Disclaimer: I DO NOT own Tenchi Muyo or any Tenchi related series and plots. All I own that deals with Tenchi Muyo are a few lovely mangas, some Ryoko pics, and this fanfic which is the result of my imagination. I am not making any money from this. I do this only to entertain. I also do this for those of the Ryoko+Hotsuma legion.
A/N: Okay so I folded and decided to complete this after all. Thanks to the fact I can't focus in Alg II to save my life I decided to use those 90 minutes each weekday to work on this. (Also thanks to the threats and the fact someone called me mean.) Hey I just can't let you guys down now can I?
Chapter Three: The Adventure Begins
Suzuka stood at the large window that touched from the floor to the ceiling, looking out at the stars and the darkness of space. As she stood, she felt the presents of her minions behind her. She ignored it and returned to the sense of sweet timelessness and the acute awareness of being free of a moment, like in a nonexistent dream. Suzuka reached out her hand to touch the cold window.
Suzuka looked at her chalk white hand, she stared at barely recognizing it as her own. It almost frightened her that she couldn't recognize herself in the insignificant reflection of herself in the window.
No. No. I'm losing my grip again. Suzuka thought to herself as her breathing became labored. She had managed to avoid the Heaven's Tear prophecy by embracing the cold and darkness, but time to time she could not maintain her control of the Tear's power and she would begin to lose herself. Lose her cold and silent composure making her remember who she once was before.
The presence behind Suzuka continued to wait. She could feel the waiting, their patients. She held still listening for some sort of movement on the other's part. Suzuka looked away from the window forgetting about her hand. She said turning to the hooded woman knelt behind her.
My mistress. Manora said from beneath her hood. We have seized Ryoko's offspring as you have commanded.
You've done well. Suzuka walked to the edge of her platform. Come with me Manora. She said floating down the stairs. Manora nodded her head and followed behind.
All of Suzuka's minions knew never to disturb the silence Suzuka held so sacred. Manora ached to question Suzuka but that too wasnt tolerated. You wish to ask me something, Manora? Suzuka asked.
Mistress what do you intend to do with Ryoko's children? Manora asked as they came into a large room.
Suzuka smiled as they came before four men watching over Akira and Yosho. My you two look remarkably like your mother. Suzuka said bending down towards the twins. You two are going to stay here for awhile. She said sweetly as she stood once again. You, Menos. She said looking at a large muscular man. You are from now on responsible for the welfare of these two. Beltis you will supervise. She said walking away with Manora following behind.
Akira and Yosho watched as the two women left them alone in the large room with the large man and the glowing floating ball.
Akira, where's momma and daddy? Yosho asked his sister via his link with Akira. Yosho had always searched his sisters for the few questions he couldn't answer himself. Yosho was very much like his mother, he was smart but he preferred to have fun and feed his curious nature with explorations.
I don't know. We've never been here before. Akira was the same with her curiosity and usually followed her brother into his investigations. But she was more intelligent and enjoyed learning new things, that was why she enjoyed being around her grandmother so much.
Ooh that man's very big! Akira said looking at Menos.
Much bigger than daddy. But not as strong. Yosho said.
Nope, momma and daddy are much stronger. But that chalk lady scares me. Akira said.
Menos growled as he looked down at the oni looking up at him. The twins slowly sized up the man. It's going to be fun breaking him down. Yosho said looking towards his sister.
Yeah we can practice our powers out on him. Akira agreed. Then we can play with that floating ball.
Manora followed behind Suzuka as they headed down the dark corridor. My mistress you haven't answered my question. Manora said trying her hardest not to sound disrespectful.
Suzuka cast a sideways glance at Manora smirking at her daring yet despising the sign of audacity. What was your question? Suzuka asked pretending not to have cared.
What will you do with Ryoko's children? Manora asked once more.
After they have served their purpose of luring Ryoko to me I shall kill them. Suzuka said with her eyes closed.
Although Manora had her hood over her face it was easy to tell she was shocked. But why? Manora asked.
Are you questioning me Manora? Suzuka asked.
No my mistress. Manora said dropping the surprise in her voice.
Suzuka smiled. Ryoko must suffer. When she realize she is the cause of her family's death she will break apart. Suzuka said. Manora you have your orders for your mission. Your are my most reliable subordinate, please do not fail me. Suzuka said.
Manora bowed quickly yet respectably, Yes my mistress. Manora said walking away from Suzuka.
Suzuka was grateful Manora had left. Left her alone to feel the sharp pain of dull loneliness, the harsh stillness of silence, and the keen chill of cold.
Manora headed towards the landing bay where her ship waited. Is everyone ready? She asked the team of shadowed minions who awaited her. They all nodded together. Good. It's time we separated Ryoko from her big happy family.
**Back at the Masaki house**
How are we going to find the twins? We don't have a single clue where to find them. Tenchi said.
We'll we can tell you where they aren't Ryoko said.
They aren't in this solar system any longer. Hotsuma said frustrated with the absence of his children.
How do you know? Sasami asked.
Ryoko and Hotsuma are linked to Akira and Yosho as I am linked to Ryoko and Ryo-ohki. Washu said typing on her laptop.
So you are connected to them as well? Katsuhito asked. Washu nodded her head.
Why are we all seating here we should be forming a plan to save Yosho and Akira. Kiyone said her Galaxy Police training kicking in.
If Suzuka doesn't want to be found then we won't be able to find her. Ryoko said her tired golden eyes staring at the center of the table. All we can do is go out into space and search for them. Ryoko said.
So what do you propose? Ayeka asked.
We all do what is within our power to find them. Washu said.
Yugi looked at Washu realizing the magenta haired woman would do anything for her grandchildren as she would do anything for her daughter. Most likely Washu had already formed a plan, search parties, and everything else. Washu, do you have anything? Yugi asked.
Yes, at Ryoko's request for another ship for her work I've managed to complete it last night. Now we have that, the Yugami, the Yubori, and Ryo-ohki. We can all spread out and start looking. Washu said. I've even created a device that will alert everyone who isn't linked to the twins when they are close to them. Washu smiled proudly. All I have to do is duplicate it for the rest of you.
Yes, Mihoshi and I can alert Galaxy Police, and use our resources there to help out. Kiyone said.
If I could use the new ship you have built then I could go to Jurai and get help. Mother and father would be more than willing to help their favorite privateer. Ayeka said.
I'll go with Ayeka. Tenchi said.
And I'll go with Tenchi. Noboyuki said edger to visit Jurai.
Good. Yugi, Sasami, Ryo-ohki and I can go out to search for the twins. Washu said.
Sasami became excited. We can use what we learned in space pirate training Yugi. Sasami then quickly realized that not everyone knew about their escapades in space.
What was that! Ayeka shouted glaring daggers at Ryoko who was pretending she had just heard at Sasami's and Yugi's training for the first time.
Sasami you told us you two were babysitting. Tenchi said.
Does this mean we have to arrest Sasami and Yugi? Mihoshi asked Kiyone.
Ryoko how dare you teach a princess of Jurai piracy! Ayeka demanded.
They haven't stolen anything. Ryoko said. Ryoko added winking at the two girls.
Ayeka was about to chide Ryoko for her obstructive influence on Sasami when Katsuhito stood.
So then Ryoko, Hotsuma, and I will take the Yubori and search for the twins. He said.
Then we have ourselves a plan. Tenchi said.
Yes, but give me a second to connect a portal door to the ships. Ryoko, Ryo-ohki come with me. Washu said heading them into the lab.
Ryoko and Ryo-ohki stood side by side watching Washu walked back and forth from one object to another in her lab. Ryoko, I must admit I admire your self-control...now where did I put that ow! Washu shouted as she banged her knee against a desk. If I were you I'd be running amok trying to find my children. Washu said.
If it weren't for Kagato sealing you in a stasis crystal you would have. Ryoko said.
Washu looked up at Ryoko with tender eyes. I'm sorry I couldn't save you then my little Ryoko. I would have gladly taken your place if I could have. Washu said in a motherly tone.
You haven't been able to find a trace to Suzuka's have you? Ryoko asked her voice tinted with sorrow.
I'm sorry Ryoko; I've been searching all night since the twins were taken. You've made a dangerous enemy out of her. Washu said returning to her daughters with a large metal box in her hand.
s that for? Ryoko asked.
This is for you. The bounty on your head may be up but that won't stop people from killing you if they desire it. Washu said handing Ryoko the case. I can install a portal door to Ryo-ohki while we're in space. But we can only be within a certain distance of each other for the doors to work Washu said leading them out of the lab.
Ryoko stopped Washu and held her tightly in her arms. Thanks mom. She said. She released Washu then walked out the door.
***
Everyone stood outside the Masaki house saying their farewells.
Okay guys those are my children out there somewhere, please bring them back home for me. Ryoko said.
Well make you proud of us Ryoko. Sasami and Yugi said together.
And if you two get your faces on wanted posters you get your own ships. Ryoko said hugging but Yugi and Sasami. Mom Ryo-ohki you take care of them. If something happens to Sasami we're going to be eating out for a long time. Ryoko joked.
Don't worry Little Ryoko. Washu said.
Ayeka hugged Sasami and Katsuhito good-bye. You two be careful. Ayeka said.
Don't worry Ayeka Ryoko and Hotsuma are the best teachers. Sasami said.
That's not what I meant! Ayeka shouted causing everyone to sweat. I mean I want you to be careful while you're up in space, we have no idea what this Suzuka person is capable of. Ayeka said with concern in her voice.
With one last farewell Ayeka, Tenchi, and Noboyuki disappeared in the ship then took off.
Ryoko we promise we'll do all we can to find Akira and Yosho. Kiyone said.
I can't believe I'm saying this to a galaxy police officer but I'll make an exception good luck. Hotsuma said.
Once a pirate always a pirate. Ryoko smiled. Good luck Kiyone. Ryoko said looking towards Mihoshi.
Thanks Ryoko. We'll contact you if we retrieve any information. Kiyone said.
Mihoshi ran over to Hotsuma and Ryoko and bear hugged them. Oh I'm going to miss you so much. Mihoshi said before Kiyone pried her away. Please don't pirate anything we don't want to have to put you in jail. Mihoshi called as Kiyone pushed her into the ship.
Ryoko chuckled under her breath. Us, in prison. Can you imagine it? They waved up at the ship as its image got smaller and smaller until they could no longer see it.
Ryoko looked back at Katsuhito and Hotsuma. Ready boys? She asked.
Hotsuma bowed. Ready princess.
Oh don't go starting that again! She shouted walking onto the ship.
Are we going to annoy her the entire mission? Katsuhito asked Hotsuma following Ryoko aboard.
You must admit she's cute when she's angry. Hotsuma said pushing up his glasses. Moments later the Yubori ascended into the sky leaving behind the two houses and shrine.
End chapter three