Tenchi Muyo Fan Fiction ❯ Second Time Around ❯ "Conversations" ( Chapter 5 )

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

 

** Author's notes: This story takes place a few months after the original story, “Second Chance of A Lifetime”. I suggest reading that story before moving along w/ this one, otherwise things may get confusing for you newcomers.

 

However, since it's been more than a year since I did the last chapter, I'll do a quick recap…

 

After 68 years of being apart, Tenchi and Ryoko were finally reunited on Earth after which ex-pirate turned bounty hunter restored the 86-year-old Tenchi's youth through a transfer of the Jurai power.

 

Afterwards, the happy couple went on a whirlwind romance tour where it ended up in New York City (My hometown) and the Jurai Prince finally proposed to his first love. After a quick reunion with Sasami and Kamidake, they all returned to Okayama where Tenchi had to break the news to his mule-headed son Amagasaki.

 

After a few heated words and some broken furniture, the wayward son finally saw the light and approved of his father's newest/oldest love. Now comes the fun part…

 

 

Second Time Around: by alighthawk

 

Chapter 5 - “Conversations”

 

SPRING 2068…

 

< It's almost here! I can't believe it! After all this time, it's really gonna happen! >

 

Her thoughts were chaotic, emotions on an all-time high as a solitary figure quietly sat on the rooftop of her lover's house, watching the sunrise with great anticipation as the celestial orb began to cast its light upon the ancient land.

 

For the past week Ryoko had been perching herself on top of the house every morning to watch the alluring colors as it began to cut thru the brightening blue sky. As the rays of light began to sweep across the dark green landscape, she gazed at the cherry blossom trees that surrounded the house, their buds already blooming forth with the loveliest shade of reddish pink she had ever known.

 

As she turned her head around, she took a look at the deep blue lake where the ice had been thawing out for the past week. Ryoko had enjoyed the ice fishing Tenchi had taught her and Ryo-Ohki over the winter and while the Juraian prince didn't particularly enjoyed the cold winter himself, the former space pirate handled it like another trip through the cold void of space.

 

< Hey Ryoko, how long you planning on staying up here? It's a bit chilly you know, even for a furry hottie like myself, > Ryo-Ohki telepathically casting her thoughts to her mistress. As a spaceship, she was accustomed to all sorts of conditions that existed on any planet or space, however when the cabbit was in her animal form, she preferred the warm weather like any other reasonable animal would.

 

“Give me a minute here ok? I just like looking at the sunrise that's all. Am I committing any crime here?”

 

< Hmm, maybe a few decades ago, it would've been considering your history, but I think you're safe for now, heh. >

 

Ryoko glared at her long time pet and friend, looking rather miffed for being interrupted during her new morning routine. She had come to cherish these quiet moments ever since she came back from space and saved Tenchi from dying. It was during these peaceful times that she learned to appreciate how wonderful this world can be and the endless possibilities it had presented.

 

< Sorry about that, but I just came up to tell you that Tenchi's up and he's making breakfast. He was wondering where you were so he asked me to look for you. >

 

“Oh? What's he makin'?”

 

<Your favorite…French toast with strawberries served on the side… >

 

“With cocoa?”

 

<Sprayed with some serious whipped cream. >

 

“Well say no more my furry little friend, I'll be right down!” Ryoko answered ever so happily, her lips smacking with anticipation for the homemade breakfast she had grown to love. Quickly, she got up and dusted off her blue and yellow striped dress and phased off the roof and right onto the high chair that was in the kitchen. Ryo-Ohki, meanwhile decided to head out towards the nearby carrot field and see what looked edible.

 

Tenchi was finishing up around the stove when he heard that familiar `phase' sound. He pretended to be oblivious to her presence as he took all the French toast and stacked them up one atop of the other. He nose already smelled the wonderful aroma of bread and syrup when Ryoko's perfume took hold of his nostril. Whenever his love was wearing that scent of jasmine, he started to get aroused, but for now he wanted to keep his hormones in check, at least until after their morning meal.

 

“Hey there bud, what's a girl gotta do to get some service here?” Ryoko jokingly asked.

 

“Well, the deck by the lake could use a serious scrubbing, how's that for a start?”

 

“Very funny smartass,” Ryoko replied, not looking too pleased by Tenchi's suggestion. The shrine master giggled as he tried to keep himself from cracking up.

 

“Oh come on Ryoko, I was only kidding. How many slices you want?”

 

“I'll start with four for now. No sense in rushing things,” The bounty hunter said while showing a cheshire grin to her fiancée. “Besides, I gotta watch my figure before our wedding day.”

 

“Ryoko darling, your metabolism is such that you could probably eat fifty slices of French toast and not get fat,” the young Masaki quipped as he snuck around his lover, wrapping his arms around her waist, his chin gently nestled on her right shoulder. “Fat or skinny, young or old, I'm still going to marry you no matter how you look.“

 

“Aw baby, that's so wonderful of you to say. It's just that after all this time I just want to look my absolute best for you,” the cyan girl replied as she placed her hands on top of Tenchi's and embraced them. “Just think lover, two days from now we're finally gonna be hitched!”

 

“I know, and to think that if you hadn't come back to me last year, I'll probably be dead by now. Even now, I find it a miracle that I went from being old and terminally ill to being back to my younger self and with my Jurai power intact. I can never repay you for what you've done for me Ryoko…”

 

“Well, maybe after breakfast, we can go back to the bedroom and I'll let you try to make amends…” Ryoko cooed as she nibbled on Tenchi's ear, feeling the same urge the Juraian prince was trying to suppress moments ago. And just when the lovers began to press their lips together, the phone rang…

 

< RING…RING >

 

“Figures, it seems like every time we get hot and heavy, someone gotta rain on our parade.”

 

“Now don't exaggerate Ryoko, let me see who it is…Hello? Masaki residence…”

 

“Hiya Tenchi…”

 

“Hey Sasami! What's up?”

 

“Plenty, is Ryoko there with you?”

 

“She sure is, let me put her on the phone…” Tenchi cheerfully responded as he passed the cordless phone over to Ryoko who was curious as to what the princess wanted.

 

“Sasami?”

 

“Ryoko, your wedding kimono is ready. When do you want to try it on?”

 

The former pirate didn't mince words, “Are you serious?!? Get it over here asap!”

 

“Heh, sure thing. Give me a few hours and Kamidake and I will be there tonight. We need to go through the final wedding checklist, but I think everything's in place for Sunday.”

 

“Great Sasami! Kats and Keiko should be around by then so I'll see you guys later. Bye now!”

 

As soon as she hung up the phone, Ryoko began to float about aimlessly in pure bliss. Tenchi couldn't help but smiled as he watched his ladylove grinned from ear to ear, squealing in delight in anticipation of her wedding kimono.

 

“I take it the news was good Ryoko?”

 

“Yes sweetie; better than good, it's totally fantastic!” Ryoko yelled out as she swooped down from rafters and pretending to fall as Tenchi caught her, and then playfully swinging her around the kitchen like a go lucky child.

 

“My wedding kimono is ready and with the dazzling dress I picked out for the reception, I'm gonna be the most gorgeous thing you've ever seen!”

 

“I'm more than positive you will be Ryo-chan. Maybe it was a good thing we've waited until now to get married rather than rushing last year.”

 

“Well, you're the one that wanted to get married right away Tenchi. I was more than happy to wait for awhile,” the former pirate replied as she planted her feet on the floor while keeping her arms tightly wrapped around Tenchi's neck. “Besides, after that disaster with Washu's weather contraption, maybe it was meant for us to wait until springtime.”

 

“Er, yeah…that wasn't one of my better ideas and having Washu's weather machine malfunction like that didn't help either,” Tenchi said sheepishly as the two lovers dejectedly recalled a few months back when Ryoko contacted Washu and told them of their plans to get married right away even though it was almost winter in Japan.

 

FLASHBACK…

 

“Why no problem guys! I can whip up a super genius weather satellite that can alter the weather patterns in your immediate area,” was the little scientist's reply as she explained her device to the lovebirds by the monitor screen inside Ryo-Ohki's ship form.

 

“You sure this is gonna work Washu? I don't need my wedding ruined by one of your screwy gizmos…”

 

“Look Ryoko, you want my help or not? Besides you're the one calling for a favor so I would appreciate a little faith in my abilities. After all, I am the greatest genius in the universe…”

 

“With a few screws loose up there…”

 

“Uhm, what was that Ryoko? I didn't catch that…”

 

“Oh nothing Washu, just saying to myself lucky to have you around,” The cyan-haired girl answered as she faked a happy smile in front of the monitor. “But before we use it, how's about a test run? It's supposed to rain in the area in the next few days so I think it'd be the perfect time for a demonstration.”

 

“Good idea Ryoko. How about it Washu? Think you can get it to us soon?” Tenchi politely asked his friend, hoping that it's possible to change to weather for a pleasant outdoor wedding.

 

“Sure why not? Let me get some of the bugs out and I'll transport it to you via my new personal wormhole conduit.” Washu said happily as she smiled at the thought of testing out another of her untested experiments.

 

“Well, just be careful where you send that invention shorty, the last thing we need is for you to drop it on top of the house…”

 

“Oh my dear Ryoko, such lack of faith from you is unbecoming for a future wife of a Juraian prince.”

 

“Oh cut the bullshit and send it when you can alright?” snorted Ryoko, not liking Washu's sarcastic tone.

 

“Don't mind Ryoko Washu, just send it send when you can and thanks for your help…from the both of us. Right honey?” Tenchi said as he slightly nudged his love on the ribs with his elbow.

 

“Yeah sure, whatever…”

 

“Thanks Tenchi and you too Ryoko. Give me a day and I'll call you when it's ready. So until then, ciao guys!” Washu replied as she playfully winked on the screen as the picture began to fade.

 

Within two days a large blue and purple colored hole appeared out of nowhere in front of the lake and out came hovering a reddish green color round satellite. Its exterior resembled that of the face of Washu herself, with two radar dishes protruding on each side. Tenchi and Ryoko looked perplexed as they noticed that the face posted was smiling, almost to the point of looking creepy.

 

“I always did say Washu had a weird sense of humor,” Ryoko said.

 

“Well, forget about it and let's see if her device works.”

 

As they approached the strange mechanism, its lights and audio went online and a question resonated from its speaker: `Please indicate your desired climate…'

 

When Tenchi said warm and sunshine, the satellite immediately took off upwards, hurling itself into the upper atmosphere. Once it reached a synchronized orbit, electrical waves began to shoot out from its dishes.

 

“Let's get on Ryo-Ohki and see what's going on Tenchi,” Ryoko anxiously grabbed her fiancée and jumped aboard her cabbit ship to see if their dream of a warm December wedding would come true. Unfortunately, as the fates would have it, it wasn't meant to be…

 

Out of nowhere, a huge lightning bolt from a nearby storm rode up on the weather device, piggybacking on the electrical impulses the satellite was releasing. As Ryo-Ohki reached the device, a huge energy beam, a bright orange red light blasted from one of the dishes and penetrated the storm that was hovering near Japan. As it reached the cloud formation, it created a hole in the middle, which Tenchi and Ryoko thought the storm was dispersing.

 

Instead, the storm started to gain in mass and strength, until it became a full-blown typhoon in a matter of minutes.

 

“What the hell? What did that fool put in that machine?” Ryoko screamed as she assumed control of Ryo-Ohki and positioned the ship alongside the device. After trying several futile attempts to verbally deactivate the mechanism and with Washu not available, Ryo-Ohki opened fire and blasted the satellite from the sky, causing the beam to stop and the storm to return to its original size.

 

“Tenchi?”

 

“Uhm, Yes Ryoko?”

 

“Uh, you know I love you with every fiber of my being but you think we can get hitched in the spring?”

 

“Uhm, do we have a choice?” Tenchi sighed, along with scratching the back of his head whenever he got uncomfortable.

 

“It's either that or have a snow party.”

 

“Hmm, well I suppose it'd be nice to have the ceremony when the cherry blossoms starts to bloom…”

 

“Glad you see it my way.” Ryoko replied; her golden eyes solely focused on the viewing screen as she looked to find and kill Washu for sending the foul contraption.

 

PRESENT TIME…

 

“I remembered how angry you were Ryo-chan, but Washu did apologized. She didn't realized that the energies from the wormhole would scramble the satellite's AI configuration…”

 

“Tenchi, that thing created a typhoon that almost wiped out Japan. Don't you think that would've put a crimp on our plans?” Ryoko answered, her right eyebrow raised with amazement.

 

“Yeah, well forget I said that, but no damage came out of it so let's just worry about tonight. I know you and Sasami have most of the items checked off, but what about the guests?”

 

“Oh that, let me get the list,” Ryoko's expression changed to a happier look as she searched through her pockets and produced the list of honored guests invited to the wedding. “Well, for starters, we have your son Amagasaki as the best man and Miyu. Katushito will be performing the ceremony with Keiko coming as well. Your granddaughter Achika and her husband will be here tonight for dinner and finally Sasami, who's my maid of honor with Kamidake giving me away; that's so nice of him.”

 

“So far, so good. I'm looking forward to seeing Achi again after all this time. Say, didn't Sasami wanted to invite someone?”

 

“Yeah. She didn't say who, but she said save two spots and that we'll get a kick outta this guest.”

 

“Fair enough and of course we got the space for lots of people,” Tenchi added as he looked out from the kitchen window and gazed up towards the shrine where the ceremony would take place. “What about the old gang?”

 

“Well, we all agreed that Empress Prissy wouldn't know about it until the proper time. As for Washu, she said she had to attend a GU science conference that was scheduled way before I even came back here, but she'd send a present…”

 

“Not lethal I hope,” the young priest said, worrying about another Washu surprise.

 

“Better not, otherwise I'll send it back to her stamped `Return to sender' before I cram it up her ass…”

 

“Ouch. Best not to get on your bad side tonight hon,” Tenchi replied, his face pretending to cringe from Ryoko's comments. ”What about the other girls?”

 

“Well, Sasami sent a correspondence to Mihoshi and Kiyone, but they couldn't get out of their official duties, but they send their regards as well. Personally, I think neither of them want to see each other.” Ryoko surmised, remembering what Tenchi told her about their last years together at the Galaxy Police.

 

“That's a pity. It would've been nice to have some of the old gang back for this occasion,” Tenchi sighed quietly, remembering the wedding with his first wife when only Washu came from the old group. “Oh well, did we forget anybody else?”

 

“Just Nagi. I'll call her later when the others arrive.”

 

“So that's about it then. We could always invite our neighbors from the community, but they're still under the impression that I'm old and near death. I think finding out that I'm a teenager again would be unsettling.” Tenchi though as he scratched the back of his head once more.

 

“Well, we'll still have a nice enough wedding with our small cast. As it is, all I care about is marrying you and spending the rest of my life at your side.”

 

“Now that's a pleasant thought,” Tenchi smiled as he took Ryoko's hand and gently squeezed it, his brown eyes fixated on hers, “I can't think of nothing else, but being with you always and if you like, I would love to prove it to you upstairs…”

 

“My goodness Tenchi, you're certainly sounding Hentai this early morning,” Commented Ryoko, her cheeks looking a shade blushed from the attention her lover was giving.

 

“What can I say? It's those notorious teenage hormones the doctors are always warning us about. How can I not feel anything but aroused when I'm in the presence of the most beautiful woman in the universe?”

 

Slowly two pairs of lips lovingly pressed against each other, as the two lovers engaged in a passionate kiss, ignoring everything else around them. Moments later, the happy couple slowly walked together back upstairs to their bedroom to reaffirm their love for one another.

 

 

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

 

LATER IN THE EVENING…

 

 

“Another cup of sake father?”

 

“No, I'm fine son. Gotta save some room for dinner.”

 

All the Masaki men, including Kamidake merrily sat about the living room, enjoying one of Tenchi's special cough medicine that he pulled out of the attic. Father and son were wearing formal dark colored kimonos. Katsuhito was wearing his white colored priestly garbs while Sasami's fiancée wore a more casual Juraian garb, a pale blue kimono with different Juraian markings decorated throughout the outfit.

 

As a social drinker, the shrine keeper would only take out the best brands for special occasions and this was probably the biggest one in years in the form of the Masaki family pre-marriage reunion.

 

Tenchi himself sat on the big sofa that was opposite of the holographic HD television set. By his right sat his son Amagasaki who was in a more jovial mood than from the last family dinner. His pleasant demeanor displayed the change he went through from seeing his old man go from senior citizen to youthful teenager and from being a lonely widower to a happy groom to be.

 

In the months that followed that fateful night at `Saki's home where he confronted his father and Ryoko, the second generation Masaki had gotten to know his future stepmother and while he was still uneasy with her carefree ways, which was a stark contrast to what he remembered from his long departed mother, Amagasaki had come to terms with his father's decision to marry the bounty hunter from space. It was that unbridled love and passion he saw between them that made him realized that there was a side of his father that he hadn't seen in ages, something that his could only remember from his younger days when his mother Sakuya was still alive.

 

“Katsuhito, what is taking your sister so long to get here? Didn't you say that she would arrive before seven?”

 

“Yes dad, but I think she mentioned something about problems with the car rental so it may be awhile before she gets here…”

 

“Hmph, knowing that gaijin husband of hers, he probably wanted to hire a limo for traveling here…”

 

“C'mon dad, cut Brandon some slack. He had to get permission from his team to travel here and delay his spring training back in the States,” Kats replied as he sat on a olive colored love seat, flicking the TV channels with the remote, “I would think that if you can accept an alien from outer space as your stepmother, then having an American as a son-in-law should be a cakewalk.”

 

“This is different Kats. At least Ryoko has decided to stay here in Okayama. Your sister, on the other hand, went against my wishes and went off to America to study. The fact that she married that gaijin without my blessing still doesn't sit well with me.”

 

“Mr. Masaki, if I may?” Kamidake interrupted the conversation, sensing the climate of the room was getting uncomfortable, “Despite your objection, Achika has done well for herself. She's a top interior designer in Seattle. Her husband has treated her well and in spite of his celebrity status, she is still very self-reliant. You should be proud of her.”

 

“Kamidake is right `Saki. I haven't seen my granddaughter in several years so I'm very happy that she's coming to my wedding. In light of recent events, I think you should make an effort and get along with Brandon.”

 

“I suppose you're right father…”

 

“Of course I am my son, as a devoted father and well respected priest of the Masaki Shrine, I am all-knowing, heh.”

 

The men in room broke out in laughter, breaking the ice that was starting to envelop the room. As they resumed a more pleasant conversation, `Saki's wife Miyu, came out of the kitchen with a tray of vegetable dumpling with chopsticks. While Ryoko, Sasami and Keiko were upstairs trying out the Ryoko's wedding kimono, the raven-haired woman decided to serve the men until her daughter arrived.

 

“All right now, I'll just leave this at the coffee table and you men came pick out what you want. I'm saving the beef dumplings that Sasami made for dinner.”

 

“Thank you dear,” Amagasaki winked at his beautiful wife, thinking to himself how lucky he was to have such an understanding woman for his companion, “Have the girls finished yet?”

 

“Please dear, this is a wedding. You don't rush a bride to be in seeing how her dress looks, but don't worry, when your daughter arrives, I'll go upstairs and get them.”

 

“Very sensible of you Miyu. Take her advice `Saki, you don't want to rush Ryoko when she's sampling out clothing. It can be a dangerous time, especially if she gets upset,” Tenchi warned his son as he remembered the old battles between the former space pirate and Princess Ayeka. He still amazed sometimes that he didn't get killed in the crossfire.

 

Kamidake shook his head in agreement making Amagasaki believe that he should heed his teenage father's warning.

 

Meanwhile, upstairs in the main bedroom, a cyan-haired woman was trying out what was probably her most treasured possession in the universe.

 

“Wow Sasami. This kimono is beyond description. I'm so glad you let me borrow your tailor to create this and my party dress…”

 

“My pleasure Ryoko. When the tailor saw the designs you made, she was more than happy to make it. That and the money being offered as well, heh.”

 

“Hell, for this I would've hunted down half the crooks in the universe to pay for this wedding kimono. What do you think Kei?”

 

Kats' girlfriend studied the garment in great detail, marveling at the quality and the care in which it was made. She'd only hoped that if and when she and Kats ever do get married, her wedding kimono would be half as grand.

 

“It's really beautiful Ms. Ryoko; you'll make a lovely bride for Mr. Masaki come Sunday.”

 

“Well, he better love this otherwise I might throw him in that cave by the shrine and never let him out until he says uncle, heh.”

 

`Well, I guess that means we're squared away with the outfits, being that I'm dressing in my official royal kimono and the men will be in their traditional black Japanese clothes,” Sasami surmised as she reached into her pant pocket of the black party outfit she wore and pulled out the long piece of paper.

 

“All right now, the florist has all the arrangements ready and my house chef and his crew will be here early Sunday to prepare the food. Keiko, you said Mr. Hasegawa and his group would perform the traditional music?”

 

“Yes ma'am and his son-in-law will be the disc jockey when the traditional ceremonies are over and we can lighten things up a little.”

 

“Cool. Since this is a small group of people, Kats will be able to run the show even after his duties as a priest are finished and Keiko will assist him. I believe we're set Ryoko…”

 

“Yeah, but what about that mystery guest you told about? Is she coming?”

 

“She's a `he' Ryoko and yes he's still coming,” Sasami answered with a slight smirk on the rightside of her face, leaving Ryoko perplexed of who can this person be, “In fact, they're already here in Japan and I have to call them on the morning to give them directions…”

 

“Is this somebody I know Sasami? This wouldn't be your sister Ayeka now is it?”

 

“Ryoko, I promise you that Ayeka does not know and won't know until you or Tenchi decide to tell her yourselves,” the teenage princess shot back, not happy with her friend's suggestion that she broke her promise to not tell her sister about her former rival's nuptials, “You never met this gentleman, but I guarantee you that you'll get a kick out of him.”

 

“If you say so kiddo. Now if you excuse me I have to make a long distance phone call…”

 

“But dinner's almost ready Ms. Ryoko and Achi should be here by now.”

 

“I know Keiko, but I need to do this,” Ryoko said as she closed her eyes for a moment as if to contact something, “everyone I invited has given me an answer save Nagi so I need to know if she's coming.”

 

“Fair enough Ryoko, we'll leave you alone and help out Miyu with dinner. Gosh, I hope I put enough seasoning in the miso soup…”

 

“Good. I'll see you guys downstairs and tell Tenchi to behave until I get there, heh.”

 

“That Keiko, is a woman hopelessly in love…”

 

“And what a torch she's been carrying. 68 years eh?”

 

“Oh stop it you two and get lost!” Ryoko playfully bickered as she threw a pillow at the laughing, bothersome girls, leaving the future Mrs. Masaki in her thoughts.

 

< Yes I'm in love, and as long as I'm with Tenchi, my life will always be filled with hope. >

 

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

 

* DING - DONG *

 

“I'll get it! It's probably Achi and Brandon!”

 

“About time…”

 

“'Saki be nice will you? After all, they'll probably have children one day and you're going to have to accept that fact that they'd be half `Yankees'.”

 

“Or in this case `Mariners', heh.”

 

“Thank you dad and Kats. That makes me feel a lot better,” Amagasaki sighed, reluctantly trying to accept the fact that his only daughter had made some decisions in her life that he may never understand, but regardless of it, he had to accept it for the family's sake, if not his own.

 

As Kats opened the front door, a pair of young people stood outside. The first person to enter was a small, carefree looking woman, who looked to be in her early twenties. Her skin was a darkened yellow, but soft complexion. Her raven hair knotted into a long ponytail as she let it flow on her right side. Her gray overcoat covered up what appeared to be a green dress with a long hemline. Eagerly she entered through the doorway.

 

“Hi everyone! We're finally here!” Cried out Achika Masaki as everyone stood up and headed towards the entrance to greet Tenchi's granddaughter. “Sorry we're so late…”

 

“That's all right sis, we're weren't going to start dinner without you.”

 

“Hello Achika…”

 

“Mother! It's been so long! I'm so sorry that I haven't come home sooner.”

 

“That's all right my dear. You and your husband have finally arrived and that's all that matters.”

 

“Speaking of which, get in here Brandon.”

 

“Sure thing honey. I'm just checking out the funny looking rabbit hanging by the porch.” Achi's husband answered, not realizing he was staring at Ryo-Ohki who was taking a nap before dinner.

 

“MIYA MIYA!!!” <I'll give you funny looking rabbit you lanky looking scarecrow. > The cabbit yelled to the unknown man as she began to hear Ryoko's telepathic call to her. Quickly, she leaped out of sight and ran to the forest where she began to transform in to her ship form.

 

Meanwhile the last the Masaki clan entered the household. Brandon Bonham was a star pitcher for the baseball American League Champion Seattle Mariners. Four years ago, just after his call up from his minor league team in Rochester, the tall young phenom met the young Achika during a Home Depot commercial shooting that he was being paid to promote. Achi happened to be the designer for the company standing on the sides as young star made his pitch on TV.

 

When the shooting was over, the director introduced Brandon to the cast and crew where his eyes and Achi's were locked onto each other. After an awkward intro, the Seattle star managed to work up the courage to ask the young Masaki out on a date. From there, they had been inseparable, right up to their marriage, which didn't sit well with Amagasaki.

 

“Hello Brandon…”

 

“Uhm, hello Mr. Masaki…you're looking quite well,” answered the young man in his rough Japanese.

 

“Thank you for saying so. Glad to see that you're taking good care of my Achika.” Amagasaki replied as he gave a serious look towards his son-in-law. Brandon politely smiled, still sensing that the cold war between him and the older Masaki was still in effect.

 

“Don't mind Amagasaki Brandon. In his own way he's glad to see you. He's just not the type to express it,” Miyu stepped and she grabbed her son-in-law by the arm and guided him into the living room to meet someone. “How are you feeling?”

 

“I'm feeling good mom, thanks for asking. Who else is here? I thought Achi's grandfather was the guest of honor?”

 

“That's right. Where's is gramps and who's the kid standing by the sofa?” Achi asked, puzzled by the sight of the young man who for some reason looked very familiar to her.

 

“Well, I think you guys better sit down so we can start. Let me get Auntie Sasami, Kamidake and Keiko in the kitchen,” Kats hurryingly rushed into the other room to gather his girlfriend and the young Juraians.

 

Tenchi politely stayed standing while bowing to his daughter and husband. He decided that it'd be fun to see how far he can string along the couple before revealing himself to them. It was agreed last year that when Tenchi and Ryoko would get married, no one would know about the shrine keeper's condition until the proper time. When the longtime lovers were vacationing in America, they had hoped to stopped by in Seattle to pay a visit to Achi, but Brandon's team was on a long road trip and Achi accompanied him so Tenchi and Ryoko decided to just send some letters and emails, telling them about their grandfather's new/old love and that he was going to get married.

 

“Hey Achi! Brandon! You guys finally made it!” Squealed out Sasami as she ran over to hug the couple. Kamidake stayed by the kitchen door, waving his hand in gesture to acknowledge their arrival.

 

“Aunt Sasami! It's really great to see you! It's been awhile since your last visit and Brandon misses your cooking even more.”

 

“Achi!”

 

“Well, you told me this morning how you was looking forward to tasting Aunt Sasami's home cooked meals…”

 

“Hmm, looks to me that I need to teach you a few recipes if your husband talks more about my cooking than yours.”

 

“Well, it's not her fault ma'am. We're both busy most of the time and besides, we have a housekeeper to cook for us at the mansion back home.”

 

“Perhaps, but it never hurts to stay in practice,” Miyu added as she joined the conversation. “We all had careers in one point of our lives or another, but it's always important to maintain some of our traditions, don't you agree Sasami?”

 

“Totally. I may not be from this world, but being a royal princess, I know it's important to keep certain appearances. Right Kamidake dear?”

 

“Ditto what she said,” The knight nodded, wanting to keep his participation short.

 

“Well, perhaps if Achika would visit home more often she wouldn't need to be reminded of her heritage…”

 

“Father, don't start…”

 

“I'm not starting anything daughter, just agreeing what your mother and aunt had just said,” Amagasaki smirked as he pretended not to be picking on his child.

 

“Yeah dad, sure you are…” Added Kats, knowing whom his father is.

 

“Listen, can we change the subject? I just want to know who this kid is.”

 

“Oh, that's right sis. You haven't been introduced yet, heh.”

 

“Well, stop standing there like a lughead and introduce them Kats,” Sasami said, dying to see the expression on Achi and Brandon's faces.

 

“Achika and Brandon Bonham, allow me to introduce you to the headmaster of the Masaki shrine…Masaki Tenchi, who also happens to be your grandfather.”

 

Achi and Brandon looked at each other puzzled, wondering what kind of prank everyone was pulling on them. Achika herself was starting to think that the family was doing this as punishment for not being around often. Brandon was thinking that maybe this was some kind of a Japanese custom that he wasn't aware of until the young man in question spoke.

 

“Well, I can see by your faces that you think this is a joke being played on you, right my little Achi?”

 

“Hey you, only my grandpa can call me that and you ain't him.”

 

“Are you sure about that? Take a good look at me Achika and listen to the sound of my voice. There are things in this universe that we sometimes think isn't possible, but in this case it is.”

 

Achika instinctively walked over and gently grazed her hand against Tenchi's right cheek. As she looked deeply into his brown eyes, there was a certain glint she instantly recognized and despite what her senses were telling her, she began to realize who this was…”

 

“No, it can't be…gramps?”

 

“Hey there kiddo…no time no see. Too busy to visit your grandpa lately huh?”

 

“Oh my gosh!” without thinking, the mirror image of Tenchi's late mother reached out and grabbed her grandfather in a loving, suffocating embrace.

 

“A-Achi! You're squeezing a bit too hard…”

 

“Oh, sorry about that. But gramps, what happened to you? How did you change back to a young kid?”

 

“Teenager if you don't mind, but to answer your question I think you and your husband need to sit down…”

 

“And have a drink cause I still don't believe what I'm seeing,” Brandon replied in disbelief, still in a state of shock of what he was seeing.

 

“Yeah, sure thing kids, but I think it's best if my fiancée was here to help along with the story. Say, where is Ryoko anyway?”

 

“Oh, she said she'll be down in awhile Tenchi,” Sasami answered as she started heading back to the kitchen for more snacks and refreshments for the family, “She had to contact Nagi to see if she was coming to the wedding. She may be outside with Ryo-Ohki as we speak.”

 

“Oh? Well, I guess the storytelling will have to wait until she comes back and we're having dinner,” Tenchi stated as he wondered about Ryoko and Nagi. Not that he was jealous or anything, but he couldn't helped but wondered what his future wife and her former lover would say to each other.

 

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

 

“Ok Ryo-Ohki, establish the interstellar COM link back to our lair. Hopefully Nagi's home today and I don't have to go play `phone tag' with her,” Ryoko said to her loyal pet as the cabbitship hovered miles above Masaki's residence, hidden by cloud cover. For months, the former pirate had been trying to talk to her bounty hunter partner, but the best she could do was get delayed transmissions and email messages. Nagi's last correspondence was over a month ago when she stated that she had a tough bounty to catch and that she'd contact Ryoko when she returned.

 

< It's been ages since we last talked face to face. I know that Nagi said she was happy for me when I told her that I found Tenchi and restored him backed to his former younger self, but she didn't sound very convincing. Make me wonder if she's pissed at me for leaving her so sudden? >

 

< Ryoko…link established and guess what? Nagi took the call. >

 

“Really? Well it's about time damn it! Put her through.”

 

After a few moments of static noise and a snow filled screen, Ryo-Ohki's monitor cleared up and finally Ryoko saw her one time enemy/lover/partner at the other end of the galaxy. Nagi was wearing only a red sports bra and matching gym shorts while she looked to be covered in sweat, giving the appearance that she might've been working out.

 

“Nagi?”

 

“Hey Ryoko…”

 

“Uhm, did I catch you at a bad time?” Ryoko asked nervously while unintentionally chewing on one of her nails.

 

“Not really. I was just practicing on my footwork and conditioning, you know in this business that we gotta stay in shape to catch these scumbags.”

 

“Yeah, don't I know it?”

 

Both ladies gave a light chuckle, but for the next few seconds that was an uncomfortable silence, neither girls not saying a word to each other. It's been so long that either of them had spoken live to one another that it seems a big wall of uncertainty had come between them with neither not knowing what to say. Finally, Nagi decided to break the silence.

 

“So…how's Masaki? He's still looking like a kid?”

 

“Yeah, so far the effects from his transformation haven't bothered him, although he hates being called a kid, heh.”

 

“Hell, he's damn lucky that stunt didn't cripple or even killed him. You took a big chance Ryoko, reawaking powers that only a few of us understand…”

 

“Yeah, I knew that, but so did Tenchi. It was his decision to go through with it Nagi and I wasn't about to tell him otherwise,” Ryoko answered, her face displaying a serious expression as she recalled that fateful day when she returned from space and helped the then old man back to his youthful self, “but it was worth it. You should see him now Nagi. He's all young and adorable again, but with years of experience and wisdom behind him. He realized that he's got a second chance of a lifetime and he ain't wasting it!”

 

Nagi saw the sudden change of Ryoko's face from that of concern to sheer joy as she continued to convey what she and Tenchi had gone through over the last six months, including their trip around the Earth. Just by hearing the sound of her voice, the huntress could hear the happiness that was pouring out of the former space pirate, something that was lacking in the last few years when Ryoko wanted so badly to visit Tenchi when she heard of Sakuya's death, but dared not out of fear that Juraian prince may reject her.

 

“Well, it sounds like that you're real happy being back with him Ryoko. I guess that's means you won't be coming back here for some time?”

 

“Well, I guess so. I mean I have to come back home and get some stuff I left behind. After all, I really didn't know what to expect when I came back here to Okayama and see my Tenchi…”

 

< My Tenchi…heh, you really are heads over heels in love with him Ryoko. Despite the passage of time, his marriage to some other woman, our time together…you never did let him go from your heart did you? > Nagi thought to herself. Throughout the decades, throughout their time together as adversaries, partners and lovers, the huntress had always felt that if a small opening of hope ever came by Ryoko's way; a faint possibility that she could be able to find her way back to the only true love she had ever known, she would take it.

 

“Hey Nagi! You still there pal?” Ryoko yelled out from the other side of the monitor, seeing that Nagi's mind was elsewhere.

 

“Huh? Oh yeah, sure am. I was just thinking of something else, sorry about that. Did you say something?”

 

“Yes…are you coming to Earth for my marriage to Tenchi? It's in two days and you're the only one that I invited that didn't respond.”

 

“Marriage? Two days? Is it that time Ryoko? Boy where does the time fly?”

 

Ryoko looked perplexed after hearing Nagi's remarks, “Whadya mean Nagi? I've been emailing you about this for months! All I gotten from you were some message saying you were out chasing bounty heads.”

 

Nagi was feeling defensive, hearing Ryoko and her questions. She tried to brush it off with work.

 

“Yeah, well I've been busy. What do you expect Ryoko? You go off to chase the man of your dreams while I had to hold things down here, not knowing if you're coming back or not. Not to mention the fact that I have to pay attention more to Ken-Ohki cause Ryo-Ohki is with you and he misses her a lot. Now I understand you wanted to see Masaki way back when you told me, but I didn't think you'd take this long. Can you see what predicament you left me in?”

 

Ryoko didn't say a word at first, feeling kind of guilty of what Nagi had said to her. It was true that while she did tell her bounty partner of her plans to return to Earth and help Tenchi, it never dawned on her that by staying with Tenchi all this time at Okayama and the rest of the planet, she was putting her sliver-haired partner in a bind.

 

“I-I'm sorry Nagi. I guess I was so happy being with Tenchi and trying to make up all that lost time that I never stop to think that I should've came back home for set things straight. But you could've said something sooner to me; it wasn't like you could've told me you needed help you know?”

 

“True Ryoko, but I'm your partner and that should count for something too don't it?”

 

Ryoko sighed as she slowly sat down of her command chair. While she wasn't about to change her wedding plans, she realized that a reassessment in her priorities was in order.

 

“So does this mean you're not coming to my wedding Nagi?”

 

“Much as I would like to Ryoko, I can't. Soon, I'm about to take off after a wanted 1A class criminal. I got a solid lead right now and if I don't act on it soon, I could lose that big bounty the GU is offering. You know how this business is Ryoko; nobody is gonna catch these scum except us.”

 

“You're right I suppose,” Ryoko answered, her face saddened that Nagi wasn't coming, “I guess my priorities changed when I returned here to Earth. I'm sorry partner, sorry that I wasn't considerate to your situation and sorry that you won't be here. I really wanted you to be here Nagi.”

 

“So did I Ryoko. I really wanted to come, but you do understand the situation I'm in right now?”

 

“Yeah, I guess so,” Ryoko answered dejectedly, feeling bad that her friend wasn't coming for her nuptials, “Don't worry about it then. You go take of business and once I'm settled in with Tenchi here, I'll make a return trip home and once I'm back we can sit down and talk about our partnership ok?”

 

“Well, for now it'd have to do Ryoko,” Nagi responded, not looking pleased with the outcome, but acted satisfied like a good friend should.

 

“So are we cool Nagi?”

 

“Yeah Ryoko, we're cool. Sorry about not coming, but for what it's worth, that Masaki is very lucky to have you for a wife and don't let me be hearing that he's giving you grief, otherwise I might pay a visit and use him for target practice, heh.”

 

“Heh, don't worry girl, Tenchi's the perfect gentleman,” Ryoko gleefully told her partner until she noticed that Nagi wasn't laughing along with her. “Yo Nags, something bothering you?”

 

“Nothing important. With you getting hitched and all, I was just thinking…”

 

“About?”

 

“I was wondering about `us'. Not that I'm wishing anything bad for you and Masaki, but maybe if I could've done something different when we were together, maybe things could've been different?”

 

Ryoko felt a cold chill in the room when she heard what Nagi said. Despite their professional relationship, she had thought her friend had left her personal feelings behind when it was obvious that cyan-haired woman couldn't totally commit herself to no one other than Tenchi. His name was never mentioned in their talks, but Nagi knew full well who Ryoko longed for and had hoped to change the pirate's mind and heart, but it just wasn't meant to be.

 

“Oh Nagi…I thought we were past this a long time ago.”

 

“Uhm, what? Oh, don't mind me Ryoko, I was just reminiscing the old times, “Nagi quickly changed the subject, “We both know whose heart you wanted all along and thanks to fates and whatever Gods that are out there, you found him again. I'm glad you're happy.”

 

“Nags, are you sure you're ok? I mean I know I left you alone but…”

 

“But nothing! I'm fine Ryoko; trust me. Remember now, before we teamed up I was the best bounty hunter in the galaxy and I was a pretty good one when I was chasing you down…”

 

“That you were pal…that you were and still are the best,” Ryoko smiled back at her friend, seeing that Nagi was trying to put up a good face in front of her.

 

“So don't worry Ryoko, me and Ken-Ohki will be fine. Just let me know when you're planning to be back here so I can meet up with you all right?”

 

“Sure thing pal, and Nagi?”

 

“Yeah?”

 

“Even though I'm marrying Tenchi and probably won't be seeing you often, I just want to let you know that you're still a very big part of my life and I won't ever forget what you have done for me. If it weren't for you, I don't know what I would've done with myself after leaving Jurai all those years ago.”

 

Tears started to flow from Ryoko's eyes as she reached out towards the monitor, her hands gently touching the image of her friend's face on the screen. Nagi, still trying to stay strong, warmly smiled back, her fingers touching Ryoko's by the monitor.

 

“Don't sell yourself short Ryoko. You have been and always will be a survivor and in a couple a days you'll going to be rewarded for all those tough times. If anything, I should be grateful to you. You have been a great friend and partner and I wouldn't trade that for anything in the universe.”

 

As tears began to come down from both sides of the screen, Ryo-Ohki meowed a message to her master, telling her that Tenchi and the others were looking for her. Sadly, but with a bit of relief, she turned her attention back to her silver-haired friend.

 

“Listen Nagi, I gotta go; I think my man's looking for me.”

 

“I understand. You take of care yourself you hear? And don't forget to bring some wedding pictures when you pass by here…”

 

“You betcha partner. Take of yourself and Ken-Ohki; Ryo-Ohki says hi.”

 

“Will do Ryoko…love you…bye.”

 

“L-love you too, bye…” As Ryoko pressed down on a button to cut off communications, something was still troubling her.

 

<You ok Ryoko? Tenchi's waiting for you…”

 

“Yeah, sure. Let's go,” Ryoko smiled timidly, as she phased out of Ryo-Ohki and back to her bedroom to freshen up. As she searched for her perfume, she kept thinking about Nagi.

 

<I'm glad that Nags and me are cool with each other, but I wonder still, will she ever accept the fact that I'm with Tenchi and not her? Shit, now I may have to worry about two of the most powerful women in the universe, one with the hots for my man and the other for me. Lord, give me strength… >

 

TO BE CONTINUED…

 

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

 

 

A/N: I know I said in the last chapter that this was the wedding chapter, but after such a long layoff, it felt strange resuming this tale and since I had to go back and re-read everything just to get my bearings, I just decided to cut it off after Ryoko's talk w/ Nagi and start a fresh chapter with the wedding taking place. After seeing the first episodes of OVA3, I'm not quite what I'm gonna feel about the outcome so in doing this fic, which is really after `Tenchi Universe', I get to do a more satisfying conclusion. (From a T/R perspective)

 

I got a feeling a lot of you readers are trying to figure out who's what and how they got to be where they're at. As a suggestion (and a plug-in) better read the first story `Second Chance' and most of your questions will be answered, heh.

 

Again, for you long time readers who have been wondering about the progress of this story, I'm glad you stuck around. For you first timers, glad you came aboard.

 

Alighthawk

 

As always, your reviews are appreciated. If you want a more elaborate explanation, you can email me at a.falc@verizon.net

 

Next Chapter: “THE WEDDING” (Seriously, I mean it this time!)