Doug tarbox d_tarbox@yahoo.com Disclaimer:The original story and characters of Tenchi Muyo belong to Pioneer LCD and AIC. and VIZ COMICS. This fan fiction is not for gaining me a profit, as if I could be that lucky. However this story and the new characters introduced are mine. NO NEED FOR THE GAMES GODS PLAY CHAPTER 3 FRIENDS Three weeks have passed since my arrival and I've settled into a comfortable routine with my hosts. My classes require me to go into the city four days a week for half a day, usualy I take the bus there and back except when Mihoshi does the grocery shoping then I get a lift back with her. Mihoshi's driving is well......she drives like she was flying a ground attack jet...while she's reading at the same time. Mom you'll be glad to know that I've gotten religion again, Lord knows (No pun intended!) I'm putting enough wear and tear on my rosary beads. Anyway I'm home about 1 PM and I spend the afternoons usualy under the skilled tutelage of my new Sensei, who I owe all my recent cooking successes to. I still can't beleive how much these girls eat, they're like a platoon of grunts who have been out in the field for a month! I've quickly learned to double all portions whenever I cook. The first time I volunteered to make breakfast I made pancakes and just between Ryoko and Mihoshi they ate a two foot tall stack, which included my portion luckily I made more than enough eggs. On my days and afternoons off I'm usually helping with the chores around the house and shrine or tending the fields with Tenchi. I try to squeze as much drawing time as I can, the country side, the girls, there is just too much to work with here. Working on the shrine has given me plenty of time to get to know Katsuhito a very wise man and a razor wit to be sure. He invited me to spar with Tenchi and himself and there was no way I could refuse. The Old Man is the best swordsman I've ever seen, though I think Tenchi has the potential to one day surpass him...someday. The first week I took a shalacking from both of them, their technique is nothing that I've ever seen and it's only in the last few days that I'm starting to hold my own against Tenchi, barely. There is no question that guy is good, but his confidence is a little iffy. Once he puts the self doubt away he's damn near unstoppable for me at least. Self confidence seems is my new freind's only real problem, especialy with the girls. It's obvious that Ayeka and Ryoko both have it for him bad, Mihoshi too though she's alot more laid back about it. Sasami has a tad bit of a crush on him, though it seems more like he's her big brother and he doesn't mind it. Then there is Washu, who from what Sasami has told me was after him pretty hard too, now much to his relief and my dismay I've cought her eye. This really sucks!! Not because I don't like having a pretty girl hanging on me, but I'd be lucky if she's in junior high, the fact that I really like her only makes it worse. I've had to be constantly on guard against her passess, yet despite that she's fast becoming my best friend here with Sasami a close second. The one thing that bothers me is how kinda vague all of the girls have been ....no very vague about their families and backgrounds, well that and the fact none of them are attending school and only Mihoshi has a job. Not that I know what it is, the only thing I do know is that she take off every 7 to 9 days for the entire day. What really bothers me is the situation between Washu and Ryoko, I wish I knew what the deal was there cause they sure don't act like sisters. I've seen Washu try a number of times to reach out to Ryoko only to get slapped down. Honestly I don't think she even realizes how much she hurts Washu and that bothers me a lot. Ryoko!..Ryoko! She hasn't liked me from the getgo, did I make that much of an idiot out of myself the first day?" I've tried to break the ice a couple of times since then, but she just treats me like I'm hitting on her or trying to pull something over on her. She spends so much time and effort maintaining this Hard Ass persona of hers, I think I've spied the real her a couple of times. Ryoko only comes out from behind her mask when she's either alone or just with Sasami, usualy when she lets Sasami stay up late to watch monster movies without Ayeka knowing about it. I know she thinks that I'm spying on her, but I am an Artist and I want to get sketches of everyone. Well....maybe a few more of a couple of folks than the others and her efforts to avoid me only adds to the challenge! Ooppss! Got side tracked there , but she's a very gentle person inside I beleive, what I can't figure is why she hides it? In a lot of ways Ryoko is the loneliest person I know, outside of myself and of course her sister, maybe that explains why she's so determined in her pursuit of Tenchi. I guess I could ask Sasami after all she's the only person I think she opens up to not that Washu hasn't tried. There is something eating at Ryoko and Washu wants to help....Hell! She's almost desperate to help, but she won't let her get close. GOD!!!! This bites!!..I know I'm starting to like her too much inspite of the fact she hates me and I already like her sister too much as it is, but I can't help but want to help somehow. With a groan I set aside the pen and closed my pockey diary at the sound of someone knocking on my door "Come on in."The door opened "Doug come on we're going to be late for practice with Grandfather."Tenchi said entering the room with a pair of bokkens under his arm, when he saw me at my desk he broke into a smile "You didn't forget did you? Time for our daily beating!". Getting up I shoved the small book into my back pocket "Nope!" and walked over to him taking one of the bokkens "But you know Tenchi? You need to be more positive my friend, we might just hit the Old Geezer today!". Sadly this didn't turn out to be that day as Katsuhito beat us black and blue, but at least we were making him work a lot harder for it. Tenchi and I kept score based on who got nailed the least number of times in a session and for the first time we were tied. That was untill Gramps shattered my sword about two inches above my hands "SHIT!!!". Dropping the useless weapon I stepped into him as he launched a diagonal strike at me and I crossed my wrists into a X catching his forearm to block the blow. Even as I blocked I snapped a sidekick at him (Gotcha Old Man!!) only to have him headbutt me "CRACK", (Maybe not!). Next thing I know I'm flat on my back starring at the point of his bokken sticking in my face "Heh!heh!heh!..Not too shabby there Doug, you've improved a bit . But you need to work on your speed some more." Katsuhito observed chuckling before he helped my up. Tossing a glance at his grandson "Tenchi! Your turn again and I hope you were paying attention?". Tenchi gulped audibly at the wicked gleam in his eye then got up to take his place in the small clearing and fell into a guard position "Allright Grampa....I'm ready.". Backing away from them I noted we were down to only two bokkens and we had started with four (The Old Man is in rare form today!) "Hey you two? I'm going back to the shrine to get a couple more swords before I have to grab a tree limb!" I called out heading back into the woods. Katsuhito called back "You do remember where they are don't you?" and I waved my hand over my head at them "Sure! Be back in a bit." and kept walking as the sound of fighting erupted again "WHAP!! OUCHHH!!!", keeping my voice low "I guess we're tied again.". When I came back out of the shrine I spotted Mihoshi outside sweeping the grounds, deciding that Tenchi could survive a few more minutes on his own I wandered over to chat a little. Mihoshi giggled "Well things have been much calmer since you came, Ayeka and Ryoko used to get into humongus fights all the time over Tenchi and everything."I just stood there nodding my head "Really now." trying to imagine those two being more openly competative. Anyway she told me all about the last time the two had squared off in graphic detail. Fortunately Washu had spent a GREAT deal more time programming a certain Blonde's translator so neither of us was aware that as she told her story that chairs and lamps were replacing energy blasts and force shields. Still the censored version sounded like something from the set off Jerry Springer or Geraldo Riveria. She had just finished when I decided to have a little fun along with finding out somethings after all that was such a nice tank top she was wearing I might be in for a nice show. "That's amazing Mihoshi! It's hard to beleive they could get that violent, especialy Ayeka, she's always so refined acting. But let me ask you something...has Tenchi ever taken any of you girls out?". She thought it over "Oh no! I mean we go on picnics and of course there is the family trip to the Hot Springs.", holding up my hand "Are you telling me that with a house full of gorgeous women Tenchi hasn't asked one of you on a DATE?". Her face turned a tad red "You mean like on a real date......just one of us and him?", (My Lord did a light just come on in that dark house?). "Oh NO!! Nothing like that!" and she went into a full blush and started to fidget a little (Things are going as planned, Phase Two.) "Tell me would you like to have Tenchi ask you out on a date Mihoshi?". Her face turned even redder and she averted her eyes as she started to press the tips of her index fingers together "Would.....would I like Tenchi to..to..? Oh My Goodness!! I can't beleive you asked me this it's so......ooopppsss!!" she trailed off starring at something over my shoulder. (CURSES!!!!!! Another second and she would have been bouncing out of that shirt!) I hardly finished that thought when suddenly I felt someone behind me, like right behind me close enough I could hear their breathing (What the HELL?? No one ever sneaks up that close to me!). Turning around I came face to face with a VERY angry Ryoko standing not two feet away (HOW THE HELL DID SHE DO THAT?????). "What the hell do you think your doing MISTER????" she demanded as she poked her finger painfully into my chest. Not wanting a confrontation right now I kept my voice calm "I'm just talking with Mihoshi.". Ryoko wasn't buying it "Baloney!!..I know what your up to ...trying to throw this lint, brained, blonde bimbo at MY TENCHI!! I'm not blind or stupid and don't think that I haven't seen you following me around either you little HENTIA CREEP!!" the girl screamed in my face loud enough for the decibel level to make close my eyes in pain. (This day just keeps getting better and better!) "Listen I'm sorry if I've offended you in any way Ryoko, I promise you it won't happen again. BUT!! What and who I talk to is my business and not yours Thank YOU."and I spun around back to Mihoshi who hadn't uttered a single word. Ryoko looked like she was going to explode (Who does this guy think he is? NOBODY TURNS THEIR BACK ON ME!!!!") she reached for his shoulder to spin him around when she spotted something (What's this?). I felt it get yanked out of my pocket and cursed mentaly (Damn it! I'm not in the mood for this crap.) I spun around only to find Ryoko holding my book, what raised an eyebrow was the fact she was now at least twelve feet back and I had't heard her move, but then I had heard an odd noise that I had never heard before. Holding it out infront of herself Ryoko grinned wickidly "Well! Well! What do we have here?". Resting the bokkens on my right shoulder I tried to stay calm "That's my diary Ryoko! Could I please have it back?", her grin grew as did the malice in her eyes. "A diary? Now I wonder what kind of nasty secrets you've got in here?" it wasn't hard to see where she was going so I asked her again still polite. To Mihoshi's credit she actualy figured out this little incident was not heading in a pleasant direction "Oh My goodness! Don't fight you two! Ryoko diaries are like really private, personal stuff. You shouldn't be messing with that, please give it back?" she implored. The Demoness ignored her and flipped open the book (Washu said these things had an optical reader.) looking to see what what he had written about them, but (Damn! Foregot English is written backwords from Japanese.) and found herself near the beginning (Oh well!). Thumbing thru the pages she giggled to herself then she came to a picture taped inside. It was of an atrractive red-head late teens, written on the bottom was To My Doug Love Chris. She glanced up at the now visiably upset owner "I wonder who this could be Dougy? Maybe I'll start reading here.", "I said give it back NOW!!" his voice was no longer calm as he took a step towards her. Ryoko had never looked so evil as she did standing there one hand on her hip the other dangling my diary infront of her "Oh yeah! Make me!" she taunted mockingly. I was already sore from the earlier beating Gramps had dealt me and my resentment at her attitude towards me flared up as well (THAT'S IT!!). The pirate had only a split second to realize she had done more than finaly crack the strangers composure when he moved. With a snap of a wrist he sent one of bokkens resting on his shoulder spinning at her and he was right behind it raising the other for a blow. "Whaaat??"even taken by surprise reflexes honed over 5000 years kicked in, snapping her free hand up she cought the missle inches from her face even as her other shoved her prize underneath her belt. Still she barely managed to block the first strike "KLAK!!". Her blinding fast reactions oddly didn't surprise me that much so I continued my attack. Parrying another attack Ryoko jumped back to get room to manuever (All right BUSTER!! If you want an ass kicking that's fine with me!) then threw herself onto the offensive. Mihoshi stumbled back away from the two as they circled each other the silence shattered by the rapid crack of wood on wood. (Damn! She knows what she's doing.) I thought (This may not have been my brightest idea to date.) and that moment of wandering concentration almost earned me a broken rib as I just managed to deflect a viscious sidecut . Seeing that she almost landed a hit Ryoko laughed aloud pressing her advantage and driving me back. (FUCUS YOURSELF ON THE HERE AND NOW! THE ONLY THINGS THAT EXIST ARE YOU AND YOUR FOE.) whispered a tiny voice in my head, taking the advice I planted my feet finaly holding my ground even if I was still only defending (GOOD! NOW TAKE HER MEASURE.). Back on balance I sidestepped her next swing and countered with a simple attack pattern which she easily countered, but before she could take the initiative I launched another series of progressively more complex attacks. Ryoko stood toe to toe with him as he methodicaly probed her defenses occassionaly allowing her an opening as if to test her. After a couple of minutes we seperated eyes still locked and oblivious to Mihoshi's pleas to stop. Quickly I went over in my head everything I had learned (She's fast, strong and experienced...but..her style. Something seems odd...wait that's it! It's a self tought style that explains the gaps in her guard.), a smile grew on my face and I said "Play time is over Tuts.". "SHIT!" Ryoko cursed (I can't use my strength or powers and this JERK is taking everything I throw at him.) in fact after her initial advantage once he had gotten on track this fight had reminded her most unpleasantly of her battle with Yakage. On the up side he wasn't lecturing her (DAMN! First Yohso, then Tenchi, Kagato almost Minagi than to Yakage...I can't loose AGAIN! I CAN"T!!) tightening her grip on the bokken her eyes narrowed and she sprang forward. I saw her move and immediatly stepped foreward thrusting my bokken straight ahead. Skidding to a halt Ryoko desperately brought her sword down to knock the thrusting point away from her, but it weaved around like a snake forcing her to wave hers back and forth to keep it at bay. Klak..Klak.Klak in rapid succession he blocked her attacks (This BASTARD is PLAYING with me!) then he took what looked like a wild swing. Seeing an opening she dodged the strike and with a cry swung her weapon with all the strength she dare put into it "GOTCHA!!". Even as she began her attack the Bastard even more quickly had reversed his own movement pivoting completely around while dropping to a kneeling position. Ryoko's sword slashed thru the air where Doug's head had been a split second before and her own momentum carried her body around till that combined with his placed him behind her. WHAP! The bokken struck her on the back on her leg causing it to buckle. Ryoko gasped as she fell to one knee the other numbed, throwing out her left hand to catch herself. Straightening back up I circled back infront of her thinking that this was over till she shrieked "NOOOO!!!" and I dodged back from a wild swing. (I guess I'll just go for a disarm! Some people just don't know when to quit!) raising my blade I stepped towards her then I looked into her eyes and froze. There was a strange tightness in my chest as I locked eyes with this girl who on a single leg refused to give up, somehow I knew that she was backed into a corner emotionaly. (You can win this right now!) the voice whispered (But is the price worth it though?) respect and something else was welling up in me, so I knelt down before her placing my weapon on the ground bowing "I give up.". Ryoko stared dumbfounded at him "You WHAT?"she asked slowly lowering her sword "What did you say?. He smiled at her no hint of his earlier anger, "I said I give up..I can't beat you so the only option is for me to yield. Could you please give me back my dairy?" asking again and holding out his hand. For a moment Ryoko just sat there starring at him, not a minute before she had been so desperate she had considered blasting him (I HATE this guy with a passion! If I had been able to hit I would have pulverized his head and now he goes and does THIS?), all her anger had just melted away replaced by confusion and and something she couldn't name. "Yeah sure here you go." she said handing it back to him then Mihoshi who was nearly hysterical grabbed her shoulders and commenced to shake her violently "RYOKO? OH my! Are you alright, you had me sooo worried?" I covered my mouth to keep from laughing as she shook her like a baby rattle then with Mihoshi's help got Ryoko back on her feet. "Hmm?" I could hear noises from the woods drawing closer sounded like Gramps and Tenchi making their way here in a hurry. The look of fear that flashed across Ryoko's face told me she heard them too,(OH MY GOD! If Tenchi finds out about this he'll be so mad at me.) she thought (What am I going to do?). Hurridly I grabbed up the bokkens and grabbed MIhoshi pulling her face to face "Sorry about that Mihoshi, we didn't mean to scare you like that!" glancing at Ryoko "AFTER all we were just playing around right?". Mihohsi blinked "But..I thought you two were?"confused she turned to Ryoko, as soon as she couldn't see me I mouthed "Play along.". She hestitated unable to believe he had said that, but with Mihoshi starring questioningly at her she decided to just flow with it "Of course MIhoshi! We weren't really fighting Deary....we were just fooling around like Doug said that's all.". Tenchi and Gramps burst out of the woods not knowing what to expect from the sounds they had heard, but seeing me standing there chatting with Mihoshi and Ryoko amiably of all people wasn't one of them. Immediately Tenchi knew something was wrong with this picture but couldn't put his finger on it, Gramps just let out an amused snort "Hmmph! So this is where he's been I see!". Walking up to the group he thought he saw some kind of look exchanged between Doug and Ryoko "Naahh! I'm imagining things." he said under his breath then louder " Everything okay here?". Well our buxum blonde bounded foreward and the instant she opened her mouth we both started to panic. "Tenchi, Grampa! Oh my it was soo exciting you should have been here! They were swinging those sword thingies around at each other.and it was just like that Six....or was it five Samurai movie Ayeka likes so much!". I watched as Tenchi glared accussingly at the cyan-haired girl "RYOKO?", (Time to run interference!) walking up to him all smiles I threw my arm around his shoulder "Tenchi Dude! Why didn't you tell me Ryoko can use a sword? You should have her practicing with you.". That took him by surprise "What?...Well.." but I just kept talking over him "All these years I've never met any girls" then in a loud stage whisper "especialy hot ones who were into Kendo, just fencing with those oversized sewing needles. This was too good an oppertunity to pass up so I threw her a bokken and..". By now having caught on Ryoko was hanging on his arm opposite me with a smile to match mine "AND I was curious to see how good he was and Doug was kind enough to oblige me." looking back and forth between us Tenchi tried to interject something, but I cut him off again "That's right Ryoko, besides I couldn't pass up a chance to show off infront of a couple of gorgeous girls and it did let us breack the ice finaly!" I whinked at her and she whinked back then we both burst into a laugh as he stood there completely lost (What's going on here?). All this time Katsuhito had watched and listened with a bemused smirk stroking his chin "Well I think YOU two have had enough exercise for today." aiming a whink at us "Why don't you BOYS go on down and take a bath?". Quickly agreeing that was a splendid idea I dragged the still bewildered Tenchi off towards the steps "Tell you what Tenchi! Why don't you use the onsen first and..". Watching the two boys disappear Katsuhito shook his head then headed to his office "Girls I'll be doing some paperwork so call me when luch is ready?", "Sure Grampa" Mihoshi replied picking up her broom "Ryoko do you think you could lend me a hand and..." looking around but the Pirate was no longer in sight "Ryoko? I wonder where she went?". We were a third of the way back as Tenchi tried to explain away Ryoko's sword knowledge but I wasn't really listening to him. I couldn't seem to get HER off my mind (Damn it! Stop thinking about her you Idiot! There's no way in Hell of her and me.) then seeing that he had stopped talking and was watching me (Better get a new topic going!) "She's rather fond of you isn't she?". Tenchi nearly tripped as he slammed to a stop "Yeah!....I..guess so!", watching him I couldn't help but see how nerveous he had gotten all of a sudden. Continuing "You don't sound too thrilled by it. Ryoko, Ayeka, all the girls like you an aweful lot!", hestitating for a sec as he studied his shoes "I know it's just...". "But what GUY?" I prompted, Tenchi threw up his hands in exhasperation "It's just that I can't get any privacy!!" and went straight on despite my wide eyed stare. "They're always around me....coming into my room...especialy Ayeka and Ryoko, then there are all the fights and stuff!" taking a couple steps down I turned to look at him ruefully " Tenchi...Tenchi...you have a house of attractive, very likable girls who like you and you make it sound like some terrible burden. Hmmm?" hearing a noise behind me I turned to see Ryo-Oh- Ki hopping up in our direction "Meow!". Walking towards her Tenchi reached out his arms "Hey! What's up there Ryo-Oh-Ki?" the little thing made a beeline to him leaping into his waiting hands. Spying something afixed to her little collar "I wonder what this is?" turned out it was a note. Quickly reading it Tenchi looked back at me "HA! Sasami is running low on some vegetables for dinner, so I need to run by the fields and pick some more.", I offered to help but Tenchi insisted it would only take a few minutes so I should just go ahead and use the onsen first. Standing there all sweaty and sore I couldn't find the energy to try and argue with him so I thanked him and headed to the house. "Tenchi will be here any minute!" Ryoko squeled to herself while setting down the tray by the main pool. An oppertunity to catch her Love in the baths was not something she could pass up, satisfied with the set up she teleported over to a hiding place then phased out of her clothes. "Ooch!" frowning she rubbed the spot where where she had gotten hit oddly it still smarted for some reason "Why did he just give up like that?. She replayed the whole scene in her head and it still didn't make any sense to her, not the way the fight had ended nor him covering for her with Tenchi. Ryoko had no doubts what would have happened if he had found out what had gone on, he would have gotten so angry with her he wouldn't have talked to her for weeks. (Was he trying to throw Mihoshi at him? I'm not so sure anymore.) her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door siliding open "Ooopps!" hunkering down behind a boulder she crossed her fingers "Come on Tenchi Darling! I've got something for you.". Shutting the door behind me I turned to survey the interior of the onsen in wonder (God! This is going to feel great after that shalacking I took!), even though I had been in here before I still couldn't beleive this was real. When I has asked about how they had built the thing Nobiyuki had given me some vague explanation about pending patents and copyrighting etc.... Frankly it sounded like BS to me but as a wise Arab once said "A wise man questions not Allah's gifts!". I moved to the main bath and stripped down to a towel then lowered myself into the water "Aahhhhh!!". Taking a few moments I just shut my eyes and lost myself in the luxurious feeling of the warm water, finaly opening them I busied myself massaging my numerous bruises. Then I noticed the tray set next to the bath "Hmm?" there was a small bottle and a pair of saucer cups. Thinking (That's aweful thoughtful of someone! Tea or hot chocolate perhaps?) I reached over and picked up the bottle bringing it under my nose to sniff (Saki??!!). I stared at it (Someone really went out of their way.) then as I poured a cup (HEY! Wait a second?). Suspicion gleamed in my eyes as I looked around for a certain red- head (I wouldn't put this past the Little Flirt!) , then certain I was alone tossed back the cup "Ahhhhh!". Not a second later I heard a splash behind me like someone had just jumped into the water, spinning around towards the noise "I KNEW YOU WERE.......". Ryoko listened as he got into then water "Please make this work?), then she heard the sound of saki being poured (OH MY GOD! Tenchi is actualy having a drink?). Grinning so hard at her great luck that her eyes were shut she teleported over top of the bath and fell the last couple feet to splash into the water Behind him. However the voice that spoke up wasn't Tenchi's it was HIS voice. Opening her eyes revealed Doug standing in front of her saki in hand with a stupid grin on his face as he ogled her. The next thought thru my head was (DAAAMMMMNNNN!!!), I was paralyzed by the vision before me, literaly unable to NOT look. The moment stretched seemingly forever as I eyed every inch of the curvacious and full figure (NO wonder Tenchi passess out! I'm feeling a tad lightheaded myself!), too bad not being a stranger to the sight of a naked woman nor averse to said sight I didn't faint away, which if I had I might have avoided what followed next. (IT"S HIM!!!!!) Ryoko's mind screamed then her vision went red, her lips drew back in a hiss "You HENTAI BASTARD!". It was obvious now from the dirty smile the DIRTY RAT figured out that she would be here waiting for Tenchi..so he could....could!! The furious look on her face snapped me back to reality (OH CRAP!!!! SHE'S PISSED!!!) and that feeling of danger I felt that first day returned with a vengeance, but before I could attempt to explain Ryoko let out an animalistic scream of rage and sprang at me. Shear instinct made me dive foreward so that she sailed over me. Not wasting a moment I scrambled out of the pool onto the deck and had barely spun back around when she literly exploded out of the water like a sub- launched ballistic missle to land infront of me. (How the F#### did she DO THAT??) The next moment I found myself backpedaling franticly dodging a rapid volley of punches each one closer than the last. In my mind that voice whispered (Focus your mind be it thru pain or fatigue you must be able to FOCUS no matter the situation) under my breath I growled "EASY for you to SAY! I NEVER imagined myself being myself being attacked by a gorgeous NAKED WOMAN!". Ryoko threw a round house right at my head and I snapped up my left to block it. I might as well have tried to block a swung sledgehammer cause her fist smashed my arm aside and clocked me on the chin even as I tried to roll with the punch. Ryoko grinned in predatory glee as she finaly nailed the bastard spinning him around in the air then dumping him in a heap on the floor. "That's right you PERVERT! No more playing around your ASS IS MINE!!" she growled as he struggled to stand. (SHIT!!! She's STRONGER than me!) that thought snapped my mind back into gear and I rolled to my feet. Spitting blood out of my mouth it felt like my jaw was broken if not fractured as did my arm (All right I'm focused NOW!). Falling back into my stance I still tried to explain my way out of this mess "RYOKO LISTEN? Honestly I had no idea you were in here and..". She just snarled "I'm not falling for that MR. NICE GUY ACT again!! YOUR TOAST!!" then she snapped a side kick at me. Once again falling back onto instinct I turned into the kick and brought both arms up to block "WHAAAAAP!!". (You SHOULD have known better than that!). The blow launched the American back a good seven yards before he slammed into a palm tree shaking it to it's top. She almost imagined that she heard some bones break in amongst his scream of agony as the air was knocked out of him, but SOMEHOW he managed to stay on his feet. She growled in fury and disbelief as she advance again "Why don't you just lay down and DIE??". My first thought was (Stronger than me? SHIT!!!! SHE"S STRONGER THAN SCHWARTENAGER!!!!!) then the PAIN hit. I felt something give in my chest and back even as I gasped for air and the world went blurry but by some miracle I stayed on my feet muttering "This'll leave a bruise on my Driver's Photo!" then I heard her coming closer. Doing my best to shut out the pain I pushed off from the tree (I've got to try something else! This is just going to get me killed!!) . Watching him push of from the tree Ryoko thought (I'd better finish him and quick!) and threw a punch at his head. The snake dodged to the outside avoiding her fist but it took her by surprise when he grabbed her wrist and shoulder. Adding my wieght to her momentum I sent her flying past me in what should have been an arm drag takedown save for losing my grip on her wet skin "OOOPPSSS!!!"turned into me sending her hurtling at the tree face first while I spun away helplessly. Ryoko seeing the tree trunk rushing at her teleported to safety. I was in a near panic thinking (Dear Lord! Don't let me have hurt her?) as I recovered my balance but then there was no sound of her smacking into the tree. Spinning around I couldn't find any sighn of her "Where did she...GAAAAAKKK!!" An arm snaked around my neck and jerked my head back squeezing my throat shut (NOW you know WHERE she is!). Desperately I tried to shake her off but she had the choke hold cinched in too tightly "Say GOODNIGHT CREEP!" I heard her hiss in my ear. Now normaly the sensation of a naked female body pressed up against me wasn't something that I'd try to escape from but since she was TRYING to put my lights out I knew I had to do SOMETHING!! (SHIT!!!SHIT!!!SHIT!!) there were a few ways that came to mind for throwing her off but the odds of my head still being attached to my shoulders wasn't very high. (HELL!! She can't get MUCH more pissed than this!) so Ireached my right hand back found her hip and started reaching for her.. Ryoko noticed his struggles growing weaker (FINALY!!) then she felt a hand on her hip that rapidly made it's way towards her "OOOOOUUUUUUUUUUCCCCHHHHH!!!!" the sceam of half pain, half outraged shock split the air. The second she let go of me I stumbled as fast as I could to get some room while I started breathing again. Spinning back around I took one look and (You were saying she couldn't get much PISSED??). Ryoko stood there rubbing her posterior with one hand as she clenched the other so tightly I could hear the tendons creak, her eyes were litterly blazing with fury "You pinched my ASS YOU PERVERT!!!!!!!!". Back at the house in the den Ayeka sat on one of the couches reading a book when the door to Washu's lab opened and the scientist stepped out peering around as if looking for someone or thing. Curious she put down her book "Little Washu? Is there some thing wrong?". Washu moved over to peer into the kitchen with a somewhat worried expression "Hmmmmm.....Have you seen my Daughter in the las few minutes?". The Princess shock her head "Well she did go out earlier for a bath a believe...why?", turning to face her Washu replied "let's just say that I have a BAD feeling about something!". Just then Tenchi came down the stairs with his bath stuff in hand, seeing the two girls "Oh! Hello Ayeka..Hello Little Washu!". Both girls turned towards him with a smile "OH!! Hello Lord Tenchi how was your practice with Brother Yosho?". Tenchi rubbed the top of his head where he had a new knot "Same as usual Gramps beat the daylights out of us again..though for a sec I thought Doug had him!". That drew astonished stares from both the girls, Yosho's legendary swordsmanship had only improved in his 700 year self imposed exile the thought of anyone let alone an Earthling coming close to striking him was unbelievable. "Well I'm off to take a bath see you two later!" he continued staring towards the only to be dragged to a halt by Ayeka "Lord Tenchi you can't go out there now!!", Tenchi looked at her in confusion "Why not Ayeka?". The Princess scowled at him "BECAUSE that Monster Woman is out there in the baths right now...no doubt laying in wait for you so she can try and force her vulgar affections on you again!!". No sooner did she say that and Tenchi's face went white with fear, seeing that Washu tugged on his arm worriedly "Tenchi??...What's the matter?" getting a sinking feeling as a sudden rush of fury leaked thru to her over the link despite someones' best effort to hide it. Tenchi droped his bucket "Doug already went out to the Onsen to take a bath before I got back from the fields!!". There was a moment of shocked silence before all hell broke loose as the three stampeded toward the door. Meanwhile back in the Onsen, "Now Ryoko can't we just calm down and discuss this before someone (Most likely you!) gets hurt?" I implored but she was way beyond that now. Screaming "YOUR DEADMEAT!!!!!"she sprang at me again but instead of dodging to the side I waited till the last second and catching her arms rolled onto my back. Her eyes widened in surprise as both my feet cought her in the gut, she managed to get one hand free and made a grab at me. Kicking both my legs out I sent her careening overtop of me into the pool behind me. Ryoko's cry of shock and rage was cut off by the huge splash, me not wasting anytime rolled to my feet prepared for her next attack. It took a few seconds before she surfaced sputtering water out the she started at me again intent on my death. I was trying to figure out my next move when she she saw something off to her right and came to a screeching stop "What the Hell is she looking at?" I muttered (Why don't you look then?) the voice asked so I did. Off to the side of the pool was a huge body length mirror for the girls and plainly reflected in it was the two of us. It grew quiet save for the sound of running water as we stared at the ludicrous sight of us facing off both stark naked and my towel clenched in her fist...(My TOWL??). Ryoko by now was looking at the towel in her hand then at me just in time to see me break into a deep blush, cause sure enough all he was wearing were bruises and an embarrassed grin. Her eyes darted back to the mirror "Yep!! We're both naked!!" then she heard my voice rather haltingly ask "Could....I.. have my...towel...back PLEASE?". Rolling it up into a ball she tossed it back to me and I quickly wrapped it around my waist as she sank back into the water upto her chin. We must have kept starring at each other for for a good three minutes before we both started to snicker then dissolved into near hysterical laughter. The two of us had barely started to quiet down when we both heard the sound of people rapidly approaching, looking at the door we both muttered in unison "SHIT!!!". Outside the three raced to the onsen as fast as there feet could carry them, all talking at once. Tenchi "Oh BOY!! I hope she hasn't hurt him!!", Ayeka "HOW are we going to explain Ryoko crippling or killing him to the authorities let alone his family?", Washu "As long as she hasn't vaporized him or cut him into little pieces I should be able to put him back together. DAMN IT!! Ryoko if you've killed him!!". Reaching the doors Tenchi threw them open and strated in only stop in surprise, then then girls slammed into him and they all fell foreward into a pile of bodies on the floor. From their new vantage point the girls cuold now see what had stopped Tenchi in his tracks and their eyed grew large as saucers. There sitting calmly together in the bath were Ryoko and I. The fact I was alive was surprise enough, but Ryoko was actualy wearing a towel and dabbing a wet compress to my face as we pleasantly chatted. Except for a swollen jaw and some bruises on my arms and face I seemed alright, course I had another towel tossed over my back so they couldn't see all the damage back there. Anyway I was regailing her with a story of my most idiototic roommate in the Army when my saviors finaly got to there collective feet, but still starring like they were seeing a ghost. Finaly Tenchi ventured "Doug are you ALRIGHT?"then glancing at Ryoko "What happened to you?". Ayeka was not as tactful "RYOKO!!! HOW DARE YOU assault our guest in such a BRAZEN manner? You should be ASHAMED of yourself!!". I could see Tenchi getting to go along with her so I spoke up "Just a second folks if I may? Now you just calm down Ayeka? No need to get your undies in a bind ." Ryoko started to snicker again as Ayeka seemed to verge on a stroke at my comment "No one was fighting, so just let us explain?"It took a few minutes but we convinced Tenchi that I had indeed walked in on Ryoko in the bath and was startled by her presence I tripped and slammed into one of the numerous rocks thus banging myself up, Ryoko had helped me up and we just started talking while she tended to my injury and that was all. I knew niether of the other girls were buying this story but Tenchi being the guilable goof he is fell for it (You need to work on that with your friend! He's far too trusting.). Finished with my bath I got up and moved off behind a large rock so I could put my sweatsuit on "Baths all yours Tenchi!" I called out before clenching a towel between my teeth as I painfully pulled my shirt over my abused back. Dressed I stepped back out as Ryoko appeared from behind some trees in a robe "I think I'll walk back with you to the house Doug besides tee hee..Tenchi will never get undressed with me here." she teased at Tenchi and I readily agreed "Good point can't have him passing out in the pool could drown."then to Ayeka and Washu "That means you two as well! No voyeurs allowed so SHOO!!". With Ryoko's help I herded them out of the onsen leaving a still somewhat baffled Tenchi behind wondering what was going on. I got as far as the house before my legs started to buckle, fortuantely Ayeka had gone ahead to return to her reading and didn't see the two Sisters help me up the other staircase. Once I was situated on my bed Washu stepped back out the door "Back in a second!" then was gone. Out of sight from the room Washu opened a Small Subspace portal and pulled out a First Aid kit while listening in on the Youngsters thru the Link. There was an akward silence as Ryoko stared at her feet then haltingly "I'm..I'm sorry..about back there and at the Shrine..I didn't mean to.." when I cut in "OH YES you did!! Hehehe!" chuckling darkly and wagging a finger at her "Ryoko I wouldn't have given you that sht if I hadn't known you'd take it.". Taking a moment to rub my jaw "You my DEAR play for keeps, but I'm sorry if I've given you the wrong idea about me. I'm not trying to hit on you nor do I have any intention of doing it in the future." She looked up at me then arching an eyebrow in a look of mock disbelief "You DON"T?" then broke inot a small smile. Massaging my jaw still (The pain is going away pretty fast!) as I smirked back at her "Don't think I haven't been tempted Ryoko! Only a complete idiot wouldn't be but I'm guessing you were expecting someone else to be showing up back there..Oh I don't know..maybe..Tenchi?". She started to laugh at that and I just nodded my head "I thought so!! Well no harm done..)wincing for a sec "Make that not MUCH harm anyway. Truce?". Ryoko thought it over for a moment then walking over took my offered hand "Truce!". "WELL!! Isn't that just TOO Sweet?" Washu observed from the doorway, Ryoko snatched her hand back, and came back in with a box under her arm which she set down next to me. "Sister Dear! Go get me some clean,wet cloths would you?" she asked then turning to me "Take your shirt off!" with a ring of authority in her voice . I Obediantly removed my shirt as she rumaged thru the book and Ryoko returned towels in hand from the bathroom. Taking one of them Washu proceeded to clean the numerous scrapes, cuts and abrasions I had aquired then began to check my ribs "OUCH!!! Watch what your doing would you?"I gasped only to have her flash me a reproachful eye "Don't worry! I know what I'm doing, now let me see your arms?". I help them up and bite my tongue as she checked them out, standing back she crossed her arms across her chest and regared first me then her Sister `Well Ryoko!! When you rough house you really ROUGH HOUSE!! No WONDER Tenchi won't play with you." then back to me "You however should be fine, just a bit sore till tomorrow but no permanent damage.". "I've felt better!"I replied to which she answered "You'll live be happy!". That said she went back to the box and pulled out a roll of gauze badanges which she tossed to Ryoko "Rip me off some strips will you? Just a few minutes and we'll have you all finished up Doug.". True to her word she had me bandaged up in a flash, picking up her kit she stepped back with her Sister to admire her handiwork(My what excellent muscle tone you have!) when she noticed something that she hadn't before (That's ODD!!). Stepping back up to me she pointed at my chest "What's that?" indicating the silver chain and necklace hanging around my neck. Ryoko stepped close too surprised that she had not seen it earlier herself "Oh this?" I said holding it up so they could see it better "I've had that since I was a little baby." nudging Washu aside Ryoko took a close look. Dangling from the chain was a FireBird wrought of gold with what appeared to be inlays of fire opal. The former Pirate let out a long whistle of appreciation as you could literaly see the credit symbols dancing in her eyes "It's Beautiful Doug! That thing must be worth a fortune!!". Washu now pushing her Sister aside got a better view "No kidding. Look at the detail of the feathers...the craftmanship is superb." and reaching out she traced her finger along the inlays and immediatly felt a barely perceptable sensation like a low electrical current running thru it. Blinking her eyes she managed to keep any overt reaction from showing even as the sensation flowed thru her as the medallion began to grow warm at her touch. I felt an odd tingle as she traced her finger along the detailing of the medallion, the feeling that I somehow knew her already washed over me again (And her) and we found ourselves falling into the others eyes when Ryoko's voice broke the moment " Hey Doug? Where did you get this from?". Washu shaking her head a bit withdrew her hand and the sensation ebbed away in both of us "Actualy I don't know! My parents told me when I first asked about it that an Angel must have left it in my crib." I explained while pulling on a fresh shirt then seeing the doubt on their faces "HONEST!!!". Washu just nodded before "Well why don't you get some rest? Take it easy the rest of the day and I'll bring your dinner up to you later, Sis and I need to have a little chat first." she said grabbing Ryoko's arm and dragging her out the door. It was a good thing they left because even as they shut the door behind them I wave of sleepiness washed over me and I just fell back onto the bed and closed my eyes. The odd warmth that had begun to emenate from the medallion at Washu's touch slowly spread thorought my body and all my various aches and pains became a mere echo in the back of my mind as it wandered off. The last thing I remembered hearing was "I SAID you coming with me NOW!!!", "OOOOWWWW!!!! Letgo of my ear..OOOUUCHHH!! DAMN YOU WASHU!!!!". A few minutes later back in her lab the scientist demanded a full account of what transpired that day with their guest. Her Daughter very reluctantly recounted the incident at the Shrine, during which Washu had stood there listening quietly till she got to the last part "He WHAT??". Shrugging Ryoko repeated "I said he had me cold and what Washu?"the smaller woman again grabbed her dragging the protesting Pirate to another section of the lab where she found herself strapped into her Mother's Memory Scanner Chair. A now utterly dejected looking Ryoko sat in the chair with what seemed like several dozen sensors hooked up to her or strapped around her head as Washu watched the events replayed on a large screen off to the side. They watched as the scanner finaly got to the fight in the Onsen, Washu slowed down the speed. Stroking her chin she watched as Ryoko first decked him then kicked him literaly across the Onsen into that tree (How the Hell is he still alive let alone standing after that?..That impact had to have broken half of his ribs, but he got back up and keep going!! Then no humanshould have defeated Ryoko in a sword fight that easily even under those conditions.) out loud she muttered "Who are you Douglas Tarbox? And why do you seem so familiar to me and what is that medallion?". She tried to puzzle out what she had learned till Ryoko's irate voice shattered her train of thought "WASHU!!! DAMN YOU!!! Get me out of this FRIGGIN contraption already!!", She spared a second for a smirk "Hush now Little Ryoko! Or MOMMY will have to show Tenchi that adorable tape of you, I;m trying to think here." Bringing up her computer she activated the nanites inside of the bandages she had used on Doug and a Bio-Diagnostic display of their guest appeared on the little screen. Wahsu's eyes widened a bit even though she had expected this "Hmmmm! I've got to find an excuse to get a really close up llok at him.....but how?" Well here it is folks sorry it took so long but I've been up to a lot of stuff the last few months and just fell behind on my writting. Anyway I decided that this chapter was going to have to be split into two due to it just being way too long. So in Chapter 4 my poor alter ego gets shanghied and the Masaki's throw their first Halloween Party. Please I'd appreciate any and all comments and or opinions on the story so far.