Disclaimer: I own..... ooh, about 0% of it. Aren't I just lucky.... -_-'
A.N. This story was in my head. So I had to get the first chap. out. Sorry ppl! I promise to update one of my other stories soon. Promise! I just had to get this out. And besides, I've already got Unheard Love done, and I only have one ch. left of Unknown Destiny, so I'm all good. And I already have another story up and all, but I can't help it. My mind just won't stop with the stories, no matter what I do. So plz forgive!
Newhoz... Please read. And review when you're done! This was going to be a longer chapter, but what else I had I just decided to put in chapter 2. You'll understand when I put that ch up. So until then, plz read what I have. Thx! And Ja 4 now!
'...thoughts...' "...talking..." (...me talking...) ...link(s)... ~*~...lyrics/singing...~*~ ---...notes...--- ~...reading...~ //...times/dates/where at...// ::...any other needed to know info...::
A lonely women stood at the edge of a cliff. One arm wrapped itself around her slender waist. The other lay across her chest, landing on her left shoulder. Her cyan hair slightly brushed her shoulder as the wind gently blew. Her dress rubbing up against her legs. A solemn, yet sad look upon her face as she stared down at the scenery. A tear silently fell from her eye. But she ignored it, her eyes never moving. 'What am I going to do?' she asked herself. She sighed deeply and shortly turned around as she heard a voice calling for her. She smiled slightly as she saw a little blue headed girl running towards her.
"Ryoko! I've been looking everywhere for you!"
"I'm sorry Sasami. I guess I didn't realize what time it was."
"..... Ryoko, are you alright? You seem sad."
"Naw, it's nothing Sasami. Just thinking about something."
"You sure?"
"Um hum. Now let's get back to the house before people, especially your sister, thinks we ran away."
"::giggle:: Alright!"
Sasami grabbed Ryoko's hand, dragging her back to the house. Ryoko couldn't help but giggle slightly as she began floating off the ground, taking Sasami with her. Sasame looked down at the ground as she was lifted towards the sky. She giggled happily and looked up at Ryoko, who was laughing slightly herself. When they reached their house, Ryoko gently landed Sasami on the ground. When she to landed, she felt Sasami grab her hand once again, dragged her into the house, and made her sit in the living room.
"Hey you guys! Welcome back!" greeted Tenchi as he walked out te kitchen, drink in hand. "Hey Ryoko, where have you been all day?"
"Nowhere important," replied Ryoko as she grabbed a magazine from the table.
"She was standing on the small cliff where you usually are when you sketch," said Sasami with a sigh. "I asked her before we got back if something was wrong and she said it was nothing."
"Really? You know Ryoko, if there's something wrong or on your mind, you can tell us."
"I told Sasami, so I'll say it to you. It's nothing! Alright? And besides, it had nothing that concerns anyone and anything in this room but me, myself, and I. So if you'll both excuse me." And with that said, Ryoko stood up and walked out of the living room and into Washu's lab.
"I wonder what that was all about....."
//Back with Ryoko//
Ryoko walked into her mother's lab, grimincing at it darkness, and called out for Washu.
"Washu! Ya in here?"
Can't you ever call me mom?
Tell me where you are and I'll think about it...
::sigh:: In the Aquarium room. (I have no idea what to call that room)
Ryoko walked into the room that Washu had mentioned and low-and-behold, there was Washu sitting on her floating chair, typing away.
"What can I do for you little Ryoko?" asked Washu, never looking up from her computer.
Ryoko cringged but decided to let Washu's remark slide. "I wanted to know if you found anything yet?"
"::sigh:: Yes I did. But are you sure you want to do this little Ryoko?"
"As sure as a space pirate could get."
"Then there's no stopping you, huh?"
"Not unless you found a reason I can stay?"
"Your mother?"
"You know what I meant. I'm not wanted here. Except by you, and maybe Sasami. Of course there's always Ryo-ohki. But that's it."
"Couldn't you at least have someone go with you? Keep you company incase something happens?"
"Like who?"
"I don't know, me?"
"Ha! Like you would actually want to go with me. You never even really acted like my mother, what's gonna make you start now?"
"Oh yea, make me feel lower that I already am."
"And besides, you're in child form. No one would ever believe that you're my mother."
"I do have an adult form, remember?"
"Oh yea, I remember. You tried hitting on Tenchi last time I saw you in it."
"What?! It was just me being a little bit of a tease? Where do you think you got it from? Huh?"
"Whatever."
"So, will you at least have someone come with? Please?"
Ryoko looked down at her mother, contemplating if she should agree to it or not. Finally after a few moments of silence, she sighed. "Fine. You can come with. But you have to be in adult form. I don't want to make it look like I'm your mother. Got it?"
"Said and done." In a matter of seconds, Washu was now in her adult form, about less than a inch taller than Ryoko. "Better?"
"Much, now let's get on with this so I don't agree to anymore of your stupid whinnings."
"Alright. Follow me then."
Washu began leading Ryoko out of the Aquarium and into her main control room. (ha! i'm stumped on what to call any of her rooms... lol... ) But before Washu got the chance to even leave the room, Ryoko grabbed her arm. When she turned around, she looked at Ryoko and saw a small smile on her face.
"Ummm, thanks...... mom..."
Washu just stood there stunned at Ryoko, who walked past her and to the main control room (that's what i'm calling it, k?). She soon snapped out of her small trance and followed her daughter to the control room, a small smile now on her face.
~*~How do I say goodbye to what we had?
The good times that made us laugh
Outweigh the bad.
I thought we'd get to see forever
But forever's gone away
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.~*~
//That night, dinner//
It was now dinner and the Masaki family quietly sat down at the table eating. Everyone except Ryoko anyway. She would take small bites here and there, but other wise all she did was stare at it. Sasami would ask if she didn't enjoy her cooking anymore, but Ryoko would just smile and say, "I love it Sasami. I'm just not that hungry tonite I guess." Other than that, everyone was quiet. Not even Mihoshi would talk. Which was odd for her.
Ryoko-chan, you should really eat something. Afterall, it is going to be your last night to enjoy Sasami's cooking. said Washi through their link, who was now in her child form again.
::sigh:: I know. You're right. Since it is my last night and all. I should brighten up and enjoy it while I can..... But then why is it, everytime I think that, my hunger lessens by the minute? Ryoko looked up from her food to her mother, who was looking straight at her. Everyone noticed, but didn't say anything. Not wanting to disturb them. After a few moments of silence, Ryoko looked back down at her food. I don't know how much more of this I can take. Have someone bring me up food later or something incase I get hungry, will ya?
Sure, where you going?
Up to my room. And with that, Ryoko placed her chop sticks on the table, stood up, and walked to the stairs, heading to her room.
Want company?
Sure, if you know how to calm a balling, over 2000 year old women, that'd be great. Ryoko responded, never stopping to look back at her mother and instead continued to walk straight to her room, closing the door behind her.
"Oh Ryoko," whispered Washu. "Excuse us for a moment."
Washu stood from the table and ran up the stairs, straight to Ryoko's room. Ignoring everyone's questions of what was wrong.
//later that night//
It was well past midnight when Ryoko sat at the table downstairs, writing something on a piece of paper. The paper read:
---Dear Ayeka (and to the rest of the family if Ayeka's reading it too all of you),
Hey Princess! Guess who? Yep! You guessed correctly. Me, Ryoko. I know it seems strange that I'm writing to you. Hell, I'm still trying to figure that out for myself. I guess it was because, for some odd reason unknown to man, you were the first person that popped into my head when I first decided to write this thing. But, I guess I should get on with what I wanted to say, huh? Well, here it goes than.
By the time you wake (or woke) up and began reading this note, I've left. Now don't start thinking, "Oh, that demon will come back before the day's over." Because guess what, I won't be. Washu, or mom (as I have to call her now), decided to come with. So Tenchi's old closet is now back to it's old self. Good as new. I left Ryo-ohki in the hands of Sasami. So make sure she gets taken care of. So if I ever come back and find something happened to her, it's all your heads for the taking. You got that?!
Now I suppose you're wondering why we left? Even if you're not, I'm still gonna give some sort of explanation anyway. For me, I'm not about to give you the exact reason why. Then I'm pretty sure you'd got straight to Tenchi and tell him. And he's the last person I want to have to know. And you thought it would've been you? But this I will tell you. As much as you won't believe me sometimes, it wasn't because of you. It was actually a more personal problem. Something I'll tell sometime in the near future. Whenever that may be. But I promie. K? And as for mom, she decided to go because I was. She didn't want me to leave alone. Just to be on the safe side. But hey, what do you expect from mothers, right?
Now for the goodbyes......
Tell Sasami to take care of Ryo-ohki for me. And tell her I love her cooking. And that I love her. Just like the little sister I never had. And make sure Ryo-ohki doesn't come looking for me. I'll come for her when I see fit. And make sure she's a good girl. I don't want to have to come back and find out she was a bad girl. And I have to take away her carrots for a week.
Tell Mihoshi and Kiyone that I said hi and bye. To keep up the great work with the Galaxy Police. I wish Kiyone good luck with her promotion. And I hope she eventually gets it. And for Mihoshi, even though she was a total bumblehead at times, she was still a great friend and smarter than she looks. Tell her to always keep that in mind. And the same goes with Kiyone. I just wish I knew how she could handle Mihoshi all those years and still survive. That's the kicker.
Tell that brother and love-sick nephew-in-law of your's my goodbyes. Tell Katsuhito that even though he locked me in that cave for 700 years, I still thank him for all he's done. Including the cave. Cause than I wouldn't have met all of you. And to smack that Noboyuki up-side the head once for me for trying to hit on girls the hard and WRONG way. I'm pretty sure he'll get my point afterwards.
And tell Tenchi I said the same as everyone else. Goodbye. And tell him this too. I hope he's happy..... I do love him, truely I do. You know that. Right Ayeka? It was never just a flirt thing. Or a try-to-get-on- the-bad-side-and-piss-off-Ayeka thing either. It was true, deep down to the pit of my soul, love. With every inch of my body, mind, heart, and soul. I truely did. Have him know all this, will ya? He deserves to know that. And he deserves a lot more in my mind. But I can't give that to him. Not now. And probably not ever. Hell, maybe you can. Who knows. I'm just a lonely space pirate. You're a princess of a whole planet. Maybe you can do a hell of a lot better than me.
And now for my last goodbye. To you. I know we weren't exactly friends. And I don't know if we ever were or will be. I guess that's your decision. But even if we were the slightest bit friends because of our love for Tenchi, then I thank you for it. That's probably one of the most treasured things I'll be taking with me when I'm gone. Even if it is something so small, it means more to me that you could possibly think. So thanks again Princess. And goodbye.
Well, there's not much time till mom and I leave. But that's more than enough time for me. Oh, and don't mind the blooches on this letter. It's just the few tears that somehow betrayed me and escaped from their little prisons in my eyes. Poetic, huh? Who knew. But why should I be crying? It was my decision to leave, was it not? I've got nothing to lose. Except the only people I actually cared and loved for like a family. So I guess that's more than a good enough reason to cry, now isn't it?
Well, time to go. We have to be out of here before dawn approaches. Don't want any of you to see us, now do we? Give everyone there my hugs and peeks on the cheeks for me please. I appreciate it. And when you say my goodbyes to them, read this letter if it helps you at all. And give everyone my love. And thanks for doing this for me Ayeka. Thanks to everyone for everything. For being there, and for being my friends. Goodbye!
Love Always, Ryoko and Washu Hakubi
P.S. Not so many tears will ya! You'll ruin the note! :)
P.S.S. I'll keep in touch with you Ayeka, k? So that you all know everything is going ok. So until we talk again, Ja!---
~*~I don't know where this road
Is going to lead.
All I know is where we've been
And what we've been through.
If we get to see tomorrow
I hope it's worth all the wait
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.~*~
Ryoko finished writing her's and her mother's names plus the p.s. notes, folded the note neatly, and placed it in an envelope addressed to Ayeka. When she finished, she phazed up to Ayeka's and Sasami's room, reappearing next to the sleeping Ayeka. She bent down, placing the envelope next to Ayeka's pillow. She took one last look at Sasami, then Ayeka, then phazed away. When she reappeared, she stood next to her mother, who had managed to get a car, just down the steps of the Masaki shrine.
"Did you see Tenchi one last time?" asked Washu, who was again in her adult form, from the driver's seat.
"No, if I had, I would've somehow convinced myself to stay," replied Ryoko as she walked to the other side of the car and got in the passanger seat. "By the way, how did you manage to get a convertable?"
"You'd be surprised what I keep hiding in my many dementions."
"How did you manage to hide a car, convertable no less, from me?"
"Like I said before, you'd be surprised." Ryoko smiled slightly and shock her head. "Well, ready to go?"
"Yea. Better get out of here while I still have the nerve."
"Alright. I suggest you take one last look around, especially since we don't know when we'll be back to see it again."
"Ummmm," was all that Ryoko could say as her mother started the car and began to drive off. And just before the steps we no longer in her range of eyesight, she turned around and took one last look at her home. Which to her, now seemed so far away.
//the next morning//
Ayeka sat up on her "bed", her hands lightly holding onto the note she had found beside her head earlier that morning. Her eyes were looking straight ahead, not bothering to even look at the letter anymore. 'So, you finally left Ryoko? But if I didn't do it, than who did?' Ayeka finally looked down at the letter again when she heard a knock on her door.
"Ayeka? Oh, you're awake." Sasami walked into the room and looked at her sister's face. "Ayeka? What's wrong?"
"Nothing Sasami. Do make sure to have everyone at the breakfast table this morning. Excluding Ryoko and Miss Washu. I have to speak with everyone this morning about something important."
"We aren't leaving, are we Ayeka?"
"No, don't worry about that Sasami." Ayeka finally looked up at her sister, a small, yet sad smile across her lips. "Don't worry about that. I promise, we aren't going anywhere."
"Well, then what do you have to talk with everyone about? And why won't Washu or Ryoko be there?"
"I'll explain at breakfast. But could you please do that form me Sasami?"
"Well, alright. Everyone should be done in about 5-10 minutes. So hurry up. Ok?"
"Alright. I'll be down in a few then."
"Ok. See ya then."
~*~And I'll take with me the memories
To be my sunshine after the rain
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.~*~
Sasami gave her sister one last confusing look, then walked out of the room. After about 5 or 6 minutes, Ayeka finally walked downstairs, fully dressed, and saw that everyone was waiting for her at the kitchen table.
"Morning Ayeka, what is it you wanted to talk about?" asked Tenchi when he saw her walk down the stairs.
"I first would like to say this," began Ayeka in a quiet, but audiable voice, and a solemn face. "During the time I'm going to speak to you all, I want everyone to stay quiet and listen to everything I have to say. When I'm done, you guys may ask questions. And I'll try to answer them. Alright?" Everyone nodded their heads in agreement and waited for Ayeka to speak again. "This morning, when I awoke, I found an envelope addressed to myself on the side of my pillow. I was confused by it, but decided to read it anyway. When.... When I did, the words that were written before my eyes shocked me. I first thought of it as some prank. A, I guess you could say, horrible joke that Ryoko always plays on me. Just to give my hopes up."
"So you mean this is about Ryoko?"
Ayeka held up a hand, silencing her younger sister. "I'm not to sure how to say this. She didn't exactly help either. But... But I guess I should just come out with it and get it over with. I just have this to say first... Ryoko seems to like to make life difficult on me......... Everyone, Ryoko, and Miss Washu, are both..... I'm sorry, but they both left."
"What?!" exclaimed everyone in the room.
"She and Miss Washu left earlier this morning. About a little before sunrise."
"But I don't get it, why would she leave?" asked Mihoshi, whose eyes were beginning to fill with tears.
"I don't know. She didn't give an exact reason. She just said that it wasn't because of me. She said it was more of a personal problem."
"How do you know she left Ayeka?" asked Kiyone while trying to calm her partner.
"Remember the envelope addressed to me? Well, it was note written by Ryoko. She wishes me to give you all her goodbyes. But that if I have a problem with doing it, that I read you all the letter. Which would probably help in this situation."
"Could you read then Miss Ayeka? Please?"
Ayeka looked at Tenchi with sad eyes and nodded her head. She got out the letter that she hid in her kinomoto. She looked at everyone in the room then began reading word for word of Ryoko's letter. (if you all need to read again b/c u decided not to or just don't remember, scroll up a little. it's up there..... somwhere...) When she finished, she looked at everyone again and saw that each had a few tears falling from their eyes. She had to admit, even she had a few unshed tears in her eyes. She walked up to her sister and kneelt down beside her, taking the little princess in her arms as she cried. Also doing the same to the little cabbit.
'Oh Ryoko, why did you have to leave? I'll miss you guys so much!' cried out Sasami in her thoughts.
'That's the first time anyone's given me a real compliment before. Ryoko? Washu? Please come back soon.'
'Ryoko, Washu, I hope you guys live a happy life without us. And please come to visit soon.' Kiyone hugged Mihoshi tight, while trying to control her's and her partner's tears.
'Ryoko. If only you knew how much everyone here loved you. Maybe then you would've stayed.' Ayeka continued to hold her sister and try to calm the little princess's tears.
'This is all my fault. I can just feel it. No, I know it. How could I be so stupid.' Tenchi stood up and began walking out of the house, mumbling, "I'm not hungry anymore," then closed the front door behind him.
Ayeka watched him leave, her eyes filling with a new sadness. She and the others soon controlled their tears, just staring down at the uneatten food. One by one, they began excusing themselves. The first Sasami, the last Ayeka. She stayed to clean the table and put everything away. 'Well, looks like chores aren't going to be done today. ::sigh:: But who could blame them.' Ayeka cleaned the dishes after putting the food away, then soon walked upstairs to join her younger sister.
~*~And I'll take with me the memories
To be my sunshine after the rain
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.~*~
// TBC //
A.N. Ok, there u go! Chap. 1!!! Yeah! Ok, to those of u who liked it, ty! And if you want to see the next chapter soon, I want at least 3/4 reviews on this. That's not asking for much is it? I hope.... Newhoz... Thx for reading! I really appreciate! I love u for it! (don't get the wrong idea ppl!) So thx again. C-y'all later. Ja 4 now!
Preview of next chapter....
::Ayeka's voice is heard:: Miss Ryoko and her mother, Miss Washu, find an apartment in the middle of Tokyo. They meet their new neighbor and find that she might be the answer to their unemployment status.
But after about 2 months of no contact with the Masaki residence, Ryoko/Washu snail mail one of us Masaki's. And in the process, Ryoko and Washu get some visitors!
And while visiting, some of us find out what Ryoko and Washu's jobs are, and why their nieghbor has such a major part in it. And plus, we finally learn the real reason to the sudden departure of the imfamous former space pirate, Ryoko, and the greatest scientific genius of the universe, Washu.
All that, and more, in the next chapter of A Whole New Life Style --- No Need For Surprises.
~*~ Q.M. ~*~
A.N. This story was in my head. So I had to get the first chap. out. Sorry ppl! I promise to update one of my other stories soon. Promise! I just had to get this out. And besides, I've already got Unheard Love done, and I only have one ch. left of Unknown Destiny, so I'm all good. And I already have another story up and all, but I can't help it. My mind just won't stop with the stories, no matter what I do. So plz forgive!
Newhoz... Please read. And review when you're done! This was going to be a longer chapter, but what else I had I just decided to put in chapter 2. You'll understand when I put that ch up. So until then, plz read what I have. Thx! And Ja 4 now!
'...thoughts...' "...talking..." (...me talking...) ...link(s)... ~*~...lyrics/singing...~*~ ---...notes...--- ~...reading...~ //...times/dates/where at...// ::...any other needed to know info...::
A lonely women stood at the edge of a cliff. One arm wrapped itself around her slender waist. The other lay across her chest, landing on her left shoulder. Her cyan hair slightly brushed her shoulder as the wind gently blew. Her dress rubbing up against her legs. A solemn, yet sad look upon her face as she stared down at the scenery. A tear silently fell from her eye. But she ignored it, her eyes never moving. 'What am I going to do?' she asked herself. She sighed deeply and shortly turned around as she heard a voice calling for her. She smiled slightly as she saw a little blue headed girl running towards her.
"Ryoko! I've been looking everywhere for you!"
"I'm sorry Sasami. I guess I didn't realize what time it was."
"..... Ryoko, are you alright? You seem sad."
"Naw, it's nothing Sasami. Just thinking about something."
"You sure?"
"Um hum. Now let's get back to the house before people, especially your sister, thinks we ran away."
"::giggle:: Alright!"
Sasami grabbed Ryoko's hand, dragging her back to the house. Ryoko couldn't help but giggle slightly as she began floating off the ground, taking Sasami with her. Sasame looked down at the ground as she was lifted towards the sky. She giggled happily and looked up at Ryoko, who was laughing slightly herself. When they reached their house, Ryoko gently landed Sasami on the ground. When she to landed, she felt Sasami grab her hand once again, dragged her into the house, and made her sit in the living room.
"Hey you guys! Welcome back!" greeted Tenchi as he walked out te kitchen, drink in hand. "Hey Ryoko, where have you been all day?"
"Nowhere important," replied Ryoko as she grabbed a magazine from the table.
"She was standing on the small cliff where you usually are when you sketch," said Sasami with a sigh. "I asked her before we got back if something was wrong and she said it was nothing."
"Really? You know Ryoko, if there's something wrong or on your mind, you can tell us."
"I told Sasami, so I'll say it to you. It's nothing! Alright? And besides, it had nothing that concerns anyone and anything in this room but me, myself, and I. So if you'll both excuse me." And with that said, Ryoko stood up and walked out of the living room and into Washu's lab.
"I wonder what that was all about....."
//Back with Ryoko//
Ryoko walked into her mother's lab, grimincing at it darkness, and called out for Washu.
"Washu! Ya in here?"
Can't you ever call me mom?
Tell me where you are and I'll think about it...
::sigh:: In the Aquarium room. (I have no idea what to call that room)
Ryoko walked into the room that Washu had mentioned and low-and-behold, there was Washu sitting on her floating chair, typing away.
"What can I do for you little Ryoko?" asked Washu, never looking up from her computer.
Ryoko cringged but decided to let Washu's remark slide. "I wanted to know if you found anything yet?"
"::sigh:: Yes I did. But are you sure you want to do this little Ryoko?"
"As sure as a space pirate could get."
"Then there's no stopping you, huh?"
"Not unless you found a reason I can stay?"
"Your mother?"
"You know what I meant. I'm not wanted here. Except by you, and maybe Sasami. Of course there's always Ryo-ohki. But that's it."
"Couldn't you at least have someone go with you? Keep you company incase something happens?"
"Like who?"
"I don't know, me?"
"Ha! Like you would actually want to go with me. You never even really acted like my mother, what's gonna make you start now?"
"Oh yea, make me feel lower that I already am."
"And besides, you're in child form. No one would ever believe that you're my mother."
"I do have an adult form, remember?"
"Oh yea, I remember. You tried hitting on Tenchi last time I saw you in it."
"What?! It was just me being a little bit of a tease? Where do you think you got it from? Huh?"
"Whatever."
"So, will you at least have someone come with? Please?"
Ryoko looked down at her mother, contemplating if she should agree to it or not. Finally after a few moments of silence, she sighed. "Fine. You can come with. But you have to be in adult form. I don't want to make it look like I'm your mother. Got it?"
"Said and done." In a matter of seconds, Washu was now in her adult form, about less than a inch taller than Ryoko. "Better?"
"Much, now let's get on with this so I don't agree to anymore of your stupid whinnings."
"Alright. Follow me then."
Washu began leading Ryoko out of the Aquarium and into her main control room. (ha! i'm stumped on what to call any of her rooms... lol... ) But before Washu got the chance to even leave the room, Ryoko grabbed her arm. When she turned around, she looked at Ryoko and saw a small smile on her face.
"Ummm, thanks...... mom..."
Washu just stood there stunned at Ryoko, who walked past her and to the main control room (that's what i'm calling it, k?). She soon snapped out of her small trance and followed her daughter to the control room, a small smile now on her face.
~*~How do I say goodbye to what we had?
The good times that made us laugh
Outweigh the bad.
I thought we'd get to see forever
But forever's gone away
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.~*~
//That night, dinner//
It was now dinner and the Masaki family quietly sat down at the table eating. Everyone except Ryoko anyway. She would take small bites here and there, but other wise all she did was stare at it. Sasami would ask if she didn't enjoy her cooking anymore, but Ryoko would just smile and say, "I love it Sasami. I'm just not that hungry tonite I guess." Other than that, everyone was quiet. Not even Mihoshi would talk. Which was odd for her.
Ryoko-chan, you should really eat something. Afterall, it is going to be your last night to enjoy Sasami's cooking. said Washi through their link, who was now in her child form again.
::sigh:: I know. You're right. Since it is my last night and all. I should brighten up and enjoy it while I can..... But then why is it, everytime I think that, my hunger lessens by the minute? Ryoko looked up from her food to her mother, who was looking straight at her. Everyone noticed, but didn't say anything. Not wanting to disturb them. After a few moments of silence, Ryoko looked back down at her food. I don't know how much more of this I can take. Have someone bring me up food later or something incase I get hungry, will ya?
Sure, where you going?
Up to my room. And with that, Ryoko placed her chop sticks on the table, stood up, and walked to the stairs, heading to her room.
Want company?
Sure, if you know how to calm a balling, over 2000 year old women, that'd be great. Ryoko responded, never stopping to look back at her mother and instead continued to walk straight to her room, closing the door behind her.
"Oh Ryoko," whispered Washu. "Excuse us for a moment."
Washu stood from the table and ran up the stairs, straight to Ryoko's room. Ignoring everyone's questions of what was wrong.
//later that night//
It was well past midnight when Ryoko sat at the table downstairs, writing something on a piece of paper. The paper read:
---Dear Ayeka (and to the rest of the family if Ayeka's reading it too all of you),
Hey Princess! Guess who? Yep! You guessed correctly. Me, Ryoko. I know it seems strange that I'm writing to you. Hell, I'm still trying to figure that out for myself. I guess it was because, for some odd reason unknown to man, you were the first person that popped into my head when I first decided to write this thing. But, I guess I should get on with what I wanted to say, huh? Well, here it goes than.
By the time you wake (or woke) up and began reading this note, I've left. Now don't start thinking, "Oh, that demon will come back before the day's over." Because guess what, I won't be. Washu, or mom (as I have to call her now), decided to come with. So Tenchi's old closet is now back to it's old self. Good as new. I left Ryo-ohki in the hands of Sasami. So make sure she gets taken care of. So if I ever come back and find something happened to her, it's all your heads for the taking. You got that?!
Now I suppose you're wondering why we left? Even if you're not, I'm still gonna give some sort of explanation anyway. For me, I'm not about to give you the exact reason why. Then I'm pretty sure you'd got straight to Tenchi and tell him. And he's the last person I want to have to know. And you thought it would've been you? But this I will tell you. As much as you won't believe me sometimes, it wasn't because of you. It was actually a more personal problem. Something I'll tell sometime in the near future. Whenever that may be. But I promie. K? And as for mom, she decided to go because I was. She didn't want me to leave alone. Just to be on the safe side. But hey, what do you expect from mothers, right?
Now for the goodbyes......
Tell Sasami to take care of Ryo-ohki for me. And tell her I love her cooking. And that I love her. Just like the little sister I never had. And make sure Ryo-ohki doesn't come looking for me. I'll come for her when I see fit. And make sure she's a good girl. I don't want to have to come back and find out she was a bad girl. And I have to take away her carrots for a week.
Tell Mihoshi and Kiyone that I said hi and bye. To keep up the great work with the Galaxy Police. I wish Kiyone good luck with her promotion. And I hope she eventually gets it. And for Mihoshi, even though she was a total bumblehead at times, she was still a great friend and smarter than she looks. Tell her to always keep that in mind. And the same goes with Kiyone. I just wish I knew how she could handle Mihoshi all those years and still survive. That's the kicker.
Tell that brother and love-sick nephew-in-law of your's my goodbyes. Tell Katsuhito that even though he locked me in that cave for 700 years, I still thank him for all he's done. Including the cave. Cause than I wouldn't have met all of you. And to smack that Noboyuki up-side the head once for me for trying to hit on girls the hard and WRONG way. I'm pretty sure he'll get my point afterwards.
And tell Tenchi I said the same as everyone else. Goodbye. And tell him this too. I hope he's happy..... I do love him, truely I do. You know that. Right Ayeka? It was never just a flirt thing. Or a try-to-get-on- the-bad-side-and-piss-off-Ayeka thing either. It was true, deep down to the pit of my soul, love. With every inch of my body, mind, heart, and soul. I truely did. Have him know all this, will ya? He deserves to know that. And he deserves a lot more in my mind. But I can't give that to him. Not now. And probably not ever. Hell, maybe you can. Who knows. I'm just a lonely space pirate. You're a princess of a whole planet. Maybe you can do a hell of a lot better than me.
And now for my last goodbye. To you. I know we weren't exactly friends. And I don't know if we ever were or will be. I guess that's your decision. But even if we were the slightest bit friends because of our love for Tenchi, then I thank you for it. That's probably one of the most treasured things I'll be taking with me when I'm gone. Even if it is something so small, it means more to me that you could possibly think. So thanks again Princess. And goodbye.
Well, there's not much time till mom and I leave. But that's more than enough time for me. Oh, and don't mind the blooches on this letter. It's just the few tears that somehow betrayed me and escaped from their little prisons in my eyes. Poetic, huh? Who knew. But why should I be crying? It was my decision to leave, was it not? I've got nothing to lose. Except the only people I actually cared and loved for like a family. So I guess that's more than a good enough reason to cry, now isn't it?
Well, time to go. We have to be out of here before dawn approaches. Don't want any of you to see us, now do we? Give everyone there my hugs and peeks on the cheeks for me please. I appreciate it. And when you say my goodbyes to them, read this letter if it helps you at all. And give everyone my love. And thanks for doing this for me Ayeka. Thanks to everyone for everything. For being there, and for being my friends. Goodbye!
Love Always, Ryoko and Washu Hakubi
P.S. Not so many tears will ya! You'll ruin the note! :)
P.S.S. I'll keep in touch with you Ayeka, k? So that you all know everything is going ok. So until we talk again, Ja!---
~*~I don't know where this road
Is going to lead.
All I know is where we've been
And what we've been through.
If we get to see tomorrow
I hope it's worth all the wait
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.~*~
Ryoko finished writing her's and her mother's names plus the p.s. notes, folded the note neatly, and placed it in an envelope addressed to Ayeka. When she finished, she phazed up to Ayeka's and Sasami's room, reappearing next to the sleeping Ayeka. She bent down, placing the envelope next to Ayeka's pillow. She took one last look at Sasami, then Ayeka, then phazed away. When she reappeared, she stood next to her mother, who had managed to get a car, just down the steps of the Masaki shrine.
"Did you see Tenchi one last time?" asked Washu, who was again in her adult form, from the driver's seat.
"No, if I had, I would've somehow convinced myself to stay," replied Ryoko as she walked to the other side of the car and got in the passanger seat. "By the way, how did you manage to get a convertable?"
"You'd be surprised what I keep hiding in my many dementions."
"How did you manage to hide a car, convertable no less, from me?"
"Like I said before, you'd be surprised." Ryoko smiled slightly and shock her head. "Well, ready to go?"
"Yea. Better get out of here while I still have the nerve."
"Alright. I suggest you take one last look around, especially since we don't know when we'll be back to see it again."
"Ummmm," was all that Ryoko could say as her mother started the car and began to drive off. And just before the steps we no longer in her range of eyesight, she turned around and took one last look at her home. Which to her, now seemed so far away.
//the next morning//
Ayeka sat up on her "bed", her hands lightly holding onto the note she had found beside her head earlier that morning. Her eyes were looking straight ahead, not bothering to even look at the letter anymore. 'So, you finally left Ryoko? But if I didn't do it, than who did?' Ayeka finally looked down at the letter again when she heard a knock on her door.
"Ayeka? Oh, you're awake." Sasami walked into the room and looked at her sister's face. "Ayeka? What's wrong?"
"Nothing Sasami. Do make sure to have everyone at the breakfast table this morning. Excluding Ryoko and Miss Washu. I have to speak with everyone this morning about something important."
"We aren't leaving, are we Ayeka?"
"No, don't worry about that Sasami." Ayeka finally looked up at her sister, a small, yet sad smile across her lips. "Don't worry about that. I promise, we aren't going anywhere."
"Well, then what do you have to talk with everyone about? And why won't Washu or Ryoko be there?"
"I'll explain at breakfast. But could you please do that form me Sasami?"
"Well, alright. Everyone should be done in about 5-10 minutes. So hurry up. Ok?"
"Alright. I'll be down in a few then."
"Ok. See ya then."
~*~And I'll take with me the memories
To be my sunshine after the rain
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.~*~
Sasami gave her sister one last confusing look, then walked out of the room. After about 5 or 6 minutes, Ayeka finally walked downstairs, fully dressed, and saw that everyone was waiting for her at the kitchen table.
"Morning Ayeka, what is it you wanted to talk about?" asked Tenchi when he saw her walk down the stairs.
"I first would like to say this," began Ayeka in a quiet, but audiable voice, and a solemn face. "During the time I'm going to speak to you all, I want everyone to stay quiet and listen to everything I have to say. When I'm done, you guys may ask questions. And I'll try to answer them. Alright?" Everyone nodded their heads in agreement and waited for Ayeka to speak again. "This morning, when I awoke, I found an envelope addressed to myself on the side of my pillow. I was confused by it, but decided to read it anyway. When.... When I did, the words that were written before my eyes shocked me. I first thought of it as some prank. A, I guess you could say, horrible joke that Ryoko always plays on me. Just to give my hopes up."
"So you mean this is about Ryoko?"
Ayeka held up a hand, silencing her younger sister. "I'm not to sure how to say this. She didn't exactly help either. But... But I guess I should just come out with it and get it over with. I just have this to say first... Ryoko seems to like to make life difficult on me......... Everyone, Ryoko, and Miss Washu, are both..... I'm sorry, but they both left."
"What?!" exclaimed everyone in the room.
"She and Miss Washu left earlier this morning. About a little before sunrise."
"But I don't get it, why would she leave?" asked Mihoshi, whose eyes were beginning to fill with tears.
"I don't know. She didn't give an exact reason. She just said that it wasn't because of me. She said it was more of a personal problem."
"How do you know she left Ayeka?" asked Kiyone while trying to calm her partner.
"Remember the envelope addressed to me? Well, it was note written by Ryoko. She wishes me to give you all her goodbyes. But that if I have a problem with doing it, that I read you all the letter. Which would probably help in this situation."
"Could you read then Miss Ayeka? Please?"
Ayeka looked at Tenchi with sad eyes and nodded her head. She got out the letter that she hid in her kinomoto. She looked at everyone in the room then began reading word for word of Ryoko's letter. (if you all need to read again b/c u decided not to or just don't remember, scroll up a little. it's up there..... somwhere...) When she finished, she looked at everyone again and saw that each had a few tears falling from their eyes. She had to admit, even she had a few unshed tears in her eyes. She walked up to her sister and kneelt down beside her, taking the little princess in her arms as she cried. Also doing the same to the little cabbit.
'Oh Ryoko, why did you have to leave? I'll miss you guys so much!' cried out Sasami in her thoughts.
'That's the first time anyone's given me a real compliment before. Ryoko? Washu? Please come back soon.'
'Ryoko, Washu, I hope you guys live a happy life without us. And please come to visit soon.' Kiyone hugged Mihoshi tight, while trying to control her's and her partner's tears.
'Ryoko. If only you knew how much everyone here loved you. Maybe then you would've stayed.' Ayeka continued to hold her sister and try to calm the little princess's tears.
'This is all my fault. I can just feel it. No, I know it. How could I be so stupid.' Tenchi stood up and began walking out of the house, mumbling, "I'm not hungry anymore," then closed the front door behind him.
Ayeka watched him leave, her eyes filling with a new sadness. She and the others soon controlled their tears, just staring down at the uneatten food. One by one, they began excusing themselves. The first Sasami, the last Ayeka. She stayed to clean the table and put everything away. 'Well, looks like chores aren't going to be done today. ::sigh:: But who could blame them.' Ayeka cleaned the dishes after putting the food away, then soon walked upstairs to join her younger sister.
~*~And I'll take with me the memories
To be my sunshine after the rain
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.~*~
// TBC //
A.N. Ok, there u go! Chap. 1!!! Yeah! Ok, to those of u who liked it, ty! And if you want to see the next chapter soon, I want at least 3/4 reviews on this. That's not asking for much is it? I hope.... Newhoz... Thx for reading! I really appreciate! I love u for it! (don't get the wrong idea ppl!) So thx again. C-y'all later. Ja 4 now!
Preview of next chapter....
::Ayeka's voice is heard:: Miss Ryoko and her mother, Miss Washu, find an apartment in the middle of Tokyo. They meet their new neighbor and find that she might be the answer to their unemployment status.
But after about 2 months of no contact with the Masaki residence, Ryoko/Washu snail mail one of us Masaki's. And in the process, Ryoko and Washu get some visitors!
And while visiting, some of us find out what Ryoko and Washu's jobs are, and why their nieghbor has such a major part in it. And plus, we finally learn the real reason to the sudden departure of the imfamous former space pirate, Ryoko, and the greatest scientific genius of the universe, Washu.
All that, and more, in the next chapter of A Whole New Life Style --- No Need For Surprises.
~*~ Q.M. ~*~