Tenchi Muyo Fan Fiction ❯ What Should Have Been ❯ Chapter Seven ( Chapter 7 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: RingPrincess 
Everyone is home and there are a few 'family moments' taking place, although not all of them are sweet.
Anime/Manga: Tenchi Muyo Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural / Romance / Drama / Comedy / Angst | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 01.13.2003 | Pages: 8 | Words: 4.9K | Visits: 495 | Status: Completed
Everyone is home and there are a few 'family moments' taking place, although not all of them are sweet.
Anime/Manga: Tenchi Muyo Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural / Romance / Drama / Comedy / Angst | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 01.13.2003 | Pages: 8 | Words: 4.9K | Visits: 495 | Status: Completed
The owner of Tenchi Muyo is actually Pioneer and AIC and some author, whom I give
many thanks for creating such a wonderful universe and characters and a truly
unique situation. Cheers.
however the ideas in this story are mine, if you wish to use them contact
me FIRST at either ring_princess@hotmail.com or ring_princess2001@yahoo.com the worst
I'll say is no.
What Should Have Been
Chapter Seven: Family Moments
Ryoko stretched languidly and turned on her side to watch her still sleeping fiance. Inside
her chest, her heart thumped slightly faster as if her body and her brain could still not
comprehend the fact that he loved her and only her, even after two months.
She sighed in pure pleasure. To be loved by Tenchi was all she had ever dreamed of in
the last twenty years and now she had it. She was more than complete.
She leaned down and brushed her lips slightly across his.
He mumbled something and she laughed slightly. "Honey, wake up."
He turned over and resolutely shoved his head under his pillow.
"Today is an important day, I can feel it." Ryoko trailed her fingers down his spine.
Tenchi flopped over and slowly moved the pillow off his head. "Oh."
"Mmmm-hmm." Ryoko nodded, using her fingers to now trace his exposed chest. He smirked up at
her.
"Everyday is important."
"But today is extremely important and if we don't get out of bed we are going to miss it."
Tenchi sighed and seemed to think about it. "I have decided." He began after a few moments
of silence.
Ryoko raised an eyebrow, her eye twitching sporadically. They had learned to keep their
thoughts from intruding on each other all the time, that was the only way they could keep
seperate personalities really and his mind was opaque to her.
Instead of finishing he rolled up to his side as well and leaned in close to kiss her.
Ryoko leaned into the kiss, opening her mouth to allow the entrance of his tongue, twisting
hers around it as he explored her mouth.
He pressed her back into the bed and she smirked against the kiss. He broke the kiss and
smirked back down at her. "I think you like my decision, love."
She laughed, a soft rolling laugh. "I do love you, my Tenchi."
He leaned back down and nibbled her ear. "And all of my little surprises."
Ryoko sighed in pleasure. "Yes, all of them."
"I love you as well, my Ryoko."
"And all of my surprises."
"Especially your surprises." He whispered huskily.
They laughed together. Ryoko ran her hands up and down his hard body. "We still should
get up."
"Thank goodness it is still the weekend." Tenchi murmured and rolled off her.
She pouted over the loss of his warmth and the feel of his smooth skin. He winked at her
and she winked back.
------------------------
Sasami giggled as Ryo-ohki begged for a carrot on the floor. "No, you'll ruin your breakfast
you greedy creature." She mock admonished, even as she threw the cabbit a carrot.
Ryo-ohki mock glared back, but eagerly accepted the carrot, munching on it with small
crunching noises.
Ryoko was running Tenchi's brush through her hair as she came into the kitchen and shook
her head at the antics of the cabbit. "You know better than to beg for carrots, Ryo-ohki."
"Mia." Ryo-ohki stuck her tongue out at Ryoko, who laughed in response.
"Scamp." Ryoko murmured affectionally and gazed warmly around the kitchen.
Sasami smiled happily. "So, what are we having for breakfast, Ryoko?"
"It is your turn to choose, I'll just help cook." Ryoko wrinkled her nose. "Must
I make all the decisions this morning."
Sasami looked at her curiously. "What other decisions did you make this morning?"
Ryoko flushed slightly. "Oh, nevermind. What do you want to make Sasami?"
"I don't know. I don't even know what is in the fridge." Sasami pointed out, she
opened the fridge and began to peer up and down at the contents.
Ayeka yawned as she also entered the kitchen, her long hair falling straight behind her,
not up in the usual ponytail.
"You look positively provential this morning Princess." Ryoko snickered as she began
to cut carrots for Ryo-ohki's breakfast.
"I don't know what you mean, you smelly Pirate." Ayeka sniffed.
Ryoko grinned. "It is called perfume, princess. Tenchi bought it for me on our shopping
spree."
"Shopping spree?" Ayeka sounded quizzical.
Ryoko raised her eyebrows. "A full day of shopping, I had never heard of something like
that either until Tenchi brought it up. He said that if I was going to be here for awhile
that I couldn't run around in my alien outfits."
"Oh, I think I see."
Ryoko flushed. "He spoiled me really."
Ayeka sighed a small sad sigh. "I wish I had someone to do something like that for me."
"Oh, Ayeka, I'm sorry. I shouldn't talk of such things without thinking." Ryoko walked over
and wrapped her arm around the princess.
"Don't be sorry Ryoko. You are happy and that is wonderful and I want to hear about your
happiness. What is the scent?"
Ryoko looked at the princess concerned, but she seemed genuinely interested. "Something
with cherry blossoms and jasmine. I can never remember the name."
"Huh?" Ayeka looked thoughtful. "Well, it actually smells rather pleasant."
Ryoko smiled softly. "Thank you princess."
"Ayeka." Ayeka said firmly.
"Ayeka." Ryoko said softly.
Sasami smiled and tried not to cry. They were friends. Suddenly it occured to her that
breakfast hadn't even been started yet.
Placing her hands on her hips she cleared her throat. "I hate to interrupt your moment
but breakfast needs to be made."
Ryoko and Ayeka giggled at Sasami's attempt to be mean. Soon Sasami also broke out into
giggles, the house ringing with their cheerful abandon.
"Well doesn't everybody sound happy this morning." A nasally voice, a distinct Washuism
said from the doorway.
"Morning Mom."
"Morning Ms. Washu." Ayeka and Sasami chorused.
Washu sighed. "Just when I had you trained."
"MOM!" Ryoko gasped between guffaws at her mother's woe be gone expression.
"I LIKE being called Lil Washu." Washu said defensively.
Sasami giggled and began to pull things out of the fridge. "It is hard to be Lil' Washu when you are so
OLD!"
Washu looked grave for a few moments and then suddenly smiled. "But that is the wonderful thing about being
able to control your age, Sasami." She laughed again.
Ryoko smiled softly and began to help Sasami set out ingredients for breakfast.
-----------------------------------
Tokimi stood in the middle of Washu's lab, the plants, the water and yes even the cushions had reappeared
with a wave of Washu's hand.
Tokimi began pacing, it had been many years indeed since she had wrestled with indecision. It wasn't
pleasant, in fact it was damn uncomfortable. Her white cape swished back and forth with her turning,
her fingers clenched into fists so tight that her claws dug into her palms.
"Just go to breakfast, sister." Tsunami appeared over the lake of water, her robes shimmering where they
met the surface.
"It isn't that simple." Tokimi whirled to face her.
"But it is."
"The consequences of such an action. . ."
"Are neglible." Tsunami waved her hand.
"You are liked in this house, so you haven't the worries I do."
"Now you know to choose your servants more wisely." Tsunami sniffed, but then smiled to soften the
rebuke of her words.
Tokimi only sighed. "That is hard when only certain types of people are drawn to you, sister."
"Perhaps you should change your focus."
"Balance sister. That is why I was trying to contact Washu, the universe has been out of balance."
Tsunami nodded, "and that is why I led Sasami here as well."
Tokimi bit the inside of her lip and Tsunami laughed. "Go to breakfast, Sasami is a wonderful cook and
Ryoko is just as good."
"You aren't going to leave me alone unless I go are you?" Tokimi questioned shrewdly.
Tsunami grinned. "I am a little sister and Sasami has been giving me lessons."
Tokimi groaned.
"You might want to change into something less. . . intimidating." Tsunami added hesitantly.
Tokimi crossed her arms.
"What is wrong with my clothes?"
Tsunami snickered. "You've never met Tenchi's father and well. . . to put it mildly
he is a lech. Plus, you can be exceedingly scary."
Tokimi humphed.
"Come on." Tsunami wheedled. "It could be fun to actually allow some CHANGE into
your life."
"Sister." Tokimi sighed. "You are taking these little sister lessons a bit too seriously."
Tsunami laughed as the air around Tokimi shimmered and in less than a nano second the
goddess was dressed more demurely. Tokimi looked down at the dress and shook her head.
"I won't pretend to understand humans."
"Neither does Washu, she just refuses to admit it. By the way, do warn her that you are coming
to breakfast."
Tokimi glared at her sister who dissappeared with a wink and a laugh.
----------------------------
Washu swallowed, green eyes flickering towards at the spacelab door.
'Now I have no choice but to tell them.' She thought dismally as her glance went towards
Tenchi and Ryoko, 'How do you explain a goddess showing up and claiming to be your sister.'
::Simple, they don't know I am a goddess.:: Tokimi reassured Washu.
::Can you be sure?::
::No.::
Washu cleared her throat. Catching the attention of all the family that was awake. "A relative of mine
has arrived and I was hoping she could join us for breakfast."
Quiet reigned across the kitchen.
Ryoko was staring at her mother, amber eyes narrowed. ::Washu, a relative, we don't. . .::
::Ryoko, I need to talk to you after breakfast, alone please.::
::I can't.::
::Please.:: Washu begged.
Ryoko's eyes widened. Washu didn't beg, ever. She nodded solemnly.
Tenchi was looking between the mother and daughter, knowing there was a conversation going on but helpless
to know what it was about or to overhear. Ryoko reached over blindly and patted his arm to reassure him.
Sasami looked down at a glass of water and was surprised to see Tsunami's reflection winking back up at
her. Sasami grinned slightly and looked up at Washu. "Who is it, exactly?"
"My sister," Washu began and was immediatly interrupted.
"A sister, Ms. Washu." Ayeka protested. "You have never talked about your family."
A pained look flashed across Washu's face. "I haven't had much luck with family, Ms. Ayeka."
"Oh," Ayeka's hand went to her mouth. "I am sorry, Ms. Washu. I know better than this."
Washu shook her head. "Don't apologize."
"But I must." Ayeka said breathily. She came closer to Washu and suddenly kneeled down to give the
young/old child/woman a hug. She pulled back and looked at Washu. "We are your family now, as well."
Washu's eyes burned and she struggled not to cry. "Thank You, Ms. Ayeka."
Ayeka hugged her close again. "You are more than welcome, Lil' Washu."
'We are family, Ayeka. You just don't know it yet.' Washu thought and her eyes tracked across the room
to meet the warm pink eyes of Sasami.
Sasami couldn't contain herself anymore. "Oh, sister." She shouted happily and ran over to join the hug.
'Now who exactly is she talking too.' Tokimi thought as she entered on this sweet scene. She smiled and
shook her head, blue and purple eyes soft. 'You deserve some happiness, Washu, sister. I am sorry for
making you and yours suffer so.'
Tokimi looked around the room and smiled at the handsome young couple who clung to each other, tears of
happiness in their eyes. 'Ryoko,' Tokimi thought. 'You are as beautiful as your mother, and who is this man
you lean on so. Is this Tsunami's Knight, Tenchi?' Tokimi bit the inside of her lip. 'You chose so well,
and so unknowning of what is coming.' Her gaze took in the cabbit on Ryoko's shoulder. 'And you have a ship,
one as loyal as only shared blood, experiences and love can make loyalty. I hope that it is never tested
and broken.'
Washu stepped back from Ayeka and started slightly when she saw Tokimi in the doorway.
"Sister." Washu whispered. She tried to quickly compose herself but couldn't. "Tenchi, Ryoko this is my
elder sister Tokimi."
Tokimi bowed. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you." She smiled slightly. "Especially my niece Ryoko, and
may I offer congradulations on your impending marriage."
"Thank You." Ryoko stuttered. Tenchi stood mute, but managed a nod.
Ayeka stood up and bowed back to Tokimi. "I am First Princess Ayeka Jurai and this is my sister, Sasami
Jurai. Welcome."
Tokimi blinked. "Thank you, Princess Ayeka." Her gaze traveled back to Tenchi. "I am sorry for intruding so
suddenly upon the hospitality of your home, Lord Tenchi."
Tokimi wasn't sure, but it might have been what she said. Yet, suddenly Tenchi burst out laughing, Ryoko
with him. Tenchi began to control himself but caught Ryoko's twinkling eyes and lost it again.
"Mother, would you expand the dining room to seat however many guests we have." Ryoko requested between chuckles.
Tokimi raised an eyebrow at Sasami. "Did I miss something?"
Sasami shook her head. "Not exactly. Perhaps Tenchi will explain it when he gets a hold of himself."
"Over breakfast." Tenchi gasped and shook his head. "But before then I have to do a quick check on the fields. You
know the usual grind, even if my life is not at all usual." He kissed Ryoko's cheek and was out the door, still laughing.
-------------------------------
Azusa stared at his wives. "How much time do you think we have?"
"To wait or are you refering to something else?" Misaski was brushing her long aqua, her pink eyes met his in the
mirror.
Funaho sighed. "When Tenchi accepts there will be a great upset at Jurai."
"You are certian he will accept." Azusa's voice seemed pleading.
"I am, husband." Funaho smiled and then frowned. "He doesn't fit in here on earth." She shook her head. "Then
again he might not fit in on Jurai either."
"Perhaps it would be best if Tenchi and Ryoko did NOT fit in." Misaski mused, setting her brush down.
"All things considered, I suppose you are right." Funaho nodded, biting her lip. "All things considered," she
murmured quietly again more to herself than anyone in the room.
Azusa sat down next to her and placed an arm around her. "You have been very troubled since we arrived on Earth,
Funaho."
"This is the first time in many years I have spent a long period of time here." She placed her head upon his
shoulder. "There are so many memories and. . ."
"Your family is dead as well." Azusa said quietly. "I am. . ."
Funaho reached up and placed a finger over his lips, silencing him. "My family is not the kind that dies easily.
Do not be sorry for me, Azusa."
"You act as if they still live, sister." Misaski moved from the vanity to also sit next to Funaho.
Funaho looked over at her, "They do still live, and that is the very problem."
Azusa and Misaski narrowed their eyes. "My dear, there has been many a man who has thought I was insane, but. . ."
Funaho pulled away from Azusa and looked at him straight in the eyes. "I am not crazy, my family still lives."
"How can they, sister-wife? They are earthlings." Misaski asked patiently.
"Earthlings!" Funaho laughed quietly. "They would resent you calling them that. No, they believe they CREATED earthlings."
She paused. "Human life came from them." She shook her head. "Or should I say us." She stood up and turned to face them.
"Us. . ." Misaski raised an eyebrow.
"Well, husband. You never asked to actually MEET my family." Funaho smiled at him. "Father was a bit put out about
that, but he seems to anger easily at times. Mostly I think it is his Sister-Wife Hera that annoys him."
"Hera?"
"Yes Azusa, my father is Zeus, Supreme Ruler of Olympus, the caller of storms, whose champion is the great Eagle."
Funaho began. "My father is a god." She ended and sighed. "Which of course leads to the eternal question of
Who am I?"
"Funaho." Azusa whispered.
"Yes, I am Funaho. I love being Funaho," She waved her hand slightly and the appearance she had used for a millenia
fell away, her hair was still black, yet now it was wavy. Her skin was lighter and her eyes were silvery grey. She now
wore a purple chiton (floor length tunic) girdled about the waist and sprinkled with silver stars and a sheer pale
grey himation (outer cloak) with a border of olive leaves that was fastened at one shoulder, but draped decoratively
around the rest of her body. "But I am also Athena, the goddess of wisdom, patron of Athens and of ordered battalions."
Azusa's and Misaski's eyes widened in shock. Athena kneeled in front of Azusa. "Oh, I love you Azusa. You know this,
and this has troubled me for centuries, whether or not to tell you who I was. It scared me, that I was a goddess
of wisdom and I being scared of what you would do when you found out I remained silent." She dropped her head. "It
shames me that I can command armies but I could not tell my own husband who I was and I let him believe in something
that was a lie by omission. Can my husband forgive me?" She turned to Misaski. "Can my sister-wife forgive me?"
In the silence that followed, the sounds of downstairs seemed unbelievably loud. Clanking dishes and the laughter
of women caught up in the simple act of creating a meal together. The miya's of a cabbit rising above all this
from time to time.
----------------------------
Washu glanced up the stairs, the movement of her fingers across the keyboard slowing to a stop.
"Athena." She whispered. "So you have finally told them." She grinned. "You are almost as good at chaos as I am."
"Mother." Ryoko entered the room, noticing her mother's stillness. She blinked. "Is there something wrong?"
"I just felt a power in the house, that is all." Washu shrugged.
"Funaho?" Ryoko dropped next to her mother, looking at the half formed equations on the screen, pretending an interest
so they could have a quiet conversation.
Washu blinked. "How did you know?" Her voice was low and conversational.
"She dropped in on Tenchi and I a couple nights ago." Ryoko smiled. "When Tenchi and I were still trying to decide
whether or not to take Azusa's offer."
"Were trying?"
"Don't press, mother. Tenchi and I will tell everyone when we are ready. Was it Funaho?"
"Yes, but not Funaho. If you understand me." Washu gave her daughter a hard look.
::Athena then.:: Ryoko sent silently.
::Yes.::
::She decided to give up the secret.:: Ryoko sighed inwardly. ::I wish her good luck.::
::A goddess of wisdom she may be, but a woman in love is never wise.:: Washu admonished her daughter.
Ryoko gave a small laugh. "That is the truth."
"But who will be coming down for breakfast is the biggest question on my mind; Funaho or Athena?" Washu's sharp
green eyes looked out of the corner of her eye at her daughter.
Ryoko just winked back.
"Ryoko, could you come watch this soup?" Sasami yelled from the kitchen.
"I'll be right there, Sasami!" Ryoko yelled back.
---------------------------
Yosho and Yoru walked into the dining room at a slow and sedate pace, the pace that only trained preists could
get away with since they generally weren't called upon their tardiness if they happened to be late. Which was
rare, if ever, being late was the way of protoges and novices.
"More tampering with space and time, Ms. Washu?" Yoru looked around the dining room with awe. It had been a fair
mid sized room, but now was heading towards banquet proportions.
"I am glad you appreciate my work." Washu laughed.
Tokimi entered from the kitchen, her eyes alighting upon the two older men and then swept about the room. "Well, sister
you always went for the rather dramatic." She said dryly. "It is nice to see you haven't changed."
"The actual expression is 'flair for the dramatic,' sister." Washu corrected, but smiled to soften her words.
Tokimi rolled her eyes. "Proffessor Hakubi rears her head." Tokimi turned to Yoru and Yosho and bowed. "I am afraid
we haven't been introduced. I am Washu's elder sister Tokimi."
"A pleasure." Yoru bowed back. "I am Yoru, a teacher of Tenchi and Ryoko."
"Ryoko was talking about you, she is very pleased with what you have taught her." Tokimi smiled.
"Tokimi," Yosho said softly. "Very interesting, that is not a common name." He bowed. "I am Yosho, Tenchi's
grandfather."
Washu watched silently and inwardly worried. 'Does he suspect, Yosho is extremely bright. Oh, if he didn't
suspect I would worry more.'
::Soon everything will be out in the open, you need to stop worrying. You'll make yourself sick.:: Tokimi
reassured Washu. ::Perhaps you should take off your own disguise and stop worrying about his.::
::Yosho's?::
::He cannot fool me, and I know he hasn't fooled you.:: Tokimi snickered. ::Besides it was put in place by Tsunami,
we should see through it as a matter of course. She isn't trying to fool US, but the people on earth.::
"How is breakfast coming, Tokimi?" Washu said aloud, looking over her shoulder at the kitchen.
"Almost ready and somehow we managed not to spoil it."
"Mihoshi isn't up yet," Was Washu's retort.
Tokimi laughed and Yosho smiled slightly. "Yes, she can be rather clumsy."
Tokimi shook her head. "Oh, I know of Mihoshi."
"Morning everyone." Mihoshi yawned, then smiled brightly at the group. "Wow, Washu, this is huge." Her big blue eyes
took in the room. "But of course that makes sense, there is a lot of people here now." Her gaze stopped on Tokimi.
"Hello, I am Galaxy Police Detective Mihoshi Kuramitsu at your service."
"Tokimi." The brunette replied.
"Tokimi," Mihoshi's jaw dropped. "You are Tokimi, the. . ."
"Mihoshi." Washu snapped, glaring at her.
"What Ms. Washu?"
Washu's eyes narrowed.
"What did I say?" Mihoshi wailed.
Tokimi glared down at her sister. "Washu, that wasn't necessary." She wrapped an arm about Mihoshi. "Yes, I am THAT
Tokimi."
Mihoshi brightened up. "I thought so, but then again I couldn't be sure, it was only a class at the Academy." She burbled
on for a few more moments before looking confused. "What was I talking about again?"
Tokimi frowned. ::I didn't do anything.::
::She is always like this.:: Washu sighed, ::Some sort of brain damage I think, but I can't get her to stay still enough
to run tests.::
::You are a GODDESS, Washu. Run tests?:: Tokimi mentally gaped.
::Oh, forget it.::
"Breakfast is almost ready." Sasami's pigtailed head popped out of the kitchen. "Good Morning, Yosho, Good Morning Mr.
Yoru. Morning Mihoshi."
"Oh, good morning Sasami." Mihoshi strode over to the kitchen. "How can I help with breakfast?"
"Well, you can go find everyone who isn't downstairs already and tell them to come. Except for Tenchi, he's in the
feilds and Ryoko will tell him." Sasami added as an afterthought, knowing the blonde would search all over for Tenchi
unless told otherwise.
"Okay, I'll be right back."
Sasami smiled back. "Thank you, Mihoshi." Her eyes settled upon the others who were standing there. "Could you guys
help me set the table." Her head whisked back into the kitchen, and a "No, Ryo-ohki, like this." Was heard.
Tokimi grimaced. "Washu, do it the easy way."
"It would be faster" Washu waved her hand and all the Masaki dishes appeared at appropriate intervals on the table,
which was now covered in a large white table cloth.
There was a slight exclamation from Sasami in the kitchen. "The dishes!"
Washu grinned. "Do you need help carrying in the food?" She called into the kitchen area, then dared to enter.
Ryoko lounged near the stove, keeping an eye on all the contents and peeling carrots with the other eye.
Sasami ran around, dishing food into serving bowls and adding spoons and ladles after the dish was full.
"That would be very helpful, Mom." Ryoko smiled over at her mother, taking her eyes off of both tasks for a moment,
but her attention went immediately back to what she was doing.
"MIYA!!!" Ryo-ohki added from her corner of the kitchen table.
"I'll need all the help I can get, Ryo-ohki." Washu nodded.
---------------------------
A sharp rap on the door broke the silence in the bedchamber.
No one moved to answer it.
"Hello, Hello. Your majesties." Mihoshi's voice rang out, becoming more and more confused as no one answered within.
Athena looked up at Azusa, tears stung and pooled in her eyes. "Azusa," her voice quavered.
Misaski reached down and grabbed Funaho's hand and glared at her husband.
"I cannot believe you." Her voice was slightly harsh. "Athena gave up everything she had here on Earth to be with
you. Don't be stubborn, husband."
"Breakfast is ready." Mihoshi said loudly and they heard periphally the sound of her footsteps going down the hallway.
"She is still the same woman." Misaski insisted.
Azusa was just staring down at the Athena.
"I don't know her." His voice was harsh and fast.
Athena turned her head away, tears began to stream down her cheeks.
Misaski couldn't take it, she loved Funaho/Athena as much as she loved her husband. "Then I don't know you either."
Misaski slid off the bed and wrapped her arms around Athena, her long blue tresses shading the both of them from
Azusa's stare. Her head came up. "The Azusa that I love would not let a petty thing such as appearance or a name
get in the way of his judgement or in the way of his love for his wife." She frowned. "I am sure that Athena had good
reasons for not telling us, because I trust her."
"She lied, how can you trust her?"
"Funaho lies for you, always with good reason. Funaho and Athena are the same person, they share the same heart, emotions
and motivations. Why should I not trust her? I have placed my life in her hands as many, if not more times than you
have, Azusa Jurai." Misaski rubbed Athena's shoulders as she gave this impassioned speech.
"I did not want you to rely on me for answers, Azusa." Funaho gasped between almost soundless sobs. "You are an intelligent
man and I knew you would be able to find the answers yourself. I loved you because of your independence and intelligence.
If you had known, you might have become dependent on me for answers and stopped being the man I loved."
Azusa was silent.
"I don't understand." He finally said. "Why would that have made any difference?"
"You would have treated me differently." Funaho sobbed. "Azusa you treated me as a MAN treats a WOMAN. You didn't
see how others venerated me. Earthlings know I am different no matter how I look or act and they treat me as
something to be worshiped. I didn't want you to worship me and only talk to me when seeking answers to a problem."
"I wouldn't have done that."
"Can you be sure?" Athena gulped. "If you knew could you be certain that you would have never asked me to use my powers
in an unethical manner?"
"Of course not," Azusa breathed.
"Even during the harsh times before the children were born. Even during Ryoko's raid and the chaos afterwords."
Azusa began to look troubled.
"The wars, the battles we fought so hard to win made the freedom that much greater. I doubt it would be the same if
I had just waved my hands and given the soldiers the power to win battles easily. We wouldn't worship Tsunami, Azusa.
Your people would worship me. Think of it, no Jurain heroes or legendary battles that keep the council in line.
Just the worship of me and a return to the dictatorship Jurai once suffered under, only with new names and faces."
Athena's voice was bitter. "So, I didn't tell you. I held my hand from helping you. And it was a bitter cup to drink,
to see the lives I could have saved, the friends I could have healed, the battles we could have won but didn't. Then we
found out later that even if we had won those places would have done us no good."
Azusa's forehead was creased in lines, lips behind his mustache turned down into a deep frown.
"Could you have resisted the temptation?" Athena whispered.
Azusa closed his eyes. "No."
"You show true wisdom, my husband." Athena nodded.
"From you, my love that is high praise." Azusa also kneeled down on the floor next to her. "I love you and I cannot hold
this against you. You have always given me your love and I need that more than I need to know answers."
Athena threw herself into his arms and he caught her lips in a loving kiss.
---------------------------
many thanks for creating such a wonderful universe and characters and a truly
unique situation. Cheers.
however the ideas in this story are mine, if you wish to use them contact
me FIRST at either ring_princess@hotmail.com or ring_princess2001@yahoo.com the worst
I'll say is no.
What Should Have Been
Chapter Seven: Family Moments
Ryoko stretched languidly and turned on her side to watch her still sleeping fiance. Inside
her chest, her heart thumped slightly faster as if her body and her brain could still not
comprehend the fact that he loved her and only her, even after two months.
She sighed in pure pleasure. To be loved by Tenchi was all she had ever dreamed of in
the last twenty years and now she had it. She was more than complete.
She leaned down and brushed her lips slightly across his.
He mumbled something and she laughed slightly. "Honey, wake up."
He turned over and resolutely shoved his head under his pillow.
"Today is an important day, I can feel it." Ryoko trailed her fingers down his spine.
Tenchi flopped over and slowly moved the pillow off his head. "Oh."
"Mmmm-hmm." Ryoko nodded, using her fingers to now trace his exposed chest. He smirked up at
her.
"Everyday is important."
"But today is extremely important and if we don't get out of bed we are going to miss it."
Tenchi sighed and seemed to think about it. "I have decided." He began after a few moments
of silence.
Ryoko raised an eyebrow, her eye twitching sporadically. They had learned to keep their
thoughts from intruding on each other all the time, that was the only way they could keep
seperate personalities really and his mind was opaque to her.
Instead of finishing he rolled up to his side as well and leaned in close to kiss her.
Ryoko leaned into the kiss, opening her mouth to allow the entrance of his tongue, twisting
hers around it as he explored her mouth.
He pressed her back into the bed and she smirked against the kiss. He broke the kiss and
smirked back down at her. "I think you like my decision, love."
She laughed, a soft rolling laugh. "I do love you, my Tenchi."
He leaned back down and nibbled her ear. "And all of my little surprises."
Ryoko sighed in pleasure. "Yes, all of them."
"I love you as well, my Ryoko."
"And all of my surprises."
"Especially your surprises." He whispered huskily.
They laughed together. Ryoko ran her hands up and down his hard body. "We still should
get up."
"Thank goodness it is still the weekend." Tenchi murmured and rolled off her.
She pouted over the loss of his warmth and the feel of his smooth skin. He winked at her
and she winked back.
------------------------
Sasami giggled as Ryo-ohki begged for a carrot on the floor. "No, you'll ruin your breakfast
you greedy creature." She mock admonished, even as she threw the cabbit a carrot.
Ryo-ohki mock glared back, but eagerly accepted the carrot, munching on it with small
crunching noises.
Ryoko was running Tenchi's brush through her hair as she came into the kitchen and shook
her head at the antics of the cabbit. "You know better than to beg for carrots, Ryo-ohki."
"Mia." Ryo-ohki stuck her tongue out at Ryoko, who laughed in response.
"Scamp." Ryoko murmured affectionally and gazed warmly around the kitchen.
Sasami smiled happily. "So, what are we having for breakfast, Ryoko?"
"It is your turn to choose, I'll just help cook." Ryoko wrinkled her nose. "Must
I make all the decisions this morning."
Sasami looked at her curiously. "What other decisions did you make this morning?"
Ryoko flushed slightly. "Oh, nevermind. What do you want to make Sasami?"
"I don't know. I don't even know what is in the fridge." Sasami pointed out, she
opened the fridge and began to peer up and down at the contents.
Ayeka yawned as she also entered the kitchen, her long hair falling straight behind her,
not up in the usual ponytail.
"You look positively provential this morning Princess." Ryoko snickered as she began
to cut carrots for Ryo-ohki's breakfast.
"I don't know what you mean, you smelly Pirate." Ayeka sniffed.
Ryoko grinned. "It is called perfume, princess. Tenchi bought it for me on our shopping
spree."
"Shopping spree?" Ayeka sounded quizzical.
Ryoko raised her eyebrows. "A full day of shopping, I had never heard of something like
that either until Tenchi brought it up. He said that if I was going to be here for awhile
that I couldn't run around in my alien outfits."
"Oh, I think I see."
Ryoko flushed. "He spoiled me really."
Ayeka sighed a small sad sigh. "I wish I had someone to do something like that for me."
"Oh, Ayeka, I'm sorry. I shouldn't talk of such things without thinking." Ryoko walked over
and wrapped her arm around the princess.
"Don't be sorry Ryoko. You are happy and that is wonderful and I want to hear about your
happiness. What is the scent?"
Ryoko looked at the princess concerned, but she seemed genuinely interested. "Something
with cherry blossoms and jasmine. I can never remember the name."
"Huh?" Ayeka looked thoughtful. "Well, it actually smells rather pleasant."
Ryoko smiled softly. "Thank you princess."
"Ayeka." Ayeka said firmly.
"Ayeka." Ryoko said softly.
Sasami smiled and tried not to cry. They were friends. Suddenly it occured to her that
breakfast hadn't even been started yet.
Placing her hands on her hips she cleared her throat. "I hate to interrupt your moment
but breakfast needs to be made."
Ryoko and Ayeka giggled at Sasami's attempt to be mean. Soon Sasami also broke out into
giggles, the house ringing with their cheerful abandon.
"Well doesn't everybody sound happy this morning." A nasally voice, a distinct Washuism
said from the doorway.
"Morning Mom."
"Morning Ms. Washu." Ayeka and Sasami chorused.
Washu sighed. "Just when I had you trained."
"MOM!" Ryoko gasped between guffaws at her mother's woe be gone expression.
"I LIKE being called Lil Washu." Washu said defensively.
Sasami giggled and began to pull things out of the fridge. "It is hard to be Lil' Washu when you are so
OLD!"
Washu looked grave for a few moments and then suddenly smiled. "But that is the wonderful thing about being
able to control your age, Sasami." She laughed again.
Ryoko smiled softly and began to help Sasami set out ingredients for breakfast.
-----------------------------------
Tokimi stood in the middle of Washu's lab, the plants, the water and yes even the cushions had reappeared
with a wave of Washu's hand.
Tokimi began pacing, it had been many years indeed since she had wrestled with indecision. It wasn't
pleasant, in fact it was damn uncomfortable. Her white cape swished back and forth with her turning,
her fingers clenched into fists so tight that her claws dug into her palms.
"Just go to breakfast, sister." Tsunami appeared over the lake of water, her robes shimmering where they
met the surface.
"It isn't that simple." Tokimi whirled to face her.
"But it is."
"The consequences of such an action. . ."
"Are neglible." Tsunami waved her hand.
"You are liked in this house, so you haven't the worries I do."
"Now you know to choose your servants more wisely." Tsunami sniffed, but then smiled to soften the
rebuke of her words.
Tokimi only sighed. "That is hard when only certain types of people are drawn to you, sister."
"Perhaps you should change your focus."
"Balance sister. That is why I was trying to contact Washu, the universe has been out of balance."
Tsunami nodded, "and that is why I led Sasami here as well."
Tokimi bit the inside of her lip and Tsunami laughed. "Go to breakfast, Sasami is a wonderful cook and
Ryoko is just as good."
"You aren't going to leave me alone unless I go are you?" Tokimi questioned shrewdly.
Tsunami grinned. "I am a little sister and Sasami has been giving me lessons."
Tokimi groaned.
"You might want to change into something less. . . intimidating." Tsunami added hesitantly.
Tokimi crossed her arms.
"What is wrong with my clothes?"
Tsunami snickered. "You've never met Tenchi's father and well. . . to put it mildly
he is a lech. Plus, you can be exceedingly scary."
Tokimi humphed.
"Come on." Tsunami wheedled. "It could be fun to actually allow some CHANGE into
your life."
"Sister." Tokimi sighed. "You are taking these little sister lessons a bit too seriously."
Tsunami laughed as the air around Tokimi shimmered and in less than a nano second the
goddess was dressed more demurely. Tokimi looked down at the dress and shook her head.
"I won't pretend to understand humans."
"Neither does Washu, she just refuses to admit it. By the way, do warn her that you are coming
to breakfast."
Tokimi glared at her sister who dissappeared with a wink and a laugh.
----------------------------
Washu swallowed, green eyes flickering towards at the spacelab door.
'Now I have no choice but to tell them.' She thought dismally as her glance went towards
Tenchi and Ryoko, 'How do you explain a goddess showing up and claiming to be your sister.'
::Simple, they don't know I am a goddess.:: Tokimi reassured Washu.
::Can you be sure?::
::No.::
Washu cleared her throat. Catching the attention of all the family that was awake. "A relative of mine
has arrived and I was hoping she could join us for breakfast."
Quiet reigned across the kitchen.
Ryoko was staring at her mother, amber eyes narrowed. ::Washu, a relative, we don't. . .::
::Ryoko, I need to talk to you after breakfast, alone please.::
::I can't.::
::Please.:: Washu begged.
Ryoko's eyes widened. Washu didn't beg, ever. She nodded solemnly.
Tenchi was looking between the mother and daughter, knowing there was a conversation going on but helpless
to know what it was about or to overhear. Ryoko reached over blindly and patted his arm to reassure him.
Sasami looked down at a glass of water and was surprised to see Tsunami's reflection winking back up at
her. Sasami grinned slightly and looked up at Washu. "Who is it, exactly?"
"My sister," Washu began and was immediatly interrupted.
"A sister, Ms. Washu." Ayeka protested. "You have never talked about your family."
A pained look flashed across Washu's face. "I haven't had much luck with family, Ms. Ayeka."
"Oh," Ayeka's hand went to her mouth. "I am sorry, Ms. Washu. I know better than this."
Washu shook her head. "Don't apologize."
"But I must." Ayeka said breathily. She came closer to Washu and suddenly kneeled down to give the
young/old child/woman a hug. She pulled back and looked at Washu. "We are your family now, as well."
Washu's eyes burned and she struggled not to cry. "Thank You, Ms. Ayeka."
Ayeka hugged her close again. "You are more than welcome, Lil' Washu."
'We are family, Ayeka. You just don't know it yet.' Washu thought and her eyes tracked across the room
to meet the warm pink eyes of Sasami.
Sasami couldn't contain herself anymore. "Oh, sister." She shouted happily and ran over to join the hug.
'Now who exactly is she talking too.' Tokimi thought as she entered on this sweet scene. She smiled and
shook her head, blue and purple eyes soft. 'You deserve some happiness, Washu, sister. I am sorry for
making you and yours suffer so.'
Tokimi looked around the room and smiled at the handsome young couple who clung to each other, tears of
happiness in their eyes. 'Ryoko,' Tokimi thought. 'You are as beautiful as your mother, and who is this man
you lean on so. Is this Tsunami's Knight, Tenchi?' Tokimi bit the inside of her lip. 'You chose so well,
and so unknowning of what is coming.' Her gaze took in the cabbit on Ryoko's shoulder. 'And you have a ship,
one as loyal as only shared blood, experiences and love can make loyalty. I hope that it is never tested
and broken.'
Washu stepped back from Ayeka and started slightly when she saw Tokimi in the doorway.
"Sister." Washu whispered. She tried to quickly compose herself but couldn't. "Tenchi, Ryoko this is my
elder sister Tokimi."
Tokimi bowed. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you." She smiled slightly. "Especially my niece Ryoko, and
may I offer congradulations on your impending marriage."
"Thank You." Ryoko stuttered. Tenchi stood mute, but managed a nod.
Ayeka stood up and bowed back to Tokimi. "I am First Princess Ayeka Jurai and this is my sister, Sasami
Jurai. Welcome."
Tokimi blinked. "Thank you, Princess Ayeka." Her gaze traveled back to Tenchi. "I am sorry for intruding so
suddenly upon the hospitality of your home, Lord Tenchi."
Tokimi wasn't sure, but it might have been what she said. Yet, suddenly Tenchi burst out laughing, Ryoko
with him. Tenchi began to control himself but caught Ryoko's twinkling eyes and lost it again.
"Mother, would you expand the dining room to seat however many guests we have." Ryoko requested between chuckles.
Tokimi raised an eyebrow at Sasami. "Did I miss something?"
Sasami shook her head. "Not exactly. Perhaps Tenchi will explain it when he gets a hold of himself."
"Over breakfast." Tenchi gasped and shook his head. "But before then I have to do a quick check on the fields. You
know the usual grind, even if my life is not at all usual." He kissed Ryoko's cheek and was out the door, still laughing.
-------------------------------
Azusa stared at his wives. "How much time do you think we have?"
"To wait or are you refering to something else?" Misaski was brushing her long aqua, her pink eyes met his in the
mirror.
Funaho sighed. "When Tenchi accepts there will be a great upset at Jurai."
"You are certian he will accept." Azusa's voice seemed pleading.
"I am, husband." Funaho smiled and then frowned. "He doesn't fit in here on earth." She shook her head. "Then
again he might not fit in on Jurai either."
"Perhaps it would be best if Tenchi and Ryoko did NOT fit in." Misaski mused, setting her brush down.
"All things considered, I suppose you are right." Funaho nodded, biting her lip. "All things considered," she
murmured quietly again more to herself than anyone in the room.
Azusa sat down next to her and placed an arm around her. "You have been very troubled since we arrived on Earth,
Funaho."
"This is the first time in many years I have spent a long period of time here." She placed her head upon his
shoulder. "There are so many memories and. . ."
"Your family is dead as well." Azusa said quietly. "I am. . ."
Funaho reached up and placed a finger over his lips, silencing him. "My family is not the kind that dies easily.
Do not be sorry for me, Azusa."
"You act as if they still live, sister." Misaski moved from the vanity to also sit next to Funaho.
Funaho looked over at her, "They do still live, and that is the very problem."
Azusa and Misaski narrowed their eyes. "My dear, there has been many a man who has thought I was insane, but. . ."
Funaho pulled away from Azusa and looked at him straight in the eyes. "I am not crazy, my family still lives."
"How can they, sister-wife? They are earthlings." Misaski asked patiently.
"Earthlings!" Funaho laughed quietly. "They would resent you calling them that. No, they believe they CREATED earthlings."
She paused. "Human life came from them." She shook her head. "Or should I say us." She stood up and turned to face them.
"Us. . ." Misaski raised an eyebrow.
"Well, husband. You never asked to actually MEET my family." Funaho smiled at him. "Father was a bit put out about
that, but he seems to anger easily at times. Mostly I think it is his Sister-Wife Hera that annoys him."
"Hera?"
"Yes Azusa, my father is Zeus, Supreme Ruler of Olympus, the caller of storms, whose champion is the great Eagle."
Funaho began. "My father is a god." She ended and sighed. "Which of course leads to the eternal question of
Who am I?"
"Funaho." Azusa whispered.
"Yes, I am Funaho. I love being Funaho," She waved her hand slightly and the appearance she had used for a millenia
fell away, her hair was still black, yet now it was wavy. Her skin was lighter and her eyes were silvery grey. She now
wore a purple chiton (floor length tunic) girdled about the waist and sprinkled with silver stars and a sheer pale
grey himation (outer cloak) with a border of olive leaves that was fastened at one shoulder, but draped decoratively
around the rest of her body. "But I am also Athena, the goddess of wisdom, patron of Athens and of ordered battalions."
Azusa's and Misaski's eyes widened in shock. Athena kneeled in front of Azusa. "Oh, I love you Azusa. You know this,
and this has troubled me for centuries, whether or not to tell you who I was. It scared me, that I was a goddess
of wisdom and I being scared of what you would do when you found out I remained silent." She dropped her head. "It
shames me that I can command armies but I could not tell my own husband who I was and I let him believe in something
that was a lie by omission. Can my husband forgive me?" She turned to Misaski. "Can my sister-wife forgive me?"
In the silence that followed, the sounds of downstairs seemed unbelievably loud. Clanking dishes and the laughter
of women caught up in the simple act of creating a meal together. The miya's of a cabbit rising above all this
from time to time.
----------------------------
Washu glanced up the stairs, the movement of her fingers across the keyboard slowing to a stop.
"Athena." She whispered. "So you have finally told them." She grinned. "You are almost as good at chaos as I am."
"Mother." Ryoko entered the room, noticing her mother's stillness. She blinked. "Is there something wrong?"
"I just felt a power in the house, that is all." Washu shrugged.
"Funaho?" Ryoko dropped next to her mother, looking at the half formed equations on the screen, pretending an interest
so they could have a quiet conversation.
Washu blinked. "How did you know?" Her voice was low and conversational.
"She dropped in on Tenchi and I a couple nights ago." Ryoko smiled. "When Tenchi and I were still trying to decide
whether or not to take Azusa's offer."
"Were trying?"
"Don't press, mother. Tenchi and I will tell everyone when we are ready. Was it Funaho?"
"Yes, but not Funaho. If you understand me." Washu gave her daughter a hard look.
::Athena then.:: Ryoko sent silently.
::Yes.::
::She decided to give up the secret.:: Ryoko sighed inwardly. ::I wish her good luck.::
::A goddess of wisdom she may be, but a woman in love is never wise.:: Washu admonished her daughter.
Ryoko gave a small laugh. "That is the truth."
"But who will be coming down for breakfast is the biggest question on my mind; Funaho or Athena?" Washu's sharp
green eyes looked out of the corner of her eye at her daughter.
Ryoko just winked back.
"Ryoko, could you come watch this soup?" Sasami yelled from the kitchen.
"I'll be right there, Sasami!" Ryoko yelled back.
---------------------------
Yosho and Yoru walked into the dining room at a slow and sedate pace, the pace that only trained preists could
get away with since they generally weren't called upon their tardiness if they happened to be late. Which was
rare, if ever, being late was the way of protoges and novices.
"More tampering with space and time, Ms. Washu?" Yoru looked around the dining room with awe. It had been a fair
mid sized room, but now was heading towards banquet proportions.
"I am glad you appreciate my work." Washu laughed.
Tokimi entered from the kitchen, her eyes alighting upon the two older men and then swept about the room. "Well, sister
you always went for the rather dramatic." She said dryly. "It is nice to see you haven't changed."
"The actual expression is 'flair for the dramatic,' sister." Washu corrected, but smiled to soften her words.
Tokimi rolled her eyes. "Proffessor Hakubi rears her head." Tokimi turned to Yoru and Yosho and bowed. "I am afraid
we haven't been introduced. I am Washu's elder sister Tokimi."
"A pleasure." Yoru bowed back. "I am Yoru, a teacher of Tenchi and Ryoko."
"Ryoko was talking about you, she is very pleased with what you have taught her." Tokimi smiled.
"Tokimi," Yosho said softly. "Very interesting, that is not a common name." He bowed. "I am Yosho, Tenchi's
grandfather."
Washu watched silently and inwardly worried. 'Does he suspect, Yosho is extremely bright. Oh, if he didn't
suspect I would worry more.'
::Soon everything will be out in the open, you need to stop worrying. You'll make yourself sick.:: Tokimi
reassured Washu. ::Perhaps you should take off your own disguise and stop worrying about his.::
::Yosho's?::
::He cannot fool me, and I know he hasn't fooled you.:: Tokimi snickered. ::Besides it was put in place by Tsunami,
we should see through it as a matter of course. She isn't trying to fool US, but the people on earth.::
"How is breakfast coming, Tokimi?" Washu said aloud, looking over her shoulder at the kitchen.
"Almost ready and somehow we managed not to spoil it."
"Mihoshi isn't up yet," Was Washu's retort.
Tokimi laughed and Yosho smiled slightly. "Yes, she can be rather clumsy."
Tokimi shook her head. "Oh, I know of Mihoshi."
"Morning everyone." Mihoshi yawned, then smiled brightly at the group. "Wow, Washu, this is huge." Her big blue eyes
took in the room. "But of course that makes sense, there is a lot of people here now." Her gaze stopped on Tokimi.
"Hello, I am Galaxy Police Detective Mihoshi Kuramitsu at your service."
"Tokimi." The brunette replied.
"Tokimi," Mihoshi's jaw dropped. "You are Tokimi, the. . ."
"Mihoshi." Washu snapped, glaring at her.
"What Ms. Washu?"
Washu's eyes narrowed.
"What did I say?" Mihoshi wailed.
Tokimi glared down at her sister. "Washu, that wasn't necessary." She wrapped an arm about Mihoshi. "Yes, I am THAT
Tokimi."
Mihoshi brightened up. "I thought so, but then again I couldn't be sure, it was only a class at the Academy." She burbled
on for a few more moments before looking confused. "What was I talking about again?"
Tokimi frowned. ::I didn't do anything.::
::She is always like this.:: Washu sighed, ::Some sort of brain damage I think, but I can't get her to stay still enough
to run tests.::
::You are a GODDESS, Washu. Run tests?:: Tokimi mentally gaped.
::Oh, forget it.::
"Breakfast is almost ready." Sasami's pigtailed head popped out of the kitchen. "Good Morning, Yosho, Good Morning Mr.
Yoru. Morning Mihoshi."
"Oh, good morning Sasami." Mihoshi strode over to the kitchen. "How can I help with breakfast?"
"Well, you can go find everyone who isn't downstairs already and tell them to come. Except for Tenchi, he's in the
feilds and Ryoko will tell him." Sasami added as an afterthought, knowing the blonde would search all over for Tenchi
unless told otherwise.
"Okay, I'll be right back."
Sasami smiled back. "Thank you, Mihoshi." Her eyes settled upon the others who were standing there. "Could you guys
help me set the table." Her head whisked back into the kitchen, and a "No, Ryo-ohki, like this." Was heard.
Tokimi grimaced. "Washu, do it the easy way."
"It would be faster" Washu waved her hand and all the Masaki dishes appeared at appropriate intervals on the table,
which was now covered in a large white table cloth.
There was a slight exclamation from Sasami in the kitchen. "The dishes!"
Washu grinned. "Do you need help carrying in the food?" She called into the kitchen area, then dared to enter.
Ryoko lounged near the stove, keeping an eye on all the contents and peeling carrots with the other eye.
Sasami ran around, dishing food into serving bowls and adding spoons and ladles after the dish was full.
"That would be very helpful, Mom." Ryoko smiled over at her mother, taking her eyes off of both tasks for a moment,
but her attention went immediately back to what she was doing.
"MIYA!!!" Ryo-ohki added from her corner of the kitchen table.
"I'll need all the help I can get, Ryo-ohki." Washu nodded.
---------------------------
A sharp rap on the door broke the silence in the bedchamber.
No one moved to answer it.
"Hello, Hello. Your majesties." Mihoshi's voice rang out, becoming more and more confused as no one answered within.
Athena looked up at Azusa, tears stung and pooled in her eyes. "Azusa," her voice quavered.
Misaski reached down and grabbed Funaho's hand and glared at her husband.
"I cannot believe you." Her voice was slightly harsh. "Athena gave up everything she had here on Earth to be with
you. Don't be stubborn, husband."
"Breakfast is ready." Mihoshi said loudly and they heard periphally the sound of her footsteps going down the hallway.
"She is still the same woman." Misaski insisted.
Azusa was just staring down at the Athena.
"I don't know her." His voice was harsh and fast.
Athena turned her head away, tears began to stream down her cheeks.
Misaski couldn't take it, she loved Funaho/Athena as much as she loved her husband. "Then I don't know you either."
Misaski slid off the bed and wrapped her arms around Athena, her long blue tresses shading the both of them from
Azusa's stare. Her head came up. "The Azusa that I love would not let a petty thing such as appearance or a name
get in the way of his judgement or in the way of his love for his wife." She frowned. "I am sure that Athena had good
reasons for not telling us, because I trust her."
"She lied, how can you trust her?"
"Funaho lies for you, always with good reason. Funaho and Athena are the same person, they share the same heart, emotions
and motivations. Why should I not trust her? I have placed my life in her hands as many, if not more times than you
have, Azusa Jurai." Misaski rubbed Athena's shoulders as she gave this impassioned speech.
"I did not want you to rely on me for answers, Azusa." Funaho gasped between almost soundless sobs. "You are an intelligent
man and I knew you would be able to find the answers yourself. I loved you because of your independence and intelligence.
If you had known, you might have become dependent on me for answers and stopped being the man I loved."
Azusa was silent.
"I don't understand." He finally said. "Why would that have made any difference?"
"You would have treated me differently." Funaho sobbed. "Azusa you treated me as a MAN treats a WOMAN. You didn't
see how others venerated me. Earthlings know I am different no matter how I look or act and they treat me as
something to be worshiped. I didn't want you to worship me and only talk to me when seeking answers to a problem."
"I wouldn't have done that."
"Can you be sure?" Athena gulped. "If you knew could you be certain that you would have never asked me to use my powers
in an unethical manner?"
"Of course not," Azusa breathed.
"Even during the harsh times before the children were born. Even during Ryoko's raid and the chaos afterwords."
Azusa began to look troubled.
"The wars, the battles we fought so hard to win made the freedom that much greater. I doubt it would be the same if
I had just waved my hands and given the soldiers the power to win battles easily. We wouldn't worship Tsunami, Azusa.
Your people would worship me. Think of it, no Jurain heroes or legendary battles that keep the council in line.
Just the worship of me and a return to the dictatorship Jurai once suffered under, only with new names and faces."
Athena's voice was bitter. "So, I didn't tell you. I held my hand from helping you. And it was a bitter cup to drink,
to see the lives I could have saved, the friends I could have healed, the battles we could have won but didn't. Then we
found out later that even if we had won those places would have done us no good."
Azusa's forehead was creased in lines, lips behind his mustache turned down into a deep frown.
"Could you have resisted the temptation?" Athena whispered.
Azusa closed his eyes. "No."
"You show true wisdom, my husband." Athena nodded.
"From you, my love that is high praise." Azusa also kneeled down on the floor next to her. "I love you and I cannot hold
this against you. You have always given me your love and I need that more than I need to know answers."
Athena threw herself into his arms and he caught her lips in a loving kiss.
---------------------------