***The Princess And The Pirate Chapter 6***
**Carnival couples**
Staring at the ceiling, there was little else she could do. Not having slept much anyway, there didn't seem any point in trying to nod off again, so she stared at the ceiling. Her cyan locks hung loosely by her ears and she blew a stray piece from her face, as pure boredom and laziness kicked in and as her golden eyes roamed over the smooth surface of the roof she concluding one thing, she needed a bed.
The rafter was comfortable, she couldn't deny that, but she was the only one who found it comfortable. She had tried to convince Aeka to join her up there for the night, but the princess was having non of it. Juraians didn't have much balance.
Ryoko however had 100% pure perfected balance, all thanks to the genetically enhanced body she had been given by Washu, her so called mother. 'Mother' that was a word for a women who cared dearly about her child, sure Washu says she cares about her, but she didn't believe it. Also, mothers were people who were always there for you, not locked away in a dark dank scary laboratory. Ryoko hated that place, and she'd be damned before going down there of her own free will. Unless of course she wanted something, which was rare. But she needed a bed.
Therefore, she needed to talk to Washu, to make her a room, with a bed. But there was no way in *hell* she'd ask Washu for something, she'd only want something in return.
(That women cant be trusted…) So thought Ryoko, the one person who she was suppose to be able to tell all her troubles to, couldn't be trusted. (She's not a proper mom… never shown it..)
Her thoughts were interrupted by the light pitter-pattering of feet. She looked over the edge of her beam and saw Sasami, still slightly sleepy, walking downstairs with Ryo-ohki following, or *trying* to follow, as best as her still dozy body could move her. Obviously it was morning, and Sasami was up to make breakfast.
"…G'morning Sasami…" The little girl jumped slightly and then looked up to the rafters, she smiled and giggled.
"Good morning Ryoko… Did I wake you?" Ryoko smiled and shook her head.
"..No.. s'ok I've been awake for a while now.." Sasami nodded as Ryoko teleported off her beam and lightly ruffled the girls hair "What time is it?"
Checking the clock at the side Sasami turned back and smiled "6:30…" Following the little girl into the kitchen she began to help with breakfast.
Passing various utensils and pots and pans, being careful not to break these ones. She didn't want to have to do another long trip into town to buy more stuff. It was lucky she survived, thank Tsunami Washu had explained the purpose of 'shops' and 'towns'. After a while Sasami checked the clock again and turned to her "Ryoko…" Ryoko placed a spoon down and looked over her shoulder "… Do you mind waking everyone up for breakfast?"
She nodded "Sure!" And phased upstairs.
***
First was Mihoshi's room. Ryoko knocked once. But when no answer came she knocked again.
"Yo! Mihoshi… Breakfast is up.." Some light rustling noises inside and then a voice slightly muffled through the door.
"Ok Ryoko, I'll be down in a sec.." Strange that she was up. Everyone was changing. A couple more rustling noises then a scream and a thud "Owee…. Gimme five minutes kay?"
Chuckling she moved onto the next room.
Lightly floating along the hallway she arrived at Tenchi…. And Sakuya's room. "Ah.. maaaan… Do I *hafta* wake these up?" She sighed and shook her head. Knocking on lightly she waited for an answer. When no answer followed she knocked on again, a little harder this time. "You two! Wake up!"
Still no answer she huffed and phased her head through the door, there they both lay tangled in a mess together in bed. As much as Ryoko disliked Sakuya she couldn't help but giggle at how nice it looked. A way she'd like someone to find her and a certain princess in the morning.
Phasing all the way through she floated over to the snoring couple. "Hey you two.. c'mon…" Sakuya stirred lightly and her eyelids fluttered gently open.
"Uhh… R-Ryoko?" Her voice was soft and quiet, still filled with drowsiness. The cyan haired girl felt herself smiling.
"Yeh.. c'mon its morning, Sasami wants us down for breakfast…" She looked over to the still snoring Tenchi and then back to Sakuya "I think your better off waking him up…" Sakuya smiled and nodded and Ryoko teleported out of the room.
Ending her rounds in the princess's room she lightly plodded over to were Aeka lay, her chest gently rising and falling as she slept soundly, Ryoko almost felt guilty waking her up. But she knew it was breakfast time. Kneeling down by her side she reached a hand out and gently stroked the princess's cheek.
Then, she lightly lowered her head down and kissed Aeka's cheek. The princess sighed and shifted slightly before slowly opening her eyes "Good morning honey…" Aeka smiled and giggled.
"Good morning Ryoko.." She lifted her arm and grasped hold of Ryoko's hand.
"Its breakfast time.. You gotta get up.."
The princess whimpered slightly "Do I *have* to?" Ryoko nodded "Can't I just stay with you a little longer?
"Hey, I offered to spend the night with you before didn't I?"
"On your *beam*! I can't get up there!" She sat up and pushed the cover off her "And besides.. imagine what people would say if they found me up there asleep with you?"
Ryoko pouted "…Keeping secrets stinks…" Then getting up again she felt herself being pulled down "Whoa?!" Aeka giggled and wrapped her arms around the space pirate's neck before pulling her down into a lying position.
"Oh come now Ryoko…" She said, her voice tantalizing and sensual "Just a little longer…"
Ryoko gulped "Well…. Maybe a couple of minutes longer…"
***
Tenchi grunted and shivered as the warmth of the covers left him. His eyes still closed he moved his hand down and tried to feel for them, when he found nothing he opened his eyes and sat up "…Hey.. what gives?"
From across the room he saw Sakuya tidying clothes and bed sheets and other things that were out of place, she looked up and smiled at him "Ryoko says its time for breakfast…"
Tenchi raised his brow and nodded "Oooh.. right… wait!? RYOKO!?" Leaping out of bed he ran over to the girl and grabbed her by the shoulders "Ryoko *Saw* us like this?!"
Sakuya nodded slowly "Yes… in-fact she was nice enough to come wake me up…" Putting a pair of socks back in the draw she giggled "Isn't that nice?"
A large sweat-drop found its way on the back on Tenchi's head "Oh yeh… Just lovely.."
***
Everyone was starting to file down to breakfast now, strangely enough Mihoshi was first; then Sakuya and a slightly pale Tenchi and finally a pair of very sweaty and blushing Ryoko and Aeka. Sasami figured that they'd been fighting again, like they always did.
When everyone sat down for breakfast Sasami noticed an empty seat. "Where is little Washu?" She sighed slightly and stared sadly at the empty cushion"I would like it if she could have come too…"
Tenchi gulped and sank back into his seat, going down there was not good for his health.
"I'll go…" All eyes turned over to were Ryoko stood. "I'll go get her if you want…" (I swear to Tsunami… those puppy dog eyes of that kid's are going to be the damn well *Death*of me someday…)
The little girl brightened "Oh thank-you so much Ryoko!"
"Yeh sure…" She sighed and made her way to the door of the lab "…No problem…"
***
Darkness.
The world, or whatever she was in, rotated and zoomed in on her. Her shadow cascaded along the ground and shimmered slightly. The center of this place, she was stood in it and all around her, surrounding her.. was darkness.
A slight warmth underneath her feet. Looking down she could see she was standing in something, a white liquid. Strange as it was… she ignored it and looked up.
As far as her eyes could see and stretching out to the horizon that never existed was nothingness. Pure darkness. So cold save for her bear feet which rested in that strange almost mystical substance, which could only be described as liquid.
"Where am i..?"
She whimpered and looked around "Where is everyone?"
Never had she felt so small, so timid… so scared. Here stood the greatest scientific genius in the universe… scared of the dark. "..I don't wanna be alone…"
Why did that sound so familiar, she'd heard that before.
"Mommy! Mommy! Release me! It's dark and it's scary! I don't wanna be alone!"
Her head shot up and she looked around "R-Ryoko?! Were are you!?"
"Mommy! Please let me go!"
"Ryoko!? I'm coming don't worry!" Although she could not tell were the voice was coming from, she began running in any direction. The constant crying and whimpering of the scared and terrified voice of her daughter rang through her eyes like church bells. She had locked her down there, she had left her alone, she had caused her to be so scared. She had even found it funny, and taped Ryoko. While she cried out to be released. She was no better than Kagato.
"Mommy I'm sorry! I didn't mean it! I'll be a good girl, promise! Just let me go!!" Another sniffle and loud child-like wailing filled her ears, Washu tried as hard as she could to keep her own tears back as they threatened to pour out of her eyes.
"Ryoko! Don't be sorry, you haven't done anything wrong!" As she continued to stumble in the darkness the sound of crying left her ears.
"….Then… why did you trap me down here?" Washu's heart skipped a beat her throat suddenly ran dry and her breath caught.
"I-I… I don't know…" There was a dead silence for a while, the light children's sniffling stopped, there was no crying no wailing.
"Washu…."
She stopped again, "Ryoko? Were are you?"
"Washu… Washu…" The voice sounded more solid, and more calm.
"Ryoko tell me where you are!!" She could feel the tears rolling down her cheeks, how could she do this to her?!
"WASHU…WASHU… wake up…"
"W-Wake up?" She looked around, the darkness was beginning to thin, she could feel the warmth returning.
"DAMMIT WASHU WAKE UP!!"
"HUH!?" she sat up abruptly "Wha-What!?" Looking around she could see she was still in her lab.
"Good.." Ryoko stood next to her with a slightly agitated look on her face "Your finally awake…"
Raising a fiery red eyebrow she looked at her daughter "Awake..? Oh… I was.. asleep?"
Ryoko gave her an odd look, as if she had grown horns "…Yeeees… Don't tell me you didn't know…" She tutted and pointed a thumb to the lab door. "Cmon Washu… Sasami's got breakfast ready.. an *I* had the honor of waking your lazy self… Get a move on.."
Watching her daughter float out of her lab, she wiped away a little bit of drool from her lip "…It was just a dream…"
***
"This looks great Sasami!" Sakuya's eyes boggled at the vast array of food and drinks "…Your defiantly a wonderful cook.. to do this *all* by yourself!"
Sasami giggled and blushed slightly. "Thank-you but Ryoko helped a bit too…"
"Oh wonderful…" Said Aeka, obviously making sure to show her sarcasm "I suppose we should be thankful that we are still alive…. For the time being.." She sighed and continued eating.
"Gee… thanks.." Aeka 'urked' slightly and looked over to Washu's laboratory door were a slightly annoyed yet playful looking Ryoko stood. She placed a hand on her hip and walked over next to Aeka "I think is should get some credit… I helped after all.." She plonked herself down next to the princess just as a timid looking Washu emerged from her lab.
Sasami beamed and giggled "Oh hello little Washu! Good morning!"
Putting on a nervous smile she approached the table and sat lightly next to Mihoshi "G-Good morning…" She was still slightly shaken from the dream, although she knew it just to be a simple silly dream she couldn't help but feel something for it. And she *never* had dreams like that before, why, she couldn't even remember the last time she had a nightmare!
"Are you alright little Washu?" She looked up and saw Sasami's concerned faced staring right at her.
"Huh? yes I'm fine…" Ryoko even stopped bickering with Aeka to look over at her strangely nervous looking mother.
"Hey.. you ok?" Washu jumped slightly causing Ryoko to briefly wear a concerned look of her own, though briefly. She didn't want anyone thinking she was going soft.
Though it was a simple question it made Washu feel a hell of a lot better, and she gave a genuine smile "Yeh.. I'm ok.." (Just a dream..)
"I've been wondering…" Sakuya said, earning everyone's attention thankfully for Washu, she didn't like too much fuss concentrated on her. "You know there's are carnival today right?"
Everyone shook their heads save for Tenchi "Oh yeh! I heard about it while we were at school!" He paused briefly "It's the carnival of coming Autumn right?" Sakuya nodded and he cocked his head while smiling. "Why? What about it?"
Sakuya giggled "I thought we might be able to go… If it's ok with you of course."
Giving a hearty laugh Tenchi nodded "Oh sure! I haven't been out in ages.. a day out will do us all some good." Ryoko looked slightly worried and glanced over to Aeka who was calmly eating "So what do you all say guys?" She turned back and watched everyone nod in agreement. Sasami giggled in her usual way as she started to put the dishes away.
"Great! A carnival wow!" She hurried into the kitchen to wash up.
Mihoshi yelled out happily as she began recklessly flinging food around "Oh wow! Oh wow! I love carnivals!"
Ryoko reached out "B-but what about…." She stopped in mid sentence as she felt a hand from under the table gently grasp her own hidden one. Turning to the princess she saw that she was smiling at her, she shook her head and stood up.
"I guess I shall go get ready then…" Taking her eyes from the cyan haired women she looked toward Tenchi "What time are we to leave?"
Tenchi looked thoughtful and then smiled "The carnival starts a 9am, so we should leave at around 8:30"
She nodded and headed up stairs without another word breathed to anyone.
Across from the table Washu gave her daughter a questioned look that went unseen. (What a perfect opportunity, today while we're at the carnival. I'll ask her exactly what's wrong….)
"Were you saying something Ryoko?" The boy's tone was calm and concerned
Shaking her head she stood "No… nothing… I'll go get ready now." Then floating up to the roof, she phased through it.
***
Princess Aeka stood in-front of her mirror as she brushed her long violet hair, her ruby eyes glistened slightly in the dim lighting of the room. She smiled calmly as she admired the beautiful dress that Ryoko had bought for her. The sky blue really brought out the shine in her hair and highlighted her eyes.
She jumped a little as she felt a pair of strong arms encircle her waist, looking up into the mirror a pair of golden orbs gazed into her own, a slight smile on the owners face. Ryoko lightly rested her head against Aeka's shoulder "You look beautiful…." Her voice was laced with it's usual sensual lowness, the deep tone that would send a shiver through your spine no matter *what* the owner was saying, Aeka turned around and smiled, she brought her arms up and put them around Ryoko's neck as the space pirate lowered her head for a kiss.
"Thankyou…" Aeka mentally thanked whatever power that was out there, that gave her the wonderful feeling she got ever time Ryoko was near, she thanked them also for giving her Ryoko.
The space pirates face suddenly turned serious as she looked deep into Aeka's violet eyes "Are you sure… that you'll be ok?" She swallowed the lump forming in the back of her throat "..Going out again I mean.."
Aeka nodded and smiled slightly "I shall be fine, I cannot seclude myself to this house because of one incident…" Holding Ryoko tighter and finding comfort in her presence she sighed "…Don't worry…"
"I have to…" She chuckled slightly at Aeka's expression "…That's my job"
***
So once everyone was dressed and ready, they set off for the carnival. It wasn't that long a trip and took around 10minutes to get there. When everyone arrived they went their own separate ways, Tenchi went with Sakuya, who insisted that Sasami and Washu should join them. "Having children around makes me feel better" So she said, no matter *how*many times people had tried to explain to her that Washu was in-fact Ryoko's mother she still couldn't quite grasp that Washu was a lot older than she looked. Mihoshi also decided to tag along with them, and of course, Ryoko and Aeka went off together on their own.
It was a wonderful atmosphere as Ryoko and Aeka walked along the street, many children were laughing and playing, the wonderful colors and music, all the rides and stalls to choose from. As they walked a little further down Ryoko glanced over and saw that the princess was in deep thought "Something up Aeka?" Aeka jumped a little but soon calmed, she lifted her head and smiled.
"No… not really"
Ryoko huffed and crossed her arms "Not *really*? Then that means that there *is* something… c'mon….. tell me what's on your mind."
Nodding as the continued to pass many stalls and so on she lightly fiddled with her dress collar "Remember the first time we came to a carnival?" Noticing the look on Ryoko's face she quickly continued "I mean the *Real*time we came to a carnival, not some silly story to make one of us seem like the bad guy.."
Chuckling slightly the ex-space pirate tried to remember.
***
The carnival lights were shining all around Jurai, many stalls were cram packed with items of luxury and tacky crap. But down near the bottom stood a single stall, on it two people tended to it, one a very tall slender and not to mention very beautiful red headed women and at her side her very short very young cyan haired daughter, so short in-fact that she could barely see over the table top. Not far away and playing around the little girl's feet was a small fuzzy brown and white cabbit.
The women fiddled with very complex trinkets and machines all her own making and design. While the little girl played about with some little badges she herself had made, little pretty badges in all shapes and sizes. Some the shape of her cabbit and others of flowers and such, but the one she was most proud of was the badge in the shape of a bird; a big red bird, it's feathers resembled that of flames and its wings spread out, the little girl polished it again.
"Hello there!" Ryoko looked up and saw her mother was talking to a customer, a tall sky blue haired lady in very fine robes "Ah… lady Misaki.. How may I help you?" The two women talked as her mother showed the lady some of her best equipment.
"Mya Mya!" Looking down again she saw that Ryo-ohki was sniffing under the table and jumping about.
She reached out and patted the cabbit slightly "What's wrong Ryo-ohki? Is there something there?" The cabbit jumped around again before bounding up onto her shoulder. The little girl walked forward as curiosity got the better of her, she lifted the table blanket and gasped slightly at what she saw.
For there, not more than a few inches away stood another little girl, her hair a wonderful shade of passionate violate and her eyes a stunning color of ruby. The little girl looked nervously around as she tugged and fiddled with her kimono.
"Um… hi….." The little girl jumped and turned to look at Ryoko, she froze momentarily not sure of what to say.
"H-Hello…" Her voice was sweet and very high pitched, but not so as to hurt your ears. She was obviously of noble blood as her perfect juraian accent was heard clearly.
Ryoko crawled under the table and stood up in-front of the little violet haired girl "My name is Ryoko… What's yours?"
Stuttering slightly she coughed and bit her lip "My name is Aeka, I am pleased to meet you.."
Ryoko raised an eyebrow as she saw the girl tremble ever so slightly "Hey hey! There's no need to be so nervous, I'm not gonna bite your head off ya know?" She looked around and walked over to the table. Standing on her tip toes she reached up and pulled something down then walked back over to Aeka. "Here…" She held out her hand to reveal the bird badge "Its not much but you can have it…"
Reaching out a shaky hand Aeka took the bird badge and stared at it. She eyed it with curiosity looking at the many pretty colors is feathers shared, then looking up again she gave Ryoko a peculiar look "This is for me?" Ryoko nodded and smiled "…Thankyou.."
"Oh! Aeka dear you've made a new friend!" Misaki immediately swooped down and some how managed to scoop both girls up in her grasp hugging them tightly. Ryoko fidgeted and struggled as Aeka just hung there in her arms, obviously this was normal to her. Finally the women put them back onto the ground and gave Ryoko a strange look while her mother looked on in amusement. "You must be Ryoko.." Ryoko nodded and glanced up at her mother who only smiled and giggled "Miss Washu has told me many things about her little Ryoko!" Again she glanced to her mother, only this time it was more of a glare.
"Y-you know my mom?"
Misaki grinned and nodded as Washu came out from under the table to join them "Oh yes I know your mommy! Miss Washu has helped me a lot with equipment to help keep our Jurai trees in perfect condition, your mother is smart!"
Crossing her arms Ryoko smirked "Of course…" She said feeling proud "She *Is* the greatest scientific genius in the universe.." She stated matter-of-factly emitting a small giggle from the little girl.
"Yes quite right.." changing the subject she motioned over to Aeka "…Well I'm sure you two have already met, but ill introduce us both all the same…" She pointed to herself, ruffling her robes slightly "I am lady Misaki, wife of Azuza….." Azuza, Azuza, were had she heard that name before?
Then lightly patting Aeka's head she continued "And this is my daughter, Princess Aeka Jurai…."
Ryoko's eyes widened and she spluttered stumbling backwards "P-P-PRINCESS!?"
***
Aeka chuckled sightly as they continued to walk along the colorfully lit path "You should have seen your face!"
Giving a small chuckle of her own Ryoko nudged her princess "Hey! How would you feel if this cute, shy little girl that you have only just met turned out to be a princess?" She smiled "I think you woulda reacted in the same way right?"
"Most likely…"
"But anyways! What are we doing just walking down here! This is a carnival for crying out loud! Lets have us some fun!" Grabbing the princess's arm she proceeded in dragging her down the path to find a stall that she liked.
***
"Wow! Tenchi can you get me that?" Sasami waved a hand at a big fuzzy teddy bear sat on one of the shop tables, she giggled as Tenchi looked closely at it "Its so cute!"
Tenchi stepped forward and prodded the overly cute stuffed animal "You want this one?" Sasami nodded. "Alright then" He turned to the stall owner and smiled pulling out his wallet "Excuse me? Can I have that bear over there please?" The shopkeeper nodded and brought the bear over, handing it to Sasami "Thankyou.." Tenchi paid for the bear and smiled as Sasami showed it to Sakuya.
"Oh that's cute Sasami!" Sakuya picked the bear up and hugged it "Wow, its so soft too!" Then spinning around she bounded over to Washu, the bear firmly in her grasp "Oh little Washu!" The little scientist cringed and turned her head to face her.
"….What now?"
"Isn't this bear so adorable!?" Then ramming the toy in the read heads face she proceeded in patting Washu's head "Do you want one too?"
Washu sweat dropped "No thankyou… I'm fine.. really" Washu carefully handed the bear back to Sasami, making sure to resist the urge in ramming it down Sakuya's throat.
Sakuya giggled "Oh c'mon! A little girl like you should have lots of teddy bears!"
For the millionth time that evening Washu cringed "Tell me something Sakuya…"
The dark haired teenager looked over to her "Hmm? What is it?"
"Do you dye your hair?"
***
"WE HAVE A WINNER!"
Ryoko waved her arms around "Whoo hoo!" As the guy in the cheap shiny suite handed her yet *another* stuffed animal, it seemed as though that was all the carnival had for prizes, but Ryoko knew otherwise.
"Well done young lady! Thank-you for playing!" As the two girls walked away from the stall Ryoko balanced the many prizes she had acquired in her arms. Two bottles of sake she had won at the shooting range, a large chocolate dinosaur won on the buzzer stall, two small bags of goodies and a large stuffed cat.
"How do you do it?" Asked Aeka as they walked down the street. Ryoko managed to peep over her prizes to look at her.
"Do what?"
Waving a hand slightly she pointed at all the items "Win every-time you play something?" She took the two bottles of sake and the chocolate dinosaur from her before she dropped them. Ryoko shifted the toy cat to under her arm and held the small bags of goodies in the other free hand.
"Oh that? Just lucky I guess.." She shrugged her shoulders and held up a goody bad "Want some?"
"No thankyou…"
"Suite yourself…."
They continued to walk in silence down the rest of the path until they reached a small square. In the center was a small fountain with a unicorn sprouting water from its open mouth. Around the edges were rows of cherry blossoms, neatly cut so that they rose no higher than you head and some benches around the outside.
Slowly they both approached a nearby bench and sat down, Ryoko placed the items on the ground at her side as Aeka did the same.
Resting her arms over the edge of the bench Ryoko leaned back and looked up into the sky. The stars were all out tonight, glistening and sparkling.
Dancing and fluttering along the dark night sky. The sweet smell of cherry blossoms in the air made her senses go insane. It was perfect.
"Wouldn't it be nice…."
"Huh?" The cyan haired girl glanced over to Aeka, slightly surprised to see the girl staring into the night sky with her. She kept her gaze steady, her ruby eyes darted from star to star.
Not wavering her train of vision she continued "Wouldn't it be nice… if could just stay like this?"
Ryoko sat up and shifted her position so she was staring directly at the side of the princess. "What do you mean?"
"I mean if we could just stay together like this?"
Reaching out she lightly placed a hand on Aeka's shoulder "I don't understand, were always together aren't we? I mean, we practically live under the same roof with everyone else!" She chuckled slightly.
"Yes… with everyone else…" Aeka looked over this time "What if someone finds out? What if they try to separate us?" Her tone of voice sounded urgent and almost pleading.
Immediately Ryoko moved her hand to grasp hold of the princess's She shuffled up closer and wrapped her free arm around Aeka's shoulder "Hey hey.. Its ok.. shh…" Smiling slightly as the princess rested her head on her chest she continued "Whatever happens, we're in this together…"
Aeka lifted her head and stared deeply into Ryoko's amber eyes, she searched into them and saw love. Nothing but unconditional love, she saw no selfish Ryoko, no scheming Ryoko. Not the Ryoko she had met on Jurai, but a new side, the side that rarely ever came out of hiding. And she became lost, lost in those eyes as she leaned forward taking the pirates lips with her own she closed her eyes and sighed.
Together.
***
The small group of four moved on to the next stall, one member lagging behind slightly, Sasami looked back. "Washu! C'mon your gonna get left behind!"
Turning to face Sasami the little red-head smiled and shook her head "You guys go on without me, there's something I gotta take care of ok?" Sasami nodded and ran to catch up with the rest of the group, smiling again Washu made her way down through the crowd of people, searching within them and around her as she walked.
***
Aeka moaned slightly as she felt the pirate's tongue slide into her mouth, she wrapped her arms around Ryoko's waist and closed her eyes.
Ryoko reached and ran her finger's through the long silky hair of the princess, marveling in how soft it felt as Aeka's tongue met her own, and thus the dance began again.
***
She stumbled again as she was pushed by passers by. The crowd knocked her and pushed her, bumped her and banged into her.
"DAMMIT YOU PRICKS! WOULD YOU MOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE!?" Nearly everyone stopped and stared at the little read headed girl, mother's shook their heads and grandparents gasped. Washu crossed her arms "Yeh yeh, whatever… now kindly move out of the way so I can find my daughter please?" That got her a few strange stares, but non the less they moved out of the way for her. "….Thankyou…"
Straightening herself she proceeded in high tailing it down through the rest of the carnival, her head and eyes darting left and right, left and right.
***
The world seemed to have stopped, their surroundings seemed to have frozen. There was only them and them only. Together, holding each other close, sharing their love and warmth through a passionate kiss, the affect clearly written on their bright red cheeks.
***
"Excuse me?" Washu tugged on an old man's coat, the man shuffled around to face her.
"Yes young lady?" Sometimes looking like a child was a pain, thought it did have it's fringe benefits.
She smiled sweetly, mimicking Sakuya, that ridiculous grin of hers seemed to get her anything… and anyone "I was wondering, have you seen two girls walk past here?" She stood on her tip toes and raised a hand "About this tall.. One had… um …." This sounded so stupid, especially on earth "..Purple hair and the other had spiky hair?"
Surprisingly the old man nodded straight away "Oh yes… those two.. cant forget a pair like that…" He stretched his arm out and pointed down a path into a small cherry tree grove "They went into that park there…."
Thanking the man she rushed off down the path.
Walking into a small square she looked around, admiring the slightly lit lanterns causing shadows to cascade off the small neatly cut cherry trees, in the center stood a large stone unicorn, proudly spurting a stream of water from its mouth.
Then she looked to her right and noticed the two figures sat on the bench (Oh there they are…) She smiled and started to walk toward them… As she went closer she suddenly stopped in her tracks. Her eyes widened and her breath caught in the back of her throat.
***
Slowly Ryoko's eyes fluttered open as she felt a presence nearby. She glanced over Aeka's shoulder and nearly choked.
The princess too opened her eyes as she felt Ryoko's body convulse and tense slightly. Tilting her head backwards she saw the panic stricken face on the pirate. "Ryoko… what's wrong?"
Suddenly Ryoko was off the bench and on her feet, looking over Aeka and at whatever had caused her to panic so. "….Shit…" she muttered under her breath as Aeka turned around to look also. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw a small shadowed figure stood at the entrance to the small square, staring directly at them.
***
Washu looked on with disbelief as her daughter jumped to her feet. A stray tear ran down her face and Ryoko tried frantically to explain.
She waved her arms in-front of her and shook her hands in defense "W-Wait! Washu it's not what you think!"
(Oh no… Oh Tsunami no…)
"Washu I can explain!.." She took a cautious step forward and cringed slightly as her mother took one, of equal distance backwards.
Shaking her head Washu clenched her fists tightly and grit her teeth.
And without another word she turned on her heels and rushed back up the path, into the carnival again, in a flurry of pain and hurt.
Immediately Ryoko was after her, and Aeka, not bothering to pick their prizes up was close behind as they both ran up the path and back into the carnival.
Making it back to the carnival they both stopped and looked around, crowds and crowds of people, children, adults and so on. But no Washu, no Washu anywere. Ryoko knelt down and punched the ground, her knuckles grinding deep into the dirt.
"SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!!!"
Whatever happens…… we're in this together….
**End chapter 6**
Authors notes: Whoo hoo! Finally! After a billion years I've finally finished the chapter! After weeks and weeks of writers block ive finally done it…. Ehehe. Well I hope that was ok. Comments and stuff send to yokouragasi593@hotmail.com anything regarding this fic is most welcome.
**Carnival couples**
Staring at the ceiling, there was little else she could do. Not having slept much anyway, there didn't seem any point in trying to nod off again, so she stared at the ceiling. Her cyan locks hung loosely by her ears and she blew a stray piece from her face, as pure boredom and laziness kicked in and as her golden eyes roamed over the smooth surface of the roof she concluding one thing, she needed a bed.
The rafter was comfortable, she couldn't deny that, but she was the only one who found it comfortable. She had tried to convince Aeka to join her up there for the night, but the princess was having non of it. Juraians didn't have much balance.
Ryoko however had 100% pure perfected balance, all thanks to the genetically enhanced body she had been given by Washu, her so called mother. 'Mother' that was a word for a women who cared dearly about her child, sure Washu says she cares about her, but she didn't believe it. Also, mothers were people who were always there for you, not locked away in a dark dank scary laboratory. Ryoko hated that place, and she'd be damned before going down there of her own free will. Unless of course she wanted something, which was rare. But she needed a bed.
Therefore, she needed to talk to Washu, to make her a room, with a bed. But there was no way in *hell* she'd ask Washu for something, she'd only want something in return.
(That women cant be trusted…) So thought Ryoko, the one person who she was suppose to be able to tell all her troubles to, couldn't be trusted. (She's not a proper mom… never shown it..)
Her thoughts were interrupted by the light pitter-pattering of feet. She looked over the edge of her beam and saw Sasami, still slightly sleepy, walking downstairs with Ryo-ohki following, or *trying* to follow, as best as her still dozy body could move her. Obviously it was morning, and Sasami was up to make breakfast.
"…G'morning Sasami…" The little girl jumped slightly and then looked up to the rafters, she smiled and giggled.
"Good morning Ryoko… Did I wake you?" Ryoko smiled and shook her head.
"..No.. s'ok I've been awake for a while now.." Sasami nodded as Ryoko teleported off her beam and lightly ruffled the girls hair "What time is it?"
Checking the clock at the side Sasami turned back and smiled "6:30…" Following the little girl into the kitchen she began to help with breakfast.
Passing various utensils and pots and pans, being careful not to break these ones. She didn't want to have to do another long trip into town to buy more stuff. It was lucky she survived, thank Tsunami Washu had explained the purpose of 'shops' and 'towns'. After a while Sasami checked the clock again and turned to her "Ryoko…" Ryoko placed a spoon down and looked over her shoulder "… Do you mind waking everyone up for breakfast?"
She nodded "Sure!" And phased upstairs.
***
First was Mihoshi's room. Ryoko knocked once. But when no answer came she knocked again.
"Yo! Mihoshi… Breakfast is up.." Some light rustling noises inside and then a voice slightly muffled through the door.
"Ok Ryoko, I'll be down in a sec.." Strange that she was up. Everyone was changing. A couple more rustling noises then a scream and a thud "Owee…. Gimme five minutes kay?"
Chuckling she moved onto the next room.
Lightly floating along the hallway she arrived at Tenchi…. And Sakuya's room. "Ah.. maaaan… Do I *hafta* wake these up?" She sighed and shook her head. Knocking on lightly she waited for an answer. When no answer followed she knocked on again, a little harder this time. "You two! Wake up!"
Still no answer she huffed and phased her head through the door, there they both lay tangled in a mess together in bed. As much as Ryoko disliked Sakuya she couldn't help but giggle at how nice it looked. A way she'd like someone to find her and a certain princess in the morning.
Phasing all the way through she floated over to the snoring couple. "Hey you two.. c'mon…" Sakuya stirred lightly and her eyelids fluttered gently open.
"Uhh… R-Ryoko?" Her voice was soft and quiet, still filled with drowsiness. The cyan haired girl felt herself smiling.
"Yeh.. c'mon its morning, Sasami wants us down for breakfast…" She looked over to the still snoring Tenchi and then back to Sakuya "I think your better off waking him up…" Sakuya smiled and nodded and Ryoko teleported out of the room.
Ending her rounds in the princess's room she lightly plodded over to were Aeka lay, her chest gently rising and falling as she slept soundly, Ryoko almost felt guilty waking her up. But she knew it was breakfast time. Kneeling down by her side she reached a hand out and gently stroked the princess's cheek.
Then, she lightly lowered her head down and kissed Aeka's cheek. The princess sighed and shifted slightly before slowly opening her eyes "Good morning honey…" Aeka smiled and giggled.
"Good morning Ryoko.." She lifted her arm and grasped hold of Ryoko's hand.
"Its breakfast time.. You gotta get up.."
The princess whimpered slightly "Do I *have* to?" Ryoko nodded "Can't I just stay with you a little longer?
"Hey, I offered to spend the night with you before didn't I?"
"On your *beam*! I can't get up there!" She sat up and pushed the cover off her "And besides.. imagine what people would say if they found me up there asleep with you?"
Ryoko pouted "…Keeping secrets stinks…" Then getting up again she felt herself being pulled down "Whoa?!" Aeka giggled and wrapped her arms around the space pirate's neck before pulling her down into a lying position.
"Oh come now Ryoko…" She said, her voice tantalizing and sensual "Just a little longer…"
Ryoko gulped "Well…. Maybe a couple of minutes longer…"
***
Tenchi grunted and shivered as the warmth of the covers left him. His eyes still closed he moved his hand down and tried to feel for them, when he found nothing he opened his eyes and sat up "…Hey.. what gives?"
From across the room he saw Sakuya tidying clothes and bed sheets and other things that were out of place, she looked up and smiled at him "Ryoko says its time for breakfast…"
Tenchi raised his brow and nodded "Oooh.. right… wait!? RYOKO!?" Leaping out of bed he ran over to the girl and grabbed her by the shoulders "Ryoko *Saw* us like this?!"
Sakuya nodded slowly "Yes… in-fact she was nice enough to come wake me up…" Putting a pair of socks back in the draw she giggled "Isn't that nice?"
A large sweat-drop found its way on the back on Tenchi's head "Oh yeh… Just lovely.."
***
Everyone was starting to file down to breakfast now, strangely enough Mihoshi was first; then Sakuya and a slightly pale Tenchi and finally a pair of very sweaty and blushing Ryoko and Aeka. Sasami figured that they'd been fighting again, like they always did.
When everyone sat down for breakfast Sasami noticed an empty seat. "Where is little Washu?" She sighed slightly and stared sadly at the empty cushion"I would like it if she could have come too…"
Tenchi gulped and sank back into his seat, going down there was not good for his health.
"I'll go…" All eyes turned over to were Ryoko stood. "I'll go get her if you want…" (I swear to Tsunami… those puppy dog eyes of that kid's are going to be the damn well *Death*of me someday…)
The little girl brightened "Oh thank-you so much Ryoko!"
"Yeh sure…" She sighed and made her way to the door of the lab "…No problem…"
***
Darkness.
The world, or whatever she was in, rotated and zoomed in on her. Her shadow cascaded along the ground and shimmered slightly. The center of this place, she was stood in it and all around her, surrounding her.. was darkness.
A slight warmth underneath her feet. Looking down she could see she was standing in something, a white liquid. Strange as it was… she ignored it and looked up.
As far as her eyes could see and stretching out to the horizon that never existed was nothingness. Pure darkness. So cold save for her bear feet which rested in that strange almost mystical substance, which could only be described as liquid.
"Where am i..?"
She whimpered and looked around "Where is everyone?"
Never had she felt so small, so timid… so scared. Here stood the greatest scientific genius in the universe… scared of the dark. "..I don't wanna be alone…"
Why did that sound so familiar, she'd heard that before.
"Mommy! Mommy! Release me! It's dark and it's scary! I don't wanna be alone!"
Her head shot up and she looked around "R-Ryoko?! Were are you!?"
"Mommy! Please let me go!"
"Ryoko!? I'm coming don't worry!" Although she could not tell were the voice was coming from, she began running in any direction. The constant crying and whimpering of the scared and terrified voice of her daughter rang through her eyes like church bells. She had locked her down there, she had left her alone, she had caused her to be so scared. She had even found it funny, and taped Ryoko. While she cried out to be released. She was no better than Kagato.
"Mommy I'm sorry! I didn't mean it! I'll be a good girl, promise! Just let me go!!" Another sniffle and loud child-like wailing filled her ears, Washu tried as hard as she could to keep her own tears back as they threatened to pour out of her eyes.
"Ryoko! Don't be sorry, you haven't done anything wrong!" As she continued to stumble in the darkness the sound of crying left her ears.
"….Then… why did you trap me down here?" Washu's heart skipped a beat her throat suddenly ran dry and her breath caught.
"I-I… I don't know…" There was a dead silence for a while, the light children's sniffling stopped, there was no crying no wailing.
"Washu…."
She stopped again, "Ryoko? Were are you?"
"Washu… Washu…" The voice sounded more solid, and more calm.
"Ryoko tell me where you are!!" She could feel the tears rolling down her cheeks, how could she do this to her?!
"WASHU…WASHU… wake up…"
"W-Wake up?" She looked around, the darkness was beginning to thin, she could feel the warmth returning.
"DAMMIT WASHU WAKE UP!!"
"HUH!?" she sat up abruptly "Wha-What!?" Looking around she could see she was still in her lab.
"Good.." Ryoko stood next to her with a slightly agitated look on her face "Your finally awake…"
Raising a fiery red eyebrow she looked at her daughter "Awake..? Oh… I was.. asleep?"
Ryoko gave her an odd look, as if she had grown horns "…Yeeees… Don't tell me you didn't know…" She tutted and pointed a thumb to the lab door. "Cmon Washu… Sasami's got breakfast ready.. an *I* had the honor of waking your lazy self… Get a move on.."
Watching her daughter float out of her lab, she wiped away a little bit of drool from her lip "…It was just a dream…"
***
"This looks great Sasami!" Sakuya's eyes boggled at the vast array of food and drinks "…Your defiantly a wonderful cook.. to do this *all* by yourself!"
Sasami giggled and blushed slightly. "Thank-you but Ryoko helped a bit too…"
"Oh wonderful…" Said Aeka, obviously making sure to show her sarcasm "I suppose we should be thankful that we are still alive…. For the time being.." She sighed and continued eating.
"Gee… thanks.." Aeka 'urked' slightly and looked over to Washu's laboratory door were a slightly annoyed yet playful looking Ryoko stood. She placed a hand on her hip and walked over next to Aeka "I think is should get some credit… I helped after all.." She plonked herself down next to the princess just as a timid looking Washu emerged from her lab.
Sasami beamed and giggled "Oh hello little Washu! Good morning!"
Putting on a nervous smile she approached the table and sat lightly next to Mihoshi "G-Good morning…" She was still slightly shaken from the dream, although she knew it just to be a simple silly dream she couldn't help but feel something for it. And she *never* had dreams like that before, why, she couldn't even remember the last time she had a nightmare!
"Are you alright little Washu?" She looked up and saw Sasami's concerned faced staring right at her.
"Huh? yes I'm fine…" Ryoko even stopped bickering with Aeka to look over at her strangely nervous looking mother.
"Hey.. you ok?" Washu jumped slightly causing Ryoko to briefly wear a concerned look of her own, though briefly. She didn't want anyone thinking she was going soft.
Though it was a simple question it made Washu feel a hell of a lot better, and she gave a genuine smile "Yeh.. I'm ok.." (Just a dream..)
"I've been wondering…" Sakuya said, earning everyone's attention thankfully for Washu, she didn't like too much fuss concentrated on her. "You know there's are carnival today right?"
Everyone shook their heads save for Tenchi "Oh yeh! I heard about it while we were at school!" He paused briefly "It's the carnival of coming Autumn right?" Sakuya nodded and he cocked his head while smiling. "Why? What about it?"
Sakuya giggled "I thought we might be able to go… If it's ok with you of course."
Giving a hearty laugh Tenchi nodded "Oh sure! I haven't been out in ages.. a day out will do us all some good." Ryoko looked slightly worried and glanced over to Aeka who was calmly eating "So what do you all say guys?" She turned back and watched everyone nod in agreement. Sasami giggled in her usual way as she started to put the dishes away.
"Great! A carnival wow!" She hurried into the kitchen to wash up.
Mihoshi yelled out happily as she began recklessly flinging food around "Oh wow! Oh wow! I love carnivals!"
Ryoko reached out "B-but what about…." She stopped in mid sentence as she felt a hand from under the table gently grasp her own hidden one. Turning to the princess she saw that she was smiling at her, she shook her head and stood up.
"I guess I shall go get ready then…" Taking her eyes from the cyan haired women she looked toward Tenchi "What time are we to leave?"
Tenchi looked thoughtful and then smiled "The carnival starts a 9am, so we should leave at around 8:30"
She nodded and headed up stairs without another word breathed to anyone.
Across from the table Washu gave her daughter a questioned look that went unseen. (What a perfect opportunity, today while we're at the carnival. I'll ask her exactly what's wrong….)
"Were you saying something Ryoko?" The boy's tone was calm and concerned
Shaking her head she stood "No… nothing… I'll go get ready now." Then floating up to the roof, she phased through it.
***
Princess Aeka stood in-front of her mirror as she brushed her long violet hair, her ruby eyes glistened slightly in the dim lighting of the room. She smiled calmly as she admired the beautiful dress that Ryoko had bought for her. The sky blue really brought out the shine in her hair and highlighted her eyes.
She jumped a little as she felt a pair of strong arms encircle her waist, looking up into the mirror a pair of golden orbs gazed into her own, a slight smile on the owners face. Ryoko lightly rested her head against Aeka's shoulder "You look beautiful…." Her voice was laced with it's usual sensual lowness, the deep tone that would send a shiver through your spine no matter *what* the owner was saying, Aeka turned around and smiled, she brought her arms up and put them around Ryoko's neck as the space pirate lowered her head for a kiss.
"Thankyou…" Aeka mentally thanked whatever power that was out there, that gave her the wonderful feeling she got ever time Ryoko was near, she thanked them also for giving her Ryoko.
The space pirates face suddenly turned serious as she looked deep into Aeka's violet eyes "Are you sure… that you'll be ok?" She swallowed the lump forming in the back of her throat "..Going out again I mean.."
Aeka nodded and smiled slightly "I shall be fine, I cannot seclude myself to this house because of one incident…" Holding Ryoko tighter and finding comfort in her presence she sighed "…Don't worry…"
"I have to…" She chuckled slightly at Aeka's expression "…That's my job"
***
So once everyone was dressed and ready, they set off for the carnival. It wasn't that long a trip and took around 10minutes to get there. When everyone arrived they went their own separate ways, Tenchi went with Sakuya, who insisted that Sasami and Washu should join them. "Having children around makes me feel better" So she said, no matter *how*many times people had tried to explain to her that Washu was in-fact Ryoko's mother she still couldn't quite grasp that Washu was a lot older than she looked. Mihoshi also decided to tag along with them, and of course, Ryoko and Aeka went off together on their own.
It was a wonderful atmosphere as Ryoko and Aeka walked along the street, many children were laughing and playing, the wonderful colors and music, all the rides and stalls to choose from. As they walked a little further down Ryoko glanced over and saw that the princess was in deep thought "Something up Aeka?" Aeka jumped a little but soon calmed, she lifted her head and smiled.
"No… not really"
Ryoko huffed and crossed her arms "Not *really*? Then that means that there *is* something… c'mon….. tell me what's on your mind."
Nodding as the continued to pass many stalls and so on she lightly fiddled with her dress collar "Remember the first time we came to a carnival?" Noticing the look on Ryoko's face she quickly continued "I mean the *Real*time we came to a carnival, not some silly story to make one of us seem like the bad guy.."
Chuckling slightly the ex-space pirate tried to remember.
***
The carnival lights were shining all around Jurai, many stalls were cram packed with items of luxury and tacky crap. But down near the bottom stood a single stall, on it two people tended to it, one a very tall slender and not to mention very beautiful red headed women and at her side her very short very young cyan haired daughter, so short in-fact that she could barely see over the table top. Not far away and playing around the little girl's feet was a small fuzzy brown and white cabbit.
The women fiddled with very complex trinkets and machines all her own making and design. While the little girl played about with some little badges she herself had made, little pretty badges in all shapes and sizes. Some the shape of her cabbit and others of flowers and such, but the one she was most proud of was the badge in the shape of a bird; a big red bird, it's feathers resembled that of flames and its wings spread out, the little girl polished it again.
"Hello there!" Ryoko looked up and saw her mother was talking to a customer, a tall sky blue haired lady in very fine robes "Ah… lady Misaki.. How may I help you?" The two women talked as her mother showed the lady some of her best equipment.
"Mya Mya!" Looking down again she saw that Ryo-ohki was sniffing under the table and jumping about.
She reached out and patted the cabbit slightly "What's wrong Ryo-ohki? Is there something there?" The cabbit jumped around again before bounding up onto her shoulder. The little girl walked forward as curiosity got the better of her, she lifted the table blanket and gasped slightly at what she saw.
For there, not more than a few inches away stood another little girl, her hair a wonderful shade of passionate violate and her eyes a stunning color of ruby. The little girl looked nervously around as she tugged and fiddled with her kimono.
"Um… hi….." The little girl jumped and turned to look at Ryoko, she froze momentarily not sure of what to say.
"H-Hello…" Her voice was sweet and very high pitched, but not so as to hurt your ears. She was obviously of noble blood as her perfect juraian accent was heard clearly.
Ryoko crawled under the table and stood up in-front of the little violet haired girl "My name is Ryoko… What's yours?"
Stuttering slightly she coughed and bit her lip "My name is Aeka, I am pleased to meet you.."
Ryoko raised an eyebrow as she saw the girl tremble ever so slightly "Hey hey! There's no need to be so nervous, I'm not gonna bite your head off ya know?" She looked around and walked over to the table. Standing on her tip toes she reached up and pulled something down then walked back over to Aeka. "Here…" She held out her hand to reveal the bird badge "Its not much but you can have it…"
Reaching out a shaky hand Aeka took the bird badge and stared at it. She eyed it with curiosity looking at the many pretty colors is feathers shared, then looking up again she gave Ryoko a peculiar look "This is for me?" Ryoko nodded and smiled "…Thankyou.."
"Oh! Aeka dear you've made a new friend!" Misaki immediately swooped down and some how managed to scoop both girls up in her grasp hugging them tightly. Ryoko fidgeted and struggled as Aeka just hung there in her arms, obviously this was normal to her. Finally the women put them back onto the ground and gave Ryoko a strange look while her mother looked on in amusement. "You must be Ryoko.." Ryoko nodded and glanced up at her mother who only smiled and giggled "Miss Washu has told me many things about her little Ryoko!" Again she glanced to her mother, only this time it was more of a glare.
"Y-you know my mom?"
Misaki grinned and nodded as Washu came out from under the table to join them "Oh yes I know your mommy! Miss Washu has helped me a lot with equipment to help keep our Jurai trees in perfect condition, your mother is smart!"
Crossing her arms Ryoko smirked "Of course…" She said feeling proud "She *Is* the greatest scientific genius in the universe.." She stated matter-of-factly emitting a small giggle from the little girl.
"Yes quite right.." changing the subject she motioned over to Aeka "…Well I'm sure you two have already met, but ill introduce us both all the same…" She pointed to herself, ruffling her robes slightly "I am lady Misaki, wife of Azuza….." Azuza, Azuza, were had she heard that name before?
Then lightly patting Aeka's head she continued "And this is my daughter, Princess Aeka Jurai…."
Ryoko's eyes widened and she spluttered stumbling backwards "P-P-PRINCESS!?"
***
Aeka chuckled sightly as they continued to walk along the colorfully lit path "You should have seen your face!"
Giving a small chuckle of her own Ryoko nudged her princess "Hey! How would you feel if this cute, shy little girl that you have only just met turned out to be a princess?" She smiled "I think you woulda reacted in the same way right?"
"Most likely…"
"But anyways! What are we doing just walking down here! This is a carnival for crying out loud! Lets have us some fun!" Grabbing the princess's arm she proceeded in dragging her down the path to find a stall that she liked.
***
"Wow! Tenchi can you get me that?" Sasami waved a hand at a big fuzzy teddy bear sat on one of the shop tables, she giggled as Tenchi looked closely at it "Its so cute!"
Tenchi stepped forward and prodded the overly cute stuffed animal "You want this one?" Sasami nodded. "Alright then" He turned to the stall owner and smiled pulling out his wallet "Excuse me? Can I have that bear over there please?" The shopkeeper nodded and brought the bear over, handing it to Sasami "Thankyou.." Tenchi paid for the bear and smiled as Sasami showed it to Sakuya.
"Oh that's cute Sasami!" Sakuya picked the bear up and hugged it "Wow, its so soft too!" Then spinning around she bounded over to Washu, the bear firmly in her grasp "Oh little Washu!" The little scientist cringed and turned her head to face her.
"….What now?"
"Isn't this bear so adorable!?" Then ramming the toy in the read heads face she proceeded in patting Washu's head "Do you want one too?"
Washu sweat dropped "No thankyou… I'm fine.. really" Washu carefully handed the bear back to Sasami, making sure to resist the urge in ramming it down Sakuya's throat.
Sakuya giggled "Oh c'mon! A little girl like you should have lots of teddy bears!"
For the millionth time that evening Washu cringed "Tell me something Sakuya…"
The dark haired teenager looked over to her "Hmm? What is it?"
"Do you dye your hair?"
***
"WE HAVE A WINNER!"
Ryoko waved her arms around "Whoo hoo!" As the guy in the cheap shiny suite handed her yet *another* stuffed animal, it seemed as though that was all the carnival had for prizes, but Ryoko knew otherwise.
"Well done young lady! Thank-you for playing!" As the two girls walked away from the stall Ryoko balanced the many prizes she had acquired in her arms. Two bottles of sake she had won at the shooting range, a large chocolate dinosaur won on the buzzer stall, two small bags of goodies and a large stuffed cat.
"How do you do it?" Asked Aeka as they walked down the street. Ryoko managed to peep over her prizes to look at her.
"Do what?"
Waving a hand slightly she pointed at all the items "Win every-time you play something?" She took the two bottles of sake and the chocolate dinosaur from her before she dropped them. Ryoko shifted the toy cat to under her arm and held the small bags of goodies in the other free hand.
"Oh that? Just lucky I guess.." She shrugged her shoulders and held up a goody bad "Want some?"
"No thankyou…"
"Suite yourself…."
They continued to walk in silence down the rest of the path until they reached a small square. In the center was a small fountain with a unicorn sprouting water from its open mouth. Around the edges were rows of cherry blossoms, neatly cut so that they rose no higher than you head and some benches around the outside.
Slowly they both approached a nearby bench and sat down, Ryoko placed the items on the ground at her side as Aeka did the same.
Resting her arms over the edge of the bench Ryoko leaned back and looked up into the sky. The stars were all out tonight, glistening and sparkling.
Dancing and fluttering along the dark night sky. The sweet smell of cherry blossoms in the air made her senses go insane. It was perfect.
"Wouldn't it be nice…."
"Huh?" The cyan haired girl glanced over to Aeka, slightly surprised to see the girl staring into the night sky with her. She kept her gaze steady, her ruby eyes darted from star to star.
Not wavering her train of vision she continued "Wouldn't it be nice… if could just stay like this?"
Ryoko sat up and shifted her position so she was staring directly at the side of the princess. "What do you mean?"
"I mean if we could just stay together like this?"
Reaching out she lightly placed a hand on Aeka's shoulder "I don't understand, were always together aren't we? I mean, we practically live under the same roof with everyone else!" She chuckled slightly.
"Yes… with everyone else…" Aeka looked over this time "What if someone finds out? What if they try to separate us?" Her tone of voice sounded urgent and almost pleading.
Immediately Ryoko moved her hand to grasp hold of the princess's She shuffled up closer and wrapped her free arm around Aeka's shoulder "Hey hey.. Its ok.. shh…" Smiling slightly as the princess rested her head on her chest she continued "Whatever happens, we're in this together…"
Aeka lifted her head and stared deeply into Ryoko's amber eyes, she searched into them and saw love. Nothing but unconditional love, she saw no selfish Ryoko, no scheming Ryoko. Not the Ryoko she had met on Jurai, but a new side, the side that rarely ever came out of hiding. And she became lost, lost in those eyes as she leaned forward taking the pirates lips with her own she closed her eyes and sighed.
Together.
***
The small group of four moved on to the next stall, one member lagging behind slightly, Sasami looked back. "Washu! C'mon your gonna get left behind!"
Turning to face Sasami the little red-head smiled and shook her head "You guys go on without me, there's something I gotta take care of ok?" Sasami nodded and ran to catch up with the rest of the group, smiling again Washu made her way down through the crowd of people, searching within them and around her as she walked.
***
Aeka moaned slightly as she felt the pirate's tongue slide into her mouth, she wrapped her arms around Ryoko's waist and closed her eyes.
Ryoko reached and ran her finger's through the long silky hair of the princess, marveling in how soft it felt as Aeka's tongue met her own, and thus the dance began again.
***
She stumbled again as she was pushed by passers by. The crowd knocked her and pushed her, bumped her and banged into her.
"DAMMIT YOU PRICKS! WOULD YOU MOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE!?" Nearly everyone stopped and stared at the little read headed girl, mother's shook their heads and grandparents gasped. Washu crossed her arms "Yeh yeh, whatever… now kindly move out of the way so I can find my daughter please?" That got her a few strange stares, but non the less they moved out of the way for her. "….Thankyou…"
Straightening herself she proceeded in high tailing it down through the rest of the carnival, her head and eyes darting left and right, left and right.
***
The world seemed to have stopped, their surroundings seemed to have frozen. There was only them and them only. Together, holding each other close, sharing their love and warmth through a passionate kiss, the affect clearly written on their bright red cheeks.
***
"Excuse me?" Washu tugged on an old man's coat, the man shuffled around to face her.
"Yes young lady?" Sometimes looking like a child was a pain, thought it did have it's fringe benefits.
She smiled sweetly, mimicking Sakuya, that ridiculous grin of hers seemed to get her anything… and anyone "I was wondering, have you seen two girls walk past here?" She stood on her tip toes and raised a hand "About this tall.. One had… um …." This sounded so stupid, especially on earth "..Purple hair and the other had spiky hair?"
Surprisingly the old man nodded straight away "Oh yes… those two.. cant forget a pair like that…" He stretched his arm out and pointed down a path into a small cherry tree grove "They went into that park there…."
Thanking the man she rushed off down the path.
Walking into a small square she looked around, admiring the slightly lit lanterns causing shadows to cascade off the small neatly cut cherry trees, in the center stood a large stone unicorn, proudly spurting a stream of water from its mouth.
Then she looked to her right and noticed the two figures sat on the bench (Oh there they are…) She smiled and started to walk toward them… As she went closer she suddenly stopped in her tracks. Her eyes widened and her breath caught in the back of her throat.
***
Slowly Ryoko's eyes fluttered open as she felt a presence nearby. She glanced over Aeka's shoulder and nearly choked.
The princess too opened her eyes as she felt Ryoko's body convulse and tense slightly. Tilting her head backwards she saw the panic stricken face on the pirate. "Ryoko… what's wrong?"
Suddenly Ryoko was off the bench and on her feet, looking over Aeka and at whatever had caused her to panic so. "….Shit…" she muttered under her breath as Aeka turned around to look also. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw a small shadowed figure stood at the entrance to the small square, staring directly at them.
***
Washu looked on with disbelief as her daughter jumped to her feet. A stray tear ran down her face and Ryoko tried frantically to explain.
She waved her arms in-front of her and shook her hands in defense "W-Wait! Washu it's not what you think!"
(Oh no… Oh Tsunami no…)
"Washu I can explain!.." She took a cautious step forward and cringed slightly as her mother took one, of equal distance backwards.
Shaking her head Washu clenched her fists tightly and grit her teeth.
And without another word she turned on her heels and rushed back up the path, into the carnival again, in a flurry of pain and hurt.
Immediately Ryoko was after her, and Aeka, not bothering to pick their prizes up was close behind as they both ran up the path and back into the carnival.
Making it back to the carnival they both stopped and looked around, crowds and crowds of people, children, adults and so on. But no Washu, no Washu anywere. Ryoko knelt down and punched the ground, her knuckles grinding deep into the dirt.
"SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!!!"
Whatever happens…… we're in this together….
**End chapter 6**
Authors notes: Whoo hoo! Finally! After a billion years I've finally finished the chapter! After weeks and weeks of writers block ive finally done it…. Ehehe. Well I hope that was ok. Comments and stuff send to yokouragasi593@hotmail.com anything regarding this fic is most welcome.