, reasoning that Ryoko probably hadn't changed that much. She took one last look at her partner before heading out into the rest of the house.

________

Tenchi reclined on the roof and gazed up at the stars. He smiled as his wife shimmered into view next to him. "You're late," he said turning his head to look at her.

"Yeah, well. Somebody has to keep everything in line around here," she said happily as she approached his feet. Her breathing became heavier, alerting Tenchi to her current mood.

He felt as her hands touched his feet and slowly slid up his ankles, to his knees. His breaths came faster as she traced her way up his thighs. Her body pressed down on top of his as she abandoned her work with her hands.

He looked up to see her staring at him fiendishly. "I bought it for you," she said as she floated into the air. He looked at her with confusion but could see very little from the darkness. He tapped into his Jurian power, augmenting his senses. He lost his breath at the sight before him.

Ryoko was in front of him clothed in nothing but silver, sparkling lingerie. Glitter covered the underwear, immediately grabbing his attention. "Do you like it?" she seductively purred.

"Ryoko, your beautiful," he said, his attention never wavering. Ryoko giggled a little at her lover's actions. He hadn't blinked once. To think he had once been frightened away by her naked body, but now was utterly captivated by her beauty.

"Hold on tight," she whispered to him as she grabbed his shoulders. Within a second, the couple was gone, leaving not a trace of their whereabouts. The only sound that filled the air was a loud cat-like cry that filled the night.

________

Kiyone walked through the hallway in time to see a head of cyan hair pass through the door and fly into the room. Kiyone's interest was immediately taken and she made her way over to the girl.

Achika looked up at Kiyone and stepped back in confusion. Kiyone stopped her approach as she gazed at the little girl. They stared at each other, sizing each other up, yet not moving at all.

'She looks just like Tenchi and Ryoko… no couldn't be,' she thought. "Can I help you little girl," Kiyone asked, never moving her eyes.

Achika didn't answer, but continued to stare at the officer in bewilderment. The doorknob clicked as it was swung open. Two male figures passed through the doorway with their arms full of shopping bags. Noboyuki gasped out in shock while Katsuhito merely nodded.

Kiyone swung her gaze up to the older Masaki men. "Noboyuki? Lord Katsuhito? What's going on?" she asked while trying to keep a level head.

Katsuhito chuckled a little bit and walked over to the cyan haired girl. Reaching the four-year-old, he addressed the GP woman. "Kiyone. I'd like you to meet my granddaughter, Achika Masaki."

Author's Notes: Well that doesn't even come close to the action I had before but hey, I do need some plot development. Hope you liked it! That's pretty much all I have to say. C&C as well as questions, etc. should be directed to Ledzepfan111@hotmail.com. Thanks for your time,

-Ledzepfan