All characters relating to Tenchi Muyo! and its multiverses, if not stated before, are (c) AIC/Pioneer. All other characters not relating
to it (Minaka, Tetsuri, etc.) are strictly of my creation.
Minaka Muyo! (No Need for Minaka!)
Chapter 7: Owakare...
Written by: Sue "Speck" Quigley
***
Hours later, as the rest of the residence watched a favorite television program, Washuu stepped outside to study the constellations, a favorite pastime on beautiful nights such as this. As her hands moved in a blur over her transparent keyboard, a vague shadow, created by the moonlight, hove into view. She gasped, and turned quickly, but relaxed as she saw it was only Minaka.
"Goodness, please don't scare me like that again. I think I've had enough of looming shadows for one day, thank you."
Minaka chuckled and sat down next to her friend, drawing her knees awkwardly up to her chest and crossing her arms over them, leaning her head on her arms. She stared at the night sky, unwilling to tell her friend her news, but knowing she had to all the same.
"So what's on your mind? You're awfully quiet," Washuu pressed. Minaka took a deep breath.
"The people of Jurai know I'm alive now. They intercepted that I, along with the GP, brought down the pirates' armada. They want me to go back home."
Washuu had stopped typing. "So... you'll be leaving then?"
Minaka nodded briskly. "Yeah... tomorrow, as soon as I possibly can. I've already gotten my things, and Mikumo's things, together. Neku-oh's ready to go back home, too..."
She drifted off in midspeech, her throat tightening. Washuu simply waved her hand, disposing of her computer, and sat staring at the stars intently.
"We'll miss you, you know... Sasami really loves your baby..."
"I know... but... I brought so much trouble upon you and all the others... I'm afraid of that happening again... its so peaceful here, and happy... but I brought so much fear and pain to you all... I love you all very deeply, but I couldn't bear it if I let something like that happen again. Besides, don't you think it's a little crowded now with me and my son here? I would rather go back home knowing you all are happy, than stay here and watch as more tensions arise."
Washuu wanted desperately to question her young friend's reasoning, but kept it to herself, sighing deeply. "Well... it is up to you, don't let me or the others change your mind. We'll miss you a lot, but if you feel it's the best thing, then, go on ahead and go back to Jurai."
Minaka felt her anxiety lighten up a bit. "Oh, God, thank you, Miss Washuu, I was so afraid you'd be angry at me for telling you all this. I... I miss Jurai though... I love it here, but I miss my homeland."
Washuu just kept staring at the stars. "Why would I be angry, huh? You're going back home, building up a new life for yourself. I'm very happy for you, really..."
Deep down, Washuu fought the urge to burst into tears. She was lying right through her teeth, but she made her voice sound chipper and lighthearted, to ward off any thoughts that she desperately and jealously wanted to keep Minaka here, on Earth. But, reflectively, she knew that forcing her to stay would be similar to keeping a firefly in a jar; eventually, she would burn out, and would probably never be able to go out on her own. She wanted her to stay, but at the same time, wanted what was best for her friend.
The silence between them lasted for hours as Minaka and Washuu gazed at the stars in the night sky. Finally, the sky began to lighten, and the stars began to vanish.
"It's morning," Washuu commented.
"Yes... it is... I should be getting ready to go, I need to get my satchel and other things together and start putting them in Neku-oh's main cargo bay."
Busily, Minaka got up from her spot on the porch, and rushed inside, leaving Washuu, who remained lying on her back, staring as the last remnants of stars faded away. No one saw the single tear run from Washuu's eye as her body convulsed with repressed sobs.
***
"I wish to thank you all, for your kindness and generosity to me, and my son, in our times of need. I will return the favor again someday, I promise, but for now, I need to go out and get on with my life, and get out of your hair for a while."
Minaka tried to compose herself as she spoke to the small group that had gathered themselves to bid her farewell, but she wasn't succeeding very well. Quiet tears made their way down her face, as her son slept peacefully in her arms.
"Well, we wish you a good journey, Minaka, and we do hope to see you again someday," Tenchi said. This garnered agreement from all, as each member of the "family" said goodbye to her. Mihoshi sobbed melodramatically, tears spouting from her eyes like fountains.
"Its just so sad... we'll miss you, Minaka!" she cried.
Kiyone came very close to giving Mihoshi a gentle whack across her back, but was having a hard time not crying herself. She merely shook Minaka's free hand, and smiled.
"Well, please do come back and visit someday, okay?"
Minaka nodded. "I'll be sure of it!"
Aeka stepped forward, Sasami in front of her, and bowed. "We will all miss you deeply, Minaka, and your company with us. It has been truly a wonderful time for us, and we hope it has been the same for you."
Sasami, snuffling quietly, presented Minaka with a small bouquet of wildflowers. "I... I found them yesterday, I thought you would like them..."
Bending down to the small girl's level, Minaka hugged her close. "I love them, Sasami... I'll put them in a vase right away when I get on board Neku-oh, and they'll be out so I can see them and be reminded of you, okay?"
Sasami sobbed quietly, hugging Minaka's waist, as Aeka gently pulled her away.
Ryoko stalked up, the usual fierce glint in her eye, and flashed a grin to Minaka.
"Try not getting in too much trouble now, okay? You're one hell of a fighter, y'know... I'll miss that..."
Minaka grinned. "Well, I am a mother now, but I'll keep training... maybe if I come back one day I'll be able to beat you, huh?"
"Hah! Not likely!" Ryoko called good-naturedly.
Minaka waved to all, then realized...
"Oh... where's Miss Washuu? I thought..."
"Master Minaka, we must leave now!" called Neku-oh.
"Oh..." Minaka turned about, looking this way and that, but couldn't find her old friend. Dejectedly, she lowered her head.
"Well... I can't wait any longer... I would have liked to have said goodbye to her..."
Tenchi placed a hand on her shoulder. "We'll tell her you said goodbye, okay?"
Reassured, Minaka smiled, and began to pad to her ship. "Okay... thank you Tenchi. Goodbye everybody!"
She waved, as a small beam of red light washed over her and her son, and teleported them into the ship. Neku-oh's main thrust fired up, and the ship lifted slowly out of the water, the engines growling powerfully. The ship rose, higher and higher, until it reached a safe spot in midair, when the main thrusters gave off a deafening roar and sent the ship flying to outer space.
The silence was excruciating. All six stood, looking at the spot where Minaka's ship had been, the water in Funaho Pond rippling gently as it settled back to its crystal calmness once more.
"So... she's gone..." Aeka sighed.
"Yeah," Sasami sniffed. "I'm gonna miss her so much."
"Ah, c'mon guys... Minaka wouldn't want us looking like a bunch of frogspawn now would she? Come on, lets go back to the house and get something to eat, I'm starved!"
Ryoko, with her usual rigid approach to everything, grinned and winked. Sasami started to smile.
"Yeah, you're right... we haven't even had any breakfast yet, oh my goodness!" Hurriedly, she rushed back to the house to get cooking. One after the other, the five remaining followed Sasami back to the house, and once again, the sounds of regular life took voice in the Masaki residence...
Washuu, deep in her lab, gazed at a blank monitor. When would she see it?...
***
Minaka took a deep breath, watching as the vastness of space engulfed Earth, leaving nothing but a speck, glowing brightly in the dark depths of space.
"Well... better contact the Royal Fleet. They'll want to know I'm returning..." Minaka mused quietly. She sat down at a small communications panel, and pressed a button, opening hailing frequencies to Jurai. The screen hung for a few moments, then revealed the gruff looking face of an old comrade.
"Eh? What's this?... Oh ho, so it is true, you are alive! Great to see you, Minaka!"
Minaka smiled. "Well, Captain Benkei... I'm so sorry I passed out like that and made you all go through the hassle of disposing of me..."
Benkei laughed. "Ah, well, we were able to pull quite a few strings to get your records back, so don't worry about it."
A tiny cry broke the silence between the two.
"Eh? What was that? Did an engine blow out on old Neku-oh?"
Neku-oh gave a snort of indignation. "Well, excuse me for being old..."
Benkei laughed. "Aw, Neku-oh, don't get your roots in a rut, old boy, I was just kidding. No, what was that noise really?"
Minaka held up her son, smiling gently. "Meet my son Mikumo."
Benkei gave a look of astonishment. "No kiddin'... that's your kid? Wow... knew you were gone for a long time, but... wow, a baby?"
"It's a very long story... I'd rather not explain right now, maybe later?"
Benkei nodded. "Of course. I suppose you'll be wanting leave of services for a while to take care of the little tyke, hmm?"
Minaka nodded. "Yes... I plan on visiting my mother... she knows I'm alive, right sir?"
"Couldn't be happier. She's coming to headquarters to welcome you back home, as well as the entire of the Jurai fleet and the Royals. You're one lucky stiff, Minaka."
The Royals? Wow...
"Well, I suppose I oughta shut my chops and let you get some rest before ya get here, there's gonna be a big bash when you get here. But, uh, don't tell anybody I told you of this, okay? S'posed to be a secret..."
Minaka laughed. "You always were lousy with keeping secrets, Benkei. Alright, I'll act surprised and I won't tell anybody of this little meeting, how's that for a deal?"
Benkei's red face seemed to redden even further. "That'd be perfect, thanks Minaka. Take care now! Benkei out!"
The face of her comrade faded from view, and the window phased out. Grinning, Minaka took Mikumo and placed him in a small cradle that Neku-oh himself had fashioned out of his own roots. She slumped by his roots, and patted him gently.
"Let's go home, Neku-oh..."
Neku-oh could feel the presence of sadness in his master, but didn't know whether to ask her what was wrong, or leave her be. He decided to ask, when Minaka got up and began to reorganize her belongings. She fished about in her satchel, pulling out her sword, some clothes... and a mysterious object. It was a puppet, closely resembling...
"Miss Washuu?"...
It was adorable, wearing Washuu's signature Galactic Academy uniform, a large red "C" stitched across its front. Musingly, she turned the puppet over, and noticed that it was wearing a small pack, resembling a jet pack or some other carry-on. It had a large red button on it, and, curious, Minaka pressed it...
***
BREEP! BREEP!
Washuu popped to attention from a current work of art, and ran to her control panel. Minaka was activating C-chan's communications system!
***
Minaka wondered if the small jet pack was to shoot miniature flames at her as she pressed the button, as it began to beep quietly. Suddenly, a large window appeared from the top of the machine, and the familiar face of Washuu blinked into view.
"Well hello there Minaka! How goes your travels?"
Minaka smiled, tears running freely from her eyes. "You did want to say goodbye! Oh, I was so worried..."
Washuu tutted quietly. "Oh come on, you think I would miss sayin' goodbye to you? O'course not! I just wanted to make it personal, is all... the puppet was a nice touch, don'tcha think?"
Minaka had to chuckle. "Oh yes, a very nice touch... looks just like you..."
Two more puppets, identical to C-chan, only wearing A and B on the fronts of their outfits, popped up on both of Washuu's shoulders.
"Of course it looks like her, silly!" A-chan piped.
"She designed us with herself in mind!" B-chan continued.
"ISN'T SHE A GENIUS?" they both chimed.
Minaka had to struggle to keep herself from laughing out loud. "Yes, yes, she is a genius, all right..."
The two puppets disappeared, and Washuu remained, smiling at her young friend.
"Well, the battery powering this communications device was designed to last for only about five minutes... looks like our time is almost up..."
Minaka looked up. "Oh, no... I wanted to talk to you... I wanted to say I'll miss you, and I'll always keep you in my memory, okay?"
Washuu swiped at her eye with a hand. "Dang eyelash... right in my eye... well, listen, I'll miss you too, and Mikumo, of course... come back to visit us someday, okay? You know where we are..."
Minaka nodded. "I will, I promise, Washuu-chan!"
The window began to crackle, and Washuu's image became fuzzy.
"See ya 'round, Minaka!"
"Same to you, Miss Washuu!"
Washuu, in her lab, watched as the image of Minaka faded out completely, the window returning to its state of blankness. Two tears lined their way down her face, as she sat in the silence and gloom of her empty, little laboratory. It had been so big, before, with Minaka and the baby keeping Washuu both occupied and company... now, it was just so... empty...
"Um, Mis- er... Washuu-chan?"
Washuu looked up to see little Sasami standing in the doorway leading to the living room. She furiously scrubbed both eyes with her fists, and put on a cheerful voice, however laden with cracks of emotion.
"Now now, Sasami, the "Miss Washuu" rule doesn't apply to you, I just use it to keep the others in line, you know that... what can I do ya for?"
Sasami quietly padded in, and bowed to Washuu. "The others are having tea, and wanted to know if you'd like to come join us."
Washuu made to say "yes", when Sasami threw herself into her arms, crying quietly. "I miss Minaka and Mikumo so much, Washuu..."
Smiling, Washuu petted Sasami's hair, and hugged her. "I know, sweetie, I know... I miss her, too... my lab's so empty without her..."
Sasami looked up, her dark red eyes searching for one answer. "Miss Washuu, will she ever be back?"
Washuu grinned, and held Sasami close, looking upwards, to the dark ceiling of her lab, perhaps through the ceiling and to the stars of space...
"I believe she will... someday, in the future, she'll be back. I just know it."
END OF PART I
***
A/N: So, that's thee grand finalé (long in coming, too...) of this fic. I hope you enjoyed the trip, and, please, lemme know what you thought of it by sending an email my way, hmm? I'd really appreciate it. Sayonara fer now! :3
to it (Minaka, Tetsuri, etc.) are strictly of my creation.
Minaka Muyo! (No Need for Minaka!)
Chapter 7: Owakare...
Written by: Sue "Speck" Quigley
***
Hours later, as the rest of the residence watched a favorite television program, Washuu stepped outside to study the constellations, a favorite pastime on beautiful nights such as this. As her hands moved in a blur over her transparent keyboard, a vague shadow, created by the moonlight, hove into view. She gasped, and turned quickly, but relaxed as she saw it was only Minaka.
"Goodness, please don't scare me like that again. I think I've had enough of looming shadows for one day, thank you."
Minaka chuckled and sat down next to her friend, drawing her knees awkwardly up to her chest and crossing her arms over them, leaning her head on her arms. She stared at the night sky, unwilling to tell her friend her news, but knowing she had to all the same.
"So what's on your mind? You're awfully quiet," Washuu pressed. Minaka took a deep breath.
"The people of Jurai know I'm alive now. They intercepted that I, along with the GP, brought down the pirates' armada. They want me to go back home."
Washuu had stopped typing. "So... you'll be leaving then?"
Minaka nodded briskly. "Yeah... tomorrow, as soon as I possibly can. I've already gotten my things, and Mikumo's things, together. Neku-oh's ready to go back home, too..."
She drifted off in midspeech, her throat tightening. Washuu simply waved her hand, disposing of her computer, and sat staring at the stars intently.
"We'll miss you, you know... Sasami really loves your baby..."
"I know... but... I brought so much trouble upon you and all the others... I'm afraid of that happening again... its so peaceful here, and happy... but I brought so much fear and pain to you all... I love you all very deeply, but I couldn't bear it if I let something like that happen again. Besides, don't you think it's a little crowded now with me and my son here? I would rather go back home knowing you all are happy, than stay here and watch as more tensions arise."
Washuu wanted desperately to question her young friend's reasoning, but kept it to herself, sighing deeply. "Well... it is up to you, don't let me or the others change your mind. We'll miss you a lot, but if you feel it's the best thing, then, go on ahead and go back to Jurai."
Minaka felt her anxiety lighten up a bit. "Oh, God, thank you, Miss Washuu, I was so afraid you'd be angry at me for telling you all this. I... I miss Jurai though... I love it here, but I miss my homeland."
Washuu just kept staring at the stars. "Why would I be angry, huh? You're going back home, building up a new life for yourself. I'm very happy for you, really..."
Deep down, Washuu fought the urge to burst into tears. She was lying right through her teeth, but she made her voice sound chipper and lighthearted, to ward off any thoughts that she desperately and jealously wanted to keep Minaka here, on Earth. But, reflectively, she knew that forcing her to stay would be similar to keeping a firefly in a jar; eventually, she would burn out, and would probably never be able to go out on her own. She wanted her to stay, but at the same time, wanted what was best for her friend.
The silence between them lasted for hours as Minaka and Washuu gazed at the stars in the night sky. Finally, the sky began to lighten, and the stars began to vanish.
"It's morning," Washuu commented.
"Yes... it is... I should be getting ready to go, I need to get my satchel and other things together and start putting them in Neku-oh's main cargo bay."
Busily, Minaka got up from her spot on the porch, and rushed inside, leaving Washuu, who remained lying on her back, staring as the last remnants of stars faded away. No one saw the single tear run from Washuu's eye as her body convulsed with repressed sobs.
***
"I wish to thank you all, for your kindness and generosity to me, and my son, in our times of need. I will return the favor again someday, I promise, but for now, I need to go out and get on with my life, and get out of your hair for a while."
Minaka tried to compose herself as she spoke to the small group that had gathered themselves to bid her farewell, but she wasn't succeeding very well. Quiet tears made their way down her face, as her son slept peacefully in her arms.
"Well, we wish you a good journey, Minaka, and we do hope to see you again someday," Tenchi said. This garnered agreement from all, as each member of the "family" said goodbye to her. Mihoshi sobbed melodramatically, tears spouting from her eyes like fountains.
"Its just so sad... we'll miss you, Minaka!" she cried.
Kiyone came very close to giving Mihoshi a gentle whack across her back, but was having a hard time not crying herself. She merely shook Minaka's free hand, and smiled.
"Well, please do come back and visit someday, okay?"
Minaka nodded. "I'll be sure of it!"
Aeka stepped forward, Sasami in front of her, and bowed. "We will all miss you deeply, Minaka, and your company with us. It has been truly a wonderful time for us, and we hope it has been the same for you."
Sasami, snuffling quietly, presented Minaka with a small bouquet of wildflowers. "I... I found them yesterday, I thought you would like them..."
Bending down to the small girl's level, Minaka hugged her close. "I love them, Sasami... I'll put them in a vase right away when I get on board Neku-oh, and they'll be out so I can see them and be reminded of you, okay?"
Sasami sobbed quietly, hugging Minaka's waist, as Aeka gently pulled her away.
Ryoko stalked up, the usual fierce glint in her eye, and flashed a grin to Minaka.
"Try not getting in too much trouble now, okay? You're one hell of a fighter, y'know... I'll miss that..."
Minaka grinned. "Well, I am a mother now, but I'll keep training... maybe if I come back one day I'll be able to beat you, huh?"
"Hah! Not likely!" Ryoko called good-naturedly.
Minaka waved to all, then realized...
"Oh... where's Miss Washuu? I thought..."
"Master Minaka, we must leave now!" called Neku-oh.
"Oh..." Minaka turned about, looking this way and that, but couldn't find her old friend. Dejectedly, she lowered her head.
"Well... I can't wait any longer... I would have liked to have said goodbye to her..."
Tenchi placed a hand on her shoulder. "We'll tell her you said goodbye, okay?"
Reassured, Minaka smiled, and began to pad to her ship. "Okay... thank you Tenchi. Goodbye everybody!"
She waved, as a small beam of red light washed over her and her son, and teleported them into the ship. Neku-oh's main thrust fired up, and the ship lifted slowly out of the water, the engines growling powerfully. The ship rose, higher and higher, until it reached a safe spot in midair, when the main thrusters gave off a deafening roar and sent the ship flying to outer space.
The silence was excruciating. All six stood, looking at the spot where Minaka's ship had been, the water in Funaho Pond rippling gently as it settled back to its crystal calmness once more.
"So... she's gone..." Aeka sighed.
"Yeah," Sasami sniffed. "I'm gonna miss her so much."
"Ah, c'mon guys... Minaka wouldn't want us looking like a bunch of frogspawn now would she? Come on, lets go back to the house and get something to eat, I'm starved!"
Ryoko, with her usual rigid approach to everything, grinned and winked. Sasami started to smile.
"Yeah, you're right... we haven't even had any breakfast yet, oh my goodness!" Hurriedly, she rushed back to the house to get cooking. One after the other, the five remaining followed Sasami back to the house, and once again, the sounds of regular life took voice in the Masaki residence...
Washuu, deep in her lab, gazed at a blank monitor. When would she see it?...
***
Minaka took a deep breath, watching as the vastness of space engulfed Earth, leaving nothing but a speck, glowing brightly in the dark depths of space.
"Well... better contact the Royal Fleet. They'll want to know I'm returning..." Minaka mused quietly. She sat down at a small communications panel, and pressed a button, opening hailing frequencies to Jurai. The screen hung for a few moments, then revealed the gruff looking face of an old comrade.
"Eh? What's this?... Oh ho, so it is true, you are alive! Great to see you, Minaka!"
Minaka smiled. "Well, Captain Benkei... I'm so sorry I passed out like that and made you all go through the hassle of disposing of me..."
Benkei laughed. "Ah, well, we were able to pull quite a few strings to get your records back, so don't worry about it."
A tiny cry broke the silence between the two.
"Eh? What was that? Did an engine blow out on old Neku-oh?"
Neku-oh gave a snort of indignation. "Well, excuse me for being old..."
Benkei laughed. "Aw, Neku-oh, don't get your roots in a rut, old boy, I was just kidding. No, what was that noise really?"
Minaka held up her son, smiling gently. "Meet my son Mikumo."
Benkei gave a look of astonishment. "No kiddin'... that's your kid? Wow... knew you were gone for a long time, but... wow, a baby?"
"It's a very long story... I'd rather not explain right now, maybe later?"
Benkei nodded. "Of course. I suppose you'll be wanting leave of services for a while to take care of the little tyke, hmm?"
Minaka nodded. "Yes... I plan on visiting my mother... she knows I'm alive, right sir?"
"Couldn't be happier. She's coming to headquarters to welcome you back home, as well as the entire of the Jurai fleet and the Royals. You're one lucky stiff, Minaka."
The Royals? Wow...
"Well, I suppose I oughta shut my chops and let you get some rest before ya get here, there's gonna be a big bash when you get here. But, uh, don't tell anybody I told you of this, okay? S'posed to be a secret..."
Minaka laughed. "You always were lousy with keeping secrets, Benkei. Alright, I'll act surprised and I won't tell anybody of this little meeting, how's that for a deal?"
Benkei's red face seemed to redden even further. "That'd be perfect, thanks Minaka. Take care now! Benkei out!"
The face of her comrade faded from view, and the window phased out. Grinning, Minaka took Mikumo and placed him in a small cradle that Neku-oh himself had fashioned out of his own roots. She slumped by his roots, and patted him gently.
"Let's go home, Neku-oh..."
Neku-oh could feel the presence of sadness in his master, but didn't know whether to ask her what was wrong, or leave her be. He decided to ask, when Minaka got up and began to reorganize her belongings. She fished about in her satchel, pulling out her sword, some clothes... and a mysterious object. It was a puppet, closely resembling...
"Miss Washuu?"...
It was adorable, wearing Washuu's signature Galactic Academy uniform, a large red "C" stitched across its front. Musingly, she turned the puppet over, and noticed that it was wearing a small pack, resembling a jet pack or some other carry-on. It had a large red button on it, and, curious, Minaka pressed it...
***
BREEP! BREEP!
Washuu popped to attention from a current work of art, and ran to her control panel. Minaka was activating C-chan's communications system!
***
Minaka wondered if the small jet pack was to shoot miniature flames at her as she pressed the button, as it began to beep quietly. Suddenly, a large window appeared from the top of the machine, and the familiar face of Washuu blinked into view.
"Well hello there Minaka! How goes your travels?"
Minaka smiled, tears running freely from her eyes. "You did want to say goodbye! Oh, I was so worried..."
Washuu tutted quietly. "Oh come on, you think I would miss sayin' goodbye to you? O'course not! I just wanted to make it personal, is all... the puppet was a nice touch, don'tcha think?"
Minaka had to chuckle. "Oh yes, a very nice touch... looks just like you..."
Two more puppets, identical to C-chan, only wearing A and B on the fronts of their outfits, popped up on both of Washuu's shoulders.
"Of course it looks like her, silly!" A-chan piped.
"She designed us with herself in mind!" B-chan continued.
"ISN'T SHE A GENIUS?" they both chimed.
Minaka had to struggle to keep herself from laughing out loud. "Yes, yes, she is a genius, all right..."
The two puppets disappeared, and Washuu remained, smiling at her young friend.
"Well, the battery powering this communications device was designed to last for only about five minutes... looks like our time is almost up..."
Minaka looked up. "Oh, no... I wanted to talk to you... I wanted to say I'll miss you, and I'll always keep you in my memory, okay?"
Washuu swiped at her eye with a hand. "Dang eyelash... right in my eye... well, listen, I'll miss you too, and Mikumo, of course... come back to visit us someday, okay? You know where we are..."
Minaka nodded. "I will, I promise, Washuu-chan!"
The window began to crackle, and Washuu's image became fuzzy.
"See ya 'round, Minaka!"
"Same to you, Miss Washuu!"
Washuu, in her lab, watched as the image of Minaka faded out completely, the window returning to its state of blankness. Two tears lined their way down her face, as she sat in the silence and gloom of her empty, little laboratory. It had been so big, before, with Minaka and the baby keeping Washuu both occupied and company... now, it was just so... empty...
"Um, Mis- er... Washuu-chan?"
Washuu looked up to see little Sasami standing in the doorway leading to the living room. She furiously scrubbed both eyes with her fists, and put on a cheerful voice, however laden with cracks of emotion.
"Now now, Sasami, the "Miss Washuu" rule doesn't apply to you, I just use it to keep the others in line, you know that... what can I do ya for?"
Sasami quietly padded in, and bowed to Washuu. "The others are having tea, and wanted to know if you'd like to come join us."
Washuu made to say "yes", when Sasami threw herself into her arms, crying quietly. "I miss Minaka and Mikumo so much, Washuu..."
Smiling, Washuu petted Sasami's hair, and hugged her. "I know, sweetie, I know... I miss her, too... my lab's so empty without her..."
Sasami looked up, her dark red eyes searching for one answer. "Miss Washuu, will she ever be back?"
Washuu grinned, and held Sasami close, looking upwards, to the dark ceiling of her lab, perhaps through the ceiling and to the stars of space...
"I believe she will... someday, in the future, she'll be back. I just know it."
END OF PART I
***
A/N: So, that's thee grand finalé (long in coming, too...) of this fic. I hope you enjoyed the trip, and, please, lemme know what you thought of it by sending an email my way, hmm? I'd really appreciate it. Sayonara fer now! :3