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 my friends who have made the time within their scheduals to proofread this chapter. So if you have any comments, criticism, or suggestions e-mail me at: Tenchi Muyo Follow your heart Chapter 4. As the sun crests over the eastern horizon, the house is busy with movement as everyone prepares for Tenchi and Ayeka's wedding. Lady Misaki, Sasami, and Mihoshi are in the kitchen preparing a light breakfast and several dishes for the reception. Upstairs, Lady Funaho is helping Ayeka keep calm while getting her Uchikake and Kimonos ready. While at the temple Yosho, Nobayuki, and Tenchi try to prepare the Shrine for the ceremony ahead. But both Yosho and Tenchi are trying to calm down Nobayuki whenever he begins to cry and hug his son. While babbling, "Oh glory days are here my dear departed wife in heaven. Our son is to be married today and soon we shall be graced with the pitter patter of little feet." "Grandpa, have you heard any word from Washu about Ryoko?" "I have not seen her since yesterday. My guess is that she is still trying to locate Ryoko. Don't worry, she promised to inform us the instant she found her." "I guess your right." ************************************************************** Back at the house, Ryo-Ohki phases through Tenchi's window in the hopes of finding him. After miyaing a couple of times, Sasami hears her as she is walking down the hall. Going into Tenchi's room, Sasami finds the cabbit crying in the middle of the room. "Ryo-Ohki, where have you been? I've been so worried about you." Pointing at Tenchi's bed, she begins to miya several times. "Are you looking for Tenchi." "Miya." "He is at the shrine getting ready for the wedding. Come on both you and I need to get dressed up as well. We are the ones who get to lead the procession." "Miya." "No, you need to change into your humanoid form in-order to fit into the dress mom got for you. By the way, have you seen Ryoko?" "Miya, miya, miya, miya, miya." "Good, Tenchi's been worried about her. Now you can take him to where ever she is. But you have to remember that only Washu and Ryoko can understand what you are saying. So you are going to have to guide us to her location." Miyaing as she puts one of her paws to her forehead, Ryo-Ohki falls back and is picked up Sasami as she giggles seeing her reaction. ************************ Washu's Lab ************************** 'Ryo-Ohki what is taking so long? Have you been able to find Tenchi?' 'Miya, miya, miya, miya.' 'What do you mean your getting ready for his wedding. Also, what do you mean by getting your hair fixed.' 'Miya, miya, miya.' 'Fine get dressed, but remember you must tell him about Ryoko's predicament.' 'Miya.' 'I've been thinking about that and there is a probable chance that you might be able too talk to him. But in order for my theory to work, he has to have Tenchi-ken within his possession. You see, it will be the gems imbedded in the hilt of Tenchi-ken that will be used to establish a temporary link for both of you. But in-order for the link to be activated, both of you need to be thinking about Ryoko.' 'Miya, miya, miya.' 'Don't worry about me. I'm creating a new inter-dimensional door, which I can use to provide me access to any place I desire. Of course, since it is still in its development stage it has a limited range. But rest assure, I will deal with that problem in due time.' 'Miya.' 'By the way, where is the ceremony taking place?' 'Miya, miya.' 'Alright, I will be there once this is completed. I just hope I won't be late for anything important.' ***************************************************************** As the time for the ceremony approaches, the families begin to gather at the Shrine. Nobayuki is still in tears and saying a couple of incoherent words. Tenchi is standing next to his grandfather and trying not to pass out. Both Ladies Misaki and Funaho are helping Ayeka with her Uchikake. Well, it's more like Lady Funaho is helping Ayeka with the touch-ups while Sasami and Ryo-Ohki are comforting Lady Misaki. And Emperor Azusa is talking to several members of the council about Tenchi's training and loyal obedience to him and the Jurain Empire. After a couple of moments of waiting, the ceremony was underway. Tenchi stood next to his father as the procession began to make it's way into the Shrine. The first ones to enter were both Sasami and Ryo-Ohki. Ryo-Ohki was carrying a basket of flowers as she sprinkled some petals on the aisle. Next to her Sasami was doing the part of the 'Miko', by bringing the three stacked saki cups. Preceding them were Ladies Funaho and Misaki. When each one of them took their places, all eyes turned to the entrance as Ayeka and Emperor Azusa walked in. While they slowly moved down the aisle, Tenchi's nervousness overwhelmed him causing him to blank out. But he was brought back from his dream state when Azusa presented Ayeka next to him. When all the guests took their seats, Yosho began to perform the purification ceremony. Once the ceremony began, Ryo-Ohki began to think of Ryoko in the hopes of communicating with Tenchi. And at the same time, Tenchi began to recount the events which lead up to this very moment in his life. The first things that kept repeating in his mind were the deal of Ryoko's safety and the announcement concerning the marriage given by the Emperor. Then images of Ryoko crying as she ran out of the house kept reappearing like a scratched record. 'Miya.' 'Miya, miya, miya, miya.' Contemplating the thought of actually talking with Ryo-Ohki, he turns around to face her. Ryo-Ohki for her part smiles at him and says, "Miya". As Tenchi is looking at the cabbit, Emperor Azusa wonders what is it about the cabbit that has got a hold of the boy's attention. Not taking any chances he slowly makes his way towards Sasami and Ryo-Ohki. 'Miya, miya, miya, miya, miya.' 'Miya, miya, miya.' Going into a trance like state, Tenchi leans forward a bit and begins to see images of Ryoko. He goes through several emotions while viewing Ryoko's situation. At first, the sight of her crying as she ran away from the house and the minutes she spent by Funaho caused him to shed a few tears of his own knowing that he had caused her such pain. Next was a mixture of shock and mistrust as he viewed Ayeka's effort of battle against her when she politely refused and asked to be left alone. Then as Ryoko was captured and taken to the Emperors ship his emotions went from mistrust to rage. As the last image began to fade away, he is asked by Yosho to read his oath of faithfulness and obedience to Ayeka, as she will do the same after he finishes. To Ayeka's surprise and those attending the ceremony, Tenchi stood up and turned around. "Azusa, you lied to me in your promise not to harm Ryoko!" Turning toward the cabbit, Azusa pulls out his sword and charges at Ryo-Ohki. Yelling, "It was you!" Activating Tenchi-ken and jumping in front of Ryo-Ohki, Tenchi barely manages to block Azusa's strike. Scared, Ryo-Ohki turns around and hugs Sasami. While next to Yosho a bright red light flashed, obscuring everyone's vision. Stepping out through her new portal, Washu says, "Hello everyone, I hope I'm not late". Seeing a way to safety, Ryo-Ohki runs past Washu and into the portal. Observing the scene in front of her, Washu is bumped by Sasami towards Yosho as she follows Ryo-Ohki inside. "Washu are you all right?" "Thank you Yosho. Yes, I am fine but what is going on." "My father was trying to attack Ryo-Ohki since Tenchi stopped the wedding." "Wait until he finds out that Tenchi is going after Ryoko. Well, we have to go now and make preparations for a rescue. Tenchi lets go!" "Right behind you." "Well folks, it really was a beautiful ceremony but we have to go now." Voiced Washu as she waved to everyone as the portal closed. "What the hell happened just right now?" Asked a surprised Lady Misaki. "Azaka, Kamadake!" Shouted the Emperor. "Father, how did he find out?" Once the guardians appeared, Azusa turned toward them. "How was she able to leave her lab? Did I not give you two specific instructions to keep her locked up? Now the boy knows about Ryoko and is gone with Washu. I want you to go inside that lab of hers and apprehend Washu, Tenchi, and that Ryo-Ohki!" "Your majesty, not one of us can go inside Professor Washu's lab without her permission." "What!?" "In order to gain access to the lab, Professor Washu must grant you access." "Well then, I want you two to find a way into that place. Now!!!" "Yes sir." "Azusa, what did Tenchi mean when he referred to you harming Ryoko?" Asked Lady Misaki. "Not now Misaki." "I believe we have time for an answer to my sisters question, husband." Replied Lady Funaho as she slowly approached the Emperor. ************************** Washu's Lab ******************************* "Ryo-Ohki, are you ok?" Asked Sasami as she picked up the cabbit. "Tenchi, how much did Ryo-Ohki tell you of Ryoko's situation." "I was able to see the situation as it happened and what he plans to do to her. So mother Washu, how do we go about as to saving her." "Well, since Ryo-Ohki is the only ship we have available next to Mihoshi's Yukinojo. We need to make preparations for any possible defenses laid out by the Jurian's." "Shouldn't we ask Mihoshi for help in case my fathers ship attacks Ryo-Ohki." "Sasami, there is a probable chance that the galaxy police might be assisting the Emperor in the transportation of Ryoko. And if that is the case, Mihoshi will be called upon to stop us." "Mother Washu. If we are going to battle both of these forces, what are our chances of success?" "If you were to access the light hawk wings, this mission would be simple. But since you haven't been able to activate them, since the incident with Dr. Clay, our chances are not that good." "Tell me Washu, what can we do." "I have a theory which might work if I were to acquire the assistance of a certain individual." "Who?" Knowing whom Washu was talking about, Sasami allowed Tsunami to link with her in order to help out. "Well, I need Tsunami's help to accomplish what I have in mind." "Tsunami." "Yes little Washu, how is it that I may assist you?" Asked Tsunami. "I need you help in providing Tenchi with a copy of one of Ryoko's gems. By providing him with such a gem he will be able to gain some of the abilities which Ryoko possesses." "But won't this provide both of them the ability to have access to each others memories?" "Yes, but they will also be able to communicate with each other through a mind link just as Ryoko, Ryo-Ohki, and I communicate with one another." "Excuse me Mother Washu." "Yes Tenchi." "Concerning Ryoko's memories, how...how" "You will be able to see, feel, and hear everything she has ever experienced. Don't worry, all the information will be down loaded into your gem in an instant. Although you will experience some loss of motor functions due to the shock of accepting so much information all at once. But it should only be for a couple of seconds. There is something I must tell you about the information you will have access too. There will be certain time frames in Ryoko's life that you will need her permission to view those particular events. Also, any experiences she had after you gave her the gem will not be available until both of you make contact with each others gem." "What about Ryoko, will she be experiencing the same thing as me?" "Yes, but it will be until you are able to make contact with both her and your gem. And just like you, she will need your permission to view certain things. I have set this particular time frame, starting from the time you gave her one of her gem back until the time you received your gem." "Well then if this is going to help me rescue her, when do we start." ********************************************************************* Meanwhile orbiting around Saturn, the Juarian ships make their transfer. "Captain Lye, the prisoner is now in your custody. She tried to escape once when we started our journey. But no further attempts were made after we were able to knock her unconscious." "Thank you Captain Gateaux, we shall proceed to Jurai as per the Emperors request. If all goes well, we should arrive where within four Earth days." "Splendid, I shall inform the Emperor of your travel time and inquire if procedures to eliminate her are to begin immediately or until his arrival." *********************************************************************** After a few hours of preparation both Tsunami and Washu were ready to begin the gem transfer. Tenchi held on to Tenchi-ken and remembered the time he gave Ryoko back one of her own gems. Now here he was about to receive a similar gem created by Washu with the help of Tsunami. As the transfer process was being done, Ryo-Ohki viewed the situation developing at the Shrine through one of Washu's monitors. Emperor Azusa was finishing his tale of how Ryoko tried to kill Ayeka, when a bright flash engulfed the entire lab. After several minutes had passed she began to squint her eyes in order to see whom or what it was that was moving toward her. 'Hello Ryo-Ohki.' 'Miyaaa.' "Yes." Replied Tenchi as he flew above her holding what appeared to be an energy ball in his left hand. "What do you think Ryo-Ohki, is this great or what?" 'Miya, miya, miya, miya.' Tenchi could only laugh as he flew through the lab enjoying his new abilities. "My guess is that our work was successful don't you think, Little Washu?" "With both the Greatest Scientific Genius in the Galaxy and the Goddess of Jurai on the job, how could we go wrong." "That's true." "Tsunami, I thought we were going to place the gem on his right wrist?" "We did." "Well if you take a look, it is on his left wrist at the moment." "How is that possible little Washu?" "My guess is that Tenchi had something to do with that." "Excuse us Tenchi, but by any chance did you wish the gem to be placed on your left wrist?" Landing in front of them he replies, "Yes I did. I hope it is not a problem." "Not really but why did you want it there if you don't mind us asking." "Well, since I gave Ryoko one of her gems on her left wrist, I thought it would be proper for me to receive mine there as well. Also, I remember the tales of how there is a red string attached to one of the fingers on the left hand linking two people who are love with one another. In a way, I like to think of this as our red string. Besides, she would always say that we were meant to be together." 'Miya, miya, miya, miya, miya.' "Yes she did. But when she would say it, she always meant it from the heart." 'Miya, miya, miya.' "From her memories, I can see myself as a baby waving to her the first time I was taken to the cave. Plus, I can feel the joy she felt every time I would go and play there. And then there is the day when I was crying." 'Miya.' "Tenchi, we know that was a sad time in your life and she was there for you. But you must get your self together in order for you to be there for her." Stated Washu. "Mother Washu, Tsunami how do you recommend we go about as to saving Ryoko?" "First of all Tenchi, you and Ryo-Ohki must intercept the Emperors ship before they leave the sol system. Now using your new title within the Jurian Empire, you should have no trouble getting onto the ship. And if luck is on our side, you might be able to walk to her cell and open the door with no problems. But if I am wrong, you will have to fight your way to her cell and use Ryo-Ohki's help to free her. Meanwhile, Sasami and I will stay behind and inform the families of your departure." "What if..." "I'll block all communications so the Emperor can not alert his ship of your intentions." "How long will their communications be blocked?" "I can block them indefinitely. But don't worry, we will still be able to communicate through our mind links." "Great, when do we take off?" Handing him a small black cube Washu replies, "In a moment, here you might need this." "What is it Mother Washu?" "It's a present for the Emperors ship and crew. Don't worry you'll know when to use it." ***************************************************************************** Finishing telling his version of the incident in question, the Emperor along with everyone at the Shrine walked back to the house. As they reached the lake the same red flash they had seen at the Shrine appeared at the dock. When the door was opened out stepped Tenchi, Washu, and Sasami with Ryo-Ohki on top of her head. "Well Mother Washu, Sasami we'll be back soon once we rescue Ryoko." "Good luck Tenchi and do me a favor. Give Ryoko a hug for me when you are both safe and coming back." Stated Sasami as she hugged him. "I'll give you two as much help as I can from over here so don't worry. Just come back safe and in one piece, both of you." Seeing Washu and Tenchi, Emperor Azusa calls the guardians into action. "Azaka, Kamadake arrest them at once!" Appearing next to Washu, the guardians are placed in a forcefield as they hover above the dock. "Azaka, Kamadake what are you doing over here?" Asked Sasami. "We were sent by your father on orders to arrest all of you. But we seem to be in a predicament at the moment." Voiced both of them in unison. "I thought he might try something like this so I made some preparations just to be sure. I hope you two are not uncomfortable in there?" "No Professor Washu, it is quite roomy in here but we do ask that you let us out." "Once Tenchi and Ryo-Ohki have departed, I'll release you two. Now Tenchi go before we get any more delays." "On our way. Ryo-Ohki lets go." Replied Tenchi as he threw the cabbit in the air so it could transform. As Tenchi and Ryo-Ohki were underway, Washu turns around and faces the guardians as she begins to release them. "Ok you two, as promised you are free. But don't try to apprehend me if you know what's good for you." "But Professor we have orders." "I know that is why I placed a bug in your internal-net which would shut both of you off if you ever tried to arrest any one of us living here." "The Emperor is not going to like this." "I know, and I can't wait to see his expression when I tell him." "Washu, we don't have to wait long because here they are." Stated Sasami. "Where did Lord Tenchi go?" Asked Ayeka as she reached their location. Sasami simply answered, "Don't worry Ayeka, he just went with Ryo-Ohki to bring back Ryoko." Before Ayeka could respond Emperor Azusa began to yell at the guardians. "Azaka, Kamadake inform the ship of the boys intentions!" "Your majesty, communications with the ship are being jammed." "What!? How can this be?" Bellowed the Emperor as he walked towards the guardians. "It really bites when your communication link is blocked, am I right Azusa." Stated Washu was presently in her adult form. "You! Azaka, Kamadake seize her!" "No!" Yelled Sasami as she stepped in-between the guardians and Washu. "It's all right Sasami, remember what I said earlier. They can't arrest any one of us unless they wish to go off-line." "This is not over. Officer Mihoshi, arrest her for aiding an assassin." "Alright, Miss Washu, Princess Sasami you two are under arrest for aiding in the release of a criminal." "Not my daughter, just Washu!" "Father, I helped Miss Washu and Tenchi so Ryoko could be brought back. Therefore, I am equally as guilty." "Enough Sasami, move out of the way so that Officer Mihoshi can do her job!" "Why are you doing this father? Is it because Tenchi fell in love with Ryoko instead of Ayeka?" "Actually Sasami, I believe it is because he might lose his hold of power over the Jurian Empire. Especially since Tenchi is very well admired by the people and a majority of the Jurai Supreme Council." "I am not afraid of that boy!" "Well, I guess you won't be bothered if he marries my daughter." Not wanting to continue this topic any longer, the Emperor changed to a different subject. "Why did you block communications to my ship?" "Simple, I didn't want you informing your crew of Tenchi's intention." "If he releases her there will be no place for them to hide in the entire Universe. I will see to that." "I doubt that will be the case after you are convicted for kidnapping, and attempting to commit murder." "What!?" Replied everyone upon hearing the last statement. "Well, we could wait here and see what Ryoko has to say on her defense. Or..." "Or what!?" Replied the Emperor. "We could view the play back of Ryo-Ohki's memories on the incident in question. It's your decision." "Ugh..." "Well what is it going to be?"