Okay, sorry about the mis-formatting on the last post. Anyway,
hopefully
its a little more readable now.
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 are property of AIC/PIONEER.
Keiichi, Belldandy, Urd, Skuld, and all other characters of Ah, My
Goddess
are property of Kousuke Fujishima, Kodansha, Ltd., KSS Films, and TBS.
Notes: This takes place some time after the end of the Tenchi Universe
and
the Ah! My Goddess OVAs. Thanks to Chan Wei Lik for his constructive
criticisms that corrected many of the obvious errors in this writing.
Also, thanks to the authors of Mugen Tenchi Muyo for giving me the basic
idea for a Shinto wedding ceremony.
Maybe it'll work this time
"Welcome to Nekomi Institute of Technology. I will be your
orientation counselor. My name is Morisato Keiichi. Before we begin
the
tour, are there any questions?" asked Keiichi.
A hand went up in the back of the group. "Yes?" said Keiichi.
"What year of college are you in?" asked the girl with the spiky,
cyan-colored hair.
"I am a third-year student, majoring in Auto Engineering," replied
Keiichi. "Any other questions?"
When only silence greeted him, he continued. "Okay, if you will
all
follow me," motioned Keiichi 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 Keiichi from the
front
of the group.
"Sorry," answered Ryoko. She waved at Keiichi 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 father's
instant approval reward him. 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 as she undoubtedly would, she would be hurt and
angry.
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 and a physics 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 note this rule. A former member of this dorm,
Keiichi
Morisato had to give 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 was doing 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 and cold as a bucket of cold water rained down on
him.
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 finished," said Tamiya. He motioned for Tenchi
and Otaki to follow and then he went outside. He led Tenchi to his
motorcycle. "Hop on," he ordered.
Tenchi did as was commanded. Otaki also got on his bike. Then,
they
roared off.
Tenchi had never been a very big fan of motorcycles and this wild
ride
did nothing to improve his opinion of them. A couple minutes later,
they
pulled up outside the Auto Club clubhouse. Tamiya and Otaki led Tenchi
inside into the main room. Several guys were lounging around and nobody
looked up as they entered. Then, Tamiya grabbed a screwdriver and
slammed
it into a gong-like piece of metal that was hanging near the entrance.
The
whole clubhouse resounded with the loud GONG! that rang through it and
Auto
Clubbers poured into the main room.
"Okay. Guys, we have a new member 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
fine
print down at the bottom. It read: All who stay in the dorm of C7 also
consent 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, not very enthusiastically.
"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 hear them coming, I'll just go back to
my
dorm. Promise," begged Ryoko.
"Oh fine, but if I get caught," he warned. Just then, he heard the
door starting to open. Ryoko disappeared before he could say anything
and
Tenchi was 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," mumbled Tenchi, a big "I didn't do anything" smile on his
face.
"Any messages," asked Otaki.
"Uh...uhh...oh, no, sempai," continued Tenchi.
* * * * * * * * * * *
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
as he stumbled towards the rice line.
After collecting 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 Keiichi, 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 Keiichi as he looked at Tenchi.
"Yes, sempai," mumbled Tenchi, his eyes never leaving his plate.
"Masaki, you need to be a bit more respectful of your club mates.
Keiichi 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.
Keiichi 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
Keiichi.
"Actually, yeah," replied Tenchi. Keiichi chuckled at this.
"What's your major?" asked Keiichi.
"Architecture," replied Tenchi.
"Oh, so you didn't exactly join the Auto Club of your own free
will,"
remarked Keiichi 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 Keiichi.
"Especially for the new guys," observed Tenchi.
"Oh, there's Belldandy. I gotta go," said Keiichi. "It was nice
meeting you," he added as he stood to leave.
Tenchi's eyes followed Keiichi 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?" Tenchi 'guessed'.
"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," she declared. "Bye Tenchi," she added as she
left.
"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.
Tamiya had dragged Tenchi over to the clubhouse again, later that
evening. This time, the place was vacant except for a couple of
sprawled
out drunks. Tenchi immediately headed for one of the back rooms. He
was
in no mood to chat.
A little later, Keiichi stuck his head 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 Keiichi.
"No, everything is fine. I was just getting a little homesick and
Tamiya-sempai had asked questions that I didn't really want to answer
right
then," 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 Keiichi.
"Uh, sure. Why not," agreed Tenchi.
"Great, let me go call her and tell her we're having company," said
Keiichi. He stood and walked over to the phone.
He called someone and there was a quick conversation. "Okay, she
said
dinner'll be ready in about an hour, so we'd better not stick around too
long," suggested Keiichi.
"Okay, let me grab my jacket and I'll be ready," said Tenchi.
He slipped on a light jacket and started to follow Keiichi 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.
Keiichi waited by the door.
"You ready now?" he asked.
"Yeah," answered Tenchi.
He followed Keiichi outside. Keiichi'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. "How'd
you
get over here so fast, anyway?"
"I was staying late to do research at the library. Anyway. Who's
your friend, here. Wait, weren't you our orientation guide yesterday?"
she
asked as she looked at Keiichi.
"Yes, I'm Keiichi Morisato. And you are?" he asked.
"Ryoko," said Ryoko as she offered her hand.
Keiichi took it and was taken back the power of her handshake.
"So Tenchi, are we going to Keiichi's house tonight?" asked Ryoko.
"We?" interjected Keiichi.
"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. I don't know about you but I'm
starving. Maybe Bell will have dinner ready a little quicker than
usual.,"
commented Keiichi.
"Okay, guess we'd better get moving then," suggested Tenchi.
They walked down to the motorcycle and Keiichi 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 Keiichi
climbed
onto the bike.
"Yeah," agreed a very embarrassed Tenchi.
Keiichi just grinned and turned on the engine. It roared to life
and
Keiichi accelerated towards the shrine.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Ten minutes later, they pulled up outside the temple/house.
Belldandy
was there to greet them.
"Hi, Kei," she greeted 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 Keiichi.
"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 Keiichi as he noticed
Tenchi's predicament.
Belldandy led them up the path and into the front door of the
shrine.
"Hi Keiichi, who are your friends," asked Megumi as she greeted
them.
"This is Tenchi and Ryoko. Tenchi, Ryoko, this is my sister
Megumi,"
said Keiichi 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 Keiichi'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. Skuld giggled some more.
"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 in unison.
As they sat down at the table, Belldandy brought in a 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 Keiichi.
"I'm so glad you like it, Kei," she returned. "Didn't you love our
literature professor?" she asked.
"Yeah, she was great. But I don't think the calculus professor and
I
will get along to well," observed Keiichi.
"Maybe if you got Skuld to tutor you in math some, he'd like you
better," Belldandy suggested, the slightest hint of a smile on her lips.
Skuld grinned.
"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?"
exclaimed
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, similar to Keiichi," replied Megumi.
"Must be fun to have a brother doing about the same thing. Always
helps to have someone who can do that extra homework for you," observed
Ryoko.
"It's great!" laughed Megumi as Keiichi grimaced 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. Everyone except for Tenchi
and
Ryoko gave Urd a strange look. Skuld giggled and then burst out
laughing.
"What? What's so funny?" demanded Urd.
"You keep the house running? Maybe you keep the sake supply
fresh,"
laughed Skuld.
Urd's look silenced any further attempts at humor.
"What about you, Skuld?" asked Ryoko.
"I'm to smart to go to school," declared Skuld, her face going from
a
smile to a serious look.
The rest of the conversation went basically like this.
"Ryoko, we'd better get going," suggested Tenchi. "I have a lot of
studying to do."
"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
Keiichi.
"Thanks, if you wouldn't mind," answered Tenchi.
"Sure, I don't mind. I'll be back in a little while, Bell," said
Keiichi.
"Okay, bye," she said as she kissed him on the cheek.
"Thanks again for the meal," said Tenchi.
"Again, you are most welcome," replied Belldandy.
Keiichi led Tenchi and Ryoko back out to the motorcycle.
"Same arrangement as last time?" asked Ryoko.
"Whatever you guys want," answered Keiichi.
"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
Keiichi a pitiful look as Ryoko forced him down into the seat and then
snuggled up in his lap and placed the seatbelt around their middles.
Keiichi only grinned and sat down on the bike and drove off.
Urd quietly considered the idea. She was the goddess of love.
These
things were her job, even if she wasn't doing on "official orders".
* * * * * * * * * * *
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 assignments 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 desperate to join
the Auto Club, just so she can be with Keiichi," 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 my
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.
Rule number 36 states that rule violators will be kicked out. 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.
"I'm gonna head over to the clubhouse, maybe I can stay there for
the
night," said Tenchi.
"You aren't going to get rid of me that easily," countered Ryoko as
she hurried after him.
Urd frowned.
About while later, Tenchi and Ryoko arrived at the clubhouse.
Keiichi's bike was still out front when they walked up.
"I wonder what Keiichi's still doing here," commented Tenchi as he
walked inside. Tenchi went into the main room and sat down on one of
the
couches with a sigh. "Great, now I'm stuck, living in the Auto Club
dorm.
At least I'll get used to the smell of motor oil," he complained.
"My offer still stands," said Ryoko.
"And again I must refuse," returned Tenchi. Then, Keiichi entered
from the garage.
"Hey, what are you two doing here so late?" he asked. Then
realization struck him and he burst out laughing. "Tenchi, did you get
caught her 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," laughed
Keiichi. Then, he paused to consider something. "If you need a place
to
sleep, you could bunk at my place for the night," he offered.
"Thanks, I think I'll take you up on that offer," agreed Tenchi.
"But Tenchi!" objected 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.
"Could you at least give me a ride back to my dorm?" asked Ryoko,
plaintively.
"Sure, why not," agreed Keiichi.
When they arrived at her dorm, Ryoko tried once again to convince
Tenchi to stay with her.
"No, Ryoko. It's against the rules and I'm already in enough
trouble
as it is," he refused.
"Bye, Ryoko," Keiichi waved.
She sighed and waved back, and then turned dejectedly towards her
dorm.
Again, Urd frowned.
Ten minutes later, Keiichi and Tenchi arrived back at the house.
Tenchi followed Keiichi up the walkway and 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 Keiichi.
"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 Keiichi 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 Keiichi turned red at this remark. "I think Tenchi'll sleep
in
my room," declared Keiichi before the situation turned bad.
"Have you two already eaten?" asked Belldandy.
"I did," said Tenchi.
"Same here, Bell," said Keiichi.
"Okay, would either of you like some tea?" she asked.
"Sure, Bell, Tenchi?" asked Keiichi.
"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 Keiichi followed Belldandy into the kitchen to
help
her bring out the tea. Just then, 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 Keiichi. Didn't you?"
she
asked with a grin.
"Uh, something like that," answered Tenchi, his face a burning red
by
this time.
Keiichi 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 Belldandy. Then she
turned and stuck her tongue out at Urd.
"She's such a brat," commented Urd as Skuld disappeared into the
kitchen. Belldandy placed a cup of tea in front of Tenchi before
sitting
down near Keiichi.
"Mmmm, this is good, Bell," Keiichi complemented after he sipped
his
tea..
"Thanks, Kei," returned Bell with a smile.
"Yes, it is good," Tenchi observed.
"Thank you, Tenchi," replied Belldandy.
They drank their tea in silence for several moments before Urd
finally
decided to go to sleep.
"Goodnight, I'll see you guys tomorrow," she said as she stood.
"Goodnight, Urd," said the other three in unison.
As she left the room, Belldandy placed her cup on the table.
"So Tenchi, do you think you'll be able to find another place to
stay?" she 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.
Belldandy whispered something to Keiichi. He looked oddly at her.
Then he shook his head. She frowned and then whispered something else.
Again, he shook his head.
"Belldandy, can we talk about this in the other room?" asked
Keiichi,
abruptly.
"Okay," she agreed. "We'll be right back," she told Tenchi, who
nodded and continued to sip his tea.
Keiichi followed Belldandy into the kitchen and then closed the
doors.
"Bell, you know this can't work. We have enough problems trying to
hide
you and your sisters' identities from everybody already. Having some
one
we don't know in the house will only make it a lot harder," explained
Keiichi.
"But Kei, look at him. He's new in this town and he has no place
to
stay. You know as well as I do that there aren't any apartments or
places
he could stay that he would be able to afford," Belldandy pleaded.
"He could stay at the clubhouse. Maybe there's another person at
school who would be willing to share a room with him. I don't know, but
not here," continued Keiichi.
"Keiichi, please. Consider the circumstances. The same thing
happened to you. The only difference is, Tenchi doesn't have a goddess
to
get him out of trouble. You were lucky," Belldandy pleaded. "Besides,
I
sense that there's something about him and his friend, Ryoko. I'm not
sure
what it is, though," she continued.
"Vague feelings and circumstances are all well and good. But look
at
the practical side of things. If he found out that you and/or your
sisters
are goddesses. We could have all sorts of problems," objected Keiichi.
"Please, Keiichi. Just give him a chance. I'll make sure Urd and
Skuld don't reveal anything. I promise," she was nearly crying now.
Keiichi's conscience finally kicked in. "Bell, if you really feel
that strongly about it, I can live with it. Just please, be careful,"
he
said. Then they went back into the other room where Tenchi had finished
his tea and was diligently reading Tamiya's Encyclopedia of Motorcycles
and
their Engines.
Tenchi did not notice them when they sat down, he was so absorbed
in
his book.
"Tenchi? Enjoying the Encyclopedia?" said Keiichi.
"Oh, yeah," replied Tenchi as he placed a bookmark and closed the
over-sized book.
"Belldandy and I have something to tell you," continued Keiichi.
"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. Don't ever think that you'd be an imposition," said Keiichi.
"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 Keiichi.
"Well, all right. I really appreciate this. I'll find another
place
and get out of your way as soon as possible," said Tenchi.
Tenchi yawned, "I'm tired. I guess I'll see you guys in the
morning."
"I think I'll turn in as well," Keiichi said.
"Okay, goodnight Tenchi. Goodnight, Kei," Belldandy said.
Tenchi nodded in agreement. The three rose and went to their
respective bedrooms. On the way, Urd stopped Keiichi in the hall.
"I need to talk, Keiichi," she said quietly. He nodded and
followed
her back into the main room.
"You want me to what? I'm not your tool," Keiichi exclaimed.
"Calm down, you only need to tell him one thing," Urd said.
"Remember what happened last time you tried to jump-start a
relationship?" Keiichi asked.
"It's a little different considering it was my sister involved.
That
doesn't normally happen," Urd answered.
"What, did you get your position back or something?" Keiichi asked.
"No, I just decided to get this one going. Tenchi is having
similar
problems to what you had, only his inhibitions are more severe. He
needs
someone with 'experience' to push him along," Urd explained.
"Oh, I see. So I'm supposed to play the good friend giving advice
to
the poor guy with love problems?" Keiichi observed.
"Exactly. Tenchi needs a little help. Ryoko's getting desperate
and
I don't want to know what she might do if Tenchi doesn't snap out of it
soon," Urd returned.
"Yeah, but should we be messing with his love life?" Keiichi asked.
"That's my job. I am the goddess of love," Urd said.
"So why don't you do it?" countered Keiichi.
"Think about it, genius. Do you really think Tenchi's going to
take
advice from someone like me?" Urd returned.
"I see your point. So now that I'm your not so willing servant,
what
do I have to say?" asked Keiichi.
Ten minutes later, Keiichi and Tenchi were lying on their beds.
"Hey Keiichi, do you mind if I ask a personal question?" asked
Tenchi.
"Sure, Tenchi. Go ahead," answered Keiichi.
"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. One 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 Keiichi, choosing his words carefully.
"Now my turn. Are you and Ryoko serious?" asked Keiichi, Urd's
words
flowing through his head. Sometimes, it seemed that Urd could actually
be
right. He hoped she was right.
"Well, I..I'm not sure. Back where I lived, there were several
girls
who all were very good friends of mine. Apparently, two of them, Ryoko
and
another girl named Aeka were both in love with me. They were always
fighting over me and it never ended, until one day. Anyway, they both
had
to leave. Ryoko was the one that came back, still proclaiming her love
for
me. I had never really considered a love relationship with either one
of
them until she came back. I had always liked both of them as friends
but
their fighting killed any thoughts I might have had of getting serious
with
either one. Now that it's just Ryoko, I'm still not sure what to do,"
answered Tenchi, his words also carefully chosen so as to avoid
revealing
secrets.
"Tenchi, can I give you a word of advice?" asked Keiichi.
"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 Keiichi.
Tenchi didn't respond for a few moments. He just lay there and
considered what Keiichi had said. Then he made a decision.
"Thanks, Keiichi," said Tenchi.
"Anytime, Tenchi," yawned Keiichi.
Tenchi promptly fell asleep.
In the next room, Urd smiled. "Good job, Keiichi," she thought.
* * * * * * * * * * *
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. Keiichi
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 Keiichi's advice
again.
While he was deep in thought, Belldandy entered. She had 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, Keiichi 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.
"Good 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. Keiichi won't be up until then unless
he's changing his sleeping schedule for weekends," 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 you today," 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. I've been wrestling with my feelings ever since.
I'm
still not sure exactly how this kind of thing works. But I think I'm
supposed to say, I love you, right now. I'm still not ready to jump
headlong into a relationship but we can give it a chance," 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 Ryoko leaned forward to kiss him. Tenchi stared at her
face for a second and then slowly, a bit unsteadily perhaps, he forced
his
own face forward. When their lips touched, Tenchi pulled back at first.
This caused Ryoko to strain forward even more. Then, Tenchi gave into
emotion and returned her kiss. Tentatively at first, and then with more
confidence. Finally, 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.
A little ways behind them, invisible, Urd smiled again, her mission
complete. "That was all too easy," she congratulated herself.
End of Part 1
That afternoon, Belldandy and Ryoko were in the kitchen where
Belldandy was attempting to teach Ryoko how to cook rice. She did not
succeed very well. It seemed that Ryoko just did not seem fit for house
work. She would lose interest and then she would wander around and make
random comments about anything that occurred. It took all of
Belldandy's
incredible temperament just to keep Ryoko in the kitchen.
A parallel situation was occurring out in the garage. Keiichi and
Megumi were trying to instruct Tenchi in the basics of engine repair and
design. It wasn't that Tenchi didn't try to learn. He really did. The
fact was that he found engines incredibly boring, much as Keiichi and
Megumi loved them. Unlike Ryoko, Tenchi stuck it out and actually
learned
something. By the end of the afternoon, Tenchi could change the oil in
the
motorcycle and replace tires, not a bad start for someone who was
intending
on becoming an architect.
Six o'clock approached and Keiichi's stomach began to grumble. "I
sure am glad we have Belldandy in the kitchen. She can feed the
hungriest
person or a whole mob of them," commented Keiichi.
"I could not agree more," agreed Tenchi. His own stomach began to
complain about its emptiness.
"Tenchi, I'm impressed. You've learned a lot for someone who knew
nothing about engines," complimented Megumi.
"Thanks, Megumi. All I know I've either learned from you or
Tamiya's
holy book of Motorcycles and their Engines," he continued.
They all laughed at this, just as Skuld came in.
"What have you guys been doing?" she asked.
"Teaching Tenchi how to change the oil and the tires on this bike,"
answered Keiichi.
"Heh, Tenchi, you having fun?" she asked.
"Yeah, I'm loving every minute of it," he remarked sarcastically.
"No, I guess I must admit that I find this kind of stuff pretty boring.
But now that I can actually do something, it seems a little more
interesting," he continued in a more serious tone.
"Dinner's ready," called Belldandy from the other room.
"Great, I'm starving," Keiichi stated as he rose to his feet.
"Same here," echoed Megumi and Tenchi. They followed him and Skuld
into the other room.
There was a huge, steaming pot of rice and all the necessary
condiments.
"Wow, I love rice! This looks great," said an excited Skuld.
"I'm glad, Skuld. Did you know that Ryoko helped me make this?"
said
Belldandy.
Tenchi looked suspiciously at Belldandy. "Ryoko, cook? I didn't
know
those words could be used in the same sentence," he commented.
Ryoko took on an air of hurt resentment, albeit very sarcastically.
"What do you mean? I can cook, I've just never done it before," she
retorted.
Then, she and Tenchi burst out laughing and they were soon joined
by
the rest of the group. Then, Urd walked in. Her sullen demeanor put an
immediate damper on everybody's happiness.
"Hi, Urd. Have a good nap?" asked Skuld.
"Wonderful, Skuld. Who was making all the racket?" Urd asked.
"Oops, that probably was us," said Keiichi with a guilty look on
his
face. Urd's glare made his face drop quickly to his plate.
They began to eat their rice.
"Mmm, this is good, Belldandy," said Tenchi as he took a bite of
the
rice.
"Why thank you, Tenchi. But don't forget that Ryoko also helped,"
Belldandy reminded him.
"Oh right, this is good, Ryoko," he added.
"Thanks Tenchi," said Ryoko. She grinned at Tenchi.
He returned the grin.
Urd noted this with no small amount of satisfaction.
That evening, Tenchi finally figured out how the shock absorber
worked
on the motorcycle. With a shout of exultation, he rose to his feet as
he
finished explaining the concept to Keiichi. Ryoko, Belldandy, and Urd
came
running in to see what all the commotion was about.
"What's all the noise for?" Ryoko asked. Tenchi glanced at her and
started laughing.
"What, what? What are you laughing at?" she asked. Then Belldandy
also started laughing. Before long, they were all laughing except for
Ryoko.
"WHAT'S SO FUNNY?" Ryoko shouted.
Tenchi stopped laughing long enough to point at her nose. Ryoko's
eyes followed his finger to her nose. Then she blushed. At the end of
her
nose was an almost perfectly round clump of whipped cream.
Skuld reached up with a finger, swiped half of the cream, and then
stuck it in her mouth. "Mmm, tasty," she commented.
This elicited another peal of laughter from Tenchi and Keiichi.
When they finally managed to stop laughing, Tenchi asked Ryoko,
"What
have you been doing?"
"Working on a cake for all you hard-working mechanics, of course,"
she
said.
"You're really getting into this cooking thing, aren't you?" Megumi
asked.
"You'd better believe it," Ryoko said.
"She's gotten a lot better even since this afternoon. It's amazing
how quickly she's learned," Belldandy observed.
"The cake will be ready in a couple of minutes so you guys better
get
cleaned up," Ryoko suggested.
Five minutes later, all seven of them squeezed around the small
table
in the main room.
Skuld was the first to finish her piece of the cake.
"I love chocolate cake. Thanks for making it, Belldandy and
Ryoko,"
she said.
"Yes, thank you. It was very delicious," Urd added.
"You're welcome," Belldandy and Ryoko said in unison.
"I guess I really oughta head back to the dorm. I don't want to
keep
you guys up all night," Ryoko said.
"Don't leave just yet," Tenchi said as he rose. He walked over and
placed his arm around Ryoko's shoulder. Then they walked out onto the
porch.
"Keiichi, can we?" Belldandy inquired.
"Bell, you know how packed we are, even with Tenchi. How can we
fit
another one in here?" Keiichi asked.
"She can stay in my room. One more person won't hurt us,"
Belldandy
continued.
"Bell, this isn't going to turn into a house for everyone who has a
sob story and a run of bad luck. Besides, Ryoko all ready has a place
to
stay. She doesn't need to stay here," Keiichi countered.
"But Kei, look at them," she motioned towards the window. The
silhouette of Tenchi and Ryoko embracing on the porch could be seen
through
the screen. Keiichi looked at them and sighed.
"Bell, are we still like that?" he asked.
"Oh Keiichi. I hope so. My love for you have never abated at
all,"
Belldandy assured him.
Keiichi smiled and answered, "Same here, Bell."
They also embraced.
"I guess I can't stand in the way of love. You've convinced me.
You
get to tell them though," Keiichi gave in.
"Thank you, Keiichi," Belldandy whispered. Her tears of joy
silently
fell on his shoulder.
Out on the porch, Ryoko was also crying. "Why am I crying? Just
because I'm leaving for the night? I've never been emotional like this
before," she said as the tears flowed.
Tenchi said nothing but held her tight.
Just then, Belldandy walked out onto the porch with Keiichi close
behind her.
"Can we talk with you?" Belldandy asked.
Ryoko brought her head off Tenchi's shoulders and wiped away the
tears.
"Keiichi and I have come to a decision. As we have all ready
invited
Tenchi to stay with us, Ryoko, we would like you to stay with us as
well.
Assuming of course, that you want to," Belldandy explained.
"Are you sure? Seven people in this place will be pretty packed.
I
really wouldn't want to impose," Ryoko responded.
"Like we told Tenchi, you will never be an imposition. As far as
we're concerned, you're just part of the family," Keiichi broke in.
Belldandy smiled at him.
When Ryoko heard this, she embraced Tenchi again. While Tenchi was
hugging Ryoko, he smiled at Belldandy and Keiichi. "Thanks," he
whispered.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Classes resumed on Monday. Over the weekend, Belldandy had helped
Ryoko to settle in to her new room. What little she had, she brought
with
her. (For all of you who were wondering where Ryo-Ohki is all this
time,
she stayed with Washu since there were no pets were allowed on campus)
By the end of the week, Tenchi was an almost decent mechanic due to
a
rigorous course of study designed by Tamiya. He spent nearly every
evening
over at the clubhouse, working on some part of one of the club's old
motorcycles. It even seemed that he began to take an interest in what
he
was doing. On more than one occasion, one of the girls would walk into
their room to find them discussing the finer points of different
motorcycles and or parts of those motorcycles. Ryoko had spent most of
her
time, watching Tenchi. Urd had warmed up to Ryoko rather quickly and
they
spent one night 'out on the town' together.
Saturday arrived. After begging off another 'training' from
Tamiya,
Tenchi went job hunting. When he returned home that afternoon, it was
to
everyone's surprise that he announced that he had been hired at a
mechanic's shop.
"I thought you found engines 'incredibly boring'," said Ryoko.
"Well, this last week has changed my opinion some what," returned
Tenchi.
"Looks like we have another grease monkey in the house," Urd
observed.
Skuld giggled.
"So, what's your work schedule like?" Keiichi asked.
"I'm working Monday and Thursday evening, and Saturday," Tenchi
said.
"Okay, just one more question. How did someone like you get hired
at
a mechanic shop?" Megumi asked.
"Well, I told them that I was part of Nekomi Tech's Auto Club.
That
seemed to impress them a bit so they asked me a few questions which,
thanks
to you guys help, I knew. Then, the head mechanic asked to fix a broken
shock absorber to demonstrate that I really knew my stuff. While it
wasn't
a motorcycle shock, it was close enough that I could fix it. Wasn't all
that difficult really," Tenchi explained.
"Hmm, I'm sure your dad's going to be thrilled that his son is now
a
grease monkey," Ryoko observed. Tenchi grinned sheepishly.
"I guess I'd better get back to work. We've still got dinner to
make," Ryoko said as she walked back into the kitchen.
"Before you go, I've got a question for you," Tenchi remarked.
"Oh?" Ryoko turned.
"Since when do like doing housework and cooking? Back home, you
were
the lazy one," Tenchi asked.
"I don't know. Never really thought about it. I guess it's just
Belldandy rubbing off on me," Ryoko laughed. Now, it was Belldandy's
turn
to giggle. Then they all laughed.
Monday arrived again, and everyone except for Skuld and Urd were at
school. Urd was drinking some sake in the kitchen when there was a
knock
at the door.
"You get it, Urd," Skuld called from the other room.
"Lazy brat," Urd muttered to herself as she walked down the hall to
the door. When she opened it, a strange sight greeted her. There stood
before her, a rather tall figure with a cape that covered the figure's
face
and extended to just below the figure's waist.
"May I, uh, help you?" Urd asked. Then she noticed the growling,
hissing, cat-like rabbit-like thing at the figure's feet.
"Yes, does Ryoko live here?" the figure asked.
"Umm, who want's to know?" Urd returned.
The figure pulled back the top of the cape to reveal a woman with
purple hair and black markings on her face. "Nagi wants to know," Nagi
answered.
"Well, she does live here but she's kinda at school right now," Urd
answered.
"At school? Ryoko, at school?" Nagi burst out laughing. "Surely
you
jest?"
"No, she really is at school," Urd said again.
Nagi continued to laugh while Urd started to inch backwards. "When
will she return?" Nagi asked, suddenly becoming serious.
"Around two, that's when her last class get's out," Urd said.
"All right, I'll wait here," Nagi said as she started to walk in.
"Hold on a sec. No one said you could just barge in here. Just
because you're 'Nagi' and you have black cape and you're tall, doesn't
mean
you can do what ever you want," Urd said as she blocked Nagi's path.
"Oh, may I wait here then?" Nagi asked.
"Sure, come on in," Urd said. She lead her into the sitting room
where Urd had placed her sake on the table. "Want some sake?" Urd
asked.
"I suppose," Nagi answered.
Urd retrieved another sake from the refrigerator and gave it to
Nagi.
Then she continued to drink her own.
Three hours later, Ryoko and Belldandy walked in, Belldandy first.
"Oh, who is this?" she asked when she saw Nagi.
Then, Ryoko walked in. "Nagi," she said, her voice filled with
hatred. "Don't you ever give up?"
"You know better than that," Nagi said as she rose from her seat.
Then, Skuld came running into the room, laughing.
"Nagi, Ken-Ohki is so cute. Where'd you get him?" Skuld asked.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you," Nagi answered.
When Ken-Ohki saw Ryoko, he immediately started to hiss and spit.
"Ken-Ohki, what's wrong?" Skuld asked, starting to sound like
Sasami.
Nagi turned back to Ryoko. "Are you sufficiently healed to be able
to
fight, now?" Nagi asked.
"More than ever. I've been waiting to finish you for some time,"
Ryoko said.
Nagi smiled, "Now's your chance."
Then, Ryoko's anger dissolved for a second.
"We shouldn't do it in a temple. We'd better take it out to the
street," Ryoko suggested.
"Point conceded, after you," Nagi agreed.
"Excuse me for being rude, but may I ask just what exactly is going
on
here?" Urd asked.
"Long story," Ryoko said as she went outside, followed by Nagi.
"Wow, they're gonna fight. Cool," Skuld observed as she followed
them.
"Uh-uh, kid. You aren't going anywhere," Urd said as grabbed Skuld
by
the shoulder before Skuld could leave.
Skuld spun around, "Leave me alone," she said angrily.
"Skuld, sometimes you just don't want to learn," Urd said as the
first
explosion rocked the house.
"What was that?" Belldandy wondered as she walked outside.
When she walked through the doorway, she saw Ryoko unleash a blast
of
energy that narrowly missed Nagi. Then, Nagi slashed at Ryoko with her
energy sword and also missed.
"What are you two doing," she asked.
They both stopped long enough to look at her.
"Belldandy, don't get involved. This has to happen sometime,"
Ryoko
said.
"What does?" Belldandy continued as her two sisters came out and
stood
by her side.
"Belldandy, it really doesn't matter if you know or not. Now
please
excuse me," said Nagi as she again attacked Ryoko. This time, Ryoko
wasn't
fast enough and the energy whip caught her in the side and she screamed
with pain.
"Wow," Skuld said as she saw the energy whip return to Nagi's hand.
Again, the energy whip struck and Ryoko ended up helpless on the
ground. "You've gotten soft, Ryoko," Nagi said as she walked over to
finish Ryoko off.
Just then, Keiichi's motorcycle pulled up and Tenchi hopped off the
back.
"Nagi, stop," he screamed at the top of his voice.
"Stay out of this Tenchi," Nagi returned.
As Tenchi ran toward them, Nagi's pistol came out. "Tenchi, if you
come any closer, I'll kill you," Nagi warned.
Tenchi put on his Jurai ring and transformed into Jurai Battle
mode,
his sword in had. "Go ahead and try," he said as he charged forward.
Nagi's pistol fired twice but Tenchi deflected both shots with his
blade.
With a scream of rage, he arced his sword over his head and brought it
down
on Nagi's own. His blade went directly through her's and it took all of
Nagi's skill to get out of the way. When she leaped away, he stood over
Ryoko.
When he saw the burn marks from the whip, he fell to his knees and
began to weep. Ryoko woke up enough to see Tenchi and she smiled.
"Tenchi, don't cry. I'll be okay," she whispered.
Tenchi took her hand and put his face against it. When his face
came
up again, it was twisted with rage. "Nagi, you'll pay for this," he
screamed.
He charged at Nagi, who had landed about twenty feet from him after
avoiding his blow. His sword easily deflected more shots from her
pistol
and then her whip.
Nagi leaped again but Tenchi caught her in the side as she did.
The
sword went through her side like a hot knife through butter and she
screamed in agony and fell to the ground., clutching her side and
moaning.
When Tenchi saw Nagi lying on the ground, he started to calm down.
The three goddesses and Keiichi were all in shock at seeing such a
display
of anger. While they stood there, Tenchi ran over to Ryoko and helped
her
sit up. "What happened to Nagi?" she asked.
"She won't be bothering you anymore," Tenchi assured her. Ryoko's
face became horrified.
"You didn't kill her, did you?" Ryoko asked.
"Does it matter? She tried to kill you. No, she's not dead, at
least
not yet," Tenchi said.
Ryoko tried to stand but couldn't. "Tenchi, I'll be okay. Go help
Nagi," Ryoko said.
"No way, not while you're hurt," Tenchi returned.
"Tenchi, go," Ryoko pleaded.
By now, Belldandy had come out of her stupor and had rushed over to
Nagi. She focused her power and cast a healing spell on Nagi. While
the
wound did not immediately heal up, the bleeding stopped and Nagi awoke.
She groaned from the pain in her side.
When Urd finally got back in touch with reality, all she could say
was, "What happened?"
A few minutes later, the whole group was sitting in the living
room,
with the exception of Nagi who was lying on a tatami mat. Since it was
no
longer possible to hide the fact that Tenchi had his power and Ryoko
could
fly, the two explained the whole story(see Tenchi Universe Series) to
everyone there.
After they finished, only stunned silence greeted them. Then,
Keiichi
glanced at Belldandy. "Hmm, so we have a former space pirate, a
possible
ruler of the entire universe, and an intergalactic bounty hunter, all
under
one roof. Go figure," he commented.
Nagi sat up with a groan and turned to Ryoko. "Looks like you
finally
got your wish. Tenchi's yours. Maybe we should just call off this
feud.
I don't think I have a chance of winning with Tenchi at your side," Nagi
observed. Then she turned to Belldandy. "I see that you have some sort
of
healing powers. Interesting," Nagi observed.
Belldandy glanced at Keiichi and he returned the startled glance.
"Well, uh, umm. Keiichi, you tell them," Belldandy suggested.
Keiichi glanced at her and then gulped audibly. He then launched
into
a very abbreviated account of their story(see OMG OVA).
"So, I guess we all had some secrets to tell. Now that we've told
all, now what?" Ryoko asked.
"Well, for one. Nagi needs to rest. I may be able to provide some
healing but nothing beats a good night's sleep," Belldandy answered.
"Sounds good to me," Nagi said as she lay back down on the mat.
* * * * * * * * *
After Nagi had rested sufficiently to be able to walk without much
pain she and Ken-Ohki had left for the deep reaches of space. Although
Ryoko and Nagi still greatly disliked each other, Belldandy had
convinced
them to give up their fight, at least for a couple of years. With
another
loose end tied up, it seemed to Tenchi that life might actually start to
return to normal. Perhaps, at least, for a little while.
Keiichi and Megumi had begun to give Tenchi some advanced lessons
on
motorcycle construction and maintenance. With each successive day, he
learned a little bit more. Even Tamiya complimented him on his
progress.
Tenchi's job at the mechanic shop had also turned out well. As his
skill
increased, he brought home reports of high praise from his boss.
Ryoko also began to excel at cooking. By the time spring break
arrived, she was able to prepare a full meal by herself. Of course,
this
rarely happened as Belldandy enjoyed cooking as much as Ryoko had grown
to
love it. Tenchi noticed some changes in Ryoko as the time passed. She
seemed to be a little less lazy and once, he caught her humming while
she
straightened her and Belldandy's room.
Tenchi had written his father and asked if he could invite the
whole
gang to their house for spring break. When the letter finally arrived
from
his father, Tenchi could hardly wait to open it. The first words of the
letter confirmed his excitement.
"Hey Ryoko, come here," he called into the kitchen where she and
Belldandy were cooking.
"Coming, dearest Tenchi," she called, mockingly.
He grinned as she walked through the door, her kimono making her
look
all the more beautiful. "What does my beloved require?" she asked.
As he showed her the letter, they could both hear Skuld guffawing
eh
shhejsklsin the other room. When she finished reading it, she said,
"That's great. When do you want to tell them?"
"How about at dinner," Tenchi suggested.
"Tell us what?" the ever attentive Skuld asked as she walked in.
"You'll find out soon enough," Tenchi grinned.
"What's with you two talking like that?" Skuld asked.
"Talking like what?" Ryoko asked.
"You know. Al l that 'dearest Tenchi' and stuff," Skuld persisted.
"It's a secret. You'll learn when you grow up," Ryoko replied,
laughing.
"I wanna know now," Skuld demanded.
Ryoko just continued to laugh and received a whack on the head from
Skuld's mallet by way of reply.
"Why, you little brat. I oughta," Ryoko's face grew angry and an
orange fireball started to form in her hand.
"Ryoko, let it be," Tenchi ordered as he stepped between the two of
them.
Ryoko glared at Skuld who just laughed, stuck her tongue out, and
walked into the other room. Immediately, Ryoko's demeanor changed back
to
the former state.
"My presence is required in the kitchen if I am to complete your
dietary supplements, my lord Tenchi," she said as she walked back into
the
kitchen. Tenchi smirked before sitting down at the table.
When Ryoko finally called everyone in for dinner and placed the
food
on the table, a collective cheer went up from all present. The steaming
hot rice had been cooked to perfection. Everything was perfect. The
group rewarded Ryoko and Belldandy's hard work by quickly demolishing
the
towering pot of rice.
"That was deeee-licious, Belldandy," Skuld said.
"Thank you, Skuld. But don't forget that Ryoko did just as much as
I
did," Belldandy reminded her.
"Oh yeah," Skuld said, unenthusiastically.
Then it was Tenchi's turn. "We have an announcement to make or
rather, an invitation to all of you. I have asked my father and he has
agreed, if you guys want, to invite you all out to our place for spring
break," Tenchi explained.
"Sounds great. What do you think, Bell?" Keiichi asked.
"I've never been to the country. I'd love to go," she answered,
more
than a little excited.
"Urd?" Keiichi continued.
"Sure, why not. I could use a little break from all this city
pollution. It'll be good for my skin," Urd answered.
"Skuld?" Keiichi continued.
"Yeah, that'd be great. It must be fun to live out in the
country,"
Skuld answered.
"Megumi?" Keiichi asked.
Megumi, who was absorbed in finishing up her dinner, did not reply.
"Meg?" Keiichi repeated.
"What, oh sorry. Sure, I'd love to go," Megumi answered as she
looked
up.
"Okay, look's like our decision is unanimous. We'd better start
packing," Keiichi said.
The next day passed quickly as they packed for the trip. In the
afternoon, Tenchi and Ryoko disappeared into the city, saying they would
be
back after a while.
A couple of hours later, a Kawasaki Ninja pulled up with two riders
on
it. Though it was immediately apparent who the riders were, Keiichi
still
looked shocked when they walked up.
"Tenchi, where'd you get that?" he asked, rather surprised.
"Oh, this. I've been meaning to get it for a while. But I just
earned enough money in the last week to actually pay for it. Since you
got
me into motorcycles, I figured I'd better have my own. It wouldn't be
proper for a member of the Auto Club not to have his own set of wheels,"
Tenchi explained.
"Yeah, but a racing bike?" Keiichi continued.
"Oh that? I've always liked motorcross and since I'm gonna get a
bike, why not get the kind I like best?" Tenchi returned.
"I see, well congratulations. You're only the second person in the
Auto Club to get that kind of motorcycle. I know the Auto Club doesn't
do
a lot of motorcross type events but Tamiya will probably decide to now
that we have two people with racing bikes. I presume Ryoko enjoys this
too?" Keiichi asked.
"I love it," Ryoko confirmed, not talking endlessly for some
reason.
"Well, now that you've got transportation. It will be easier for
us
to get to your place. Urd and Skuld can get there on their own and I
suppose Belldandy could too but she's going to ride with me and I
presume
Ryoko will ride with you," Keiichi continued.
"Sounds good to me, when do you want to leave to morrow?" Tenchi
asked.
"Probably by nine or so," Keiichi answered.
"Okay, Ryoko and I are going to go take the new 'crotch-rocket' as
the
Americans say it out for another spin," Tenchi said with a laugh.
Keiichi also grinned and shook his head as he went back inside to
help
Belldandy.
The next day, everyone was up, bright and early, except for two.
"Urd, wake up," Skuld said as she shook her sister.
Urd groaned and rolled over. In another room, the same thing was
happening simultaneously.
"Ryoko, it's time to get up," Belldandy urged as she stood by
Ryoko's
bed.
Ryoko also groaned and sat up. "What time is it?" she asked.
"Eight o'clock," Belldandy answered.
"Oh man, I didn't even know there was an eight o'clock before I
came
to this place. Oh well, time to go see good old Nobiyuki the perv," she
said as she stood up.
"Nobiyuki the perv?" Belldandy asked, her eyes widening.
"Oh, didn't Tenchi tell you guys. Nobiyuki takes great pleasure in
viewing us women in compromising situations, such as naked in the
bathtub
or other such things," Ryoko said, bluntly.
"He does?" Belldandy asked, shocked.
"Yeah, you get used to it after a while. See, he's not all that
good
at it and he generally makes a full out of himself, so don't worry about
it. Washu's made a private bath for us so he can't spy on us anyway,"
Ryoko explained.
Belldandy didn't look all that relieved.
Tenchi and Ryoko both rode on Tenchi's new bike while Keiichi,
Belldandy, and Megumi all rode on or in Keiichi's bike(depending on how
you
look at it). Urd and Skuld insisted that they would arrive safely,
saying
that they had their own mode of transportation.
When they arrived, no one greeted them. Tenchi hopped off the bike
as
Keiichi pulled up.
While Keiichi was getting off the bike, he commented, "Long ride."
"Yeah, it was fun though. I don't think I've ever felt the wind
like
that before," remarked Tenchi.
"Are Skuld and Urd here, yet?" Ryoko asked.
"I'm sure they're around here somewhere," Belldandy answered as she
stood and walked over.
"Well, I'm sure dad is dying to meet all my new friends so we'd
better
get moving," Tenchi commented.
He lead them through the front door and found Urd and Nobiyuki
draining down glasses of sake in the living room.
"Hi, Dad," Tenchi greeted his somewhat inebriated father.
"Oh, hi Tenchi. You didn't tell me you had met more beautiful
girls.
You sure have all the luck," Nobiyuki said as he poured himself some
more
sake.
"Hi, Tenchi. You dad is actually rather nice. Skuld and I have
only
been here a few minutes but she already disappeared somewhere with that
little red, Little Washu or something like that," Urd said as she stood.
Ryoko helped herself to some of the sake while Tenchi lead Keiichi
and Belldandy upstairs before Nobiyuki could make anymore comments.
"My father isn't always like this," he assured them as they reached
the top of the stairs. Down below, they could hear Urd, Ryoko, and
Nobiyuki having a grand, old time.
Keiichi only smiled and then asked, "So how will the sleeping
arrangements work?"
"I was thinking that you could sleep in my room. Belldandy and Urd
can sleep in Aeka's old room, and I think Washu can provide a place for
Skuld," Tenchi explained.
Just then, a little portal opened in the hallway and Washu and
Skuld
walked out, chattering rapidly about some sort of new device Washu was
working on.
"Hi, Tenchi. Long time, no see, eh?" Washu said.
"Hi, Little Washu. I see you've met Skuld. This is Keiichi and
this
is Belldandy," he said.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Little Washu," Washu said as she extended a
hand, which Keiichi took.
"So, you're the Washu I heard so much about," Keiichi observed.
"Yes, I am Little Washu, the greatest genius in the universe,"
Washu
said.
"You are the greatest, Washu," Washu puppet A said.
"Yeah, Washu, you're so smart," Washu puppet B said.
Belldandy and Skuld giggled.
"I see you two have hit it off pretty well," Tenchi observed.
"Washu is sooo smart. She's even smarter than me," Skuld said,
excitedly.
"What can I say, I am the greatest genius in the universe," Washu
commented.
"Yeah, well, anyway. Washu, can Skuld sleep in your room or where
ever it is you sleep because there aren't any other rooms in the house,"
Tenchi asked.
"Sure, no problem. By the way, welcome home, Tenchi," Washu said.
"Thanks, Little Washu. We'll see you guys later," Tenchi said.
"Bye," Washu and Skuld said in unison as they disappeared.
Keiichi and Belldandy went to put their things in their rooms while
Tenchi went back downstairs. He found Urd and Ryoko drinking away while
his father had passed out on the couch.
"Hey Tenchi, want some sake?" Ryoko asked.
"No thanks. What happened to dad?" Tenchi asked.
"He got a little too drunk," Urd replied, and laughed. So did
Ryoko.
Tenchi just sighed and then dragged his father into his room and
dropped him on his bed. Then he went to his own room and fell on his
own
bed, asleep.
Two hours later, Ryoko awakened him. "Get up, lazy bone," she said
as
she gently prodded him
He groaned and sat up. "What?" he mumbled.
"It's almost dinner time," she said as her lips latched onto his.
This woke him up, very quickly. He gently pushed her away. "Not
right now, Ryoko," he suggested.
She took on an air of disappointment. "What? Don't you like
that?"
she asked, pitifully.
"Yes, I do enjoy it. But like you said, it's time for dinner," he
answered as he stood.
"Boo, you're no fun," Ryoko pouted.
He grinned and then stood. Ryoko followed him downstairs.
When he walked into the kitchen, Belldandy was putting the
finishing
touches on the meal for the day, hamburgers.
"You know how to make hamburgers, Belldandy?" Tenchi asked,
surprised.
"Well, this is the first time I've done it. Your father suggested
it
because he had so much of the stuff. I hope you like it," she said.
"Don't worry, I love hamburgers. Besides, I don't think it's
possible
for you to make something that isn't good," Tenchi said.
"Thank you, Tenchi," Belldandy said with a smile. Then Keiichi
walked
in.
"Whatever you're making smells great, Bell," he complimented.
"Thank you, Kei. I hope you like hamburgers," she said.
"Hamburgers? I love them," he declared.
By this time, the rest of the group had congregated in the kitchen
so
Ryoko and Belldandy quickly served up the meal and they all ate.
As soon as Nobiyuki finished his hamburger, he spoke to Tenchi.
"Aeka
and Sasami will be here sometime this evening. I think Mihoshi and
Kiyone
might even make it for part of the week."
"Aeka? Did you invite her?" Tenchi asked, the blood draining from
his
face.
"Of course. I figured that since you'd be home, there was no
reason
why we couldn't have a little reunion of sorts," Nobiyuki said,
grinning.
"This is great. It'll be good to taste Sasami's cooking again,"
Washu
commented. "Not that there's anything wrong with Ryoko's," she quickly
added before Ryoko could draw any conclusions from her previous
statement.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
Tenchi gulped loudly before standing. "I'll get it," he said
quietly.
He walked to the front door and before he opened it, he gulped
again.
Then, he opened it.
End of Part 2
Tenchi heard his name shouted by two female voices before being
knocked over by Sasami as she hugged him.
"Hi, Sasami," he said as he sat up.
"I missed you so much," she said as she hugged him,
"I missed you too," Tenchi responded as he awkwardly returned her
embrace. Behind them, Aeka smiled politely.
"Lord Tenchi, it is good to see you again," she greeted, demurely.
"And you, Miss Aeka," Tenchi said as Sasami clambered off of him
and
dashed into the kitchen.
A very loud and excited "MIYA" echoed through the house as Sasami
and
Ryo-Ohki were re-united.
"Come in," Tenchi motioned as he stood. Aeka stepped past him
before
giving him a hug of her own, which caught him rather off guard. She
whispered, "I missed you so."
Ryoko walked in, just in time to see Aeka embrace Tenchi, though
she
noted with some small satisfaction that the embrace was not returned
very
enthusiastically.
"Welcome back, Princess," Ryoko said as Aeka released Tenchi.
"What are you doing here?" Aeka asked with disdain.
"I live here...well...sort of," Ryoko answered.
"What? You live here?" Aeka responded, appalled at the thought.
"That's right, Princess," Ryoko answered, a smirk forming on her
face.
"Why don't we go in and see the others," Tenchi broke in before a
fight could develop.
"Yes, why don't we," Aeka agreed, her eyes locked on Ryoko's.
The three of them walked back into the kitchen where the rest of
the
group was rising from the table. After a quick round of introductions,
Aeka immediately returned her focus to Tenchi.
"So, Tenchi, how has college been?" she asked.
"Well, it's been fun. Yeah, it's been very fun. What was really
great was Keiichi and Belldandy letting me stay with them, though,"
Tenchi
answered.
Keiichi blushed and Belldandy smiled as this.
"I thank you for allowing Lord Tenchi to stay with you while I was
away," Aeka bowed slightly to the two.
"Oh, it was no trouble at all. It's been fun having Tenchi and
Ryoko
stay with us," Belldandy said.
"Ryoko? Did you say Ryoko was staying with you as well?" Aeka
asked,
shocked.
"Oh, nobody told you? After Tenchi got kicked out of his dorm, we
offered to let him stay with us. Then, we offered to let Ryoko stay
with
us two because the two were so close," Belldandy continued.
Although no one noticed it, Tenchi was slowly backpedaling out of
the
room, as were Nobiyuki and Urd. Washu, Sasami, and Skuld were not there
because they had left right after Sasami arrived so they could go play
with
Ryo-Ohki.
"WHAT? You're telling me that you offered to let that demon stay
with
you, with Tenchi staying there as well? How could you?" Aeka screamed
at
the top of her lungs, her face redder than a beet. Then, the cylinders
started to form and Ryoko started to make her own exit.
Belldandy, finally conscious that something was wrong, stopped
talking.
"RYOKO! You will die, demon," Aeka screamed as the cylinders
trapped
Ryoko within their force field.
"Miss Aeka! Please stop," Tenchi interjected as he stepped between
Ryoko and Aeka for the second time.
"But Lord Tenchi. Ryoko must be punished," Aeka said, suddenly
becoming demure.
"What should she be punished for? For wanting to be near the one
she
loves? Is that a crime? Things have changed since you were last here,
Miss Aeka," Tenchi said, rather calmly.
"But Lord Tenchi--" she started.
Tenchi cut her off. "Miss Aeka, I'm sorry to be rude and I'm sorry
it
had to happen this way. But I love Ryoko. Nothing you can do or say
will
change that. Again, I'm sorry," Tenchi apologized, his voice very quiet
now.
"Lord Tenchi," Aeka whispered, the tears starting to form in her
eyes.
She turned and ran from the room, crying.
Tenchi lowered his head and sorrowed for Aeka but there was nothing
more he could do.
Aeka had not returned by the end of the afternoon so Tenchi and
Ryoko
went to look for her. They found her, out by a small pond in the woods.
She was still weeping. Tenchi ran up while Ryoko watched from a short
distance away.
"Miss Aeka," he started.
Aeka turned and when she saw he was alone, fell onto his chest and
began to weep bitterly. He looked down at her and waited for her to
stop
crying.
After she had run out of tears, Aeka straightened up.
"Why, Lord Tenchi?" she asked. "Why did you pick Ryoko over me?"
"Aeka, I didn't pick her over you," Tenchi answered quietly.
"But Lord Tenchi, what does she have that I don't?" Aeka persisted.
"Aeka, I didn't pick her because she was 'better' than you in any
way," Tenchi repeated.
"Was it because she had a better physical appearance? Was that
it?"
Aeka persisted.
"Aeka, are you even listening to me? I did not pick Ryoko over
you,"
Tenchi said for the third time.
Aeka continued to ramble on. Tenchi took her by the shoulders and
looked her straight in the eyes.
"Aeka, are you listening to me?" he asked again.
When she didn't respond, he stared deep into her eyes. After a
moment, she burst into tears again and again fell into his arms. He
waited
for her to finish while watching Ryoko as she slowly walked towards
them.
Tenchi forced Aeka to look at him. "Aeka, are you going to listen
to
me now?" he asked quietly.
Aeka finally regained control of her emotions and nodded.
"Good, like I said before, I didn't pick Ryoko over you. There was
never any competition in my mind, regardless of what you two might have
thought. It was just that I was not ready for a relationship back then.
I
was still growing up. Now that I, hopefully, have matured somewhat, I
think I am ready to make the choice of the person I will spend the rest
of
my life with. That choice had nothing to do with Ryoko and you
constantly
fighting to prove who was better for me. I chose Ryoko of my own free
will
and it was not because of your absence and her presence. I still
consider
you a very good friend and I hope that you consider me the same. I will
always have the highest respect for you in the duties you must perform
and
as the person which you are," Tenchi said.
For a moment, there was only silence. Then Aeka spoke.
"Lord Tenchi, I would first like to apologize for my behavior this
afternoon. I was most impolite and rude," she said solemnly as she
bowed
before him.
"You are forgiven," Tenchi said as solemnly. He also bowed.
"I hope that my actions today have not detracted from your respect
for
me. As to this matter of Ryoko and yourself, I have realized that I am
in
the wrong. I will no longer stand in the way," Aeka said as she bowed
her
head.
"I have one more thing to ask of you," Tenchi said as he motioned
to
Ryoko.
Aeka looked up. "Yes?" she asked.
When Ryoko was standing next to them, Tenchi spoke. "I would like
to
ask you two to lay aside your differences. I still haven't figured out
whether you guys were just fighting over me or whether it was something
else. Either way, I wish you would give it up and let the past be."
Both girls looked at him. Then at each other. Then back at him.
Then, Ryoko smirked. Aeka's eyes narrowed.
"Sure, Tenchi. I can do that," Ryoko agreed.
"I am willing," Aeka countered, skeptically.
Ryoko extended a hand. Aeka took it. They shook.
Then, Ryoko turned back to Tenchi. She leaped into his waiting
embrace and they kissed for what seemed an eternity. Aeka observed them
with a small, almost tearful smile on her face.
The group spent the rest of the week relaxing and generally
enjoying
themselves. After Ryoko and Aeka made peace, they found that they could
actually stand to be in the same room together or perhaps, even have fun
together. There was the interesting episode where Nobiyuki tried yet
again
to get into the women's bath, ostensibly to bring fresh towels for the
girls. He ended up in...well, let's just say he didn't smell to good
for a
while.
On the night before everyone was to leave, Ryoko, Belldandy, and
Sasami worked together to make the most delicious meal any of them had
ever
seen. Between the tempura, teriyaki, soba noodles, and rice, Tenchi and
Keiichi assured their respective girlfriends that wouldn't eat for at
least
a week after.
"It was nice to meet you," Belldandy said as she shook hands with
Aeka.
"And you," Aeka returned, a little more demurely than normal.
"Bye, Skuld, I've had fun playing with you," Sasami said as she
hugged
Skuld. "I'll come and visit soon, I promise."
"I'll miss you too, Sasami. Maybe I can come to Jurai some time,"
Skuld said.
"Yeah, I hope so," Sasami said. "Bye, Tenchi. I sure wish I could
stay a little longer," she said as she hugged Tenchi.
"So do I, Sasami. I really enjoyed your cooking," Tenchi
responded.
"So did I," Keiichi added.
"Thank you, both," Sasami said as she giggled and bowed slightly.
Ryoko and Aeka merely shook hands before leaving and said not a
word
to each other.
After everyone else finished telling all others good-bye, Keiichi's
and Tenchi's motorcycles roared off.
When they arrived back at the temple, Tenchi was the first to get
inside. He found himself very confused when he found Washu, Nobiyuki,
and
Katsuhito sitting at the table.
"How did you guys get here?" he asked, confused.
"Oh, Washu built a portal between our house and your's. Now we can
drop by any time. Isn't that great?" Nobiyuki asked with a smile.
Tenchi groaned.
Then, the other four walked in and fortunately for them, nobody
fainted. After Nobiyuki explained it to them, Belldandy spoke. "This
will
be great. Now we can go to the mountains whenever we want," she said
excitedly.
"I'll get to see Ryo-Ohki more. Yea!" Skuld shouted as the cabbit
came bounding through the portal with a loud miya(Ryo-Ohki and Skuld had
become very good friends while at Tenchi's house).
"This is just great," Tenchi stated as he collapsed to the floor
with
a sigh. Ryoko immediately appeared next to him.
"Tenchi looks tired. Maybe Ryoko should put him to bed," she said
in
her best motherly voice. He grinned sheepishly at her and then promptly
fell asleep on her shoulder.
"Hmm, guess I was right," Ryoko observed. They all laughed.
"Rise and shine, lazybones," were the first words he heard. He
opened
his eyes and was greeted by the sight of Ryoko leaning over him.
"I always wanted to wake up to this," he said as his arms encircled
her back and pulled her downward. She fell on top of him as their lips
met. After what seemed like blissful eternity, Keiichi walked in.
"Hey, you two. Now's not the time for that," he scolded, only
half-serious.
Ryoko laughed, climbed off Tenchi, and pulled him out of bed.
Tenchi
grinned sheepishly at Keiichi before pretending to push Ryoko out of the
room. "Go on, Ryoko. I have to change," he said as he pushed her out.
"All right, all right. I'm going," she answered with a mock pout.
Keiichi and Tenchi both laughed as she slammed the door shut. Tenchi
shook
his head and then proceeded to make his bed and get dressed.
"Hope they made something good this morning. I'm starving,"
Keiichi
declared.
"I know what you mean," Tenchi responded as he opened the door and
headed for the main room.
There, Ryoko and Belldandy were spooning some sort of steaming hot
stuff into four bowls. "Good morning, Tenchi," Belldandy greeted him
with
her usual bright smile.
"Morning, Belldandy," he said as he yawned. "What's that?" he
asked
as he pointed to the concoction in the bowls.
"Ryoko suggested we try making something new for breakfast. It's
called oatmeal. Americans eat it a lot," Belldandy explained.
"I see," Tenchi continued. "Hope it's as good as it looks because
I'm
starving."
"A perfect combination," Ryoko observed as finished pouring the
oatmeal.
"Let's eat," Tenchi said as Keiichi walked in. So they did.
Two hours later, Tenchi sat down in his Architecture class. When
the
professor announced that they would be received back their mid-term
exams,
Tenchi gulped. He knew distinctly that he had not done very well on it
because of all the questions he could not answer. The grade that he
received confirmed his worst fears. After class, the professor called
Tenchi upto his desk.
"Mr. Masaki, I'd like to ask you a couple of questions. Number
one,
do you like Architecture?" the professor asked.
"Well, I'm not sure, sir. I picked Architecture because my father
is
an architect and I'd always thought that the field looked interesting,"
Tenchi answered.
"Answer another question then. Do you really like Architecture?
Be
honest," the professor continued.
Tenchi considered for a moment. "Now that I really think about it,
I
don't, sir," he answered.
"I thought so. You had the lowest score on my exam and new
something
must be wrong because there was a twenty point gap between your's and
the
next lowest grade. Since you appear to have little interest in
Architecture, I'm going to recommend that you consider changing your
major
to something more suiting to your interests. Let's say, oh...Auto
Engineering," the professor suggested. When he saw Tenchi's look of
surprise he continued.
"Yes, Mr. Masaki. I know a little bit about you. Some of your
friends at Nikoto's Auto Repair shop spoke highly of your skills.
Nikoto's
happens to be my mechanic. In fact, I believe you are the one who
fixed
my radiator leak. Nikoto said you did a superior job. Thank you," the
professor said.
"You're welcome, sir. But I'd like to thank you for pointing this
out
to me. I guess I would have figured it out eventually but who knows. I
assume it's too late to change classes?" Tenchi asked.
"Normally, it would be. But I'll pull a few strings and see what I
can do," the professor answered with a smile.
"Thank you, sir. Very much," Tenchi said as he bowed.
"You're more than welcome, Mr. Masaki. You are dismissed," the
professor said. As Tenchi turned and hurried to the door where Ryoko
was
waiting, the professor smiled as he saw them immediately grasp each
other's
hand and walk away.
"So, you're going to switch majors. I guess that's a good thing?"
Ryoko asked as they sat down at the lunch table next to Keiichi and
Belldandy.
"Yeah, it beats failing a class that I don't really want to take
anyway," Tenchi answered.
"You're changing majors?" Keiichi broke in as he overheard their
conversation.
"Yeah, Auto Engineering," Tenchi answered.
"That's great. Now you're a real member of the Auto Club,"
Keiichi
congratulated him.
"Oh yeah, I still haven't told Tamiya about my new motorcycle,"
Tenchi
said with a half-grin.
Just then, "MASAKI!!!" could be heard all over the cafeteria.
Tenchi
gulped loudly and turned to see Tamiya, Otaki, and a dozen members of
the
Auto Club all converging on him. He gulped again, just before they all
crashed into him.
When the pile of clubbers had finished climbing off of him, Tamiya
peeled the now flattened Tenchi off the floor. "Ow," Tenchi observed,
rather weakly.
"Masaki, you didn't tell us you had gotten a Kawasaki Ninja. We
all
came over to congratulate you," Tamiya said.
"Thanks, guys," Tenchi said as he recovered his voice.
"This calls for a celebration," Otaki said.
All the clubbers cheered. Before anyone could say anything else,
the
clubbers picked up Ryoko, Keiichi, and Belldandy and along with Tenchi,
carried them out of the cafeteria. They continued in this fashion until
they arrived back at the Auto Club clubhouse. Before long, the
clubhouse
rumbled with the sound of a bunch of guys and Ryoko celebrating with
plenty
of sake and brewskis to go around. Tenchi, Keiichi, and Belldandy sat
on
one of the sofas and watched the proceedings until Otaki walked up and
spoke to Tenchi.
"Masaki, come, join us. Have some sake," he offered Tenchi a can.
"Oh-uh thanks," Tenchi said as he took the cup. He stood and
walked
over to the main group who were all gathered around Ryoko and Tamiya.
It
seemed that Ryoko had challenged Tamiya to a chugging contest and Ryoko
seemed to be losing, but not by much. The guys were all cheering them
on
when Tenchi walked up. He sighed when he saw the pile of cans at
Ryoko's
feet before turning back to the couch.
"Hey, Tenchi. Where you going?" asked a slightly inebriated Ryoko.
"I'm going to go sit down," he answered, almost irritably.
He walked back over to the couch and let himself fall into its not
so
soft cushions.
"What's wrong?" Belldandy asked.
Tenchi looked up. "Oh nothing. I just get tired of Ryoko always
drinking herself into oblivion, especially when she's just showing off,"
he
explained.
"I see," Belldandy observed.
The rest of the party went pretty much like that with nothing
really
meaningful happening until Tamiya finally collapsed after his
twenty-second
can of sake. Everyone cheered for Ryoko, who by this time was more than
a
little intoxicated. She wobbled over to where Tenchi was sitting and
collapsed on top of him.
"Hi, Tenchi," she said in a slurred voice.
"Oh, hi Ryoko," came his not enthusiastic reply as he turned his
head
to avoid the strong odor of the alcohol on her breath.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Oh nothing. I guess we'd better get you home before you pass
out,"
Tenchi observed as he lifted her to her feet. "Keiichi, could you take
her
in your bike? I think she'd fall off of mine," Tenchi asked.
"Sure, Tenchi. Bell, I guess you'll be riding in the rear seat
this
time," Keiichi said.
"That's okay. I don't mind," Belldandy quickly responded.
Tenchi carried Ryoko out to the motorcycle and placed her in the
seat.
Then, he buckled her down.
"I'll see you back at the house," he said as she began to snore.
Keiichi and Belldandy had followed him out and they got in the bike
and headed for the house. Tenchi soon followed them.
The next morning, Keiichi woke up and saw that Tenchi was already
up.
He glanced at the clock, 7:00. He shrugged and went back to sleep.
Tenchi had risen at 6:00 that morning and had watched the sun rise,
his back to the house. Belldandy had joined him an hour later as he
still
sat, staring into the sky.
"Good morning, Tenchi," she said softly.
He turned and smiled. "Morning, Belldandy. Sleep well?" he asked.
"Very well, thank you. Would you like some tea?" she asked.
"That'd be great," Tenchi answered.
"I'll bring it out," she said as she turned and went back inside.
Tenchi continued to observe the sky when he heard footsteps behind
him. "Guess who," the voice said as hands covered Tenchi's eyes.
"I thought you'd have some sort of a major hangover after last
night,"
Tenchi commented.
The hand went away and Ryoko sat down next to him, two cups of tea
in
her hands. "Me? I don't think I've ever had a hangover. At least, not
in
the last three thousand years," she laughed.
"Oh, feel up to an early morning ride?" he asked.
"I'd love to. First, finish your tea," she commanded.
"Yes, ma'am," he said with mock deference as he took the cup. They
sipped their tea in silence.
Then, another set of footsteps came up behind them. "Daughter,
son-in-law, greetings!" came the ever annoying/cute voice.
Ryoko rolled her eyes and turned around. "Washu, you have to keep
it
down. People are still sleeping," she scolded.
Washu's eyes got big. "Don't you talk to me that way, young lady,"
she said sternly as she placed her hands on her hips. She looked so
comical trying to be serious with Ryoko who was at least two heads
taller
than her that Tenchi smiled.
"Washu, would you stop clowning around for once," Ryoko said, her
voice growing angry.
"If you don't stop speaking so disrespectfully to me, I'll ground
you," Washu continued.
"Washu..." Ryoko's voice rose as she slowly said the name.
Then, Tenchi burst out laughing. They both looked at him and then
Washu also started to laugh. Ryoko frowned and stomped inside.
"Good morning, little Washu," Tenchi said when he stopped laughing.
"And good morning to you, again, Tenchi," Washu said.
"It seems that you've ruined Ryoko's day, or at least her morning,"
Tenchi observed.
"Oh, she's always grouchy when she's had to much to drink the night
before," Washu commented.
"WHAT?" Ryoko screeched from the hallway.
Washu and Tenchi both laughed again. Ryoko glared at both of them
and
then disappeared into the kitchen.
"I guess it won't be so bad having you guys around all the time.
But
it's sure going to take some getting used to," Tenchi said.
"Well, if it gets to be a bother, just let me know. I know how
your
father is sometimes. Especially with a babe like Urd around," Washu
confided.
"Thanks. Let's just hope that it doesn't come to that," Tenchi
answered with a laugh and Washu joined in.
By the time Tenchi finally convinced Ryoko to go on a ride, it was
time to eat. When that was done, it was time for school. So the only
ride
the two went on was the one to school.
Tenchi pulled up at the Auto Club clubhouse and parked his bike.
As a
member of the Auto Club, he had a right to do so. He walked inside and
saw
that the place was still a mess. Tamiya was still sprawled on a couch
where Otaki had left him the night before. Tenchi walked over and shook
him.
"Sempai, it's almost time for class. You should probably get," he
said.
Tamiya groaned and opened his eyes. "Oh, it's you, Masaki. Don't
worry about me. It won't hurt for me to miss one class. Just let me
sleep," Tamiya mumbled.
Tenchi nodded and then left. "What was that all about?" Ryoko
asked.
"Tamiya-sempai still has a small hangover from last night," Tenchi
answered.
Ryoko laughed. "You humans never know your limitations," she
declared.
Tenchi half-smiled and then glanced at his watch. "We'd better
hurry,
class starts in five minutes," he suggested.
"I suppose you're right," Ryoko sighed.
The days passed. Tenchi and Ryoko grew ever closer until by the
end
of the year, they were inseparable. Keiichi and Belldandy also grew
closer(if that was possible). The last day of college, Tenchi and Ryoko
were sitting in the cafeteria with Keiichi, Belldandy, and several other
Auto Clubbers. Tenchi began to pass the word along that there was going
to
be a big club at the Auto Club that night for all clubbers.
That evening, as can be expected, the clubhouse was packed.
Everybody
was drinking, talking, or generally having a good time. At about 9:30,
Tenchi strode to the center of the main room and yelled for everybody's
attention. After about five minutes, things started to quiet down but
there was still a general murmur of ambient noise in the back ground.
"I would like to thank you all for coming tonight. This is the
reason
why I asked you to come. Ryoko, will you please come up here?" Tenchi
asked.
Ryoko, garbed in a rather form-fitting blue dress, stepped forward
and
stood by him.
"Please read rule 128-C7 of the Auto Club Constitution for us,
please," Tenchi asked again.
There was a sudden rumbling of voices as the clubbers began to ask
what rule 128-C7 stated.
Ryoko glanced down at the sheet Tenchi had given her and then her
eyes
widened. She looked up at Tenchi.
"Tenchi, are you serious?" she asked, rather surprised.
"I'll answer in a minute. Now, please read the rule," he asked
again.
Ryoko cleared her throat and began. "Rule 128-C7 of the Nekomi
Institute of Technology's Automotive Club states that 'If any member of
the
Auto Club finds that he has become interested in receiving the hand of
another member of the Auto Club in marriage, he or she must first
propose
to that other in front of a quorum of Auto Club members and then the
proposal must be approved by the leadership of the Auto Club'," she
read.
When her voice fell silent, so did the rest of the room. Not a
sound
could be heard as Tenchi quickly began to count heads. "Tamiya, how
many
Auto Clubbers do we need for a quorum?" Tenchi asked.
"I believe the number is 21," Tamiya answered.
"We have a quorum, then," Tenchi said.
He turned back to Ryoko and dropped on one knee before her, all
eyes
on him. With his eyes gazing into her own, Tenchi spoke. "Ryoko, I
know
you have been waiting a very long time for this and so have I. Will you
marry me?" he asked.
The gaze of everyone in the room turned to Ryoko. With a nod, she
collapsed into his arms.
Then, Tamiya cleared his throat. "There is one thing remaining to
make this union formal," he said. "Otaki, get your butt over here," he
continued.
There was a lot of pushing and shoving as the somewhat inebriated
Otaki wormed his way over to Tamiya. After three minutes of low-spoken
debate, Tamiya and Otaki stepped forward into the center of the room
where
Tenchi and Ryoko were waiting.
"Tenchi Masaki, Ryoko, we hereby proclaim to you that Auto Club
leadership has approved your marriage. The only condition is that, as
the
first marriage within the Auto Club, the ceremony must be held here,"
Tamiya said.
Tenchi turned and kissed Ryoko long and passionately while
everybody
cheered. Then, another voice shouted above the din and Keiichi stepped
forward.
"I guess, now is as good a time as any," he observed. "Belldandy?"
he
asked.
She was instantly by his side as everyone fell quiet again.
"Yes, Keiichi?" she asked, hopefully.
Keiichi also fell to his knee and took Belldandy's hand in his own.
"Belldandy, we have been putting this off for far too long. Will you
marry
me?" he asked.
"Yes, Keiichi," was all she could say as the two embraced.
Again, Tamiya and Otaki conferred 'privately' for a second before
looking up again. "Although it is highly irregular, the leadership has
also approved your marriage proposal, Keiichi Morisato and Belldandy,"
Otaki announced. Again, everyone in the building began to cheer.
Otaki suggested something to Tamiya who smiled and nodded. He
shouted
for attention. "Otaki has suggested to me a very good idea. As we
already
have Tenchi and Ryoko's reception here, why not go ahead and make it a
double wedding? That way, we don't have to clean the clubhouse twice,"
Tamiya said. Everyone laughed at this last statement and then cheered
their approval.
No one seemed to notice that neither couple was present any longer.
If we were to take a quick trip outside, we would find the moonlight
filtering softly through the trees and falling on two figures. One was
Ryoko and Tenchi, passionately kissing. The other figure was the
slightly
more sedate variety of kissing in the form of Keiichi and Belldandy.
(We'll leave Tamiya's bachelor party plans out of this one)
"A Shinto ceremony? I'm not sure about that. I don't really want
to
have to where that white kimono the bride's supposed to wear," Ryoko
objected.
"But Grandpa's all ready said he'll do it. Keiichi and Belldandy
want
to do it Shinto style too. So come on, it will only be for a half hour,
then you change anyway," Tenchi responded.
"Why can't we just do it like everyone else in the galaxy? You
have
an official justice of the peace pronounce you married, you kiss, and
then
live happily ever after. Much easier in my opinion. Besides, you
Japanese
are to stuck on tradition," Ryoko observed.
"Please, Ryoko. Do it for me. I'll make it up to you after the
wedding," Tenchi begged.
"You've tempted me. I get to pick the honeymoon spot," Ryoko
bargained.
"Fair enough," Tenchi agreed.
"I know this great little place just outside of the third planet of
Beta Zentauri," Ryoko started.
"Let's not discuss that now. We have to start preparing for the
wedding," Tenchi interrupted.
"You're no fun," Ryoko pouted.
Tenchi glanced around the room quickly to make sure no one was
around
and then turned back to Ryoko who's face still had a silly-sulky look to
it. Before she could say another word, he kissed her. At first, Ryoko
was
surprised by this sudden action on Tenchi's part but then she gave in
and
returned the kiss. After about five minutes of this, Tenchi pulled
away.
"That's all?" Ryoko looked disappointed.
"All? I don't want to die for lack of breath before the wedding
even
starts. We haven't even had the honeymoon yet," Tenchi replied, faking
exasperation.
"I see your point. Guess I'd better go dig up Belldandy so I can
get
this planning done," Ryoko said as she stood.
"I? What about us?" Tenchi asked, surprised.
"Look, Tenchi. Guys don't plan weddings. All you'd want to do is
have Grandpa pronounce us married and then we'd have a big drinking
part.
That's not exactly the kind of wedding I want to have," Ryoko answered.
"You know that wouldn't happen. I don't drink like that anyway--"
he
paused as the front door slid open.
"Hey Masaki, there you are. We've been looking all over for you,"
Tamiya said as he entered, followed by Otaki and several other Auto
Clubbers.
"Sempai, would you please put me down now?" an annoyed Keiichi
asked
from atop Tamiya's shoulders.
Tenchi and Ryoko looked up and saw that Tamiya had Keiichi thrown
over
his shoulders.
"Uh, oh, sorry, Morisato. Here ya go," Tamiya said as he dropped
Keiichi to the floor with a thud.
"Ouch," Keiichi said weakly as he rubbed his head where it had
slammed
into the ground.
"Oh Kei, I'm sorry," they heard Belldandy say.
"That's ok--" Keiichi suddenly looked scared and glanced up and
behind
him. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Otaki gently set
Belldandy
down behind him. Belldandy ran over to him and knelt down beside him.
"Are you all right?" she asked.
"I'm fine, Bell. Thanks," he said as she helped him to his feet.
"Okay, so why are you all here?" Tenchi asked.
"The leadership of the Auto Club has decided that since the
reception
will be held in the Auto Club clubhouse, the Auto Club should plan the
reception," Tamiya announced.
"Now wait a sec, guys. That's not what--" Keiichi started.
"And, if you do not consent to this arrangement, the Auto Club will
refuse to recognize the wedding and your membership will be revoked,"
Tamiya finished with a flourish.
"Oh, bummer," Tenchi said, only half-serious. "If none of you
mind, I
guess we'll let them do it."
"Well...I suppose," Ryoko agreed.
"I suppose it'll have to do," Keiichi nodded. Belldandy also
agreed.
It took another week for all the preparations to be completed.
Tenchi
had finally convinced Ryoko to wear the white kimono of the tradition
Shinto bride, under threat of a honeymoon where they slept in separate
rooms. Though Tenchi was not serious, the threat did the trick.
The morning of the wedding came and Ryoko was a nervous wreck. "I
can't get this stupid thing to stay on right," she complained as she
tried
over and over again to balance the head covering properly.
"Here, let me help you," Washu offered. She pulled a stool over
and
stood on it while she deftly set the headdress correctly.
"Can't I have just one glass of sake? You know it will calm my
nerves," Ryoko begged.
"No, Ryoko. If you get drunk, you'll ruin the whole ceremony,"
Washu
refused.
"But, Washu, one glass never made anyone drunk," Ryoko pleaded.
"In your condition, one glass would probably knock you out," Washu
answered.
"In this case, it might be a good thing," Ryoko muttered.
"Urd, please, not so tight," Belldandy asked.
"Okay, sorry," the white-haired goddess answered, rather annoyed.
"Belldandy, did I just hear you complain?" Ryoko asked, feigning
surprised shock.
"I didn't think I was complaining. It was only that Urd had tied
the
kimono so tightly in the back that I could barely breathe," Belldandy
answered.
Ryoko started to laugh. "I wasn't being serious, Belldandy," she
said
between laughs. Before long, Washu and Urd had joined in the laughter.
Across the hall, Keiichi, Tenchi, Nobiyuki, and Katsuhito looked at
each other.
"Wonder what's got them worked up?" Tenchi wondered.
Keiichi shrugged. "Probably Urd did something stupid again," he
said.
"Hold still, Tenchi. It's hard enough trying to straighten your
collar when you're standing still, let alone fidgeting the way you are,"
Nobiyuki complained.
"Sorry, dad," Tenchi apologized as he froze.
"Aren't you the least bit nervous, Tenchi?" Keiichi asked.
"Actually, I'm terrified. I still haven't got the faintest clue as
to
what Tamiya's got planned for our reception," Tenchi answered.
Keiichi laughed nervously.
"I guess you'll just have to wait and see," Katsuhito said
mysteriously.
The other three looked strangely at him.
An hour later, Katsuhito was standing under the torii gate that
served
as the entrance to the house/temple. Katsuhito had decided that the old
temple would do nicely as a Shinto shrine. It just needed a few
modifications. Now there was an altar in front of the steps into the
house
with incense being burned on it. He waited solemnly in his priestly
garb
as Tenchi and then Keiichi walked through the torii gate and stood
before
him. He rang a gong and then the two brides entered in their white
kimonos. Tenchi noticed how much he liked Ryoko's hair down. It made
her
look almost, well, cute. Keiichi smiled at Belldandy as she approached.
When the brides are standing next to their grooms, Katsuhito
motions
them forward. He sits cross-legged behind the altar and waited for the
two
couple to kneel before him. Once they were kneeling in front of the
alter,
he quickly performs the traditional chants and prayers of a Shinto
wedding
ceremony. Then, Katsuhito signaled to Tenchi and Keiichi.
The two stood and faced their brides. "As your husband, I shall
forever keep you in my heart and home. I shall forever protect you and
any
children that you bear unto me. I shall be faithful and caring to you
always and shall expect the same from you toward me," the two smiling
husbands-to-be said to their soon-to-be brides. The brides rose
immediately after these promises were made and the members of the
couples
bowed to each other.
Ryoko was the first to ditch the uncomfortable headdress. She give
Tenchi a kiss he would not forget. Belldandy quickly followed suit
while
the guests applauded. While this did not follow the traditional Shinto
ending, Katsuhito said nothing but sat back and smiled.
When the couples finally disengaged their lips from one another,
they
turned and bowed to the guests who continued to applaud. Then, Tenchi
led
Ryoko into the house. They were followed by Keiichi and Belldandy.
Once
inside, the couples split up long enough to change which in the case of
the
women took almost thirty minutes. This was due in part because
Belldandy
had to keep Ryoko calm long enough to take off her expensive kimono
rather
than shredding the uncomfortable outfit. Belldandy had selected a deep,
blue dress that fell in waves around her feet. Ryoko's choice for the
reception was a dress of a much lighter shade of blue, almost white.
The
major difference lay in how the dress fitted. While Belldandy's dress
had
a billowing skirt and flowed around her, Ryoko's was more than a little
form-fitting. Let's just say she was doing her best to impress her
Tenchi.
While they were dressing, Washu came in. "What's taking so long?"
she asked.
"Sorry, Washu, those wedding kimonos take a little time to get off.
What's the rush?" Ryoko asked.
"What do you think? Tamiya's more than a little anxious to get
started with his reception party," Washu answered brusquely.
"What exactly does he have planned for this party?" Belldandy
asked.
"Well, let's see. Sake, a slide show of Keiichi and Tenchi from
their
early days in the Club, old videos of Club races, especially the one of
Keiichi's victory over the Formula Racing Club," Washu answered.
"Great, so we're going to watching home videos for a reception, how
wonderful," Ryoko observed, rather sarcastically.
"Don't worry, we'll have a cake cutting too," Washu assured her.
"Uh-huh, knowing Tamiya, it's a cardboard one," Ryoko said.
"Are you kidding? Sasami baked that herself," Washu countered.
"Sasami? I thought she and Aeka had some peace conference to
attend
on Jurai," Belldandy interjected.
"Apparently the conference was delayed or something, because they
got
here right after you came in the house. Aeka didn't really bother
explaining it to me. She was too busy railing at Katsuhito for not
waiting
for her to arrive to start the wedding. Now, I think she's over at the
clubhouse 'speaking' with Tamiya about his planned party," Washu
explained.
"Great, so now we're going to have a Auto Club/Juraian reception.
This should be interesting," Ryoko groaned.
A few minutes later, the two couples finally finished changing and
they were driven over to the clubhouse on specially prepared motorcycles
as
any Auto Club members were expected to do. When they arrived, all could
hear Aeka screaming furiously at someone inside the place.
"What? You want them to watch old pointless movies of primitive
Earth
races for the reception," Aeka screamed.
"Well, uh, that was what I intended," Tamiya stuttered.
"I will not have Tenchi given such a worthless excuse for a
reception," Aeka shouted.
"Well, uh, I'm doing the reception and no one asked you so get
lost,"
Tamiya said, gaining his nerve.
"WHAT???" Aeka shrieked, shocked at Tamiya's timid defiance. "You
would tell me, the crown princess of Jurai, to get lost?"
"Well, I guess I did," Tamiya said as he started to grin to
himself.
"You will pay," Aeka said slowly as cylinders started to form
around
her.
Tamiya glanced at the cylinders but didn't realize the error he had
just made.
Just then, Tenchi ran up. "Aeka, stop this," he shouted.
"I refuse. This fool has insulted me and he must pay," Aeka
answered.
"Aeka, this is my wedding. I will not have you ruin it," Ryoko
said
quietly, suddenly appearing between Tamiya and Aeka.
"Ryoko, get out of the way. This is between me and this insolent
knave," Aeka responded.
"No, Aeka. Calm down. You're letting your temper get the best of
you," Ryoko continued.
Rational thought finally pierced through Aeka's hate-filled brain
and
the cylinders immediately disappeared. Then, she broke down weeping.
Ryoko ran to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Please forgive me, Lord Tenchi. I did not mean to make a scene,"
Aeka wept.
"You are forgiven, Lady Aeka. Please, I have all ready given
Tamiya
the responsibility of planning our reception so don't worry about it,"
Tenchi said.
"Yes, Lord Tenchi," Aeka answered quietly as Ryoko led her into the
clubhouse.
Tamiya, who had followed little of what had just happened, quickly
followed the two women into the clubhouse and called for the first round
of
drinks.
Tenchi glanced at Keiichi and Belldandy who both smiled. Tenchi
returned the smile and then entered the clubhouse.
End of Part 3
Epilogue
Note: This had a tad of lime in it so be forewarned.
The reception ended an hour later, at least for those who were
still
sober. Amazingly, Tenchi had managed to keep Ryoko from imbibing more
than
a minimum of sake so she was still relatively coherent. True to form,
Tenchi had not touched a single glass. The few people still conscious
were
starting to pick things up off the floor. Tenchi and Ryoko exited the
clubhouse and the two began to discuss their plans.
"Keiichi and Belldandy are heading out to Kyoto this afternoon. I
guess they'll be leaving pretty quickly. Do you want to change at all
before we leave because I don't think I'll be able to ride my bike in
this
tux?" Tenchi asked.
"Hmm, you never told me what you thought of this dress. I'd like
to
know before I change," Ryoko answered.
She stepped a pace away from Tenchi and then posed for him, leaning
forward ever so slightly.
Tenchi grinned. He ran his eyes up and down the body of his wife
and
focused on one particular area. As this was the first time he could do
this without feeling embarrassed, he took a good, long look.
"I've never really been able to fully appreciate your
more...physical
aspects before. I can only say that I can't wait till this evening,"
Tenchi observed.
"Maybe you won't have to wait that long," Ryoko replied with a sly
grin.
An hour later, they were flying down the road on Tenchi's bike.
Ryoko
had chosen to continue to wear her long, form-fitting dress. As they
entered the city limits of Osaka, Tenchi saw the hotel where they would
be
staying. Soon after that, they pulled up in front of it. It was a huge
building with at least twenty stories, not to mention that it was a
five-star.
As Tenchi angled the bike into the circular drive in front of the
main
doors, a chauffeur greeted him.
"Hello sir, welcome to the Hotel of the Ninth Cherry Blossom. If
you
would like, I will park your vehicle for you," the young, well-dressed
man
offered.
"Sure," Tenchi agreed as he climbed off.
Ryoko, who had ridden side-saddle due to her extremely long skirt,
also hopped off. Tenchi grabbed their small carry-all bag and took
Ryoko
by the hand as they entered the hotel. Another chauffeur greeted them
and
quickly took them through registration and then upto their room on the
twelfth floor.
When the door closed behind the chauffeur, Ryoko smiled slyly at
Tenchi again.
"Come in here," she motioned as she led him into the bedroom.
Tenchi
followed, almost shaking in anticipation of what was to come.
Ryoko stood before him and began to unzip her dress from the back.
She slowly let it fall to the ground. There was nothing underneath.
Although this was not the first time Tenchi had seen Ryoko naked,
this
was an entirely new experience. Before, Tenchi had felt no real
attraction
to her apart from what every human male feels when he sees a naked
woman.
Now, it was far more.
Ryoko just stood and let her husband admire her body. It was
something she was proud of and had no intentions of hiding this.
Then, there was the first, tentative touch. The electric feel only
deepened as things progressed. For Tenchi, it was like going from one
heaven to the next.
A few minutes later, Tenchi finally realized why he loved Ryoko so
much.
Author's Notes: Hope you enjoyed this. I know it was a little long
winded
but as usual, C&C are always appreciated.
da drew-meista
White Knight of the Knightly Order of Mihoshi Enthusiasts
kun_tow@hotmail.com
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