Disclaimer: Kay … just reminding everyone that the characters in this story still aren't mine!! *waves sign* AIC and Pioneer own them. *mumbles* Unfortunately … *sticks out tongue* So ya can't yell at me for stealing 'em!!

Chapter 2: The Trouble with Wondering

"Where's Ryo-ohki?" the question came again. "Well … ya see," Ryoko began, fidgeting anxiously under the group's inquisitive stares, "that's kinda the problem." She sidestepped slightly, revealing a small girl clinging tightly to both her and Washu.

The child in question appeared to be about three years of age and her features resembled the two women that she was currently attached to. She had short, shoulder-length, red-brown hair with a streak of cyan on each side of her head. Her big, golden eyes were rounded and human-like and she had Washu's button nose. As she smiled brightly at the assembled house- members they caught sight of elongated fangs, not as prominent and Ryoko's, but still noticeable.

Numerous jaws dropped to the ground with an almost audible clang. Confused and frightened by the strange looks she was receiving from her family, the now little girl whimpered reflexively and buried herself further into her sister's leg. Ryoko was bigger than Mommy-Washu and therefore much better to hide behind. Within seconds the deafening avalanche of questions began.

"Augh!" Washu screamed, frustrated, "Can you all just SHUT UP for one minute and listen!?" The overwhelming noise was swiftly replaced with silence and Ryo-ohki risked a tentative peek from her hiding place. Ryoko patted her on the head comfortingly, and shifted her gaze to the fuming woman next to her. "Thank you," the redhead sighed, "now if you'll all just come inside and sit down, like civilized people, I'll try to explain this situation to the best of my knowledge."

As the rather miffed ensemble shuffled into the living room, taking various couch positions, the ex-space pirate scooped her sister into her arms and dutifully followed. The cyan haired woman disappointedly gave up on her mission to seat herself as far away from her so-called mother as possible after many meowed objections from her formally furry companion. With a sigh she plopped herself down next to the petite scientist allowing Ryo-ohki to curl herself up contentedly in the small space between them.

Washu cleared her throat and began her highly technical explanation of a not so highly technical situation. Dismissing the scientific terms, Ryoko mentally summed up the speech, 'Ryo-ohki got separated from Ryoko -blah blah blah- played with one of my machines -blah blah blah- and spilt some chemicals onto herself, blah blah blah. I haven't got the slightest clue what happened then, blah blah blah. I'm actually quite hungry -blah blah blah- supercalifragelousexpialidocious -blah blah blah- …'

The demoness fought to keep the oncoming smirk off of her face as the others assembled quickly accepted the 'explanation.' They had absolutely no idea what Washu was talking about, but there were more than enough big words to assume that the situation was under control. It was all easily dismissed as yet another Masaki family moment.

"Well," Washu exclaimed brightly, as if nothing had happened, "I don't know about the rest of you, but I am starving!" There was a general murmur of consent and the group began to file into the kitchen, each giving Ryo-ohki an appreciative comment on their way.

"The new look suits you, Ryo-ohki. You look … um … very pretty."

"You make quite the lovely young lady!"

"Wow! You're so cute! When did you get here? You know, you're just about Ryo-ohki's age! You two could be friends!"

"Mihoshi! *sigh* You look absolutely adorable, by the way Ryo-ohki."

Ryo-ohki happily lapped up the attention, huge smile plastered onto her face and eyes bright with excitement. Sasami who was the last to pass by, quickly scooped Ryo-ohki into a hug, brightly complimenting the changes. The little princess beckoned her friend toward the kitchen. With a final wide grin for her sister Ryo-ohki gladly complied, leaving the two Hakubi women alone with their thoughts.

"So," Washu sighed, "What are we going to do now, Ryoko?" The former-pirate stood up and contemplated the question before replying, "I would suggest eating some breakfast." She turned to her mother, hand outstretched, "Would you like and express ticket?" Washu smiled, taking the offer, and the pair disappeared, ready for whatever was to come their way next.



Tailz: Sorry that this took so long … *looks sheepish* … kinda had some delays!! First my computer wasn't hooked up, parents are redoing the basement. Then by the time it was back up my muse decided to go all negligent on me … *pouts* The nerve!!

Zero: Hey … what d'ya expect!? *sticks out tongue* I got bored … sue me!!

Tailz: *looks up* Said negligent muse …

Zero: Ah … shaddup!! *smirk* I didn't see you getting any brilliant ideas!!

Tailz: *snort*Might be cause that's your job … *ignores Zero* Well, anyhoo … thanks tons to the people who reviewed!! I love you!!