Ryoko's Truth

by Tenko

This isn't your average R/T (or maybe it is, I dunno), but it has twists & turns! Ryoko gets caught up in her thoughts & emotions when Tenchi catches her. Now Tenchi's sick & Ryoko's gone, but she may not be as far away as the Masaki family thinks...

6. A Dreamer's Dreams

Author: Tenko

Title: Ryoko's Truth

Chapter 6: A Dreamer's Dreams

Disclaimer: I don't own Tenchi Muyo, Universe, or In Tokyo or anything else for that matter. I only own my overactive imagination and my stuffed animals, so you don't wanna even sue! :P

Author Notes: I've figured it out! I know how to get action in this story without having anyone get kidnapped or killed! Ahhh, this is a fresh idea that came right from the depth of my twisted mind just as I was about to watch Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. It's beautiful...I hope. I haven't seen it done, but it pry has been (I'm praying for some slight originality here). I'm hoping for one long chapter, but it may turn out as two smaller ones. Ugh, Tenko hasn't slept since 12:24 PM on Thursday (now being 12:54 AM Friday), so I'm going to be out of it (wait, I did fall asleep on the couch for 5 hours...). Hehe, that was back when I started writing this chapter, I'm all caught up on sleep now! :) Cliff hanger anyone? Maybbbbeeeeee... lala... Ummm, I dunno who's POV it is. I think I'll switch around, so bare with me. Sorry everyone, Ayeka is 19, not 22!!!

Ages: Tenchi: 19, Ryoko: 19, Ayeka: 19, Sasami: 10, Mihoshi: 22, Washu: well 12, but you know...Kiyone: 25

**********

Breakfast had gone on close to usual. Although, Ayeka was constantly nagging Washu about Tenchi's health. Oh, sometimes my sister could be so mean! She doesn't even seem to care that Ryoko had gone missing (no one ever writes anything from Sasami's POV in R/T's)! I sighed looked at Ryoko's empty spot. The table was a lot quieter without her around to argue with Ayeka or anyone else. Now no one's going to eat the extra fish I'd made either, with Tenchi sick in bed. I wonder why Ryoko's gone. I mean, why Ryoko ran away? I continued to think about Ryoko as I ate my dinner which I had prepared. It's funny, Ryoko was the one who always gave me the most compliments on my cooking and I absolutely love being praised. I guess I'm a little selfish when it comes to that--I seem to live off of praise. It gives me energy, along with Tenchi.

I know I'm far to young to actually love him, but I used to think of him more as the handsome guy that I will always love from afar. The way little Earth girls do over lifeguards or stock boys at the market. That's all changed though, when I saw that my sister and Ryoko truly loved Tenchi Masaki and when I found out he's my nephew (making Sasami his great Aunt...). He's more like my big brother and I'll always love him that way.

I cast a glance around the table which was now silent. My gaze rested upon Washu who was looking down at her food and eating it almost like Ayeka and I eat--which was strange. As she reached for her fish I noticed that something was missing from her eyes. She normally has a gleeful, playful look in her eyes, but now they were nothing but...sadness and disgust. Ryoko was her daughter after all, not that either of them act like it. I love Washu and Ryoko very much, but they haven't ever once acted like mother and daughter. I felt sorry for them both and wished that everything would be alright. Tsunami had come to me in a dream last night.

*********Dream Sequence

Everything was dark and I was standing in a spotlight that seemed to make the ground around me glow gray. I was watching myself go through the dream I had previously about Tenchi being lost and getting sick. I felt like I was 15 feet away watching the dream take place and suddenly it was like glass shattering. Tsunami was suddenly there and dreamscape was now grassy with trees that could be found on Jurai surrounding us. I was in my own body again, seeing through my eyes.

"Don't be afraid of what's happening with Tenchi, Sasami."

"Are you sure, Tsunami? H-he looked so pale when I saw him last..."

"Sasami, he's just sick right now. He'll get better soon, you have Washu's word, remember?"

"Yes...alright. Tsunami?"

"Ryoko wants to be alone now," Tsunami said to me, answering my question before I could ask it.

"Will she be alright? I'm scared for her, Tsunami!"

"Sasami...that is one question I cannot answer. I am a Goddess as you know, but her future is one I cannot foresee."

"Why not?"

"Sasami...I should not say this to you, but you are a part of me now. That means you may have felt it and I'm obligated to tell you."

"Tsunami..."

"Listen Sasami, please. You're going to wake up soon, so you must know not to tell anyone, especially Washu of this. Anyone, Sasami."

"I understand," I said and nodded. This was bound to be important.

"Washu is a Goddess; my older sister--"

"Oh wow, really?!"

"Sasami, please!"

"Sorry!"

"Yes, Washu is my sister, an elder goddess. She forsake her powers and sealed her memory long ago. You should not concern yourself with the reason why. She came to this dimension to live as a normal person. You see, since Ryoko is a demi-goddess, or goddess's daughter, her path can only be foreseen by Washu; her mother. I didn't make fate, Sasami...well I did make a part of it, but that's beside the point. I can explain more of this to you later if you wish. I'm sorry if I've confused you, Sasami."

"No, I understand, Tsunami...I think."

"Do you remember the gems that Ryoko owns and that are on the hilt of Tenchi-ken?"

"Umm, yes!"

"Those gems are manifestations of Washu's powers, you see. They contain her powers and memories, although she doesn't know this. Washu must not know about this conversation, until she discovers her past on her own accord. Do you still understand?"

"What does manifestation mean, Tsunami?" I said feeling like an idiot for forgetting the meaning of 'manifestation'. Tsunami brought her hand to her mouth and giggled.

"It means, Sasami, they...are...well," Tsunami was trying to figure out how to explain this to me without confusing me even more.

"Think of it like they are the result of Washu sealing her memory...she, uhhh, put her powers and memory inside of the gems. It's really more like they ARE her memory and powers, just in the appearance of 3 gems," Tsunami stumbled.

"Don't worry, I understand it know," I giggled, "I thought you were supposed to know everything, Tsunami."

"I do know everything...except how to explain words in words that little girls would understand!" With Tsunami's last words, I woke up.

***********End Dream Sequence

"Sasami? Sasami?" Ayeka had moved over to me and shook my me lightly.

"Huh? What's wrong Ayeka?" Her worried expression faded and she smiled.

"Sorry, everyone, I guess I got lost in my thoughts."

"You're not the only one..." Ayeka mumbled and motioned towards Washu who looked generally spaced out.

Washu immediately snapped out of her trancelike state and went back to eating her breakfast. Everyone did the same and finished off their meals. I got many compliments from everyone--like always. I blushed slightly at their comments--like always. With the help of Ayeka I cleaned up around the messy table and took plates, bowls and chopsticks to the kitchen--like always. Ryo-Ohki followed me in the kitchen and waited for her post-breakfast carrot--like always. After giving Ryo-Ohki her carrot I plunged my hands in the warm, soapy water and began to the dishes with Ayeka drying--like always. The morning pretty much went on like it always did with the exception of a few visits to see Tenchi.

I felt really bad about not being able to stop Tenchi from being sick, but there's no use beating myself up about it. Tenchi told me to go out and play, to take a break from the chores.

****

"Go and play with Ryo-Ohki, Sasami. You work harder than any of us and you deserve a break...and uh, Sasami..." Tenchi said in a hoarse whisper while he coughed occasionally.

"Yes, Tenchi?"

"If you see Ryoko, please try and get her to come back," He nearly pleaded. I think that's why he wanted me to go play, even if it was subconsciously.

"I will Tenchi! See-you!" I called to him as Ryo-Ohki and I hurried out the door.

"Bye--*cough*--Sa-sami!"

****

I put on my shoes on and told everyone that I was taking the day off--until lunch anyways. I slide open the front door and stepped out into the warm Summer (did I say it was Summer before, or Spring? Oh man, I hope I said Summer)air. I put my hand up to shield my eyes--it was bright out. It was such a change from yesterday; the cold rainy night and now being bright and sunny out. The ground was still wet, but I didn't really care if my shoes got muddy.

"Meow!" Ryo-Ohki said she prepared to jump into a patch of flowers. After she did, I giggled when she sneezed. Hey...wait a minute...Ryoko and Ryo-Ohki are linked...right?

I decided that I should ask Tsunami for her help, but I didn't want to do it when everyone was around (i.e. Mihoshi who was sleeping on the porch) so Ryo-Ohki and I ran to Funaho; Yosho's ship. Funaho was named after my Auntie Funaho! She's really my step mom I guess, but I call her Auntie anyways (it's weird having two moms you know). I sat down leaning against the old tree after saying hello. I also sat on the other side where you couldn't see me from the stepping stones with Ryo-Ohki on my lap.

'Tsunami,' I thought to her.

"Yes, Sasami?" Tsunami appeared before me in the water.

"Tsunami, I wanted to know something..." I began to tell her my little plan.

"Yes Sasami, I think you should go look for Ryoko!" I frowned...I really hate it when she does that.

"I'm sorry, Sasami, I'll try to avoid doing that again," she giggled.

"Okay...Tsunami, aren't Ryo-Ohki and Ryoko linked?"

"Yes they are and Ryo-Ohki may be able to find Ryoko, unless she has cut herself off completely from the link."

"Ryo-Ohki, do you know where she is?" Ryo-Ohki meowed something, but I still couldn't tell what she said!

"Ummm, Tsunami?" I asked looking for help. She giggled at me.

"Ryo-Ohki said that she can only guess the area that Ryoko is in. She thinks Ryoko is back at the house!"

"Wow! Really, Ryo-Ohki?" She nodded back up at me.

"You should go to the house now Sasami," Tsunami said as she faded away.

"Right! Let's go Ryo-Ohki!" I said as I nodded...I have a habit of nodding whenever I agree with something. I wonder where I got it from...

Ryo-Ohki and I quickly said good-bye to Funaho and ran as fast as possible toward the house. When we got there, Mihoshi was still sleeping on the porch, but Ayeka was outside sweeping the yard. She looked incredibly worried and didn't even notice us coming!

"Is something wrong, Ayeka?" I asked worriedly. She looked up at us, but kept sweeping.

"I'm just worried about Lord Tenchi, Sasami, and that filthy monster woman."

"You're worried about Ryoko, Ayeka?" She made a face.

"No I am most certainly not worried about that wench! I'm worried about what she'll do to Lord Tenchi now that he's sick. Hmph, I bet she's the reason that Lord Tenchi is sick!" She said hotly, gosh--she was being really mean. She then began to act like one of those poor women who are looking for hope while they are talking dramatically.

"Poor Lord Tenchi, was probably dragged out there against his will and she chased him in that wretched weather until he got so sick he passed out!" She was talking mostly to herself while cradling the broomstick (*Sasami sweatdrops*).

"I'm not the only one who believes that either! Washu, Mihoshi, Kiyone, Father, Grandfather...the whole household believes it to be true, even you Sasami!"

I stood looking...what's that word? Oh yeah, dumbfounded. I could not believe my sister had just said that! Ooo, I'm so glad Ryoko wasn't here to see that, it would have hurt her so much!

"AYEKA! That's not true and you know it! Tenchi told us what had happened; he saw something outside while he was getting some water, Ayeka, and he chased after it (but wait...that's not what happened...Tenchi...lie?! Muahahahahaha)! No one believes what you just said! Ooo, Ayeka, I can't believe you are so mean!"

She sighed, "Sasami, you're right. I'm sorry, it's just that I get so worried whenever Lord Tenchi is sick, it's just..." she choked up and I sighed again.

"It's ok...you had just better be glad that Ryoko wasn't here to hear you say that! She's sensitive you know!" I said to Ayeka. She looked up from where she had just been staring (the ground)and smiled.

"You're right, Sasami. Oh my, I think it's almost lunch time! You had better go get lunch ready!" Wow, lunch already?

"Come on...Ryo-Ohki?" I looked around and I couldn't find her. Huh, I guess she already went inside. Nonetheless, Ayeka and I walked inside the house together.

************************

What Sasami and Ayeka didn't know, however, was that Ryoko was sitting on the roof, listening to them. Let's flash back to moments before..........

Ryoko had been sitting in the meadow all night & day thinking. She had grown to love this little meadow. It was now her favorite place to come and think. She had come to the conclusion that she was going to sit them down individually and tell them everything. It's childish, but who cares, she'd been through Hell and back and she'd be damned if anyone put her through anymore; including herself.

Damn that Zero, it was all her fault that she'd become 'soft'. No...that's not true, it's Zero's fault that she actually wants to tell them the truth. She was being childish by running away and cowering out here. She sighed and looked up and the sky. It was time.

She teleported straight to the house. On the roof actually. Her first thought was to go to Tenchi's room, but she stopped herself when she realized he was sick and probably wanted some rest. She couldn't believe she was doing this...

"Is something wrong, Ayeka?" Sasami and Ryo-Ohki asked Ayeka. Ryoko stepped back out of sight and decided to listen for a minute, before she came back. She took a deep breath of the sweet warm air, trying to calm her rising nervousness.

"I'm just worried about Lord Tenchi, Sasami, and that filthy monster woman," Ayeka said harshly. Ryoko felt her blood begin to boil, but was curious as to why she was worried about her.

"You're worried about Ryoko, Ayeka?" Ayeka made a face.

"No I am most certainly not worried about that wench! I'm worried about what she'll do to Lord Tenchi now that he's sick. Hmph, I bet she's the reason that Lord Tenchi is sick!" She said hotly. She then began to act like one of those poor women who are looking for hope while they are talking dramatically.

"Poor Lord Tenchi, was probably dragged out there against his will and she chased him in that wretched weather until he got so sick he passed out!" She was talking mostly to herself while cradling the broomstick. Ryoko stood there shaking and absorbing what Ayeka had said. Ryoko didn't even care when Ryo-Ohki saw her and started meowing for Sasami's attention. She was drown out by what Ayeka said next.

"I'm not the only one who believes that either! Washu, Mihoshi, Kiyone, Father, Grandfather...the whole household believes it to be true, even you Sasami!"

Ryoko's eyes widened in shock, terror, and disbelief. She believed what Ayeka had said. She felt like someone had hit her with a brick, a very, very big brick (gee, I use that in almost all of my stories don't I?)! Tears streamed down her face...s-she was tough, but this?! Her only family all believing she had purposely hurt the only person she had ever loved?! She was shaking something fierce and her heart wrenched (is that right word *yawns* I'm so tired; 3:26 AM). Her world crashed down on her...did Tenchi believe it, too? Even though he was there, could he have somehow forgotten?

Ryoko forgot about all about hiding her feelings from the link as she faded out of sight with Ryo-Ohki chasing after her.

*******************

Washu sat straight up as an enormous wave of pain, hurt, sadness, defeat, and despair crashed down upon her from the link. The link she shared with her daughter, Ryoko. Washu knew something big had happened...and something bigger was going to happen.

"Oh Kami No!"

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Ooo, I am SOOOOOO evil!!!!!!! That was just a MAJOR cliff hanger...and wait till you see the next chapter! *grins evilly* MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA (and gives her evil, crazy laugh like always)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!