Chapter 1: No Need For Introductions

Day 1: part 1: 'No need' for introductions.

It is an idyllic setting.

Wispy clouds of cotton, wander unhurried across a sky of tranquil blue. A bright azure dome which stands an eternal vigil over a vista of lush rolling hills and wide fertile valleys.

Modest streams and placid lakes below complete a picture perfect landscape.

Casting silver reflections in turn of that same eternal sky.

From our current lofty vantage, sailing unimpeded over all which lies below.

We turn after some moment's observation to one valley in particular.

A geographic oddity to say the least, set apart in possessing a curious almost symmetrical 'bowl shape'.

The location's abstractions are compounded as we draw ever near.

Our captive view almost instantly seeking amid the expected lush dappling of surrounding green, an oddity amid oddities.

In the form of a single mammoth tree.

Majestically rising, this arboreal colossus stands apart. Providing solidity out of sheer size to its own peninsula where the latter protrudes on to a modest lake, situated just towards valley center, as we draw ever near.

Weaving downwards unimpeded through the spreading branches.

Our chosen path passes in transit and curious glance, a collection of pale ropes.

Each, in turn meticulously woven to lengths sufficient to girdle the base here of so massive a tree.

Noting also at this point in our progress other bits of cloth and paper, tied to the odd branch here and there as well.

An additional visual puzzle to the uninformed eye as we continue away.

Drifting low and unhurried now over curious broken sections of what appears to be wood seen just below, though long since petrified. Melding crookedly as is natures way with portions of the trees still living base.

The remnants of some structure is noticeable from this point in our observations as well.

Presented as shapes numerous and broken, jutting haphazardly here and again above and below the placid waters line about the lake's edge. Silently attesting at some cataclysm rendered distant by the passage of time.

Muted by a lush carpet of early green. All noted in passing as we turn at last outward.

Sliding away over more sections of ancient 'once wood' to where it now blends harmoniously with carefully cobbled stonework. Joining in its turn, over a modest distance eventually to a more modern paved byway.

Providing efficient means for small carts and similar light traffic, winding unhurried along its course through and at last out of the valley bowl.

It is here at last that we then pause. Only for that instant however as the quiet murmur of water and wind must recede. Eclipsed by sound of breath and footfalls, that diverts our attention.

For it is along this winding flat black ribbon of rock, that a lone figure runs.

...

It is now barely past February here and while the air still quite brisk, a young woman has chosen shorts and an abbreviated top for her morning exercise.

Aside ogling her porcelain skin and other devastating attributes as we obligingly pursue.

A casual observer might also note a stylized representation of the standard roman characters 'G and P' emblazoned offside on her cropped half shirt.

Moving swiftly along, she meets the morning chill with indifference at best.

The healthy rocking of her stride, transforming her tied back waist length blue black hair into a shimmering silken pendulum.

Long well muscled legs chew up the distance. Insuring it is not long before her course, winding around and through the hills, brings her suddenly to a wide terrace.

Upon arrival, our young beauty immediately pivots, swiftly descending the lower flight of an ancient run of well-maintained steps.

Select portions of her anatomy, rebounding delightfully in the way of all young females as she takes the last three steps at a bound before following a low wider path to her right.

Continuing parallel along a low courtesy wall dividing modest rest stop behind, from a section of modern black top curving away in both directions.

Vaulting effortlessly over low wall to tarmac hardly slackens her speed as her progress along the paved road brings her in short order along side the presence of a split rail fence.

Even at this distance, the main house of the estate requiring the fence is impressive. Presenting a blend of classic Japanese with a definite modern European edge.

Multiple roof lines are blended skillfully together creating an appealing overall package, which is both stylish and comfortable. A predominately-red roof sets it and its outbuildings apart from where they are nestled comfortably beneath the not too distant hills and the placid lake expanse oddly almost at its back door.

All taken without apparent notice as the young woman's pace quickly takes her past.

The pastoral swaths of early green giving way to rolling fields as the black top upon which she runs sparkles in a slight morning frost.

If indeed someone were following, such an observer might now notice she is barely winded, in spite of this ten-mile run, beginning well before dawn.

Despite this, it is during this point in our observation that we see her begin to slow.

Casting about as she is slowing with her large expressive, almost cobalt blue eyes.

Indicating clearly she has heard, something? When finally she at last comes to a dead stop.

"Meow! Meow!" Resounds now audibly in the distance.

Bringing a smile at an all too familiar sound to the young woman's lips as she then turns.

Striding off road, into the bordering field towards its source.

Were they present, the oft-mentioned hypothetical observer surely would now be standing agog.

Witnessing the girl running to rendezvous with the young woman.

At a petite five foot two she sports long predominately chestnut brown hair. Accented with broad pronounced white and black streaks, the girls mane not so much grows as explodes away from a decidedly cat like face.

Large oval yellow eyes with long, high side swept ears that definitively taper. Add to fine delicate whiskers which compound her feline aspect.

A pair of turquoise bib overalls with carrot motif compliments a bright orange shirt. Rounding off her all together remarkable appearance.

Yet she crosses the field with a demeanor that would melt the most cynical heart. Literally sprinting in her excitement to give greetings.

"Meow! Meow!" She repeats, hopping the last furrow separating them.

Throwing arms around the young woman, her eyes closed in blissful abandonment.

An embrace returned, with less overall enthusiasm but genuine affection none the less.

"Good Morning, Ryo-chan!" The woman laughs happily, releasing herself after a few moments. Patting her beaming companion's head.

"And how is our Ryo-Okhi this fine morning?"

"Meow!" Ryo-chan replied enthusiastically, large yellow eyes shining brightly.

"Kiyone!" Another voice suddenly called. Prompting the woman turn to face the distant speaker.

The young galaxy policewoman started moving slowly then, deeper into the field with Ryo-Okhi in tow position.

As she approached her immediate goal, Kiyone Makibi found she couldn't help some wistful speculating.

After all, standing at an easy six and a half feet in height Tenchi Masaki was a fine figure of a man.

Having grown considerably since his and key's first meeting, he was now easily the size of his father Nobuyuki.

"Almost daily rigorous training plus continuous toil in the fields will tend to do that sort of thing." She mused.

Admiring the fine network of cords and veins standing out on his bare young arms, where he stood holding a gardening hoe like it was a quarterstaff.

"At ease soldier!" Kiyone laughed smiling as she slowed her final approach.

"After all I'm not Ryoko!" She concluded.

Her smile widened as his evaporated, indicating the remark had struck home.

"And, just what is that supposed to mean?" He shot back, in a tone that was mild with outrage.

"Sorry, sorry!" Key said, her eyes gleaming mischievously. Raising both her hands, patting the air between them in a warding gesture.