Love
It was a weird thing to start with. Many emotions mixed into that one word, and it became confusing. Jealousy, pain, joy, heartbreak, lust, tears, longing, and oh so many things lived in the hearts of the family in the Masaki house.
But at this moment, worry and confusion for a certain pirate was the only thing in the family's minds. Without an explanation, Ryoko suddenly collapsed in the middle of what should have been a wonderful breakfast. Now she lay on the couch, as Aeka fanned her perspiring head continuously. Aeka seemed to hate the pirate, but at times like this, she was a real friend. And this friend was beyond concern.
Tenchi quickly called Washu, the creator, mother, and the greatest scientist in the whole universe out to help the fallen woman. Tenchi now felt guilty and sad for this sudden disaster. He should have hugged Ryoko more often. He should have said more caring words. Maybe he could have even loved her. But this morning, just like every morning, he pushed her away. Ryoko lay on that couch like a dead person because of him. He tried his best not to cry.
The strong and wild space pirate Ryoko would have never gone down so easily. She never seemed to even catch a cold. Little Sasami cried with Ryo-ohki and prayed to Tsunami for the best. Washu rushed out of her lab quickly and summoned her computer. She tried to speak telepathically to Ryoko, but it was no use. She looked at her computer, but Washu didn't notice anything wrong with her daughter. Could it have been exhaustion from lack of sleep? Or stress? What could have caused this? Only time would tell, if Ryoko will awaken.
The day crawled away as the evening air filled the room. Everyone was tired. Mihoshi had done her duty and took Sasami away from the scene. Aeka slept next to Ryoko on the couch, and Tenchi could not stop pacing nervously from one end of the living room to another. Washu had given up and decided to wait for Ryoko to wake up.
But they did not know what was going on the pirate's head.
I opened my eyes, and all I could see was darkness. The darkness spread all around me, and it sucked me in. I could not breath because of the fear of being trapped again. Could this possibly be the cave? No, I was eating breakfast with everyone, when I..
What had happened? I couldn't remember a thing. Suddenly, I heard a cry of a little girl. She was wailing for her mommy. I ran towards the voice when flames appeared around. She was sitting alone, scrunched up against a broken down building. The darkness changed to a scene of demolition.
I walked towards the girl and asked, "What's wrong, little girl?"
"I can't find my mommy," she cried out. Then her eyes opened wide with terror and hatred. "You are the one who killed my daddy! I hate you! I hate you!" The fearful sapphire eyes changed to those of a vicious killer. She approached me with a broken piece of glass. I tried to run away, but I was paralyzed.
"Ahhh!!" I screamed out in pain as she stabbed my shoulder with the broken glass. Blood spurted out, and I desperately tried to get away. I looked to my left for a way out, and Aeka stood in front of me.
"Help me, please," I begged. But she only looked at me with contempt. She stabbed me with something so fast, that I could not understand what was going on. I convulsed with blood oozing out of my mouth. My vision began to fail me, and Aeka laughed sadistically. She began to walk away with somebody. Tenchi!
"Wait!" I shouted. "I thought you were my friends. Tenchi, please." I couldn't bare the pain anymore, and I screamed once again. I was losing blood rapidly, and if I didn't get help, I would die. I looked at my chest where Aeka had stabbed me, and it was the Tenchi-ken. I sobbed weakly, defeated. They were laughing about something. They sounded so happy. I heard Sasami with them. Where were they coming from? I knew this had to be some terrible nightmare, but I couldn't ignore the pain in my heart. I couldn't ignore it breaking.
Then I felt a soft caress on my chin, and I looked up. A beautiful figure, almost ethereal, stood above me with a caring smile on her face. But her eyes, they penetrated through my soul. They were the ponds of knowledge and .. evil. I should have been scared, but I felt so much in peace.
She carried me in her arms and whispered in my ears. -Don't worry, my child. In the time of darkness, when everyone despises you, I will be here for you. Come with me. Come into my world, Ryoko-
Her voice gave me an instant chill. I became nervous. I heard the voice somewhere, but I couldn't remember. It was so gentle, yet harsh. However, in the midst of this unknown fear, I became sleepy. I wanted to rest so badly. I wanted to sleep and never wake up.
-And you don't have to. I can make your nightmares end, Ryoko. I can make you a new person. You won't have to suffer anymore. I will give you your second chance. You need only one thing to do. Hold my hand.-
Her voice echoed in this place. Was she an angel? But her eyes were so dark! Tenchi's eyes were dark. Wait, Tenchi left me bleeding. Tenchi walked away from me. I felt the woman wiping my tear away. I wanted to surrender to her. I wanted to be at peace, but for some reason, I could not trust the woman.
I felt her stroke my hair, and a bright light surrounded the both of us. All of a sudden, all my wounds were gone, and I smiled. The mysterious woman kissed my forehead, and I fell asleep.
Tenchi now sat in front of Ryoko, occasionally changing the wet handkerchief on her forehead. He was about to bring her a new one when he caught a glimpse of the golden eyes. His heart felt a rush of relief pouring in, and he laughed.
"Ryoko! You're okay!"
Washu quickly ran to her daughter and gave her a big hug. She felt tears rolling down her cheeks as she grabbed Ryoko with joy. "Don't you ever do that again, you hear? You worried me sick!" She couldn't stop shaking, and Ryoko gently held her too.
"It's alright, Washu. I'm okay." Ryoko looked up at Tenchi and Aeka. She forced a small smile. Ryoko couldn't forget her dream, and she still hurt inside. But she couldn't dwell on that thought for a long time, for Tenchi and Aeka both hugged the life out of her.
Suddenly, a deep growl came from her stomach.
"Uh.did you leave any dinner for me?" She asked with a blush.
The Masaki house was once again filled with whole-hearted laughs, but they would not notice a pair of watchful eyes planning evil schemes tonight. The clangs of dishes and chopsticks could be heard, and pleasant chatter came from the kitchen. Dreams are soon forgotten, and nightmares sooner. But it is a good thing to ask oneself once in a while. What is reality?
Once again, nighttime fell, and I rest my head uneasily on the pillow. I have seldom used pillows in my life before. Aeka had let me sleep in her room with Sasami tonight. Why the sudden kindness? I'm sure there had to be more than one reason to this. She didn't want me to be sleeping with Tenchi. Sleeping in Tenchi's room, that's instant bliss. But sleeping next to people was far better off than having to sleep alone. Even the living room seems to haunt me now. I would like to sleep just one night without trying to silence my screams from the endless nightmares. I have to thank Aeka for this, although I would never admit it to her.
She looks happy for helping me out. But I am NOT happy. It's almost shameful that me, Ryoko the space pirate, has to be taken care of like some invalid. The princess is acting out of pity, because she had never seen me sick since her residence here with the others. I hate the look in the eyes of people who hold pity for me. And those eyes, I see in Aeka, Tenchi, even Washu. Anger boils within my heart for my defectiveness. I should be taking care of these people, not the other way around. As more thoughts popped up in my head, I couldn't take it anymore. I shouted, "I will not be treated like an invalid! Don't pamper me!"
Sasami shuffled in her sleep, and I felt guilt crushing down on my head like a ton of bricks. "I'm sorry about that," I whispered to the princess. I started walking towards the door when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked back and I saw Aeka smile.
"Ryoko, it's not a shameful thing to be taken care of. We are a part of this family. Therefore, and as a duty of the princess of Jurai, I can pamper you. You should feel grateful for it, not like an invalid."
"Sorry, princess, but I cannot stand the thought of being near you for a whole night. I hear your snore all the way from the living room! I need my beauty sleep, if you don't mind, to capture my Tenchi's heart."
"What!?!? I do NOT snore when I sleep! That's Mihoshi and your doing! How dare you try to insult me? Well, it's not working! My beauty is not something that you dirty pirate can compare with.huh?"
I was fed up with listening to her nagging. I slammed the door in her face and walked downstairs. Sigh, I can sense another sleepless night on its way. I sit on my favorite rafter and look at the lake. The lake is so beautiful, and I don't need to look at the sky to tell that a beautiful moon was up tonight. I guess I do have keen eyes, for I see a leaf floating down and finally touching the water. The lake ripples, and it seems to ring a magical notion into me. I smile like a silly clown, and I hug myself. The ripples continue, and I am hypnotized. I cannot feel my body anymore; I feel like I'm floating in the air. I can feel my heart slowly beating in a mysterious rhythm, and slowly, my eyelids close. And for the first time of my life as far as I can remember, sleep captures my mind and drowns me lazily.
-You see, child, I can give you happiness. I care nothing but your welfare, for I pity not one single soul on the face of the universe. Hold my hand. Come with me now, to paradise-
I was once again in this misty dream. The mysterious woman held her hands towards me. What was this place anyways? This time, there were no flames or children screaming. It really did look like paradise. I couldn't see far ahead because of the thick mist, but something about this place calmed me. The air itself was pinkish, and it smelled like cherry blossoms. Strangely, my mind became hazy, and I felt heavy. As the woman stared intensely at me, I began to lose focus on Tenchi, on the Masaki family, on Earth, on my nightmares, and on me. All that remained at this time and place was my soul and hers. I lifted my hand and put it on hers. Her hand was soft as a bird's feather, but cold at the same time. She smiled at me and let out a small laugh. I copied her and laughed a little louder. I became dizzy and let myself fall into unconsciousness in her arms once more.
As soon as Ryoko closed her eyes, the angelic woman sneered. She put two of her long fingers on Ryoko's forehead, as she chanted a little prayer. A sudden bright light erupted around Ryoko, but she was unharmed. She anticipated her next plan, because it was not going to be as easy as fooling an innocent soul. She smiled once more at the limp body, and the woman dissipated into the air.
It was breakfast at the Masaki household. As always, Sasami had done her marvelous job as a chef, and everyone sat around the table: everyone except Ryoko.
"Tenchi, should I wake Ryoko up?" Sasami asked, not wanting anyone to miss her meal.
"Sure, Sasami, we don't want Ryoko to be hungry (and mad..-_-)" Tenchi replied.
Sasami ran next to the rafter and called Ryoko several times, but she did not even budge! Sasami knew something had to be wrong, because Ryoko had a great sense of hearing and smell. She was always the first one to be at the table.
Suddenly, something held her from behind, and she felt a sharp instrument against her throat. "Ahhhhh! Tenchi, help me! Aeka! Help!!" Sasami began to cry out of fear.
"Tsunami, I know you can hear me. I can fight you, but hurting the little girl would be oh, so much more fun."
The family ran to the living room, and Tenchi took out his Tenchi-ken, ready to fight. Sasami stopped crying, and a beautiful, mature voice came. A ghostly figure of the goddess Tsunami rose next to the family.
"Do not hurt Sasami or the others. They have nothing you want. It is obvious you want me, Tokimi."
"Wow, that's a pretty name, hehe" Mihoshi babbled in the background.
"I am not here to discuss the beauty of my name! And prince of Jurai, I think it is a good idea to put that sword down, or I kill the child."
Tenchi was shocked. This woman knew his weakness. He had no choice but to put his most valued treasure and katana on the ground.
"Tsunami, dear sister, you are so wrong. What I want is something not from you, but from the sword. I need you to give me the remaining gems. And it would be wise for you to do as I say." Tokimi became agitated at not being able to blast these useless creatures into dust. But she had to be patient. This family would be the first to witness to newborn goddess. And threatening was a new game she had never played before. Killing was not always the best way to win the game.
Tsunami glared at the other goddess, but she picked the Tenchi-ken up. Tokimi almost seemed to shine with glee as Tsunami handed her the perfectly shaped gems.
"Now, let Sasami go, Tokimi. You know to keep your word." Tsunami said dangerously.
"As you wish, my darling sister," leered Tokimi as she threw Sasami's body to the ground. She then disappeared, leaving the stunned family. Blood gathered around Sasami's head, and Tenchi quickly got into action, as he carried her into Washu's lab. Washu did not come out of her lab all morning. Tension began to grow in the house, and Aeka's quiet sobbing echoed through the hearts of this disheartened family.
It was a weird thing to start with. Many emotions mixed into that one word, and it became confusing. Jealousy, pain, joy, heartbreak, lust, tears, longing, and oh so many things lived in the hearts of the family in the Masaki house.
But at this moment, worry and confusion for a certain pirate was the only thing in the family's minds. Without an explanation, Ryoko suddenly collapsed in the middle of what should have been a wonderful breakfast. Now she lay on the couch, as Aeka fanned her perspiring head continuously. Aeka seemed to hate the pirate, but at times like this, she was a real friend. And this friend was beyond concern.
Tenchi quickly called Washu, the creator, mother, and the greatest scientist in the whole universe out to help the fallen woman. Tenchi now felt guilty and sad for this sudden disaster. He should have hugged Ryoko more often. He should have said more caring words. Maybe he could have even loved her. But this morning, just like every morning, he pushed her away. Ryoko lay on that couch like a dead person because of him. He tried his best not to cry.
The strong and wild space pirate Ryoko would have never gone down so easily. She never seemed to even catch a cold. Little Sasami cried with Ryo-ohki and prayed to Tsunami for the best. Washu rushed out of her lab quickly and summoned her computer. She tried to speak telepathically to Ryoko, but it was no use. She looked at her computer, but Washu didn't notice anything wrong with her daughter. Could it have been exhaustion from lack of sleep? Or stress? What could have caused this? Only time would tell, if Ryoko will awaken.
The day crawled away as the evening air filled the room. Everyone was tired. Mihoshi had done her duty and took Sasami away from the scene. Aeka slept next to Ryoko on the couch, and Tenchi could not stop pacing nervously from one end of the living room to another. Washu had given up and decided to wait for Ryoko to wake up.
But they did not know what was going on the pirate's head.
I opened my eyes, and all I could see was darkness. The darkness spread all around me, and it sucked me in. I could not breath because of the fear of being trapped again. Could this possibly be the cave? No, I was eating breakfast with everyone, when I..
What had happened? I couldn't remember a thing. Suddenly, I heard a cry of a little girl. She was wailing for her mommy. I ran towards the voice when flames appeared around. She was sitting alone, scrunched up against a broken down building. The darkness changed to a scene of demolition.
I walked towards the girl and asked, "What's wrong, little girl?"
"I can't find my mommy," she cried out. Then her eyes opened wide with terror and hatred. "You are the one who killed my daddy! I hate you! I hate you!" The fearful sapphire eyes changed to those of a vicious killer. She approached me with a broken piece of glass. I tried to run away, but I was paralyzed.
"Ahhh!!" I screamed out in pain as she stabbed my shoulder with the broken glass. Blood spurted out, and I desperately tried to get away. I looked to my left for a way out, and Aeka stood in front of me.
"Help me, please," I begged. But she only looked at me with contempt. She stabbed me with something so fast, that I could not understand what was going on. I convulsed with blood oozing out of my mouth. My vision began to fail me, and Aeka laughed sadistically. She began to walk away with somebody. Tenchi!
"Wait!" I shouted. "I thought you were my friends. Tenchi, please." I couldn't bare the pain anymore, and I screamed once again. I was losing blood rapidly, and if I didn't get help, I would die. I looked at my chest where Aeka had stabbed me, and it was the Tenchi-ken. I sobbed weakly, defeated. They were laughing about something. They sounded so happy. I heard Sasami with them. Where were they coming from? I knew this had to be some terrible nightmare, but I couldn't ignore the pain in my heart. I couldn't ignore it breaking.
Then I felt a soft caress on my chin, and I looked up. A beautiful figure, almost ethereal, stood above me with a caring smile on her face. But her eyes, they penetrated through my soul. They were the ponds of knowledge and .. evil. I should have been scared, but I felt so much in peace.
She carried me in her arms and whispered in my ears. -Don't worry, my child. In the time of darkness, when everyone despises you, I will be here for you. Come with me. Come into my world, Ryoko-
Her voice gave me an instant chill. I became nervous. I heard the voice somewhere, but I couldn't remember. It was so gentle, yet harsh. However, in the midst of this unknown fear, I became sleepy. I wanted to rest so badly. I wanted to sleep and never wake up.
-And you don't have to. I can make your nightmares end, Ryoko. I can make you a new person. You won't have to suffer anymore. I will give you your second chance. You need only one thing to do. Hold my hand.-
Her voice echoed in this place. Was she an angel? But her eyes were so dark! Tenchi's eyes were dark. Wait, Tenchi left me bleeding. Tenchi walked away from me. I felt the woman wiping my tear away. I wanted to surrender to her. I wanted to be at peace, but for some reason, I could not trust the woman.
I felt her stroke my hair, and a bright light surrounded the both of us. All of a sudden, all my wounds were gone, and I smiled. The mysterious woman kissed my forehead, and I fell asleep.
Tenchi now sat in front of Ryoko, occasionally changing the wet handkerchief on her forehead. He was about to bring her a new one when he caught a glimpse of the golden eyes. His heart felt a rush of relief pouring in, and he laughed.
"Ryoko! You're okay!"
Washu quickly ran to her daughter and gave her a big hug. She felt tears rolling down her cheeks as she grabbed Ryoko with joy. "Don't you ever do that again, you hear? You worried me sick!" She couldn't stop shaking, and Ryoko gently held her too.
"It's alright, Washu. I'm okay." Ryoko looked up at Tenchi and Aeka. She forced a small smile. Ryoko couldn't forget her dream, and she still hurt inside. But she couldn't dwell on that thought for a long time, for Tenchi and Aeka both hugged the life out of her.
Suddenly, a deep growl came from her stomach.
"Uh.did you leave any dinner for me?" She asked with a blush.
The Masaki house was once again filled with whole-hearted laughs, but they would not notice a pair of watchful eyes planning evil schemes tonight. The clangs of dishes and chopsticks could be heard, and pleasant chatter came from the kitchen. Dreams are soon forgotten, and nightmares sooner. But it is a good thing to ask oneself once in a while. What is reality?
Once again, nighttime fell, and I rest my head uneasily on the pillow. I have seldom used pillows in my life before. Aeka had let me sleep in her room with Sasami tonight. Why the sudden kindness? I'm sure there had to be more than one reason to this. She didn't want me to be sleeping with Tenchi. Sleeping in Tenchi's room, that's instant bliss. But sleeping next to people was far better off than having to sleep alone. Even the living room seems to haunt me now. I would like to sleep just one night without trying to silence my screams from the endless nightmares. I have to thank Aeka for this, although I would never admit it to her.
She looks happy for helping me out. But I am NOT happy. It's almost shameful that me, Ryoko the space pirate, has to be taken care of like some invalid. The princess is acting out of pity, because she had never seen me sick since her residence here with the others. I hate the look in the eyes of people who hold pity for me. And those eyes, I see in Aeka, Tenchi, even Washu. Anger boils within my heart for my defectiveness. I should be taking care of these people, not the other way around. As more thoughts popped up in my head, I couldn't take it anymore. I shouted, "I will not be treated like an invalid! Don't pamper me!"
Sasami shuffled in her sleep, and I felt guilt crushing down on my head like a ton of bricks. "I'm sorry about that," I whispered to the princess. I started walking towards the door when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked back and I saw Aeka smile.
"Ryoko, it's not a shameful thing to be taken care of. We are a part of this family. Therefore, and as a duty of the princess of Jurai, I can pamper you. You should feel grateful for it, not like an invalid."
"Sorry, princess, but I cannot stand the thought of being near you for a whole night. I hear your snore all the way from the living room! I need my beauty sleep, if you don't mind, to capture my Tenchi's heart."
"What!?!? I do NOT snore when I sleep! That's Mihoshi and your doing! How dare you try to insult me? Well, it's not working! My beauty is not something that you dirty pirate can compare with.huh?"
I was fed up with listening to her nagging. I slammed the door in her face and walked downstairs. Sigh, I can sense another sleepless night on its way. I sit on my favorite rafter and look at the lake. The lake is so beautiful, and I don't need to look at the sky to tell that a beautiful moon was up tonight. I guess I do have keen eyes, for I see a leaf floating down and finally touching the water. The lake ripples, and it seems to ring a magical notion into me. I smile like a silly clown, and I hug myself. The ripples continue, and I am hypnotized. I cannot feel my body anymore; I feel like I'm floating in the air. I can feel my heart slowly beating in a mysterious rhythm, and slowly, my eyelids close. And for the first time of my life as far as I can remember, sleep captures my mind and drowns me lazily.
-You see, child, I can give you happiness. I care nothing but your welfare, for I pity not one single soul on the face of the universe. Hold my hand. Come with me now, to paradise-
I was once again in this misty dream. The mysterious woman held her hands towards me. What was this place anyways? This time, there were no flames or children screaming. It really did look like paradise. I couldn't see far ahead because of the thick mist, but something about this place calmed me. The air itself was pinkish, and it smelled like cherry blossoms. Strangely, my mind became hazy, and I felt heavy. As the woman stared intensely at me, I began to lose focus on Tenchi, on the Masaki family, on Earth, on my nightmares, and on me. All that remained at this time and place was my soul and hers. I lifted my hand and put it on hers. Her hand was soft as a bird's feather, but cold at the same time. She smiled at me and let out a small laugh. I copied her and laughed a little louder. I became dizzy and let myself fall into unconsciousness in her arms once more.
As soon as Ryoko closed her eyes, the angelic woman sneered. She put two of her long fingers on Ryoko's forehead, as she chanted a little prayer. A sudden bright light erupted around Ryoko, but she was unharmed. She anticipated her next plan, because it was not going to be as easy as fooling an innocent soul. She smiled once more at the limp body, and the woman dissipated into the air.
It was breakfast at the Masaki household. As always, Sasami had done her marvelous job as a chef, and everyone sat around the table: everyone except Ryoko.
"Tenchi, should I wake Ryoko up?" Sasami asked, not wanting anyone to miss her meal.
"Sure, Sasami, we don't want Ryoko to be hungry (and mad..-_-)" Tenchi replied.
Sasami ran next to the rafter and called Ryoko several times, but she did not even budge! Sasami knew something had to be wrong, because Ryoko had a great sense of hearing and smell. She was always the first one to be at the table.
Suddenly, something held her from behind, and she felt a sharp instrument against her throat. "Ahhhhh! Tenchi, help me! Aeka! Help!!" Sasami began to cry out of fear.
"Tsunami, I know you can hear me. I can fight you, but hurting the little girl would be oh, so much more fun."
The family ran to the living room, and Tenchi took out his Tenchi-ken, ready to fight. Sasami stopped crying, and a beautiful, mature voice came. A ghostly figure of the goddess Tsunami rose next to the family.
"Do not hurt Sasami or the others. They have nothing you want. It is obvious you want me, Tokimi."
"Wow, that's a pretty name, hehe" Mihoshi babbled in the background.
"I am not here to discuss the beauty of my name! And prince of Jurai, I think it is a good idea to put that sword down, or I kill the child."
Tenchi was shocked. This woman knew his weakness. He had no choice but to put his most valued treasure and katana on the ground.
"Tsunami, dear sister, you are so wrong. What I want is something not from you, but from the sword. I need you to give me the remaining gems. And it would be wise for you to do as I say." Tokimi became agitated at not being able to blast these useless creatures into dust. But she had to be patient. This family would be the first to witness to newborn goddess. And threatening was a new game she had never played before. Killing was not always the best way to win the game.
Tsunami glared at the other goddess, but she picked the Tenchi-ken up. Tokimi almost seemed to shine with glee as Tsunami handed her the perfectly shaped gems.
"Now, let Sasami go, Tokimi. You know to keep your word." Tsunami said dangerously.
"As you wish, my darling sister," leered Tokimi as she threw Sasami's body to the ground. She then disappeared, leaving the stunned family. Blood gathered around Sasami's head, and Tenchi quickly got into action, as he carried her into Washu's lab. Washu did not come out of her lab all morning. Tension began to grow in the house, and Aeka's quiet sobbing echoed through the hearts of this disheartened family.