Legal Info- I do not own any of the characters represented in my story. They are the sole property of AIC/Pioneer. The only characters in the story that belong to me are the ones I made up, other than that I don't own the rest of the characters. A/N- This is a Tenchi Universe based fic. This story occurs right after Tenchi Forever. To Rule Or To Love Chapter Six Ryoko slowly opened her eyes and noticed that she wasn't in her room anymore, but in some sort of laboratory. She could have sworn that it was Washu's lab that she was in by the looks of things. She looked down beneath her and saw a floating regeneration bed. She tried to sit up, but pain in her left side shot through her whole body, causing her to scream. She fell back onto the bed in a lying position. She put her left hand on the left side of her waist and brought it up to her face. It was painted in blood. Seeing this caused her to faint. "Well, she's alive, I can tell ya that much," said a very loud, nasal voice. "Thank God. Is there anything else I need to know?" a young man's voice asked. "Well.can you take anything I can throw at ya?" asked the nasal voice, concerned. "Go ahead and tell me, Little Washu. I can take it," he replied, hesitantly. "Ryoko's pregnant," replied Washu. "She has been for about a few days now, Tenchi." Tenchi looked as though he was about to faint. "How long until she gives birth?" "About three months," she replied. "Would you like to know the sex of the child now?" "No, that's ok, Little Washu, I think that I'll wait," he replied. "Would you like to see her?" she asked. "Yes, please," he replied. "Right this way then," she said as she led him to the regeneration bed that Ryoko was lying on. Tenchi sat down on a chair next to the bed and looked at Ryoko's sleeping form. 'She looks so innocent when she's asleep.' "Tenchi?" said Washu. "Yeah?" he asked. "If anything happens let me know, ok?" she said. Tenchi smiled at her. "Of course!" Washu smiled back and as she was leaving the regeneration bed she thought, 'Thank God I was able to save. She nearly died last night. I can't tell Tenchi that I almost lost her because then he'd lose faith in me and so would she. I don't need that right now. I just want them to be happy with me for the time being before I reveal to Ryoko my relation to her. I truly do hope that she and Tenchi find the happiness that they have always longed for.' Back at the regeneration bed, Tenchi noticed that Ryoko's breathing was even and that put his mind somewhat to ease. He reached out and took her right hand in both of his and kissed it. Ryoko's eyes were slowly opening again. She looked to her right and saw a blurry version of Tenchi. She smile weakly at him. "Hey," she said, her voice cracked up and hoarse. "Hi there. Feeling any better?" he asked gently. She nodded slightly to signify that she was. She looked back up at the ceiling. "Where are we Tenchi?" "We're in Washu's lab," he replied. "How did we get here?" she inquired. "Ryo-Ohki took us here. I just told her to fly us to my house as fast as possible," he said. "Are Marcos and Adrian with here with us?" she asked. Tenchi shook his head no. "They decided to stay on Velsa, so that they could figure out who was trying to kill you. They also decided that they would train the royal armada on their own for the possible upcoming battle with planet Angolia. They have told me to keep you on Earth until your coronation." "But I need to be there so I can find out if there is a conspiracy going on against me. I just can't walk away from my duty!" she choked out. "There is no way I'm letting you go back there in your condition. Besides, expecting mothers should not have to worry about such things," he replied, hinting. "What?" she asked, whispering. "You're pregnant, Ryoko," he said smiling. At that very moment, Ryoko fainted for a second time while she was in that lab. Tenchi chuckled softly at Ryoko's sudden reaction. He thought that he would be the one to lose his nerve, not her. He got up off of the chair and walked out of the lab. Ayeka greeted him when he was finally out of there. "How is Ryoko doing, Lord Tenchi?" she asked, concerned. "She's doing just fine now. Washu did tell me something interesting though," he said. "Which is?" she queried. Tenchi's lips broke out into a large smile. "Ryoko's pregnant!" Ayeka's face was stunned into absolute silence. She didn't know what to say to this revelation. She just stood there for five minutes in complete silence. Tenchi started to become worried. "Umm.Miss Ayeka, is there something wrong?" Ayeka finally broke out of her shocked trance. She looked at Tenchi, bewildered. "Are you absolutely positive that Ryoko is pregnant?" "Yeah, I'm sure. Washu ran tests on her and this is what she came up with," he replied shrugging. "How does it feel now that you're going to be a father?" Ayeka questioned him. "It feels strange, but good. I'm actually going to have my own child and this kind of scares me because I don't really know what to do, but I'm sure that we'll love the child with all our hearts," he answered. Ayeka gave him a warm smile. She knew that Tenchi would be a good father once he got the hang of it. She wished that the child that Ryoko was carrying was hers, but she knew that Tenchi was deeply in love with Ryoko and would never leave her. A part of Ayeka was glad that this was so. She just wanted him to be happy, even if he was with Ryoko. She had learned to accept it within the past few days and considering her decision that happened when she had pushed Ryoko to save Tenchi from Haruna herself, she already knew that in way, he was already lost to her, but she had decided to grow from her decisions and become a stronger person because of it. "I am very happy for you and Ryoko, Lord Tenchi," she said warmly. "Thank you, Miss Ayeka. You don't know how much that means to me," he said smiling at her with equal warmth. "Has Miss Washu told you the sex of the child yet?" she asked. "Well, she offered to tell me, but I refused," he replied. Ayeka eyed him curiously. "Whatever for?" "Because I want it to be surprise for me. Some things are just better that way," he said. Ayeka gave him an understanding smile. If he knew right away the gender of the child, it would take out all the joy of the pregnancy for him. He wanted it to be a surprise and he was willing to walk into it blindly considering that this child was created by the love Tenchi and Ryoko had for each other. "I think that I will go and check on Ryoko now," she said. "Alright, Miss Ayeka. I'll see you at dinnertime then," he said. With that Tenchi walked off and Ayeka entered the lab. She saw Ryoko on the regeneration bed and walked up to it. She sat down in the chair that Tenchi had previously sat in while he watched over Ryoko. Ayeka sighed as she watched Ryoko. Her best friend was suffering because of some bastard and she wanted to know who it was herself. She was determined to go back to Velsa with Tenchi and Ryoko to help them out on their quest. She heard a grumbling noise and turned to see that Ryoko was waking up. Ryoko opened one golden eye and saw Ayeka sitting on a chair next to the bed. She yawned and smiled at her. "Hey chipmunk! Whatcha doin' in here?" she asked. "I came in here to check up on you. How does it feel to be pregnant?" Ayeka inquired. "I dunno, I just found out today that I was and it's only been three days, so the signs won't be there for a while," she replied, shrugging. "Well, I do have some news for you Ryoko," said Ayeka. "Oh? What's that?" she asked curiously. "I've decided to go with you and Lord Tenchi to Velsa once you two leave," Ayeka answered. She looked at Ryoko expectantly to answer her. Ryoko gave her a hesitant look. "I don't know Ayeka. I mean, are you sure? You could easily get hurt on this quest." Ayeka gave her a superior look. "I know that Ryoko and I don't really care at this point. You are my best friend and I still love Lord Tenchi even though you are with him. I will do anything to help save your lives, even die." Ryoko gave Ayeka teary look. "Ayeka." Ayeka reached out and grabbed her friend's right hand and squeezed it in her left one. "Truly, Ryoko. I will do everything in my power to make sure that nothing happens to you two." "You know what Ayeka? You really are a true friend. I don't know of anybody who could replace your friendship towards me because we share a bond that I'm gonna cherish next to Tenchi's forever," said the teary eyed Ryoko. "Thank you, Ryoko. I will cherish those words and your friendship forever. Would it be okay for me to come along now?" she asked. "It's okay with me if it's okay with Tenchi," said Ryoko, wiping away the tears from her eyes. "Would you like me to ask him?" Ayeka asked Ryoko. "Let me do it. I'll convince him to say yes instead of no. I've been able to convince him to do a lot of things that he normally wouldn't do really well in the past few days," said Ryoko, grinning. Ayeka blushed at her brazen comment, but smiled as well. 'That sounds more like the old Ryoko we all know and love so well.' "Do you think that Lord Tenchi will let me come with you two if you convince him enough?" Ayeka asked seriously. Ryoko's eyebrows furrowed. "I don't know, Ayeka. I can try and see what'll happen, but other than that, I can't tell ya." Ayeka nodded gratefully at Ryoko. "Well, would you like me to get Miss Washu and tell her that you're feeling better or would you like to rest here for a little while longer?" Ryoko had a thoughtful look on her face. "Well.I have been in here for a long while and I'm dying to see my Tenchi." Ayeka looked at her curiously. "So.do you want to or not?" "Oh hell, I wanna get out of this lab now!" exclaimed Ryoko, who was grinning at full force at thought of seeing Tenchi. Ayeka giggled at her friend's utter frustration. It was good to see her energetic again. She was pretty sure that Tenchi would be the happiest though. She helped Ryoko off of the regeneration bed and brought her to where Washu was in the lab. Once they reached Washu, Washu acknowledged them. "Hey there!" Washu then turned her attention to the limping Ryoko who was using Ayeka's arm for support. "Well, Ryoko, you seem to look alright to leave the lab, but I want you take these with you though," said Washu. Ryoko examined the bottle of pills that Washu handed her. "What the hell are these supposed to do?" Washu sighed. "These pills will help you out with your pregnancy, just in case something goes wrong and I'm not around to help you. I have ten more bottles of them. I'm gonna give them to you before you leave for Velsa." "Does Tenchi know that you're giving me medication?" she asked. "Yes, I asked him if it was okay to do so and he said to go right ahead with it," replied Washu. "Well, thanks a bunch, Washu," said Ryoko. "What did I say to everybody about calling me that?" she asked, menacingly. Ryoko winced at the thought of being turned into a water sprite. "Thank you, Little Washu," she amended. Washu's holo-top computer disappeared and she grinned. "That's more like it." Ryoko growled inwardly. 'She really needs to get a life!' "We shall be leaving the lab now," said Ayeka. "Alrighty. Umm.Ayeka?" Washu called out before Ayeka had left. "Make sure that Ryoko actually rests and that she doesn't overuse her powers, ok?" asked Washu. Ayeka nodded and smiled. "Alright." And with that, Ayeka and Ryoko left the lab. Washu shook her head as soon as they were gone. 'I honestly hope that Ryoko follows orders or she definitely will hurt herself. I am glad that Ryoko can't hear me through the link. Well, I did out up a barrier, so I'm pretty safe on that account. I can't feel Nagi's thoughts though. She must have her barrier up as well. Hmm.I really do need to teach Ryoko to learn how to control her barrier as well as her sister knows how or she'll let out stray thoughts that she doesn't want anybody to know about. I know I'm repeating my own thoughts, but I truly do wish I could help my niece.' With that, Washu sighed and went back onto her project of connecting a portal from the Masaki residence to Velsa. Once Ayeka and Ryoko were out of Washu's lab, Ayeka helped Ryoko settle down on the couch in the living room. Ryoko had asked Ayeka to find Tenchi for her. Ryoko hated to admit it, but she was glad that she was back at the home with the people that actually treated her like a real person for the first time. All her true friends were there and she wouldn't trade them for anything in the Universe. That would mean losing Tenchi and she wouldn't be able to deal with that. Ryoko almost fell asleep, but a voice behind her startled her. She looked behind herself and saw Tenchi standing there, smiling warmly at her. She smiled back as he sat down on the couch next to her. He pulled her into a long, yet gentle kiss. Once they broke away from each other, Ryoko quickly nuzzled Tenchi's neck and then snuggled up next to him. "Tenchi?" she said, quietly. "Yeah?" he asked. "I spoke to Ayeka in Washu's lab when she came to check up on me today," she started. "Before we start talking about anything else, how are you feeling?" he asked. "A little better. I'm now an expecting mother and I'm scared," admitted Ryoko. "About what?" he asked. "About giving birth and about motherhood. I mean, how do I know if I'll be a good parent or not. I don't regret my pregnancy, I want to have this child, but I just don't feel ready. Is that normal, Tenchi?" she asked, looking at him worriedly and expectedly. "Yeah, Ryoko, it is and do want to know why it is?" he asked, smiling. "Why?" she asked back. "Because I feel nervous too," he said. "You do?" she asked just to reassure herself. "Of course I do, Ryoko. Having a child is not a light task and I'm pretty sure that giving birth to one isn't all full of roses either," he said. "Hmm.well, that calms my nerves somewhat," she said. "Good. Oh, that's right. You were saying something about talking to Ayeka today?" he asked. Ryoko's eyes widened. "Oh, yes! Well, anyway, Ayeka and I were speaking in Washu's lab today when she came to check up on me." "What about?" asked Tenchi, now curious. "She wanted to know if she could come along with us when we go back to Velsa," she explained. Tenchi shook his head. "No, Ryoko. It's way too dangerous for her to be coming with us." "She's more powerful than you think," said Ryoko. "Still, I don't think that it's such a good idea. I mean.what if something happens to her? I would never be able to explain her death to her parents with them biting my head off," replied Tenchi, wincing at the very thought of that happening to him. "I think that it's her decision now, not theirs and definitely not ours," she said, calmly. "I know, but still, I'm not so sure that this is such a good idea" he said to her. "Well, I'm also inviting my younger sister Nagi to come along with us. Why shouldn't I invite my best friend as well?" she asked, curiously. "Because she is the Princess of the most powerful planet in the Universe! If anything were to happen to her, Jurai would have both of our heads!" he cried out. Ryoko rolled her eyes. "Tenchi, Ayeka is a big girl. She is very capable of taking care of herself." Tenchi knew that he couldn't argue with that logic, so he reluctantly said, "Fine, Ryoko, she can come, but we'll have to keep a close eye on her while she's with us, ok?" Ryoko nodded her head rapidly as she gave Tenchi a happy look. "Thank you, my Tenchi." "You're welcome, Ryoko. I wish I knew how you always manage to convince me to do the most unspeakable things at times," muttered Tenchi. Ryoko grinned at him. "That's my secret and as you know, I love keeping secrets." Tenchi wrapped his right arm around her shoulders. "I guess I should expect that, coming from a former space pirate that is." Ryoko snuggled deeper into him. "It comes with the territory, my dear, and don't you forget that. Sneakiness will always be in my blood." Tenchi pretended to look thoughtful. "Does that mean we'll be able to sleep around with each other more often because of that?" Ryoko grabbed a pillow off of the couch and playfully smacked his head with it. Tenchi had attempted to shield himself, but he was hit anyway. He grinned at her. "Does that mean no?" Before Ryoko could hit him with the pillow again, he grabbed her face and kissed her passionately. Ryoko dropped the pillow and gave into the kiss that he was giving her. Once they pulled away, Ryoko gave him a stern look. "You had better behave yourself or you won't be gettin' any during the honeymoon," she said in mock seriousness. Tenchi hung his head. "Yes ma'am." "That's better. So, whatcha wanna do right now?" she asked. "Can we just sit here together on the couch as we are?" he asked. Ryoko looked at him warmly. "Sure." Ryoko and Tenchi spent the rest of the afternoon on the couch together. Once it was dinnertime, Ryoko had fallen asleep again because of the medication she had been taking. Tenchi walked into the dining room at dinnertime, but he didn't appear with Ryoko. Sasami looked at him curiously. "Where's Ryoko?" asked Sasami. Tenchi looked at the little girl and smiled. "She won't be coming to dinner tonight." "Why not?" she asked. "Because she fell asleep," said Tenchi. "Why did she fall asleep?" she asked, now more confused than ever. "Well, you see, Washu gave her some medication for her pregnancy and that kind of medication can put a person to sleep," Tenchi explained. "Oh, I see!" exclaimed Sasami. "Could you do me a favor Sasami?" asked Tenchi. "What?" she asked, curiously. "Could you possibly set aside some food for Ryoko for when she wakes up?" he asked. "I sure can!" said Sasami with a smile. "Thanks, Sasami," Tenchi said gratefully. "No problem, Tenchi," said Sasami in return. With that, Tenchi sat down at the table and began to eat and talk with the others who were there. A few more hours passed and Ryoko was still asleep on the couch. Tenchi picked her up and brought her back to her room. Once he was in there, he placed her in her bed and pulled the covers over her to keep her warm. He sat down on the bed where she slept. He could look at her like that forever. She, for him, was the most perfect creature in the creation of man. He then lied down next to her to gaze into her peacefully, sleeping face. He couldn't tear his eyes away from her beauty and he just laid there for what seemed like hours just watching her sleep. Tenchi looked at the clock and it was already midnight. He was becoming sleepy himself. He stole one more glance at Ryoko before falling asleep. 'Pleasant dreams, my love,' he thought to her. He finally fell asleep with a happy smile on his face as he cuddled up next to Ryoko, his one true love. A/N: Okay, there is one thing that I should mention. There are only three living members of the Velsan Royal Family. They happen to be Ryoko, Washu, and Nagi. The only thing is that the Velsan people don't know that Washu is still alive. As far as they're concerned, Ryoko and Nagi are the only one's left. Well, anyway, keep reading and I'll update ASAP. Ja ne!