Every Lesson Learned, Episode I: Version "X"
This is actually my second fan fiction. The first one "A Trial of
Friendship." (Shameless plug) is still being written.
Special thanks to my pal and pre-reader, juliuscm, who kept me honest.
Special thanks to fellow FF writer Chris Davies helped with the update.
Note: One character or another may be more insightful than usual. So
don't get upset when you see it.
P.S. Look for extended Author's notes in the Special Section "X" after
the story. ^_^
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The late spring morning at the Masaki Shrine was glorious as
usual. Many of the flowering plants were in full bloom and the
others were well on their way. Trees, full of green leaves swayed
gently in the breeze while small woodland creatures nursed their
young.
One thing, however, was out of the ordinary. The house which was built
by Nobuyuki Masaki was strangely silent. No peals of laughter or shouts
of anger escaped the walls. There were no sounds of television programs
nor were there explosions of battle. The house was empty save one young
lady.
Aeka, First Princess of the Jurai Royal family, stood up from her
labors on the large front porch. Her long amethyst hair was tied back
and placed in a hair net. She placed her hands in the small of her back
for a good vertebra-popping stretch. Bending down once again, she
retrieved her bucket and scrub brush.
A week of menial labor had finally cleared her conscience. She was now
convinced that Ryoko's condition wasn't really her fault as everyone
had tried to assure her. Aeka walked into the house to a broom closet
where she shed her rubber gloves and apron, placing the latter into a
clothes hamper.
Upon entering the living room, she found that Sasami had set out some
tea, and snacks for her before leaving. She sat down and unleashed her
long ponytails and poured herself a cup. As she brought the fragrant cup
to her lips, her mind wandered back to the events of the previous week.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
[One week ago]
It had been a normal day for Aeka. She got up, took a bath, dressed in
her usual stylish, yet modest fashion, and helped Sasami clean the
breakfast dishes. Kiyone and Mihoshi had the weekend off and dropped by
to discuss their plans for their upcoming vacations. Katsuhito had taken
Tenchi to the Shrine for sword practice, so Aeka sat with Nobuyuki and
listened in.
"I have a great idea," Mihoshi beamed. "Let's take our vacations at the
same time Kiyone. Then we can spend the whole time together."
"Like hell we will!" Kiyone bristled.
"Well I think it's a great idea," Nobuyuki added. "Spending time
together away from the stress of work can really bring you two girls
closer together. That's why I attend my company retreat every year."
"Getting closer is just what I want to avoid." Kiyone said deadpan.
"Oh it'll be fun Kiyone; you'll see." Mihoshi cheerily continued. "I
heard about this great amusement park in France. It has a lot of cool
rides and shows and a big talking mouse. Don't you think that's great?
And we don't have to worry about big crowds or anything because hardly
anybody goes there!"
Mihoshi failed to notice the group face fault.
Later that day, Aeka sat next to Ryoko, who had slept in--again,
watching a rather torrid soap opera. Both girls leaned closer to the
screen as the devoted, yet sexually-deprived, housewife was about to
kiss the ruggedly handsome mail carrier. Just then, her husband walked
through the door catching them in the act, and the ending credits
started to roll.
"What?! that's it?" Ryoko exclaimed flailing her arms in exasperation.
"I just wasted my whole afternoon on this!"
The space pirate's wild movements managed to knock a glass of sake
right into Aeka's face, totally drenching her.
"Ryoko you ungainly klutz! This is my favorite kimono!" She screamed
quickly getting up.
Seeing the Princess dripping wet with her fists clenched tightly
at her sides, Ryoko burst out laughing. Aeka was not amused.
"You did that on purpose, didn't you?"
"Of...of...of course not Princess," Ryoko tried to catch her breath.
Then in a quieter tone, "Hey accidents do happen."
Aeka's temper cooled slightly, considering this.
"But they're never this damn funny!" Ryoko doubled over guffawing.
Instead of answering her with a swift, violent death, Aeka stalked
upstairs to change.
*That Ryoko is so immature. She probably hasn't got a serious bone in
her body.*
Aeka fumed as she searched her closet for an appropriate change of
clothes. Something that would accentuate her eyes perhaps. Or maybe her
hair. Something to make Tenchi notice *her* more than that demoness's
gaudy outfits; or lack thereof. To show that much cleavage had to be
illegal somewhere in the galaxy. Aeka laughed to herself, imagining that
was the real reason for Ryoko's Most Wanted status.
Her mood turned sour as she disrobed and saw her body in her
full-length mirror. She wondered how long it would take her figure to
completely fill out, or if it already had. Not that she had no figure,
but for all her bluster about understated beauty, she wished that she
could have just a little more of a bust line.
Deciding to get back to dressing, Aeka began to pull out an ornate,
violet kimono when she noticed a slight bulge in the stack of blankets
on the closet shelf. Annoyed at the slightest imperfection, reached out
to smooth it but found some resistance underneath. Curious, Aeka reached
under the blankets until she extracted a smooth wooden box. Upon further
examination, she noticed that it had a silken ribbon around it and a tag
bearing her name.
*Where could it have come from,* she thought, removing the lid.
Inside, she found a card that read:
"Hello sweetie! It's your Mommy! I saw this on
my last trip to Alzoc 3 and I knew it was just
perfect for you. I just know it will help you
get a certain young man's attention, and quite
possibly a proposal. I know you can do it.
Love,
Mommy."
Aeka face faulted. Why couldn't her mother stop meddling? She loved her
but it was starting to get embarrassing. Apprehensively Aeka parted the
tissue and lifted out and article of lingerie so sheer it made her blush
even to touch it. It consisted of a white lace teddy with the lace in
all the right/wrong places. Also there was a white garter belt, with
matching stockings, and long gloves.
*I couldn't ware this under my clothes, much less for Lord Tenchi.*
She started to replace the items and close the box when a thought
occurred to her.
*Maybe it wouldn't hurt if I just tried it on. Mother did go through
all that trouble getting it here.*
Deciding to be adventurous for once, the princess set about figuring
out how to don the undergarments.^_^
Tenchi Masaki tiredly dragged himself down the Shrine steps, exhausted
and sore from sword practice.
"I know Grandpa's just trying to teach me to be a better swordsman; but
does he have to be so good at it," Tenchi wondered aloud as he rubbed
one of the numerous lumps on his head.
Steeling his nerves, he entered the house. Almost immediately Ryoko
materialized with her arms around him and started rubbing against him
provocatively.
"Tenchi! Why did you leave me alone? It was so mean, I missed you!" She
said.
"Well sorry about that Ryoko but you know how Grandpa...Hey! Cut that
out!"
Tenchi pulled Ryoko's hand away from his crotch.
"But Tenchi, I thought I'd relieve all that stress from practice. It's
not good for you to keep it all inside," she said, going for his pants
again.
Tenchi was saved when Sasami called, "Hey everyone, dinner's ready!"
"All right, I'm famished. How about you Ryoko?" Tenchi asked hopefully.
At first, he thought she would persist but the promise of a home-cooked
meal won out and Ryoko headed for the dining room. Relieved, Tenchi
started for the bathroom to wash-up.
"Hey Tenchi," Sasami called after him.
"What is it Sasami?"
"Could you tell Aeka that it's time to eat?"
"You haven't seen her?" Tenchi inquired.
"No, but she's probably in our room."
"Okay, sure!" Tenchi headed upstairs.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The room was dark; lit only with the occasional flashes of light when
the full moon cleared the clouds in the undraped window. Tenchi looked
lovingly into her eyes. She felt so naughty in this outfit. The tight-
fitting fabric was so sheer it was nearly transparent. Aeka was
straddled atop the bare-chested Tenchi, pleased to feel the proof of his
love pressing against her abdomen. Feeling her urgency and readiness,
Tenchi pulled her down into a long embrace. Tears sprang to her eyes as
she told him all of the things she'd been too afraid to say during the
day.
"Lord Tenchi," she whispered. "I've wanted to tell you how much I love
you for so long; but..."
"Hush Miss Aeka." He placed a finger on her lips. "No words are needed.
Your beauty has opened my eyes. I declare my love for you my Princess.
For tonight, I exist only for your pleasure."
The lovers moved closer for a tantalizing kiss.
"Miss Aeka."
Aeka stood before the mirror dreaming of her "first time" with Tenchi
while the object of her affection was gently knocking on her door;
wondering why she didn't answer.
"She must be asleep or something." Tenchi said to himself.
Deciding to be a bit bold, Tenchi reached out and slowly slid the door
open.
Aeka's hand slid from face and trailed over her hardening nipples. She
began a slow turn admiring her reflection, when she looked up.
A pair of Ruby eyes met a pair of dark brown eyes the size of dishpans.
A full 60 seconds passed as the two stood petrified. They might have
remained that way indefinitely had Sasami not chosen that moment to
yell:
"Hey, are you guys coming down or what? Your food's getting cold!"
That finally broke Aeka's paralysis and she let loose a window
shattering scream.
*HOW DARE YOU!?*
"Miss Aeka, I...I...I..." Tenchi stammered backpedaling.
*GET OUT NOW!!!*
Acting from pure instinct, Aeka scooped up a book from a near-by shelf
and hurled it most accurately at Tenchi's previously injured head;
knocking him out-cold. As he slid to the floor Aeka ran up to him in a
blind rage, unaware that she was still half-naked, and began throttling
him. ^_^
After that Aeka's memory got fuzzy. All she could clearly recall was
Tenchi's bobbing head, Nobuyuki's huge eyes, and Ryoko's raucous laugh.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Two hours later, Sasami had finally coaxed Aeka out of her room for a
late dinner and a trip to Washu's lab.
"Come on Aeka!" Sasami tried to sound extra cheerful. "Washu has a new
experiment wants us to see."
"I'm not really in the mood for this Sasami," Aeka protested. But the
blue-hared girl would hear nothing of it and Aeka allowed herself to be
ushered into the cavernous confines of Washu's sub-space lab.
The princess barely registered the pint-sized genius's lengthy
explanation.
*Lord Tenchi won't even look at me. How can I face him now?*
Aeka wanted to go to him and take back the hateful things she'd said
but couldn't bring herself to do it. The way he'd stared at her;
without the common decency to avert his gaze. No one had looked at her
like that since...
*But that was in the past. And she's been dead for years now.*
A poke in the ribs snapped Aeka's train of thought.
"Hey Princess, I never knew you had it in you." The golden-eyed pirate
said into her ear.
"Just what is that supposed to mean Ryoko?"
"Just what it sounds like Princess. To tell you the truth, I probably
couldn't pull off that little number. Think Tenchi got an eye-full?"
Ryoko said, winking suggestively. "I do not give shameless displays of
skin just to please males, unlike some manner-less harlots." Aeka
retorted loftily.
Ryoko grabbed her shoulders and whispered once more. "I think you
enjoyed it. You felt that same sexy thrill I get when he notices my
body."
Ryoko failed to notice Aeka's face growing redder by the moment.
"Tell me Princess; did it make you *hot* Tenchi seeing you that way?
Did it make you feel all wet in your little, sacred, royal..." SLAP!!!
The force of Aeka's backhand slammed Ryoko into a console.
"Hey, no fighting in the lab!!" Washu bellowed, making her way across
the lab.
Meanwhile, Ryoko pulled herself out of the crater she'd made in the
console with a grin and a feral gleam in her eyes. Aeka belatedly
realized that this was exactly what the pirate wanted (not that she
cared at the moment).
"Good, I needed a workout today."
After cracking her knuckles Ryoko hurled an energy ball at the princess.
Aeka's miniature log shield was at such a high level that the ball
reversed course and smashed into the pirate, who happened to be hovering
one foot off the ground. Ryoko was thrown backwards and abruptly
vanished. Aeka crouched in a combat stance anxiously awaiting a counter
attack. But none came. Washu, finally making it to that corner of the
lab, began fiddling with the console sporting a Ryoko-shaped dent.
"Gotta get her back, gotta get her back!" she repeated to herself.
"'Get her back' from where?" Tenchi said coming over.
"Weren't you listening to what I just said about my experiment?"
"Well...uh...not really. I was kind of...preoccupied."
Throwing him a disgusted look, Washu began pulling the guts out of the
machine.
"My experiment was on the effects that a black hole's event horizon
might have on a near by pulsar. Since the nearest pulsar is three
sectors away, I created both it and a black hole in an alternate
dimension."
"What does that have to do with Ryoko disappearing?" Tenchi asked,
scratching his bandaged head.
"It means that Ryoko must have tried to teleport away from that energy
blast. But when she smashed my machine, the black hole's event horizon
collapsed causing an energy feedback loop in the sub-space network!
That made my pulsar unstable and it began generating large amounts of
Zeta-band radiation which overloaded the Dimension Tuner's control
circuits!"
"Huh?" everyone said simultaneously.
Washu was still poking at the machine's innards.
"What I mean is Ryoko's stuck in that dimension and this thing won't
turn off because of the power surge.
"Oh! I get it now." Mihoshi said walking towards a power conduit.
"You do?" Kiyone asked incredulously.
"Sure. If too much power is your problem then all you have to do is
shut off the power." And she pulled the machine's plug.
"NOOOOOOOOO!" Washu wasn't quick enough.
Ryoko dropped in from the ceiling.
"Whew. Glad that's over!" Ryoko said getting to her feet(not noticing
her strange, green glow). "What's with you guys?"
All Washu had time to say was "DUCK!" before a massive explosion shook
the lab.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
When they all woke up, aided by Washu's chibi mecha puppets, they were
shocked to find Ryoko inside of a clear, cylindrical chamber.
"Why is Ryoko locked up?" Sasami asked worriedly. "Is she in trouble
for picking another fight with Aeka?"
"Not at all Sasami." Washu said, still picking bits of glass and wire
from hair. "Though it would serve her right. She's in there for her own
protection. It turns out, that she came in contact with that wild pulsar
and now her energy levels are all screwed up. To be blunt, she's leaking
worse than Chernobyl!" Washu chuckled.
"How can you make jokes at a time like this Washu!?" Tenchi said
angrily as a Washu puppet applied another bandage to his head. "Will she
be all right or what?"
"Of course she will. I *am* the greatest scientific genius in the
universe!"
"You're the best Washu!" "A" said pulling Tenchi's bandage too tight.
"Greatest in the universe!" "B" said hopping up and down on his bruised
shoulder.
"Ow! Watch what you're doing!"
"She'll be fine Tenchi. The power regulation process is time-consuming
but not difficult. Especially for a genius as cute as me!" Washu
exclaimed with large eyes.
"Um...Little Washu." Aeka spoke up. "How long will she have to stay in
that contraption?"
"Oh a week or so, give or take a nano-second." Washu said off handly.
But Aeka didn't look at all convinced. After Washu tended to everyone's
wounds and shooed them out of the lab, Aeka still fretted. Even after
everyone agreed that the fight wasn't her fault but was indeed
instigated by Ryoko, the princess sat by the door for hours.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
[The Present]
Back in the living room, Aeka set down her cup and stared, once again
at the empty house. It was strange how the place had emptied out over
the past week.
Tenchi was, of course at school during the day. And since Aeka had
taken on most of her chores, Sasami had begun taking Earth history
lessons from Katsuhito at the shrine. And Kiyone and Mihoshi would have
been starting their vacations today. Washu, meanwhile was still in the
lab attending to Ryoko.
Sighing her loneliness, Aeka picked up one of Nobuyuki's architecture
magazines to thumb through when the doorbell rang. And continued to
ring as if someone were leaning on it. Aeka made her way to the door
getting more irritated with each ring.
*How impolite! to keep ringing the bell like some ill-mannered child.
I've got half a mind to...*
Her thoughts broke off as she composed her face in her most polite
smile. She slid the door open to Mihoshi standing there staggering under
the weight of several travel bags.
"Mihoshi, what are you doing here? I'd thought you'd be on vacation
with Kiyone." Aeka said as Mihoshi stumbled in starting a small
avalanche of luggage.
"I think I missed my ride." She said in a quivering voice.
Aeka noticed for the first time, that Mihoshi's knees were trembling
and there was moisture at the corners of her eyes. She looked as if she
was barely holding herself together and at any moment she might...
"WAAAAAAA! She left me behind!" Mihoshi cried out, her knees buckling.
She wrapped her arms around the princess's legs and sobbed into her
kimono. Unsure of how to comfort the distraught blonde, Aeka sank to her
knees and drew her into her arms, rubbing the back of her head.
*Well, this always works when Sasami has one of her nightmares.*
After about five minutes of encouraging words and hugs, Mihoshi finally
told her story.
"Last night I was so excited about vacation that I stayed up late
packing our clothes and stuff. I was so tired that I must have overslept
because when I woke up she was gone and so was her suitcase. The Yagami
was gone too and I couldn't trace her communicator. Now I know she hates
me!"
Mihoshi began sobbing anew.
"Now Mihoshi, you know Kiyone doesn't hate you. You're just being
silly."
Aeka tried not to sound patronizing--Sasami was a little girl but
Mihoshi was a grown woman...sort of.
Thinking quickly she added, "Maybe she just had plans of her own and
forgot to tell you."
"Really? You think so?" Mihoshi sniffed, happily grasping at any straws
available.
"Yes I'm sure that's what it was, just a big misunderstanding."
Mihoshi brightened instantly, hugging Aeka tightly.
"Thank you so much Aeka. I feel so much better now!"
"You're very welcome." Aeka managed to say, after gulping some air. ^_^
Half an hour later Aeka sat on a beach towel on the roof wondering how
she'd gotten herself into this. Next to her, Mihoshi was busy spreading
out another large beach towel. the detective was wearing a pink bikini
with ruffled edges. As for Aeka, she was wearing a purple, two piece
bathing suit that exposed more skin than she was comfortable with. She
wondered how anyone could sit outside for hours on-end like this without
dying of embarrassment.
Seeing that Mihoshi shouldn't be left alone in her condition, Aeka had
offered that she stay at the house pending Nobuyuki's approval. Mihoshi
then commented that it would be a great day for sunbathing and insisted
that Aeka come along. Deciding that looking after Mihoshi was probably
more exciting than sitting around feeling sorry for herself, Aeka
relented.
Now she was on a roof, exposing her sensitive skin to the sun in one of
Mihoshi's old swimsuits. One she had outgrown at the age of 14.
Aeka looked sadly from the detective's full figure and then at her own
small breasts with a pang of envy. Mihoshi, meanwhile, was laying out
the instruments of her favorite hobby, like a doctor would in surgery.
The large beach towel, portable radio, three types of sun block, skin
moisturizers, a large hat, sunglasses, and a copy of the latest shoujo
manga. Aeka looked on in growing amazement at the blonde's precise
movements. It was as if they were some kind of religious ritual.
"How dark do you want it?" Mihoshi asked.
"Huh?"
"Your tan silly. How dark?"
Aeka paused in thought.
"Well I've never seriously tanned before so... Just a shade I guess."
She answered.
Mihoshi smiled. "That's okay. Here, this is an spf 30. Just remember;
one hour on each side."
Aeka took the offered bottle and began applying the sunblock. While she
was doing this, she noticed Mihoshi removing her bikini top.
"What are doing Mihoshi? Put that back on!" She said anxiously.
"But Aeka I can't tan with this on, I'll get lines all over." She said
folding the top neatly to the side. Strange as it was, Aeka saw her
point. The detective's large, round, breasts were the same uniform
bronze as the rest of her body. But having a half-naked detective on he
same roof as her made Aeka nervous. What if Sasami came home early and
asked embarrassing questions? Or worse what if Washu came out of her lab
for something, she'd never hear the end of it.
Aeka's problems were compounded suddenly when Mihoshi started to pull
off her bikini bottoms.
"Uh Mihoshi how about you keep those on if...I..." Aeka thought
quickly. "If I take my top off." Aeka said quietly.
"You'd do that for me?"
Aeka nodded.
"Okay sure!" Mihoshi pulled her bottoms back on.
Aeka meekly pulled off her top while blushing furiously, wondering if
Mihoshi would burst out laughing. Wondering why she'd care if she did.
"Thanks so much Aeka," Mihoshi said laying down. "I would have felt
really self-conscious laying out here naked on a roof with someone
else!"
Had she not been in danger of falling off, Aeka would have
face-faulted. ^_^
Aeka laid down guiltily enjoying the feel of a cool breeze on her
nipples. Feeling more at peace than she had in days, she decided to
start a conversation. Mihoshi was more than accommodating, going on
about her various jobs, home-life, hobbies and how she was adjusting to
life on Earth.
Annoyed at first, by Mihoshi's monologue, Aeka realized that the
blonde's chattering was forming a pattern. Every other sentence was a
small anecdote about Kiyone. Aeka also noticed that whenever Mihoshi
said her partner's name her voice softened, and a far away, dreamy look
came to her eyes.
*Mihoshi must have deep feelings for Kiyone.*
Aeka began to get a deeper understanding of Mihoshi than she'd ever
thought possible. Mihoshi must have tried to bury her feelings for fear
of rejection, but they kept surfacing at the worst times. This tended to
push Kiyone even further away.
"Aeka," Mihoshi said after a moment of silence.
"Yes?"
"I...I really miss Kiyone." Tears started flowing down her cheeks. Aeka
reached out and grasped her hand. At this gesture Mihoshi turned and
offered a grateful smile.
Aeka was suddenly very angry with a certain teal hared detective.
*Where are you Kiyone? How could you leave her like this?*
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interlude 1.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[The Oseon System: The Trader's Luck Saloon]
Half-way across the galaxy, Kiyone sat in a dimly-lit bar throwing back
suds as fast as the barkeep could tap them. Her hair had been put up in
a complicated style that was incandescent in normal light, but in this
dank illumination it looked flat and sickly. Kiyone wondered if it had
all been worth it. Leaving Mihoshi behind, coming to this system, famous
for itscasinos and resorts, partying two days straight.
*Probably not.* She was honest with herself. But how else was she to
get away from that walking disaster area she called a partner? It wasn't
enough to ruin her career, wreck all of her jobs, and spend her every
waking moment making Kiyone's life a living hell. But now she wanted to
go on vacation with her. That had been the last straw.
She had to get out. Away from those lifeless eyes.
Those questioning big blue, innocent eyes that hadn't done a bit of
harm to
anyone. Those eyes which were probably flowing with tears of loss and
betrayal this very...
"Stop it!!"
Kiyone slammed down her mug, shattering fragments across the bar's
surface.
"Hey! You'll have to pay for that." the barkeep said.
"Put it on my bill." Kiyone snarled giving him a venomous look.
"All right then."
Having made his point the barkeep hastily tended to another customer at
the far end of the bar.
"Looks like you need another drink." Said a deep, but feminine voice
behind Kiyone.
"What do you care?" Kiyone said as she heard the barstool next to her
creak with the weight of its new occupant.
"I just hate seeing a good drink go to waste." She snapped her fingers.
"Hey barkeep, two ales over here."
Turning irritably, Kiyone began, "I thought I said..." and broke off
when her eyes met the cold red stare of Nagi, the most feared bounty
hunter in the galaxy. Kiyone gasped her surprise.
"Yeah, I get that a lot. Don't worry, I'm not on a job or anything."
Nagi turned to receive her drink and Kiyone was surprised for the second
time that night. Nagi didn't seem to recognize her.
*It must be the hair, she's never seen me like this.*
"I'm sorry if I..."
"It's alright," Nagi cut her off adjusting her cloak. "You get a
reputation for being ruthless and people tend to assume all sorts of
things about you. I'm used to it."
Kiyone decided to start over.
"So what brings you to the Oseon system?" she asked after a sip of her
ale. "A convention or something?"
"Nothing so formal," Nagi paused for a sip of her own drink. "I'm here
for R&R. Got my 300th bounty this month and I thought I'd treat myself.
She opened her cloak exposing a turquoise sequined, strap-less evening
gown.
"Wow that's beautiful!" Kiyone said, truly impressed. "Was it very
expensive?"
"Yeah, it set me back some but money isn't really high on my list of
priorities. I live for the hunt. So what do you do Miss..." She paused
expectantly.
"Ki...Ki..." Kiyone stammered, almost giving herself away. "Kiki!
That's my name."
"Kiki." Nagi repeated. "Interesting name."
"My parents were free spirits. "Kiyone covered.
"Obviously."
"I...um run a private detective agency with my partner Mi...mi." She
winced inwardly at the weak cover story.
"You know I've had to work with private detectives on occasion. Which
sector do you work?"
"Oh nowhere you'd know." Kiyone dodged.
"You never know, I've been around."
"This is surprisingly good ale." Kiyone changed the subject.
"Yes it is, but I was hoping for something stronger myself." Nagi
commented.
"Yeah me too. The bar looks pretty well stocked but that bartender
can't mix a drink to save his life."
Kiyone got up looking to her right. The barkeep was still at the far
side chatting with a female Chadra-fan. Satisfied, Kiyone raised the
gate and went behind the bar.
"What are you doing?" Nagi inquired.
Kiyone rummaged through the shelves until she pulled out two unlabeled
bottles.
"I'm going to make us some 'Cardiac Surprise.'" She opened one and
sniffed it.
"Never heard of it. Is it any good?"
"See for your self."
Kiyone expertly mixed the drinks and poured them into two medium sized
glasses. Eyeing it skeptically, Nagi took a sip. And immediately
coughed.
"Wow, it's strong!" she exclaimed. "What's in it?"
"Gin," Kiyone grinned.
"And?"
"Some kind of Nolandian vodka I think." Kiyone answered after a sip.
"You sure you can handle it?" She said bantering.
"I haven't met a liquor I couldn't handle." Nagi raised her glass in
salute.
Both women commenced drinking.
Thirty minutes and three drinks later, Kiyone was more than halfway in
the bag. So when Nagi asked her about her partner she totally forgot her
cover story.
"So now I'm stuck at a post in the middle of nowhere and on top of that
I have a partner who could test clinically brain-dead!" cried Kiyone,
not realizing that she got overly emotional when she was drinking.
"Sounds like hell Kiki," Nagi sympathized. "Why not just push her out
of an air-lock and say the ditz forgot her space suit?"
"No! It's not like that!" Kiyone said too loudly. "I don't want to see
her dead or anything; just out of my life."
"Tell me something." Nagi poured herself another drink, Kiyone didn't
seem to have the motor control left.
"What?"
"How well do you two work together, on a job I mean?"
"Well, planetside it's like she can't do anything right. She just can't
comprehend how to do everyday tasks. But when we're on patrol she's all
business. She can track down and cuff a most wanted criminal if she had
a mind to. It's all so infuriating!" Several patrons turned their heads
toward the sound but seeing the bounty hunter they wisely sought out
business of their own to mind.
"So this woman has done something to you personally?" Nagi asked.
"It's not that simple." Kiyone tried to find the words to explain
herself. "She's the most kind, gentle person I know, but every time I'm
in line for a commendation or promotion, she does something to screw it
up. And they're always accidents with her. So when I yell at her about
it I end up feeling guilty and have to apologize."
"So why don't you just quit? Leave it all behind?"
"And miss the chance for promotion? I don't think so." Kiyone said
resolutely.
Nagi started chuckling, then burst out laughing.
"Just what's so funny?"
Nagi finally caught her breath.
"It's just you. So young and thinking you know exactly what you want
from life."
"Young? I'll have you know that I am 23 years old and am capable of
making
my own decisions," said Kiyone, wondering why she was defending her
life to this woman.
Nagi looked at her, suddenly serious.
"You have no idea what you're opening yourself up to. When you leave
everything behind for your job, even if it gives you all the prestige
and accolades in the universe, if there's no one to share it with it
doesn't amount to much."
Kiyone was about to interject but Nagi went on. "I gave my life to the
hunt. The thrill of the chase, the satisfaction of bringing a criminal
to justice. I live for that and I have no regrets about my life. But
some times..."
She broke off, a far away look came to her eyes that was almost wistful.
Then they hardened once more. "I've been alone for longer than I care to
remember.
"When I'm sick nobody hovers over me to see if I'm doing well. Nobody
worries if I stay out too late or drink too much. In fact, Ken-Ohki's
probably the only one who'd show up at my funeral if I died. Well there
is one other, but she'd probably be there just to make sure I'm dead."
She turned and looked Kiyone straight in the eye.
"What I'm trying to say is; when you've got someone in whose eyes you
can do no wrong, and no matter how badly you've treated them they'd
still walk through hell and back just to be with you..." Nagi's voice
wavered...then strengthened again. She grabbed Kiyone's shoulder.
"Don't you let go of that. If you forget everything else I told you
remember this. Sometimes when you lose, you win."
Kiyone was dumbfounded. Not because she was surprised by Nagi's
insight--which she was--but because of how close to the heart she had
hit.
*Nagi just might be right. I could have been passing up the one thing
in my life that could bring me true happiness...*
A loud thump broke her train of thought. Nagi lay sprawled on the floor
of the bar, apparently passed out.
*Bullshit* Kiyone thought; her resolve once more hardening.
*No way some drunk bounty hunter's going to tell me how to live my
life!*
But even as she thought this, a voice in the back of her mind cried out
LIAR!
Kiyone shook her head and stood up. She thought to leave Nagi to the
kindness of strangers but some of what she had said came back to her.
No one would care. So after paying both their bar tabs, Kiyone hailed a
hover taxi and took Nagi to the space port, making sure that she was
secure aboard Ken-Ohki before leaving for her own vessel. ^_^
Early, the next morning, Kiyone set off away from the Oseon system,
hoping that Nagi hadn't awakened and tumbled to her true identity.
Traffic control came on-line with requests for her docking pass,
passport, etc. Kiyone quickly gave all the requisite responses. She had
just cleared the outer planets when the Yagami lurched backward and she
was thrown against her restraints. Alarm klaxons sounded while Kiyone
fought to get control of the bucking ship. She brought up the scanner
and was stunned to find Ken-Ohki's crystalline shape in the rear
sensors.
A screen popped up on the main viewer featuring Nagi's cowled visage.
"Hello Kiyone, you didn't say good bye last night." While her voice
mirrored her, amusement Kiyone wasn't lulled into a false sense of
security by her mirth.
"How did you find out who I was Nagi?" she asked nervously.
"I had a hunch when you started talking about your partner. There's
only one person in the galaxy that accident prone."
"Yeah guess you're right."
"Besides Ken-Ohki recognized your scent." Kiyone cringed slightly.
"So what do you want with me?"
"Nothing much, I just wanted to say thanks for last night. Ken-Ohki
could have gotten me himself but thanks just the same."
Kiyone thought she saw a slight smile on the bounty hunter's face.
"Yes, well you're welcome. You're really not going to..."
"Try to use you to get to Ryoko?" Nagi finished for her. Kiyone could
only nod. "I told you. I'm taking a break...For now. And how about you?
Going back to find what you've been looking for?"
"I don't know what I want right now," Kiyone said quickly. "I just know
that whatever it is, I won't find it at the bottom of a glass."
The ship jolted again as the tractor beam disengaged.
"Well you'd better get moving, she's waiting for you!" Came Nagi's wry
reply.
Kiyone shot back, "I said that I don't..." she broke off, realizing
that she was alone. Kiyone couldn't get Nagi's words out of her head.
It just couldn't be true. She knew Mihoshi cared about her but... In any
case, she had to see this through. Sighing her resignation, Kiyone set
the Yagami's course for the Sol system.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Back on Earth]
It had been two days since she'd been there and Mihoshi had already
been banished from Washu's lab, had nearly burned down the kitchen, and
was very close to convincing Aeka to sunbathe nude. For Aeka's part, she
was mostly over the trauma of the previous week, but she still couldn't
bring herself to meet Tenchi's eyes. Even when he complimented her on
her light tan, she could do nothing but blush shyly.
*But how strange this is. Why am I not more worried about this?* She
thought as she lay on her stomach on the roof. Next to her, Mihoshi
giggled quietly at the manga she was reading. A smile touched Aeka's
lips.
*Yes that must be the reason.*
Her new found friendship with the ditzy, yet sweet detective had taken
her mind off of her own problems. Though she could be taxing at times,
Mihoshi had really grown on Aeka.
"Um Aeka," Mihoshi said hesitantly.
"Yes Mihoshi?"
"I just wanted to thank you for...you know putting up with me this
week."
"Think nothing of it Mihoshi. It's been a pleasure having you here with
us."
"You really mean it?"
"Of course I do. And to be totally honest, Kiyone doesn't know what
she's missing with a friend like you."
Mihoshi gasped, suddenly sitting up.
"Do you mean that you and I are friends?" Mihoshi cried her eyes
brimming with tears. Also sitting up, Aeka looked Mihoshi in the eye.
"Why yes, we are friends Mihoshi."
The next thing Aeka knew, she was having the breath crushed out of her
in an embrace that would have done her mother proud.
"I...I...I'm so happy," Mihoshi managed to say. Aeka continued holding
Mihoshi even though she felt uncomfortable with the blonde's bare
breasts pressing against her. But she wouldn't have let go for all the
world.
"Well, I'd heard all the rumors but I didn't think that it was true."
Aeka's head snapped up at the sound of her archenemy's taunting voice.
"Ryoko! What are you doing here?"
"Washu gave me a clean bill of health." said the cyan-hared pirate,
floating just off the edge of the roof. "Gee, I guess Tenchi will be
heart-broken over this. I'll just have to console him during all those
cold, lonely nights."
"Ryoko I'm so glad to see you're feeling well again," Mihoshi said
cheerfully, while still clinging to Aeka.
"And not a moment too soon. So Mihoshi how long did the Princess here
wait to put the moves on you?"
"Oh Aeka's been so nice to me the past two days," Mihoshi beamed,
entirely missing the point. "She's made sure I ate well, helped me wash
my hair, kept me company; oh, and she's even going to try sunbathing
nude tomorrow!"
Ryoko's sly grin widened at this new ammunition.
"Looks like you're taking real good care of her Princess. But once you
get the goods will you call her in the morning?"
Aeka's embarrassed flush turned into crimson fury.
"Miss Ryoko! Just what are you insinuating? I am not, nor have I ever
been a...ah...that is...of that persuasion."
"Come on Aeka, you don't have to be embarrassed about your new
lifestyle," Ryoko continued. "Come on out of your royal closet, it's the
'in' thing to do nowadays."
"Humph!"
Deciding to ignore the pirate, Aeka finally disengaged herself from
Mihoshiand laid back down. Annoyed at not getting the reaction she
expected, Ryokodecided to up the ante.
"You know, this all reminds me of a rumor I herd from Jurai some years
ago,"
she said, landing on the roof. "I don't remember all of the details but
ithad something to do with a 15-year-old princess, some serving girls,
and the Royal Baths."
Aeka bolted upright. "That's a lie! Where did you hear that Ryoko?"
"It was in all the news. The Jurai Informer, the Stool Pigeon, the
Galactic Tattler,"
"Those are all tabloids, all they peddle is gutter trash and vicious
lies."
Aeka yelled into Ryoko's smiling face. Ryoko went on as if she didn't
hear her.
"I can see it all now. The lonely princess and her devoted servant:
'Oh your highness I'll do anything you say.' The princess feels *so*
horny because she's just starting to get that special feeling...,down
there.
'Why don't you come bathe with me? Then I can ravish you repeatedly to
get my first royal orgasm.'
'But Your Highness! I'm not like that, I don't...'
'Hush now my servant. give your princess her pleasure.'"
Aeka was speechless, so Ryoko went on.
"You liked it; didn't you? Did it feel good, touching all that young,
soft, innocent skin? Did you get all hot and wet in your tight
little..."
"You have no idea what you are talking about!!!" Aeka screamed shaking
Ryoko violently.
"It wasn't like that at all! I didn't start it! She made me..."
Aeka broke off, realizing she'd said one word too many. She looked back
and forth between the twin shocked expressions of Mihoshi and Ryoko.
After amoment of silence that lasted several lifetimes Mihoshi tried to
put a hand on the princess's shoulder.
"Aeka I..."
"No." Aeka shook her off getting to her feet.
"But..."
"NO!"
Aeka gathered her towel and made for the window but seeing Ryoko
standing there she nimbly leapt to the ground below. Ryoko thought she
heard her gasp, but the amethyst-hared girl had disappeared into the
house without anotherword. Ryoko turned back toward the window only to
meet a pair of angry blue eyes.
"What?" she asked innocently.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aeka sat in the bath with a glass of sake in her hand. It had been
almost half an hour and she still wasn't drunk yet. All that she wanted
to do when she ran inside was to forget. Forget the past, the present,
even the future. She just wanted her life to evaporate like the vapors
from the hot water.
But she couldn't. She'd been a fool to think she could live a normal
life.
Chat with a friend about nothing at all while lazing about under the
sun.
Happily dream about the man she loved.
Just be.
Exist.
She'd been wrong. The reality of it came crashing down upon her like
the waves of the ocean. There were elements of her life that would
forever separate her from normal folk. Her royal status, her inherited
Jurai powers, the mystique surrounding the Royal Family. But most of all
her inability to share her feelings with others. Aeka thought she had
finally cleared that blind spot in her personality. But today, it had
all turned out to be a cruel joke. She would be forever alone.
"Hello Aeka."
Ryoko's voice was noticeably lacking its usual mocking tone.
Aeka winced in pain as she turned to face her adversary.
"Why can't you leave me alone? Haven't you tormented me enough
already?"
Ryoko looked on the princess, fighting down the urge to make an angry
retort. She couldn't forget the hurt/angry expression on Mihoshi's face.
The usually timid detective had demanded that Ryoko apologize to her
friend and mean it. Surprising as this was, what was more so was that
Ryoko was already thinking along those lines herself. She'd been cooped
up in that energy chamber for a week and when she finally got out she
was feeling rather irritable. Seeing a golden opportunity to make Aeka
squirm was just too good to pass up.
But now, remembering her 'conversation' with Mihoshi and her time spent
with a certain redheaded scientist; Ryoko resolved herself to be civil.
Winning the inner battle, Ryoko approached Aeka again.
"Aeka I don't want any trouble, I just want to say I'm sorry."
"What? You apologizing to someone? Did Ryo-Ohki just ascend to the
throne of Jurai?" Aeka said scornfully.
"Hey, I came in here to say I'm sorry, but if that's the way you..."
"Fine! Your apology is accepted. Now please leave." Aeka painfully
resettled herself in the water. Ryoko stood there in silence.
*I don't know what this is all about, and I won't find out if I go.*
"How'd you hurt your back?" she inquired.
"I must have wrenched something when I jumped off the roof," Aeka
answered, not turning around. She heard a rustle of fabric and a soft
splash, and next two hand on her shoulders.
"What are you doing? I thought I made it clear that I want to be alone."
Ryoko began rubbing the shoulders slowly.
"I'm trying to help fix your back," she answered while maneuvering
Aeka's towel to expose her back. "It is sort of my fault you're hurt."
"Oh alright," Aeka gave up.
Ryoko began running her hands over Aeka's spine. As her hands moved
lower, Aeka sighed in relief. After a few minutes, Aeka asked, "How did
you learn to do this?"
"Massage you mean? Well back when I was on the run, I always needed
money so sometimes I had to do something...ugh, legit," she said
disdainfully. "So one time I worked at a massage parlor. Found out I was
pretty good at it."
"But Ryoko, aren't those places just a front for...?"
"Hey I got paid for massage and that's it. If some guys thought they
were getting something else well they'd just have to live with the
disappointment, if at all." Ryoko replied with an evil grin.
"I must admit then that your skills are, oohh!"
Aeka stopped mid-sentence as Ryoko's talented hands performed their
magic.
"So you gonna tell me what all that was about earlier?"
"I have no idea what you are talking about," Aeka dodged.
"Come on Princess, it's not like you to pass up a good fight. What
gives? Does it have something to do with you and those serving girls?"
Ryoko prodded.
"That's a lie!" Aeka tried to get up but hissed in pain.
"So why does it bother you so much?"
Ryoko resumed her work. "If it's a lie, why not set the record
straight?"
Too tired to argue and in too much pain to get up and leave, Aeka
decided to just tell the demon woman what she wanted to know. Leaning
back into Ryoko's nimble fingers Aeka told her story.
"When I was 15, my royal tutor took ill and had to return to her planet
to
convalesce. Since I had virtually no contact with males except those in
the royal court, my mother took it upon herself to hire a governess for
me.
At first, I argued that I was much too old for a governess but mother
prevailed and that's when I first met Lady Shiori. She was of the
planet Telmar, which pledged its loyalty to Jurai and is now a
protectorate world of the Empire.
She was one of the most striking women I had ever seen. Her hair was
silver and shined, even in darkness. Her skin was golden in hue and she
was tall with fine bone structure. She also had turquoise eyes that
sparkled with an inner light; like there was some private joke that she
alone knew. I was taken aback by her beauty and grace. Even though she
was from a minor House on her planet, she carried herself with the
bearing and refinement of any Juraian queen. And when she spoke to me
her voice was like a symphony that tantalized my ears. At first, I was
intimidated by her. But her warm gaze always put me at ease.
"I learned more than just grammar when I was with her.
She also had a great deal of worldly knowledge. She taught me how to
read people, to know when they are being dishonest, or when they want
something from you. Especially men. Lady Shiori had a way with men in
which she could get anything she wanted from them. Even the palace
guards were not immune from her charms, as she snuck me out of the
palace many times to explore the city. She always thought up new and
interesting ways to teach my lessons. The most memorable was with songs.
The Telmarines are famous throughout the galaxy for their singing. She
composed several teaching songs just for me. Those months we spent
together were among the happiest I remember.
But then, things changed.
Lady Shiori became distant. As if something else had her attention. She
took me out less and less, and her lessons became few and far between.
By that time I had grown quite attached to her, we were more like best
friends than student and teacher. So when she began distancing herself
from me I was horrified. I thought that I'd done, or said something to
offend her. I tried everything, from sending letters, to expensive gifts
but I got no responses.
I was at my wit's end when I finally received a message from her through
a servant to meet her in my private bath. I was so excited I nearly ran
into the bath fully clothed.
When I arrived, she was there, waiting for me in the water; completely
nude. She was even more beautiful than I remembered, so much that it
brought tears to my eyes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interlude 2. [Imperial Palace, Jurai: Aeka's Private Bath]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The pretty, young girl approached the golden skinned woman, who held
her arms open for a deep embrace.
"Dear one; why are you so troubled?" the woman asked in a deep, sultry
voice.
"I...I...I thought you hated me," came the girl's tear-choked reply.
"Aeka, I could never hate you."
"But Lady Shiori, why did you...?"
"It's a long story. But that is not important right now. What is
important is that you're here."
For the first time, the girl felt a bit uncomfortable with her
teacher's breasts pressing against her. They were large and soft with
the slightest hint of firmness in the nipples. Aeka suddenly stiffened
as she felt her towel removed.
"It's all right Aeka I won't hurt you," Shiori whispered running her
hands along the girl's back.
Aeka blushed deeply, not knowing what else to do when Shiori held her
chin up and drew the girl into a passionate kiss. Aeka had never kissed
anyone like this in her life and she was both frightened and delighted
when she felt Shiori's tongue enter her mouth. Aeka started feeling a
warmth between her legs when Shiori moved her hand over her young
breasts.
"Ahh!" she cried out as the woman pulled her sensitive nipples. Shiori
then broke the kiss and began kissing her way down the girl's front
until she got to her breast. Taking the hardened nipple in her mouth,
she suckled it gently.
By this time Aeka was writhing in pleasure, but a feeling that
something was seriously wrong also plagued her.
Why was she reacting this way? Had she always been like this?
Was she a lesbian now?
"Ohhh! Wha...what are you doing Lady Shiori?" Aeka cried out as
Shiori's hand trailed down and touched the entrance of her tender young
sex.
"Don't be frightened dear one. This won't hurt. I'm sure you will find
it most enjoyable."
"But what...?"
"Shh. Aeka, please do this for me if you love me. You do love me don't
you?" Aeka nodded earnestly. "Good."
Shiori's finger found and entered the princess's tight sex. Aeka gasped
as it began sliding in and out in a steady rhythm. Aeka's eyes began to
close but popped open again as Shiori's finger brushed her clit.
"Ugh...oh...Lady Shiori it feels so...so..."
"I know Aeka."
"No...it feels so...Wrong! I can't do this, please let me go!" Aeka
began to struggle but the gold-skinned woman held her fast.
"I know you're enjoying this Aeka so I won't stop. And I know you won't
make me stop." Shiori released Aeka's arms and slid her hands over her
backside while kissing her way to the princess's dripping wet core. Upon
reaching the violet covered nexus of Aeka's sex, Shiori gently parted
the nether lips with her tongue. Shivering involuntarily with pleasure,
Aeka's protests faded away as she was transported to a world of shameful
ecstasy.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Earth: The Women's Bath]
Aeka hadn't noticed that Ryoko had stopped her massage. She barely even
registered the fact that Ryoko had put her arms around her in a
comforting embrace. She continued to stare blankly forward as she
finished her tale.
"Someone found out of course." Aeka said. "There is a saying in the
palace that says 'within these walls lay no secrets.' And I guess that's
true. It was probably one of the servants who told my mother but I never
found out who. The look on her face sad, furious, and disgusted at the
same time. I'll never forget that.
Then my father was informed. I'd never seen him like that before; out
of control. He raged about, knocking down guards and servants alike.
He then ordered lady Shiori's immediate execution." Aeka paused feeling
a pair of large, firm breasts pressing against her back.
"Ryoko?"
"What else happened Aeka? I have to know," came the golden-eyed woman's
quiet reply. Though confused Aeka resolutely continued.
"I was so distraught that I threw myself at his feet and begged him for
her life. I knew even then that what she did to me was wrong, but I
didn't care. I couldn't let go of the woman I loved. When Father refused
me...I screamed at him. I told him that I would go to the Holy Council
and reveal my shame publicly if he didn't relent. It was the first time
I had ever defied my father. Ryoko," Aeka's voice began to falter. Ryoko
remained silent.
"He...he looked at me as if I were a stranger. Like I was a creature
from some alien world. But he granted my wish. Lady Shiori was instead,
exiled from the Empire. She was not to set foot upon any planet housing
a Royal Tree, not even her homeworld. I never saw her again."
"Do you know what happened to her?" Ryoko asked while stroking Aeka's
hair. Then, for the first time, tears began to form at the corners of
the princess's ruby eyes.
"The official story is, that when the transport ship was underway, she
committed suicide. At least that is what the investigations concluded.
She shut herself in an air-lock then depressurized it."
Ryoko's eyes widened as she began caressing Aeka's cheek.
"Do you really believe that?" she asked.
"I have to," Aeka answered. "Because if I don't..." her voice finally
broke and the tears fell creating wet tracks down her cheeks. Ryoko
caught one of the tears on her finger and brought it to her lips,
savoring the bittersweet taste of memories. Aeka continued sobbing for
nearly 10 minutes. When she finally, regained control she noticed
Ryoko's embrace for the first time.
"Ryoko, why are you..."
"No reason," Ryoko gently cut her off, still stroking her cheek. "I just
want to hear this."
"After Lady Shiori died, I fell into despair. I refused all food except
that of Telmar and stopped speaking, even to Sasami. All of the best
counselors and psychiatrists came to see me. They and my parents all
tried to convince me that what had happened was not my fault. That I
had been the victim of a sick and depraved woman's perverse appetites."
Aeka paused and touched Ryoko's hand, seeming to gain strength from the
contact. "But they were mistaken Ryoko.
I knew what she did was wrong but what truly disturbed me was that I
enjoyed it. Deep down, beneath my fear and revulsion I liked it. She'd
taken something from me that I could never regain yet I didn't mind in
the least.
And for that, I was ashamed. I felt that I had betrayed my family, my
crown by wanting her. She was the first person that I truly desired and
for it to turn out like that... I decided to bury those feelings. I hid
behind protocol and tradition, determined to keep my true feelings a
secret like a princess should.
To all who met me I was a paragon of genteel grace and beauty. I
stopped being a person and became a symbol of Jurai's crown. Loved by
the people but not truly known to them. Like the layers of clothing I
wear, I've spent years building barriers around my heart.
"But when I first met Lord Tenchi, all my walls were stripped away. I
stoodnaked before him with my emotions bared and..."
Aeka began to tremble once again, but her eyes remained dry.
"It was like a physical force that hit me. It knocked the crown from my
head and for the first time in my life, I was an ordinary girl with a
maddening crush on a sweet, handsome boy. My feelings for Lord Tenchi
are so strong sometimes that they frighten me. All I've ever wanted was
for him to return my love, but now I fear that I'm not worthy of his
love. That it's just my own lustful urges that...ugh wha?"
Aeka was suddenly hauled out of the water and turned to face a pair of
intense golden eyes.
"Don't you *ever* say that again Aeka. Don't even *think* it because
it's a lie." Ryoko almost whispered.
"But how do you know?"
"Because I love him too that's how," Ryoko retorted. "Tenchi has a way
of changing people for the better. He changed me. Or at least made me
reevaluate my life. I actually *want* to be a better person. And I've
seen it in you too.
You're not the same stuck-up princess I remembered from before. The
Aeka I knew would faint if she had to touch a broom or a mop, but here
you are. Cleaning, washing laundry, and even trying to cook." Ryoko drew
the princess into another hug.
"Why are you being so kind to me?" Aeka asked into Ryoko's shoulder.
"Oh it's just something Washu said and something you did." Ryoko said,
still stroking Aeka's long, violet hair. "When I was in that energy
chamber of hers, Wahsu kept talking to me about what I did. I guess she
was trying to make a mother-daughter moment out of it. But some of what
she said started to sink in. About how I never care about anyone else's
feelings when I go after Tenchi, not even his. Then I saw you, coming
in every day to check on me, thinking it was all your fault. Then you go
and help Mihoshi (she told me) and become her friend when you could have
been spending time with Tenchi."
"I couldn't." Aeka dropped her eyes. "Not after what happened."
"After Tenchi saw you in that lingerie I'm surprised he remembered his
own name," Ryoko chuckled.
"But when you were laughing at me I thought..."
"I wasn't laughing at how you looked, I was laughing at your reaction
to him seeing you. Honestly! How could anyone be bashful in that
outfit?"
"When I put it on, I fantasized about he and I together. Yet, when I
saw him looking at me I panicked. I didn't want him to see me like that.
With thoughts of..."
"Sex?" Ryoko supplied. "You're afraid of it, aren't you? Because of what
happened to you."
Ryoko's face moved closer to Aeka's. She tried to turn away but the
cyan-hared woman held her face. In the next instant, Ryoko's lips were
pressed upon her own. When the kiss finally broke, Aeka took a step
back from the space pirate.
"Why?" was all she could say.
"Why not?" Ryoko advanced on her once more. "You shouldn't be afraid
Aeka. It's a beautiful thing." She placed her arms around the princess's
waist.
"But it won't be like the last time. I'm giving you a choice,"
Ryoko spoke into her ear as she began kissing her neck. "You can just
walk away, and we'll forget this ever happened. Or you can stay, and
experience sex the way it's supposed to be."
Aeka shivered as Ryoko worked her way back to her mouth.
"All you have to say is, 'I don't want it.' Can you say that?"
Aeka slowly shook her head "no" then closed her eyes in anticipation.
Ryoko's lips once again met hers, this time with more urgency. This
time, Aeka relaxed and leaned into the kiss opening her mouth slightly.
Sensing the invitation, Ryoko's tongue entered and entwined with Aeka's.
Not knowing what else to do with them Aeka plunged her hands into
Ryoko's luxurious hair.
This caused her to moan sensuously into Aeka's mouth. Getting excited,
Aeka deepened the kiss, while moaning in response. A warm, tingling
sensation began in the pit of her stomach. The feeling intensified as
her hands roamed freely, exploring Ryoko's exquisite curves.
Abruptly, Ryoko pushed her away. Gasping for air, Aeka wondered when
she'd started holding her breath.
"Wow, that was something." Ryoko said curiously eyeing Aeka. "So are
you gonna take that towel off or would you rather I work around it?"
Aeka's lips curved up in a suggestive grin as her towel slid slowly
from her body. Taking her hand, Ryoko, guided Aeka back into a sitting
position; behind her, Ryoko began her massage anew. Starting at the
shoulders, Ryoko's hands slid down to Aeka's round breasts. As she
began rubbing them, she felt the sensitive nipples stiffen against her
palms.
"Oh yes! Keep touching me like that, Ohh!"
Encouraged by this, Ryoko took both nipples between thumb and
forefinger and began rolling them back and forth. Aeka's back arched in
pleasure as Ryoko's tongue found her neck once more. Removing one hand
from Aeka's breast, Ryoko felt her way between her thighs eliciting a
moan of delight as she brushed the princess's clitoris.
"M-Miss Ryoko ah!"
"Don't say anything Aeka, at least not yet."
Ryoko's finger found the violet covered core and quickly slid in, her
passage eased by the moisture within.
"Oh it feels so good! Please don't stop!"
Aroused by Aeka's words Ryoko's pace quickened her fingers sliding in
and out at a frantic rate. Hot fluid rushed around her fingers and she
brought them to her lips.
"Mmmm! Tasty!" She said, savoring Aeka's sweet nectar. She then shifted
around until her face was between Aeka's legs.
Pausing, Ryoko looked up, straight into the princess's eyes, which were
burning with desire. In that moment, Ryoko understood all that she
would ever need to about the true Aeka. The one she kept carefully
hidden away.
Her desperate need to express her feelings and her frustrating
inability to do so. Her passion, her shyness, her strengths, weaknesses,
selfishness, and generosity. And then she closed her ruby eyes and it
was gone.
Thankful for this glimpse into the soul of her chief rival, and most
likely, her greatest friend Ryoko determined herself to give her the
experience of a lifetime.
Breathing in the scent of Aeka's arousal, Ryoko attacked her soft
petals with fervor. Every moment, Ryoko's long tongue found a new
position sending jolts of pleasure to the princess who punctuated each
new sensation with a hard tug on Ryoko's mane of cyan hair. This aroused
Ryoko even more and she proved it by redoubling her efforts. She began
teasing Aeka's clit with one hand while tweaking a nipple in the other.
All these actions were quickly pushing Aeka toward the edge. And then
suddenly, she'd reached it!
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!"
Aeka's high-pitched scream echoed through the infinity of sub-space.
Then Ryoko felt Aeka's thighs clamp around her head like a steel trap.
So great was the force of her grip that Ryoko felt her ears pop. A flood
of hot fluid rushed into her face and dripped down her chin and chest,
but all Ryoko could do was lap at Aeka's insides because of her
immobilized state. Slowly Aeka's leg muscles relaxed as she came down
from her second-ever orgasm.
Using her hands and tongue, Ryoko took a minute to clean Aeka's cum off
like a cat.
Turning back to the princess, Ryoko was startled to find her two inches
from her face. Before she could utter a word, she was locked in a
passionate kiss that took her breath away. Ryoko felt herself being
guided to a laying position but allowed it to happen; interested in
where this was leading. Aeka took her time as she began covering her
partner's body with kisses. Her forehead, the bridge of her nose, chin,
shoulder, collar bone, and down between her heaving breasts. She
continued down Ryoko's rib cage, pausing to find each rib, then gave a
lick to the area immediately surrounding the navel.
At first Ryoko thought Aeka's lack of experience caused her to miss all
of her pleasure centers. But she then realized that it was by design
that Aeka did this. Each time she came tantalizingly close to an area,
it burned with anticipation causing Ryoko to moan. The pirate moaned
again as Aeka circumvented her already dripping cunt, leaving a trail of
saliva around her inner thighs.
Deciding that she'd had enough, Ryoko said, "Aeka don't do that, don't
tease me...Aahh!"
Her plea was cut short as the ruby-eyed princess closed her lips
around her protruding clit. Aeka had succeeded in surprising Ryoko,
causing a great wave of pure pleasure to envelop her. Once more Aeka
resumed her random kissing, each time zeroing in on a different pleasure
source. As the ordeal continued, Ryoko was lost in a world of sensation
where she teetered on the fine line separating agony and ecstasy. Used
to getting what she wanted, when she wanted it; Ryoko was thrown totally
off balance by the princess's indirect approach. When Aeka started
thrusting three fingers into the eager cunt, Ryoko was almost too late
to press the princess's face between her legs when she came explosively.
After drinking of Ryoko's warm juices, Aeka accepted the pirate's warm
embrace.
Able to endure the silence no longer Aeka raised her head from Ryoko's
shoulder.
"I want to thank you." She paused, collecting her thoughts.
"I never knew it could be this way. It was so..."
"Hot and spicy?" Ryoko supplied, once again.
"I was thinking wonderful, but I guess that will do as well." Aeka said
bemused. The two lapsed into an awkward silence.
"Hey princess," Ryoko spoke up. "You know this doesn't have to be a
one-time
thing between us."
"Do you mean you want to try this again?" Aeka asked.
"Well sure but only if you want to."
"Of course I do but it's just that I..."
"You what?"
"I'm still in love with Lord Tenchi." Aeka waited for Ryoko's reaction
but was caught off guard when she laughed out loud.
"Now what is it?" Aeka said getting annoyed.
"I'm still in love with Tenchi too Princess. But that shouldn't have
anything to do with this. It's just between us."
Aeka took her hand. "If Lord Tenchi, or anyone else were to find out...
well we'll just have to be discrete."
"Fine with me Princess. We can get together like this until one of us
wins his heart for good," Ryoko thought for a second. "And maybe even
after that."
"Only if I'm free on weekends." Aeka replied with a smile.
"What makes you think he'll choose you?" Ryoko questioned with mock
indignation.
"Why would Lord Tenchi want a Most Wanted criminal when he can have a
beautiful princess on his arm?"
"Because the princess is a stuck-up brat!" Ryoko shot back. They stared
daggers at each other for a moment before collapsing in a giggling fit.
Just then, Mihoshi walked in with Sasami and Ryo-Ohki in tow.
"Hey look they're laughing!" she said joyfully. "Did you make-up?"
"Yes I guess we did Mihoshi." Aeka grabbed a towel and started drying
off.
"Does this mean you're friends now?" Sasami asked hopefully.
"Sorry but no," Ryoko apologized. "But we did have mind blowing, soul
shaking, funky monkey sex!"
"*MISS RYOKO!!!!*"
Aeka turned three shades of red in as many seconds, and was one second
away from turning the space pirate into a smoldering pile of ashes when
she noticed something. The others were laughing. Ryoko caught her eye
and gave her a wink.
"Really Ryoko," she said as she donned a kimono and headed out. "You
have such a crude sense of humor."
"You know me Princess, I just love to have fun with you." ^_^
End Episode 1
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Preview of Next Episode:
TENCHI: Well it looks like things have finally returned to normal
around here. Plus Kiyone's back!
MIHOSHI: Yeah! I missed you Kiyone. But there was something I was
supposed to tell you. What could it be?
NOBUYUKI: Has anyone noticed Aeka and Ryoko acting strange lately?
TENCHI: All this and more on the next episode of Tenchi Muyo!
*Every Lesson Learned*
KIYONE: It's uncharacteristically insightful!
________________________________________________________________________
Special Section "X": [Author's Notes]
________________________________________________________________________
Well it's been a long strange trip, hasn't it? When I first started this
series, I had no idea I would meet with such an overwhelming response.
While not all of it was favorable, I'd like to take time out to thank
everyone who wrote in their comments.
That said, let's take a trip into the shadowy corners of my mind and
find out why I wrote this in the first place.
The original premise for "Every Lesson Learned" was to be a Miho-Kiyo
fic about daily life for the two GP detectives. This was all going well
until I met with a terminal case of writer's block. For two weeks, I
could write nothing at all. So, instead of trying to force it and ruin
the story, I decided to change projects. The new idea came to me in the
form of a dream. Asside from all of the blurry images, one scene was
completely clear: Aeka was crying for some reason and Ryoko was there
comforting her.
This was strange enough--given that at the time I thought they hated
each other's guts--but so intrigueing was the image of Ryoko wiping
away Aeka's tears that I could not get it out of my mind.
Finally giving in to the oushy little muse I put pencil to paper and
began writing (When I started out, I first wrote the entire thing on
notebook paper for later transcription to computer).
Now, I'd like to say that I had this whole grand tale completely mapped
out in my mind; but the truth is, I didn't know what the heck I was
doing, half the time. I just let the pencil go until my hand started
cramping. When that happened, I knew it was time to quit for the day.
Of course, this made for multiple revisions the next day, but this was
the way I wrote most comfortably.
[Why I wrote a Lemon]
One of the most frequent comments I get--besides "ryoko an aieka havn
sex is kewl"--is that "Every Lesson Learned" is really good, even
without the lemon scenes. So why, oh why did I write a lemon?
The truth is, I don't really know. I hadn't planned on it at first,
and I certainly don't have lemon on the brain. As I said, I just let my
pencil go wild and this story sprang up out of nowhere. Of course, it's
a little more complicated than that. I was going through a lot of
changes at the time and that probably had an effect on my writing.
Whatever the reason, by the time I had the thing finished, and reread it
I realized that I'd better put a warning at the top or I'd be in serious
trouble.
Wait!
I have to be truthful.
There is one other thing. When I started reading fan fiction, I was
surprised and saddened at the lack of good writing in the lemon
section(Except "Aikan Muyo" bless you Happosai). After reading the fine
works in the regular section, it angered me to see the mindless and
barely legible stuff in the lemon division.
So, when I realized that my fic was becoming a lemon ( against my will,
of course), I resolved myself to make it a tale of sensuality instead
of mindless, mechanical sex, poor characterization, and zero plot
[The End Product]
After about three months of writing and revising and procrastinating,
I ended up with about 49 double-sided, sheets of notebook paper and a
big, goofy grin. Then I found out, that I needed to type it.
After another week of sitting in a painfully bright computer lab and
sending drafts to my prereader (thanks juliusmz!) I finally had some-
thing I could be marginally proud of. All I needed was a pen name.
[Who is Arca Jeth?]
When I first delved into the shadowy world of lemon fan fiction, I found
two truths. 1) Most lemon writers are guys. 2) Most lemon writers are
adolescent guys with a hardon for Ryoko.
Although I was proud of my little fan fiction, I felt that people just
weren't ready for a female with such a free way of writing and thinking
about sex. So I became someone different. I took on the persona of a
4,000 years-dead Jedi Master. I must admit to being half-right in my
choice. A few (and by few I mean a lot) over zealous fans, who disagree
with my views on Ryoko and Aeka's relationship chose to attack me in-
directly--on Leon-san's "Ryoko and Aeka's Shrine of Love, guestbook"--
and personally, in e-mails. I must admit, while everyone is entitled to
his, or her, opinion, the vehemence in some of the messages surprised
me.
While I'm not trying to convince TM! fans one way or the other, it does
sadden me that people--especially anime fans--would be so closedminded
even to the possibilty of alternate lifestyles.
That said, I am dropping the sharade as of now. While I keep my name,
I maintain that I am a woman--some say I'm pretty but I fail to see
how--and a college student, majoring in Journalism. While I pretend to
be such a hentai on IRC I'm actually rather shy. Ah! That's much better!
[And in Closing...]
This is all I've got for now. I hope you've enjoyed this little trip.
This "Version X" goes out to all of the people who wrote in and
encouraged me during the writing process. Don't worry folks, I'm still
on the job! Expect an "X" version of Episode II soon.
Thanks for reading,
Arca Jeth
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