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 5 "Ryo-Ohki, how long before we intercept Azusa's ship?" "Miya." //six hours. // *********************************************** "Detective Mihoshi, arrest her." "Azusa, I wonder what your people would say if they found out you falsely accused my daughter of the crime in question. And are now planning to murder her just so you can continue to rule Jurai." "How dare you attempt to black mail me with such false accusations. I will not tolerate this kind of treatment any longer. Detective Mihoshi, I will require the use of your ship for the sole purpose of apprehending both Tenchi Misaki and Ryo-Ohki." "Yes sir. Ugh…wait a minute. Excuse me Miss Washu, I need to ask you a favor. Could you fix my ship?" "What!?" shouted the Emperor. ************************************************ Since the Emperors ship had already transferred Ryoko onto a second ship and were presently returning to Earth, Tenchi met them in four hours instead of the six hours predicted by Ryo-Ohki. Tenchi hails the ships captain as soon as they got close to the Jurains firing range. "Jurain vessel, this is Prince Tenchi Misaki. I would like to have a word with your captain." "This is captain Gateaux, how may I help you prince Misaki?" "Captain Gateaux, I would like to have your permission to come on board and discuss some arrangements for my honeymoon with princess Ayeka." "Congratulations on you're wedding my prince and please come aboard." Once inside the ship, Tenchi goes with the captain to discuss arrangements for his make believe honeymoon with Ayeka. While on another part of the ship Ryo-Ohki is searching for Ryoko. When her search was concluded, Ryo-Ohki reported to Tenchi about her findings. "What!?" "Excuse me Prince Misaki, is there a problem?" Realizing he made a mistake, Tenchi decides to forgo the facade and ask the captain a forward question. "Captain Gateaux, where is Ryoko?" "What?" "Where is Ryoko?" asked Tenchi once more in a stern voice. "That piece or trash was dealt with already. She gave us some trouble before we transported her to the second ship. But we took care of her." Stated the Captain as he grinned. Unfortunately for him Tenchi formed an energy sphere in his left hand and embraced its power as he took a swing at the Captain. Causing Gateaux to be thrown to the wall by the force of the impact. As he tried to overcome the dizziness he felt, Tenchi rushed toward him. Activating both Tenchi-ken and a sword similar to Ryoko's, he crossed both weapons as he lunged forward ensnaring Gateaux by his neck. As the blades of both weapons touched every so often, the crackle of energy produced by them was deafening. Bringing the blades of both weapons closer to the Captains neck, Tenchi shouted "Where is Ryoko!?" The first officer started to move toward Tenchi but was stopped when Tenchi faced him and the crew with an enraged expression which promised ungodly amounts of pain to any individual who stood in his way. Turning back toward the captain, he repeated his question. "That piece of garbage is no more." Replied Captain Gateaux. "Where is she!?" bellowed Tenchi as he brought the blades close together causing Gateaux to scream in pain as the blades began to create two burn marks on his neck. "She is being transported to Jurai on one of our battle ships, where she is to be eliminated." Stated the first officer in the hopes of saving his Captain. As Tenchi began to release the pressure on the captain's neck, Gateaux stated. "Why would you concern yourself over someone as worthless as her. Besides, there is nothing you can do to rescue her." 'Ryo-Ohki lets get out of here.' Without warning, the ship was rocked by the transformation of Ryo-Ohki ripping threw its halls causing several of the crew to be thrown around. At the same time, Tenchi nailed a solid front kick to Gateaux mid-section as he deactivated his weapons. As Gateaux fell forward, Tenchi rammed the hilt of Tenchi-ken to the back of his head knocking the captain unconscious before he hit the floor. "That was for Ryoko." Stated a very pissed-off Tenchi to the prone form before him. Leaving the Emperor's ship and it's shocked crew, Tenchi tossed the black cube, which Washu had gave him, behind him. ************************************************* 'Mother Washu.' 'Tenchi. Did you find Ryoko?' 'No, she was transferred to a Jurian battle ship.' 'Hold no, let me see if I can locate them for you.' 'Mother Washu?' 'Yes Tenchi.' 'What was that black cube you gave me?' 'Like I said, it was a present for Azusa's crew. All it does is slow the ships travel speed and disrupts all forms of internal communications by replaying a annoying musical piece which can not be turned off by anyone other than me.' 'So its not some thing harmful?' 'Of course not Tenchi. Why do you ask? Oh, I see, you left it with them.' 'Yes.' Laughing a bit at the possible results, Washu contemplates how long of a journey Azusa's crew can expect. Causing her to laugh all over again. 'What is so funny Mother Washu?' (At this point we see the crew of the Emperor's ship trying to shut down all monitor and internal communications. As a purple portly dinosaur is dancing and singing its trade mark song over and over.) 'Nothing. I've found their location.' 'Where are they?' 'Not that far from your present location. Although there appear to be approximately ten vessels in a close cluster moving past the last planet.' 'We are on our way.' 'Take care you two, this one is not going to be easy.' ************************************************** When Washu steps outside her lab everyone, except Emperor Azusa, asks her if there is any news on Tenchi. "Calm down, all of you. Tenchi and Ryo-Ohki are fine. They have already searched Azusa's ship for Ryoko and did not find her there. But they were informed that Ryoko was transported to a second vessel heading for Jurai where she is to be executed." "What!?" shouted everyone. "They should be reaching the other ships in a couple of hours so all we can do now is wait for Tenchi to call back." "Washu-chan you said ships, is there more than one ship taking Ryoko to Jurai." Asked Sasami. "Yes Sasami, it appears that there are nine ships protecting the one Ryoko is being held in." "Can you tell me which ship is the one in the center." Asked Lady Funaho. "I don't know yet. But I will inform you as soon as I can get an identification on it." ************************************************** A couple of hours later, at a distance not far from the planet Pluto. "Captain Lye, there is a vessel closing in from behind at an alarming speed." "Can you identify it?" "Wait one, sir." wondered the Captain as he waited for a response from his first officer. "Sir, it is the Ryo-Ohki." "The Ryo-Ohki, open a communication link with it." "Sir." "I want to know if they represent a threat to us or not." "Sir, Captain Paulaner is hailing us." "What does he want now." Asked Lye in an annoyed tone. "Sir. He asks if we are aware that Ryo-Ohki is closing in on our position and what is our plan of attack." "Tell him and the rest of the ships to hold their positions and not do anything unless we come under fire first." ************************************************** "Ryo-Ohki, how much more time until we intercept them?" "Miya, miya, miya." "Okay, okay, I'll stop asking. I'm just wondering how we will handle this new situation. I don’t believe that the deception we used before will work again. "Miya." "What? How far are they?" "Miya, miya, miya." "So this Captain Lye wishes to communicate with us." "Miya, miya." "I agree, it could be a trap. But maybe we can use this toward our advantage. Ryo-Ohki is there possible way for you to hack into the ships computer system and locate Ryoko, while I talk to the Captain." "Miya." "Good, lets do it. But let's remain alert. I have a funny feeling about this." ************************************************ "Pilot of the Ryo-Ohki, this is Captain Tsarron Lye of the Jurain battle cruiser Altbier. State your purpose for following us." "Captain Lye. This is Prince Tenchi Misaki of the Jurain Royal Family. As to the purpose for my following your ship is simple. I am searching for an acquaintance of mine, the space pirate Ryoko." As the statement was made, the transmission between the two ships was cut off as Ryo-Ohki was hit by a shot fired by one of the Jurai ships. "Evasive maneuvers Ryo-Ohki!" bellowed Tenchi as he started to get off the floor. "Miya, miya, miya." "Damit. We can't destroy any of the ships since we don’t know which one she might be in." "Miya, miya." "Well she might be on his ship but lets not take any chances." Replied Tenchi as Ryo-Ohki was hit by a couple of more shots. "Can we disable the ships without destroying them?" "Miya." "Fire Ryo-Ohki!" Back in Captain Lye's ship the crew scrambles to find out who fired the shot in question. "Who gave the order to fire!" Shouted Captain Lye. "Sir it appears that the origin of the blast came from Captain Paulaner's ship." "Open a communications line with that nitwit now!" "Yes sir." "Who gave you permission to fire Captain Paulaner?" demanded Captain Lye. "Captain Lye, I am following our orders as dictated by our Emperor. And they clearly state that we are not to allow any ships to stop us from transporting the prisoner to Jurai." "I know what our orders are! But until you are placed in-charge of this mission, you will follow my orders. Is that understood!" "Yes Captain Lye." "Well now due to your incompetence, we will have to disable them in order to prevent any further interruptions. Back at the Misaki residence both family and guests sit together as they eat their evening meal. Stepping out of her lab Washu searches for one individual. "Hello everyone, how is dinner?" "Little Washu, have you heard form Tenchi and Ryoko yet?" asked both Lady Funaho and Sasami. "No, not yet." "Miss Washu, where is Lord Tenchi!" bellowed Ayeka as she was beginning to lose her nerve and wanted to know some answers to his present situation. Looking sternly at the princess, Washu replies. "What did you call me?" "Ugh…Little Washu. I meant to say little Washu." Replied a startled Ayeka. "Good. Now as I had said before, Tenchi is still looking for Ryoko and will call me once they are both safe." After hearing this everyone began to leave the table and let the red hair scientist eat her meal in peace. "Lady Funaho could you help me with an important matter in my lab?" replied Washu as she grabbed a plate of food to go. "Of course Little Washu." Once inside the lab Washu turns on several monitors and informs Lady Funaho of a plan to help Tenchi. Looking at one of the monitors while explaining her plan Washu stopped and paid closer attention to the situation on the screen. "Lady Funaho, can you identify this ship?" "That is the Altbier, its Captain is an outstanding officer by the name of Tsarron Lye." "Well it looks as if he is willing to avoid any unnecessary confrontation by talking with Tenchi." "Oh yes, he used to be one of my best intelligence officers before he was given command of his own battle cruiser. He prefers to find out the intentions and as much information of his adversaries before making any decision which involve combat." "What the…" stated Washu as she turned form the blank monitor to her computer. After reading the information coming back from Ryo-Ohki she informs Lady Funaho of the new situation. "They are under attack." "Who fired the first shoot." "From what Ryo-Ohki is sending back it appears that one of the Jurain vessels fired first." "Little Washu, can you open a communications line with Captain Lye's ship." At the same moment a knock is heard from the closet door that leads into Washu's lab. "Who is it? I'm busy at the moment, come back at a later time." "Little Washu, it's me Misaki" "Lady Misaki." "Sister get in here. We need your help." ************************************************* "Ryo-Ohki, target the ship that fired at us first. I'm about to try a maneuver I saw on an animation program." "Miya!" "We don't have any other choice." "Miya, miya, miya." Firing a blast in front of the targeted ship they were able to conceal their actual intended maneuver. Once in place, Ryo-Ohki fired a second shot at the crafts starboard side disabling its weapons and main engines. Using the same maneuver but with various changes to which ships were the actual targets they were able to immobilize four more vessels. "Who says you can't learn any thing useful from animation, aye Ryo-Ohki." "Miya." ************************************************** Quickly informing Lady Misaki of the situation at hand, Washu activates the communication line to the Altbier. "Captain, there is an incoming communication form the planet Earth." "Is it Emperor Azusa?" "No sir, it is the empresses." "Which one?" "Both, sir." Answered the communications soldier nervously. "Open the com-line soldier. Don't keep them waiting." "Y...Y..Yes sir." As the view screen comes on both Captain and crew see a stern faced Lady Funaho and a pissed off Lady Misaki causing everyone to sweat at the thought of the probable pain to be inflicted by her personally. "My ladies, how can I be of service to you?" "Captain Tsarron Lye. It has come to our attention that your men are presently engaged in a battle with the Ryo-Ohki." "Yes Lady Funaho, that is correct." "Stop this battle now!!!" bellowed Lady Misaki into the screen. "Yes my lady." Turning to the communications officer, Captain Lye relays the order. "Sir, half of our ships are still engaged in battle." "Tell them to cease fire at once. That is a direct order from both Empresses Funaho and Misaki." "Captain." Called Lady Funaho. "Yes my lady?" "Is the space pirate Ryoko in your custody?" "Yes she is my lady, as dictated by your husbands orders she is being detained within a cell in the ships brig." "Captain, I want you to release her and put her in one of the royal guest suits. Also, Prince Misaki will be joining you shortly and will be Ryoko's caretaker on your return trip to Earth." "My lady, what of your husbands orders?" "These new orders take precedence at the moment. Is that understood?" "Yes Empress Funaho." "Captain, one more thing. Since we know how this scrimmage began, please bring the Commanding officer of the vessel that fired the first shot. My sister would like to have a couple of words with him." "Yes Empress Funaho." *************************************************** "Any ideas why they stopped firing at us Ryo-Ohki?" "Miya." Appearing on a screen before him is Washu, Lady Funaho and Lady Misaki. "Hi Tenchi." Greeted all three together. "Hello Ladies Funaho, Misaki and Mother Washu." "Thought we should give you a helping hand." Replied Washu. "Tenchi, Ryoko is in Captain Lye's ship and has been moved into the royal guest suit. Also, he is expecting you and will be your host on your return trip back home." Stated Lady Funaho. "Did the Captain say anything about Ryoko's condition?" "No, all he said was that she was being held in a cell. Why, is there something we should know about?" "Captain Gateaux said that he had to knock her unconscious to avoid any possible escape attempts." "Sister, I guess I will have to deal with him as well." "No need to concern yourself Lady Misaki. I have taken care of it already." Stated Washu with a mischievous grin. ***************************************************** In the Emperors ship we see a groveling Captain Gateaux clamor. "Help me mommy, make the bad thing go away. Mommy!!!" As the ships’ monitors feature the purple menace while its music play is being played through the intercom system at maximum volume. ***************************************************** Once aboard the Altbier, Captain Lye greets Tenchi. "Prince Misaki, welcome to the Altbier." "Thank you Captain. But can you take me to Ryoko." "Of course. Please follow me, I'll take you to her room." "Captain, can you tell me how she is doing." "At the present, she is sleeping." ****************************************************** "Sister, how long did Captain Lye say he would take to reach Earth?" asked Lady Misaki. "Captain Lye assured us that he would arrive by tomorrow afternoon." "That's great. We have plenty of time to set up a new wedding for Tenchi and Ayeka." "Sister, it would be best if we waited to find out what happened between Ryoko and Ayeka." "Funaho, are you implying that our husband lied." "What I am saying is that we must not jump to conclusion at this time. We have only heard one person's side of the story at this point. We must give Ryoko a chance to tell us her view of the incident in question." "Very well sister, we will wait to see the outcome of this situation. But after this is settled, Tenchi and Ayeka can be wed." ******************************************************** Finally arriving at Ryoko's room, Tenchi sees that she is indeed sleeping. Walking over to the bed, he leans over and gently moves a couple of strands of hair from her face. "Ryoko, its me Tenchi are you okay." When there was no movement on her part, he reached for her hand and held it in a firm yet tender hold. Sitting next to her, he continued to speak to her as he tried to hold back the tears. "Ryoko, please wake up. It's me Tenchi. (Tenchi begins to cradle her in his arms as the tears start to descend down his face.) "Please don’t leave me Ryoko, I love you. I love you." Repeated Tenchi as he held her within his arms. Hearing the faint murmur of a few words, Ryoko slowly begins to stir as she tries to wake up from her slumber. Engulfed by the excitement that she may wake up soon Tenchi call to her once more. "Ryoko." As she slowly started to open her eyes the brightness of the light in the room caused her to shut them back up immediately. stated Tenchi through the mental link as he lightly kissed her cheek. Yelled Ryoko through her mind as she tried once more in vein to open her eyes. Replied Tenchi as he kissed her passionately. replied Tenchi as he touched his gem with hers. Ryoko began to feel a bit dizzy as the information in Tenchi's gem was being transferred over to hers. As she absorbed the information, small bits of information began to stand out causing her curiosity to investigate. What she found were the feelings which Tenchi harbored deep within his heart for her. Experiencing the happiness she brought him whenever she was with him, plus the sadness he experienced in her absence caused her to weep as Tenchi held her throughout out the entire ordeal. Rocking her slowly in an attempt to calm her, Tenchi said. "Ryoko, I wanted to tell you about the deal I had with Azusa before the engagement were to be announced. Especially since I wanted you to be my wife. Not my second wife as suggested by Lady Funaho, but as my first wife. When you left the house crying I thought about you all the time. I also hated myself for causing you so much pain. Seeing the grief in your eyes was more than my heart could take because I knew that it was I who caused the pain. Ryoko, I don't know if you can ever forgive me." Surprised by his statement, Ryoko turned around to look at him as she could only transfix on one portion of his statement. "Y…You…you wanted to marry me?" "Yes." "T…Tenchi. There is something I must tell you about me." "Is it anything about your past?" "No." Wanting to cry once more she held back the tears as she continued her statement. "Tenchi. I…I…I can't have any children." Tenchi stayed silent holding onto Ryoko as she began to cry on his chest. "Washu did a physical on me right after the incident with Ayeka. According to her, you and I are not compatible. I'm sorry Tenchi, I know how much you want to have a family." "Ryoko if you are trying to push me away its not working. We already have a family back on Earth. We have Grandpa, dad, Mihoshi, Ayeka, Sasami, Mother Washu, and more especially we have each other." "But…" Putting a finger to her lips in an effort to silence her, Tenchi loosens his hold as he begins to stand up. Surprised by his actions, Ryoko quietly observes Tenchi next movement as she sits on the edge of the bed. Grasping a hold of her hand, Tenchi begins to kneel before Ryoko. Causing her to gasp in astonishment as she realizes what his intentions are. "Ryoko, we have been close to one another since the first time we had seen each other by you’re cave. We both experienced the joy of childhood by playing with one another in a fantasy world of demons and samurais. And we both tried to comfort each other whenever one of us was sad. You are a part of my life, one that I would never dream of replacing. I love you with all my heart and soul. And I would be honored if you would accept me as your husband. Ryoko, will you marry me." As tears of joy ran down Ryoko's cheeks, she replied. "T…T…Tenchi. Yes!!! Yes, I'll marry you!" As Tenchi began to stand up he brought Ryoko into a gentle embrace where he began to give his future wife a passionate kiss. "I love you Ryoko." "I love you too Tenchi." ********************************************************* The journey to Earth did take one day as Captain Lye estimated giving the newly engaged couple some time alone. When they arrived on Earth, both the Empresses and Washu met Tenchi, Ryoko and Captain Lye. Not wanting the rest of the families to know of their arrival they were quickly escorted into Washu's lab. Once they had entered through the portal doorway Washu led Tenchi and Ryoko into one of her examination rooms. While in a separate room, the Captain stayed with the Empresses and briefed them on the orders given to him by the Emperor and the treatment of Ryoko while being held in Jurain custody. Ryoko's physical was completed within a few minutes but the end result puzzled Washu. It took her two hours to find out what the difference was between this exam and the one she did a few days ago. When she found the problem in her equation, Washu wanted to kick herself for doing such an elementary mistake. How could she have forgotten to carry the one in that particular step of the equation? "Is something wrong, Mother Washu? You seem to be preoccupied with something." Asked Tenchi as Washu led them to the room where the other party was. "Hold that thought, Tenchi." Stated Washu as she walked into the room and sat down next to Lady Funaho and Misaki. Whispering to them about the new results, both women stared in shock at Ryoko causing her to become nervous. "What!? What is it? Is there something wrong with me?" asked Ryoko who began to hold on to Tenchi's hand a bit tighter. "There is nothing wrong with you Little Ryoko. The Empresses are just a bit surprise about the results from your physical." Stated Washu. "I'll say!" piped in Lady Misaki. "Ditto." Replied Lady Funaho who smiled at both Tenchi and Ryoko. "Well, what is it that has everyone surprised." Voiced Tenchi. "A while back I performed a similar physical on Ryoko and the final results differed considerably from those of today's physical. You are in perfect health Ryoko, but due to a mistake on my part, I had given you some incorrect information." "Washu, what are you trying to say." Uttered Ryoko as the tension started to get to her. "What I am trying to say is that you and Tenchi can have a baby and start a family of your own whenever both of you are ready!" replied Washu. "What?" uttered Tenchi as he looked back and forth between Ryoko and Washu. "A baby. I can have a baby with Tenchi?" voiced Ryoko in a whisper like voice. "Yes my Little Ryoko." Replied Washu as tears began to leave her eyes. Overjoyed by the news Ryoko ran up to Washu and embraced her as she repeated saying, "Thank you mom." Followed by Ladies Funaho and Misaki who were swept up in the mood by the scene of mother and daughter comforting one another. ********************************************************** Once the celebration had died down, the group left the lab to announce the arrival of Tenchi and Ryoko to the families. As they step out into the living room Sasami was the first one to greet them. "Tenchi, Ryoko you’re back!" cried the little princess happily as she hugged both of them. "Lord Tenchi, you are safe." Voiced Ayeka behind her sister. "Tenchi, its good to have you back home safely my son." Bawled Nobuyki. "Welcome back Tenchi, Miss Ryoko." Stated the two guardians. "We hope you are not mad at us Miss Ryoko. We were only following order." Whispered the two. "I'll talk to you guys later about that." Replied Ryoko as her eyes turned red, scaring the two floating logs. "We are in for a world of hurt, Azaka." "No need to tell me Kamadake." "You!!! You ruined all of my plans!" bellowed Emperor Azusa as he pointed at Tenchi. "Azusa!" Screamed Ladies Funaho and Misaki in surprise to there husbands outburst. "Boy, you will learn what it means to cross my path. Especially that space wench of yours when I am through with you." "Bring it on Azusa!" shouted Ryoko. "I will not allow you to lay one hand on her as long as I am around." Replied Tenchi as he stepped in front of Ryoko. "Enough!!!" Shouted Yosho. "I will not allow any blood shed in my house. If you are going to fight one another, take it outside." "Yosho, both you and your grandson are as of now considered traitors to the Jurain Empire for harboring and aiding in the release of an assassin." "That’s funny, I could have sworn you were the assassin." Stated Washu. "I will personally deal with you later, Washu." "Wait!" "Quiet Funaho." Uttered the Emperor. "Azusa! Let my sister say what is on her mind if you know what is good for you." "Ugh…Very well Misaki." "Thank you sister." Said Lady Funaho as she bowed in thanks to Lady Misaki. "Now then Azusa, we have heard your version of the incident in question. But now I would like to hear Ryoko's if you don't mind." "What is this!? You, my own wife, would rather listen to the lies to come from the mouth of that slut! Rather than believe those of your own husband?" "Azusa, I merely wish to hear her and see what she has to say in her defense." Replied Lady Funaho. "Very well." Uttered Emperor Azusa in frustration. As Ryoko informed the families of the event in question, Ayeka began to lower her head in shame remembering how she stood by and did nothing when Azusa imprisoned her. While Ryoko is mentioning the fact that it was Ayeka whom ha started the fight instead of her, the tears began to flow from the princess's eyes. "Do you believe this nonsense. Now she wants us to believe that Ayeka is th guilty one." Retorted Azusa. "Wait one moment Azusa. There is still one more witness who has yet to tell us of the situation." Mentioned Washu. "Ayeka has already testified that what I said is the truth." "I was referring to Ryo-Ohki, not Ayeka." "She can't even talk and the only ones who understand what it is saying are you and your daughter." "True. But I have a device which can replay actual events for us from her memories." "You expect us to believe information you have placed into one of your devices as factual events?" "Am I to understand that you are afraid that the actual truth may come out." Taunted Washu. "Enough! I am through listening to his crap. Guards arrest them!" shouted the Emperor as two dozen solders entered the house with weapons in hand and surrounded all parties inside the house. "Take them outside!" remarked the Emperor as he motioned the soldiers to separate Funaho, Misaki, Ayeka, Sasami, and Mihoshi to one side as they stepped out of the house. "Now to finish what I have started." Voiced Azusa as he looked towards Tenchi's group. "Azusa what is the meaning of this!" yelled Lady Misaki. Ignoring her, the Emperor continued to instruct the soldiers. "All of you men know what to do. Eliminate them!" snarled Azusa as he walked away from the group. "No!!!" yelled Sasami as she cried into her mothers arms. "Father, you said no one was going to be hurt." "Quiet Ayeka!" " You lied to me. You said Ryoko was only going to be locked up for a few days so Tenchi and I could enjoy some time together!" "Ayeka! I said be quiet!!!" bellowed Azusa as he slapped her. Walking away from her, he continued to say. "It does not matter what you have to say anymore, the problem is being dealt with as we speak." "No father. Don't do this." Cried Sasami. "Enough of this. Kill them all, now!!!" As the soldiers fired on the group before them, Ayeka and Sasami fainted while the other three women stood in shock. "Sir, we have a problem." Uttered the commander as he pointed toward the location of Tenchi's group. "What do you…oh crud." Stuttered the Emperor as he looked at the glowing orb which the commander was referring to. Looking within the surface of the sphere he was able to see that the group whom the solders fired on were safe. Yelling at his men to fire once more, Azusa began to notice that his commands were falling on deaf ears as his solders were intrigued in what was before them. As Tenchi released the shield protecting them, whispers could be heard within the ranks of the soldiers of the boy who can yield the Light Hawk Wings. "What are you men standing around for. Kill them!" "But your majesty, the light hawk wings. That boy…he has the power." Replied the commander in amazement. "That does not matter. All evidence and information pertaining to this will be erased from existence. No one will know of the boy or his power." "I very much doubt that Azusa." Stated Washu with a grin. "You see, I took several precautions incase you were to try something like this." "What could you possibly be talking about?" asked Azusa. "I took the liberty of placing several monitoring devices around the area. They have been able to record everything which has happened since we stepped outside of my lab." "That makes no difference to me." "Oh, did I forget to mention that they are also televising all of this live throughout all intergalactic broadcast stations." Stated Washu with a smile. Realizing that all his plans had been ruined, Azusa decides to eliminate his biggest threat alone. While still embraced with the power of the light hawk wings, Tenchi uses tenhci-ken to block Azusa's attack. Not wanting to harm their Emperor accidentally, the solders merely stood by and hoped for his safety. Tenchi blocked each of Azusa's attacks as he desperately tried not to harm him. Tired of looking like a fool in front of his family and men, Azusa did one final attack. Holding the blade above his head, he brought the weapon down with all his might. Realizing the Emperors intent, Tenchi deflected the on coming blade to his right and trusted Tenchi-kens blade upward into Azusa's chest. As everyone gasped in horror, Tenchi could feel a part of the Jurain power leave Azusa's body. When Azusa's weapon vanished from his hand the transfer of power was complete. Releasing Azusa from the Tenchi-kens hold, Tenchi addresses the man kneeling before him. "Azusa, for the misuse of your power as Emperor of Jurai, Tsunami has entrusted onto me the task of removing your Jurain power. You have been allowed to retain the strength equal to that of a normal Earth male. As of this moment on you will no longer be considered the Emperor of Jurai. Tsunami has asked me to rule in your place until the people of Jurai can construct a system of government which can benefit all of its citizens." "You can't do this!" Bellowed Azusa. "I am merely following Tsunami's instructions." Replied Tenchi as he walked away from him. When Tenchi left Azusa lying on the ground weeping like a baby, his family immediately rushed to comfort him. Tenchi on the other hand was embraced by Ryoko who immediately started to check him for any injuries. ************************************************************ As the week progressed, the citizens and leaders of planets with relations to Jurai accepted the new Emperor. While on Jurai itself a small faction headed by a couple of nobles attempted a coup in the hopes of restoring Azusa as Ruler. But their attempt was in vain as the people of Jurai defeated the faction without any military help. The people of Jurai were intrigued about their new Emperor and wanted to learn more about him. That they all watched their television screens in anticipation as the wedding of their Emperor was being aired live. They were especially eager to find out whom he was going to marry and be their new queen. "Tenchi, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife through sickness and in health till death do you part?" asked Yosho who was doing a western wedding this time around. "Yes, I do." "By the power invested in me. I now pronounce you man and wife or should I say Emperor and Empress of Jurai. You may now kiss the bride." As the happy couple kissed cheers were echoed throughout space as everyone wished good luck to them. "Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present to you the new Emperor and Empress of Jurai, Tenchi and Ryoko Misaki." End