Hey, everyone. It's been a while. I've been busy with my other stories. Now it's time to go on with this one. Well, I guess a lot of you liked Jiro. But he's my guy. I love bad guys. So stay away from him, unless if you really want him. Then you'll have to dream. I do too. Here's the next chapter.

Payback

Things had gotten awful quiet around here, Ryoko thought. It had been almost a month since Sasami was kidnapped. She didn't mean to complain. Sasami was awesome to have around. She had made the warehouse a livable place by cleaning, decorating, and sharing in the chores. She even made the meals, which were excellent as always. She was more of a companion then a hostage. But Ryoko was uneasy. She was surprised that the police hadn't caught on to their scheme. They were supposed to rob the First National Bank, but they had decided to put it off until they returned Sasami. At this rate, it wouldn't be anytime soon.

Sasami had almost forgot about going back to the mansion when Ryo-ohki (can't spell) found her. She had been Tenchi and Sasami's pet for their whole life. Sasami had to leave the cabbit behind when she ran away. But now that they were together, there was never a dull moment. It was almost as if they could understand each other. The only thing she had to worry about now was Tenchi and Ryoko's safety.

Tenchi, in fact, left to check on the situation. He was going to meet someone sent from Ayeka to negotiate. Ryoko didn't know where, but she had a feeling that something big was going to happen. She hoped that Tenchi would be alright by himself. Sasami was also worried. What if the negotiator went against their wishes and brought police? Tenchi would be sent to death row most certainly. But they would just have to wait until his return. Little did they know that someone was watching them, waiting for the perfect opportunity.


Tenchi drove into an abandoned neighborhood. He parked his car in the run-down car shop. This was where he was to meet the negotiator. He was a little nervous, but he knew exactly what to do. He ran to the shadows when he heard another car drive up. To his surprise, the person that stepped out was none other than Washu.

Washu was dressed in a drench coat with a detective's hat. That was her alright. She never missed the chance to take a role too seriously. Tenchi decided to play along. "Are you alone?" he asked.

"Yes," Washu answered. "Just as you requested. No cops, no guns, no tricks. You can show yourself now."

"Why would I do that?"

"Ok, you don't have to, Tenchi." Tenchi was shocked. How did she know? "Your voice can't fool me. I would like to face my opponent head on if you don't mind." Tenchi smiled and stepped forward, putting his gun back in his pocket.

"Since you already know, I suppose you'll turn me in."

"That was another agreement. I would not reveal you, at least not yet. So, how have you been holding out?"

"Fine, Ryoko and I have been able to avoid the cops. You?" Washu smiled.

"Unfortunately, the greatest scientist in the universe isn't as popular as she should be. I got stuck tutoring a spoiled brat, then the smart poor girl." Tenchi chuckled. I guess Ayeka hasn't changed, he thought. "Let's get down to business. What are your terms?"

"We want five million dollars for Sasami's return. We're not sure when we will make the exchange, but it will be soon. I want you to call me at this number when you have relayed the message to Ayeka. If you don't agree to our terms…"

"Then what, we'll find Sasami floating down the river? I know you wouldn't do that, Tenchi, and neither would Ryoko. She has my brains. It's amazing that I've kept it a secret that she's my daughter. I can keep your secret too until you want to tell them. Just keep Sasami safe. I couldn't bear it if anything happened to her."

"I will. Thank you." Washu started walking off but snapped her fingers.

"One more thing." She threw a stick at Tenchi. It had three red stones on the round end and had beautiful and skilled carvings. "Your grandfather wanted me to give this to you after he died. He said you would need it and that you would know how it works. I only wish you knew how right he was. Take care, Tenchi." Washu got in her car and took off. Tenchi looked at the stick. He knew what it was. Sword Tenchi.

"Thanks, Washu."


Back at the warehouse, Sasami was cooking dinner when someone knocked at the door. "I'll get it," she said, but Ryoko stopped her.

"Sasami, wait," she whispered. Ryoko had a feeling that it was someone ominous. "It's open." The person walked in was her old partner in crime, Nagi. "Nagi, what are you doing here?"

"Is that anyway to greet an old friend?" she asked with a smile.

"We were never friends! We were partners, which was a mistake. Why are you here?" Nagi drew her sword.

"Jiro misses you, Ryoko. He wants to see you again. He can't wait to attend your funeral." Nagi charged at Ryoko. Ryoko blocked her sword with her orange energy saber. The battle seemed to go on forever. They were both great rivals. That much Sasami could tell as she watched the two equally matched fighters go at it. She wondered where Tenchi could be. "You've kept up your skills, Ryoko."

"You're not too shabby yourself, Nagi." Ryoko thought that Nagi would tire out. All she had to do was hold out a little longer. Then a shot rang through the building. Ryoko looked down and saw blood seeping down her leg. She clenched her side and fell to the ground. She heard steps approaching. Her eyes soon met Jiro's.

"You have become soft, Ryoko," he said with an evil grin. "You would usually kill right away and then grab the money. You would never leave yourself open to attack." Sasami started to run but stopped when she saw a sword in front of her. Jiro clicked his tongue at her in displeasure. "I thought you were well behaved. You shouldn't just run without introducing yourself." Sasami looked into his cold blue eyes. Even though they were so bright and beautiful, a wave of fear caused her to freeze in panic. Jiro put his sword away, grabbed his gun, and pointed it at her head.

"Leave her alone, Jiro," Ryoko growled. "She has nothing to do with us."

"On the contrary, she has everything to do with you. She'll make a great lure for Tenchi." He grabbed Sasami by the arm and led her out, but not before taking out a hand grenade. "Unfortunately, you won't get to see your man slaughtered. My gift to you." He threw the bomb into the warehouse and laughed as he closed the door. Ryoko got up and ran as fast as she could, trying not to concentrate on the pain in her side.


As Jiro and Nagi drove off with Sasami, the warehouse blew up. Sasami looked back with wide eyes. The warehouse had collapsed and was now burning to the ground. "Ryoko," she whispered. Jiro chuckled at the girl.

"Don't worry, my precious. You won't have to join her too soon. I intend to keep you alive. You could be useful to me for many years. Tenchi, on the other hand, will meet his love sooner than he thinks." Sasami started crying at the thought. All she could do now is pray that he wouldn't follow her.