If you don't know by now I do not own any of the characters from Tenchi Muyo, Tenchi Universe, and or Tenchi in Tokyo and so on. They are copyrighted by AIC & Pioneer. I am only writing this for entertainment and the Ryoko and Hotsuma Legion. NOT for cash so please, please, pleeeeeeeeease don't sue me. I don't have much of value but my cute wittle puppy. A few graphic novels, and some Ryoko pics. And I will kill if anyone dare try to take those things from me! Ahem! If this story seems similar to your own or someone you know, don't tell me cause I don't give a damn anymore. Why are you even reading this? Go on and skip down to the story.

Oh and thank you each and every one of you for the reviews, you people are great!

Of Loves and Loses

Beautiful.

That's all he could say to describe her, inside and out. A beautiful soul to go with her beautiful body. When Hotsuma had first met Ryoko it was her looks alone that he loved her for, it then angered him when he could not have her. Then as he came to know her he began to love her for the person she was within. Before he only wanted her body, but now he felt he had to her body and soul.

Hotsuma floated above the foot of the bed seated in lotus position, he looked down on the peacefully resting form of his sole worthy partner and love interest. The soft yet eerie glows of the many machines and monitors cast a lovely shade of pale blue light over

A bloody image of a pale and cold corpse locked in the embrace of his arms made him close his eyes. He shook his head sharply from side to side until the thought was nothing. How could I, how?' Hotsuma asked himself. You could say he wasn't the greatest of men, but he wouldn't dare do such an underhanded to anyone, much less Ryoko. Well nowadays that is.

Ryoko shifted in her sleep. Hotsuma had observed that he didn't truly have to be in bed with Ryoko to keep her from having her nightmares, but that was something he didn't really want share with her. As long as he was near enough for her to sense him she was okay.

He whispered. His eyes widened in shock as he thought he saw blood on Ryoko's cheek. With a blink it was gone. Hotsuma sighed heavily, I have to leave. Before I really do harm Ryoko.' He bent down towards Ryoko until his warm breath mingled with hers.

He pressed his lips softly against hers in a quick peck then returned for another. Ryoko moaned in her sleep as she shifted her position so that she lay on her back. During the second kiss she wrapped her arms around his neck deepening it greatly.

Hotsuma's body lowered down until he was almost laid atop her. When they parted Ryoko's eyes opened for a brief second falling onto Hotsuma's pained yet tender face. With a smile and a content sigh she rolled over already sleep.

Hotsuma floated backwards until his body drew away from the soft glowing light into the consuming darkness. Good-bye my dear.

~*~

Hotsuma reappeared next to the stasis field in which Yugi hibernated. He stood there looking down on his creator.

She could hear him that he knew long before he entered place. Do you know why I'm here? He asked. The glow of the field changed color. That dream I had. He said to no one. That dream, that horrible dream, what if it was a sign. What if it meant to tell him he would always be evil and inhuman, so much that he would kill the one he so loved. The red glow of the field pulled Hotsuma from his thoughts; Yugi was upset with his train of thought.

If I stay here I might fulfill my dream.' Hotsuma stated. The glow turned a soft blue questioning him. I don't know where I would go. I just have to leave.'

~*~

The morning after Ryoko awoke earlier than she had ever planned by the sound of a loud banging on the lab's door.

Ryoko! You come out of there this minute! Ayeka screamed her voice raising an octave high with each word.

She merely moaned pulling the pillow over her head. She was having such a lovely rest, she didn't know why but she slept so well. Why did chipmunk voice have to come and wake me up now? Ryoko asked.

With another groggy groan of protest Ryoko teleported herself from the comfortable bed to stand on the cold floor. She would take a dip in the onsen before having to deal with Ayeka and Tenchi.

Ryoko looked about to find her partner, most likely he work up earlier than she did as he usually did. Ryoko sang out. Would you like to join me for a dip in the onsen?

There was no response. Knowing Hotsuma he was walking about thinking. She shrugged her shoulders and vanished. Not knowing that Hotsuma was long gone.

~*~

Ryoko laid soaking relaxed on the steaming hot waters of the onsen sipping sake from a saucer. This is the greatest thing I've ever created! She thought to herself. Hotsuma was missing out greatly.

Hotsuma. Her eyes softened at the thought of her golden hair partner. There was something about Hotsuma, that she knew, deep down she knew she loved him. But that was deep down and there were times deep down was too deep that she didn't notice that she did. Perhaps she was in love with him when they first went off into space together. Perhaps.

You love him. A voice spoke.

Ryoko moaned. If it ain't Washu invading my thoughts it's you. Ryoko growled to Zero.

Why don't you just tell him? Zero asked her.

Ryoko dropped her head so that her nose almost touched the water. Don't ask me. I'm not sure what it is that I'm feeling. She said wrapping her arms underneath her knees hugging herself tight. I don't know.

~*~

Half the day had passed and still no one had seen neither hide nor golden hair of Hotsuma. When everyone asked of his whereabouts Ryoko merely stated that he must be off somewhere looking around as he was prone to do. She hid the fact that she too was concerned, she was rather attached to him if only she admitted to herself.

Ayeka was privately berating Ryoko with an embarrassed Tenchi silently standing at her side. But her words fell on Ryoko's deaf ears. She was preoccupied thinking about Hotsuma. Where could he have gone off to? She asked unaware that she had broadcasted her thoughts.

An annoying laugh quaked in Ryoko's ears. So you are worried about him. Washu said.

Ryoko sighed. I'm not worried; it's just that he's been gone for over twelve hours now.

Ryoko could hear the snide smile spreading on her mother's' face. Has it been that long? She asked.

Ryoko looked to Ayeka to see if her face had changed anymore colors. And further more... Ayeka squeaked.

Ryoko sighed inwardly when a thought dawned on her. You know where Hotsuma is, don't you? Ryoko asked.

Maybe.

Talk munchkin!

Munchkin? What kind of why is that to speak to your mother?

Mom please. Ryoko pleaded with sincerity that surprised even her.

Washu was silent a moment before she answered. He left this morning.

He what? Ryoko asked aloud causing Ayeka to stop her scolding for a second.

Ryoko I will not have you speaking with Washu while I am talking to you. If you haven't realized this is rather import- Ayeka was cut short as the half-listening Ryoko held up her hand to Ayeka's face in a signal for silence.

Ryoko pressed her finger to her ear as if trying to get a better hearing. One moment Washu...all right, ugh mom! She turned back to Ayeka with an impatient look on her once passive face. Listen I'm not sorry for what I did so you might as well stop chirping. Now if Tenchi wants the tattoo removed he'll have to drop his pants.

Ayeka stumbled with her words as Tenchi turned blood red with embarrassment. Ryoko it's dishonorable to flirt with another woman's husband!

Ryoko growled resisting a sudden urge to slap the purple haired woman. She held up her left index finger, on the tip floating a few centimeters above her nail was a small green ball of light. She smirked as the light touched down on her fingers spreading a soft green glow through her whole hand.

Well if you're done nagging my ears off I have to go and talk to...mom. Ryoko said walking between them. As she walked by she took a firm squeeze on Tenchi's butt cheek with her left hand. Bye Tenchi. She smiled vanishing before Ayeka could call on her logs.

~*~

Ryoko sat atop the roof the conversation she held with her mother two weeks ago fresh in her mind.

*

Why didn't you tell me he was leaving the moment he left?' Ryoko had asked.

Washu crossed her small arms over her chest. What did it matter to you? You're just partners.'

Ryoko stood tall placing her fist on her waist. Yeah we're just partners but partners nonetheless, I'm pose to keep dibs on him and make sure he doesn't get into any trouble. You know watch his back, partner stuff.'

Washu let out a defeated sigh. As you say.'

Do you know why he left?' Ryoko asked with an odd softness in her voice that didn't sound anything like the feared pirate she was.

Washu nodded solemnly to her, He was afraid of something that could end your life.' Washu answered yet riddled all at once.

He left because of me? But where?' Ryoko asked.

I-I can't tell you.' The magenta mane youth answered.

What?! Why not?' Her daughter demanded passion swelling in her voice.

I didn't intervene when you had to leave, I will respect his decision to go.' She said hoping she could convince her daughter of such a lie. Washu's eyes pleaded with her daughter not to ask her anymore questions; it was hurting her seeing her worked up over it. She wanted nothing more than to tell her where her friend' had went.

*

Ryoko sighed looking up at the clear blue sky above. Doesn't the sky look beautiful, compared to looking at nothing darkness and stars all day. Ryoko said not turning towards the newcomer.

Tenchi took a seat on the roof beside Ryoko. It's nice. He said looking up.

Is Ayeka still fuming? Ryoko asked with a could-careless-tone.

Tenchi sighed. Not as much now that the tattoo is gone, but she didn't like the way you went about doing it.

What I couldn't get a final grope in? She teased. Gone, gone, those good old days where gone, like ancient dust carried away by the wind, she wouldnt find it no matter how hard she tried. Change had happened and she knew more changes where coming.

Ryoko, we leave for Jurai tomorrow morning. Tenchi reminded her. I wish you could come with us

Ryoko sighed smiling weakly. I wish I could go with you too but you know how it is with me and Jurai. Tenchi nodded.

It's going to be interesting living on Jurai. Tenchi commented hoping to keep the conversation going.

Ryoko said with a serious tone. Tenchi glazed sideways at her, they hadn't spoken together like this, not since they were in the tree discussing Sakuya. When you go there you will be expected to meet certain expectations by both the people and Ayeka. Certain expectations you may not be able to meet. It will be even harder for you Tenchi, Jurains feel they are the best of the races and having a noble with tinted' blood isn't something they look for in a future emperor.

Tenchi looked ahead, he had not thought of such things before. Tenchi promise me something. Said Ryoko with a dire need in her voice.

Tenchi stared at her. Never was she this avid about anything since everyone found out that Hotsuma had left. What? Promise you what? He asked.

Ryoko looked him deeply in the eyes. Promise me you won't let them change you. They will try but don't let them. Please Tenchi promise me. She begged.

Tenchi pulled her into his arms and hugged her. I promise Ryoko, I promise.

They released one another not in the mood to be upset Ayeka if by chance she were to spot them. After a long silence had settled between them Tenchi spoke. Ryoko, why did you take Hotsuma back as your partner?

Ryoko chuckled. Well he may not be the best guy in the universe-

And somewhat evil. Tenchi added.

That too, but he cares for me and treats me so, I don't know, special. And he looks out for me so well. Besides if Yugi deserves a second chance and I got a second chance, doesn't he? Ryoko asked titling her head to look at him.

Why are you so concerned that hes gone? Tenchi asked.

Ryoko smiled leaning back so that she laid on the roof and all she saw were the birds and clouds above. That's easy Tenchi, I love him.

~*~

Washu carefully observed her daughter's conversation with Tenchi via a new spy networking system she had just invented. She wasn't going to Jurai either if she wasn't allowed to analyze the royal trees. Besides she wouldn't dare leave Ryoko alone on the Earth.

Why are you so concerned that hes gone? Tenchi asked. Washu smiled as she typed at a quick speed on her dark translucent laptop.

Ryoko smiled and laid back on the rooftop. That's easy Tenchi, I love him.

Washu stopped typing and stared at the screen. She rewound the last statement making Ryoko repeat her last six words then rewound again repeating the last three. She cried jumping out of her seat. Now I'll bring back Hotsuma!

End o' chapter.

Sorry I'm taking so long to update but times are tight here aboard my ship. For those of you who don't mind some strong language please check out my Original Anime or whatever you wish to call it Space Pirates (Creative name, no?) Please, I'm beggin' here.