"So how much longer until we find out if they're going to be okay?" Sailor Moon asked as they all stood inside of the council room.
"Pumyra will inform us as soon as she has the results back." Lion-O answered.
As soon Ryo-Oki was in position over Cat's Lair, she transported everyone inside. They laid everyone on separate beds while WilyKat went to inform Snarf and Pumyra what was going on. As an attempt to put everyone's mind at ease, Lion-O encouraged everyone to come and wait inside the council room until Pumyra had finished with her new patients.
Neptune had recalled during their walk in the forest that Bengali had mentioned that Pumyra and he were expecting a baby. She was about to ask him about it when a shrill came from outside the council room doors. Everyone except the Thundercats took on a ready stance.
"It's okay everyone." Lion-O assured. "It's just…"
"Snarf!!!" The fury creature whined as it made its way to Lion-O's lap. "WilyKat just told me about two strange creatures Mumm-ra just summoned. How is everyone? Are you hurt Lion-O? Who are all of these people? Why didn't you call Lyxn-O at the Tower? What…"
"Snarf please calm down! Everyone is fine; I'm not hurt; they are all friends; Lynx-O is on his way here with Snarfer."
Everyone looked at him as he finished answering the questions with ease as if he was use to it. "Everyone this is Snarf. He was my nursemaid when we were on Thundera."
Ayeka looked at the creature known as Snarf. "A nursemaid you say? Would that be the same equivalent as a nanny?"
"I guess so." Lion-O answered back.
Before Snarf could start another round of questions, the door came open and WilyKat stepped through. "Pumyra said that it was okay for everyone to see them. They are all awake now." He looked over to the Senshi with a questioning look. "Um…something weird happened with Pluto."
They felt their hearts skip a beat. "Something weird like what WilyKat?" Venus asked.
"Well, she was in that outfit you all are wearing now. All of a sudden she glowed this red-ish, purple-ish color and now she has on some kind of dress."
"Oh is that all?" Mercury said through a smile. Every Senshi looked to their leader as they nodded their heads in unison.
"Was it something like this?" Neptune asked as they all glowed their respected colors. Where the warriors stood were now what seemed to be regular looking humans.
"Yeah! It was just like that!" WilyKat agreed.
"So is that how you all dress in your time Sailor Moon?" Panthro asked.
"You can call me Usagi; and yes this is how we dress."
"Why would I call you Usagi?"
"Because it's my civilian name. While I'm a Senshi, I am known as Sailor Moon."
Bengali looked over at the rest of them. "Is it the same way with all of you?"
The tall brunette spoke this time. "Yeah. As a Senshi, I am known as Sailor Jupiter, but as a civilian I am called Makoto; but you can call me Mako for short.
"As a Senshi I am Sailor Venus but in civilian form I am Minako; but you can call me Mina.
"Or V-babe if you want." Makoto said in a low voice. Mina just glared at her because she couldn't stand that nickname after the Sailor V counterpart.
"My name is Ami." The one formally known as Mercury spoke.
"ChibiChibi!"
Lion-O looked at Usagi for a translation. "Chibi Chibi. Sailor Pluto is now known as Setsuna, the dark-haired girl is Hotaru, and the pink-haired one is ChibiUsa."
Tenchi looked over at the girl who was once Mars as she introduced herself. "I am Rei." She was dressed in what appeared to be a priestess robe: a white top, red bottom, white socks, and traditional sandals. I guess she is a priestess after all. He thought.
Panthro looked at who was once Uranus with an aquamarine-haired girl under her right arm. "Haruka."
"And I'm Michiru."
WilyKat stared at Haruka. Tall, male-like attire, and some form of a deep voice. He knew he shouldn't ask, but the curiosity got the best of him. "So Haruka, are you still a girl or are you a g…? OWW! What was that for Panthro?!" The young Thundercat asked as he rubbed the back of his head.
"That was for being so nosy. That's your sister's area of expertise so don't ask such personal questions."
Ryoko, Mina, and Diana were laughing at WilyKat's question to Haruka. Michiru, on the other hand, felt pity for the kid. "It's alright Panthro. I'm sure he didn't mean anything by it." She used her elbow to jab Haruka in the rib to speak up.
"Ow…huh? Oh..yeah, right. It's okay Kat. I'm a not a man, but the attire is quite comfortable to me."
With that, Haruka put her arm around Michiru's back again. Ryoko had stopped laughing long enough to put two-and-two together. "No way! Are you telling me that you two are…"
"You got a problem with that?" Haruka asked as she stood in front of Michiru.
"Haruka calm down!" Michiru said as she took the blonde by the hand.
"Ryoko…" Tenchi started.
"Yeah I know. Don't expect me to apologize though." Haruka glared at Ryoko and she returned the gesture.
"I'm sorry; I didn't get all of your names." Tygra started as an attempt to keep the peace.
"Perhaps we should change into something a bit comfortable also?" Ayeka suggested.
"Whatever." Ryoko said as she phased into her white dress with orange pants legs before everyone.
Tenchi and Ayeka glowed with Jurian power as they changed also. Ayeka donned her usual purple-ish robe she wore around the Masaki house and Tenchi had on his field clothes.
Rei stared at him with curiosity. I wonder why he was staring at me like that. He seems to be some kind of field worker. He wielded that sword earlier as if it were a part of him.
"Okay then. I'm Ryoko and this is Ryo-Oki." She said as the cabbit appeared on her shoulder. "And this…" Ryoko started as she appeared behind Tenchi. "…is my love Tenchi."
"Oh you beast…leave Tenchi alone!" Ayeka shouted as she attempted to drag Tenchi away from Ryoko. While she pulled on his left arm, Ryoko kept a firm grip on his right.
"Come on you two stop it! We're in the company of our host…please stop fighting over me fore five minutes!" With that they complied and let him go.
"Sorry everyone. My name is Tenchi. The pink-haired one is Washu, the one with one ponytail is Ayelei, and the one with two is Sasami."
"I am Princess Ayeka, 1st Princess of Jurai. Sasami is my younger sister. On behalf of…" as Ayeka continued with her formal introduction, Ryoko was behind her mouthing everything she said since she's heard it so many times. WilyKat and Mina were finding it hard not to laugh at her.
"Ryoko!" Ayeka shouted.
"What? I didn't do anything. Does this look like the face of someone who would dare interrupt your royal speech?" Ryoko said with an innocent look on her face.
Kiyone and Tenchi just shook their heads at their display. "Oh, Kiyone? Kiyone?"
"What Mihoshi!"
"Can we change too? Please.
Sighing, Kiyone started, "Mihoshi, we didn't bring any extra clothes, we don't have a ship here, and only Washu can get us home right now."
Mihoshi looked at her with a blank expression. "So…that means?"
"It means we can't change like everyone else Mihoshi!" She yelled slightly at her.
"Yes we can, see." She said as she produced a cube.
"Where did you get that Mihoshi?"
"I got it from my ship before we left. It has some new features on it like changing clothes. Let's try it out!"
"Are you telling me that thing hasn't been tested for…?"
Before she could say anything else, Mihoshi had twisted the cube and they were now standing in nothing but their undergarments. "Mihoshi!" She yelled as she attempted to hide her body from everyone else.
Mihoshi was freaking out because she couldn't figure out how to work it. "I'm sorry Kiyone, I'll figure it out."
Each time Mihoshi twisted it, instead of getting regular clothes on, it would change them into smaller and smaller articles. The last time she twisted it, Kiyone was wearing a black string thong that was held together by two metal loops on each hip and a small black crap-less bra held together by a metal hook in the front between her breasts. Mihoshi's was the same way, except it was a dark blue color.
"Give me that thing!" She yelled as she took it away from her. With one twist, they were wearing the usual clothes they wore around the house. After making the cube disappear, Kiyone's face was so red, she resembled a boiled lobster. Everyone in the room was silent.
Haruka pretended to be shocked but she was smiling on the inside out of fear of what Michiru would do if she caught her. Tenchi was on the verge of a nosebleed and WilyKat could have passed out if Panthro wasn't standing behind him. The only other person who was blushing besides Kiyone was Lion-O.
It took her a while to regain her composure, but after a while she began to speak. "I am Detective First Class Kiyone Makibi. And this…unfortuatley…is my bubble-brained partner Mihoshi."
Mihoshi waved at everyone as if nothing had just happened.
"Meya, Meyow." Ryo-Oki whispered to Diana.
"You could say that again."
Ryoko blinked at the little kitten. "You can understand her Diana?"
"Well yeah. Her accent is strange but 'cat' is something I definitely understand. Can't you?"
"Yeah. I just thought no one else understood her but me."
"Well, shall we go see everyone?" Lion-O suggested. With a nod from everyone, they made their way to the medical unit.
*******
"I can't believe she's making us stay in here." WilyKit huffed with folded arms from her bed in the medical unit.
"Yeah. We're fine now; besides, Pumyra herself said we seemed to have done a full recovery." Kitara agreed with her.
"She just wants to make sure we're fine." Ayelei started. "I don't see any harm in taking precautions. Do you Sasami?"
"No. She seems to be a really nice person."
"That's because she is." Everyone turned their head toward the voice of Cheetara. You could look at her and tell she was still a bit weak, but she was a lot stronger also. "She is one of the sweetest and kindest people I've been honored to call a friend."
"That's nice. It really is great to be able to call someone a friend." Washu added.
Setsuna was listening to what everyone was saying, but she also noticed the body language of ChibiUsa and Hotaru. Hotaru was uncomfortable because this room reminded her of a hospital and ChibiUsa was uncomfortable because Hotaru was tense. "I'm sure that Pumyra will be here soon to clear all of us." The two girls took in her reassuring words and smiled.
A knock on the door came and everyone looked at each other to see who should answer. "Come on in." Cheetara said.
WilyKat was the first to stick his head in the door. "I've brought you all some visitors." Everyone piled into the medial room. Hugs, kisses, and thank-yous were handed out for the reunion.
Mina was standing by Setsuna when Tygra gave Cheetara his hug. Something tingled inside her head as she put on a wicked grin.
"Don't even think about it Mina!" Rei harshly whispered to her.
"What are you talking about?" She tried to ask innocently.
"Don't kid us Mina." Makoto started. "We know that wicked smile anywhere. Whatever your gut or instincts are telling you, ignore them until we get home."
"Okay then, fine." She said as she turned her attention back to Setsuna. "So how do you feel now?"
"A lot better Mina. Thank you for asking."
Ayelei looked at the bond between the Senshi and Thundercats: WilyKit and WilyKat, Cheetara and Kitara, The inners and outers, there was even a bond within her group; Mihoshi and Kiyone, and Sasami and everyone who came into contact with her.
Why can't I have a bond like that with Ryoko again? She thought to herself. Everyone seems so… "OW! What was that for?" She rubbed her left arm as she and Ryoko glared at each other.
"You sent your thoughts to me again! If you can't control your link then don't think so hard! I don't want to feel pity when it ain't mine!"
"At least I have a brain to think hard with!" She retorted back.
"You know you're not as smart as you think you are!"
"Mom thinks that I am."
"If you weren't my sister I'd kick your little…"
"Alright you two! Knock it off right now!" Kiyone shouted. Tenchi was going to do it for Washu but Kiyone stepped in and took over for him.
"She stared it!" Ayelei said pointing a finger at Ryoko.
"Did not!"
"Did too!"
"Did not!"
"Alright already!" Tenchi, Kiyone, Ayeka, and Washu shouted.
WilyKat kept looking from Ayelei to Ryoko to Kiyone. "You know Ayelei, your mom looks mighty young to have daughters your ages." He noted while his eyes were still on Kiyone.
"Sorry kid but I'm not their mother. She is." Kiyone said jerking a thumb at Washu. Everyone stared wide-eyed at Washu while she was laughing on the inside from all of the attention.
"Looks can be deceiving but you all can call me Little Washu." She said with a cute face.
"Speaking of little…" Haruka started as she looked around the room towards the floor. Usagi caught on and started looking around also.
"Did anyone see where ChibiChibi went?" Usagi asked.
"What's a ChibiChibi?" WilyKit asked.
"She's a little girl that came here with us." Usagi replied.
"Well she didn't come in here with you all. I would have seen her since I'm closer to the entrance." Kita replied.
Before Usagi could answer, the door came open and walked in Pumyra with ChibiChibi in her arms eating something sweet. None the less, the crust, filling, icing, and cream from whatever the sweets contained were everywhere, but Pumyra didn't seem to mind. "I do believe she belongs to you all." She said gesturing to the Senshi.
Usagi was about to place her in her arms but decided not to when she saw what a mess she was so she instead held on to her wrist. "Thank you. Where did you find her?"
"I was on my way to the control room when I saw her standing in front of a tray of food. She had already eaten two of the sweets so I let her finish the third one on the way here. I hope you don't mind."
"No not at all. She loves sweets." ChibiChibi was struggling under her hand so she let her go. Soon as she was free, she ran straight into the arms of ChibiUsa. She didn't even get dirty from ChibiChibi though ChibiUsa obviously didn't mind getting dirty from the child.
Tears swelled up in Usagi's eyes that her friends knew all too well. "It's not fair! She likes that pink-haired brat more than she does me!" She said as more tears came down.
"Who are you calling a brat odango atama?"
"Don't call me that!"
"Good grief you two!" Rei yelled. "We are guests here. Stop acting like babies. Look, even ChibiChibi is acting more mature than you two!"
"Chibi mature! Mature!" She laughed as she jumped from ChibiUsa and sat in the bed beside Hotaru. "Cake?"
Hotaru shook her head. "Thanks, but no thank you."
The sugar seemed to be going to her head because soon she began jumping up and down on Hotaru's bed. Hotaru didn't really mind, but she was still weak and the bouncing was starting to make her queasy.
Hotaru felt as if she were going to toss her cookies when ChibiChibi jumped off the bed and started running around the room. No one really knew what to do, so Usagi tried her hardest to catch the toddler. ChibiChibi easily dodged her by running between her legs and when she bent down to catch her, she hit her head on the edge of one of the tables.
"OWWW! That hurts!!!" She cried as she knelt on the floor holding her head. Once again, she was bouncing on Hotaru's bed. This time, Haruka and Makoto stood on both sides of the bed. Hotaru slid back as far as she could and tucked her feet underneath herself. Both launched themselves to catch the child but on her last big bounce, she catapulted herself in the air, causing the two to bump heads.
Mina went to catch her but she tripped over Rei in the process. At the last split second, Setsuna threw her covers back, stood on her bed, and caught the little child. Setsuna was a real mess, but she didn't care. She looked down at the child with maternal lovingness. "Are you alright little one?" ChibiChibi smiled and clapped her hands together, causing more icing to fly into Setsuna's face.
Everyone else was laughing fairly hard. That was the most entertaining thing the Thundercats had seen in a while. Ryoko was mainly laughing at Haruka for her collide with Makoto.
"Alright Pu!" ChibiUsa yelled.
"Great catch Setsuna-mama!" Hotaru added on. She looked to her left and saw that Michiru was examining Haruka's head. "Michiru-mama? Is Haruka-papa going to be okay?"
"I believe so. Your Haruka-papa has a hard head so I wouldn't worry about a lot happening to the brain." Haruka just glared at her.
Ayelei bounded straight up from her bed. "Mamas? Papa? Hey Hotaru, you never said anything about the outers being your parents!"
"Yes I did."
"No you said they cared for you while you were a baby. You never said anything about them being your parents."
"You never asked if they were my parents either did you?"
"Well…" For the first time in a while, Ayelei Hakubi Jurai was stumped.
Ryoko floated on the bed Ayelei was on. What are you doing?
About to have a little fun. "So Haruka?"
Everyone was quiet while Ryoko spoke. As she continued, her eyes stayed on Setsuna. It was as if she were directing the question to Setsuna more than Haruka. "Does this mean she is your girlfriend too?"
"Why you…"
"Haruka calm down!" Michiru warned again.
"Ryoko sit down." Washu's eyes were closed. Her words weren't harsh, but they still held that firmness to it. "Now!" She said a little firmer opening her green eyes to be staring at Ryoko's. I won't say it again. She told her daughter mentally.
Ryoko kept her cool face but did what Washu ordered anyway. Man I hate it when she looks at me like that.
Washu closed her eyes once more and opened them to look at Setsuna still holding onto ChibiChibi. "Gomen [Sorry] Setsuna. She didn't mean anything about it."
"It's quite alright. Many people assume we three are one couple because we raised Hotaru. While I was away, they spent more time with her so it's like I'm a parent part-time and a Senshi full-time." The room was quiet for a while until a knock came at the door again. This time Lynx-O came in followed by Snarfer.
"I sense we have quite a crowd about us. I could also hear you all from the claw a few miles back." He joked.
Kitara shifted for a minute when Lynx-O spoke. Her memory of him was still fresh in her mind from their time together on Thundera. To see him blind was still an adjustment for her.
"Everyone, this is Lynx-O and Snarf's nephew, Snarfer."
Snarfer bounced on his tail to seem taller than he was. "Nice to meet you all."
Something seemed to click inside Pumyra's head. "Oh yeah. I don't see any more reason to keep you all in the medical unit so you may leave here anytime you wish."
"Sweet!" WilyKit said as she jumped out of her bed.
"Music to my ears!" Kitara said as she joined her friend.
Everyone started to move out of bed when Pumyra pointed her finger. "Everyone except you Cheetara. That was a whole lot of Thundranium you were exposed to and I would like to take a few more tests."
Kitara stopped breathing for a moment. Cheetara seemed fine with the idea so she lay back in the bed. It probably wouldn't work, but Kita had to try. "Come on Pumyra let her go. Can't you do it later? Besides, she's got to help us get our guests comfortable until they are ready to leave. Right Cheetara?"
Cheetara raised an eyebrow. Okay kid, what are you up to?
Kid? You've been around Panthro too much.
Don't avoid the question Kitara! What are you planning?
Nothing. I just don't want you cooped up in here by yourself.
Cheetara knew she was hiding something, but she really didn't want to know at the moment. "Right. I was going to help get everyone settled in."
"Okay then fine. But I will have to examine you soon."
"Well since that's taken care of," Snarf started "the guest rooms are already prepared. All you all have to do is decide who is going to share a room and I'll start on making some food."
"I could help." Sasami said looking Panthro into the eyes.
"That's good but I'm not the one to ask about the kitchen. That's Snarf's territory." He said to the Jurian princess.
"Oh." Sasami stood in front of Snarf and bowed low. "Snarf? With your permission may I assist you with the meal preparations?"
"Well I'll be snarf, snarf. You actually want to help out?"
"Sasami is the best cook ever. She makes all of our meals and helps keep everything tidy." Tenchi said in support of Sasami.
"Okay then, she can help. Any other takers?" Snarf asked.
"I could help if you like Snarf." Makoto suggested. "I love to cook."
"Alright then you two. Get settled into your rooms and take a nice hot bath. I'm sure you all would enjoy that after that whole ordeal with Mumm-ra and those two beings."
"We still have to figure out what they are." Michiru stated.
"Yes. They knew about our origin. How is that possible?" Usagi pondered aloud.
"Snarf is right. Everyone should get comfortable first, and then we will meet for dinner and figure out what we'll do next." Tygra said.
Lynx-O, Snarfer, and Bengali started toward the exit. Kitara saw them and quickly intervened by blocking the door. "Are you all going back to the Tower already?"
"Well yes we were. Why do you ask Kitara?" Lynx-O asked.
"Well…you haven't got a chance to know everyone yet, plus you just got here. Why not stay for dinner at least. It's not like I get to see you in person everyday is it?"
Lion-O walked over to Cheetara and asked, "What is she up to?" Cheetara just shrugged her shoulders.
"Well, I don't see a reason why we can't stay a little longer. Do you Lynx-O? Snarfer?" Bengali asked. They both shook their heads no as Kitara put a huge smile on her face.
"Very well Kitara. We will see you shortly." Lynx-O said as he exited followed by Snarfer. She moved to the side to let Bengali pass but he stopped in front of her. He stared at her as if he were trying to look into her eyes to figure out what she was planning.
He didn't have much luck so he just asked. "Alright Kitara. What are you up to?" He asked as he crossed his arms.
"Nothing. Why?"
"Like I believe that."
Pumyra also wanted to know what she was up to but didn't think now was a good time to discuss it. She walked up and intertwined her hand with Bengali's. "Come on Bengali. Let's go with Lyxn-O and Snarfer while everyone gets comfy. Please."
He couldn't say no to her. He leaned forward and kissed her on her cheek. He made a smacking sound with his lips then smiled at Pumyra. "Maybe you should take a dip too. You're covered in sweets." He took one more look at the girl before walking out the door. Pumyra walked pass her and nodded her head meaning 'you're going to tell me everything when I see you.'
"Well, if I'm not mistaken, every room has one bathroom and some extra clothes." Tygra said as he noted that ChibiUsa, Hotaru, Sasami, and Ayelei still had on some form of night clothes.
"Why not just add an onset on the inside." Mihoshi suggested.
"That's not such a bad idea. You guys have an extra room you don't need?" Ryoko asked the Thundercats.
"Ryoko you can't create an onset here." Tenchi said.
"Why can't I?"
"Well…this isn't our home. Plus you can't just go making baths without permission."
"Dear Tenchi, that's why I asked if they had an extra room. I'm sure you're disappointed it won't be used for us, but I'll make it up to you later."
"er..I…I…"
"You devil woman! How dare you assume such…" Ayeka started.
"Now, now princess. I'm sure there is someone out there for you too. Too bad it ain't Tenchi."
"How dare you!"
"Please stop fighting you two!" Sasami nearly cried out. "Please…just for a few moments." She pleaded with them.
"See what you two did! You made Sasami upset! You too should be ashamed of your…"
Don't start Ayelei!
Ayelei peered out of the corner of her right eye to see Washu staring at her. Man I hate it when she looks at me like that. "Sorry."
Tygra scratched the back of his head. "Well regarding your earlier question Ryoko, we do as a matter of fact have a spare room. Why do you ask?"
"Well I was going to create an onset there."
"What's an onset Ryoko?" WilyKat asked.
"It's a big bath house with a nice environment around it."
Panthro looked at Ryoko. "I don't think I built the room big enough for something like that."
"We'll just have to enlarge the room. Or should I say someone will have to." Ryoko said looking toward Washu.
"You can do that Washu?" Mina asked still rubbing her arm from tripping over Rei.
"Yes. I'll just have to open up a subspace and allow Ryoko to create an onset and whatever else she wishes to accessorize it with."
"Subspace? What is that?" Usagi asked. Washu was about to open her mouth when Ami spoke for the first time.
"Usagi subspace is a subset of a topological space, already having the relative topology."
"What?" Usagi asked.
Washu was shocked that another being understood what subspace was without looking in a dictionary. "She said that it is a smaller space within a main area that has been divided or subdivided…" she stopped when everyone stared at her as if she were speaking another language.
This time, Tygra took a deep breathe. "Subspace is a space that is contained within another space. For example, our vehicles are located in a special room. The room itself is contained within this lair so…"
"So the room is within the Lair's subspace!" Usagi finished for him with a smile stretching across her face.
Tenchi looked shocked at Tygra. "You mean you actually understood what they were talking about?"
"Well yes. Kitara here is our historian so she could have explained it better than I could have." Kitara looked to the floor as everyone stared at her. Ayelei just hung her mouth open.
I thought I was the only one who could comprehend such things. I've got to pay close attention to those three. She thought to herself.
"Well now that I have a headache, would you be kind as to show us to our rooms please." Haruka asked Panthro.
"I'd be glad to." He responded as he too rubbed his head.
Once they reached a certain hallway, the groups were decided: The Thundercats already had their assigned rooms on one hall, on an adjacent hall Mina, Makoto, and Ami shared a room; Usagi, Rei, ChibiUsa, ChibiChibi, and Diana shared a room, Hotaru and Setsuna, Michiru and Haruka (of course), Kiyone and Mihoshi, Ayeka and Sasami, Washu, Ryoko, and Ayelei, and finally Tenchi.
"I'm glad you picked a room just for us Tenchi." Ryoko whispered into his ear.
"Hey now! Come of Ryoko!" He pleaded as he attempted to keep Ryoko from groping him (there were children present after all).
"Leave Tenchi alone Ryoko!"
"You can't command me around. What are you going to do little princess? Call your guardians on me?" Ryoko teased.
"Azaka! Kamidake!"
"Yes ma'am!"
"Capture Ryo…"
"Stop it!" Washu shouted, this time growing to her full age. "I will not tolerate any more of this child-ish behavior. We are being treated with kindness as guests and this is how you repay them! I can't tell you two to like each other but I am warning you two not to inflict any physical harm on each other while inside this Lair or there will be hell to pay! Do I make myself clear?"
Silence.
"I SAID DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?!!" She shouted which caused everyone to jump.
"Yes ma'am!" They both shouted in unison.
Washu stood in front of the spare room and produced her computer while converting back to her child form. "It's enough room in there now. Do what you want with it. I'm going to my room." And with that the little scientist went into her room.
Ayelei wanted to go in and check on her, but she knew her mother was pretty pissed so she just walked beside Sasami to her and Ayeka's room. The extra clothes the Thundercats had were fine, but she would feel comfortable with something from her mother's collection.
A knock came to the door and Ayeka said a soft "Come in." Usagi was the one who poked her head in.
"Hi. The onset is ready so you all can go if you wish." Her smile was so sincere they couldn't help but smile back.
"Thank you very much Usagi-san. I will be there shortly."
"Just call me Usagi. See you all soon." And with that she left.
"Doesn't she remind you of Mihoshi a little bit?" Ayelei asked Ayeka and Sasami.
"Well…I suppose just a bit." Sasami admitted.
"She seems a bit more stable in the mind than Mihoshi though." Ayeka said as she left for the onset with her towel in her hand.
A few minutes later as they finished putting on their towels, a knock came to the door. Sasami answered this time. WilyKit, Kitara, ChibiUsa, and Hotaru came in, each wearing a towel around their naked bodies. "So are you two coming?" WilyKit asked.
"Where is your brother?" Ayelei asked out of curiosity.
"He's with Tenchi. Panthro and Tygra told him it would be 'out of character' to bath with a room full of ladies."
ChibiUsa and Hotaru were quiet again. "Setsuna not coming is she?" Ayelei asked. They both shook their heads. "Well, mom isn't coming either. What about Cheetara?"
Kita looked at Kit and exhaled loudly. "She said 'maybe next time'. I bet a nice hot bath would help them relax."
"The only problem is getting them to the onset." WilyKit added. They each put on a wicked smile. "Let's do it!"
*******
"Girls I already said I wasn't going in today." Cheetara said for the fifth time, now getting a bit aggravated.
Kitara didn't want to, but her sister wasn't giving her much of any choice. Making the most pitiful face, she tried to sound as innocent as she could. "I'm sorry Tara. We just wanted you to relax. We understand that you're tired, that was why we wanted this for you today."
"Yeah Cheetara. We just wanted our long-time mother figure to have some quality time to herself with others taking a bath. I don't think that is too much to ask for."
Their words were starting to hit home for Cheetara. For a moment she actually believed she was going to die in Mumm-ra's pyramid. The thought of leaving everyone she loved was too much to bear as tears threatened to fall. The girls were about to comfort her when a knock came to the door. No one knew exactly who should answer so WilyKit went to meet the person.
"Hiya…Kit." Pumyra stopped when she saw them. "Okay what's with the looks?" Everyone was silent because they truly didn't know what to say. "Well I'm on my way to the onset; would you all care to join me?"
"Let me get out of these clothes first." Cheetara quickly got undressed and placed a towel around her. "Shall we ladies?" The team of four made their way to the onset.
*******
"But you're covered in sweets Setsuna-mama!"
"I'm aware of that hime-chan [little princess]."
"You also got it in your hair so you've gotta get it out soon Pu!"
"I am also aware of that Small Lady."
Why are they so intent on getting me to the onset? "I'm fine washing off in here girls."
"Please Pu." ChibiUsa begged as she hugged Setsuna's left hip.
"Please Setsuna-mama." Hotaru did the same with her right.
After looking the girls in the eyes that were on the verge of tears, Setsuna submitted. "Let me find some towels first." At that, both girls tackled her to the floor with hugs.
*******
"I can't believe you're being so persistent Ayelei."
"I can't believe you're being so stubborn. Isn't that the word you used to describe Ryoko anyway mom?"
Washu sat on the edge of the bed and rubbed her temple. "I'm glad you two want what's best for me but I don't want to take a dip in the onset right now."
"Are you still pissed at Ryoko and Ayeka?"
Sasami looked shocked at Ayelei. "You shouldn't say that word."
"I'm not saying it, I'm just quoting mom. She sure says it enough."
Washu couldn't help but crack a smile at them. Those two are just how sisters are supposed to be. "I'm not going in."
"You never answered the question mother."
"Yes I'm still piss…upset at them."
Sasami held Washu's hand and looked at her with soft eyes. "You don't know how the others will react to you changing into a woman do you?"
So sister, you saw right through me. Tell me what I should do now Tsunami?
I cannot decide for you Washu. I'm not familiar with those other beings but I sense they are pure of heart. Please believe me.
Ayelei looked from Washu to Sasami and waited. I sure do hope Tsunami comes through for us. She thought to herself. Without warning, Washu stood up and changed instantly into a towel. "For the record, I know you two coaxed Tsunami into talking me into taking a bath. We will deal with that when we get home; but for now let's just enjoy the bath."
They walked out in time to nearly walk into the other two groups. The three women smiled at each other. "They tricked me." Washu instantly said. "How did they get you two?"
"Guilt and cunning." Cheetara said.
"Force." Setuna said as they hugged her again.
Pumyra stopped in her tracks and held onto the bottom of her stomach. "Pumyra!" WilyKit yelled. Everyone surrounded the puma Thundercat.
"I'm fine. It was just a sharp pain, that's all."
Washu stood back a few inches from the group. Just a sharp pain huh? I hope that's all it was Pumyra. "Well you seem fine now. Do you still wish to take a dip in the onset?" Washu asked her.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world."
Once they stepped into the doors, gasps were heard around. Washu observed the onset. This looks just like the onset at home. Ryoko certainly has improved with her matter configurations.
Ayeka was sitting on the edge with her feet soaking inside the onset. Ami sat a few inches away from her with her feet also in the water, looking around the beautiful scenery. Kiyone was trying to relax but Mihoshi's snoring was keeping her from acquiring her goal. On the opposite side, it was the same situation with Rei and Usagi. Mina and Makoto were attempting to keep ChibiChibi from running around when they noticed the group.
"Well look who's here." Makoto asked gesturing to the new comers.
"Where are Haruka-papa and Michiru-mama?" Hotaru asked the duo.
"I…uh…think they wanted to get comfy in their rooms instead of coming in here with everyone." Mina stumbled out.
Setsuna couldn't help but chuckle at the Senshi of Love. Yes. And the fact that Michiru would end up killing Haruka because she wouldn't be able to control herself in a room full of half-naked females.
"What funny Pu-mama?" ChibiChibi asked Setsuna.
She giggled at the nickname the child had given her. Listening to ChibiUsa and Hotaru all the time, she was bound to pick up on something sooner or later. She was no more than two or three though; hopefully 'Setsuna' won't be that hard for her to pronounce in the future. "Nothing dear."
Ryoko appeared in front of everyone floating on top of the water in her birthday suit.
"What's up?"
"Ryoko do you have any modesty?" Ayeka calmly asked her.
"Yeah…when I'm at the table eating." Ayeka huffed silently to herself and continued looking down at the water.
You know what she meant Ryoko!
What? Look Washu, it's not like I'm hurting anyone. It's a bath anyway. It's natural to be naked in the bath.
She could have continued the mental banter with her daughter, but Washu was too tired to try. She tiptoed into the onset, made herself comfy, and reclined into the warm water while she rested her head on the edge.
"Do you all use these often?" Kitara asked Ayelei
"Besides baths yes. Normally we would take a bath in another part and come into the onset and relax, but mom installs a filter so the water doesn't get dirty when we wash in them."
She took her hair out of its yellow holder and allowed her hair to flow down her back into the water. "It is good to relax in after a hard days work. That's what Tenchi says anyway." Ayeka and Ryoko tensed up for a brief moment at the mention of Tenchi's name. As soon as they did this, Ayelei regretted making the comment.
"What's wrong?" Kitara asked while Ayelei zoned out.
"Nothing. Just enjoying the water. That's all." She closed her eyes while she dipped her head underwater. When she came up, she looked at everyone around her. "So did you all take a bath already?"
"Yes. We tried waiting for you all, but ChibiChibi kept getting cake icing everywhere." Mako laughed.
WilyKit was scrubbing away with her washing utensils and soap. Each time she finished a cycle of scrubbing with soap and rinsing it off, she would smell her arm. Each time she would make a disgusted face. The other three were doing the same thing, but weren't as obvious as WilyKit.
"What's wrong?" Sasami asked as Ayeka tucked her ponytails inside individual caps.
"I still smell like the floor of the pyramid!" WilyKit practically yelled. "It smells like…"
"Kit!" Cheetara warned at her tone.
"Washu is there something you can do about that?" Ayeka asked.
"Let's see." Producing her laptop, she typed away. "Come here for a second Kit please." She swam close enough to Washu to allow her computer to scan her.
"What are you...?" Before WilyKit could finish asking, Washu's computer beeped. Opening up a hole, she stuck her hand through and pulled out two bottles. "Here you go. This should be more than enough for the four of you. Just squeeze a bit into your cloths and lather. It will take that smell away and leave you cleaner than you ever expected."
"Really?"
"Absolutely. You can even wash your hair…er fur…mane? Whatever with it." Washu guaranteed in her scientific tone.
"Thanks a bunch Little Washu!" Washu grinned with joy as Kit called her by what she wanted. Each Thundercat used the bottle Washu gave them with gratitude. To top it all off, not only did it clean them, but it smelled better than anything they ever used before. Pumyra guessed that when Washu scanned WilyKit, she used her genetic makeup to determine a concoction that would suit her species. She would have asked her, but something told her that she wouldn't have understood what she was talking about.
Kita was trying to lather her head with the stuff Washu gave her, but she wasn't getting a lot accomplished.
"Here. Let me help you with that Kita." Cheetara suggested with a motherly tone.
"I can do it myself Cheetara."
"Sure you can. Come here." Kita sat down in front of Cheetara while she lathered the soapy substance. This reminded Kita of when their mother use to wash her mane when they were back on Thundera…back home…
"So is it working Kita?" WilyKit asked, breaking her friend out of her thoughts.
"Huh? Oh, yeah it is. I can really feel it working and it smells great."
Pumyra walked behind WilyKit and made her sit down a few inches beside Kitara. "Let's see what I can do with this beehive you call a style." Pumyra said as she started to lather WilyKit's hair also.
"Pumyra!" WilyKit started. "Why do I have to…?"
"Don't start Kit. You were the first one to complain about 'smelling like the floor of the pyramid'. Besides, it has been a while since you've washed it anyway."
"They all look so natural don't they Ryo-Oki?" Diana asked from the edge of the onset.
"Miya, meow!" Ryo-Oki agreed.
"Diana! Ryo-Oki! Where have you two been?" ChibiUsa asked as Setsuna took her odangos out.
"We've been here the whole while. Ryo-Oki was telling me about the scenery from a cat's eye view. It is really beautiful in here."
"Would you two like to come in also?" Sasami asked. They both shook their heads no and Ryo-Oki said something and Diana translated.
"We're fine. Thank you though."
*A few minutes later*
"Usagi wake up!" Rei yelled at her.
"Huh? Wha…?" Usagi asked while she wiped she sleep from her eyes.
"I said wake up! You've been asleep in here for a long time and everyone is ready to leave!"
"Well…almost everyone." Mina giggled as she directed everyone to Kiyone on the other side of the onset. She apparently was attempting to wake Mihoshi up also but wasn't having much luck.
"Mihoshi wake up! Everyone is ready to go!"
"A few more minutes please." Mihoshi spoke in her sleep. Kiyone flung her hands in the air as if she were about to give up.
"Mind if I take a kick at it?" Ryoko asked.
"Fine with me; just as long as you wake her up."
With approval, Ryoko floated behind Mihoshi and gave her a swift kick in the back of the head. "Get up Mihoshi. We ain't got all day!"
"Huh? Wha…?"
"Does she do that often?" Kitara asked Ayelei.
Rising up from the water, she shrugged her shoulders. "You mean Mihoshi or Ryoko?" It took Kita a second to catch on, but she assumed she meant that their behavior was an everyday thing.
"Come on Makoto! Let's go help Snarf!" Sasami said as the lead the tall brunette toward the exit.
"Okay. We're going to our rooms to get changed then we're going to the kitchen." Makoto yelled to the others as she went out the door.
"Sasami? There is a bag on the bed with your cooking clothes in it." Ayeka yelled.
"Okay. Thanks Ayeka."
"Well since everyone is awake, we should also go prepare for dinner also." Setsuna suggested.
Everyone put a dry towel on their bodies and made their way out the door. Everyone was going inside their designated rooms when Kitara and Rei stopped in the middle of the hall and turned around.
You sense it too? Rei looked around to make sure she wasn't hearing things. It's me Kitara. I didn't want to alarm everyone so I'm talking to you through my mind. You can talk also.
Yeah I sense it. It's as if something evil is watching us.
I believe Mumm-ra is. The feeling is slowly started to disappear so I'm guessing he's not paying attention to us right now. What do you think we should do?
There is nothing we can do until we find out what those other two are. The feeling is gone now. We'll talk about it later.
"What's the matter with you two?" Usagi asked.
"Nothing." They spoke in unison. Without saying anything else, they each went into their assigned rooms.
*******
"So they can sense when you're watching them Mumm-ra." Ti'ria stated as the image in the cauldron went away. "It appears it will be more to deal with than anticipated."
"We can find their weaknesses when they drift off to sleep." Ti'shina suggested.
"I have tested the Thundercats during their slumber. Your plan will not work." Mumm-ra said.
"You did not succeed with your plan either did you?" Ti'shina retorted back.
"You dare mock Mumm-ra, the Ever-Living?"
"You dare to raise your voice to the heir of a goddess sorcerer?" Ti'ria demaned drawing her staff.
"Ungrateful wrenches! I brought you back to this world and this is how you repay me! Then meet my wrath!" Mumm-ra began shooting his beams at them, but Ti'ria used her staff to deflect the blasts back at Mumm-ra.
"Fool! You forget it was the Ancient Spirits that granted us these powers! Our powers are far greater than yours, and we will obtain our goal!" She pointed her staff at Mumm-ra and fired a purple/black energy signature at him, striking him in the middle of his chest. This caused the mummy to drop to his knees.
Ti'shina approached him as her entire eye went black. "Someone who is disgusted at his own reflection does not send fear us." She said in her eerie voice. She quickly invaded Mumm-ra's head and found his weakness. Mumm-ra saw reflections of his mummified body all around him. He shrieked at the horror of his form and retreated to his coffin while screeching inside.
"How long will he yell like that Ti'shina?"
"Until I drop my lock over him…or he drives himself crazy." Ma-Mutt was barking at them while standing in front of the coffin as if he were trying to protect his master. "What should we do with that creature he considers a dog?"
"Leave him…for now. We have other business to attend to." On her last word, both entities disappeared in a cloud of black smoke.