I do not own the rights to the characters in this fanfic, nor do I claim to. The idea, however, is mine. Enjoy!
Of Princesses and Space Pirates
Chapter 10: When You Can't Run Anymore, Part 3
"Good morning, Sasami!"
The Juraian princess looked up from her seat at the table, at the sound of Jim's voice, and smiled. "Good morning, Jim," she replied. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yeah," he stated, as his face flustered slightly. Walking to the table, he sat down across from her. The previous night, Sasami had fallen asleep before he did. And as he was falling asleep, she rolled over and curled up next to him, clinging to his side. He found it easier to fall asleep, and slept better than he had in a long, long time. A small smile found its' way to his face, and he shook his head slightly. His cheeks flustered again, only this time from embarrassment. "Stop it, Jim," he scolded himself. "God help me, I'm turning into Gene." He shuddered at the thought.
"Jim?" Glancing up, he saw Sasami looking in his direction. "Are you hungry," she asked, repeating her question.
"No, not really," he replied. His stomach suddenly growled, and he smiled guiltily as Sasami laughed. "Well… something does smell good."
"Breakfast is almost done," Sasami stated, standing from her seat and returning to the small kitchen. "Will you help set the table," she asked, turning back towards him.
"Sure." Jim stood and went into the kitchen, taking the dishes Sasami handed to him. As they went back to the table, setting the dishes around the table, Jim cleared his throat. "Where is everyone?"
"Azaka and Kamidake went out somewhere this morning," she answered. "I'm not sure where they went, though."
"What about Gene and Ryoko," Jim asked.
Sasami looked up at him, her eyes widened slightly. "They're asleep in the other room, still," she replied softly, her face flustering a pinkish tone. "I went to see if they were awake yet, but, um… they weren't…" She allowed her voice to trail, and Jim looked up at her.
"Oh!" Jim exclaimed, raising his eyebrows, as understanding dawned upon him just why, exactly, Sasami was acting embarrassed. "Sasami," he continued, scratching at the back of his head. "Gene is, um…"
"No, it's okay, really," Sasami exclaimed quickly, waving her hands in the air. "I should have just waited for them to come out on their own! I shouldn't have even went in there without knocking first." An awkward silence settled between them, and Sasami returned to the kitchen, bringing the food back to the table. After everything was set in place, Jim and Sasami sat down across from each other. Glancing over at Jim, Sasami gave a weak smile as she caught his eye. "Do you think we should call them to breakfast," she asked.
"No," he replied. "It's their loss." Looking over the food, he inhaled the scents wafting up deeply. "Everything smells great!" When he looked back at Sasami, she had a faraway look in her gaze. "Sasami?" She jumped in surprise, and guiltily looked over at him. "Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing," she exclaimed quickly. Frowning in confusion and then shrugging it off, Jim turned his attention back to the food. Sasami quietly watched him fix a plate for himself, and bit her lower lip in contemplation. "It's just that, I know it's none of my business," she began, causing Jim to look at her curiously. "I just don't want Ryoko to get hurt," she continued, glancing back towards the door. "When we were still on Earth…" Her voice trailed, and she shook her head. "Never mind. It's none of my business."
A pang of guilt ate at Jim's conscience, and he slowly put down his fork. "Sasami," he began, then pausing to search for the right words to say. "They're adults, right?" She nodded her head, and he continued, "So they know what they're doing." She nodded her head again, and Jim glanced away from her. "Besides," he stated slowly, "Melfina stands to get hurt, too, you know."
"What do you mean?"
"Melfina cares about Gene," Jim answered, lowering his voice. "A lot. She has something to lose, here, too."
Sasami paled. "I had no idea…"
"You wouldn't, anyway," Jim stated, talking normally again. "He may try to avoid it, but Gene is always getting into some sort of trouble. When you've been around him as long as I have, you just learn to sit back, and then help pick up the pieces."
"Ryoko's the same way, I suppose." Both children jumped in surprise, and looked over towards the end of the table, where Washu had suddenly appeared, sitting in a chair.
Sasami rose out of her seat, a look of shock on her face. "Washu-chan!" She furrowed her brow slightly as Washu's form shimmered slightly, and realized the red-haired genius was only there as a hologram. "What's going on?"
"It's time for us to all meet up again," Washu's hologram spoke.
"You found what you were looking for on Planet Dragon?" Washu's hologram looked towards Jim, who had spoken, and a rare, troubled smile appeared on her face.
"I'm afraid I did," she replied. "Now come along." A circle of light appeared beneath both Jim and Sasami, and the Juraian girl gasped.
"Wait, what about the others?" She closed her eyes as the light began to shimmer around her body, and a rushing sensation engulfed her senses.
"They'll be here soon enough," Washu stated.
"Whoa," Jim exclaimed. He was looking down at his hands, and then around his surroundings in awe, as he realized he and Sasami were no longer in the hotel room, but aboard the Outlaw Star.
"Jimmy! Sasami." Looking up, Jim saw Aisha sitting in her normal place. And, across from her, Suzuka sat in her normal spot. He turned around, and Melfina floated in the cylindrical navigation center. Azaka and Kamidake were also aboard.
"Washu-chan," he breathed in awe, "how-"
"It's simple transference, Jim," Washu - the real Washu - answered.
"You really are amazing," he complimented.
"Why thank you," Washu said with a smile. The look slid from her face, as she looked in Sasami's direction. She was standing near her guardians, talking quietly with them. "Sasami," she began, causing the girl to look in her direction. "I have a favor to ask of you."
"Sure, what is it, Washu-chan?"
Washu sighed, closing her eyes briefly before speaking. "You won't be very… comfortable with my request."
"Lady Washu," Azaka began to protest.
"It has to be done, Azaka," Washu stated firmly, leaving no room for argument.
"Washu-chan…" A worried look entered the Juraian girl's eyes. "What-"
"I need for you to summon Tsunami." A dead-silence filled the room, as Washu looked at Sasami.
"I-I understand," Sasami finally answered, taking a step forward. "I'll do it."
Ryoko slowly roused from her sleep, stretching and yawning before rolling over onto her side. Reaching out with her arm, she felt around the empty space beside her. Curiously opening one eye, she saw that Gene was not there. Groaning, she rolled back over, and pulled a pillow over her head. "Idiot," she grumbled, her voice slightly muffled.
Unable to fall back asleep, Ryoko sighed, and sat up in bed. A chilly air hung in the room, and a shiver went through her as she pulled the bed sheet around her nude form. Glancing in the direction the draft entered the room, she noticed that the balcony door was ajar. Frowning slightly, she stood up and crossed the bedroom, picking up her clothing as she made her way to the bathroom.
Upon entering the bathroom, she immediately noticed it was still heavy with a damp, foggy mist, and suddenly realized where Gene had been. A smile played across her lips as she tossed her clothes onto the sink, and stood in front of the mirror that hung above it. She stared at her reflection, narrowing her eyes as she noticed the darkening mark on her neck. A spark of excitement passed over her at the memory of Gene's caressing touch, and she gave herself a mental shake. Tearing her gaze away from the mirror, she glanced down at the sink, and had to smile again.
"Washu, you think of everything," she stated mentally, noticing that toothbrushes, washrags, and other toiletries lined the countertop surface.
After brushing her teeth and washing her face, Ryoko turned away from the mirror, and stepped over to the shower, turning on the stream of water. As the bathroom once again began to fill with steam, she shrugged off the bed sheet, and stepped underneath the hot stream. Washrag in hand, she soaped up and washed, inhaling the sweet scent of the soap. As the hot water rinsed away the suds, she released a contented sigh, and closed her eyes.
Subconsciously, she felt a tug at the psychic link she shared with Washu and Ryo-oh-ki, and suddenly felt Washu's presence nearby. As quickly as it had appeared, it was gone, and she slowly opened her eyes. The same nagging feeling from the night before reappeared, and her forehead burrowed into a frown. Her form shimmered just briefly, before she disappeared from the shower.
"Washu," she called out, as she reappeared in the bedroom, fully dressed. She frowned slightly, noticing Gene, who sat at the edge of the bed, was the only occupant of the room.
"I really hate it when you do that," he exclaimed, a startled look on his face.
"Was Washu just here," she asked, ignoring his statement.
"No," he drawled out, as a smirk crossed his face. "It's just the two of us."
"Are you sure," she asked distractedly. She looked over at him, making a face as he nodded his head. "Where were you this morning, anyway?"
"I was outside, getting some fresh air," he replied. He raised an eyebrow, as he looked at her. She stood with her form rigid, and her fists balled at her sides. He shook his head amusedly. "Come here, Ryoko."
"I know I felt Washu nearby," she stated, ignoring him once again. Gene sighed, standing up and walking over to her. "Hey-" she protested, as he pulled her towards him.
"I said come here," he chuckled lightly, pulling her into his lap as he sat back down. "What's bothering you, anyway?"
"Haven't you been listening," she exclaimed incredulously. Before she could say anything else, however, Gene leaned forward, capturing her lips with his.
"Let's try this again," he stated, as they parted. "Good morning, Ryoko." She sighed, however smiled slightly. As she looked at him and saw the expectant look on his face, she rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, good morning."
"And how did you sleep," he continued, a teasing tone to his voice.
"I think you know the answer to that," she replied, resting her forehead against his. She closed her eyes, extending her senses to see if she could still feel Washu's presence. There was no trace of it. As she opened her eyes again, she stared at Gene. "You really haven't seen Washu?"
"No," he began slowly, "but, I think Sasami saw us."
"W-what," Ryoko stammered, pulling away from him as her face paled.
"Not last night, this morning," he laughed. "I think Jim knows better than to come into my room in the mornings by now."
"This isn't funny, Gene," Ryoko groaned.
"You smell really good," he stated, leaning back towards her.
"Gene, stop it," she yelled, pushing him away as she stood up. "Last night was a mistake, and it won't happen again." She turned away from him, crossing her arms across her chest.
"Hey," he began gently. "Look, Ryoko, I don't think she saw much. My back was to the door, so I didn't see her, but she couldn't have been in here that long." He wrapped his arms around her from behind, stooping down slightly to rest his chin on her shoulder. "By the time I turned around to look, she was gone." He kissed her neck, smiling as he felt her relax in his arms.
"Are you two finished with your lover's quarrel, now?" Ryoko and Gene looked towards the middle of the room, where Washu was suddenly standing. Ryoko recovered first, pulling away from Gene.
"Washu!"
Gene stared in shock, dumbly blinking his eyes. "Hold on, don't tell me you do the whole disappear-reappear act, too," he began. "Washu, how the hell-"
"It's only a hologram," Ryoko blurted, cutting off his sentence. She stared at Washu's image, glaring slightly. "I knew I sensed you earlier. What's going on, Washu?"
"Ryoko-chan, you're growing up too fast for your poor mother's heart to bear," Washu's image exclaimed dramatically. Ryoko watched with growing embarrassment as the genius' image walked up to her, and grabbed her chin. "Let me have a good, long look at you," she continued, tilting Ryoko's head this way and then that. "You have that womanly glow, Ryoko-chan…" She allowed her voice to trail, as she looked over at Gene. "You! Do you plan on marrying my daughter?"
"Dammit, Washu," Ryoko yelled, as her cheeks flustered. She jerked away from the hologram. "Would you be serious?"
Washu sighed, and suddenly the entire bedroom began to fade. They found themselves instead standing in a tiny room - a room that, surprisingly, was strangely familiar to both Gene and Ryoko. Washu's image wavered, as she looked at them. "I think you'll find your answer, if you'll come to the control room."
"Washu," Ryoko exclaimed, as her image disappeared. She looked over at Gene, who once again looked surprised. "This must be pretty serious. Come on."
"How did we end up aboard the Outlaw Star," Gene asked, as he followed Ryoko through the sliding door. "This is so strange," he trailed, running his hand along the wall, to make sure it was real.
"Washu probably had our hotel room connected to the ship the whole time," she answered. "I just didn't sense it." She stopped, as the corridor split into two directions. "Uh…"
"This way," Gene stated, taking the lead. "So, how did Washu connect the room the ship?"
"By using a subspace dimension," she explained. "It's kind of like the subether stream system, only much more sophisticated. It's another of Washu's creations."
"I see." They walked in silence a way, before Gene spoke again. "What do you think this is about, anyway?"
"I don't know," she stated, a hint of frustration creeping into her tone. "Washu's blocking part of her mind off to me, so I'm as much in the dark as you. I have a feeling it has something to do with Tsunami, though."
Gene looked over at her, at the mention of her name. He remembered the fight between Sasami and Ryoko, and that name had been mentioned, then. "Who's Tsunami?"
"You'll find out, I'm sure."
Leaving the answer as it was, the two continued on in silence. The door leading to the control room loomed ahead, and Gene stopped, turning around to face Ryoko.
"Hey, whatever's going on, I just want you to know I don't think last night was mistake," he stated.
Taken completely off-guard, Ryoko looked at him and smiled at the sincerity on his face. "I must have really hurt your pride," she replied teasingly. Taking a step forward, she leaned up towards him, kissing him lightly. "I didn't mean anything by it," she said reassuringly, as she pulled away.
"Ryoko-"
"I didn't know you were so intense, Gene," she replied, brushing past him. "It's not like we're about to die, or anything."
Gene watched as she walked into the control room, and he felt like kicking himself. "Real smooth, Starwind," he chided himself. Releasing a low sigh, he turned and walked through the door, nearly colliding into Ryoko. "Hey-"
"I should have known," Ryoko spoke almost inaudibly.
Gene looked past her, into the room. Immediately, he noticed a woman he had never seen before. Azaka and Kamidake were knelt before her, while Washu stood next to her. His crew seemed in awe of her as they stared at her, and he noticed Jim kneeling next to Sasami, as she sat with a pale look on her face. As his eyes fell upon Sasami, he did a double take. The resemblance between the stranger and Sasami was eerily uncanny, and a small gasp caught in his throat. The woman seemed to have heard his reaction, and looked up. As she turned in their direction, a kind smile lit her face.
"I'm glad the two of you have come to join us," she spoke, causing the others to notice Gene and Ryoko's arrival.
"Tsunami," Ryoko began, in a much quieter tone than she meant to use. "What's going on? Why are you here?"
"Ryoko," Sasami exclaimed, as she looked in her direction. Unshed tears brimmed her eyes, and she hiccuped, causing them to spill over. "It's Ayeka and Tenchi. They're in trouble."
Ryoko felt her blood run cold, and she looked in Tsunami's direction as the woman beckoned her over with a motion of her arm. "Come, Ryoko, there's much to discuss."
Mihoshi slowly opened her eyes, and gave a sharp gasp as she jarred her injured shoulder. Her vision swam before her eyes, and as she gathered her bearings, she realized she was still in the corridor. She remembered what had happened, and willed herself to stand. Tears stung her eyes as she turned her body, placing her good shoulder firmly against the wall, so she could prop herself up. Breathing raggedly, she slowly began to push herself up along the wall. A small cry escaped her, but she was able to stand despite the pain.
"Ooh," she groaned, as the room began to spin. She realized too late that she stood too fast, as a wave of nausea washed over her. Closing her eyes, she stood still for several moments. After her dizzy spell passed, she opened her eyes, and looked down at her shoulder. She raised her good arm, and gingerly pressed her fingers against the wound. Gritting her teeth, she looked up towards the control room, and slowly made her way back in that direction. Carefully avoiding any sparking electrical wires she passed, Mihoshi could hear a woman giving out orders as she drew closer. Upon rounding the corner, she stopped as she entered the control center.
The scene before her was one of utter chaos. Special Force officers sat at different consoles, trying to access the damage to the naval spaceport, while the uninjured assisted the injured, or removed the dead from the room. A great sense of dread washed over Mihoshi as she noticed that she didn't see Kiyone and the others anywhere. Swallowing down the lump in her throat, she made her way into the room. "Valeria," she called out.
The blonde woman turned from the screen she was looking at, and relief seemed to wash over her as she laid eyes upon Mihoshi. "Officer Mihoshi," she exclaimed, approaching the other woman. She had her arm in a sling, but otherwise seemed fine. "Are you alright?"
"I'm okay," Mihoshi replied, offering a wavering smile. "How about you?"
"Oh, this," she replied, motioning to her arm. "I can't complain, however Duuz…" She allowed her voice to trail. "The suspect definitely knew what he was doing. He hit one of Duuz's critical organs." A shadow passed over her face, as she tried to smile. "But I know my partner. He's strong-willed, and will pull through this." Mihoshi was about to say something, however was interrupted.
"Officer Valeria, ma'am," a Special Force officer called out, entering the room. He saluted his superior, and then went over to one of the computer consoles. "Ma'am, we've discovered the identities of the suspects." He typed at the keyboard, and an image of Ron and Harry appeared on-screen.
"The MacDougall brothers," Valeria exclaimed as she read the screen. "What were they after?"
"We still don't know, ma'am."
"Alright, thank you," she stated. "Please continue with your efforts." She watched as the officer saluted her, and then turned back to Mihoshi.
"What's happened to Kiyone and the others?"
Valeria frowned, as she seemed to study Mihoshi for the first time. "Are you okay to walk?"
Mihoshi nodded her head. "Yes, I'm fine."
"Then please, follow me." Valeria turned to leave, and Mihoshi matched her pace as the two exited the room. "Word of this attack has surely spread to both of our respective headquarters," she began, turning slightly as she spoke to the other woman. "And I understand that you and your partner have taken on your search without official orders."
"Yes, but what does that-"
"Please, allow me to finish," Valeria stated, cutting her off. "It will be in your best interest if you're not found here when the Investigation Task team arrives to begin their investigation. So I've taken the liberty of bringing your friends to the holding bay." The two women stopped in front of a door, and as it slid open, Valeria motioned for Mihoshi to enter. "After you." Upon entering the room, Mihoshi heard someone call out her name.
"Lady Ayeka," Mihoshi exclaimed. The Juraian princess stood from her seat next to Tenchi, and Mihoshi rushed over to her side. "Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine, Mihoshi," she replied, gently hugging the other woman. "I was more concerned for you, however."
"You shouldn't have worried yourself, Lady Ayeka. Your safety is more important," Mihoshi stated. As if suddenly remembering something, she turned to her other charge. "How are you, Tenchi?"
"Just sore," he replied, holding his arm over his ribcage. She gave a sympathetic smile, and then turned to look down at her partner, where she rested across a padded bench. Her eyes were closed, and her breathing slow, and she had a pained expression on her face.
"And Kiyone?" Mihoshi turned to look at Ayeka, as a choked sob came from her direction. "Lady Ayeka, what-"
"This is horrible, Mihoshi," she cried, as she sank down to her knees. "Kiyone has been seriously injured, and my guardians… Azaka and Kamidake… they're gone!" Her body racked with silent sobs, and she dug her nails into her palms. "This was supposed to be a simple stop," she continued in anguish. "Just a simple stop."
"Mihoshi," Valeria interrupted quietly. "You really should get going, now." She turned slightly, as two officers entered the room, carrying a gurney. "The Yagami has been prepped for departure, already," she continued. "My officers will take Kiyone onboard. Lord Tenchi?"
"Yes," he asked, looking in her direction.
"Please assist Princess Ayeka to the ship." Valeria and Mihoshi watched as he silently agreed, and pulled Ayeka to her feet. Once they were gone from the room, the Special Force officer turned back towards Mihoshi. "I'm afraid the medical staff here, can't do anything for Kiyone, without performing an operation. But that would take too long, and the Task team would get here well before they could finish," she stated. "There's a satellite station nearby, known as Blue Heaven, where you can stop for medical attention. They won't refuse a Galaxy Police vessel."
"Valeria," Mihoshi trailed. "Will you get in trouble for this?"
A fleeting, concerned look crossed Valeria's face. "Possibly." She was taken off-guard, as Mihoshi suddenly approached her, enveloping her into a hug.
"You've been so kind to us," Mihoshi stated, holding back a sob. "Thank you so much!"
Valeria smiled, and pulled away from the other woman. She stood with her back a little straighter and brought up her good arm in a salute. "Officer Mihoshi, please have a safe journey." Mihoshi smiled, returning her salute, before turning to leave the room.
As Mihoshi entered the docking bay where the Yagami was waiting, she noticed that the two officers from before were waiting for her to arrive, standing at attention. After saluting and dismissing them, she slowly boarded the ship. As she entered the cockpit, she sat down in the pilot's chair tiredly.
"Welcome back, Lady Mihoshi."
"Thank you, Yagami," she replied, as she began typing at the console. "Please begin the start-up sequence."
"Please be advised, Lady Mihoshi, that the fuel-injection system has been damaged due to an explosion on the rear-left sector of the ship. Thrust compulsion will be compromised, unless-"
"Yagami," Mihoshi stated as her voice broke. "Kiyone is very sick! We have to get to Blue Heaven, or… or-"
"I understand, Lady Mihoshi. A course has been set for Blue Heaven. But be advised-"
"I don't care, Yagami." Mihoshi sighed, rubbing her eyes. "Please just try and get us there as quickly as possible. I'm turning control over to auto-pilot." After setting the status to automatic, Mihoshi rose from her seat, retreating to the sleeping quarters. She stopped briefly to check on Tenchi and Ayeka. As she entered their shared quarters, she saw that Ayeka was already fast asleep, and Tenchi stood by a port window, looking out into space. "Tenchi?"
He turned from the window, smiling slightly. "I see we're already on our way," he asked.
"Yes, I have the ship on auto-pilot for now," Mihoshi answered. "I just wanted to check on everyone." Tenchi stepped away from the spot he stood in, and walked over to the troubled woman.
"Mihoshi," he began gently, as he pulled her into a hug. "You know, it's alright if you need a break." He could feel as she gave a shudder, and yet, uncharacteristically keep her feelings in check.
"No, I'll be fine, Tenchi," she said, pulling away from him and giving a brave smile.
"Mihoshi-"
"Please try and get some rest, Lord Tenchi," she interjected, as she backed out of the room. "I'll let you know once we've reached our arrival." As the door slid closed, she continued down the hallway, until she reached the room she and Kiyone were temporarily sharing.
As she entered the room, she looked over at her partner, and saw that she was in a fitful sleep. She stepped over to Kiyone's still form, unfolding the blanket at the bottom of the bed, to cover her with. Then, walking to the corner, she dragged a chair next to the bed, and sat down. She pulled Kiyone's hand into her own.
"Hey, Kiyone," she began quietly. "Can you hear me?" The tears that she had been holding back began to cloud her vision, and she continued to hold onto her partner. "No, of course you can't," she finished in a whisper. "I'm so sorry this happened, Kiyone!" The tears fell down her face and she lowered her head, crying into her arms. "I-I'm sorry!" She jumped, as she felt a hand against the top of her head, and sat up. "Kiyone," she exclaimed, eyes wide.
"Stop that, now, Mihoshi," she replied quietly, her voice strained and weakened.
"Oh, Kiyone," Mihoshi cried. "I didn't know what to do! Everything's been going so, so wrong."
Kiyone grimaced in pain, as she accidentally jarred her body. "Are Tenchi and Ayeka safe," she asked, closing her eyes.
"Yes, we're headed for Blue Heaven."
"Then you're doing fine, Mihoshi," she smiled. "I feel so tired."
"Get some rest, Kiyone! I'm not going to leave your side, I promise." She paused, content to just watch her partner sleep.
"Mihoshi," Kiyone stated suddenly, as the room grew quiet. Turning her head slightly, she opened her eyes, and a smile crossed her face. The blonde was fast asleep. "Thank you, Mihoshi."
To be Continued…