Chapter 123: The end of the line

It was only as the door behind them slid suddenly shut that Tenchi realized they simply weren't where they were suppose to be.

No amount of redressing could have 'added' the extra space opening up before them supposedly inside of the priest quarters.

That in of itself wasn't too disconcerting, he'd been telliported, translocated, dimensionally shifted and phased through solid matter once too often to go willy-nilly over such things anymore.

For a good solid second or so the unmistakable sound of running water started him thinking this might be the Olsen, when Ayeka beside him suddenly inhaled deeply.

"Reyo!" She sighed pleasantly, Making it all fall into place.

Sure enough, ahead just beyond the redressed entry the main agrarium opened up. Containing the basin from which Ayeka's personal tree now majestically arose though still perhaps only one third the size of Yosho's Funaho.

"Wow..." Tenchi murmured both surprised and pleased.

It always took a moment to remember that 'Reyo' was in fact still growing out of the center of the Lake to one side of the house. And that this was a seed from the tree which had accompanied the princess to earth.

So from a purely technical standpoint, the tree before them wasn't Reyo.

He'd over heard Ayeka mulling over naming the seedling 'Yosho' some time back for obvious reasons.

Not that such distinctions mattered in the slightest at the moment.

Especially with Ayeka standing naked for all purposes by his side.

"Beautiful." he added letting his eyes rest upon her, enjoying the simply lovely view.

She glanced his way, her features a curious mixture. Ayeka's gaze faltered only for a second before returning, flushed but proud.

"I have waited so long to hear you say that." She whispered.

"Ayeka..." Tenchi attempted, knowing the limits to his control were already outstripped.

"I know!" She sighed, sliding closer, "I know."

"But couldn't we? Just pretend, for awhile?"

Tenchi sighed watching her tremble, was she so blind?

"Why pretend?" He asked startling her by drawer her close, gazing deep and unashamed into her eyes.

"I love you too!" He told her firmly.

A delighted gasp escaped her, abandoning all restraint Ayeka threw her arms about him squeezing for dear life.

"Oh Tenchi!" She cried. "I'm yours!"

"Ahem."

As one, the entwined couple looked up, rapidly homing in on the unexpected sound.

Standing several yards distant posed coy yet comfortable, the comment's author regarded them.

Absently twirling the opposing end of the string Tenchi still held.

"Could you two put that on 'pause' so I could get some popcorn?"

"Ry..." Tenchi breathed astonished.

"Oko." Ayeka vacantly finished.

They both continued to stare mutely in awe.

She looked ... wonderful.

Dressed only in her light aqua tresses. Though the volume of hair Ryoko currently sported easily approached the level of Washu's.

Styled loosely, exploding away and back, reminiscent somehow of a lions mane, yet soft and flowing.

The trailing locks of her train fading to an almost royal blue.

The amber-gold of her eyes seems to shine brightly as she continued 'taking them in'.

"Well, what the hell are you two standing there for?" She cried happily when she could no longer endure the silence.

"Can't you figure it out?" She opened her arms, emphasizing 'the string'.

"I'm your freaken wedding present!"