Subject: [FFML] [ffml][fanfic][tenchi][revised] Ryoko's Love: Ch. 3A:Naroda2 pt.1
From: EvilDrTran
Date: 5/26/1998, 3:00 PM
To: ffml@fanfic.com

Since this is a big chapter, I'm sending in two parts to make it easier on the
readers.  AOL tends to send it incomplete if the text is bigger than 30 pages.

Tenchi Muyo: Ryoko's Love...Alpha!
Chapter 3A: Naroda Beach Pt.2
By Long T. Tran




Disclaimer:


I don't own these characters, AIC/Pioneer owns them. I don't intend 
to make money off this because I don't want to get a lawsuit.  I'm 
too poor for that.  But this is my original story concept, so don't 
plagiarize!

Author's note:


I apologize for the long wait, as you can see, this is by far my 
biggest 
chapter.  I hope it was 
worth the wait for you folks.  Sorry for the suspense and metal 
torture I 
might've caused.


--------------------------------------------------------------------
------------ 


Safe Haven 


Naroda Beach; blanketed under the cover of the night sky, the beach 
house stood 
silent near the water's edge.  Tenchi carried Ryoko in his arms from 
Washu's 
portable boat.  Ryoko was barely conscious and Tenchi was still 
frantic from the 
traumatic experience that occurred.  

<How could this happen to her!?>  The day went by too well to end up 
like this!  
He thought with agitation. <Because of that stupid idea, she was 
nearly killed!>  

Conveying Ryoko up the flight of stairs of the elevated beach house, 
the events 
which led up to the incident returned to Tenchi...   


Ice Cream!


"Good!  Good!  Do some more of those poses!"  Tenchi directed 
excitedly.

The cool waters of Naroda beach flowed around Tenchi's feet as he 
took pictures 
of Ryoko in her newly owned sun hat.  Ryoko joyfully struck her 
different poses 
at every click of the camera, having a lot of fun.  She mimicked the 
moves of 
professional supermodels, sometimes, she would let loose and look 
silly 
intentionally, which made Tenchi lose control and laugh.  

Meanwhile, a few hundred feet away,  a small crowd of the beach's 
young women 
were gathered around an object of their fascination.

"Would you look at that hunk!!" said a blonde.

"Yah!  Look at those muscles!  And that washboard muscles!  Sigh!"  
A girl 
replied.

"What a body!  What hunk!  He's sooo cute!"  Said a brunette.

The crowd of women parted allowing Naroda's beach hunk to get up 
from his posing 
positions.  He stood up and grabbed a towel from a nearby bench 
press and wiped 
away all the sweat from his rippling chest.  The women swooned and 
sighed in 
response.  The Iron man obviously loved his status.   As the ladies 
fainted, the 
hunk looked over to the water's edge and noticed a girl with cyan 
hair running 
along the beach doing some poses in front of a spiky-haired guy with 
a camera.  

<Who is that girl?  She's so stunning!!  I gotta have her!>  The 
Herculean 
strongman thought excitedly.

After the half hour photo session, Ryoko and Tenchi sat down at the 
water's edge 
trying to figure what to do next.  Tenchi placed the camera into his 
pocket.  

"You really like taking pictures of me, don't you?"  Ryoko asked.

"Uhh...,I guess you can say that.  I'm really getting into this, it 
helps me 
relax."

"Well, that's nice to hear.  So, what do you want to do next?"

"Hmm.  I really don't know."  Tenchi said.  He looked across the 
sandy beach and 
noticed an ice cream stand.  "The only thing that comes to mind is 
getting some 
ice cream to cool down a bit."

"I'm feeling a little warm, myself.  Sounds good to me."  Ryoko 
agreed.  

"Besides, maybe some ice cream will help us decide on our next move.  
Food for 
thought."

"I couldn't agree more."

"Okay, then.  You stay here while I go fetch some.  What would you 
like?" 
Tenchi, asked.

"I just want a plain vanilla ice cream cone."

"Alright,  I'll be back."  

Tenchi stood up and walked off to go buy the ice cream.  Ryoko 
watched as he 
walked away, as soon as Tenchi was gone, Ryoko smiled happily to 
herself.

<Alright!!  Things are going so well!!  I am having so much fun with 
my 
Tenchi!>  Ryoko thought as she tipped her sun hat to make it more 
comfortable.

As Ryoko waited for Tenchi's return,  she watched little children 
swam and 
played in the water.  Suddenly, she was covered by another person's 
shadow.

"Excuse me."  Said a strong voice.

"Yes?"  Ryoko responded.

Ryoko looked up to find, possibly, Naroda beach's most muscular man.  
To Ryoko's 
awe,  he had huge arms, a thick barrel neck, pecks that resembled 
concrete 
slabs, and legs that could support steel beams.  The iron man had a 
full mane of 
black hair, his skin was fair bronze and his eyes were golden brown.

"I couldn't help but notice how natural you looked, acting like a 
supermodel a few 
minutes ago.  You looked absolutely stunning."

"Thank you."  Ryoko said in her most gracious manner, trying not let 
the 
stranger annoy her.

"And what is your name?"

"My name's Ryoko. Yours?" 

"My name is Goro."

"Well, nice to meet you, Goro.  I'd love to chat with you but I'm 
currently 
enjoying my date with somebody else." Ryoko said bluntly. 

"Oh.  You mean THAT little guy who's pointing his camera at you?"   
Goro asked 
while pointing at Tenchi.

"Yes.  Him."  Ryoko confirmed, frowning at Goro's insult of Tenchi. 

Meanwhile, it was really hot and Tenchi anticipated the taste of the 
ice-cold-sweet-taste of vanilla ice cream. 

[Cherish every precious moment you have with her...]  those strange 
words just 
kept lingering in his mind every time he thought about the Fortune 
telling 
Machine.

It was finally Tenchi's turn to order.  He walked up to the window 
and found 
that the clerk was one of his old school mates (from the currently 
undergoing 
reconstruction of Okayama High School).  A schoolmate that he can 
never forget, 
the guy was fat, very thick lips, thick octangular glasses, and 
short dandruffy 
hair.

"Tenchi?  Tenchi Masaki?!"

"Amagasaki?  Is that you?"

"It sure is!  How are you?"

"I'm doing fine and you?"

"Just working and saving up some money.  Say, I noticed that girl 
you're with.  
She looks pretty hot!  Is she your girlfriend?"

"Well, no.  Not exactly."

"Then what?  Your sister?"

"No, no!  She's uh,...just a friend."

"Oh, just a friend.  Well then, in that case, could you introduce me 
to her?"

"What?"  Tenchi started.

"You said she's just a friend, right?  I find her very attractive."  
Amagasaki said, very interested.

Unaware of his facial expression, Tenchi frowned slightly at 
Amagasaki's request. 

"I would really like to but I can't." Tenchi replied. "You see, 
she's not my 
girlfriend, family, or just a friend."

"Oh?  What do you mean?"

"Well, um,  she's my date.  And I'm trying to get to know her a 
little better.  
You understand that, right?"

"Oh sure!  I'm so sorry about that!"

"It's okay, it happens."

"What would you like to order?"  Amagasaki said, changing the issue.

"Just two cones of vanilla ice cream."

"Coming right up!"

Amagasaki carried out Tenchi's order quickly and handed the ice 
cream cones to 
Tenchi.

"Wow!  Thanks!  How much?"  Tenchi asked as he licked his ice cream.

"That'll be 200 yen."

Tenchi paid the clerk. Suddenly,  something in the back of his mind 
brought back 
the words of the Fortune telling machine... "Cherish every precious 
moment you 
have with her".  Tenchi looked over qt Ryoko's direction and noticed 
a huge, 
muscular man talking to her.

"Uh oh."  Amagasaki said uneasily.

"Uh oh, what?"  Tenchi asked. 

"You better watch out, Tenchi.  That guy's hitting on your date."

"You know him?"

"No but I've seen him work his charm.  He would hit on some girl 
regardless, 
single or not, and then later on, he would break the poor girl's 
heart."

"Is that so..."  Tenchi said, not having realized that he was 
frowning even more. 


Goro


"So...,Ryoko." Goro addressed, showing off his muscles in different 
Iron-man 
poses.  

"What."  Ryoko replied, growing more annoyed of the strongman's 
presence.

"What do you see in that little runt?"

"Excuse me?"

"You know, that little runt you're with.  What's his name?"

"Tenchi."  Ryoko said, growling.

"Oh right, Tenchi."  Goro said smugly, rippling his pecks at Ryoko.  
Ryoko rolled her eyes and finally lost her patience.

"Look, Goro.  I am really getting annoyed here.  Why don't you 
Amscre', ok?"

"You're telling me?  The 'Great Goro' to scram?"

"That's right."

"How can you say something like that?  No girl can't resist this!"  
Goro said, 
pointing at his abs and muscular features.

"I can."  Ryoko replied coldly.  Ryoko looked over and noticed 
Tenchi returning.
Ryoko was relieved to see Tenchi, she smiled.  She turned and looked 
up at Goro.

"Here comes my Tenchi."  Ryoko warned.

"Oh he is, is he?"  Goro said confidently and turned around.

Tenchi arrived holding to two ice cream cones in his hands, he 
walked passed 
Goro and stood in front of Ryoko. 

"Here you go, Ryoko." Tenchi said, handing Ryoko her ice cream cone.  

Ryoko happily received the cool treat and proceeded to lick off the 
vanilla.  

Goro cleared his throat and tapped Tenchi's shoulders.  "Excuse me."

Tenchi turned around and faced Goro.  "Yes?  Can I help you?"

"Yes, you can.  By handing me over your pretty little date."

Ryoko sighed in an exasperated manner, she continued on with her ice 
cream.

"E-excuse me?" Tenchi said, nervously.

"Yeah, you heard me.  I'm taking your date."

Tenchi glanced over to Ryoko with a confused looked, trying to 
figure out the 
muscle man's aggressive intentions.  In response to Tenchi's silent 
question, 
Ryoko shrugged.

"Pardon me but, uh...I didn't catch your name."

"My name's Goro and I am THE hunk of this beach."  Goro said with 
full bravado.

"Uh, right."  Tenchi replied uneasily

Meanwhile, behind the ice cream stand, the funny old man from the 
Beach 
Accessories shop watched as events unfolded between Goro and Tenchi. 


***


Washu 


Washu watched through the eyes of her invention with full 
attentiveness.  Ryo-
ohki stood behind her and watched.  For nearly half an hour after 
the "Cat-Man" 
incident, both had been quiet to each other, having agreed not to 
intervene on 
Ryoko's date.  The "Cat-Man" incident nearly exposed Washu's 
invention and 
things could've escalated.  Fortunately for Washu, things didn't.  
But as Washu 
and Ryo-ohki were about to leave Tenchi and Ryoko alone, a huge man 
walked up to Ryoko.  After another few minutes, the bigger man 
started to harass Tenchi.   Washu and Ryo-ohki both frowned at the 
computer screen.  

"Ryo-ohki, we've got to do something about that big lug.  I don't 
know about you 
but I'm willing to bend the rules of our agreement."

"Miya."  Ryo-ohki agreed.

"How should we take care of this big lug, hmm?"

The humanoid cabbit held her little chin and thought for a moment.  
After a long 
silent minute, an idea finally came to mind.  Immediately,  Ryo-ohki 
transferred 
her idea to Washu through their mental link. 

"That's a cool idea!  Why didn't I think of that?"  Washu exclaimed.  
Washu 
typed onto her holocomputer at lightning speed.  Changing the form, 
size and 
shape of the android. 

Ryo-ohki shrugged and sent an insulting thought to Washu.

"Oh hush!"  Washu barked.  "Don't let it go to your head that you 
thought of it 
first!"

Ryo-ohki beamed happily as Washu continued on typing.


Aeka's New Bodyguard


Meanwhile, back to the blue-roofed Masaki home,  Aeka and Shoji had 
just 
finished changing into much drier clothing.  Both sat across from 
each other 
from the living room area, waiting on Sasami to bring out some tea.  

All day long, the thought of Tenchi and Ryoko being together for one 
day worried 
Aeka deeply.  As if things weren't enough, her father had to send in 
a new body 
guard to protect her.  Aeka studied Shoji for a couple of long, 
silent minutes 
trying to figure out her father's motives on why he replaced her 
guardians with 
Shoji.  Not wanting to make Shoji feel like a spy under an 
interrogating light, 
she decided to start a simple, friendly question and answer 
conversation.

"Pardon me for being cold to you a little bit earlier." 

"No not at all, your highness.  I deserved that treatment, after 
all,  I did get 
you drenched and I apologize for that clumsy display."

"It is alright.  It is in the past, no need for any further 
apologies."  Aeka 
assured.  

"As you wish."  Shoji said with relief. 

Aeka smiled softly. "I did not quite catch your full name, what was 
it again?"  

"My name is Shoji Takazawa of the Juraian Royal Guard." 

"Takazawa?" Aeka said inquisitively.  The name seemed familiar to 
her somehow.

"Yes."  Shoji replied.

"Hmm..." Aeka sounded as she thought through her memory.

As Aeka dug through her memories, Sasami walked out of the kitchen 
carrying a 
tray with tea and crackers, ready to serve.

"Here you go!"  Said the cheerful blue-haired princess.

Shoji had an awe-struck look on his face. "Princess Sasami, you're 
serving tea 
and crackers?"

"Yes?  Is there a problem?"  Asked the young one.

"No, none at all.  I just find it very interesting that a Juraian 
noble is 
serving and cooking."

"Oh!  Well, I don't mind doing it.  I find it a very fulfilling 
experience."

"Fulfilling?  How so?"  Shoji inquired curiously.

"I enjoy cooking mainly because it feels good.  I don't know.  It's 
just the 
fact that I'm just so darn good at it!"

"Very fascinating."

"You think so?"  Asked Sasami.

"Yes, of course it is!  It's not everyday a Juraian noble decided to 
serve food 
just for the sheer joy of it.  This shows very good character."

"Thanks Shoji!"  Sasami blushed.

"My pleasure, your highness."

At that very moment, Yosho walked into the house.  He stepped over 
to the living 
room area.  Shoji stood up from the sofa and bowed his head to greet 
the old 
man.

"Greetings, Prince Yosho."

"No need for formalities, Shoji.  You're on earth now and I don't 
want the 
locals seeing a young man, like yourself, bowing to a Shinto priest 
in such a 
formal manner."

"Indeed.  As you wish."

"So how do you like your new assignment, Shoji?"

"As far as I know, I think it's very unusual."

Yosho lifted an eyebrow and smiled.  "Oh? How so?"

"It's just so laid-back back on this planet."

"Do you find this unsettling?"  Asked Yosho.

"Oh no!"  Shoji replied immediately.  "I find that the countryside 
here is very 
beautiful and it rivals that of Jurai's.  And for the sheer fact of 
knowing that 
the presiding Juraian nobles are happy to be here."

"You are a very perceptive one, Shoji."  Yosho complimented.

"Yeah, well, anyhow.  That's basically my thoughts."  

As the two Juraian males conversed,  Aeka watched silently.  She 
found herself 
distracted from thinking about Tenchi and started to focus her full 
attention 
onto Shoji.

<There is this enigmatic quality about him.  His hair color is black 
and shorter 
compared to most Juraian males; very uncharacteristic for a Juraian.  
I wonder 
if he has any roots on earth?>  Aeka thought.  <Even for a Juraian 
Knight, his 
mannerisms are so informal.  Anyhow?  Now that is an unusual 
phrase!>  Aeka 
smiled at the thought.  <And he doesn't seem to mind being on this 
planet.  
Unlike Seriyou.>  She shivered at the thought of Seriyou. 

Sasami tugged at Aeka's sleeve. "Psst!  Hey Aeka."  Sasami 
whispered.   

"What is it, Sasami?"

"Don't you think he's cute?" 

"Sasami!"  Aeka whispered back, loudly.

"What?"  Sasami asked innocently.

"Do not ask me that sort of question!  This is neither the time nor 
place!"

"Alright.  Then I'll just ask you later."

Aeka sighed exasperatedly.  Both girls focused their attentions on 
Yosho and 
Shoji.

"You are an interesting character, Shoji."

"Thank you.  Your words are too kind."

"You're welcome."  Yosho responded.  Then he had an idea.  "By the 
way, since I'm responsible for Aeka's safety, I have to make sure if 
you're qualified 
enough to protect her."  

"I understand your concern for the crown princess's well-being.  How 
do you 
propose to test my capabilities?"

"I want to see how well you hold out against me."

The trio were stunned by Yosho's proposal.  

Shoji regained his composure.  "You mean to tell me that you want to 
challenge 
me in a mock duel?"

"That is correct."  Replied Yosho.  "Meet me at the shrine in half 
an hour.  I 
look forward in seeing what you're capable of."

"My sentiment's exact."  Shoji said confidently.  


***


Goro the Big Lug


"Listen, buddy, get it through your thick skull!"  Ryoko yelled.  "I 
don't want 
to go anywhere with you!  So quit bugging us!"

"Don't sweat it babe.  I'll liberate you from this little runt in no 
time."  
Said Goro.

"Who're you calling a RUNT?!"  Tenchi asked, finally losing 
patience, his fists 
clenched tightly. 

"I don't see any other runt around here, do you?"  Goro replied, 
poking his 
finger on Tenchi.  "Or do you want to settle this in a man's way?"  
Goro grinned,  cracking his knuckles.

"You leave Tenchi alone!!"  Ryoko barked, jumped and stood between 
Tenchi and 
Goro. "You're not laying a finger on him!"

"Stand aside,  I'll release you of this burden!"  Goro demanded.

"Burden?!?"  Tenchi yelled, quizzically.  "Why you, stuck up, 
arrogant, 
chauvenistic..."  Tenchi's noticed his explosive remarks and 
realized his verbal 
mistake, too late.

"Oh good!  Those sounded like fightin' words!"  Goro said excitedly, 
flexing himself, warming up for a brawl.  He steps closer to Tenchi 
but Ryoko pushes Goro back away.

"If you're going to hurt him!  You're going to have to get through 
me first!"
Ryoko proclaimed.  

"Ryoko,  let's not get into this any deeper than it should be.  
Let's just leave 
him."  Tenchi said, calmly.  He grabbed Ryoko's right arm and gently 
pulled her 
away from Goro.

"Oh no you don't!"  Goro yelled out.  He grabbed Ryoko's left arm 
and started 
pulling. "You're not getting her that easily!"

"Hey!  Let go of me, you idiot!"  Ryoko screamed. "Tenchi!"

"Let go of her!  Can't you see that she doesn't want to go with 
you?"  Tenchi 
said, pulling on Ryoko.

"She's mine, I tell you!"  Goro replied as he tugged.

"Tenchiii!"  

"I'm doing the best I can!"

"You two stop pulling on me!!  This is really getting painful!"  
Ryoko cringed.

"No way!  I'm not giving up until I have her!!" Goro affirmed.

"Let her go!  You're hurting her!!"  Tenchi yelled, pulling on 
Ryoko.

"Ouch ouch ouch!  Stop it, the both of you!  You're tearing me 
apart!"

Throughout this ordeal, Ryoko realized something about Tenchi.  
<This is what it feels like to be fought over.  To have myself and 
Aeka pulling Tenchi, hoping to win his love.>  Ryoko thought and 
frowned. 

The two continued pulling.  Suddenly, a hypnotic, sexy female voice 
is heard.  

"Boys, boys, no need to fight over one girl.  I'm here."

Tenchi, Ryoko, and Goro suddenly stopped and turned their heads 
towards the 
mysterious voice.  A tall, silky brunette, perfect tan skin, full 
red lips, 
perfect curvy-athletic figure, and last but not least the young lady 
was a white 
foreigner.  Tenchi, Goro, and Ryoko stopped their bickering and were 
stunned by 
the beauty of the new girl.  Ryoko was dropped to the sandy ground.  
The 
brunette swept her hair back and walked towards the Trio.  Tenchi 
quickly swayed 
his attention from the girl and helped Ryoko to her feet.

"My name is Venus, Venus de Milo.  Miya."  

Goro straightened up and regained his composure.  He brushed back 
his black mane 
of hair and cleared his throat.

"My name is Goro, uh, Goro de Marco."  Goro said and showed off his 
sparkly row 
of teeth. 

"Goro, eh?"  Venus said with curious interest.  She walked towards 
Goro.

Seizing the opportunity, Ryoko turned, faced Tenchi and pointed 
towards the 
ocean waters.  Tenchi nodded back understanding Ryoko's gesture.  
Suddenly, both 
jumped to their feet and sprinted towards the waves.

Goro saw Tenchi and Ryoko ran off through the corner of his eye, he 
ignored the 
two and focused his full attention onto the more beautiful girl 
named Venus.   

"So, Venus." Goro smirked. "Now that we're both alone.  How should 
we better 
acquaint ourselves?"

"You want to know?  Miya."  Venus asked, seductively.  She stepped 
closer to 
Goro and ran her fingers down his chest.

"Oh yeah." 

"Then I'll show you..." She said.  Venus stepped away from Goro and 
walked 
towards a secluded back area of the seaside hotel. "Follow me."  She 
blew a kiss 
at Goro.

Goro happily obliged Venus's enticing invitation.  After a few 
minutes of 
following Venus, they finally reached the seclusion.  The seclusion 
was perfect, 
it's away from any outside contact and they could do anything they 
wanted.  
Venus turned and faced Goro with yearning eyes. 

"So, what now?"  Goro asked sheepishly.

"What do you think, you fool?!  Kiss me!! Miya!"  Venus exclaimed 
and ran 
towards Goro's open arms.  They embraced each other and kissed each 
other full 
force.

Goro closed his eyes letting all his senses focus on Venus's working 
lips.  He 
held her tighter and kissed like he never kissed before.  After a 
long sensual 
moment, he opened his eyes, his eyes bulged out of their sockets.  
The site he 
saw was absolutely shocking!

Instead of finding himself kissing a beautiful foreign girl in his 
embrace, he 
was lip-locking with an old man!  An old, decrepit, short, and 
wrinkled up man 
was kissing him.

"AAAAAAAAAAHHHH!" Goro screamed, dropping the old man to the ground.  
Goro 
started to spit and gag all over the sands. "What the-?! Where's 
Venus?  What 
have you done to her?"

"Oh, Venus?  Miya! She's gone.  She wanted me to take care of you. 
Miya!"

"What? Where's Venus?"  Goro asked again while gagging.

"Miya! Geez, you are thick-headed, aren't you?  Miya!  Oh well,  
makes it easier 
for me."  Said, the old man.  "Miya!"

"W-What do you mean?"  Goro said nervously. "Miya?  Why are you 
meowing like a 
cat?"

The old man did not answer, he suddenly turned into a mass of green 
gelatin and 
enveloped Goro.  Goro struggled vainly for several minutes but 
finally gave out.  The green gelatin flashed bright red and released 
Goro.  The green gelatin reverted back to the form of an old man.  
The old man clapped and 
rubbed his hands together, content with the results.

"There!  All finished!  No more kitty-cat bugs in the system!  I'm 
cured!"  Said 
the old man.  Looking down at Goro, who was now crawling around the 
sands on all 
fours like a cat. 

"Miya! Miya! Miya!"  Goro meowed.

"I am a genius!"

"Miya!"  Goro replied.  Then he stopped crawling,  he sat on one 
spot, lifted 
his leg and started licking his underside.

"Well, looks like my work here is done. Switching off..."  


*** 


Washu and Ryo-ohki


"Yes!  Alright!  We've succeeded, Ryo-ohki!"  Washu said, giving the 
toddler a 
high five.

"Miya!!  Miya!"  The cabbit toddler exclaimed.

"Okay, we've had enough fun for one day."

"Miya..."  Ryo-ohki said disappointedly.

"I know I know.  Let's just leave the two of them alone, alright?  
We've helped 
them enough, they're on their own from this point on."

"Miya! Miya?" Ryo-ohki asked with a hint of concern for Goro. 

"Don't be silly!  I'm not that cruel!  Don't worry, the big lug will 
come out of 
that cat trance in a day or two."

"Miya!"  

Washu switched her holocomputer off and the screen disappeared.  
Washu stood up from her chair and stretched. 

"Let's go see what the others are up to."

"Miya!  Miya!"  Ryo-ohki said happily.  The toddler jumped up with a 
loud pop, 
and in mid-air, suddenly turned into a cabbit.  The cabbit landed on 
top of 
Washu's head.  

"Heh heh, Cute little furrball." Washu smiled, patted the cabbit, 
and made her 
way towards the exit door. 


Shoji Vs. Yosho


Shoji, Sasami, and Aeka finally arrived at the front of the shrine.  
Yosho stood 
patiently, ready and waiting. Shoji stepped away from Aeka and 
Sasami and stood 
three yards in front of Yosho.  Aeka and Sasami sat at the steps of 
the entrance 
of the Shrine.

"Are you ready, Shoji?"  Asked, Yosho.

"I'm ready."

"Good, we'll duel with these."  Yosho said, he threw a bokken over 
to Shoji.  
Shoji caught the bokken with his left hand and immediately postured 
into a 
Juraian ready stance. 

"What are the rules?"

"The rule is: First one to successfully strike one blow to the 
other's chest, 
wins.  No rematches, 'three out of fives', or anything likewise." 

"Understood."

"Let's begin."  Yosho said and stood ready for the duel. 

Silence passed over, during this, Shoji knew exactly what Yosho was 
capable of 
as a Swordsman.  Before Yosho left Jurai, seven hundred years ago, 
he was 
considered the best and greatest swordsman on Jurai.  Shoji would 
hear stories 
about Yosho's powerful skills and how he would devoutly practice his 
techniques 
daily.  Shoji respected Yosho as a swordsman and what he stood for,  
at the time 
of Ryoko's Attack on Jurai, Shoji was merely a young Royal Squire in 
his fourth 
year of training.  In a way, Yosho was his role model and the 
pinnacle of all 
the values Shoji believed in.  And now, he had the chance to see how 
well his 
skills will hold out against Yosho's, a chance to see how years of 
training and 
experience has shaped 
him as a swordsman.

As Yosho waited for Shoji's first strike,  Yosho thought about the 
news that 
surrounded Aeka's new bodyguard.  A few days ago, after having 
received the 
message from the king of Jurai that Shoji was to be Aeka's new 
Guardian, Yosho 
decided to do a little research on Shoji's past.  Courtesy of 
Washu's hyper 
channel communicator that was installed into his room.  Yosho was 
able to talk 
to one of his closest friends from childhood, Shoji's superior 
commander. The 
talk with his long-time friend, Naoju,  proved to be most 
interesting.  Shoji 
had served in the Royal Guard for the past several hundred years and 
had shown 
great potential as a swordsman.  From what Naoju had told Yosho, 
Shoji had been 
through quite a lot in his service and has attained a great amount 
of  
experience.  Yosho considered these points and decided to be extra 
cautious.   

After a silent minute,  Yosho and Shoji charged each other at a 
blinding speed.
Running and swinging his bokken, Shoji passed Yosho and missed.  He 
immediately 
turned around and deflected Yosho's strike.  Shoji back-flipped over 
Yosho's 
head and landed behind him and swung.  Not fast enough, Shoji missed 
Yosho 
again,  Yosho had leapt forward to avoid Shoji's strike.

As the two Juraian males fought on,  Aeka and Sasami watched with 
great 
interest.  Aeka watched as her older brother charged Shoji, she was 
grateful 
that the duel helped her distract her thoughts away from Tenchi.  
But then 
again, she thought about Tenchi anyways,  for some odd reason she 
knew that 
things were going to change between Tenchi, Ryoko, and herself.  
Aeka felt 
extreme anxiety, not wanting to know on how things will turn out 
after their 
date.  

<If Tenchi chooses Ryoko to be his love,  I will just simply go back 
home to 
Jurai, I will not look back and will not think about it any further.  
Why should 
I stay and watch Tenchi enjoy being around Ryoko?  I will not be 
able to bare 
it!>  Aeka buried the frightening thought and continued on watching 
the duel to 
distract herself away from thinking about Tenchi and Ryoko.  She 
refocused her 
attention back to the duel.   

"So this is where you girls are."  Washu said, sitting down next 
Aeka.

"Oh, hello Washu."  Aeka greeted.  

"Hi, Washu!"  Sasami greeted happily.  Ryo-ohki hopped from Washu's 
head and 
onto Sasami's.  The little princess welcomed the cabbit with a 
giggle.

"Well!  I'm going to go make some lunch!"  Sasami jumped up from the 
steps and 
ran towards the house.  "I'll be back with the food!"  And ran off 
with Ryo-ohki 
enjoying her ride, atop the princess's head.

"See you later, Sasami!" Washu yelled out and looked over and 
noticed the duel 
between Yosho and a person she had never seen before.

"Hey, who's the new guy?"  Washu, asked.

"He is my new guardian."  Aeka answered.  

"New guardian?"  Washu inquired further. "Since when?"

"Since this morning,  my father has reassigned Azaka and Kamadake to 
protect 
Sasami and they were replaced by Shoji."

"Hmm.  Really..."  Washu said curiously.

"Yes.  Really."

"I wonder why my father would do that in the first place.  The two 
guardians did 
a sufficient job with my protection.  Why would he suddenly replace 
them?"

"Gee, I wonder why, Aeka..."  Washu said sarcastically.

<Isn't it obvious to you that your father is trying to get you to 
see eye to 
eye?  Are you THAT engrossed with Tenchi to not see the reasons?>  
Washu thought 
for a second, she checked over to Aeka. <No wait. Stupid question.>

Washu looked over to Shoji and peered back to Aeka, the genius 
noticed that the 
princess was paying extra close attention to the fight.  

<But then again, Aeka does seem to be a bit curious about Shoji.  
Once Tenchi 
and Ryoko returns, I wonder how this will turn out.>  Washu thought 
and smiled 
deviously.

With a simple whim of her hand, she brought out her holocomputer and 
started to 
type away.  Aeka noticed and faced Washu with a curious look.

"Washu, what are you doing?" 

"Oh I'm just doing some miscellaneous study.  I just wanted to 
collect some data 
on Juraian biological fighting mechanics, you know, the study of 
movement."

"Oh, I see."  Aeka said with fascination.  "You never seem to stop 
studying, 
do you?"

"Nope."

"I figure you would say that.  You never-ending bookworm."  Aeka 
teased and 
smiled.

Washu ignored Aeka and continued on studying the two fighters. The 
holocomputer 
lit up with a flurry of information.  Washu beamed at the newly 
acquired data.

"Very interesting..."  Washu said contently. 
 
Aeka sighed.  "You are hopeless." 


***


Oh!  Hello, Dolphin!


After ditching Goro at the shore,  Tenchi and Ryoko swam around in 
clear blue 
waters for a few minutes.  Already putting Goro way back in the back 
of their 
thoughts, both laughed and enjoyed the cool refreshing ocean waters.  
They were 
about twenty five yards away from the shore, both stopped swimming 
and stood up.  
Ryoko stood next to Tenchi, to their surprise, the water was only 
chest-level.  
Ryoko still wore her red tank top and jean shorts over her bikini.  
Tenchi was 
just wearing his swimming trunks.  Annoyed by the weight of her wet 
clothing, 
Ryoko took off her shorts and red tank top to expose her swim 
attire.  

"Ah!  Now that feels better!"  Ryoko said with relief and threw her 
clothes 
aside into the water.

Tenchi noticed Ryoko's disregard for her clothing. "Uhh..., Ryoko.  
Won't you 
need to change into those after we finish swimming?"

"Nah, no need.  I have another pair back at the beach house."  Ryoko 
looked over 
to the shore of the beach and found that Goro wasn't there.  "Phew!  
Thank god 
he's gone!"  She exclaimed.

"Tell me about it.  That was the first time anybody knew how to push 
my buttons.  
That guy was so full of himself."  Tenchi said.

Ryoko nodded in agreement.  Then, she heard a peculiar squeaking 
sound coming 
from behind, Ryoko turned around and was suddenly overtaken by 
excitement.  She 
walked towards the source of the sound.  Leaving Tenchi behind.

"Well, that's the end of him.  I sure hope he doesn't bother us 
anymore.  So 
what do you want to do now, Ryoko?"  Tenchi asked.  He turned to his 
left side 
to face Ryoko but she wasn't near.  "Uh..., Ryoko?"

Tenchi scanned around for her in the surrounding waters.  Ryoko was 
no where to 
be seen. 

"Ryokooo!  Where are youuu?"  Tenchi inquired.  Through the corner 
of his eye he 
briefly saw a blur pass beside him.  "What the...?"  

Suddenly, Tenchi was enveloped by a pillar of water.  He found 
himself briefly 
underwater, Tenchi quickly jumped up and broke the water surface.  
He spat out 
the briny contents of the seawater and heard Ryoko's laughter.

"YIPPEEEE!"  Ryoko cheered happily, as she held on to the dolphin's 
flipper, 
riding through the water.

"R-Ryoko?"

"Look at me, Tenchi!  I'm riding a shark!"

"That's not a shark!"  Tenchi laughed as he watched the blue dolphin 
pulled 
Ryoko above the water's surface.  Ryoko freed herself from the 
dolphin and swam 
towards Tenchi.  

"Then what was that, I was riding on?"

"That's a dolphin.  Blue-nosed, I think."

"Oh yeah, that's right.  A shark's a little bit more dangerous, 
isn't it?"

"Uh-huh."

"Are there any around these waters?"

"Nope not that I know of.  I don't remember hearing about any news 
of shark 
attacks around the Naroda 
area."

"Oh ok, then I won't worry about it."

The little dolphin swam up to Tenchi.

"Uh..., hello!"  Tenchi greeted to the porpoise.

The dolphin whistles and click in return.  

"Looks like it likes you, Tenchi."

"You think so?"  Tenchi asked and looked over to Ryoko.

Ryoko grinned and nodded to Tenchi.

"Ah! I guess I have my ways with animals."  Tenchi said happily 
turned over to 
face the dolphin.  "Cute little..."  Suddenly, Tenchi was cut off 
mid-sentence 
by a huge spurt of water from the dolphin's mouth.    

Ryoko hugged herself and laughed out loud at Tenchi's wet reception.  
As Ryoko 
chuckled jovially, Tenchi coughed hard spitting out the salty water 
from his 
mouth.  The dolphin swam vertically atop the ocean's surface and 
moved 
backwards.  Then it disappeared below the surface of the water.

"Hahaha!"  Ryoko laughed.

"Quit laughing!  That's not funny!"

"For you it wasn't, but for me on the other hand..."  Ryoko cut 
herself off and 
continued on laughing.

"Oh yeah?"  Tenchi said deviously.  He immediately splashed the 
laughing Ryoko 
with a small wave of water.

Ryoko coughed and gave Tenchi a furious look.

"Now that's funny! HAHAHAHA!"  Tenchi chuckled.

"Oh, is that right?"  Ryoko challenged.  "I am the water queen!"  
She 
immediately splashed water at Tenchi's direction but he  ducked into 
the crystal clear water to avoid Ryoko's attack.  Tenchi suddenly 
popped back up and splashed Ryoko even more. 

"I've got you!  Water queen!"  Tenchi proclaimed gallantly, 
splashing Ryoko even 
further.

"AAH!"  Ryoko yelled happily, shielding the incoming water with her 
arms.  Ryoko
gasped with a shocked look in her eyes.  She pointed her finger at 
an object 
behind Tenchi.  "Look!  I can't believe it!  There's Washu!"

Tenchi's laugh disappeared.  "Huh? Where?"

"Sucker! Gotcha!"  Ryoko exclaimed and splashed Tenchi.

"Oh!  Being sneaky, eh?"  

Both continued splashing water at each other, giggling.  When 
suddenly, they 
here a strange rumbling-wavy sound coming from the open sea.  

"uhh..., Ryoko?  Do you hear that?" 

Ryoko nodded.  Tenchi and Ryoko turned around to see where the sound 
was 
emanating from.

"AAAAHHH!"  Both screamed simultaneously as a whole pod of dolphins 
swam past 
by, causing a huge onslaught of water.  After being drenched by the 
wave of sea 
water, Tenchi and Ryoko stood up and stared at the laughing 
porpoises.    


***


Lunch!


Sasami returned to the shrine, carrying with her a tray full of 
lunch.  The 
edibles were mostly comprised of finger foods and enough rice bowls 
to feed the 
group.  Sasami sat down next to Aeka and Washu.  Sasami reached into 
her pocket 
and grabbed an orange carrot.  She held the carrot in hand and 
reached over her 
head and offered it to Ryo-ohki.  The cabbit happily accepted.  

Washu smiled slightly and switched off her holocomputer.  She 
reached over to 
the food trey and grabbed a deep-fried vegetable.  Aeka did 
likewise.   

"Lunch is ready!" Sasami shouted to the dueling Juraians.

"Oh great! I'm starving!"  Shoji exclaimed as he deflected one of 
Yosho's 
strike.

"Mmm..., likewise."  Yosho added, as he dodged under Shoji's swing.

Both ran towards the steps of the shrine, swinging and striking at 
each other.
Seeing this,  Aeka, Sasami, and Washu screamed and quickly moved out 
of harm's 
way.

"Yosho!" Aeka said angrily. "You are carrying this way out of hand!"

"Relax, Aeka.  We're trained professionals, Shoji and I know what 
we're doing."
Yosho retorted as he dodged another Shoji's swings and quickly 
grabbed a rice 
bowl.

"You could have warned us that you were going to..."

"Let them have their fun, Aeka."  Washu jumped in. "After all boys 
will be 
boys."

"Oh fine."  Aeka said harshly.

Shoji immediately grabbed his rice bowl and jumped back to avoid 
Yosho's bokken.
Holding the rice bowl in his left hand,  Yosho poured the contents 
of the bowl 
down his mouth and rapidly chewed.  Shoji charged Yosho while 
putting the bowl 
back in it's place on Sasami's tray.

"Thanks, princess Sasami."  He said as he passed the princess.

"My pleasure!"  Sasami returned.

Shoji immediately jumped up again to avoid Yosho's bokken swipe.  
Yosho passed 
by Sasami and placed his bowl onto the tray.

"Thank you, Sasami."  Yosho gratified the princess as he charged 
towards Shoji.

"Sure thing, Yosho!"  Sasami said happily.

And so, Yosho and Shoji continued on with their battle... 

Washu started her way back towards the house. "Well, girls I'm 
heading' back home. I've gathered more than enough data for my 
research and from what I can 
conclude.  I can tell where this fight's going to head and it'll be 
a VERY long 
while until they reach the end. See you two later."

"Alright." Remarked, Aeka.

"See you later Washu!"  Said, Sasami.

"Miya!  Miya!"  Followed the cabbit.


*** 


S. O. S.


Further away from the beach's shore, Tenchi and Ryoko laughed, 
played, and 
enjoyed the time of their lives with their new-found mammal friends.  
The water 
was already eight feet in depth and Tenchi stayed with the main pod.  
While 
Ryoko wanders off with her favorite dolphin, separating from the 
group.  She 
happily named the dolphin 'Echo', mainly because of the deep sounds 
it made.  
With the memories of Goro far buried in her mind, Ryoko swam 
underwater along 
side with the young mid-sized dolphin.  Due to her yellow-feral 
eyes, Ryoko's 
eyesight underwater was ten times keener compared to all humans.  
Ryoko swam 
close and grabbed onto the left flipper of the porpoise.  The 
dolphin happily 
pulled Ryoko along the water.  As the ceiling of water passed over 
her head, 
Ryoko noticed a little boy a few yards ahead.

<What's a little kid doing all the way out here?>  Ryoko thought 
curiously.  She 
signaled the dolphin to swim closer to investigate.

As they drew closer, Ryoko quickly realized that the little kid was 
clearly face 
down, bobbing up and down in the water.  They broke the surface and 
finally 
reached the boy and Ryoko quickly examined him.  His eyes were 
closed and he 
wasn't breathing. 

<Okay, Ryoko. Don't panic.  Check for a pulse.>  Ryoko thought to 
herself.  She 
did her best over the moving water to check his pulse, she examined 
the little 
one's neck.  She concentrated for a moment.  <Oh thank god!>  She 
found a very 
faint but fading pulse.

Ryoko quickly signaled Echo to swim over.  She held on to the boy 
tight and 
grabbed onto Echo's flipper.  The dolphin sped towards the beach's 
shore.

Meanwhile, Tenchi popped up through the surface of the water, 
marveled at being 
around dolphins for the very first time in his life. 

"I will never forget this day, Ryoko.  How are you enjoying it so 
far?" Tenchi 
asked and waited a moment for Ryoko's reply. "Ryoko?"

No answer.

Tenchi looked around for Ryoko, she wasn't nearby.

"Grrr!  I hate it when she does that!"  Tenchi growled. "Now where 
did she go?"

"Teenchiii!!"  Ryoko screamed. 

Tenchi quickly looked around and spotted Ryoko.

"I've found a kid!  He's not well, I'm going to help him!"

Tenchi found her riding towards the shore of the beach at a very 
rapid pace.  He 
quickly signaled a dolphin over and he held onto it's dorsal fin.  
The dolphin 
clicked and squeaked, Tenchi patted it's head and the dolphin sped 
off towards 
the shore like a torpedo. 

Ryoko had already carried the kid in her arms to the shore, the 
youngster had 
lost his pulse.  She carefully placed him on a blanket that was 
laying nearby on 
the sand.  A curious crowd started to gather around Ryoko.  

"Okay, folks!  I need some room!"  Ryoko demanded.  The crowd 
curiously watched 
and whispered to each other as Ryoko positioned the boy on his back.  
She placed 
his back and neck in an upward position to open up a clear airway.  
Ryoko opened 
his mouth and started to blew in air into his lungs.

Tenchi had reached the gathered crowd.  He pushed his way through, 
he reached 
the center of the commotion and found Ryoko performing CPR to a 
young child.  He 
watched as Ryoko tried to start up the boy's circulation by pumping 
his chest 
with her clasped hands.  He quickly realized that his camera was 
still in his 
pocket from earlier.  He quickly pulled out the camera and started 
to take 
pictures.

"Come on!  Breathe!"  Ryoko yelled out.  She breathed into his 
lungs.  After 
three breaths, she went back to pumping his heart.

Finally, after a minute of CPR, the boy quickly turned to his side.  
He started 
to convulse violently, he coughed and spat out water from his lungs.  
The 
surrounding crowd cheered and celebrated at Ryoko's quick life-
saving actions.  
A girl stepped out from the crowd and wraps a blanket around the 
young boy.  
Several others gathered around Ryoko, they hugged, patted her on the 
shoulders 
and also shook hands with her.  

Tenchi watched as the crowd congratulated Ryoko on a job well done.  
Tenchi 
smiled at Ryoko, very proud of her.  Ryoko looked over to Tenchi and 
smiled at 
him.  

<Cherish every precious moment you have with her...>  The same words 
ran through 
his mind.  He took the last two remaining pictures of Ryoko giving 
out a victory 
sign at the camera.  After taking the pictures, he placed the camera 
back into 
his pocket.  He walked through the talking crowd that surrounded 
Ryoko.

Tenchi finally reached her and hugged her.  "Well done, Ryoko."

"Thank you, Tenchi."  Ryoko said, hugging back. 

"Excuse me, miss?"  Said a young voice.

"Yes?"  as she turned away from Tenchi and looked down to find that 
the little 
kid she saved was standing, wrapped in a blanket.  A lifeguard stood 
next to him, holding him by the arm.  "Thank you for saving my 
life." 

"No need to thank me.  Sorry I couldn’t have been there any sooner."

"Better late than never."  The boy retorted.  He bowed his head to 
Ryoko.  "I 
thank you again.  By the way, my name's Haruo."

"My name's Ryoko and this is Tenchi."

Haruo turned to Tenchi and greeted him with a bow.  "Hello, Tenchi."

"Hello, Haruo."  Tenchi returned the boy's greeting.

"Is Ryoko you're girlfriend?  You're a very lucky."  Haruo winked.

"Well..."  Tenchi said nervously.  "She's more like a date."

Ryoko sighed under her breath.  The crowd had begun to disperse.  

"Oh, sorry if I said something wrong."  Haruo apologized.

"No, not at all!"  Tenchi said quickly.

"My father owns that seaside hotel, over there."  Haruo pointed 
towards the 
hotel.  "I would very much like to repay you back by inviting you to 
the Annual 
Naroda Beach dance."

"We'll be there, tonight."  Said Ryoko and Tenchi.

"What time will it start?"  Asked Tenchi.

"It'll start in an hour at eight o'clock." 

"Eight o'clock?"  Tenchi said a little startled.  He looked at his 
sports watch 
and realized how much time has quickly passed.  The time was seven 
o'clock. 
"Wow."  Tenchi commented.

"Okay?"  Asked, Haruo.

"Okay we'll see you then."  Said, Ryoko.

"Alright!"  Haruo exclaimed.  He hugs Ryoko.  "I'll see you later 
then!  Bye!"  
Haruo runs off towards the seaside hotel. 

"Sweet kid."  Ryoko commented.

"Yeah." Tenchi agreed.  He turned to Ryoko.  "So..."

"So what?"  Ryoko asked.

"What shall we do now until eight o'clock?"

"Let's just watch the sunset together, ok?"  Ryoko suggested.

"Umm..., Alright."  

Tenchi and Ryoko sat down next to each other on the sand and peered 
out to the 
ocean horizon.  The Sun is only a quarter of an hour away until it 
actually 
starts setting.  Still proud of Ryoko's life saving actions, Tenchi 
decided to 
reach over and hold Ryoko's right hand.

Both decided not to ruin the beauty of the setting horizon,  so they 
kept silent 
for the duration of what's left of daylight.  Ryoko felt Tenchi's 
hand held her 
right hand.  Not knowing what to think or say, Ryoko blushed instead 
and gazed 
onto the sea as the sun begun it's process to kiss it's horizon. 


***


The Duel's Conclusion


The crimson sky had begun to sink over the Okayama countryside 
approaching the 
dark night. Yosho and Shoji had managed to move the fight over from 
the shrine, 
through the woods, and finally ending up at the lake. For four hours 
the duel 
carried on, neither one had any intention of losing but they were 
both getting 
really tired.

Aeka watched the duel from the house,  she leaned against the frame 
of her 
bedroom window and found that the two Juraian males were on opposite 
sides of 
the lake.  She watched as Yosho jumped up from his side of the lake, 
leaping 
several meters into the air.  Aeka looked over and found Shoji doing 
likewise.
Both clashed and swung at each other in mid-air over the lake.  
Their bokkens 
collided with each other as they fell straight towards the water.  
Instead 
of falling straight through, they landed on the surface of the lake!  
Both ran 
across the top of the lake, as if on solid ground breaking the rules 
of physics.
Shoji and Yosho swung and struck at each other, as they neared the 
shore of the 
lake, suddenly, at the very last minute before reaching solid 
ground, Shoji 
slipped on a patch of mud.  He fell face forward into the muddy 
shore of the 
lake. Yosho seized the opportunity and tagged Shoji's chest with his 
bokken.  
Shoji stood up and noticed that his clothes were completely covered 
in muck.

"Great."  Shoji commented as he looked at the dark-brown muck on his 
clothing.
Then Shoji hears an elegant giggle emanating from the house.  He 
immediately 
spotted Princess Aeka chuckling from a second-story window.  Shoji 
blushed 
slightly.   

Yosho walked over and placed his right hand on Shoji's shoulder.

"There there, no need to feel defeated.  You held up very well 
against me.  One 
of the longest duels I've ever had."

"Thank you, Prince Yosho."

"Please, just call me Yosho but I rather much prefer Katsuhito.  I 
want to treat 
you as an equal, rather than a servant.  Princess Aeka will treat 
you likewise 
and I expect you to treat us in the same manner." 

"Understood.  It'll take some getting use to but I'll try, 
nevertheless. Thank 
you, again."

"Your skills as a knight are exceptional.  If you hadn't slipped, 
the duel 
would've lasted longer.  But considering how well you held up 
against me, I 
consider you the same equivalent to my capabilities.  I feel safe 
that you're 
Aeka's new guardian."

"You're too kind." Shoji said modestly. "I shall do my keenest to 
protect her 
with my life."  

"I don't doubt it.  Why don't you go and wash up." Yosho suggested.

Shoji nodded in agreement.  He turned and bowed to Yosho, Yosho 
returned the 
gesture.  Then, Shoji walked off to go change.  Yosho watched as 
Shoji left.

"Eww..."  Yosho commented as he looked at his right hand and watched 
as the 
slimy-smelly mud slipped 
through his fingers.


***


Dance Party at the Seaside Hotel


The seaside hotel's outdoor ballroom was filled with music and 
dancing couples.  
As expected the dress code was casual beach attire and the music was 
nice, 
soothing and romantic.  Tenchi and Ryoko walked along the side of 
the wooden 
dance floor.  Ryoko was still wearing her beach bikini and Tenchi 
was wearing a 
white T-shirt and his swimming trunks, both sat down at a nearby 
table.  Haruo 
looked all over and finally spotted his special guests, he walked 
over to Tenchi 
and Ryoko. 

"Hello Ryoko!  Hello Tenchi!  Welcome!"

"Hello Haruo!"  Ryoko greeted back.

"Hi Haruo."  Tenchi returned.

The ten year old blushed and struggled with his words.  "Uhh..., 
Miss Ryoko?  
Um, uh, can you, uh..."

"What can I do for you, Haruo?"

"Well..., um since you saved my life and all...can you..."  Haruo 
said fiddling 
with his fingers.  "I know I'm just a kid and all but..."

"Haruo, spit it out."  Ryoko demanded in a friendly way.

"Can you have this one dance with me?"

"Sure!"

"R-really?!"

"C'mon, let's go tear up the rug."  Ryoko stood up from her chair 
and held the 
little kid's hand.

"Yaay!"  The boy exclaimed, following Ryoko to the wooden dance 
floor.