Disclaimer: Pioneer owns these characters. I'm simply writing a story. Don't sue! Riko, however, is mine. There is an important Author's Note at the end that I wish everyone to read. Brian Burke Tenchii@hotmail.com Arriving in the woods, the lone girl walks forward, a smile adorning her face. As she realizes what she has gained, she walks happily towards her future. For her and her lone furry companion, the past they have no longer exists. Walking forward, she begins her new life. ==-==-== Misa Part Six The Future ==-==-== Emerging from the shadows of the forest path, a faint light covers her body, and disappears just as quickly as it came, changing her body to reveal her original form. Sasami looks to the house that has long been her home. The said house looks very different from the last time she was here. Although the structure is the same, she remembers that much of it was destroyed. In fact, much of what she sees was similarly different. The trees that were once dead are now green and thriving. Considering this, Sasami smiles a bit. "Let's go home," she says. "Meow!" Ryo-Ohki agrees. Walking in, she finds nobody about. Curiously, she wonders where everyone is. "This is odd... Nobody's home." Walking into the house, "Tenchi?" she calls. Appearing from the landing, "Sasami! You came back!" Walking down the stairs, "I thought I'd never see you again." "Of course I came back. Why wouldn't I?" Walking closer to him, "I've missed you, Tenchi," she says softly. "After such a long time, I guess you have a lot to talk about," he says, blushing a bit. "We can talk later. But first, I have a question for you." "What's that?" "Where's Riko?" Sasami asks. "Riko?" Tenchi answers, confused. "Yes, Riko. I want to hold her after such a long time." "Sasami? Who's Riko?" Tenchi asks. Struck by this comment, "what do you mean? Riko is... You don't know?" ~Misa, be careful. Your future will be drastically different.~ Standing motionless, "Riko," she says softly. "Everything's different..." "Sasami? What's going on?" Tenchi asks concernedly. Walking to the door underneath the stairs, "maybe Washu can do something about this." "But, Sasami, Washu is-" Opening the door, she finds nothing but used closet space. "What's going on? Where's the lab?" "Sasami," Tenchi says, obviously concerned, "Washu left a long time ago." "What? Why? Where is everyone? What about Mihoshi and Kiyone?" "Don't you remember? You all left years ago. And, it was all my fault." "What?" Calming herself, "why don't you start at the beginning. Tell me why everyone left." Sitting on the couch, Sasami soon follows. "Well, if you don't remember, I can tell you. Seven years ago, you all decided to leave. Mihoshi and Kiyone were re-assigned, after the Galaxy Police realized they were wasting their time with Earth. Because of my Light Hawk Powers, Earth is in no danger." "What about Ayeka? Why did she leave?" "You should know that." "Just humor me. Pretend I don't remember the past ten years." A bit dumbfounded, "okay. If you say so. Well, Ayeka decided to leave when she realized that I couldn't make a choice. And when she left, she took you with her. A year later, she married Seiryo." "WHAT? She married that fop? I can't believe that!" "It's the truth. Azusa arranged the marriage. Since she no longer had feelings for me, she didn't put up a fight. And, when you came of age, you married as well." "Really? To who?" "Well, Seiryo took a second wife." Sasami is a bit horrified at the thought. "What about Ryoko? She loved you more than anyone. Did she leave too?" "Yeah, she did. I miss her. When she left, Washu went with her. I was finally alone. I didn't want to see them go, but I didn't have much of a choice anymore. But, now that you're here, maybe we can be together for awhile." Standing, "I'd like that, Tenchi. But, I want to know what's going on, first." "You're leaving again?" he says, almost fearful. "Please, don't leave me here alone." Smiling, "don't worry. I'll be back soon. I just want to go to Jurai and find out what's happening there." Walking out, "I'll be back soon, Tenchi." "I'll be waiting. It has been nice talking to you again, Sasami." Smiling at him in response, "Ryo-Ohki!" she shouts, sending a command to the critter. In response, the cabbit leaps into the air, transforming into her crystalline starship form. "What is Ryo-Ohki doing here?" Tenchi asks. "Why isn't she with Ryoko?" ==-==-== Aboard her ship, Sasami collapses onto the floor. "This sucks. I went to the past to fix it. But, this is worse! Tenchi's alone, I'm married to Seiryo, and Riko is gone!" "Meow..." Ryo-Ohki says sympathetically. "I have to get to Jurai. I have to know what happened. Maybe there's something I can still do." "Meow!" "Right. Maybe there's something WE can still do. Set course for Jurai. Full throttle!" "MMeeoooww!" she screams, flying at her top speed for the desired planet. ==-==-== Arriving at Jurai, Ryo-Ohki once again hangs in orbit. Stopping silently, she waits for Sasami's order. "I want you to stay up here." "Meow..." she whines. "Meow meow..." "I know I've been a bit bossy of late, and I'm sorry. But, would you rather have the other Sasami find you? She might get suspicious." "Meow..." she reluctantly agrees. Enacting her disguise, "alright. Send me down." ==-==-== Arriving in the palace, Misa finds nothing out of the ordinary, actually. Being that it's late in the day, most of the usual personnel have left to go home. Not that it matters, if she runs into a guard, she simply drops her disguise. Walking through the halls, The last time didn't work out too well. Sasami was so upset over the incident that transpired that she never wanted to see her father again. Everyone believes that she was just mad, and would speak otherwise later. Nine years later, she walks the halls once more. After hearing odd noises, Misa peers into one of the rooms to see Ayeka in bed with Seiryo. Though he seems to be having fun, Ayeka's face is devoid of passion, of feeling. It's as if this is not what she wanted. "Can I help you?" a voice calls from behind. Turning, she sees none other than herself. "Hello, Princess Sasami," she greets. "Actually, I was looking for you," she admits. "Me? How so?" "Do you remember the incident ten years ago? When Kagato returned?" "Yes. I do. You and Tenchi beat him. I still don't know who you are, though." "Are you ready to accept the truth?" "Yes. I am. Tell me, who are you?" "Alright. You asked for it." Her disguise disappears, and Sasami reveals herself to herself. Sasami does the only thing anyone else would do in this situation. She faints. Collapsing, she is caught by her twin, who eases her to the floor. After a couple of taps to the face, the unconscious form awakens. "Who are you?" "I'm you. I went back in time to save the past. Then, I came home to the future." Sasami stands and leads Misa down the hall. "Well, I don't know if this future is any better than yours." "Well, in my time, Earth was a wasteland. But, not anymore. There was Riko, but she doesn't exist. I was married, but now that's changed." "It sounds like your past is better than mine. I was forced to marry Seiryo. And for the dumbest reason, too." "What do you mean by that?" Stopping, "he said that the only reason he married was so that nobody else could. He wanted to 'preserve' me." "So I take it you haven't..." "No," she says flatly. "He refuses it. Instead, he goes after Ayeka every night." "Are you telling me he ignores you?" "That's right. He and Ayeka run the empire, and I do all the little things. I am barely involved in the politics." "You know, Sasami," Misa says, grinning, "there's a law on Jurai where if one wife is completely preferred over the other, the neglected wife can leave." "I should. But, where would I go? My life is here." "Go to Earth. Tenchi will welcome you back." "I never wanted to leave Earth, you know. But, Ayeka forced me into going with her." "Do you want to take a trip? I need to find Washu, and I doubt she's on Jurai." Looking back to the bedroom, "he'll never miss me." Looking back to Misa, "let's go," she says excitedly. "I want to leave this place." "What about Ayeka? Should we try to get her out? She doesn't look happy here." "She's not. But, she's needed here. The empire would collapse tomorrow with Seiryo in charge." "Alright. Hang on." At the command, both Sasamis disappear. ==-==-== Reappearing on the crystalline ship, Sasami looks around, smiling. "I've missed you, Ryo-Ohki! It's been way too long." "Meow!" "So, Sasami," Misa asks, "do you know where Washu is?" she asks with a hint of hope. "Traveling with Ryoko, last I heard. But, after they were pardoned for saving Jurai the first time, they've been staying out of trouble." Misa puts her thumb and first finger to her chin in thought. "Well..." she sighs, "I guess we can go to GP headquarters. Even if Ryoko's clean, they might know." "It's a possibility," Sasami agrees. "Ryo-Ohki? Head for GP HQ," Misa orders. "Meow!" Ryo-Ohki shouts, heading for the desired location. However, the Jurai twins can feel her complaintancy. "Don't worry, Ryo-Ohki," Misa says. "When this is all over, I'll be sure to bury you in carrots." "MEOW!" she shouts at the thought. Absently mindedly, a few screens pop up showing mounds of carrots. "Meow..." she sighs contently. ==-==-== "Commander," a voice echoes in the large office, "we have an incoming transmission. We thought you might want to take it." As she moves near her desk, she sets her tea cup on it. "Who is it?" she asks. "It's Princess Sasami from Jurai," the voice responds. "Sasami?" she gasps. "What is she up to now?" Sitting down, the teal haired woman presses a button on her desk, which immediately brings up a view screen. "What can I do for you, Sasami?" she asks politely. Alone on the screen, ~we're looking for Washu and Ryoko. Have you heard from them recently?~ <'We?'> Kiyone thinks to herself. "Who's with you?" Stepping into view, ~hello, Kiyone,~ Misa greets. ~Been awhile, hasn't it?~ "I remember you. Ten years ago, you were on Earth. You're the one that saved Jurai." ~Bingo! I need to find Washu. Have you seen her?~ "No, I haven't. Maybe Devon knows. But, he's not here right now." ~Do you know where he is?~ Sasami asks. "He's on assignment. Unfortunately, I can't tell you where he's at, though." ~Well, thanks anyway,~ Misa says, ending the transmission. In the office, Kiyone sits alone, and extremely curious. "What was that all about?" she asks herself. ==-==-== Aboard the crystalline ship, Misa is more frustrated than before. "Now what?" she asks, crossing her arms. "I originally only went to the past to fix it from Kagato's damage. Now, it's snowballing. This time, when I get to the past, I'm staying there." "And permanently affect the timeline?" "Better than having a life like this. You must understand. You don't want to live with Seiryo, do you?" "Not really." "I'm doing this for everyone. Not just me." "Sounds like you're having fun with this," Sasami says. "Must be great living a life of adventure." "Actually, it is kinda fun." Uncrossing her arms, "alright, Ryo-Ohki. What do you think is the best way to find your other self?" "Meow..." "You're still connected to Washu, aren't you?" "Meow!" A second later, a shadow covers the floor. As the pair of blue-hairs look up, they see an identical Ryo-Ohki above them. The Ryo-Ohki that they are in brings up a screen, with Ryoko on it. "So, we meet again. Now, are you going to tell me who you are?" "I am Misa," she responds. "I need to talk to Washu." "Well, she wants to talk to you, too, Misa," Ryoko responds. "We'll bring you aboard. It'll be easier that way." ==-==-== A moment later, the blue hair pair are standing on the deck of the indigenous Ryo-Ohki while the other simply sits on Misa's shoulder. Across from them are Washu and Ryoko. "So, you're the one with the other Ryo-Ohki," Washu starts. "Do you mind explaining how that happened? But, judging from your appearance, I can guess." "You always were quick to think, Washu," Misa says. "Yes, I am also known as Sasami. Ryo-Ohki and I are from an alternate timeline where Kagato destroyed everything. I went to the past to save everyone, and now I find the future is worse than before." "So, what do you want with me?" Washu asks. "What do you need me so badly for?" "Washu," Misa starts, "I want you to send me back to the past. To just after I saved everyone." "And what makes you think a third future will be any better?" Ryoko asks. "You might mess everything up a second time." "Life's a risk," Misa states. "I might be able to make everything right. But, there's only one way to find out." "She has a point," Sasami adds. "This future isn't one that should exist. I for one would like a change." "So would I," Ryoko says. "As would I," Washu agrees. "I believe Misa can do more good in the past. She can possibly keep everyone together. She can probably prevent everyone from leaving. Besides, Misa doesn't belong here. So, I'll send you back. Again." "Thank you, Washu," Misa says gratefully. "Ryo-Ohki," Washu shouts. "Head for Earth." ==-==-== Not long after, Ryo-Ohki appears above Tenchi's home. The event immediately attracts the attention of the three local residents. As they move onto the front lawn, Ryo-Ohki and her passengers appear on the grass. "Welcome back, Ryoko," Tenchi greets. "It's been awhile, hasn't it?" "I guess so," Ryoko replies. "Washu needs to access her lab. For some reason, she picked this place." "The REASON," Washu interrupts, "is to bring you two back together." "I'm glad you came, Ryoko," Tenchi says. "Life's been going downhill since you left." Tenchi gives her a smile before walking over to Sasami. "I've missed you too," he says quietly. Washu walks into the house, leaving the three to themselves. Misa takes the hint and quickly follows with her cabbit on her shoulder. "Who says you have to time travel to do some good?" "I caused this mess," Misa says. "I want to fix it." ==-==-== Soon, Misa is once again strapped into the time machine as it whirls about. "I hope this is the last time!" she shouts. "This thing makes me sick!" "MEOW!" "Slight discomfort is a small price to pay for what you'll be doing!" Washu shouts back. "It's time to accelerate!" The machine starts to whirl faster and faster, creating sparks in the air above. The lights float upward, and eventually disappear into the device above. After the machine stops, Washu hops down and walks away. "Good luck, kid," she says. "You'll need it." -End 6!- Author's Note: A couple months ago, K'thardin made the MISA award. This insult disgusts me. I did not create Misa so that her name would be used to trash others. For those that are reading this, I ask that you e-mail K'thardin (Kthardin@geocities.com) and demand the destruction of this 'award.' The MISA award is disrespectful, rude, and shows bad form on K'thardin's end. Of course, if he had a heart, he would understand this. And furthermore, K'thardin, MY IDEAS DO NOT SUCK!! Brian Burke Tenchii@hotmail.com