Chapter 4 Yosho's Grief

Disclaimer: I don't own the Tenchi cast; I did create Blackshire, the two universes, The Ebon Shard, and Yosho (that is the son of Tenchi and Ryoko, not Lord Katsuhito.) 

THE LEGEND:

The legend of the two Universes' is an ancient one.  These days it is told only to calm children with nightmares.  You see, in one dimension, called the Universe of Delight, good always triumphs in the end.  Things may not be perfect, yet in the end justice and right shall never fail.  However, the other universe, The Universe of Torment, is not so fortunate.  It is a realm where evil reigns supreme.  In the end the evils that roam that plane stand triumphant and those with pure hearts must be prepared, in the end, to die by these monster's hands. 

But, that is not the entirety of the legend.  For you see, the old legend states that one day a being of purest evil will leave The Universe of Torment, and wage a horrible war with the Universe of Delight.  This monster shall be born from love, yet be the bane of all that have love inside themselves.  His hate and fury will lay waste entire worlds, and all of time will quake at his passing.  If the demon is defeated, then the Universe of Torment will forever be free of its curse.  The curse that evil shall always prevail.  But if the demon is not stopped, then the Universe of Delight will fall under the same curse as it's parallel, and every living thing in both universes shall know unending pain and suffering for all time.

This is the story of the demon's coming, and how it will affect the people in both worlds.  From Torment comes a young man imprisoned by a black-hearted monster, called Blackshire, who may or may not be the demon foretold by legend.  The ebon knight may merely be the harbinger of worse things to come.  But this story takes place in the Universe of Delight, where Tenchi Masaki, as well as all his family and friends, with the addition of his darling daughter, Mayuka live happily.  

The battle is over Blackshire is no more, killed in Yosho's mind.  Now the Masaki family, and friends can get back their daily lives…or can they?

 

And now part 4 of 26:

Chapter 4 Yosho's Grief

One Day After Chapter 3:

Mid-afternoon:

Two young men, who appeared to be about the same age, walked down the dirt road that led from the vegetable fields to the Masaki home carrying the fresh produce they had just picked.  One was a handsome young man with long black hair in blue jeans and a white t-shirt that seemed to fit a little too tightly, thus accenting his muscular physic.  The most prominent feature of this strong looking young man was his golden eyes.  He walked beside the slightly shorter brown haired companion, carrying his massive burden easily with one hand.

The other young man, had his basket strapped on his back, and trudged onward with a little difficulty, having put more vegetables in his pack than he probably should have.

These two young men, Yosho and Tenchi Masaki, spoke in light tones as they made their journey toward home.

"So tell me Tenchi," Yosho said, the name sounding strange to him.  "Do you think Ryoko will be out of the Med Tube soon?  It's been almost a complete day since she was put in."

Tenchi shrugged, unsure what to say.  "I don't really know.  As far as I know she should be.  Washu is rarely wrong on things regarding Ryoko."  Casting his gaze at the time lost young man, the brown haired youth smiled.  I still can't believe this young man, who looks as old as me, is my son.  Of course Mayuka was his age when I first met her...  So I guess I can't really say this is an unusual thing to have happen around here. 

"By the way," the man with the long black hair said, his voice betraying his humorous statement he had planned.  "Thank you for the clothes.  Jurai robes are nice and all, but I don't think a grown man should be seen wearing a pink kimono with a purple sash, do you?  I think blue jeans and a white t-shirt are much more to my liking."

Both men laughed, recalling how Princess Ayeka had offered Yosho one of her royal robes.  She made this offer so Yosho would begin telling his bizarre story to them a little sooner.  "I have to agree with you on that."

The golden-eyed youth stopped his casual walk and cleared his throat.  "Before we get back home, there is one thing I've been wanting to ask you." 

Tenchi paused slowly turning to look at the young man with a skeptical look; there was something in his voice that slightly unnerved the first prince of Jurai.  "What is it, Yosho?  Is something wrong?"

Sighing, Tenchi's strong companion seemed temporarily at a loss for words.  "No, nothing's wrong.  There's just something I have to know.  You see, in my universe, you are married to Ryoko.  What I guess I'm getting at is… Well, do you love her?"

The brown haired man set his burden down, leaning against it as he pondered Yosho's question.  "That isn't really a question I can answer easily, now is it?  Yes, I do love her, but I don't think you and I share the same definition of love.  You see I consider Ryoko, and all the girls here, as my family.  I try to never put one woman higher in my heart than any of the others.  I care too much about each one to play favorites.  I'm not sure if I'm making any sense or not, but that's how I feel."

Yosho nodded, satisfied with Tenchi's answer.  "No, you make complete sense. As I said, I was just wondering, no harm meant.  By the way, did I ever show you this?"  Holding his basket with one hand, the golden-eyed youth reached around his neck fishing for something.   Finally, he pulled a golden pendant connected by a silver chain from under his white t-shirt.  "It was a gift from my father to my mother, long ago." 

Confused, Tenchi looked at the pendant closely, carefully reading the inscription.  "To Ryoko, The most beautiful 'monster' I ever met, Love Tenchi."  The young man smiled, releasing the golden heart.  "That does sound like something I would think up.  Not the world's most poetic guy am I?"

The muscular man grinned.  "It was given to my mother on her birthday, many years ago, which was also the same night that the two of them kissed each other for the first time.  Mother still has a device that plays the scene for her.  When I was little, I would sometimes sneak downstairs for a snack, and there she would be in the living room watching the scene play out repeatedly, while father slept up stairs."  Yosho paused, turning the small pendant in his hand as he tried to hold back the feelings of loss his memories brought back to him.  For long moments he and Tenchi stood on the side of the dusty dirt road in silence. 

Clearing his throat, the golden-eyed man spoke, his tone slightly shaken as if he was holding back a tremendous strain.  "I've been thinking about this since I first saw her, and I have come to a decision.  I've decided to give it to your Ryoko, when she wakes up.  To thank her for all she's done for me.  Without her help, I'd be dead right now, murdered in my own mind by my darker self.  Tell me, do you think she'd like it?"

Tenchi smiled, placing a hand on Yosho's shoulder, trying to lend the black-haired youth some of his own strength.  "I can't really say for sure.  Ryoko is the most unpredictable woman I know.  The only certainty with her is uncertainty. But if I was you, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for Ryoko to wake up, she tends to sleep a lot.  As a matter of fact, it's nearly impossible to wake her up, it usually takes a bizarre event to wake her up if I remember correctly." 

"Bizarre event?"  The golden-eyed youth asked his curiosity peaked by the man who was his father in another universe.  "What do you mean by that?"

The smaller youth sighed.  "Well you know, for example, Ryoko originally woke up from her imprisonment in the cave when I pulled the sword from its resting place.  I don't really call that a normal event, would you?"

"True, but from what she always told me, that was more imprisonment as opposed to being asleep."  Yosho said with a slight chuckle, remembering how furious his mother would get if he ever called her time in the cave a nap.

Tenchi held up his hand, admitting defeat.  "Okay, well there are some other examples.  One night, she had way too much Saki, and Mayuka was starting to cry really loud.  No matter what I tried I couldn't calm Noodles down, and...."

"Uh… Excuse me did you say Noodles?  Who's that? One of Mayuka's toys?"  The golden-eyed youth interrupted his friend, a strange look covering his face.  "While we are on the subject, I told all of you the story of my past, yet no one has ever told me the story of Mayuka.  Is she the daughter of you and Aunt, I mean, Lady Ayeka?  Sorry about my slip up, it's still hard to not call you all by the names I called you in my Universe.

"Don't worry about it.  I'm sure no one minds.  Although there is one thing I would like you to do, please don't refer to Ryoko as 'My Ryoko.'  I have a hard enough time stopping Ayeka and her from fighting as it is, the LAST thing I need is more trouble."

The young heir to Jurai's throne casually picked up his heavy basket once again.  "So you want to know the story of Mayuka, huh?  Well I can only tell you what I remember.   It's a confusing tale, so if you have any questions just ask me, okay? It's also a long story, so we might as well start walking home before Sasami gets worried, or angry, since we've been gone for so long."  As he spoke the young caretaker started trudging back toward home.  "When I first met her she was about our age..."

First met her?  About our age? Yosho thought confused as he quickly walked forward to match his smaller traveling partner's strides.  You're right Tenchi, this is a confusing tale.

A short time later back at the house:

A small blue-haired girl, her hair tied into two long ponytails, stared out the window of the Masaki house, as she nervously cleaned her slender hands on her apron with a picture of a large carrot on it.  "Gosh Ryo-Ohki, where do you think they are?  Tenchi and Yosho should be back by now.  I hope they didn't have any trouble."

Stepping outside, Sasami and her tiny cabbit friend scanned the immediate area for any sign of their missing friends, however the only person outside the house was Kiyone, who was tending the beautiful roses in her and Ayeka's garden.  "Hey Kiyone, have you seen Tenchi or Yosho?"

Standing up straight the Galaxy Police detective wiped the sweat from her brow, exhaling sharply.  "What!  They aren't back yet?"  Sasami shook her head in reply, indicating she didn't know any more than the teal-haired detective.  I don't like this.  Something about that Yosho character doesn't sit right with me.  I don't buy his Blackshire being a dark personality story for a second.  I've seen too many criminals get off on that ploy before. Not only that, but he seems to be getting really chummy with Tenchi and the others.  I wonder why?  No one who's that new somewhere gets as comfortable as he is that quickly.  His story about The Ebon Shard being the Yagami, and that he's from another Universe seems awfully far-fetched as well.  I bet he's nothing more than some criminal with a fancy set of armor that doesn't want to be caught.  Still, there is evidence to support his odd claims, so I'm willing to give him a chance, but I'm definitely going to keep an eye on him.   

Sasami hopped down from her spot on the porch, skipping toward the gate, where Azaka and Kamidake stood watch.   Finally snapping out of her daze, the teal haired detective shouted to the small super cook, "by the way Sasami have you seen Mihoshi?  She went to do some laundry a few minutes ago and.…"

Suddenly the air was filled with a loud explosion, followed by a shower of white spuds floating down from above.  "Kiyone!"  The ditzy blonde screamed running around the corner of the house, completely covered in soap.  "How much soap was I supposed to use again?  I think I might have used too much."

Sighing, Kiyone's shoulder's drooped as she walked over to assess the damage her dim-witted partner had caused.  It's gonna be hard enough keeping my eyes on Yosho, without having make sure Mihoshi stay's out of trouble.  I wonder what I ever did to deserve a partner like her...

"Hey Kiyone," a Washu chimed interrupting Kiyone's gloomy questions.  As the tiny genius stepped out of the house, the teal-haired detective noticed that Washu wore her favorite summer attire, a pale green and white stripped shirt, matching pale green shorts, and a pair of sandals.   "I see Mihoshi had an accident with the washing machine again.  Need a hand?"

The teal haired woman nodded.  "With her involved," the green eyed woman motioned in the direction of the mountain of suds that was her partner. "I can always use help."

"Before we pull Mihoshi from there, I want to ask you something.   You don't believe Yosho, do you?" Washu asked her emerald eyes fixed on the first class detective.

Shaking her head, Kiyone met Washu's gaze.  "I just get this feeling when he's around that something bad is about to happen."

"Well all I can tell you is from what my scans of him confirm, he most definitely is Ryoko's son, and those traces I couldn't place were a mixture of Human and Jurain DNA.  Plus his astral pattern is quite bizarre.  So from what I can gather, he isn't lying.  By the way, have you sent a report to headquarters yet?"

"Yes, it's standard procedure.  Why, is something wrong?" 

"No, not really.  I beamed the Ebon Shard into one of the hangers in my lab a little while ago, and I've been working on removing the technology, like the time and space converter, that could be dangerous from it.  I figure it's mine in a way, so I'm not really stealing.  Besides, I doubt the Galaxy Police need to be going between the two Universe's anyway, right?" 

Washu paused for a moment preparing to make a request.  "The reason I asked about the report was I was hoping to ask you to leave out the part about Yosho being Blackshire, if at all possible.  Since I have no data to state his story is a lie, I don't think someone with such a rough past needs the Galaxy Police chasing him."

"Don't worry, in my report I simply said Blackshire was gone.  I left out anything incriminating about Yosho.  Tell me, do you think he'll be staying with us much longer?"  Kiyone looked slightly concerned at the diminutive genius. 

"Well, he said he wanted to be here when Ryoko woke up, but that was all I remember him saying." Washu shrugged, "he doesn't seem like a bad kid to me, and it's really up to him, and especially Tenchi.  If he wants to go back home I'm sure I can send him there.  Look we can talk more later, we'd better go pull Mihoshi out of there before she drowns in soap."  

The woman with teal hair shook her head as they made their way to the spot where Mihoshi lay buried in soap.  So his story checks out.  I guess I can relax now, but I still can't shake this feeling that something bad is about to happen, and he'll be at the center of it.

The Gate:

"There they are!"  The pink-eyed princess screamed seeing Yosho and Tenchi walking up the path towards her.  With all the speed her tiny legs could generate, the tiny figure ran full speed at the approaching duo.  "It's about time you two got home!" Sasami snapped when she finally reached them.  "I was starting to get worried.  You were gone a long time."

"I am sorry to have worried you, Aunt Sasami.  Tenchi and I got to talking and lost track of the time." Yosho declared apologetically.  "It won't happen again."

Giggling the blue-haired girl shook her head. "You don't have to call me Aunt, silly.  My name is Sasami."  Sniffing the air, the little girl quickly covered her royal nose.  "OH!  But I do think both of you could use a bath.  What were you doing out there?  Rolling in the dirt?"

"I suppose we do smell pretty bad." Tenchi said noticing how sweaty he and Yosho had gotten from their labors in the field, as well as the long walk home.  "Yosho, why don't you go to the Onsen, and get cleaned up.  I'm going to put the vegetables away, then I'll take a bath."

Bowing slightly, the time lost young man set down his basket.  "Alright, sounds good to me.  You're sure you don't need my help putting these baskets of food away, this one is fairly heavy."

"I can handle it, I'm sure.  Don't worry, just go on." Tenchi stated waving off the boys concerns.  

Meanwhile in Washu's Lab:

A vicious smile covered the tiny scientists face; she was obviously up to something mischievous.  Looking away from her holo keyboard, Washu looked into the Med Tube beside her.  In the emerald liquid, floated her daughter, Ryoko, who was now awake, and did not appear pleased to be in her current predicament.  "Well, Ryoko, I see you've finally woke up.  Since I have you here and all, maybe I should make those adjustments I was telling you about.  You know, fix your sagging breasts." 

Inside the Med Tube, Ryoko began to slam her fist against the glass, yelling something rather vulgar at her red-haired mother.  "Ok, Ok, calm down little Ryoko.  I'll let you out, but don't ever say I didn't try to tell you when you look in a mirror and notice your breasts are drooping.  The things a mother must go through for her child..." Pressing a button, Washu giggled at the look of shock that covered her daughters face as the liquid in the pod drained taking, Ryoko with it.  "A little dip in the Onsen should relax you, then I'll fill you in on what's been going on while you were asleep."

The Onsen:

Yosho sat in the warm waters of the bath allowing them to melt his cares away.  As he breathed deeply, his golden eyes took in his surroundings.  It certainly looks like home, but there's something missing.  I don't know what, but it's definitely something important.  Oh well, I might as well enjoy the water. 

It sure has been a long day. Not a bad day, since I got to spend it with Tenchi and the others, but so far it's been so busy that I'm not sure what I've been doing all day.  Yet I wouldn't have it any other way.  I really like it here; everyone I ever knew is alive and well.  So what if they aren't the same as the family I had back home.  Maybe I should stay here.  This IS the Universe of Delight after all.   I could be perfectly happy here.

Yosho sat up from his slouch, shaking his head.   No, that would be a bad idea.  If I stay here, Grandmother and Aunt Sasami might get worried about me, and I couldn't put them 1through that kind of torment.   But how am I going to tell them that I was Blackshire, or at least A Blackshire.  It might make them hate me.  Still, it's not my place to interfere with everyone's life here.  Sure I'd like to see Ryoko end up with Tenchi here as well, but I don't want to be the reason the group breaks up. 

I mean they sure have had an interesting life together so far.  There adventures are almost identical to my families, except for the one involving Mayuka.  I still can't get over it; she's the daughter of Tenchi and a demon named Yuzuha?  Of course, that's no reason for me to say Mayuka is weird, since I'm the son of Tenchi and a demon called Ryoko.  The golden-eyed young man smiled weakly.  "Mother would kill me if she ever knew I had called her a demon."

Lost in his thoughts, the young golden-eyed nearly leapt out of his skin, as a portal suddenly opened above him, and a voluptuous figure fell quickly into the warm water, causing a miniature tidal wave across the Onsen. 

"DAMN WASHU!" Ryoko roared rising out of the water, flinging her head back angrily to get her long spiny silver hair out of her face.  "One of these days, I'll..." Stopping her furious rants, the former space pirate now noticed she was not alone in the Onsen, and her voice instantly melted, going from homicidal to almost sickeningly sweet.  "Hello Yosho!  How are you doing, son?"

Did she just call me son? The young man wondered as his face turned bright red.  Quickly Yosho threw up a hand to block his view of the naked woman.  "I'm sorry Ryoko, I didn't realize you would be coming into the bath.  I'll leave." Moving his free hand frantically to find a towel, the black-haired tried his best to erase the image of Ryoko nude from his mind.  After all, she was his mother in a complicated way.    Finally, Yosho's hand's quest yielded results, and the red-faced youth frantically attempted to wrap himself in the fluffy towel.

"There's no need for you to leave, Yosho.  After all, we're relatives, it's only natural for us to bathe together."

Closing his eyes, the young man removed his hand from his face, as he nervously pressed his fingertips together.  "But... I mean you're not wearing anything...isn't that kind of weird."  Despite his best efforts, the golden-eyed young man still could not sear Ryoko's image from his mind.  Man, I need to get out of here.  This is getting way too weird for me.

Throwing her head back, the naked woman laughed loudly.  "I can always put a towel on, Yosho.  My goodness you act like I'm going to try and seduce you.  You really are a sick young man.  It must come from your father's side..." Stepping out of the water Ryoko grabbed a towel and quickly wrapped herself.  "There, you can open your eyes now.  I'm wearing a towel.   Oh and Yosho, it's not nice to call your mother weird." 

Slowly, almost painfully, the black-haired young man opened one of his eyes slightly, afraid of being caught in one of Ryoko's playful traps.  Upon seeing her somewhat clothed he began to relax.  "Wait a minute, how did you know I called you weird?"

Sitting down in the hot water, the silver-haired woman smiled jubilantly.  "I heard you thinking it."

"Huh?" Yosho asked sounding quiet slow.  "Heard my thoughts?"

"I don't know how it happened, Washu could probably explain it better, but after I used that device on you, I could actually here what you were thinking.  I figure something about Blackshire interfering must have caused it."   See what I mean...

"Hey!  I could actually hear you in my head!"  The golden-eyed man said excitedly.  "That's incredible."

Try and talk using just your mind.  If what that black armored psycho said is true, you probably have all my powers as well.  Ryoko looked around the Onsen as she spoke, searching for something. 

This is amazing!  I wonder if I can talk to Ryo-Ohki, or Washu as well?  Man, this has been an eventful day.  First I help Tenchi in the field, and then I find out about Mayuka's past, and now this! 

Who told you about Mayuka?  Ryoko asked in mock interest as she finally found what she was looking for, a full bottle of Saki that she hid in the Onsen to help her relax.   Taking a long sip of the intoxicating liquid, the space pirate focused her eyes on the young man before her.  "AH! That's the stuff!"  Noticing Yosho was still staring at her, the lithe woman held the bottle towards him.

No thanks I don't drink.  He replied, holding up a hand to wave off the silver-haired woman's offering.  But to answer your question, Tenchi told me. 

You don't drink?!  That is definitely something you learned from your father then.  Shaking her head sadly, Ryoko took another, much larger, drink of her Saki before crudely wiping her mouth.  "Ah!  You don't know what you're missing, young man!"  The naked woman's eye's now focused on the pendant around Yosho's neck.  By the way, what is that thing around your neck?  When I saw your thoughts on board The Ebon Shard, the Ryoko in them always wore it.  Is it something important?

What is it?  I figured you would have known from my memories. Reaching behind his neck, Yosho quickly undid the clasp, and threw the silver chain-bearing pendant to the silver haired woman.  It's yours...  As Ryoko cast him a confused look, the young man held up a hand.  Don't worry, I'll explain, but it's a long story.  Still I think you'll like this tale.    It began a long time ago, in my world… 

Twenty Minutes Later:

...after that, mother, father, and me lived quite happily until that horrible creature, Leech, showed up.  He took everything from me… Ryoko looked at the young man, seeing, as well as feeling, the tremendous pain these memories caused him.  Her heart hurt, almost as if someone had attacked her, to see him feeling like that.   Yosho paused for a few moments, taking a few ragged breaths to clear his mind.  I told Tenchi that I planned on giving that to you, Ryoko, for all the help you've given me.  After all because of you not only am I saved from Blackshire, but my family's soul's can rest in peace now. 

Looking happily at the heart shaped pendant, the mighty space pirate had to summon up all her strength to not cry.  This item in her hand was the very incarnate of what she wanted most in life.  Inside it showed her and Tenchi together, tears of joy rolling down her face, and on the outside the golden heart was inscribed; 'Love Tenchi.'  Nothing in any universe could be as awe inspiring to the former space pirate as this simple golden heart with a silver chain she held in her hand.  I'll take your gift, on one condition, Yosho.

What can I do for you, Ryoko?  Yosho asked in a respectful manner, almost bowing, his mental voice becoming calmer. 

Don't call me Ryoko.  It doesn't sound right coming from you.  If you don't mind I'd really like it if you'd call me mother, or at the very least mom. 

Whatever you say, mother…  The young man from another time and dimension smiled, it was a simple request, but one that meant a lot to each person.  For Ryoko, it was her chance to prove herself as a mom, and to Yosho, it was his opportunity to see his mother, once again. 

Just Outside the Onsen:

Tenchi Masaki wiped sweat from his brow with one hand while he tried to work the kinks out of the other.  Man, Yosho really is strong.  I couldn't even budge that basket he was carrying.  I had to make 6 trips to finally upload everything.  Oh well, at least that's over with.  Now to relax... 

Opening the door, Tenchi saw Yosho wearing a towel as he leaned against a far wall.  For some odd reason, the young man was staring over at a wall.   I wonder what he's looking at.   Quickly removing his clothes, and wrapping a towel around himself, the young man closed his eyes, as he quickly stepped into the relaxing hot water.   

After a few moments, the young Masaki could actually feel his fellow bather's eyes upon him.  After a few moments, Tenchi allowed his eyes to crack open slightly.  "So Yosho, what's up?  I saw you talking to…" as he spoke, the brown-haired youth noticed his companion was motioning with his finger to Tenchi's right.  Slowly turning his head, Tenchi's eyes enlarged greatly and his heart ceased beating when the brown-haired youth finally noticed Ryoko waving at him as she smiled happily sitting right next to him.

"Hello there!" she chimed with a wicked giggle, causing Tenchi's face to become beat red, and a trickle of blood to flow down his face. 

What's Ryoko doing in here with Yosho!  Oh man!  She must have been what he was looking at.  That stupid wall, it blocked my view of her… Now how am I gonna get out of here… Tenchi's head snapped away from the seductive space pirate, as he tried to reign in his heart, and calm him mind.   After taking several deep cleansing breaths, he finally was able to address the woman who continually tried to tempt him.  "Ryoko!  What are you doing in here?  I thought I had made it clear you girls aren't supposed to bathe when the guys are here!"

The supple space pirate sighed, her look of joy fading from her face.  I would have figured he'd at least of been glad to see I wasn't dead… I suppose that was too much to hope for.  "Actually Tenchi dear, I didn't plan any of this, Washu dropped me here after I got out of the Med Tube.  Besides, you know the only man who uses the Onsen is you, and no one ever said I couldn't bathe with my own son.  Now did they?  Standing up, which caused Tenchi to throw his hands in front of his face, since he had expected her to be nude, Ryoko shook her head.  The silver-haired beauty appeared to be quite flustered.  "But if you're going to be so rude and immature, then I'll just go.  I need to check on Mayuka anyway."  With thunderous footsteps, she prepared to exit the bath. 

"Wait, Ryoko.  Don't go.  I…." The newest comer to the bath shouted, grabbing the skinny woman's wrist.  As he held onto her hand, all of time seemed to slow for the silver-haired woman.  The man she had always wanted so dearly had asked her to stay with him.  Ryoko slowly turned until their eyes met, and locked.  At that moment it appeared as if each person had been put into a trance.  Maybe it was the emotional intensity of the past day still lingering in each of their heart, maybe it was somehow due to Yosho's presence, or perhaps it was merely the emergence of emotions that had been hidden for too long, for whatever reason, to Ryoko and Tenchi everything else seemed to fade away, as if they were the only two people in the entire universe.  Looking into the intense passion that burned in Ryoko's eyes, Tenchi could feel the barriers around his heart melting away.  "I…."

The young man with golden-eyes watched the romantic scene unfold.   I wonder if this was how it all happened years ago in my universe?  I know mother said it started out as a fight, and then the entire event turned into a passionate event.   Yosho continued to sit quietly and watch.  This was truly something magical.  I knew you were lying earlier Tenchi.  I knew you cared deeply for Ryoko, obviously even deeper than you realized.

Ryoko stepped back towards Tenchi slowly, the sound of her moving through the water echoing in the stillness of the Onsen.  The young man released his grip on her arm, as they both remained lost in each other's eyes.  Slowly the silver-haired woman's lips parted as she continued to move closer to the man who had stolen her heart.  "You…" Leaning closer, the two figures closed their eyes allowing themselves to be lost in the moment.  A few more seconds, and Ryoko's soft lips and Tenchi's would collide. 

However it seemed fate would not allow such a magical event to transpire.  As he watched, Yosho's nose began to twitch, and just when the two figures in this glorious drama before him were about to kiss, he unleashed a tremendous sneeze.  The loud noise shattered the fantasy world that Ryoko and Tenchi had entered into, causing them to be harshly jarred back to reality.

Instantly the two figures eyes shot open, and the young shrine caretaker leapt back from the seductive space pirate before him, uncertain what had come over him.  "Ryoko!  What I was going to say was, I need to talk to you.  But I think it better wait until later."  Glancing over at Yosho, Tenchi exhaled sharply.  "I have some work to do up at the shrine, if you want to meet me up there after dinner, we can talk then."

"Talk huh?"  The golden-eyed figure smiled hungrily at the unnerved young man.  "Call it whatever you like, I'll be there.  But Tenchi dear, there's no reason to not pick up right now where we left off." 

"Ryoko.  That's not what I'm talking about.  There's something I need to tell you, but I would rather tell you it in private."  Tenchi told her while nodding his head toward Yosho in a poor attempt to be subtle.

"Actually, I could do your chores at the shrine for you, Tenchi." Yosho said flatly, trying to hide a wicked smile.  "I mean I used to do the same chores as you everyday as part of my training back home.  Then you and mother can go on a walk or whatever it is you have planned."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea, son!"  Ryoko complimented the black-haired boy while clasping her hands.  "So Tenchi, I guess I'll meet you by Funaho about a half hour after dinner.  Okay, lover?"  Laughing seductively, Ryoko spun around before him.  "Well I still need to check on Mayuka, and I definitely need to find something to wear for our date… Although I might not need too much, since I don't think talking is what's really on your mind Tenchi dear…" At that instant, the laughing spiny haired woman disappeared, the sound of matter being displaced echoing in the two young men's ears.

 

"It's not a date, Ryoko!" Tenchi screamed.  As he realized the futility of trying to talk to Ryoko after she had left, the young man sighed.  He had the feeling as if the weight of the universe had just been removed from his shoulders, and he could now relax.  Dropping like a rock into the hot water Tenchi continued to sink until his head had completely submerged.  What was I just about to do?  If I kissed Ryoko, then I KNOW she'd tell the others.  But still, what just came over me?  When I looked in her eyes, I felt drawn to her.  I haven't been that drawn to anyone, or anything, in a long time.  It was like being in a trance.  I can still feel my heart pounding in my chest….

 

As he emerged from the hot water, Tenchi took a deep breath refilling his emptied lungs.  His cohort appeared to be staring at him, biting his lip as he continued to snicker under his breath.  Casting the golden-eyed boy an icy glare, the young man who had just rose from underwater, couldn't help but began to laugh as well.  "Just WHAT is so funny?"

"It's you…." Yosho declared pointing at his friend, all control he had to contain his laughter now gone.  "In all the years I've known you, I have never EVER seen you react like that to mother."

"What are you talking about, and why do you keep calling Ryoko mother?"  Tenchi asked, even as he laughed, he didn't quite see the humor in this situation.  "After all, if Ayeka found out I nearly kissed Ryoko, I'm as good as dead!"

Gasping for breath, the golden-eyed young man finally regained some of his control.  "You don't see the humor in any of this?    Look at yourself!  As soon as you seen mother, your face turned beat red, and you had blood coming out of your nose!   You were embarrassed to be around her, almost afraid of her!  Mother's just a woman, after all!"  Yosho continued to laugh obnoxiously, filling the Onsen with a rich joyous laughter. 

"I could call her a lot of things, but Ryoko is definitely not JUST a woman," the once again red faced Tenchi declared, wiping his face with his hands to remove any traces of his perverse thoughts.   "Besides, you never answered my question as to why you keep calling Ryoko, mother."

"That's easy.  She asked me to."  Slapping his hand on the water's surface, the black-haired youth still could not stop his ribs from hurting as he continued to roar with laughter.  "That look on your face… priceless…."

Sitting down grudgingly, Tenchi crossed his arms over his chest.  "Yeah well….  She just caught me off guard, and with the water being so hot and all…." Looking over quickly, he noticed his friend was not buying his story any more than Sasami had when he tried to use it on her at the Hot Spring.  "Let's just talk about something else." He's as bad as Ryoko….

Saluting the man who would have been his father, Yosho finally retook control of his laughter.  "Whatever you say…."

Later that night, Right After Dinner:

Yosho rose from the table, stretching after eating one of Sasami's world-class meals.  "As always Sasami, you're cuisine was an honor to partake of."   Everyone mumbled his or her agreement with the newcomer's statements, causing the blue-haired girl to blush tremendously.  Bending back down the young man quickly picked up two empty plates.  "Allow me to help you with these dishes.  It's the least I could do to repay you for such an exquisite experience."


You are a worse sweet talker than I pretend to be, Ryoko declared into the young man's mind as she downed the remainder of her food.  I think it's nice that you complimented her food, but nothing tastes as good as you made Sasami's meal out to be!

And how would you know?  You can't taste anything remember?  Yosho retorted as a joke.  As his golden eyes settled on Ryoko he saw she did not share his sense of humor in this case.  The icy glare she shot him could have restarted the ice age.  Choking on his breath, the golden-eyed youth coughed.

Yosho.  THAT is something I prefer to keep a secret, if you don't mind.  The only ones besides you and I who actually know about that little secret is Washu, and I intend to keep it that way!  Slamming her hands down firmly on the table, startling the others, Ryoko rose to her feet.  Now then I have to go.  Tenchi and I are supposed to be meeting by Funaho….  Try and stay out of trouble while I'm gone….

Yes, mother…. I'm sorry.  Yosho said as he walked into the kitchen, shaking his head sadly as he made his way into the kitchen.  Turning, the black haired youth was shocked to notice that his mother had already disappeared.  With a heavy sigh, the white shirt wearing man headed back into the kitchen.

 

Boy did that go over badly…  Maybe I should refrain from making any more jokes.   Setting the dishes in the sink, Yosho began to clean his plate. 

"There's no need for you to do that, Yosho."  Sasami said, standing on a stool beside him so she could reach the sink.  A few moments later, the tiny cabbit, Ryo-Ohki hopped up to sit on the sink beside her pink-eyed friend.  "I can take care of the dishes."

"Oh no, Aunt Sasami, it's no trouble at all." The golden-eyed man declared as he scrubbed some food off his plate into the soapy water.  "As I said, it's the least I could do to repay you for the wonderful meal."

"The least you could do is nothing."  Ayeka said properly, "like that mother of yours does.  However it appears you take more after your father than mother, which is a very good sign."  The purple-haired princess placed her teacup into the soapy water, as her little sister had motioned for her to do. 

"Yeah, you don't seem to act much like my daughter."  Washu said leaning against the wall near the door.  "Tell me, why were the two of you looking at each other for so long after dinner?"

Pulling his soaking arms out of the soapy water, the young man could not help but smile.  "Oh, that's simple, I was talking to her mentally."

"WHAT!" the red-haired woman shouted in shock.  "How in the world is that possible!"?

"I'm not really sure myself, all I know is when Ryoko tried to use that mind device of yours on me, she started reading my thoughts right when Blackshire tried to take over my body again.  We were all caught in the backlash, and after that Ryoko and I could hear each other's thoughts."

"Hmm…" Washu muttered while scratching her chin, lost in her calculations.  "That's very interesting.  So you've become connected to my daughter, eh?"

"Yes, I was wondering if I had a connection to you or Ryo-Ohki, but every time I've tried to talk to either of you, I received no response.  I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong." 

"I don't think it's possible for you or I to talk like that, since the device established a link between Ryoko and you.  Still I would like to run some tests if you don't mind, to test my theory."

Nervously the time lost young man held up one hand.  "I would love to let you experiment on me, Little Washu, but right now I have to go.  There is something important I'm supposed to be doing at the shrine."

"The shrine?" Ayeka said looking over her shoulder, as she tried to help her sister with the dishes.  "What business do you have there?"

Casting them all a knowing smile the time lost young man shook his head.  "I'm not really at liberty to say."  Saying that the young man bowed slightly, as he made his way toward the door.

"By the way," the purple haired princess said, wiping her hands with a dishrag.  "Where has Lord Tenchi gone?"

"Oh that's easy," Mihoshi shouted.  "He told me he had some chores to do at the shrine."

"What did you say Tenchi's at the shrine!" Kiyone snarled.  I don't like this.  The smile on Yosho's face as well as his vague statement, doesn't sit right with me.  He's up to something, and I intend to find out what.  "Mihoshi, I think we should follow Yosho.  I get the feeling he's up to no good."

Funaho:

A youthful looking woman in a green and pink skirt sat on the gnarled roots of the ancient Jurai space tree gazing wishfully into the calm water.  Well, here I am.  Yet I don't see Tenchi anywhere.  I wonder if he was just leading me on.  Nah, that's not his style.  I'm just psyching myself out.  Still, I can't help but wonder what he wants to tell me?  I wonder… Ryoko's eyes suddenly widened excitedly as a wonderful possibility filled her mind.   Could it be things are finally happening here like they did in Yosho's world?  That must be it.  Tenchi is going to profess his love to me!  OH this is going to be the best day of my life! 

The silver-haired woman was so engrossed in her own fantasies that she did not hear the gentle footfalls, coming from behind her.  "Hello Ryoko…." Tenchi quietly said while approaching the woman lost in her own thoughts.  Ryoko shot up, finally seeing Tenchi standing before her.   As he had been at dinner, the young man was not wearing anything spectacular just a simple t-shirt and a plain pair of jeans. 

"HEY!  What are you trying to do, scare me to death!  I didn't get all dressed up just so you could play jokes on me. Speaking of dressing up, couldn't you at least wear something a little nicer for our date?"

"Ryoko," the young man said with a sigh, "This isn't a date.  I tried to tell you that earlier, but you were in such a hurry to leave, you wouldn't listen to me."

"I was in a hurry to go see Mayuka.  Is something wrong with that?"

"Actually Ryoko, that's what I wanted to talk to you about…" Taking a seat beside the scantily clad woman, the young Masaki looked up at the sky.  Whatever it was the young man had to say, it was obvious to her that it weighed heavily on his mind, since he appeared to be taking his time to make sure each word was chosen carefully before he spoke.  "I have a request I want to make of you.  It's something I've recently been thinking about a lot lately."

"Oh, I see."  Ryoko said trying to hide her sadness.  So this is it.  Tenchi's finally going to tell me to leave her alone.  I figured it would come to this one day.  Well FINE I don't need him, or his daughter. 

"This is kind of hard for me to ask, and I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but…."

"There really is no need to say it Tenchi, I know what you want."  Standing to her feet angrily, the former space pirate looked at the young man as if he had struck her.  "We both know you don't think I'm a good person to have around Mayuka, so sure I can stay away from her.  It's fine with me!" 

"What are you talking about, Ryoko?" Tenchi asked completely shocked by the golden-eyed woman's words. "That's not what I wanted to ask you at all! "  As if answering her challenge, the young man rose to his feet as well, glaring into Ryoko's eyes.  "Where are you getting this stupid notions?  I'd never say something like that about you!"

"Stupid huh?  Well since I'm too dumb to figure things out on my own, why don't you tell me what it is you want…" she demanded clenching her fists? 

Quickly the brown haired man glanced at the ground.  It's now or never. "Well you see I've been thinking about it a lot lately.  When I was going up, I didn't have a mom, so I really don't know how a mother is supposed to act.  The only time I've ever really seen someone doing what a mother and child do is when Washu was caring for Little Taro."  Tenchi paused getting ready for the big moment.  "I guess I shouldn't say the only time, since there is one other person I've been fortunate enough to have help me watch over my Noodles, you Ryoko.  You've been nothing but a good influence for my daughter, and I thank you for all you've done, but now I need to ask you something.   Ryoko, will you be the mother for my child?"

The silver-haired woman paused, having not expected Tenchi to ask her something like that.  After a few moments the lithe space pirate shook the cobwebs from her mind.  "So you drug me out here to ask me that?  Why all the secrecy?"

"I don't know, Ryoko.  I just didn't feel comfortable asking you in front of the others.   I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong idea."

Calming herself, the silver-haired woman smiled.  "It's funny, here I thought you were going to profess your undying love to me, and you wanted me to be the mother of our child.  Well Tenchi my answer is…" Once again the two youth's eyes met, locking as they had in the Onsen earlier that day, almost as if time was repeating itself.  Like pieces of iron drawn to a magnet, the two figures moved closer together.  

Tenchi's eyes left Ryoko's for a split second, focusing on the pendant she wore.   The gold heart, which bore proof to another Tenchi's love for his Ryoko, shined brightly in the fading twilight.  Gazing at the locket only seemed to increase Tenchi's desire to reach the golden-eyed woman before him.  When his eyes returned to hers, the young man could not help but feel his own attraction towards her growing even stronger. 

Finally the distance between them was closed, and they clasped hands, continuing to stare passionately at each other.   Almost as if they had rehearsed it countless times, Ryoko and Tenchi's heads moved as their lips moved ever closer.  At the instant when the silver haired woman and the brown-haired young man's lips were destined to embrace each other, the golden-eyed space pirate's ears detected a noise.  Moving her head away from Tenchi, Ryoko suddenly felt a wave of pure anguish wash over her. 

Tenchi looked at her confused by this recent turn of events, "Ryoko, what's going on?"

"There's trouble at the shrine." She said with finality.  "Get the others and meet me there."

"What's wrong, is it grandpa?" 

"No, it's my son…" with hiss of displaced matter; the scantily clad space pirate vanished leaving a confused Tenchi Masaki standing on the roots of the mighty space tree, Funaho. 

"Yosho?  What's going on?"  The brown haired youth was truly confused, as he scratched his head.  Pushing his confusion aside, the youngest Masaki decided it was time for action, as he raced toward his home.  

 

The Shrine a few minutes ago:

In the coolness of the twilight hours, a muscular young man stood outside a shabby shrine in the mountains, sweeping dirt from the long sidewalk.  I wonder what Tenchi and mother are doing right now?

"Well this is a surprise," an old man said approaching the thinking youth.  "Yosho, where is Tenchi?"

"Lord Katsuhito!" Yosho declared before bowing respectfully.  "He's at Funaho, meeting with mom.  There was something important he wanted to talk to mother about."

"I see, and you are covering for him.  Do any of the others know?"  The gray-haired sensei asked a disapproving look on his face. 

"No, I'm just trying to help out.  I figure anything I do to help anyone is a start.  I've caused so much pain to all of you, when Blackshire was in control of me…" As Yosho spoke, it was apparent that his inner demons were once again tormenting him. 

The old priest shook his head.  "No one blames you for what Blackshire has done.  That was not the real you.  You need to let go of the blame you have place upon yourself."

Unfortunately the old man's words did not register with the troubled young man before him.  "You don't understand…" Yosho muttered under his breath, releasing the broom.  "The horror that I felt, the pain and suffering I caused.  All because I couldn't deal with a little stress!"  The elder man with square framed glasses placed both hands on the young warriors shoulders. 

At that moment Yosho's head shot up, a look of madness in his eyes.  Before him Yosho did not see a kind old man, instead in his mind he only saw a horrible figure clad completely in black, twin emerald's glowing where it's eyes should be, it's arms extend toward him.  "Blackshire!  " the trouble youth hissed.  "You dare to try and reclaim me!  I will not allow you hurt anyone else you monster!"  One of Yosho's muscular arm's flew out, a blast of crimson power exploding from it, obliterating a tree nearby.  "Die!"

Lord Katsuhito barely managed to sidestep the blast.  Instantly, the agile warrior assumed a crotched position, preparing to defend himself against Yosho's next blast.  However as the old man focused on his foe, he was stunned to see that the golden-eyed youth was not advancing, instead he had fallen to his knees, now crying heavily into his hands.  "Mother…Father…Aunt Ayeka, Mihoshi, Kiyone… I failed all of you… I didn't stop Blackshire I became him… Please forgive me…"

Relaxing from his combat stance, the Shinto priest stood back up.  I feel sorry for you Yosho.  You have tried so hard to make us all think that none of these events have troubled you, yet it seems they affected you tremendously.

Kiyone and Mihoshi came rushing up the staircase full speed.  "What's going on, here?" Kiyone shouted as she looked at the decimated tree, and the two men who stood before the ancient shrine. 

It was then Ryoko appeared, landing beside the weeping youth.  "Yosho!  Are you all right?  What have you done to him!"  She demanded looking at the two detectives furiously.


"We didn't DO anything!  It was that 'son' of yours, Ryoko!  From what I saw, he just tried to kill Lord Katsuhito!" Kiyone declared, in no mood to be yelled at.  This is exactly what I figured would happen.  He's been playing the part of a schizophrenic so he could get close to us, now he's trying to pick us off one at a time.  Even going so far as to pretend to be Ryoko's son.  This kid is definitely a pro. 

"How dare you accuse him of that!  Can't you see the horrible pain he's in?" Ryoko rose from her position beside the shaking youth, her golden-eyes burning as she looked at Kiyone.  

"I've seen this a million times before, Ryoko.  He's just playing you for a fool.  Can't you see that?" Kiyone asked as she drew her gun, aiming it at the crouching youth.  "Now step aside, it's time I took him into Galaxy Police custody."

"Now girls," the old priest said.  "Fighting will not solve anything, and it definitely will not help Yosho.  I have been alive a long time, and I know what this boy needs.  He needs mental help badly.  The wounds from terrible ordeals have left scars on his mind." 

A long silence filled the air.  "So what do we do now?" Mihoshi asked confused by everything, breaking the eerie silence.

"There is only one thing to do," Yosho said rising to his feet.  "I will go home to the Universe of Torment, and face my inner demons.  It is the only way for me to be free.  I will talk to Washu, and see if she can send me back, then everything can go back to normal for all of you."  As he spoke he looked squarely into Kiyone's emerald-eyes.

Kiyone lowered her gun, as their eyes met, the first class detective could feel her suspicion about Yosho melt away.   The pain in his eyes…  I've seen that before, many times, usually in the eyes of people who have just lost someone important.  I've been so worked up over trying to make an arrest, and placing the blame on him, that even when Washu flat out told me whom he was, I still wanted to blame him.   "I talked to her earlier today, she has your ship in the hanger of the lab.  I think she mentioned being able to send you back home."

Yosho nodded.  "Then that is what I will do, when you awake tomorrow morning I will be nothing more than a memory." Standing tall, the young man began walking toward the stairs.  "I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me for the travesties I brought upon you."

The Stairs:

 Tenchi, Washu, and Ayeka ran quickly up the staircase.  I wonder what could have happened at the shrine to make Ryoko act like that? A lot's been going on lately that I don't understand like what is it that makes me feel so compelled to kiss Ryoko?  Twice today it felt like I was in a trance, and when I awoke, I was nearly kissing her. 

As the trio reached a turning point in the long staircase, they saw a figure descending towards them.  His golden eyes had a red hue, as if he had been crying heavily.

"Yosho!" Ayeka shouted, "What is wrong?  Was anyone hurt?  Lord Tenchi said Ryoko heard trouble."

"The excitement is over.  The problem has been solved."  He said in a voice that seemed void of emotion.  "Little Washu, Kiyone told be you can think you could send me home.  Would it be possible for you to do that tonight?"

"Of course." Washu said.  "But why do you want to leave?  You seemed to be enjoying yourself here."

"I have my reasons.   If you could have the portal ready by morning, I would appreciate it. " The black-haired young man requested, his voice sounding tired.  "I wish to get some rest then I will go home.  It has been too long since I seen my own room.  I've been running for too long, blaming my problems on others.  Now I must return to the Universe of Torment and try to forge a new life from the old one."   Drawing in a deep breath, the trouble youth continued to walk down the stairs toward the Masaki house.

"So you'll be taking The Ebon Shard home then right?" Washu said nodding her head figuring he would want his ship back.

"No, the ship is yours.   I want no part of that vile contraption anymore.  To me it is linked only to pain.  I will deal with the Galaxy Police.  I'm sure I can think up a good lie as to what happened to it," smirking weakly he looked right into Washu's emerald-eyes, "after all, I'm related to the universe's most dangerous space pirate."  With that, the young man continued to walk away from the confused trio.  "Good-bye, and thank you for everything…."

Before anyone could reply, Mihoshi's crying could be heard coming closer.  Looking back up the stairs, the trio now saw Kiyone, who walked with a shamed stance, as if she had just been caught doing something wrong, and Mihoshi, who cried as if someone had died, walking slowly toward them.  Man do I feel bad, calling the kid a criminal.  I guess when you've been a police officer as long as I have you start to suspect everyone.  But I still have this feeling that something bad is going to happen, and that young man is at the center of it.  Maybe I'm still spooked about Sasami's dream, and how close it came to describing our battle with Blackshire.

"Kiyone!  Mihoshi!" Tenchi screamed.  "What happened up there?"

"Yosho's going home," Mihoshi, said between sobs, "I think it's because we tried to arrest him!"

"Arrest him?" Ayeka interjected.  "What do you mean?"

Exhaling as if she had just ran a marathon, Kiyone looked from one person to the other.  "It's a long story, and it's all my fault really.  I can tell you what happened, but we might as well head home."

"Wait, where's Ryoko?  She was supposed to have already been there!" Tenchi said.  "Does she know about any of this?"

"Yes, she knows," Kiyone grimly informed him, remember how Ryoko had merely stood like a statue after Yosho declared he was leaving,  "but from the look on her face, it would be best to leave her alone for a little while.  She looked like she had a lot on her mind. " 

Their spirits saddened greatly, the five friends began to head home, as Kiyone started her tale of mistrust and false accusations.

That night: 2:00 am, the living room

"Yosho!"  Ryoko screamed in a whispering tone, shaking the youth who was sleeping on the couch. "Wake up!"

As his eyes flickered open the young man focused on the silver-haired woman before him.  "What is it mother?  Is something wrong?"

"You going to sleep your life away?  Now get up, it's almost time to go.  By the way, Yosho, I've decided something.  I'm going with you."  She declared as if it made the most sense in the world. 

"Are you sure about that?" Yosho asked looking up at her from his seat on the couch with his golden eyes that mimicked her own.  "You don't have to come back to my universe with me.  I'll be all right."

"No, you won't, Yosho.  Remember not being able to deal with the loss of your family is why you ended up here to begin with," the space pirate reminded him.  "Besides, what kind of mother would I be if I let my son deal with problems like this on his own?" 

"We'll leave at 4 am, that's in two hours.  Only because I need to take care of a few things before we go.  In the meantime, why don't you gather up my clothes, and tell Washu the change in plans.  Okay?"  Yosho bit his lip, wanting to debate the matter further, yet something in the young woman's eyes stopped him.  He realized she had made up her mind, and no force in this or any universe could change Ryoko's mind when it was set.  All he could do was nod respectfully as he stood up to care out her wishes.    

Tenchi's Room 3:00 Am

Ryoko drifted into Tenchi's bedroom, carrying a large sack, as silent as possible, like she had done many times in the past.  The young man who held her heart lay peacefully on his back sound asleep, snoring quietly.  Her golden eyes began to swell with tears as she stared at the gentle sleeper.  I'll miss you so much, Tenchi.  Slowly she scanned the room, searching for something, her hair taking a cyan hue in the pale moonlight that trickled in from the large window beside the bed. 

Finally her wild eyes snagged the object she had been hunting for Tenchi's sword.  Taking a deep breath, the ex-space pirate focused her mind on the task at hand. Extending one hand, Ryoko began to concentrate, and soon the gem on her wrist began to glow.  In a flicker of light, the gem disappeared, reappearing on the sword hilt's base.  I won't be needing the gem, and if I do I can always get one from Yosho. 

Casually walking over to Tenchi's desk, Ryoko reached into the sack she had been carrying; pulling an out a letter addressed, in crude attempt at elegant handwriting, 'To Tenchi.'  As the she rested the white envelop on Tenchi's desk, it made a deep noise, revealing it contained more than just paper. 

Glancing over her shoulder, the seductive woman stared at the young man sleeping soundly only a few feet away.  Ryoko knew that if he should wake up, and find out what was going on, he would try to stop her.  A part of her wanted him to wake up, and for him to force her to stay, but deep down she knew that it was more important for her to continue her quest than for her to stay here.   You always were a gentle soul, and you deserve someone equally as gentle My Tenchi.  After Yosho and I talked in the Onsen this morning, I began realize something.  In the universe that we live in it would be impossible for someone so good and full of light to ever love someone with a past like mine.  I had hoped that I was wrong to think that way, but when I think about it, twice today we nearly kissed, and both times something got in the way.     

At that moment a horrible memory came back to her, of when her and Tenchi had went into Yuzuha's Realm to save Sasami and Mayuka.  Imagine the darkness in love with the light...  Shaking the horrible creature's voice from her head, the seductive space pirate continued her mission. 

I always wanted to be yours, you know.  I would have done anything for you to be mine, but it looks like won't be happening now.  In the universe of Delight evil never wins, and between Ayeka and me…. Well, I suppose this means you'll end up marrying that little princess, Ayeka, now.   Stopping herself the teary eyed woman drifted back to the youngest Masaki's bed, standing over him. 

There's still one last thing I need to do, the most important one.  Closing her eyes, she slowly edged closer to him, until she felt her lips press softly against his own.  This is the first, and only, kiss I'll probably ever get from you.  I know it doesn't really count since you aren't really awake, but we were cheated our first two.  At least now I will be able to sleep at night knowing I was able to leave here with a kiss from the man I love.  After a few moments, which she wished would last forever, Ryoko broke away from him, pulling her lips off his.  I'm sorry Tenchi, but it has to be this way….  You asked me to be Mayuka's mother, but how could I do that in good conscious if I let Yosho go home to deal with his problems without trying to help him?  Please don't hate me for that.   The silver haired woman disappeared to her say her final goodbye.

Mayuka's Room

Ryoko appeared inside Tenchi's daughter's room with the stealth of a ninja.  Pausing for a moment she took in the contours and designs of the young girl's room, looking at the various stuffed animals, the dresser's filled with an assortment of beautiful outfits, and of course the large white barred crib where the littlest Masaki slept.  Leaning over the edge of the crib, she gazed at the sleeping infant.  "In a way, Mayuka, it's harder for me to say goodbye to you than it was to your daddy".  Ryoko's voice, normally hard as steel and full of strength, was on the verge of breaking as she spoke to the sleeping blue haired baby before her.  "Now you be a good girl for me, Mayuka, and keep everyone here in line.  Especially that little princess Ayeka..." The space pirate paused, wiping the tears from her eyes, "and you make sure you keep that father of yours out of trouble, you don't want your mommy... I mean Auntie Ryoko to have to come back and set you straight, now do you?"  Ryoko threaten timidly, her joking an obvious veil for her true emotions. 

Releasing a powerful sigh, as if a giant weigh was lifted off her shoulders, Ryoko reached into the bag in her hand, removing a picture frame.  In the frame was one of her most cherished pictures of her time on Earth.  The picture was of Ryoko and Mayuka, both covered in mud, the blue haired girl was laughing happily with her silver-haired friend.  It had been taken right after Ayeka had finished giving Mayuka a bath, and Ryoko had taken her outside to play in the fresh spring air.  Ryoko hadn't minded Mayuka getting the two of them muddy, since it meant taking a bath with Mayuka, something Ryoko always enjoyed, but Ayeka was furious.  "You really know how to make Ayeka's life hard don't you kid, must be from hanging out with me so much.  Well, I guess this is good-bye, Mayuka.  Try not to forget your Auntie Ryoko, okay?"   Placing the picture on the dresser behind her, Ryoko turned and phasing out the door, tears cascading down her cheeks. 

As soon as she was in the hall, she collided into someone.

"Excuse me," a voice said startling Ryoko, it was her 'son' Yosho.  "I didn't mean to bump into you, I just wanted to say farewell to Mayuka.  If that's ok with you, that is."  He asked figuring the cyan-haired woman might not like the idea of the man who had nearly killed them all being alone with Tenchi's daughter.

"Do what you want, see if I care," she declared, using false bravado, as she frantically wiped away her tears.  "I'll be back soon, I have one more thing I want to do before we leave."

"But, we still have nearly forty five minutes until we are to leave, and I-" Yosho began; however Ryoko cut him off.

"Listen Yosho, you'll do what your mother says, and be ready when I get back.  I want out of this place as fast as I can.  I'm tired of these people.  They're no fun anymore.  So say your goodbyes, and then meet me in Washu's lab. Got it?" 

"Yes mother." Yosho replied. It was obvious that Ryoko was lying, but then the young man, who would have been her son if things had been different, knew how much his mother cared about the people here, and how hard it must be to leave them. 

Yosho walked into Mayuka's room, using the door unlike his mother.  Even thought he possessed powers similar to hers, he still had not learned how to use it properly.  The thought of using such power unnerved him as well, since his dark alter ego favored that method of motion.  Looking down at the sleeping infant he wondered why she meant so much to Ryoko.  "Mother has always been a passionate woman, I've never questioned that.  Nor have I ever questioned that she loved me.  Yet, I have never seen her on the verge of a breakdown before, except for when she lost my father.  You must be truly special Mayuka.  I don't think I have ever seen that much love in her eyes, even when she was with father."  Nodding to himself he said, "goodbye little one, I hope you have a life free of torment, and filled with delight."  With that Yosho left his half sister's room, making his way to Washu's lab.

The Masaki Shrine:

Ryoko stood in front of the shrine, which Washu had managed to rebuild quiet, using the equipment from her lab.  Clapping her hands twice, the silver haired woman began to pray loudly.   "Well this is a surprise," a deep voice interjected from behind her.  It was Lord Katsuhito.  "What are you doing out and about at this hour Ryoko?  Praying?"

Looking up from her prayer, the former foe of the Jurain prince smiled, "I could ask you the same."

"I was merely out of a walk in the cool of the night."  The old priest replied glancing at the clear starlit sky. "Is there something bothering you Ryoko?"

"No," she said clearing her throat.  "I just came here to pray, and to say goodbye."

"Goodbye?" the elder Masaki stated slightly confused.  "I'm not going anywhere, at least not to my knowledge."

"No, you're not, but I am.  I've decided to leave here with Yosho, back to his universe.  But before I leave I just wanted to apologize to you for getting you stuck on this planet over 700 years ago.  I just wanted to make sure that when we went our separate ways, it was as friends."  Ryoko declared extending one hand in friendship. 

"I see," the gray-haired man muttered taking Ryoko's hand in both of his.  "You need not worry about us becoming friends Ryoko.  We were never enemies.  Kagato was the true foe.    Are you certain you want to go?  I imagine you've already discussed it with Tenchi and the others, correct?"

The woman with the silver spined hair merely shook her head.  "No, they would only try and stop me." As she spoke, her voice began to once again crackle.  Katsuhito pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her compassionately.  "I know it sounds like non-sense, but I have to go. Yosho needs me."

"There is no need to say anymore, Ryoko.  I understand.  Please don't forget about us.  You will always be welcome here.  Things will not be the same without you here." The golden-eyed woman sniffed loudly, pushing herself away from him.  With a friendly hand gesture, the emotionally battered young woman lifted off into the air, wiping her eye as she headed to the lab. Ryoko, you think your words make no sense, but I understand completely.  It's the mother inside you that is making you do this.  However I only hope that you do not think it is only Yosho who needs you.  I feel as if a great sadness is about to overtake us all, and you will be our only hope.  I pray that I am wrong.

As she ascended higher and higher, the mighty space pirate reflected on Lord Katsuhito's words.  He's right; things will be different once I'm gone.  Mayuka will have nothing but good influences, and a happy life.  After all, she lives in a Universe designed to bring her nothing but joy. 

Looking away from his one time adversary, Tenchi's grandfather slowly made his way into the shrine.    He began to picture what Tenchi would say, and do, when he learned about Ryoko's decision.  A single tear rolled down his cheeks.  Goodbye. My friend.    

Washu's Lab

To say Washu was upset would be a vast understatement.  Sitting beside the time and space distorter, which had been removed from The Ebon Shard, the pink-haired scientist made minor adjustments here and there with one of her torches, sending sparks flying as she soldered the various parts.  "AH!" she roared throwing down her mini welder with all her might.  "Why Ryoko?" she asked spinning around to face her daughter, who stood beside Yosho, waiting for the door way to open.  "Why are you doing this?"

Do you remember yesterday when I asked you if you thought I could be a good mother, Washu?

Of course I do, Washu snapped back mentally.  Not liking where this conversation could be going.  What does that have to do with you going to another dimension?

I started thinking about it after I talked to Yosho in the Onsen.  I may not be Ryoko from his time, but I still feel that I am in a way responsible for him.  What kind of mom would I be if I left my child to fend for himself with the burden he bears?

The last sentence bit hard into Washu's conscious, as she recalled how she was never there for Ryoko during much of her early childhood. I can understand the pain you feel for this boy, but do you think it is wise to base a decision like this based knowing him for so short a time?

Well, Washu, you know me.  I never have been the type to plan things out.  I've always done stuff by how it feels at the time, and right now I can't think of anything more important than helping Yosho.  Wasn't it you who told me to not always be so suspicious? Ryoko said, casting her mother a winning smile.  Besides you remember I wanted to do something colossal, well this is it.  This is my chance to show how good a mother I can be.  

Washu sighed, Ryoko will be Ryoko, she realized.  Washu shook her head, causing her red mane of hair to shake back and forth violently.  I guess all that's left is to ask you how long you think you'll be gone?

I don't know.  I guess until the me of that dimension wakes up, or Yosho doesn't need me anymore.  Ryoko proclaimed casting her eyes downward.  Can we go now Washu, I've said all my good byes, and done everything I wanted to.  There really is no reason to delay any more.

Ok, one moment, there's just a few more corrections to be made.  I guess it won't be so bad.  We can always come visit you as long as we have this thing, right? Washu asked, patting the time and space-distorting device from The Ebon Shard, assuming the answer was yes.

No, I want you to promise me you won't ever come there, and that you won't ever send anyone there.  It will be hard enough to help Yosho deal with his past, if you guys all show up, I may never be able to help him get over things fully.  After that portal closes, I want you to forget that I was ever here. Ryoko replied.  Washu's eyes grew wide with terror; she couldn't believe what she was hearing. Forget that there ever was a space pirate named Ryoko.

That doesn't make any sense, Ryoko I can't just forget you.  Not after all….  The pink haired genius took a deep breath looking at the two golden-eyed figures before her.  All right little Ryoko, if that's what you want... with a press of a few keys, the gateway exploded to life.  Yosho looked at the two women, seconds before he walked through the portal.  Goodbye Ryoko...  Washu mentally blurted wrapping her arms viciously around her daughter's body, holding her close for what would probably be the last time.  Ryoko made no reply, instead hugging her mother back viciously. 

After a few moments, the space pirate broke free of Washu's hug, and taking a deep breath, she stepped through the energy gateway, disappearing into another universe.  As the energy of the portal faded, Washu realized Ryoko had forgotten all her luggage.  You always were a forgetful little girl Ryoko.  Wiping a tear from her eyes, Washu strolled back to her garden, to try and calm her shaking hands.  It wouldn't be long before the others came down and started asking about Ryoko, and she would have to tell them what had happened while they slept. 

Had Washu been in complete control of her emotions, she might have checked all her monitors that night, and noticed that twice that day, a time and space rupture had occurred.  The first happened in the morning around the Onsen and the second, at night, near Funaho….

Nearly 4 Am in the Universe of Torment

Yosho stood before the Masaki house, it looked as wonderful as it always did, everything was freshly swept, and the house looked to have a new coat of paint on it.  "Well things don't look too bad around here, now do they son?" Ryoko asked taking in the sites.  "Why don't we get something to eat."  Ryoko began to make her way toward the house. 

"Grandmother must have been keeping the place looking nice," Yosho decided.  He quickly realized Ryoko was leaving him behind, "Wait!"  Ryoko stopped turning slowly to face the running young man, a curious look on her face.  "Before we go any further, there is something I must tell you..."

Ryoko's look changed from surprise to dread, "What is it Yosho," she inquired, becoming on edge in case he was on the verge of another breakdown.

 

Yosho threw his arms around his 'mother,' burying his face in her chest.   "Thank you...Just seeing you here at my home, it means so much to me.  I didn't think it would, but as I as see you here, I can feel the pain inside me pulling back."

The silver haired space pirate smiled, stroking the young man's long black hair lovingly.  "I'm glad to help, now why don't you release me.  I mean we don't want people to think we're a couple do we?"  Yosho unraveled his arms from his mother's body, a smile on his face.  "Now then why don't you show me where my room is," Ryoko glanced back to where the portal had just been, "Oops, it seems I forgot my clothes."

"Don't worry mom, I've still got some of your old clothes in your room," he replied laughing at the silver haired woman's forgetfulness.  Under his breath the golden-eyed youth muttered, "Some things will never change..."

Next Time: Blackshire is gone, but Yosho's problems are far from over.  Ryoko must help him face his past so he can move on to the future.  Meanwhile Tenchi and the others will have to deal with Ryoko's disappearance.  Not only that, but how will the Washu of the Universe of Torment react to having an awake Ryoko around?  In Delight, what will life be like at the Masaki house now that the silver-haired woman has left them, perhaps forever?  Plus what's up with that trance thing?  Be here next time for a story where little Mayuka's point of view comes into play a lot PART 5:  MAYUKA'S LOSS

(If this part seemed rushed, let me know I had to take my comp in to get it fixed, and wanted to get this part up before I did.  So that my loyal readers would be able to enjoy this story.)