A Starry Night and A Dream Come True Disclaimer: Any Tenchi characters in this fic, as I would like to claim them but can't, are not mine. They belong to AIC and Pioneer. If there are any characters that you have not heard of, they are mine. I don't have a gold mine with my name on it, so please don't sue. Thankyou. Notes: After block, after block, and after block, I decided to work on my first idea. Before Ryoko's Realization, I had this story on a peice of paper, and I felt it was a lost cause. Well while I was on a trip for two months, I had found the draft to this story. Well I'm like what the hell, I have improved my writing skills, so I might can fix this up. Well after two months of revising, and then two days of modifying, I think this has turned out better than when I first written it. I have learned something while I was gone. You work a heck a lot better when you are away from home. Well I will end this note with a "I hope you will enjoy this." and announce "On with the fic." Everyday would be the way it was. Ayeka and Ryoko were fighting, Mihoshi was sleeping, Kiyone was trying to wake her up, Washu in her lab, Yosho in the shrine, Nobiyuki at work, Sasami in the kitchen with Ryo-oki, and Tenchi was walking home from school. Today Ryoko wasn't fighting Ayeka, she was thinking of her past. She wasn't who everyone thought she was, but something more. She remembered that a festival was soon. Her people on her planet would put their heart and soul in that festival. They had banquets, parades, parties, games,dances,and more. Her favorite was the Sky Lit Ball. She would wear a very pretty gown with trailing sleeves, her hair would be styled so her flower crown would fit on her head, she would dance with all the young men in the kingdom she lived in. She has forgotten why she left. Then the memory came to her, then she frowned. Asassins blew her planet up. All the survivors, thank goodness for early evacuations, had moved to the nearest planet. It wasn't as beautiful as her home planet, but everyone carried on. She ran away due to the family problems that the asassins caused. Her family was high ranking nobles, and asassinations can shake families up and make them disorderly, like her family. She remembered running through the halls, stripping every piece of jewelry and silk she owned. She stole one of the military ships and flew. She found Ryo-oki a year later then became the legendary Space Pirate Ryoko. She felt something then fear gripped her she thought, before phasing out. *Somewhere in space.* "Have you found her yet?" a regal voice commanded. A woman with long brown hair and a medieval looking gown stood in front of a very similar dressed woman with lavender hair and lavender eyes. "Yes Your Grace. Ryoko is on Earth." "Yes, such a quaint little planet. No wonder she would be there." "Shall I order the Sec Ones, Your Grace?" "Yes, but just one." "And may I ask if there is a certain one, Your Excellency?" "Yes, Siriana Geneevo. She is the best one of them all." "Yes, Your Grace." "And Marina?" "Yes, Queen Stella?" "When you finally get her, wait for me, if you please." "Yes, My Queen." Marina teleported and went off on her errand. *Back to Earth* Ryoko ran like the wind. She did not want to be found, so she didn't use her powers. She ran inside the house to find Ryo-oki and get some of her things. She ran into a black haired woman with eyes to match, and wore a black skin-tight suit with a badge that read High Class- Sec One. Geneevo, Siriania Ryoko glared at the woman on a sky board, with a special laser gun. "What are you doing here? I thought you would have given up on me." "What? Daedalonians give up? I don't think so. You have forgotten that we are nearly the most persistent people in the universe." Siriania laughed. "I remember how pig-headed you are." Ryoko spat out. "Oh ho! Remember that you are Daedalonian yourself. You left to rob places, and in doing so, you put us on more reasons for Jurai to hate us list." "Funny they hated us since our emperor had made Daedalon better than Jurai in economical power." "Yes, but we had let them claim themselves to be the most powerful empire in the universe. We also have two wars raging too. One is with Cranteria, and the second is still with those damned asassins. But I came here to take you back to that loving family of yours." "Well you'll have to fight for what you want." Ryoko said summoning her blade. "Looks like you want to follow the old policy, but as you wish..." Siriania grinned evily "Princess Ryoko Daedelada" Ryoko glared as she saluted with her sword for a pledge, while Siriania did the same with her energy blade of blue. "We will fight, but not here, outside. If you win, you can do as you like, and if I win, I can give up my title and stay here free from any obligations of the crown. I do have three sisters and a brother. I won't be needed as an heir. Agreed?" Ryoko bargained. "Agreed. But before we begin someone wants to have a word with you." the Sec one officer guestured before bowing. Marina stepped towards Ryoko. "Ryoko, you do mean what you say? Are you sure you want to rid yourself of the crown?" "I do mean everything I bargained, even with my life." "Very well, you may proceed." Ryoko saw they were outside at the shrine. She was relieved that no one at the house knew the truth. She formed her battle suit and sword. She then nodded before charging with her sword. Battle cries rang throughout the forest, and explosions. Soon Siriania summoned enough power to overtake Ryoko and knock her out. The queen appeared to inspect the unconscious girl, then nodded in confirmation. Marina chanted something and soon the four disappeared. It has been a week since Ryoko's disappearance. Sasami was rather upset, because Ryoko was like her other big sister. Washu tried to locate her but failed in that, but she did conclude that Ryoko couldn't be far since Ryo-oki was still here on Earth. Then it couldn't be that, because Ryo-oki would have known where she was, despite how far she was from Okayama. This was a mystery that couldn't be solved. Kiyone and Mihoshi had placed a missing persons report at Galaxy Police Head Quarters, and no luck from there. Out of all the confusion, Ayeka and Tenchi grew closer in their friendship, and Ayeka is hoping that it would soon blossom into love. Tenchi wanted to keep it a friendship, because if they find Ryoko, he didn't want her to be hurt on arrival, but Ayeka was there for him during this confusing time. He was a little comfortable with her and thought that maybe after Ryoko gets back, he can finally choose Ayeka, so that way Ryoko won't think that Ayeka had moved in on me while she was gone. He liked the idea. He went to the kitchen to help Sasami with the dishes. Ryoko was living comfortably, and lavishly, and hated every minute of it. She was reunited with her family and was scolded for running off and wreaking havoc in the universe. Her mother was the Empress of all Daedalon, Stella. Her father was the emperor Gaden, and she was reunited with her older brother and three younger sisters. Her younger sister was 5 years old and her name was Aurora. Her other two sisters, were her triplet sisters, Tedra, and Angela. Her older brother was Garrik and he was one of her favorite men in her life. Sure, she was comfortable, rich, and was a princess to a whole empire. But she was miserable. She wouldn't mind if her family was a family instead of royal power. Of course they were, but her mother and father can set aside a special day to spend time with their family. The only thing about being home was the festival. It was true to its name, Star Festival. The stars barely shone in the cloudy atmosphere, but once every spring, they shine their fullest. The festivities are held for three days and the ball is on the night that the stars shine brightly. She was in a fabric store, ordering the material needed for her festival attire. She wanted to go with spring colors this time. A masquerade party was the night before the ball so she wanted to wear soft pink, baby blue, and other pastel colors and she ordered some ribbon to match. For the ball she wanted special material for that, so she said "Surprise me." A month passed and Ayeka recieved a message from her mother. "Ayeka, can you do mommy a favor, hmmm?" A sweat drop appeared on Ayeka's forehead while she forced out. "Yes, mommy, I can. So what can I do." Misaki beamed at her daughter's cooperation. "Well there is this festival on the planet Daedelon, that we were supposed to have attended, but unfortunately your father has came down with a little cold suddenly. We would like for you to go in our place. You will need formal wear, and an escort." "I'll be ready, when is it?" "Next week" "Ok I'll be ready tomorrow." "Thankyou my Ayeka." "You're welcome...mommy." the transmission was disconnected. Ayeka finally relaxed. She hated it when she had to do that mommy stuff. The festival was on her mind. She had everything but an escort, but she can fix that. Tenchi was looking in the mirror. He was trying on different suits until he had a Jurain traditional robe, a costume and something formal for the ball. They decided to wear the Daedelonian style for the ball. Soon Tenchi and Ayeka arrived to their destination. They explored the town, which was very medieval like, with the styles, structures, and the way of life. But they had advanced technology, like Jurai's but a little better. The opening ceremony began the whole festival and was held at the palace. They waited with the rest of the crowd, for the emperor to make his short speech , then the festivities. Ryoko was on the balcony wearing her former Starlight Ball gown. It was just a jade green, maroon, and dark blue gown. The dress bared her shoulders and where the sleeves began, they slightly puffed then covered her arms snuggly. The rest of the dress began just above her bust line then fitted over her curves, where they stood out more, then the skirt of the dress belled out and had a small train. Her hair was brushed out of it's spikeyness, and laid in waves down to her waist. She wore a very sheer veil, made of light fairy chiffon. The only piece of jewelry that she wore, was a gold locket. It had a picture of the whole Masaki household. She had the locket since she was little, and wore it less. But after she had placed that photo in it, she wore it all the time now. She stood by her brother Garrik, and he smiled at her assuringly. She smiled back. She loved her big brother. She stood with her sisters, mother, father, brother, and Marina. She faced the crowd trying to see if she can remember any of the village kids she grew up with, then she saw something that sent spindly fingers of dread up her spine. Tenchi and Ayeka. Then her father makes that damned announcement. "Thankyou citizens, subjects, and our neighboring empires, for participating in one of our finest occasions. This year's festival is also special, for our daughter has been returned to us, and she will be gracing among our merry makers again." he announced proudly. "So all in all, I would again present the return of my daughter, Princess Ryoko Daedelada." She would have fainted if her brother didn't have a hand on her shoulder. Tenchi had to support Ayeka after she passed out. He too was shocked. Ryoko was a princess the whole time. But why did she become a space pirate feared by the universe? He saw her as she was ushered up by a very muscular man , with cyan hair and lavender eyes. Then she was followed by two other girls, who looked exactly like her. He thought. She curtsied then she gazed at him. He saw the worry in her eyes, like this was some secret that she didn't want him or Ayeka to know. She immediately broke eye contact. She was hiding it, and now she was caught. After the opening ceremony ended, everyone was at the main street of the village and awaiting the parade. Ayeka was revived after the ceremony ended. She couldn't remember what she fainted from and Tenchi didn't remind her. He was still recovering. Ryoko hadn't shown up, and he figured she was scared of what he might think of her secret. He didn't know what to think. She could have told him and he would understand why she had became a space pirate when she already had everything she could ever afford. But then she wasn't given a chance to tell him, then it became too late and if she ever got around to telling him, he would think it was all a big joke. He was confused on reaction to this case. Ryoko was watching the parade as she did when she was younger. She loved the bands, acrobats, magicians, dancers, and the floats. Basically everything about the parade, she loved. But it didn't help with the shame she felt. She has to keep out of Tenchi's sight, at least until she had enough courage to face him. She chuckled to herself at that thought. She, Ryoko, the most wanted space pirate of the universe, scared to confront a mere boy. Then she thought sadly. A boy who means so much to her than he could ever know. He probably thought of her as a low person. She don't know why he would think that, or why she should think that, but she just does. Later that night a banquet was held in honor of all the royal empires of different planets was held in the Grand Hall of the palace. Ryoko and her sisters were wearing exactly the same gowns of a soft peach color. They greatly confused the guests, and parents along with the staff. Tenchi and Ayeka were close to the emperor and empress, since Jurai is the most powerful empire in the universe. That also made them the guest of honor. Ayeka finally remembered why she fainted and she was greatly confused by the three identical sisters. She knew that one of them was either Tedra, Angela, or Ryoko, but not sure which. She was rather intrigued by the prince, Garrik. He had cyan hair, and eyes of lavender. He was more handsome than his father, who Ryoko and her look-alikes took after. She had gotten information from a Dutchess, that Tedra was the most demanding, shrewd, and dominating one out of the whole family, while Angela was the quiet, soft-spoken , and reserved one, and Ryoko had a balance of both those qualities. Ayeka finally can tell who's who. Ryoko was very quiet like her sister, Angela tonight. She ate enough of her dinner before she finally excused herself, then she exited the hall. Tenchi found this odd, and was worried about the cyan haired woman. He finished his dinner, then waited for the guests retire for their suite of rooms that were offered to them by the emperor. His room was next to Ayeka's and she visited him. He liked Ayeka's company, and he relished in it whenever he had a chance. "Lord Tenchi, do you have an extra toothbrush? I think mine was accidentally packed with yours." "I'll check, Ayeka." he said with a smile and he searched his suit case till he found her toothbrush. "I believe this is it." he handed it to her and she accepted it. "Thankyou, Lord Tenchi, I appreciate it." "No problem, Ayeka." "Well goodnight." "Goodnight Ayeka, see you at the masquerade tomorrow." "Yes, we were planning on trying to guess who's who underneath our masks." "Yeah, well I hope I will recover over my shock tonight." "I hope you will too. Goodnight." "Goodnight." Ayeka went back to her room, and Tenchi went to bed. "Goodnight Ryoko." he whispered. Ryoko heard him. She was in his room, just to see him and feel him. She walked up to his bedside and she pushed his hair back, slightly. She smiled at the boy she had fallen in love with at first sight. She pulled a stool up beside him. After she sat down she whispered her thoughts. "Oh Tenchi, I wish I didn't hide the truth about me. I guess I'm more cowardly than I'll ever admit. But you just don't know... how bad my life has been." she heard a soft snore come from him. She smiled then she continued. "Ever since my birth, my family was threatened by asassins, and whoever hated them. Then as I grew up, they kept getting worse. When I have decided on becoming a pirate was after my home planet, Trayden, was destroyed." "I was exploring the forest here on Daedelon when I was 14 years old. Well I had gotten lost and I fell in a ravine, then I was knocked unconscious. Well I had a dream that demons were chasing me, and then my family rejected me. After I came to I ran away. I stripped everything that reminded me of my rank and place in society. I stole a ship, then I flew to the stars. I then met Ryo-oki, then I was later known as the most wanted space pirate." "I never returned to this life willingly. I was kidnapped and put under close guard so I won't escape again. After I had crashed on Earth with Ryo-oki, and I woke up from unconsciousness, and after seeing your face... I fell in love with you instantly. As the days passed and we had our little *family* added, my hope for you to return the feelings grew. But I see how you and Ayeka have grown close, and my dream will never come true." "Tenchi, my aggressiveness is my mask that I wear, and the true me is actually weak, and shy. I may seem like a tough girl, but I'm so scared of what you think, and that is my weakest point. My mask also keeps me from saying these words to you directly. Tenchi I guess what I'm trying to say is that I love you more than my own life, and that I would lay it on the line for you if you ask. But I know you don't return those feelings for me and that hurts worser than any form of torture I would willingly walk in for you" A tear rolled down her face and it fell onto his lips. She saw where it landed and she leaned to kiss where it fell. After she did that, she teleported right before he woke up. He touched his lips after feeling a drop of something land. He looked out the window to the cloudy sky and whispered "Ryoko..." The day of the masquerade ball began with a carnival. Everyone participated and was enjoying themselves. Tenchi and Ayeka rode all the rides, played all the games, and enjoyed the food. Ryoko watched the two from a distance, with a heartbroken look on her face. She felt her brother's hand on her shoulder. "You look...so ...so...hmmm... glum." he commented. "I miss Earth. That's all." she responded. "Mi Nouri Kiri I wish that I could release you to your freedom, but it's out of my hands at the moment." "I know." she let out a defeated sigh. Garrik was at a loss when it came to his sister's gloominess then an idea. "Why don't we have our little sis and big bro date?" She smiled at her brother wanly. "Why not? I would love nothing other than to hang with my big brother." He took her arm in his and they went off to enjoy the carnival. It was a very lively evening, and colorful too. Everyone wore beautiful designs and styles. A lot of people portrayed famous people, objects, and ect. Tenchi was just in a very expensive tuxedo, and had an very expensive mask. He didn't look like, the prince of Jurai, a farmer boy, but a very sleek and mysterious male. Ayeka decided along the same lines, exept she had a long slim black dress, and a white mask with rare stones embedded into it. She dyed her hair, temporarily, black, and had it back in a bun. They didn't recognize each other as they walked by. Ryoko was wearing a long gown that laced up in the back and it was made of white, soft pink, baby blue, and pastel green and yellow. The over skirt was made of a thin, flowing, chiffon. The bodice began just above her bust line and had a square neckline. The sleeves went to her elbows, with flowing chiffon trailing from them. She had her hair still brushed out, so she wore a very sheer veil over her hair. Her mask was designed for her feline eyes, and was white with ivory brocaded designs, and ribbons with the same colors as her dress were tied at the right corner. People switched partners as they danced and she was suddenly swept away to the dance floor. Ayeka was passed from one gentlemen to another. She was finally passed to the Daedalonian prince. He was not very bad looking, despite the fact that he was Ryoko's brother. He wasn't wearing a mask, so she knew. "Hello, Your Highness. I am Princess Ayeka Jurai, First Crowned Princess. How have you been this evening?" "Hello Princess Ayeka. Just call me Garrik. And I am doing fine." "Just call me Ayeka." They made pleasant conversation, until they were passed to the next partner. Ryoko was dancing with an old friend of the family's. He was one of the earls, whose son her parents tried to marry her or one of her sisters to. Of course that didn't turn out too well, but he was like family to her. She then danced with one of her childhood friends. They used to pick fights, or play pranks on each other. They still do from time to time. She had one planned, since he had did the 'open your bed room door, and get a bucket of water spilled on your head' prank. She decided to take a break and sit out for awhile. She sent one of her attendants to get her some Daedalonian wine, and she found a seat. She saw a very distinguished looking man in a black tuxedo and a black silk mask. He had black hair and through the eyes of his mask, he had brown eyes. Tenchi. Her heart leapt, good thing she had her mask, or she would have fled, but she started talking to him instead. "Beautiful for a dance tonight, eh?" she commented. "Yeah, I just can't wait to see the stars." "It is the only thing I like about this planet. Despite they shine once a year, and at their brightest, it's my favorite feature." "I see what you mean." "Do you want to dance?" he jumped back. "I... uh... I dunno how to dance." he said chuckling nervously. "Come on, it's not that hard." she grabbed his hand and pulled him up. He shown a lot of resistance after she tried to dance with him. "Just relax and follow my lead. Don't worry, I have been known for my dancing skills, so I know what I'm doing." He took her word for it, and soon was following her moves. After awhile, he got the hang of it, and was finally taking the lead. "You're one of the princesses, aren't you?" he asked. "Only a princess can dance this good." She wanted to tell him who she was, but couldn't. She couldn't lie either. "I'm Princess..." "... Angela" Tenchi wasn't buying it, he knew it was her, and he wished she would just quit running. He missed her, and a little bit of her wild side, but she was caught red handed and she was scared for some reason. "You don't need to tell me your sister's name, Ryoko. I don't know why you are running or hiding from me, but you don't have to lie to me about who you are. Now, why run or hide? Why not tell us about it? And why did you become the most wanted person in the universe?" "If you talk to us, we might be able to understand your reasons and you won't have to hide all the time." Her face became emotionless, and then a hurt expression crossed her features. She removed the mask, and he saw tears fall from her yellow eyes. He heard the hurt in her voice as she said "A mask over mask that on the outside, I'm tough and nothing can hurt me or get to me, and I won't say that it hurts me to lie to you, but on the inside, I'm weak, I get hurt easily, and it is killing me to say it hurts me to lie to you and it is a pain I can't describe." she turned to walk away but he pulled slightly on her hand. "Please, just answer me." his mask was off and she saw his face. Filled with concern. She turned away. "I'm sorry, but...I can't." she ran away. The next day was so hectic, with all the women fussing about this and that, which gown is better, what shoes to wear, how much jewelry to wear, or just the women things. The men just talk or complain about women habits. Ryoko was busy listening to Tedra complain about her shoes not fitting her feet, and taking it all out on a young servant girl. "You people should learn to keep my shoes in the right size. Don't you know that tonight is the most grandest of all our balls, and that how I look is extremely important. And on my first night in 4 years." Tedra had that snobbish high pitched voice while Angela had a whispery soft, feminine voice. Ryoko was the only one with a voice that goes with all her emotions. Of her triplett sisters, her emotions were balanced, Tedra was always angry while Angela was quiet. She felt sorry for the servant girl, who was almost in tears. She decided to help. " Excuse me, ummm... What's your name?" she asked in a commanding yet gentle voice. "Arcana, your highness." "Arcana, will you please get me some..." she thought "...jade colored ribbon from the semptress?" "Yes your highness." Arcana bowed with her light pink curls spilling from her hair, then she left. Angela sent Ryoko a worried look, while Tedra stepped towards her. "When I'm scolding a servant, do not interfere. We have hundreds, you could call another." "You were being an ass." Ryoko replied " I was putting a servant in their place." "You were still being an ass." "You obviously forgotten your manners while you were out there in space wreaking havoc on everything in site, or you picked it up on that washed up planet, Earth." "You have gone from a slightly annoying person to a corrupting bitch." She knew she had went far when Tedra's face was red with rage, and Angela was holding onto a chair with her face stricken with worry. "How dare you insult the royal princess of the Daedelada family." Tedra had a very deadly tone to her voice. "Oh, and where is Princess Angela, or Princess Aurora. What about me?" Ryoko was fed up with her sister's self involvment. "Would you call that pitiful excuse of a sister a princess? And Aurora isn't old enough to be counted, and criminals are not princesses." Angela fled the room in tears at Tedra's cruel words about her, and Ryoko felt sorrow for her timid sister. Tedra rolled her eyes in disgust at her younger sister's lack of backbone. "How pathetic." Ryoko turned on her with a energy sword formed in her hand and pointed at her sister. "You have forgotten why she is the way she is. Do you know that while you were tortured by those damned assasins, she was brutally raped by hired thugs. Aurora was only a baby then so all they could do to her was just to hold her for ransom. I was forced to watch Angela be forced onto like that." Ryoko was trying not to burst into tears. Tedra on the other hand was busy brushing her long thin hair and pretended not to be listening, even if she was thinking about it. "Only because that they knew you were a waste of existance, and that you weren't worth their time to get to you." she said smuggly with that smug look on her face. Ryoko deactivated her sword and slapped that look off her sister's face. Tedra looked at her with rage on her face, then slapped her sister back. Ryoko double slapped her then marched to the door. Before closing it she stuck her head inside and stated "As for who is or isn't a princess. Conniving bitches aren't princesses." she slammed the door. Tedra was outraged and picked up a vase and threw it against the wall. But when it didn't break she stomped her feet. "Oooh! I hate that girl!" Ryoko decided that since it would be hours before the ball, she could take a walk in the forest like she did before. She decided to wear a simple green gown with bell sleeves and her hair would be in the ribbon and styled for the ball. She walked into the Great Hall and she saw Marina talking to a older woman. Ryoko saw who the woman was and she ran towards the women. "Grandma ma." she called and the woman saw her granddaughter and had her arms opened for her. Ryoko walked up and embraced her grandmother, and reveled in the scent of spring blossoms. Her grandmother was her mother's mother, and she takes after her more than her sisters. "My beloved granddaughter." the elderly woman said stroking her granddaughter's back. "My beloved grandmother ." Ryoko said hugging her relative. Soon they were in her room talking. The woman was the Dowager Empress Desiree Trayden. The former empress of the planet Trayden, which was destroyed when the assasin's attacked. Lady Desiree saw the distraught look on her granddaughter's face and she wanted to help her beloved grandchild. "My dear Ryoko, you seemed troubled. Please tell your grandma ma what is bothering you." Ryoko knew she would tell her grandmother everything, but could she go through with telling her about Tenchi? She decided to discuss the conversation with Tedra. After telling her tale, her grandmother shook her head tsking . "That was a very cruel thing she said about your sister, and you. I'll talk with her. She listens to me." Ryoko thanked her grandmother, but her lost look remained on her face. "Now you haven't discussed your other cause of despair. Please tell me. Haven't I always had the answer for you?" Ryoko smiled at her grandmother. She knew she could tell her. She told her story from the beginning to end. Before she got to the end, she was in tears, and was sobbing in Desiree's lap. "... and he might choose Ayeka, and I won't be able to take that." she was, as you can guess, talking about Tenchi. "Dear child, if you love him so much, you would want him to be happy." her grandmother pointed out. "I do! But... but..." she was sobbing "*sniffle* I love him so much, and I would die for him!" This was true, for she did die for him after she dropped him off at the palace on Jurai, so he could save Ayeka from Kagato and save Jurai along with it. She had reopened her wound she recieved from Kagato and lossed a lot of blood. She was brought back to life on some planet, by the habitants there. As soon as she was able, she went back to Earth to be with Tenchi. But he was going to choose Ayeka. She sobbed again. She saw her grandmother look at her with all the love she possessed for her. She realized that she said all that out loud and felt a little better. She smiled back at her relative. Desiree looked like she was 30 while she was only 56. She wanted to look older to match the description of grandmother, but she wanted to be younger. But she looked like she was 24 today. "Do you really love him that much?" she asked Ryoko. "Oh grandma ma, but I do, I do!" she stated passionately. "Then don't give up. Tell him how you feel, and ask about how he feels for you. Don't run or hide. Just walk up to him and say it. >Tenchi, I have been in love with you since I first saw you, and I want to know right now. How do you feel about me? I will tell you everything about me and I will leave nothing out. But if you don't feel the same about me as I do about you, then I love you enough to let you go.< That's what it takes." Ryoko ran up and hugged her grandmother and gave her a peck on her cheek. "Thanks for everything grandma ma. You've always helped me." she ran out to find her servants to help her get ready for the ball." Tenchi was putting on his formal wear of white silk and green wool. He dressed in the medieval fashion of the planet, and he fitted right in. He thought of how Ayeka might look tonight. He was caught off guard when he saw her in her costume last night, and her hair color. She looked very sophisticated last night. He was glad she was next door, but he can't say the same for whoever stayed on the other side of the wall. He was woken up from someone shouting, then doors slamming, and lastly someone cursing. He asked around about the room but someone said that it was the fitting room for the princesses to get dressed or to try on new gowns. They also explained that Princess Tedra was scolding a fellow servant for her shoes not fitting her feet. He just shook it off. He wondered what Ayeka was doing. He thought he loved her, but he had Ryoko in his mind a lot and he felt more drawn to her, but she was avoiding him. He heard a servant girl calling for him with a message from Princess Ayeka. Ayeka was pacing the room. She wasn't used to these loose gowns, but she loved the freedom of movement they offered. She was wearing a simple gown of pink and lavender with tiny rose like flowers embroidered in the material. Her hair was kept in her usual style with her tiara. She paced till Tenchi entered her room. "Ayeka are you read..." he stopped as she turned around "Ayeka, you... you... you are b... b... beautiful to..to... tonight." Ayeka blushed at the compliment. She took his arm into hers and let him lead the way outside. The ball was held on the Skyview Pavilion. Many people joined in the festivities, including the lower class Tenchi and Ayeka graced the dance floor and moved with the music. They took a break and decided to watch everyone else have a good time. Ayeka had her five minute break before she was pulled into the crowd. She seemed to be having a great time to Tenchi, and he smiled. He had a nearby servant to fix him some Daedelonian punch, which was good, but had a alcohol content, so he didn't drink it all that much. He was about to look for Ayeka until a vision had completely stolen that thought away. A woman dressed in the most grandest of silks and satin. She wore a white silk under layer and the over layer was cream chiffon. Her sleeves were cream satin and were trailing, and the dress was trimmed in jade ribbon. Her hair was slightly spiky, but yet it still rested along her back, and on top of her head rested a crown of white and mauvish-pink flowers, held together by different colored ribbon. She was greeted warmly by the guests and her subjects. Soon the music picked up and she was swept away by one of the village boys. he thought. He went back to watching the merry makers until someone had pulled him in. Soon the crowds settled down and the ball became what a ball should be. Tenchi went to the sides again and breathed the fresh air. He felt someone behind him. "The stars are beautiful, aren't they?" he turned around and met the most lovliest of the women tonight, Ryoko. "Yes, I guess they are. I bet they are the most beautiful stars ever." "I would have to agree on that." she said quickly. "Ryoko." "Yes Tenchi?" "Would you like to dance?" She smiled "I would love to." They took to the dance floor and danced. They stole the attention of the crowds and were worshipped from a distance. Ryoko felt that tonight was the best night of her life, the words weren't said, but she was near her Tenchi. Her Tenchi. She wanted this night to last forever. She leaned closer and laid her head on his shoulder and reveled in the scent of him. Tenchi didn't know why, but he pulled her a little tighter to him and held her close. They were dancing with a room full of people and they had forgotten where they were. Soon the music ended and so did the dance. Ryoko saw her brother and decided to go talk to him and then find her grandmother. She wanted to shout out to the world that she was in love with Tenchi Masaki, no one can ever take that away. She walked up to her brother and danced with him. Tenchi was taking a break till Ayeka spotted him. She dragged him to the dance floor and was dancing with him. He wasn't thinking right then though. He was still in a daze from the dance with Ryoko. He soon snapped out of it to realize that Ayeka had managed to get a little drunk off from the punch. He tried to get her to sober up, but drunk alien women are stubborn as hell. Ryoko was through dancing with Garrik and her grandmother was at home. She was trying to make her way through the crowd. Tenchi was trying to keep Ayeka on her feet until she leaned up on her tiptoes, then she kissed Tenchi on the lips, then allowing a little bit of her tongue into his mouth. Ryoko showed up as soon as Ayeka kissed him. Tenchi pulled her away, and found a hurt looking Ryoko standing there looking lovilier than the stars, but had a small tear ran down her face. "Ryoko, it isn't wha..." "Don't say anything. I have known you love her, and have chosen her, but I kept building my hopes up. I'm sorry Tenchi but I just can't stay here while you two love each other. But since I love you more than life itself, and that I would gladly die for you, I will let you go." She turned away "Goodbye Tenchi, I will always love you." she phased away. "Ryoko..." was all he could say. Ayeka passed out and Tenchi helped her to her room. Ryoko didn't bother changing out of her gown she just grabbed what she would need then found one of her ships. Her grandmother shown up. "Ryoko, where do you think you're going?" "Away, and I'm not coming back." the ex-pirate stated boarding the ship she was running in. Desiree looked at the ship and knew Ryoko wouldn't have a chance escaping in that. "I see that there is no way that you will stay here any longer." Ryoko nodded and Desiree sighed. "Well if you're running away, then do it up right. Follow me." Ryoko followed her grandmother to her ship. It was called the Space Star, for it blended with the stars as a stealth method. Ryoko was apalled that her grandmother was letting her use her ship. "Grandma ma, are you seriously letting me use your ship? I mean, isn't it only that you are allowed to operate it?" "My dear grandchild, I am letting you use it to fetch that ship of yours and then you can return it to me. And as to the operating of it, you are what I am, for thus is your name." Ryoko's jaw dropped. She knew her name meant a summoner of spirits but she didn't know she actually had that ability. "When you were very young, you have shown signs of a powerful being, even your grandfather had felt it. When you were 2 years old, you had an illness, and it had caused you to have delusions." Ryoko remembered being told that she was sick, she even heard Tedra saying that she must have been sick when she ran away to be a space pirate, while she was recovering from her slight concussion. "You ended up chanting a chant that I had forgotten and you called Marina from a sleep that a demon has put her under. I have fought the demon of course and won, but Marina, my guardian, the world's guardian, was put to sleep. We had to fend for ourselves, and then you came around." Ryoko now knew why Marina was always following her around, she was protecting her. Desiree continued "After you had called her, she said that you were to be the the next heir to the throne, but I told her that Garrik should be the next one, then you. I had a feeling that you would do something like you did, so did Marina, since she had named Garrik the next in line to the throne." Ryoko looked at the ship in awe. It was white and when it was in space, it looked like a star in the distance. Then up close it looked ghostly and it had frightened a few people. It also was very fast. "Sorry that you wouldn't meet Tenchi as my true love and the one who returns my love." she appologized. "Dear child, I wish you would never give up. You would never know what he feels." "But grandma ma, I have seen him kissing Ayeka." Ryoko pointed out. "Was he enjoying it?" Desiree asked "I don't know." "Then did he say he loved her?" "I don't... I just walk... *sigh* No." "Then you don't know if he loves you or not." "Maybe, but he was still kissing her." Desiree let out a defeated sigh. This was going no where. "Then you can take my ship, and go to where your heart leads you." Ryoko gave her grandmother a warm hug. "I love you so so so sooo much. Thanks for being there for me grandma ma." Desiree hugged her back and whispered "I love you my dear granddaugter." "I love you too, grandma ma." Ryoko boarded the 'Space Star' and lifted off to space. Tenchi ran to the docking bay and found Desiree. She knew this was the young man that had stolen her granddaughter's heart and attentions. "Have you seen the Princess Ryoko?" he asked urgently. Desiree smiled. "Every chance I get. I'm her grandmother, the Dowager Empress Desiree." Tenchi was awe struck, but he could tell that she was descended to Ryoko, for she had the yellow eyes, and cyan hair. She would be the exact copy if she didn't look like she was in her thirties. "You must be Tenchi, she has told me so much about you, and if you want to know where she is, she has went off in my ship." Tenchi looked worried. "And don't worry, I knew you would be searching for her, so I programmed my ship to put her to sleep, and to send her to Earth." Tenchi was shocked but relieved at the same time. "How can I thank you?" "Just a simple hug would do, for I have a good feeling about you." she smiled at the rhyme, her and Ryoko made up, but it was 'give me a hug, and it would do, because I love you.' Tenchi smiled and gave her a hug, and boarded the ship he arrived in. Desiree, smiled and whispered a chant in her language "Young knight, young prince, be safe in catching your lady, your princess, my grandchild. Young lady, my dear child. Sleep safe, and stay peaceful all the way through your journey to your heart." She chanted a protection spell to summon Ryoko's protection powers and to help aid her sleep. Ryoko had wetted her hair, and spiked it up the way she had it. She didn't want to feel her rank anymore, and how she wore her hair helped that. She still wore the gown she was in earlier, and will change when she picks up Ryo-ohki. She snatched all the jewelry she wore, off. All except her locket. She started to feel sleepy, and she had lied down on the soft bed in the ship's quarters, then she fell asleep. The ship finally reached it's destination. Ryoko beamed down to Earth, in front of the lake near the Masaki house. She stood there looking at the lake with a sorrowful expression. *Music Playing over scene. 'You'll see' by Madonna* She turned around to head to the house, to get Ryo-oki, and leave. As she turned around, she saw Tenchi. He was standing there in the clothes he wore at the ball. "Ryoko... " he began. She turned around. "Oh, Tenchi. It's you." she said hurriedly "I finally notice that you are wearing the style of my people. It looks... rea... really nice on you, but not all that great... Umm... Oh!" she turned around with her right hand over her face. Tenchi walked up to her and gently pried it off her face, then slowly kissed each finger, gently. She relaxed a little, with shivers running up her spine. "You're beautiful." he whispered. She finally pleaded. "Tenchi, please don't tease me so. I can't bear it." Tenchi looked up from her hand with his gentle brown eyes. "How I am I teasing you?" "You love Ayeka." she let out. "You're right, I love Ayeka..." she closed her eyes tightly, but he lifted her chin and continued "But like a sister. You on the other hand..." he pulled her face to his, meeting in a soft kiss. "I love with all my heart." she turned from him. "But you kissed her." he turned her to face him "She kissed me. She was drunk, and I couldn't stop her." he pulled her close to him "If I was in love with her, would I do this... " he kissed her neck "or this... " he kissed her forehead "or... this?" he kissed her, letting his tounge enter her lips a little, and she let him with no resistance. They stood there by the lake kissing passionately, and when they finally broke apart, they held each other. "Ryoko, tell me... tell me about your past, why you never told us, and why you went back." Ryoko told him about her past, then why she never told the others about it, besides when she had those run ins with Ayeka, that battle with Nagi, or about planets she has been to while on the run. "... I never told you about what am, because you would never believe me, and the fact I never actually had a chance to tell you. By the time I did have a chance, I didn't because you would never believe me. As for returning, I was forced to go when a sec one officer was sent to retrieve me." she explained everything from there. He was a little peeved that someone took Ryoko by force, but he was glad that it happened. He did find out Ryoko's past and he did fall in love with her instead of Ayeka. He almost slapped himself. "Tenchi, you look as if you swallowed a lemon. Are you ok?" "No Ryoko, I just left Ayeka on your planet." Ryoko just smiled. "So..." she said "She will be pissed at me!" he exclaimed. "No she won't. I swear that I saw her and Garrik making eyes at each other. Come to think of it, I think I heard him talking about asking her out for a night in the village." Tenchi smiled. "So you think she won't mind if I did this... " he took her in a dip and kissed her so passionately, you could hear small explosions. "Tenchi, I never told you that I love you." "Actually you have, and you said and I quote "...since I love you more than life itself..." "Oh Tenchi, I never believed dreams come true until now, except only a portion of them have came true." Tenchi thought for a moment, then pulled out a blue velvet box, then he opened it to reveal a ring that had three stones of sapphire, emerald, and diamond set in it. "Ryoko, if this completes it... Will you marry me?" Ryoko slowly took the box and looked at it with tears in her eyes. Oh Tenchi, yes I will marry you." she cried then she kissed him. -Epilogue- Tenchi waited at the alter, nervously. He stood beside his grandfather, who was going to marry him and Ryoko. Tenchi tried to regain posture when he heard the wedding song. He smiled at Sasami as she helped Aurora with the duty as a flower girl. Kiyone, Mihoshi, Washu, and Ayeka were the bride's maids. They wore cream colored gowns trimmed in a soft peach, while the flower girls wore white with pink roses embroidered on them. Tenchi's little cousin, Taro, who was only 5 years old, was the ring bearer, and Garrik and Tenchi had become best friends and he made Garrik his best man. He wanted to take Ryoko to the place he planned as a honeymoon get-away, and get through the uh... marriage consummation. When he saw her in her planet's style gown that was creme with jade ribbons and she had cherry blossoms woven into a crown with her hair brushed down so she could wear a veil. Her father, who she had finally gotten to talk to, was walking her down the aisle. She smiled at him with a little of her fangs showing promising a special night later on, but also of happiness. She came up to the alter and was handed over to Tenchi. The vows were said, and the rings were exchanged, then one more step to be a couple in name. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." Tenchi and his new wife looked at each other then sealed their vows with a holy kiss. After the reception, Ryoko and Tenchi finally went on their honeymoon and they just toasted each other. "Hmmm... Mrs. Tenchi Masaki... hey I like it." Ryoko said smiling. "I like it too. It suits you" he whispered in her ear "But Ryoko Masaki sounds better." Ryoko kissed him and leaned against him in his arms. She wanted this to last forever. "You know what Ayeka said our second present was?" Ryoko asked as Tenchi was kissing places on her neck. "What was that?" he was resuming kissing her neck and shoulders and she shivered. "That we are going to be an aunt and an uncle. Her and Garrik are having a baby." "That's great." "Tenchi, you know what I was thinking?" "What?" he gently laid her down on the bed they were in. "That Ayeka and I have a new subject to rival over." "What would that be?" he asked looking into her eyes. "Tenchi, what do you say we start working towards being parents? He kissed her softly on the lips, then kissed her forehead. "I say let's get started." They then made love. Notes: Ok maybe not as good as I wanted but the ending was very touching, wasn't it? As I said, I'm not too good with battle scenes so before I can send a good fanfic with a lot of action, I have to work on my battle scenes a little. I am trying to break my block on my Journal Entries sequel, so I will have a short break on that. I might try to work on a limey fic later, but it's going to be a little mild. I have to keep things at a medium since I don't feel that great in the art of fanfic writing. I am just now learning about the Pretty Sammy series, and it might help me if someone could send me info on that. I do not claim 'You'll See' but Madonna is the original writer. I just thought it would go with the mood in the story. I would like to thank my family, for encouraging me, my friends who gave me ideas