I make no claim on the characters in this story and am not making any money off of this... unless my devoted fans wish to send money.;) Just so you know in several of my fics I said that Ryoko and Tenchi would be taking a trip around the universe. I am happy to say that I am finally doing it.

A Long Trip

By, Clayton Overstreet

Tenchi and Ryoko stood outside the portal leading into their new ship. Their friends stood around them wishing them luck. Sasami held onto his leg along with Ryo-Oki, "I don't want you to go Tenchi. I'll miss you and the house will be kind of lonely without Ryoko and Ayeka fighting all the time."

Tenchi smiled and hugged her. "It's alright Sasami. Washu says she's going to set up a dimensional tunnel to her lab in a month, so we can visit each other. You don't think we can got too long without your cooking do you?"

Sasami smiles and shook her head. Ryoko bent down and rubbed her head, "Don't worry Sasami, when I visit I promise to tell your sister just what kind of uptight, ugly, mean spirited..." Tenchi cut her off with a look. "Anyway I'll be visiting before you know it Sasami." Sasami hugged them both and stepped back.

Washu smiled and nodded. She had finished the tunnel weeks ago, but had decided to give Tenchi and Ryoko some time together. She hugged them both and goosed Tenchi. "Hey MOM! I saw that!" Tenchi blushed and backed away. Mihoshi and Kiyone both hugged Tenchi and Ryoko at once. After they were done and had backed away, holding hands tightly Tenchi noticed, Ayeka stepped forward. "Lord Tenchi, I make no claim to having approved of your choosing Ryoko, who I feel is a degenerate monster and one of the worst people I have ever met despite her noble actions since she has met you." Tenchi held Ryoko back and was about to say something when she continued, "However, since you have chosen her she must have some redeeming qualities I am unaware of so I will support your decision and just be happy for you." She hugged Tenchi and looked at Ryoko whispering quietly, "And then there's the fact that I no longer have to bear the responsibilities of first princess."

Ryoko bit her knuckles having only just realized that by marrying Tenchi she was now the first princess of Jurai. Then she turned and smiled at Ayeka saying, "Well if you think I'm going to let the tutors that made you such a snob anywhere near me you can forget it." Sasami nodded agreement with Ryoko.

Ryo-Oki looked up at Ryoko and Tenchi, "Myah?"

Ryoko smiled and looked at her. "You can't take us for two reasons Ryo-Oki. First, Sasami would miss you too much. And second... do you really want Washu putting a tunnel in you?" Ryo-Oki shook her head vehemently and hid behind Sasami.

Everyone laughed except Washu who said, "Hey!" Nobuyuki was taking pictures while Yosho simply nodded to Tenchi.

Ryoko popped her head out of the hatch and said, "Goodbye everyone. See you in a month." Then she grabbed Tenchi and dragged him into the cockpit.

The last thing they heard before takeoff was Ayeka yelling, "Ryoko, how dare you handle lord Tenchi like that!"

Once they broke the atmosphere Tenchi turned to Ryoko. "Well where should we go? You know the universe better than I do."

Ryoko smiled and leaned back. "Tenchi, I saw most of the universe while on raids for Kagato. There were some beautiful worlds out there... many of which I destroyed." The smile left her face and a tear fell. "I don't think we'd be wanted on any of the worlds I know."

Tenchi reached to her and wiped away the tear. "Ryoko you were given a royal pardon. They broadcast your story across the universe. They even made a movie about how you were forced to do all of that by Kagato. I am sure nobody holds a grudge."

She smiled at him and nodded. "Thank you Tenchi. I guess... yes there are worlds I want to see. And we have all eternity to see them together Tenchi." They kissed and pressed their heads against each other. "How about Altaris3? They have lovely beaches and this time of year there is a fair on at least one of them."

Tenchi smiled and nodded, "Sounds perfect Ryoko."

The computer repeated the destination and said that it would inform them when they reached their destination. Tenchi and Ryoko left the bridge and walked to the living quarters in the back of the ship. Washu had designed the ship so that it had it's own atmosphere. Open sky appeared above them. Tenchi had set up a special dinner, made by Sasami before they left, just for him and Ryoko. He had just neglected to tell Ryoko about it.

When Ryoko saw the table set up with the most delicious food ever, candles dripping wax, and heard a love song sung by Mihoshi and Kiyone playing she immediately turned to Tenchi and hugged him tightly. "Oh Tenchi it's perfect."

Tenchi smiled and hugged her back; "You deserve the best Ryoko." He bowed low, "Would the First Princess of Jurai care for a seat?"

Ryoko giggled and curtseyed, playing her part well, "Why yes good sir I believe I would." Tenchi grinned and pulled Ryoko's chair out for her before seating himself.

Once they were both seated they looked over the food before them. "I see Sasami has been experimenting with American cooking again."

Tenchi nodded. "She says it's simple, but tastes great."

Ryoko smiled as she took a bite out of a steak. "Mmm, she's right about the taste." Ryoko looked at Tenchi and asked why he never seemed to eat much.

Tenchi smiled and said, "Well unlike you my metabolism doesn't burn food down into a perfect figure."

Ryoko blushed momentarily at the compliment, then let her foot slide up Tenchi's leg, "Oh? And what about my figure do you find perfect Tenchi." Tenchi blushed himself, his face turning entirely red as he felt her touch on his leg. Then he looked into her eyes and everything became calm within him.

"Ryoko, everything is perfect. You are in my opinion the most beautiful, nice, and strong woman in the universe." He reached out and placed a hand on her cheek, "Inside and out." Ryoko closed her eyes and held his hand against her face.

"Thank you Tenchi. You are the most perfect person I have ever met. I love you Tenchi." Tenchi smiled and took her hand in his.

"I love you too Ryoko."

The gems on Ryoko's wrists and neck glowed a soft pink. Ryoko opened her eyes and looked into Tenchi's. "You know Tenchi, I'm not really that hungry right now. Do you think that maybe we could do something else..." Ryoko licked her tongue over her fangs at the last sentence. Tenchi smiled and nodded leaning over the table. They each blew out a candle and in the fading light kissed.

(The management apologizes for having to remove the following scene but this isn't going to be a lemon. However I give full permission, even if I decide to do it myself some day, for anyone reading this who wants to fill in the sex in as much detail as possible, provided you keep it tasteful and romantic. Aside from that, go nuts!)

Tenchi lay next to Ryoko as the beautiful space pirate slept next to him. He bent down and kissed the top of her head. "I love you Ryoko." Ryoko opened an eye and smiled at him. "Do you? Well I'll let you in on a secret." Tenchi smiled down and waited. "I love you too Tenchi." He smiled and they kissed again. When they lay back the sky overhead showed strange stars that Tenchi didn't recognize.

"Ryoko do you know any of these constellations?"

Ryoko shook her head no. "I don't think so Tenchi. I love stars though. They are so peaceful and beautiful."

Tenchi smiled and looked at her. "Sounds like you Ryoko."

Ryoko shook her head. "I am not peaceful Tenchi. I have caused so much harm..." Tenchi put his hand over her mouth. She looked at him surprised.

"Ryoko I don't want you to EVER blame yourself for Kagato's control over you. He is the one who did those things. You have never fought with anyone who didn't do anything to you first. You are a beautiful, kind, and loving person. And I won't let anyone say otherwise, least of all YOU. Understand?"

Tears fell from Ryoko's eyes and down the back of his hand. She nodded and Tenchi removed his hand. For several minutes they lay there in silence. Then their eyes closed and they both fell asleep.

"WE HAVE ARRIVED AT OUR DESTINATION. PLEASE COME TO THE BRIDGE TO CONFIRM A LANDING SPOT WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES." The computer repeated for the third time. Tenchi and Ryoko got up and dressed. On their way to the bridge they noticed that Washu's robots had put the food away and cleared the table already preparing breakfast.

They arrived on the bridge and turned on the COM panel. "This is Tenchi Misaki, crown prince of Jurai requesting permission to dock for... how long will we be here Ryoko?"

She bit her lip and thought. "I'd say three days at least Tenchi."

Tenchi smiled and turned back to the panel. "Three days for myself and my wife." They waited a minute for a response.

"Acknowledged your majesty. Docking bay 23 is available." Tenchi thanked them and set the controls.

Ryoko put her arms around him. "Tenchi, I was wondering how we are going to pay for this. This is a resort planet and it's not exactly cheap."

Tenchi smiled at Ryoko and opened a compartment in the ceiling. He held up a small credit card with Washu's face on it. "A wedding present from Washu. She says if we use this anywhere we have unlimited funds."

Ryoko smiled and shook her head. "Sometimes one of her inventions actually comes in handy." Tenchi gave her a matching card.

"We can't go to crazy with this Ryoko." She pouted and looked at him pleadingly.

"You mean I can't buy myself a new wardrobe." Tenchi shook his head no. She pouted more, then looked up. "A new swimsuit." Tenchi grinned and nodded. Ryoko hugged him tightly.

When they arrived on the planet several security personnel was there to meet them, "Hello your majesties. Welcome to Altaris3. Is there anything we can do for you?"

Tenchi smiled and nodded. "We could use a ride to a beachside hotel if that's alright. Ryoko has told me such good things about the beaches here. Is there one with a fair going on at the moment?"

The head security man nodded, "Yes sir. There is a fair at Nova beach at the moment. It is going on for another week I believe." Tenchi nodded his thanks to the men as they lead him and Ryoko to a flying car.

"Um, excuse me your majesty, but did you say Ryoko told you about this world?" The driver of the car asked.

Tenchi nodded but before he could say anything Ryoko said, "Yes. Why do you ask?" The driver rubbed the back of his head.

"Oh... I knew you knew her, but I wouldn't think she'd have any real opinion, what with her being controlled by that Kagato guy. By the way I'm Halik."

Ryoko smiled, "Well Halik, I may not have been in control of, myself, but I saw everything. My name is Ryoko, glad to meet you."

The car skidded to a halt and Halik turned around, "Y-you're Ryoko. I thought you were Prince Tenchi's wife."

Tenchi smiled and nodded. "She is. Is that a problem?"

Halik shook his head, "No sir, it's just... well Ryoko is kind of a hero of my daughter, ever since those movies were made about you two. And I was kinda wondering if I could get an autograph for her?" Ryoko smiled and nodded. Splitting into two people one of her floated in front of the car with the camera. Snapping a quick picture of the three of them she signed it and handed it to Halik. "Thank you your majesties."

The car started moving again and was soon at the Nova beach hotel. They were put up in the royal sweet. "Wow, now this is nice!" Ryoko said.

Tenchi had to agree. "You're right. I've never been in such a nice place."

Ryoko nodded, "Me either. It's been cold metal rooms, and stone caves for most of my life. Before this the nicest place I'd ever slept was at your house."

Tenchi smiled at her, "Well I don't care where I sleep as long as you are there." They kissed and then went about unpacking.

Ryoko finished and looked around. "Looks like I need to get that swimsuit sooner than expected. As you can see I didn't expect swimming on this trip Tenchi." Tenchi glanced at her pile of clothes and his eyes almost bulged out of his head. There were about thirteen different pairs of lingerie. Some leather, some silk, some crotch-less. Ryoko covered his eyes, "Hey, leave some surprises for later." Tenchi blushed and looked at her. He had already changed into a T-shirt and swim trunks.

"Ok, I think I saw a store in the hotel lobby. Want to swing by there on the way out?"

They spent the next ten minutes trying to find her a swimsuit. When they did it was a white thong. "Where did your clothes go Ryoko?" Tenchi asked.

She smiled, "I just phased out of them. Ready to go Tenchi?" Tenchi nodded. He was carrying a blanket, an umbrella, and a picnic basket. All of which they set up on the beach. Tenchi noticed several people looking at Ryoko and admiring her bathing suit.

"Hey Tenchi! What are you doing here?" Tenchi and Ryoko both turned and saw Mihoshi and Kiyone standing behind them.

"Hi guys. We're here on our trip. What are you doing here?"

Kiyone blushed and smiled, "We had some vacation time and decided to have some fun. We had no idea you two would be here."

Ryoko smiled and hugged them. "Well we're glad you showed up. We don't know anybody else around here. Want to have some of out lunch with us?"

Mihoshi nodded, "Thank you Ryoko. We've had to cut back a bit to afford this. We saved up a lot of money from out GP pay, but still we had to give up lunch so we could afford it."

They sat down and ate for a while. Ryoko turned to Mihoshi, "So what have you two been doing so far?"

Mihoshi smiled, "Well we just got in a few hours ago. We left right after you did. Last night we played strip poker and today we were going to rest up on the beach and tan." The others had almost choked when she mentioned strip poker.

Kiyone grit her teeth and looked at her partner, "Mihoshi, remember what we said about thinking before you say things?"

Mihoshi nodded, then looked apologetic. "I'm sorry Kiyone. I forgot. "She leaned forward and gave Kiyone a quick kiss on the mouth. "Do you forgive me?"

Kiyone sighed and nodded, "Don't I always?" They hugged and turned back to Tenchi. "What have you two done so far?"

Ryoko smiled and said, "Tenchi arranged a delicious dinner, then we had some fun, and fell asleep in each other's arms."

Mihoshi sighed and smiled at them. "Oh that sounds so romantic. Don't you think Kiyone?"

Kiyone smiled and nodded, "Very. I wish we could afford something like that."

Ryoko smiled and produced her card from inside her bikini. "Here you go. We have more on the ship."

Kiyone looked at it then at Ryoko, "What's this?" Ryoko told her. Both she and Mihoshi stared at it. "Wow, thank you Ryoko!" Kiyone carefully took the card and put it in the pocket of her shorts.

Later they got together again to go to the fair together. Tenchi had on a solid black long sleeved shirt and some black pants; Ryoko wore a white dress, and had laced a shining string through her hair. Kiyone and Mihoshi wore matching dresses, Kiyone's royal blue and Mihoshi's was blood red.

Tenchi smiled, "Nice outfits guys." Kiyone and Mihoshi blushed.

"We couldn't have gotten them without that card you gave us. But you two look fantastic."

Ryoko blushed and said, "Well enough compliments. Lets have some fun." Ryoko slid her arm around Tenchi's at the same time Mihoshi did Kiyone's.

"Kiyone can we go on some of the rides first?" Asked Mihoshi. Kiyone looked at Ryoko and Tenchi who nodded. They all walked over to the ticket booth. After that Mihoshi lead the way to the rides. Tenchi was amazed at some of them. Next they moved on to some games. Ryoko, who had the most experience floating, won zero gravity laser tag easily. Then Kiyone insisted on the bumper cars.

Ryoko stopped them all in front of the fun house; "Can we try this one please? I've never been in one before." Kiyone grinned and gave the tickets to the man with tentacles in front. Once inside they entered a maze of two-way mirrors. Everyone giggled when Ryoko walked headfirst into one of the clear panels. Rubbing her nose Ryoko frowned and walked down the path followed by the others... who almost immediately bumped into the mirror that Ryoko had walked through a moment before. Tenchi helped them up and smiled at Ryoko who was making sure he wasn't hurt. "Well I guess that shows us."

Once they escaped from the funhouse it was Tenchi's turn to pick something. "How about the tunnel of love? I'm in the mood for something relaxing."

The girls snickered and he heard Kiyone say, "The tunnel of love relaxing huh? You are from a very backwards planet Tenchi." He was going to ask what she meant when Ryoko pulled him into the little boat. Kiyone and Mihoshi got in behind them. As the doors closed behind them the screams began.

When they came out the other side Mihoshi and Tenchi each had their dates in a death lock. Truth be told Ryoko and Kiyone were holding them the same way most of the way through, but had let go when they had gotten out. Tenchi was babbling, "Ryoko if we die on this thing I always want you to know that I love you."

Mihoshi was looked up Kiyone, "Um... me to Kiyone."

Ryoko tapped Tenchi on the shoulder, "Well before you write out your will Tenchi, open your eyes." He shook his head. His eyes had been tightly shut since the first three minutes.

"Not a chance!"

Ryoko kissed him and he calmed down. When she broke apart he peeked out. Taking a deep breath he looked at her. "That was the scariest thing I have ever experienced." Ryoko smiled and held him close.

Kiyone was impressed with Ryoko's way of calming Tenchi and decided she's better do the same unless she wanted to die of oxygen deprivation. Quickly she bent down and kissed Mihoshi on the lips. She felt Mihoshi's grip slacken a bit and smiled when Mihoshi looked into her eyes. "It's ok Mihoshi, the rides over."

Mihoshi smiled and said, "Can we go again?"

Everyone screamed, "No!"

Tenchi and Ryoko lay on their balcony and let the cool sea air pass over them. It had been two days and tomorrow they were going to have to leave. Kiyone and Mihoshi had gone earlier that afternoon, saying they had to get back to the Sol system by tomorrow.

Watching the sun set with Ryoko Tenchi couldn't picture a more perfect moment in his entire life. "Ryoko, thank you for brining me here."

Ryoko turned and smiled. "You're welcome Tenchi, but remember this is only the beginning." The sun set at that moment and they were basked in the glow of two moons, one green and one yellow.

A month later Tenchi and Ryoko's ship was docked at a ski resort in a galaxy he'd never even heard of. Washu had activated the dimensional tunnel and they were all having a happy reunion. Sasami hugged Tenchi and Ryoko while Ryo-Oki did the same. Ayeka too hugged them before she remembered her training and simply bowed. Washu smiled and examined her tunnel, "As always it worked perfectly. I am a genius."

Ryoko hugged her and said, "We know you are a genius mom." Washu smiled and hugged Ryoko.

Then she looked at Tenchi; "She hasn't been to much for you has she Tenchi?"

Tenchi shook his head and put his arm around Ryoko. "Nope, just enough."

Ryoko kissed his cheek and then playfully said, "He's almost too much for me. On our first stop we went to a fair and he was the one who suggested we go on the tunnel of love."

The other's grinned, "We know. Mihoshi told us." Tenchi blushed and glanced at the blonde officer.

Noboyuki hugged his son; "I've missed you Tenchi. How has your trip been my son?" Tenchi gave a non-committal answer.

Then Yosho stepped forward and asked, "Have you been training while in space?" Tenchi bowed and said that yes he had. Sasami made a huge feast for them all and they ate until they were stuffed.

Tenchi looked at his father, "Hey it's a weekend. Why don't you guys stay here and join us skiing?" The others readily agreed and Tenchi lead the way to the hotel. Once everyone was settled in and dressed warmly they headed for the slopes. Ryoko, Washu, Kiyone, and Yosho had no problems skiing and doing amazing tricks. Noboyuki knew enough to have some fun, but the others decided to sign up for lessons. Sasami said she and Ryo-Oki would stick to the sled they had brought with them. Tenchi had a snowboard.

Ryoko smiled at Tenchi, "Hey Tenchi, how about a race? First one to the bottom names the prize?"

Tenchi smiled and nodded. "When do we go?"

Ryoko grinned and said, "Now," just before she took off down the hill. Tenchi jumped after her. The others watched, cheering them on. Ryoko took a quick glance behind her and saw Tenchi was about to pass her. Planting sharply she flew into the air. Tenchi saw her and hit a snow bank, flying after her holding the bottom of his board. They both hit the bottom at the same time.

They grinned and nodded to each other. "Nascar rules?" Tenchi asked.

Ryoko looked at him strangely. "What's that?"

Tenchi smiled and rubbed her cheek, "It means the winner gets to kiss the pretty lady." Ryoko chuckled and nodded. Tenchi leaned forward and kissed her. Just then Sasami came running up.

"Wow! That was so cool! How did you two do that?"

They both smiled at her and rubbed her hair. "You just need a little practice that's all Sasami."

Sasami smiled. "Hey do you two want to build snowmen with me and Ryo-Oki?"

Ryoko looked at Sasami strangely. "Snowmen? How do you build men out of snow?"

Sasami giggled and tugged her arm. "Come on and I'll show you." Tenchi and Ryoko followed Sasami to where Ryo-Oki was making a huge snowball. Ayeka was there and had stacked two on top of each other already.

Ryoko smiled, "Oh so that's how you do it."

Tenchi looked at Sasami and said, "Do you know how to make snow angels?" She nodded and grinned playfully. Then almost simultaneously they both fell onto their backs.

Ryoko looked at them stunned, "Tenchi, Sasami are you alright? What's wrong?"

Sasami and Tenchi laughed and began moving their arms and legs. "We're making snow angels Ryoko. See the shape this makes around us? The trick is getting up without stepping in it."

Ryoko looked down at them. "Hmm, it does kind of look like an angel." She fell back and did what they were doing.

Tenchi sat up and stared at her for a second. "Now that is an angel." Ryoko smiled and floated up.

"Did I make a good angel Tenchi?" He nodded and hugged her.

Suddenly a snowball hit him in the side of the head. Tenchi dived down and looked around. "That's enough lover boy. Lets have some real fun now." Washu yelled from behind a snowdrift just before launching another snowball at Ryoko. Sasami, Ryoko and Tenchi dived behind another drift.

"Washu we'll get you for that!" Sasami yelled. Washu laughed maniacally.

"Not a chance. We've got you outnumbered. I've got the guys, Mihoshi, and Kiyone over here."

"Myah!"

"And Ryo-Oki."

Ryoko growled and yelled back at them, "Ryo-Oki you traitor."

Then Ryoko launched a snowball and heard the satisfying sound of Yosho saying, "Ah that's cold!"

Ryoko looked at Sasami and Tenchi; "How about we even the odds a bit?"

Sasami nodded. Ryoko split into two and Tsunami appeared near Sasami. Tenchi grinned, "Now that's more like it." Snowballs began flying from both sides for the next five minutes.

Then the Ryoko's gathered up a huge pile and teleported over to the other snow bank. Tenchi heard the others let out a startled scream just before three feet of snow muffled it. "Give up yet you guys?" Ryoko asked. A white flag made from a ski pole and what looked like Noboyuki's underwear was stuck out of the snow in answer.

Later after everyone had time to change clothes and warm up Tenchi treated them all to dinner in the hotel dining room. "Thanks Tenchi. It's been a while since I've had any food that I didn't make, " Sasami said.

He smiled and patted her head, "No problem Sasami. You deserve a break. But could you do me one little favor?"

Sasami nodded, "Sure, what?"

Tenchi held up the menu, "Could you tell me what on this menu me and dad can eat? I don't want to take to many chances with alien food."

Sasami smiled and pointed out a type of meat similar to beef, but with a distinctly green tinge to it. "Don't worry it's not spoiled. It's just part plant." Tenchi thanked her and everyone got to eating.

For the next few years this was how Tenchi and Ryoko lived. They ate meals at home, and visited with their family often. They visited thousands of worlds, some never before seen by anyone. Ryoko had twin children and raised them to be terrific people. But in all their travels, in the entire universe they never found a world that matched the beauty of Earth. Some say this is why Tenchi refused the thrown of Jurai when Azusa retired. Not to many complained because another noble stepped forward and claimed the thrown. He was a good ruler and everything went well for the Jurai Empire. When Azusa and his wives left Jurai, they never told anyone where they were going, but a short time later they moved in with Tenchi's family and helped them raise Ryoko's children.

Noboyuki taped everything that happened, and when he died at the age of 97, he told them all how proud he was to have belonged to his family, and that he would tell Achika hello for them. They in turn promised to remember him always.

The End

Author's note