Tenchi Muyo Fan Fiction ❯ Second Time Around ❯ "The Engagement" ( Chapter 1 )

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

*Disclaimer: The main characters in this story are property of AIC, Pioneer, & Viz Comics*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 six months after “Second Chance of a
Lifetime” in which Tenchi and Ryoko have finally found each other. They are now
on the last leg of a romantic six month world tour; If you haven’t read ‘Second
Chance’, then you’ll have no clue to what’s about to happen in this one….
ENJOY!!


Second Time Around: by alighthawk

Chapter One: The Engagement

Fall 2067: The morning sun shined its bright rays over the majestic blue waters
of the Atlantic Ocean and with it, we see a small black dot making its way over
the horizon to its intended destination. As the ‘dot’ loomed ever closer to the
Eastern Seaboard, its shape started to take the form of one familiar black and
red spaceship with its pointed black wingspans and meowing shriek.

The ship adjusted its speed and started to skim the ocean water as its path took
it near an old fishing trawler, which was stationed about 100 miles off the
coast of Cape Cod. As the crew of the aging vessel tended to their daily chores
of hauling Tuna, a huge gust of wind rattled the boat from bow to stern. When
the captain of the old ship looked out into the ocean, he was totally unprepared
for the flying object that was skimming just a few feet above the water.

“Captain, what the hell was that?” Cried out a frightened crewman.

“Ye got me there lad. My best guess is that there is one of them alien visitors
that be coming to our fair planet.”

“But captain, shouldn’t we alert the Coast Guard or something?”

“And tell them what? That we saw some sort of demon ship passing over our heads
and streaking its way to the coast? By the time they send out a ‘cutter’ or
helicopter, that thing’s over land. No lad, if they wanted to, they could have
capsized us so let them be. I just think that whoever is in that thing was in a
particular hurry to get to shore. Probably needed to use the bathroom, ha-ha.”

The rest of the crew laughed merrily along with their captain before they went
back to their backbreaking tasks.

Meanwhile, inside the cabbit/spaceship known as Ryo-oki, a young Shinto priest
is protesting his traveling accommodations to the pilot of the ship, which just
happened to be his rediscovered soul mate.

“Ryoko, would you mind slowing down? You almost ran over that ship over there…”

“Ah relax sweetie, Ryo-oki just wanted to have some fun before we land in New
York, The worst thing we probably did was that we made those fishermen pee in
their pants, heh-heh.” Laughed the former space pirate, now bounty hunter.

“Yeah well, I’m anxious to get to America too, but in one piece okay?”

“C’mon Tenchi, after being with me for almost six months of universal bliss,
would I let you down?” Cooed the cyan haired girl as she batted those beautiful
golden eyes back at her love.

“Of course not love, but after almost seventy years, I thought you would have
slowed down some…”

“Are you kidding me? After waiting so long to finally have you all to myself,
not to mention being so young and gorgeous again, I’m just starting to get my
second wind on life…”

<And I hope I can survive the experience. > Tenchi joked to himself as he
nonchalantly shook his head in defeat. Of course she wouldn’t let him down. What
more proof did he needed since after so many years she came back to him, an old
man slowing dying and out of the blue she returned and helped restore him to his
former youth and vitality. As he looked upon her with such loving care, he vowed
to never forget what Ryoko had done for him. As far as he was concern, it was
the ultimate expression of her love for him and he would gladly spend the rest
of his life paying her back for it.

He got up from his black cushion seat that they bought in Egypt and walked
behind the cyan beauty, watching her hands handling the flight controls. She
didn’t really needed to control Ryo-oki, but she wanted to keep busy as they
made their way to the Big Apple.

“How much longer before we get there honey?”

“Well, if I follow the directions that Sasami gave me, I figure about another 15
minutes, give or take a few if Ryo-oki has any problems with the jet stream…”

“Wow, I can’t wait. It’ll be good to see Sasami again and this time we get to
see her fiancée. I can’t believe that our little Sasami will be getting married
next year…”

“Sasami ain’t so little anymore Tenchi. Despite her looks, she still older than
you and is the Jurai Ambassador to the UN.”

“Well, none of us look exactly what we appear to be, do we now Ryoko?”

“You’re right on that one sweetie. How’s about reminding me why I love you so
much?” Cooed Ryoko as Tenchi slipped his arms from behind her neck as she
grasped her hands with his and rested them on her chest. He started to nibble on
her right ear as she began to giggle…

“What’s so funny my Ryo-chan?”

“You silly! I can remember those days when we were all together and every time I
got this close to you, you either freaked out or get a nosebleed.
Now…heh-heh…now you…”

“Can’t enough of you, is that it?” Smiled Tenchi as he rested his chin on her
right shoulder and wrapped his arms around her even tighter.

Ryoko returned his affections by planting a kiss on his left cheek and purred
seductively into his ears. “Even after six months of being together like this, I
still find this all so…unreal.”

“I know what you mean. Six months ago I was ready to join my ancestors in the
afterlife and you came out of nowhere; like an angel rescuing me from the abyss.
Now I can’t imagine myself without you for one minute. I thank whatever gods are
out there for bringing you back to me.”

Tenchi’s eyes began to tear up as Ryoko turned around and face him. Their eyes
met lovingly as she cupped his face and pressed her lips passionately into his.
After what seemed to be an eternity, she broke off and gently hugged him around
his neck as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

“I guess we must’ve been talking to the same gods since they seem to have heard
our prayers and brought us together, don’t you think my Tenchi?” Ryoko whispered
as she laid a smile on the young man that could have warmed up the harshest
winter one could have imagined.

“Hmmm…I guess you’re right Ryoko. I guess you’re right…”


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

“MEOW, MEOW, MEOW!!!” Shrieked Ryo-oki in her floating crystal form as she
detected land ahead. As the two lovers checked out the monitor, they can see the
beaches and the adjoining barrier islands off of southern Long Island. As they
continue to head on a southwest direction, Ryoko adjusted Ryo-oki’s speed and
altitude so she wouldn’t be detected by radar, <No need to give the locals a
fright. > She figured.

As they reached Jamaica Bay and snuck past the nearby FAA radar installation,
they could see from the distance a small island with tall long figures trying to
stretch out into the sky. As they got further closer, they flight path directly
took them over the thin waterway called the Narrows and over the long spanning
Verrazano Bridge that connected the city’s two outer boroughs, Brooklyn and
Staten Island.

“That part of the island seems to have a lot of people living there.” Ryoko
observed as she pointed out the lower residential area of Brooklyn.

“I was reading in the London Times about some famous sci-fi author who lives in
the area. I think Sasami knows him from some dedication ceremony that happened
in Manhattan a couple of years ago.” Tenchi tapped his chin, trying to remember
the writer’s name, “I think his pen name is Andre Lighthawk or something like
that.”

“Catchy name.” <yeah right. > Ryoko’s eyes rolled as she continued to adjust the
ship’s speed. As she changed her course to the northwest, she spotted a sight
that Sasami said would put a smile on her face. “Hey Tenchi, look at that…”

“Cool. It’s the Statue of Liberty! Let me get my camera.” Tenchi went to the
back of the ship as he scurried through his belongings to find his Nokia Z2060
digital camera. Ryoko meanwhile, just had Ryo-oki hovered a couple of miles off
of Lady Liberty, admiring the majestic figure that the old statue represented.
She could see the little dots of people walking about at the base of the statue,
lining up to get inside. She then noticed that others who were waving out to her
from the windows of the crown of the statue, as well as a few who bravely walked
up to the torch, the highest point of the island.

Ryoko couldn’t help but admired how Lady Liberty stood so magnificently towards
the island of Manhattan. While she knew little of the history behind the statue,
she guessed that maybe they made it after some towering female presence, someone
with an indomitable spirit that would protect those that would live by her side.
Rather than to keep on guessing, she asked Tenchi as he snapped away every shot
he could get of the lovely grand lady.

“Well, from what I remembered, the nation of France built the statue as a gift
to the American people back in 1886. She’s suppose to represent the freedom and
democracy that this nation has to offer and to welcome all foreigners to her
borders regardless of race, color and creed…”

“Well I guess that would include me, being that I’m a foreigner to this planet.
She’s really something to behold, although I would get a new fashion designer,
that toga’s a little outdated, heh-heh.” Ryoko giggled as Tenchi bumped an elbow
into her, “Hey! I was just kidding!”

“Let’s get going Ryoko, we could back later if you like.” Tenchi insisted as
Ryoko got back to the controls and proceeded to head up north. As she got closer
to Manhattan, the thin long sticks she saw earlier were now gleaming towers of
steel and concrete, scaling hundreds of feet above the earth. She had seen
buildings this big at other cities, but never so many on one small island. She
wondered how the island didn’t collapsed by the sheer weight of these towering
behemoths. She asked Tenchi once again.

“They’re built on solid bedrock and since they don’t have earthquakes at this
part of the world, they can build them all together without having them to worry
about collapsing. Of course nowadays, modern buildings are equipped with
anti-gravity buffers so the base of the building won’t feel the weight of the
steel and concrete that’s piled on top of one another.”

“Hey you really know your buildings, don’t you Tenchi?” Ryoko was impressed by
her love’s knowledge of architecture.

“Well, don’t forget that dad was an architect for many years as well as my son
Amagasaki, so I guess some of that knowledge kind of rubbed off on me. Where to
now?”

“According to Sasami, we fly along the East River until we pass the third bridge
and then we start looking for the UN building that’s by the left side of the
river. There’s a park a couple of blocks away that she said that where we can
transport off.” Ryoko memorized the directions from the young Juraian Ambassador
two days ago in London when Sasami called over to their hotel, The London Hilton
and went over some arrangements before heading out to New York.

At the mouth of the river, they first saw the Brooklyn Bridge as Tenchi started
to take pictures again. As they continued to make their way up until they passed
over the third bridge, Ryo-oki spotted the gleaming building that housed the
world leaders, as well as the representatives of the Galactic Union and Jurai.
Ryoko then found the grassy park that was about 100 meters away from the front
gate entrance of the UN. Ryo-oki finally stopped and hovered above the park
with some of the local residents and UN employees looking on nervously. A flash
appeared at the underbelly of the cabbit/ship and a few seconds later a yellow
beam shot out and two young people emerged from the beam, excited to be in New
York at last.

Several police officers saw the landing from a few blocks away as they left the
local Dunkin’ Donuts shop and decided to investigate. They were fully aware that
alien visitors were becoming a frequent occurrence since the treaty with the
Galactic Union was signed almost thirty years ago, but the park wasn’t an
authorized landing zone so they wanted to see who was dropping by.
As they reached the middle of the park, they saw the ship transforming itself
into a small furry creature. The officers, like the rest of the people, nearly
freaked out from the sight. As a crowd of gatherers started to surround the
newly arrived couple and their cabbit, Tenchi was starting to get nervous.

“Ryoko, maybe this wasn’t such a good idea to land here. We attracting too much
attention here…”

“Relax sweetie, let me handle this…Hiya folks! Uh, can anyone here direct us to
the UN building? We’re kind of new in town.”

Several men, as well as the officers stepped up and happily offered their help.
They all seemed attracted to the exotic beauty that was Ryoko. Tenchi was
starting to get jealous at the sight of these men hanging around with his love,
but as he observed the scene before him with Ryo-oki snuggled on top of his
right shoulders, he just reminded himself why.

Before they left London this morning, Ryoko decided to keep things simple and
wore her hair back in a loose braid, her bangs escaping it’s hold and was nicely
framing her face. She wore a honey colored turtleneck that made her eyes seem to
be positively glowing. It was a thin cotton fabric, rather than the usual bulky
kind that highlighted her other equally fine ‘assets’ which was partly the cause
for the huge gathering of men.

She also wore these dark tight blue jeans that just rested at her hips. Those
jeans accentuated her hips so well that when she accidentally dropped the piece
of paper that had the directions to New York, the officers quickly pounced on it
like a potential collar. The other men stood behind her as she slightly bent
over to retrieve the paper from the ground, with devilish smiles on their faces.

“Ok, ok show’s over people! The lady would like to leave now.” Tenchi hollered
to the crowd as he nudged he his way through the throng of people, clearly
annoyed at the attention his girlfriend was getting.

“Tenchi, these nice police officers were kind enough to show me where we have to
go.” Ryoko said as she grabbed Tenchi’s hand and pointed to the direction of the
entrance gate.

“Yes ma’am, just head over to First Avenue entrance of the building and you can
ask the concierge inside on where to find your friend, but next time I suggest
you ‘land’ your ship on one of the nearby heliports that’s along the river.” One
of the officers recommended as he looked strangely at Ryo-oki. “Is that your
ship?”

“Yep, that’s my Ryo-oki! Cute ain’t she?”

All three cops scratched their heads as they tried to fathom how a little
furball could change into such a huge spacecraft. “Hell, the Juraian’s have
trees they can fly in space, so I guess this wouldn’t be so strange either.” One
officer replied.

“Well we have to go now. Thanks for the directions…” Tenchi said as he led Ryoko
out of the park and into the sidewalk, his face still slightly red from the
commotion over his beautiful girlfriend.

“Tenchi, what’s the matter? You’re not jealous are you?” Ryoko playfully asked
as knew fully well that he was.

“No…I-I just wanted to get out of the park. It was too crowded for me that’s
all.”

“Aw, admit it! All those guys around me had you insanely jealous.” The cyan girl
giggled as she saw his face turned a few shades redder than before.

“OK OK! I’m jealous, are you happy now? Every place we go to, you always manage
to attract a big crowd and I gotta look and make sure some moron doesn’t try
something stupid.”

“Tenchi…Can I help it if I’m so beautiful?” Ryoko giggled as she grabbed Tenchi
and leaned him against a street light pole, pressing her body on his. “You don’t
ever have to be jealous about me because I only have eyes for you and only you.
You’re my entire universe, don’t you realize that?”

Tenchi gave her that lost little boy look, realizing that he might have
overreacted. “I know honey, but sometimes I can’t help myself. Why did you have
to be so damn gorgeous?”

“Well if it makes you feel better, I’ll put on a bulky kimono, dye my hair
purple and speak in an annoying high pitch voice. That’ll scare a lot of people
away…”

“Ryoko…”

“Just kidding. Sheesh, you’re so sensitive sometimes…”

“Only around you sweetheart, only around you.” Tenchi finally cracked a smile as
he pulled Ryoko’s face towards him for a kiss.


*************************************
As our couple entered the First Avenue entrance along with the throng of
tourists, Tenchi continued to take pictures along the way. There was the Donald
Trump Luxury Complex that was located across the street. Originally, Trump built
the black 72-story skyscraper as a regular high-rise back in the late 1990’s,
but when the Galactic Union began to send its delegates to the Earth, Trump with
the help of the UN bought out the leases of the tenants and converted the entire
building into the GU and Juraian embassies.

On the plaza by the entrance of the UN was Ten-hue, the living tree from Jurai
that was presented to the UN by the Empress Ayeka back in the year 2040. It was
her gift to the Earth as a token of friendship and gratitude to the people of
this planet. The name of the tree didn’t escape Ryoko’s notice.

“Ten-hue huh? I wonder where she got the name from?” Tenchi kept snapping away
as he tried to pretend not to have heard his lover’s question. ”Tenchi, did you
know about this?”

“Uh, well I…yes.”

“And didn’t you tell me this before we got here?” Ryoko asked as she raised her
left eyebrow, waiting for an answer.

“Honestly Ryoko, it didn’t mean all that much to me at the time. Besides, I was
never at the ceremony back then so I pretty much forgotten about it.”

“Why didn’t you go?”

“It wasn’t too long after Little Yoko had died. Sakuya and I decided it was best
that we didn’t come here. Washu came here as well as Mihoshi, but I explained to
Ayeka that we didn’t feel right in coming. She understood and offered her
sympathy.” Tenchi frowned a little when the thought of his long dead daughter
was brought up. Ryoko saw this as she wrapped her arms around his waist trying
to cheer him up.

“I’m sorry for bringing the subject up Tenchi, it must have been a difficult
time for you and Sakuya. Let’s just go inside and look for Sasami ok?” Tenchi
nodded as the couple walked inside and went to the concierge’s desk. Ryo-oki
meanwhile, made her useful by climbing on one of Ten-hue’s branches and took a
nap. She deserved it considering her long trip from Europe and made a mental
note to herself to harass Ryoko for some carrots when they finished seeing
Sasami.

“Yes sir, can I help you?” Asked the male concierge.

“Yes, my name is Tenchi Masaki. The Princess Sasami of the planet Jurai is
expecting us and instructed that we meet her here.”

“Ah yes, Mr. Masaki. I was told to call the Juraian Embassy when you arrived.
Just give me a few minutes and someone should be here to assist you. You can
have a seat at ‘Embassy Restaurant’ until they arrive.”

Tenchi politely bowed to the young man as he and Ryoko headed towards the
restaurant to grab some lunch. About ten minutes later, a young green haired
lady, dressed in a traditional Juraian kimono, entered the place and greeted
them.

“Prince Tenchi? Miss Ryoko? My name is Niche; I am Ambassador Sasami’s personal
assistant. I’m afraid that the Ambassador is away on an emergency session in
Geneva and sends her apologizes. She’ll be back tomorrow so I was instructed to
assist you in any way possible until she arrives.”

“Hmmm, Sasami was gonna show us around the town Tenchi, what do you want to do?”
Ryoko asked while finishing her tea. Tenchi was unusually calm about the
situation. He thought about it for a moment and an idea popped into head.

“Well, since we’re here, we can take a tour of the building and then head for
the hotel for some rest. As for the evening, I don’t see any reason to change
our plans, except making the reservations for two instead of four. How’s that
sound honey?”

Ryoko’s golden eyes lit up at the prospect of doing the town with just Tenchi.
She heard so much about this city that roaming the concrete canyons alone with
her lover made her giddy. She flashed a devilish look back to Tenchi, her fangs
showing the smile of approval. Tenchi took it as a yes.

“Well Ms. Niche, if it’s all right with you, we would like to tour the UN and
head to the hotel afterwards. Will that be a problem?”

“Not at all my prince. I made sure that my schedule would accommodate yours. So
after I give a personal tour of the complex, I’ll drive you to your suite at the
Plaza. Shall we begin?”

For the next two hours, Niche showed the couple the inner workings and
historical exhibits that the complex had accumulated over the years. Tenchi was
quite fascinated by the tour, while Ryoko started to yawn at the constant sight
of uppity world leaders disputing over trivial subjects. She wondered why would
people want to be politicians. < The only thing these people got going for them
is the ability to bullshit the other in order to get something that they may or
may not need. Where’s the fun in that? > Without thinking, she loudly yawned
that caught the attention of her two companions.

“Is everything all right Ms. Ryoko?” Asked Niche.

“Oh, don’t mind her. She’s just a little tired from our early morning trip.
Isn’t that right honey?” Tenchi smiled while he glared at his love, clearly
annoyed by Ryoko’s display of boredom.

She meekly smiled back and nodded in agreement, “Uh yeah, I’m not used to
traveling so early in the day. Sorry about that.”

“Well that’s pretty much concludes the tour anyway, so if you like we can head
to the Plaza right now.” Niche politely offered as she pulled out her electronic
notepad and checked to see was next in the itinerary.

“I guess that’ll be ok. We still have to unpack our things and get ready for
tonight…”

“And I want to get my hair done too Tenchi, so can we leave?”

“Ok honey. Niche, want to lead the way?”

“Yes my prince, right this way.” Niche said as she directed the couple back
outside and into a waiting limo.

“Wait a sec, we forgot someone.” Ryoko jumped out of the car as she mentally
called for Ryo-oki. The cabbit leaped out of Ten-hue and scurried over to her
mistress.

“Here Ryo-oki, I saved you some carrots from lunch. Had a nice nap?”

“Meow-meow-meow” (Yep, but I’m starved, what took ya?)

“Sorry about that; Sasami’s out of town so her assistant gave us a tour. Here,
let me introduce you to Niche. Niche, this is Ryo-oki my spaceship…”

“So you’re Ryo-oki! The ambassador talks so much about you. You’re pretty
special to her, you know that?”

“Mmeow” (Thank you.)

From there, they traveled up First Avenue until they reached the 59th Street
Bridge and turned left, heading west towards Central Park. As they passed
through the different street blocks, they saw the different stores and shops
that featured everything worldwide. From art galleries, dress shops, book
stores, cafes, to gourmet food stores. Ryoko was amazed of the different variety
of things that this city had within its borders. It was no wonder everybody came
here to visit.

As they reached Fifth Avenue, they saw the Southeast entrance of Central Park
with the local crowd and tourists flocking inside towards the Zoo. Some street
artists were sitting along side the walls of the park asking people if they like
their portraits drawn. It could have been either done as lifelike or as a
caricature. Food vendors were rolling their carts, selling anything from
pretzels, to peanuts, to hot dogs to tortillas. Tenchi smiled as he saw a father
walking along with his young son towards the zoo, holding a floating balloon
shaped like an elephant.

Finally the limo reached its destination. As it pulled up to the front of the
entrance, Tenchi came out first, then Ryoko and followed by Niche. Directly
across from the hotel, a huge marble water fountain glistened from the sunlight.
Just like by the park’s entrance, people were milling about as they walked by
the old landmark with its foundation carved out to resemble like the zoo animals
that were a few blocks away. Tenchi took a quick camera shot before getting
nudged by Ryoko to move it.

Niche quickly checked them in and escorted them to their presidential suite.
Much of the hotel had been preserved to maintain its old Victorian style, but
with the modern conveniences still at hand. As they entered the room, Ryoko
floated over to the king sized bed that had pillows sprawled all over. Towards
the left, a large bathroom with an old styled ceramic tub and a Jacuzzi side by
side.
Towards the right besides the bed was the entertainment room with all the known
modern electronics thought of by mankind and wall-to-wall carpeting.

“Tenchi, this room is too good to be true. We have to get Sasami a present for
getting us in here.” Ryoko said as she playfully bounced herself on top of the
bed with Ryo-oki joining in.

“I agree. She really outdid herself with this.” Tenchi replied as he pulled
Niche back towards the door entrance, whispering so that Ryoko couldn’t hear
him, “Niche, can you tell me where this place is?” Tenchi took out a piece a
paper from the back pocket of his blue jeans and showed it to Niche, “ I told
Sasami last month that I needed to get something by tonight and she arranged it
through this store. Is it far?”

“No my prince. It’s actually two blocks away. We can go there right now if you
like and no need for secrets, the Ambassador had me take care of it…”

“Oh, so you know what it is…”

“Yes, and may I say that you have excellent taste sir. Ms. Ryoko is certainly
lucky to have such caring man at her side…”

“Actually Niche, I’m the one that considers himself lucky. This is what I hope
to be a symbol of our eternal love for one another.
I’m sorry…I sound a little corny…”

“Don’t be…the Ambassador has told me stories about you, Ms. Ryoko & the Royal
family. She was so overjoyed when the both of you visited her in Tokyo six
months ago and to be together again after so many years apart is so…romantic.”

Niche had to wipe away a tear from her left eye after feeling a little emotional
about Tenchi and Ryoko’s reunion. Tenchi meekly smiled back, not knowing what to
do next as Ryoko phased right behind him, sliding her arms under her lover’s
arms and around his chest.

“Am I missing something here? You look kinda emotional there Niche.”

“It’s nothing Ma’am. I was just remembering the story of how you two were
reunited and I find it so joyful.”

“Me too. I just can’t see myself without my Tenchi here, right babe?”

“Right…Uh Ryoko, I need to take care of something and Niche is going to show me
where to go. Why don’t you make yourself at home and I’ll be back as soon as
possible, ok?”

Ryoko raised her eyebrow, curious of what Tenchi had to do. She turned him
around and gave him that pouty look. “Well, if you have to, but don’t take too
long. I want to try out the springs on this bed, if you know what I mean,
heh-heh.”

“Ryoko…” Tenchi’s eyes bulged, never expecting her to be so bold in front of the
Juraian girl, who was turning a few shades of red as she overheard the remark.

“Ok, ok…I’ll just go and take a shower until you get back.” The cyan girl
planted her lips on Tenchi’s left cheek while she slipped her right hand on his
butt. As Tenchi jumped, she let out another laugh and proceeded to the bathroom,
licking her lips back at him as he quickly stepped out of the room with Niche
before Ryoko decided to get friskier. As they reached the lobby downstairs, both
Juraians let out a sigh of relief.

“Is she always this…’affectionate’ sir?” Niche meekly asked.

“Sometimes, but never like this. I guess she’s really excited about being here.”

“Yes well…here are your keys to the room plus your schedule for this evening.
You already have a reservation at 5:00pm at the Delmonico de Italia Restaurant.
The broadway show starts at 8:00pm with the tickets reserved at the theater box
office, here are the directions. Oh…that place you asked about will be open
until midnight. After I drop you off the store, you’re on your own sir. Is there
anything I can do for you?’

“No, I believe everything is under control. Thank you so much Niche, I can see
why Sasami speaks so highly of you.”

“My pleasure sir. Working for the ambassador is a joy. I was so happy when she
asked me to accompany her to Earth when the opening for executive assistant
became available. Shall we go my prince?”

Tenchi happily nodded as the two walked down Fifth Avenue towards the famous
store known as Tiffany’s where he had Ryoko’s surprise waiting for him…


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

(Two Hours Later…)

“Ryoko, are you there? Heellooo…” Tenchi bellowed as the doorknob opened and the
hallway lights filtered into the dark suite. He stumbled a bit as he tried to
find the light switch.

“Hmm, I wonder where she went?” He said to himself as he looked around the
suite. As he entered the bedroom, he spotted a note by the vanity mirror. It
read: Went the beauty salon downstairs, be back soon so don’t try the bedsprings
without me! XOXO Ryoko.

<That woman! She’s so wild and yet…so wonderful! Sometimes I wonder what our
lives would have been like if she had come back the first time? > Tenchi
pondered about the possibility, but decided to let it go as the image of his
late wife came into focus. Despite the wonderful time he was having with Ryoko
and the bright future they were going to share with each other, he will never
forget the forty wonderful years he had with Sakuya. Those were years that he
would always cherish in his heart, but he knew that those memories needed to put
aside now and allow the new ones that he was creating with his precious Ryoko to
take center stage.

Tenchi checked the time and realized it’s getting close to dinnertime. He
noticed that Ryoko didn’t pulled out the luggage from ‘subspace’ so he searched
inside his beige windbreaker and found the small device that opened up the
portal to a small pocket dimension. When Tenchi and Ryoko decided to go on their
whirlwind tour around the world, Ryoko managed to bring along the device from
Washu. The little scientist figured that if things went right for the two
lovers, this was going to come in handy. Tenchi pressed the black button on the
left side and instantly the portal opened up and spat out their entire luggage,
in which Tenchi had to duck on the other side of the bed.

“Damn Washu, couldn’t one of her invention work without having to run for
cover?” Tenchi sighed.

After putting everything on the side, he decided to jump into the shower before
it got too late. As he walked by the luggage once more, he placed his surprise
gift to Ryoko inside the right pant pocket of the suit he planned on wearing for
tonight.

A few minutes later, with the young prince showering Ryoko teleported into the
room with Ryo-oki. Since the lights were on and hearing shower turned on, she
knew Tenchi was back. She wanted so badly to jump in with him, but she wasn’t
going to ruin her makeover and hair. She walked over the vanity table and phased
out of her sweater and jeans to put on the finishing touches of her makeover.

As she sat on the plush paisley chair, she carefully checked herself over. The
makeup was light, but enough to highlight her beautiful angular face. The long
eyelashes and mascara made her golden eyes so irresistible. She pulled out from
her makeup kit her favorite perfume Blue Diamonds, named by some great old
actress from the early twenty-first century. It even shimmered in a color not
unlike Ryoko’s hair. As she gently sprayed it on her neck and other private
parts, she saw the nice job the beautician did on her hair. Her cyan mane was
still kind of spiky, but with some loose curls showing off as well. She didn’t
realized until the beautician told her that the full length of her hair had
reached down to her waist, but to her amazement everyone in the salon
complimented her on how good it looked on her.

She got up to stretch out a bit, her muscles feeling stiff from sitting in the
salon for two hours. Still looking at herself through the mirror, she used her
hands to scan her body. Feeling the strong muscles of her arms, shoulders and
stomach, the firmness of her breasts and thighs. Ryoko admitted to herself that
despite the long life that she had lived so far, she had been blessed for having
a great physique.

<Damn I look good. It’s no wonder men are attracted to me. I wonder if Tenchi
would still love me if I weren’t so…perfect? >
Ryoko pondered to herself as the opening of the bathroom door interrupted her
thoughts.

“Oh Ryoko, you’re back! I was wondering where…WHOA!”

Tenchi’s towel dropped to the floor, as well as his jaw, at the sight before
him. Wearing only her white silk underwear, Ryoko radiated such a powerful scent
of sexuality that the young Shinto priest could barely contain himself. The
golden eye beauty produced a devilish grin that had one of her fangs showing,
her eyes giving off that look as if she was hunting for prey and she just found
it in him. Tenchi’s knees almost buckled for a second, but regained his
composure before his lover could take advantage of him.

“Ryoko…you look so…so…”

“Beautiful?”

“Oh yes…”

“And you look kind of sexy yourself, all wet and in that white bathrobe. What do
you say we get comfortable by the bed over there?”

Tenchi went over to the bed first as Ryoko shoved the chair to the side and
motioned Ryo-oki to make herself scarce. As Tenchi sat on the edge of the bed,
he studied every curve on her body. Of all the girls he’s known in his life,
Sakuya included, no one even came close to Ryoko. If anything, she’s seemed to
be more beautiful now than she was sixty-eight years ago.

As she slowly walked up to him, her tantalizing hips swerving side to side,
Tenchi once again saw that feral smile that only an huntress would show as she
stalked for big game and Tenchi was her prize. As she stood before him, her
hands reached for his face while he placed his hands on her hips, Tenchi cannot
help but breathe the fine aroma that Ryoko’s perfume was giving off.

“You’d get a better whiff over here lover.” Ryoko smirked as she placed Tenchi’s
face between her breasts, their passion starting to heat up.

“Mmmm…you smell wonderful. Is there anything about you that isn’t perfect?”
Tenchi playfully asked while he planted kisses on both her breasts, her silk bra
still fastened on.

“Let me see…nope, can’t think of anything right now, but I’ll get back to you
when I do.” Ryoko cooed as she then threw Tenchi against the bed and laid her
body on top of his. She then loosened his robe, revealing the hard, lean body
that she helped rejuvenate six months back. Despite their constant traveling,
Tenchi always maintained his daily workouts so his body was still well toned.

“Uh honey, we’re gonna be late for dinner if we decide to play around…mmmph” The
young prince’s sentence was cutoff midstream by his lover’s passionate kiss. As
she broke off, she decided to ask him something.

“Lover, what do you really want to do now, make mad passionate love to me or
eat?”

“Hmm, How about another kiss and I’ll let you know…” This time Tenchi displayed
the same devilish grin as Ryoko just pressed her lips into his. Her fangs
nipping his upper lip as she pried his mouth open and slipped her tongue inside,
her fingers running through his raven hair. Tenchi helped himself by letting his
hands roamed freely across Ryoko’s back until he planted them firmly on her butt
cheeks.

Ryoko let out a slight moan as she whispered into his ears, her cyan hair
covering both their faces, “I love you so much Tenchi…”

“And I love you my Ryo-chan. Nothing will ever change that.” He lovingly
whispered back as he was about to unfasten Ryoko’s bra when all of the sudden…

…* RING-RING*, RING-RING!!

“Ignore it Tenchi, I want you so badly right now…”

…* RING-RING*, RING-RING!!

“Tenchi please, take me…”

…* RING-RING*, RING-RING!!

“AARRGH!!! Shut up you stupid phone!!” Ryoko jumped up and was about to vaporize
the telephone when Tenchi grabbed her arm and pulled her next to him.

“No Ryoko! Not again! Remember what happened in Athens when the bellboy rang the
doorbell? You almost put a hole through the door and him.”

“But wwwhhhhhyyyyyyyy Tenchi? It seems like every time we get hot and horny,
something always cuts in…”

…* RING-RING*, RING-RING!!

“Let me get the phone ok?” Tenchi ran over to the phone before Ryoko had a
chance to change her mind, her mind reeling from the sudden stoppage of passion.
Tenchi had to cover the receiver as he heard his lover cursing out loud to
whatever Gods was messing with her.

“Hello, this is Tenchi…oh Katsuhito it’s you! How are you grandson? Me, I’m fine
and so is Ryoko, she sends her love. What? Nah, you’re not interrupting
anything, we were just about to go out to dinner. When we’re coming home? Well,
I believe in one week since Sasami planned on showing us around New York first,
but I’ll call you when we’re ready to leave. How’s the shrine? Good, we’ll talk
when we get back ok? Say hello to your father and mother for me will you? Great,
take care Kats…Love you too, Bye!”

Tenchi looked back towards the bed, seeing that she had just vacated her spot
and was back sitting by the vanity table, fixing her self up again.

“Kats says hello and asked when we’re coming back…”

“That’s nice of him to call, I guess he really misses you huh?”

“I guess so, but he says the shrine’s doing ok, so I shouldn’t worry…Ryoko?
Sorry about the interruption.”

“Forget it Tenchi, it’s not like we’re never gonna get another opportunity to
make love again, but God help the poor soul that interrupts us again because
I’ll burn them to a crisp if it happens again!’

Tenchi walked over and happily planted a kiss on her left shoulder, “That’s my
Ryoko, passionate and violent in one little package…”

“Passionate yes. Violent maybe, but do ‘these’ look little to you?” She smiled
as she lifted up her breasts for Tenchi to make sure.

“Nope, definitely not small in that area. How about we get dressed for dinner?”

“Sure, but how about you go ahead of me and make sure our table is ready? You
know I hate waiting on line and I need to take care of Ryo-oki first.”

“No problem, but why do I sense that you want to make one of your ‘fashionable
appearances’?”

“Oui? Nah, I’m not that superficial am I?”

Tenchi gave Ryoko that ‘yeah right’ look as he pulled out his navy blue suit
with the pleated pants. He also took out a white collarless dress shirt that
Ryoko bought him in Paris that came with a pair of golden cufflinks. He was
thinking of putting a regular collar shirt and tie, but Ryoko wanted him to wear
her gift the first chance he got.

“Ryoko…can I assume that I’ll see a new dress tonight at the restaurant?” Tenchi
inquired.

“Of course dear, but that’s my surprise to you, unless you want me to stay in my
underwear?”

“No…I don’t think so. We don’t want to halt the traffic outside and give people
something to talk about. I think I’ll keep you all to myself.”

“Kind of selfish for a Shinto priest aren’t we?”

“Only when it comes to you lover. The rest of the universe can wait…”


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

5:00pm, at Delmonico de Italia…

“Is the wine to your liking signore?” Asked the waiter.

“Uh, yes it’s fine. Thank you very much.” Tenchi replied as he another sip of
the red wine he ordered. He had been sitting for at least fifteen minutes at the
table, admiring the old styled Italian décor as he patiently waited for Ryoko to
show up. He couldn’t help but to wonder what little surprises she had in store
for him as he checked the watch again. One thing that hadn’t changed was that
Ryoko still liked to be an exhibitionist when the opportunity arose.

And as if she mentally heard him on cue, Ryoko entered the restaurant and made
her way to the Maitre ‘D’s stand. He looked about sixty-ish, bald and wearing a
pencil thin moustache.

“Signora di buoa sera! (Good evening madam!) Party of one?” Greeted the Maitre
‘D as he looked mesmerized by the stunning beauty that was addressing him.

“No, my boyfriend came here ahead of me. The name is Masaki, Tenchi Masaki?”

“Ah Masaki! Si, allow me to escort you to your table signora, but first, may I
have your coat?”

Tenchi was getting up from his chair to fetch Ryoko as she took off her leather
coat and passed it over to the Maitre ’D. What he saw before him made heart beat
a hundred times faster and nose twitched as he checked to see if he wasn’t
bleeding.

Ryoko was wearing this tight fitting light peach dress that highlighted every
curve of her body. From her breasts down to her hips, every part of her was
featured to the delight of the young Masaki as his eyes traced her figure to
where he noticed that from her hips, the dress flared out in little Spanish
styled waves, where it ended below her knees. As she slowly walked towards him,
the waves of the dress would travel up her legs, giving the illusion that Tenchi
was able to see something ‘more’.

<My heart can’t take much more of this. > He said to himself, trying his best
not to pant.

As she reached the table, with the Maitre ’D pulling out the chair for her,
Tenchi grasped her hands and gently kissed her on her left cheek. “You look
absolutely ravishing.” He whispered into her ear, as Ryoko’s cheeks blushed from
all the attention she was receiving.

If that weren’t enough for his eyes to feast on, he noticed that the top of the
dress had what he first thought were spaghetti straps, but a little thicker than
usual. As she approached the table, one of had slipped from Ryoko’s right
shoulder. The back of her dress though was another story. As she gently sat down
and pushed her chair up to the table with help from the old host, Tenchi saw
that the back of her dress was practically non-existent. Despite her long cyan
mane, Ryoko had her bare back opened all the way down to her waist, to the point
that Tenchi thought he saw her ‘crack’.

“From the expression on your face, I take it that you love the dress?” Ryoko
smiled as she took a sip of the glass of red wine that was waiting for her.

Tenchi moved his chair over so he could grasp his lover’s hands. As Ryoko
crossed her legs, she revealed her high heel shoes that had the straps wrapped
up to her calf in a skin tone, making her already creamy skin glow.

“What’s there not to love? The most beautiful woman in the universe is having
dinner with me while every other man is this room is envious of me…”

“Somehow darling, I don’t think they’re aware that you’re even here, heh-heh”
Ryoko giggled softly as she motioned to Tenchi to survey the dining area around
them. From the Maitre ‘D. to the waiters and the other diners, men were stealing
glances and smiling in the couple’s directions and it wasn’t because of Tenchi’s
suit.

“I think I’ll be happy once we get back to Okayama so I can have you all to
myself. I shared you enough with the world already.” Tenchi grumbled as he
noticed the other strap of the dress had fallen from Ryoko’s left shoulder. Just
seeing her bare shoulders and neck was tempting him to forget the whole evening
and carry her back to the suite so they could pick up where they had left off a
couple of hours ago.

“But you have to admit Tenchi, this trip has been a real blast and I think we
made up for lost time. I’m so glad that you wanted to spend all this time with
me…”

“Why shouldn’t I Ryoko? You came back and helped me cure my illness, not to
mention my Jurai power being restored. There isn’t one thing in this world that
wouldn’t do for you. I love you so much…”

“Oh Tenchi…”

The couple held hands as they smiled so contently at one another. There was
never a doubt that this was to be the start of a wonderful life together and
with Tenchi’s Jurai Power restored, their time together would be immeasurable.

“I see that you wore my present from Sydney Ryoko?”

“Needed something to highlight the dress. If we’re gonna do the town, I’m doing
it in style.”

Tenchi smiled as he placed his fingers on the heart-shaped diamond pendant that
he bought for Ryoko when they stayed over at Sydney, Australia. A thin gold
necklace that smuggled just right around Ryoko’s lovely neck held up the pendant
as she thanked Tenchi, along with the matching earrings that accompanied it. The
diamonds, along with the light peach dress and hair gave his lover an exotic out
worldly look. < And to think that I used to keep my distance from her when I was
a teenager! What an immature fool I was back then. > Tenchi scolded himself as
he remembered from his younger days how he got cold feet from Ryoko’s seductive
advances. Now he couldn’t get enough of it.

The couple continued to gaze at each other’s eyes as the waiter came over to
take their order. He was hoping that they would order slowly so he can steal
some more glances of Ryoko.

“Signore y signora, are you ready to order?”

“I think I’ll have the Shrimp Parmigiana with Linguine. How about you Ryoko?”

“Hmm…let’s see. How’s the Fettuccine Alfredo with the white clam sauce?”

“Exquisite signora. The best in New York if I do say so myself.”

“Sounds good then, I’ll have that and some more wine also.”

“Eccellente! I’ll be right back in a few minutes. Enjoy your dinner.”

As the waiter took off with their order, Tenchi refilled both wine glasses and
offered a toast to his beloved.

“To us. That we never get tired of each other and may our love endure for many
years to come…”

“Which in our case may take a few centuries…I love you Tenchi Masaki.”

“And I love you Ryo-chan, now and forever…”


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

7:00pm…

As the couple left Delmonico’s and walked west on Central Park South, Ryoko
spotted something across the street by the park.

“Ooooooooooh Tenchi, can we get on one of those?”

“I don’t know Ryoko, the show’s going start in a hour…”

“So why can’t we ask the guy if he can ride us over to the theater? It’ll be
sooooo romantic.” Cooed Ryoko as she traced circles on Tenchi’s chest, knowing
he couldn’t say no to her.

Dashing their way through the two-way traffic, Tenchi and Ryoko made their way
towards the curb of the street and saw the row of horse drawn carriages. They
walked along until Ryoko spotted one that she liked. The horse had an ivory
white hair color with a patch of black fur surrounding her left eye. As she was
chewing down her bale of hay, Tenchi walked to the coachman and asked if he can
ride them to the Amsterdam Theater. The coachman was a pleasantly rounded little
man who appeared to be speaking in a Spanish accent.

“Si, Senor. Isabella and I will be more than happy to take you and the senora to
the theater…”

“Senorita! We’re not married yet.” Ryoko growled under her breath, <But I’m
hoping that changes soon…>

“Oh, Perdóneme por favor, (Please forgive me) I just assumed that such a lovely
couple like yourselves were newlyweds.”

“Well, we’re sort of on a honeymoon, but we haven’t tied the knot yet.” Tenchi
answered rather meekly as he scratched his head.
He could see that Ryoko was giving him that ‘And whose fault is it?’ look.

“Well come, come! Let us be off shall we? I shall take us through Broadway and
show you the lights and sounds of the city and you will know why they call Times
Square the ‘Crossroads of the World’!” The coachman proclaimed as he helped the
couple board his black colored carriage.

As they rode down Broadway and into Times Square, Tenchi and Ryoko were dazzled
by the bright neon lights and huge video board displays that seemed to be on
every edifice surrounding the area. Tenchi felt that he had just entered a toy
store, feeling a surge of excitement as images flashed across the screens. He
had seen this before in Tokyo, but not in an area this huge.

Ryoko snuggled next to her love, sensing his body exhilarated by the sights and
sounds of the evening crowd. His brown eyes fixated at the facets of colors that
were penetrating his senses. The coachman took his sweet time as he navigated
through the meandering traffic of cars and people until twenty minutes later
they had reached their destination on the corner of Seventh Avenue and West 42nd
Street.

“Here we are senor and senorita! I hope you enjoyed the ride, Isabella and I try
our best to make our riders happy…”

“It was wonderful. Thank you so much sir.” Tenchi smiled as he gave the coachman
his fee plus a gracious tip. The old chap tipped his cap and waved to the young
lovers as he grabbed the reins and started Isabella back to the park. Ryoko
winked back at the old man as she grabbed Tenchi’s hand and proceeded to stroll
towards the theater’s entrance. She knew that they were going to see a musical,
but had no idea what is was until she saw the posters displayed outside and in
the lounge. A grin flashed across her beaming face as she saw the name of the
show.

“What do you think Ryoko?” Tenchi asked while trying to conceal his excitement.

“Obviously, you and Sasami had this planned out did ya?”

“Yep. I thought it would be a pleasant surprise and maybe poke fun of your
former occupation.” Tenchi laughed as he picked up the two reserved tickets for
the musical revival of Gilbert & Sullivan’s ‘The Pirates of Penzance’.

“This whole evening has been one big pleasant surprise my Tenchi.” Ryoko said
happily as she gave her lover another peck on the cheek, “This is just the
cherry on the top.”

“The night’s young my love, I’m sure there will be more to come.” Ryoko looked
at Tenchi’s face; seeing that devilish expression made her wondered what other
surprises he had in store for them….


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

10:30pm…

As the throng of people emptied out into the street, the two young lovers shared
a laugh as they drifted towards Times Square once again…

“So what did you think of the musical honey? Did you enjoy it?”

“I loved it! I thought those two actors that played Frederic and Mabel looked so
cute together…”

“Kinda makes you want to go back to be a pirate huh?”

“If my pirating days were as half as fun as these guys made it out to be, I’d
probably still be doing it. I can relate to Frederic though...”

“How’s that Ryoko?” Tenchi inquired.

‘Well, even though I worked by myself when I was the most wanted space pirate in
the universe, I did hooked up with other pirates from time to time. When I
became a bounty hunter with Nagi, I had to track down those same people I worked
with. Some of them weren’t a problem, but there were a few that I couldn’t bring
myself to capturing them.

“I take it that Nagi wasn’t happy about it?”

“Not one bit. She even questioned if I even the stomach for this kind of job. I
just told her to shove it and to do it herself if she wanted their bounty so
badly.” Ryoko’s face was turning red from her remembrance of her episode with
Nagi. “She did captured them all eventually, but it took awhile before Nagi felt
comfortable working with me again.”

Tenchi pulled Ryoko close to his body as they found themselves drifting down
Broadway to the garment district area. Ryoko glanced up and saw the bright
colorful lights beaming up towards the sky.

“Where are those lights coming from Tenchi?”

“From where we are, I’d say that they’re coming from the Empire State Building.
You know that building Ryoko, the one that had a movie starring a giant gorilla
climbing all the way to the top, with a beautiful woman in one hand. The movie
is still considered a classic.”

“Oh yeah, I remember now…tough way for monkey boy to go out.” Ryoko replied as
an idea popped into her head. “Say Tenchi? Is it too late for us to go up to the
observation deck and see the whole city? It’ll be so much fun and you can really
show your love for me by shouting from the top of the world.”

“Really Ryoko, I think I proved myself more than once that I…”

“Pwweeeaassee Tenchi, can we go?” Ryoko had those starry eyes working again as
Tenchi reminded myself that he needed to learn to say no to Ryoko just once in
his life…

“Ok hon, let’s check it out. It might prove to be interesting y’know?” Tenchi
flashed a warm smile to his love as they reached 34th Street and Herald Square.
From their viewpoint, they can see the entire skyscraper with its lights on top
flashing colors of red, white and blue. Tenchi remembered that around this time
of the year was the American holiday of Veteran’s Day and that this country
spent it honoring their soldiers, the colors shown represented the colors of the
nation’s flag.

A half hour later, they wounded up at the 102nd floor observation deck. Most of
the tourist crowd was starting to leave, which made Ryoko kind of worry since it
meant that she couldn’t see everything, but as she turned around to grab Tenchi,
he disappeared.

<Now I wonder where that man of mine slipped off to? Probably had to use the
bathroom or something. > Ryoko guessed as she reached the enclosed viewing stand
and gazed out of the window to witness some of the most breathtaking views she’s
ever seen. Seeing the distant lights twinkled from afar reminded her of
traveling through deep space, comforted in knowing that the stars accompanied
her wherever she traveled. The dots of lights went as far as the naked eye could
see and on this clear night, they seemed to meet up with the starry skyline over
the horizon.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Tenchi whispered from behind as Ryoko turned around
and faced him. What she saw pleasantly shocked her.

“W-What’s this? Champagne and roses?” Ryoko stammered as Tenchi presented her
with a dozen roses in various colors, even one that had a cyan color. ”Now how
did you managed to pull this off in such a short time? I don’t see a florist
around here nor a liquor store for that matter.” As Ryoko happily accepted her
beautiful flowers, Tenchi told her the details.

“Well…the truth is honey, I had this day planned for a couple of months now. I
really wanted to do something special for you and when Sasami asked us to meet
her here in New York, I saw a great opportunity that I couldn’t pass up…”

“Oh Tenchi, this is so sweet of you…”

“Let me finish Ryoko…”Tenchi pleaded as Ryoko was starting to tear up from this
wonderful moment.

“Sasami asked me if she can do anything and so we both put our heads together
and came up with this perfect plan…”

“So Sasami wasn’t planning on being here today anyway? That devious little imp,
I really have to find a way to thanks her for this, but that doesn’t explain the
roses and champagne you have here…”

“Like I said, I had Niche drive me over here and we explained to that guard over
there by the elevator what I wanted to do. He was more than happy to hold the
flowers and champagne for me until we got here, as long as he was ‘compensated
handsomely.’ And don’t worry about having to leave soon, Randy said that he’ll
shutdown the elevators until we’re ready to go.”

Ryoko couldn’t believe her eyes. She waved over to Randy and mouthed out ’thank
you’ to him. The old black gentleman smiled back and gave her the ‘thumbs up’
sign. This night was indeed full of surprises and the best was yet to come.

Tenchi and Ryoko walked over to an old fashioned wooden bench as he popped the
champagne bottle open and poured down the bubbly alcohol into two thin drinking
glasses. As he passed the glass to Ryoko, he motioned her to sit down, as he
wanted to make another toast.

“To my ladylove! I sincerely hope that tonight you had the best time of your
life, knowing that this is just the beginning in our new life together and if by
chance you weren’t satisfied by this evening’s festivities, I’m sure the next
surprise will definitely make you extremely happy.”

“Tenchi, how can you say that?” Ryoko gushed as she held the glass with one hand
and the roses with the other, “You did so much for me today, how can I not be
happy? I’m totally ecstatic!”

“Well I’m glad to hear you say that sweetheart because I would of hated to
return the ring that’s in your glass right now…”

“HUH? RING? WHAT RING? I don’t see any…OH…MY…GOD!!!”

“Uh…let me take that Ryoko,” Tenchi smirked as he took the glass from the now
speechless Ryoko and took out the glistening 24-karat diamond engagement ring
that he had gotten from Tiffany’s this afternoon. Unknown to Ryoko, Tenchi had
went to the Paris’ branch during their stay there and had made arrangements for
the ring to be made and ready by the time they had arrived in New York. He
wanted so much to keep everything a secret so he can surprise Ryoko and it
turned that he was successful.

The ring itself was a masterpiece, the diamond was held by an exquisite gold
band with stars engraved on each side. Inside the band, there was an inscription
that read ‘To my Ryoko…I will love you forever more, Tenchi’. Tenchi really
wanted to show Ryoko how much he really loved her and for coming back to him so
this was his way of showing her that he was now ready to have her as his wife.

Ryoko couldn’t contain herself anymore as she put the roses down next to her and
began to cry tears of joy. Tenchi knelt down on one knee and reached out for her
left hand and after so many years apart, he finally recited the words that the
cyan beauty had waited for so long to hear.

“My darling Ryoko, Sixty eight years ago, I fell in love with the most beautiful
woman in the universe and despite her love for me and her courage, I was too
much of a coward to confess my love and so she left. By the will of the gods,
your love brought you back and saved my life once more. Now, as I humbly kneel
before you and even though I don’t know if I even deserve you, I ask you
Ryoko…my angel…my life…my soul mate, will you marry me?”

Ryoko squealed as she jumped out of her seat and landed on top of Tenchi,
showering him with kisses all over his face. “YES…YES…yes I’ll marry you. I
waited almost seventy years to hear those words from you and I’ll be damned if
I’ll let you slip from my fingers again…”

“Speaking of fingers, may I?”

“Oh Tenchi, please…”

Gently, Tenchi placed the ring on Ryoko’s finger, as it fitted just right. Tears
were flowing from both parties as she put her hand right in front of her face
and marveled how such a beautiful piece of jewelry ended up in her possession.
She displayed her finger right back at Tenchi as he gently caressed her hand and
planted a kiss on it.

They both rose up to their feet and for what seemed to be an eternity, gazed
into each other’s eyes, each feeling the love for each other permeating their
skin. Ryoko finally moved towards Tenchi and wrapped her arms around his neck in
a loving embrace, as he returned hers by wrapping his arms around her waist.
They locked their lips into one passionate kiss that seared into their souls,
signifying that they had become one.

After a few minutes, they broke off in need of air and decided to head back to
the hotel. “When we get back, I’m really gonna show you how much I love you so
don’t expect to get any sleep tonight.” Ryoko cooed into Tenchi’s right ear as
the young Juraian gulped as he anticipated to what will be a rather sweaty
affair.

“I take it that everything went well?” Randy asked the couple.

“Oh yes sir, everything’s right with the universe,” Ryoko happily answered,
holding on to Tenchi’s arm, “Thank you so much for letting us stay late…”

“My pleasure young lady, it’s nice to see young people like yourselves in love.
Kind of reminds me when the Missus and I were at your age. I hope that you
youngsters have the same happy life as we did.” The old guard smiled as Ryoko
kissed him in the cheek.

“Well let’s go honey, Sasami is suppose to meet with us tomorrow and I…what is
it Ryoko?” Ryoko had that devilish smirk once more as she pulled Tenchi close
and reminded him of what he promised earlier.

“Are you serious? I just proposed to you and you want me to yell out to the
world that I…”

“You promised Tenchi. Please?” Her eyes had that puppy dog look once more…

Sweat poured down from Tenchi’s head as he felt those old school boy instincts
rose up again. Only Ryoko could make him feel this way, “I’m going to regret
this, I just know it.”

Randy overheard what the loving couple discussed and went over to one the
windows and pressed a button below to open up the screen. “Here you go
youngster, knock yourself out.”

“Ryoko, do I have to?”

“Well we could just sleep tonight…”

“Wait a sec…” Tenchi cleared his throat as he poked his head out the window and
began to yell:

“LISTEN UP WORLD. MY NAME IS TENCHI MASAKI AND I’M IN LOVE WITH A WOMAN NAMED
RYOKO!! YOU HEAR ME? I’M IN LOVE WITH RYOOOKOOO!!!” <Damn, I feel stupid…>

Ryoko was beaming from ear to ear as she grabbed Tenchi, thanked Randy once more
and stepped into the elevator. The whole evening had been spectacular and the
best thing was that she knew that soon, she would be Mrs. Tenchi Masaki. She
glanced at her lover as he tried to remain unflustered from his recent antics.

“That wasn’t so bad now, was it?” Ryoko whispered, trying to contain her
laughter.

“I’m sure I’ll live it down by tomorrow, but don’t expect me to scream like that
again…”

“I wouldn’t worry about tomorrow lover,” She cooed into Tenchi’s ear once more,
“But I’m afraid that tonight, you’ll be screaming in ecstasy once I get through
with you back at the hotel. Consider it my way of saying thank you, heh-heh.”

“The price of loving you I suppose, but a price I’m willing to pay.” Tenchi
replied as the young lovers got off the elevator and headed back to the hotel,
happily in love and looking forward to a bright future together…

END CHAPTER ONE


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

A/N: Well, it took awhile, but I finally got this story rolling, and a good
start if I do say so myself. I figure that I’d have some fun and include lessons
in geography, history and some personal experience. I just hope that the rest of
the fic ends up great as well.

I would like to thank Malena for her help on Ryoko’s wardrobe. When I started to
do this story, I knew I needed some help. Gracias Milady…

Also LedZepFan for his editing, it’s always good to have a second eye in order
to take out the bleeps and blunders, thanks kiddo…

Next Chapter: Sasami appears along with her fiancée. I wonder whom? Also, our
couple begins to prepare themselves for the future as they have at lunch in the
next chapter: “Nissho’s”

As always, C&C are welcome. If you want a more elaborate explanation, you can
email me at a.falc@verizon.net

Later, Alighthawk