Tenchi Muyo Fan Fiction ❯ Every Rose Has Its Thorn ❯ Truth and Reconciliation ( Chapter 1 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Every Rose Has Its Thorn- Chapter 1: "Truth and Reconciliation"
By Matoko Shizaki

Disclaimer: Tenchi and Co. are copyrighted by Pioneer and AIC. The ones you don't recognize are characters I made that you are free to use. By the way, Pioneer and AIC own all the best anime shows like Serial Experiments, Trigun, etc.

Plot: Ryoko and Tenchi are engaged and Nagi seems to have a soft side too. When Nagi doesn't show up when she said she'd fight her, Ryoko discovers that the Ken-ohki was attacked and Nagi has been killed. Her little soft side is definitely not what she seems when she comes to live with Tenchi and the gang. (By the way, Washu has revived Mayuka at this point.)

Notes: This is a little weird since I, the sugar high fool, wrote it. Who knows what I was like when I wrote it because, I really can't remember what I was thinking. ^_^;

I wrote this fic a while ago and just found it again. Here it is now.

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Tenchi wiped the sweat off his brow as he dropped the broom on the steps of the large Masaki Shrine. The sundial in the courtyard cast a long shadow over the Roman numeral five. Yosho came out of the Shrine Office with a smile. Tenchi, you can go home now. Sasami should almost be done with dinner from what I can tell. He said with a gruff smile. Tenchi nodded and propped the broom against the pillar in front of the entrance. Thanks Grandpa. He said hastily as he ran across the yard and past the gates. Yosho shook his head as Tenchi left down the steps towards the house. He has much to learn.

Tenchi! Ryoko called from the porch just as Washu came out. What is it Ryoko? Washu sighed closing the screen door. Ryoko looked at her with worried eyes. Tenchi hasn't gotten back yet. I'm getting worried. She said as she turned to face the steps leading to the shrine. Just come in Ryoko. He'll be back soon. Washu said re-entering the door. I guess I should Ryoko said, her voice trailing off. She followed Washu to the dining room where Kiyone, Ayeka, Mayuka, and Mr. Masaki were already seated. Has anyone seen Mihoshi? Kiyone asked. I don't want to have to rescue her from a tree again. Ayeka stifled a giggle and straightened herself up. I'm sure she'll come back. There is food, isn't there? Ayeka exclaimed reassuringly. Ryoko sat down next to Washu and rapped her fingers on the table impatiently. Where is Sasami? She should be done, shouldn't she? Ayeka scoffed and looked up at her rival. You just can't wait to eat can you? Ayeka asked triumphantly. No. Ryoko said giving her a sour look just as Sasami came in. She was balancing a platter of medium rare steaks like a professional waitress. I shouldn't eat a lot. Ryoko reminded herself as Tenchi came in the back door. I'm not late am I? he said sitting down next to Ryoko and Ayeka. Not at all Tenchi! Nobuyuki piped in his unusually girlish voice (you can tell I think Nobuyuki is a gay pervert. ^_~).
All of the sudden, the stained glass window in the living room shattered to pieces. Oh no, Kiyone sighed standing up. She dashed out onto the porch followed by Ayeka, Ryoko, Washu, and Tenchi. Mihoshi lay dumbfounded on the wet grass, glaring up at the frame where the window used to be. Suddenly, she burst into tears. Mihoshi! What did you do this time!? Kiyone growled glaring down at her sobbing partner. Well Kiyone, Mihoshi cried between huge sobs. I want to be a good sure shot like you, Kiyone blushed bright red and urged Mihoshi to continue. Well, I was practicing shooting this tree, she pointed to the virtually unharmed tree in the yard. But I tripped and shot the window. By now, Ryoko, Washu, and Ayeka were laughing so hard they were crying and Kiyone found herself completely embarrassed. Mihoshi! Kiyone cried holding the blond GP by the collar. The fight was broken up by Sasami's angry shouts. Dinner's getting cold! Kiyone dropped Mihoshi and they went back to the table.

The table was silent until Ryoko and Ayeka got into a fight over the last dinner roll.
Ayeka! I saw it first! No you didn't you liar! Hey, I was just stretching the truth! Mayuka stood up and angrily pushed the two apart. (Mayuka was revived and now lives with the gang.) Stop it! Silence fell over the group. Now, one of you sit next to me and the other sit next to Daddy. I'll sit next to Tenchi! Ryoko said with a girlish laugh. Over my dead body! Ayeka replied. Well, you don't know that me and Tenchi have been dating a long time. Ryoko snickered in her head. That can be arranged. Ryoko grinned summoning her light sword. Mayuka flopped back down in frustration.
"Don't worry Mayuka, you'll get used to this if you already haven't! Washu laughed taking the last roll.

After dinner, Ryoko, Ayeka, and Mihoshi sat down on the couch and watched their normal sitcom. Don't you guys have anything better to do? Kiyone said glancing up from her magazine. All three faces turn towards her, their zombie like eyes glaring angrily at her. No they replied in unison. With a shrug of her shoulders, Kiyone strode out onto the porch where Tenchi stood waiting.
He had on a tee shirt and a casual pair of khaki's his eyes darting around cautiously. Tenchi, what are you doing? Kiyone asked. She already knew but she wanted to hear it from him. Another date? Kiyone asked slyly. Tenchi nodded. Go tell Ryoko to get ready.
This kind of thing had been going on since Tenchi decided he loved Ryoko. They had been dating in secret, so Ayeka wouldn't find out. Thanks to others, Ayeka hadn't found out.
Kiyone waltzed into the living room and sat down next to Ryoko. Tenchi said to get ready. Ryoko nodded and walked slowly up the stairs to her room. What's she doing? Ayeka asked. Kiyone froze nervously, her teardrop starting to form. No clue. Kiyone replied gingerly. She headed to the kitchen to help with the dishes in order to avoid further confrontation.
The next three minutes, Ayeka was troubled by her curiosity. Finally, she decided to see what the cunning cat woman was up to. When Ayeka had vanished into the 2 nd floor hall, Mihoshi glanced around slyly to check if Ryoko was there. With glee, she switched on the Galaxy Police Cartoon Show.

Ayeka placed her ear cautiously on the door to Ryoko's room. Ryoko's joy could not be held back and she finally let loose. Ayeka will never know what's going on! What's more, I think tonight is the night. The night Tenchi becomes mine. Ayeka didn't wait around to hear anymore. She had heard enough. She rushed to her room, slamming the door close and threw herself onto the bed. Why her? I'm just as good! Ayeka cried, her body shaking with rage. I guess my only other alternative is to except Ryu's proposal. Ayeka sighed as she stood at her window watching Tenchi pace in the yard. I've lost him. She said, tears welling up in her eyes.
How do I look? Ryoko said hugging Tenchi. They let go and she motioned to her blue pheasant top and khaki shorts. Perfect. He replied taking her hand. Are you ready? Ryoko nodded as the warp tunnel opened.
It was an endless tunnel that glowed bright green against the dark yard. To tell you the truth, Ryoko was afraid of traveling through it alone but with Tenchi, all her fears melted away.
They leapt into the portal without another word.

Ayeka glanced up from her pillow and wiped her tears away with the back of her hand. Tenchi Everything seemed different and distant to her as she descended the stairs.
Downstairs, everything was normal. Kiyone was reading next to her partner who was fast asleep. Sasami was watching TV. with Ryo-ohki and Washu was typing at the table. Ayeka sighed and sat down next to her little sister. What's the matter Ayeka? Sasami asked, still trying to cover up for Ryoko and Tenchi. Ayeka kept silent, staring blankly into Sasami's pink eyes. She stood up, shaking and walked over to the bookcase where there was a picture of the entire gang. Something tells me she found out. Kiyone whispered in Sasami's ear. Sasami nodded nervously and turned back to the TV. Mayuka emerged from the kitchen. "What's the matter?" Ayeka broke down. "Oh Tenchi!" she sobbed hurling herself out the sliding door and into the darkness. "Wait! Ayeka come back!" Sasami said lingering at the door. Mayuka frowned. "Was it something I said?"

Tenchi and Ryoko came out right in the center of Paris. The streets were dim and only the shop lights helped the couple find their way though the lane. As they walked, Tenchi looked up bewildered. "I thought I heard someone calling me." He turned around but Ryoko clasped his hand. "You must be hearing things. No one's here." "But it sounded like Ayeka." Ryoko went red. "Don't you talk about that bitch!" Tenchi reared back. "Okay, okay..." Ryoko frowned. "Sorry Tenchi, it's just, I don't want to lose you now that I have you." Tenchi smiled. "I understand." Ryoko stopped. "So...where are we going?" Tenchi smiled as the portal appeared in front of them. "Now that we've finished our small walk, to the restaurant." Ryoko looked at his confused. "What was the walk for?" "Just to build up the mood."
The two came out at a cafe near to the Eiffel Tower. Ryoko smiled. "Tenchi, what are you up to?" "Nothing." Tenchi replied innocently as he pulled Ryoko inside the lobby. Tenchi walked up to the host at the podium. "Tableu pour deux si vous plais." Tenchi said. The host nodded. "Oui." Ryoko shot Tenchi a heated glance as they were shown to their table. "You didn't tell me you could speak French!" Tenchi blushed. "Sorry, I didn't know you'd want to know."
The table was outside under the full moon. The famous Eiffel Tower loomed in the background as Tenchi and Ryoko took a seat. After they had ordered drinks, the table grew eerily silence. Ryoko took another sip of her drink and sighed. "It's so beautiful tonight isn't it Tenchi." Tenchi nodded. "Just like that one night after you came..." There was silence again. "Ryoko, I've felt like I was... blessed... ever since you came." Ryoko leaned in closer. "Me too." "Well, I never want that feeling to go away. I want you to be mine forever..." Tenchi paused. "Ryoko, will you marry me?" Those were exactly the words Ryoko wanted to hear. She blushed bright red as Tenchi reached into his pocket to retrieve the simple gold ring he had. Tenchi slipped it delicately onto Ryoko's finger. As they leaned in to kiss, Ryoko murmured, "I'm not going anywhere Tenchi."

The house was dark when the two came home. "Guess nobody's awake." Tenchi said turning on the light. Right in the middle of the balcony was Ayeka. "Uh, Miss. Ayeka...I..." Ayeka frowned. "There's nothing to say Lord Tenchi. It's too late." Tenchi swallowed. "But... you have to understand Ayeka..." Without paying attention to Tenchi's pleads, Ayeka disappeared into her room. Ryoko slipped a comforting arm around Tenchi's shoulders. "It's okay. She'll find someone else, you'll see." Tenchi's head sagged but he and Ryoko still continued up the stairs and to their rooms.

Tenchi woke to the noise of revving engines filling the house. He flung off the covers and burst out into onto the landing. "Sasami, you don't have to go if you don't want to." Ayeka said handing her luggage to the two Jurian knights at her side. "Thank you for understanding Ayeka." Sasami replied wiping away her tears. "Ayeka...! Where are you going?" Tenchi cried rushing down the steps skipping a few as he went. "I must leave Tenchi. This household would no longer need or want me." Ayeka said turning her back on the young man she had once loved. "Ayeka!" Tenchi grabbed her shoulder and turned her around. "Don't leave. We all still want you." Ayeka smiled for the first time since last night. "Lord Tenchi, maybe it wasn't our destiny to be lovers but we were destined to be friends. I will return." Tenchi gave Ayeka a warm hug making her blush. "Good luck to you Ayeka." Ayeka waved from the door way and then disappeared into the early morning mist.
Ryoko poked her head out her door. "What was that all about?" Tenchi turned to her with soft eyes. "Ayeka's leaving. She'll be back though." Ryoko phased to her usual blue and yellow striped dress and hung affectionately on Tenchi. "Well, more of you for me." They leaned in for a passionate kiss but Washu interrupted them. "Tenchi, remember you said you'd be my... Why Tenchi! Where did that ring come from?" Washu studied over the plain ring on Tenchi's finger. "Washu, Tenchi proposed to me last night." Washu smiled, suddenly phasing to her adult form. "Oh my little Ryoko! I'm so proud of you!" she said giving her a great big bear hug. She left go suddenly. "Little Washu, what is it?" Tenchi asked. Sasami threw open the screen door and screamed. "The Ryo-oh! It's going down!"

Ayeka dashed past the broken pipes at the back of the ship, Azaka and Kamadake in fast pursuit. "Ryo-oh, damage check!" Ayeka commanded entering the pass code to enter the escape pod. "All four fuel tanks are leaking and the system is letting off sparks Princess Ayeka." The Ryo-oh replied. Ayeka eyes went wide when she heard an explosion from behind her. Fire blasted down the hall towards her like a twisting tornado of death. Without a second though, Ayeka ran pass her guards and into the escape pod. "Azaka! Kamadake! Hurry!" The two logs stayed still. "Go while you still can princess." "Don't worry about us." Wiping away a tear, Ayeka nodded and closed the escape pod doors. "Pod, activate!" Ayeka commanded, not noticing the gleaming fuel that had leaked into the pod. When no reply came she pounded on the circuit board. "WORK!" She was driven back by the sparks that flew from the machine and landed into the fuel...

Tenchi and the others watched in horror as the Ryo-oh, engulfed in flames, landed in the lake. Washu was the first one to move. "C'mon! Let's get Ayeka out of there!" Ryoko followed, summoning her light sword for protection. Tenchi phased to his armor and followed them.
"Kiyone, what's wrong?" Mihoshi asked rubbing her eyes as she came outside. "What the fuck do you think is wrong?!?! Get the hose and attach it to your GP blaster!" "What for?" "THE FIRE!!!!!" "OH. Okay Kiyone."

Ayeka had fought back the flames as best she could and managed to fight her way to the bridge. She heard a strange metallic pounding on the wall next to her. "Ayeka, are you in there? Answer me!" Came Washu's voice. "Miss. Washu! I'm right here!" Ayeka replied pounding on the wall. Ayeka stopped upon hearing a cracking above her. "Hang on Ayeka..." The voices outside faded and Ayeka's world went black.

Ayeka woke up in Washu's lab. She lay stretched out on a sideways table and some of Washu's scanning robots had swarmed around her. "Go on, get out of here," Washu said shooing away the robots. "So, I see you're awake. How do you feel?" "A bit tired but that's all." "Well you should be. Right now it's midnight." "What? I've been unconscious that long?" Washu nodded. "You have some second degree burns and scars that won't go away. Other than that you're in great health."
The teleporter at the front of the lab buzzed and Ryoko's figure immerged. "Hey Ayeka. Hi
Washu." Ryoko said coming closer. "And what do you want little Ryoko?" Washu asked activating the scanners again. "I just came to see how Ayeka's doing, that's all." Ayeka blushed. "Fine, I'll leave you two alone but no fighting!" Washu said carrying off some of Ayeka's blood samples.
"Ayeka, I'm sorry about the other night..." Ayeka smiled kindly. "You shouldn't be. Tenchi had his choice and he got the best." "Don't say that." Ryoko said sitting down on the stool next to her. "You deserved him just as much as I did." Ayeka shook her head. "There will be another man in my future." "Well, Tenchi was really worried about you. I got to go Ayeka. See you in the morning." Ryoko said turning for the teleporter. Before leaving she thrust a small rose into Ayeka's hand.
Ayeka sat admiring the rose when Washu came back. "Well, I think there's no more of a rivalry between you two." Before Washu turned out the light for bed she said, "You know she was the one that pulled you out of that rubble and saved your life." Moved by Ryoko's courage, Ayeka slipped into a deep sleep, the flower still clutched in her hands.

The next morning, Ryoko was up early. She had already written out some of the plans for her and Tenchi's wedding but not all of them. "Now, what flowers should we have?" Ryoko wondered aloud. Ryo-ohki jumped onto her shoulder and mewed loudly. "Shhh Ryo-ohki! You want to wake up the entire house?" "Meow mew meow meow." "No I'm not giving you breakfast. That's Sasami's job!" Ryoko stopped yelling at the cabbit when the intercom at her side rang. "Ryoko here. What is it?" Ryoko asked picking up the receiver. "Ryoko, it's Washu. One of your little 'friends' wants to talk to you..."