Disclaimer: The characters in this story are property of AIC and Pioneer. I am only using them in some scenarios that I have created. This story is TV based, but I have mixed the goddess plot into it. Enjoy the story. Tenchi Muyo! The Weak Heart Tenchi grabbed the electric bonds that held Ayeka. They shocked him, but he ripped them apart and fell into Ayeka's arms. She hugged him tightly as he weakly glanced up at her. "Are you okay?" he asked. "I am fine," she smiled. "Where's Ryoko?" she asked looking around. Tenchi's eyes shot up wide in surprise. "Damn it," he cursed. "She was supposed to be distracting Tokimi, but knowing her she's not," he spoke aloud and ran down the staircase. Ayeka followed closely behind. They ran into a big room surrounded in darkness. The sound of a woman screaming alerted them. Tenchi turned to see a woman soaked in blood. Her hair slightly singed. Her black and red battles suit was barely covering her body. She smiled as she saw them. She limped her way toward them as a huge shadow hovered behind her. "RYOKO!" Tenchi screamed. She turned back to see Tokimi's lance come crashing down. She leaped back and saw the goddess looked surprisingly like her. She tossed her energy rod and heard Tokimi gulp in surprise and fall down before her. Ryoko fell back and looked down at herself. She immediately wrapped her hand over the right side of her left breast. She looked back to see Tenchi and Ayeka hugging in relief. She hated not getting attention from him, but after what Ayeka's been through, she didn't mind. After all, being a prisoner for a month was probably like hell. She crawled to her feet and limped to let the couple have their fun. She also had to get to the doctor and fast. She couldn't let her friends see her secret. Only Dr. Lock was allowed to fix her wounds. He was the only one that knew. He was there for her when Kagato attacked her. She was just about out, when the sound a whisper took her. "I saw your little secret," Tokimi whispered. She smiled at Ryoko malevolently. Her finger surged with electricity as it blasted into Ryoko's chest. Ryoko's left arm flamed in a sharp pain. She fell to her knees and surprise as she tossed a bolt of energy at Tokimi. Tokimi laughed until the ball hit her and she screamed. Then silence came and she was dead. Ryoko whistled for Ryo-Ohki. The others must not know. She heard the little cabbit's purr and collapsed to the ground. "RYOKO!" Tenchi screamed as he ran to her side, but stepped back as a hissing cabbit blocked his path. "Ryo- Ohki, let me by," he said sternly. The cabbit eased down and allowed him to pass. He knelt on his knees and rolled Ryoko over. His eyes lit up in surprise as a scar formed down her left side of her chest. He looked curiously at the skin that he once thought was hers. It was the same color, but it covered her chest to hide the scar. He wondered why she would do that and checked her pulse. He immediately laid her flat on her back and began pumping her lungs. "Breathe. Come on Breathe," he encouraged. "Ayeka, get help. Hurry," he ordered and watched as she ran out of the chamber. After a few minutes, she returned with Kiyone, Mihoshi, and Washu. Washu grabbed her med bag and began using electric shocks on Ryoko. "Okay, 1, 2, 3."she counted and placed the twin boxes on Ryoko's chest. Ryoko's corpse leaped off the ground. Washu waited a second, but still no movement. "Again," she called out and counted. She pushed the boxes on the chest and jumped back as Ryoko gasped for oxygen. Blood poured out of her mouth. "Let's get her on the Yagami. I will work on her in there," she told the other two women. Kiyone and Mihoshi carried Ryoko off. Ayeka followed from behind. "Tenchi, she has had her heart replaced," she spoke out. "What do you mean?" he asked trying to follow. "She had a bad heart, and had it replaced with another. Usually, it works out okay, but she was supposed to take it easy. With the attack we just saw, it is amazing she came back to us," Washu explained. She sounded like she was shocked at the entire situation. "Did Kagato do it?" "No, this one was probably since birth. She does have a scar on her side that came from that battle, which was also covered with the extra skin cover. The best we can do is keep her down for the rest of her life. Another heart transplant can be done, but it won't be stable as the first. She will have to take it easy for the rest of her life. Her new heart will not be able to handle all of the extra activity," Washu said turning to go with the other girls. "It will kill her, Washu," Tenchi announced out. The scientist stopped and looked back. Sadness appeared all over her face. "I know." "She loves to move and be free. Isn't there anything we can do?" he asked, almost begging. "Yes, stay away from her. You will only encourage her stress. Go with Ayeka and leave," Washu said and continued out to the gate. "I can't," he called out. "She means too much to me. Ayeka knows that," Tenchi shouted. "Does she?" Washu asked and left the dumbfounded Tenchi. Tenchi stood there. Washu was right. Ayeka was not going to give up, and he wasn't sure whom he loved or was he. Tenchi shook his head. Of course he knew. He almost lost Ryoko twice. Each time without showing her he cared. She was in danger, more than he thought, and he abandoned her. He didn't want that to happen a third time. It might be their last. He stood to his feet and left the dark chamber. He couldn't for he loved Ryoko. *** Ryoko lay on the bed. Her eyes were trying to focus on her surroundings. The only way she knew she was alive was the awful pain in her chest. She coughed and tried to get up. She had to get to Dr. Lock. "Ryoko, lay back down," a man said and she felt someone resting her back. She tried to say no, but the words "Dr. Lock," mumbled out. She raised her hand to her chest and felt the horrible scar. She croaked and the memories returned. *** Two guys surrounded her. She was stuck. She was on her way home, but her mother and dad were murdered for their money. She was only fourteen and now they wanted her body. She fought them and in return a knife was shoved into her heart. She fell to the ground without a word. The men left, but a message was left on the wall 'Slick was here!' Ryoko awoke and looked at the doctor standing above her. "You're awake. I am Dr. Lock, your parents' private doctor. We just gave you a new heart, Ryoko, but you are still going to have to go out into the world on your own. The police also have a few questions, but you need your rest," he said and left the room. Ryoko did as he said, but lived off the fame of being a victim of her parents' murder. That only lasted for two months as she went to swim. She walked down the beach with her new friend Kace. She knew him since they were little and now they were dating. She was sixteen and he was a senior in their high school. Kace saw the ugly dark purple scar when she leaned over to grab a bottle of water. "Hey gang, check this out," he laughed and ripped Ryoko's bathing suit open. Everyone starred at her, but not her breasts. Just the ugly scar. She screamed for help. She was joke to them. The police came, but arrested her. She was banished from her own world two weeks later because Kace's dad was a world politician and he didn't want the publicity, so they made her look like a monster. That is when she had the idea of a pirate. She couldn't mix with people. She was now an outcast. She smiled as only one thought could make the pain go away, revenge. She would find Slick and make him pay. *** Ryoko awoke to the sound of thunder. She looked down and found herself connected to many wires and a small tube connected to her wrist. She heard noises outside of the room. The room seemed familiar, but she didn't have one. She shook it off and stood to her feet, but collapsed to the ground, as her legs couldn't support her weight. The door opened and Tenchi and Ayeka ran in. Tenchi had lipstick on his lips and it matched the one's on Ayeka's. Ryoko looked at it with horror and looked down at her chest. It was wrapped. They knew. She had to get to Dr. Lock, the only man that seemed to care for her. She must be some joke to this family now. She wrapped her arms around herself and tried to crawl to the door. "Ryoko," Tenchi said in surprise and carried her into his arms. "I am not here to be teased, so you two enjoy your life and let me be with mine," she said weakly. "Ayeka, will you excuse us," Tenchi sighed. "But, Lord Tenchi," she argued. Tenchi glared at her and she left. He turned back to the woman in his arms, the tube still connected on her wrist. "Ryoko, I can explain about Ayeka," he said. "I don't care about you or her. I don't want to hear this," she cried surrounding her chest tighter and tighter with her arms. Tenchi saw this and looked back at her, "You are afraid that we won't like you because of a bad heart," he laughed. "You have no idea, what it is like to have your life taken away," she said in anger. "Calm down, this isn't good for your new heart," he said rubbing his cheek to her forehead. "Now tell me, and I will do my best to understand," he said laying her back in bed. "My parents were killed almost six years ago. I was stabbed in the heart, but survived thanks to my private doctor, Dr. Lock. Everything was okay for a while. Then a guy I was dating in school saw my scar on the beach. He ripped my swimsuit and showed me to his friends. I was banished, so I couldn't tell what happened. They made me look like a monster," she cried. "And for what?" she yelled. "To save his hide from going to court on the account that his son abused to me. His dad was a world politician on my planet. He had the power to do anything," she said feeling the pain return. She placed her hand over the bandage. "They gave me Ryo-Ohki and I left on my hunt for the murderers of my parents, Slick and his comrade, Trater. I became a bounty hunter and found the two within two years. I was supposed to bring them in alive, but I killed them. I thought the pain would go away, but it still haunted me. Then I met you another two years later. Then Kagato attacked and I was afraid you and the others would find out. Ryo-Ohki took me to Dr. Lock. He fixed me up and I came back. Now a year later, and you all find out," she cried. Tenchi pulled her closer to him. "I never knew," he said to himself. This was the easy part. The hard part was going to take this freedom away from he, the only thing that kept her safe from her painful memories. "How did you meet Ayeka in Ryo-Ohki if she wasn't yours, yet?" he asked trying to ease the conversation before he told her the bad news. "My mom and dad were ambassadors. I got around easy. Ryo-Ohki belonged to them, but when they died Dr. Lock took care of her. He gave her to me when I was banished. I had no friends when I was away so I took what I wanted. Eventually, I had to give everything back." "Ryoko, it gets worse," he sighed. "Dr. Lock past away right after you left him." He let her cry on his shoulder and pulled her away. "Also, you can't do too much anymore. You have had three transplants, and your body is not as strong as it once was. You are supposed to slow down and only do things, before you feel tired. You will tire out quicker, so you will know when to quit," he said. "That's the bad news," she almost mocked in relief. "No, the bad news is that you can't use your powers anymore. Washu has disabled those abilities. You're body is so weak that it can't handle your powers anymore," he said sadly. "How can I defend, myself? How can I fight? My world is dying. How can I." she cried out in fear. Tenchi could only stare at her. She was alone and afraid. She felt like no one loved her. He pulled the covers back and blew air on to her naked stomach. She gave a little giggled and he covered her up. "You have me to do that for you," he smiled. "I.I'm." she tried to speak as her eyes fluttered to close. "Sshh, rest," he said and watched her fall asleep. *** Tenchi closed the door to his room. He turned to see Ayeka. She had tears falling down her cheeks. He felt bad. "What's wrong, Ayeka?" "I feel like I'm losing you," she cried out. Tenchi stood there in silence. What could he do? She was so beautiful. He took a deep breath, and made his move. He grabbed her in his arms and they kissed. He felt her tongue twist with his. Then, he broke it, pulling away slowly. He stood there in shock of what he just did. Ayeka blushed and ran down the stairs. She glanced back with a smile and continued down. Tenchi followed behind. He needed to think. *** The forest was beautiful, but it didn't make him feel better. Tenchi sighed. "I thought I loved Ryoko, but I kissed Ayeka. I never kissed Ryoko, but now I don't know if I want to. I think I am falling in love with Ayeka," he shook his head in a frenzy, "Maybe it would have been different if she wasn't injured, but I have seen Ayeka a lot more. Damn it, if she wasn't so hurt, we might have fallen in love," he almost shouted. He looked back at the sound of snapping twigs. He looked back to see Ryo-Ohki starring at him. He looked at her in fear, as the cabbit ran off. "Damnit," he said in worry. "Now Ryoko knows everything," he sat back down in defeat. *** Tears dropped on Ryoko's pillow. She heard everything. She knew it was too good to be true. She will always be a weak monster to people. Her birthday was tomorrow. She hasn't celebrated it since her parents died. The only person who knew about it was Dr. Lock. Now, if he is dead, Washu probably got Ryoko's medical records, meaning they all would try to celebrate it. She felt excited, but the thought of them celebrating a monster's birthday was too real. She decided it was time to leave and keep her secret a secret again. She eased herself out of bed and took off the all the electrical equipment attached to her. She walked out of Tenchi's room and slipped into her closet. She grabbed her red sweat pants and a matching sweatshirt. She never liked undergarments. They were so uncomfortable especially on her scar. She put on a pair of white running shoes. It was time to go for a run. She had to leave before her birthday. *** Tenchi sat in bitterness as Ayeka sat beside him. He looked at his new visitor. He felt happy warm when she was around. He could only smile at her. "Lord Tenchi, about this morning." she said, but Tenchi interrupted. "It's my fault. I'm sorry," he spoke out like a begging boy. "Oh," Ayeka spoke a little startled. "Well, what I meant was.did you do it because you loved me, or pity," she asked grasping her hands together as if praying. Tenchi could only stare at her in utter admiration. "I think it is.love," he hesitated. Was it love? He didn't know, but whatever he had for Ryoko was gone. "Anyways, Sasami has dinner ready. Shall we?" she asked with her hand stretched out to take his. Tenchi took it with a smile and they walked toward the path of the shrine. *** Ryoko knocked out Washu easily. The scientist didn't expect her to be up on her feet so fast. She used Washu memory erasers to stop Washu from remembering what occurred in the last forty-eight hours. Now, she was on her jog with her medical files to the forest. This would be a good way to get in shape and then she would be gone by tonight. She ran along the path, and turned a corner to enter the forest, but she heard a noise from behind. She shook it off and took it as nothing. *** "Ayeka stay here. I am going after her. She is insane," he said in anger and ran into the woods. Ayeka ran to the house to warn the others. Tenchi saw her and continued running. She should be feeling a pain in her arm by now. She shouldn't be running out like this. He called again, "RYOKO!!" *** Ryoko looked back at the sound of her name to see the man that also thought she was a monster. She felt afraid and ran faster. Pain ran up her arm. It grew stronger. She didn't care. She had to get away and dispose the files in her possession. She ran and then the pain grew unbearable and she lost the feeling in her body as she fell. *** Tenchi ran as fast as he could and then leaped to catch her. He caught her just in time and cradled her in his arms. He was so mad at her, but the anger vanished when he saw the fear in her eyes. He felt sick at himself. "Ryoko what is wrong what are you afraid of?" he asked trying to calm her heavy breathing. "Don't hurt me," she cried. Tenchi's eyes grew in shock as he said, "I would never hurt you." "I heard what you said. You said I was in the way. You're no different than the people on my home world. I am just a monster," she said in disgust. "Ryoko, that's not true. I wouldn't be holding you like this if that were true. We all care for you," he said soothingly. Ryoko felt dizzy. "The pain," she began to convulse. "RYOKO!" Tenchi shouted. He hugged her tightly. "It's alright. Calm down. Fight it, don't give in," he said trying not to hit her lungs. He didn't want to lose her, and was ready to pump her lungs for air. Ryoko opened her eyes and relaxed in his arms. Her breathing was normal and she eased back. She was wet from her own sweat. She did a lot to get where she did in her condition. "At a girl," he said. "Breathe." "I'm so." she reached for the folder with her medical records. Tenchi looked at the records in surprise and grabbed them. He opened them to see Ryoko's ID. His eyes grew wide in excitement as he saw her birth date. It was amazing. They didn't think she had a birthday. She would be twenty tomorrow. That would make her seven months older than him. "I never knew you were my age," he grinned. He looked back at her in worry. "What were you going to do with this?" "Burn it," she replied weakly. "I didn't want people to know about me. I don't want to be a monster again," she cried. "You are not a monster and will never be one," he said comforting. "Now, take it easy. I don't know what your limitations are, but don't aggravate your heart. You need to respect it and your body," he said rocking her in his arms. "I.I want.want to.be free again," she whispered. "I want you to be to, but to keep you alive we need to take some freedom away. I'm sorry," he said caring Ryoko toward the house. She cried on his shoulder in defeat. "I don't know how, but someday I will make it up to you," he said sadly. It killed him to see her like this. Tenchi saw a crowd of familiar people waiting for them. "That was clever, Ryoko, but you can never out think a scientist," Washu gloated as she took Tenchi by the arm and led them in. "Don't worry about me being mad. After all, I know everything," she smiled sincerely at Ryoko. Ryoko snuggled closer to Tenchi. She seemed afraid of everyone. Washu turned away, and contemplated on Ryoko's behavior. They walked into Tenchi's room. Tenchi laid Ryoko on the bed. Tenchi held her hand as Washu took off Ryoko's clothes and put the wires back on. After Washu finished, Tenchi signaled to leave the room with his head. They walked out the doorway and stood in silence. Washu closed Tenchi's door as he spoke. "Washu, she is so afraid of us hating her. She so far trusts me, but you saw how she refused to let go of my hand as you set her up," Tenchi announced. "I know, and that is why I left you the option at Tokimi's. Now, that you have a love, what do you intend to do with Ryoko?" she asked with her arms crossed not daring to look at his eyes. Tenchi starred at her in surprise. "How did you." he asked. "Like I told Ryoko I know all and more," she interrupted proudly. Tenchi sighed and leaned against the door. His nervousness clearly shone as he rubbed his hair back madly. "Relax. I know you lied to her," Washu said not moving from her side of the door. Tenchi starred at her in anger. "I didn't lie," he snarled. "But you did. You love Ayeka," Washu pointed out. Tenchi stopped his anger and leaned back in defeat. He shook his head. "Everything I tried for her, and I still love Ayeka," he said. "Yep," Washu replied. "Besides, she won't make it. I would give her two days to live," Washu spoke out, but not intentional. "What?" Tenchi gasped. "Oops," Washu froze. "Why didn't you tell us?" he asked as his anger flourished again. "I did it to protect the family. When she dies, everyone will toss the blame at one another, especially you," she yelled in defense. "That still doesn't give you the right not to tell us and let it happen," he roared in anger. "It does if I am putting all the blame on myself and no one else," she screamed. "That is besides the point," he shouted. "NO! It is not beside the point. Have you even thought, whom this would hurt more?" she paused and took a breath and shouted back before he got another word in, "No! How about Ryoko, then?" she snapped. "You love Ayeka and the fact you were conceded on your own feelings and not hers proves it," she said calming down as Tenchi did the same. His eyes looked weary. He faltered to the wall and slid down to the floor. He was in shock. His eyes were twitching wide open. His jaw moved, but no words came out. He looked up at her. "You're right," he said sadly. "Good, then leave it as it is," she ordered. "No!" he fought back. "She needs to know. I owe her that much," he said biting his lip. "No! You don't owe her a damn thing. She should have been left to die. At least it would have made it easy on us. I brought her back to life because you asked me, too. I knew the effects of the decision, but I did it anyway. I even warned you, but you were too confident to realize the truth," she said to him. "That doesn't mean I can't tell her," he pouted. "Do you know why she truly was destroying those records and going to leave?" Washu asked. Tenchi shook his head and waited for her explanation. "She was going off to die, Tenchi. She was erasing any evidence that she existed. She already knows and letting her know that you know is even worse considering her feelings for you. Even though, you don't feel the same," Washu stopped and turned to leave. "Now you know the entire truth. I am going to my lab to rest," she said looking back at him. "I'm sorry." She walked down the staircase leaving him there on the floor. *** A ship flew gallantly through space. She soared in her metallic beauty. The hull was painted in dark blue. The ship was in the shape of a jagged diamond. It flew past a ringed planet. A man stood in the center of the bridge, which was full of dirty men and women. Their clothes were torn rags. The man wore tight red leather slacks and closed vest. A metal plate covered half of his face. The other half looked normal. His baldhead glistened in the light of the ship. The man scratched his clean shaved chin. His hand rested on the hilt of his rapier. "Why did it take you so long to find me, Nagi?" he asked the bounty hunter standing behind him. "I did, but you are a hard pirate to find," she said looking cautiously at the men surrounding her. "I see," he said nodding his head. "Are you sure she is on this planet, Earth?" he asked arrogantly. "Yes, I am. Now where is my money? I spent two years to get the money you promised me," she spoke out loudly. "You will get it," he smiled turning around and fired his pistol at the unsuspecting bounty hunter. Nagi grunted as the shot hit through her chest. She leaped over the men around her and grabbed the ladder to Ken-Ohki, as the ship took to the ceiling. She climbed in. "Let's go, Ken-Ohki," she ordered holding her chest. "To Earth." *** The man looked on in amazement. A small grin lingered on his face. "You will pay Ryoko. I will make your heart fall into pieces this time," he hissed. He turned to his crew. "Follow that ship, and prepare to invade. Once I get Ryoko, destroy that planet." "But sir, Jurai's future emperor is on that planet," a man said from below the deck. "I know, but Jurai can come and die with this planet if they want. It doesn't matter to me. They already want my head. After all, we stole the only metallic Jurai battle ship, and it is the most powerful. Let them come," he smiled. *** Kiyone yawned looking at the reports. This was a big case. After the Tokimi incident, she and Mihoshi investigated the berandium shipment. She had a gut feeling the missing Jurai battleship and the shipment were done on the same heist. It all happened on the same day and two hours after the ship vanished. She also heard the reports from Washu about Ryoko's blood test. It was positive. She also checked up on Ryoko's history. Ryoko's parents were nonexistent. A doctor whom helped heal crime bosses, Dr. Locke, raised her. She lived in crime. As for Slick and his comrade, one was found dead, but his body was identified as Trater's. Slick was alive. That was who they were trying to catch at the deal, but he was gone when they arrived. "Damn," she cursed. She was back at square one. She had to relocate Slick and bring him in. *** Washu took another sigh as she put the pieces together. Now, it was time to tell Tenchi the entire truth, but what would he do to Ryoko. Maybe nothing, if the last bit of information, Washu hopes is correct, is the truth. If it is, she might be in better shape than now. She typed on her keyboard and located Tenchi and with another push on her keys, and Tenchi appeared in front of her with bokken in hand. "Tenchi, we have to talk," she said sternly. *** Ryoko placed the silver rod to her neck and pushed in as the glow red liquid left the vile and entered her body. Just as she was about to put it away, Tenchi burst into the room. He was angry and grabbed her hand holding the vile. She dropped it as his grip was too strong for her. "What is that?" he yelled pointing at the broken vile. "It's a painkiller," she said in terror. "Stop lying," he shook her angrily. Ryoko screamed in absolute terror as memories came back. "Is the berandium?" he bellowed. She nodded her head and cuddled against the wall as if he was going to kill her. "This stuff is killing you. Are just dumb?" he almost screamed. "NOOOOO!!!" she screamed. "You don't understand and never will." "Understand what? That you bring drugs into my house." "I was a test subject on the drug," she yelled in her defense. Tenchi stopped and let he spoke. "Dr. Lock used it to heal me. It is a drug that makes heart implants safer and more effective, but it has one problem. It is highly addictive." She looked up at him and crawled back to the wall in terror. "Then, Slick and Trater supported his research on the drug, and made mass production of it. They sold it throughout the universe, and then it was declared illegal. The two pirates did it in the black market and were wanted criminals. I killed them as they tried to rape me. My parents weren't politicians. They were Dr. Lock's assistants. They were killed when Slick and Trater stole the berandium. I killed them and wound up with a stab in my heart. The doctor used the drug to heal me, but I grew where I needed it more. It made my heart weaker, but I didn't care. I still needed it. I have the plans to make it, that is why they were going to kill me, but I got them first," she explained still afraid. The window broke open and a woman fell in. She was bleeding all over. "Nagi!" Tenchi said in surprise. "R.yo.ko!" she whispered. "Slick hired me, and now he backstabbed me. He is almost here," she gulped back the blood about to drip out of her mouth. "Impossible," Ryoko spoke silently. "Hang in there Nagi," she said. Nagi shook her head no and convulsed, then shortly after, died. Tenchi looked up at Ryoko. "He wants them, then he can have them," she snarled. She got to her feet still shaky and put on a black leather suit. It was tight all around her body. She placed a belt around her waist, and attached the sheath to the belt. Then, she put a rapier into the sheath. "I will lead him away from the planet. Otherwise, he will destroy it." She passed Tenchi and left the room. Limping all the way. "Wait Ryoko!" he yelled charging after her. "You think getting yourself killed is going to make up for the lies and drugs," he roared. "No. It won't make up for my sins. It doesn't matter anyway. I am dying," she cried and walked down the staircase. Tenchi stopped and thought. She was right. She was going to die. Nothing matters. She came back for him, and he never loved her. He remembered why he came back to earth. He was going to be with Ryoko when she got back, if she got back. He had to love her, but he didn't feel anything. "Tenchi!" Ayeka called. "What is it, Ayeka?" he asked. "I have summoned a fleet. I heard everything from Washu," she said. She looked around and saw no Ryoko. "Where's Ryoko?" she asked innocently. "She left to go die." he said in anger, but yet sad. "Die? Why?" Ayeka asked out. "She is dying anyway. She only has two days to live," he said sadly. "You're not going to help her. Are you?" she asked as they heard Ryo-Ohki fly into the sky. "No!" he said sternly. "She did it to herself." "Did she?" Ayeka asked. Tenchi looked at her. "What do you mean?" "It wasn't her fault. She didn't know the drugs the doctor gave her were going to be bad," Ayeka said. "But even when she did know, she still took them." "It was too late to quit. She has no one to help her quit. She was addicted," Ayeka explained. "Besides, she risked her life once for you, and she didn't have to. Remember," she said sadly. Tenchi remembered. Ryoko was injured and still sent him to Jurai, and here he was mad at her. Ayeka was right. Maybe he really didn't want her to go. "You're right, Ayeka. Let's go!" he smiled. *** "Sir a vessel is approaching," said the helmsman. "Scan!" he ordered. "Yes, sir," he replied and in a few seconds looked back. "It's her. It's Ryo-Ohki," he smiled. "Excellent. Head for the planet and ignore her," he smiled maliciously. "Sir!" gasped the helmsman. "You hear me," he yelled back. "Yes sir," he replied. "Might as well destroy two birds instead of one," he laughed. *** Ryoko leaned in her chair weakly. "Why aren't they following us? Damn!" she cursed. "They're going to lure me in, and they know I will go." She sighed and set the new commands to Ryo-Ohki. *** "She's coming back and attacking," said one of the men. "Fire at will," he ordered. Show it on screen." The picture of the battle lay before him. "Good and fire our other cannons on Earth," he smiled. "Yes, sir," came the reply. He watched with intent as Ryo-Ohki was taking a lot of damage and they were getting little. He looked at Earth as fire could be seen from the stars. "Sir, a fleet is coming," he yelled out in worry. "The Jurians, buy how? Attack them when in range," he called out. "Aye, sir." "So now the game's a foot." He looked at his own censors and saw something big from their rear. "Scan our ass," he yelled. Within a few moments, "Sir it is the Galaxy Police," said one of the men. "Fire one of the bombs on this thing. That should weaken their forces for us," he ordered. "Deploying bomb, now," said another man. "It is launched sir. It will connect with target in ten minutes." "Good." "Sir, another ship is leaving Earth's atmosphere." "Take the Ryo-Ohki down and attack it," he screamed in rage. "Ryo-Ohki is out, sir," said a man on his right. "Excellent, now the battle begins," he laughed as the bomb exploded leaving only a tenth of the police force left. His guns were already taken out Jurai ships. He felt like a god in this ship. He was invincible. *** Ryoko looked inside. It was massive. She leaped behind a corner as a guard walked around. He walked cautiously where she was hiding. Ryoko waited as his gun came into view and she wrapped around him snapping his neck. She dragged his body into the shadows of the darkness. She took his automatic weapon and ammunition. She carried the belt over her head and walked silently along the wall, her gun ready for anyone to come up on her. She stopped at a door and inserted the guard's I.D. She walked into the massive room to see armed men waiting for her. She starred at each side of the bridge. Men were all over the ground. She looked back in front of her at the infantry of men ready to fire at any moment. She ignored the shouting man for her to surrender. Her vision was already cloudy, she had to act fast and fire like a mad man to survive. She took a deep breath, and grabbed the grenades attached behind her back. She gave a wry smile. She pulled the pins from the three grenades, and tossed them. Two went on opposites sides of the bridge and one flew to the group in front of her. An explosion roared and Ryoko fired like a maniac into the flames. She grabbed another grenade and pulled its pin and threw it into the crowd below. She remained firing in front until there was no one standing. *** "Sir, there is a fight in the generator room," said the man at the comm. "What?" he asked in surprise and looked at the monitor. "DAMN!!" he roared. "Those shields go. We go," he ran to the door in rage. "I will take care of this, myself," he said as the door closed. *** Tenchi stood with an entire Jurai team. Ayeka stood in front of him. "We prefer not to use guns, but this is a battle we cannot win without guns. Good luck and return alive," she almost cried with worry. "I will," he promised and boarded the small vessel. It took off into the mad rage of fire and flew to its target. "Be safe," she spoke. *** Ryoko starred at the piles of dead men. She survived. She saw her targets the generators. She grabbed the explosives and placed on in her pocket. She was about ready to set them when the door opened. A man in red leather walked out, but it wasn't Slick. It was. "Trater," she whispered in surprise. "I'm alive, but my brother is dead. You killed him, but more importantly. Where is the instructions?" he smiled eagerly. "I'm not giving them to you, Trater," she told him. "My parents died for those papers, and what those papers made only game me less than thirty-six hours to live." "Really? Well, then you die early," he said and pulled out his rapier. Ryoko fired a shot, but Trater's blade already cut her weapon in half. He swung to pierce her heart. Ryoko feeling her heart act up again parried as she pulled her rapier out. The two remained locked. "This is where it ends, once and for all. My search has finally comes to an end," he smiled with glee. "Only one problem," Ryoko struggled to fight off his overpowering strength. "What's that?" he asked tauntingly. "I'm still alive," she said and kicked him in the stomach. The fight was on. Ryoko swung to take his head and he blocked. The two raced along the plank and through the door Trater came in. She had him, but when she kicked him he rolled down some stairs, that she didn't see from behind him. She ran down the stairs in a blaze. *** Tenchi remained firing at their attackers. He never killed people with a gun before, especially hordes of them. He didn't care. He only thought about saving Ryoko and his world. "Go, Lord Tenchi," the commander ordered. "We will cover you," he yelled over the roaring noise of screams and gunfire. Tenchi nodded his head and ran toward the door. He found it open and leaped in. What he saw amazed him more. Dead men lay everywhere. It looked to be that she wasn't here too long ago, but was she still alive? He ran to the next room and looked down the staircase. "Down I go," he said to himself. *** Ryoko blocked his blow for her side and pushed into a fork. He swung to bring her back, but she parried and pushed him down the left of the hall. Their blades clashed as the door behind him opened. She kept pushing him back. The next room was huge and a giant glowing rod filled most of the room. Ryoko knew exactly what it was. The core to the entire ship, if it goes, the entire ship goes with it. She was about to take his legs, but he punched her to the ground. Ryoko gasped in pain. Her heart was giving out on her. She wasn't going to make it. She looked in front of her to see the explosive that was in her pocket. It must have fallen out. She tried to reach it, but it fell down to the bottom of the core. She immediately, by instinct, rolled to her left. She did it barely in time as Trater's blade clashed to the metal her struck. She grabbed her rapier and blocked his next attack. Trater stopped and spoke, "You want to see what you did to my face? Do you?" he asked in anger. He slowly removed the metal mask and rubbed the big scar that was the other half of his face. "You burned it. I have no eye, or reasonable looking features, just a scar. You did that to me with your damn fireball. Now, I am going to repay the favor by stabbing your heart out," he hissed and attacked her again. *** Tenchi ran down the hall. He stopped at the fork, and looked at which direction. The sound of swords clashing made him run left. He ran to the door. *** The commander hid behind the door. "Blow it," he ordered and an explosion shook the ship. "Send word to our ships. The shields are offline. Take out the core." "Yes sir," one of the men replied. "Lord Tenchi, the shields are blown. We have to get out of here before she blows," he spoke into his microphone. "I am not leaving without Ryoko. Tell them to fire. I will be all right," he relied through the commander's earpiece. *** "That's the signal, men. We only one shot at the core, so make it count. She will out flank us after the first shot," the general of the Jurai fleet announced to his crew. "Target," he ordered. "Target," came a reply. "Fire," he said as sweat dripped down his wrinkled skin. *** The Jurai vessel glowed in blue light as a beam blasted from it. The beam traveled through space like nothing was in its way. It flowed to the center of its target and connected. A fiery ball of fire ignited on the enemy's vessel. *** On the Jurai command ship. "Sir, we missed," reported the comm. "Damn, we can't stop it," he said losing hope. *** Ryoko flew into the wall as a ball of fire shook above them, but missing the core. Trater flew into the opposite wall. He got to his feet to see Ryoko's own sword sticking in his chest. He looked up in surprise and saw his sword went through her leg. Some debris rested on top of her, as her legs and feet faced him. He crawled to his feet and arched his back inward. He pulled her rapier from his chest and crawled to her. His eyes burned for blood. He saw his target. He was about to strike when he flew back into the wall and darkness took him. *** Tenchi stood still lowering his leg to the ground. He ran to Ryoko. "Come on. I am here to get you out," he said in relief. "I will if you can get this debris off of me," she said eagerly. He looked at the wall that fell on her. It was the entire wall. He couldn't move it. "Ryoko, I am not going to lose you," he almost cried. The feeling of love returned and he knew. "Go, I won't die this easily. I will see you on earth," she said weakly as her breathing began to slow. "I won't leave you," he grabbed her hand in his. "I am not a monster, anymore," she smiled in relief. "You never was a monster," he wiped his tears. "because I love you," he said kissing her lips for the first time. "Go!" she screamed. "Lord Tenchi," came the commander's voice. "We have to go." "I won't leave her," he yelled back. "If you don't," he said, and then Tenchi fell to the ground unconscious. Ryoko watched in sadness, but nodded thanks to the commander. He gave smile, as he understood and carried Tenchi off. She waited to give them time to leave. *** It has been ten minutes and they all just boarded the shuttle. It was time to leave as the ship took off to the fleet, leaving the abandoning pirates to their deadly fate. *** Ryoko looked back at Trater as he gave her smile. Fire entered the room they were in. Ryoko held up the detonator. Trater saw it and his eyes grew in fear. "NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!" he screamed and she pushed the button. "I love you, too," she wept, and the explosion erupted throughout the ship. *** Tenchi watched as the ship in front of them exploded into a giant ball of fire. The light vanished leaving no trace of the vessel. "Ryoko!" he screamed. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!" *** Tenchi starred out the window. He felt empty and alone, since his fate changed yesterday. Today would have been her birthday. Ayeka and Sasami went back to Jurai with the fleet. Ayeka felt he loved Ryoko and decided to move on. Sasami went with her sister to help her sister feel happy again. Mihoshi and Kiyone were promoted again, and rarely come back to visit. Washu stayed, but has been locked up in her lab, since he got back. "Ryoko, why?" he asked sadly. He wanted to be with her, but now she was gone. He could almost hear her breathe. He could almost hear her voice. "Why so glum?" he would hear. Tenchi shook his head in disbelief to see her. He rubbed his eyes hoping it wasn't an illusion. When he opened his eyes, she was still there. "Ryoko," he asked in disbelief. "Yeah," she replied weakly. Blood dripped from her leg. She was dirty, and her hand held over her heart tightly. "Ryoko!" Tenchi hollered in relief and joy. Her knees buckled and she collapsed. Tenchi caught her before she hit the ground. "How did you survive?" he asked happily. "I don't know," she whispered exhaustedly. "Because I brought you here," came the familiar scientist's voice. "Washu?" Tenchi asked. "Yes, I can save your life and repair the damage the drug has done to your body. I can also cure your addiction, but tell me where the berandium is." Ryoko arched an eyebrow in warning. "Actually, I just want you to destroy it. I don't need it, and neither do you. Gees, you would think I was one of those pirates," she said sarcastically. She walked up and placed a shot into Ryoko's heart. "Rest, you will be all right, now. Just in case, I am putting you back in his bed and connected to the wires. I am going to monitor you for tonight." She looked at Tenchi. "If you, will do the honors," she smiled. Tenchi smiled back and carried Ryoko. He laid her back in bed as Washu threw Ryoko's clothes off, and connected the wires and bandaged Ryoko's leg. She pulled his covers over Ryoko, and waved the couple good night. Tenchi waited until she left, and glanced back at Ryoko. "I thought I lost you again," he said hugging her gently. "I thought I was gone, too," she said sleepily. "I will never do that again. We will be together forever, now. I will make sure of that," he smiled kissing her forehead. "I will always love you," she whispered as the pain in her body ceased. Washu's medicine was doing wonders. "I know, and I will love you always," he said kissing her. They kissed and gently pulled away. Tenchi looked down. She was already almost asleep. He crawled in bed beside her and drifted to sleep himself. "Good night, Ryoko. I love you." THE END That is the end of this fan fic, a different story. A lot of my work usually leads you in to not knowing where I am going with the plot, but this one. I didn't throw in a lot of surprises in this one, and I apologize for it. Please send comments and questions on this fan fic to washu@saiyan.com. Thanks for reading my story and stay tuned for my future fics.