The Reunion

The cyan haired woman's chest lifted and fell, like an art form, a little snore emanating from the small opening of her lips. The worn and wrinkled face of the Shinto priest stole a glance at her over his shoulder, a smirk forming across his lips. Summer had officially ended two weeks ago, yet the Masaki household was becoming impatient and anxiety-driven searching for their lost comrade and roommate. Aside from the others, Tenchi refused to sleep in the night, instead, habitually he wandered through the compound through the woods calling out for her or sketch one piece after another lethargically until the sun came up. His aloof behavior eventually affronted Sasami discouraging her to cook any meal after a series of tardiness and half-finished meals. The old shrine keeper kept optimistic, still, the family was on the brink for another falling out. She would find her way back home; he would always say to them every evening; and like clockwork, he was always greeted with scoffs, gripes, and slamming of doors.

Two nights ago, after watching Tenchi retreating from the trail shouting to the heavens over his lost dear friend and from guilt, from the shadows. Lord Katsuhito continued his grandson's trek on the lone trail. He clicked his flashlight off and let the moonlight guide him, it was another half a mile until a whimper drawn him. Lord Katsuhito pulled off the trail and through the bush with no hesitation. He stopped near a tall cedar tree with a smile.

Lo and behold laying transversely at the base of it was the infamous space pirate. He hunched over and stilled himself for a moment resting his middle and index digits on her neck until he felt a pulse. "Ryoko?" He questioned softly a little emotion in his words. He took in her unique look, the style of braids overwhelmed him. They were unique to one particular tribe. "Some trip you had, hm? Please tell me about it when you are stronger." Ryoko's head lolled as if to answer, the pirate was semi-conscious. He propped her up against the tree and peered around the area. The mask of a tired, worn face, with wrinkles that bored into his tan skin, changed to that of a handsome man in his late twenties with long dark hair. He turned his body against her and pulled her arms over his broad and muscular shoulders.

"Yosho." Ryoko softly murmured strengthening her hold around him.

"Welcome home, rest now." He adjusted her, so she sat higher on his back.

The autumn evening was pleasing although a chill was beginning to fill the room, he rose slowly and pick up his comforter that was neatly folded in the corner. The thick blue comforter was his favorite for it was soft and gave him peace, it was a Christmas gift from Achika when he spent his late evenings at the shrine, she worried that in his old age he was more susceptible to the cold…only if she knew the real truth. Ryoko exhaled as the warmth enveloped her and turned away to succumbed to the call of sleep once more.

Returning to his desk, he pulled out the wooden drawer and picked out a crystal. Rolling it around in his withered fingers; "Thank you for bringing her home."

He hit the ground running, his heart beating fast and strong. The phone call was enough to make him and the rest of the household occupants ecstatic. The females were on the verge of placing on their shoes when the raven-haired brown-eyed boy wedge himself between them and the door.

"Maybe, it is best not to crowd her. Give her some time, you know?" Tenchi scratched the back of his head. Kiyone straightens up and quirked her brow at him.

"Maybe you should go then, Tenchi."

"I could not impose…I mean after all that has happened…" Tenchi looks away peering down shamefully. The girl's exchange looks eventually grinning at one another. Ayeka shuffled in her spot looking disapprovingly at the group.

"Very well then, Lord Tenchi. You go while the rest of us prepare a hearty meal for her." Ayeka suggested assertively. "I am sure she is starving. Do not be long."

"Oh right, thank you all of you! I'll be back in a moment." He darted out the foyer before any of them can send their good wishes for the pirate.

Reaching the crown of the shrine steps, Tenchi hunched over resting his hands on his knees. Dammit. He could not resist, he needed to see her even if it meant his lungs were on fire.

"Grandpa!" Tenchi rushed over and bowed.

"Good morning, Tenchi." Lord Katsuhito looked the young boy over.

"I came as quickly as I could!" Tenchi now blew heavily through his teeth, trying to steady his breathing.

"Is that so?" Lord Katsuhito remained still keeping a watchful eye on the boy. Tenchi straightened up and locked eyes with the elder, before looking to the entryway of the room.

"What is it? Is Ryoko here, Grandpa?" The old man nodded and raised his hand towards the door.

"Go on. She must be starving now."

"Thanks, Grandpa."

Ryoko laid still, her fingers gripped the pillow beneath her cheek. Beneath her lids, her golden orbs roam rapidly. She found herself back on the ship. Ryoko stood before the wide window watching the snowy planet approach. How quick a love can turn to pure animosity? Her eyes focused on the reflection of the man behind her sitting in the chair. She turned around her eyes locking with his, she stepped forward, then another step until she could rest on her knees and touch his chest. Her hand laid over his heart, and his eyes had lost their vibrancy. What looked back at her was grayish orbs, a heartless gaze. Ryoko laid her head over his heart and snaked her arms around him. He did not move for a moment, and she hoped he would do something or say something. Anything to comfort her. The ship jolted and the power went completely out.

"P-Please, hold me," Ryoko begged burying her face into his chest. If she is going to die, she wanted to in his embrace. She felt his hands on her back, then completely engulfed her in his embrace.

"Ryoko!" Tenchi rocked her gently then more vigorously. He was afraid she could have passed out. "No, Ryoko! Please wake up!" Tenchi hunched over her body, placing his ear near to face. He can hear her mumbling and return to rousing her once more.

"This better be good for you to wake me up!" She precisely grabbed the front of his shirt without opening her eyes. Tenchi gulped with his hands sprawled. Opening one golden orb, she glares at him and quickly let go and drew the blanket over her head.

"Ugh, Good morning…Ryoko. Ugh…I—Go away!" Ryoko roared at him from underneath the covers.

"Ryoko, now I-I understand there's a lot to be said," Tenchi pleaded placing a hand to what he hoped was her arm. "...but Sasami is cooking a big meal for you. And you don't want to disappoint her now, right? Ryoko?" Tenchi brought his head down a bit, hearing a low growl from the woman.

"Fine."

The two bowed to the shrines elder then turned to descend the stairs, both careful to not brush against the other. Tenchi stuffed his hands into the pocket of his blue kimono feeling a chill, or was it the tension in the air? He observes her from his peripheral. She was oddly quiet, but he was happy to have her home.

Ryoko yellow orbs chased the orange and red leaves as they dance in front of them showering the dull steps below. She exhaled noisily wrapping her arms around herself raising her head to look to the indigo sky;coming to a halt.

"Ryoko…" Tenchi stopped a few steps down and turn to her then mirroring her actions. "Yeah, it is the first day of having actual autumn weather." Tenchi connected with the facets of the season. He booted at a pile of leaves nearby, "Guess I will be taking care of this tomorrow."

"Some things never change." He muttered under his breath. Ryoko brought her focus back to the boy, his little idiom did not go unnoticed.

"Yeah, but you have." Ryoko gave him a knowing look passing by. Tenchi arched a dark brow frozen in his spot.

What the hell was that supposed to mean?

He whirled around watching her pivot at the second landing overlooking the residence. Tenchi eventually caught up to her, fighting internally on what to say.

"Don't try to wrap your mind around it. It's in the past." She shrugged.

"How can you say such a thing, when I do not understand what you are talking about." Tenchi seized her arm then grip her shoulder with the other. "What do you mean? What are you talking about, Ryoko?" He pleaded.

Ryoko gazes at him his touch triggering a series of emotions, her heart beating against the walls of her chest. The flashes of that night struck her. That kiss! Her preoccupied look faltered turning into a look of agony and rage; she pushed him away continuing her descend to the landing. "It's nothing."

Tenchi lagged as they drew near to the residence. Ryoko felt a lump in her throat, her stomach in knots. Mihoshi was the first to open the door and rush out to her with open arms.

"Hey, Mihoshi." Ryoko held the woman weakly.

"Welcome home!" Mihoshi squeezed her and linked her arm around Ryoko's bring her to the entryway. The pirate kept her eyes downcast after looking to the teal haired woman standing at the threshold.

"Well, well." Kiyone unclasped her arms, she eyed Ryoko from head to toe. She was worried about the welfare of her companion after they were framed by an unknown informer. "How are you?"

"I'm well." Ryoko narrowed her eyes at the woman, she could tell she was brimming with questions. Ryoko hoped her short answer was convincing enough, at Kiyone's approval she stepped to the side allowing the pirate in.

Inside, the aroma of food mixed with the organic scent of just being home was gratifying. Mihoshi hurried passed the trio into the kitchen. Outside they heard a collective squeal of excitement. Ryoko immediately became uncomfortable, she wanted to teleport away until she was good and ready to reunite with her family. The first one out was Ayeka, she assumed her usual pose, welcoming her back from afar. Her next comment was cut off by the loud cry of the petite princess. Sasami's flushed face damped with tears was now buried into her black dress.

"Oh, I have missed you so! Where did you go, Ryoko?!" Sasami sobbed. Ryoko clenched her eyes shut, she thought that running away for a bit would be beneficial for her—but what she neglected to understand her absence would hurt the young princess.

Stupid Ryoko! She bit down on her bottom lip, kneeling before the child she ran up hands up and down Sasami's arms. "I am here now; I am not going anywhere. I promise!" Sasami wrapped her arms tightly around her.

"Are you hungry?" Sasami asks placing her hands on either side of Ryoko's face. At her nod, the child perked up, "Great, I have made a big meal!"

The loving interaction cuts the tension in the room. It was apparent that Ryoko's return brought back the merriment they have been missing for weeks. Nobuyuki beamed and open his arms wide for the pirate. Ryoko smirked and walked into his embrace, he held her tight. Mihoshi and Kiyone grinned at one another, Ayeka glanced at Tenchi, who looked on at the doting interaction his father was having with Ryoko. The princess returned to the kitchen.

Tenchi caught the tail end of the conversation before him, "Must tell us about your adventures out in space."

"About that." Ryoko scratched the back of her head. "I have already forgotten most of what happened."

"I have made your favorite, beef soup! So eat up, Ryoko!" Sasami took her seat beside her hushed older sister.

"Thanks, Sasami, boy did I miss this!" Ryoko feigned the excitement, bowl after bowl, she fought queasiness she was feeling. The realization hit, as she looked around the table noticing the absence of a particular pinked hair woman. Must be busy with a new project.

Once the meal was over, Ryoko made her way to the door under the steps. Pushing the door did not budge, Ryoko arched a brow.

"Miss Washu only made one appearance all this summer." Ryoko looked over her shoulder to the lavender haired woman. "It is unfortunate she could not come out to greet you. Well, I mean you did leave her abruptly. No contact for weeks…"

"Thank you." Ryoko cut across. "Thank you, for the…useless information." The two glared at each other.

"Is everything alright?" Tenchi approached, Ayeka stole the moment to head into the kitchen.

"No, I am feeling a little smothered." Ryoko turned and headed to her room.

Three days past.

A week past.

Two weeks in and Ryoko peered over her shoulder at the petite pink door beneath the stairs. She had been trying to connect with her mother all day and throughout the night. No luck. Ryoko picked up the glass of water finishing it off and grabbing the pitcher to refill. Tenchi arched a brow, Ryoko singlehandedly emptied a whole pitcher of water.

"Save some for the fish."He chuckled. Ryoko's eyes darted from the cup to Tenchi, it dawned on her what he meant.

"Guess, I am thirsty." Ryoko started to experience a cottonmouth sensation in the last couple of days. "Excuse me, I am going to head to my room."

"Are you alright there, Ryoko?" Nobuyuki slumped his newspaper, concern etched across his face. Ryoko nods and reassured the family she was fine and not to worry. Climbing up the wooden stairwell to her room, she felt all eyes were on her.

With the absence of her mother, Ryoko had to deal with reoccurring headaches, she attempted to drink sake, but immediately felt repulsed by it. Ryoko phased into her pastel-colored nightgown and flopped down on her futon.

It was only supposed to be a nap, but the pirate was asleep for five hours. Tenchi returned from doing chores and was notified to wake the pirate for dinner. He rapped the door a few times but no answer. Tenchi shrug at Ayeka, who urged him to return to the table, griping about old habits.

A ticklish sensation on her nose became irksome, the feathery touch became frequent. Letting out an aggravated growl, she lunged forward locking eyes with emerald green orbs.

"Hello, Sleeping Beauty," Washu spoke attempting to plant a kiss to her daughter's lips.

"What the-Hey!" Ryoko shoved her away. "Where have you been?"

"Around." Washu sat beside her, looking to her shady. "I was going to ask you the same, but I wanted you to at least think about me for once."

"Of course, tic for tac. It's all making sense now. Listen, mom, it was not intentional. Things have happened I got caught up. So what?"

"So I have seen…and felt." Ryoko arched a brow at her petite mother. "Oh, I know. My sweet little oni is now a woman." Washu cupped the side of her daughter's face.

Ryoko furrowed her brow, and shoved her mother's hand away, "What the hell is that supposed to mean? I am a woman, always been a woman!"

Washu sent her a knowing look. "Mother knows things. You will know in time."

"Why are you speaking in riddles?" Ryoko was growing annoyed.

"I may have been absent, but I have been monitoring your physiological information since you arrived on earth—just needed two weeks to achieve valid data…confirming my suspicions."

"Suspicions such as?" Ryoko side eye the woman, Washu chuckled and patted the crown of her cyan haired child and phased away.

"Oh, come on!" She shrieked and flopped back down the pillow.