Tenchi Muyo: Ryoko's Love...
Pt. 1 Chapter 2: Nightmare, Memory, and Revelation
By 
Long T. Tran



Disclaimer:

I don't own these characters,  AIC/Pioneer owns them.  I'm just writing this 
because I have no life and I have a huge ego problem.  I don't intend to make 
money off this because I don't want to get a lawsuit.  I'm too poor for that.  
Ask my friends if you don't believe me.


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

13 years ago, on a huge starship a battle is taking place.

Yui found herself lying on her stomach, barely conscience.  Explosions are the 
only sounds audible to her.  She opens her eyes and can only barely see beyond 
her nose, her vision is hazy.  It's hot, smoldering and the floor beneath her is 
jolting violently.  She wants to stand up but couldn't move a muscle,  there is 
too much pain.  Then her vision gradually regained, in front of her, she can see 
two fighters. They're both jumping and charging towards each other, both are 
obviously locked in mortal combat.  One of them is wearing black and red 
clothing and has what looked like her father's light hawk wings, Yui looks at 
the fighter hard, trying to figure out who it is.  It was her mother, with all 
three of her gems, one gem on each arm and the third gem was on the base of her 
neck. Due to the power of her gems, she had Light Hawk wings.  Her mother's 
Light hawk wings looked more like angel wings and her energy sword resembles a 
red surging lightning bolt. Then Yui looked over to the other fighter, Yui sees 
an intimidating looking woman.  Yui couldn't figure out who it is.  The unknown 
fighter is charging Ryoko, she is wearing a peculiar black and white battle 
suit, had short-length red hair, bright green eyes, and is armed with a dark 
energy sword.  A sudden sharp pain surges throughout Yui's body.  

<Too much hurt!  Too much to bear!> Yui thought to herself and screamed.

"Yui!"  Ryoko yelling out and looking over at her screaming four year old 
daughter while trying to fend off her enemy. After briefly seeing Yui being 
tortured by high voltage electricity, Ryoko is worrying to death about her 
daughter's ailing health.
 
"Onimaru!" Ryoko screamed at her foe, face to face, sword to sword. "You'll pay 
for what you've done to my daughter! Why? Why Yui and not me?!  Yui didn't 
deserve that!  I'm going to kill you, Onimaru!" Ryoko, vowed, tears welling up 
in her eyes.

"Not until you pay YOUR price from our last battle, Ryoko!" said the green eyed 
woman.  "Your bearing of this child is to my advantage and this'll be the 
contributing factor to your own death!"

"Shut up, you bitch!"  Ryoko swings her sword with pure rage at Onimaru and she 
manages to stab Onimaru in the arm.  Onimaru steps back in pain, then suddenly, 
to Ryoko's surprise, the wound on Onimaru's arm starts regenerating itself. The 
wound totally disappeared after a few seconds.  Onimaru  throws out a dark 
energy wave from her sword at Ryoko.  Ryoko manages to shield herself from the 
blast with her LH wings.

Yui could only guess what was going on, she was confused. Suddenly, she was 
lifted off the ground, somebody was picking her up.  She looked up, it was her 
father, Tenchi.  He was in his light hawk wings, shining brightly in all his 
splendor.  She was so relieved that he arrived.

"D-daddy?"  She was feeling her father's healing aura.  Her pain was beginning 
to subside a little.

"I'm here, Yui." He said soothingly, holding the fragile girl in his arms. 

"D-daddy...I want t-to g-go home."  Yui said painfully and trying to not shiver, 
due to the loss of blood. "I'm s-scared."   

"Don't worry, your mommy and I will get you home." Holding Yui closer, trying to 
keep her from shivering, keeping her warm and secure.  He looks up and sees 
Ryoko locked in battle with Onimaru.  From the looks of it Ryoko was holding out 
very well but obviously injured,  blood was pouring down Ryoko's forehead.  Then 
he hears running footsteps from behind.  He turns around and sees Aeka arriving, 
she is wearing her Jurian battle suit. 

"I've arrived, Lord Tenchi!" Aeka yelled out.  She notices Yui in Tenchi's arms 
and looks over across the chamber and sees Ryoko fighting Onimaru.  Aeka watches 
the battle with great concern for Ryoko's safety.

"Aeka!  Take Yui back to Mihoshi's shuttle!"  Tenchi said, carefully handing Yui 
over to Aeka. "And head back to earth as soon as possible!  That's the 
priority!"

"I will Tenchi, but what are you going to do?" Aeka asked.

"I have to help Ryoko.  But don't worry about us. I want Yui off this God 
forsaken ship!"

"I understand, Tenchi.  Good luck."  She said holding on to Yui.

"Daddy? Where are you going?" Yui asked scared of what's going to happen next.

"I'm going to go help your mother.  We'll meet you back home, I promise."  He 
kisses Yui on the forehead and heads off to battle.

Aeka runs back towards Mihoshi's shuttle carrying Yui in her arms.  As they 
depart, Yui watches over Aeka's shoulders, she sees her father running towards 
the heated battle between Ryoko and Onimaru.  

Tenchi's running as fast as he can,  trying to reach Ryoko in time before she 
lost her Light Hawk wings.  A few moments passed and he noticed that Ryoko was 
now clearly losing her focus on maintaining her LH wings,  they seemed to be 
flickering on and off.  

<Oh no, I'm too late.>  Tenchi thought with horror.  

Onimaru sees this to her advantage and throws out another energy wave at Ryoko, 
this time, the wave was able to break through Ryoko's LH wings.  Ryoko was 
enveloped inside the wave, immediately Onimaru runs into the envelope with her 
sword in hand.

"I have you now, Avatar." Onimaru said confidently. "Prepare for your death!" 
Onimaru was now inside the envelope.

"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!" A horrifying, bloodcurdling scream came from inside the 
energy envelope.  It was Ryoko's voice.

"Ryoko!" Tenchi screaming out, hoping to hear any response from her.  No 
response.  Suddenly with instinct, he manages to shield himself from an attacker 
from behind.  He turns around and finds himself, facing Onimaru's shadow.  

"You won't kill me that easily!" Tenchi said to the shadow. <I must get to Ryoko
before she gets killed.>

Then the envelope begins to fluctuate and dissipate.  Ryoko is still alive and 
she is painfully holding on to Onimaru's blade with both hands trying to keep 
the blade from thrusting in to her abdomen.  Ryoko's hands starts to bleed than 
suddenly her gems began to glow and Ryoko quickly decides to neutralize the dark 
blade with an energy discharge from both her hands. 

Ryoko let's out a battle cry and Onimaru's blade starts to react to Ryoko's 
energy discharge, then a huge explosion occurs...

Due to the force of the explosion,  a piece of shrapnel hits Aeka's side and she 
falls over with Yui in her arms.  Aeka yelped in pain.  While Aeka was trying to 
regain her focus, Yui painfully gets up and slowly runs back to where the battle 
was taking place.  Yui knew she heard her mother's scream before the explosion.  
She didn't want to leave her parents behind. 

"Yui! Come back!" Aeka yelled out, struggling to stand up, doing her best to 
ignore the intense pain. "You can't go back there!  You must come home with me!"

Yui ignored Aeka, she didn't want to run away while her parents were in danger.  
She finally reaches the doorway of the chamber.  She sees Tenchi fighting 
Onimaru's shadow.  

Tenchi turns around and finds Yui standing at the doorway, horror went across 
his face.  "Yui what are you doing here!  I told you to go back home!  It's too 
dangerous!"  

Yui didn't respond.  Tenchi continues to fight the shadow with his Light Hawk 
Sword. 

"So, the 'Miracle Child' has returned to witness her mother's death."  Said an 
evil voice. 

Yui looks over to the real Onimaru's direction.  Yui watched in horror as she 
sees her mother being beaten down to the floor.  Ryoko was being pummeled to the 
ground by Onimaru's fists.  She was being stomped on by Onimaru's feet.  Ryoko 
was still taking on the beating and not giving up.  Ryoko tried to stand up, but 
is immediately punched in the face.  Ryoko spits out a vomit of blood from her 
mouth and collapses backwards.  Ryoko laid on her back and struggled to get up 
but Onimaru picks Ryoko up by the neck.  

"This time you've lost, Ryoko!" Onimaru said proudly. "How does it feel to be 
the one receiving all the hits?"

"I've had worse." Ryoko replied under a struggling voice.  

Ryoko is held up in mid air like a trophy, her suit was torn and stained with 
her own blood.  Her face covered in cuts and blemishes. She was trying to free 
herself from Onimaru's grasp.  

Ryoko looks away from her enemy and notices Yui standing at the doorway.  Ryoko 
notices the horrified look on Yui's face. <Why must Yui see this happen to me?> 
Tears began to stream down Ryoko's face.  

"Yui..." Ryoko begged to Yui, under a struggling voice. "Please...don't 
watch..." Yui stood paralyzed, not knowing what to do.

"You should've listened to your mother, little girl." Onimaru said, proudly 
holding Ryoko triumphantly.  

"Please don't kill her!"  Yui begged, watching helplessly as Onimaru 
materialized a sword in her free hand.  The dark sword was shining fresh and 
glorious.  It pulls back, preparing to strike...    

***

Yui forced herself to wake up, sweating hard, her eyes wide open, trying to 
forget the re-occurring nightmare.  She was breathing hard, trying to forget the 
memory that haunted her for most of her life.  Why does it keep haunting her?  
Why must she have this same nightmare?  She was aware that is was a memory but 
she couldn't remember anything beyond that. 

She finally calmed down and looks over to the clock, it reads 10:30 am. <Time 
for breakfast.> She gets up from bed and changes out of her pajamas and in to 
her casual wear.  They consisted of black close-fitting shorts and a short 
sleeve shirt that says 'hello'.  She ties her long cyan hair back into a 
ponytail and looks at a picture that was attached to the wall mirror in front of 
her.  It was a picture of her mother.  In the picture her mother was wearing 
light blue colored dress with a black bow tie, (to see dress see episode 7 of 
OVA's) it was one of her favorite casual outfits, according to her father.  Yui 
stares at the picture for a while, focusing on her mother's smile, her mother 
was a very beautiful woman.  Then Yui looks at herself in the mirror and 
compares her resemblance to Ryoko. 

***

Meanwhile, downstairs, Aeka and Sasami had already arrived. They were at the 
house since dawn.  Tenchi was also already awake,  he was in the living room 
area sitting across from Aeka.  Sasami was in the kitchen, happily cooking up 
some breakfast, with Ryo-ohki on her usual spot on top of Sasami's head.  Aeka 
sipped her tea, enjoying her conversation with Tenchi.

"So that's all that happened at the meeting?" Tenchi asked.

"Yes, the representatives were all happy about passing the bill." Aeka said. "In 
fact, they were so happy, they all decided to proclaim a new holiday."

"What? Another new holiday?!" Tenchi exclaimed.

"Yes.  It's called, 'Hooray We Finally Passed the Bill Day!  Shoji named the 
holiday himself."

"Only Shoji would have the sense of humor and charisma to give a name like that 
to a new holiday."

"Yes, he would" Aeka replied.

"Very interesting.  I guess I can't blame him for being so happy, after all, 
this bill took at least two years of deliberation." Tenchi added.

"Yes, 2 very LONG years." She smiled.  

"So,  how's the Empress of Jurai business been coming along?" he asked. "And 
how's Shoji? How long has it been now, 17 years?"

"Yes, 17 years." She replied. "Since I took his hand in marriage."

"My, how time flies." 

<18 years has passed, since you married Ryoko as well.> Aeka thought to herself.
She felt a little bit down naturally, since it was suppose to be HER who should 
marry Tenchi, not Ryoko. 

<How selfish of me to even think of that!> She thought, getting mad at her own 
selfish thoughts.  She greatly admired the display of love the Masaki men showed 
for their deceased wives.  Yosho and his wife,  Nobuyuki and Achika, and of 
course, Tenchi and Ryoko.  

Aeka started thinking about how naïve she used to be, hoping to win Tenchi's 
love in the old days, it took her a while after the wedding to finally accept 
the reality that she was never going to have him.  Ever since Shoji came along, 
having Tenchi's heart didn't matter all that much to Aeka anymore, she was still 
fond of Tenchi, but not as strongly.  Now, for 17 years, she's happily married.   


Another thought went across Aeka's mind.  She started thinking about the family 
since Ryoko passed away, Aeka felt fortunate that she was able to help Tenchi 
raise his daughter.  After Ryoko's death, Yui was not speaking to anybody for 11 
months straight.  What would've happened if she wasn't ever there to help? It 
was her duty and her right to help, Tenchi.  Now, 14 years later, instead of 
being Tenchi's 2nd wife, she was something else...something a little better.  
She was Yui's godmother and she was still a close friend to Tenchi.  Aeka felt 
more like a guardian angel than a friend or family member, watching over the two 
through out the years with a protective eye.  Aeka smiled at the thought. 

Tenchi looks over at the wall clock, it was 11:00 am. 

"Well, it's time to visit Ryoko." He said, getting up from the sofa.  Walking 
out the back door.
  
"Let me accompany you, Tenchi." She said, getting up and following Tenchi out 
towards the lake. 

"Sure, alright." Tenchi said.

Sasami steps out of the kitchen, still wearing her cooking apron and the cabbit 
on her head.  

"Breakfast is ready!" She looks around and finds herself alone. <Where is Tenchi 
and Aeka?  They must be out at the lake visiting Ryoko's grave.>  

Washu comes out of her lab, stretching her arms and yawning.  She looked very 
tired from working a full night.

"Good morning, Sister Washu." Greeted, Sasami.

"Oh, good morning, Tsunami."

Sasami groaned a little bit at the sound of her other name.  She didn't hate the 
name Tsunami, it's just the fact that she's used to the name Sasami. 

"Oh...sorry, Sasami."

"It's ok, Washu." Sasami smiles. "I know that you were up all last night, 
working on you know who."  Her tone was straight forward and serious.

"So, you know about Ryoko." Washu replied.

"Yes, Washu.  I've known everything, for quite some time now." Sasami said.  
Ever since Sasami's full assimilation with Tsunami 8 years ago, Sasami's 
perspective on the universe has increased dramatically.  She was able to see 
different dimensions, different time periods, and different lives, all 
intermingling with each other in one whole continuity.  Of course, Sasami 
sometimes gets a headache from looking at so many things all at the same time.  
It's a good thing that she could turn her high dimensional perspective on and 
off, whenever she wanted to. 

"Really?" said Washu.

"Yes, really." Sasami replied.

"How long has she caught your attention?" Washu asked. "I assume 2 weeks ago."

"Yes, 2 weeks ago.  Of course, I have no objections of her coming back." Sasami, 
said smiling.  "even though you're breaking that Cardinal rule of life and 
death."  The only reason why the gems laid dormant for so long was that Ryoko 
was dead and now once again, Sasami is feeling the gems' active algorithms.  

"I know you wouldn't object, Sasami.  And I'm not breaking that Cardinal rule at 
all." Washu said, smiling. "It's more like, cleaning up and putting Ryoko back 
together again.  Only at a very atomic level, in which I don't plan to repeat 
again."

"Well, if that's how it really is, then I won't think of it any further." Sasami 
said. "By the way, when is she going to be reunited with us, her family?

"Well, the regeneration process has already been underway for quite some time 
now, it'll take until tomorrow.  That's the easy part."

"What's the hard part?"

"The hard part is getting her memory back intact."

"I see."

"Which is a no big deal for a genius scientist like myself. That is, unless..." 
Washu, hinted.

"Unless, I help?"

"Yes.  To help speed things up a little bit." She said, Trying to keep her proud 
façade.

Sasami paused and thought about Washu's offer.

"I'll be more than happy to help you out, sister Washu."

"Thank you Sasami."

"Don't even thank me,  I'm just returning the favor."

"Thanks, any ways." Washu said gratuitously. 

"Ryoko did save the universe on two separate occasions.  Other wise, Tokimi 
would've taken over."

"Yes she did." Washu smiled. "The universe and the fate of all life that exists 
in it."  

"When do we begin our collaboration?"

"First thing tomorrow morning.  I just need to get the basic schematics down 
before we can start on anything."

"Alright.  Does this mean you'll be using the bridge of the Tsunami?"

"Yes, the bridge will be the very essential element in restoring Ryoko back her 
memories."  Washu makes her way back in to the lab, before she could step 
through the door.  Sasami calls out her name.

"Hey, Washu."

"Yes, Sasami?" 

"Aren't you going to have breakfast?  The food is still fresh and warm." She 
said smiling.

"Looks like I'm going to have to pass on your offer.  I'll wait until lunch." 
She walks back in to the lab.  The door closes behind her. 

"I better go get Yui before the food starts to get cold."  She said, making her 
way upstairs.

***

Meanwhile, Tenchi and Aeka are standing in front of Ryoko's gravestone, near the 
shore of the lake.  Aeka was already deep in the middle of her silent prayer.  
Tenchi was about to make his silent prayer when he noticed a bundle of yellow 
flowers laying in front of Ryoko's gravestone.  Tenchi knew right away, that Yui 
was the one who placed the flowers there.  No doubt about it, those flowers were 
Yui's favorite.  Staring at the yellow flowers sparked a pleasant memory in his 
mind...
 
						*** 

Flashback 13 years ago.

It was another beautiful day, the sun was out and the weather was nice and warm. 
Tenchi was out in the carrot fields, plowing the ground,  when suddenly he felt 
a rush of air beat up against his legs. THOOP! He was startled a little bit and 
realized that something had grabbed hold of his legs.  He looks down and finds 
his 4 year old daughter hugging him and smiling at him. 

"Hello, daddy!" Yui said, with a big smile.

"What's daddy's little miracle trying to do?  Give him a heart attack?" He said, 
smiling.  Picking up Yui and holding her in his arms. 

"No, silly daddy!" Yui, laughed. "I just want to say hi! Hello dad!"  Then Yui 
hugs him tighter.  Putting her head on his shoulders.

"Well, I'm touched." Tenchi said smiling. "Hello to you, too."  He Whispered in  
her ears. Holding Yui tight in his arms.

Then Yui holds her head up and faces Tenchi. "Oh!"

"What is it Yui?" he asked.

"I want to give you something."  she reaches in to her pocket.

"What?  You want to give dad a gift?"

"Uh huh" she said, affirmatively. "Hold out your hand and close your eyes."

"alright." He said, then he closes his eyes.

"No cheating ok?" Yui said.  Reaching into her pocket.

"Don't worry I won't." Tenchi assured her.  He waited patiently.

"Ok open your eyes."

Tenchi sees a yellow flower in Yui's hand.

"This is for you dad."  Yui said. Trying to place the flower on to her father's 
ear lobe.

"Thank you Yui."  Leaning his head over to make it easier for Yui to place the 
flower on to his ear lobe.

"Don't thank me." She said.

"what?" he asked a little surprised. "Oh? Why not?" 

"Because it's mommy's gift to you."

"Oh really?" he said, smiling.

"Uh huh.  And she has a message for you."

"What message?" Tenchi asked, curiously.

"Um...let me see" Yui was thinking hard trying to remember the set of 
instructions her mother had given her. 

Tenchi waited patiently for a few minutes.

"OH! I remember!" Yui exclaimed. "Mommy wants me to tell you to scream out her 
name out loud.  Then mom will tell you the message."

"Ok," Tenchi said. "You want to help daddy?"

"Um, ok!"

"On three, ok?"

"Ok." Yui said, happily.

"One...two...Three!" He counted. 

"MOMMY!" 
 
"RYOKO!" Both yelled out at the same time.

Tenchi and Yui waited a few moments.  Then Tenchi feels a breeze of air behind 
him.  Tenchi turns around and sees Ryoko standing there smiling at them.  Ryoko 
walks up to Tenchi and Yui.  She puts her mouth close to Tenchi's right ear and 
whispers "I love you, my Tenchi."

Tenchi smiles and faces Ryoko.  Ryoko turns and looks at Tenchi, then gives him 
a small but sensual kiss on his lips.  Tenchi is still holding Yui in his arms.  
Yui was staring at them kissing.

"Ooh!" Yui said teasingly. "shame! shame! shame!"

"Oh you, little tease!" Ryoko said, smiling. Patting her daughter's head.  

All three starts to laugh and the memory fades away.

						***

"Tenchi, are you alright?" Aeka asked.  Noticing that Tenchi was hypnotically 
entranced at the yellow flowers.

"Huh?"  Tenchi said, dumbly.  He quickly realized that he's back in the present 
day. "Oh!  Uhh...sorry." He felt a little embarrassed.

"It's alright.  No need to apologize."  Aeka assured him.

Tenchi and Aeka were silent, a few minutes passed by and Aeka decided to break 
the long pause.

"It's been 13 years since she died."

"Yes, it has." He said, sadly.  Trying to restrain the memory of the last 
painful moments he spent with Ryoko.

Aeka notices Tenchi's sad look. <Great, now I made him sad. I really put my foot 
in my mouth this time.> Aeka didn't like the face he made, so she looks away and 
down at the gravestone.  

Engraving:
Ryoko Masaki
Died 25th of April in the year of 2005.

She starts thinking about the Irony of it all to see the gravestone placed here 
at the shore of the lake.  This was the very location where Ryoko took Tenchi's 
hand in marriage and, several years later, died in his arms.   
 
Tenchi picks up the yellow flowers and sniffed their aroma.  His sad face 
disappears and was replaced with a soft smile.  After a minute, he prayed with 
the flowers in his hands.  

Aeka stood there and watched him pray, admiring his devotion for Ryoko. 

***

Meanwhile, back at the house,  Yui was still staring at herself in the mirror.  
She still compared her resemblance to her mother.  She was also thinking about 
her father's traits as well.  

<I have the color of her eyes, except they look more human than feline.  I have 
my father's ears, my mother's nose, hmm...I also have her hair color.> Yui 
thought to herself and smiled.

"Admiring yourself, Yui?" Sasami asked jokingly, walking in to Yui's room.

"Aunt Sasami! I didn't know you were here!" Yui said running over to Sasami and 
giving her a hug.

"Hello, Yui." Sasami said smiling, hugging Yui back.

"Why didn't you wake me up when you arrived?" Yui asked.

"I was about to, but decided against it." Sasami answered. "Besides, you were 
sleeping so peacefully."

"Thank you for your consideration." Yui said, then her mood changed. "Although I 
can't say much about the way I woke up." She said, looking down.

Sasami was puzzled at the last remark.  Then she figured out what Yui was 
talking about.

"Oh, I see." Sasami said. "You had that nightmare again, didn't you?"

Yui nodded, yes, still looking down and depressed.  Sasami decided to give Yui 
another hug.  Sasami's warmth picked things up.  Yui smiles.  Yui was glad that 
Sasami was here to make her feel better.  What would Yui ever do without her?

"Ok, Let's go have breakfast" Said, Sasami. "You know how much I hate it when 
the food gets cold."

"Sure." Yui said. "I hate it when I see you frown.  Makes you look older."  She 
added fiendishly.

"Oh, is that it?" Sasami said loudly. "Well, let's see if you can beat me in a 
race downstairs!"

"OK! Fine, you're on!" Yui said excitedly. <I've never raced her before, 
hmm...She does run a little slow, I'll beat her like nothing!>

"Are you ready?" asked, Sasami.

"Ready, when you are."

"On your mark..."

Yui kneels down.

"Get set..."

Yui was getting ready.

"And Yui?" 

"Yes?" Yui answered back.

"Don't hesitate to use your abilities."

"Are you sure?" Yui Asked, making sure Sasami didn't go crazy on her.

Sasami nodded.

<Oh man! I'm really going to beat her, like nothing!> Yui thought excitedly.

"Alright..." Sasami continued on to her countdown. "GO!" 

Yui stormed out of her room at lightning speed, going through the hallways and 
reaching the stairs confidently.  Yui was using her flying abilities to her full 
advantage, she didn't even dare plant her feet on the ground.  Yui was already 
flying down the stairway to the dining room where all the glorious food laid on 
the dining table.  At the very last step at the very last minute, she suddenly 
couldn't move any further.

"Huh? What the...?" Yui was surprised, she couldn't move another inch.  She was 
suspended in mid-air, trapped in a force field of some sort. "Hey, I can't 
move!"   

<Of course! How could I be so forgetful!> She angrily thought to herself. Yui 
turns around and sees Sasami floating down the steps, Yui realized that Sasami 
was using her powers as a goddess. 

"Hey, not fair!  You're using your omnipotent abilities!"

Sasami was smiling, she floated down beside Yui and reached the floor of the 
dining room.  Sasami looks back at Yui and happily says, "I win!"

The force field around Yui disappears and Yui is set free.  She was frowning at 
Sasami.

"Ah, look!  Now who's the one who's frowning and looking out!"  Sasami pointing 
a finger at Yui.  Holding in her laugh to the best of her abilities.

Yui's frown disappeared and realized that her Goddess Aunt Sasami had just 
played a practical joke on her.  She couldn't believe she fell for it!

Sasami couldn't hold it in any longer, she started to burst out laughing.  The 
unreadable funny look on Yui's face was hilarious to her.

Yui watched Sasami laughing and rolling on the floor.  It is a funny site to 
see, especially seeing a grown up laughing like a frolicking hyena.  Yui started 
to laugh with Sasami. Soon enough, the only sound heard in the house, was the 
two of them laughing.

Ryo-ohki walks into the room from the kitchen and found Sasami and Yui rolling 
on the floor and laughing at each other.  Then they suddenly stopped and looked 
at Ryo ohki and started to laugh at her. 

"Meow?" said Ryo-ohki, wondering what had gotten in to them.  A bead of sweat 
forms on her humanoid head.

***

Tenchi finished his prayer and placed the yellow flowers back in their place.
Aeka smiles and places her hand on his shoulder.  Tenchi looks over to Aeka and 
smiled.

"Thank you for being here, Aeka."

"No need to thank me, Tenchi. I do what I do."

Tenchi smiles at her remark.  "Come on, let's go eat, I'm starving."

As they were walking back towards the house, Tenchi decided to start some small 
talk with Aeka.

"So, Aeka." He said.

"Yes, Tenchi?" she replied.

"When is Shoji coming over?" Tenchi asked.  

"Hopefully Monday, next week, Shoji will be coming over."

"Really!" Tenchi asked excitedly.

"Yes." Aeka replied.

"Great! I can't wait!  Yui will love to hear this, as soon I tell her." 
He said happily. "She just adores being around him."

"Tenchi, I've been meaning to tell you some rather good news."

"Really, What's your good news Aeka?"

Aeka blushed a little bit, she's obviously excited to tell Tenchi.

"What? What is it?" Tenchi asked with overwhelming curiosity.

"I'm pregnant."

"What?! Really?! Wow!" Tenchi exclaimed. "Well congratulations, Aeka!"

"Thank you, Tenchi."

"So how long have you been pregnant?" he asked.

"About a month and a half now.  I wanted tell you personally but Shoji wanted me 
to wait until he arrived.  He wanted to be here to share in on the celebration."

"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me." He assured her.

"Thank you Tenchi."

"I knew you were putting on a little bit of weight." He added.

"What?!  Am I already getting large?" She said, checking her figure.

"Just kidding." Tenchi said, smiled.

Tenchi and Aeka reaches the house and Yui noticed Aeka walking through the 
doorway.

"Aunt Aeka!" Yui  walks over to Aeka and hugs her.

"How are you doing, Yui?" Aeka asked.

"I'm doing fine." Yui said. "and yourself?"

"Myself, I'm fit and healthy."

"Come on! Let's eat!" Yui said excitedly,  walking over to the table.  Sasami is 
already eating her bowl of rice, while Ryo-ohki ate her carrots in humanoid 
form.  Aeka sits down next to Yui.  Tenchi sits down next to Ryo-ohki. 

"Your father tells me that you were doing very well at practice, yesterday." 
Said, Aeka.

"Oh...He did, did he?" Yui said smiling at her father.

"He also said that you almost got the upper hand over him."

"Well..." Yui said being modest. "I didn't exactly, you know he still has the 
advantage..."  Yui was cut off by her father.

"On the contrary Yui," Tenchi said proudly. "I think you've learned almost 
everything you need to learn!  Now all you have to do is master your 
techniques!"  

"But, dad!" Yui said, trying to prevent her father's next statement. <I better 
think of something to say, before He makes his speech, I better stop him 
before...>  Yui was too late. "Oh no."

"Ever since she was 6, I've trained her to be the best sword fighter!  She 
learned faster than her father ever did, when he was young!" Tenchi said, 
standing up and balling his fist, tears of joy streaming down his cheeks. "Now, 
11 years later, she almost bested her old man!  She's grown quicker and 
stronger!  Nobody will ever be able to beat her now!  You're going to be the 
greatest and bravest sword fighter of all time!  I'm so proud of you, Yui!  SOO 
PROOUD!" He yelled out.

Tenchi finished his speech and looked at everybody around the table.  Yui's face 
was in her hands, obviously embarrassed.  Everybody else has stopped eating and 
just stared at Tenchi wide-eyed and beads of sweat looming on their heads.   

"What?" He asked. "Why's everybody looking at me like that?" He hears Yui sigh 
in the background.  Tenchi cleared his throat and decided to change the subject. 
"By the way, Your Uncle Shoji is going to come by and visit.

"Really?! Uncle Shoji? When?" Yui replied, looking up at her father with great 
enthusiasm.

"I think he'll arrive on Monday."

"Alright!" Yui exclaimed. "I can't wait!  It's been 2 years since the last time 
he came by to visit.  I wonder if he's interested in seeing me practice?  He'll 
be so amazed to see my new abilities!"

"Abilities? What new abilities?" Aeka asking Yui.

"You mean, dad didn't tell you?" Yui asked Aeka, giving Tenchi a curious look.
Aeka nodded no.

"Well, I was thinking that it would be better if you told your aunt first." 
Tenchi said to Yui. 

"Oh." Yui said, understanding her father.  Then she looks over at Aeka and the 
group around the table.  She holds out her hand in a showy way. "Well, here it 
is!" she forms a blue energy ball on her hands and the ball turns in to a sword.

"Oh my!  You can form your own energy sword!" Aeka said with amazement. "That's 
really interesting, like mother like daughter."

"You really think so?" asked, Yui.

Aeka nodded.

"Well, why not! I guess I am turning out like my mother!" Yui said happily. 
 
"Maybe you can ask Shoji to practice with you. " Aeka, suggested.

"Gee, you think he'll be willing enough to volunteer?" Yui asked.

"I'm sure he's willing, Yui." Aeka said, smiling. "After all, Shoji used to 
serve as one of Jurai's Royal knights."

"I'll ask him, as soon as he arrives." Yui said continuing to eat on her rice 
bowl.

Washu walks out of her lab and sits down next to Sasami.  Sasami looks over to 
Washu and smiles.

"Changed your mind?" Sasami asked.

"Yep."  Washu said, picking up her bowl of rice to eat. "I realized that I 
haven't eaten a thing in 2 weeks."

"You have got to be kidding." Yui said. "What have you been doing in that lab?"  
Yui was concerned.

"Yes, Washu.  Tell us." Tenchi added to his daughter. "What have you been doing 
in there for the past 13 years?"

"Let me finish eating, will ya!" Washu barked out. "I'll tell all of you, as 
soon as I stop starving!"

"Does this mean that we'll be finally be able to go in to your lab?" Yui asked 
Washu.

Washu nodded yes, eating her bowl of rice.  Washu was quiet and looked a little 
concern. 

"Oh wow! This is going to be interesting!" Yui exclaimed. "I've never stepped in 
to your lab before!" Yui starts to smile. "I wonder what's inside it?" Yui said 
to Washu with growing anticipation.

Tenchi was watching his daughter's growing anticipation.  Yui's curiosity of 
Washu's lab brought back memories of him exploring Ryoko's cave when he was 
young.  Like her father, Yui was permitted from stepping inside the lab and like 
her father, she was curious. 

<Like father, like daughter.> Tenchi thought to himself, sipping his tea.  

While Yui was getting excited, Sasami and Ryo-ohki observes Yui with great 
concern.  

After half an hour, Washu had finally finished eating and everybody gathered in 
front of the closet door.  Washu opens the door and everybody walks in.  Yui was 
amazed to see the huge open space of Washu's lab.  How can something so big 
could possibly be made in a space so small? Yui wanders off to explore the lab 
and Aeka follows.

"It's so amazing!  What do you think of it. Aunt Aeka?"

"It's amazing, although it's not the first time I've been in here."  

"That's right!" Yui said realizing. "I was so excited to be here, I almost 
forgot that you used to come here often, before I was even born."  Yui looks at 
a huge tank with a giant alien whale swimming inside it.  Aeka looks over across 
the room and sees Tenchi walking towards a black cylinder.

To Tenchi, the lab still looked the same after a 13 year absence. The lab still 
had it's aquariums, it's creatures, and it's glass tubes, it hasn't really 
changed at all.  With one different exception, there was a black glass cylinder 
that is placed in the center of the lab.  It had several computers and 
monitoring systems attached to it.  The contents were hidden because of the 
black cover.  He didn't remember seeing that there before. For some odd reason, 
Tenchi was compelled to look in even closer.  He strained to see past the dark 
veil.  Washu and Sasami walks up from behind him.

"Washu, what's in this cylinder? A new invention?" Tenchi asked.

"Not exactly." Said, Washu. She pushes a sequence of buttons on the cylinder's 
control board.  

Yui was still looking at the alien whale, obviously baffled to see something so 
huge inside a small tank and yet so happy.  Aeka was still by Yui's side but she 
was watching the activity across the room.  <I wonder why they're all gathered 
around that black tube?> Aeka wondered.  Aeka tugs on Yui's arm.

"What is it, aunt Aeka?" Yui asked, turning to face her aunt.

"Let's go over there and see why they're all gathered around that tube."

"Alright." Yui said.  They began walking towards the black cylinder where 
Tenchi, Washu, Sasami, and Ryo-ohki are standing.

Washu was still working on the control panel she sees that Yui had arrived to 
the scene.  Washu stops and turns around to face Tenchi.

"Tenchi, what I'm about to show you is important.  I'm only expecting 2 types of 
reactions from you.  They're either negative or positive."

"What? What is it Washu?" Tenchi asked.

Washu pushes a button and the black glass becomes transparent.  The group sees a 
familiar woman in suspended animation, she's floating in blue water wearing a 
blue spandex suit.  She isn't conscience. 

"M-mother?" Yui was shocked to see her mother, Ryoko.  Yui steps up closer to 
the glass.  Yui puts her hand on the glass, buried memories began to flood in, 
tears began to well up in Yui's eyes.  Not saying another word, Yui stares at 
her mother.  Sasami walks up and puts her hand on Yui's shoulder.  

<Tenchi and I were at Ryoko's grave.  If Ryoko's here than who's in the grave?> 
Aeka thought to herself. She hesitantly looks over to Tenchi.  

Tenchi was just staring at Ryoko, not knowing how to react.  Its been 13 years 
long years since he has seen Ryoko's beautiful face, but should he be mad at 
Washu?  

"Is this the real Ryoko?" he asked. "or is she a clone?"

"She's the real Ryoko, the genuine article." Washu answered.

"Washu, how long have you had Ryoko here?" Tenchi asked in a serious tone.

"Since the day she died."

"You mean to tell me, that you've been working on her for the past 13 years,  
and didn't bother to tell me or anybody else!" Tenchi said, with upset anger.
"And the fact that we performed a sacred funeral for her, and her body wasn't 
even present!"

Yui hears her father's yelling and turns away from the glass and listened to 
what he had to say to Washu.  This was the boldest thing Washu had ever done. 
Yui wanted to desperately hear a good reason from her.  Why the secret and why 
is her mother here?  Were the only questions in Yui's mind.  

"Before you scold me any further Tenchi, let me explain myself to you clearly." 
Washu interrupted. 

"Fine go ahead.  It better be a good explanation." Tenchi said trying to calm 
himself down.

"I always have my reasons, Tenchi.  I rarely make my decisions out of pure 
emotion." Washu assured him, sternly. "The very minute that Ryoko died, I had to 
switch her body with a double.  And immediately, had to place her here in the 
this unit."

"Why?"

"Because of the residual energy that was left by Onimaru's sword.  If she was 
ever buried here on Earth, without my intervention, there could've occurred a 
world wide catastrophe.  The dark matter radiation left on Ryoko's wounds were 
enough to start a massive fallout."

"Then why wasn't I affected by this radiation?  I was the closest person to her.  
In fact, she was in my arms." Tenchi retorted.

"Because at that time, she was still alive." 

"You mean she was turned into a time bomb?" He asked.

"In a manner of speaking, yes, she was.  Ryoko was turned in to Onimaru's last 
ditch effort in inflicting some kind of damage to this universe.  The minute she 
died could've been the end of all life on this planet."

"Ok, that part has been answered."  Yui jumps in. "Then why all the big secret?  
And why did it take so long for you to finally reveal this to us?"

"Why all the big secret?  Let me tell you why.  I wanted absolutely no risks at 
all, that would hinder Ryoko's regeneration.  When I teleported Ryoko here in to 
this unit,  her body exploded."

"E-Exploded?" Yui said, not liking the visual picture of that last remark.

"I'm sorry to let you hear that, Yui. I'm laying down the facts to you 
straight."

"It's alright, Washu." Yui said. "I understand, I should've expected an answer 
like that sooner.  Please continue."

"When Ryoko's body exploded, her body was reduced to atomic particles." Washu 
continued on. "I could've regenerated her body within 2 weeks from her death,  
if it weren't for the dark matter radiation.  For the past 13 years, I had to 
tediously examine and pick off any radio-active particle attached to Ryoko's 
Bio-atomic matter.  It required a lot of patience and a lot of peace and quiet."

"But Washu, why weren't we allowed in to the lab?" Said Yui, asking one of her 
priority questions.

"Because the unit's equipment only worked under extremely quiet conditions.  I 
was the only person who was disciplined enough to be able to steady and slow the 
heart rate of my body. That's why I locked everybody out of the lab and that's 
why I haven't said a word for the past 13 years. Telling anyone, could've risk 
losing Ryoko at an atomic level.  2 weeks ago the unit was able to completely 
cleanse away all the radiation from Ryoko's atoms.  The only thing that was left 
was to regenerate her body. " 

"What is Ryoko's status right now?" Tenchi asked, now suddenly calm and cool.

"She's at 97% fully restored." 

"What happens after she's fully restored?" he asked.

"Well, even though she will be restored, she isn't quite FULLY restored yet." 

"What do you mean?" Yui asked.

While Yui and Washu exchanged their talk, Tenchi quietly takes a step back.  
Trying not to noticeable to the group.

"Her body will be completely restored, except for one important aspect, her 
memory."

"She's going to forget who we are?" Aeka said.

"Yes, but don't worry." Sasami, assured the group. "Washu and I will think of a 
solution.  We'll start on her as soon as regeneration is complete."

Washu walks over to Yui, and puts her hands on Yui's shoulders. "Soon after 13 
years, we'll all be reunited with your mother." Washu looked Yui in the eyes 
with anticipated sincerity. Yui looks away from Washu's eyes, not knowing how to 
react.  Things were happening too fast right now.  A few minutes ago, her mother 
was dead, now she's here in the lab floating half alive. Then the ladies heard 
the sound of the lab door closing behind them.  They realized that Tenchi had 
just stepped out. 

"I'll go talk to him." Aeka said stepping towards the door. Then Yui tugs at her 
sleeve, stopping Aeka. 

"Wait, let me talk to him.  It'll be a better idea that I go and talk to him, 
myself."

"I understand, Yui." Aeka said stepping to the side. "This is the matter that 
only you and your father can discuss."

"Thank you Aunt Aeka." Yui said to her aunt, hugging her.  Yui runs out of the 
lab.

Sasami watched Yui fly out of the lab and Washu signals to human Ryo-ohki to 
quietly follow suit.  Ryo-ohki nods and turns in to a cabbit in a poof.  Ryo-
ohki runs out of the lab.  Aeka steps beside to Washu.  She was silent, not 
knowing how to react this sudden turn of events.

"Why are you sending Ryo-ohki after them?" asked Aeka.
  
"I'm sending her because I'm very concerned for Tenchi.  He was angry that one 
minute, all of a sudden, was very quiet the next."

"What did you expect, Washu?" Said Sasami. "After all, you did keep his wife a 
secret for the past 13 years, betraying him.  Leading him to believe that Ryoko 
was dead." 

"I know that Sasami!" Washu barked at her. "I didn't do this lightly, you know.  
You thought I would do this without consideration for Tenchi's feelings?  I'm 
not that cold hearted!  I was prepared to bring Ryoko back but I wasn't prepared 
on how Tenchi would react.  I don't expect him to forgive me right off the bat, 
but knowing Tenchi.  I know he'll always find a way to re-evaluate and adjust to 
this revelation."

"Let's just hope you're right, Washu, because if he doesn't...the one person who 
you should worry about more is Yui." Sasami said sternly.

Washu didn't flinch at Sasami's words, she realized that Yui would be even more 
hurt if Tenchi didn't find a way to adjust to this sudden situation.  Right now, 
Washu can only watch the events unfold through Ryo-ohki and can only hope for 
the best, as well as the worse.

***

Yui floats out of the lab, and flies around the house looking for her father, 
but couldn't find him.  Then in the hallway, she hears a peculiar thumping sound 
coming from outside, near the lake. Yui flies out of a nearby window and 
witnesses her father doing his most poignant.  Yui lands next to him and stood 
stunned as she watched her father destroy the marker that represented the 
biggest lie of her life. 

With the sledge hammer, Tenchi was destroying and renewing his perspective on 
his own life.  With each jolting sensation of the hammer's impact to it's 
target, a piece of his soul is burned and yet transcended.  Why is he reacting 
like this? he asked himself.  Because it's the only way he can purge away a lie 
that he was led to believe for the past 13 years.

THOOMP! THOOMP! THOOMP! Was the sound after each time he swung.

"Father stop!" Yui cried out.  It was painful to watch him do this, but her 
sentiments were exactly like his.  She was concerned for her father more than 
the marker.  He looked so angry and yet so liberated with each swing.

THOOMP! THOOMP! THOOMP!	

"Father please, stop!" Yui yelled out, tears welling up.

No response, he kept banging away at the marker.

THOOMP! THOOMP! THOOMP!	

Yui couldn't take it anymore, she runs over to Tenchi and holds him.  Stopping 
him from swinging any further.

"Father! It's gone now! It's destroyed!  There's no use of pulverizing it any 
further." Yui, said crying on her father's shoulder hugging him tight.

"I'm sorry you had to see that, Yui.  It was the only way, I can free myself," 
He said to her quietly. "I mean, the both of us.  I'm sorry..."  He silently 
weeps with Yui. He held Yui in tighter, both fell to the ground and wept even 
harder.  Tenchi drops the sledge hammer, it lands next to the shattered remnant 
pieces of rock that once made up Ryoko's gravestone.  A few yards away from the 
rubble of rock, laid there on purpose by Tenchi.  The bundle of yellow flowers 
that was picked by Yui on the previous day, laid in the sun, unharmed.  


To be continued...


The Lonely Moon
(tragedy)

I am lonely like the moon 
You are faraway as the earth
Now you say I light your thoughts
Night After night
Soon you forget

We are drifting in this dance
I can feel you circle my thoughts
Keeping such a graceful distance
So close but somehow apart

Sometimes I cry for you
Knowing you don't want me to
Sometimes I whisper to the stars up in the sky

That I want to find the way to your soul
Kiss in the sun when morning comes you don't seem to count the hours
When we are not together
I've seen a tender fire in your eyes
Yet when I'm gone you carry on
I float in this emptiness
Till at last love returns
With the night and the lonely moon


End of Pt.1 Chapter 2


Author's notes:

Phew! There you have it! Chapter 2!  Hope you liked it! Send me your C&C and 
tell me what you think!  Stay tuned for chapter 3!  It's currently underway.

I would also like to give special thanks to my pre-readers, Random and Lord 
Talon.  We went through many trials together (especially deciding the ending!) 
but hey, we pulled it off!