Legal Shit : Blah, blah, AIC, blah, blah, Don't sue, blah, blah, No money. Authors Notes : Okay, here's the skinny on my little situation here. I accidentally switched "Tenchiverses" when I got halfway through Chapter One. This story was meant to be based on the TV continuity, but I accidentally changed it to the OAV series. Sorry. I have now decided to mix the two continuities into one bad ass cocktail. Just pretend certain events in the TV series continuity occurred in the OAV series, like TMIL, and that certain TV characters were in the OAV series. I hope that clears up some of the past confusion and more in the future. And now, we begin... ************************************************************ Takeshi was dumbfounded by the events that have occurred in the past few days. First, the emperor is killed, then Jurai disappears, he finds out that the legendary warrior Yosho is his father, and now, here he is, on his way to Orion to meet with the rest of the Juraian royal family. Then he began to think, 'Now that the Emperor is dead, will Yosho try to take his place?'. But he kept such thoughts to himself. Why else would Yosho run away to a small, out of the way place like Earth? To escape from the responsibilities of becoming an Emperor. Yosho didn't want that kind of pressure on him, and Takeshi could understand. He sat quietly as the transport ship carried him, his mother, Yosho... er, his father, and some half frozen human to the Orion system. ************************************************************ Ayeka sat in a plump, comfy chair in the apartment her and Ryoko shared, lightly dozing off. She was nearly asleep when a ringing startled her awake. A second later, the desk clerk of the hotel appeared on a monitor that popped up out of thin air. Ayeka did not look happy. "Yeeesss...? What is it?" Ayeka spat out. "We...well ma'am, you have visitors." The Desk clerk muttered. Ayeka's eyes widened in slight surprise. "Visitors? Here?" Ayeka said to herself as she got up. As she exited the room, she looked back at Ryoko, who was sprawled out on the bed and snoring loudly. Her expression of annoyance faded into a kind one. 'Sleep well, Ryoko. You deserve it.' Ayeka thought as she quietly shut the door. ************************************************************ "YOSHO!" Ayeka yelled, her expression joyous. "Hello Ayeka." Yosho said as he slightly diverted his eyes. How was he gonna tell her about Sasami? What about Keiko and Takeshi? All and all, she was NOT gonna be happy. 'I'll have to tell her about her sister eventually, and that will be the biggest blow to her. I'll tell her after the shock of hearing about Keiko and Takeshi wears off...' he thought. Ayeka then ran up to him and gave him a big hug. 'She's becoming more and more like her mother...' his thoughts continued. Ayeka was hugging him for a while when she noticed a young man, and an older woman standing behind him. A look of curiosity flooded her happy face. "Oh... my. Yosho, who are these two?" she asked politely. "This, Ayeka, is Keiko. She was a servant girl of the palace right about the time when I left, and this is her son Takeshi." Yosho said, somewhat nervously, as he broke his embrace with Ayeka. Ayeka bowed politely to them, saying "How do you do?" to each of them. 'Poor Ayeka, she actually looks happy. I hate to have to do this to her..." Yosho thought, his expression darkening. Ayeka noticed this. "Yosho, what is the matter?" she asked, a little worried. "Ayeka, I have some... disturbing... news for you." Yosho told her, his expression serious. "What, Yosho? You can tell me anything." Ayeka reassured him. "Well, in that case... I have a secret to tell you Ayeka. I was unfaithful to you during our engagement. Takeshi is not only Keiko's son, he's mine also..." Yosho said, his head lowering. Ayeka's eyes widened in shock as she stepped back a few steps. "You mean to tell me that he... is your son!?" Ayeka questioned as she pointed at Takeshi. Yosho only nodded. "Whe... when was this?" Ayeka asked. "The night of our engagement." Yosho said in a low, defeated voice. "WHAT!?" Ayeka screamed, her voice nearly shattering the lobby windows. Yosho saw that she was beginning to cry. "How... how could you?! On the night of our engagement!?" Ayeka screamed, her knees weakening. Yosho was prepared to catch her. Ayeka took some more steps back. "Get... get away from me! I don't even want to SEE you!" Ayeka screamed as she turned around and ran back to her room. Yosho felt lower than he ever had before. He had hurt the one woman who had loved him faithfully for over seven hundred years. He was going to run after her, but a gentile hand stopped him from going. He turned around and saw Keiko. She was shaking her head "no". Yosho sighed and looked back at the direction at which Ayeka had run off to. He then looked back at Keiko. Takeshi was in the middle of it all and was lightly shaking his head. "Women. I'll never understand them. Why did she take it so hard? Well, as mom always says 'With age comes experience.'" He said to himself. He broke out of his little self conversation just in time to see his parents walk off toward the desk to get a room... ************************************************************ Ayeka threw open the door and slammed it shut, all the while crying her eyes out. The noise of the slamming door woke up the slumbering Ryoko, who gave a loud yawn, her mouth opening wide like a lion. She scratched herself on the side and lazily looked at Ayeka. Her contented, sleepy expression turned into one of concern. She slowly moved to Ayeka. She was within a foot away from her when Ayeka, red from the powerful crying she was doing, turned her angered gaze on Ryoko. Ryoko then stopped as Ayeka shouted at her : "GET AWAY FROM ME!!" The tone of her voice, and the loudness, caused her to jump all the way back to her original position. She then watched as Ayeka resumed crying. Ayeka did her typical 'hugging her knees' thing she did whenever she got seriously angry and sad. Ryoko began to feel sorry for her. And she was surprised when Ayeka turned her head to her again and spoke to her again, but in a different manner. "Why!? Why do men have to do that!? Why do they feel the need to go around and FUCK everything that is female!? I thought Yosho was different from all the rest, but I was wrong. Oh, how could I have been so BLIND!?" Ryoko was taken back by the volume and content of what she said. 'Yosho? He cheated on her? Yosho? I don't believe it...' Ryoko thought, shocked and in denial. She then turned her still concerned gaze to Ayeka. "Are you saying that Yosho... Lord Katsuhito... Grandpa... cheated on you when you two were engaged? Are you SURE?!" Ryoko asked, trying to understand the situation completely. Ayeka just nodded as she cried. The reality of this information hit Ryoko like a ton of bricks. 'Wow... even Yosho is a pig. That just... well... amazes me! It seems that the only decent guys are dead.' Ryoko thought to herself as she slowly crept over to Ayeka. This time she didn't yell at her. She put an arm around the princess and hugged her gently. Ayeka saw this kind gesture and almost fainted when she realized who it was coming from. Ryoko, her greatest enemy. Her oldest rival. Her best friend. She returned the hug and soon, was feeling a little better. "Thank you, Ryoko. I needed a shoulder to cry on." Ayeka said in between the calming sobs. "Hey, don't mention it princess. I got an idea. Why don't we go out and get drunk?" Ryoko suggested. "I... I possibly couldn't. Thank you for offering." Ayeka, a little shocked at the bluntness of Ryoko's suggestion. "Come on princess. A few drinks'll do you good. We won't go alone, if that's what your wondering. We'll go find some of the others, like Togusa, Matsui, and Gillian. They're always a blast to drink with. Come on. It'll be fun... and I guarantee that you'll forget this whole Yosho business." Ryoko told Ayeka, and convincingly. "Well... oh, alright. Fine. But that's all. Don't be suggesting that we do anything else afterward, like, meeting men." "Oh, don't worry princess. When we clean you up, all the men'll be wanting to meet YOU!" Winked Ryoko slyly. "What do you mean... clean me up?" Ayeka asked, a little curious, and a lot frightened. "Well, you can't just go around Orion 3 in that traditional Juraian get-up all the time. You need to get a change of clothes, girl. Come on. Gillian's about your size. We'll go borrow some of her clothes..." "No we certainly will NOT!" Ayeka said, shocked at such a suggestion. "It's all part of the 'forgetting the ex-fiancee' package. You go out a totally different person, and you come back a totally different, and a better feeling, person. Come on, try it." Ryoko looked at Ayeka. Ayeka didn't say a word for about a whole minute. 'Maybe she's actually considering it. Wait, this is Ayeka we're talking about. She'll never agree to...' Ryoko was thinking before she was interrupted... "Okay." Ayeka muttered, a little bit ashamed. "Wait... what did you say!?" Ryoko said as she did a double take. She couldn't believe her ears. "I said 'Okay'. But if anything happens to me that I do not wish, I will hold you personally responsible, you got me?" Ayeka said, her voice stern. "Yeah, yeah. Got it. Well, princess. It's time for a make over." Ryoko said, grinning. ************************************************************ "I feel so... awful, Keiko. All I want to do is go up there and apologize. But, I don't know what to say..." Yosho said, his young face wearing a frown that almost made him seem as old as he used to pretend to be. "She's going to be mad for a while, Yosho. So would I, but you have to let her figure this all out on her own. She'll come through, eventually. She can't, and won't, stay mad at you forever." Keiko responded, as she slowly caressed Yosho's face. Then, a question came to mind that would change the subject... "Where's Nobiyuki? Is he alright?" she asked, her voice full with concern. "He's at the hospital, getting treatment for his frostbite. It's amazing how he was the only one to survive. You know, Keiko, that's one thing I have to give to the humans, they may not have very many powers, but they have an indomitable spirit. They're also like the cockroaches of Earth, they can live through a great many attacks with all sorts of evil, deadly weapons, and still come out unharmed... and they also reproduce like them too..." Yosho said, jokingly. Keiko got it and giggled. Yosho saw this and began to laugh slightly. Soon, they were both were enjoying a much needed, healthy bit of laughter. "You could always make me laugh Yosho. That was one of the things I always loved about you..." Keiko mentioned after much of the laughing subsided. "Keiko... there's something I've been meaning to talk to someone about..." Yosho said, his face growing serious. "Talk to me. I'll listen." Keiko said reassuringly. "I've been thinking, Keiko, about the future of Jurai. Now that the planet is gone and the Emperor is dead, the Empire'll soon be under utter turmoil. They need a leader. And I am the only male heir to the throne. I have been thinking that I should resume my role as Juraian Royalty and assume the throne before it is taken." "Do whatever your heart says Yosho. Follow it's gentle influence and you can never go wrong. Always remember that Yosho." "I will, Keiko. There is also something else that I wish to say." Yosho said. "And what might that be, love?" Keiko asked. "Well, when I become Emperor, I will need a queen and an heir. I wish for you and Takeshi to be there, by my side." "Oh, Yosho..." Keiko murmured, " I don't know what to say..." "Then don't say anything..." Yosho said as he kissed his life long friend. ************************************************************ "Well first, princess, we need to get rid of... this." Ryoko told Ayeka as she pointed at her head ornament. Ayeka's eyes followed Ryoko's long pointed finger when she pointed. "Must we...?" Ayeka whined. "Definitely." Ryoko said as she reached for it. Ayeka slapped her hand away, surprising Ryoko slightly. "I can do it..." Ayeka mumbled as she reached up for it. Slowly, and reluctantly, the head ornament came off. Ayeka gently set it on the bed. She turned back around and saw Ryoko. She was holding her chin and tapping her index finger against her cheek. Then, she stopped tapping. "The next thing we need to do is fix your hair." Ryoko said. "Why?! What's wrong with it!?" Ayeka shouted, surprised. "It's too traditional. Don't worry, I won't do anything permanent. Just... hold... still." Ryoko said as she walked behind Ayeka. Ayeka felt Ryoko touch her long hair and then she felt her fumbling with the string that held her hair apart in two pony tails. She felt her hair fly loose as it joined into one mass. Ryoko picked up a brush from god knows where and began to brush. Ryoko heard Ayeka groan. "It took me hours to fix my hair up the way I wanted it..." Ayeka complained. "Well, this'll only take a few minutes..." Ryoko said in between strokes. Ayeka let loose a discontented sigh as Ryoko worked her magic. She was almost done when a knock at the door came. Ryoko stopped brushing and answered it. On the outside was Togusa and Matsui. "Alright... our we all ready?" Togusa asked happily. "Whaa... how did you two get ready so fast?" Ryoko exclaimed, surprised. "What are you talking about? We got your call, did our three S's, ran a comb through our hair, put on something decent and ran on over." Said Togusa, a little confused. "But I called you twenty minutes ago!" "Yeah, sorry. We would have been here sooner, but Gillian kept on bitching on how 'SHE needed to use the bathroom too!'... but, all in all, I thought we made good time." "Okay... you know, you guys have it easy..." Ryoko muttered as she looked at the two, surprised. Then, something came to mind that she didn't understand. "What're the three S's." She asked innocently. "You DON'T know what the three S's are? And you LIVED on Earth for HOW LONG?" Togusa said, very shocked. Ryoko looked unimpressed and she looked like she was gonna slam the door in their faces. Togusa saw this and cleared his throat. "The three S's... Shower, Shit and Shave. It's a guy thing. I guess that's why you didn't understand..." Togusa said, trying to convince Ryoko to be nice. He looked at Matsui, who was laughing his silent little ass off. Togusa looked like he was gonna hit him. But he didn't cause Ryoko then asked him another question. "Hey, where IS Gillian?" Ryoko asked as she looked down the hall for her. "She's still in the shower. She said it takes her a long time to wash her hair. I said 'Well, DUH! Look at how much you've got! Girl, you need a hair cut.' Then she glared at me and gave me the finger." Recalled Togusa. "Uh, may we... come in?" Togusa added. "Yeah, I guess so." Ryoko said as she walked back over to Ayeka. Ayeka didn't look to happy at this. "Are you SURE that they should be in here? I mean, I am gonna change clothing and there is no changing screens here..." Ayeka said, slightly blushing and a little embarrassed. "Don't worry Ayeka, it ain't anything they haven't seen before... right guys?" Ryoko asked the two young men walking into the room as she continued brushing Ayeka's hair. The stopped, looked at her and nodded. Then they continued walking in and sat on the bed in front of Ayeka and Ryoko. They watched as Ryoko finished brushing Ayeka's LONG purple hair. "Man. That is some hair. Yours is almost as long as Gillian's. It's also a lot shinier too." Togusa said, transfixed by the methodical movement of Ryoko's brush. "Why... thank you..." Ayeka said, somewhat flattered and blushing a little more. Then she smiled when she saw the way the two looked at Ryoko brushing her hair and how their eye's followed every stroke. She stopped laughing when another knock came at the door. Ryoko momentarily stopped brushing and saw Gillian, rapping on the open door. "Uh... hi. Sorry I'm late..." Gillian asked. Her hair still looked wet and the tangled, like she rushed to get over to Ryoko and Ayeka's apartment. In her arms, she carried several casual dresses. She gently laid them on the bed, away from Togusa and Matsui, and then sat down. She nodded hello to Matsui, who returned it. Togusa's eyes rolled back into his head. "There, finished with the hair." Ryoko said as she put down the brush. Then she looked at Gillian and motioned to the dresses. Gillian got back up and retrieved them. She then ran over to Ayeka, the dresses still draped on her arm. "Well, guys. This is the reason your still here. Tell us which one you like better." Ryoko said. Both Togusa and Matsui nodded their agreement. Gillian began to lay dresses over Ayeka. Every dress that was previewed came with one of Togusa's trademarked comments... "No, why would you want to be so cruel to Ayeka for?" "Ugh! You actually WEAR that?" "Not unless the circus is in town." "Only if I was blind..." "AAAAAHHHH! I'M BLIND NOW! You might as well go to the LAST dress... I'm only kidding of course. NEXT!" "If Matsui could scream... I'm pretty sure he would. That is a true horror to behold and should be burned, so that no one might happen to gaze upon it again." "My god... NO!" ( That one actually scared the girls a bit... but pissed them off when he started to laugh...) "I thought we were trying to get Ayeka OUT of traditional Juraian clothing..." "Eww... that looks like something that Matsui killed a long time ago..." "Are we done yet, cause the bars close in eight hours..." Finally, they were at the last dress. It was a blood red, little number. It was respectable, yet something that looked like Ryoko would wear. Togusa and Matsui's eyes widened as they started to cheer and clap. Gillian, Ryoko, and Ayeka frowned at them. "Of course, it had to have been the last one..." Said Ryoko. "And the one that had the less material..." added Ayeka. "And the one I borrowed from Washu..." Gillian informed. The group stared at Gillian for the longest time. A huge sweat drop formed on Gillian's head. "What? So I borrowed it from Washu!? I checked it over. It's a normal dress! I'm serious!" She pleaded. Ayeka and Ryoko sighed. Ryoko walked over to Gillian, took the dress, and handed it to Ayeka. "Alright princess. You know what to do." She said as Ayeka slowly grabbed the dress. Then, swiftly, Ryoko grabbed Gillian. Ryoko made her stand side by side with her as she motioned for Ayeka to walk behind them. Ayeka got the idea and did so. Both Togusa and Matsui sighed when they saw this. "Aww, man..." said Togusa, quietly to himself. But Ryoko and Gillian both heard it. They looked at each other and, in unison, rolled their eyes. Then a piece of clothing was tossed over the two girls. Togusa saw this and began to crane his neck, trying to get a glimpse of what was going on back there. Gillian and Ryoko gave him a look that promised death. He gulped and settled down. "There, done." Ayeka said from behind the two girls. Slowly, Ryoko and Gillian separated to reveal the almost complete, new Ayeka. Before them stood a vision of beauty. But something was missing. Then I occurred to Togusa. "Very nice. Now there is only one final step." He blurted out. "What?" Ayeka asked, a little curious and frightened. "MAKEUP!" Togusa shouted like some movie director. Ryoko out on an 'Oh, yeah' face, as did Gillian. But Ayeka wasn't too happy. "Makeup? Why do I have to put on makeup? I never had to before!" Ayeka complained. "It completes the picture. You can't leave the room looking as lovely as you do without any makeup. It makes you look... I dunno... incomplete." Said Togusa. Matsui shrugged his agreement. "Now see! Even HE agrees with me. Now THAT says something in itself..." Togusa added. "It means nothing..." said Ayeka while she rolled her eyes. "Well, you don't know them as much as I do. If you did, you'd be forced to agree..." added Gillian. Ayeka gave a defeated sigh once again. "Oh... fine. Let's get it over with. And don't you guys make me look like some... two bit whore either!" Threatened Ayeka. The others agreed as Matsui grabbed a chair and sat Ayeka down in it. Togusa gave him Gillian's box of makeup. "HEY! How'd you get that!?" Gillian exclaimed. "Oh, be quiet woman. Let the man do his work." Togusa said at the surprised Gillian. "Him? Why give the makeup to him?" Ryoko asked, a little scared to find out the answer. "He's the artist in the family. He'll make her look just right. Mom taught him how to do it. It became his job to put on her makeup after she lost the ability to use her arms and legs." Togusa added. He looked over at his little brother, who gave a depressed sigh as he looked through the box. "What... happened?" Asked Gillian when she saw Matsui's reaction. "She contracted some virus. It slowly destroyed her central nervous system. She lasted quite a while... but not for too long. When she died, it was just me and him. Dad disappeared from sight shortly after this silent little faggot was born." Togusa said as he lightly nudged his brother, who gave him a haughty look of annoyance. Then, Matsui found what he was looking for. A smirk flowed across his face as he slowly, and ominously, moved in toward the sitting Ayeka. A look of fear swept her face when he saw his demeanor. ************************************************************ Yosho and Keiko walked, hand and hand, down the hallway and towards the lobby. They walked out into the somewhat busy sidewalk and hailed a cab. A yellow car hovered down from above and the passengers side window opened up. Inside was a muscular man, wearing a bright orange muscle shirt. His short blonde hair almost made him look bald. Yosho and Keiko looked at the man curiously. "You getting in or what? Come on! I'm busy!" the cabbie shouted. Yosho and Keiko looked at each other as they reluctantly got in. The cab zoomed away at a quick pace. Just seconds after they left, three girls and two guys walked out of the hotel and hailed a cab. They waited for a while. They didn't even notice when another person walked out of the hotel and asked if he could join. After an argument or two, the group accepted this young man into their group. As he joined them, another cab pulled up. The driver was nothing but an amorphous blob of green goo. It pulsated a few times before, reluctantly, the group crammed into the cab. ************************************************************ The disgusting blob of goo, whose name, by the way, was "Snotty", stopped the cab in front of a loud, colorful, and exclusive Bar / Night Club. The newest member of the group, Takeshi, slowly handed the blob a few Juraian bills. The cabbie bubbled a bit and the doors opened. The group inside, consisting of Takeshi, who put on a fresh set of clothes, Ryoko, who, during Ayeka's facial, got into a change of clothes and put on some makeup of her own, Gillian, who did the same ( and managed to comb her extravagantly LONG hair in the cab...), Togusa, who remained the same as he did in the hotel, as did his brother Matsui, and finally, Ayeka, the most nervous one of the bunch. She had trouble walking in the high heels that Gillian gave her, and stumbled here and there. She was mumbling something when she finally caught up with the rest of the group. They began to enter when a massive, ugly looking cyborg blocked their path. He was towering above the rest of them and had a pissed look on his face. Suddenly, his uneasy demeanor lightened up when he saw Togusa and Matsui. "HEY! How ya doin' guys? Long time, no see, eh?" the cyborg exclaimed. The rest of the group just looked at Togusa and Matsui in shock. They looked indifferent. "Very long time, Abe. So, how's the family?" Asked Togusa playfully, yet respectfully. "Oh, just great, thanks for asking. Well, since the last time you were here, we slightly remodeled the place. I hope you like it." Abe informed. "Just as long as our old table's still there... right?" asked Togusa sternly, yet with an air of humor. "HA! You bet, man. Go on inside. Hey... those are some pretty ladies you got with you." Abe continued. The girls, and Takeshi, began to file in. Abe then stopped Ryoko before she could enter. "Hey... don't I know you from somewhere?" Asked Abe. "No... well then, goodbye." Ryoko said as she tried to get past him again. But it was futile. Abe still made sure she couldn't move. Ryoko was getting a bit razzed by this. "Yeah, I do. There's some woman in here with your picture. She's looking for you. She keeps asking the customers if they've seen ya. I had to tell her several times to stop pestering the customers, but she just laughed. The next time I go in there, I'm gonna kick her cute ass out, her and her damn rabbit." Abe informed Ryoko. Ryoko's eyes went wide as she looked passed Abe and into the building. And there, sitting at the bar, was Nagi. Ryoko's neck went limp as her head fell to her chest. "Ah, great. Now SHE'S here. This evenings gonna be just wonderful..." Ryoko said solemnly. Abe caught on to this. He put his massive, metal hand on her shoulder. "Hey, sorry, I can't do anything. Not until one of the customers comes and complains. But, hey, seeing as you came with Togusa and Matsui, I'll keep an eye on her for ya. You just go have fun and ignore her." "Th... thanks!" Ryoko said, taken back by this big guy's generosity. Happily, she entered the club. Several more people tried to get in with her, but Abe's massive metallic hand blocked their path. "And WHERE did you think you were going?" Abe asked the small group. The group of teens just gulped as Abe's imposing shadow swept over them like the night. ************************************************************ Yosho and Keiko got out of the cab, frightened for their life. The cabby looked at them with an intense, evil eye. "Yeah, thanks for wasting my time pops. And another thing, you can't tip worth a SHIT!" the cabby screamed as he lifted off into the rest of the city. Yosho was almost red with anger. "If I had been alone, I swear, I would have cut that bastard's head clean off!" Yosho spat as he made several rude gestures, both human and Juraian. Keiko, now dressed in a very nice, formal, body hugging dress, grabbed Yosho's wildly flailing arms. She looked him in the eyes and smiled. Then she grabbed his hand and led Yosho, who wore a fancy Juraian suit, into the very sheik, and expensive, restaurant. The snooty waiter led them to their table. Yosho pulled Keiko's chair out for her. She smiled and said thanks. Yosho smiled back at the beautiful woman as he sat down in his chair, right across from her. Keiko gazed lovingly into Yosho's eyes, as did he. Keiko smiled, and as she did, her nose scrunched up. Yosho looked at her and commented to himself on how cute she was. They remained like this until Keiko finally broke the silence. "Yosho... I hate to be a spoilsport and bring up a touchy subject, but this is something I have to know..." "I told you once before, you can say anything to me, Keiko. Especially now..." Yosho said, still gazing into her eyes. "What were they like? Your family. I mean, I met Nobiyuki, but he wasn't really related to YOU... he married your daughter. I want to know about them." Keiko asked, her face growing slightly serious. Yosho broke his gaze for a second, and then gathered the strength to talk about his deceased family. "Well, my wife was the gentile sort, very traditional in accordance to Earth's rituals. So was my daughter, Achika. She was my greatest accomplishment. She was everything anyone could want their daughter to be. It was a shame she died so young. And then, there's Tenchi, my grandson. He surprised me with his courage and devotion. Although, he did make a few mistakes in his life, but that happens, it's natural to be flawed. But, it was unfortunate that he died. I didn't think that that was how he was supposed to go. I had at least hoped that he would father a child before he died, but, sometimes things happen that are beyond our control. All I can do now is avenge his death. I have to make sure that every last one of those vile, evil creatures of darkness pays..." Yosho vowed, clenching his fists. Yosho then felt a pair of soft, delicate hands cover his fists. He looked up at Keiko, who still looked at him with her ever-loving eyes. Yosho felt himself being calmed as he looked at her lovely, amethyst eyes. He calmed himself, and he remained that way all through the dinner. ************************************************************ Togusa and Matsui flew into their typical booth at the club as Gillian piled in after them. On the other side, Ayeka, Ryoko and Takeshi piled in. Loud music filled the area and bright lights flashed all over the dark club. Togusa had a LARGE smile on his face. He was wearing a pair of circular sunglasses. Ryoko looked at him oddly. "Why are you wearing those?" she asked, pointing at the sunglasses. "Because," Togusa added as he put a cigarillo in his mouth, "I feel like it. Okay?" "Alright, fine. You're the one that looks like an idiot, not me." retorted Ryoko. Togusa glared at her for a moment, but then was distracted by Gillian, who was busy dragging Matsui out of the booth. "Come on! I love this song! Please, just one dance! Just one!" she pleaded, knowing that he would give in. And give in he did. Gillian pulled him out into the dance floor and they began to dance together, totally in sync with the others. They soon blended into the crowd. It wasn't long before two handsome gentlemen came and asked Ryoko and Ayeka if they cared to dance. Ayeka blushed as the man that asked her took her hand and gently led her out into the dancing crowd. The only ones left in the booth were Takeshi and Togusa. Takeshi then gazed a glimpse of a beautiful woman sitting at the bar. He looked at Togusa, and then sped off. Togusa's eyes rolled up into his head for a second, concealed by the dark glasses. Togusa looked around and saw what Abe, the bouncer, meant by remodeled. The place was about eight times bigger. It was huge the LAST time he was here, and now, it was FUCKING AWESEOME, to quote Togusa's thoughts. He was brought out of his reverie by the sound of a distant scream, that was getting closer and closer every second. Togusa finally saw what was making the noise. Takeshi flew past Togusa, who was sadly shaking his head. Takeshi finally came to a stop, with a little help from the wall. Takeshi stumbled his way back to the booth and sat down. He shook his head violently and tried to stop the room from spinning. Togusa began to laugh. "Wh...what? What did I do?" Takeshi stuttered. "Man, you're hopeless. Totally hopeless. Get outta here BOY, you're cramping my style." "Oh, so your style consists of just sitting around, doing nothing, is that it?" Takeshi asked, with a high level of haughtiness. "Oh, you...are... gonna...die!" threatened Togusa. Togusa began to reach for Takeshi over the table. Frightened for his life Takeshi leaped out of the booth as Togusa summoned his laser scimitar, which glowed brightly in the dark club. Togusa ran after Takeshi, growling. As the explosions began, the normal citizens ran out of the club, fearing for their lives. The only ones standing there were Matsui, Gillian, Ayeka, Ryoko, ( Their dates had run off with the crowd, despite the two girl's coercion. ), and a the girl who had tossed Takeshi away, who was sitting at the bar. Ryoko turned and looked at this person, and her eyes widened when she saw who it was. Nagi. "Damn it." She whispered. Nagi's pointed ears perked up when she heard Ryoko's voice. The ball of fluff at her feet, Ken-oki, got up and hissed. Nagi, ever so slowly, turned around in her chair. "Why, hello...Ryoko." Nagi said in her deep voice. "Crap..."Ryoko muttered as she rubbed her forehead. All of the others noticed this, except Togusa and Takeshi, who were still fighting. Takeshi ran from Togusa with the speed and agility of an Olympian God, and Togusa continued to slash at him, chasing him around, busting up tables and destroying all sorts of merchandise. Gillian, Ayeka and Matsui walked up beside Ryoko and took defensive stances. Nagi just laughed as she tossed her hooded cape aside, revealing her skin tight, black and blue battle uniform. Ryoko pushed the other three back. "No, this is between me... and her." Ryoko growled as she began to bear her fangs. She quickly then summoned her laser sword at the same time Nagi summoned her laser whip. Then the two yelled a battle cry as they leapt at each other. But, before the two could connect, a big, blurred... thing... moved in between them. With a pair of massive, metallic arms, it grabbed Nagi and restrained her. Ken-oki began to bite at the intruders heel, but couldn't pierce the hard metal. Nagi swore in every language she knew as she struggled to be free. Ryoko, who stopped just in time, hovered inches from a massive, tuxedoed chest. She looked up and saw Abe's smiling, metallic face. She smile too. "I told ya." Abe said, still restraining Nagi. Ryoko gave him a quick smile and a nod, and then waved to the struggling Nagi. She smirked as she slowly descended to the ground. Then, the entire group, sans Togusa and Takeshi, ran out of the battered club. Togusa and Takeshi stopped their fight and noticed that everyone was gone. Togusa got confused for a second, then noticed Abe. "Hey, where did my friends go, man?" Togusa asked, still wearing those glasses. "They split faster than the wind, boy I tell you what. They went out the doors and turned to the left. After that, it's anybody's guess." "Thanks man. I'll wire you the money for the repairs on the bar..." Togusa said, sadly. "Hey, don't worry about it. We've got it covered. Just do one thing for me though..." "Sure man, what?" "Take those DAMN glasses off. They went OUT of style since the last time you were here." "Really? Damn, I really like these..." "Told you!" Takeshi yelled from a distance. Togusa turned his head just in time to see Takeshi run out of the building and too the left. He grimaced and growled. He began to run after the little twirp. But as he ran towards the exit... "Hey Abe, thanks for a fun night. I'll be back soon!" He yelled as he ran out the door. "Anytime old buddy!" Abe shouted. Then he looked at the SERIOUSLY pissed off Nagi. "Now, if I let you go, will you be a good girl?" He asked, condescendingly. "Grrrraaaahhhh! KEN-OKI!" Yelled Nagi as, suddenly, the white cabbit leaped towards the high ceiling and transformed into a ship. "Shit! My ceiling!" yelled Abe in distress. ************************************************************ Yosho and Keiko stepped out of the restaurant, arm in arm. The laughed with each other and walked slowly down the street. But their laughter was interrupted by a series of explosions nearby. They turned quickly and saw a white ship, like Ryo-oki and Leo-oki, only white, firing upon a club of some sort. Then he heard a commotion in the crowd behind him. He saw Ayeka, Ryoko, Gillian, Togusa, Matsui, and Takeshi running at top speed, away from the explosions. They stopped as they reached Yosho and filled his once peaceful life with unwanted hubbub. They yelled at him to run, but he didn't want to listen, cause if he did, it would ruin his date with Keiko. He just sighed, and continued walking, ignoring them. But ignoring them was hard, especially when Ken-oki began to fire upon them! Quickly, as he dodged huge laser blasts, he tried to summon a cab. Finally, one stopped. He looked at the driver through the passenger's side window, and saw that it was the muscular, blonde cabby from before. Yosho almost did a face fault when he saw this, but realized that this... vile... individual was his only hope. Luckily, the driver did not see his face as he ran in the back seat, ducking just low enough not to be seen. Yosho was soon followed by the others. The muscular man sat there, not particularly interested in the huge laser blasts that were being fired at him. Soon, the whole group got in. He looked in the rear view mirror and saw Keiko. "Hey, weren't you already in this cab tonight?" he asked. "Yes...Yes! I was! Please! GO!" Keiko shrieked. She began to wonder WHY they haven't been hit yet. "Yeah, I remember you now... where the hell's that creep you were with. I wanna tear him a new asshole." The muscular man said, enraged. "He, uh... I dumped him. Now, please, get to the Royal Orion Hotel, immediately! And I mean FAST!" Keiko shouted as she handed him a bundle of cash that Yosho, still unseen, had handed her. The driver looked at the money and his eyes widened slightly. He started his hovercab and drove off, very fast, causing his passenger's necks to rocket backward in the aftermath of the raging G-forces. But Ken-oki still gave chase, and fired at the cab, his aim getting slightly better with every shot, until he actually winged the cab. All of the women shouted as the cab rocked. Matsui and Togusa looked rather unimpressed and bored. Matsui even yawned and began to drift to sleep. Togusa looked over at Takeshi, who had fainted. "Heh... pussy." Togusa muttered under his breath. The cabby looked pissed after he took the hit. "Alright, you bastard. You wanna play it hard... we'll play it hard..." he lowly muttered to himself. The cab suddenly jetted to the left, causing the still conscious passengers to scream some more. The cab flew through every red light and dodged all sorts of traffic. But still Ken-oki persisted. But, finally, the cabby lost him. They hid in a dark corner and waited till Ken-oki stopped searching around and finally just flew away, into outer space. The passengers breathed a sigh of relief, at least the females did. The cabby then made his way back to the hotel, slowly this time. He finally stopped in front of the large skyscraper and opened the passenger door. The females of the group, even Ryoko, literally flew out of the cab. Takeshi was woken up when Ayeka accidentally stepped on his stomach and his mother grabbed his hand and dragged him out of the cab. Togusa casually woke up Matsui and the both left the cab. The only ones left were the cabby... and Yosho who still tried to remain unseen as he crawled out of the cab. "Hey..." the cabby said. Yosho froze. He closed his eyes and hoped he didn't know he was back here. "Yeah, you. Behind the seat. Don't worry, all is forgiven." "Really?" Yosho said, as he peeked over the seat. He eventually got up off the cab floor and sat back in the passenger's seat for a spell. The cabby laughed. "Yeah. I mean, it's not every day that you get a fare like this." the cabby spoke, gesturing at the wad of cash the he now had. Yosho looked at the cabby, sternly, yet gratefully. "You know, there ARE better things than acquiring wealth." Yosho finally said. "Yeah, I guess you're right. You know, you have a nice woman there. Don't let her go." The cabby muttered, surprising Yosho. "Yeah... boy. She's a hot one. Nice legs." The cabby continued, counting the money. Yosho's surprised look faded into one of disappointment. The cabby saw this when he looked at Yosho through the rear view mirror. "Don't worry. She's all yours. I'm more into red heads." The cabby winked. Just then, Washu, in her adult form, walked outside the building and grabbed Yosho by the sleeve. She dragged him out of the cab and led him back into the hotel. All the while, the cabby was drooling and taking pictures. When Washu and Yosho disappeared into the building, the cabby chuckled to himself and drove off. Yosho finally went back into his room, got out of his constricting clothes and into something more comfortable. He plopped down on his bed and soon, was fast asleep... ************************************************************ Well, a slight deviation from the normal mood of the series, but still, a very good chapter. Thanks to those who read it. Email me at ruby@pa.net.