Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters, they belong to AIC/PIONEER. I do not make any type of money out off this story so don't sue me. Note: I would like to thank Jennyb4@hotmail.com for encouraging me to write this story. Also, many thanks to my friends who proofread this chapter and made a couple of suggestions. So if you have any comments, criticism, or suggestions e-mail me at Tenchi Muyo Follow your heart Chapter 3 "Grandfather did I do the right thing?" uttered Tenchi when Yosho stepped next to him. "She had to find out sooner or later. And it was better that you told her rather than having her find out a different way." After Yosho and Tenchi walked into the house Emperor Azusa steps out of a nearby shaded area. "Azaka, Kamadake, I want you to follow Ayeka and make sure nothing happens to her. In the event she has an argument with Ryoko and is hit by her I want you two to arrenst her." "Excuse us your majesty but what would be our reason for arresting princess Ayeka." "Ryoko. You arrest Ryoko and place her in the strongest holding cell within my ship. Also, inform Ayeka that she is to see me at once." "Yes your majesty." "On second thought I'll accompany you to make sure my orders are closely followed." ******************************************************* Ryoko is sitting down on one of Funaho's roots and crying. She is distracted from her thoughts when Ayeka walks towards her. "We need to talk!" "Not now Ayeka, I prefer to be alone if you don't mind." "I do mind, demon!" "Ok Ayeka, what is it you..." "You bitch, how could you take him from me!?" "I could ask you the same question, princess." "You know he was mine even before he was born." "But did you love him from the first time you saw him?" "That does not matter! He is a member of the Royal family and must not associate with, least of all marry a creature like you." "Is that the only answer you can come up with Ayeka. I fell in love with him the first time I saw him. And my love for him only grew more as time went by." "Enough!" Stated Ayeka as she trembled with rage. "I will get you...you thief!" With out warning, Ayeka vaulted at Ryoko and tackles her into the pond. Caught off guard, Ryoko swallowed a mouth full of water. When she came up gasping for air, Ayeka executed a solid right upper cut to her chin. Knocking her back into the same spot she rose up from. Feeling victorious, Ayeka leaped to where Ryoko had fallen. Immediately shoving Ryoko's head bellow the water line in order to finish her off. Once she recovered from the hit, Ryoko teleported out of Ayeka's grasp and materialized behind her. As Ayeka turned around to face her opponent, Ryoko simply pushed her. Causing Ayeka to stumble backwards into the water. Enraged, Ayeka toppled over several times as she tried to stand up. Levitating off the surface, Ryoko declares. "Ayeka, I made a promise with Tenchi that I would no longer fight with you. And I do not plan on breaking my word to him. So I suggest that you cool off for a bit and leave me alone." "Azaka, Kamadake seize her." Ryoko is surprised to find herself held within the guardian's forcefield once more. "What is this Ayeka? You couldn't beat me in a fair fight so now you intend to use your grardians to hold me. Is this the only way you know how to win a fight?" "I'd never. I didn't order them to do this." "Is that so? Would you mind telling me whose orders they follow at all times." "Mine." "And mine as well." Stated Emperor Azusa as he stepped towards the edge of the pond. "Father." "What is the meaning of this Ayeka, are you using your daddy to get rid of me?" "No!" "Well then why am I being held within this forcefield?" "Ryoko, you are under arrest for attempting to assassinate my daughter." "What do you mean by assassinate, she attacked me." "I am referring to the fight you just had with Ayeka. It was by shear luck that my daughter brought up her defense shield before your killing blow struck." "That's a lie!" "Father, that is not what happened." "Silence Ayeka. That is what I saw and that is exactly what happened." "Father didn't you make a deal with Tenchi concerning the safety of Ryoko?" "Yes, I made a deal with him. The deal was that any and all previous incidents and disputes between you two would be forgotten. I never mentioned anything about new fights. As you can see, Tenchi is getting his first lesson in negotiations. Always listen to what is said and make sure that what you want out of a deal is strongly enforced." "You back stabbing bastard! You lied to him." "Father how could you?" "Enough Ayeka. Azaka, Kamadake take the pirate to my ship and put her in the strongest cell available." As both guardians and their prisoner disappear, Emperor Azusa faces his daughter. "Ayeka you must not tell anyone of what has happened here." "Father where are you taking Ryoko and what is to become of her?" "That is none of your concern. She will be dealt with by the laws of our people." "Will she be alright?" "Now why are you so concerned about her?" "Tenchi loves her and will be looking for her if she disappears." "Do you want to share him with the likes of her?" "No father, I would not." "Well then, all I am going to do is detain her long enough so you can both be married and have some time alone." "But what about Tenchi, he will still wonder where she went to." "Do not worry about him, he will be kept too busy to notice she is missing." Not all conviced and not wanting to ask her father any more questions Ayeka turns around and walks back toward the house. Once she is out of sight, the emperor is transported into his ship. "Emperor Azusa, Ryoko has been placed within the most strongest cell available. Also, a company of solders have been placed on roaming duty within that area for extra insurance." "Excellent, now make preparations for one of our flag ships to pick her up and take her to Jurai. Make sure they have an excort of no less then ten battle cruisers." "Yes Sir." "Captain, I want them to be in and out of here before my daughters wedding. And if they are late both you and captains of those vessels will face similar punishments as Ryoko. Do I make myself clear!" "Yes your majesty. Everything will be done as you request. You have my word." ******************************************************* "Good morning Sasami, have you seen Ryoko or Ayeka this morning." "Why, Good morning Tenchi. No I haven't seen either of them since yesterday. By the way have you seen Ryo-Ohki?" "No but I'm pretty sure she might be with Ryoko." As Tenchi steps out of the house, he spots Ayeka standing on the dock looking out to the horizon above the lake. At this moment she is presently flanked by both her guardians. "Good morning Miss Ayeka. How are you feeling this morning?" "Good morning Lord Tenchi." As she takes in a deep breathe to relax she continues to respond. "I feel much better. Now if you'll excuse me I have some business to attend to with my mother and aunt." "I'm glad to see you feeling much better Miss Ayeka." Both slightly bow to each other as they begin to go their separate ways. "Excuse me, Azaka and Kamadake but have either of you two seen Ryoko anytime since yesterday night?" Both guardians face each other and remember the orders given to them by Emperor Azusa. "No we haven't seen her, we have been with princess Ayeka for some time now. "Well if by chance you do see her, could you please tell her that I need to speak with her." "Yes Tenchi, we will inform her of your request." As they depart, Tenchi proceeds in the direction of Ryoko's cave while Azaka and Kamadake follow Ayeka into the house. When she walks into the house everyone is eating breakfast. Promptly, she sits next to Sasami and eats her meal. Once Sasami and Mihoshi pick-up the plates and exit to the kitchen, she asks Lady Funaho what she wanted to discuss with her. "Oh yes. Both Misaki and I wanted to discuss some issues in private with you." "Both you and my mother? I had thought that it was only going to be the both of us." "This is a matter which must be discussed by the three of us. Now if you are ready please follow me." Lady Funaho begins to lead them to the entrance of Washu's lab. "Excuse me Lady Funaho, but that door leads to Washu's lab." "Yes, I know. She has been kind enough to lend us one of her rooms. Azaka, Kamadake I need you both to guard this entrance. Only little Washu is allowed to enter while we are in here. Is that understood." "Yes my queen." Lady Funaho leads both women to the same room, which she and Washu used during their conversation. As soon as they took their seats, Lady Funaho started the conversation. "Well that was an interesting announcement by Azusa, don't you two agree?" "Yes it was Aunt Funaho. I'm so happy that Lord Tenchi and I will soon be getting married." "Yes Ayeka, I must agree with you on that note. How about you sister? What do you think of this situation?" "Oh my little Ayeka is finally getting married! I am so happy for her. Where has the time gone, it only seems as if it were yesterday when I was cradling her in my arms." "Mother your embarrassing me." "Oh my little Ayeka is growing up so fast. In time she will have children of her own and I'll be getting called 'grandmother'." "Uh...Yea...children." "Are you all right Ayeka? You appear to be a bit uncofortable with the idea of kids." "I'm fine auntie, it's just that I'm still some what shocked by yesterdays news." "Little Ayeka, everyone was so happy and cheering for both of you when your father finished his speech." "Everyone except Ryoko who ran outside crying." announced Lady Funaho. "Oh my, I didn't notice she was crying. She really must love Tenchi a lot. Maybe he'll make her his second wife. Think of it Ayeka both you and Ryoko, sisters." "No!!! He does not love her nor will he marry her!" "Ayeka!?" "I'm sorry mother, its just that..." "Tenchi loves Ryoko." "What!? How did you...I mean where did you get such an idea auntie." "Yes sister where did you get such a concept from." "From Tenchi himself of course." "What?" Replied both Ayeka and Lady Misaki. "I had a conversation with him yesterday when he told me of his relationship with Ryoko. I can show both of you some proof if you would like to see it." "Yes auntie, I would like to observe this evidence you have." "As you wish Ayeka. Sister, are you all right? Misaki!?" "Don't worry Lady Funaho. She's only experiencing a bit of shock." "Little Washu, excellent timing. Can you please play the scene, of Tenchi and Ryoko, you showed me yesterday." "Of course it's one of my favorites, let me just get some popcorn first. Would anyone else like some?" Misaki snaps out of her state of shock when the scene of Tenchi and Ryoko dancing comes into view. "My they really do make a beautiful couple." "Mother, what are you saying?" As Lady Misaki is about to reply, the scene in which Tenchi announces his love to Ryoko appears before them. Both Lady Misaki and Ayeka stare in silence as the couple shown in the monitor kiss each other for several minutes. When the monitor is turned off Washu says, "That scene always brings tears to my eyes." "No! It's all a lie!" Yelled Ayeka. "When did this occur, little Washu." Asked Lady Misaki wanting to know more of the situation unfolding before her. "The evening before you arrived." "Now I know that was a fake! Ryoko was in your lab that day after our fight." "What fight little Ayeka?" "It was nothing mother, really." "Ayeka, you used Tenchi-ken on her and by doing so you inflicted severe damage on her." Stated Washu as she points to a monitor, which appears showing Ryoko's smoking body being brought in by Azaka and Kamadake. "Ayeka, why did you do such a thing to Ryoko?" Asked Lady Misaki. "It was an accident. Both she and Tenchi were holding hands when I got angry and started fighting her." "Yes a fight whcih almost killed her." Declared Washu as she turned to look at her. "What?" "Ayeka, Ryoko's body was in such a dreadful state that she almost died twice that day while I was trying to save her." "I...I didn't mean for it to go that far. I was only trying to make her leave Tenchi alone." "Why would you want to do that little Ayeka?" "Because she would make Tenchi uncomfortable every time she tried to seduce him. Also, he didn't love her." "Do you really believe that Ayeka?" Asked Lady Funaho. "Yes I do." "If that is so, why didn't he try to stop her?" "He always told her to stop but she would only listen to a certain extent. Also, she would do this to get me upset." "But she did love him did she not?" Asked Lady Misaki. "I cannot say, I am not her nor do I wish to even consider that thought." "Ayeka, I believe you have known that answer for some time now." Stated Funaho. "How could he ever love someone like her instead of me? And now thanks to the information you told him he is going to ask Ryoko to marry him." "When does he plan to marry her Little Ayeka?" Asked her mother as she placed her arm around Ayeka in order to comfert her. "Before we get married. He wants her to be his first wife, instead of me." "Well then maybe you might be the first one to give him a child." Once hearing this, Ayeka begins to cry. "He...He told me that she is the only one he plans to have a family with since he considers me his friend and nothing more." "We might have a problem here." Stated Lady Funaho. "I'll say we have a problem! My little Ayeka is getting married and will not be able to experience the joys of motherhood, thanks to you sister. And I do want to have grandchildren." "Lady Misaki, I believe Lady Funaho is referring to some information I had provided to her on Ryoko. When my daughter was injured, I was able to perform some tests on her. And with the results from these tests I was able to calculate that both Tenchi and my daughter are not compatible if you know what I mean." "What are you implying little Washu." Asked Misaki. "I'm stating that Tenchi and Ryoko will not be able to have any children. My daughter knows about this information but has not been able to tell him about it as of yet." "Well then I believe it is up to us to inform Tenchi about Ryoko's condition so my little Ayeka can provide an offspring to continue the royal line." "Lady Misaki." "Yes little Washu." "I believe it is best that Ryoko tell him." "When will she tell him little Washu. After they are married." Voiced Ayeka. "If that is the case. But remember this Ayeka, it is her body that is incompatible not your. Give her some time." "All right, I will do as you request." "Thank you Ayeka, by the way have you seen her." "Sorry little Washu, but I have not." "Well if by any chance you do see her could you inform her that I wish to speak with her." "I'll relay your message if I see her." ******************************************************* "Good morning Tenchi, your kind of early today. Practice is not until this afternoon." "Good morning grandfather, actually I'm searching for Ryoko. By any chance have you seen her?" "Sorry Tenchi, I have not seen her all morning." "I wonder where she has gone off too. She wasn't in my room when I woke-up this morning, nor was she at the cave." "Are you worried?" "Yes I'm worried. I can't stop thinking about her. Everywhere I look there is something that reminds me of her and how special she is to me." "Have you tried asking Little Washu, yet?" "Not yet." "Remember that she, Ryoko, and Ryo-Ohki can communicate with each other with their mind link." "How could I forget. Thank you grandfather." "Forget about practice today, you have more important business to take care off. I'll just double your regular regiment of training toworrow so you won't slack off." "...." ******************************************************* "Little Washu." "Is that you Tenchi?" "Yes it is. Excuse me little Washu but have you seen Ryoko?" "No, Tenchi I'm sorry I haven't." "Little Washu, is it possible for you to use your mind link to find you where she is?" "I'm sorry Tenchi, but I prefer not to invade her privacy with the link at this moment." "Please little Washu, I'm worried about her and I need to talk to her." "What ever it is it can wait until she comes back of her own free will." "No it can't. Please Little Washu!" "Ok, tell me what could be so important that it would make me invade her privacy at this moment." "I need to tell her the reason for my decision and that I do not wish to lose her. Also, if she would allow me to be her husband..." "What!? Are you going to propose to my little Ryoko?" "Yes. If it is all right with you little Washu. I would like to have your permission to marry Ryoko." "Tenchi, could you do me a favor?" "What is it little Washu?" "Could you call me, mom." "Yes mother Washu." "Thank you. Now lets find my daughter." After several attempts of trying to communicate with Ryoko, Washu informs Tenchi on her failure. "It's no use Tenchi, I can't get a signal from her. Its almost as if something is blocking our signals. I've also tried to reach Ryo-Ohki and the results are the same." "Could it be that they have left Earth and are traveling in space away from your reach?" "If they are in space, they haven't gone past the first marker." "First marker?" "Yes. I have designed and set up several monitors at various distances away from the Earth. Each one of these monitors is designed to let me know when one of us is leaving or comming." "Is there any way she could pass through the markers without you knowing about it?" "That is highly unlikely since I placed a detector within each of the monitor fields specifically designed by me to identify each of our genetic make-up. Also, since I tend to do everyones physical around here I placed an added insurace on each one of us. One of my very own DNA identification, 'Washu was here', is place on everyones genetic structures. It's a small precautionary step I've taken since the last kidnapping we had." "Where are these monitor fields located, mother Washu?" "There are three rings after the first one to be precise. The first ring is set around the Earth. The next one is in the same orbital pattern of the planet Saturn, followed by Pluto, and the final ring is at the edge of this galaxy." "Why such a big gap between the last two rings?" "Didn't I tell you. One of the functions of those two monitors is to track the flight paths of every ship within this sector. I can approximate the origin of the flight and its destination." "Wow." "What? There are many worlds out there which would pay a fortune for these devices and all you can say is, wow." "Don't get me wrong mother Washu, it's a great invention." "Of course it is. After all I am the greatest scientific genius in the Universe." "Uh...right mom. Well if you'll excuse me I have to get something to eat since I missed breakfast this morning. Can you inform me as soon as you find Ryoko?" "Don't worry, I'll tell her you are looking for her when I find her. And I won't tell her that you are planning to propose to her. I'll let you surprise her." "Thank you mother Washu." ******************************************************* When Tenchi emerges from within Washu's lab he bumps into Ayeka. "Uh...Miss Ayeka. Excuse me, I should have been looking where I was going." "Tenchi, I've been looking for you for some time now. Where have you been?" "Miss Ayeka, I need to apologize to you about yesterday. I've meant to tell you earlier but I never got the chance. You must believe me that it was never my intention to hurt you." "That's alright Tenchi. It means nothing to me, now." "Huh... are you sure?" "Yes. Now come on, we had to adjust your schedule several times already." "Schedule. What schedule?" "This one right here. It lists all of the activies you must attend to prepare you for our trip to Jurai." Looking at the schedule, Tenchi is baffled by the amount of activities presented on the list. "There is barely anytime to sleep with this schedule. Furthermore, it doesn't give me any time to search for Ryoko." "Come on Tenchi, both my mother and aunt are waiting for you." "They are, what for?" "Read the list, it's in there." Scanning through the list he finds the currnet time slot. "Attire?" "Yes. You need to start wearing the proper garments of a Jurain noble and they will be on hand to make sure you are fitted properly." "But Ryoko..." "Will come back when she is ready. Now let's go, they are waiting." Declared Ayeka as she dragged him off. ******************************************************* "Washu-chan, are you in here?" "Lord Katsuhito, what brings you by." "You missed dinner again. So I brought you someting to eat." "Thank you. I've been busy trying to locate Ryoko since this morning that I must have lost track of time." "I understand, all parents worry about their children when they are gone for a long period of time, no matter how old they get. By the way, any news on her whereabouts." "Not yet. I have done a scan of the area and there is no sigh of her. I even tried to use our mind links but there was no signal from her. It almost seems as if she disappeared completely." "That or someone is blocking both of your signals." "Are you referring to the Jurain ship." "Washu, where is the present location of my fathers ship and its escorts." As a monitor appears before them with a view of Earth, Washu replies: "They are still stationed on a parallel orbit over Japan." "Good, will you inform me the moment one of the ships moves away from its location." "You suspect that she is imprisoned within one of their vessels?" "If that is the case, there is only one way to find out." "Now your talking!" states Washu as she appears next to him wearing both urban camouflage fatigues and camo paint while carrying one of her own rifles. "Are we going to attack the Jurain's." "No, nothing that drastic. I'm just going to talk with the Emperor." "Are you sure, we can be in and out there without them knowing what hit them." "I'm very sure about this little Washu. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll take my leave and see what the Emperor has to say." As Yosho reaches teh door, he turns around and asks her one more question. "Excuse me little Washu, but what kind of weapon is that your holding?" "This is one of my toys. It is a one of a kind plasma rifle which has the same destructive force as a small supernova. It is lightweight, extremely portable and can be fired by someone like Sasami since it hardly has a recoil effect. Why do you ask?" "No reason, just curious." As he steps out one thing comes to mind, ******************************************************* As night falls, Tenchi looks out to the star filled sky from his bedroom window. Tenchi softly whispers, "I'm sorry Ryoko, please come back I miss you", as a tear escapes his eye. As he falls asleep, Tenchi begins to dream of Ryoko and the moments he had spent with her. Starting with the moment he relesed her from the cave up to yesterday when she ran out of the house crying. At that same moment, Ryoko is also dreaming of Tenchi as she sleeps within one of the cells in Azusa's ship. And as if by instinct or chance, they both say each other's name as they wake up and look at the moon and remember their first kiss. ******************************************************* "Emperor Azusa, the transport ship has just arrived within the sol system. We are making preparations for an exchange by the sixth planet." "Excellent, proceed with your task and inform me when the transition has been completed." "Yes your majesty." "Azaka and Kamadake." "Yes your majesty." "I need you to take care of one small problem." "Of course your majesty." "You are to seal the portal to Washu's lab until I say other wise. Use any means necessary to accomplish this and make sure no one goes in, especially Tenchi." "Yes Sir!" ******************************************************* As the Emperors' ship begins to move towards its rendezvous sight, Ryoko is awakened by a familiar voice. "Miya, miya, miya." "Ryo-Ohki." "Miya." "Ryo-Ohki, what are you doing here?" "Miya, miya, miya, miya." "Jurai!? Why would they be taking me over there?" "Miya!!!" "What!!! They're going to execute me! Why?" "Miya, miya, miya." "Attempting to kill Ayeka, they must be joking." "Miya." "Ryo-Ohki, you've got to get me out of here." "Miya, miya, miya, miya, miya, miya." "You're spending to much time with Washu that you are starting to sound like her." "Miya." "Well if you can't get me out go and get Tenchi before it's too late." "Miya, miya, miya, miya." "You need a diversion. Don't worry, I'll make one just get to Tenchi's fast." ******************************************************* Within moments the ship is rocked by an explosion. "What the hell was that!? Did someone fire at us?" Yelled the Captain as he tried to get back on his seat. "Sir the explosion was not from outside but from within the ship. To be more precise from Ryoko's cell." "What!? Send all troops to secure that area and make sure that she does not escape!" While the crew is occupied with Ryoko's escape attempt, Ryo-Ohki is able to get off the ship and fly towards Earth undetected. "Sir, the troop Commander reports that the prisoner did not get out of her cell. But she was able to blow up the cell door. Luckily the prison forcefields were activated before she was able to step out." "Good, inform the Commander that all troops are to remain on full alert until she is transfered onto the other ship." "Yes sir." "Now, lets get her to that other ship asap." ******************************************************* (Washu's lab) Washu wakes up from her nap as one of her alarms goes off. "What's going on?" Immediately she starts typing into her laptop and views the information as it scrolls in her transparent screen. As she reads the information detailing the movement on the Emperor's ship she receives a vital communication from Ryo-Ohki. Without hesitation she runs to inform Tenchi about Ryoko's situation. When she reaches the portal door, Washu is shocked to see that it is blocked by a forcefield. After a quick inspection she finds the source behind the forcefield. "Azaka, Kamadake what is the meaning of this!" "We are very sorry Professor Washu, but the Emperor has given us strict orders to keep you inside." "Let me out of here you two! I have to tell Tenchi that Ryoko is in danger!" "We are sorry Professor but we can not." 'Ryo-Ohki, I've been locked inside my lab. It's up to you to inform Tenchi any way you can. I'll try to get out of here but it will take some time.' 'Miya.'