Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters, they belong to AIC/PIONEER. I don't make any form of money out this so don't sue me. Note: This is my first try at writing a fanfic of any type. So please send any comments, criticism, and suggestions. Tenchi Muyo Follow your heart Chapter II. (Morning) Sasami walks down the stairs about to head into the kitchen and prepare breakfast when she spots both Tenchi and Ryoko asleep on the couch. She silently walks towards them until she is in front of them where she can get a better view. With a smile on her face and a little bounce on her step she leaves the couple alone and heads towards the kitchen. A little bit later, Nobuyuki is also walking down the stairs, as he is about to leave early for work. He stops midway as he spots the couple sleeping on the couch. He rushes to his room and within miniutes he is filming the couple as they lay there. After five minutes of taping the couple he goes into the kitchen to inform Sasami that he will not be having breakfast with everyone. "Oh. Good morning Mr. Misaki." "Good morning Sasami. I came by to inform you that I will be leaving early for work today, so I won't be eating breakfast." "We'll miss you. But, I prepared something for you just in case you left early." She proceeds to give him a bento box from the refrigerator. "Thank you Sasami. I'll be sure to eat it when I get to the office." As Nobuyuki drives off to work, Tenchi slowly begins to wakeup. Looking around the room, Tenchi notices that he fell asleep on the living room couch with Ryoko. As he moves some of the cyan hair from her face his mind begins to be flooded with images from the previous night. With a smile on his face he begins to whisper into her ear, "Ryoko...Ryoko are you awake". With her eyes still closed she slowly replies, "Yes Tenchi, I've been awake for some time now". "What? Why didn't you wake me up?" "The truth is I love the feeling of being held by you that I just wanted it to last a little bit longer." Slightly blushing, Tenchi smiles as he leans over and kisses her cheek. With a seductive voice she states, "I think you can do better than that Tenchi". Instantly, he turns her around as he gives her a long yet soft passionate kiss. "Now that is definitely a much better way of saying good morning, don't you think so Tenchi." Blushing slighly he replies, "Yes it is." "Good morning Tenchi and good morning Ryoko. I'm so glad to see that you are doing well after yesterday, Ryoko." Both of them look at Sasami with shocked expressions as they reply in unison, "G...Good morning Sasami". "Has Ayeka woken up already", asked Tenchi nervously. "Not yet. But I'm pretty sure she'll be up and about pretty soon. Did you want to tell her about you and Ryoko being a couple now." "Yes...No...W...Wait a minute how did you know about that?" "I saw you sleeping on the couch holding onto Ryoko. Besides with the smile both of you had on your faces, it was kind of obvious that you're both in love with each other. Well I have to finish making breakfast now." Tenchi stares at Sasami as she walks towards the kitchen. "Sasami, do you need any help?" Asked Ryoko as she floated toward the little princess. "No, I have everything under control. But thanks for the offer Ryoko." "Actually Sasami, I was kind of hoping you could teach me how to cook." "Well since you put it that way, of course you can help." As both leave to the kitchen, Tenchi is sitting on the couch still surprised by Sasami's observation. "Good morning Lord Tenchi." "Ack. G...Good morning Miss Ayeka." "How is Ryoko doing this morning?" "R...Ryoko is fine. She's in the kitchen with Sasami making breakfast." "Oh good. If you'll excuse me Tenchi, I must go and apologize to Ryoko." "Ok." As Ayeka walks into the kitchen, she sees Sasami giving Ryoko instructions on how to cut the vegetables properly. "Excuse me." Instantly both student and teacher stop their task and look to the source of the voice. When Ayeka sees both of them looking at her, she gets on her knees and bows deeply in Ryoko's direction . "M...Miss Ryoko. I...I have come to ask for your forgiveness. My actions were unjust and unbecoming of a member from the house of Jurai. I...I let my anger the better of me and let it cloud my judgement. I am sorry for the injuries I inflicted on you yesterday. I know that you may never forgive me for what I did, nor can I forgive myself. I'll understand if you do not wish to see or speak with me. Miss Ryoko, I wish I could take away all the pain and suffering I inflicted on you. Please accept my apology and my word that this type of incident will not happen again." Ayeka did not raise her head as she waited for Ryoko's answer. "Ayeka. You know that the energy discharge from Tenchi-ken hurt alot. But I bet that saying this to me was just as painful to you. So I'll accept your apology and hopefully we can work out something so as to avoid any similar incidents." Ayeka ran over to Ryoko and huged her as she kept on repeating, "Thank you Ryoko. Thank you". Within time, everyone is sitting at the table eating breakfast. The only difference is the sitting arraignments. Ayeka is sitting between Sasami and Mihoshi while at the other end of the table Ryoko and Tenchi are sitting next to each other. "So Tenchi, when do you and Ryoko plan to get married?" asked Sasami. He nearly chokes on his food from hearing Sasami's question. "Sasami, we still need to work on our relationship so it will be sometime before Tenchi and I get married." "Excuse me, but the Emperor's ship will be arriving soon." Announced Washu-chan as she stepped out of her lab to join everyone at the table. While in unison they all replied, "Thank you, little Washu". Within moments the entire household is waiting outside when the Jurian ships arrive. Just as like the last time arrived, a beam of light appears before them with three familiar figures comming into focus. "Welcome back", greeted everyone as they bowed in respect. "Mommy, daddy", yelled both princesses as they ran to great their parents with Ryo-Ohki following close behind them. "How was your trip? Why did you come back to earth so soon?" asked Ayeka. "All will be reviled within time little one", replied Lady Funaho. "Yosho, may I speak with you in private for a moment?" asked the Emperor as the rest of the family went inside the house. "Yes father, what is it you want to talk about?" "Yosho, the Jurai Supreme Council has asked me to name by successor within the next few days. I have come to ask you what is your decision? Will you take the throne?" "I'm sorry father, but I will not accept the throne, as you would like. I have made a decision a long time ago to spend the rest of my life in this planet." The Emperor lowers his head as he clears his throat before responding. "Is that your final decision, Yosho?" "Yes father it it." "Then you leave me no choice my son. As declared by the Supreme Council of Jurai, in case you declined the throne, the following punishment is valid as of this instant. Yosho, you are here by striped of your title and all rights reserved as the prince of Jurai. Furthermore, you are exiled to this planet, never to return to Jurai." "I...I understand father, I mean your majesty." ____________________________________________________________________________ ___ "Ryoko, can I have a word with you?" asked Washu as they enetered the house. "Uh...sure." Both mother and daughter walk into the lab. Washu guides her until they face a door Ryoko has never seen before. "Through this door, little Ryoko." As they walk in, the scenery within the unknown room amazes Ryoko. There is a pathway leading to a peaceful lake, which is surrounded by a magnificent horseshoe shaped waterfall that is more splended Iguassu falls of Argentina. On either side of the path are rows of cherry blossom trees, which are in full bloom. "When did you construct this Washu?" "It's been here for sometime now. I come to this place when I want to relax and get away from it all." Once they reach the end of the path, there is a small island in the middle of the lake. It has a table with two floating chairs on either side of it. As they sir, a tea set appears before them. As Washu pours some tea into their cups she starts the conversation. "Now tell me Ryoko, how do you feel after yesterdays event?" "I feel fine. It only hurts a bit when I laugh." "That's good to hear, but I meant how do you feel about Tenchi?" Slightly angry, Ryoko replies "How did you know about yesterday? Did you read my thoughts again!" "No." "Well then, tell me how you fond out about us!" "I was woken up by one of my alarms, when you left the lab. After that, I monitored you to make sure you were fine. That's how I found out about you two." "Washu, m...mom, I love him more than anything in this or any universe." "Thats good to hear Ryoko, but what would do if you were to lose him?" "What are you implying mom!" "Nothing. Nothing at all. I just want to know what you would do if such a situation would arise." "I almost lost him once when he went to rescue me from Kagato. But thanks to Tsunami, he is alive and here with us now. Nothing like that will ever happen again. Tenchi and I are in love and there is nothing in this universe that will ever come between us." "Yes, but what if something did happen to him and he were no longer here?" "I said nothing like tht will ever happen to him again! Not while I'm around! Because, I...I would be empth without him and my life would have no meaning. There would be no point in me continuing an empty existance if I could not be with him." Washu starts to wipe the tears, which were forming on her eyes when Ryoko called her mom. "Mom are you alright?" "Yes, let's go with the others and find out what the Emperor has to say." As they emerge from the lab, both the Emperor and Yosho walk into the living room. Everyone in the house stops his or her activities as the Emperor clears his throat. "Most of you are wondering why we have come back so soon. Our visit deals with the assigning of a successor to the throne. To be honest with you all, my first and only choice for this title had been Yosho. But since he recently declined the position, he has been exiled from Jurai and is no longer a member of the royal family." Everyone is shocked by the announcement that they all respond in unison, "What!". "Furthermore, the Jurian Supreme Council has ruled that Tenchi be proclaimed as Ayeka's fiancee, since he beat Seiryo in combat." Ayeka is overwhelmed with happiness that she hugs Tenchi. "Tenchi, you will be appointed as the next emperor of Jurai if you accept this responsibility." "Of course he'll accept it father, won't you Tenchi?" "Can I have sometime to think about this? It is a very important decision after all." "Alright, you have one earth day to give me your answer." "Oh Tenchi isn't this wonderful, now we can be married and rule Jurai together as I have always dreamed we would." Sitting at the other side of the the couch, Ryoko looks at him with a note of sadness in her eyes as she softly whispers, "T...Tenchi". ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Later, Tenchi is walking near the lake while thinking of the events which happened earlier in the day. As by chance he finds that his walk has taken him to the base of the stairs which lead to the shrine. In the distance, Ryoko sees him walk up the stairs towards the shrine as she keeps an eye on him. As she floats towards the shrine to follow him, Washu stops her. "He need all the help he can get in making his decision. Give him some time alone with Yosho. Why don't you wait for him at the base of the stairs for him when he comes back down." "B-But." "Don't worry my little Ryoko, he will always love you no matter what he decides", replies Washu in her adult form. Ryoko clings onto her mother and begins to cry on her shoulder. "I...I just don't want to lose him. Not after we both expressed our feelings for one another." Surprised by her daughter's forwardness, Washu tries to comfort her as best she can. "There...there my little Ryoko, mommy is here. Mommy will always be here for you, no matter what." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Tenchi walks up to the head office and knocks on the door. "Come in Tenchi, I've been waiting for you." As he enters the shrine office he begins to ask, "Grandpa, I.." "You want to know why I declined my fathers offer to be the next Emperor." "Yes. But how did you know I was going to ask you that." "I saw the expression on your face earlier today when the announcement was made. Do you know, it is said that the eyes of an individual are the pathways toward their inner soul? And from what I see within your eyes at this moment is confusion and fear. Tenchi, I made a decision many years ago that I would live and die on this planet. This is the place where I fell in love and married your grandmother. I loved her with all my heart and when our child was born I expressed the same amount of love with Achika. Your mother was the only only child we ever had and when she passed away, I felt as if I had lost them both. I vowed never to leave their side by staying with them forever. If I were to have accepted the throne it would have meant the same as if I had never made that vow. I hope you understand why I refused to take the offer." "Yes, I understand grandpa. But there are some reasons I can not accept the throne as well." "Would those issues be the lack of knowledge you have on the Jurian system of government or the part of you having to marry Ayeka." "Yes on both accounts. I don't know a thing about the planet Jurai but I'm pretty sure Lady's Funaho, Misaki, and Ayeka would teach me what I need to know. But the issue of marriage is different. You see, I...I'm in love with..." "You're in love with Ryoko." "Yes grandfather, I love her." "What about Ayeka?" "I do love her as well, but only as a friend." "You haven't told told her yet, have you?" "Yes, I've already told Ryoko that I love her." "I meant Ayeka." "No, she doesn't know about us yet." "Well then, you should tell her as soon as possible so she won't be mislead anymore by false hopes." "Yes grandfather, I will as soon as I get a chance." "Tenchi, have you thought about what my father would do or say when he discovers about your relationship with Ryoko?" "No, I haven't." "There may be a possible chance that he may exile you as I was or he may punish Ryoko to get to you." "I...I didn't think about that possibility. I guess I'll have to ask him what will happen if I decline the throne. Thanks for the talk grandpa, I'll go and talk with the Emperor and see what options I have in making this decission." As Tenchi walks down the shrine steps he finds Ryoko waiting for him at the base of the steps. "How are you doing Tenchi? Did Yosho's advice help you in your decision?" "Yes and do." "What do you mean by yes and no?" "Sweetheart, lets go for a walk and I'll tell you about it." "W-what did you just call me?" "Sweetheart, it's a name of affection given to someone you love." "I know what it means. I just wanted to make sure I was hearing right." She floats towards him and wraps her arms around his neck. "Say it again, please." "Ok sweetheart, what do you say we make a day out of this." As they walk hand in hand, Tenchi relates to her the conversation he had with his grandfather. When he begins to finish relating the events of his conversation with Yosho both he and Ryoko are standing on a hill that overlooks the valley. "And that is why he declined the throne. After that, he did point out some other things I should take into consideration." "Like what?" He slowly brought her into a soft embrace as he proceeded to speak. "Our reltionship for one thing." "What about our relationship?" "Well for starters how do you think the rest of the family will take the news." "Sasami took the situation well this morning." "Yes, but she is like that always looking at the bright side fo things. Ayeka, we can guess her reaction from yesterday's events. Mihoshi, Lady Funaho, Little Washu, and grandpa are the only ones who won't say much. Lady Misaki will probably do some bodily damage to me for making Ayeka cry. The only one who I fear the most is Emperor Azusa. He dislikes me and who knows if he still has a grudge against you for attacking Jurai." "Tenchi, why don't we just leave all this behind us and escape into the depths of space." "I wish we could Ryoko, but what if they go looking for us?" "We could live a life on the run with nothing but happiness where neither one of us would be seperated from the other." "That does sound good Ryoko, but what about our children?" Giving him a puzzling look she replies, "c...children". "Yes our children. What kind of environment would we be raising our family if we were always on the run." As the tears begin to accumulate in her eyes, Ryoko begins to cry onto his shoulder before speaking. "I just don't want to lose you Tenchi." "Nor do I, Ryoko. Nor do I." replies Tenchi as he strokes the back of her head in order to calm her down. "Why does this have to happen to us now?" "I don't know darling, but I'll tell you one thing for sure. I love you with all my heart and I know my life would be empty if you and I were to be separated." He begins to kiss her softly as they stand on top of the hill while the sunrays amplify the beauty of the valley as it begins to descend the sky. Later in the evening, Ryoko teleports both of them a short distance from the house. When the couple enter, both families greet them. Ryoko excuses herself to help Sasami in the kitchen with the meal preparation. Tenchi walks up to the Emmperor and asks if they can have a word in private. As they depart, Lady Funaho asks Washu if she can have a private chat before dinner is served. Ayeka begins to follow both women until Lady Funho mentions that the conversation will deal with matters of secrecy. Complying with her request, she turns on the television and begins to watch one of soaps she recorded earlier. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Both women walk into the lab toward the room where Washu had talked to Ryoko earlier in the day. Lady Funaho is the first one to speak as they near the room, "Little Washu." "Yes, little Funaho." "How long has this been going on?" Washu motions for her to enter the room before replying to her question. "Are you referring to my daughter and your great-grandson?" "Yes, could you tell me how long have they been an item." They walk to the little island, which has a table with some tea waiting for them. "Before I answer that question, I would like to know what tipped you off onto their affair?" "For starters they were both holding hands when I saw them earlier today at the base of the shrine. And when they arrived back at the house a couple of minutes ago, they were still holding each other's hand but this time, their fingers were intertwined so as not tobe separated. But what really tipped me off was the look both of them had when they were separated a while ago. It was as if I were looking at a young couple who were about to be alone for the first time after a honeymoon." "Those are some pretty good observations, little Funaho." "Thank you." "Well to start their story, they proclaimed their love for one another yesterday. Although, I believe they had been in love with one another for a much longer time. I have the event recorded if you would like to see it." Instantly, a monitor appears adjacent to both women. "Were you spying on them?" replies Lady Funaho as the scene of Tenchi and Ryoko dancing on the dock appears on the monitor. "No, one of my security cameras was tracking Ryoko to make sure she was fine after the injuries she received from yesterdays incident." "Incident, what kind of incident would cause her injuries?" "I'll tell you in a minute, just watch the screen or you'll miss it. Don't they look so happy together? Oh, here comes the part you wanted to see." After several minutes of seeing her great-grandson kiss Ryoko and tell her he loves her, she begins to wipe some of the tears, which had formed within her eyes. "They do appear to be happy together. Who else knows about them?" "I believe, Yosho is the only other preson to know for the time being." "Could you please tell me of this incident which caused your daughter several injuries?" Washu proceeds to inform the queen on the battle between the two girls. Also describing the amount and extreme of the injuries, which Ryoko received from Tenchi-ken. When she finished informing her about the incident, Lady Funaho remained speechless for some time. "Excuse me little Washu, but I must speak with Tenchi. Also, I must have a word with both my sister Misake and Ayeka." She stand up and is escorted by Washu to the exit. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Have you made a decision already?" "No, not yet your makesty. I wanted to ask you some questions which deal with my decision." "What would you like to know." "When my grandfather declined the throne he was exiled to this planet for the rest of his life." "Yes." "I wanted to know what would happen to me if I were to make a similar decision." "You would be exiled to earth as well. Mihoshi would be assigned to patrol another sector. Ayeka and Sasami would go back home to Jurai, along with Ryoko who would be facing a trial." "What? Wasn't her galaxy wanted file erased by the statue of limitations law implemented by your supreme council?" "You are correct, her file was erased due to the statue of limitation law. But I know that she has been fighting with Ayeka. Also, during some of those battles she has fired energy beams at my daughter. By firing on her, she was in fact firing on the Jurian Empire. As a result, she will be charged with treason and after her trial she will be executed." "NO!!! I will not allow you or anyone to harm her!" "Oh. In that case, I suggest that you accept the position offered to you. If you do, any and all previous incidents and disputes between Ayeka and Ryoko will be forgotten." "Is that the only choice I have?" "In order to save her, yes. So what is it going to be?" "If it means saving Ryoko, I'll accept your offer." "Good, now you will become the next ruler of the most powerful empire in the universe. Also, you will be married to my daughter Ayeka who is no doubt a much better choice than that piece of space trash. Now lets go and tell everyone of your decision." "Let's wait a while, I need to speak to someone first. But just remember that I'm doing this in order to save Ryoko. Also, if you or anyone from your world ever hurts her, I will make you pay." As Tenchi walks back into the house, Lady Funaho intercepts him. "Excuse me Tenchi, could we talk for a moment." Knowing he can not resist her request, he replies, "Yes Lady Funaho." They both proceed up the stairs toward his room. As Tenchi sits on his bed, Funaho notices the worried expression on his face and sits next to him. "Tenchi, is something bothering you?" He doesn't reply to her question as he looks at the floor. "Have you made a decision already?" "Y...yes, I have chosen to accept the throne and m...marry Ayeka." "Excuse me. What about Ryoko, I thought you two were in love." "Yes we are. I love her more than anything and would do anything to save her." "I know about that, but why have you chosen to marry Ayeka?" "I made my decision in order to save her life." "What do you mean save her life?" "According to Emperor Azusa, if I don't accept the throne and marry Ayeka, Ryoko will be put on trial and executed for treason." "I see. Let me tell you something he probably didn't want you to know. As a member of the Nobel families and future Emperor of Jurai, you are allowed to have two wives." "What? You mean to say, I can save her now and still be with her even when I become Emperor?" "Yes, you can be with her and marry her if you want to." He embraces his great-grandmother while saying, "thank you Lady Funaho, thank you." "Tenchi, could you call me grandmother just this once. It would really make me happy." "Of course, thank you grandmother what would I do without you." "Your welcome my child. Now go and tell the news to your beloved Ryoko before the Emperor announces your decision." When they descend the stairs, they find everyone is waiting in the living room for them. Emperor Azusa begins to clear his throat in order to get everyone's attention once more. "Everyone, I have an announcement to make. Earlier today, Tenchi informed me that he had come up with an answer to his decision. I am pleased to announce that he has decided to accept the responsibility of being the next emperor of Jurai. Also, his wedding to Ayeka will be held in two days after which we shall leave Jurai in order to start his training on handling matters of state." Everyone begins to congratulate him except Ryoko who ran out of the house crying once the announcement was over. When he tries to leave and find Ryoko, Ayeka stops him. "I'm so happy you decided to marry me Tenchi. I thought I was going to lose you to that demon." "Don't call her that! Ayeka, we need to talk." He proceeds to lead her out of the house in order to communicate with her in private. "Ayeka, please understand what I'm about to say. I am marring you in order to save Ryoko from your father's wrath. Also, Lady Funaho has informed me that as a member of a Nobel family and future Emperor of Jurai, I am allowed to have two wives. For this reason, I have decided to make Ryoko my first wife as soon as possible. The reason beign is because, I love her." Stepping away from him she replies, "What! How could you ever fall in love with a monstrosity like that? Besides that, there is no way I would ever share you with someone like her!" "Stop insulting her! I love her and I will not allow you or anyone to insult nor mistreat her again!" "But Tenchi, I love you, don't you feel the same towards me?" "Yes Ayeka, I love you but only as a friend, nothing more. Even when we become husband and wife, I will still consider you as my friend." "But what will we tell our children?" "I'm sorry Ayeka, but Ryoko is the only one I plan to have a family with." Unable to hold back the tears, Ayeka turns around and runs towards the woods crying hysterically. Tenchi looks at her retreating form as she disappears from his sight and whispers, "I'm sorry Ayeka."