By Dawns Early Light-Chapter Three ~ Disappointments ~ A/N: I do not own Tenchi Muyo or surrounding characters. Any character whose name you don't recognize from the Tenchi Muyo series (ANY AND ALL) belong to me and are the soul creations of my demented mind. Please don't sue me...I haven't had the opportunity to have my head examined or schedule for a lobotomy...because I'm poor! Thank you.... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ STAGE: In last weeks chapter, we learned a little more about Ryoko and her childhood, we also come to find out that Ryoko has a duty to fulfill and therefore must set out on a journey that will guide her to her desire. Our morning opens up on Ryo-Ohki, who is headed to the Deltum system approximately 3 days from Jurai.... * * * "Ryoko!" A teenage Ryoko spun around, smiled and waved happily to the person who had called her. She wrinkled her nose as the person wove their way around the crowds of people in the mall. Finally two teenage boys followed by a young Keiko reached the stilled Ryoko. One quickly embraced her as the others just nodded. Ryoko stared at them happily and then asked, "Hiroki...what are you doing here? I thought you had some big exam to study for." A tall Hiroki nodded lightly, his long platinum black hair hanging in his purplish red eyes. "I finished early. I called your house, but your mom said that you had come to the mall with Amara. So, I thought we'd come out to see you." Ryoko made a face. "Yeah...Amara and Hikage wanted to look for their outfits for prom this year. I said I'd tag along just for the heck of it...big mistake. So...are any of you going?" Ryoko asked. "To the prom?" The second boy asked. Ryoko nodded as she glanced at an excited Keiko. The boy looked up and then at Keiko. "We're going, I guess. I just don't really want my parents to drop me off like some dork." "Ashitaka!" Keiko scolded harshly. "You're not a dork. Would you rather my mom take us?" Ashitaka gulped and squeaked, "No." Keiko frowned and the shrugged. "Ugh...whatever!" She looked at Ryoko. "So, are you going?" Ryoko looked away quickly. "....No." She whispered sadly. "Well, why not? Won't your mom let you stag?" Ashitaka quizzed her. Keiko elbowed him in the ribs making him double over with an 'oof.' She shot him a glare and shook her finger in his face as she chided, "Uhn, uhn...not good." Ryoko sighed at her friends efforts. "It's not that....if I wanted to go, all I have to do is say when and she'd let me come. But, I find it...pointless to go to a prom without a date. It's silly, you know? Anyway...it's just a dumb dance." She turned around so that they wouldn't see the hurt in her eyes. Hiroki narrowed his eyes. "Hey...cheer up, Ryoko. It's not like it's the end of the world you know. There will always be other dances to go to...dances with dates." Ryoko smirked. "Thanks Mr. Know-it-all. I'll keep that one in mind next year when prom rolls around and I find myself the odd woman out...again. I refuse to be a damn wallflower at one of the schools crappy get togethers." She wrung her plastic bag in her hand nervously. Glancing around the many figures of people, she spotted Amara and Hikage making their way back to where she stood. They saw the others and greeted them warmly as Ryoko stormed off in the direction of the pet store. While Keiko, Ashitaka, Hikage and Amara were making small chat, Hiroki quietly slipped from the group and followed Ryoko to the other end of the mall. He saw her duck into the pet shop and stopped to gaze inside the windows he passed by before going in after her. Finally catching his breath, he stepped inside and spotted her way in the back of the store. A wriggly little puppy sat in its cage licking Ryoko's fingers as she tried petting him. Ryoko smiled and giggled a little at the small puppy as it wagged it's tail and gave her big brown eyes. "Don't give me those eyes, little one. I can't take you home with me. I'm sorry." Ryoko apologized as she stood up. "Mom allergic to dogs?" Ryoko cut her gaze over to see Hiroki watching her. "No." Hiroki nodded and knelt down by the cage. "So then why wouldn't you be able to take the puppy home?" Ryoko stared at him. "One, not enough money. Two....I don't know." "So...not enough money. Not a bad scenario. I'm sure mom would let you have one, if you took care if it." Hiroki stated. Ryoko snorted. "Maybe. Mom's a funny woman, though. You know that." She watched for a few minutes as he played with the small ball of brown and white fluff. "How come you don't have any animals?" Hiroki narrowed his eyes and stood up. "My mom 'is' allergic to cats and dogs and stuff of the sort. It's a lie...but, a good cover-up to keep Keiko and I from the pain of losing a loved pet." Ryoko pursed her lips together. "Sorry. I...didn't know." "S'alright, Ryoko." He assured as he watched her looking around. "Say, would like to go get some ice cream with me?" Ryoko quirked an eyebrow. She let a smile furl her lips and nodded. "I'd like that." Hiroki linked his arm through hers and took her shopping bag as they walked out of the store arm around arm. "Hey you know, Ryoko....this Friday night is the prom....." * * * Ryo-Ohki was casually cruising space as Ryoko sat in her chair filing her nails. All was silent as the two partners traveled a once known path into the stars. Ryoko's stomach grumbled in protest as Ryoko leaned back for a nap. Sighing, she gave Ryo-Ohki orders to make a quick stop somewhere. As Ryo-Ohki did a quick search for a nearby diner or colony, Ryoko sat down and read her book. No sooner had Ryo-Ohki made a quick detour to a close colony, did she alert Ryoko of a fast approaching ship. Ryoko looked up. "Hmmm? A ship? Anything over the Comm system?" Ryo-Ohki told her that they weren't hailing her. She also warned Ryoko that the ship appeared to be from Betelgeuse and was hot on their trail. "Hail them, Ryo-Ohki." Ryoko stated as she put her book down. The ship established a link with the fast moving ship but received no answer. Ryoko narrowed her eyes. 'What are they up to?' She wondered to herself as she gripped the seat trying to figure out her next move. "Ryo-Ohki, make no contact or threat to them. If they fire on us, do your best to maneuver around their attacks. We don't want any trouble. If they are relentless, then flee into Jurai's territory. Surely they won't be stupid enough to follow us there." Ryoko instructed as she kept her gaze on the ship. Ryo-Ohki miyaed her agreement and continued on her way. It wasn't until Ryo-Ohki cried out that Ryoko realized something was wrong. But by the time she had figured out what was going on it was too late. A deafening blast impacted Ryo-Ohki and Ryoko was flung from her chair onto the floor. She struck a control panel on her way down and her vision immediately went black. There was a loud ringing in her ears as she fought to get up. Weak and disoriented, she closed her eyes and passed out. Ryo-Ohki woke her mistress with a concerned cry. Ryoko slowly pushed herself to her feet and rasped, “Ryo-Ohki...fire." The cabbit ship complied and fired a round of blasts at the assaulting cruiser. A direct hit to the back portion of the ship, sent smoke and sparks alike among the stars as the ship erupted into flames. Ryoko weakly cocked her head. 'That was too easy...but, we are victorious. Gods...my head is killing me.' Ryoko groaned. Turning to Ryo-Ohki’s crystal form she said, "I'm going to lay down. I have a headache. Wake me when we pass the checkpoint of Jurai." The cabbit miyaed in return and watched Ryoko shuffle to her quarters where the woman slid under the covers and fell fast asleep. * * * Sasami awoke with a start. Her face was covered in sweat, she was gasping for air and something felt oddly out of place. Something was wrong. Taking time to catch her breath, she crawled from her bed and hobbled over to the window to watch the sun set over the valley. Moments later, the door swung open as Washu rushed in. "Sasami?! What's wrong? Are you in pain?.....What are you doing out of BED?!" The girl smiled weakly as she looked at the scientist who loomed over her. "You know, Washu....I think I like you in that form. It's comforting...almost as if my mother were here watching over me." Washu's expression softened as she gathered the girl in her arms and sat down on the bed, Sasami in her lap and her head against Washu's chest. "You'll feel better by tomorrow Sasami, I promise." Washu soothed as rubbed her back. "It's not the sickness, Washu." The woman looked at Sasami to see tiny tears welling up at the corners of her pink eyes. "Then what is it, Sasami? Tell me why you cry?" Sasami looked over Washu's shoulder at the window. "Why did she leave us? She was the only person who spent anytime with me. If I was busy, she'd help me and then afterwards we'd spend the rest of the day playing or just being together." Washu frowned. Sasami was referring to Ryoko and it hurt Washu to see just how much of an effect it had had on the young girl. "Sasami....you're linked to Tsunami and she knows everything. Somehow, I get the feeling that you already know why Ryoko left...don't you?" Washu inquired. The girl sighed. "To find something that she lost a long time ago. That's all I know Washu. Honestly." Washu smirked. "It's more of a...." "WHO." Washu said as Sasami chimed it with her. Washu stared at the girl who shrugged. "Ryoko told me it was a who, she was looking for and not a what. So...who is she looking for, Washu? An old friend?" Sasami questioned. Washu ran her hand through Sasami's damp tresses. "In a way. He's a very dear old friend of Ryoko's. Someone....she used to....love. He moved away back when he and Ryoko were teenagers and she hadn't heard from him since. Her heart won't let her forget about him. That's why she had to go." The young princess coughed lightly and then nodded. "I hope she finds him. She seemed so sad...when she mentioned looking for him. I don't want Ryoko to be sad, Washu. When she's sad...then it feels like the day is completely....um, pointless." Sasami finished, her face flushed. "Really? Do you really feel that way?" Washu wondered out loud. Sasami nodded. "No one else will say anything, but it's how we all feel. When Ryoko isn't happy...ain't no on happy. And when Ayeka isn't happy, the tough get going." Washu chuckled as she set Sasami under the covers. "Well, you just lay here and try not to think about being sad. Ryoko doesn't want you to be sad. She wants for you to be happy, so you just dream of the many things the two of you are going to do together when she comes home. Alright?" "Okay. Thanks....Washu." Sasami whispered as she drifted back to sleep. Washu stood up and walked over to the window. Staring at the setting sun, she absently rubbed her bare arms trying to warm them up. 'Come home, Ryoko. We all miss you and we eagerly await your return.' Washu sighed to herself as she closed the open window and left the room. Washu found herself in the kitchen with a cup of warm tea that Yosho had offered her. As the old priest sipped his tea and nibbled on a rice cracker, Washu sat motionless in her chair, her gaze fixated on far wall. "How is young Sasami doing this evening, Washu?" Yosho finally asked trying to break the silence. The woman took a deep breath. "Hurting." She replied flatly. "Hurting more than she should have to. The rash doesn't seem to be bothering her, but Ryoko's absence has really done a number on the poor kid. She should be over this in the next two days and feeling better by tomorrow." Yosho nodded as he took another sip of his tea. "I do think that Ryoko's sudden decision has disturbed each and every one of us. As a matter of fact, I think I saw Ayeka cleaning up...." "OH MY GOD! LOOK AT ALL THIS DUST!" Ayeka's shriek drifted to the two at the kitchen table. Yosho picked up where he left off. "....Ryoko's room. She's trying to tidy it, put a few of the breakable things away...that sort of thing. Ayeka wanted to make sure that nothing happened to Ryoko's valuables and all." Washu quirked an eyebrow. "She had better hope to Tsunami that 'she' doesn't break anything in the process." As if on cue, there was a loud gasp and then the sound of glass breaking upstairs. "OH....SHIT!" Ayeka's obscenity fell on Washu's ears as she paled. Moments later, Ayeka came running down the steps with a broken statue in her hands. "Oh, Miss. Washu.....I think I may have had a boo-boo." Ayeka exclaimed as she sat the resin pieces on the table in front of her. Washu saw the pieces and felt sick to her stomach. "AYEKA! THAT WAS THE MUSIC BOX I GAVE RYOKO FOR HER 10th BIRTHDAY! MY HUSBAND GAVE ME THAT....AND I GAVE IT TO HER!" Washu shouted as her face was ashen and clammy. Ayeka recoiled. "Miss. Washu....please settle down. Surely we can fix this. I mean with your genius intellect and numerous inventions....." Ayeka trailed off as she saw Washu's face. ".....There has to be something WE can DO!" "WE?!" Washu questioned rashly. "Oh little princess....there was no WE in the breaking of this heirloom!" Ayeka sighed and hung her head. "Yes. Well, I am very sorry. But, you see, I found this picture on the floor in her room. When I picked it up, I was so stunned to see a photo such as this one in her room. But...I don't recognize the victim of this disgusting and illegal joke." Ayeka handed Washu the picture who studied it for a moment before Ayeka leaned over her shoulder and asked, "Who's this hussy anyway?" Washu turned red. "THAT'S NO HUSSY! THAT'S......RYOKO.....?!? WITHOUT HER SWIM SUIT TOP ON?!?" Washu cried as her eyes fell upon the picture of Ryoko that was taken after she had lost her top at the pool party all those years ago. Ayeka saw Yosho blush and she tried her best to keep her laughter in. Washu was practically hyperventilating at the photograph as she stormed out of the room and into her lab, the picture crumpled in her clenched fist. * * * Ryoko woke up in a cold sweat and took in her surroundings. 'Ryo-Ohki.' She remembered as she drug herself from the bed in her quarters of the ship. Shuffling down the hall, Ryoko found her way to the bridge of the cruiser. Blinking her eyes to clear her vision, she sat down in the command chair. "Ryo-Ohki? What's our ETA?" Ryoko asked tiredly. 'Miya?' Ryoko frowned. "ETA. You know, Estimated Time arrival?" Ryo-Ohki hesitated. "Ryo-Ohki, how much longer until we reach Aldebaron?" 'Miya-mi-miya.' "What?! Do you mean to tell me that you let me sleep for three DAYS?!" Ryoko asked baffled. 'Miya.' Ryoko hung her head. "Prepare to dock, then. Make sure you keep a low profile, 'kay?" 'Miya.' Ryoko phased into a pair of white denim jeans and a blue halter top. Running her fingers through her hair, she teleported off the ship and waited for Ryo-Ohki to morph back into her cabbit form. Once they were ready, Ryoko hoisted the cabbit up on her shoulder and headed into town. Ryoko took her time walking down the streets as her golden eyes took in all the sights. Reaching up and scratching Ryo-Ohki's chin, Ryoko asked, "Sure brings back alot of memories, don't it?" She sighed and added, "But it sure has changed alot..." Ryo-Ohki agreed with her mistress as they continued on their way. Ryoko smirked. "Kind of hard to believe that this was the place I was born and raised. It seems so much different than I remember it. I bet mom would have a coronary if she were to come back and see all the changes." Ryo-Ohki agreed once more with Ryoko and then added, "Miyaa? Meow, Miya.' "You're hungry?" Ryoko asked in surprise. She was about to protest when her stomach beat her to it. "Oh, alright. Let's find someplace quick and then be on our way." The cabbit nodded from her perch as Ryoko scouted out a small bar called 'Aka-Pel'la's.' Ryoko took a closer look and realized that it used to be the old arcade that she and Keiko had made into their hangout during their first year of middle school. It wasn't long before every kid in their class hung out there. 'Even Hiroki hung out there with us.' Ryoko thought sadly as she entered the small building. The place was quite clean except for a few bottles here and there and the occasional drunken bum at the end of the counter. Ryoko sighed and took a seat at a table in the far corner of the place so that she wouldn't draw any unwanted attention. A young girl no older than 15 came from a back room and took Ryoko's order. Ryoko sized her up and down and frowned. After she ordered, Ryoko kept her sharp eyes on the girl as she hustled about taking orders and all the crap from the drunks in the place. The girl finally returned and set down a bottle and a plate of sushi along with a carrot. Ryoko thanked her and watched the her hurry to fill another round of beers for a table of pigs near the door. Ryo-Ohki was happily munching away on the carrot oblivious of her mistress's concern for the young girl. Ryoko deftly picked up her chopsticks and dunked a piece of sushi into a bowl of Wasabi. Narrowing her eyes at the table of drunk men, she absently swallowed the whole piece of sushi and extended her arm for another. Ryo-Ohki drew Ryoko's attention about something and Ryoko forgot about her previous task until she heard an angry shout from the girl. "GET YOUR FILTHY HANDS OFF OF ME, PIG!" Ryoko cut her glance sideways as she saw one man grab the waitress and pull her into his lap. She struggled against him which resulted in the man slapping her hard as he held her down. Ryoko kicked her chair out from her feet and rushed to the table. Yanking the man's hand away from the girl's shirt, she delivered a swift punch to his nose as the girl scrambled out of his grasp. Three other burly men jumped at Ryoko who just phased from their tackle. Ryoko appeared behind one man and landed a roundhouse kick to his lower back making him jerk forward into the table, which collapsed under his weight. A second man rushed Ryoko but she dodged him in time to have the third guy come at her. Sidestepping him and grabbing his arm, she spun a full circle and released the man into the first guy who had attacked Ryoko. Both men collided, the first toppling back and the second catching his balance. Ryoko felt grubby arms encircle her shoulders and chest. Reacting quickly, she swung her hand into the man's thigh, his grip loosening enough where Ryoko could freely turn and bring the heel of her right foot down on his toes. The guy reeled back as Ryoko jabbed her elbow up high allowing it to connect with his nose. The guy fell backwards for the count. Ryoko spun around as the last guy made an attempt to take her out. She ducked and elbowed him in the groin. As he doubled over in pain, Ryoko delivered a double kick to his side, sending him into the wall. Ryoko heard a grunt behind her and turned in time to see the leader. His nose was bloodied and out of line. Ryoko glared at him as he stood there. "You bitch!" He seethed as he circled. Ryoko cracked her knuckles. "Oh, buddy....you have no idea who you've just messed with." The man snorted as he charged her. Ryoko stepped back but tripped over one of the other guys giving the leader an opening at her. She felt herself being pushed back as the guy slammed her into the wall. Ryoko's head lolled forward at the impact. The man stepped back with confidence. Ryoko suddenly snapped her head up, her eyes narrowed slits of pure hatred as she absently unleashed a weak energy blast into the guy's chest. He skidded a few feet back, his beer belly slowing his pace. Ryoko stormed over to him and grabbed the collar of his shirt, his head raising off the floor. She pulled her arm back, her hand balled into a fist ready to pummel the man into yesterday. Ryoko hesitated before bringing her arm down in the blink of the man's eye. Inches from his face, Ryoko's arm jerked to a stop as someone pulled her away from the knocked out man. Ryoko spun around expecting to see another of the guy's men trying to take her on. Instead she came face to face with the chief of the Police Force of Aldebaron. Ryoko stumbled back at the stern glare in the man's eyes. "Mind explaining all of this, miss?" He asked firmly. Ryoko glared back at him. "....No." The man looked surprised as he stepped closer to her. "You do realize that you're in violation of our codes, do you not?" "I know what your codes are. I'm under no violation..." Ryoko retorted. The man quirked an eyebrow. "And how do you gather that? You just waltz in here like some hotshot, start a bar brawl, beat the shit of Aldebaron's heavyweight champion, and claim that you're under no violation?" The man looked at her. "Not to mention all the damage done here. And you're not even a local citizen, are you?" Ryoko shrank in size but remained pensive. "I think you need to brush up on your deputy manual, officer. The code of Aldebaron says, quote 'Any man, citizen or not, shall not be criticized for any self-defense behavior. Nor, will any comrade be placed in a state of helplessness.' Does it not?" The man frowned. "No..." "Oh...I suggest that you check on that, sir. That manual hasn't changed or been revised for the past 5,000 years. Admit it, you can't hold a violation charge against me for self-defense of a helpless innocent." Ryoko challenged. The man bowed up on her and Ryoko mimicked him. 'Like I said,' Ryoko thought. 'I love a challenge.' She grinned at him. "So....are you going to go against the codes and arrest me or are you just going to walk away?" The man sighed. "I won't walk away...but, I haven't the authority to take you in. You may not be a citizen here, but we still uphold the law. I'm going to have to ask you to leave Aldebaron." Ryoko scoffed him. "I won't leave. You don't have the authority to make me leave either....read your 'Code of Honor' big boy. You're hunting big game now, buster....don't push your luck." The man growled at her. "Okay, let's go. Either leave quietly or I'll have to take you in for disturbing the peace." "DISTURBING THE PEACE?!" Ryoko asked incredulously. "You've got to be kidding me!" He shook his head. "No ma'am I'm not. You started a fight inside a business, damaged the property and refused an order of an officer. Please don't make this any more difficult than it already is." Ryoko groaned. "Let me tell you something, El Kabong....I may not be a citizen of Aldebaron now, but I'll be damned if I'm going to standby like some dumbass wallflower and let grungy pigs like him degrade a helpless and innocent girl!" Ryoko shouted, her face red with anger. The man stepped back. His eyes narrowed and then widened as Ryoko's words sunk in. 'I won't stand by like some dumbass wallflower...I refuse to be a damn wallflower!' The officer stared at her and gave her a once over. His eyes suddenly widened with recognition. Ryoko knelt to help the girl to her feet as the officer gasped. "Ry...Ryoko?" Ryoko turned around as he asked, "Ryoko...Hakubi?!" Ryoko tilted her head. "How do you know my name?" She asked flatly as she produced an energy sword under his chin. "Ryoko....it's me! Hikage!" Ryoko glared at him before his name dawned on her. Extinguishing her sword she cried, "HIKAGE!" Ryoko embraced him as he returned the gesture. He pulled back and stared at her. "God, you're a sight for sore eyes! How did you get here? Why are you here?....And what the HELL happened to you?!" Hikage demanded. "Slow down...." Ryoko answered as she turned back to the girl. "You okay?" She asked as she checked the girl over. She nodded. "Good. Tell your boss that I'll pay for any damages I've done by this..." The girl nodded and scurried into the back room. Ryoko faced Hikage. She shook her head and looked him over. His brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail and his gray-blue eyes were smaller than what she remembered. He was tall, muscular and toned down. All in all, easy on the eyes. "Hikage....It's so good to see you." Ryoko told him as they sat down at a table. Hikage nodded in return. "The feeling is mutual. Where have you been? You and Professor Washu just vanished as if you never existed. What happened?" Ryoko hung her head. As she was about to answer, someone tapped her on the shoulder. Ryoko looked up to see an elderly gentlemen standing beside her the young waitress close behind. "This the one, Cal?" The man asked. "Yes, grandfather. She's the one who did it?" The girl replied calmly. The old man nodded at Ryoko and then turned to Hikage. "Chief Tomoe. I see that you have acquired.....good company." Hikage nodded. The man looked at Ryoko. "I want to thank you for saving my grand-daughter. Don't worry about the damage expenses. This place is closing anyway." Ryoko frowned. "I'm sorry to hear that...." "Yes. All the teenage kids that hung out here will be greatly disappointed. Now won't you two feel the same way?" The man asked. Ryoko looked at him. "How did you know that I used this a hang out?" The old man chuckled. "Everyone still alive on Aldebaron remembers the Great Ryoko Hakubi. You were a special girl...your mom was a piece of work herself. Proud of you, she was. So we were we. Our home is falling apart....we're losing our heritage. We must preserve what's left." Ryoko sighed. "Yes, we should. I'm sorry about all this." "Do not apologize. The great Hakubi girls never apologized, for they were never wrong." The man pointed out. Ryoko stood up then. "Don't you know who I am?! I've made many of mistakes in my lifetime....so has my mother! I'm a....murderer. I've killed hundreds of innocent children like your grand-daughter in my days. Don't put me on display for your nostalgic. Please....don't view me as that way." The man quirked an eyebrow. "Even Aldebaron isn't afraid of their very own 'Space Pirate Ryoko.' You're one of us....we stick together even if one of our own has turned against us. We don't care because....here, on Aldebaron..... we're all family." Ryoko smiled weakly. "Yeah, I know. I appreciate that...alot. Thank you." The man nodded and led his grand-daughter back into the store room. Ryoko sat back down and avoided Hikage's gaze. "You know....that's what makes you so famous. Your ability to admit to your wrong doings and to stand and accept your fate from your mistakes. You don't run like most people do." Hikage explained. "How have you been, Ryoko? What are you doing now? Are you....the last?" ".....No. She still lives. I've added to my family, though. After living for so long without family, love or friends....I have it all now. And that's everything I need." Ryoko told him sadly. He nodded. "I see. Care to talk about it?" "All I'll tell you is that...these past 2,000 years have been nothing but hell for me, Hikage. But....there have been good times." Ryoko commented. She glanced over at Hikage to see an expression of confusement on his face. Sighing, Ryoko began to tell him about her past.... When she was through, she could see the pain and anger in his eyes. "So, for all those years....that bastard!" Hikage growled as he slammed a fist onto the table. "Everyone here thought the worst. You two were just gone, we searched for 3 months and then one night, your house just exploded." Hikage paused as he saw Ryoko flinch. "It was awful, Ryoko. We tried putting it out, but it was too late to save anything. I'm sorry." "I know. I was there. Trying to preserve what little slice of life I had after Kagato's raid." Ryoko whispered. "But, I'm free now....thanks to Yosho and Tenchi." "Tenchi? Was that your sovereign’s name?" "Is, Hikage. He's still alive, on Earth. With the others. But, I realized...I don't love him like I thought I did. And that I...." Ryoko trailed off. "You still love Hiroki.....don't you?" Hikage asked sweetly. Ryoko looked away. Taking a deep breath, she quickly changed the subject on him...something she wasn't known to do when she was younger. "So, how have you been? Any of the gang still left...or is it just you?" Ryoko asked hurriedly. Hikage tilted his head at her sudden change but let it slide. "Actually, a few of us hooligans are still around. I see them often because half the time it's their kids I'm busting....just for kicks. Ashitaka's mainly." "Ashitaka's still here?" Ryoko inquired. "Wow. I thought for sure that he would have high tailed it to Deneb by now. What made him stick around?" Hikage smiled. "Wouldn't you like to know...And then of course there's Amara, Isomou and what was that nerdy chick's name in the 5th grade. The one with long purple hair and big frog glasses....she sat in the front of the class and you were the only one who didn't tease her. Saty...or Sauchy.." "Sasuka, dumbass. She was a nice girl. Very smart and fun to be with." Ryoko explained. "She's still here, too?" Hikage nodded. "Oh yeah.....wife of the mayor now. She really evolved after you disappeared. I mean she really changed. She was a model there for a while....and then she got married and had a little girl. Named her....Ryeko, I believe. She said it was in honor of her best friend....you." Ryoko jumped back. "ME?! She barely even knew me." "But you did so much for that girl. Because you hung out with her in grade, she went on to be one of the populars in middle and high school. Even beat old 'Great Plains of Aldebaron' Salina in the Beauty pageant for the high school prom. And all because of you..." Hikage insisted. Ryoko shook her head and leaned back. "So, what's Amara up to?" Hikage grinned. "Glad you asked. I was on my way to see her when I saw the fight in here. Come on, she'll be ecstatic to see you again after so long. For a while there, people believed you were dead, that....oh never mind. Hurry up." Hikage turned to the store and shouted, "See you later, Atoiu." The old man smiled and waved to them as they left the bar. * * * "Where do you think she went?" Opening her eyes, Washu saw Tenchi sitting beside her at the table. "Washu?" Washu sighed to herself. "It doesn't matter, Tenchi. She went back to her past....that's all you need to know." She got up and left the kitchen. Tenchi heard the front door open and close as the scientist headed outside. * * * Hikage led Ryoko up a flagstone walkway to a rather large house in a nice neighborhood. "Amara....lives here?" Ryoko squeaked. Hikage nodded. Ryoko shook her head. The girl who used to come to school in hand me downs, had turned her rags into riches. Ryoko was, needless to say, impressed. Hikage unlocked the front door and led a confused Ryoko inside. "Amara! I'm home." "DADDY!" Two young children came running into the room, both latching onto Hikage's legs. "Hey you two...how's daddy's little angels?" Hikage asked as he picked them both up. Ryoko tilted her head at the children. Both were girls no older than three. One girl had shoulder length brown hair and piercing green eyes. The other, whose resemblance to the first was close, had her teal hair pulled up into a ponytail as she narrowed her steel blue eyes at Ryoko. Hikage followed his daughter's gaze and smiled at the rosy cheeked girls. "Hey....where's your mother?" He asked as he set both of them back down. "I'm right here." A young woman answered as she walked between the two girls. "Watch it....pregnant woman coming through." She chimed as she kissed Hikage softly. Her long teal hair was tied back over her shoulders and her green eyes were soft and gentle, her betrayer of her years. Ryoko smiled to herself as she took in the sight of the once young, energetic Amara. Now, a loving, mature mother and wife. Amara's eyes shifted over Hikage as her husband told her, "We have company." Amara's face paled as she stepped back. Looking between her husband and Ryoko, she began to cry. Ryoko felt her stomach tie in knots as the woman moved closer to her and gave her hug. Ryoko returned the warm embrace eagerly and then pulled back to see Amara smiling. "I can't believe it." She whispered as she hugged Ryoko again. Ryoko smirked. "Nor I....It's been a long time." "God...I'll say! But what's a couple thousand years when you can easily live 5?" Amara asked trying to lighten the room. Ryoko frowned. "A couple thousand years....is alot when you can live the rest of your life while those around you die.....And they aren't a couple thousand years I care to relive." Amara's face screwed up in puzzlement as she looked at who Hikage who just shook his head no. She smiled her understanding and then asked, "What have you been up too? Settled down, raised kids, have a great career? Come on tell me.....I'll tell you what I did." Ryoko chuckled and pointed at Amara's belly. "I don't what to hear the details on how your little miracle was made, thank you." Amara blushed as Hikage teased, "I'm sure that that's self-explanatory, Ryoko." Ryoko held her hand up and stepped back, "Hold it....way too much information there." She finally knelt in front of the two girls. "And what are your names?" She asked sweetly. The girl with brown hair cautiously tilted her head at her mother who nodded and with a smile the girl said, "Ariana. What's your name?" Ryoko grinned. "It's nice to meet you, Ariana. I'm Ryoko." The girl gave a small bow. "That's a pretty name." Ryoko thanked her and ruffled her hair which in turn made the girl squeal with delight, "Well...I think Ariana is a beautiful name. It suits a cute girl such as yourself." She looked at the other girl who was less than exuberant to see her. Ryoko cocked her head. The girl finally sighed and said, "Marin." Ryoko nodded and stood up. She could tell when someone wanted to be left alone and Marin was clearly one of those people. Ryoko turned back to Hikage and Amara. "Cute kids. They look so much like the two of you." "They're twins." Amara explained. "Our fourth and fifth actually and number six is on the way." She pointed to her belly. "SIX KIDS?! GOD ARE YOU TWO LIKE HOR...." Ryoko stopped and looked over her shoulder and then faced her friends. "You two are worse than rabbits....Sheesh. So where are results 1 through 4?" She asked teasingly. "Grown. Two married and have kids of their own. One is an imperial guard for Jurai and our youngest, Kakiry...well, she's a professor at the Science Academy." Hikage announced proudly. "I see. Big dreams." Ryoko told them as she looked around. "This is a nice place you have here. Are all the others doing as well as you two?" Amara led the others into the living room. "In a way, yes. But only a few of us are still around. Many members of our gang headed to Jurai or Deneb. A select few decided to try out their lives here. No regrets." Amara explained as she sat down. Ryoko sat beside her and was stunned to see Ariana climb into her lap while Marin squeezed her small form into the recliner with her father. "You don't look like the Space Pirate Ryoko. How come?" Marin asked rather curtly. "MARIN!" Amara and Hikage both scolded as the girl crossed her arms. Ryoko gathered Ariana's hair and drew it back behind her. "Because....I've changed. I have a family now who loves me and who has shown me, that who I used to be, isn't who I am now. Can you understand that?" Ryoko asked. Marin pursed her lips together. "Yeah. I understand." She replied with a hint of pity. Ryoko deftly hugged Ariana as she whispered, "I can't stay for long. I only stopped so that Ryo-Ohki could rest. I need to be going soon." "You can't!" Marin protested. "Won't you stay for dinner?" Ryoko sighed as she stared at Hikage and Amara who both nodded with agreement. "I'd love to sweetie....but, I'm on a mission that I can't put off. I'm sorry." Royko apologized. When she saw both girls frown Ryoko added, "But I'll come back to see you. How's that?" Ariana nodded eagerly but Marin refused to acknowledge the offer. Ryoko wrinkled her nose. "Maybe, once I find what I'm looking for....I'll come back and I'll take you, Ariana, your mommy and daddy back to Earth with me for a visit. Would you like that?" She questioned hopefully. Both girls nodded and Ryoko set Ariana on the cushion next to her. "Great. Then it's settled. We'll tie your mommy and daddy up and drag them along with us for the fun. Deal?" Ryoko held her hand out and both Ariana and Marin placed their hands on top of Ryoko's. "Deal." They both agreed. Ryoko stood up. "I'm sorry my visit was so short, but I really must be on my way. Thank you for the offer of dinner, the information and it was great seeing you two again. But, we'll see each other again, promise." Ryoko hugged Amara and then Hikage. As Ryoko turned to go, Hikage stopped her. "You won't find him here, Ryoko." Ryoko's face fell as she nodded slowly. "His last visit was about two years ago. He's been coming back for about 15 years now for vacation. I see him every time he comes in and we all go out or something. But, he's changed Ryoko. He's not the same man you once knew. Please, forget about him and go back to your Tenchi." Hikage pleaded. Ryoko closed her eyes and shook her head. "I can't. I have to see him, even if for just a moment." Hikage relented. "Very well then. If you are so adamant about finding him, then maybe it'll help for you to know that he lives on Vega. It's a week from here, four and half days the least. You'd make good time if you took the Chimern Vortex located about 2 light years east of here." Ryoko gave him a smile and kissed his cheek. "Thanks Hikage. I always knew that I could count on you to give me the answers I needed." She turned to Amara. "When I pass back through, I'll give you a way to contact me once I return home. I want to know when the baby's born, okay?" Amara nodded as Ryoko set Ryo-Ohki on her shoulder. Stopping to ruffle the twin's hair again, Ryoko vanished from the living room. "Wow...she really is the Space Pirate Ryoko." Marin whispered. Turning to her parents the girl said, "I gonna be a Space Pirate just like Ryoko when I grow up!" * * * "Washu, please." The woman tilted her head up. "....No. For the past five days you have asked me the same question. And for the past five days, I give you the same answer." Washu retorted hotly. "Now, please just drop the subject Tenchi." Tenchi crossed his arms. "Washu...it isn't like I'm asking you to play a game or to go shopping. This is Ryoko we're talking about. We're all worried about her, so why won't you tell us where she is?" Washu closed her eyes. "Because it's not my place nor is it yours. If this is what Ryoko wants, then this is what Ryoko gets. I reserve the right to keep silent about my daughter's decisions. So please, stop asking me because I won't tell you where she is." She shut her laptop and rose to her feet. Shielding her eyes from the sun, she turned and stormed up the porch steps. Slamming the front door behind her, Tenchi sighed his defeat as Ayeka came out of hiding from the bushes. "Anything?" She asked worriedly. Tenchi ran his hands through his hair. "Nothing. She's being so damn stubborn...." "Just like Ryoko." Ayeka chimed as she sat beside him. "Lord Tenchi...I, fear that I may know the reason why Ryoko has left us. But, I do not feel that it is my place to....share. Ryoko entrusted me with her secret....and, well as a friend I must cherish the fact that she told me out of sadness and trust." Tenchi nodded. "I understand Ayeka. But, what I don't understand is why Washu won't tell us why she left. All she tells me is that it has something to do with Ryoko's past...." "I'm afraid that her answer is very much to the fact, true." Ayeka responded as she placed a hand on his arm. "Ryoko is set in her ways as is Washu and nothing we can say or do will make them change the way they live. As long as Ryoko's out there searching, Washu will never tell." Tenchi looked at her. "You're probably right, Ayeka. But it still seems unfair that Sasami and you both know what's going on. I wouldn't put it past grandpa knowing and you know that Mihoshi will somehow figure out a way to find out as well. Am I the only who doesn't know what's happening?" Ayeka cleared her throat. "I wouldn't exactly....say that, Lord Tenchi." She stood up and moved to the front door. Before she closed it she added, "The whole population of Japan hasn't a clue either...." Tenchi turned to see that she had already closed the door. "Women and their cryptic answers." He muttered as he ambled up to the shrine for his training. * * * "Ryoko, we need to talk." Ryoko shut her bedroom door and crossed the room to her bed. She sat down beside the person and took their hand. "About what?" Ryoko asked softly. Her soft golden eyes darted back and forth as she waited for an answer. "I...I love you, Ryoko. You know that. But...what would happen if I were to ever leave? We wouldn't be able to get a long distance relationship going." Ryoko turned white as she faced the person next to her. Shaking her head in denial she asked, "This is some kind of joke, right?" The person didn't answer. "Hiroki....please tell me that it isn't true." Ryoko pleaded as she tightened her grip on his hands. Hiroki winced from the pressure but said nothing to Ryoko about it. He hung his head. "Mom received an e-mail last night announcing that her application for a professor over at Beta Cruicis had been accepted." Hiroki paused. "We leave next Tuesday." Ryoko felt her heart shatter as her lungs released what little air she had. "You can't....Hiroki, can't you do something about it?" "....I already tried. Ryoko you know that if I had a choice, I'd stay here with you forever. You know I would. Keiko and I have both tried talking mom out of it, but it's not doing any good." Hiroki commented flatly. Ryoko stared at him. "Well, what if I get mom to talk to her..? Surely she can change your mom's mind, right?" There was silence. "Right..?" Ryoko asked again. Hiroki shook his head no. "She's tried....I'm sorry, but there's no way out of it. We're moving and from the sounds of it, for good. This isn't a temporary job...It's been her dream ever since she met dad to be a science professor like Washu....now is her chance." Hiroki trailed off. Shifting nervously he whispered, "I don't want to be the one to blow it for her. You would do the same thing for your mother if you were in my situation. Wouldn't you?" Ryoko fought back tears. "I would...but, not without a fight first. My mother cares about my feelings Hiroki....she's not heartless when it comes to her child. You know why?" She asked, her voice becoming loud. "Because my mother puts my well-being before hers!" Hiroki glared at her as he stood up. "That's not fair, Ryoko. Unlike your mother, my mom has two children to care for. Another difference between our mothers is...my mother didn't create us to be some....sleazy droid!" Ryoko's eyes opened wide with fear. Reacting quickly, she rewarded him with a swift slap to his left cheek. "HOW DARE YOU?!" Ryoko screamed angrily, the tears no longer being held back. She and Hiroki exchanged glares, both unaware of the fact that Washu was standing in the doorway watching everything, her green eyes hardened with anger and hate at Hiroki's words. "ME?!" Hiroki asked incredulously. "LET'S NOT START ON ME, RYOKO! YOU HAD NO RIGHT SAYING THOSE THINGS ABOUT MY MOTHER...." Ryoko wrinkled her nose. "I DO IF IT'S TRUE! YOUR MOTHER HAS NEVER LIKED ME! SHE'S HASN'T LIKED ME SINCE WE STARTED DATING! ADMIT IT HIROKI...SHE THINKS OF ME AS A TRAMP!" From the doorway, Washu's face knitted in a knot. Had Mari always thought of Ryoko that way? The scientist wasn't sure but before she could turn to find out she heard the coldest words ever escaped Hiroki's lips. "If the shoe FITS....wear IT!" Ryoko dropped back. "You don't mean that...?" She asked in a apologetic tone. Hiroki snatched his jacket from the bed post. "Like hell I don't! Let me tell you something, Ryoko Hakubi....what I once felt for you was just my mind playing tricks on me. I let myself be fooled into thinking that a machine could love me in return." Ryoko had had enough. Pointing to the door, she growled, "And I am an even greater fool by allowing myself to think that an arrogant, pompous liar like yourself even knew how to love!" In a menacing voice that could freeze hell over she said, "Get out!" Washu had backed down the hall out of view as Hiroki stormed from the room, slamming the door behind him. From the corner of his eye, he spotted Washu watching him intently. Sighing heavily, he mouthed, "I'm sorry" and quickly left the house. Washu pressed her ear against Ryoyo’s door and lightly knocked on it. "Ryoko." "GO AWAY!" Ryoko's muffled shout greeted her. Taking a deep breath, Washu opened the door and stepped inside the war zone to find Ryoko crumpled on the bed crying, a picture frame was clutched closely to her chest as her tears stained the wood. "Ryoko...?" Washu tried again only to have Ryoko ignore her. Finally getting the courage to confront her daughter in her time of need, Washu sat beside her and pulled Ryoko into her arms. Ryoko wrapped her right arm around Washu's neck as she wept, the picture frame held firmly to her heart. Outside a bolt of lightning lit up the night sky as a loud clap of thunder complimented the light show. * * * Ryoko sat up in her bed, her bangs hanging limply to her forehead. Brushing her damp hair back, Ryoko slid from the bed and raced to the bathroom where she left that nights dinner in the toilet. Washing her face with a cold clothe, Ryoko made her way back to her room onboard the ship. "Stupid cook....I wonder if someone told her that well done doesn't mean raw." She grumbled as she slid back under the covers. Curling up in a ball, Ryoko fought to hold her own. The late night dinner that she and Ryo-Ohki had stopped to eat, at an isolated bar outside of Deneb had proved to be another score tallying up on Ryoko's list of regrets. Now she laid in a fetal position, unwanting to move unless she absolutely had to visit her friend John again that night. Ryo-Ohki had checked in on her from time to time as Ryoko had struggled to sleep most of it off. However, it wasn't going as planned. For the past two days, she had been in bed with food poisoning from the raw chicken curry she had eaten at that diner. Ryoko rocked back and forth as tears welled in her eyes from the pain of her stomach cramping up. Closing her eyes, she remembered an old remedy Washu used to do whenever she had a stomach ache as a child. Something Washu had called Magic Fingers and ironically enough, it had always seemed to do the trick. Ryoko could imagine Washu's fingers tenderly rubbing her upset stomach. She had tried many times to imitate Washu's touch but had failed at every try. She finally gave up by saying, "Must be a mother's touch," rolled over and quickly dashed back to the bathroom. "This is getting ridiculous." Ryoko told herself as she shuffled back to her bed tiredly. Laying down and holding her ratty baby blanket close to her for security and comfort, Ryoko whined as she drifted off into sleep, "I want my mommy." * * * Washu had been sitting on one of Funaho's branches when she suddenly felt a tug at her heart and a whisper on the wind. In her mind, the voice repeated itself. 'I want my mommy.' 'Ryoko.' Washu thought as she wrinkled her brow in concentration. Hopefully, Ryoko had left her link open so that Washu could get a hold of her to make sure she was alright. As Washu opened her end of the link, a wave of nausea and pain overwhelmed her causing her to fall backwards out of the tree. Rubbing her throbbing bottom, she reached out to Ryoko again. 'Ryoko...?' There was silence and then, 'Mo...mom?' Washu was a tad bit relieved as she sat on her knees, her eyes fixated on the setting sun over the lake. 'Ryoko...what's wrong? Why are you broadcasting your thoughts over the link?' 'I was...? Sor....sorry, I didn't know.' Ryoko answered weakly. Washu became worried. 'What's the matter? You sound...sick.' There was a mental groan as Ryoko replied, 'That's because I am. Damn diner doesn't know how to cook chicken properly.' She paused as she felt like she was going to be sick again, but sighed as she was able to hold it down. 'I feel like I'm dying....I've never want to go through this again.' Washu frowned. 'Chicken?...What diner did you go to?' 'Uh, some place called...Rudy T's. Why?' 'Oh Ryoko....I thought you knew better than to go there. That place is unsanitary with their food and other utilities. They never have cooked chicken properly.' Washu said sympathetically. Ryoko groaned again. 'Tell me about it...' 'I know how you feel. I once ate there with some colleagues of mine, and it wasn't a very pretty sight afterwards.' Washu revealed with a hint of sarcasm. 'Do you want me to come sit with you?' 'How? I'm about a day away from Vega..' 'VEGA?!' Washu asked suddenly. 'What in the hell are you doing going way out there?' Ryoko sighed. 'I went back to Aldebaron....everything's changed, mom. Hikage and Amara are still there. They're married and have five kids with their sixth on the way. Ashitaka is still there too. He's got two kids I think, but I didn't get to see him that trip.' 'But why Vega, Ryoko? There's nothing but trouble on that planet. Please, forget about going that way...that place is crammed with thousands of bounty hunters...' Washu begged. 'I know....but I have to go there. He's there. Hikage said that for the past 15 years he's been vacationing to Aldebaron and that I'd find him in the business district of Vega. I have to go, mom.' Ryoko argued. Washu hesitated. 'I wish you wouldn't go alone. I could....reconnect the portal in my lab to Ryo-Ohki and be there in...' 'No. Thanks anyway. I should be fine by the time I hit Larsus. Vega's just on the other side of the colony. If I'm still feeling like crap, I'll let you know.' Ryoko whispered as she closed her link with Washu. Washu sat back. 'Ryoko....please be careful, for your sake and for his.' * * * Ryoko groggily rubbed her eyes as she focused her vision. 'Where...am I?' 'We're just outside of Vega, Ryoko.' Ryo-Ohki answered through the link. Ryoko closed her eyes. 'Vega, huh?' She rose to her feet and made her way to the bridge of the ship. Sitting down, she picked up her book and leafed through it. A few lights blinked on the control panel as Ryo-Ohki said, 'Ryoko? We have an incoming call from a neighboring ship. Do I answer it?' Ryoko shifted her eyes upward. "Go ahead." The vid-window blipped on and Ryoko stated, "How can I help you?" "Space Pirate Ryoko." Ryoko frowned. "Ex...space pirate. My warrant was expelled 4 months ago. What do you want?" There was no face of the speaker. Just a deep voice. "We the protectors of Vega can't allow you to enter our colony. Please prepare for boarding agents." Ryoko stiffened. "Listen here, pal. You can't board my ship without my permission and I clearly haven't granted it. Now I don't know what you and your merry men are thinking, but you sure as hell have no right to board my ship." She looked at Ryo-Ohki. "Cancel call." The screen blanked out as Ryo-Ohki warned, 'Incoming shots.' "Basic maneuver." Ryoko ordered. Ryo-Ohki rolled sideways only to jerk to a quick stop. Ryoko's head snapped up. "WHAT THE HE..." Was all she said before a volt of electrical current ripped through the ship.