Disclaimer: Tenchi Muyo! is owned by AIC & Pioneer, I do not own any of these characters. This fanfiction has been written for fun, not for financial gain. **************************************************** Saki \Sa'ki\ (s[aum]'k[-e]), n. a Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. (also spelled "sake".) ~"webster's dictionary"~ *** Masaki Saki - Part One: "Secret Ingredient" written by: jim jurai *** It was a very hot June afternoon at the Masaki house, as Tenchi Masaki worked diligently in his carrot patch. "This is hopeless!" Tenchi shouted. "Insects are destroying the entire garden. All those hours of hard work for nothing." Tenchi sat down on the ground in disgust. "How am I going to fix this?" he thought to himself. "I've tried everything, but nothing I do seems to help." "Ahem," Tenchi didn't notice Sasami, who had overheard everything. "Ahem," coughed Princess Sasami again. "Hi Sasami," Tenchi came out of deep thought. "How are doing this evening?" "Fine, thank you." Sasami answered as she sat on the ground next to Tenchi. "Sasami, you shouldn't," cautioned Tenchi. "You'll get dirty." "Oh, I don't mind," Sasami placed her arms around her knees and gazed up at the blue sky. "Earth is a beautiful place, isn't it Tenchi." "Yeah," Tenchi ran his fingers through the dirt without paying much attention. Sasami lowered her head and sighed. "Is something wrong, Sasami?" Tenchi suddenly noticed that the young princess seemed depressed. "I'm fine," Sasami never looked up. "I just miss Jurai, I guess." "It must be difficult to stay away from home," Tenchi couldn't imagine leaving home to live somewhere else, much less going to another planet. "It is," Sasami muttered. "You know what I would like to do this weekend?" Tenchi had an idea. "What Tenchi?" Sasami raised her head. "Go on a picnic with a pretty girl," Tenchi smiled hoping to cheer up Sasami. "Oh," Sasami whispered and lowered her head once again. "So, will you accompany me?" Sasami, very surprised, looked at Tenchi with a huge smile on her face, "I would love to go on a picnic with you Tenchi." "Great, then it's settled," Tenchi struggled to his feet and looked at the small garden. "I guess I should get back to work," his smile turned into a frown once again. "Maybe Washu can help you fix the garden," Sasami suggested as she stood up dusting her clothes. Tenchi didn't like the idea of getting Washu involved, because that could only lead to some sort of disaster. "I don't think it would be a very good idea to...," Tenchi was interrupted before he could finish his thought. "Did someone say Washu, help, and garden," said the pink haired goddess who appeared out of nowhere. "Oh no," Tenchi unintentionally thought out-loud. "What was that?" Washu asked. "Nothing, I mean, uh, I wouldn't dream of bothering you with such a trivial matter, Little Washu," Tenchi said as a bead of sweat ran down his temple. "Its no problem, solving a trivial matter could be a nice break for the greatest scientific genius in the universe," Washu laughed. "I've been cooped up in my lab for three weeks, I could use a break. Now why don't you tell me all about your little problem." "That's great, Washu!" Sasami cheered. "Just perfect," Tenchi said sarcastically. "What was that?" Washu stared at Tenchi. "I said, that would be just perfect," Tenchi sweat dropped. Meanwhile, Noboyuki had just arrived home from work, and stopped by the shrine to pay Yosho a visit. "So father, do you have the Saki? You know, the special kind that I like best," Noboyuki said with a grin. "Sorry Noboyuki, but I won't have the special kind until tomorrow," Yosho responded, then continued his meditation. "Dammit, I've been looking forward to this all day and now I have to wait until tomorrow," Noboyuki was very displeased. "DAMMIT!!!" "Ah Ah Ah, no swearing in the shrine, son-in-law." "Sorry, father," Noboyuki said with his head hanging down as he walked toward his home. *** In the deep vastness of space, Mihoshi and Kiyone, were patrolling their section of the universe aboard the Yagami. "Kiyone, I'm starving," grumbled the blonde galaxypolice woman. "But, you just ate two hours ago Mihoshi," said a very annoyed Kiyone. "Do you think we can eat dinner at Tenchi's house tonight?" Mihoshi asked, as she spilt coffee all over the control panel. Kiyone started to yell at Mihoshi for spilling her drink, but she thought what's the use, "Well Mihoshi, I don't think that would be a good idea, we had dinner at the Masaki house last night. I don't want to be such a burden." "Oh Kiyone, they don't mind. Besides our apartment smells bad," Mihoshi sobbed. Anger got the best of Kiyone, "Well, if you hadn't allowed that fat kid from next door to use our bathroom, our apartment wouldn't be in such a mess!" *** "There now it's cut evenly, right down the center," said Ayeka holding a knife in her hand. "You've got to be kidding, Ayeka!" exclaimed Ryoko. "Your share is much larger than mine." "Don't be such a greedy b-b-bit...monster, Ryoko." "Why don't you just say it. You were going to call me a greedy bitch weren't you," Ryoko growled. "A proper lady would never use such vulgar language," Ayeka retorted furiously. "Unlike a space demon like you, Ryoko." "Yea, and a proper lady would never take the last cookie," Ryoko said as she grabbed the cookie from the kitchen table and ate both pieces with one bite. "That does it," Ayeka was enraged. "It's about time you were disciplined for such rude behavior." "I suppose you're the one to do so," Ryoko replied with a devilish grin. "Well bring it on, Princess!" Ryoko said as she formed a light sword in her right hand and a sphere of electrical energy in the other. "You've gone too far this time, devil woman," Ayeka glared at her opponent. "Azaka, Kamidake!" Ryoko looked around the room, "Well, it looks like the sweet little princess is all alone." "Wait a minute, Ryoko," Ayeka screamed. "No time to waste," Ryoko threatened and hurled the energy ball at Princess Ayeka, who deflected the blast with an energy shield. The blast of energy glanced and struck a nearby wall. "What's that racket?" Noboyuki stepped into the kitchen. "Oh my goodness, how did that big hole get in the wall!" "Oh, don't worry father," Ayeka said innocently. "We were just remodeling the kitchen as a surprise for Tenchi." "Yea," Ryoko played along. "Tenchi never liked that wall anyway." "Very well, carry on then," Noboyuki was pleased. "Such nice considerate young ladies, and they're interested in architecture too. Tenchi is very lucky." Noboyuki thought to himself as he walked to his room. "Shall we continue?" Ryoko floated into the air with light sword in hand. "Just one second if you don't mind," Ayeka cleared her throat. "Azaka, Kamidake." There was no answer. "Where could those two be?" "Sorry, but Azaka and Kamidake are busy at the moment," Washu entered the room and sat at the table. "Miss Washu, have you seen them?" "Sure Ayeka," Washu said as she placed chemical bottles on the table. "They had nothing better to do, so I sent them to get me some gysahl greens from the mountains. That was a few hours ago, so they should be back anytime now." Ryoko descended to the floor and her light sword vanished, "What are gysahl greens?" "Just something I need in order to help Tenchi." "Help Tenchi, then you should have sent me instead of those bumbling logs." Ryoko said very concerned. "Is Tenchi in trouble Miss Washu?" Ayeka pleaded with the scientist. "I'm not telling...Unless." "Washu, what the hell is going on?" Ryoko's light sword suddenly reappeared. "I'm not telling unless you call me, Little Washu." "Okay," Ayeka complied. "Little Washu, What's wrong with Tenchi?" "Nothing really," Washu grinned. "He is just having trouble with the garden, and I'm helping," Ryoko's light sword vanished. "Miya," Ryo-ohki was beneath the table eating a carrot. The little cabbit had been there the entire time, and she didn't like the idea of Tenchi having trouble with his garden. "Miya," Ryo-ohki stood at Washu's feet. "Ryo-ohki there you are," Sasami walked into the room with Tenchi close behind her. "Oh no, what happened to the kitchen?" Sasami was upset when she saw the destruction. Tenchi noticed the missing wall, "Ryoko, what did you do this time?" "Why do you automatically assume that its all my fault?" Ryoko wrapped her arms around Tenchi's neck. "I have my reasons," Tenchi gasped for air. "Ryoko, remove your hands from Lord Tenchi at once," Ayeka commanded. "Why should I, Tenchi doesn't mind. Besides were madly in love." Ryoko grasped tighter around Tenchi's neck. "Hey, cut it out," Tenchi squirmed. "I'm choking." "Release him at once, or I'll...I'll," "Or you'll what," Ryoko released Tenchi and glared at Ayeka. "Alright you two, cut it out," Washu said as she mixed some chemicals. "Before I give both of you a spanking." "All of you should stop arguing, you're upsetting Ryo-ohki," Sasami reached the cabbit another carrot. Ryo-ohki accepted the gift with great enthusiasm. Washu jumped up from the table holding a container, "It's all finished. All I have to do is add the gysahl greens." "What is that stuff going to do to my garden?" Tenchi asked a little concerned. "Get rid of all the pests, of course," Washu chuckled. "However, there is one precaution." "I knew it," Tenchi grumbled. "Once you sprinkle the treatment throughout the garden no one may eat any carrots for three days. Then everything will be as good as new, problem solved." Washu looked at Tenchi with very serious eyes, "Remember Tenchi, no one gets any vegetables from that garden for three days." Ryo-ohki dropped the remaining portion of her meal and ran out the door. "Ryo-ohki where are you going?" Sasami ran after the cabbit. Meanwhile in the Masaki Shrine storage room, Yosho was mixing a few chemicals of his own. "Well that about does it," Yosho grinned proudly. "Now all I have to do is add my secret ingredient," Yosho opened a cabinet door. "Nothing but gysahl greens. This just won't do," Yosho frowned. "I must add carrots to my home-brewed Saki, or it won't have that special taste that Noboyuki enjoys so much." Yosho walked outside for some fresh air, and noticed Azaka & Kamidake slowly floating past the shrine. "What are you two doing out so late in the evening?" Yosho inquired. "We are returning home from a failed mission," Kamidake answered sadly. "Interesting," Yosho said while adjusting his eyeglasses. "Miss Washu sent us into the mountains to find some gysahl greens for her experiment, but we failed to find any," Azaka sounded heartbroken. "We were so overjoyed at being asked to do something, we forgot to ask Miss Washu what gysahl greens looked like." "No need to be discouraged," Yosho comforted the two. "I just happen to have some gysahl greens in the shrine." The two logs floated around in joy. *** "Mihoshi, will you wake up, we're suppose to be on duty!" Kiyone yelled and kicked her partner's chair. "She's hopeless," Kiyone gave up. "Oh Kiyone, will you sing just once more," Mihoshi murmured in her sleep. "If I could be so carefree, like Mihoshi," Kiyone thought to herself as she took an aspirin and sat down. "Life could be so much more simple. I wouldn't have to worry about anything, and still it would all work out." Kiyone placed her hands over her ears and screamed. "What's going on, Kiyone?" Mihoshi rubbed her eyes. "Glad to see you finally decided to wake up," Kiyone smirked. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot," Mihoshi giggled and ran to the broom closet next to the cockpit. "Your birthday present, Kiyone." Mihoshi retrieved a package wrapped in pretty paper, and presented it to Kiyone. "That's very considerate, Mishoshi," Kiyone smiled. "Even though it isn't my birthday," she mumbled to herself. "Open it Kiyone, while I take your picture," Mihoshi was very excited. Kiyone unwrapped her gift, "Final Fantasy IX, for the sony playstation." "Say cheese," Mihoshi snapped the camera. "Do you like it Kiyone?" "It's wonderful, just what I needed," Kiyone was being sarcastic. "Remember, when you saw the commercial for it on T.V., and you said that you would give up anything just to play that game?" Mihoshi asked. "Actually I think it was you who wanted the game so badly, after seeing the commercial," Kiyone corrected her partner. "Oh no," Mihoshi's eyes began to tear up. "What's wrong now?" "I'm sorry, Kiyone," Mihoshi sobbed and reached her the photo she had just taken. "My thumb got in the way." "Don't worry about it Mihoshi, let's just go home," Kiyone spoke softly. She knew that Mihoshi meant well. "Can we go to Tenchi's house?" Mihoshi's face brightened. "I suppose," Kiyone took control of the ship. "Yagami, set coordinates for planet Earth." "Yay!" Mihoshi cheered. *** "I don't know about this," Tenchi looked at the mixture as he walked to his garden. "I hope Washu knew what she was doing." "Hey Tenchi," Sasami yelled. She and Ryo-ohki were waiting for Tenchi just outside the garden. "I was wondering were you two ran off too." "Ryo-ohki and I decided to gather a few carrots before you use the treatment. Is that okay with you Tenchi?" Sasami reached down and scratched Ryo-ohki behind the ear. "I think that's a good idea, Sasami." Tenchi knew that it would be impossible to keep Ryo-ohki out of the garden unless they stocked up on carrots now. "Great!" Sasami began collecting a few more of the best carrots with Ryo-ohki's help and approval. Tenchi examined the mixture again, "What could possibly go wrong, it's just bug killer." Tenchi laughed at himself for being so paranoid. "After all Washu is the greatest scientific genius in the universe." Sasami noticed that Tenchi was laughing. "It's nice to see you being happy, Tenchi," Sasami grinned and put one last carrot into the basket. "Let's go Ryo- ohki," Sasami struggled to pick up the heavy load. "Just leave the basket with me, Sasami. I'll bring it home when I'm finished here," Tenchi said as he walked into the middle of the garden. "Okay Tenchi," Sasami set the basket on the ground. "Are you coming with me, Ryo-ohki?" Sasami questioned the cabbit. Ryo-ohki shook her head in refusal. "You want to stay with Tenchi, so you can be close to the carrots, don't you?" Sasami giggled and went on her way. Tenchi sprinkled Washu's treatment throughout the garden. He put extra amounts in the locations with the greater infestations. After about twenty minutes, Tenchi had covered every square inch of his small carrot patch. "Well I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens," Tenchi poured the last drop from the container. "Miya," Ryo-ohki chimed. The cabbit had grown very impatient, and wanted Tenchi to hurry. "You've been waiting for me, Ryo-ohki?" Tenchi picked up the basket filled with carrots. "I guess you're ready to go home." Ryo-ohki shook her head in consent. "You don't say," Yosho commented as Sasami told him all about the picnic that She and Tenchi had planned. "And where is Tenchi? He didn't show up for practice today." Yosho removed his eyeglasses and began to polish them with a handkerchief. "There he is," Sasami pointed at Tenchi and Ryo- ohki, walking up the garden path. "Gathering carrots this close too dark, that's strange," Yosho thought to himself. "Sasami, I thought you were going strait home? Ayeka is probably worried." Tenchi set the basket on the ground in front of his grandfather. "Not to worry Tenchi, Ayeka knows that Sasami is with me," Yosho finished polishing his glasses and put them back on. "But how?" Tenchi asked. "Kamidake came looking for me, but grandpa, I mean Yosho, sent him home, so we could talk." "What did you two talk about?" Tenchi was curious. "We talked about when you were a little kid, Tenchi," Sasami giggled. "Did you really think that you could grow a mustache by rubbing chicken...." "Grandpa! Did you have to tell that!" Tenchi interrupted Sasami in the middle of her question. "Just remember to show up for practice, Tenchi," Yosho grinned. "And remember that I have plenty of stories to tell, some even better than that one." "I can't believe I forgot sword practice," Tenchi perspired thinking of what punishment he would receive. "Miya," Ryo-ohki climbed into the basket of carrots. "What are you doing out this late grandpa?" Tenchi asked nervously. "Just enjoying the cool evening air and viewing the beautiful sunset," Yosho answered while reaching for a carrot from Tenchi's basket. Ryo-ohki growled, preventing the old man from taking her prized possessions. "Ryo-ohki how could you," Sasami scolded the cabbit. Ryo-ohki blushed and lowered her head in shame. "That's quite alright, Ryo-ohki," Yosho patted the cabbit on the head. "You just couldn't help yourself." "That's strange," Tenchi thought to himself. "Grandpa hates carrots." "We had better go home, Tenchi. I need to start supper," Sasami pulled at Tenchi's shirt sleeve. "Ryoko and Ayeka like to eat before the prime time T.V. block begins." "Remember Tenchi, we have sword practice every evening at four o'clock," Yosho warned. "Okay grandpa," Tenchi picked up the basket and followed Sasami. After traveling a short distance, Sasami came to a sudden halt. "I just remembered. We didn't warn grandpa about the carrots." "No need to worry about grandpa," Tenchi assured the princess. "He never eats carrots." "Miya," Ryo-ohki sighed. "What's wrong, Ryo-ohki?" Sasami reached out to her friend. The cabbit jumped from the basket into Sasami's arms. "Do you feel bad, because you were rude to grandpa?" Ryo-ohki shook her head up and down. "Then maybe you should go apologize." Ryo- ohki smiled, leaped onto the ground, and ran down the path to meet Yosho. "I don't think that was necessary," Tenchi looked at Sasami. "Grandpa realized that Ryo-ohki meant no harm." "I know, but apologizing will make Ryo-ohki feel better," Sasami explained. Tenchi paused, and observed the Masaki house in the distance, "You're a wise young lady, Princess Sasami." To Be Continued... *** Hope you enjoyed my first fanfiction. Send all comments to: (jimjurai@yahoo.com)