Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters. They belong to the very creative people at AIC/ Pioneer. I don't make any money off of this so don't sue me. ^_^ Notes: Hi! Welcome to the forth chapter of Ryoko's Gems. I want to thank everyone who sent me his or her comments and suggestions. It has encouraged me to keep on writing this story. Thanks! ^_^ Send your comments to jennyb4@hotmail.com Well, on with it... ******************************************************************************** RYOKO'S GEMS: CHAPTER FOUR Ryoko secretly watched Gyhard walk to his ship. Ryoko thought that Gyhard would come in the house after she hit him but he did not. Ryoko gratefully saw Gyhard disappear into the ship. She did not know what she would have done if Gyhard decided to attack her. She took a big gulp of the sake. The pain throbbing at her side dulled instantly. Ryoko paced around the room with the bottle of sake in her hand. >That man is dangerous. I need to get rid of him,< she urgently thought. >I can't use any of my usual methods. How do I get rid of him?< Ryoko did not know. >Whom could I ask for help?< A name formed in her head. She surprised herself by thinking of him. >Would he help me?< she wondered. >He always has a solution for everything.< Ryoko decided to go to him. She went out the back door to avoid Gyhard. >I doubt that he has gotten over his bruised jaw.< With a quick glance at Gyhard's spaceship to make sure he was not following her, she headed up to the shrine. >What an irony of fate,< she thought, >I am going to the man that imprisoned me and took my gems for help.< Yosho and Ryoko had both drastically changed since their battle long ago. Ryoko could hardly believe the man she fought and tried to kill became the grandfather of Tenchi. Ryoko owed a lot to Yosho though she would never admit it. Yosho had freed her from Kagato's control and had given her Tenchi. Tenchi unknowingly taught her about unconditional love and respect. From the first day she saw Tenchi, Ryoko knew that he had seen her, too. He had laughed and giggled at her presence at the front of the cave. He kept coming to her after that first day. Tenchi had asked her many questions and played with her. He came to her when his mother died. That day Ryoko knew she never wanted to see that pain from him again. Ryoko also looked into herself that day and realized that she had caused many people that same grief Tenchi felt. Tenchi taught and changed her so much that it was hard for her to believe that she was ever the monster that destroyed the Juraian army. She had the memories of her past that would never go away. Her punishment for not being strong enough to break free of Kagato's control. Gyhard brought back her past. She hated it. Ryoko had lost herself in thought. The throbbing pain of her feet brought her back. She noticed the shrine in the distance. Ryoko did not realize how long it took to walk to the shrine. She wondered amazingly how Tenchi could get to the shrine so fast. She saw the wooden structure more clearly as she approached. Yosho stood outside admiring the rising sun. >Does that man ever sleep?< she wondered. Before Ryoko could make her presence known Yosho spoke. "What has brought you up here so early?" Yosho did not seem to be the least bit surprised to see Ryoko. "What has got you up so early?" Ryoko asked him back. "The morning sun," he spoke with wisely. His tone became more serious. "You still have not answered my question." Ryoko could have told him anything; from the ache in her chest, the disturbing encounter with that man, Gyhard, the turmoil of her thoughts, the dreams the prevented her from sleep, but she did not. "The sun," Ryoko softly said. She stood by Yosho and watched the sun rise over the hills. She felt at peace. >No wonder Yosho is up so early,< Ryoko thought at the breath-taking sight. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gyhard watched the sun rise from the confines of his star cruiser. His jaw still ached from Ryoko's fist. >I wonder what happened to her powers?< He pondered over the thought but could not arrive at an answer. "You should be thankful that abducting Washu will be easy," D3 said. His translucent body materialized in front of Gyhard. Gyhard was startled by the sudden appearance of D3. He quickly composed himself. "There is no challenge in it. I do hope that boy, Tenchi, will put up a good fight," Gyhard replied to D3 casually. >He doesn't know what he is asking,< D3 thought. D3 glanced over the confident phasod of Gyhard. >His haughtiness is going to get him killed. You have been through many battles, Gyhard, and killed many, but a battle with the gods is a battle no mortal can win.< "I don't think it will come to that," D3 told Gyhard. Gyhard's head jerked up. "Are you relieving me of my mission?" Gyhard said harshly. D3's facial mussels did not move, but underneath he was becoming unglued. He hated dealing with these mortals. They were only concerned with their own little world and never looked beyond it. He learned long ago to control his emotions, but it was taking all his discipline to control his rising temper. "No," D3 said solemnly, "You are to hold off the abduction of Washu until the Jurai ships have come." "What?!" Gyhard rouse half way out of his chair. The Galaxy Police wanted him for countless charges. The Juraian soldiers would surly recognize and arrest him. >So the fearless pirate is nothing more than a scared rabbit,< D3 thought in amusement. "If you keep yourself out of sight while the Juraian guards are here, you should not be caught." "Why is Jurai coming here?" Gyhard demanded. He hated these Gods. They assumed to know everything and did not care if they destroyed a person's life. "It is none of your concern," D3 replied, "They are not coming for you if that is what you fear. The Juraian guards will be here to take Sasami, Aeka and Tenchi back to Jurai." Gyhard looked a little disappointed. "Fine," Gyhard said. D3 did not like the tone of dismissal that Gyhard gave in his voice. D3 glared down at the pirate. "You will take Washu after the Jurai ships have left this solar system," D3 told him. "You are making this too easy," Gyhard replied after a few moments. D3 ignored Gyhard's remark. "You will be rewarded as soon as Washu is brought to Tokimi." Gyhard nodded at D3 statement. D3 did not bother to wait for the response before he left. Gyhard was alone again in his ship. Gyhard rage bubbled over. His hands curled up in knotted fists. After Ryoko's fist in his face and D3 basically telling him he was not fit to kidnap Washu, Gyhard had almost lost all of his trained composure. "This was suppose to be a challenge of skill and wits. This whole mission is turning into a babysitting job," Gyhard grumbled. "One condolence to this is that I will have a chance to bring back the head of the legendary demon." >Yes that will surly brings me fame. The powers that Tokimi will bestow on me will make me the most feared person in the galaxy,< His mood brightened. The sun was already over the hills. >My hosts must be up by now,< Gyhard thought as he left his ship and headed to the Misaki house. >I need to get my ship fixed.< -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tenchi awoke from the sun filtering through his shades. For a few breathless moments all recollection of the other day was gone. Then the dreadful memories of the last day appeared back in his head with each passing minute. Tenchi did not want to believe it. He wished to himself that he had experienced a horrible dream. He waited for many minutes for Ryoko to rise through the floor or the wall and give her devilish smile, as her hands and eyes tormented him with her devilish thoughts. She did don't appear. The past day became more real to him. Ryoko was not going to come to him. He reluctantly arose from his bed. He pulled open the shades of the balcony door and walked out onto his balcony. The cool morning breeze sent a shiver down his back. The water rippled to the pattern of the wind. The sun made the lake sparkle. He gazed over the beautiful scenery of his home. His eyes landed the black and gray ship of Gyhard. He had forgotten about the unexpected guest. His feeling about Gyhard had not gone away. He did not like the man. Tenchi walked back into his room. He went over to his bed and sat down. >How could so much have gone wrong in one day?< he wondered. His back hunched over and he lowered his head in thought. He rested his elbows on his knees. He tried to think of something other than the happenings of the other day but nothing came to his mind. His mind drifted off into thought. He felt her. Her arms wrapping around him. Cueing him to come with her. Her soft voice leading him out of the horrible day. He abruptly turned around but her golden eyes were not there. He saw only the effulgent sun. The warmth and soft words he had felt were only a figment of a desired illusion. "Ryoko," Tenchi said sadly. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- After Tenchi got dresses he left his room. He almost stumbled into Aeka. "Good morning Aeka," Tenchi said. "Good morning, Tenchi," Aeka replied. She kept her head bowed as she spoke. "Have you seen Ryoko this morning?" Aeka sounded very tired. "No," Tenchi told her. Tenchi doubted that she slept at all last night. >She must have been very worried about Ryoko,< Tenchi thought. "Did you get any sleep last night?" Tenchi asked trying to keep his voice down. He could hear Mihoshi still sleeping in the other room. Aeka looked up at Tenchi and gave him a weak smile. "No. I think I kept Sasami up all night with my tossing and turning. She is still asleep." Tenchi could see the black marks under Aeka's eyes. "Have you seen Ryoko yet?" Tenchi asked. Aeka shook her head. "I don't think she would want to see me." "I am going to see her. Please come with me Aeka," Tenchi said encouragingly, "I think Ryoko would like having you there." >I really doubt Ryoko would like me anywhere near her.< Aeka thought. >If she woke up and saw me with Tenchi...< Aeka did not want to complete the thought. Ryoko would probably recover in record time and try to kill Aeka. Tenchi sounded so reassuring that Aeka disregarded her thoughts and agreed to go with him. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- They both descended the stairs together. They walked to the closet door that led to Washu's lab. The door opened and Washu came out. "Good morning you two," Washu said cheerfully as she stretched her hands over her head. "Good morning Washu," both Tenchi and Aeka replied. "We came to see Ryoko," Tenchi said, "Is she doing any better?" Washu gave him a puzzled look. "Ryoko?" Washu asked baffled. "Yes. Is she doing better?" Tenchi said bewildered by Washu reaction. "Ryoko isn't here." Washu sounded apprehensive. "What is it Washu?" Tenchi said more seriously. He did not notice his voice rising. He felt his stomach turn. >There is something wrong< "Washu, where is Ryoko?" Aeka interjected. Washu looked from Tenchi to Aeka. Washu's face held a mystified expression of worry. >Where is Ryoko?< Washu thought. "I don't know," Washu confessed. >Ryoko must be all right or I would have had some alarm come on in the lab,< Even that did not reassure Washu. Without her connection she could not tell if Ryoko was all right or in pain. "What do you mean 'you don't know'!" Tenchi became very concerned. He did not like Gyhard, and with Ryoko's temper there was no telling what could happen between them. He just hoped Ryoko had not met Gyhard yet. "Washu, is Ryoko okay?" Aeka asked with the same concern Tenchi showed but not in such a loud voice. "When she stormed out of my lab she seemed to be fine except for a little pain." "Washu..." Tenchi became exasperated with her, but did not have a chance to interject before Washu spoke. "Ryoko regained consciousness last night. Ryoko and I spoke a little then she left. I thought she would stay in the house, but apparently she didn't," Washu said frowning, as she scanned the empty family room. Tenchi did not like what Washu told him. Ryoko was wondering around somewhere injured. He did not know where. "Washu why did you let Ryoko leave?" Aeka asked. >Even when she is injured Ryoko causes trouble,< Aeka thought exasperated. Washu shrugged her shoulders. "Ryoko can take care of herself." "Ryoko is hurt Washu! She should not be wandering around when she is wounded." Tenchi had become upset with Washu's non-concern for Ryoko's safety. "There is nothing around here that could get her any more injured than she is." Washu thought a little more. "There is one thing though..." She let her voice trail for suspense. "What?" Tenchi and Aeka said. Washu became serious. "Aeka." "What?!" Aeka said in shock. Tenchi did not responded. He knew Washu was right. >If Ryoko set off Aeka's temper again, which she will most likely do, Ryoko could be killed,< Tenchi thought. "Ryoko is unable to defend herself against your powers," Washu explained, "You can end up killing her if you two got into another fight." Washu hoped that Aeka would listen to her. Aeka had Ryoko's life in her hands. Washu would not blame Aeka if she killed Ryoko. Ryoko had done many things in her life that deserved punishment. >I am Ryoko's mother first and a rational thinking scientist second. I would take revenge on you Aeka,< Washu thought >I hope that it never comes to that.< Aeka could not speak. >Do both of them think I would kill Ryoko?< Aeka glanced at Washu's and Tenchi's face in shock. "Washu is right, Aeka," Tenchi spoke softly, but his tone was definitely serious, "You could easily kill Ryoko." "I can't believe you two could think I would do such a thing!" Tenchi and Washu seemed to be troubled that she would hurt Ryoko. >I guess they do have cause to worry,< Aeka thought, >Ryoko and I actually never got along.< "I will not fight with Ryoko," Aeka told both of them solemnly, "I promise." "I hope you're right Aeka," Washu said. "I never break my word," Aeka replied. "I am going to look for Ryoko," Tenchi informed them. >Aeka might not be a threat to Ryoko but Gyhard is another problem.< He had to find Ryoko and explain the guest's presence. "I will go with you Tenchi," Aeka said. "Washu?" Tenchi asked. "No," Washu said, "Ryoko will come back when she is ready." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tenchi did not say anything more as he left the house with Aeka following behind. It made him angry that Washu could be so uncaring. He feared what he might have said to her if he had opened his mouth. Washu saw the empty kitchen from where she stood. "Looks like I am going to cook breakfast." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tenchi walked toward Gyhard's ship. Its owner was strolling in their direction. "Good morning Princess," Gyhard said, "Tenchi." "Good morning." Tenchi replied evenly. "Have you seen Ryoko?" Aeka asked, "We are looking for her." "No." Gyhard gave Aeka a bewilder look. >What is going on?< Gyhard thought, >Could she have been so frightened that I would hurt her that she ran off and hid?< It was hard for Gyhard to believe that the fierce fighting spirit Ryoko could do that. "Do you want me to help you look for her?" Before Tenchi could object Aeka spoke. "Yes, that would be very helpful." Tenchi stifled a groan. The three of them started to search for Ryoko. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sasami awoke to a room full of sunlight. She felt exhausted. "I slept in," Sasami said to herself in amazement. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sasami came down the stairs to the sound of dishes clattering together. Sasami walked into the kitchen to see Washu busily at work. Mihoshi sat at the table hungrily eating her breakfast. Ryo-Ohki sat besides Mihoshi happily eating her carrots. "Washu, I can take over now," Sasami said. Washu turned and looked at the young princess. "It is almost done. Why don't you take a seat." "Is Ryoko doing any better?" Sasami asked, as she dug into her breakfast. "Yes." "Aeka did not mean to hurt Ryoko." Sasami tried to defend her sister. "I know Sasami. You don't needed to explain." Washu studied the young princes from across the table. There was something wrong with her, but Washu could not figure out what it was. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The three of them strolled down the path to the shrine. Aeka and Gyhard where carrying on a pleasant conversation which Tenchi decided not to participate in. They had looked everywhere and still Ryoko had not appeared. Tenchi skeptically believed that Ryoko would be at the shrine. >She only comes up here when I am there,< Tenchi deducted. Aeka was persistent that Ryoko must have gone to the shrine because they looked everywhere else. Even if Ryoko did not turn up at the shrine Yosho might have an idea where she went. >Grandpa always has an answer for everything,< Tenchi believed. >Even if most of the time it seems to be in riddle.< They approached the shrine. It looked deserted. "Are you sure your grandfather is here?" Gyhard asked Tenchi. "Yes," Tenchi replied with annoyance, "You two stay here." Aeka nodded her head in understanding. Gyhard looked harshly at Tenchi. >I would love to kill that boy,< Gyhard thought. Gyhard watched Tenchi disappear into the shrine. His patience wore thin as they searched for Ryoko. He thought it would be amusing to see Ryoko at her lowest point, but now it seemed not worth it. He hated being nice to Aeka, as her endless chatter drove him insane. He blamed Ryoko for all of this. >I am really going to enjoy killing her,< Gyhard thought in reassurance to his sanity. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tenchi walked into the shrine. What he saw before him shocked him. Ryoko and his grandfather sat at a small table sipping tea. They looked like they were not talking but just enjoying each other's presence. It took a moment for the shock to ware off from Tenchi. His grandfather looked up and acknowledged his presence, but did not say anything, and returned to sipping his tea. Ryoko's golden eyes followed Yosho's gaze and fell onto Tenchi. She practically leaped out of her potion and into his arms. Tenchi saw the pain in her face as she came into his arms. He did not push Ryoko out of their embrace. He held her not wanting to let go. He had almost lost her. She seemed fine, though the pains from her injuries were apparent. Tenchi looked over Ryoko's shoulder. Yosho stared up at the two of them. Before Tenchi had a chance to let go of Ryoko, Ryoko stepped out of their embrace. Ryoko's eyes narrowed at the sight in front of her. Aeka stood in the doorway of the shrine with obvious dislike for the scene she had just witnessed. Tenchi turned around to see what caused Ryoko to let go. He did not like the situation presented before him either. "So that is why you wanted to go into the shrine alone," Aeka accused Tenchi. "No," he replied. "If you love Ryoko then just tell me and I will leave." Aeka's voice cracked on the last sentence. Tenchi was torn between these two women and he did not want to hurt either of them. "That is not it," Tenchi said trying to resolve the situation, "I did not what to disturb Grandpa if she was not here." "Well you're too late for that Tenchi," Yosho said, standing up. Tenchi gave him a look of 'your not helping.' "Tenchi I just want you to tell me," Aeka begged. "You just saw before your own eyes whom Tenchi loves. Go back to Jurai, little princess," Ryoko said. "Ryoko!" Tenchi said in shock. "Is that true Tenchi?" Aeka quietly asked. "No." This was going to end up in a fight if he did not resolve it soon. He prayed that Ryoko would not open her mouth. Gyhard watched from the distance the amusing situation. >So she is in love with him. It is a shame I won't be able to kill him.< Tenchi tried to fixe the situation but the more he tried, the madder Ryoko and Aeka got. >Maybe I should help him out,< Gyhard thought Ryoko stopped short her retort to Aeka, when she saw Gyhard appear. "If you can't decide which lover to keep, I would not mind taking the HELL CAT off your hands," he told Tenchi referring to Ryoko. During Ryoko's conversation with Yosho he had helped her decide to get Washu to fix Gyhard's ship as soon as possible, and stay out of Gyhard's way. Ryoko did not like hiding but she really had no other choice without her powers. But all that rational thinking went right out the door as soon as Gyhard spoke. "This is none of your concern," Tenchi angrily informed Gyhard. Tenchi grabbed Ryoko's arm before she got into striking distance of Gyhard. Ryoko's head jerked around and gave Tenchi a harsh look for stopping her. "Stay out of this," Ryoko said to Gyhard through her teeth. "I thought I would just help sense; it is obvious to me whom Tenchi will end up with. Aeka," Gyhard announced to the angry Ryoko, "Who would give up the opportunity of ruling Jurai. Since he does not what to hurt you KITTEN, I thought I would save him the torment. You don't seem to take rejection easily." Tenchi had to tighten his grip on Ryoko's arm. Gyhard relished in the sight of Ryoko's eyes turning to molten lava. >She must have been amazingly beautiful when she killed,< Gyhard thought in longing to see Ryoko with her powers. >It is no wonder she became a legend.< He looked onto the demon in amazement of her fiery fighting spirit. >What ways are you thinking to kill me right now?< "This is non of your business," Tenchi told Gyhard, indicating him to shut up. "I apologize," he replied innocently, "I thought I could help. She is a very vigorous woman Tenchi. I am surprised that she has kept her attention on you for so long." He smiled sweetly at Ryoko. If she were just a little bit closer she could spit on that smug face. "I wouldn't be surprised if she made this whole charade up to get you closer to her." Aeka was going to interject into the conversation, but what Gyhard said made her look at Ryoko again. Ryoko seemed not be in pain. She struggled against Tenchi's grip so she could attack Gyhard. She looked and acted just like all the other times, Ryoko and her got into fights. >Ryoko has tricked me again,< Aeka thought. All her past anger for Ryoko came to the surface. >No wonder Washu was not concerned when Ryoko had disappeared from the house.< "Ryoko, I demand that you get away from Tenchi now," Aeka yelled. Ryoko barely heard Aeka's command. Ryoko's attention focussed on killing Gyhard. She wished to the heavens that she had her electrical sword. Ryoko disregarded Aeka. She could not do anything to comply with her demand anyway. Tenchi had her arm in a death grip. It surprised Ryoko that Tenchi had become so strong. "HEY GUYS!! HEY GUYS!" Everyone turned to see Mihoshi bounding up the steps of the shrine. Gyhard had his back turned to Ryoko. >I could so easily hurt him if Tenchi would just let me go,< Ryoko thought. She would never forgive Gyhard until he lay dead at her feet. Mihoshi joined them. She did not notice the tension that loomed in the air. "I have been looking everywhere for you guys," Mihoshi said breathlessly, "Sasami has fixed lunch. She wants everyone back before it gets cold." She stopped and thought a moment."It was about an hour ago. Do you think it will still be warm? I hope it is not ruined," Mihoshi fretted, "It smelled so good while Sasami was cooking it." "Can she really be that dense?" Aeka softly asked. Ryoko nodded her head. "MIYA!" Ryo-Ohki appeared behind Mihoshi and hopped over to Ryoko. Ryo-Ohki happily purred at Ryoko's feet. Tenchi released Ryoko's arm. The creature that Ryoko picked up unnerved Gyhard. He had never seen anything like it. Ryoko stroked the soft fur of the cabbit. Ryo-Ohki sensed that something bothered Ryoko. Ryo-Ohki had a suspicion that it was the new arrival. The conversation went silent between them. Mihoshi looked around at everyone, baffled. "Come on, I am SO hungry," Mihoshi wailed. "I agree with Mihoshi. I forgot to eat breakfast in search for this cat." Gyhard nodded to Ryoko. "I am not going to miss lunch, too." Tenchi gave her a look that prevented her from attacking Gyhard. Tenchi looked like he had aged five years. He had obvious dislike for Gyhard. She had only seen Tenchi like that one time before ,and that was when he killed Kagato. "What cat?" Mihoshi said in bewilderment, as she chased after Gyhard who already left the confines of the shrine. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "We have reached Earth's atmosphere sir," one of the crewmen spoke. "Hale, Hiro's ship," Ayami, the captain, ordered. Hiro appeared on the view screen. "Have your ship stay orbit while we fetch the royals." A few of the crewmembers let out a groan. Ayami ignored it. "Take the ship down." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The skies above the Masaki house had turned pink and orange with the descending sun. Gyhard went to his ship to help Washu fix the damage Mihoshi had caused. After lunch Mihoshi had decided to help Washu with Gyhard's ship, but almost caused the whole thing to explode. Washu had ordered Mihoshi to stay far away from the ship. Washu had also put up protective guards up around the ship against Mihoshi. Tenchi and Ryoko were both relieved that Gyhard had taken refuge in his ship. Tenchi had retired to his room after dinner. Ryoko had settled herself on the couch watching TV. Aeka sat on another chair as far away from Ryoko as she could. They had not spoken to each other since that afternoon. Sasami knew to keep quiet, because the tension between Ryoko and Aeka was high. Mihoshi on the other hand seemed not to notice at all. Mihoshi rambled on through the show and the commercials. The only time Aeka and Ryoko spoke was to yell at Mihoshi to be quiet. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The sound of the ship coming down from the sky caused them to loose interest in the program. Tenchi came down the stairs when he heard the noise. "What is it?" Aeka asked. Ryoko did not bother deducting the situation, but went outside to find out for herself. Tenchi quickly followed after her. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gyhard had heard the sound of the ship. >Jurai is here,< Washu poked her head out of the terminal she was working in. "What is going on?" she asked. Gyhard shrugged his shoulders. Washu ignored it and continued her work. If they needed her, they would come and get her. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "It is a Juraian battle ship," Aeka said, as she got a better look on the descending ship. "What are they doing here?" Sasami asked her sister. "I don't know Sasami." "Maybe your daddy has come to take you back to Jurai," Ryoko joked. Aeka glared at Ryoko. "He knows I am going to stay here," Aeka said, "The only reason they would be here if..." >It could not be true,< Aeka thought horrified by the possibility. "What?" Sasami asked, "They are not going to take us back to Jurai?" "We'll find out." Aeka reached down and squeezed her sister's hand. "I don't want to go back," Sasami said. "Shhh, Sasami." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Sir there is an unidentified spacecraft on the surface," one of the Juraian crewmen spoke. "Is it one of Vree's?" Ayami asked. "No. I am running it through the database." The owner of the ship came up on the screen. "It is none of our concern," Ayami said as he looked at the old man who owned the ship. "He is just a shipping merchant." "What is a shipping merchant doing here?" another crew member asked. >I don't have time for this,< Ayami thought. "Scan the area and find the life forms who live there," Ayami ordered. Ayami patiently waited for the results to come back. "Everyone is there and accounted for, sir." "Now take the ship down." Ayami wanted to get out of Earth's atmosphere as soon as possible. Vree's ships were coming, and they would be here in a matter of hours. The Juraian ship landed. Ayami's men quickly secured the ship and left to complete their mission. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lady Funaho looked up from her hiding place at the empty control deck. Azusa's men were so quick to leave, they had not notice that she slipped into the ship. She had something to discuss with Washu, and she knew her husband would have never approved it. He wanted none of his family at risk. Funaho knew she was going to get an earful of his lecturing when she returned. She made her way out of the ship to where she had seen Washu on the screen. Lady Funaho made her way to the merchant's ship. She looked over the guards who were in a heated discussion with Aeka, Sasami and Tenchi. She went inside and heard the loud pounding of a hammer. She could hear Washu's voice muttering soft curses as she worked. Most had to do with young Galaxy Police Officer, Mihoshi. "Washu." Lady Funaho spoke softly. Washu jumped at her voice and hit her head. She looked up to see Lady Funaho. Washu did not seem the least bit surprised by her presence. "What do you want?" Washu was harsh in her response. >What in hell is she doing here.< Washu thought. "I want you to explain yourself," Lady Funaho demanded, "You broke your promise." Washu looked at her confused. >Promise?< Washu wondered, >What is she talking about?< "I don't know what you are talking about," Washu told her. >How can she be so heartless,< Lady Funaho thought angrily. ->he is going to stand there and watch Jurai die.< "You said you would not build any more of Ryo-Ohki or Ryoko." "Yes I did," Washu said, "And I have not built any more." "How do you explain this?" Funaho produced a cube. An image hovered in the air above it. It looked like Ryo-Ohki, but the shaping was a little different. Washu was stunned by it. "What is this?" "These are the ships that are attacking Jurai. Our ships take a long time to reproduce, but these take a matter of hours," Lady Funaho sounded tired and depressed, "Our army is slowly going to crumble under their persistent attacking." "I did not create these." "You are the only one with the knowledge," Lady Funaho started to get angry. "I made Ryoko and Ryo-Ohki long ago. I am not surprised that the technology for them has finally been discovered." Washu sounded very cool and at ease as she spoke, but inside her mind was reeling in thought. >How did they get this? How? How?< Washu could not clearly remember how she had made Ryoko and Ryo-Ohki, but she could not believe that another person had found the technology. "What do you want from me?" Washu had not lied to her. She had no reason too. Lady Funaho sighed. "Will you help us and produce more Ryo-Ohkis and Ryokos?" It was her last resort. Washu shook her head. "I will not." "Please reconsider," Lady Funaho was on the verge of begging. "And you will do what? Try to fight me? All your forces are protecting Jurai," Washu said, "I will not create another Ryoko or Ryo-Ohki, again." She left her voice stern and unwavering. "You have just sentenced Jurai to death," Lady Funaho said quietly. Washu shrugged her shoulders. Lady Funaho stared at Washu trying to contemplate the consequences of what Washu had refused to do. Lady Funaho had nothing further to say to Washu and turned to leave. "Good luck," Washu said when Lady Funaho reached to door. Lady Funaho did not acknowledge her but kept on walking. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Tenchi is not going anywhere with Aeka!!" Ryoko was furious with the Juraian guards. How dare they take away her Tenchi and refuse to let her go with him. "It is not your choice. Our emperor has ordered it." "He is not my emperor!" Ryoko screamed. "Tenchi is not going!!" Tenchi listened to the whole conversation. The Juraian guards needed to take back the heirs to the throne, so Vree would not capture them. If they decided to stay here, Vree would probably capture them and demolish a good amount of Earth in the process. He did not say a thing. Ryoko did a good job expressing what he felt inside. He thought rationally, which Ryoko did not do at this moment. He understood the circumstances. Vree's battle ships would come for them and probably destroy Earth searching for them. Tenchi would not allow that to happen. He could not see people hurt because of him. "He has no choice, Ryoko," Aeka said shaking her head, "Tenchi must come for Jurai's sake." "He has a choice; it is you or me," Ryoko yelled. She had not even realized she had spoken her thoughts out loud. Aeka looked stunned. The whole yelling match boiled down to this. Aeka had been thinking the same thing. Ryoko could see it in her eyes, as she gazed at Tenchi to answer. The silence that had come over everyone jolted him out of thought. Sasami looked at Tenchi. Her young face held so much worry, Tenchi thought she might break down in tears at any moment. "Tenchi you are not going with Aeka," Ryoko voice was so weak with fear of which he would choose, it hurt to speak. Aeka waited patiently for Tenchi to decide. Her hands had gone sweaty as she wrung them together. Akymi thought this totally stupid. Tenchi would come no matter what he decided. "I will come with you, Aeka," Tenchi said. Aeka sighed in relief. Ryoko caught a scream of denial in the back of her throat. She had gone numb all over. "I will come back when it is safe," Tenchi reassured Ryoko. Ryoko shook her head in denial. Tenchi turned away from Ryoko's hurt and spoke to the Juraian guards that had come for them. "I have a item I need to get before we leave." Akymi nodded his head. "Aeka and Sasami, if you have anything, please retrieve it now and be quick about it. We can't delay on this planet much longer." Tenchi turned and proceeded to walk to the house. Aeka and Sasami followed. Ryoko reached out and grabbed Tenchi by the arm. She had a weak hold on him but he stopped like he could not move unless she let go of him. Tenchi looked at Ryoko’s golden eyes filling with tears. He placed his hand over hers and slowly removed her hand from him. "I will be back as soon as it is safe for Earth." His words were so soft, only Ryoko could hear them. She shook her head. Tenchi left her and continued in the house. Aeka had watched the whole scene from the doorway. Tenchi had finally chosen but why did Aeka not feel relieved by his decision. Ryoko refused herself to cry in front of the Juraian soldiers. Her back straightened and she walked, with as much dignity she could manage before she broke down into tears, away from the Juraian soldiers and Tenchi. Ryo-Ohki followed her mistress in a sad silence. When Tenchi had returned, Ryoko was nowhere to be seen. He gripped the package he had in his hand tighter. He felt the energy of Ryoko's gems filter through the wrappings he had put around his sword. As long as the gems radiated Ryoko's energy he knew she was safe. He did not understand why his heart felt like it was being ripped out of his chest, or why his head screamed for him to stay. Tenchi's logical thinking ended up triumphing over his emotions. He had to go. Aeka waited with Sasami by the Juraian soldiers ready to leave. Tenchi saw his grandfather among the soldiers. >They are taking everyone with Juraian blood back,< Tenchi thought. Ryoko watched Tenchi walk to the Juraian ship with two guards flanking his sides. She made her way up to the roof of the house. It had taken her awhile because of the pain, but sitting here gave her the best view on Tenchi’s departure. She could not face Tenchi, the pain had become to great. Ryoko shook her head as she watched Tenchi leave. "No you won't Tenchi. They have taken you away from me, and you let it happen," Ryoko squeezed Ryo-Ohki tighter. The pain overwhelmed her. She looked down at her loyal friend. She did not watch as the Juraian ship left the atmosphere with her love. Ryoko kept her head bowed and let the tears fall from her eyes onto Ryo-Ohki. Ryo-Ohki wanted to comfort Ryoko but without her connection, she could not speak to her. She snuggled against Ryoko, trying to give her compassion and understanding. "Go, Ryo-Ohki." Ryoko spoke through a harsh sob. Ryo-Ohki looked up at Ryoko, confused. Ryoko's golden eyes looked with love at her dear friend. Tears still slid down her cheeks. "I know you still understand me, even though we don't have our link. I want you to go and watch over Tenchi for me." She hugged her friend one last time. "Miya?" Ryo-Ohki said in confused understanding. Ryoko threw Ryo-Ohki in the air with all her strength. Ryo-Ohki turned into a spaceship and went after Tenchi. Ryoko watched Ryo-Ohki speed off after Tenchi. Her whole world had crumbled before her eyes. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Sir, incoming spacecraft," a Juraian soldier spoke with worry. "It is Ryo-Ohki," he said with only slight relief. "Fire if the ship attacks," Akymi ordered. "What is she trying to do now?" Aeka mumbled. Ryo-Ohki disappeared from the screen and reappeared in Tenchi's arms. Tenchi was shocked by Ryo-Ohki's sudden appearance. Tenchi looked around, expecting Ryoko to materialize but she did not. "What are you doing here Ryo-Ohki?" Tenchi asked. "Wanted to say good bye again?" Before Ryo-Ohki replied, Sasami spoke. "Ryoko sent her to watch over you," Sasami said. Her voice took a tone not of a young child but an old and wise woman. Aeka and Tenchi looked at each other in disbelief. >Ryoko is going to be all alone,< Tenchi thought sadly. He looked out the window, as Earth was becoming a small speck. "So I guess you are coming with us," Aeka said, stroking Ryo-Ohki's fur. Sasami took Ryo-Ohki out of Tenchi's arms. She tenderly held the cabbit. "It will be alright," Sasami whispered. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night had settled over the Masaki house. The dark and emptiness of night had settled in Ryoko's heart. She sat in the kitchen missing the sounds of Sasami cleaning up the dishes. Washu did not even come out to see Tenchi, Sasami, Aeka and Yosho off. Ryoko had not felt so alone since the day she was trapped in the cave. She could not believe Tenchi had gone. Her brain did not register the information. "Tenchi," she moaned, as she buried her head in her arms. Ryoko did not hear Gyhard come into the kitchen. "I told you, KITTEN," Gyhard said in his arrogant tone. Ryoko's head whipped around. "Why aren't you gone yet?" Ryoko said harshly. "I had something I needed to get before I left," he said smiling at her. Ryoko felt her stomach go flip-flop. "What might that be?" Ryoko replied sarcastically. He moved so fast, Ryoko did not have time to respond. Ryoko felt herself lifted from the chair and become pinned against the wall. Gyhard's hand had wrapped around her throat. She clawed at his hands trying to free herself from his grasp. Gyhard smiled in amusement at Ryoko’s hopeless struggle. "Your little claws can't hurt me," Gyhard said, laughing at Ryoko's futile attempt. Ryoko spit on his smug face. His smile went away and he turned deadly upset. She felt his hand squeeze tighter around her throat. She heard his fading words as she slipped into blackness. "The legend is no more." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vree's battle ships arrived at Earth. Each ship conducted a scan on the planet to find the members of the royal family. Vree relaxed in his command-chair, as one of his officers who was assigned to go to Earth came onto his view screen. The young man spoke in a stern voice. "They are not there, sir," he spoke watching his lord's face for some kind of reaction, but no reaction came. Vree's facial muscles did not move as the young officer spoke. After he had recited the account of the ship's scan, Vree frowned. His fearsome look of displeasure caused some of his crew to cringe back in fear. Even the young man that presented him with the news flinched. "Eliminate it," Vree spoke with deadly coldness. The young man quickly nodded at disappeared out of the view of the screen to give the order. A few of Vree's crew stared in disbelief at their lord's command. Earth was an innocent planet that posed no threat, but Vree had just ordered it to its doom. The young man came back into the view screen. His voice held no emotion as he spoke. "It has been done. Earth has been destroyed." Vree leaned back in his chair grinning at the news. ******************************************************************************** That is it for now. ^_^ So how will I get our beloved characters out of this? Well I will leave it up to you to guess for now. Hehe.