Heaven and Eternity by K'thardin Standard Disclaimer: If you don't know what these say by now, you probably never will, but here goes. You will never win! Muhuhahahahah! Sorry. Anyway I don't own Tenchi Muyo! I do own my characters! There! Oh, by the way; feel free to reprint this, just remember to credit me. Authors Forward: The original version of this story was good I thought, but it didn't quite flow with what I wanted in this story line. Therefore I had to rewrite it. I like this version better anyway; as I think the characters would react more like this than in the previous version. I know you have no idea what I am talking about, so I'll quite rambling and you can read my latest story (which I put into three parts for to keep it straight in my mind)... The Pain of Growing Up (part I) "We either change or die. That is one of the fundamental laws of the universe." -A wise man What is going on here is not what is really happening, but this humble author will try to translate the information into terms that the human mind can accept. Tsunami reappeared in her own personal dimension very distraught. And for some reason she was almost nude. Frantically she started pacing back and forth until finally with cry of ultimate frustration and despair put her fist through her wall. Not even close to being satisfied with that she walked over to the nearest piece of furniture and tossed it across her home. That made her feel a little better. What does it take to make him see?! She wondered. Why can't he ever realize what he means to me? Unbidden her thoughts went back to what had transpired only minutes before. Cyraqs was training Tenchi in the fine art of control of his powers. "Lift the stones." Cyraqs commanded. Tenchi smiled and lifted yet another stone into the swirling mass surrounding him. The object of this exercise was to keep all the stones separate, while continuing to move them randomly all around you. He was up to twenty-seven so far. It always made him laugh how much some of the stuff Cyraqs asked him to do looked a lot like Yoda training Luke Skywalker in the 'Empire Strikes Back.' He continued this for a time; until he noticed his sensei preoccupied with something. Idly he wondered what he would do if he decided to try something different. So he did. The mass of rocks coalesced in front of Tenchi to the outline of a 'Have a Nice Day.' face; complete with bullet hole in the middle of the head. Tsunami collapsed in gales of laughter within her cloaked state. She laughed even harder when the two of them turned in her direction; trying to see whom it was that was laughing so hard. Both figured it out pretty quickly. There was only one person who remained unseen and laughed at them on a regular basis. Cyraqs finally saw what it was she was laughing at and rolled his eyes at the grinning Tenchi. "O.K. smartass." He smiled faintly. "You've got them into that position. Let's see you fuse the molecules like that." Tenchi shrugged and proceeded to do as instructed. Cyraqs nodded approvingly, until... "THE MOLECULES YOU IDIOT! NOT THE ATOMS!" he yelled as he threw up a barrier. There was a large fireworks display within the barrier for a couple of minutes, and when it cleared they were standing in a crater; both a little charred. Cyraqs dropped the barrier, and willed the tattered remnants of his clothes back together. "Sorry." Tenchi said sheepishly. Cyraqs glared hard at him. "Go away." he said quietly. "But..." "Just go away before I do something permanent to you." He went. Cyraqs sighed miserably and looked at the scene around him. Then he chuckled. Did the same thing I did when I was taught that. Still chuckling he began to repair the damage of his student's micro-nuclear fusion blast. Transmuting matter from the air into dirt below him was no trouble for someone like him. Once done he looked around and admired his work. Now to bring some vegetation back. He bent down, placed his hand on the ground, and felt for seeds that were around him. Bending down wasn't really necessary, but for some reason physical contact always felt better when he was healing things. Slowly seeds were gathered from the surrounding area, and placed in carefully measured spots within the blasted earth. On a side note he had absorbed the excess radiation the blast caused. Once done he concentrated; giving the seeds the energy they needed to grow. And grow they did. "You never do that very well do you?" He turned and looked at Tsunami with an annoyed expression. "It gets the job done." "Yes, but not with any style or artistry." she smiled. A peaceful expression came over her, and the seeds began to grow as they did before. Grass of a shimmering green color appeared in seconds, and a couple of the trees that had been vaporized were replaced; by trees that were quite literally singing at being alive. Tsunami looked at him; the joy of accomplishment on her face, when she was done. She quite literally glowed, after she did this. This only served to enhance her incredible beauty, and he couldn't take his eyes off her. "What?" she asked; noticing his scrutiny. He shook his head; trying to throw off the trance she held him in, at least enough to talk. "I was...was just thinking that this world doesn't have these kind of plants that you have just created." he was still staring at her. "Beautiful." he said quietly. She felt a small thrill at his words; knowing that he wasn't referring to her creation. "You think so?" she asked; eyes wide. He shook himself out of it and looked around. "Yes, very." He hoped that covered that up. It didn't. "What about me?" she really wanted to hear it again. "You've always been beautiful to me." he smiled. Then he realized what he just said, or to be more accurate, how he said it. "Well uh...that is..." She had crossed the distance between them and was standing very close to him now. Slowly she reached out to him, smiling seductively, but her face had a regretful look on it. "Oh why couldn't we ever do this?" she asked him. "Do what?" he asked nervously. "This." She bent down and kissed him. The kiss was not like it was in the physical realm, but was just as intense. In this kiss she was sharing a small amount of her energies with him. Her very delicate, female energies flowed through him; turning him on, and scaring him at the same time. He also noticed that most of her clothing had disappeared. While that is not exactly what had happened, it's what our minds would process as what happened. He broke the kiss. "This we have." "Yes, but how come we could never make anything of it?" she asked, still regretful. "Make anything of it?" He seemed honestly puzzled. What did she have to do; club him over the head with it? "What does it take? Why can't I make you understand?" "Understand what?" he asked. Her expression turned to one of outright rage. "OOOOHHHH!" she cried and clocked him with a right cross. Turning in rage she disappeared. He rubbed his jaw a little puzzled. I wonder what that was about. Unbeknownst to any of them Tenchi was watching from a distance. He had only one thought on that subject. Cyraqs you are a FUCKING IDIOT! What does it TAKE? she asked herself again. "I don't know. But he seems really puzzled by it all." "Sasami!" she yelled in surprise. She had given the girl access to her dimension, not that she could have kept her out; it would have been like locking the door on herself. Here though the roles were reversed. Sasami was the spirit and she was the solid form. Her eyes narrowed, wondering what Sasami meant. "Well you were pretty blatant. I'm only ten and I understood what you meant. He's a lot older, but he doesn't seem to get it. Why would that be?" Tsunami blinked. Sasami was right; you don't get much more blatant than that. And he really didn't get it. "And I've seen the way he acts around you, when you are around." Sasami continued, "But he doesn't know that either." she looked up at Tsunami eyes wide with sudden concern. "Did something happen to him? Something that might have hurt him so much he wouldn't let himself see?" Tsunami frowned; then shook her head sadly. Sasami asked. a couple of tears trailed out of her eyes when she remembered the only time he had ever told this story to her. It was at their grave. Sasami said her mental voice trembling. Sasami was crying freely now. She didn't consciously realize the implication of the word 'we', but deep inside; she knew. Tsunami wasn't really paying too much attention to Sasami's wording; otherwise she might have gotten a little worried. Sasami wasn't supposed to know that yet; not completely anyway. Sasami replied dubiously, Suddenly she swept the apparition into her arms (goddesses can do things like that). "And I owe you some thanks. How did you get so wise?" "Well..." she said, blushing slightly, "I've always had to take care of Ayeka, and everyone always talks to me about their problems. Even father and auntie Funahou." Tsunami laughed a little. I guess that's true enough. "We burden you with a lot don't we?" "I don't care." she smiled, "I like making people feel better." So do I. I wish I could preserve your innocence about it, but I guess we must all grow up. Even if your growing up will be a little different than most. "And how did you know what was going on?" <'Cause you and me are connected; right?> Sasami replied. That is true, she thought smiling to herself, but now... Sasami suggested. Probably right. Then I will wait. Cyraqs walked into the Misaki house; still confused as hell. He noticed that Mihoshi and Ayeka were currently in the middle of a game of chess; which for some reason Ayeka was loosing, badly. This was obviously frustrating the princess to no end; I mean how could such a simpleton be beating the crown princess of the planet Jurai. If only you knew, thought Cyraqs. He continued to watch the game to its bloody conclusion. As it ended he decided to ask them about his little problem. After all they're both women; maybe they'll be able to figure it out. "Umm...I was wondering if you two might possibly be able to help me on something." "What about?" Ayeka asked concerned; her irritation at being beaten momentarily forgotten. She had never known this man to need help in anything. So he proceeded to tell them both what happened between him and Tsunami. As he talked and they munched on cookies they both started passing secretive glances and giggles at each other. This puzzled him, but he kept telling his story; though it almost seemed like they were secretly making fun of him for some reason. Once he ended Ayeka couldn't take it anymore and ran from the room to collapse in laughter somewhere where it wouldn't be so embarrassing. "You know, I know men are dense, but that's really bad!" Mihoshi said as she got up and went somewhere else (I don't know where and I'm not sure she does either half the time) still munching the cookie. Now the fact that this airhead had just called him dense, must mean he was missing something so obvious it was scary. This much he knew, but he still couldn't figure it out (Authors note: God if you have a lightning bolt of understanding reserved for this guy, now would be the time to use it). Unfortunately for the author it was not used and Cyraqs got up and walked outside, pausing to cover up Sasami who was napping (heh) on the sofa before he left; more confused than before. End 7 part 1 The Pains of Growing Up (part II) "Gee, Brain, what are we going to do tonight?" -Pinky That night. Help ME! Tenchi cried silently to anyone who would listen. This was no one at the moment. On one arm..."I'm telling you Tenchi would be much more satisfied with someone of my physical attributes," Please don't remind me of those, he silently pleaded; "than with a flat chested, no hipped princess like yourself." Well I wouldn't call her that. On the other arm..."Only if he likes old wrinkly demons, rather than beautifully skinned princesses." She's not exactly wrinkly, he thought. At least not any more. This was taxing his patience to the max. Though he did enjoy being between the two of them, their attributes they were arguing about currently pressed very close to him, he really hated that they were fighting over him like some kind of prize. Like he had no desires or dreams of his own. Soon, he knew, this would degenerate into a fight, and would probably destroy most of the house. At least repairs had gotten easier with his power, but still the fact that they cared nothing for him or anyone else's desires, other than their own, was really pissing him off. But he asked himself, did he love them? Any of them? He didn't know. And he had never gotten the chance to find out, what with everything that had been happening, everyone coming after him, destiny not caring what he thought, them not caring what he thought, just assuming he loved them and would choose them... His mind cycled through this many times; his rage growing each time; until finally... "*ENOUGH!*" He shouted. The house rattled a little before the echo abated. He gave them both a look that promised murder, and they let go. For the first time in their lives they looked at him in fear. They knew what he was capable of now, and they had never seen him this angry before. He walked outside; knowing that if he stayed there he would most likely do something he would regret later. The two of them sat down on the couch next to each other; still in shock at what they had just seen. "I think I'll go to bed." Ayeka said breaking out of it first. "Yeah that's a good idea." Both left still a little out of it. Tenchi was stalking up the hill toward the shrine (not even bothering to take the stairs) still pissed as hell about what happened. I am my own man. What is it with all these girls? I am not some possession to be fought over, Goddamnit! Still fuming he crested the hill, and there he was; same as always. For some reason that really irritated him today. MotherFucker is always there, can't he once be not there when I get here. Cyraqs looked at him for a long moment, and shook his head slightly. He was beginning to wonder how long it would take for this outburst to happen. For most of them it usually happened a lot sooner, and since Tenchi had a lot of other problems going on, he figured that Tenchi would've cracked sooner still. He was impressed he lasted this long, but now something had finally set him off. Which was good, pent up feelings like that are not what one of us need at all. Oh, well; let's have some fun. "No." he said simply. Tenchi paused assuming his stance for a moment. Now what does he want? he wondered irritably. "Want to talk about it?" "No." Tenchi answered resuming his stance. Cyraqs jumped off the fence and walked right in front of him. "I will not train you now. You're emotions will cloud your judgement, and will make you easily defeated." I wonder if he'll pull a punch at me. Tenchi couldn't help what he did next, and threw a fist at the smaller man about twice the speed of light. Cyraqs raised his hand and stopped the blow, causing Tenchi to pause momentarily. Answer: Yes, he will. "Listen if you really want to do this we will. But I will be doing this as your friend not your sensei. Meaning I won't hold back." His lips tightened before he started again. "So c'mon man, talk to me; not as your sensei, but as your friend." Tenchi pulled his fist back and stared hard at the smaller man. He's just trying to help you, what are you doing taking it out on him? Are you just like the girls here, only concerned with yourself? Are you that fucking immature that you try to take shit like that out on people that don't deserve it? "You know what's really pissing me off?" he said quietly, "Being treated like I'm some kind of possession. Like I have no say in my own destiny. They don't even ask me just assume they know what I feel and then trash the house when they have an argument about it." he began pacing back and forth, hand clenching "And that doesn't even begin to count what your mother does to me." Cyraqs' eyes tighten momentarily behind his glasses, but he says nothing. "I mean what am I; some kind of lab animal? About the only one I can talk to is Sasami. But even she pisses me off some times being so happy and bubbly around everything. Oh to be like that without a care in the world." He laughed bitterly, "That's not even fair to her though, she's had her own problems to deal with. I am surprised that such a young mind didn't collapse under the strain. Dear God look at what kind of monster I have become. She's not even to blame for all of this. I mean what with all the space ships that crash around here..." which is why mine is parked right outside this solar system, "...and other disasters that happen; my power that I never wanted..." he raised his arms in supplication toward the heavens "I WANT MY LIFE BACK! I WANT TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL, GET MY DEGREE, HAVE A NORMAL LIFE!" he lowered his voice back to it's normal tone, "I don't want any of it!" Tenchi paused for a moment, trying to get himself under control. Then he looked at Cyraqs and something else snaped inside him. "That's not all! I give a shit for my friends and one of them is being an idiot! I mean look at you!" Me? Cyraqs pointed to himself, "You've got greatest girl I have ever seen and you don't even know it." Cyraqs gave him a Huh? expression, "How can you not fucking see it? You telegraphed it so hard when you were with her the universe cried out at the beauty of it." the Huh? expression got worse, "And the bad part is she felt the same and neither of you knew it!" Certain little details were finally being processed (especially the 'conversation' he had with Ayeka and Mihoshi earlier that day), and a light was slowly getting powered in Cyraqs mind. "Tsunami?" he ventured. "Duhhh! Damn Straight, Tsunami!" "We have something a little beyond simple friendship, that much is true; but that is all we have." "Bullshit! You ought to listen to yourself when you talk about her. It's a good thing I can regenerate now otherwise I'd be going to the dentist for cavities." he said irritably. "I'm telling you there is nothing going on like that." Cyraqs assured him. "Oh really?" Tenchi said raising an eyebrow, "I'll just go ask her out then. I'm absolutely positive..." he stopped when he noticed Cyraqs right in front of him. Didn't even see him move. Cyraqs stopped, and took a step back; not believing what he had just done. What the hell... "Nothing going on huh? Awful protective for someone who is not interested, don't you think?" he said in amusement. Cyraqs began examining himself awfully hard then. This was supposed to be his outburst; not his examination into myself. Wait I'm getting off subject. Why did I do that when he mentioned going to ask Tsunami out...the momentary anger that he had when Tenchi suggested it flowed back to him and he nearly grabbed Tenchi again. Nearly that is, when Tenchi grabbed the hand that came toward him. "You're right Sensei. Anger does dull the reflexes." He stepped back then and considered the new information he had. It can't be true...can it? No. Yes. No. Yes. No. Yes. Yes. No. Yes. No. What am I thinking? What if it's true? And he heard a small piece of him say of course it's true. You just have been too scared to admit it. Yes Tenchi said it best. Dear God. "Hey listen, Cyraqs, you were here for me. Now I'm here for you. Want to talk about it?" he grinned. "I don't know. I just don't know." he said quietly. "Well when you do know, you know where to find me. Mean time I'm going to take care of a few things." "Like?" "Well that outburst made me realize I need to take care of these problems right now. And that's what I am going to do." Cyraqs nodded his head, but the last problem Tenchi had needed to be discussed first. "You were also complaining about your power. How you didn't want it. What about that?" "You know what," Tenchi replied, "It's probably a good thing I don't want this power. At least that way I won't abuse it." Cyraqs felt an extreme pride for his student then. Tenchi then realized something, and he shuddered when he considered it. "You know, " he started, "Mihoshi will be easy, Ryouko and Ayeka I must talk to myself," regardless of the consequences, "but as for Washuu..." he left it hanging. "I understand." Cyraqs said, "Do wish me to accompany you?" "I think I should take care of Washuu-san." Both turned to look at the owner of the voice. "Yoshou. Didn't even know you were there. That's pretty good." Cyraqs said in compliment, "But what do you mean?" "I mean," he sighed, "that there are things I need to discuss with her as well as her problems with Tenchi. And while she is your mother I don't think you could handle it without getting overly emotional. We need cold logic here, not a son trying to stave off his mother. I should know, I had the same problem here recently." Cyraqs conceded the point. "Alright then." he agreed, "I think we need to compare some notes first and figure out the best way to go about this." It sounded to Tenchi like they were about to go to war. Then again considering who they were talking about, they more than likely were. "Listen to me now Tenchi. Go take care of the rest tonight. Leave Washuu to us." Yoshou told him. "I will. Thank you." he said as they turned toward the shrine, "And GOOD LUCK!" I think I will go for a walk first; to best figure out how to deal with this. None of them saw Azaka and Kamidake creeping out into the far woods; away from what was likely to become a warzone. * Two hours later. "Mihoshi. Wake up Mihoshi." He decided to start with the person who would be easiest, hopefully (assuming he could maker her understand). "Mihoshi." She didn't even budge on the sofa. Won't wake up, huh? One type each electrical shock coming up! "YEOW!" she cried jumping five feet in the air, and from a prone position too. "Oh hi Tenchi!" she said as he caught her, "What's going on?" Setting her down he assumed a serious demeanor before finally speaking. "Something I think is rather important. Tell me do you have...feelings for me?" he asked her seriously, "It's kind of important that I know." For some reason he remembered hearing this conversation somewhere else, but he couldn't quite place it. "Oh you mean do I love you? Those kind of feelings?" she asked. He gave her an affirmative nod. "Well yes Tenchi you saved my life, way too many times. And you're so nice to me to let me stay here. Why do you ask?" Then she brightened, "Oh you mean you're going to tell me you love me and are going to accept me as your second wife when you become king of Jurai? Yay!" He grabbed her arm to quiet her down. "No nothing like that." She did quiet down and looked at him with a questioning gaze. "I just needed to say to you...say to everyone of you...that I am not ready for any of that. I don't know what I'm going to do for the future yet. I don't want to get any of your hopes up and I don't want you thinking that I love you like that. It wouldn't be fair to say that to any of you. Can you understand?" She bent her head down and thought about what he just said, he half expected her to raise up and give him an answer that would cause an atomic face fall but she never did. When she did look up at him; it was with a completely different set of eyes. These eyes had some intelligence behind them. "I...I understand. I hope I haven't caused you too much trouble." she sounded like she was about to cry, but she kept it under control. "You haven't. Don't ever think that." he said, putting his hands on her shoulders. "We are still friends right? I can still stay here right?" she asked her eyes watering. "Yes and Yes. You never need worry about that." he replied warmly. "Yay! Oh, thank you Tenchi!" the empty headed Mihoshi had returned obviously, "Oh am I tired! Good night!" she blessed and promptly rolled over in her covers and went back to sleep. Good night he told her silently as he walked out of the room. It was with some difficulty that she managed to restrain a sob before he left. * "Ryouko." he shook her softly, it did not take as long for her to awaken. "Tenchi!" she cried; trying to glomp him. Not that she could, he was by far, to fast and powerful for her now; that and he was expecting it. So she just kind of looked at him strangely as he held her down on her bed in the rafters. Suddenly she realized the position she was in and gave him a smoky gaze. "Oh is this the way you wanted it? Why didn't you tell me before?" Suddenly he realized the position they were in and let her go. But not quickly. No, not at all. And not completely, his hands lingered on her thighs. This lady aroused something in him; something primal; something he knew was just as wild inside of her. So it was with some considerable will power that he restrained himself. "That's not what I came here for Ryouko." he seriously told her, "I need to talk to you." "Isn't that traditionally done afterwards?" This was going to be very difficult, he could tell. "Ryouko please, I'm serious. We need to have a serious discussion here." Something in his tone warned her off, so she got control of herself and settled down. "What is it Tenchi?" He steeled himself, this was likely going to hurt her a lot. And all she had ever done was love him (other than the occasional bout of mass destruction, still it was for his benefit). "Ryouko, what did I...I mean why is it that you love me?" She sat there for the longest time. A very long time. "I don't know." she finally answered. "I always have, ever since you were a baby." A baby? "Yes, I could see you even though I was trapped in there. I watched you all your life." All my life? The ramifications of that were staggering. She was there as I cried when mother died. She was there when I first learned to walk. She was there when I...best not think about that one. It made what he was going to do that much harder. "Ryouko. I never knew. No I take that back. I've always known that, deep down." He sighed then, might as well get this over with, "Ryouko I am not ready for that. I'm not ready for that kind of love. Not from you or anyone. I have to tell you all this; it wouldn't be fair otherwise." She grew angry then, "So you're going off with Ayeka, Mihoshi, or MOM, then?" "You didn't listen did you?" he said sadly, "I said not from anyone; including them. I've already had this talk with Mihoshi; I'll be having this talk with Ayeka soon. And your mother is being...dealt with." "So where does that leave us? I love you Tenchi; I always will! What's wrong with me that you can't love me back!" she was already on the verge of tears. "It's not you, can't you understand that?! I'm only a man and not ready for any of this! Most of it came upon me without my say so, and now I gotta deal with it! I can't deal with this, yet! Don't you understand, it's me not you! I'm the one who can't decide what to do yet! You get it now?" He was a bit taken aback at the force of his outburst at her. And she...she had the strangest look on her face, it was fear. Fear of him. He found he didn't like that look one bit. She got control of her momentary fear and bowed her head. Contrary to popular belief Ryouko is not a being ruled entirely by impulses. Sometimes, just sometimes, she could make a decision based on rational reasoning skills. This is exactly what she did, this time. "Then I'll wait. For as long as you need, whatever the outcome, Tenchi; I will wait." she said smiling slightly. He nodded his head, and was about to leave when she placed a hand on his arm a pleading look in her eyes. "Just once Tenchi? In case...In case..." she couldn't bear to complete the thought. He understood and gently reached over and pulled her close to him. He moved his mouth close to hers as she parted her lips to receive his kiss. As his lips touched hers she grasped him tightly; trying to take as much of him in as she could before he let go. It was quite possible that she didn't know, but this was the first real kiss of his life. And it was with some regret that he did part from her an eternity later. "Now go. Do what you have to do." she said sadly. He nodded his head just as sadly, and shifted his presence to Ayeka and Sasami's room. Once he was gone, she threw herself into her pillow and wept openly. I'll wait for you, she thought in her grief. As long as you need me to. * Gently he shook the sleeping form of the Princess Ayeka awake. She came awake slowly, and her eyes finally focused on who had woken her. She looked almost about to speak when he placed a finger on her lips; and another pointing at Sasami. He then made a motion of his head; indicating they should talk outside. She nodded her understanding, and so after he helped her up, they walked outside of her room. She looked the face of her beloved intently for a moment. She noticed he had a grim expression mixed with one of pain. Whatever he wanted to say to her would not be good, that much she could tell. Steeling herself she waited for him to start. "Y'know this is pretty good in theory, but in practice..." he laughed bitterly. Looking her directly in the eyes he finally got to the point. "Ayeka, you love me right? Can I ask you why?" So far that had been the safest course. From there he could explain the rest. She blinked a little. He never could bring himself to even come out and discuss things like this before; what prompted this now, she wondered. Still it looked like something he needed desperately. And if it was something she could give him, she would. "I don't know. All I know is that from the first moment I saw you; what I had for you was more real than anything I felt for Yoshou." Same answer as Ryouko's. I wonder what that means. "Why, though, do you ask?" "Because I have come to tell you something you don't want to hear. I want to know how much I am really about to damage before I begin. I knew before, I'd be stupid not to, but I still needed to hear it. I'm not sure why." Oh no, she thought in despair. He's going to run off with... "NO! That's not it at all! Why must you all jump to conclusions without hearing me out?" Great now he's reading minds too. But Tenchi what do you mean then. If it's something I have done... "No it's not that either." he sighed sadly, "Do you know what it's like? All of the sudden having all this happen to me? When just before I was a normal Earth guy with normal earth guy dreams?" She could tell what he meant. He meant having all the women come live with him, all the disasters, cosmic menaces coming for him, and the like. She considered it would probably be overwhelming for someone like him. She hadn't been really helping either with everything she had been doing either. "I think I understand where you are going with this Tenchi-sama." His eyebrows perked up. "You do?" "Yes, it must be overwhelming; all of it." He nodded an affirmative at that. "And now you're telling me; probably have told or are going to tell everyone else, that you need some space and time to get it all together. Am I right?" He nodded mutely. He couldn't believe she had pieced all this together. "I once told Ryouko that you weren't ready for that stuff yet. Sometimes she is so impossible." she sighed in exasperation. "I don't suppose I have been much help either." He looked as if he was going to protest this, but she flashed him an angry glance, silencing him. "Don't even try to say I have not! I know exactly what I have done." Very well, he thought. Suddenly she reached up and kissed him on the lips, pulling him as close as she could to her. He didn't try to pull away and was in fact actively assisting her. "Just to help you make up your mind a little faster, Tenchi." she told him as they finished, "Know this Tenchi-chan, I will wait for you. As long as you need me to, whatever happens, I'll wait." "That's the same thing Ryouko said." he told her, "I'm not worthy of this." "Yes you are." she told him an edge entering her voice, "You're just too humble to know it." She softened then and smiled again. "But that is part of what makes you, you. And I love YOU! Now go on Tenchi- chan. I'll be fine." reluctantly he turned from her and walked away. Hurry Tenchi! she thought tears welling up in her eyes as she watched him leave. Find your answers soon! End 7 part 2 Afterward: And the next one will be about what happens when Katsuhito(that's Yoshou if you're wondering about that) goes and visits Washuu. That will be fun to write. Questions, Comments, Constructive flames? I'm at nolendr@boxer.navy.mil. "Wisdom comes from the most unexpected sources." -Russell Loyd Cross Washuu walked into her lab eyes bleary and half-clothed in her pajamas. Last night she had stayed up very late developing her latest experiment; a small energy form that liked to disrupt computer and other electronic systems. She got the idea watching one of Tenchi's numerous cartoons; this one involving giant shape-changing sentient robots involved in a civil war (yes, that one). Figuring that would be funny to send something like that to a few of her old acquaintances at the science academy, she began work immediately. However coma pause for effect, it was a lot harder to make a stable self-regenerating non-contained energy matrix than she previously thought, and work had continued long into the night. She had gotten so tired that she barely made it to her bed before collapsing in exhaustion. Now she was up again and ready to go. She had the computer running through the near infinite wavelengths of energy over night, and figured it probably found the proper wavelength for self-containment by now. Only problem was someone was now at her terminal running through a few of her records that she would rather not have people knowing about. The one where she tied Ryouko up for the night to be specific. "Alright, who the hell..." "Good Morning Washu-san. Sleep well?" She blinked when she recognized the man in that had turned the chair to look at her. "Yoshou. That's a neat trick. Does Ayeka know you're not really an old man?" "No, and she will remain in the dark about that until a very specific time." "Should I ask what time? No, I already know what you've been grooming a certain somebody for." He got up and noticed he had the Tenchi-Ken at his belt. "So tell me, why are you here? I can tell by your...demeanor...this is not a social call." She glanced at his belt, "You planning to fight?" "I was hoping it wouldn't come to that. But seeing as the topic of discussion will be something very important..." "Ah, Tenchi." she interrupted, "So tell me; what is it you wanted to discuss about him?" "Yes, him and a few other things." he qualified, "I must ask what your intentions are toward him." She smiled at him mysteriously, before she answered. "My intentions are my own business." "Do you hate your daughter that much?" he glanced meaningfully at the scene of Ryouko's breakdown still playing on the holoscreen. "That was necessary. Only one part of Ryouko had learned that, when I finally inputted her other half; she needed to see it again." noticing his expression of mild disbelief she continued, "But that isn't quite what you are referring to; is it?" He smiled in reply; but there was no friendliness there. "No, I love my daughter, and value her future very highly. I must admit at first, I had an ...attraction...toward your grandson," he barked a small laugh, "and it is still there. My son being here though has caused me to rethink certain...things...about my life." It seemed to him a few tears gathered in her eyes, or maybe it was a trick of the light. "I will not allow what happened to me happen to her. Does that answer your question?" "Yes." he nodded his head, "Yes, it does. Still, I'm not sure I agree with you doing these things to Ryouko." he inclined his head toward the screen. "And what you did was any better?" she asked. "Yes, and I think you can figure out why." "Quite easily." She rolled her eyes skyward, "Due to the nature of her creation, she is a creature of incredible extremes. She needs those same extremes to learn things, and as such, will take longer to grow up." He considered that. "I don't profess to understand everything. But I have grown quite attached to the girl. Do what you need to, but..." his brow furrowed, but he kept his smile, "don't get out of hand." There was no need to say 'or else' that was already understood between the two. Something else occurred to her though. "So tell me, what would you have done had this not gone so well?" "He would have done nothing." a strangely deep and reverberating voice said. A short white-haired and bearded man stepped out of nothing. "I would have prevented you both from doing anything so...permanent." She shook her head in exasperation. Should have known he was around somewhere. He's way too much like his father for his own good. Too damn noble, and around people he gives a shit for, too damn protective. She smiled fondly at her son. "You know you are way to protective for your own good. I suppose that's why I love you." A tension seemed to drain out of him then. He didn't really want to consider what he would have had to have done had things got out of hand. "So what are you working on now?" he asked curiously. "Oh something that will make the lives of the psychology department at the academy more interesting." "Oh really?" he said walking to her. "Anything..." Yoshou didn't hear anymore as he had already walked out of the lab, giving those two the privacy they needed. That problem was fortunately taken care of and now Tenchi (assuming he had taken care of the rest) would be free to sort the rest of the shit out. He would need that time, free of these distractions, if he was to be ready for what was coming. If what Cyraqs had told him was true, they were going to need him; as good as he could get. * Tenchi was sitting down on the steps to the shrine the next night looking at the moon. In one hand was a bottle of Sake and on his face was a dejected expression. Sighing he took a pull out of the bottle. It had been a very peaceful day; Ryouko and Ayeka had stopped fighting, and Washuu hadn't tried anything when he went down into her lab. Still, there was something missing now, and for some reason that emptiness left him feeling...well like shit. "Tsunami." he said suddenly. "You're getting pretty good at that." Tsunami said; appearing beside him. It should be pointed out that she isn't much more than energy in this form, so it should be unnecessary for her to sit down. She sat down beside him anyway. "You O.K.?" she asked. "No." She frowned, a little. He didn't quite snap at her, but it was close. She knew what he did, however, and how much it hurt him having to hurt them like that. Well, it looked like he needed the company, and no one else was volunteering for the job. So I guess it's up to me, she reasoned. "Do me a favor would you?" he asked after a time. She raised her eyebrow; asking what he wanted. "Take care of Cyraqs. You two...from what I saw...you need each other. Don't throw that away." She smiled and kissed him on the cheek. "Don't worry. I think I went about it the wrong way last time. I'm not in the habit of making mistakes twice. Especially when I have people around to brow beat some sense into me." He wasn't too sure what she meant, but it didn't really concern him. She rose from her sitting position; still smiling at him. "Hey if you see Cyraqs tell him I'll be in his cabin." He gave her an affirmative nod. "And if he comes around; get rid of that." He pointed at the Sake. "Yes, don't want him backsliding into what he was doing around two-thousand years ago." Say huh? "Long story. I'll tell you some time." With that she vanished. OhhhhKayyyy. Taking another swig he threw the bottle into atomic particles. Sighing miserably he kept watching the stars. He was so lost in his funk he almost didn't notice Cyarqs walk up behind him. "Nice night." Cyraqs said, sitting down. "Yeah." "Just got done with mom's little 'project'." he took a drag off his cigarette, "Let me give you some advice. Don't EVER piss off a lady who can figure out how to make a self regenerating energy form." "I'll keep that in mind." Tenchi said dryly. "It was a good idea in theory. Those problems are solved. It just hurts so bad to think how much I hurt them. All they ever did is love me, and look what I do to them." He sighed again. "Life's a real Bitch sometimes." "It is." "They're going to wait y'know." "They love you." "I know." "Do you love any of them?" "Don't know." "Don't know what to tell you about that. Well you won't have to worry about mom. She's given up on you." "I'm not sure if that's a relief or not." "I won't ask what you mean by that." "That's o.k. I'm not sure what I meant." "Happens sometimes." "So what's up with you?" "Don't know. Have to figure that out." "Tsunami's waiting for you in your cabin. I think you two can help each other out." "You're probably right. I guess I better go." "Life is pain, mixed in with a little joy. Don't throw away this chance." "Wisdom from the student?" "Get it where you can. You said it yourself." "Point." "Take care Cyraqs." "You too Tenchi. See you tomorrow." "Tomorrow." * Cyraqs walked into his cabin warily. Inside he saw Tsunami sitting on one of his three couches, waiting for him. She had turned as he entered and looked into his eyes, silently, as he looked into hers. Tsunami rose from the couch and they glided toward each other slowly. Reaching each other they embraced; still looking deeply into each other's eyes. Sometimes, you see, the important things don't need to be spoken to be understood. * Ryo-ohki bounded into Cyraqs' kitchen knowing for a fact he would have a carrot for her. Seeing he wasn't around she went into his living room hoping to find him. She was almost at the door when something grabbed her and pulled her to the side. She would have cried out had not a scaly hand clamped itself over her mouth. Scaly? She turned and glared at Drakhenn who mearly told her to be quiet and watch. Turning back to the door she saw Cyraqs and Tsunami in each other's arms. Just looking into each other's eyes. "What going on?" she asked him quietly. Something that has been building for a long time he told her. She turned back and looked at the two of them. WOW! was all she could think. "Why watching?" He looked at her with his black eyes and told her because he liked a little confirmation every now and then. She returned his gaze with a silent question. He told her that Cyraqs had been one of the lonliest beings in existence. Tsunami was what he needed, and he was what she needed. Drakhenn had been getting worried they would never figure it out, but now there weren't words to describe the joy he had for his friend. Ryo-Ohki looked at him with a newfound respect. There was a lot more to him, than the punk who teased her all the time. She saw he had a great respect and love for his friend, and that he would do anything for Cyraqs. And probably anything for the people he cared for too. Smiling shyly at him, as he put his wing over her, they continued to watch the two as they obliviously lost themselves in each other's gaze. End 7 Authors Note: Get me a Dentist! I've got massive tooth decay! Questions, Comments, Constructive Flames should be sent to kthardin@geocities.com