The Return of Kagato (chapter 7)
"What do you want to talk about Washu?" It took Tenchi a moment to adjust to looking up to see Washu.
"It's about Ryoko."
(Thank goodness it's not about me.) As much as Tenchi cared for Ryoko, he was still relieved that Washu didn't want to experiment on him. Tenchi tried not to let his relief show as he asked. "What about Ryoko?"
"She should not have been able to summon the lighthawk wings. She needs all three gems to do it. My tests are coming up with nothing. What happened exactly? Ryoko told me, but I don't think it was accurate." Tenchi told her what happened. "I see. The summoning is based on a dire need."
"But there wasn't any dire need, Washu. What do you mean?" Tenchi asked confusedly.{author's note: Is this a real word?}
"You haven't known Ryoko nearly as long as I have. There were two needs. One: The need to win. Ryoko would never go down without a fight, and after losing to you, she absolutely needed to win. Two: You were watching. She needed to prove herself to you." As Tenchi attempted to say something to this, Washu cut him off by answering his question. "Yes, she feels that she must prove herself to you. Trust me, I know."
"But if she can't summon the wings without all three gems, then what happened?" Tenchi still didn't understand.
"The need was so great that she used all of her power to summon and maintain the wings. The gems are supposed to power them, not her on her own. She used all of her energy, that's why she fainted. If she does that too much, it may lead to major problems. She would never admit that she was hurt even if she was dying, but I know. Give her back the gems. We need everyone who can to be able to fight."
Tenchi thought about it a few moments before agreeing. "Is that all you wanted to say?" (Please. Please. Please. Have it be all.)
"Actually, you've been training so much I haven't had time to do tests to compare to the ones I took after you summoned the lighthawk wings the first time." Washu reverted to her chibi form and laughed evilly.
**********Meanwhile**********
"The preparations have been made, Lady Tokimi."
"Good. The time is at hand to eliminate the last of the Jurai line. Kill everyone except the boy, Washu, and Ryoko. Bring the boy, Washu, and Tsunami to me. You may have the boy after I examine him. I also will get the Master Key and Ryoko's gems." Lady Tokimi had an aura of authority abound her that left no room for argument. Or so she thought.
"That was not in the agreement!" The shadowy figure still stood upright under Lady Tokimi's gaze. "I was to get Ryoko with the gems. And why do you get the Master Key?"
"The key will make it easier to control Tsunami. The gems are rightfully Washu's, so I get them with her." Lady Tokimi used all of her best postures and tones to indicate the finality of this command, yet the figure took no notice.
"If the key makes it easier to control Tsunami, then give me the gems because it makes it easier to control Ryoko. How will I get Tsunami? She might not be there." The figure continued trying to bargain.
"Do not show you ignorance!" Lady Tokimi yelled. "You will use the gems on the Soja to control Ryoko. Tsunami not near the last of the Jurai bloodline? Impossible. She will be there and you will bring her to me. Now go." Sensing Lady Tokimi's growing anger, the figure decided that now was not the time to argue.
(We'll see just how confident she is when I control Ryoko and Tsunami. She will have to deal with me on my terms.) Kagato returned to the Soja with a smirk on his face and an agenda hidden even from Tsunami.
**********Back on earth**********
"I am sorry that I have not been training you, Ayeka. The greater benefit comes from training Tenchi. His power increases more from it then any training you can do would. Try to protect Sasami when the time comes." Yosho continued explaining reasons why Ayeka shouldn't fight, but she wasn't listening.
"Brother, why have you forgotten me? We were so close once, but now you don't seem to care about me." Yosho realized that Ayeka still had not dealt with him breaking off the marriage.
"I am too old now. Tenchi is the right age and he still has royal blood. I have not forgotten you, but I am not right for you anymore. You should forget me. I have disgraced the royal family and am not worthy of a royal bride."
"Well. Sasami should be done with dinner by now. Shall we go?" Ayeka hid her pleasure that he really did not want to marry her anymore. (Now I am sure that it is right to marry Tenchi. He is the only man left in the royal bloodline. It is my duty to marry him.) As they reached the house, they were greeted by worried faces.
"Sasami's not well. Even with my superior intelligence I can't figure out what's wrong with her." Washu reported the dire news. Ayeka rushed in to see Sasami.
I corrected the mistake. If you didn't find it, I had said 4 gems. The vote came in at 7 for cliffhangers and 1 against. The cliffhangers are staying. If you don't like it, then you should have voted. Tomu-kun