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>From a Prince to a Knight
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters nor am
I making any money from this. Please do not
sue me.
Chapter 1: Homecoming
The door opened and Tenchi strode onto the bridge of the
'Venture' a modified Corellian corvette, overhauled for
the transport of VIPs.
He gazed over the people who had the responsibility for
bringing him and his daughter safely to the rendezvous
and was satisfied. The bridge crew was a study in
professionalism. Barely a word or movement was made that
didn't accomplish Some task, whether it be adjusting
course headings or scanning Comm Frequencies. At the
center of it all stood Captain Sharpp. A tall
Athletically built man with dark hair and a steady gaze
born from spending his youth in a war..
He was a veteran of many battles in the Rebellion
including some that were not successful, although it was
no fault of his. As a firm believer in the old adage of
'What ever can go wrong, will go wrong.' he had always
been prepared for the worst. Thus he managed to get
his people out of more tight situations than most
got into.
Since the war he'd served in various patrol groups and was
now responsible for ferrying high ranking officials across
the galaxy. Tenchi had traveled with him before as an
assistant on diplomatic mission to various systems. Having
seen him in action he felt assured that he and his
daughters' lives were in good hands.
Tenchi inclined his head in gretting "Captain Sharpp."
The other returned the gesture "Prince Tenchi. We should
reach the border in five minutes, barring the unexpected."
He gazed quizzically at the young Jedi. "Do you sense
anything unexpected?"
Tenchi took a deep breath and stretched out with his senses.
Not too long ago on one of his missions, Tenchi'd had a
Premonition and asked the Captain to drop out of hyperspace
early. Sure enough, once done, long-range sensors had
picked up a bunch of pirates with an interdictor in the
path of their original course. They changed their route and
made it to Coruscant without any further problems. It later
turned out that a member of the crew had sold their
hyperspace course for money, and a promise to be protected.
No one ever saw that crewmember again after his confession.
When asked Sharpp simply said the man had 'Put the lives of
his crew and passengers at risk and had been dealt with
accordingly.'
Tenchi inhaled, coming out of his trance. He turned and
shook his head.
"Nothing." he answered, "You can relax Captain. We're
safe."
The Captain grunted and turned back to monitor the bridge
crew "I'll believe that when you're safely on Jurai and
we're safely back in Republic space."
Tenchi chuckled "I'm not sure we'll be 'Safe' on Jurai."
The Captain turned to comment when the door to the bridge
opened to admit Mayuka who quickly moved to her father's
side.
Tenchi gave her a stern look "Aren't you supposed to be
mediating?"
She grinned sheepishly at him "Can I stay Please. I want
to see Kiyone."
Tenchi looked to the Captain who nodded then returned to
his daughter "Okay but stay out of the way."
She smiled and bowed.
At that point the Navigation Officer reported they had
five seconds till reversion to real space. Exactly
on time the molten blue tunnel of Hyperspace reverted To
a Star filled universe. Tenchi idly glanced over at the
sensor readings. He wasn't surprised at what they showed.
four Juraian Tree ships backed by eight GP Cruisers. All
Arrayed around them in a defensive screen.
One of the bridge crew gave a low whistle at the amount of
firepower before them. Sharpp cleared his throat to make
to speak when the communications officer spoke up.
"Sir, we're receiving two hails."
The Captain nodded. "Thank you Mrs. By'ard. On screen
please." With that he motioned Tenchi and Mayuka to the
communication hub, two people appeared, on the left was
a clean cut green haired women, in GP uniform And the
other had frilly pink hair matched by his robes.
Tenchi Greeted the one on the left first.
"Colonel Makabe it's good to see you again."
On screen Kiyone smiled "Its good to see you too Prince
Tenchi, and you Princess Mayuka."
Mayuka blushed a bit "Hi Kiyone, How've you been?"
Before she could answer the person on the other side of
the screen spoke up "As much as I hate to break up this
little reunion. We are on a schedule."
Tenchi frowned but nodded at him "Yes, you are right...
Captain...?"
The other frowned deeply "Serio. My ship will dock with
yours and we will make the transfer." He then ended his
transmission with a stab at his consol.
Tenchi blinked as Kiyone's image filled the screen.
"How rude!" Mayuka spoke for them all.
Kiyone cleared her throat grabbing their attention "Our
best operative will be aboard to insure your safety."
Tenchi nodded wondering who it could be.
"Very well, we'll be waiting." Sharpp said as the screen
went dark. He turned to Tenchi "That boy did not seem to
like you. Do you know him?"
For a few minutes he is lost in thought, then he shook his
head "He looks familiar but I can't remember. No matter,
as I understand it I'm not that popular with some of
the more powerful people on Jurai."
The Captain looked at sensors, seeming to consider
something. "If you wish we can go back." As he looked up,
his face confirmed what the force had already told the
young Jedi. He was worried.
"We'll be fine Captain, Thank you." The Captain's look
remained dubious
Captain Sharpp quickly gave orders for their luggage
To be made ready for transfer. Then accompanied Tenchi
and his daughter to the airlock. The small group walked
in silence as porters hurried ahead loaded down with
equipment and luggage. Tenchi had decided to bring a
few helpful devices from the Republic along. Mostly
stuff to help him train.
As they rounded the corner to the airlock the captain
spoke "I'd suggest you be very careful Prince Tenchi,
Something doesn't.... feel right.
"Yeah, I know."
A moment later there was a muted thump as another ship
docked with theirs. Some whirring and beeping as the
airlock was pressurized. When the doors opened the
porters and Mayuka went through. The Captain
Halted Tenchi with a hand on his shoulder.
"One Moment Prince. You are a Jedi and have been a major
help to the New Republic." He paused before continuing on
"You also saved the lives of my Crew. For that if nothing
else I am willing to provide whatever help I can to you."
Tenchi smiled "Thank you Captain, That is very comforting
to know." He started to turn and stopped. "I never did get
your first name?"
"Its Gray. Captain Gray Sharpp at your Service." He held
his hand out
Tenchi took the man's hand and shook it "Safe Journey Home
Gray. May the force be with you."
The concern once again manifested itself in his features
"And with you Tenchi. I fear you'll need it more."
****
Once he stepped aboard the Tree ship, Tenchi ran into
a welcome surprise. "Ryoko! What are you doing here?"
He quickly enfolded her in a hug which she returned.
"What else. Keeping you out of trouble." She grinned.
"Quite a switch, ne?"
He chuckled. "A welcome one I assure you." He sobered
slightly as they ended the embrace "Is Mayuka..."
She made a calming gesture "In her quarters, I checked
before coming here. So how have you been?"
Tenchi shrugged "In truth fine. The last few years I was
mostly attached to More experienced Jedi named
Fenix Sa' Otome."
Her brow furrowed in concentration "The Flame haired
Jedi Right? I've heard of him. Heck the GP's been trying
to recruit him and Skywalker for a few months now."
Tenchi nodded "That's understandable, they're both very
good." He looked at her sideways. "How about you Ryoko?
How've you been?"
She brought her hand up to touch the rank pips on her
collar.
Tenchi whistled, "A General, I'm impressed."
She shrugged nonchalantly, but with a gleam in her eye
"Bring in a couple of A-1 class Criminals and they start
throwing promotions at you."
Tenchi snorted "A couple? Try twelve in five years."
A small smile spread on her lips "I see you've been
keeping an eye on us."
He shrugged "Your all my friends. Of course I'd check
in on you."
The smile faded somewhat "Yeah...friends."
Tenchi didn't need the force to catch the meaning of that
slip. He decided to change the subject. "The Captain of
this ship, He looked familiar and had a hostile attitude.
Any clue why."
She looked at him, a tad surprised "Don't you remember
Serio?" he gave her a blank look "The first of Ayeka's
suitors?"
Recognition spread over his face. "Oh yeah."
She continued "Seems you cost his family a lot of honor
the second time you beat him. Hence they are the biggest
opponents to your return."
Tenchi blinked in surprise "And he was given command of
the ship I'm to return on?!"
She held up her hands in a gesture of helplessness "They
still retain a lot of power. Not much the royals could do
to stop them. And believe me Ayeka tried" When she noticed
his dubious expression she patted his shoulder comfortingly
"Don't worry that's why I'm here. Why don't you get some
sleep. I promise you'll wake up in the morning." She
grinned at him.
He gave her a withering stare. "Well I feel better about
this whole trip." He let out a frustrated breath. "Guess
I will sleep though. G'night Ryoko."
As he entered his quarters her grin faded. Replaced by
a sadness. "Good-night my first love."
****
The rest of the trip was uneventful, except for a few
snide remarks from Serio. Mostly Tenchi and Mayuka
practiced or caught up on current events with Ryoko.
Not surprisingly there was a lot to catch up on. Kiyone
had earned her rank after Mihoshi was assigned as a
liaison with new republic intelligence. (The laughing
that ensued lasted for several minutes) Ryoko Then
explained that Sasami and Tsunami had merge over two
years ago. She was now high priestess and the voice of
Tsunami in council. Ayeka was considered the voice of
the people and was constantly battling the supreme council
to defend their rights. Washu had decided to remain in her
adult form and was currently studying the light hawk wings
and the force on Jurai prime. Yosho had disappeared again.
They did get messages from him occasionally, indicating
he was doing sensitive research and would return when it
was completed. Finally they came to Ryoko.
Ryoko fidgeted for a second before Taking a deep breath.
"Tenchi...?"
The young prince came out of his musings "Yes?"
"I...I..er...I have a b...boyfriend ." She finally said.
Tenchi's faced blossomed into a smile "Well that's great
Ryoko!"
She blinked "Your not mad?"
He shook his head vigorously "Of course not, I'm very happy
For you. So whose the lucky guy?"
Ryoko let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been
Holding and smiled "He's a Jedi I meet while tracking
a criminal on Corellia. I think you know him. His name
is Kyp Durron.(1) "
Tenchi thought for a moment before replying "I remember
him. He helped me early on when I was trying to unlearn
a lot Of things."
She blinked in confusion "Unlearn?"
He waved it off "Nothing to concern you. I'm sure you'll
Be happy together."
Ryoko smirked "I said he's my Boyfriend not my life mate.
We're taking it slow."
Tenchi held up his hands defensively "Okay, okay sorry.
Sounds like a good idea though. I'm glad for you both."
"Thanks." She stood "Well, I've got preparations to
make before we get to Jurai. Come on Ryo-oki. I'll
see you later Tenchi"
The little cabbit leapt from its place in Tenchi's
lap and followed its master out the door.
"G'night Ryoko" he replied.
Once the door shut he laid back in his bed. Well
at least one of the girls had moved on. Tenchi
hoped the rest had too. Well, all except for one.
****
As the teleporter began to charge Tenchi once again
prepared himself for What was to come. Ayeka had warned
him this would happen but it wasn't till he was on planet
and could sense the thoughts of the various nobles in the
landing area that he knew how bad it would be. To be safe
he'd asked Ryoko to quietly slip Mayuka past the throng
that would be on the other side of the ship.
The green glow of a teleport beam engulfed him. He closed
His eyes to reduce the sense of vertigo he always felt
when doing this. Eventually the feeling subsided and he
opened his eyes.
And was forced to choke off a sigh. Already the crowd before
Him was closing in. A few guards tried to keep them at a
respectful distance to no avail.
"Prince Tenchi, I am High Lord Baenre" a balding but stone
faced noble approached, shoving a young looking girl ahead
of him "And this is my daughter Alielle." Tenchi took a
look at the girl who appeared no older than 15. Her blue
hair was tied up in a pony tale with bangs on either side
of her face. She was dressed in simple Juraian robes,
which complimented her bright pink eyes. Tenchi stretched
out to the force as she bowed "It's a pleasure to meet you
lord Tenchi. Please feel free to call on me for anything
you need."
Tenchi suppressed a shudder. But not at her eyes which
roved over him like a wolf looking deer. Nor at the way
they lingered on places no decent 15 year old should lay
eyes on. No it was the daydream that had come from her.
No words just images involving the two of them with Wipe
cream, chocolate and a lot of cherries.
He forced himself to return her smile. "Thank you Lady
Alielle. I'll be sure to call on you if I need anything."
Her smile started out pleasant when it began to form, but
went a little wicked when it finished. This unnerved Tenchi
a bit, but not as much as the image she'd just had of him
tied down and her in a dominatrix outfit cracking a whip
over his exposed skin.
Tenchi didn't like digging into others minds. But a simple
scan of surface emotions was fine and usually enough to
warn of possible danger. That he was getting images from
this girl showed just how intense her thoughts were. To
him the girl was broadcasting her intent like his cousin
Akane (2) broadcasted her moves in a fight.
Another noble, this one a tad shorter than he, stood with
himself and his very tall daughter in his path. The noble
bowed respectfully. "Prince Tenchi, I am Lord Talbain. I
wish to welcome you to Jurai." Tenchi managed a genuine
smile, at least this on attempted to make this seem more
than a business arrangement. He bowed back "Thank you Lord
Talbain. It is good to final see the world of my
grandfathers birth." The lord waved his daughter forward.
"This is my Daughter, Sheila." Tenchi looked up and up.
She was at least a head taller than he. With a physique
that told of a lot of fighting but managing to maintain
a feminine figure. She smiled down at him warmly. "If you
need a guide, want to spar, or need help to kapowie someone
don't hesitate to ask for me." Tenchi chuckled a bit. "I'll
remember. It was a pleasure Meeting you both." Tenchi bowed
again and moved on.
For the whole trip to the royal garden Tenchi was at the
center of the crowed of Nobles shoving daughters in his
face. At first there had been a few boys the age of his
daughter among them as well, but when it became apparent
Mayuka was already gone they'd left.
Tenchi suffered the attention. At the very least he was
matching faces to the names of various nobles. He'd had
a lot of time on the trip to read up on the power games
the houses were playing. Now he knew what certain players
ooked like. Which would help him spot the ones most likely
to stick a knife in his
Back.
*****
"Surprise!!"
Tenchi gasped, pleasantly surprised. There before him
stood Ayeke and Sasami, grinning. Behind them Stood Funaho
and Misaki with Emperor Azusa in the middle. Off to the
right Mayuka was sitting in Washu's lap, with Ryoko and
Ryo-oki right beside her. To the left stood Kiyone and
Mihoshi tending the meal.
Tenchi Soon found himself embraced by Sasami. The force of
which made Tenchi aware that Sasami was turning into quite
a young lady. Quickly he squashed that thought as he
returned the hug. After which he held her at arms length,
to get a good look at her. She was physically in her Early
twenties and had much of the grace of Tsunami while still
retaining some of Sasami's cuteness.
She flashed him a winning smile "Tenchi I'm so glad your
here!!"
He couldn't help but return it "I'm glad to be here
Sasami. How are you?"
She flicked an errant strand of hair away from her
face "Now that your back for good? I'm great!" Giving
him a look that said much.
A warning light went off in his mind but he put it aside
for now as Ayeke walked up.
"Hello, Tenchi-sama I trust you are well?" she asked.
"I'm fine Ayeke. Thank you for sending Ryoko along to keep
an eye an us."
She arched an eyebrow "Well I couldn't very well leave my
Favorite Great-nephew and his lovely daughter alone with
that bunch of wolves now could I."
Tenchi laughed and gave her a quick hug. By now Azusa and
Funaho had arrived. Misaki was busy hugging Mayuka while
Ryoko and Washu were making sure the poor child wasn't
crushed by the queen's affection.
Tenchi bowed to the approaching royals. "King Azusa, Queen
Funaho. I thank you for allowing me to come."
Azusa, slowly at first but with greater confidence put his
arm around Tenchi. "It was our pleasure Tenchi. Oh and
please no titles. We are family after all."
Tenchi nodded and silently thanked the force for allowing
Azusa and Yosho to have Mostly worked out their
differences.
As Tenchi was lead to the food he gazed around at the
simple set up "I'm glad you kept this low key. I was
afraid you were going to go to extravagance"
Sasami shrugged "We knew you'd prefer this." A bit of
that old mischievous grin returned, "And We'll make up
for it tomorrow at the ball."
Tenchi froze in the process of sitting. "Ball?"
Azusa sat and picked up what looked like an apple
from a basket. "This is a family meeting. However
we do have to introduce you to the court. A ball
Is the best way."
Tenchi frowned and finished sitting down. "Well, I
guess if I have to. At least I can get a feel for how
the houses see me."
Washu snorted as she swallowed a piece of sweet bread.
"I can tell you that right now. 15% support your return
and hope you will become prince. Among those are houses
Talbain, Kryn, and Diggers the royals staunchest
supporters." She grabbed a slice of pie for Mayuka.
"Another 10% will support you if they think they can
gain a foot hold on you. Hence the fianc�e fair you ran
into on your way here. The rest want you off Jurai and
preferable back in Republic space."
Tenchi leaned back and as he ate a few nuts and
considered her words. "They're that afraid of
the force?"
Ayeka shook her head "It's not only that, but you were
raised off Jurai. You aren't, apart of the system in
their eyes. your from common stock and therefore a
serious threat to the status quo."
"Wonderful." His face scrunched up in concentration for a
moment "Well, I have a compromise they may accept, if
nothing else." He looked up at the group of assembled
friends and family. "But we'll deal with it later. Let's
just enjoy each others company for now."
Everyone agreed heartily.
*****
Later that night Tenchi closed the door to Mayuka's room
After tucking her in for the night. As he turned to go he
nearly bumped into to Sasami.
"Oh! Sasami what are you doing here?"
Sasami gave him a look that made him a tad nervous.
"I wanted to talk. Would you please walk with me?"
He nodded worriedly "Sure." He held his arm out she smiled
And took it.
For a while the two simply walked through the palace. It
was nearing late evening so it was free of people except
for guards. Who snapped to attention and saluted the two.
Eventually they stepped out onto a large balcony. Tenchi
turned to look at Sasami. He still had a hard time dealing
with how much she'd grown. If she wasn't the priestess of
Tsunami she'd be beating suitors off with a stick.
Sasami caught his look and blushed a bit. "Wh..what is it?"
He chuckled and turned to look at the stars. "Just thinking
About how much you've changed." He turned back to her "It's
A darn shame you can't marry. I'm sure you'd make some guy
very happy."
Her face contorted in confusion for a moment, a look that
actually increased her Cuteness. "I can marry Tenchi, that
person just has to be confirmed by Tsunami."
Tenchi blinked "So what's stopping you then?"
She gave him a small smile "The man I want has been gone
for a long time." Her arms wrapped around his neck as she
moved herself closer. "But he's Finally back and I was
hoping to make my feelings clear to him."
Tenchi mentally kicked himself for not seeing this before.
Now he was caught off guard and had no immediate response.
She was a dear friend and a powerful force in Jurai, he
did not want her mad at him. but he didn't want to string
her or any of them along again.
His arms slowly came up and removed hers from around his
Neck "Sasami, I'm flattered but... There's someone else
I'm interested in."
Disbelief followed by a flash of anger so intense it
backed Tenchi up,crossed her face before she turned
her back on him.
It took him a moment to recover his wits. "Sasami..."
She cut him off "Who?!" She kept her back to him "Was
it some Jedi tramp from the academy?!" She turned to
him anger and pain evident in her face. "Who is it
Tenchi?!"
He grimaced "Washu." He said simply.
She gasped, disbelief now completely dominating her
features. "When...How...Why her Tenchi?"
He shrugged "I don't' know when exactly. In the last
ten years we've kept in contact. She even helped me a
few times when I was apprenticed to Fenix.
I saw her in action a lot and I decided I liked what I
saw and wanted to see more. In fact if you hadn't shown
up I was going to ask her to the ball tomorrow night."
Sasami turned back to the stars and remained silent for
a long time. Finally she turned to face him "I see." She
managed to mostly pull herself together. "I
Apologize for my outburst Tenchi. It's just that I told
myself that once I told you my feelings would be well."
Her shoulders quivered a bit as she fought tears. "But I
guess that's not how it works." She looked directly into
his eyes. "At least give me this Tenchi. If things don't
work out between you two, will you give me a chance?"
Tenchi didn't want to make such a promise, but between her
puppy dog eyes, pleading gaze and quivering lips he was
having a hard time of it.
Sakura petals started to slowly float past her face
"Please." *Sniffle*
Tenchi hung his head. Sorry master Skywalker, seems I still
have a ways to go. "Okay, if things don't work out and
after I've had some time to get over
it. Then we'll see about an us."
The way her face lit up they could've used her
as a landing beacon for Star ships. She embraced
him hard enough to force oxygen from his lungs.
"Thank you Tenchi!!" She released him
and wiped tears from her eyes. "I promise you won't
regret this!" She pecked him on the cheek "Good night
my Prince!" She then turned and glided across the floor
to the royal quarters.
"Most ominous." Tenchi winced when he realized whom
he'd quoted. 'Still that may not have been the smartest
thing I'd ever done.' He looked to the trees and noticed
all the Sakura petals. Then blinked "Those petals weren't
there earlier." He looked at where Sasami had been and
frowned. "Scratch that. Very, very ominous." He shook
his head and went to find Washu.
*****
Washu was typing in new data in front of the mass tank,
when there was a knock at the Door. "Come in!"
The doorbell tingled announced his entrance. She smiled
Knowing who it was "Hello Tenchi."
He froze for a second then continued on "Saw my reflection
in the glass I assume."
"Very good Tenchi." She smirked and turned to face him. "So
what brings you by?"
He clasped his hands behind his back. "First I wanted to
thank you for making the Ryshcate cake, it was delicious."
She waved him off "No need, I know how much you like that
stuff. I must admit I was worried I'd put to much
Corellian whisky in it." She gave him a look "Is that
all?"
"No" He took a deep breath "I, ahh, I was wondering if
you'd like to go with me to the ball tomorrow."
She arched an eyebrow "Why Tenchi dear. Are you asking
me to be your date?"
Tenchi found himself drowning in her green eyes.
"Uh...Yeah. So what do you say?"
She turned from him to hide her smile. "Hmmm. I don't
know, I've got a lot of work to do..." She saw him bow
his head in defeat. "But it can wait. So what time are
you picking me up?"
His head snapped relief flooding his face
"Tomorrow around Seven sound good?"
She rubbed her chin in thought "Sounds fine I'll see
you then."
"See you tomorrow evening then" he strode out of the lab.
She giggled then brought it under control. It had been far
too long since she'd gone on a date or had a significant
other. This should at least prove interesting.
With this in mind Washu began to check what gowns she had
for such an occasion.
*****
Sasami brushed out her hair in the mirror. Her reflected
face betrayed the worry she felt. She laid the brush on
her nightstand and got into bed. For a moment She imagined
Tenchi laying next to her and sighed.
'I'm not going to like this but it was the only way. I
loved him too much and he is too important to the future
of Jurai to leave in Washu's hands. That doesn't make this
any easier though.'
Her face took on a resolved look. I'll let them have
tomorrow night together. At least give them that before
I make my move.
Feeling like she was plotting to backstab two of her best
friends, Sasami went into a Fitful sleep.
-End for now
Author notes: If your curious about Nerima Knights I'm
revising the first chapter along with the rest of the
story so it'll be awhile.
(1) Why Kyp? Easy they both have done things they're not
proud of. Both being on the level of major galactic
destruction.
(2) It occurs to me no one has done a fic where Akane is
Related to Yosho by blood. How would the Tendo
girls take to finding out they were in line to
Rule the universe. I see Nabiki trying to get either
kasumi or Akane on the throne and thenn rule from
behind the scenes. I see Akane getting a taste
Of power and liking it, liking it a lot. I see Kasumi
trying to adjust to being waited on. I see Soun &
Genma still insisting on a Tendo, Saotome union. I see
Ranma not giving a darn about Akane's blue blood and
Continuing to call them as he sees'em. I see Ryoga
doing the opposite and treating her like she was the
second coming. But that's me. I have no intention of
writing it or including in this story. as in this tale
She's related to Tenchi through his father and won't be
showing up beyond being mentioned as above. Ah well just
a thought.
As usual C&C Would be appreciated.
If magic isn't solving your problems, your obviously not
Using it correctly.
If you expect humans to react reasonably and logically you
Will often be disappointed.