Tenchi Muyo Fan Fiction ❯ The Trial ❯ “Let the Celebration Begin” ( Chapter 2 )

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

** Author's notes: This story takes place about a year after "Tenchi Forever" in which it follows the "Tenchi Universe" storyline, though some names and places from the OAV and manga might appear. C & C is welcomed, but remember, this is my first fanfic, so easy on the flame throwing! ENJOY!!

The Trial: by alighthawk

Chapter Two - "Let the Celebration Begin"

"I'm telling you Tetsuo, there's no way a guy can be so innocent with that many girls living under one roof, unless he's either making it up or he's gay."

"Come on Amagasaki! This is Tenchi we're talking about! He's not the type to do something like that unless one of them is his girlfriend, which I think is the reason he's been holding out on us and don't forget who his grandfather is. He'll probably get whacked with a bokka if he tried any monkey business around the old man!"

Former classmates Amagasaki and Tetsuo were on their way to the Masaki Residence to celebrate their friend's completion of high school. They were disappointed that their classmate couldn't be with them at the school festivities a few months ago. Part of the disappointment was that they wanted to see if there was any truth to Tenchi's stories about the girls that were living with him. To have that many women staying in one place and none of them being his girlfriend was hard to believe. However, when Tenchi invited them to the celebration, this was an opportunity they couldn't pass up.

As they drove up to the gate entrance in Tetsuo's sun yellow Mazda RX7, they noticed two strange looking logs with strange markings painted on their front side. One log actually turned sideways and addressed them as they left the car and approached the gate.

"Good afternoon. It's a lovely day isn't it?" The log with the red markings commented, "Are you here for Lord Tenchi's party?"

"U…uh yes. Is h..he here?" Aamagaski stammered. "H…he's expecting us."

"Yes, Lord Tenchi is expecting some company. Please go right in and enjoy yourself. " Replied the other log with the blue markings.

As they quickly stepped past the Guardians, both boys were at a loss for words.

"Did Tenchi say anything about having some kind of robot sentry Amagaski? I know his father is an architect, but is he into robotics?" Tetsuo asked.

"Never mentioned it and as far as I know, nobody in his family is that loaded to have that kind of security." Replied the large nosed boy. "I'm wondering what other surprises has Tenchi been hiding from us?"

"All I care about is checking out those girls. No way in hell does a guy live with that many and doesn't get any action. One of them has got to be his main squeeze." Tetsuo kept saying as they reached the house and saw the deck of the front entrance and to their amazement, they saw all the girls standing around, laughing in conversation.

"Well I'll be damned! He wasn't bull shitting us Saki!" Testsuo yelled out. He had to blink twice to be sure he wasn't dreaming.

"They all look gorgeous! Even the little blue hair girl is cute Tetsuo. No wonder Tenchi hardly ever hangs out after school!"

As the two boys kept gawking at the Masaki 'girls', a pair of strong hands firmly grabbed each boy's shoulders from behind. "My, what do we have here? Can it be, a pair of peeping Toms invading the privacy of my home?"

Both boys jumped and turned, only to realize it was Tenchi's grandfather, Katsuhito. They both bowed to him and quickly offered their apologies.

"Our apologies honorable sir, we didn't mean to stand here staring. We were uh, looking for Tenchi!" Testsuo said nervously as the old Shrinemaster gave both boys a whimsical look.

"Relax, boys. No damage was done. Why don't I escort the both of you over to the front and you can introduce yourselves to the family?"

"Family? You mean you're all related?" Amagasaki sulked, as he never considered the possibility that the girls might have been relatives of Tenchi, "Funny, they don't look like Tenchi. In fact, some of them look American or European."

"I didn't say they were related by blood, they're just close friends who are staying with us. Just say hello and I'm sure you fellows will have your curiosities satisfied." Yosho couldn't helped but smiled as he looked at the confused faces of the two young men. <Boys will be boys…> the old Juraian mused to himself.

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

Fifteen minutes later, everybody was mingling with one another until the front door slid open and out came the graduate.

As he stepped out onto the deck of the house, dressed up with his graduation cap and gown, he was greeted by applause from his family and friends. Tenchi couldn't believe this day had actually come as he flashed the biggest smile he probably ever had as everyone came up to him with hugs and kisses, congratulating him for a job well done. Tenchi Masaki the high school student from the Okayama Perfecture was officially Tenchi Masaki the Graduate.

As the sun was setting down over the green mountains of rural Japan, the celebration had been in full swing for the last couple of hours. Everybody were enjoying themselves with the food Sasami had prepared and were really getting festive after drinking loads of the Sake that Ryoko brought from the liquor store. Tenchi wasn't drinking that much as he wanted to remember all this without a hazy thought clouding his memory.

Everyone sat pretty much where they wanted to. However, the girls had a decorated chair for the man of the hour. It was positioned by the railing of the deck, which was facing behind the lake. About five feet in front was the whole buffet spread that everybody could serve him/herself. Of course, sitting at one side of the graduate was certain gorgeous space pirate and the other a lovely Juraian princess. Both felt obligated to feed their young love with as much food as possible.

"Girls, I think I had enough food already. I'm stuffed as it is." Tenchi pleaded with both of them.

"Lord Tenchi, are you positive? There's plenty left. I'll be more than happy to get you another serving." Ayeka insisted.

"No Miss Ayeka. I think two plates each from you and Ryoko is quite enough…"

"Yeah Ayeka, can't you see that Tenchi's full? Here sweetie, how's about another sip of Sake? It's the good stuff." Ryoko winked at her heart's interest but Tenchi just waved his hand no. No way he was going to get drunk and forget this night. He smiled back at the cyan hair girl with such a warm look that she couldn't help but looked puzzled at his expression, <Just a couple of hours more Masaki and you can tell her that your heart has fallen for her. >

"Ladies, excuse me for a second? I want to talk with my classmates for awhile, ok?"

"Sure Tench, but don't take too long. We're gonna have you open your presents soon, alright?" Ryoko reminded him.

"Sure. No problem. I'll be right back." Smiled the young man as he stood up and walked across the deck to chat with his pals.

"Tenchi, we want to apologize. We thought you were pulling our legs when you told us about these girls, but man were we ever wrong!" Tetsuo said as he slapped Tenchi on the back, "But you got to tell us, which one of the babes is your girl?"

"Yeah Tenchi. It's got to be one of them. No way you're gonna stand there and tell us that one of them doesn't make you get all excited. If it were me, I'll probably be taking a cold shower every night!" Amagasaki added.

Tenchi couldn't help but grin like an idiot. If this was last year, he would told that none of them were his girlfriend, but due to recent events, He felt secure that he could tell his classmates who his preference was.

"Ok guys, I'll tell you, but promise not to tell anyone yet?"

"Sure, but why? What's the big secret?" Tetsuo asked.

"Well, only because I haven't told her yet and I was planning to spring the news to her later tonight."

"Tenchi the romantic, figures." Amagasaski sighed. "So who is it?"

Tenchi motioned both of them to come closer and whispered. "It's Ryoko, the cyan haired girl with the blue summer dress sitting next to my chair. She's the one."

Both boys looked at her with great detail, as she was busy talking with Ayeka. After several seconds, they turned back their attention towards Tenchi who was now wondering if his should had kept his mouth shut.

"Tenchi, you the man! I definitely think she's the top of the crop." Amagasaki smirked while giving Tenchi another slap on the back.

"She's really is beautiful Tench. I'm pretty sure she's a nice person too, otherwise you wouldn't keep such a big secret from us right?" Tetsuo reasoned.

"Well, she wasn't always the easiest person to get along at first, but after living with her for a couple of years, I discovered a lot of sides to her that made me realized that I'm crazy about her."

"Well, it looks like you're not the only one getting a present tonight are you now?" Tetsuo flashed a fiendish smile at Tenchi in which the graduate just glared back "It's not like that you guys. Can't you keep your hormones in check?

"With all these girls, I'm still amazed you did Tenchi." Amagasaski scanned the deck and just shook his head with amazement. "But seriously, we're happy for you. Just let us know how everything turns out ok?"

"Sure guys, you bet. Let me get back now, but we'll talk before you leave. And thanks for coming." Tenchi answered he sneaked back to his chair before two certain ladies would start searching for him.

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

Sitting by the edge of the deck, a little girl and her cabbit were observing the festivities. The cabbit was thoroughly enjoying her carrot, and the young princess smiled with satisfaction, knowing that everybody was enjoying her special dinner. When her eyes gazed upon her sister, who was engaged in another one of her pointless arguments with Ryoko, her mood changed to a more sullen look. Next thing she knew, a pair of hands gently rested upon her shoulders.

"You are feeling well Sasami?" Asked the elder Masaki, "You seem lost in thought."

"Oh, I...I was thinking about Tenchi Grandfather…"

"Yes, Tenchi seems to have that effect whenever girls are around him…"

"No Grandfather! Not like that, heh-heh." Sasami cheeks flushed with slight shade of red when she heard Yosho's comment. "No, I was just thinking if Tenchi is ever going to choose between my sister & Ryoko."

"I'm sure he'll get around to that. <Sooner than you think child…>, but why were you thinking about it?"

"I don't know. I have this feeling that he's going to make it soon and someone's going to get hurt by it."

Yosho dropped to one knee and looked straight at the saddened princess. "And that's worries you?"

"Kind of. If he chooses Ayeka, then he'll have to back to Jurai to be emperor, right?"

"But child, Tenchi has already renounced the throne to Jurai. Ayeka would have to do some heavy convincing for Tenchi to reverse his decision." Explained the old man.

"I know. And that's why I think he's going to choose Ryoko over my sister. She's not making him choose on where to go or what to be and she'll be happy wherever she is as long as Tenchi is there with her." Sasami's eyes started to swell up as she finished talking.

<The child is very perceptive, and a good heart as well. She should not have to worry about these things. > Yosho reasoned as he put his right hand on Sasami's left shoulder. Ryo-oki, who just finished ravaging her carrot, jumped on top of the little Juraian girl's head and 'meowed' a couple of times to see if her friend was ok.

"Sasami tell me. What do you think will happen if Tenchi decides that he loves Ryoko instead of Ayeka? Are you concerned of what her reaction will be?"

Sasami paused for a moment, thinking of what her sister might feel if she ever found out that she wasn't chosen. "Y...Yes I'm sorta worried about her. I think she noticed that Tenchi and Ryoko have gotten closer in the last few months, but I also believe that she's hoping that there's a chance that he may still go with her * sniff *. If not, I'm afraid she'll be crushed. Sasami lowered her head down as a tear escaped from left eyes and landed on the green grass by the edge of the deck.

Seeing that the child was about to cry, the old Juraian firmly held her arms. He then lifted her head up with his right index finger so his eyes would convey to her that all was not so glum.

"Listen to me Sasami. I know that when Tenchi makes his final choice, someone will be hurt, but the truth will be revealed and then the process of dealing with that rejection can begin. Should it be Ayeka; then she must learn to overcome that rejection, but believe this old man when I say that your sister is a strong person and she'll handle this in her own way. You'll see…"

"But Grandfather. If that does happens, she'll go back to Jurai and that's means that I have to go too." Sasami finally said the one item that was the root of all her preoccupied worries.

"So Sasami, is that what's really causing you to be troubled? The fear that Ayeka's rejection will impact on your staying on Earth with us?"

"Y…Yes Grandfather. I...I'm sorry that I'm laying this out on you." Sasami stammered, "You should be enjoying yourself with the rest of the family. Let me go check on the food…."

"Sasami! Do you wish to stay?" Yosho firmly asked as he held the little girl by the shoulders.

"Y...Yes I do. I love you all! I really don't want to go back to Jurai if I don't have to."

"Then perhaps when the time comes, we will speak to Ayeka on your behalf. However, understand that if she is greatly saddened by the outcome of Tenchi's decision, she will need all the support she can get and the most viable candidate for that is you, but we will cross that bridge when the time comes so let us see that happy face that I'm accustomed to every day shall we?"

"Thank you Grandfather for being so understanding and kind. Now I know why Tenchi loves you so much." Sasami replied as the childlike carefree smile returned to her face. Ryo-oki laid out a loud 'Miya", sensing that her friend was feeling better.

As she stood up, she threw a big, loving hug around the old shrinemaster. "Yes. Well Sasami, I do believe Tenchi loves everyone in this family; even for this weathered old man." Yosho said as he flashed a smile back at Sasami. With that, Ayeka came walking over, asking if everything's ok. Sasami nodded back that everything's fine and changed the subject to other things as the three Juraians continued their conversation.

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

"Ok everyone! Who's going to sing on the Karaoke first? Mihoshi asked around, "How 'bout you Kiyone? Wanna pair up on a song?"

"Sure, why not? We got some time left before we go on duty. By the way Mihoshi, you didn't drink too much Sake did you?"

"Me? U..uh I don't think so *hic*"

"AARRGGHH!! MIHOSHI!! You ditz!! Can't you be responsible for one day without having to be told?" Her teal haired partner screamed.

"S...sorry Kiyone. I guess I got carried away, but can we still sing though?"

<Fifty thousand first class detectives on the force and I get stuck with the ultimate bubblehead…> Kiyone sighed as she looked at her partner with utter contempt. "You go ahead, I'll see if Sasami has any tea around so you can snap out of your impaired state. No way I'm letting you near Yagami's command console in your condition!"

"If you say so Kiyone, but I really feel fine." Mihoshi responded as her irate partner went inside to find some tea. Washu then came over to see what's the blonde girl was up to. "Hey Mihoshi, gonna belt out a tune for us?"

"Yep * hic *, sure am, but I forgot what song I was going to sing."

"That's Mihoshi for you. Makes me wonder how the GP has managed to survive with her among the ranks." The little scientist sighed.

As the blonde airhead futilely tried to figure out which song she was going to sing, Washu noticed Nobuyuki filming the festivities with his camcorder.

"Say Nobuyuki, did you put in a new cassette for your toy?"

"Sure Washu, why are you asking?"

"Oh nothing really, but earlier, when you had your camcorder laying on the table by the phone, I got nosy and took a peak to see if you had anything on tape…"

"WASHU!! You didn't see…"

"OOOH yes I did Nobuyuki. Shame on you! Taping the girls in the Onsen last week. I thought you were over that stuff?" Washu flashed an impish grin on the suddenly red faced father of the graduate. When he pulled out his camcorder for the party, he forgot to take out the video that showed the girls lying about in the baths, whooping it up with some Sake. Even though he knew better, his Hentai habits tended to get the best of him.

"Honest Washu, I was going to get rid of it later when the party was over. You know I didn't mean any harm by it." He said nervously, wondering what the mad genius was going to do.

"Well, I'll let you slide this time. However, if I were you, I would worry if Ryoko ever finds out. She may be an exhibitionist when it comes to Tenchi, but she just might tie you up and strand you on Mars if she knew you were taping her naked again."

Nobuyuki breathed a sigh of relief when Sasami called his attention. "Father, can you help me in the kitchen, I want to bring out the cake now." He quickly bowed to Washu and excused himself as he ran inside to help the little princess.

<Sweet old guy, but he really needs to find another hobby, heh-heh. > She giggled as she turned her attention back to a tipsy karaoke singer known as 'Mihoshi the Chaotic'.

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

"Well Tenchi, ready to face the real world now that you're a graduate?" Asked the golden-eyed Ryoko.

"Considering I've been to other worlds, kidnapped to another dimension, and nearly inherited an galactic empire; I think college will be a breath of fresh air. What do you think Ryoko?"

She couldn't help but giggled at the way he answered her question. He was finally stress-free and relaxed for the first time in months. She looked into his soft brown eyes and found that happy expression that was missing at times when he would fret about getting his grades up and passing the required courses in order to graduate. This was the Tenchi she hadn't seen for awhile and now that he was set for college and all, maybe he'd get around to the 'choice'.

While Ryoko was lost in thought, Tenchi looked down at his secret love. His eyes focused on her features. Her spiky but smooth cyan hair, her creamy skin and the way that blue dress just clung to her curvaceous body. So flawless…so beautiful; in other words, perfect.

"Uh Ryoko?"

"Yes Tenchi? Something on your mind?" She asked as her golden eyes fixated back on the pair of gentle brown ones looking back at her.

"U...Uh, I…uh just wanted to say that you really look good tonight. You must have really gone through a lot trouble to get fixed up for the party."

"Nah! It was no trouble really. I just wanted to look nice for your special day."

"Well Ryoko, I think you really outdid yourself this time. You look absolutely beautiful." Tenchi's face flushed a light shade of red when he realized what he just said. He can't ever recall paying such a direct, but lovely compliment to the cyan pirate, who was equally blushed, as she couldn't believe that he said it and so affectionately at that. Had she been standing, she probably would have tripped over herself after hearing such a revelation from him. <This party atmosphere must be getting to him. > She thought.

"Tenchi I'm surprised at you! That's probably the sweetest thing you ever said to me. I'm so happy that you noticed."

"Well to be honest, there's a lot of things I've been noticing about you lately. I'm still in amazement that you actually went out and got a job…"

"Well let me tell you, it wasn't easy at first, being a space pirate and all. I usually rob stores, not work in one, but I really wanted to get you a special gift for this day and I knew that this was the only way to do it, knowing that it would please you. I didn't want you to think that I was only good for sponging off you or Ayeka." The pirate pointed out as her face gotten a more serious look.

"Ryoko, if anyone hasn't said it to you, then let me say that I'm so proud of you. You wanted to do something special and you did it the right way. I couldn't be more happier with your decision and you should proud of yourself as well."

"Tenchi, you don't know how much that means to me. You know that I would never do anything to displease you." Ryoko held Tenchi's right hand as she looked into his eyes, "I just want to see you happy."

"I know that Ryoko. I really appreciate for what you have done for me these last few months, maybe more than I can ever express to you. Perhaps later, when the party dies down, we can go for a walk?"

Ryoko couldn't resist flashing a wide grin when he suggested that. Anytime he was in a good mood and he wanted to be alone with her, made her absolutely ecstatic. "Sure Tenchi, I would love that!" As the two would-be lovers gazed at each other, Ayeka returned and plopped herself right next to the graduate, continuing the earlier conversation they had.

"Now Lord Tenchi, from what you have told me, going to the university is a big step forward in one's life. Shouldn't you take the responsibility more seriously?" Ayeka asked as she joined the conversation.

"Sure I'm taking it seriously Miss Ayeka, but I also want to take this moment and enjoy it with my family and friends before I start to think about that other stuff." Tenchi replied. He spent a lot of time and energy this past year in order to get to this point and he was going to enjoy every minute of this celebration before he had to worry about Fall classes.

"Ayeka, you sure know how to louse up a good moment do you?" Ryoko sniped at the princess.

Ayeka snapped right back, "And who is asking for your opinion, you ill-mannered troll?"

"Why you, I oughta…"

"Girls! Can you calm down? This is supposed to be MY day, which means the both of you still have to keep your promise about being civil until the party's over." The young prince reminded both girls.

Ryoko looked at him with pouted lips at first, but changed to a small smile as place her left hand on his knee. "Sorry 'bout that Tenchi, but you have to admit Ayeka and I have been at our best behavior for most of the year now. It's not easy at times you know."

"Ryoko's right. Considering the both of us spent six months together trying to find you and then not seeing as often as we'd liked. I suppose our competitive nature get the best of us sometimes." Added the princess.

"I know that. Which is why I'm so proud of you girls. You let me focused on my studies and it helped a great deal. Plus I know the both you aren't as 'competitive' with each other as you claim to be. I think those six months really allowed you two to understand each other, am I right?"

Ryoko and Ayeka looked at each other. They both realized their time together when Tenchi was with Haruna had bonded them to the extent that they really did like each other. The smiled at one another as they turned their attention back to their love.

"Lord Tenchi, I do believe that Lord Yosho's wisdom is starting to rub off on you." Ayeka declared.

"Well, I wouldn't go that far, but I am a college man now." The young Masaki replied with a smug look on his face.

"Yeah, well don't let your head swell too big college boy 'cause some of us still know how to keep you well grounded." Replied the pirate.

"And how do you plan to do that Ryoko?" Tenchi asked as she crept up to his left ear and whispered something. Ayeka couldn't hear it but she knew that it had to be something naughty because Tenchi's face started to turn into multiple shades of red as Ryoko sat back down, laughing hysterically as the graduate grabbed a cup of Sake and guzzled it with one swallow.

"Ryoko, I think my ancestors are rolling in their graves right now with that comment, but I'm glad you're on my side."

"Tenchi…God willing, I'm always going to be by your side, no matter what." the Cyan hair girl softly whispered back to her love.

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

Planet Xeria, the scene of what will be an assassination of a Jurai Minister.

In a old wretched building, a second rate space pirate was completing the final preparations for the fatal trap until a beeping sound comes out of his communication console. He looked at the frequency code and realized it was the boss.

"Yataka report! What's our status?" Barked the mysterious mastermind.

"Everything's in the final stage. We'll be ready to roll in one week." Replied the one eye pirate.

"Good. Any word from our spy on planet Earth?"

"Oto just sent a message thirty minutes ago. Our scapegoat is presently at the Masaki House where it seems that they're having a party of some sort. He's waiting for further instructions…"

"Tell Oto to standby. We may have to coax our patsy to leave planet Earth soon in order for our plan to work. Otherwise, just tell him to maintain surveillance."

"Gotcha Boss. Yataka out."

Somewhere in space, a dark figure burst into an uncontrollable laughter, then stopped to ponder the possibilities that would lie ahead. <Soon...very soon my plan will come into action and all my enemies will soon feel my wrath. How sweet my victory will be! >

End Chapter Two

*What do you think? Will everyone stay happy and merry?

*Will Nobuyuki ever learn not to leave his toys unguarded?

*And most important, who the hell are Oto & Yataka working for and

who are they after? Stay tuned.

A/N: Quick notes:

BobR: Your memory's not faulty about Yataka and maybe he is after Ryoko, but the question is: Who's the mastermind? When's the next chapter of 'Conversations II' coming?

Yes, this is more or less a T/R fic, but don't let the first chapters fool you. They will go through some tough times before this is over.

As always, if there are any questions you would like to ask or clear up, you can e-mail me at a.falc@verizon.net. Anything else you can leave with the reviews.