Chapter 3: Cops, Cabbits, and Scientists, Oh my!
Tenchi headed back to the house, humming softly to himself. He had asked Ryoko if she would like him to walk her back, but she insisted that she wanted to stay outside and play a little longer. He smiled to himself. Flying with her had put him in such a good mood. He chuckled to himself as he slid the front door open.
"Mihoshi," he called. He looked around. The blonde policewoman was nowhere in sight. "Mihoshi," he repeated. "Where can she be?" he asked himself. He had decided that with Mihoshi, he would take her to a movie and maybe grab a snack afterward. He knew she would enjoy that. He poked his head in the kitchen and saw Sasami and Ryo-ohki watching Grandpa gut the fish he and Ryoko had caught earlier. "Sasami," he said. The girl looked up at him.
"Oh, hi, Tenchi!" she said happily. Ryo-ohki miyaa-ed nonsensically. Tenchi grinned.
"Have you seen Mihoshi around here?" he asked.
The girl looked around for a moment, and her large pink eyes fell on a point just behind him. "She's asleep on the couch," the girl replied.
Tenchi looked behind him, and sure enough, there was Mihoshi, snoozing on the couch. Tenchi sweatdropped and wondered just how he could have possibly missed her there. "Thanks, Sasami," he said. He went to the side of the couch and gently shook Mihoshi's tanned shoulder, waking up the blonde.
Her large blue eyes opened and blinked several times before falling on him.
"Oh, Tenchi!" she exclaimed happily, not sounding sleepy in the least.
"Hi, Mihoshi," Tenchi said as the blonde sat up and stretched. Her mouth opened in a gigantic yawn. "I was wondering if you would like to see a movie with me," he said. Mihoshi grinned.
"Oh, would I?" she gushed enthusiastically. "Oh, that would be soo much fun, Tenchi!" she exclaimed excitedly.
"Great," Tenchi said. "Let's go." He and Mihoshi started for the door together. Tenchi looked into the kitchen at his grandfather. "Grandpa, when Dad gets home, will you tell him that Mihoshi and I went to see a movie?" he asked. Katsuhito nodded in affirmation. "Great. Thanks, Grandpa," he said. He slid the door open for Mihoshi and they left the house together.
***
Washu was in her lab, sitting on her floating pillow and eating a Popsicle that Sasami had brought her not five minutes ago. Her transparent laptop was in front of her, but since she was eating the sticky, frozen treat, she wasn't typing, and her screensaver of little crabs running across the screen was activated.
The small genius had heard from Ayeka and Ryoko that Tenchi was spending time with all the girls that day. She had wondered when her turn would be, but then with a smile, she figured he was saving the best for last. With that, she turned back to her computer and resumed her work.
***
After a short bus ride into town, Tenchi and Mihoshi headed for the nearest theatre. The whole way, Mihoshi kept talking about this and that. Tenchi tried to pay attention, but he had long since lost track of where the conversation was headed.
They went to the ticket booth and Tenchi faced Mihoshi. "What movie do you want to see?" he asked. Knowing Mihoshi, she would choose something like Monsters, Inc. or Harry Potter.
He wasn't disappointed. "Harry Potter!" Mihoshi exclaimed enthusiastically, jumping up and down in excitement.
Tenchi smiled. "Two adult tickets for Harry Potter," he said to the girl working the booth. He got the tickets and paid for them, and looking at the time, he realized there was half an hour until the show started. He figured that maybe they could have a snack now instead of after the movie. "Mihoshi," he said. "Why don't we get a snack while we wait for it to be time for the show to start," he suggested.
"Oh, that would be so wonderful!" Mihoshi enthused. She sounded like it was the greatest idea Tenchi had ever had.
"Great. Let's go get some ice cream," he said, guiding her away from the theatre. They walked to Baskin Robbins, which wasn't far away. He knew Mihoshi would love ice cream, especially on a warm day like this one.
Moments later, he was sitting across Mihoshi with his double scoop of mint chocolate chip, and she was holding a chocolate and strawberry cone. He licked his ice cream in silence while Mihoshi gushed about all the things she had seen on patrol this morning with Yukinojo. He would have to be out of his mind to choose her! Imagine, entire days just like this, he thought to himself as Mihoshi continued babbling. I would die young, I think, he thought. He rested his chin in his hand and attempted to look interested in what Mihoshi was saying.
***
About fifteen minutes before the show was to start, Tenchi and Mihoshi left the ice cream parlor and headed back to the theatre. Mihoshi was still babbling about all sorts of things that made Tenchi's head swim if he paid too much attention. He just nodded his head until he felt like it was ready to fall off.
They went inside the theatre and waited in line in the lobby to be let into the auditorium. Mihoshi just wouldn't quit talking. Tenchi cleared his throat and Mihoshi blinked.
"Mihoshi," he said kindly. "Have you read the Harry Potter books?" he asked. Mihoshi blinked.
"Oh, yes!" Mihoshi exclaimed. "I read them while I was on patrol. They are soo wonderful!"
"I liked them too," Tenchi said with a smile. "They were very well written. I almost felt like I was at Hogwarts."
"Really? Me too!" Mihoshi exclaimed happily. Tenchi sweatdropped. At least now he had a chance to get a few words in.
"Do you think the movie will be as good as the book?" he asked. He mentally slapped himself. He sounded like he was talking to a little kid. Mihoshi didn't seem to notice. I guess she gets that a lot, he thought.
"Oh, yes!" Mihoshi replied. "I think it will be. I saw the preview a while ago, and I thought it looked like it was going to be very good."
After about five minutes, the usher pulled back the velvet rope and everyone streamed into the hallway, going to their appropriate auditorium. Mihoshi and Tenchi went in and found seats close to the front. Mihoshi didn't want to miss a thing. After locating their seats, Tenchi left to get some popcorn and soda, almost wishing that he was seeing this movie with anyone but Mihoshi. He imagined being there with Washu. They would have had a nice conversation at the ice cream shop. She would be so cheerful, and in turn, it would make him cheerful. He almost dreaded going back into the auditorium where Mihoshi was waiting for him, but he couldn't just leave her.
He got a large tub of popcorn and two sodas. He sighed as he headed back to the theatre. At least she would have to be quiet during the movie, and then they would only have the short bus ride home. You can make it, Tenchi, he encouraged himself. I wish I had little dolls like Washu-chan's that could give me a little self-esteem boost, he thought as he went back inside.
He walked down the aisle and back to his seat. He put the popcorn between him and Mihoshi and handed her the large soda.
"Thank you so, much, Tenchi," Mihoshi said, putting the soda in the cup holder built into the arm of the chair. Tenchi smiled. At least she didn't spill it. He settled down in his seat. It wasn't long before the previews started.
As he watched the movie, he couldn't help but think it was well-done. It followed the story nicely, although it was a bit too rushed in the beginning. Although he did realize that kids probably wouldn't be able to sit through the whole thing if it was much more than two hours long. He was impressed with how things progressed from the middle to the end, and he swore that everything looked just as he imagined it when he read the book. The characters looked just right. He smiled in spite of himself.
By the end of the movie, he was in a good mood again, and he thought he could deal with Mihoshi's babbling on the way home.
As they sat on the bus, he was amazed at how Mihoshi discussed the movie with him. She almost sounded like a critic as she praised the quality of film making just displayed. By the time they got home, Tenchi was in a really good mood again. He had to admit that he did have fun with Mihoshi, although he didn't think he would choose her.
"Ryo-ohki!" he called. He went into the kitchen where Sasami was grilling the fish. Ryo-ohki was standing by the counter in her human form. "There you are!" he exclaimed. The cabbit-girl looked up and miyaa-ed happily, teetering over to him. He picked her up and hugged her. "Do you want to play with me, Ryo-ohki?" he asked.
"Miyaa!" she replied. Tenchi laughed and carried her outside. The sun was beginning to set. It looked very beautiful.
"I know," Tenchi said, setting her down. Ryo-ohki looked at him and blinked. "Let's play follow the leader!" Tenchi exclaimed. Ryo-ohki miyaa- ed in agreement. Tenchi began walking slowly so Ryo-ohki could keep up with him. As he slowly walked, he looked over his shoulder. Ryo-ohki was unsteadily walking behind him, looking like a toddler who had just learned how to walk.
He turned around and Ryo-ohki teetered over to him. He knelt down and she sat in his lap. He hugged her closely to him. She felt like a real human child in his arms. "Ryo-ohki," he said softly. "Will you sing your song for me?" he asked.
Ryo-ohki beamed and nodded. She began miyaa-ing to the tune of 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,' rolling her hands at first. As she got to the end of her song, she put one fist on top of the other until she finished singing. Tenchi clapped to the pleasure of the little cabbit-girl.
"You're such a good singer," he praised. "Do you want to learn a new song?" he asked. Ryo-ohki miyaa-ed and nodded. "I'm a little tea pot, short and stout, here is my handle," he sang, making the handle, "and here is my spout," with the other arm, he made the spout. Ryo-ohki followed him in the hand motions. "When I get all steamed up, here me shout, tip me over and pour me out," he sang, as he tipped over like he was pouring tea. Ryo-ohki tipped a little too far and tumbled off his lap, turning into a cabbit again. Tenchi laughed and picked up the small creature. Tears ran down her cheeks. He pulled a carrot out of his pocket. "Here," he said. "This is for being such a good sport."
Ryo-ohki miyaa-ed happily and took the carrot. She began nibbling on it as Tenchi carried her back to the house. He gave her back to Sasami. "She learned a new song," he said. "Maybe sometime she can sing it for you," he said.
***
After leaving Ryo-ohki with Sasami, Tenchi went to the closet under the stairs that served as the entry to Washu-chan's lab. He slowly pushed the door open, hearing the clatter of the little door-crab that let Washu know when someone came in. The tiny scientist turned around and smiled when she saw Tenchi.
"Hello, Tenchi," she said, turning away from her computer entirely. The screen and keyboard faded away as the red-head floated closer to Tenchi on her floating pillow.
"Hi, Washu-chan," he greeted.
"Is it my turn already?" she asked. Tenchi nodded. "Good. I have just the thing planned for us," she said. She snapped her fingers and a table appeared with another floating cushion at one end. "Have a seat," she invited. Tenchi sat down on the cushion and it scooted up to the table. Washu held up a finger and left for a moment. When she returned, she had food with her. She set it out. "I think a nice dinner would be appropriate, but nothing romantic. We're just friends, right?" she asked.
Tenchi nodded.
Washu floated to the table, sitting across from Tenchi. "How was your time with the other girls?" she asked.
"It was a lot of fun. Sasami and I talked by Funaho, Ayeka and I had a picnic, Ryoko and I went fishing and flying, and I saw a movie with Mihoshi," Tenchi said as he and Washu took some of the food. "Did you make all of this?" he asked. The little genius nodded. "Wow. It all looks so delicious!" he exclaimed.
Washu blushed. "Well, it's really nothing that magnificent, just something I threw together," she replied, blushing. Tenchi chuckled. They began to eat in silence at first.
"Washu," Tenchi said. The genius scientist looked up at him. "I want you to know that you're one of my closest friends," he said. He picked at his food for a moment, waiting for Washu's reply.
"You are one of my closest friends, too, Tenchi." She looked down, concentration written on her face. "And that is how I am content to let it remain," she said. Tenchi looked surprised. "I do admit that I am attracted to you," Washu continued, "but if I took you, it would break Ryoko's heart. I know how she feels about you, and to me, her needs come before mine." Washu set down her chopsticks and looked up at the darkening sky.
"But--" Tenchi began. Washu looked down at him. There were emotions in her eyes that he didn't recognize.
"I love my daughter, Tenchi. While she may be my last child, I want her to be happy," she said. "She may not feel the same way about me, but . . ." she paused. "I guess it's just my motherly instincts." She stood and walked over to him. "I want to know that she'll always have someone to be with her, Tenchi," she said, her voice breaking with emotion.
Tenchi got off his cushion and hugged Washu.
"After you and Ryoko spent your time together, she told me about it. It's not very often that she uses our link, but she was so happy just to be with you, Tenchi-sama. She didn't even care what she was doing, as long as it was with you," she said. "I want her to always be happy like that; so happy, that she is even willing to tell me all about it." She lowered her head, a tear dripping down her childlike cheek. "So I can at least feel like I'm her mother for a few seconds."
Tenchi didn't know what to say. He hated seeing her so sad. They ate in silence until they were finished.
"Thank you for spending time with me, Washu-chan," Tenchi said.
The genius smiled, back to her normal, cheerful self. "It's no problem!" she exclaimed cheerfully. She watched Tenchi leave the lab and sank down onto her pillow again, another tear falling from her cheek.
Tenchi headed back to the house, humming softly to himself. He had asked Ryoko if she would like him to walk her back, but she insisted that she wanted to stay outside and play a little longer. He smiled to himself. Flying with her had put him in such a good mood. He chuckled to himself as he slid the front door open.
"Mihoshi," he called. He looked around. The blonde policewoman was nowhere in sight. "Mihoshi," he repeated. "Where can she be?" he asked himself. He had decided that with Mihoshi, he would take her to a movie and maybe grab a snack afterward. He knew she would enjoy that. He poked his head in the kitchen and saw Sasami and Ryo-ohki watching Grandpa gut the fish he and Ryoko had caught earlier. "Sasami," he said. The girl looked up at him.
"Oh, hi, Tenchi!" she said happily. Ryo-ohki miyaa-ed nonsensically. Tenchi grinned.
"Have you seen Mihoshi around here?" he asked.
The girl looked around for a moment, and her large pink eyes fell on a point just behind him. "She's asleep on the couch," the girl replied.
Tenchi looked behind him, and sure enough, there was Mihoshi, snoozing on the couch. Tenchi sweatdropped and wondered just how he could have possibly missed her there. "Thanks, Sasami," he said. He went to the side of the couch and gently shook Mihoshi's tanned shoulder, waking up the blonde.
Her large blue eyes opened and blinked several times before falling on him.
"Oh, Tenchi!" she exclaimed happily, not sounding sleepy in the least.
"Hi, Mihoshi," Tenchi said as the blonde sat up and stretched. Her mouth opened in a gigantic yawn. "I was wondering if you would like to see a movie with me," he said. Mihoshi grinned.
"Oh, would I?" she gushed enthusiastically. "Oh, that would be soo much fun, Tenchi!" she exclaimed excitedly.
"Great," Tenchi said. "Let's go." He and Mihoshi started for the door together. Tenchi looked into the kitchen at his grandfather. "Grandpa, when Dad gets home, will you tell him that Mihoshi and I went to see a movie?" he asked. Katsuhito nodded in affirmation. "Great. Thanks, Grandpa," he said. He slid the door open for Mihoshi and they left the house together.
***
Washu was in her lab, sitting on her floating pillow and eating a Popsicle that Sasami had brought her not five minutes ago. Her transparent laptop was in front of her, but since she was eating the sticky, frozen treat, she wasn't typing, and her screensaver of little crabs running across the screen was activated.
The small genius had heard from Ayeka and Ryoko that Tenchi was spending time with all the girls that day. She had wondered when her turn would be, but then with a smile, she figured he was saving the best for last. With that, she turned back to her computer and resumed her work.
***
After a short bus ride into town, Tenchi and Mihoshi headed for the nearest theatre. The whole way, Mihoshi kept talking about this and that. Tenchi tried to pay attention, but he had long since lost track of where the conversation was headed.
They went to the ticket booth and Tenchi faced Mihoshi. "What movie do you want to see?" he asked. Knowing Mihoshi, she would choose something like Monsters, Inc. or Harry Potter.
He wasn't disappointed. "Harry Potter!" Mihoshi exclaimed enthusiastically, jumping up and down in excitement.
Tenchi smiled. "Two adult tickets for Harry Potter," he said to the girl working the booth. He got the tickets and paid for them, and looking at the time, he realized there was half an hour until the show started. He figured that maybe they could have a snack now instead of after the movie. "Mihoshi," he said. "Why don't we get a snack while we wait for it to be time for the show to start," he suggested.
"Oh, that would be so wonderful!" Mihoshi enthused. She sounded like it was the greatest idea Tenchi had ever had.
"Great. Let's go get some ice cream," he said, guiding her away from the theatre. They walked to Baskin Robbins, which wasn't far away. He knew Mihoshi would love ice cream, especially on a warm day like this one.
Moments later, he was sitting across Mihoshi with his double scoop of mint chocolate chip, and she was holding a chocolate and strawberry cone. He licked his ice cream in silence while Mihoshi gushed about all the things she had seen on patrol this morning with Yukinojo. He would have to be out of his mind to choose her! Imagine, entire days just like this, he thought to himself as Mihoshi continued babbling. I would die young, I think, he thought. He rested his chin in his hand and attempted to look interested in what Mihoshi was saying.
***
About fifteen minutes before the show was to start, Tenchi and Mihoshi left the ice cream parlor and headed back to the theatre. Mihoshi was still babbling about all sorts of things that made Tenchi's head swim if he paid too much attention. He just nodded his head until he felt like it was ready to fall off.
They went inside the theatre and waited in line in the lobby to be let into the auditorium. Mihoshi just wouldn't quit talking. Tenchi cleared his throat and Mihoshi blinked.
"Mihoshi," he said kindly. "Have you read the Harry Potter books?" he asked. Mihoshi blinked.
"Oh, yes!" Mihoshi exclaimed. "I read them while I was on patrol. They are soo wonderful!"
"I liked them too," Tenchi said with a smile. "They were very well written. I almost felt like I was at Hogwarts."
"Really? Me too!" Mihoshi exclaimed happily. Tenchi sweatdropped. At least now he had a chance to get a few words in.
"Do you think the movie will be as good as the book?" he asked. He mentally slapped himself. He sounded like he was talking to a little kid. Mihoshi didn't seem to notice. I guess she gets that a lot, he thought.
"Oh, yes!" Mihoshi replied. "I think it will be. I saw the preview a while ago, and I thought it looked like it was going to be very good."
After about five minutes, the usher pulled back the velvet rope and everyone streamed into the hallway, going to their appropriate auditorium. Mihoshi and Tenchi went in and found seats close to the front. Mihoshi didn't want to miss a thing. After locating their seats, Tenchi left to get some popcorn and soda, almost wishing that he was seeing this movie with anyone but Mihoshi. He imagined being there with Washu. They would have had a nice conversation at the ice cream shop. She would be so cheerful, and in turn, it would make him cheerful. He almost dreaded going back into the auditorium where Mihoshi was waiting for him, but he couldn't just leave her.
He got a large tub of popcorn and two sodas. He sighed as he headed back to the theatre. At least she would have to be quiet during the movie, and then they would only have the short bus ride home. You can make it, Tenchi, he encouraged himself. I wish I had little dolls like Washu-chan's that could give me a little self-esteem boost, he thought as he went back inside.
He walked down the aisle and back to his seat. He put the popcorn between him and Mihoshi and handed her the large soda.
"Thank you so, much, Tenchi," Mihoshi said, putting the soda in the cup holder built into the arm of the chair. Tenchi smiled. At least she didn't spill it. He settled down in his seat. It wasn't long before the previews started.
As he watched the movie, he couldn't help but think it was well-done. It followed the story nicely, although it was a bit too rushed in the beginning. Although he did realize that kids probably wouldn't be able to sit through the whole thing if it was much more than two hours long. He was impressed with how things progressed from the middle to the end, and he swore that everything looked just as he imagined it when he read the book. The characters looked just right. He smiled in spite of himself.
By the end of the movie, he was in a good mood again, and he thought he could deal with Mihoshi's babbling on the way home.
As they sat on the bus, he was amazed at how Mihoshi discussed the movie with him. She almost sounded like a critic as she praised the quality of film making just displayed. By the time they got home, Tenchi was in a really good mood again. He had to admit that he did have fun with Mihoshi, although he didn't think he would choose her.
"Ryo-ohki!" he called. He went into the kitchen where Sasami was grilling the fish. Ryo-ohki was standing by the counter in her human form. "There you are!" he exclaimed. The cabbit-girl looked up and miyaa-ed happily, teetering over to him. He picked her up and hugged her. "Do you want to play with me, Ryo-ohki?" he asked.
"Miyaa!" she replied. Tenchi laughed and carried her outside. The sun was beginning to set. It looked very beautiful.
"I know," Tenchi said, setting her down. Ryo-ohki looked at him and blinked. "Let's play follow the leader!" Tenchi exclaimed. Ryo-ohki miyaa- ed in agreement. Tenchi began walking slowly so Ryo-ohki could keep up with him. As he slowly walked, he looked over his shoulder. Ryo-ohki was unsteadily walking behind him, looking like a toddler who had just learned how to walk.
He turned around and Ryo-ohki teetered over to him. He knelt down and she sat in his lap. He hugged her closely to him. She felt like a real human child in his arms. "Ryo-ohki," he said softly. "Will you sing your song for me?" he asked.
Ryo-ohki beamed and nodded. She began miyaa-ing to the tune of 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,' rolling her hands at first. As she got to the end of her song, she put one fist on top of the other until she finished singing. Tenchi clapped to the pleasure of the little cabbit-girl.
"You're such a good singer," he praised. "Do you want to learn a new song?" he asked. Ryo-ohki miyaa-ed and nodded. "I'm a little tea pot, short and stout, here is my handle," he sang, making the handle, "and here is my spout," with the other arm, he made the spout. Ryo-ohki followed him in the hand motions. "When I get all steamed up, here me shout, tip me over and pour me out," he sang, as he tipped over like he was pouring tea. Ryo-ohki tipped a little too far and tumbled off his lap, turning into a cabbit again. Tenchi laughed and picked up the small creature. Tears ran down her cheeks. He pulled a carrot out of his pocket. "Here," he said. "This is for being such a good sport."
Ryo-ohki miyaa-ed happily and took the carrot. She began nibbling on it as Tenchi carried her back to the house. He gave her back to Sasami. "She learned a new song," he said. "Maybe sometime she can sing it for you," he said.
***
After leaving Ryo-ohki with Sasami, Tenchi went to the closet under the stairs that served as the entry to Washu-chan's lab. He slowly pushed the door open, hearing the clatter of the little door-crab that let Washu know when someone came in. The tiny scientist turned around and smiled when she saw Tenchi.
"Hello, Tenchi," she said, turning away from her computer entirely. The screen and keyboard faded away as the red-head floated closer to Tenchi on her floating pillow.
"Hi, Washu-chan," he greeted.
"Is it my turn already?" she asked. Tenchi nodded. "Good. I have just the thing planned for us," she said. She snapped her fingers and a table appeared with another floating cushion at one end. "Have a seat," she invited. Tenchi sat down on the cushion and it scooted up to the table. Washu held up a finger and left for a moment. When she returned, she had food with her. She set it out. "I think a nice dinner would be appropriate, but nothing romantic. We're just friends, right?" she asked.
Tenchi nodded.
Washu floated to the table, sitting across from Tenchi. "How was your time with the other girls?" she asked.
"It was a lot of fun. Sasami and I talked by Funaho, Ayeka and I had a picnic, Ryoko and I went fishing and flying, and I saw a movie with Mihoshi," Tenchi said as he and Washu took some of the food. "Did you make all of this?" he asked. The little genius nodded. "Wow. It all looks so delicious!" he exclaimed.
Washu blushed. "Well, it's really nothing that magnificent, just something I threw together," she replied, blushing. Tenchi chuckled. They began to eat in silence at first.
"Washu," Tenchi said. The genius scientist looked up at him. "I want you to know that you're one of my closest friends," he said. He picked at his food for a moment, waiting for Washu's reply.
"You are one of my closest friends, too, Tenchi." She looked down, concentration written on her face. "And that is how I am content to let it remain," she said. Tenchi looked surprised. "I do admit that I am attracted to you," Washu continued, "but if I took you, it would break Ryoko's heart. I know how she feels about you, and to me, her needs come before mine." Washu set down her chopsticks and looked up at the darkening sky.
"But--" Tenchi began. Washu looked down at him. There were emotions in her eyes that he didn't recognize.
"I love my daughter, Tenchi. While she may be my last child, I want her to be happy," she said. "She may not feel the same way about me, but . . ." she paused. "I guess it's just my motherly instincts." She stood and walked over to him. "I want to know that she'll always have someone to be with her, Tenchi," she said, her voice breaking with emotion.
Tenchi got off his cushion and hugged Washu.
"After you and Ryoko spent your time together, she told me about it. It's not very often that she uses our link, but she was so happy just to be with you, Tenchi-sama. She didn't even care what she was doing, as long as it was with you," she said. "I want her to always be happy like that; so happy, that she is even willing to tell me all about it." She lowered her head, a tear dripping down her childlike cheek. "So I can at least feel like I'm her mother for a few seconds."
Tenchi didn't know what to say. He hated seeing her so sad. They ate in silence until they were finished.
"Thank you for spending time with me, Washu-chan," Tenchi said.
The genius smiled, back to her normal, cheerful self. "It's no problem!" she exclaimed cheerfully. She watched Tenchi leave the lab and sank down onto her pillow again, another tear falling from her cheek.