<color><param>0100,0100,0100</param><FontFamily><param>Courier New</param>This fic is based on Ah, My Goddess and Tenchi 

Muyo.  It is supposed to take place some time 

after the end of the Tenchi Universe Series.  As 

of right now, most of the grammatical mistakes 

have been fixed but I'm still not sure if all 

the ideas flow together or not.  Comments are 

appreciated.  This fic is by no means completed 

and is at most half done so this section 

approximates 'Part 1'.


College: Is life really normal?

by drew-meista


DISCLAIMER:  Tenchi Muyo, Ryoko, Aeka, Nagi, and 
any other characters from the Tenchi Muyo 
Universe that are used within in this work of 
fiction are property of AIC/PIONEER.  Keichi, 
Belldandy, Urd, Skuld, and all other characters 
of Ah, My Goddess are property of Kousuke 
Fujishima, Kodansha, Ltd., KSS Films, and TBS. 


<center>Maybe it'll work this time</center>

     "Welcome to Nekomi Institute of Technology. 
 I will be your orientation counselor.  My name 
is Morisato Keichi.  Before we begin the tour, 
are there any questions?" asked Keichi.  

     A hand went up in the back of the group.  
"Yes?" said Keichi.

     "What year of college are you in?" asked 
the with the spiky, cyan-colored hair.  

     "I am a second-year student, majoring in 
mechanical engineering," replied Keichi.  "Any 
other questions?" 

     When only silence greeted him, he 
continued.  "Okay, if you will all follow me," 
motioned Keichi as he turned and began a tour of 
Nekomi Institute of Technology(NIT).  

     At the back of the group, the girl with the 
spiky, cyan-colored hair nudged the guy next to 
her.  "Hey Tenchi, excited about your first day 
at college?" she asked.

     The guy snapped out of his reverie.  "Oh, 
yeah.  Thrilled," he replied.  He returned to 
studying his shoes as he walked.

     "Tenchi?  What's wrong?  Is college that 
bad all ready?" asked the girl.

     "No, no it isn't, Ryoko.  I'm just..." he 
stopped.

     "Hey, you two in the back.  Hurry up," 
shouted Keichi from the front of the group.

     "Sorry," answered Ryoko.  She waved at 
Keichi before dragging Tenchi along beside her.


     "So you're Tenchi Masaki.  You're planning 
on majoring in Architectural Design?" asked the 
counselor.  

     "Yeah," replied Tenchi, not feeling much 
like conversation.

     "Okay, I assume you've already gotten your 
schedule made?" continued the counselor.

     "Yeah," was his only answer.  

     "Mr. Masaki, is there something wrong?" 
asked the counselor.

     "Oh," Tenchi looked up.  "No, sir.  Nothing 
at all, sir," he answered.

     "Good, now please listen to me.  Here's 
your dorm-room assignment and your class 
schedule for this semester.  If you haven't 
already, you should also check the list of clubs 
here at school.  I can personally recommend the 
Auto Club if you're interested in motorcycles or 
racing," explained the counselor, finishing his 
speech.

     "Thanks," said Tenchi as he stood and left. 
 


      He walked slowly through the campus, 
heading towards his dorm.  Tenchi felt so morose 
because he felt guilty for the way he had sent 
Aeka off.  After they returned from 1970, she 
had asked him what he planned to do with his 
life.  When he told her about wanting to be an 
architect like his father, she had suggested 
that he come back with her to Jurai.  He refused 
again and he and Aeka had the same parting that 
took place after the defeat of Kagato.  Only 
this time, the pain was doubly worse.  He had 
refused her twice.  But each time, Ryoko had 
showed up to comfort him.  He understood Aeka's 
position and that she had duties to perform and 
could not be there with him, but Ryoko could.  
After Aeka had left, Ryoko had found every 
possible excuse to stay around.  As the summer 
wore on, NIT accepted Tenchi, to the exultation 
of his father.  Tenchi had hoped to please his 
father since that Tenchi also desired to be an 
architect.  His desire was rewarded with 
gratification.  Only then, Ryoko announced that 
she also had been accepted at NIT, much to the 
amazement of the Masaki family.  This sudden 
turn of events had left Tenchi doubting 
everything.  He had feelings for Ryoko, but also 
for Aeka.  If Aeka found out about Ryoko and him 
going to the same college that she undoubtedly 
would, she would be hurt and angry.  And Tenchi 
didn't want to hurt her.  So it was with mixed 
emotions that he and Ryoko set off for college.  
On the way, he asked Ryoko why she had come to 
college since she had no need of it.  The 
obvious answer was,"To be with you, of course."

     "Tenchi, wait up," came the voice from 
across the courtyard.  

     Tenchi turned and saw Ryoko running up 
behind him.  "Did you get your schedule," 
inquired Tenchi.  

     "Yeah, see," she replied as she showed him 
her schedule.  

     He looked at her's and then at his.  They 
were nearly identical, except for his 
'Introduction to Architecture' class.  Other 
than that, all the courses they had were the 
mundane courses that every freshman took.

     "Isn't that great?" she asked exuberantly.

     "It's terrific," replied Tenchi.  His 
attitude was finally starting to perk up.  
"Where is your dorm?" asked Tenchi.

     "A3," answered Ryoko.

     "Oh, I'm in C7.  I think the two are pretty 
close," observed Tenchi.  

     "Great, that means all the more time we'll 
be able to spend together," said Ryoko.  She 
hugged him and he nervously returned the 
embrace.  

     When she let go of him, he explained that 
he needed to get moved into his dorm room.  

     "Don't you want to spend some more time 
with me, though?" asked Ryoko, petulantly. 

     "Maybe later.  I've got to get my stuff in 
my room by 5.  So do you," answered Tenchi.  
     "I suppose you're right.  Guess, I'd better 
hurry," pouted Ryoko.

     "Bye," said Tenchi as he hurried on.

     When he arrived at the dorm, two guys 
greeted him.  "Hey, are you the new guy?" asked 
one tall guy with spiky, blond hair.  His 
necklace with its bolts and spare parts made 
Tenchi look twice before answering. 

     "Yeah, I'm Tenchi Masaki," answered Tenchi.

     "Okay, then Masaki.  I'm Otaki, and this is 
Tamiya.  We're your sempais and here are the 
rules of this dorm," said Otaki as he shoved a 
grungy sheet of paper under Tenchi's nose.  
Tenchi took the paper and quickly skimmed the 
list.  

     "Oh, especially not this rule.  A former 
member of this dorm, Keichi Morisato gave up his 
room because he failed to follow this one," 
continued Otaki as he pointed at the paper.  

     Tenchi looked at the rule Otaki was 
pointing at.  'No Women are allowed in the 
dorm'.  "Okay, where's my room again," asked 
Tenchi.

     "Down there," pointed Tamiya.  

     Tenchi went to the room Tamiya had pointed 
to and dropped his bags on the floor.  The room 
looked like it had not been used for some time 
and was basically clean except for the spider 
webs in the corners.  Tenchi quickly unpacked 
and did his best to straighten the room when 
Tamiya stuck his head in the door.

     "Hey Masaki, come on out here for a 
minute," he ordered.

    "Coming, sempai," replied Tenchi.  He walked 
into the hallway and suddenly felt very wet.

     Tamiya and Otaki were laughing and slapping 
each other on the back while Tenchi merely 
grimaced and turned to go back into his room.  
     "Tenchi, where you going?" asked Otaki.

     "Back into my room," answered Tenchi.

     "Not yet, we're not done yet," said Tamiya. 
 He motioned for Tenchi and Otaki to follow and 
then he walked into the communal room.  Then, he 
banged a screwdriver against a large piece of 
metal.  Within seconds, the entire hallway 
erupted as the other guys answered the summons.

     "Okay.  Guys, we have a new student among 
us.  His name is Tenchi Masaki and he's moving 
into Morisato's room.  As of now, he is the 
newest member of the Auto Club," proclaimed 
Tamiya.

     "I'm what?  I haven't joined the Auto Club 
yet," exclaimed Tenchi.

     "Yes you have.  Didn't you read the rules," 
answered Tamiya as he again shoved the rules 
sheet under Tenchi's nose.  He pointed to the 
fineprint down at the bottom.  It read: All who 
stay in the dorm of C7 are consenting to join 
the Auto Club.  

     Tenchi cursed under his breath as he 
realized what he'd just done.  "Now, Masaki.  As 
an official member of the Auto Club,  You get 
the duties every new member must take.  Number 
one, you will answer all phone messages while we 
are out.  Number two, you will read through the 
entire Encyclopedia of Motorcycles and their 
Engines so that you can share in the knowledge 
of the Auto Club," explained Tamiya.  "Masaki, 
welcome to the club," shouted Otaki as he raised 
a mug of sake.  

     The group of guys all cheered and then 
piled on Tenchi.  At the bottom of the pile, 
Tenchi moaned.

	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

     Two hours later, Tenchi was sitting with 
the phone in his lap.  "How in the world did I 
get myself into this.  I don't give a crap about 
motorcycles.  I'm supposed to be an architect, 
not a mechanic," he grumbled to himself as he 
began to flip through the encyclopedia.  He had 
managed to read the first paragraph when the 
phone rang.  

     "Dorm C7, Freshman Masaki speaking," said 
Tenchi.  

     "Hi Tenchi," came the seductive voice over 
the phone.  

     "Oh, hi Ryoko," answered Tenchi.

     "I didn't see you at dinner," complained 
Ryoko.

     "I don't suppose you did as I've been 
sitting here, taking messages for the last hour 
and a half.  As a person staying in dorm C7, I'm 
a member of the Auto Club.  As a new member of 
the Auto Club, it is my duty to take messages 
for the Club while they're out.  I also have to 
read this stupid book on Motorcycles," fumed 
Tenchi. 

     "Poor Tenchi.  Want me to come over and 
keep you company?" asked Ryoko.

     "No, no women are allowed in the dorm," 
answered Tenchi, inwardly cursing his current 
state of affairs.

     "Tenchi, don't always be bound by the 
rules," suggested Ryoko.

     "If I break any rule, I'm automatically 
kicked out of the dorm," explained Tenchi.

     "That only happens if you get caught.  I'll 
be right over," said Ryoko.  She hung up.

     "Ryoko..." he started to say as the line 
went dead.  He sighed and hung up the phone.  As 
soon as the phone returned to its resting place, 
Ryoko appeared next to Tenchi.  

     "Hi Tenchi," she said as she snuggled up 
next to him.

     "Ryoko!  I thought I said that you can't be 
here," he exclaimed as he struggled to his feet. 
 


     Ryoko looked up at him, her eyes showing 
disappointment.  "But Tenchi, I was so lonely.  
There's nobody at my dorm right now," she whined.

     "Where am I gonna stay if  I get kicked 
out?" asked Tenchi.  "I mean, I like having you 
here and all but if they walk in and you're 
here, I'm a gonner."

     "Loosen up, Tenchi.  If we even hear them  
coming, I'll just go back to my dorm.  Promise," 
begged Ryoko.  

     "Oh fine, but if I get caught," he said.  
Just then, he heard the door starting to open.  
Ryoko disappeared before he could say anything 
and Tenchiwas left with then Encyclopedia lying 
open on his lap when Tamiya and Otaki rounded 
the corner.

     "Ah, Tenchi.  I see you're studying.  Very 
fascinating, isn't it?" asked Tamiya.  

     "Yeah, uh-huh," stuttered Tenchi, a big "I 
didn't do anything" smile on his face.  

     "Any messages," asked Otaki.

     "Uh...uhh...oh, no, sempai," continued 
Tenchi, his stutter getting worse.  

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

     The next day, Tenchi walked into the 
cafeteria with the rest of the guys from his 
dorm.  That evening, Tamiya and Otaki had given 
him a long and detailed explanation of the 
exhaust system on the club's motorcycle and then 
sent him off to bed with orders not to be up 
before 8 o'clock.  He had awoken at 8:01 when 
Tamiya had banged on his door and demanded to 
know why he was not up since it was already a 
minute after his rising time.  Then, after a 
harried explanation and a quick shower, Tamiya 
and Otaki had dragged Tenchi off to breakfast.  

     "Okay, Tenchi.  Here at the cafeteria, 
breakfast is served between 8:15 and 9:15.  In 
that line, there is the traditional Japanese 
rice and condiments.  In the next, you have your 
fruits and vegetables.  And the last one is 
where all the cereals and deserts are.  As a 
member of the Auto Club, you are expected to be 
healthy so don't indulge yourself on deserts.  
Fruits and rice make a great, healthy breakfast 
so go enjoy," said Tamiya as he slapped Tenchi 
on the back.  The blow knocked the air out of 
Tenchi and he stumbled towards the rice line.

     After collectings the necessary foods, he 
limped over to a table and sat down to slowly 
eat his breakfast.  It was not long before 
Tamiya and Otaki showed up, their plates loaded 
down with deserts.  

     "Looks good, Masaki.  You have a lot of 
potential if you keep eating healthy and work at 
your studies.  One day, you'll be a sempai like 
me and Otaki here if you listen to us.  Eat up," 
said Tamiya.

     Tenchi said nothing but continued to slowly 
eat his rice while Tamiya and Otaki demolished 
their piles of food.  It was not long before 
other members of the Auto Club began to 
congregate around the table.  

     "Hey Keichi, meet the newest member of the 
Auto Club, Tenchi Masaki," said Tamiya as he 
introduced Tenchi to one of the guys sitting 
near them.

     "Hi Masaki.  Hey, weren't you in my 
orientation group yesterday?" asked Keichi as he 
looked at Tenchi.  

     "Yes, sempai," answered Tenchi, his eyes 
never leaving his plate.  

     "Masaki, you need to be a bit more 
respectful of your clubmates.  Keichi is our 
driver and he's the best there is.  Isn't that 
right, Otaki," said Tamiya.

     Otaki, who had been stuffing his face with 
cheese cake, merely grunted an agreement.

     Keichi motioned for Tenchi to come sit by 
him, which Tenchi did.

     "Don't mind those two.  Tamiya's a good 
guy.  He's just in love with his engines.  Guess 
you spent last night as secretary, huh?" asked 
Keichi.

     "Actually, yeah," replied Tenchi.  Keichi 
chuckled at this.

     "What's your major?" asked Keichi.

     "Architecture," replied Tenchi.

     "Oh, so you didn't exactly join the Auto 
Club of your own free will," remarked Keichi 
with a grin.

     "No, not really," answered Tenchi.

     "Well, if it's really that bad.  I can get 
Tamiya to drop you.  But I think you'll like it 
in the club.  It's a lot of fun, even if you 
don't like motorcycles," commented Keichi. 

     "Especially for the new guys," observed 
Tenchi.

     "That secretary business is a one time 
thing.  You've done your duty.  There's 
Belldandy.  I gotta go," said Keichi.  "It was 
nice meeting you," he added as he stood to leave.

     Tenchi's eyes followed Keichi as he walked 
over to a light-brown haired girl.  The two 
embraced before leaving the cafeteria together.  
 It was not long before Tenchi felt a familiar 
presence nearby.  

     "Guess who," said the seductive voice as 
hands covered his eyes.

     "Let me guess, Ryoko?" 'guessed' Tenchi.  

     "Lucky guess," retorted Ryoko as she sat 
down next to him.  "Did you miss me last night?"

     "Not at all.  In fact, I had a great time 
reading through the Encyclopedia of Motorcycles 
and their Engines as per Tamiya-sempai's 
orders," answered Tenchi.  

     "Uh-huh, sounds like fun.  Wouldn't you 
enjoy your evenings more if you spent some time 
at my place?" asked Ryoko.

     "Ryoko, that probably isn't a good idea.  I 
don't know what my classes are going to take in 
relation to studying yet," replied Tenchi.

     Ryoko sighed.  "Studying?  Isn't there more 
to life than books and homework?" she asked.

     "I'm hoping so.  But we'd better not spend 
every evening together until I get my daily 
schedule planned out," said Tenchi.

     "Fine, be a bookworm," she said as she 
rose.  "I gotta get to class so I'll see you at 
lunch.  Bye Tenchi," declared Ryoko.    

     "Bye Ryoko," said Tenchi.

     "Hey, Masaki.  Who was that babe?" asked 
Otaki.

     "Oh, Ryoko?  She's just a friend from I 
knew back home," answered Tenchi.

     "You don't sound very excited.  If you 
don't want her, I'll gladly take her off your 
hands," offered Tamiya.  

     "Good luck," observed Tenchi.

     He stood and walked out, leaving the 
confused Tamiya and Otaki to try and figure out 
what he meant.  

	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

     That evening, Tenchi was sitting in his 
room and flipping through a photo album he had 
brought with him.  Tamiya stuck his head in to 
see what Tenchi was doing.  

     "Hey, Masaki, watcha doing?" he asked.  

     "Oh, sempai, just looking through some old 
pictures," answered Tenchi.

     Tamiya saw the pictures of Kiyone and 
Mihoshi and leaned over to get a better look.  

     "Whoa, who are all those babes?" he asked.

     "Just friends that lived with me back---"

    Tamiya interrupted him.  "You didn't say 
that Ryoko lived with you.  Are you two a couple 
or something?"

     "No, nothing like that," answered Tenchi.

     "All these chics lived with you?  What are 
you, some sort of pimp?" asked Tamiya, a grin 
slowly crossing his face.

     "No, they were just friends," insisted 
Tenchi.   

     "Sure, Masaki.  Hey Otaki, come 'ere," 
called Tamiya.

     "What?" asked Otaki as he walked in.

     "Look at these friends of Masaki's," said 
Tamiya as he ripped the album out of Tenchi's 
hands and shoved it into Otaki's.

     Otaki lifted his sunglasses.  "Whoa, these 
babes are hot," he observed.

     "Masaki, who are they?" asked Otaki.

     Tenchi's face grew red.  "They're just 
friends," screamed Tenchi.

     Otaki raised his hands as if to ward off an 
evil spirit, "Hey, Masaki, sorry.  I was just 
askin'."

     Within five seconds, Tenchi's album was 
back in his hands and his room was vacant.  He 
just shrugged his shoulders and returned to 
flipping through the photos.


     A half hour later, Keichi stuck his hiead 
in the doorway.  "Hey Masaki, how's it go 
going?" he asked..

     Tenchi looked up, "Fine, I suppose."

     "Tamiya says you got a little hot under the 
collar earlier.  Something wrong?" continued 
Keichi.

     "No, everything his fine.  I was just 
getting a little homesick and Tamiya-sempai had 
asked questions that I didn't really want to 
answer right now," replied Tenchi.

     "Uh-huh, hey that happen's to everybody.  I 
know, why don't you come over for dinner 
tonight.  I'm sure Bell will have something 
great fixed," suggested Keichi.   

     "Uh, sure.  Why not," agreed Tenchi.

     "Great, let me go call her and tell her 
we're having company," said Keichi.  He stood 
and walked over to the phone.

     He called someone and there was a quick 
conversation.  "Okay, she said dinner'll be 
ready soon, so we might want to get moving," 
suggested Keichi.

     "Okay, let me grab my jacket and I'll be 
ready," said Tenchi.

     He slipped on a light jacket and started to 
follow Keichi out when the phone rang again.  
Tamiya answered and then called, "Hey Masaki, 
it's for you."

     "Ok, thanks, Tamiya-sempai," returned 
Tenchi.  He walked over and picked up the 
receiver. 

     "Hello?" he asked.

     "Hi Tenchi," came Ryoko's ever seductive 
voice.

     "Oh, hi Ryoko.  Look, now's not a good 
time.  I'm going somewhere," Tenchi explained.

     "Oh, so you'd rather go do something else 
than talk to me," whined Ryoko.

     "No, it's just that I had plans already," 
explained Tenchi.

     "What's so important that you can't talk?" 
asked Ryoko.

     "I'm going over to a friend's for dinner," 
answered Tenchi.

     "A friend?  A girl-friend?" asked Ryoko, as 
if she suspected some ulterior motive.

     "No, just a friend from the Auto Club," 
explained Tenchi.

     "Great, than I'll come along," declared 
Ryoko. 

     "No, Ryoko, wait--" the line went dead.

     Tenchi hung up the phone in a disgusted 
manner and looked around.  Keichi waited by the 
door. 

     "You ready now?" he asked.

     "Yeah," answered Tenchi.

      He followed Keichi outside.  Keichi's 
motorcycle was sitting next to the curb and 
Ryoko was waiting next to it, dressed in a dark, 
blue skirt that fell at least six inches above 
her knees and a white, sleeveless shirt and an 
unbuttoned jean vest .  

     She ran up and hugged Tenchi as he came 
out.  "Hi Tenchi, how come you didn't call me 
sooner?" she asked.

     "I've been busy," answered Tenchi, somewhat 
embarrassed.

     "Uh-huh, anyway.  Who's your friend, here.  
Wait, weren't you our orientation guide 
yesterday?" she asked as she looked at Keichi.

     "Yes, I'm Keichi Morisato.  And you are?" 
he asked.

     "Ryoko," said Ryoko as she offered her 
hand.  

     Keichi took it and was taken back the power 
of her  handshake.

     "So Tenchi, are we going to Keichi's house 
tonight?" asked Ryoko.

     "We?" interjected Keichi, showing his 
confusion.

     "Oh, Tenchi.  I thought I was invited too, 
wasn't I?" she asked, giving Tenchi the puppy-
eyes look.

     "Well, uh-h-h-h," stuttered Tenchi.

     "Sure, Tenchi just reminded me.  Bell's 
probably waiting so we'd better get moving," 
suggested Keichi before anything else could 
happen.

     They walked down to the motorcycle and 
Keichi scratched his head.

     "Hmm, how are we going to fit both of you 
on this thing?" he asked himself.  He looked 
over the situation quickly before making his 
proposal.  "Ryoko, you're either going to have 
to ride behind me or you can sit in Tenchi's 
lap," he explained.

     "That's an easy choice," laughed Ryoko.  
She ran around the motorcycle and hopped into 
Tenchi's lap just as he had sat down in the 
passenger seat.  

     "Umph, Ryoko," he said weakly as he tried 
to regain his breath.

     She adjusted herself so Tenchi could have 
easy access to what ever he wanted.  "Isn't this 
romantic, Tenchi?" she suggested, as Keichi 
climbed onto the bike. 

     "Yeah," said a very embarrassed Tenchi. 

     Keichi just grinned and turned on the 
engine.  It roared to life and Keichi 
accelerated towards the shrine.

	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

     Ten minutes later, they pulled up outside 
the temple/house.  Belldandy was there to greet 
them.

     "Hi, Kei," she said as she kissed him.  

     "Hi Bell," he replied as he returned the 
kiss.  

     After they finished, Belldandy noticed 
Ryoko helping a very uncomfortable Tenchi out of 
the passenger seat.

     "This must be Tenchi," she stated.

     "Yeah, and this is his friend Ryoko.  I 
hope you don't mind that she came along.  It was 
kind a of a last minute thing," explained Keichi.

     "No, that's fine.  We have plenty of 
chicken tonight," laughed Belldandy.  

     "Hi, I'm Tenchi and this is Ryoko," said 
Tenchi as he walked up.

     "Hi Tenchi, Ryoko.  I hope you two are 
hungry because I fixed a lot of teriyaki chicken 
for tonight," said Belldandy, a big smile on her 
face.  

     "Mmmm, sounds great," answered Ryoko, also 
smiling(and hugging Tenchi all at the same time).

     "Well, why don't you come inside," 
suggested Keichi as he noticed Tenchi's 
predicament.

     Belldandy led them  up the path and into 
the front door of the shrine.

     "Hi Keichi, who are your friends," asked 
Megumi as she greeted them.

     "This is Tenchi and Ryoko.  Tenchi, Ryoko, 
this is my sister Megumi," said Keichi as he 
introduced them to Megumi who had been helping 
Belldandy prepare dinner.

     Then, Urd and Skuld walked into the room, 
arguing about nothing in particular.  

     "Hey, Belldandy, when will dinner be 
ready," asked Urd, impatiently.

     "It's just about done," replied Belldandy.  
"Urd, Skuld, I'd like you to meet Tenchi and 
Ryoko, friends of Keichi's from school."

     The two goddesses looked across the room 
and saw Tenchi trying to squirm out of Ryoko's 
grasp and Skuld giggled.  Tenchi turned red and 
stood up straight, a huge grin on his face.

     "H-hi, I'm-m T-t-enchi," he stuttered.

     "And I'm Ryoko," said Ryoko as she released 
Tenchi from her embrace.

     "Tenchi, Ryoko, these are my sisters, Urd 
and Skuld," said Belldandy as she pointed to her 
sisters.  

     "Hi," said Tenchi, Ryoko, Urd, and Skuld at 
the same time.

     Tenchi and Keichi both noticed the staring 
match going on between Urd and Ryoko as they sat 
down to eat.

     Belldandy brought in the huge pot of 
chicken and laid it before them.  Before she had 
time to sit down, the rest had already emptied 
the pot of two-thirds of its contents.

     "I'm glad I fixed a lot," she observed as 
everyone gobbled down their food.

     "This is delicious, Bell," said Keichi.

     "I'm so glad you like it, Kei," she 
returned.  "How was school today?" she asked.

     "It was fine, overall.  My calculus 
professor isn't the greatest person in the 
world, though," he explained.  "What about 
yours, Bell?"

     "Great!  I love my literature professor.  
She must be one of the nicest people I've ever 
met," exclaimed Belldandy.  

     "What are you majoring in, Tenchi?" asked 
Megumi.

     "Architectural design.  My father's an 
architect and I've always been interested so 
basically I'm carrying on family tradition.  I'm 
enjoying it so far," answered Tenchi.

     "And you, Ryoko?" continued Megumi.

     "I'm still undecided.  Hey, aren't you in 
my physics class?" exlaimed Ryoko.

     "Yeah, I think I am.  Don't you sit three 
rows back and up one?" asked Megumi.

     "Exactly.  I thought I'd seen you before.  
What are you majoring in?" asked Ryoko.

     "Mechanical engineering, same as Keichi," 
replied Megumi.

     "Must be fun to have a brother doing the 
same thing," observed Ryoko.

     "It's great!" declared Megumi as Keichi 
grimaces at the thought.

     "So Urd, are you in college?" asked Tenchi.

     "No, I stay here and keep the house 
running," answered Urd, suddenly paying close 
attention to the conversation.

     "What about you, Skuld?" asked Ryoko.

     "I'm about the same as Urd.  I stay here," 
replied Skuld.  

     The rest of the conversation went basically 
like this except for the fact that it was 
becoming apparent to Ryoko that Urd had taken an 
interest in Tenchi.

     "So Tenchi, what are you doing tomorrow 
night?" asked Urd.

     "He's coming over to my place for the 
evening," answered Ryoko before Tenchi could say 
anything.

     "Uh,  yeah, I guess I am," mumbled Tenchi.

     Urd and Ryoko glared at each other in a 
manner not unlike Ryoko and Aeka used to do.

     "Ryoko, we'd better get going," suggested 
Tenchi as he saw what was about to happen.

     "Ryoko?  Are you listening?" asked Tenchi.  
He waved a hand in front of her face.

     "Oh, sorry.  Yeah, I'd guess we had better 
get a move on," she replied.

     "Thanks for dinner, Belldandy.  It was 
delicious," said Tenchi, bowing slightly to 
Belldandy.

     "You're very welcome and I hope you can 
come again soon," replied Belldandy.

     "It was nice meeting you, Tenchi.  I'll see 
you in physics tomorrow, Ryoko," said Megumi.  

     "Nice to meet you, Megumi.  And you Urd, 
and you Skuld," said Tenchi with another slight 
bow.

     "Do you guys need a ride back to school? 
It's pretty far," asked Keichi.

     "Thanks, if you wouldn't mind," answered 
Tenchi.

     "Sure, I don't mind.  I'll be back in a 
little while, Bell," said Keichi.

     "Okay, bye," she said as she kissed him on 
the cheeck.

     "Thanks again for the meal," said Tenchi.

     "Again, you are most welcome," replied 
Belldandy.

     Keichi led Tenchi and Ryoko back out to the 
motorcycle.

     "Same arrangement as last time?" asked 
Ryoko.

     "Whatever you guys want," answered Keichi.

     "Great, come on Tenchi," said Ryoko as she 
grabbed Tenchi by the arm and pulled him around 
to the other side of the motorcycle.  Tenchi 
gave Keichi an almost begging look as Ryoko 
forced him down into the seat and then snuggled 
up in his lap and placed the seatbelt around 
their middles.  Keichi only grinned and sat down 
on the bike and drove off.

	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

     Tenchi had survived another day with out 
any major problems, well, I suppose you wouldn't 
call Ryoko a problem.  She had been begging him 
to come over for the evening but he knew what 
she had planned and had steadfastly refused on 
the grounds that he had too much studying to do. 
 The rest of the Auto Club was over at the shed 
working so Tenchi been 'forced' to skip the 
meeting due to his huge list of assigments he 
had to do that night(yeah right).  

      He was lying on his bed, reading a short 
assignment for 'Intro to Architecture' when the 
phone rang.  As he was the only person in the 
dorm, it was his job to answer it.  It was UPS, 
just letting Tamiya know that his spare engine 
parts would be delivered in three days.  Tenchi 
dutifully wrote this down and then returned to 
his room.  He laid down on the bed again and 
continued reading.  It was then that he felt 
something lying across his back.  He glanced 
over his shoulder and saw the arm.

     He jumped out of bed with a shout and it 
was only then that he saw Ryoko lying on the bed 
beside him.        

     "Ryoko!  What are you doing here?" he 
asked.  

     "Since you wouldn't come over and see me, I 
came to see you.  There's nothing to do in my 
dorm," she complained.  

     "You know you're not supposed to be here.  
Would you please leave," asked Tenchi.

     "But Tenchi, why are you so mean to me?" 
she asked, her voice suddenly taking on a whiny 
tone.

     "I'm not trying to, Ryoko.  I just can't 
spend every free moment with you," explained 
Tenchi.

     "Who are you going to spend it with?  Urd? 
The Auto Club?" she retorted.

     "Urd? Why would I spend it with Urd?" asked 
a shocked Tenchi.

     "I saw the way she was looking at you last 
night.  Whether you realize it or not, she likes 
you," said Ryoko.  
     "I doubt it.  We've only met once," replied 
Tenchi.  "And yes, I will be spending some time 
with the Auto Club.  I am a member.  In fact, 
why don't you join?" suggested Tenchi.

     "Me, a grease monkey?  I don't think so," 
laughed Ryoko. 

     "Belldandy's a member," added Tenchi.  

     "So, wait, Belldandy?  She's part of the 
Auto Club?  I wonder how she stands it," 
wondered Ryoko.

     "Maybe, because she's in love," suggested 
Tenchi.

     "How'd you guess.  Wait a sec, she must 
really be desparate to join the Auto Club, just 
so she can be with Keichi," realized Ryoko.

     "I suppose so," murmured Tenchi.

     "Hey, I'll join the Auto Club since  you're 
in it.  If you promise not to make me work on 
the engines.  You know how bad grease is for 
your skin," said Ryoko.

     "Okay, whatever," said Tenchi, grinning.

     "What are you smiling at?" she asked.

     "It's just funny," he said as he burst out 
laughing.

     "What is?" asked Ryoko.

     Then, Tamiya came around the corner.  "Hey 
Masaki---MASAKI!!!" he shouted. 

     Tenchi looked up, and gulped.

     "You know the rules, Masaki.  What do they 
state about members of the opposite sex?" asked 
Tamiya.

     "No women are allowed in the dorm," recited 
Tenchi, his voice quavering.

     "You don't understand, sempai.  I couldn't 
force her to leave.  There was nothing I could 
do," said Tenchi as he tried to excuse himself.

     "Masaki, I'm sorry but you know the rules.  
No women in the dorm.  Sorry Masaki," he said as 
he grabbed a handful of Tenchi's things.

     Thirty seconds later, Tenchi, Ryoko, and a 
bag of his clothes and his books were dumped 
unceremoniously outside dorm C7.  "When you get 
another place to stay, you can have the rest of 
your things," said Tamiya.  "See you tomorrow at 
the Auto Club meeting."

     "Sure," said Tenchi with a moan.  "I knew 
this would happen.  I knew this would happen," 
Tenchi repeated to himself.

     "Don't blame it on me.  If you hadn't been 
talking so loud, I would have heard them and 
could have disappeared.  Oh well, looks' like 
you'll be staying at my place after all," said 
Ryoko. 

     "Are guys allowed to stay in a girl's room 
overnight?" asked Tenchi.

     "Not technically.  But that's only if you 
get caught.  Just don't leave the room," said 
Ryoko.

     "Ryoko, that'll never work.  I have to go 
to class in the morning," objected Tenchi.

     "Well, do you want to sleep out here, 
tonight?" asked Ryoko.  They were both already 
shivering in the cold.

     "Not really.  I guess I have no choice," 
groaned Tenchi.  "How were you planning to get 
me into your room in the first place?" he asked.

     "Easy---" 

     Tenchi interrupted her.  "No way, I am not 
putting a dress on again," refused Tenchi.

     "Oh, come on.  It wasn't that bad last 
time, was it?" asked Ryoko, grinning.

     "Yes, and there is no way I'm going to do 
it again," said Tenchi, obstinately.

     "Be realistic.  It's the only way you're 
going to avoid sleeping under the stars 
tonight," said Ryoko.

     Just then, Keichi pulled up on his 
motorcycle.  "Hey, what are you two doing out so 
late?" he asked.  Then realization struck him 
and he burst out laughing.  "Tenchi, did you get 
caught with a woman in the dorm?" he asked, 
between laughs.

     Tenchi turned red.  "It wasn't my fault.  
She sneaked in on me," he tried to explain.

     "Heh heh, the same thing happened to me 
with Belldandy.  If you need a place to sleep, 
you could bunk at my place for the night," 
suggested Keichi.  

     "Thanks, I think I'll take you up on that 
offer," agreed Tenchi.

     "But Tenchi!" begged Ryoko.

     "Ryoko, I'll see you tomorrow," said Tenchi 
as he ran around and hopped into the passenger 
seat of the motorcycle with his bags.

     Keichi waved, "See you tomorrow, Ryoko."

     She sighed and waved back, and then turned 
dejectedly towards her dorm.


     Ten minutes later, Keichi and Tenchi 
arrived back at the house.

     "Alright, here we are.  I guess you're 
lucky I stayed late to work on a project or you 
might have been sleeping under the stars," said 
Keichi.

     "I suppose," agreed Tenchi.

     He followed Keichi into the house where 
Belldandy greeted them.

     "Hi Kei, oh and hi Tenchi.  What a 
surprise," she exclaimed.

     "Sorry for keeping you up, Bell.  Tenchi 
got kicked out of Tamiya's dorm and he needed a 
place to stay for the night.  I hope you don't 
mind that I brought him over," explained Keichi.

     "Oh, not at all.  Tenchi, you are welcome 
here as long as you like," said Belldandy.

     "Thanks, Belldandy.  I really appreciate 
it," said Tenchi with a bow.

     "Let me guess why you got kicked out.  A 
woman in the dorm?" guessed Belldandy.

     "How did you know?" asked Tenchi.

     "The same thing happened to Keichi and I," 
explained Belldandy.

     Tenchi grinned.  "Hmm, what a coincidence."

     Just then, Urd walked in.  "Oh, hi Tenchi.  
Wasn't expecting to see you here, tonight.  
Guess you didn't go over to Ryoko's after all," 
she stated, matter-of-factly.

     "No, it didn't work out.  I kind of got 
kicked out of my dorm," said Tenchi, now 
becoming rather embarrassed by the whole thing.

     "Heh, I guess you could use a place to 
sleep.  You can sleep in my room if you want," 
offered Urd.

     Even Keichi turned red at this remark.  "I 
think Tenchi'll sleep in my room.  That way, 
there won't be any problems in the morning," 
declared Keichi before Urd could go any farther. 
 Urd glared at Keichi.

     "Have you two already eaten?" asked 
Belldandy.

     "I did," said Tenchi.

     "Same here, Bell," said Keichi.

     "Okay, would either of you like some tea?" 
she asked.  

     "Sure, Bell, Tenchi?" asked Keichi.

     "Sounds great," said Tenchi. 

     "Okay, I'll be back in a second.  Make 
yourselves comfortable," suggested Belldandy as 
she turned and headed into the kitchen.

     Tenchi sat while Keichi followed Belldandy 
into the kitchen to help her bring out the tea.  
This left Urd and Tenchi alone.  

     "So, Tenchi.  How was your day," asked Urd, 
as she inched around the table.

     Tenchi gulped.  "Uh-h-h, it was fine," he 
stuttered.  His eyes followed her as she 
continued to approach him.  "How was yours?" he 
returned.

     "Same as yours," she replied.  By now, she 
is less than two feet from him.

     Just as she is about to rub shoulders with 
him, just when Skuld happens to walk into the 
room in her pajamas, yawning.

     "Skuld, what are you doing up?" asked Urd, 
rather sharply.

     "I just wanted to ask Belldandy something," 
answered Skuld.  "Hey Tenchi, what are you doing 
here?" she asked.

     "Umm, long story.  Maybe I'll tell you 
later," answered Tenchi, looking rather 
embarrassed.  

     "You got kicked out of your dorm, same as 
Keichi.  Didn't you?" she asked with a grin.

     "Uh, something like that," answered Tenchi, 
his face a burning red by this time.

     Keichi walked in, followed by Belldandy.  

     "Skuld, shouldn't you be in bed?" asked 
Belldandy.

     "Yeah, but I was wondering if I could have 
some ice cream before I went to bed?" asked 
Skuld.

     "Haven't you already had more than your 
fair share?" interjected Urd.

     "No one's asking you," retorted Skuld.  She 
glared at Urd.

     "Okay, but don't take too much.  We have to 
have some for tomorrow," agreed Belldandy.

     "Thanks, Belldandy," said Skuld as she 
hugged her sister.

     Skuld disappeared into the kitchen as 
Belldandy placed a cup of tea in front of Tenchi 
before sitting down near Keichi.  Urd had 
returned her focus to Tenchi.

     "Mmmm, this is good, Bell," complimented 
Keichi.

     "Thanks, Kei," returned Bell with a smile.

     "Yes, it is good," said Tenchi.

     "Thank you, Tenchi," replied Belldandy.

     They drank their tea in silence for several 
moments before Urd finally decided to give up 
for the night.  

     "Goodnight, I'll see you guys tomorrow.  
Goodnight Tenchi," she hung on the last word.

     "Goodnight, Urd," said the other three in 
unison.

     As she left the room, Keichi placed his cup 
on the table.

     "So Tenchi, do you think you'll be able to 
find another place to stay?" he asked.

     "I hope so.  I know that all the other 
dorms are filled so I'm going to go get a job 
tomorrow and then I'll look for a place," 
explained Tenchi.

     Keichi whispered something to Belldandy who 
nodded and smiled.

     "We'd like to offer to let you stay here 
for as long as you want," said Belldandy.

     "I couldn't.  I mean, I wouldn't want to 
impose.  It looks like your house is full 
already and---"

     "Don't worry about it.  There's a second 
bed and plenty of space in my room.  Besides, 
the more, the merrier.  Don't ever think that 
you'd be an imposition," said Keichi.

     "Well, if you're sure it wouldn't be a 
problem.  Are you sure the others wouldn't 
mind?" asked Tenchi.

     "Of course not.  Besides, I doubt you'd 
ever find an apartment around here," answered 
Keichi.

     "Well, alright.  I really appreciate this.  
I'll find another place and get out of your way 
as soon as possible," said Tenchi.

     "Tenchi, like I said.  You won't be in the 
way.  It'll be nice to have another guy around 
here anyway.  Do you want me to tell you what 
it's like to live with three goddesses?" asked 
Keichi.

     "Goddesses?" asked Tenchi, confusion on his 
face.

     Then Belldandy explained to him what it was 
all about.


     "Okay, so you want me to believe that 
Belldandy, Urd, and Skuld are all goddesses?" 
asked Tenchi, trying to hide the ironic humor 
that he felt inside.

     "Exactly, I know it's a little farfetched, 
but it's true," said Keichi.

     "Then let me tell you a little story..." 
said Tenchi.

     Then he launched into an abbreviated 
account of the previous year's adventures.


     "Hmm, that does seem a little farfetched.  
But looking back on my own life, I can say I 
well believe you," said Keichi.

     "So, now that we understand where we are 
both coming from, let's go to bed," suggested 
Belldandy.

     "Great idea, Bell," responded Keichi.

     Tenchi nodded in agreement.  The three rose 
and went to their respective bedrooms.


     Ten minutes later, Keichi and Tenchi were 
lying on their beds.  

     "Hey Keichi, do you mind if I ask a 
personal question?" asked Tenchi.

     "Sure, Tenchi.  Go ahead," answered Keichi.

     "You and Belldandy seem so happy together.  
What makes it so perfect?" asked Tenchi.

     "Hmmm.  I'm not sure.  I've never really 
thought about it.  I guess it's because we both 
love each other.  I mean, that may not have been 
how it originally happened.  But now, I care so 
deeply for her that I don't know what I would do 
if she had to leave.  That time she almost left, 
I was about to go crazy.  She's so perfect for 
me and I hope I'm the same for her.  It's just 
like, the first time I saw her, something 
clicked, and it all fell into place," explained 
Keichi.

     "Now my turn.  It sounds like you had alot of good choices when it came to 
girls.  Why is Ryoko the one you chose?" asked Keichi.

     "Well, I didn't really choose her.  I know this sounds kind of selfish, 
but she's the one that really wanted to be with me.  I mean, Aeka could have 
given up
 her throne and stayed if she really wanted too, but Ryoko kept coming back. 
 I'm still not sure if Ryoko's the one.  It's like, I know she loves me.  I 
like her, at least as a friend.  But I'm not 
sure whether or not she's the one for me," 
answered Tenchi.

     "Tenchi, can I give you a word of advice?" 
asked Keichi.

     "Sure," replied Tenchi.

     "Don't mess around.  Even though I hardly 
know either of you, I can tell Ryoko really 
loves you.  I think  you really love her too.  
Follow your heart and don't keep putting it 
off," said Keichi.

     Tenchi didn't respond for a few moments.  
He just lay there and considered what Keichi had 
said.  Then he made a decision.

     "Thanks, Keichi," said Tenchi.

     "Anytime, Tenchi," yawned Keichi.

     Tenchi promptly fell asleep.

	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	

     Another day had come.  Tenchi had awoken at 
the crack of dawn, mainly because he could hear 
Belldandy in the other room.  He slipped into a 
bathrobe and picked up his bag before quietly 
exiting the room.  Keichi still lay sprawled 
across his bed, snoring.  Tenchi walked across 
the hall into the living room where the rays of 
sunlight were just falling across the window 
sill.  He laid his bag on the floor and walked 
over to admire the sunrise.  While he stood 
there, he considered Keichi's advice again.  
While he was deep in thought, Belldandy entered. 
 She was dressed for the day in blue shorts and 
a red t-shirt.      

     "Good morning, Tenchi," she whispered.

     "Oh, good morning, Belldandy," he quickly 
replied as he turned around.  "Beautiful sunrise 
today," he observed.

     "Yes, it is.  Sorry I woke you," she 
apologized.

     "Don't worry about it.  I've always been an 
early riser anyway," replied Tenchi.

     "Okay, Keichi and Urd generally sleep later 
on weekends.  Skuld should be up any time 
though," said Belldandy.

     As if on cue, Skuld entered, stretching and 
yawning.  "Good morning," she yawned.

     "Morning, sleep well?" asked Tenchi.

     "Great, that ice cream really put me to 
sleep," said Skuld.  

     "Tenchi, there's hot water in the bath if 
you'd like to take one," offered Belldandy.

     "That'd be great. Thanks Belldandy," said 
Tenchi.

     He nodded again to Skuld before heading 
back towards the bathroom.  


     After a quick bath, Tenchi was completely 
awake.  After cleaning up, he re-entered the 
living room where he could see Skuld typing away 
at her computer in the other room.  He could 
also hear Belldandy preparing breakfast in the 
kitchen.  He sat down on one of the cushions and 
was about to lose himself in thought when there 
was a light knock at the front door.  

     "I'll get it," whispered Belldandy.  Tenchi 
saw her pass down the hall and then heard the 
front door opening.  "Hi, Ryoko," he heard her 
say.  "Yes, he's up.  Please come in," she 
continued.

     Belldandy returned, followed by Ryoko.  

     "Good morning, Tenchi," greeted Ryoko.

     "Same to you.  Survive without me?" asked 
Tenchi, a twinkle in his eye.

     Ryoko looked strangely at him before giving 
him a quick grin.

     "I managed.  The girls all missed you 
though.  They're dying to meet you," said Ryoko.

     "I'll bet, after what you've probably told 
them," retorted Tenchi.

     "Belldandy, how long will it be until 
breakfast?" asked Tenchi.

     "At least another half hour.  Keichi won't 
be up until then unless he's changing his 
schedule," answered Belldandy.

     "I think Ryoko and I will go for a walk 
then," said Tenchi.

     Ryoko threw Tenchi another strange look and 
shrugged her shoulders.  

     "Okay, see you in a little while," said 
Belldandy as she returned to the kitchen.

     Tenchi stood and followed Ryoko outside.  
Out in the early morning light, the sky looked 
beautiful with it's hues of blue, purple, and 
pink.  Tenchi stood on the porch and looked out 
over the yard.  

     "Tenchi, did you wake up with a different 
personality?" asked Ryoko.

     "No, Ryoko, I made a decision," stated 
Tenchi, rather matter-of-factly.

     "This is something new.  What exactly was 
this decision," asked Ryoko.

     "Let's walk and I'll tell you on the way," 
suggested Tenchi.

     Ryoko, intrigued, nodded her head and 
followed him out through the gate and onto the 
sidewalk.  As they walked, side by side, down 
the sidewalk, Tenchi began.

     "Ryoko, we've known each other for over a 
year now.  You have told me you loved me at 
least a million times and tried to fight to make 
me yours.  You know how much I hated you and 
Aeka fighting over me all the time.  Now, Aeka 
isn't here.  So be honest with me.  Do you 
really love me or was it all something to make 
Aeka mad?" asked Tenchi, looking Ryoko full in 
the face.

     Ryoko smiled before answering.  "I was 
wondering if you'd ever ask me that.  Tenchi, 
from the first day I met you, I've known we were 
meant to be.  Every time I said I loved you, I 
meant it.  I have been very serious about since 
that day when I first arrived here.  As I 
watched your powers develop and as you grew up, 
I loved you even more.  And yes, Tenchi, I still 
love to this day," answered Ryoko.  

     "Ryoko, that was what I wanted to hear.  
I've been unsure about a lot of things and with 
all that's happened in the last 12 months, all I 
wanted to do was get back to normal.  Well, now 
that I've done that, it's time to move on in 
life.  My feelings for you have developed into 
something more than friendship since we met.  I 
can honestly say that I didn't 'love' you back 
before Kagato, but now, I can honestly say I do 
love you," said Tenchi, his voice betraying his 
emotions.  

     "Oh Tenchi, do you know how long I've 
wanted to hear you say that?  It's been hard, 
having you always push me away but it was worth 
it, just to hear you say that," said Ryoko as 
she embraced him.  

     They held onto each other for what seemed 
like an eternity.  Then, Tenchi ended the 
moment.  He took her by the shoulders and looked 
her in the eyes.  Then they kissed, taking them 
both into heaven for the briefest moment and 
then, Ryoko pulled away.

     "Don't get carried away.  We haven't even 
had breakfast yet," said Ryoko with a giggle.  

     Tenchi smiled back and then placed an arm 
around her shoulder and they returned to the 
house, Ryoko's head on Tenchi's shoulder.  

<center>End of Part 1</center>


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