Disclaimer: Tenchi-Muyo is owned by Pioneer and AIC
Chapter 7:At that moment someone decided to enter the lab and make their way over to Ryoko…
The hum of Sword Tenchi being activated could have been heard if there had been anyone awake to hear it…
The figure went over to Ryoko and ran the sword through Ryoko's stomach leaving it there to finish her off.
Sword Tenchi sent waves of electricity into Ryoko causing her body to jolt violently as Ryoko's eyes flung open and she sat up. She was in too much torture and to scream, but her mouth hung open in a silent one…the wound that Sword Tenchi had created began to bleed profusely…as Ryoko gaped in confusion and shock at who had done this to her…
"Uh…uh…. uh…" Ryoko tried to speak to her assailant but the only thing that came out of her mouth was blood.
The Goddess Tsunami stood before Ryoko…
Ryoko could not believe that Tsunami would have done this to her.
"Huh? What's going on?" Adrien said as he rubbed his eyes sleepily and was bewildered when he turned to see Ryoko. She was sitting up, a sword embedded in her stomach, blood gushing from her wound, as waves of electricity were coursing through her. Her expression revealed the pain she was in, but Adrien wasn't sure what Ryoko was starring at…
Adrien turned his head to see the collapsed form of Sasami next to Ryoko's bed.
"Wha? Where am I?" Sasami said as she came to and got up. Then she saw Ryoko. "Oh my god, Ryoko! Who did this to you?! Isn't that Sword Tenchi! Here let me help you!" Sasami said as she reached for Sword Tenchi.
"No wait Sasami!" Adrien said as he saw Sasami reach for the sword.
"It's ok Adrien the sword can't hurt me like it does Ryoko." Sasami said as she grasped the handle of Sword Tenchi and gently pulled it out of Ryoko.
"Uh…Uh…Sassamiii…" Ryoko said as she collapsed on the bed. She was in much worse condition now than before this had happened.
Adrien went to Ryoko's side and saw the terrible state that Ryoko was in.
"We should get help" Sasami said her eyes tearing up as she looked at Ryoko coughing up more blood. She had been so brave helping Ryoko but now she was afraid for her friend's life.
"Yeah, why don't you go get Washu."
"Ok"
Sasami ran off to go and get Washu.
"Ryoko? Ryoko speak to me! Who did this to you? You have to tell me Ryoko!" Ryoko weakly turned her head to look at Adrien…"It…was…the Goddess…" Ryoko managed to say before she passed out.
"Goddess?" Adrien asked. 'Tokimi. It must have been Tokimi! Damn her! I knew I should have accepter her deal when I had the chance.' "You have to get through this Ryoko!"
Washu came running in and looked in dismay at her daughter's condition.
"What happened here?" Washu asked as she suspiciously eyed Adrien.
"Someone attacked Ryoko and don't you dare give me that look. If it wasn't for you she wouldn't be in this awful condition in the first place!"
"What are you talking about?" asked Sasami.
"Nothing Sasami. But we still have to figure out a way to help Ryoko," said Adrien.
"According to my data her life signs are failing, what exactly happened? What sort of weapon did this to her?"
"It was Sword Tenchi, I found it imbedded in Ryoko when I woke up next to her bed," explained Sasami.
"Sword Tenchi? Hmmmm. Speaking of Tenchi, why don't you go and get Tenchi Sasami while I try and stabilize Ryoko's condition. Maybe he will be able to do something to help Ryoko."
"Ok Ms. Washu!"
Sasami ran out of the lab as fast as her little legs would carry her.
"What could Tenchi do that I can't?" asked Adrien.
"I have an idea that might save Ryoko's life," replied Washu.
A few moments later Tenchi came running in the lab followed by Ayeka, Mihoshi, and Noboyuki.
The sight that met his eyes nearly caused him to pass out.
Ryoko was lying on the medical table, and she looked…lifeless. Blood stained her sheets and matted her hair. It looked like she had been attacked again. But by whom?
Tenchi's reaction was to accuse the person whom he liked the least at that moment-Adrien.
"You did this to her didn't you! Why I outta," began Tenchi.
"Tenchi now is not the time, we must try and save Ryoko," said Washu.
"Right Ms. Washu but what do you want me to do?"
"Ryoko is dying as we speak, there is only one thing I can think of that may or may not save her life, but it's up to you Tenchi," said Washu.
"What is it Washu! Whatever it is I'll do it! I can't let Ryoko die!" said Tenchi.
"You have to take away her gem Tenchi," began Washu.
"No! She'll die if you do that! I won't let you get near Ryoko with that cursed sword of yours!" Adrien yelled at Tenchi, spreading his arms out as he stood in front of Ryoko's bed blocking her from view.
"Everyone needs to calm down and listen to me! Tenchi you need to take Ryoko's remaining gem away and then return all three gems to her. This should in layman's terms "reboot" her entire physiological system. If this works Ryoko should get her regenerative capabilities back and the added energy of the other two gems should be enough to save her life!" Washu said in a commanding voice.
"Right Washu." Tenchi said as he walked over and took Sword Tenchi from Sasami, who was still holding the sword; she had been holding it ever since she pulled it out of Ryoko.
Adrien was hesitant to let Tenchi by him but in the end let him pass.
"I'm sorry Ryoko but this is the only way." Tenchi said as he raised the sword above her. He then brought the blade down into her throat. Ryoko's body was once again electrocuted and began to spasm. Ryoko's eyes shot open again and she starred at Tenchi as if to say, "Not you too?" This hopeless look made Tenchi cringe as he took Ryoko's remaining gem away from her.
Ryoko's eyes widened at what he had just done. Was that all he had ever wanted from her? Her gem? Tears began to stream down Ryoko's face.
"Ok, now return all three gems back to Ryoko. I'm assuming you know how to do that Tenchi," said Washu.
"Yes, I know how." Tenchi said as he pointed Sword Tenchi towards Ryoko and began to pray for all the gems to return to her.
A look of relief came over Ryoko as she realized what was happening, she knew she had to hang on just a little bit longer and she would have her gems back.
Just as the gems in the hilt of Sword Tenchi began to glow Sasami knocked Tenchi to the floor. She had rammed into him causing him to lose his balance and fall over. Ayeka gasped and Mihoshi started crying. Ryoko watched all this in worry, could she hold on much longer?
"Sasami?" Tenchi asked in shock as he looked at Sasami.
"Tenchi? I'm so sorry I don't know what came over me." The little princess said her eyes filling up with tears. "I'm so sorry Tenchi I didn't mean to, I would never want to hurt Ryoko! She's my friend!"
"Right." Tenchi said and quickly got up and pointed his sword at Ryoko for the second time. This time he prayed for the gems to go to Ryoko as quickly as he could so that there would be no more interruptions. The gems in the hilt began to glow and an aura surrounded Tenchi, and then the gems left the sword and appeared on Ryoko's wrists and neck.
A gasp of relief escaped everyone present.
Now all they had to do was wait…
No dared to breath…
No dared to move…
Adrien had looked at the scene before him knowingly. 'Tokimi must have used her mind control over Sasami to get her to try and stop Tenchi from saving Ryoko. Damn it, this is cutting things too close…Tokimi? Can you hear me Tokimi?'
'You called." The voice of Tokimi responded.
"Yes, I've decided to take your offer. I will kill the boy Tenchi as long as you promise not to harm Ryoko."
'Deal.'
Adrien felt that he regretted his hasty decision but it was the only way he would know Ryoko would be safe from now on. 'Using a child to try and kill Ryoko is going too far…'
"She's not moving Washu, why isn't she moving?" Tenchi asked not wanting to wait any longer.
"Give her time Tenchi," responded Washu.
Tenchi decided to go to Ryoko's side. He wanted to be there for her when and if she woke up.
"Ryoko…"
Adrien scoffed at this display of affection. 'That should be me by Ryoko's side…maybe it will be me…'
Suddenly a glowing golden aura began to form around Ryoko. The golden aura shimmered as her wounds began to heal before everyone's very eyes.
Soon Ryoko was wound free.
The feeling of happiness and relief was evident on everyone's faces.
"Ryoko? Ryoko can you hear me?"
"Ten…Tenchi?" Ryoko weakly questioned as slowly opened her eyes.
Tears of happiness formed in Tenchi's eyes, "Yes, it's me Ryoko."
Ryoko smiled.
"Where's Adrien?" asked Ryoko.
"I knew it! He did this to you didn't he?" yelled Tenchi.
Ryoko looked at him, a mixture of sadness and confusion on her face. 'Why is Tenchi so quick to accuse my dear friend?'
Adrien was about to stand up for himself when Ryoko spoke.
"No…Tenchi…it wasn't him…"
"Ryoko?"
"I saw who did this to me and it wasn't him"
"Then who was it Ryoko?"
Ryoko looked at Sasami, "I can't tell you Tenchi…"
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU CAN'T TELL ME?" Tenchi yelled loosing his patience.
Ryoko flinched, Tenchi was yelling at her…
Tears were beginning to form in her eyes, "Adrien?" she called.
Adrien came to Ryoko's side almost immediately. "Ryoko? Ryoko are you ok? I'm sure Tenchi didn't mean to yell at you."
Tenchi watched in horror as Ryoko reached out her hand to hold Adrien's with a small smile on her lips. He also felt guilty for yelling at Ryoko, though. He hadn't even realized he was taking out his anger on her, when really he just wanted her safe. Tenchi felt ashamed at his behavior. Maybe he was unworthy of Ryoko's love if he couldn't even keep his emotions in check and be more considerate of Ryoko's feelings. Kind of think of it, Tenchi had done this to Ryoko before when she had ripped his mother's kimono. He was so upset about his mother's kimono that he totally forgot whom he was taking it out on. He had said he hated Ryoko, of course he didn't mean it, but she hadn't known that. He had been so careless, just like he had now. Tears began to build up in Tenchi's eyes as well. Ryoko noticed this and reached her other hand out to Tenchi as if to say, "I forgive you". Tenchi looked down upon her beautiful face, 'I am not worth of such forgiveness'
"I hate to interrupt such a touching moment but I really don't give a damn!" Said a voice.
Everyone's head turned in the direction of the voice, but no one was as shocked by who they saw as Ryoko was.
It was Kagato.
Ryoko began to panic. "No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no," Ryoko began mumbling to herself as she shook her head. "NO, NO, NO…" She let go of both of the boy's hands and wrapped herself in her arms, rocking herself back and forth in an effort to comfort herself and make that horrible image that had just come to her mind of Kagato on top of her forcibly kissing her go away.
Both boys turned to look at Kagato outraged at him for causing Ryoko to behave like this.
"What the hell do you think you are doing here!?" Tenchi yelled.
"You're not laying a finger on Ryoko!" yelled Adrien.
Kagato ignored them completely, "Oh Ryoko…didn't you forget something…you're mine until death do us part remember?"
Ryoko opened her eyes to look at Kagato not wanting to believe that he was really there.
"I just wanted to let you know Ryoko that unless you come back to me, those you love will suffer." Kagato said in a cool voice.
Ryoko's eyes widened in horror and worry and she looked at all the people that were before her whom she all loved dearly. Could she really be so selfish and let Kagato hurt them for her sake…he was so powerful now…
"I…I'll go back with you Kagato…as long as you promise not to hurt any one of them…" Ryoko said in what she hoped sounded to be a brave voice.
Both boys turned to look at her abashed, she couldn't be serious?!
"No way Ryoko! There is no way you are going back with that guy!" said Tenchi.
"Yeah, if you think we'll let that guy take you away from us you've got another thing coming!" agreed Adrien.
Ryoko tried to get up but both boys grabbed her arms not letting her move.
"We can't let you do something this stupid Ryoko," said Tenchi.
"You'll regret it for the rest of your life if you do," said Adrien.
Kagato looked at the scene before him and started to laugh.
"You three really are a comical trio! But Ryoko I think you don't seem to understand the seriousness of my demand so I suppose I'm just going to have to show you!"
He pointed a hand at Washu and shot an icy beam out of his hand. Washu was instantly incased in ice. A look of surprise was permanently on her face.
"Mom!" Ryoko yelled. "No I won't let him take you away from me again!"
Ryoko broke free from the two boys that had been restraining her and hopped off the bed. She quickly phased into her red and black battle suit, ignited her red-saber and charged Kagato.
"RYOKO!" Tenchi yelled igniting Sword Tenchi.
"No! RYOKO!" Adrien yelled beginning to power up as he also ignited an energy sword.
"It's getting a little crowed in here." Kagato said as he began to rise off the floor, along with the crystal Washu was trapped in. "Ryoko if you want your dear mother back I suggest you meet me…where we got married! My, aren't we the blushing newly wed! Hahahahahaha!"
Ryoko was standing under Kagato red in the face from exerting herself so soon after her recovery.
"Damn you Kagato! Get down here and fight me!" Ryoko was still too weak to fly.
"Hahahahaha! I don't think so! Like I said you know the place! See you!" Kagato said as he and Washu disappeared into thin air.
"Nooo!!!! Washu!!!!! No!!!!!! no…mom…not again…" Ryoko said as she collapsed to her knees.
Tenchi ran over to comfort Ryoko, dissipating Sword Tenchi's blade.
Adrien appeared to be in the middle of some kind of mental battle, 'Tokimi! You promised me you wouldn't try anything against Ryoko! You promised!'
'I know and I didn't break our promise, Z. I wouldn't do that. This was Kagato's own doing. But I still expect you to keep your promise if you want me to stop trying to kill Ryoko, I could always get Tenchi to kill her if you refuse! Hahhahahaha!'
'Damn it Tokimi! Can't you see I have my hands full right now. I have to help Ryoko get her mother back before I can kill Tenchi!'
'I don't think so Z, I'm tired of all this waiting!'
Tokimi then took control of Adrien's mind. Adrien's eyes gleamed a bright red…
Adrien then walked over to the Princess Ayeka and grabbed her arm.
"Hey, what's gotten in to you?" Ayeka began but then noticed Adrien's eyes.
Ryoko turned in the direction of Ayeka's voice to see what she was talking about…
Red gleaming eyes…
"Oh no!" Ryoko cried as she realized that Adrien must be under some sort of mind control.
Adrien began to speak not letting go of Ayeka's arm, "Tenchi, I am taking the Princess Ayeka with me. If you ever want to see her again you will come and fight me for her! Ask the goddess Tsunami, she'll know where you can find me!"
With that said Ayeka and Adrien disappeared, while Ayeka screamed, "Tenchi!!!!!!"
"No Ayeka!!!" screamed Tenchi.
****
"Washu…" began Ryoko.
"Ayeka…" said Tenchi.
The two looked at each other knowing what they both wanted to say but couldn't bring themselves to.
"I have to go after Washu," said Ryoko.
"And I have to go after Ayeka," said Tenchi.
"I guess this means we'll be fighting our battles separately…"
"Ryoko I…"
"No Tenchi, someone has to save Ayeka and someone has to save Washu. It's just I still have a few unanswered questions before we go…"
"Yeah, me too"
"I think I can answer those questions." Said a voice.
Everyone looked around for where the voice had come from, it had been a mature woman's voice…
Then everyone noticed that Sasami began to speak…
"I am using Sasami's body to talk to you for the time being while I answer your questions." Said the voice, it was the voice of Tsunami.
"Tsunami?" asked Tenchi.
"Yes," replied Tsunami.
"Why should we trust your answers," spat Ryoko.
Tenchi turned to Ryoko, "Ryoko…"
"No, Tenchi, Ryoko has a good reason to be mistrusting of me. After all it was I that stabbed her with Sword Tenchi."
A gasp filled the room.
"You? You tried to kill Ryoko? But why?"
Noboyuki and Mihoshi were hugging each other in fear, now a Goddess was against them too!
"I'm rather ashamed of how it happened. You see the goddess Tokimi used her ability to control minds to make me stab Ryoko with Sword Tenchi." Replied Tsunami.
"Tokimi?" Tenchi questioned, 'Where have I heard that name before?'
"But you are a goddess how can she have the power to control your mind!" Ryoko said not really believing what Tsunami was saying.
"Under normal circumstances she shouldn't have been able to control my mind. In order for Tokimi to control someone's mind that person has to have a hidden darkness or hate in their hearts that Tokimi can then bring out as suits her will. I had a hidden feeling for you Ryoko…that's why she was able to control my mind and make me to want to kill you."
"What? What is this feeling you have against me Tsunami? Is it hatred?" asked Ryoko.
"No something much worse, Jealousy."
"You're jealous of me?"
"Yes," said Tsunami hanging her head in shame, "I'm Jealous that you have the freedom to love Tenchi and that I being a goddess do not. It seems I have a little green-eyed monster inside of me."
"I see…is that why Sasami tried to stop Tenchi from saving me? Was she under Tokimi's control then? What feelings does Sasami have in her heart for me? I had always thought…" Ryoko said as her eyes welled with tears.
"Sasami was not mind controlled by Tokimi. Tokimi would never be able to control Sasami because she has no hate in her heart, and none for you despite what you may think. Sasami considers you a close friend, Ryoko. Sasami tried to stop Tenchi because she was worried that he would hurt you with Sword Tenchi. She just couldn't bear the thought of you being stabbed with that sword one more time. She was really just looking out for you Ryoko." Said Tokimi.
"Really? I'm so glad." Ryoko said becoming relieved. "Was it Tokimi that had Adrien under mind control?"
"Yes," said Tsunami.
"But Adrien…I don't think he has hate in his heart for anyone. He's my friend…" began Ryoko.
"That's not how she was controlling him, Adrien has his own set of goddess gems similar to your gems Ryoko, they were given to him by Tokimi and Tokimi is using the gems to control him. Much in the same way Kagato used to control you with your gems."
"Poor Adrien, I know what it's like to be under someone else's control and not be able to do anything about it. To hurt the ones you love and not mean to."
"Ryoko…" began Tenchi.
"It's ok Tenchi…I am going to have to face my fears once and for all soon enough"
"But who is Tokimi and what does she want with our family?" asked Tenchi.
"She wants you Tenchi," said Tsunami.
"Me?" asked Tenchi.
"Why does everyone want Tenchi? You must have one hell of a magnetic personality or something, aye Tenchi," Ryoko said trying to lighten the mood while elbowing Tenchi in the side. "Or maybe it's just your charisma?"
Tenchi blushed and put a hand behind his head.
"She wants Tenchi because he is my chosen Champion, he is the person I have chosen from the beginning of time to fight for me, to fight for whatever it is I believe in that needs protecting. In this case, in this life, Tenchi's duty is to protect Jurai and it's civilization. Tokimi wants Tenchi out of the way so that she can take control of Jurai."
"Ok I understand why she's out to get me, but who is she? I mean I understand that she's a goddess but I'm sure you must have some past history together. Why else would she want to go against a fellow goddess if not for some reason, like maybe a grudge against you." Said Tenchi.
"You are a smart boy, Tenchi. Tokimi is my sister."
"You're sister?" Both Ryoko and Tenchi said in shock.
"Yes, long ago there were three goddesses that ruled this part of the known existence. Myself, Tokimi and your mother Ryoko, Washu."
"What?! Washu is a goddess?" asked Ryoko wide-eyed, nearly falling over from the shock.
'Ryoko is the daughter of a goddess…' thought Tenchi.
"Yes, although Washu has no memory of who she once was, she is still a goddess," said Tokimi.
"But wouldn't that mean she'd have special goddess powers or something," began Ryoko.
"Her goddess power was taken from her and imprisoned in your gems, Ryoko." Replied Tokimi.
"My gems? They are…goddess power?" Ryoko said.
"Yes, although you have not realized their true potential yet, they are indeed the essence of goddess power."
"I see. But why was Washu's power taken away from her?"
"She was framed for a crime she didn't commit by Tokimi. I was accused of being an accomplice and so sentenced to imprisonment in a tree. That's why I created the whole Jurai civilization from trees and on the foundation of trees being holy and of being a part of themselves like my tree was to me. I was able to keep my powers however limited they were, and once I formed a complex race of life forms I could have used one of them to get a body but I didn't want to steal someone's life. But when Sasami was near death assimilating with her was a way to save her. As a result I am free from my prison, but I can't fully assimilate with Sasami until she is old enough to survive the process. When that happens I will gain humanity and all my goddess powers will be restored to me. We two will become one. And we will have a complete memory as well."
"What crime was Washu framed for?" asked Tenchi.
"Washu was a very…inventive goddess. The life forms she created were as interesting as they were powerful. The only problem was that Washu gave them too much power. The power ended up corrupting their hearts. When that happened Tokimi was able to control their minds and make them do horrible things. Using Washu's creations Tokimi destroyed countless civilizations, but Washu and I were the ones that took the blame. As punishment Washu lost her memory and her goddess powers were trapped in your gems, Ryoko." Said Tsunami.
"Will Washu ever get her memory back?" asked Ryoko.
"When and if she wants her memory back I will return it." Said Tsunami.
"Tsunami if I am your Champion then who is Washu's? and Tokimi's?" asked Tenchi.
"Washu's champion is Ryoko and Tokimi's Champion is Adrien." Responded Tsunami.
"I…I am a chosen Champion? And so is my friend Adrien…." questioned Ryoko.
"But I don't understand something, why do you goddesses create Champions? Why don't you fight your own battles." Asked Tenchi.
"Because…we are still sisters…" began Tokimi.
"I see." Said Tenchi.
"But wait a minute…if Adrien is Tokimi's champion and Tenchi is your champion that doesn't mean what I think it means does it?! They won't have to fight each other will they?!" asked Ryoko.
"I'm afraid the two will have to face each other. If Tenchi is going to defeat Tokimi he will have to go through Adrien to do it." Said Tsunami.
"ME? DEFEAT A GODDESS?? You've got to be kidding!" said Tenchi getting frantic.
"The power is inside of you Tenchi, I have given it to you. All you have to do is bring it out." Replied Tsunami.
"But I don't think I can," began Tenchi.
Tenchi then felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Ryoko. "I know you can do it Tenchi."
"Ryoko…"
"You have to believe in yourself, somehow you have to defeat Tokimi and rescue Ayeka…and Adrien. I suppose we better get going."
"But Ryoko how can I let you face Kagato alone! I just can't let you do that!"
"Tenchi, you are being selfish. I know you have your reasons for not wanting Ryoko to face Kagato alone but it is something she must do. Besides she has all three gems now she'll be ok. You have two people you must save from Tokimi. And unless I decide to force my assimilation with Sasami we are going to need all the help we can get to save those we love."
"No! Tsunami whatever happens you must promise me that you will not force your assimilation with Sasami! You can't just take her childhood away like that! A childhood is a precious thing…something I never had! Promise me, no matter how bad things get you will wait for me to come back from saving Washu to help Tenchi defeat Tokimi before you do that! Promise me!" yelled Ryoko defiantly at the goddess.
Tsunami sighed she knew arguing with Ryoko would be a losing battle, "I promise Ryoko but I hope you know what you are doing. If I step aside who knows what the outcome of this battle will be."
"You'll just have to trust us Tsunami, for Sasami's sake. If we are the chosen Champions we should be able to succeed in our missions! Sasami would trust us and so should you. Do you really want to look back on this day after you have assimilated with Sasami and feel regret?" asked Ryoko.
"No, no I would not want to feel regret. You're right Ryoko, I need to trust my Champion, and trust you. I know you two will both succeed in what you must do. Tenchi I will take you to Tokimi's lair and Ryoko I'm guessing you are going to take Ryo-Oki to Terra-nova?"
"Yes," said Ryoko.
Tenchi then turned to Ryoko, he knew there was no stopping her. She was going to face Kagato alone. Tenchi had the nagging feeling that this might be the last time he ever saw her and there was something he wanted to say to Ryoko before they left to fight their separate battles, "Ryoko…I just wanted to say I," began Tenchi but Ryoko put a finger to his lips silencing him.
"My Tenchi anything you need to tell me can wait until after we come back home." Said Ryoko smiling at Tenchi. "As soon as I'm done saving Washu I promise I will come and help you in your battle against Tokimi. I just want you to know that even when I'm not by your side I will be with you in here." Ryoko smiled placing a hand on Tenchi's heart.
"I know Ryoko, and I hope that I am in your heart also."
"Of course you are Tenchi."
****
The group walked outside the Masaki house and made their preparations to go their separate ways.
Ryo-Oki transformed into a space ship and Sasami/Tsunami began to clear her head of all thoughts to be able to transport herself and Tenchi to Tokimi's lair where her palace lay.
"Are you sure you don't want me to come and help out?" asked Mihoshi.
Both Tenchi and Ryoko replied, "No!"
It's not that they didn't appreciate Mihoshi's offer it's just that she would be safer staying at the Masaki house.
"Take care son, you too Ryoko," said Noboyuki.
"Just tell grandpa that the usual happened. He'll understand I've gone on another rescue mission, ok dad?"
"Sure thing son," replied Noboyuki.
"Hey whatever happened to Raiden?" asked Tenchi.
"Oh he's asleep on the couch…hung over I'm afraid" replied Mihoshi.
"It's for the best, he'd probably only get in the way. Hey Mihoshi look after him ok?"
"I'll do my best Tenchi!" Mihoshi said saluting Tenchi, she was going to take her "looking after" Raiden assignment very seriously. Some things never change.
"Well, I guess this is goodbye, Ryoko." Tenchi said turning to Ryoko.
"I guess so, and Tenchi wait for me before you decide to do something you'll regret. I don't care how hopeless the situation seems. Wait for me, Tenchi. When all this is over I will come back to you." Ryoko said looking at Tenchi as he stood their starring at her, getting lost in her beautiful golden-eyes. "Well you don't have all day Tenchi! You better get a move on you're wasting time!"
"Right, you take care of yourself Ryoko." Tenchi said turning towards Sasami/Tsunami.
"I will, you be careful too, my Tenchi" said Ryoko.
"Are you ready?" asked Tsunami.
"Yes," Tenchi said as he looked back at Ryoko one last time before he and Tsunami disappeared.
"Tenchi…" Ryoko said looking at the spot where Tenchi had just been. She had been trying to be strong but on the inside she was screaming. 'I…I have to face Kagato…alone. Somehow I knew it would have to be this way. I can't continue to let someone fight my own battles for me. These demons inside of me will never go away unless I defeat them myself. It's time for me to face my fears…to face Kagato. I am going to stop running away. I won't let him defeat me. I won't! I made Tenchi and Tsunami promise to wait for me. I have to come back to them. I am Washu's champion and the daughter of a goddess and so must prevail! I will put my nightmares to rest! I will vanquish the man who has haunted my dreams and my life for too long! I just have to believe in my own power. Somehow I will find a way to bring out the true potential of my gems and myself. Once I do that, I will be able to do anything. I refuse to be afraid! I will prove you wrong, Kagato. I belong to no one but myself! I have the freedom to do what I want! And if I want to love Tenchi and fight for his love then so be it.'
'Wait for me, Tenchi. When all this is over I will come back to you.'
With this newfound strength Ryoko teleported to Ryo-Oki and off she went.
Ryoko knew that if she was going to start living her life she had to prove that everything she believed in was true. That she had freedom, that she belonged to no one, and that she could love if she wanted to. Most importantly she had to find the power inside herself to make all these things a reality. She wanted to stop living someone else's reality and live her own. This was her quest…
This was her mission…
This was her fate…
This was her destiny…
End of Chapter 7!!!!!
So what's going to happen to Ryoko, Tenchi, Ayeka, Adrien, or Washu?
I'm not going to tell you!
What I will say is that the coming chapter will be one hell of a ride!