Mihoshi glared openly at the arrogant officials before her. Barely restrained anger rose to the top of her throat like a sickening tide of bile, leaving a hideous and stale taste in her mouth. And they call her a moron? Squaring her shoulders and deliberately softening her features to her trained "jester's mask", Mihoshi listened as the council members sentenced her latest quarry to a menial penance of 2 years.
Two years... it had taken almost the same amount of time to track the quartet down and build a case of sufficient evidence against them to bring them to trial. And now after the trial and the subsequent sentencing Mihoshi felt sickened. Four years of her life wasted chasing after those four bastards! For what? So that the sentencing board could tow the thin blue GP line?
Shaking her head, Mihoshi left the sentencing room, with the smug snickers of her four-year long prey following her. Outside the courtroom journalists assailed Mihoshi. Standing proud and holding her head high, Mihoshi decorously picked her way through the pressing throng. She both loved and hated her job. It had taken her years to get to her current position, but here she was... Internal Affairs, the police of the police. On good days Mihoshi liked to view herself as the people's defense against corruption. But on bad days, and today was starting to look like one of those days, she felt more like an over-paid babysitter for a bunch of frat brothers.
In the 7 years since she had transferred from patrol to IA, she had uncovered scores of crimes of corruption. Scandals that spanned from nearly the pinnacle of GP echelons down to the dregs of universal society had been fertile grounds for investigation. Crime after crime Mihoshi held out hope that she was still fighting the good fight. But with every trial it became harder to hold back the biting cynicism that was starting to become a large portion of her personality. Years of struggling to apprehend corrupt GP officials were slowly taking its toll. And now, all she wanted was to go back to a much simpler time.
Kiyone watched as Mihoshi dazedly bumbled her way through the demanding mass of reporters. It hurt to watch Mihoshi emerge from a sentencing hearing. There never seemed to be any justice. Seven years ago, Kiyone had reviled her misfortune for being partnered with the bubble-headed blonde. But now, it pained her to watch the optimistic light slowly die in Mihoshi's eyes. Together the pair had solved an impressive tally of cases, both secure in the knowledge that they were fighting the good fight. But with each new case of corruption and greed, Kiyone sadly watched, as little by little that spark of child-like innocence grew dimmer from within Mihoshi's eyes.
This most recent case with its pitifully meager sentence could be the straw that broke the camel's back. Kiyone had her happiness, with Mihoshi as her partner, despite the initial bumbling and stumbling; she had her longed for promotion. With promotion Kiyone was able to finally keep her promise to her father. A promise made at his death and one that she had struggled to achieve with every shred of her being. But with Mihoshi's surprisingly capable help, the pair had become the new face of universal law enforcement.
Now she was free to start her life. Kiyone was happy, now she could begin the simple life she had always longed for. Hopefully she could settle down now to lead a quiet life as a restaurant owner somewhere in the outer quadrant, maybe in a sleepy little fishing village? Finally, she could marry Rashiki. Smiling Kiyone looked down at her left ring finger. She had to count her lucky stars. Rashiki had placed his life on hold for her. Even going so far as to quit his job as Head Chef for a rather prestigious restaurant to enlist with the GP. He waited patiently for her to reach this moment in her life, where she could proudly lay her promise to rest. She had avenged her father, solving the seemingly unsolvable mountain of cases that had been stacked on his desk in a forgotten dusty heap.
Eyes focusing back on Mihoshi, Kiyone shook her head. No, she hadn't solved the case alone. There had been many long nights that Mihoshi and she had spent sifting through mound of seemingly useless receipts and looking up even the most miniscule paper trail. It had been tiring and some days depressing, but Mihoshi had been there by her side to offer constant support and guidance when Kiyone had been sure all was lost. But now with her own future shining so brightly before her Kiyone didn't have the heart to abandon Mihoshi to the dull, jading life of GP IA alone.
No, if she was going to resign her post and move on with her life then Mihoshi was going to share in the wealth of fortune. All she had to do, Kiyone reasoned, was find the perfect assignment and planet for both their dreams to come true. Kiyone had spent enough time with Mihoshi to know that more than anything the blonde longed to return to her life as a First Class detective on patrol. Kiyone shook her head again; no it was more than that. Mihoshi longed to return to her life on that planet.
Kiyone stepped forward and ran a defensive scrimmage between Mihoshi and the reporters. Between Kiyone and Rashiki, the reporters were swept aside clearing a path to a vehicle. When finally the trio was safely ensconced in the plush interior of the car, Rashiki quickly started the engine and drove away from the hustle and madness of the media. For her part Mihoshi was quiet.
An unsettling silence grew between the trio. Mihoshi was rarely quiet and it was painfully obvious the generally upbeat and cheerful blonde was brooding. Kiyone felt at odds. There would be no talking to Mihoshi until she felt like talking. Hopefully this time, the outburst would not end in tears. The last time Mihoshi had cried over an unfair outcome, it had taken nearly an entire paycheck's worth of chocolate to placate her.
Silence reigned the entire ride back to their apartment. Kiyone and Rashiki had easily opened their hearts and home to Mihoshi after a rather questionable fire had left the blonde homeless nearly 6 yrs ago. Finally the ride was over and they all exited the car. Rashiki raced slightly ahead to get the elevator for the women in his life. When they arrived at their floor, again Rashiki raced slightly ahead, opening the apartment door for both women.
Kiyone smiled lovingly at Rashiki and kissed his cheek as she passed behind Mihoshi. The dejected blonde wandered aimlessly back to her bedroom and with a forceful flop landed heavily in the center of her bed. Eyes staring blankly at the ceiling, Mihoshi began counting holes in the acoustic ceiling tiles. Kiyone wrapped her arms around Rashiki. They were both worried about Mihoshi. It almost never took this long for the blonde to bounce back to her lively bubbly self. With a kiss to her forehead, Rashiki left Kiyone's side for the kitchen. Someone had to make dinner, and the kitchen was off limits for Mihoshi, especially in the mood the blonde was in. She was liable to accidentally torch the entire complex.
Kiyone sighed and settled into the couch. Turning on the television, Kiyone idly flipped from channel to channel. A random flash of red caught Kiyone's attention and she stopped on the channel. Catching a random news report concerning the Professors Hakubi, Kiyone was intrigued. The gossip show continued on jumping from the topic of Prince Yosho to the Empress Ayeka. The screen quickly flipped to the Empress issuing a statement.
Kiyone half listened to the television, her stomach quickly taking notice of the delicious odors wafting salaciously from the kitchen. "... It is in the best interest of the empire for distant members of the royal family to re-acquaint themselves. With recent events, matters of importance must be attended to with all due haste and expediency. We of the First House of Jurai shall endeavor to resolve these matters and pray for the understanding of the populace during this time of familial concerns." The statement had been brief. But there was no doubt what it was referring to.
Kiyone's attention snapped immediately back to the screen. The gossip show was now flashing images of prince Yosho and Professor Ryoko Hakubi together, then images of a beautiful blue/green planet. Kiyone's mind raced. Every scrap of information that she could remember about Mihoshi's past came to the fore. Rising swiftly Kiyone raced to her computer. If what she thought was true, was true, then she knew exactly how to get the light back in Mihoshi's eyes.
Quickly connecting to her GP work computer, Kiyone surveyed Mihoshi's service records. Something about the names Yosho, Ryoko and Ayeka had triggered something in Kiyone's mind. Eyes racing swiftly over a dazzling but baffling record Kiyone eyes finally settled on the slice of information needed. The date was little over 10 years ago. But there, in the files, were the names. Prince Yosho Jurai, a.k.a Yosho Masaki; Princess Ayeka Jurai, a.k.a Ayeka Masaki; Space Pirate Ryoko, a.k.a Ryoko Hakubi; Little Washu, a.k.a. Washu Hakubi... the list of names continued. That was the key. If the Empress was returning to visit Prince Yosho then surely they needed a patrol detail. And who better than someone previously issued the post?
Diligently study the planet, specifically the region in which Prince Yosho resided. There was much research needed and little time to make all the necessary arrangements. But if she could pull this trick off, then Mihoshi would be returning to a family, something that had been missing from the blonde's life for a while.Kiyone's smile waned slightly at the thought of losing her friend. But then if this worked then she wouldn't be losing Mihoshi's friendship but gaining the friendship of a whole family. Kiyone eyes grew bright; she remembered how fondly Mihoshi had spoken of those times from her past. The madness and the laughter, reaching through a decade's worth of time to infect the present with smiles.
Kiyone become so engrossed in her research of the area that she completely missed Rashiki's repeatedly calling to her. Dinner was ready. Finally Rashiki entered the tiny office to retrieve his fiancée. Taking a moment to look at the screen Rashiki knew exactly what Kiyone was planning. He had been hoping to discuss the same issue with her after dinner. Shaking his head, Rashiki had to laugh... after all, its not every man that finds a one in a million gem like Kiyone.
She jumped and acted on instinct, punching Rashiki in the nose and elbowing him in the solar plexus when he wrapped his arms around her. The muffled ouch, quickly grabbed her attention. Swiftly changing mental gears, Kiyone was immediately at his side. Soft words of apology and sympathy sliding easily from her lips, Kiyone shook her head, Rashiki knew better than to surprise her while she was working on something.
Sniffing the air, Kiyone's stomach growled at the scent of food in the air. As the pair made their way to the table the ravenous Mihoshi passed them in a blur of gibbering salivating hunger. Kiyone smiled, seems like food always pulled Mihoshi from whatever depressed funk she was in. The pair ambled to the dining room, only to be faced with a jubilant Mihoshi trying desperately to both savor and gorge the food before her.
Dinner was as it always was, a confusing affair. Between trying to get enough food to eat before Mihoshi inhaled it all, and trying to follow Mihoshi's conversation, dinner was to say the least always entertaining. Finally, the meal was finished. Mihoshi was stuffed. Giving a boisterous and rather polite thanks to Rashiki the blonde slowly staggered to her feet and stumbled towards the couch. If she was lucky maybe something fluffy was on... like Digi Charat reruns.
Flipping idly through the channels Mihoshi allowed the mundane repetitive motion to lull her into an inactive daze. Thoughts wandering Mihoshi took no notice of the scenes flashing before her. Where would she be if she had stayed with Tenchi? Would she be married to him? Mihoshi shook her head, reached forward and grabbed a handful of Quenepas. No, she wouldn't have married Tenchi, the emotions that were at the foundation of any lasting relationship beyond friendship were lacking between them. And Mihoshi refused to kid herself into believing that there had ever been more than the bond of family and friendship.
Cracking the green shell between her teeth and sucking the fleshy pit into her mouth, Mihoshi continued to flip through the channels. And if she were to go back? What then? Would he take her back? After all this time could he take her back? Wincing momentarily as the bitter tanginess of the fruit, Mihoshi's thoughts continued. It was silly to worry that Tenchi would not take her back. Of course he would. This was Tenchi after all, and no matter how much he changed, he would forever remain that calm, accepting boy that they had all fallen in love with.
Looking around Mihoshi made sure that no one would see what she was about to do. Eyes narrowing in concentration, Mihoshi aligned the shot and estimated the distance. Finally she inhaled mightily through her nose and spat the defleshed pit in the direction of the trashcan. A few tense seconds and then the loud satisfying pang of the hard nut hitting the bottom of the trashcan rang through the room.
Moment of pride over, Mihoshi popped another fleshy, tender fruit into her mouth. Lazily sucking at the fruit while it rolled around her mouth, Mihoshi picked up her train of thought where it had previously ended. She smiled as she remembered the silliness and the laughter. Those times had been fun and exciting. It had been almost magical back then.
Memories of that last week grasped her thoughts before she could change them. The fighting had been subdued as an almost stifling stillness settled on the house. Everyone had felt the gradual shift in Tenchi's mannerisms. His long awaited decision given a voice, each movement and action a subtle hint. Until that crucial day when he had articulated his choice, forever shattering the precariously fragile foundation to the family's house of cards of everyday life. The decision was his to make, but it would be each family member that would internalize the burden of loss.
Concentration lost to reminiscences Mihoshi's second attempt to launch a pit into the air and successfully land it into the trashcan was a failure. With a disregarding shrug, Mihoshi popped another fruit into her mouth. She had her cross to carry; she should have spoken up all those years ago when she had noticed Tenchi slowly becoming fascinated with Ryoko's private self. But instead she had preferred to maintain the status quo. Preserve the family and the happiness for as long as possible. In the end her actions had simply ensured the eventual break up.
Mihoshi sat blindly staring past the television screen. So many doubts, so many what-might-have-beens, tumbled in random secession through her mind. Shaking herself free from her doubts Mihoshi's focus returned to the TV. And providence being a divinely convenient creature, just so decided to flash the image of Ryoko and a young man that looked remarkably like Grandfather Yosho. Her attention drawn Mihoshi watched the gossip show with a determination generally reserved for her cases.
The conclusions drawn by the gossipmongers were at best implausible, but the conclusions were not her focus. Rather the details were her sole center of attention. Ryoko was seen with the Lord Yosho, and then both professors had gone on a sudden sabbatical. Bubbly excitement rushed through her body. Quickly spitting out the pit with an unerring accuracy at the trashcan, Mihoshi raced to the office, Kiyone needed to know. Needed to know that Ryoko and Washu were gone. Needed to know that could only mean that they were going back. Back to Earth, back to Japan, back to Tenchi, back home.
Rashiki cleared up all the dishes, there were some days he honestly thought he was the only one that knew how to cook and do dishes. Returning to the dining room Rashiki looked across the room to watch Kiyone stare at her computer screen. She was back at it again, he wondered how long it would take her to figure out he had already submitted the request for transfer forms. He had submitted the form in Kiyone's name so the reply should be returning shortly.
Rashiki sighed and finished washing the dishes. It had taken Kiyone more that eleven years of her life to solve the cases that her father had been working on before he had died. Eleven precious years lost, his life seemingly forever on hold while Kiyone struggled to keep her promise. A promise made by a devoted daughter to an arrogant man. Rashiki had no qualms admitting that he hated Kiyone's father. The man had been a manipulative, conniving bastard. He had used his own daughter's achievements to further his own career and cared little for her love. Kiyone's father had forever secured his own immortality by extracting that promise from his daughter.
Even now Kiyone's superiors spoke of her accomplishments as if they were the accomplishments of her long dead father. Over the years, his last words to her became elevated to the level of tenet within GP dogma. The exact words were lost to the forgetful minds of the witnesses, but through the constant retelling of the story, grander, nobler words were gifted to the dead megalomaniac.
Rashiki's thoughts returned to his future plans. He had everything all set up. The little family restaurant that he had purchased was only half a block away from the apartment. Likewise the apartment that he would share with Kiyone and Mihoshi would be only a matter of minutes by local courier methods away from the Masaki shrine. Sighing heavily Rashiki thanked all the deities that Kiyone had been too obsessed to notice his machinations.
A pair of gentle arms slid around his waist and a quiet voice whispered soothing words by his ear. Closing his eyes and savoring the moment, Rashiki felt his love for Kiyone blossom. After shutting off the water and drying his hands off on his pants, Rashiki turned in the arms wrapped around him. A warm smile crossed his lips as he looked down at the loving smile on Kiyone's face.
"Come on, I thought Mihoshi could use a surprise and we haven't gone out in a while. Besides, I figured you could use a break since you've been locked away in this kitchen for the past twenty minutes or so." Kiyone lifted her arms to his neck and kissed his cheek. "Have I told you how wonderful you are, Mr. Man?"
"Why no you haven't ma'am, but please feel free to share your epiphany with me." Rashiki's arms easily slipped around Kiyone's waist.
"Well, I'd gladly tell you how much I simply adore you Mr. Man but there are more pressing matters to attend to... say the issue of one soon to be demoted Lieutenant meddling in the personal affairs of his superiors? There's also the matter of you using my security clearance to view Mihoshi's records, not to mention the forged requests for transfers. Were you trying to get yourself locked in jail for eternity?" Kiyone couldn't help the chuckle that escaped as Rashiki's face blanched and his expression became stricken.
Rashiki stammered uselessly as Kiyone's embrace tightened around his neck. Kiyone for her part continued to chuckle quietly as he floundered. At least until Mihoshi bounced into the kitchen and clenched the pair fiercely, wailing loudly and sobbing out her joy after having read Kiyone's computer screen. Rashiki's nervousness swiftly changed to happiness. There in the kitchen the couple stood uncomfortably tolerating Mihoshi's brutal grasp, while smiling at each other. Then with the celerity of a flipped switch, Mihoshi released the couple and scurried to her bedroom. Left behind, Kiyone and Rashiki stood slightly flabbergasted and befuddled.
Finally Kiyone spoke. "I guess we'd better get ready to go. Cause you know once she's done packing we're taking Yukinojo and Yagami outta here. I'm taking it that you already have movers and what not planned?"
Rashiki held Kiyone tighter, pressing her body into his. Lowered his lips to her ear and whispered, "Don't I always take care of everything?"
Kiyone chuckled in an attempt to hide the shiver that ran down her spine when his lips caressed her ear and his rich velvety voice made her knees weak. Kiyone nodded her ascent since she doubted she could have formed words at that moment to save her life. Rashiki chuckled as he placed light kisses along her jaw. Soft salacious words of promised seduction slipped easily from Rashiki's lips. Kiyone quietly mewled and melted into Rashiki as his lips lazily trailed a meandering path down her neck. Between gentle nipping kisses, Rashiki's lips lifted in a lascivious smile; Kiyone always reacted so deliciously to his voice and kisses, it was highly gratifying.
Kiyone's salvation came along when the energetic, effervescent blonde bumbled into the kitchen. The startled couple tore apart from each other, as always Mihoshi was completely and blissfully oblivious. Bubbly enthusiasm sparking within her eyes and a gleeful smile on her face Mihoshi seemed barely able to contain her joy.
Words racing at an almost unintelligible speed flew from the momentarily hovering blonde. What was she going to wear? What was she going to say? What was she going to do? What would they think of her? Would they find her much changed? Would they be different? Would it be like old times? Questions blistered the flabbergasted pairs ears as they strained to follow Mihoshi's rambling.
Kiyone finally noticed the fear and anxiety behind the animated fervor and the uncertain quaver in Mihoshi's voice. Stepping forward, Kiyone gently wrapped an arm around Mihoshi's shoulders, while her other hand stated the fluttering nervous fidgeting of Mihoshi's fingers. With a voice full of confidence and mirth Kiyone tried to soothe Mihoshi's jangled nerves.
Stepping back Rashiki could only smile as he gave the best friends their moment of bonding before he joined them. Stepping behind the pair Rashiki flung an arm over each woman's shoulders. Placing his head between the two, Rashiki's head swung back and forth as he grinned widely at them. Both Mihoshi and Kiyone heard the off-handed comment about how lucky Rashiki believed he was to have such beautiful women at his beck and call. Mihoshi cracked first and began laughing hysterically. Meanwhile Kiyone elbowed Rashiki and heaved him away with a grumbled "Shove off" all the while a gentle smile breaking through her scowl.
Feigning injury Rashiki clutched at his chest and staggered away. The pair turned to watch his performance. Mihoshi continued to laugh and Kiyone's smile surpassed her scowl for dominance as they clapped at his wonderful dramatic presentation. With a deep bow Rashiki turned to the two singularly most important women is his life and offered his arms to escort them. Laughingly the pair both accepted his offer.
Looking at both women on either arm, Rashiki smiled... he wasn't sure what kind of adventure he had gotten them into, but he knew as long as they were together life would only get better. And as they stepped out of the kitchen Mihoshi couldn't help humming a tune that she has once heard while flipping through the vast channels provided by one of Washu's inventions. Both Rashiki and Kiyone gave confused looks to Mihoshi as the trio made their way towards the front door.
Mihoshi merrily opened the door for her friends. Continuing to hum and ignoring the befuddled looks from her friends as she marched through the door behind them... after all they were on their way to go see a wizard, weren't they?
Post Chapter Rant: And yet again I introduced another male character. We can't have the Masaki men getting lonely now can we? Sorry for the prolonged delay. I'm about halfway finished with the latest chapter to Bound Through Space. I'm still suffering from a horrible writer's block, so I hope that this chapter hasn't killed anyone from boredom. Once again I hope you liked this.