Chapter 15 - The Hunted
"Sit down. I poured you a drink."
Stepping into the dim room, Rueto closed the door behind him. The fire burned low in the fireplace in Arkibe's study. Rueto sat with the drink while Arkibe paced.
"I assume that things aren't good?" Rueto said.
"No, they aren't good!" Arkibe snarled. He uttered a curse and flung his nearly-full glass into the fireplace. The glass shattered and the fire surged briefly as the alcohol hit it. "None of them are dead. None of them!"
Rueto nodded. "I guess something should have happened by now?"
Arkibe continued to stare into the fire, and nodded slowly. "Yes," he said. "By now most of them should have been very sick and one or two should have already died."
There was a pause, then Rueto said, "Is there anything else?"
Arkibe sighed, still looking at the fire. "Some of my - uhh, shipping - contacts have dropped off the map. They've gone to ground or they're dead. Either way, it feels like someone may be getting close from that direction. I hope you have a retirement spot picked out. Somewhere nice and quiet." Arkibe turned and looked at him. "And very, very out of the way."
Rueto felt a chill move down his spine. He did have such a place, of course, but he'd hoped he would never have to use it. "Are we to that point?" he asked.
Arkibe grunted. "No, not yet. But the way things look now..."
Rueto nodded. "Shouldn't we be leaving? The photo session is soon."
"Let's go." Arkibe led Rueto out of the study and to the front door. "What a nuisance. I heard that Misaki didn't like the way her clothing looked in the one we took that night. Still, it's an opportunity to work the royal family."
Arkibe pulled a coat from a closet by the door and put it on. As he buttoned it, he realized there was a button missing. "Damn," he said out loud, pulling the jacket off. "My fencing club jacket. This was one of my favorites." He returned the coat to the closet and pulled out another, stumbling as he put it on.
"Are you all right?" Rueto asked.
"Yes, I'm fine. Just a little tired," Arkibe responded. "Come on."
"Here we are."
The air car stopped in front of a large building. The sign over the entrance read "Jurai Planetary Police". The driver opened the door and Misaki, Mihoshi and Ryoko stepped out. As they approached the door, they were met by someone with detective's insignia.
"Queen Misaki," the detective said, bowing. "Welcome to police headquarters. I'm Detective Kokusai. I'll be helping you."
Misaki smiled. "Thank you detective. This is First Class Detective Kuramitsu of the Galaxy Police and Miss Hakubi, her assistant on this case." Kokusai smiled and bowed toward Mihoshi and Ryoko.
"This way, ladies," he said.
He led them into the building and through the halls. They noticed many police officers sharing the halls with them, busy with their own tasks. In a few moments, Kokusai opened a plain door with a number and ushered them in.
The room was as plain as the door. It had a table, several chairs and a computer terminal. On the table was a large box. "Ladies, Mr. Unwalla's effects are in the box. The results of the autopsy and the images from the scene are on the terminal. Please come and get me when you're ready to leave or if you need anything."
Misaki smiled and said, "Thank you, detective." Kokusai bowed and left.
Ryoko opened the box and began pulling things out. The clothing items, including a jacket and shirt with holes over and behind the heart, were sealed in individual clear bags. The contents of his pockets were in a small clear box.
Misaki activated the terminal and reviewed the information on the murder. "He was killed by a force sword thrust through his heart. The crime scene evidence and the autopsy agree. There was no sign of a struggle. Everything in the box was found in his pockets, except for the stray button which was found in his hand."
"Stray button?" Ryoko asked. She fished around in the box and held up a button with a clear design. "This one."
"Yes," Misaki. "It matches the ones on his jacket."
"It must have fallen off and he picked it up just before he got killed," Ryoko said.
Mihoshi was lifting the jacket, looking it over.
"I know that jacket," Misaki said. "It's for a fencing club."
"Then we need to visit that club," Mihoshi said, putting the jacket back into the box. "That's where we'll find the killer," Mihoshi said.
"How can you be sure, dear?" Misaki asked.
"That jacket isn't missing any buttons," Mihoshi replied.
"Got you, you bastard!" Washu grinned wickedly, rubbing her hands together in satisfaction. She opened a video screen and called Misaki. In a moment, Misaki appeared, flanked by Mihoshi and Ryoko.
"Lady Misaki, I think I know who did this!" Washu said excitedly.
"Oh, that's wonderful, Washu!" Misaki said, smiling. "We think it's Tar Arkibe, who do you think it is?"
Washu visibly deflated. "Um, yeah, Tar Arkibe. Hmph. Well, my analysis showed that the nano-poison Mihoshi recovered from Tsimech's lab was different. I knew it was tuned for a different DNA. I just finished comparing it against the scans we took of the guests and I got a match - Tar Arkibe. That means he was with Tsimech. Uh... How did you figure it out?"
"Mihoshi noticed an extra button for a Daimon Fencing Club jacket in Unwalla's things. The only person who was at the banquet and is also a member of Daimon Fencing Club is Tar Arkibe."
"Wow," Washu said, impressed in spite of herself. "That's pretty good."
"Washu!" Ryoko said. "We're on our way to get him. Whatever you're going to need to make the antidote for Tenchi, get it ready now. I don't want to waste any time, okay?"
Washu nodded silently and the link went out.
She returned to her work.
Funaho sat in the garden outside her chambers enjoying the afternoon.
Misaki had called and let her know that she, Mihoshi and Ryoko were on their way to pick up their suspect. Funaho had decided to wait for further word, knowing that the head of the Royal Bodyguard, a Galaxy Police First Class Detective and one of the most powerful - and feared - beings in the universe would be able to take care of themselves.
Funaho heard a footstep in the door to the garden and turned. "Sas- Tsunami," she said, noticing the two dots on Tsunami's forehead instead of Sasami's matching triangles.
Tsunami smiled. "You can call me Sasami, Auntie Funaho. We are very, very close to merging now."
Funaho smiled and gestured at the spot on the bench next to her. "Then please join me, Sasami."
Tsunami smiled and sat next to Funaho. For a moment, she just looked at the garden while Funaho looked at her.
"You seem like you've never seen this before," Funaho said. "Sasami has been here many, many times."
Tsunami smiled. "It's a little hard to explain, but I'll try. There's still a barrier separating us. It's thin and most things pass through it, but we have to concentrate. Like a rice paper screen between two rooms. Everything that goes on in the other room is clear, if you try to make it out. So, for now it's easier to experience things as Tsunami than to remember them as Sasami. And soon we will be together, finally."
Funaho nodded, smiling. "So, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"
Tsunami smiled. "It's about Tenchi," she said.
"Washu says he has at most a few weeks of life remaining."
Tsunami nodded. "That's just what I want to talk about."
The car stopped at Arkibe's house. The women got out and went to the door and knocked. A few moments later, Arkibe opened the door. "Queen Misaki, ladies," he said, bowing. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"May we come in, Counselor Arkibe?" Misaki asked.
"Of course," he replied, stepping aside.
They stepped into the entry hall of the house.
"What can I do for you ladies today?" Arkibe asked, closing the door and turning to face the trio.
"Counselor Arkibe," Mihoshi said, pulling out her identification. "I'm placing you under-"
"I'm sorry," Arkibe interrupted, "I can't let you do that."
"Excuse me?" Mihoshi asked, blinking in surprise.
"Hiai!" Arkibe shouted. He spun deftly and when he faced them his force sword was activated. He let his motion carry him forward and toward Misaki.
"No!" Ryoko threw herself in front of Misaki, shielding her, her energy sword suddenly in her hand. She struck desperately as Arkibe's sword swung.
Arkibe blocked Ryoko's sword with his own; her strike weak and off- balance. He forced her sword up, stepped underneath her arm and carried the movement through. Arkibe's sword slid along hers until it ran out of sword; it buzzed angrily as it sliced through Ryoko's wrist. She hissed in pain and her sword winked out of existence as her hand left her arm. Arkibe turned again, his sword looping back for Misaki.
There was the crack of a shot and Arkibe's head disappeared in a cloud. His body fell with a heavy thud and his sword winked out and clattered to the floor.
"NO!" Ryoko shouted. "Mihoshi!"
Mihoshi froze, the pistol in her hand still aimed at the body where it lay. "Are you okay?" she asked.
"Mihoshi! He was the only one with the antidote!" Ryoko spun, glaring, then stepped up until her face was inches from Mihoshi's. "You've just killed Tenchi," she said lowly.
"Oh!" Mihoshi said. "Oh no!"
The looked at each other for a second and then both began to cry. Mihoshi stood, wailing and Ryoko collapsed to the floor.
Misaki took in the headless body on the floor and the two crying women for a moment. "Let me call someone to clean this up and search Counselor Arkibe's home. If there's an antidote here, they'll find it, okay?" she said. "And Ryoko, Mihoshi; thank you."
It was several hours later before they returned to their quarters. Washu and Ayeka were waiting when Ryoko, Mihoshi and Misaki entered.
"Mommy!" Ayeka said, running to Misaki. "I am so happy to see you safe!"
Misaki hugged Ayeka and said, "Thank your friends, Little Ayeka. They protected me."
Ryoko rushed to Washu. "Washu! Mihoshi killed the guy and the cops can't find the antidote! It's up to you, Washu. Only you can cure Tenchi now."
"Ryoko, I can't," Washu replied quietly, hanging her head.
"NO!" Ryoko shouted. "NO NO NO! Damn you Mihoshi!" she snarled.
Mihoshi stood wringing her hands. "Oh, no! I'm so sorry. I was just... That is, I thought... I wanted to..." and then she burst into tears.
"Ryoko! Stop it now!" Washu scolded. "It's not Mihoshi's fault."
"What do you mean?" Ryoko asked.
"There never was an antidote," Washu said. "And even if there was, Arkibe didn't have it. He was dying from the poison, too. The only thing that would have changed if Mihoshi hadn't killed him is that you might be dead as well."
"Counselor Arkibe was dying?" Ayeka asked.
Washu nodded. "The glasses Mihoshi brought back were full of a version of the nano-poison tailored for Arkibe. Tsimech meant to kill him all along."
"But what about Tenchi?" Ryoko asked.
"I'm afraid there's nothing anyone can do," Washu said. "At least, nothing that I can do."
"Where's Tenchi?" Ryoko asked Ayeka.
"Out in the garden," Ayeka replied.
"Alone?" Ryoko asked sharply.
Ayeka shook her head.
"Damn it," Ryoko said.
Ryoko walked out into the garden and found Tenchi and Sasami sitting on one of the benches. Sasami was holding Tenchi's hands. Tenchi seemed to be relaxing, maybe even sleeping; he looked drawn and tired.
Ryoko walked up and was very close before Sasami noticed her.
"Hi Ryoko," Sasami said brightly. Tenchi looked up and smiled.
"Ryoko," he said. "What's going on?"
"We found the guy who did it, Tenchi," she said. "But he attacked Misaki and Mihoshi killed him."
Tenchi nodded. "You guys are all right?" Ryoko nodded. "Any sign of something to fix me up?" Ryoko shook her head. Tenchi sighed and stood, taking Ryoko's hands. "Thanks for trying, Ryoko. I really appreciate everything you guys have done for me. Is Mihoshi inside?" Ryoko nodded. "Good. I need to thank her as well."
Tenchi gave Ryoko's hands a last squeeze and favored her with a smile before turning and heading inside.
Ryoko and Sasami watched him go inside, then Ryoko sat heavily on the bench next to Sasami and began to cry.
"It's having to live without Tenchi, isn't it?" Sasami asked after a few moments.
Ryoko bristled. "Of course it is!" she said archly. Then, her shoulders slumped and her head drooped. "I'm sorry, Sasami. It's losing him twice; it's just completely unfair."
"Twice?" Sasami said. "Ryoko, I don't understand."
Ryoko looked at Sasami and smiled sadly. "He's yours, Sasami. I know it even if he doesn't."
Sasami looked surprised. "Ryoko, I-"
Ryoko sighed. "Please don't play dumb, Sasami. At least give me that much respect."
Sasami slumped. "I'm... I'm sorry, Ryoko."
Ryoko smiled crookedly. "Sorry for treating me like an idiot or sorry for stealing Tenchi from me?"
"Oh, Ryoko!" Sasami cried. She lunged forward and wrapped her arms around the other woman. "Ryoko, I'm so sorry! You're my best friend and I never wanted you to be unhappy. But it's just... It's just..." Sasami began sobbing into Ryoko's shoulder.
"It's just that he's Tenchi," Ryoko said simply, returning Sasami's hug. Sasami nodded.
"Ryoko! Sasami!" Mihoshi's call came across the lawn. "Funaho's here. She wants to talk to us!"
"Hello, everyone," Funaho said when Sasami and Ryoko entered and were settled with the others. "You've all heard by now that Counselor Arkibe was killed by Mihoshi. You also know that a thorough search revealed no antidote. Washu doesn't think there ever was one and we're inclined to agree."
"Which means that there's nothing that anyone can do for Tenchi," Washu said.
Funaho smiled. "You're partly right, Washu. There's nothing that you can do, but Tenchi can be saved."
Washu looked confused, then annoyed. "Humph. That doesn't surprise me, really. I'm still trying to understand why the rest of you aren't sick."
"It's the trees, " Funaho said.
"What was that?" Washu asked sharply.
"What does everyone who isn't sick have in common? Something that Tenchi doesn't have."
"A partner," Ayeka said with sudden understanding.
Funaho nodded, smiling. "Yes. A partner. If Tenchi were to bond with a tree then the same energy that has protected all of us will heal and protect him."
"Auntie Funaho, are you sure?" Sasami asked.
Funaho nodded happily.
"Then there's no time to lose," Ryoko said. "We need to find Tenchi a tree! Thank you, Funaho."
"Don't thank me, Ryoko. Thank Tsunami," Funaho said.
Washu's expression darkened and her eyes became distant.
"I don't understand," Ryoko said.
"We had an interesting talk a little while ago. This was her idea. She assured me it would work."
"Oh! How wonderful!" Ayeka said.
"Yay, Tenchi!" Sasami cried.
Tenchi smiled. "Well," he said. "My own tree. How about that."
"We'll begin planning for the ceremony. It should only take a few days. Will that be okay, Washu?" Funaho asked.
"What? Huh?" Washu said, her attention returning to the room. "A few days? Yeah, sure. I can keep Tenchi breathing that long, I think!" she smiled at Tenchi.
"Thanks for everything, Washu," Tenchi said, returning her smile.
"No problem. Besides, next semester is starting soon. I'm going to have to get back to school!"
"We should start planning now," Ayeka said.
"Right now!" Sasami chirped.
"This is going to be fun!" Misaki said, smiling. "And Mihoshi-"
"Yes?" Mihoshi asked.
"We've manage to track down many of the conspirators that Arkibe had assembled. They're being very cooperative." Misaki's smile was not pleasant. "We'll be making a full disclosure to the Galaxy Police for your report."
"Sit down. I poured you a drink."
Stepping into the dim room, Rueto closed the door behind him. The fire burned low in the fireplace in Arkibe's study. Rueto sat with the drink while Arkibe paced.
"I assume that things aren't good?" Rueto said.
"No, they aren't good!" Arkibe snarled. He uttered a curse and flung his nearly-full glass into the fireplace. The glass shattered and the fire surged briefly as the alcohol hit it. "None of them are dead. None of them!"
Rueto nodded. "I guess something should have happened by now?"
Arkibe continued to stare into the fire, and nodded slowly. "Yes," he said. "By now most of them should have been very sick and one or two should have already died."
There was a pause, then Rueto said, "Is there anything else?"
Arkibe sighed, still looking at the fire. "Some of my - uhh, shipping - contacts have dropped off the map. They've gone to ground or they're dead. Either way, it feels like someone may be getting close from that direction. I hope you have a retirement spot picked out. Somewhere nice and quiet." Arkibe turned and looked at him. "And very, very out of the way."
Rueto felt a chill move down his spine. He did have such a place, of course, but he'd hoped he would never have to use it. "Are we to that point?" he asked.
Arkibe grunted. "No, not yet. But the way things look now..."
Rueto nodded. "Shouldn't we be leaving? The photo session is soon."
"Let's go." Arkibe led Rueto out of the study and to the front door. "What a nuisance. I heard that Misaki didn't like the way her clothing looked in the one we took that night. Still, it's an opportunity to work the royal family."
Arkibe pulled a coat from a closet by the door and put it on. As he buttoned it, he realized there was a button missing. "Damn," he said out loud, pulling the jacket off. "My fencing club jacket. This was one of my favorites." He returned the coat to the closet and pulled out another, stumbling as he put it on.
"Are you all right?" Rueto asked.
"Yes, I'm fine. Just a little tired," Arkibe responded. "Come on."
"Here we are."
The air car stopped in front of a large building. The sign over the entrance read "Jurai Planetary Police". The driver opened the door and Misaki, Mihoshi and Ryoko stepped out. As they approached the door, they were met by someone with detective's insignia.
"Queen Misaki," the detective said, bowing. "Welcome to police headquarters. I'm Detective Kokusai. I'll be helping you."
Misaki smiled. "Thank you detective. This is First Class Detective Kuramitsu of the Galaxy Police and Miss Hakubi, her assistant on this case." Kokusai smiled and bowed toward Mihoshi and Ryoko.
"This way, ladies," he said.
He led them into the building and through the halls. They noticed many police officers sharing the halls with them, busy with their own tasks. In a few moments, Kokusai opened a plain door with a number and ushered them in.
The room was as plain as the door. It had a table, several chairs and a computer terminal. On the table was a large box. "Ladies, Mr. Unwalla's effects are in the box. The results of the autopsy and the images from the scene are on the terminal. Please come and get me when you're ready to leave or if you need anything."
Misaki smiled and said, "Thank you, detective." Kokusai bowed and left.
Ryoko opened the box and began pulling things out. The clothing items, including a jacket and shirt with holes over and behind the heart, were sealed in individual clear bags. The contents of his pockets were in a small clear box.
Misaki activated the terminal and reviewed the information on the murder. "He was killed by a force sword thrust through his heart. The crime scene evidence and the autopsy agree. There was no sign of a struggle. Everything in the box was found in his pockets, except for the stray button which was found in his hand."
"Stray button?" Ryoko asked. She fished around in the box and held up a button with a clear design. "This one."
"Yes," Misaki. "It matches the ones on his jacket."
"It must have fallen off and he picked it up just before he got killed," Ryoko said.
Mihoshi was lifting the jacket, looking it over.
"I know that jacket," Misaki said. "It's for a fencing club."
"Then we need to visit that club," Mihoshi said, putting the jacket back into the box. "That's where we'll find the killer," Mihoshi said.
"How can you be sure, dear?" Misaki asked.
"That jacket isn't missing any buttons," Mihoshi replied.
"Got you, you bastard!" Washu grinned wickedly, rubbing her hands together in satisfaction. She opened a video screen and called Misaki. In a moment, Misaki appeared, flanked by Mihoshi and Ryoko.
"Lady Misaki, I think I know who did this!" Washu said excitedly.
"Oh, that's wonderful, Washu!" Misaki said, smiling. "We think it's Tar Arkibe, who do you think it is?"
Washu visibly deflated. "Um, yeah, Tar Arkibe. Hmph. Well, my analysis showed that the nano-poison Mihoshi recovered from Tsimech's lab was different. I knew it was tuned for a different DNA. I just finished comparing it against the scans we took of the guests and I got a match - Tar Arkibe. That means he was with Tsimech. Uh... How did you figure it out?"
"Mihoshi noticed an extra button for a Daimon Fencing Club jacket in Unwalla's things. The only person who was at the banquet and is also a member of Daimon Fencing Club is Tar Arkibe."
"Wow," Washu said, impressed in spite of herself. "That's pretty good."
"Washu!" Ryoko said. "We're on our way to get him. Whatever you're going to need to make the antidote for Tenchi, get it ready now. I don't want to waste any time, okay?"
Washu nodded silently and the link went out.
She returned to her work.
Funaho sat in the garden outside her chambers enjoying the afternoon.
Misaki had called and let her know that she, Mihoshi and Ryoko were on their way to pick up their suspect. Funaho had decided to wait for further word, knowing that the head of the Royal Bodyguard, a Galaxy Police First Class Detective and one of the most powerful - and feared - beings in the universe would be able to take care of themselves.
Funaho heard a footstep in the door to the garden and turned. "Sas- Tsunami," she said, noticing the two dots on Tsunami's forehead instead of Sasami's matching triangles.
Tsunami smiled. "You can call me Sasami, Auntie Funaho. We are very, very close to merging now."
Funaho smiled and gestured at the spot on the bench next to her. "Then please join me, Sasami."
Tsunami smiled and sat next to Funaho. For a moment, she just looked at the garden while Funaho looked at her.
"You seem like you've never seen this before," Funaho said. "Sasami has been here many, many times."
Tsunami smiled. "It's a little hard to explain, but I'll try. There's still a barrier separating us. It's thin and most things pass through it, but we have to concentrate. Like a rice paper screen between two rooms. Everything that goes on in the other room is clear, if you try to make it out. So, for now it's easier to experience things as Tsunami than to remember them as Sasami. And soon we will be together, finally."
Funaho nodded, smiling. "So, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"
Tsunami smiled. "It's about Tenchi," she said.
"Washu says he has at most a few weeks of life remaining."
Tsunami nodded. "That's just what I want to talk about."
The car stopped at Arkibe's house. The women got out and went to the door and knocked. A few moments later, Arkibe opened the door. "Queen Misaki, ladies," he said, bowing. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"May we come in, Counselor Arkibe?" Misaki asked.
"Of course," he replied, stepping aside.
They stepped into the entry hall of the house.
"What can I do for you ladies today?" Arkibe asked, closing the door and turning to face the trio.
"Counselor Arkibe," Mihoshi said, pulling out her identification. "I'm placing you under-"
"I'm sorry," Arkibe interrupted, "I can't let you do that."
"Excuse me?" Mihoshi asked, blinking in surprise.
"Hiai!" Arkibe shouted. He spun deftly and when he faced them his force sword was activated. He let his motion carry him forward and toward Misaki.
"No!" Ryoko threw herself in front of Misaki, shielding her, her energy sword suddenly in her hand. She struck desperately as Arkibe's sword swung.
Arkibe blocked Ryoko's sword with his own; her strike weak and off- balance. He forced her sword up, stepped underneath her arm and carried the movement through. Arkibe's sword slid along hers until it ran out of sword; it buzzed angrily as it sliced through Ryoko's wrist. She hissed in pain and her sword winked out of existence as her hand left her arm. Arkibe turned again, his sword looping back for Misaki.
There was the crack of a shot and Arkibe's head disappeared in a cloud. His body fell with a heavy thud and his sword winked out and clattered to the floor.
"NO!" Ryoko shouted. "Mihoshi!"
Mihoshi froze, the pistol in her hand still aimed at the body where it lay. "Are you okay?" she asked.
"Mihoshi! He was the only one with the antidote!" Ryoko spun, glaring, then stepped up until her face was inches from Mihoshi's. "You've just killed Tenchi," she said lowly.
"Oh!" Mihoshi said. "Oh no!"
The looked at each other for a second and then both began to cry. Mihoshi stood, wailing and Ryoko collapsed to the floor.
Misaki took in the headless body on the floor and the two crying women for a moment. "Let me call someone to clean this up and search Counselor Arkibe's home. If there's an antidote here, they'll find it, okay?" she said. "And Ryoko, Mihoshi; thank you."
It was several hours later before they returned to their quarters. Washu and Ayeka were waiting when Ryoko, Mihoshi and Misaki entered.
"Mommy!" Ayeka said, running to Misaki. "I am so happy to see you safe!"
Misaki hugged Ayeka and said, "Thank your friends, Little Ayeka. They protected me."
Ryoko rushed to Washu. "Washu! Mihoshi killed the guy and the cops can't find the antidote! It's up to you, Washu. Only you can cure Tenchi now."
"Ryoko, I can't," Washu replied quietly, hanging her head.
"NO!" Ryoko shouted. "NO NO NO! Damn you Mihoshi!" she snarled.
Mihoshi stood wringing her hands. "Oh, no! I'm so sorry. I was just... That is, I thought... I wanted to..." and then she burst into tears.
"Ryoko! Stop it now!" Washu scolded. "It's not Mihoshi's fault."
"What do you mean?" Ryoko asked.
"There never was an antidote," Washu said. "And even if there was, Arkibe didn't have it. He was dying from the poison, too. The only thing that would have changed if Mihoshi hadn't killed him is that you might be dead as well."
"Counselor Arkibe was dying?" Ayeka asked.
Washu nodded. "The glasses Mihoshi brought back were full of a version of the nano-poison tailored for Arkibe. Tsimech meant to kill him all along."
"But what about Tenchi?" Ryoko asked.
"I'm afraid there's nothing anyone can do," Washu said. "At least, nothing that I can do."
"Where's Tenchi?" Ryoko asked Ayeka.
"Out in the garden," Ayeka replied.
"Alone?" Ryoko asked sharply.
Ayeka shook her head.
"Damn it," Ryoko said.
Ryoko walked out into the garden and found Tenchi and Sasami sitting on one of the benches. Sasami was holding Tenchi's hands. Tenchi seemed to be relaxing, maybe even sleeping; he looked drawn and tired.
Ryoko walked up and was very close before Sasami noticed her.
"Hi Ryoko," Sasami said brightly. Tenchi looked up and smiled.
"Ryoko," he said. "What's going on?"
"We found the guy who did it, Tenchi," she said. "But he attacked Misaki and Mihoshi killed him."
Tenchi nodded. "You guys are all right?" Ryoko nodded. "Any sign of something to fix me up?" Ryoko shook her head. Tenchi sighed and stood, taking Ryoko's hands. "Thanks for trying, Ryoko. I really appreciate everything you guys have done for me. Is Mihoshi inside?" Ryoko nodded. "Good. I need to thank her as well."
Tenchi gave Ryoko's hands a last squeeze and favored her with a smile before turning and heading inside.
Ryoko and Sasami watched him go inside, then Ryoko sat heavily on the bench next to Sasami and began to cry.
"It's having to live without Tenchi, isn't it?" Sasami asked after a few moments.
Ryoko bristled. "Of course it is!" she said archly. Then, her shoulders slumped and her head drooped. "I'm sorry, Sasami. It's losing him twice; it's just completely unfair."
"Twice?" Sasami said. "Ryoko, I don't understand."
Ryoko looked at Sasami and smiled sadly. "He's yours, Sasami. I know it even if he doesn't."
Sasami looked surprised. "Ryoko, I-"
Ryoko sighed. "Please don't play dumb, Sasami. At least give me that much respect."
Sasami slumped. "I'm... I'm sorry, Ryoko."
Ryoko smiled crookedly. "Sorry for treating me like an idiot or sorry for stealing Tenchi from me?"
"Oh, Ryoko!" Sasami cried. She lunged forward and wrapped her arms around the other woman. "Ryoko, I'm so sorry! You're my best friend and I never wanted you to be unhappy. But it's just... It's just..." Sasami began sobbing into Ryoko's shoulder.
"It's just that he's Tenchi," Ryoko said simply, returning Sasami's hug. Sasami nodded.
"Ryoko! Sasami!" Mihoshi's call came across the lawn. "Funaho's here. She wants to talk to us!"
"Hello, everyone," Funaho said when Sasami and Ryoko entered and were settled with the others. "You've all heard by now that Counselor Arkibe was killed by Mihoshi. You also know that a thorough search revealed no antidote. Washu doesn't think there ever was one and we're inclined to agree."
"Which means that there's nothing that anyone can do for Tenchi," Washu said.
Funaho smiled. "You're partly right, Washu. There's nothing that you can do, but Tenchi can be saved."
Washu looked confused, then annoyed. "Humph. That doesn't surprise me, really. I'm still trying to understand why the rest of you aren't sick."
"It's the trees, " Funaho said.
"What was that?" Washu asked sharply.
"What does everyone who isn't sick have in common? Something that Tenchi doesn't have."
"A partner," Ayeka said with sudden understanding.
Funaho nodded, smiling. "Yes. A partner. If Tenchi were to bond with a tree then the same energy that has protected all of us will heal and protect him."
"Auntie Funaho, are you sure?" Sasami asked.
Funaho nodded happily.
"Then there's no time to lose," Ryoko said. "We need to find Tenchi a tree! Thank you, Funaho."
"Don't thank me, Ryoko. Thank Tsunami," Funaho said.
Washu's expression darkened and her eyes became distant.
"I don't understand," Ryoko said.
"We had an interesting talk a little while ago. This was her idea. She assured me it would work."
"Oh! How wonderful!" Ayeka said.
"Yay, Tenchi!" Sasami cried.
Tenchi smiled. "Well," he said. "My own tree. How about that."
"We'll begin planning for the ceremony. It should only take a few days. Will that be okay, Washu?" Funaho asked.
"What? Huh?" Washu said, her attention returning to the room. "A few days? Yeah, sure. I can keep Tenchi breathing that long, I think!" she smiled at Tenchi.
"Thanks for everything, Washu," Tenchi said, returning her smile.
"No problem. Besides, next semester is starting soon. I'm going to have to get back to school!"
"We should start planning now," Ayeka said.
"Right now!" Sasami chirped.
"This is going to be fun!" Misaki said, smiling. "And Mihoshi-"
"Yes?" Mihoshi asked.
"We've manage to track down many of the conspirators that Arkibe had assembled. They're being very cooperative." Misaki's smile was not pleasant. "We'll be making a full disclosure to the Galaxy Police for your report."