A/N: Don’t own the rights or the characters, the only thing I own about this story is the situations I’m putting them in. In other words, I only own my thoughts and ideas, that’s it, trust me, they ain’t worth much so don’t waste time suing me. Small fish in the big pond over here.

This is a continuation of the story that started in Common Ground, this is only the first of a bunch of chapters. I want to thank everyone that reviewed the story and asked for a continuation of the story, this is dedicated to you guys.

Fate

The heat of the late morning sun was a promise of the scorching heat that was coming. If not for the mild breeze that barely stirred the leaves around the shrine, it would have been oppressive. A lone figure made it’s way up the immense staircase that meandered it’s way up the side of the mountain. The figure, a well built man of undeterminable age, moved slowly but steadily, head facing down to the stairs as it walked. The cicada’s call was hypnotizing as they searched for a mate, adding an odd sort of accompaniment to the man’s progression. He paused at one of the landings near the top, raising his head to regard his remaining journey before wiping the sweat from his brow with the back of one of his arms. Taking in a deep breath, he released it slowly, then once more walked the stairs that led to the shrine.

He wore a pair of faded jeans that bore signs of having been well used, the blue faded to almost bone white along the knees and pockets of the front and back. His simple t-shirt was white and hung loosely on his torso, showing well tanned and muscled arms. His hair was thinning to the point of nearly being gone atop his head, while the remainder was cut close to the scalp which added to the appearance that he was almost bald. His hair was graying, the rich brown that still showed being well out numbered by the graying. His eyes were a blue that bordered on slate, the corners of them showing lines from age and humor. He wore a goatee that was reddish brown streaked with gray and neatly trimmed.

He stopped at the top of the stairs, placing his hands on his hips and releasing a large sigh into the late morning air at his arrival. He looked around slowly, making note of the various small buildings atop the stairs, the well groomed path and the two figures that were working on sweeping and cleansing the shrine area. He walked closer to the pair, a young man and woman, clearing his throat politely to announce his presence. The young man turned first to him, smiling and bowing, “Oh, good morning and welcome.” He said to the visitor.

The young man’s voice caused the blonde woman that was sweeping to turn and regard the man with open curiosity. It was rare to have visitors to the shrine, even more so to have one that wasn’t older. Pausing in her spreading of water, she watched the two men talk quietly.

“Hiya doing?” the man responded, giving him a crooked smile and bowing in return. “Is this the Masaki shrine?” he asked as he righted himself from the bow, looking around as he spoke. His smile was gentle as he regarded the beautiful scenery.

“Yes, that’s right. Do you wish to speak with the caretaker?” asked Tenchi, smiling back at the man. He was obviously a foreigner, either American or European by the looks of his clothing and facial structure.

“No, thank you though. I just wanted to come and…meditate I guess would be the right word. I’ve heard that his place is as peaceful as it is beautiful. Looks like they were right.” He complimented the shrine, turning his dark blue eyes back to the deep brown one’s of the young man before him. “Is there any area’s off limits?” he asked, folding his hands before him as he spoke.

“Just the cave area, but it’s got a gate and lock, so you don’t have to worry too much about getting in there. Please, feel free to look around.” responded Tenchi, bowing again at the guest.

“Thanks, I appreciate it.” replied the new comer, bowing in return. He stood and gave the man a wave before hooking his thumbs in his front pockets and wandering down the stone paths of the shrine. He walked slowly and regarded everything he passed with interest, as if searching for something.

“He’s kinda weird to be visiting a shrine.” Came the sweet voice of Mihoshi as she walked up behind Tenchi, who was still regarding the visitor.

Looking over his shoulder, he smiled at his friend, “Yeah, but remember that we do get visitors all the time, only it’s just usually the locals who know grandpa.” He told her before looking back at the man as he wandered into the woods nearby. Shrugging, he turned to look at the beautiful blonde, “C’mon, let’s get finished up and go tell grandpa about the visitor.” He suggested to her, nodding towards their almost finished tasks.

“Okay Tenchi, then maybe we can go get some lunch? I’m SO hungry.” She giggled to him, looking at him with wide hopeful blue eyes.

Tenchi chuckled and nodded, “Yep, Sasami should be about finished with lunch by the time we get there if we hurry.” He said to the woman as they went back to work.

Shrine Office…

“Grandpa, we’ve got a visitor that is looking around at the shrine. I don’t think he’s from around here.” Tenchi told the older man that was sitting on his knees in the office.

“Alright, thank you Tenchi.” He replied without opening his eyes from the meditative state. “Could you ensure that his visit is pleasant for me? I am awaiting the arrival of some of the locals to discuss our plans for the festival coming up.” He told his grandson, finally opening his eyes to regard the man before him.

“Uh…sure Grandpa, no problem.” He replied to the man, clearly disappointed at having to remain there rather than return to the house for lunch.

“Thank you Tenchi.” Was all Katsuhito said, smiling wanly and closing his eyes once more, ending the discussion.

Sighing, Tenchi bowed and walked from the shrine office to rejoin Mihoshi, “Sorry Mihoshi, looks like I’ve gotta stay here and look after the guest while you go get some lunch. Could you have Sasami or someone bring me something to eat?” he asked, giving her a small reassuring smile.

“Oh, I’m sorry Tenchi, you sure you don’t want me to stay with you?” she asked, only to have her offer countermanded by a rather large and loud rumble of dissent from her stomach. The young woman blushed deeply, smiling at him after the noise died down, “Oh, um…well, looks like I’m hungrier than I thought.” She said to him, raising a hand to her cheek.

Tenchi chuckled but shook his head, “No, it’s okay. Go ahead and get something to eat. I’ll be fine, maybe he won’t stay long and I’ll be down shortly.” He told her, waving her off.

She smiled at the young man sweetly and walked away with the typical bounce in her step, “Okay then, I’ll see ya later Tenchi.” She told him as she moved down the steps.

He watched her disappear down the stairs before moving off to find the odd visitor to the shrine, only spending a few moments to locate the man nearby Ryoko’s cave, looking down the mountainside.

The man’s eyes were distant as if not seeing the breath taking sight before him, but seeing instead some distant memory. Tenchi waited several paces back, not wanting to disturb the man’s reverie, instead taking the time to regard the same sights before him. ‘It really is beautiful.’ He thought idly, seeing the sun glinting off the gentle waves of the lake by their house.

“You okay back there?” came the man’s voice, slightly amused, as he looked over his shoulder at Tenchi. “I’m not somewhere that I shouldn’t be right?” he asked, looking around to make sure he hadn’t missed a sign somewhere.

“No, No, you’re fine. I was just asked by the caretaker to make sure you didn’t have any questions or concerns, in case you wanted a tour or anything.” He told the man, smiling at him.

The man chuckled but shook his head, “Nah, I’m fine, really. I just came up here to try and get my head on straight. When I heard about this place, they said it was so peaceful that you couldn’t help but have a different outlook on life.” He said quietly, turning his attentions back to the sight before him. He crouched down, resting on the balls of his feet, moving slowly as if the motions pained him slightly. He rested his elbows on his thighs, a light smile crossing his features, softening the look on his face. He sighed quietly, “I’ve spent the last 6 months trying to find something…peace I guess, or maybe a purpose in life. I dunno, something. This is like the 10th shrine I’ve been to, but it’s by far the most peaceful yet, beautiful too.” He told the young man, his voice distant as he spoke.

Tenchi was unsure of what to say to the man, sensing his unrest, instead staying quiet and walking closer to him, standing a couple of feet to the man’s side. He watched the man pick up a stray stone and begin to absently play with it in his hands. Tenchi noted that the man’s hands were scarred with various white lines that showed well against the tan he held.

“Ya ever think about the ironies of life?” he asked suddenly, then chuckled at the question, “Never mind, dumb question. Working at a shrine I can imagine you’ve had more than your fair share of thoughts like that. I spent a lot of years doing things that I thought were right, that was supposed to be important. Only to find out that they didn’t matter at all, and what really mattered was in front of me the whole time. The bad news is that by the time I noticed it was almost too late.” He told the younger man next to him, his voice sad. “My family was killed about a year ago in a car accident.” He said quietly, looking at the stone in his hands with sudden interest.

There were several long moments of silence between them as neither felt like speaking after such a comment. Finally, the man smiled, though there was only sadness in his eyes, “I spent so much time fighting someone else’s wars that I never took the time I should have to let the one’s I loved know about how much they really meant to me.” he admitted to the rather stunned Tenchi. “Don’t get me wrong, I mean, it was my choice and my family understood that, but it’s kinda hard to equate that when they’re gone and I’m left, ya know?” he continued, tossing the rock up and catching it as he spoke.

“So, here I am. Trying to make sense out of everything and figure out what the hell I’m doing here. When I was a soldier, it was easy, they told us what to do and we did it. Purpose through orders and structure. Now that I’m out though, well, it kinda sucks.” He admitted, tossing the rock down the mountain and watching as it disappeared into the brush.

He looked over at Tenchi, “I’m sorry, you got better things to do than listen to an old fool.” He said to him, his smile warm and friendly.

“It’s ok, I mean I was told to make sure you found your visit pleasant and it sounds like you needed to just talk and I don’t mind listening.” He assured the man, waving his hand at him to assure him of the fact. “My name’s Tenchi by the way.” He introduced himself to the older man.

“Name’s Jay, but people just usually call me Bravo.” He smiled as he extended his hand to the man, shaking it firmly. “Thanks for listening, most times I just keep to myself. It’s hard to talk to people when they don’t understand what I went through. You tell them about what happened and they give you this look like you’re a madman or worse. The only ones that usually understand are other soldiers or people that have survived through stuff that only happens in nightmares.” He admitted, looking at the young man intently for a moment then shook his head. “If you don’t mind me saying so kid, you’ve got some old eyes for someone your age. Maybe that’s why I feel comfortable with you.” He chuckled as he turned back to the mountainside.

Tenchi simply nodded at the man’s observations, knowing better than to discuss the chaos that was his life. ‘What? I’ve only got 5 alien women living with me, I’m part alien and have fought against enemies that are more powerful than half the armies of the world. Nope, nothing odd or strange here.’ He thought to himself, bringing a sarcastic grin to the boys face. “I guess we all have our stories.” He told the man, easing himself down to take a seat next to him.

Bravo chuckled at the young man’s cryptic response but shrugged, “You could say that.” Was all he said to the remark. He shook his head, the smile slowly fading from his face, “My wife, now that was someone that understood. She accepted me for what I am, no matter what.” He said wistfully, his voice growing soft. “Showed me to have faith again in people, to love myself.” Bravo told him, then extended his left forearm revealing a small tattoo on the inside. It was a Yin/Yang that had two names on either side with decorative scrolling along the top and bottom. “I got this a couple of years ago, figured it fit my life about right. Light and dark, good and evil, the eternal struggle for balance. She was the light to my darkness. She completed me in ways I didn’t even realize I wasn’t whole in.” he explained, flexing the muscles as he told Tenchi about the tattoo.

Putting his arm back down, the wistful smile returned to his face as his eyes saw something in his memories. “I used to think I was only good at one thing, that I wasn’t any use beyond my skills as a soldier. She showed me otherwise, showed me the value of my life and the impact I had on others beyond what I thought.” Bravo’s smile deepened at the memories as his eyes drifted towards the clear blue sky. “You never realize how important someone is that like that to you until it’s too late. She was my opposite in so many ways. Quiet as I was loud, understanding where I was bull headed. I used violence where she was the diplomat in our relationship. I taught her how to use her anger, she showed me how to control some of the baser urges I had. For some reason, civilized society frowns on skinning people alive, go figure.” He laughed, shrugging. “We surprised everyone in our love and marriage, but we never doubted it. Just goes to show you that people don’t understand, that they’re too quick to judge.” He told Tenchi, giving a slight chuckle at the notion.

“What about you? You married?” he asked the man sitting next to him, curious as to what he was doing working the shrine.

The question caught Tenchi off guard, his blush and sudden stiffness making Bravo laugh at him, “N..no…I’m only 18!” he responded a bit too defensively, then laughed a bit with the man. “I guess I’m just not ready for that yet, I don’t even know what I really want to do with my life yet. I’m still thinking about school.” He explained, leaning forwards and resting his hands in his lap.

“Hey, s’all good. I got my degree when I was in the service, so I guess my choice was already made by that time. Studied computers, that way I could at least make some good cash when I got out. Funny how life enjoys throwing you curves huh?” he joked with the young man.

“Yeah, you never know what each day is going to bring huh?” Tenchi laughed, thinking about how exciting his life had been for the last couple of years.

“Tell me about it.” was all the man said in response, his eyes wandering back to the scenery. “It’s sure beautiful here Tenchi, it really is.” He said, relaxing his shoulders as he did. He grew quiet and closed his eyes, turning his face to the sky once more, allowing the sun to warm his face. “Well, guess I’d best get going. Thanks for letting me hang here for a bit…and for listening to my ramblings.” He said at last, opening his eyes and getting to his feet. He extended a hand to help his young friend up, clasping forearms with the man. He nodded in appreciation at the man’s strength as he helped him to his feet. “You’re a strong one.” He complimented him as he released his arm.

“Thanks, I do a lot of chores around the shrine and stuff, plus I study martial arts and sword work with my grandfather.” Tenchi said, blushing slightly at the man’s praise.

Bravo smiled widely at him, “Wow, now that’s something you don’t see everyday. Someone with discipline by choice. Keep it up, the world could use some more like you.” He said, walking with him towards the main shrine area. The older man kept his eyes on the ground as they walked, content to simply enjoy the sounds of nature around them as they walked.

Reaching the stairs, he looked over to the shrine office, nodding to the man sitting within the door frame. “Tell your caretaker you did an excellent job of helping me.” He said to Tenchi as he met the man’s brown eyes. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to give you the one piece of advice that I wish I would’ve had at your age. I don’t want to be condescending about it, but you’ve got a good head on your shoulders and seem to know what you’re about.” He said, extending his hand one last time.

Tenchi smiled and nodded as he accepted the man’s out stretched hand, “I don’t mind at all, I’ve found you can learn something from everyone you meet if you just listen.” He told Bravo, giving the man a friendly smile.

“Live your life everyday. Don’t just exist. Take chances, whether it be in love, life or the future. The worst you can do is fail, but if you never try then you’ll live with that regret for the rest of your life.” He advised his young friend. He shook his hand firmly for a moment, then released his hand. As he released the appendage of the man, he reached under his shirt towards his chest.

As the shirt lifted, Tenchi saw a long horizontal scar running from the upper right ribs to the lower left hip. It was puckered and slightly sunken, as if it never was allowed to heal properly. The other thing he noted was a knife in a sheath that was attached to the man’s belt, it’s handle and strap well worn and cared for. Feeling slightly self conscious, he forced himself to look up at what the man was doing, seeing that he had a neck strap wallet that he’d opened.

“Here, I know you guys don’t get much support and lord knows that I’ve got more than I know what to do with these days thanks to lawyers and such.” He said gruffly, giving Tenchi a crooked smile as he pushed a thick fold of bills into the surprised young man’s hand. “And don’t go telling me you can’t accept this. This is the first time in forever I’ve felt a sense of peace, and believe you me, I’ve been A LOT of places.” He pushed the money back into the man’s hand with a firm look.

The young man looked at the thick roll of bills in his hands, eyes widening as he saw the denominations and opened his mouth to argue, then he caught a look of the man’s eyes before him, ice cold eyes staring at him. “Thank you.” He said rather than argue, bowing to the strange benefactor that had visited the shrine. “I’ll make sure to give this to the caretaker.” He said as he folded his hand over the money.

The harsh stare lifted as quickly as it appeared, revealing the man’s laugh lines again, “Just take care of this place and yourself Tenchi.” He said, clapping the man on the shoulder and turning to go.

“Wait, can I ask you something?” Tenchi said, taking a couple of steps forward, causing the man to turn and regard him with a curious expression. “Why? Why did you do this?” he asked him, trying to figure out the man.

Bravo sighed and looked down the stairs, seeing a gorgeous woman walking up the stairs towards them, giving him a rather odd glance. He did a double take at the color of the woman’s hair, a shade of cyan. ‘Ok, now there’s something you don’t see everyday.’ He thought, then turned his face back to Tenchi. “Money don’t mean much if you’ve nobody to share it with kid. I’m not talking about the users or the ones that just want your cash either. I’m talking about the ones that love you for you, thick or thin. No matter what. Everything else is just a waste of time, remember that. Make sure the person loves you for who you are, not what you got or what you can do for them. That’s the secret to love in my opinion. The rest is just details.” He answered the boys question with a smile and a nod.

He started to turn to go, the paused and looked back, fishing in his back pocket and produced a business card. He took the three steps up and extended the card to Tenchi, “If you ever need some help or someone to keep an eye on things for you, gimme a call. This is my card with my cell on it. It’s world wide so it’ll reach me no matter where I am…within reason I suppose. Gotta love the coverage at times.” He smiled crookedly as the man took the card from his hand.

Tenchi looked at the card he’d just taken, reading it quickly, “Elite Security Protection. Providing the best in coverage for any situation, 24/7 no questions asked. Professional personal security services.” He read as the man walked down the stairs.

“See ya around Tenchi.” He called over his shoulder, giving the man a wave as he left. The woman passed him a few moments later, giving him a sidelong glance to which he responded by touching his forehead and nodding at her, “Ma’am.” He said, then continued his way down.

Ryoko gave the stranger a look as if he was crazed then rushed up the stairs to Tenchi. “Hey Tenchi, who was that?” she asked, handing him the box of food that Sasami had prepared for him. As he took the box from her hands, she wrapped both her arms around his neck and smiled at him, “We missed you at lunch Tenchi.” She said happily, not quite glomping on him, but still embracing him nonetheless.

“Just a visitor Ryoko, a former soldier from somewhere I guess. He seemed kinda lonely and…oh never mind.” He said finally, smiling at the woman even as he undid himself from her arms.

She frowned slightly as he rebuffed her attempts at affection, but didn’t say anything about it. “You almost done up here?” she asked as they walked to the steps of the out buildings near the shrine.

“Yeah, I just had to keep on eye on that man for a bit while grandpa was busy. Why?” he asked, opening the box and finding that Sasami had outdone herself again as usual. He stuffed him mouth full as he listened to Ryoko talk. Since that day a few weeks prior when they’d had the talk, the two of them had grown closer, each enjoying to talk to the other. That wasn’t to say that Ryoko still didn’t throw herself at him, she just did so less often and usually with less gusto, unless Ayeka was present. Both women enjoyed their arguments and seemed to relish the chance to do so, though their destructive tendencies were curbed, most days anyways.

“Your father and the others are talking about going into Tokyo today and I was kinda hoping you’d be finished so that you could come along.” She explained, idly tapping the box lid to make it bounce while Tenchi ate. “Would you like to see a movie or something while we’re there?” she asked shyly, looking away to hide the blush she got by asking him out.

Tenchi swallowed hard, barely avoiding choking at her suggestion, wondering who this was and what she’d done with the real Ryoko. “Um, ok that sounds good.” He answered finally, wanting to go but worried about the fallout from such an action.

Ryoko smiled at him happily, excitement in her voice, “Oh TENCHI!!” this time throwing her arms around his neck and all but squeezing the life out of him, doing her best Misaki imitation.

“Ry..oko…can’t…breathe…” he gasped, getting tunnel vision from her exuberance. He sucked air back into his lungs in great mouthfuls as she released him, her hands still clasped under her chin as she gave him an adoring look.

“I’m so happy!” she exclaimed, leaning closer to him and resting her head on his shoulder. “This is going to be great Tenchi, just you wait and see.” She gushed at him, her mind already going a mile a minute with possibilities of having Tenchi alone. Her smile became distant and dreamy, as she sighed with contentment while leaning against him while he ate.

‘Great, now let’s see if I can avoid her and Ayeka blowing up the theater.’ He thought, though he was actually looking forward to going. He had about finished his lunch, all the while Ryoko sat daydreaming next to him, when the voice of his Grandfather sounded from behind him.

“Tenchi. Have you completed your chores?” he asked, stepping onto the porch where they say, his hands folded behind him.

“Yes grandpa, I finished them and looked after the visitor. Oh yeah, he left something for you.” He said, remembering the cash the man had left the shrine.

Katsuhito looked down at the fold of money, no expression on his face, before looking back over the heads of the young people before him. “You may take that and use it for the house. I’m sure your father would appreciate some help with the bills and groceries.” He said, walking past him and down the stairs. He moved towards the main stairs without looking back, “Besides, you will need some money to spend for your trip tonight will you not?” he asked, smiling though neither of them could see it.

“Wha? But grandpa…” he started, looking at the money in his hand then back up at the retreating figure. Sighing, he pocketed the money once more, “Oh well, I’m sure dad can use it.” he said, looking over to the now wide eyed Ryoko.

“He GAVE you that?” she asked incredulously, glancing down to his pocket then back to his face. Her face was slack jawed in shock over the ‘gift’ from the strange visitor. She shook her head and laughed, “Well, you heard the man Tenchi, now you got some spending money for tonight. Sooooo….what’re you gonna buy me?” she asked him seductively, fluttering her eyelids as she did.

Tenchi rolled his eyes at her, then smiled, “Popcorn most likely.” He said, closing the box and getting to his feet. He reached out a hand to her, “And some chocolates if you promise to be good.” He added.

Ryoko growled at him playfully, but took his hand to assist her getting up, “Good huh? You have no idea how ‘good’ I am my Tenchi.” She purred to him, running a finger along his jaw while looking at him suggestively.

Tenchi did the thing that came naturally to him, he blushed and took a step backwards while holding an arm before him while stuttering, “Tha…that’s not, RYOKO! That’s not what I meant.” He said defensively, feeling the blush fill his face to what he was sure was a bright red.

Ryoko laughed throatily at him, leaning forwards as she did, “Gotcha.” She said, then laughed as he simply glared at her. Laughing brightly at the man she loved more than life itself, she latched onto him and swung around so that she was embracing him from behind. “C’mon Tenchi, I’ll take us back to the house.” She said, teleporting back down to the house with the shimmering sound that marked her passage.