Disclaimer: Oh leave me alone, I already know nothing of it's mine. So
bug off!!!
A.N. WooHoo! I have chp 2 up now. I'm so proud of myself. hehe! Thx to those of u who reviewed me! I really appreciated it! And as for my excuse to not having it up sooner, writer's block, that's all I have to say. K? I don't have much to say except my thx and that plz R/R! Thx again! Enjoy and read on....
'...thoughts...' "...talking..." (...me talking...) ..links... ~...reading...~ ~*~...lyrics/singing...~*~ ---...notes...--- //...time/date/place/& whatever else...// ::..any other needed to know info...::
A Whole New Life Style
//Previously//
"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.
//Back to now; with Ryoko and Washu//
Ryoko and Washu walked into a large room after exiting the elevator to find only two doors in the middle of the walls on each side. They walked to the one on the right and unlocked the door. They carried some suitcases in each hand and set them down by the front door.
"Nice place mom! Where'd you find it?" asked Ryoko as she walked into the kitchen and began looking around.
"In an ad-paper. It was a little expensive, but nothing I couldn't take care of," answered Washu while taking a smaller suitcase to the window and opened it to take something out.
"I can tell. But now I know why you said this place was perfect. It really is..... What are you doing?" asked Ryoko as she walked up to her mother.
"Oh nothing. Just trying to find something."
Washu began rummaging through her suitcase. When she found what she was looking for, she accidently caused something to fall out from the window. Having it fall 9 stories to the ground. "What was that?"
"I don't know. Might have been one of my smaller devices for something. I better get it."
"It's alright. I'll get it. Just tell anybody that picks it up to hold onto it for a second. K?"
"Alright." Ryoko turned around and excited the the apartment room. She walked to the elevator, waiting for the door to open. When it finally did, she pressed the botton for the first floor and exited when it reached it's destination. Washu on the other hand continued to stand by the window, watching the object below to make sure no one ran off with it. When someone finally bent down and picked up the small device, she leaned out the window and began calling to the guy, hoping that he heard her. "Hey you! The one holding the device! Don't go running off with that!"
The man looked up, noticing Washu leaning out of the window. He just stood there in aw for a moment, gawking at her beauty. (hey, I had to have someone like Washu too! :]...) He just watched her as her deep red hair with strawberry pink highlights fell to the sides of her face. Her emerald eyes shining slightly from the sun peeking through her hair. Washu noticed his stare and tilted her head slightly.
"Hey! Something wrong?"
The man finally snapped out of his trance and smiled up at her. "No, just fine. This your's?"
"Yea. My daughter's coming down now to get it. Could you hold onto it for a moment until she comes down?"
"Yea sure. No problem."
Washu smiled at the man politely. "Thanks!" Washu then remembered that there were still a few things in the car to bring up, so she decided to go down and get it. "Hold on a few seconds longer. I've gotta come down for something anyway. Talk with my daughter for a few moments. K?"
"Um, sure I guess."
Washu smiled again and turned around to leave. Remembering she didn't know her nieghbors just yet, she grabbed her keys and locked the door behind her.
//Back with Ryoko//
Ryoko ran outside and noticed a man that looked about the age of her mother's current form holding her mother's device. She walked up to the man and tapped him on the shoulder. He quickly turned around and smiled at Ryoko.
"I figure that you're that one women's daughter?" asked the man.
"You talked to her?"
"Yea, she yelled down at me earlier saying that you were coming down to get it."
"Well here I am. Could I please have my mom's device?"
"Oh, sure." The man handed her Washu's device. "By the way, what's your name?"
"I was told never to talk to strangers," Ryoko goofed as she took the device from his hands.
"::chuckle:: Ah, I see. Well, what if I introduced myself first? Would that help at all?"
"::chuckles:: I guess sooooo....."
"Well then, my name is Niko Zeeshan." (I have no idea if those are real names, I just liked the sound of it.)
"My name is Ryoko Hakubi. Please to meet you Zeeshan-san."
"Oh please Hakubi-san. Call me Niko. I don't like all the formality unless I'm at work."
"Alright. But then you must call me Ryoko. I just don't like formality period."
"::chuckle:: I can see that. Well, it a pleasure to meet you Ryoko."
Ryoko smiled at the man, then turned her head when she heard her mom call her name. "Mom? What are you doing down here? I thought you were gonna stay upstairs?"
"I was, but then I remembered we still had things in the car to take up," explained Washu as she stood next to her daugher.
"Oh yea, I almost forgot." Ryoko walked a few cars down from where she stood, to her and her mothers car. She grabbed what was left of the luggage, which wasn't much, and walked back to her mother. "I'm gonna take these upstairs. Can I please have the keys?"
"Oh, sure. Here ya go." Washu had her daughter the keys and watched her disappear back inside the apartment building. She then turned to the man her daughter was talking to earlier and smiled. "Thanks for holding that for us. We didn't want anyone to run off with it or anything."
"Oh, that was no problem. What was that thing anyway?"
"Oh, nothing really. Just something I made many years ago. I like to keep the things I work on. Whether they work or not."
"I see, you a scientist or something?"
"Use to be actually. I'm not anymore."
"Why not?"
"I don't know. Kinda a long story to even explain everything."
"Oh, ok. Sorry bout that. Didn't mean to ask so many questions."
"It's alright. I usually get it all the time. I'm Washu Hakubi by the way. But everyone calls me Washu."
"I'm Niko Zeeshan. But I just have everyone call me Niko unless I'm at work. It's a pleasure to meet you Washu."
"Like wise."
"So, you live all the way up there, huh?"
"Yes. My daughter and I decided to move from where we lived. And this was a nice place. So I figured what the hell and brought it. Why do you ask?"
"Oh, no reason. I live here too. For about three tears. 8th floor."
"Ninth here. At least I'll know one nieghbor."
"::chuckle:: It's a start."
"::smile:: Well, I guess I should really get back upstairs. We have a lot to take care of today and all."
"Oh, sure. Hope to see you and your daughter again sometime."
"Like wise. I'll see you around. Bye!" Washu waved and ran back inside. Just hearing Niko's "Goodbye!" before disappearing inside as well.
//With Ryoko//
The door to the elevator door opened and Ryoko stepped out. Kicking a small gymbag of clothes ahead of her. She heard a stiffled laugh and looked over to see her nieghbor's door open. A women a few years older than her walked out carrying a few packaged items with her. "Need help?" she asked while trying to stiffle her laugh. Ryoko gave her a look of almost disgust, making the women stop laughing altogether. "Oh, I'm not laughing at you. I just got off the phone when I recieved these packages. I didn't mean to laugh when you came up. Really."
"Oh, it's alright. It's just not my day and all. And I wasn't in the mood to be laughed at or anything."
"Well, I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything by it."
"It's ok. But, yea sure. Love to have the help."
The women walked up to Ryoko after placing her packages in her apartment's doorway and grabbed a bag from her, as well as the one that was kicked across the floor. Ryoko uplocked and opened her door. She walked inside and placed the other bags with the ones by the door, followed by the women she met a few moments before.
"Thanks for the help."
"Oh, it was no problem. I'm Katrina Ankiiki by the way. Everyone usually calls me Kat and/or Rina. I'm your new nieghbor as you probably guessed by now."
"I figured as much. My name's Ryoko Hakubi."
"Interesting name. I like it."
"Thanks, I always thought it was a great name myself."
"::chuckle:: I bet. So, what do you do for a living?"
"Oh, nothing right now. My life before I came here was to help clean a house and all that other good crap. How about you?"
"Me? I'm an agent. Doesn't sound that good of a job at times, but it gives good pay. And you meet a lot a great people that way."
"Really? Maybe I should get that job. Want some coffee or something?"
"Oh, sure. Decafe if possible."
"Milk and sugar?"
"That'd be great."
"Alright." Ryoko walked to the kitchen, Katrina following behind her. "So, what kind of agent are you?"
"Any kinda really. I'm mainly an agent to singers. But I also do actors or actresses, comedians, and models."
"Really? Quiet interesting."
"Yes well, it's a great job to have. Every year I usually have a party for my clients. At least twice. Sometimes we just go out to have fun. Depends on what kind of mood everyone's in. In fact, I'm going out with some of my close clients tonite. Wanna come? We can show you around town."
"Um, I guess I could go. Just no place where there's a lot of drinking. I'm trying to cut back a little bit."
"Ah, I see. Don't worry. A lot of my clients you'll be meeting tonite won't want to go to places like that either. Might ruin the reputation as great singers or actresses."
"::chuckle:: They really care for their jobs don't they?"
"Yes. You tend to care a little too much for your job when you work as hard as they do."
"I believe it. Here's your coffee."
"Oh, thanks. So, you living here with someone, or by yourself?"
"With my mom. I was going to move on my own. But my mom insisted she come with to 'make sure I was safe'. She tends to be a little over protective at times."
"Most are. You realize how long it took to actually convience my mom that I had to live on my own for a while?"
"::chuckle:: Well, I don't really mind anyway. We usually get along."
"Usually?"
"Yea, she was always working on something in her little 'habitate' everyone called her lab. And when we were actually by ourselves, and our roomies weren't bothering us, we actually got along pretty well."
"You make it sound as though you've only known your mom for a couple of years."
"And that's exactly how it's suppose to sound considering I was kidnapped when I was a little girl. So I never knew my mom. And when I found out I had one, I didn't really want to believe it."
"Why's that?"
"Because I was told that my mother was dead. And then out of nowhere someone came up to me saying that I was their child. Kinda a bit too much at one point if you ask me."
"Good point. Well, me and my mom weren't and still aren't on each other's good lists. When I moved out about 3 years ago when I first started my job, we had a huge fight. And when I left, we hadn't talked since. So I think she still might be mad at me."
"Have you ever tried contacting her?"
"Yea, many times. But she either was never there, or she finally learned something called caller id and she just doesn't want to talk to me."
"Ah, I see. Well, you can meet my mom soon. She's pretty cool. But if you get too close to her, she might make you her adoptive daughter"
"::chuckle:: Thanks for the warning."
"Warning to what?"
Ryoko and Katrina looked at the kitchen door to find Ryoko's mother standing with her hands on her hips. "Oh, hey mom. I'd like you to meet Katrina Ankiiki."
"Nice to meet you Katrina-san. My name's Washu Hakubi if Ryoko hasn't told you. I take it she's said a few things about me though?"
"Nice to meet you too, Washu-san. Please, just call me Rina or Kat. And yes, she's told me a few things about you."
"Good or bad?" asked Washu as she grabbed a cup of coffee and joined her daughter and Katrina at the table.
"Good. I think."
"If you say 'I think', that means it was bad."
Ryoko glarred at her mother, then laughed slightly at her. The three continued a conversation in the kitchen until their coffee glasses were empty. Ryoko and Washu then took their bags and carried them to their rooms (Ryoko getting the bigger one). Katrina helped them put things away where they belonged (you can pretty much guess where the furniture came from---Washu), and soon enough, they were done. During this time, Ryoko and Katrina had confinced Washu to go out with them that night. Which mind you, this was Washu they were talking about. And the rest of the day just seemed to breeze by without a problem. Although, Ryoko and Washu had to admit, it seemed nothing than the life at the Masaki household. But it was a start. And if they knew about the life either had ahead of them, let's just say that they're life with the family, seemed nothing too it.
//2 months later; Masaki household//
Ayeka walked down the shrine steps, going to fetch the mail. She watched the scenery as she walked past, her thoughts reverting to the "olden days" before Washu and Ryoko left. She sighed as she reached the mail box, taking the mail out, and began looking through it. Groaning now and then when she reached a bill. When she reached about through half the mail, she came upon one addressed to her, from Ryoko. She quickly dropped the other mail, as though it never really existed and opened her letter. She quietly read the note from where she stood, not caring where she was when she read it.
---Heya Princess! Miss me? Uh, probably not. But if you do, thanks. Nice to know someone does. But newhoz... How's life doing over there? Hope everything's going well. As for me? Life's pretty good actually. Nothing compared to the life I led over there. But it's a start at a new life right? Mom's being practically her old self. Only difference is that she hasn't made a lab in one of the closets or something. That's a first, huh? But hey, I'm starting a new life as a different person, so that means she has to too. Don't you agree?
But I suppose you want to know how things are going over here so far though, huh? Well, I meet a few new friends. Thanks to the help of the first, or I actually should say second person I met when I moved into our new apartment. We get a long pretty well. And I found out that we have some things in common as well. It's been a blast. I should come up there and get you down here. You'd have a blast. Even if you are a miss prissy princess. And I'd have to drag Sasami with us. She'd have a great time with all the kids around here. And plus, I can show you what kind of job I've got. You'd probably laugh at me, but hey, so does everyone else. And that's the point too. Kinda confusing, huh?
But back to what I was saying. Mom is still trying to find a job (even though there's no need considering she's rich, who knew?....). But either way, she still wants to get one. Just so that way it doesn't seem too wierd. Me? You already know that I got one. But I'm not about to tell. You'll find out sometime anyway. But here's a hint.... Anything but waitressing was great with me. No offence, but I think I've had quite enough of waitressing since the last time we did it. Thank you very much. Our nieghbor, Kat as I call her, Rina as mom calls her, (don't ask) helped me out with that. She suggests things that we might like to do, even though I found one, and we say yes or no to it. She's come up with a few good things mom would do, but she's being picky. Nothing new there. But you know me, miss I-can-always-get-people-to-do-as-I-say. *wink wink*
~*~ All I did was walk over
start off by shaking your hand
All I did was walk over
All I did was walk over
All I did was walk over
that's how it went
I had a smile on my face and I sat up straight Oh ya ya
I wantd to know you I wanted to show you~*~
We both say that mom should be a cook. But we keep forgetting to mention it to her. I think I'll do that sometime this week, when I remember. Hopefully. But don't you think so too? She was a great cook when she did it when Taro was there. Wasn't she? Or is that just my opinion? Who knows....
Newayz, I'm beginning to mumble, I can tell. Not too good, now is it? But hey, just trying to keep up with things.
So, how's things going on there? Hope it's all good. I asked that earlier in this note, didn't I? Oops! All well. Doesn't really matter. But as to the other thing that was in this envelope, if you didn't drop it that is. Check real quick, make sure it's still there. I'll wait...........---
Ayeka suddenly stopped reading and looked inside the envelope. There she found a small chip looking devise. She examined it for a few moments, as though trying to figure out what it was. When she gave up, her eyes returned to the note, reading what else Ryoko had written.
---.......... Ok, since you're reading this again, that must mean that you found it. Whether it was in the envelope or on the ground somewhere. I should really explain what it is, shouldn't I? Well, here it goes..........
The small chip looking devise is actually a system transmitter. You can translate what you want sent instead of using snail mail and I will recieve it right away to where I had told it to go. Kinda like e-mail, but without all that hassel. And if you chose to talk to me through it instead of waiting for an answer back, there should be a small part in mom's old lab that should be there, walk right though it, and you'll be in mom's small computer lab. She left it there just for this purpose. Hopefully it still works, huh? But you know how to work one of mom's computers, so just put the chip in it's proper place, tell the computer where you want to talk, and just wait for an answer. I'll be there, or mom, to answer it. It might be Kat, aka Rina, but that's highly unlikely. Ok? So I'll wait for you to answer me back. Whenever that may be. And I actually can't wait, so please hurry. I want to talk to at least one of you and see how everything, and everyone, has been doing there. So until then, Ja my friend. And talk to ya later!
Always, Ryoko, the evil space pirate! LoL.---
Ayeka laughed at the last remark at the end of the letter. She then looked back at the chip. She quickly grabbed the mail she had dropped before and ran back to the house. Giving each person their mail. And before she made any further movements to where she wanted to go, she made sure no one was in her line of view and snuck into Washu's old lab room. She found what she was told to look for and walked in, finding a small, but not too small, computer area. She placed the chip inside the computer's system, typed what was needed and impatiently waited for someone to answer.
~*~ you don't know me
don't ignore me
you don't want me there
you just shut me out
You don't know me
dont' ignore me
if you had your way you'd
just shut me up
make me go away
I'm so unwanted ~*~
"Hello?..... Oh, hey princess, long time no see!"
"Ryoko! Where in the hell are you!?"
"Whoa! Calm down Ayeka, no need to jump through the computer and strangle me, really...."
"Ryoko, do you realize how much everyone here misses you two?! Especially Sasami. She's been acting down in the dumps, but still manages at least."
"Really? Guess I should've warned you two ahead of time, huh?"
"In my opinion, I don't think you should've left at all!"
"You mean you acutally wanted me to stay?" Ryoko looked shocked as she watched the princess from the other end of the transmission.
"Now I do. Now that you left. Do you realize how boring it is here without you to fight with?"
"::chuckle:: I guess you've got a point....." Ryoko was silent for a few moments, as though thinking of what to say next. "Hey look, I've got an idea. But you can't tell anyone about it, except Sasami."
"Why not?"
"Because, I still don't want anyone else to know where I am just yet. You understand, right Ayeka?"
"... Yea, I suppose so. So, what is it then?"
"I propose that you and Sasami come here and visit us. It would be great to see a few old friends again."
"But why? I thought you didn't want anyone to know where you were yet?"
"Yea, but I can trust you two. So, what do you say? Wanna come and see us. We'll show you what kind of things I do for a living. You'll get a kick out it. Literally."
"::smiles:: ..... I suppose that would be good. I think Sasami and I are in a need of a vacation from here for a little while anyway."
"Great! I can't wait..... Hey, I'll call back later, on the actual phone this time though. Easier. But company is here, so I have to go. Have to go help mom before she transports them to a different dimension. Alright?"
"::chuckle:: Alright. I will talk to you later then. I'll tell Sasami about our trip."
"Ok. See ya then! Bye. Oh, and mom says hi!"
"Tell her I said hi back! And goodbye!"
And with that, the vidscreen shut itself off when the line ended. Ayeka stared at it and smiled. She quickly ran out of the closet, not caring if anyone saw her, and to her sister who was in the kitchen, just finishing her baking.
"Ayeka? What are you doing?" asked Sasami when she saw her sister run into the kitchen.
"I've got great news for you Sasami."
"Really? What?"
Ayeka walked up to her sister and whispered in her ear about what Ryoko had proposed just moments before. Sasami's eyes when wide with happiness as she heard what was too happen. "Really?! We get to see Ry..."
Ayeka covered the small princess's mouth before she finished her sentence and smiled down at her. "Yes. But you can't let anyone know that we're going. Except Ryo-ohki."
"Why not?"
"Because Ryoko doesn't want anyone to know where she lives, except us."
"Oh, I see. But why wouldn't she want anyone to know where she lives? Especially Tenchi?"
"Who knows. We'll just have to find that out when we get there. Alright?"
"Alright. When are we going?"
"Whenever Ryoko calls back and tells us. We'll probably be leaving Saturday. Better time since it's a weekend. I'll see if she can arrange us a ride for us."
"Alright. That sounds like a good idea. Other wise people will think we're wierd if we just appear out of no where."
"Precisely. So, why don't you finish what you're doing, then go upstairs and start getting ready."
"Ok, how long are we staying though?"
"I don't know. However long Ryoko wants us to be there. I'll make sure to answer that when she calls."
"Alright. Well, I'm gonna finish this then. So you shoe and do what you need while I so this. Then I'll talk to you later. But just shoe for right now. Shoe, shoe!"
Ayeka giggled as her little sister pushed her gently out of the kitchen then heard a "WooHoo!" come from behind the door. Ayeka sighed happily at her sister's happiness and shock her head. She walked up to her room, grabbing the cordless phone (yes, they have on in this story) with her. Just incase Ryoko decided to call.
~*~ No I justb don't understand why you won't talk to me
it hurts, I'm so unwanted for nothing
don't talk words against me
I wanted to know ya I wanted to show ya ~*~
//Later at dinner//
Dinner had started at the Misaki residence. Everyone was quiet, which was how it now was since the departure of their two friends Ryoko and Washu. No one spoke, or even looked, at the other. Except tonite.
Ayeka and Sasami were talking quietly to each other, getting the other's attention. The two would smile, Sasami would giggle here and there, and even Ryo-ohki would join in with her cute little "meows". After about half way through their dinner, the phone began ringing. Sasami quickly got up and ran to the phone in the front hall. A stiffled "hello" could be heard from the dining room. After a few seconds of silence, everything was suddenly loud when Sasami was heard yelling, "Ayeka! Ayeka, it's her!!!"
Ayeka smiled at her sister and quietly got up. "Who is it, Ayeka?" asked Tenchi before Ayeka disappeared into the entry hall.
"Oh, no one really. Just an old friend we use to talk to who had once visited Jurai. That's all."
"Oh, I see. Then I suppose you should go to the phone then."
Ayeka smiled at Tenchi and bowed before disappearing behind the entry hall's wall. When she reached her sister, the little blue headed princess was talking away like old times with Ryoko. Ryoko could be heard laughing slightly and responding to what ever it was Sasami was talking about. "Sasami?"
"Huh?" Sasami looked at her sister, a large smile on her face. "What is it Ayeka?"
"Why don't you take the cordless and go to our room. Then you can talk openly and not so low. Alright?"
"Alright!"
Sasami handed the phone to Ayeka and ran up to her room, grabbing the cordless with her. Ayeka shock her head at the little girl and greeted Ryoko over the phone. "Hello Ryoko."
"Hey there Princess. I never thought Sasami could talk that much."
"::chuckle:: Yes well, she's just glad to hear from you again."
"I'm glad to hear that. How's everyone doing there by the way?"
"Well, for starters... Kiyone got her promotion about a week ago, but she still eats and lives with us. Mihoshi is her 'bumbleheaded' self. Although when dinner or any other meal hits, she's as quiet as a lamb. That's a first for her. You already know about Sasami and myself. Father is his old self. It's like he just let's everything slide with the day. Brother is like any other day. Although he's not as hard on Tenchi anymore. And Tenchi, well, he always seems to be down. It's like something hit him straight through his heart. He hasn't been himself at all. Not even to Sasami. It's like a part of him died the day he found out you left. And I wish I knew what was going on in that head of his."
There was silence over the phone, as though there had been no one there in the first place. "Ryoko? You still there?"
"........ Yea, I'm here Ayeka. Just thinking I guess... Tenchi that bad, huh? Wish I knew why...."
Ayeka looked at the base of the phone, as though she could see Ryoko through it. 'Why is it I feel you're not telling me something Ryoko?...' She asked herself quietly.
"Hey Ayeka, remind me when you come here that there is something really important that I need to tell you. Alright?"
"Alright Ryoko."
"Ok, I'm back Ryoko!" Sasami's cheery voice disturbed their conversation, causing both Ayeka and Ryoko to laugh slightly.
"Welcome back, Sasami. I missed you!" greeted Ryoko as she held back the rest of her laugh.
"::giggle:: Thank you, Ryoko!"
"::smiled:: Well, I suppose I should get off the phone before I get caught," interupted Ayeka. "I'll be up in a minute to talk with both of you, alright Sasami?"
"Alright Ayeka. See ya in a few then."
"Alright. Bye you two."
Before hanging up the phone, Ayeka heard two muffled goodbyes then Sasami saying, "Oh Ryoko, you've missed so much! First, Ryo-ohki..." and a few stiffled laughs. When she hung up the phone, she smiled and looked outside. She sighed and walked back into the living room to find the other's either sitting there watching the tv, out the window, or looking at her as she entered. She smiled at those who watched her and walked up to her room. Finding Sasami talking away with their old friend. Who on the other line could be heard doing nothing, but laughing.
~*~ you don't know me
don't ignore me
you don't want me there
you just shut me out
You don't know me
dont' ignore me
if you had your way you'd
just shut me up
make me go away ~*~
//Saturday morning; after breakfast//
"I don't get it though, where are you two going that you guys are leaving for 3 and a half weeks?" asked Tenchi as he helped carry the bags from Ayeka's and Sasami's room down to the living room.
"Nowhere important. I just got the wonderful idea of having a extended vacation, other than here, and asked Sasami if she wanted to come with," answered Ayeka as she set a few of the light bags she was carrying in front of the living room window.
"But I still don't get it, why is Sasami all giddy about it?"
"What, can't someone be happy about going out to have a little fun? Anyway, we're going to see an old friend of our's. It's been ages since we seen or even heard from her. And we miss her terribly. And she wanted us to visit. So that when I got the idea to go for our extended vacation."
"I see."
"Look Lord Tenchi, if you feel that you need to call us for come reason, just call this number."
Ayeka handed Tenchi and number she had just written out. Tenchi took it from her and placed it next to the phone in the entry hall. After a few more minutes of conversation, Ayeka's and Sasami's ride arrived to pick them up. Two women walked out of the car. The first with a pair of expensive sunglasses. She wore a long denim skirt with a high slit on both sides, a red v-top shirt and a thin scarf wrapped around her neck. Her hair pulled up with a long scarf wrapped around her head so her hair wasn't seen. She stayed by the car, watching the house to make sure no one walked out and tried to greet her.
The other that walked to the house wore a pair of expensice sunglasses as well. She wore a pair of hip-hugger jeans with a belly shirt that tied around her neck and 2 ties around her back. Her hair was pulled back into a pony tail, a bandana holding and lose strands of hair back. She walked up to the door and knocked quietly. When someone answered she smiled at the man and asked, "Hi, does a Ayeka and Sasami Jurai live here?"
"Um, oh yes. You must be their ride?"
"Yep, that's me. Her friend is waiting outside. Mind if I come in?"
"Oh, not at all. Please, do come in."
The women smiled at the man and walked into the house to the living room. She looked around the place and smiled again. "Nice place."
"Thanks."
"So, where is Ayeka and Sasami anyway?"
Just then, Ayeka walked out of the kitchen, a bag full of goodies in her hand. She looked at the company that stood in the living room and smiled. "Hello. You must me Kat."
"Aka Rina. You must be Ayeka."
"You are correct. Where's Ryo?" (ok, it's a nickname for Ryoko while she's "undercover" and I'm gonna have Tenchi be a little airheaded right now. so he won't get it. right now anyway.... :]...)
"Oh, she's still by the car. She didn't want to disturb anyone here."
"Oh, well it's a pleasure to finally meet you, Kat."
"Like wise. So, where's Sasami?"
"Oh, I'll go call for her."
Ayeka walked to the stairs and called out, "Sasami?"
Sasami walked out of the room she was in and looked down at her sister. "Yes Ayeka?"
"Our ride is here. Do you have all your things?"
"Yes. Tenchi already brought most of it down. Just let me grab my last bag and I'll be down. Do you have the cookies?"
"Yes, I've got them."
"Alright, I'll be right down. Just let me put something away and I'll be there."
"Alright. I'll meet you outside then Sasami."
"K!"
~*~ I tryed to belong
It d9idn't seem wrong
My head aches
It's been so long
I'll write this song if that's what it takes ~*~
Ayeka smiled as her sister ran back into their room. She walked back to the window where she lay her bags and grabbed them. "So, shall we pack some of our things into the car?"
"Oh, of course. Please, follow me." Katrina led them to the car that wait for them out front. (ok, they drove all the way up the hill and into the grass. K? i don't know y, they just did...)
When they got outside, Ayeka smiled and walked up to the other women, who too had a small smirk on her face. When they reached arm range, they both leaned into the other for a friendly hug. Which seemed to last longer than any thought, indicating that the two hadn't seen each other in quite some time. When the seperated from the other, Ayeka finally spoke.
"Did you have a nice trip on your way here, Ryo?"
"As pleasurable as it could get," replied the women, her voice sounding a bit high-pitched. "I'll do anything just to see a couple of old friends again. Speaking of, this guy here must be your's. What's his name?"
"Oh, this is Tenchi Masaki. He's a rather close friend of mine. I would have you meet the others, but two are on patrol for the galaxy police, Tenchi's father is at work, and his granfather in up at the shrine."
"Oh, it's alright. I can meet them next time I come up. Where is Sasami? Shouldn't she be here?"
"Oh, I estimate her to ber here in... five..... four..... three..... two..... one..."
Suddenly, as if one que, the little blue-haired princess ran out of the house, her extra bag in hand. When she saw that Ryo was there, she nearly screamed loud enough to burst everyone's eardrums, "RYO!!!!!"
She ran up to the unknown women, hugging her as tightly as she could around her waist. "Whoa, watch it there kiddo, you might hurt me or something," joked Ryo as she returned the hug to her friend.
"But I've missed you so much Ryo! You have no idea!"
"Oh, I think I have a clue." Ryo bent down, detaching herself from Sasami in the process. "What do you say that we get going and we'll catch up on everything that we've missed on the way back to my place? Huh? What do you say?"
"Alright!"
~*~ you don't know me
don't ignore me
you don't want me there
you just shut me out
You don't know me
dont' ignore me
if you had your way you'd
just shut me up
make me go away ~*~
Sasami ran to the back of the car, leaving a smileing Ryo watching her, shaking her head slightly from the sight of her. Sasami on the other hand couldn't care as she ran to the drunk, shoved her bag in, and hopped into a seat in the back of the yellow convertable. Ryoko, while watching the little princess, felt as though eyes were watching her. Just examining her to make sure she was even real. When she turned around, her smile faded as she saw Tenchi looking straight at her. She stood there, watching him back, not knowing what to do or say.
Mom?...
Yea, sweetheart? What is it?
He's staring at me. What should I do?
Just act normal, like you don't know him. He should fall for it considering you don't look, sound, act, and probably don't even small like the Ryoko he knows. So don't worry about it. Alright?
::sigh:: Alright. Here goes nothing then.
"Hello? Is there a reason you're looking at me Tenchi-san?" she began, breaking the strange silence between the two.
Tenchi, finally snapping out of his trance, shock his head slightly, as though clearing something out of it. "Oh, it's nothing. It's just that... well, you almost seemed like someone I knew once. That's all."
"Oh really? Is that good, or bad?"
"Good."
"::smile:: Well, then I don't see anything wrong with that."
~*~ you don't know me
don't ignore me
you don't want me there
you just shut me out
You don't know me
dont' ignore me
if you had your way you'd
just shut me up
make me go away ~*~
The two laughed, as though like old friends. When they stopped, Ryo's companion on the trip called out for her. Indicating it was time to leave. "Well, looks like it's time to get out of here. I'll talk to you some other time."
"Alright. I guess I'll see you around then. Goodbye."
"Bye."
Ryo walked to the car, climbing in the front seat in front of Ayeka, and waved back at Tenchi.
"Goodbye Lord Tenchi! Take care while we're gone!"
"Will do! Bye Ayeka, bye Sasami! Have a good time!"
"We will Tenchi! We'll call when we get to Ryo's place to let you know we made it safely!"
"Alright! I'll be waiting!"
And with that, the car drove off, the four young women inside waving their last goodbyes to him as the car disappeared from his sight.
~*~ make me go away
make me go away ~*~
~*~ TBC ~*~
A.N. HAHA! Chapter 2 is finally finished! Sorry it took longer than I expected for those of you who wanted me to post it shortly after the first. But whenever I seemed to try, I always got writer's block. So, tonite I just kinda typed what was at the top of my head, and well, this is what I came up with. What do you all think? I hope you liked it.
And if it isn't too much to ask, I'd like to have about 3 more reviews for this chp to continue. Whether it be through e-mail or FanFic reviews. Doesn't matter which too me. So thx for when/if you do! ttylaterz!
Preview of next ch:
In Tenchi voice: Ayeka, Sasami, Kat and "Ryo" finally make it out of Okayama(sp?) and into the big city. Tokyo! What fun! Ayeka and Sasami finally get to personally few what it is that Ryoko does. And themselves kick a kick out of it.
And since I'm now the only one who is around to do anything around the Masaki household until Mihoshi and Kiyone get back, I'm stuck making the dinner while I wait impatiently for my friend's call. (Wish me luck!) Hopefully, I can manage this without burning the house down along with me.
So Old friends meet new friends. New friends meet old friends. (if that makes any sense) And for them, the party has just begun..... All this and more in: No Need for Leaving
~*~ Q.M. ~*~
A.N. WooHoo! I have chp 2 up now. I'm so proud of myself. hehe! Thx to those of u who reviewed me! I really appreciated it! And as for my excuse to not having it up sooner, writer's block, that's all I have to say. K? I don't have much to say except my thx and that plz R/R! Thx again! Enjoy and read on....
'...thoughts...' "...talking..." (...me talking...) ..links... ~...reading...~ ~*~...lyrics/singing...~*~ ---...notes...--- //...time/date/place/& whatever else...// ::..any other needed to know info...::
A Whole New Life Style
//Previously//
"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.
//Back to now; with Ryoko and Washu//
Ryoko and Washu walked into a large room after exiting the elevator to find only two doors in the middle of the walls on each side. They walked to the one on the right and unlocked the door. They carried some suitcases in each hand and set them down by the front door.
"Nice place mom! Where'd you find it?" asked Ryoko as she walked into the kitchen and began looking around.
"In an ad-paper. It was a little expensive, but nothing I couldn't take care of," answered Washu while taking a smaller suitcase to the window and opened it to take something out.
"I can tell. But now I know why you said this place was perfect. It really is..... What are you doing?" asked Ryoko as she walked up to her mother.
"Oh nothing. Just trying to find something."
Washu began rummaging through her suitcase. When she found what she was looking for, she accidently caused something to fall out from the window. Having it fall 9 stories to the ground. "What was that?"
"I don't know. Might have been one of my smaller devices for something. I better get it."
"It's alright. I'll get it. Just tell anybody that picks it up to hold onto it for a second. K?"
"Alright." Ryoko turned around and excited the the apartment room. She walked to the elevator, waiting for the door to open. When it finally did, she pressed the botton for the first floor and exited when it reached it's destination. Washu on the other hand continued to stand by the window, watching the object below to make sure no one ran off with it. When someone finally bent down and picked up the small device, she leaned out the window and began calling to the guy, hoping that he heard her. "Hey you! The one holding the device! Don't go running off with that!"
The man looked up, noticing Washu leaning out of the window. He just stood there in aw for a moment, gawking at her beauty. (hey, I had to have someone like Washu too! :]...) He just watched her as her deep red hair with strawberry pink highlights fell to the sides of her face. Her emerald eyes shining slightly from the sun peeking through her hair. Washu noticed his stare and tilted her head slightly.
"Hey! Something wrong?"
The man finally snapped out of his trance and smiled up at her. "No, just fine. This your's?"
"Yea. My daughter's coming down now to get it. Could you hold onto it for a moment until she comes down?"
"Yea sure. No problem."
Washu smiled at the man politely. "Thanks!" Washu then remembered that there were still a few things in the car to bring up, so she decided to go down and get it. "Hold on a few seconds longer. I've gotta come down for something anyway. Talk with my daughter for a few moments. K?"
"Um, sure I guess."
Washu smiled again and turned around to leave. Remembering she didn't know her nieghbors just yet, she grabbed her keys and locked the door behind her.
//Back with Ryoko//
Ryoko ran outside and noticed a man that looked about the age of her mother's current form holding her mother's device. She walked up to the man and tapped him on the shoulder. He quickly turned around and smiled at Ryoko.
"I figure that you're that one women's daughter?" asked the man.
"You talked to her?"
"Yea, she yelled down at me earlier saying that you were coming down to get it."
"Well here I am. Could I please have my mom's device?"
"Oh, sure." The man handed her Washu's device. "By the way, what's your name?"
"I was told never to talk to strangers," Ryoko goofed as she took the device from his hands.
"::chuckle:: Ah, I see. Well, what if I introduced myself first? Would that help at all?"
"::chuckles:: I guess sooooo....."
"Well then, my name is Niko Zeeshan." (I have no idea if those are real names, I just liked the sound of it.)
"My name is Ryoko Hakubi. Please to meet you Zeeshan-san."
"Oh please Hakubi-san. Call me Niko. I don't like all the formality unless I'm at work."
"Alright. But then you must call me Ryoko. I just don't like formality period."
"::chuckle:: I can see that. Well, it a pleasure to meet you Ryoko."
Ryoko smiled at the man, then turned her head when she heard her mom call her name. "Mom? What are you doing down here? I thought you were gonna stay upstairs?"
"I was, but then I remembered we still had things in the car to take up," explained Washu as she stood next to her daugher.
"Oh yea, I almost forgot." Ryoko walked a few cars down from where she stood, to her and her mothers car. She grabbed what was left of the luggage, which wasn't much, and walked back to her mother. "I'm gonna take these upstairs. Can I please have the keys?"
"Oh, sure. Here ya go." Washu had her daughter the keys and watched her disappear back inside the apartment building. She then turned to the man her daughter was talking to earlier and smiled. "Thanks for holding that for us. We didn't want anyone to run off with it or anything."
"Oh, that was no problem. What was that thing anyway?"
"Oh, nothing really. Just something I made many years ago. I like to keep the things I work on. Whether they work or not."
"I see, you a scientist or something?"
"Use to be actually. I'm not anymore."
"Why not?"
"I don't know. Kinda a long story to even explain everything."
"Oh, ok. Sorry bout that. Didn't mean to ask so many questions."
"It's alright. I usually get it all the time. I'm Washu Hakubi by the way. But everyone calls me Washu."
"I'm Niko Zeeshan. But I just have everyone call me Niko unless I'm at work. It's a pleasure to meet you Washu."
"Like wise."
"So, you live all the way up there, huh?"
"Yes. My daughter and I decided to move from where we lived. And this was a nice place. So I figured what the hell and brought it. Why do you ask?"
"Oh, no reason. I live here too. For about three tears. 8th floor."
"Ninth here. At least I'll know one nieghbor."
"::chuckle:: It's a start."
"::smile:: Well, I guess I should really get back upstairs. We have a lot to take care of today and all."
"Oh, sure. Hope to see you and your daughter again sometime."
"Like wise. I'll see you around. Bye!" Washu waved and ran back inside. Just hearing Niko's "Goodbye!" before disappearing inside as well.
//With Ryoko//
The door to the elevator door opened and Ryoko stepped out. Kicking a small gymbag of clothes ahead of her. She heard a stiffled laugh and looked over to see her nieghbor's door open. A women a few years older than her walked out carrying a few packaged items with her. "Need help?" she asked while trying to stiffle her laugh. Ryoko gave her a look of almost disgust, making the women stop laughing altogether. "Oh, I'm not laughing at you. I just got off the phone when I recieved these packages. I didn't mean to laugh when you came up. Really."
"Oh, it's alright. It's just not my day and all. And I wasn't in the mood to be laughed at or anything."
"Well, I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything by it."
"It's ok. But, yea sure. Love to have the help."
The women walked up to Ryoko after placing her packages in her apartment's doorway and grabbed a bag from her, as well as the one that was kicked across the floor. Ryoko uplocked and opened her door. She walked inside and placed the other bags with the ones by the door, followed by the women she met a few moments before.
"Thanks for the help."
"Oh, it was no problem. I'm Katrina Ankiiki by the way. Everyone usually calls me Kat and/or Rina. I'm your new nieghbor as you probably guessed by now."
"I figured as much. My name's Ryoko Hakubi."
"Interesting name. I like it."
"Thanks, I always thought it was a great name myself."
"::chuckle:: I bet. So, what do you do for a living?"
"Oh, nothing right now. My life before I came here was to help clean a house and all that other good crap. How about you?"
"Me? I'm an agent. Doesn't sound that good of a job at times, but it gives good pay. And you meet a lot a great people that way."
"Really? Maybe I should get that job. Want some coffee or something?"
"Oh, sure. Decafe if possible."
"Milk and sugar?"
"That'd be great."
"Alright." Ryoko walked to the kitchen, Katrina following behind her. "So, what kind of agent are you?"
"Any kinda really. I'm mainly an agent to singers. But I also do actors or actresses, comedians, and models."
"Really? Quiet interesting."
"Yes well, it's a great job to have. Every year I usually have a party for my clients. At least twice. Sometimes we just go out to have fun. Depends on what kind of mood everyone's in. In fact, I'm going out with some of my close clients tonite. Wanna come? We can show you around town."
"Um, I guess I could go. Just no place where there's a lot of drinking. I'm trying to cut back a little bit."
"Ah, I see. Don't worry. A lot of my clients you'll be meeting tonite won't want to go to places like that either. Might ruin the reputation as great singers or actresses."
"::chuckle:: They really care for their jobs don't they?"
"Yes. You tend to care a little too much for your job when you work as hard as they do."
"I believe it. Here's your coffee."
"Oh, thanks. So, you living here with someone, or by yourself?"
"With my mom. I was going to move on my own. But my mom insisted she come with to 'make sure I was safe'. She tends to be a little over protective at times."
"Most are. You realize how long it took to actually convience my mom that I had to live on my own for a while?"
"::chuckle:: Well, I don't really mind anyway. We usually get along."
"Usually?"
"Yea, she was always working on something in her little 'habitate' everyone called her lab. And when we were actually by ourselves, and our roomies weren't bothering us, we actually got along pretty well."
"You make it sound as though you've only known your mom for a couple of years."
"And that's exactly how it's suppose to sound considering I was kidnapped when I was a little girl. So I never knew my mom. And when I found out I had one, I didn't really want to believe it."
"Why's that?"
"Because I was told that my mother was dead. And then out of nowhere someone came up to me saying that I was their child. Kinda a bit too much at one point if you ask me."
"Good point. Well, me and my mom weren't and still aren't on each other's good lists. When I moved out about 3 years ago when I first started my job, we had a huge fight. And when I left, we hadn't talked since. So I think she still might be mad at me."
"Have you ever tried contacting her?"
"Yea, many times. But she either was never there, or she finally learned something called caller id and she just doesn't want to talk to me."
"Ah, I see. Well, you can meet my mom soon. She's pretty cool. But if you get too close to her, she might make you her adoptive daughter"
"::chuckle:: Thanks for the warning."
"Warning to what?"
Ryoko and Katrina looked at the kitchen door to find Ryoko's mother standing with her hands on her hips. "Oh, hey mom. I'd like you to meet Katrina Ankiiki."
"Nice to meet you Katrina-san. My name's Washu Hakubi if Ryoko hasn't told you. I take it she's said a few things about me though?"
"Nice to meet you too, Washu-san. Please, just call me Rina or Kat. And yes, she's told me a few things about you."
"Good or bad?" asked Washu as she grabbed a cup of coffee and joined her daughter and Katrina at the table.
"Good. I think."
"If you say 'I think', that means it was bad."
Ryoko glarred at her mother, then laughed slightly at her. The three continued a conversation in the kitchen until their coffee glasses were empty. Ryoko and Washu then took their bags and carried them to their rooms (Ryoko getting the bigger one). Katrina helped them put things away where they belonged (you can pretty much guess where the furniture came from---Washu), and soon enough, they were done. During this time, Ryoko and Katrina had confinced Washu to go out with them that night. Which mind you, this was Washu they were talking about. And the rest of the day just seemed to breeze by without a problem. Although, Ryoko and Washu had to admit, it seemed nothing than the life at the Masaki household. But it was a start. And if they knew about the life either had ahead of them, let's just say that they're life with the family, seemed nothing too it.
//2 months later; Masaki household//
Ayeka walked down the shrine steps, going to fetch the mail. She watched the scenery as she walked past, her thoughts reverting to the "olden days" before Washu and Ryoko left. She sighed as she reached the mail box, taking the mail out, and began looking through it. Groaning now and then when she reached a bill. When she reached about through half the mail, she came upon one addressed to her, from Ryoko. She quickly dropped the other mail, as though it never really existed and opened her letter. She quietly read the note from where she stood, not caring where she was when she read it.
---Heya Princess! Miss me? Uh, probably not. But if you do, thanks. Nice to know someone does. But newhoz... How's life doing over there? Hope everything's going well. As for me? Life's pretty good actually. Nothing compared to the life I led over there. But it's a start at a new life right? Mom's being practically her old self. Only difference is that she hasn't made a lab in one of the closets or something. That's a first, huh? But hey, I'm starting a new life as a different person, so that means she has to too. Don't you agree?
But I suppose you want to know how things are going over here so far though, huh? Well, I meet a few new friends. Thanks to the help of the first, or I actually should say second person I met when I moved into our new apartment. We get a long pretty well. And I found out that we have some things in common as well. It's been a blast. I should come up there and get you down here. You'd have a blast. Even if you are a miss prissy princess. And I'd have to drag Sasami with us. She'd have a great time with all the kids around here. And plus, I can show you what kind of job I've got. You'd probably laugh at me, but hey, so does everyone else. And that's the point too. Kinda confusing, huh?
But back to what I was saying. Mom is still trying to find a job (even though there's no need considering she's rich, who knew?....). But either way, she still wants to get one. Just so that way it doesn't seem too wierd. Me? You already know that I got one. But I'm not about to tell. You'll find out sometime anyway. But here's a hint.... Anything but waitressing was great with me. No offence, but I think I've had quite enough of waitressing since the last time we did it. Thank you very much. Our nieghbor, Kat as I call her, Rina as mom calls her, (don't ask) helped me out with that. She suggests things that we might like to do, even though I found one, and we say yes or no to it. She's come up with a few good things mom would do, but she's being picky. Nothing new there. But you know me, miss I-can-always-get-people-to-do-as-I-say. *wink wink*
~*~ All I did was walk over
start off by shaking your hand
All I did was walk over
All I did was walk over
All I did was walk over
that's how it went
I had a smile on my face and I sat up straight Oh ya ya
I wantd to know you I wanted to show you~*~
We both say that mom should be a cook. But we keep forgetting to mention it to her. I think I'll do that sometime this week, when I remember. Hopefully. But don't you think so too? She was a great cook when she did it when Taro was there. Wasn't she? Or is that just my opinion? Who knows....
Newayz, I'm beginning to mumble, I can tell. Not too good, now is it? But hey, just trying to keep up with things.
So, how's things going on there? Hope it's all good. I asked that earlier in this note, didn't I? Oops! All well. Doesn't really matter. But as to the other thing that was in this envelope, if you didn't drop it that is. Check real quick, make sure it's still there. I'll wait...........---
Ayeka suddenly stopped reading and looked inside the envelope. There she found a small chip looking devise. She examined it for a few moments, as though trying to figure out what it was. When she gave up, her eyes returned to the note, reading what else Ryoko had written.
---.......... Ok, since you're reading this again, that must mean that you found it. Whether it was in the envelope or on the ground somewhere. I should really explain what it is, shouldn't I? Well, here it goes..........
The small chip looking devise is actually a system transmitter. You can translate what you want sent instead of using snail mail and I will recieve it right away to where I had told it to go. Kinda like e-mail, but without all that hassel. And if you chose to talk to me through it instead of waiting for an answer back, there should be a small part in mom's old lab that should be there, walk right though it, and you'll be in mom's small computer lab. She left it there just for this purpose. Hopefully it still works, huh? But you know how to work one of mom's computers, so just put the chip in it's proper place, tell the computer where you want to talk, and just wait for an answer. I'll be there, or mom, to answer it. It might be Kat, aka Rina, but that's highly unlikely. Ok? So I'll wait for you to answer me back. Whenever that may be. And I actually can't wait, so please hurry. I want to talk to at least one of you and see how everything, and everyone, has been doing there. So until then, Ja my friend. And talk to ya later!
Always, Ryoko, the evil space pirate! LoL.---
Ayeka laughed at the last remark at the end of the letter. She then looked back at the chip. She quickly grabbed the mail she had dropped before and ran back to the house. Giving each person their mail. And before she made any further movements to where she wanted to go, she made sure no one was in her line of view and snuck into Washu's old lab room. She found what she was told to look for and walked in, finding a small, but not too small, computer area. She placed the chip inside the computer's system, typed what was needed and impatiently waited for someone to answer.
~*~ you don't know me
don't ignore me
you don't want me there
you just shut me out
You don't know me
dont' ignore me
if you had your way you'd
just shut me up
make me go away
I'm so unwanted ~*~
"Hello?..... Oh, hey princess, long time no see!"
"Ryoko! Where in the hell are you!?"
"Whoa! Calm down Ayeka, no need to jump through the computer and strangle me, really...."
"Ryoko, do you realize how much everyone here misses you two?! Especially Sasami. She's been acting down in the dumps, but still manages at least."
"Really? Guess I should've warned you two ahead of time, huh?"
"In my opinion, I don't think you should've left at all!"
"You mean you acutally wanted me to stay?" Ryoko looked shocked as she watched the princess from the other end of the transmission.
"Now I do. Now that you left. Do you realize how boring it is here without you to fight with?"
"::chuckle:: I guess you've got a point....." Ryoko was silent for a few moments, as though thinking of what to say next. "Hey look, I've got an idea. But you can't tell anyone about it, except Sasami."
"Why not?"
"Because, I still don't want anyone else to know where I am just yet. You understand, right Ayeka?"
"... Yea, I suppose so. So, what is it then?"
"I propose that you and Sasami come here and visit us. It would be great to see a few old friends again."
"But why? I thought you didn't want anyone to know where you were yet?"
"Yea, but I can trust you two. So, what do you say? Wanna come and see us. We'll show you what kind of things I do for a living. You'll get a kick out it. Literally."
"::smiles:: ..... I suppose that would be good. I think Sasami and I are in a need of a vacation from here for a little while anyway."
"Great! I can't wait..... Hey, I'll call back later, on the actual phone this time though. Easier. But company is here, so I have to go. Have to go help mom before she transports them to a different dimension. Alright?"
"::chuckle:: Alright. I will talk to you later then. I'll tell Sasami about our trip."
"Ok. See ya then! Bye. Oh, and mom says hi!"
"Tell her I said hi back! And goodbye!"
And with that, the vidscreen shut itself off when the line ended. Ayeka stared at it and smiled. She quickly ran out of the closet, not caring if anyone saw her, and to her sister who was in the kitchen, just finishing her baking.
"Ayeka? What are you doing?" asked Sasami when she saw her sister run into the kitchen.
"I've got great news for you Sasami."
"Really? What?"
Ayeka walked up to her sister and whispered in her ear about what Ryoko had proposed just moments before. Sasami's eyes when wide with happiness as she heard what was too happen. "Really?! We get to see Ry..."
Ayeka covered the small princess's mouth before she finished her sentence and smiled down at her. "Yes. But you can't let anyone know that we're going. Except Ryo-ohki."
"Why not?"
"Because Ryoko doesn't want anyone to know where she lives, except us."
"Oh, I see. But why wouldn't she want anyone to know where she lives? Especially Tenchi?"
"Who knows. We'll just have to find that out when we get there. Alright?"
"Alright. When are we going?"
"Whenever Ryoko calls back and tells us. We'll probably be leaving Saturday. Better time since it's a weekend. I'll see if she can arrange us a ride for us."
"Alright. That sounds like a good idea. Other wise people will think we're wierd if we just appear out of no where."
"Precisely. So, why don't you finish what you're doing, then go upstairs and start getting ready."
"Ok, how long are we staying though?"
"I don't know. However long Ryoko wants us to be there. I'll make sure to answer that when she calls."
"Alright. Well, I'm gonna finish this then. So you shoe and do what you need while I so this. Then I'll talk to you later. But just shoe for right now. Shoe, shoe!"
Ayeka giggled as her little sister pushed her gently out of the kitchen then heard a "WooHoo!" come from behind the door. Ayeka sighed happily at her sister's happiness and shock her head. She walked up to her room, grabbing the cordless phone (yes, they have on in this story) with her. Just incase Ryoko decided to call.
~*~ No I justb don't understand why you won't talk to me
it hurts, I'm so unwanted for nothing
don't talk words against me
I wanted to know ya I wanted to show ya ~*~
//Later at dinner//
Dinner had started at the Misaki residence. Everyone was quiet, which was how it now was since the departure of their two friends Ryoko and Washu. No one spoke, or even looked, at the other. Except tonite.
Ayeka and Sasami were talking quietly to each other, getting the other's attention. The two would smile, Sasami would giggle here and there, and even Ryo-ohki would join in with her cute little "meows". After about half way through their dinner, the phone began ringing. Sasami quickly got up and ran to the phone in the front hall. A stiffled "hello" could be heard from the dining room. After a few seconds of silence, everything was suddenly loud when Sasami was heard yelling, "Ayeka! Ayeka, it's her!!!"
Ayeka smiled at her sister and quietly got up. "Who is it, Ayeka?" asked Tenchi before Ayeka disappeared into the entry hall.
"Oh, no one really. Just an old friend we use to talk to who had once visited Jurai. That's all."
"Oh, I see. Then I suppose you should go to the phone then."
Ayeka smiled at Tenchi and bowed before disappearing behind the entry hall's wall. When she reached her sister, the little blue headed princess was talking away like old times with Ryoko. Ryoko could be heard laughing slightly and responding to what ever it was Sasami was talking about. "Sasami?"
"Huh?" Sasami looked at her sister, a large smile on her face. "What is it Ayeka?"
"Why don't you take the cordless and go to our room. Then you can talk openly and not so low. Alright?"
"Alright!"
Sasami handed the phone to Ayeka and ran up to her room, grabbing the cordless with her. Ayeka shock her head at the little girl and greeted Ryoko over the phone. "Hello Ryoko."
"Hey there Princess. I never thought Sasami could talk that much."
"::chuckle:: Yes well, she's just glad to hear from you again."
"I'm glad to hear that. How's everyone doing there by the way?"
"Well, for starters... Kiyone got her promotion about a week ago, but she still eats and lives with us. Mihoshi is her 'bumbleheaded' self. Although when dinner or any other meal hits, she's as quiet as a lamb. That's a first for her. You already know about Sasami and myself. Father is his old self. It's like he just let's everything slide with the day. Brother is like any other day. Although he's not as hard on Tenchi anymore. And Tenchi, well, he always seems to be down. It's like something hit him straight through his heart. He hasn't been himself at all. Not even to Sasami. It's like a part of him died the day he found out you left. And I wish I knew what was going on in that head of his."
There was silence over the phone, as though there had been no one there in the first place. "Ryoko? You still there?"
"........ Yea, I'm here Ayeka. Just thinking I guess... Tenchi that bad, huh? Wish I knew why...."
Ayeka looked at the base of the phone, as though she could see Ryoko through it. 'Why is it I feel you're not telling me something Ryoko?...' She asked herself quietly.
"Hey Ayeka, remind me when you come here that there is something really important that I need to tell you. Alright?"
"Alright Ryoko."
"Ok, I'm back Ryoko!" Sasami's cheery voice disturbed their conversation, causing both Ayeka and Ryoko to laugh slightly.
"Welcome back, Sasami. I missed you!" greeted Ryoko as she held back the rest of her laugh.
"::giggle:: Thank you, Ryoko!"
"::smiled:: Well, I suppose I should get off the phone before I get caught," interupted Ayeka. "I'll be up in a minute to talk with both of you, alright Sasami?"
"Alright Ayeka. See ya in a few then."
"Alright. Bye you two."
Before hanging up the phone, Ayeka heard two muffled goodbyes then Sasami saying, "Oh Ryoko, you've missed so much! First, Ryo-ohki..." and a few stiffled laughs. When she hung up the phone, she smiled and looked outside. She sighed and walked back into the living room to find the other's either sitting there watching the tv, out the window, or looking at her as she entered. She smiled at those who watched her and walked up to her room. Finding Sasami talking away with their old friend. Who on the other line could be heard doing nothing, but laughing.
~*~ you don't know me
don't ignore me
you don't want me there
you just shut me out
You don't know me
dont' ignore me
if you had your way you'd
just shut me up
make me go away ~*~
//Saturday morning; after breakfast//
"I don't get it though, where are you two going that you guys are leaving for 3 and a half weeks?" asked Tenchi as he helped carry the bags from Ayeka's and Sasami's room down to the living room.
"Nowhere important. I just got the wonderful idea of having a extended vacation, other than here, and asked Sasami if she wanted to come with," answered Ayeka as she set a few of the light bags she was carrying in front of the living room window.
"But I still don't get it, why is Sasami all giddy about it?"
"What, can't someone be happy about going out to have a little fun? Anyway, we're going to see an old friend of our's. It's been ages since we seen or even heard from her. And we miss her terribly. And she wanted us to visit. So that when I got the idea to go for our extended vacation."
"I see."
"Look Lord Tenchi, if you feel that you need to call us for come reason, just call this number."
Ayeka handed Tenchi and number she had just written out. Tenchi took it from her and placed it next to the phone in the entry hall. After a few more minutes of conversation, Ayeka's and Sasami's ride arrived to pick them up. Two women walked out of the car. The first with a pair of expensive sunglasses. She wore a long denim skirt with a high slit on both sides, a red v-top shirt and a thin scarf wrapped around her neck. Her hair pulled up with a long scarf wrapped around her head so her hair wasn't seen. She stayed by the car, watching the house to make sure no one walked out and tried to greet her.
The other that walked to the house wore a pair of expensice sunglasses as well. She wore a pair of hip-hugger jeans with a belly shirt that tied around her neck and 2 ties around her back. Her hair was pulled back into a pony tail, a bandana holding and lose strands of hair back. She walked up to the door and knocked quietly. When someone answered she smiled at the man and asked, "Hi, does a Ayeka and Sasami Jurai live here?"
"Um, oh yes. You must be their ride?"
"Yep, that's me. Her friend is waiting outside. Mind if I come in?"
"Oh, not at all. Please, do come in."
The women smiled at the man and walked into the house to the living room. She looked around the place and smiled again. "Nice place."
"Thanks."
"So, where is Ayeka and Sasami anyway?"
Just then, Ayeka walked out of the kitchen, a bag full of goodies in her hand. She looked at the company that stood in the living room and smiled. "Hello. You must me Kat."
"Aka Rina. You must be Ayeka."
"You are correct. Where's Ryo?" (ok, it's a nickname for Ryoko while she's "undercover" and I'm gonna have Tenchi be a little airheaded right now. so he won't get it. right now anyway.... :]...)
"Oh, she's still by the car. She didn't want to disturb anyone here."
"Oh, well it's a pleasure to finally meet you, Kat."
"Like wise. So, where's Sasami?"
"Oh, I'll go call for her."
Ayeka walked to the stairs and called out, "Sasami?"
Sasami walked out of the room she was in and looked down at her sister. "Yes Ayeka?"
"Our ride is here. Do you have all your things?"
"Yes. Tenchi already brought most of it down. Just let me grab my last bag and I'll be down. Do you have the cookies?"
"Yes, I've got them."
"Alright, I'll be right down. Just let me put something away and I'll be there."
"Alright. I'll meet you outside then Sasami."
"K!"
~*~ I tryed to belong
It d9idn't seem wrong
My head aches
It's been so long
I'll write this song if that's what it takes ~*~
Ayeka smiled as her sister ran back into their room. She walked back to the window where she lay her bags and grabbed them. "So, shall we pack some of our things into the car?"
"Oh, of course. Please, follow me." Katrina led them to the car that wait for them out front. (ok, they drove all the way up the hill and into the grass. K? i don't know y, they just did...)
When they got outside, Ayeka smiled and walked up to the other women, who too had a small smirk on her face. When they reached arm range, they both leaned into the other for a friendly hug. Which seemed to last longer than any thought, indicating that the two hadn't seen each other in quite some time. When the seperated from the other, Ayeka finally spoke.
"Did you have a nice trip on your way here, Ryo?"
"As pleasurable as it could get," replied the women, her voice sounding a bit high-pitched. "I'll do anything just to see a couple of old friends again. Speaking of, this guy here must be your's. What's his name?"
"Oh, this is Tenchi Masaki. He's a rather close friend of mine. I would have you meet the others, but two are on patrol for the galaxy police, Tenchi's father is at work, and his granfather in up at the shrine."
"Oh, it's alright. I can meet them next time I come up. Where is Sasami? Shouldn't she be here?"
"Oh, I estimate her to ber here in... five..... four..... three..... two..... one..."
Suddenly, as if one que, the little blue-haired princess ran out of the house, her extra bag in hand. When she saw that Ryo was there, she nearly screamed loud enough to burst everyone's eardrums, "RYO!!!!!"
She ran up to the unknown women, hugging her as tightly as she could around her waist. "Whoa, watch it there kiddo, you might hurt me or something," joked Ryo as she returned the hug to her friend.
"But I've missed you so much Ryo! You have no idea!"
"Oh, I think I have a clue." Ryo bent down, detaching herself from Sasami in the process. "What do you say that we get going and we'll catch up on everything that we've missed on the way back to my place? Huh? What do you say?"
"Alright!"
~*~ you don't know me
don't ignore me
you don't want me there
you just shut me out
You don't know me
dont' ignore me
if you had your way you'd
just shut me up
make me go away ~*~
Sasami ran to the back of the car, leaving a smileing Ryo watching her, shaking her head slightly from the sight of her. Sasami on the other hand couldn't care as she ran to the drunk, shoved her bag in, and hopped into a seat in the back of the yellow convertable. Ryoko, while watching the little princess, felt as though eyes were watching her. Just examining her to make sure she was even real. When she turned around, her smile faded as she saw Tenchi looking straight at her. She stood there, watching him back, not knowing what to do or say.
Mom?...
Yea, sweetheart? What is it?
He's staring at me. What should I do?
Just act normal, like you don't know him. He should fall for it considering you don't look, sound, act, and probably don't even small like the Ryoko he knows. So don't worry about it. Alright?
::sigh:: Alright. Here goes nothing then.
"Hello? Is there a reason you're looking at me Tenchi-san?" she began, breaking the strange silence between the two.
Tenchi, finally snapping out of his trance, shock his head slightly, as though clearing something out of it. "Oh, it's nothing. It's just that... well, you almost seemed like someone I knew once. That's all."
"Oh really? Is that good, or bad?"
"Good."
"::smile:: Well, then I don't see anything wrong with that."
~*~ you don't know me
don't ignore me
you don't want me there
you just shut me out
You don't know me
dont' ignore me
if you had your way you'd
just shut me up
make me go away ~*~
The two laughed, as though like old friends. When they stopped, Ryo's companion on the trip called out for her. Indicating it was time to leave. "Well, looks like it's time to get out of here. I'll talk to you some other time."
"Alright. I guess I'll see you around then. Goodbye."
"Bye."
Ryo walked to the car, climbing in the front seat in front of Ayeka, and waved back at Tenchi.
"Goodbye Lord Tenchi! Take care while we're gone!"
"Will do! Bye Ayeka, bye Sasami! Have a good time!"
"We will Tenchi! We'll call when we get to Ryo's place to let you know we made it safely!"
"Alright! I'll be waiting!"
And with that, the car drove off, the four young women inside waving their last goodbyes to him as the car disappeared from his sight.
~*~ make me go away
make me go away ~*~
~*~ TBC ~*~
A.N. HAHA! Chapter 2 is finally finished! Sorry it took longer than I expected for those of you who wanted me to post it shortly after the first. But whenever I seemed to try, I always got writer's block. So, tonite I just kinda typed what was at the top of my head, and well, this is what I came up with. What do you all think? I hope you liked it.
And if it isn't too much to ask, I'd like to have about 3 more reviews for this chp to continue. Whether it be through e-mail or FanFic reviews. Doesn't matter which too me. So thx for when/if you do! ttylaterz!
Preview of next ch:
In Tenchi voice: Ayeka, Sasami, Kat and "Ryo" finally make it out of Okayama(sp?) and into the big city. Tokyo! What fun! Ayeka and Sasami finally get to personally few what it is that Ryoko does. And themselves kick a kick out of it.
And since I'm now the only one who is around to do anything around the Masaki household until Mihoshi and Kiyone get back, I'm stuck making the dinner while I wait impatiently for my friend's call. (Wish me luck!) Hopefully, I can manage this without burning the house down along with me.
So Old friends meet new friends. New friends meet old friends. (if that makes any sense) And for them, the party has just begun..... All this and more in: No Need for Leaving
~*~ Q.M. ~*~