"Pleeeeassssse! Can't I have one more Kiyone?"

Every since dinner had passed, Mihoshi had been begging Kiyone to let her have more of the sweet cakes Sasami and Ayelei prepared for dessert; and each time Kiyone told her no, she started wining like a four year old child. This time, Kiyone's tolerance level was shot.

"For the last time Mihoshi, NO!"

"Waaah, but I want another one!" She was now on her knees and water was running out of her eyes like a sprinkler.

"What's going on?"

"Well Tenchi, she wants more of the sweets but I keep telling her that it is too late for cake. Each time I say no, she throws a tantrum like a little baby." Balding up her fist. "Sometimes I wish that she'd just..."

"Ohh, I'm sorry Kiyone! Please don't be mad! Waah!" More tears. A big tear drop fell down Tenchi and Kiyone's head. At the sight of more tears, Kiyone held up both hands, trying to comfort her partner.

"It's okay Mihoshi! Don't cry! I'm not mad, really! I didn't mean to yell at you! I just don't want you to get sick! Please stop crying!"

*sniffling* "Okay Kiyone."

"You know, it amazes me that you are the only one that knows how to shut up her blubbering."

Everyone looked up and saw Ryoko levitating on her beam upon the roof. It was obvious that she was awaken by Mihoshi's crying and is now irritated. She was about to say more when she glanced over at Tenchi's direction. A wicked smile swept across her face. "So Tenchi, want to watch the sun rise with me?" Tenchi could do nothing but blush at her request.

"Why are you bothering Lord Tenchi at this hour, you pest?"

"Ah, so crying woke the little princess up. It seems to me you need to catch up on your beauty sleep more often Ayeka. The bags under your eyes and the wrinkles are pointing to it."

"How dare you!"

"What? Don't get mad at me because I told the truth. But then again, the truth does hurt, doesn't it."

Mihoshi, Kiyone, and Tenchi watched as the fight rage on with insults until they heard Ayeka call for her guardians (she usually does this when Ryoko is winning with words). They all knew what was coming next. Tenchi thought to himself, please don't let them destroy half the house this time.

"Azaka! Kamidake!"

Both of the logged guardians appeared beside their princess. In unison they answered "Yes ma'am?"

"Teach this pest a lesson that she will never forget!"

"Yes ma'am!"

They each got on opposite sides of Ryoko. They were about to trap her in their energy field when she disappeared and reappeared in front of Ayeka.

"So you wanna fight do ya? Let's just see how well you do without your wooden protectors!"

Before Ayeka could react, Ryoko reached out her arm, grabbed Ayeka around the wrist, and sent a bolt of electricity to her. While she was busy laughing at Ayeka scream, she didn't notice the guardians sneak up behind her. In an instant, she was trapped inside of their barrier while waves of energy shot through her that felt like lightning. Ayeka was about to slap the captured Ryoko when she heard a voice say "Release her this instant!"

"Yes Princess!"

Once they put their defenses down, Ryoko dropped to the floor. She was going to charge at Ayeka but she found she was frozen in mid-air. This means that someone used their powers to stop her in her tracks. She knew only one person in the Masaki house that could do that.

"Let go of me Ayelei!"

"Not until you two calm down and stop acting like spoiled babies!"

"How dare you call my guardians off!"

"First of all Ayeka, remember we aren't on Jurai anymore and you can't order me around. So I would advise you to stop raising your voice at me; Second of all, you know I can't do that. So you put two-and-two together genius!"

Ayeka was livid with her remarks. She was truly Ryoko's sister. Once common sense slammed back to her, she realized the only other person who could call off her royal guardians.

"Sasami?"

From behind Ayelei, Sasami appeared while holding the hand of the sleepy four year old Ryo-Oki.

"Why did you call on them for that? You woke everyone up because of the fight."

"I apologize for waking you, Ryo-Oki and...

Looking at Ayelei.

...her up."

Sasami frowned slightly. She loved her sister but she hated it when she referred to Ayelei other than her name. In fact, it seemed Ayeka resented her even more when she found out she was Ryoko's sister. Ayelei saw the look on her face.

Ayelei Don't worry about it Sasami. It doesn't bother me.

Sasami That doesn't mean she has to do that though.

Ayelei I know, but that's just how she is. I can't expect her to change any more than you can.

Sasami You know there is a lot of things about you she doesn't know. Speaking of which, you can't slip up like that again. What if I weren't here when she heard you call them off?

Ayelei I don't know. I don't believe she is ready to hear a lot of things about me...

Washu Sorry to interrupt girls, but do you think you can let Ryoko go free from your mind grasp?

They both saw Washu standing behind them crossing her arms. Instantly, Ayelei let go of Ryoko and she gently levitated to her floor.

Ayelei How much of that conversation did you listen to?

Washu I didn't listen in on anything. I just figured you two were talking about these two kids here.

Convinced her mother was telling her the truth, she looked directly at Ryoko's eyes. She was indeed pissed. "Sorry Ryoko."

"Whatever." Taking notice at Washu for the first time. "And to what do we owe the honor of the universe's most brilliant scientific genius being up at this hour?"

"Smarty-pants. Who could sleep with you all making this ruckus? Honestly, I believe these childish antics could have waited until the sun came up."

Mihoshi decided it was her time to add her input to the conversation. "No sun! Just a bright, beautiful, full moon. Hey Kiyone?"

"Yes Mihoshi?"

"Is it just me or is the moon brighter than usual?"

"Mihoshi it's the moon for crying out loud! It's supposed to be bright!"

Mihoshi began tugging at Kiyone's sleeve. "Please Kiyone! Just take a look at it!"

Tenchi was standing right beside the window, so he decided to look at the moon to please Mihoshi. He let out a small gasp. "Uh girls? I think Mihoshi has a point."

Washu then looked out the window. "That's odd. I don't ever remember it being so...bright." Everyone went to look out the window. Anything that had Washu wondering was really something to look at.

Tenchi looked back to see Ayelei and Sasami still standing in their same places. "Come take a look you two. It is really pretty." The next thing he saw was Sasami put on a panicked face and Ayelei seemed to be very worried. "What's wrong?"

"Tenchi we can't move!" Ayeka spun around to see the look on Sasami's face. Her facial _expression matched her tone.

Ryoko and Washu gave Ayelei a 'you know better' look. Washu started to say something but Ryoko cut her off. "Okay enough games! Stop playing around Ayelei!"

The whole time, Ayelei had been looking at her feet. She picked her head up for the first time and looked Ryoko and Washu square in the eyes. In almost a whisper, "I'm not doing it!"

Her voice alone carried a tone that both women had not heard since she was a little child: fear. While Ayeka worked on freeing Sasami from her spot, Ryoko tried everything she knew how to do to try and free them. Out of nowhere, a massive energy field appeared around each girl. Each one tried to reach for their own sister only to be shot to the opposite side of the room from the affects of the energy field. The force of it caused everyone else to follow suit with the wall.

After rubbing her sore head, Washu looked back at the captured children. "Ayelei, try and phase out with Sasami!"

"I already tried! It won't work!" Looking over at Sasami. "Oh no."

Everyone was almost in tears when they saw the girls begin to disappear. Thinking quick, Ryoko dematerialized between the force field. They were almost gone when Ryoko grabbed them by the wrist.

"Hold on tight girls!"

Sasami was frantic. "Help us Ryoko!"

She looked up to her right to be face-to-face with her sister Ayelei. "Please don't let us go Ryoko!"

"I won't! Just hold on!"

With each second, more of them started disappearing. Ryoko attempted to phase them back, but it didn't work. Before she knew it, their hands were transparent. This is what caused them to break away. The last thing she saw was them screaming her name.

"RYOKO!!!" They were gone.

Silence

Unable to control her anger, Ryoko banged her fist against the floor and yelled to the top of her lungs while crying. "NNNOOOO!"

Washu wrapped her arms around Ryoko and soothed her hair. "Shh...it's okay. I promise, we will get them back."

"How could you let go of them! This is all your fault Ryoko!"

Ryoko took Washu's arm from around her neck and stood so she would be looking Ayeka directly in the face.

"How could I? How couldn't you? You didn't even try to pull them back! At least I tried! What's your excuse Ayeka? Couldn't bare to look your sister in the eye and admit you can't protect her?"

Tears were now streaming down her face. "No. I knew I was powerless to save her from...whatever that was. That is why I was counting on you to bring her back. At least now I know I can't rely on you for anything. Not even to bring my sister back!"

"Sorry to inform you Ayeka, but your sister isn't the only one who is missing here! Our main priority is to bring them both back. What do you have against Ayelei anyway?"

"My problem is that she is the sister of a no-good space pirate and didn't have the right to be in the palace of nobility. My guess is that whoever took them is an enemy of yours or hers. You have brought nothing but misery among my family every since you made your entrance."

"How can you blame a child for something she has no control over? Why don't you get the hell off your high horses and help us find them!"

"You little..."

"THAT IS ENOUGH! This is not about blame. We should be trying to find them, not accuse each other of why they are missing in the first place. Ryo-Oki, Kiyone, Mihoshi and I are going in the lab with Washu to try and locate them with some of her equipment and the galaxy police technology. I understand you two are upset about what just happened. Really I do. But you two of all people know when to get serious about something and leave childish stuff alone. You can come with us into the lab to help, or you can go outside and fight. Either way is fine with me!"

Tenchi had never spoken to them, or anyone, in such a manor. He must really be worried and/or livid with the events that had just taken place. The fight was instantly stopped and everyone went to the lab to try and locate their missing family members.

One by one they went into the lab. Ayeka went in and Ryoko floated behind her. They didn't speak a word to each other let alone look in the other's direction. With her back turned to everyone, Washu sat on her floating pillow typing away in her laptop like a mad scientist. Everyone could see that she was trying not to break down in front of everyone. She was also mad at Ryoko for acting like a child. Of course Ayeka started it first, but she thought Ryoko would be 'mature' and walk away from it. Noooo! Not Ryoko and her pride! Ryoko felt the vibe she was giving her and misunderstood how Washu was feeling towards her.

Ryoko Are you as mad at me as Ayeka and Tenchi?

Washu *scoffs* in mild irritation, Why would I be mad at you?

Ryoko Because I failed in protecting my sister. Now you're ashamed of me for being weak.

Washu instantly stopped typing. She had never heard Ryoko feel so guilty. She mentally kicked herself for not noticing how Ryoko felt. Thinking to herself, she feels bad because she felt as if she couldn't protect her sister. Tears were starting to fall from Washu's face. Talking to Ryoko, I could never be ashamed of you Little Ryoko. In fact, I'm proud of you. I couldn't ask for a better daughter.

Ryoko was stunned. Once again, silent tears began falling down her face. But aren't you mad as Ayeka and Tenchi?

Washu Ayeka is upset because she feels as if she failed in protecting her sister like you do. She lashed out at you because, far as I know, you'll the only one that will put up with it. Tenchi is just tired of hearing you two argue. You and Ayeka are pretty good friends...at times. Don't worry dear. Everything will be back to normal once we get them back.

Ryoko Thank you...mother.

Washu felt pride in her heart and started typing on her laptop, determined to find the two missing people in her family. After what seemed like, forever, her computer started beeping.

"What does that beeping sound mean Little Washu?"

A smile swept across her little face. "That, Tenchi, means that we found the girls."

Everyone started jumping up and down. Then something occurred to Ryoko. "So how exactly did you find them?"

"Easy, I locked my coordinates to their DNA make-up. Think of is as a lost person's device but instead of using a fingerprint to identify the person, use some of their DNA to locate them directly."

"Oo..kaay...?" She still wasn't sure what she was talking about but seemed to get most of it.

Mihoshi was still lost. This was not an unusual thing for her. "How did you find them Washu?"

One big tear drop fell down everyone's head. Kiyone simply put her right hand on her head while Washu tried to talk to her partner.

"I just answered that question Mihoshi! Didn't you hear a word I was saying?"

She thought for a few seconds while she tapped her face with her left index finger. "Umm..nope. I didn't hear a word you said about you using the DNA to find the girls."

Everyone fell over. Washu looked at her with a dry face. "Well just try and pay attention next time, okay Mihoshi."

"Okay!"

*sigh* "Anyway, according to these, they are...."*gasp*

Ryoko and Ryo-Oki were quick beside her side. "Myeow, Myew."

Washu nodded her head at Ryo-Oki. Everyone was looking at her for an understanding of what Ryo-Oki had just asked her.

"Translation..." Ryoko started, "She asked her if they were in another time."

For the first time since the argument, Ayeka spoke. "Do you know how they got there?"

Washu shook her head. "That part I don't know but one thing is for sure, they are in the future."

Tenchi scratched the back of his head. "Any ideas how we can get there?"

"I can open up a portal to where they are."

"Washu, do you think you could make it big enough for us to take the ship in?"

"Yes but I wouldn't risk trying to make it come through Kiyone. You see, the mass of the ship is bigger than all of us put together. It could puncture something if it can't fit causing a type of black hole that could suck this entire world in it."

"So what do we do if we run into problems?"

Just then, the four-year-old Ryo-Oki started jumping up and down. "Meya, Meow, Meyow?"

Ryoko pat her on the top of her head. "That's right Ryo-Oki. If we run into problems you will be there to help. Right?" She happily nodded at her companion.

Washu stood up in front of everyone. "So is everyone okay with going into the future to get the girls?" Everyone nodded at her. "Okay then, go and prepare yourselves. I don't plan on leaving until we have both of them back home safely."

Tenchi went in his room and packed a few pieces for the trip. By now, he was draped in his traditional Jurian warrior attire and battle markings. He even took the liberty of taking his sword, Tenchi-ken, that his grandfather gave him. He looked at the sword and thought for a moment. I wonder if I will have to use you again. He then hooked it to his side and proceeded out the door.

Meanwhile, Mihoshi and Kiyone were packing their clothes, guns and handcuffs (just in case the kidnapper was on the galaxy police's most wanted list). As they were about to head out the door, Mihoshi asked Kiyone a question no one thought she was capable of saying.

"Kiyone?"

"Yes Mihoshi."

"Do you think they will be alright until we reach them?"

Kiyone looked at her partner. She knew that Mihoshi cared for every living being, but this actually had her worried. No, not worried, but scared. Of course it would. Next to Kiyone, Sasami and Ayelei are like sisters to her (big sisters in her state of mind). Kiyone placed a caring hand on Mihoshi's shoulder before answering her question.

"I believe they will be fine until we reach them. That much I am sure of. Come on. Let's get back to the lab. I'm sure everyone is waiting for us."

"Okay."

In the kitchen.

Ayeka was dressed in her Jurian warrior clothes and traditional war markings. She was done packing her items and had just called for her guardians to come inside. She then instructed them to go into Washu's lab and to wait for her. When they left, she sat down in a chair by the stove. She was holding the dress Sasami wore when she cooked. It was a cute pink and white dress with a orange carrot in front of it. Tears formed in her eyes and started to fall again. Aloud, she talked to herself.

"How could I allow this to happen? If I'm the oldest then why couldn't I protect them?"

"It's not your fault or anyone's..."

Ayeka picked her head up see Ryoko standing by the entrance of the kitchen door. She too was dressed in her fighting clothes. Ryoko continued.

"...sometimes things happen that are out of our control. When that happens, we deal with them together. Don't worry. Ayelei will keep her safe until we get there to bring them home."

"I know she will."

They sat in silence for a moment before Ryoko moved by the window to look out. "I never knew why Ayelei liked this spot to sit down. The way I see it, she either wants to keep an eye on the scenery outside or she just wanted to stay close to Sasami."

"Yes, they are rather close aren't they?"

"Yes."

Silence.

"Ryoko...I...just...wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier. I didn't mean it. I'm sorry."

"Don't be. We all said things we...sorta didn't mean."

"I know I'm one of them." said a male voice from around the corner. Tenchi came in with his bag draped over his right shoulder and his sword tied to his side.

Ryoko and Ayeka notice the sword before they noticed anything else about him. Ayeka stood up from her spot in her chair. "Do you think we will need the help of your 'Tenchi'?"

"I hope not. You two know I meant what I said right? I'm sorry for yelling at you like..."

Ryoko held up her hand. "No Tenchi. We should be the one to say sorry to you. We see now that we should work together and leave the petty stuff behind...at least until we come back home with them."

Ayeka nodded her head at Ryoko in agreement as she put Sasami's dress in her bag.

"Good then. Let's go to Washu's lab. Everyone else is already there." Both women followed Tenchi into Washu's lab.

When they entered the lab, they saw that everyone was ready to go. Ryo-Oki was now in her cabbit form and was waiting with the others for Washu to give the orders. Tenchi noticed that Washu had a small handbag with her.

"Is that all you are planning on taking?"

"I have everything I need right here." She said with a grin on her face. It then turned serious. "Okay everyone, I am about to open the portal. I want you all to keep your guard up because we have no idea who or what we may run into. Tenchi, the way I've figured it out is that as long as the gems are attached to your sword, your grandfather's life will continue to progress as it has been these past 700 years. However, if you do for some reasons remove them; do not allow them to stay out for more than a day. He will slowly fade away if you do. Do you understand?"

Tenchi nodded at her. Washu must have figured out that Tenchi was going to take his sword so she quickly ran through the possibilities of worse case scenarios for the former prince of Jurai.

"I also left a note for him and your father when they come over." Washu looked around at everyone to see their facial expressions. She knew they were waiting for her to finish saying what they all thought. "Also Tenchi, I sent a note to your Aunt to let her know we had somewhere of importance to be so she could keep Mayuka a little bit longer."

Everyone let out an air of relief. Thought Mayuka was a cross between Tenchi and a demon, they still loved the little girl. Washu noticed Ayeka put her hand to her heart and smile. So that's where Ayelei gets it from, she thought to herself.

"Since that's done with, are you all ready?"

Everyone nods to her. "Alright then." She typed a few words on her laptop, then, before they knew it, a hole was created in the middle of the room. When you peered into it, the hole seemed to be a small tunnel leading to an opening. It had to be no more than about four feet long. "Go on ahead."

The first person to walk through, or float through rather, was Ryoko with Ryo-Oki on her shoulders, followed by Tenchi, Ayeka and her guardians, Kiyone holding Mihoshi's hand because she started crying about not wanting to go into a big black hole, and finally Washu. Everything was going smooth. Tenchi stepped out into a clearing that seemed to be in the middle of an open field. As a matter of fact, it was a long, thick path.

One by one, everyone got out of the hole without any problems, until it was Washu's turn. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get with the others. Ryoko tried phasing through it, but it didn't work. All of a sudden, the hole and Washu just disappeared. For all they knew, they were stuck in this weird time with who knows what running around, and three people in their family missing.

"Kuso! Now we have to find out what happened to her?" Ryoko hissed as she floated in the air.

Tenchi thought a while before saying anything to anyone. "Listen. I don't know what's happening, but we will find everyone. I believe we have to go at this one problem at a time. I'm getting a strong feeling that this is all related somehow. For now, let's see where this path takes us. It may answer some of our questions." Everyone agreed to his proposal and started walking down the path. Thinking to himself, Please be safe until we find you all.