The Field:
The sun shone down hard on the small vegetable garden where Tenchi Masaki labored. Taking a break from his work he fought to suppress a smile. Despite how ludicrous the charges had been, and the hour-long lecture his father had given him after getting home, it had been one of his fondest memories to date. I seen Ryoko, he fondly noted. What else matters? Sure she's mad at me, and never wants to see any of us again, but at least she's safe. I was so worried she might have gone and gotten herself into trouble. I should have known she'd be all right. Nothing gets her down… at least not for long. Ryoko always springs back somehow. I guess that's why she's Ryoko. Picking up his hoe Tenchi resumed his work, his thoughts dwelling on his changed space pirate. Although she had wished him gone, he couldn't help but hope they would meet again. Under better circumstances hopefully, he wished. If Ryoko now went under an alias of Sylvia Hakubi, then he would have to try to learn more about Sylvia. A friend was always a friend, and you can't simply will away family.
"Tenchi!" a small voice cried out, interrupting his freshly reborn hope with the promise of trouble. Yet even this seemed welcome, as without Ryoko things had been as quiet as his life before the girls, which was a part of his life Tenchi hoped to never see again. Even for him it was too quiet and boring. "Tenchi, it's the police!"
Haven't heard that in a while, he groaned while wiping the huge sweat drop away as he slowly made his way back to the road. Not since Ryoko started that barroom brawl two months ago. It did not take long and the young Jurain reached the dirt road, finding Sasami and a battered Steven miller waiting for him. The young officer looked terrible. His right arm was in a cast, and bandages adorned his chest and covered half his face making it difficult to identify him. "Are you all right," Tenchi asked with concern, wondering if this was linked to one of Ryoko's violent drunken fits.
"I'll live," Steven whispered under his breath. Although he couldn't place it there was an intensity in the young cops eye that unnerved the Jurain prince.
"He says Ryoko, I mean Sylvia is hurt," Sasami interrupted, apparently the youngest princess knew more than Tenchi, but was waiting for his reaction.
"Is that true?
Is she all right?" The brown haired youth shouted, feeling his heart
beat with the power of thunder. "Tell
me, is she okay?"
Now the officer looked away. Taking a deep breath he seemed at a loss for words. "No," he finally said.
Shrugging Tenchi looked panicked. No was not an answer. He wanted, nay needed, to have more details. "What's wrong with her," he demanded grabbing the officer by the shoulders, as he forgot his guest's injuries in his panicked state. Tenchi's brown eyes glistened with the intensity of a super nova, and soon Steven came out of his mindless staring and spoke.
"Answer me this, do you love her?"
"Of course, he does!" Sasami snapped. "We all love Ryoko. She's a part of our family. I'd die if anything happened to her. That's why we were in town yesterday to find her! We were so worried, and I-"
"I was asking him," the officer stated coolly motioning with his head to Tenchi. "Do you love Sylvia?"
Releasing the injured cop, the young man felt his heart beat even faster. "Now's not the time for this! I need to know what happened to her?"
"Why? So you can reject her like you did before? I won't tell you anything else. Not until you answer me. Do you love Sylvia Hakubi?"
"I care about her, just like-"
"I figure you care, but do you love her? More than anything or anyone else?" To this question Tenchi had no answer. It was a question he had asked himself many times, but never could answer.
How can I answer him? Especially here and now? Sighing he simply shook his head. "I barely know this Sylvia you keep asking me about," the gardening youth replied. "But I know this, I've known Ryoko for a long time, and that's why I have to know, what happened to Sylvia."
Steven seemed to consider these words for a moment. It wasn't the answer he wanted to hear, but in a way it cleared up a lot. "Ryoko wasn't home when I went to Sylvia's. I guess she went out drinking. Although when we left her last night she was already plenty drunk. Since you used to date Ryoko and I don't know how to contact anyone else of Sylvia's family, I'll leave you a message. There was a fire last night in downtown Okayawa; an abandon warehouse. Alone it's no major loss. Officer Hakubi and I were following up a lead on a possible weapons ring forming in this area, when we were attacked. I never made it inside, due to my injuries, but Officer Hakubi was inside. She sustained heavy injury, and is on life support at Okayawa General Hospital. Since you're acquaintances the chief told the nurse's to let you in." Sasami leapt into Tenchi's arms, apparently she had only heard about Ryoko and trouble, now she cried with horror at the thought of anything happening to her friend. Turning Officer Miller winced as he started off. "Room 232. I don't want to sound morbid, but if you want to say your goodbye's-" He suddenly had to stop as his voice started crackling.
"Wait," Tenchi called. "You said you were hurt, and so was she. Who got her out of there?"
"An old case of hers," Steven sniffled as he hobbled off. "Ol' One Punch Tarant. Apparently he followed us downtown. Tarant seen her as she was going that way. Sylvia roughed him up once a while back, and got him on the straight and narrow. He's the one who pulled her out of there."
"How do you know he didn't hurt her?" the young man called as his only source of information moved slowly away.
"Because I seen the guy who did it. Tarant's got nothing on him." Then silence fell over the field save for Sasami's wails and Steven's slow trudging away. All Tenchi could do was stare at the ground. Just when hope had seemed to return everything crumbled yet again. He had freed Ryoko years ago, then turned on her a month ago. Now because of him she had put herself in a terrible situation, one even she could not over come. Now Ryoko was dying and it was his fault.
Okayawa General:
Together Tenchi's extended family had been to the depths of space, survived intergalactic war, and overcome warlords from other worlds, but none of this could compare to the horror they now faced. It was a strange procession that entered the intensive care ward that early morning. A group of six adults and two child size figures entered in as if waltzing into a tomb. Normally the strange family was chatting or arguing about something but now nothing seemed amusing or worth concerning themselves over. One theirs lie dying, and they were needed, thus they had come.
Tenchi, Kiyone, Yosho, and Ayeka walked quietly. The young man was still too emotionally numb to truly grasp what was happening. Kiyone also seemed in shock, although she hadn't developed the depth of a relationship with the space pirate as the others had, still this was not one of her happier memories. Meanwhile Ayeka and Yosho used every ounce of their royal training to suppress tears. The others were not so blessed. Mihoshi wailed as if at a funeral, while Sasami sniffled as she clutched to Tenchi's arm wiping her nose and eyes on his sleeve from time to time. Over her forearm she held a small purse, where Ryo-Ohki hid so she could see her mistress once again. Washu fought back her tears, but it was a battle she was destined to lose. Holding a box of tissue the red-haired genius pulled out a fresh one to clear her eyes. More than anyone else she knew that if her daughter were hurt this badly nothing on this planet could save her. Noboyuki also followed behind, silent crying at the thought of losing his first, and most photogenic, houseguest.
With a gentle nudge Tenchi moved Sasami to her sister as he made a short trip to a nurse's station for directions. Instantly the young lady, Nurse Joy, behind the desk shot up and escorted them to a room at the end of a long corridor of twists and turns. Inside the room was only one bed, which was surrounded by a large plastic curtain. Tubes and cords ran from various machines inside the plastic dome, monitoring and supporting all of the occupant's vitals.
Upon that small bed rested the broken body of Sylvia Hakubi, or Ryoko, as her friends knew her. Before everyone could enter Nurse Joy held up both hands. "Please, one at a time. If the rest of you could wait out in the hall, we have a lot of delicate equipment in use right now. We don't want to run the risk of it being harmed, as it's monitoring Miss Hakubi's condition." At first everyone seemed angry, as each wanted to see their friend, but one look at the pain in Tenchi's eyes as he regarded them hushed any protests before they were born. "Mr. Masaki," she said hesitantly. "If I could see you over here for a moment. There is something I was asked to tell you." Nodding Tenchi followed, allowing the others to decide who would go first. Without their leader it was a difficult decision. As the duo disappeared around the corner, Washu rose to her feet.
"I'll go," she said clearing her throat. "I'm sure she just looks worse than she is. You know my daughter," the green-eyed woman laughed, "a fright in the morning." Ayeka was the only one to crack a smile at the poor attempt at a joke. "Right, five minutes." Washu declared. Slowly she entered the room and shut the door behind her.
Around the Corner:
Tenchi and the nurse stood a few feet around the corner face-to-face. "Mr. Masaki," she began feeling very uncomfortable with what she had to say. "As you know, Mrs. Hakubi's condition is very delicate. The doctors say… well they don't think she'll make it through tonight. I didn't want to say anything in front of the children, but I think it's best you should know."
"I see," Tenchi said, biting his lips to not cry. "Thank you, but I figured as much. Ryo- Sylvia was always very tough. She's always been more than capable of taking care of herself and everyone else. I knew it was serious when the police informed us of her condition."
Nodding Nurse Joy started to turn then paused. "There was one other thing. When Mr. Tarant brought her in, he said she mentioned you, by name, before she passed out. We told the chief of police, and that's why he cleared you to come through." Now it was the young man's turn to nod. "Oh, and what you had to say about Mrs. Hakubi was quiet touching Mr. Masaki, but I have learned one thing in my profession. No matter how strong a person seems; everyone needs someone sometime. But you don't need to hear that from me. I'll go now. Sorry to keep you."
As the nurse left, Tenchi watched the floor as if it were about to run away. Everyone needs someone sometime. It was an obvious statement, one he had never considered before, but this past month had driven the idea home. Looking to the corner, he shook his head.
Ryoko… he thought before heading back to join the others.
Inside:
Washu's laboratory was the most impressive, vast, and noisy place in the known universe. It was filled with seemingly infinite flashing screens, blinking lights, and creatures from all corners of the galaxy. However, being in this hospital room made her feel incredibly small, frail, and insignificant. It was a feeling she hated. In her own lab she was master, and nothing seemed beyond her control. Here everything was beyond her. The slow beat of the heart monitor mixing with the rhythmic sound of the respirator chilled her blood, but not so much as they sight of so many tubes and wires adorning her child's body. Even thought the room was so small, it took nearly a full minute for Washu to cross it. Deep down she lied to herself saying if she didn't look Ryoko would be fine, but her head told her that her heart was lying.
Looking down, Washu failed to hold in her tears. Bracing herself on the ledge of Ryoko's cot a painful cry escaped her lips. Bruises covered her daughter's body, as did cuts and discolorations, which her natural healing factor should have instantly fixed. Rising above the horror she felt the green-eyed woman called her computer forth and monitored her child. Her results were the same as the Earth's computers. Ryoko was fading fast and there was nothing that could reverse it.
"Oh," she whimpered placing one trembling hand on her daughter's cheek to caress it, perhaps for the last time. "My baby… why…what… what did I do wrong? Who would do such a thing to you? You're my precious little girl. Who did this? How could you let them? I thought I taught you better." As she sobbed louder, it because apparent that her little body could not control the emotions she felt. Instantly she assumed her adult form and despite the nurse's warning and her own scientific knowledge told her she reached out and hefted her daughter into her arms to hug her close. Ryoko made no move to resist, instead limply hung from Washu's arms. Only the temporary interruption in the respirator signified any change in status or position.
Suddenly a hiss filled the super-genius's mind, the end of a word that was just missed. "What," Washu sniffed replacing her daughter on the bed still rubbing one of Ryoko's hands trying to stimulate her for conversation. "Are you there, Little One? Please, answer me. Now's no time for jokes, young lady. I mean it. I'll tell Tenchi on you. Come on Ryoko…" Soon her voice became frantic. "Come on, wake up. Tell me to shut up, threaten me, insult me. Just do something don't just lay there. COME ON!"
Unable to say anything else Washu just stared tears pouring out of her eyes until a small voice in a distant corner whispered incoherent quiet words. Sorry…make…worry…forgive…me…mommmmeee….
After that, the mental voice fell silent once again, and the universe's super genius felt infinitely small. Returning to her chibi form she nodded. "There's nothing to forgive, Little Ryoko." She smiled despite her tears, before kissing her child gently on the cheek. "It's a mother's job to worry about her little girl. Just please, please come back to me. I promise I'll make it better whatever it is I can do it. I'll do anything just come back." The only reply was a weak inhaling from the dying body signifying that there was nothing else she could or would say. Clearing her eyes Washu returned to the hall trying to remain upbeat in the face of death, while beckoning in the next speaker. The youthful looking genius did not stay, instead muttered something quickly about waiting outside.
***
Kiyone entered quickly, shutting the door with a bit of nervous energy. Laughing she clapped her hands as she waltzed over. "Hey," she began trying not to look at the dying figure. "I hear you're a cop now. I never heard of that one before. I've seen a lot, mind you, but I've never heard a wanted criminal becoming a cop."
Quit rambling! She told herself. You've seen people like this before. You're a GP officer! With a puff of air the green-eyed woman finally looked at Ryoko, but all her training did nothing to stop her tears. "I'm sorry, Ryoko. Really I am. I shouldn't have suspected you were up to something. I should have seen you were in trouble. Any good cop…." Covering her mouth, Kiyone whirled and darted not only out of the room, but also out of the hospital to the street below. Nothing in her life could or would have prepared her for seeing Ryoko, who had always been so powerful, indeed seemingly invincible, reduced to that.
***
Ayeka was used to things being clean, orderly, and proper. However in the time since she came to Earth she had also become accustomed to the opposite, due to the woman who she now came to visit. A small click signified the door was shut, and the alien princess finally allowed her royal training to drop away. At the door it started out as simply tears adorning her normally calm face, but as she crossed to Ryoko's side it soon became a wail that shook her sides and made every motion ache.
"You damn selfish bitch," she hissed, pounding a fist helplessly on the side of the bed. "How dare you do this to me? Don't you know who I am? I am Ayeka, First princess of the house of Jurai! You are my unworthy rival for Lord Tenchi's heart. How dare you put yourself in such a position before I can cast you out! I order you to stop this nonsense at once and face me…!" Despite the strength of her words there was no power in Ayeka's body. Falling to her knees she sobbed uncontrollably. She had seen death before, many Jurains fell when Ryoko had first came to her planet, but that was long ago, and no one who perished was a close personal friend. Not like Ryoko was to her.
"You were always like this," she spat out as she bawled. "Self centered, perverse, greedy, an exhibitionist, drunken, thieving, lying, cheating… you were also the best friend a first princess of Jurai's royal house could ask for…." Covering her face her eyes soon became solely red, and her cheeks became puffy from exhaustion. Finally well after her assumed time was up, Ayeka regained control. Rising she made sure not to look at the cobweb of hoses that was supposedly her rival and quickly left, deciding to wait outside like everyone else.
***
It took several tries before Sasami actually entered the room. Timidly she opened the door, then shut it fearing what might happen if she were to see Ryoko in such a state. Yet when Tenchi told her it was okay, and she did not have to go, Sasami's courage showed itself and she entered in quietly.
The blue haired girl toured the room, walking around to look at all the machines and instruments. Of course none of them made sense to her, but that was fine. Although she was in the room, Sasami still lacked the courage to approach Ryoko. Staring at the small registrations on the heart monitor the pink-eyed princess seemed lost. It wasn't until a meow from within her purse that she remembered she was not alone. "Sorry, Ryo-Ohki," she swallowed as she freed her stowaway. Instantly the brown-furred creature leapt free and scurried over to her master's side. However, the leap from ground to too much, and she simply sat on the ground meowing painfully as she looked upwards. With a flustered expression, Sasami charged over and clamped her hand over Ryo-Ohki's mouth. "Ryo-Ohki! You can't do that! If anyone finds you here they'll make you leave. Then-" She stopped as she saw Ryoko. Dropping the little cabbit on the bed, Sasami cried as only a child could, alerting any adult around that she was distraught, Ryo-Ohki followed suite.
"It's not fair," she stammered. "You lied! You said you'd be okay. But you're not! I hate you Ryoko!" Burying her head on the side of the cot, Sasami heard the heart monitor skip a beat then beep for a long period. Panic overcame the young noble. "No, don't die Ryoko! I didn't mean it! I don't hate you! Oh, please don't die! You can't, you have to live…" Soon the wailing of her sobs overpowered her words. Yet it seemed to work, as the sound of a heart beat once again registered on the monitor.
As her friend cried, Ryo-Ohki nudged Ryoko's finger hoping to rouse her mistress. It did not work. Slowly she licked her master's fingertip, a gentle sensation she knew the former space pirate found stimulating. It was then a distant fading voice resounded a final message in her mind.
B…gud…Ryo…oh…key…watch…Sassssss…..me… it was a mesh, but the tiny cabbit understood the meaning. This was the moment she had dreaded since her birth, death. Not her own, but her master's. This was Ryoko's farewell. She had had her last adventure and now the tiny cabbit was to find new ones on her own. Turning the golden-eyed cabbit hopped down, grim determination in her eyes as she reentered Sasami's handbag.
"Mya," she uttered, causing Sasami to look up. As soon as the blue-haired girl was looking the tiny cabbit pointed to its mouth. "Mya! Mya! Mya!"
With a laugh the little princess moved over to her friend. "You silly, you're always hungry, aren't you? I wish I could be like you, Ryo-Ohki. I bet you think Ryoko's just napping, huh? Well," pausing she looked back at her friend on the cot. "I guess she is in a way. Come on. Let's go home. I have to get dinner going soon or everyone will get really hungry!"
As the duo left, the golden-eyed companion peeked back at her dying master. Although it could have been a trick of the light, or a bad angle from her position, she would always swear she had seen her mistress crack a faint smile. Ryoko had taught her well. Ryo-Ohki could lie.
***
Noboyuki hated this. He hated hospitals almost as much as he hated being in them. Throughout his life he had lost many people who meant a lot to him, and it always seemed that taking them to the hospital only served to signify that death had claimed another person important to him. However his personal hatred aside there was something even more devastating to him than his hospital-phobia, what this would do to his son.
Everyday Noboyuki worried about Tenchi. His son had never known his mother, and so had no memories of the bond a mother and son share. He never had the chance to argue with her for worrying too much, or have her tend one of his scraped knees. No one ever made him a plate of treats when he had a bad day, or tucked him in with a heartwarming lullaby. Those were things that only a mother could do, and even thought he tried, it was impossible for one man to be both mother and father.
Worse still had been the loss of Tenchi's grandmother, whom the young man had a powerful emotional connection. Sometimes late at night, when the two Masaki's were both up, Tenchi would confide in his father about some memory he had of his grandmother, out of the blue and without warning. He was sure that it was the death of Yosho's wife that had turned his son into an emotional recluse.
He had worried what this loss would do to his son, especially since the young man seemed to have no interest in relationships despite being a virile; he was a Masaki after all, youth. But all that changed the day Noboyuki had discovered Ryoko in Tenchi's room. Hope returned to an aging father's soul. Now that hope lay before him, clinging to life by a thread and quickly losing its grip.
Words could not describe his trauma, and so the mature Masaki simply took Ryoko's cool hand in his and whispered quickly to her. "Come back to us, Ryoko. If not for yourself; then for Tenchi. I don't want to lose him again, and only you can reach him. Please." With a final squeeze the black-haired man turned. He had lost twice now to death, he only prayed this would not be the third time.
***
Yosho breathed deeply as he entered the sterile hospital room. He and Ayeka were both Jurain Royals. Both understood how to act in public, and what was considered respectable behavior. Like Noboyuki he had known the pain of loss. Of course not too many could fathom it as he could, after all how many people had lost their birthright to an intergalactic nation? But there was one thing he had that neither his half-sister, nor his son-in-law, would ever fully grasp. That being a warrior's spirit.
Ryoko and he shared that in common. While they each stood on opposite sides of each other on the field of combat, each was a warrior. "It seems my wishes for you to have a safe journey were not enough. I apologize."
Dropping his disguise, the old Shinto priest appeared in his young Jurain form. Bowing deeply he bit his lip. With a ragged breath he shook his head. "I truly am sorry Ryoko, all of this…" he motioned with one hand, "is my fault. I never thought all those years ago you would end up like this. This is not the fate a warrior should have. Nor… is it the fate a lady should earn. I prayed Tenchi would be strong enough to help you, to guide you into a life of your own. It was because of that belief that I let you go. I thought I was helping you find what you were missing. Now I see that I was wrong, and the cost…as always… was too high." Feeling tears start to cascade down his cheeks, the young man bristled standing at full attention. "Please accept my deepest apologies, and may your next journey take you to a place where you can be truly happy." Turning he resumed his elder form, and left.
***
Mihoshi was an emotional wreck, more so than ever before. She stood at the doorway, clutching a small Styrofoam cup of water. Her entire body was tightly wound and her eyes trickled tears steadily as she inched her way over to Ryoko. "Umm…" she began nervously. "E…excuse me, Ryoko?" Pausing the tanned officer came up closer. "Ryoko? I don't know if you can hear me, but… but I'm sorry. I know I wasn't any good at anything, and I know I made you mad all the time. But I am sorry."
Leaning forward her sobs amplified as she spoke. "Please, I promise not to bother you any more, and I won't spill stuff on your dresses-" just then Mihoshi leaned forward a little more, and deposited her cups contents upon the sleeping woman. "Oh no!" she gasped turning to look at the wet Ryoko. Yet nothing changed. The still form did not redden, nor did she make any move to punish Mihoshi for her bumbling. Instead only the stead sound of a respirator filled the air. The blonde officer swallowed hard, bumping a monitor, and for once doing no damage as she staggered towards the door. Stopping just as her hand touched the knob, she turned back. "See you later? Okay, Ryoko?" Without another word the young woman bolted out, heading to the street to meet the others.
Were she there another moment she might have heard. A voice, tiny and frail, uttered two words. "Damn… Mihoshi…."
***
Last, but certainly not least, was Tenchi. This was the darkest day of his life. Never before had he felt his heart tear into as many pieces as it did right now. He had lost so much in his life, in the form of his mother and grandmother, without ever getting the chance to truly know either of them. But this pain rivaled all the rest. He had known Ryoko, had held her in his arms and spoken with her as an adult. They had experienced a wide variety of emotions from anger to joy, laughter and sorrows, but now there was only despair.
Like Sasami had before him, the young man patrolled the outside edges of the room examining everything carefully. He purposely avoided the center, where Ryoko lay. Each monitor showed some sign, and the young man was sure if Washu were here she could explain everything to him. In a way he wished she was. However that would not happen. Right now he was alone. For the first time in a long time, he and Ryoko were alone with one another and no one would interrupt that. It also might be the last time, he thought morbidly.
It started as a quick peek, as if she might have left while he wasn't looking, but soon Tenchi's eyes were fixed on the dying frame laying in wait for death's embrace. For the rest of his life he would never know when he reached her side, only that once he seen her he could not walk, or turn, away.
"Ryoko…" he said simply then went quiet. Sniffing he tried to be strong, but couldn't soon, like the others, he was crying. "Ryoko…" he repeated. A single tear fell from his eye striking her hand that lay like a broken claw. Tenchi swore he saw motion, but then realized he was fooling himself. With a painful sigh he reached into the contents of his jacket, pulling out the Tenchi-ken whose gems glistened in the dim light of Ryoko's chambers.
"I brought the sword," the young man said hopefully. "It's got your gems. I think you should have them. Then you might get better. Well…" he swallowed "let me give you one right now." Holding up the sword he recalled the first night they had met, where he prayed the jewel back into Ryoko's possession. It had been so easy, so comforting to give her what she wanted. Yet now as he willed the gems off the blade, it felt as if something was pushing them back, preventing him from giving Ryoko her gems. "I don't get it, I want to give them back to you. That way you can live, and-"
Then a voice whispered out, interrupting him. "No…. G-bye-Ten-chi…" He stopped, tears rolling from his eyes.
"No! Ryoko! You can't do this, fight it Ryoko! Whatever it is, fight!" Dropping the master key, he grabbed her shoulders. So busy was he in his argument the young man did not hear the heart monitor beep at a quicker pace. "Please, come back home. We need you; I can't be strong for everyone forever. I need your strength!" Letting her go, he slipped back to the side of the bed. "We've been through too much. The fight at the school, Ayeka and the other's bizarre arrivals, the incidents at the Onsen, Dr. Clay kidnapping you, Kagato taking over your mind, and Ayeka's parents… please I can't go through things like that alone. I need your help. I made it through all that with you. Please."
Kagato… Ryoko thought darkly. I have to warn him… Kagato….
But look at you now, weak, dying, helpless. You've truly become pathetic, Ryoko. Well don't worry. I won't let your death be a lonely one. I'll be killing that boy soon enough. If you go quietly I might even bury the two of you together. Would you like that," he asked with an evil laugh. "Would you?"
"I'll come back later, Ryoko," Tenchi said rising to his feet slowly not wanting to let go of her hand for fear she might disappear. "The nurse's didn't want us to wear you out. Rest now. I'll be back later." Saying nothing more the young man started to leave, not seeing Ryoko's hand towards him before falling back down. Tenchi looked back at the limp form and hoped there would be something to return to later.
From the depths of her mind, Ryoko had felt the presence of her family, and knew they were gone. Gone to their own demise. Truly there was nothing she could do. She had refused her gems, and thus had no power. While everyone might have a chance against her former master they were doomed to die this time around, as this time Kagato would be ready and have an army. Tenchi… no… Ten… Without another word Sylvia and Ryoko's world faded to black. Together they drifted off to a well deserved and wanted, rest.
Later:
The walk home from Okayawa general had been a long quiet one. Not a single member of Tenchi's extended family had said a word. Instead only sniffling, crying, and the occasional heartfelt sob echoed forth. It was the darkest day any of them had ever known. As they reached the red-roofed house, everyone went their separate way, Tenchi to the living room waiting for a call should Ryoko's condition, Ayeka went to her room, and Sasami went to cooking a late snack. Ryo-Ohki hopped off, taking a tour of the large house, recalling all the good things her and her mistress had there. Washu quickly rushed to her lab. She had cried the whole way home, but a sudden wave of nausea overcame her and the red-haired woman felt it was best to be alone until it passed. Yosho parted from them at the door, heading to the shrine for what he called mediation, yet everyone could tell by a slight crackle in his somber tone that he was as upset as everyone else. Noboyuki slipped off to his room, deciding to look through his photo albums and watch some old videos of Tenchi, Ryoko, and the rest of the extended family. Mihoshi and Kiyone went to the Onsen, although each sat on opposite sides, facing away from the other.
That Night:
The Living Room:
Lunch had come, as had dinner. Now everyone, save Yosho, gathered in the living room with the same grim silence they had all daylong. The crying had ceased for a time, and now only depression remained. There was no laughter, meaningless chatter, or arguments, nor did anyone meet anyone's eyes. Finally it was Noboyuki who spoke. "I think we've been quiet long enough. I found this while looking through my old videos I found this." One at a time each person looked up and watched as the elder Masaki started the tape.
It could have been one of countless transmissions, showing a scantily clad Ryoko chasing Tenchi while Ayeka rushed after a broom held high overhead as she prepared to pummel her rival. Seeing herself acting in such a manner the purple haired woman blushed.
Soon the video skipped, showing Sasami and Ryo-Ohki trying to teach Washu how to cook something at that instant Ryoko teleported in with her trademark hiss. "Sasami…" the silver-haired pirate whined. "You said you'd pick up some more Sake for me when you were at the market. I'm almost out!"
"I'm sorry, Ryoko." The young princess replied. "I forgot."
"Sending a child to buy your sake, that's got to be a new low even for you Ryoko!" Washu laughed as she carefully observed Sasami's unconscious skill at cooking.
"Quiet, MOM!" Ryoko snarled. "Now Sasami," she cooed being as seductive and friendly as she could get with a pre-pubescent girl. "I'll forget all about this mistake, and even go pick up my sake, if you'll just loan me our budget wallet."
"Well…" the little girl said stretching her word. "As long as you promise not to do any gambling with it."
"Gambling! Sasami! I'm shocked you would say such a thing. Why I never gamble, I have a system." Then she added under her breath. "It just is a fifty-fifty chance it'll work… okay sometimes it's a twenty-eighty percent chance…." Suddenly she stopped, realizing she had been caught, and turned towards the camera. "Hey! Are you recording this?"
"Well I…" Noboyuki began.
"Gimme the camera," she snarled reaching towards him as Tenchi's father jerked away, muttering protests about how expensive the camera was. "I said give that to me-"
As the screen went to static, Sasami and Washu's distressful calls could be heard, as it seemed they were trying to pull Ryoko off the fallen cameraman.
With the end of the video, Noboyuki shut off the television. Smiles now replaced their frowns.
The occasional chuckle broke the silence. "That reminds me of the time Ryoko tried to get me to do something stupid," Mihoshi said simply.
"Oh, that would be hard," Kiyone added getting minor laughs, as no one wanted to offend Mihoshi.
"Do you recall the time that woman- Ryoko, tried to cook that turkey dinner for us?" Ayeka offered.
With a groan Sasami shook her head, and rubbed her eyes. "Don't remind me," she sighed. "I still haven't been able to get the ceiling back to its regular color."
"I'm just surprised the blast radius she managed to get out of a potato. My in lab experiments only had an irradiated potato blast zone of 30 miles. But that's my daughter, when she wanted to she could even make a turkey fly."
"That reminds me… I hear her cornmeal dish was located… near Pluto," Kiyone said as everyone laughed. Soon more and more stories of Ryoko and the zany antics she had brought upon them came. Even Ayeka had a kind word or two about her most popular rival. It wasn't until late in the evening until everyone finally retired.
Yet Tenchi couldn't bring himself to relax, not while Ryoko was in the hospital. He wanted to make sure he was the first to hear and that he was the one to break the terrible news to the others. It's only right. After all, all of this is my fault.
Near the middle of the night, the young man finally fell asleep. At the moment he did, the phone rang, and all hell broke loose.