I do not own the rights to any of 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 4
The Outlaw Star raced across the cosmos, passing through one subether stream into the next. On board, Gene and his crew were positioned in their usual places. Jim, at Washu's request, was hacking into the Yagami's travel log, trying to trace the ship's whereabouts. Tsunami stood in the front of the ship, staring out at the stars through the oval viewing-window, and Washu floated in the air, tapping away at her laptop. Azaka and Kamidake floated in side-by-side liquid-filled cylinders, with wires connected to their bodies, and Sasami stood by their side, a worried gaze on her face. Ryoko, however, was pacing back and forth, unable to keep still.
"Ryoko," Washu began slowly, "your pacing is very distracting. We won't reach our destination any quicker, you realize."
"I thought this ship was supposed to be the fastest in the universe," she grumbled.
"Hey," Gene snapped. "This is the fastest ship!"
"I bet Ryo-oh-ki is faster," she mumbled underneath her breath. Washu overheard Ryoko's words, and smiled slightly.
As Washu stared at the screen in front of her, her eyes widened gleefully. "I think I was able to extract the surveillance footage from the naval base," she stated, gaining everyone's attention. After typing a series of commands, she floated to the ground, and walked over to the main console. "Gilliam, I'd like for you to play this back onscreen." A wire extended from her laptop, and connected to the ship's main computer.
"Of course, Lady Washu," Gilliam responded. All eyes turned to the screen, as the video began to play. Sasami turned from her vigil over her guardians, to watch as well.
Using her laptop to control the video stream, Washu looked up at the screen, to see the playback. "Ah, here we are," she mumbled, as she found the section of the video she wanted.
"There they are," Sasami exclaimed, as her sister and the others appeared onscreen. They watched the video in silence, until two other figures entered the room.
"Hey, this really is video from that naval base," Gene stated. "There's Valeria and Duuz…"
"Where are they going," Jim interjected, as they began to exit through the door.
"Hmm…" Washu trailed. Turning back to the laptop, she once again typed something into the computer, causing the camera angel to change. The video now showed Ayeka and the others in the hallway. As the group was led from the holding room, those onboard the Outlaw Star watched as a Special Force officer stopped to salute Valeria and Duuz. Behind him, unfortunately, were two men who were easily recognizable.
"Son of a bitch," Gene cursed, sneering at the screen. "It's the MacDougall brothers. What the hell are they doing there?" Ryoko's eyes narrowed, as she, too, recognized the two men.
"Those two…" Sasami's eyes widened fearfully, as memories of what happened on Sentinel III resurfaced. "Tsunami," she began, turning to look at her counterpart, "why would they be there?"
The regal woman smiled gently, however remained quiet. She looked up at the screen, watching the video as the two men disappeared into the holding room the others had just exited, while Ayeka and the others were escorted to the control center of the base. The view switched again, this time showing the perspective from the control room. Suddenly, the image shook violently, before turning blank.
"What happened," Sasami exclaimed, alarmed. Her eyes flitted over in Azaka and Kamidake's direction. "Washu, could this… is this when Ayeka's guardians were destroyed?"
"Yes, Princess, I believe so," Washu answered. "It's why I put your guardians in the regenerative tanks. It's the only way to call your sister's guardians' energies here, so that I may be able to recreate them. I explained that earlier."
"Nothing else can be done from this point, I'm afraid," Tsunami stated softly, gaining everyone's attention. "I grow weak." She walked over to Sasami, resting a hand on her shoulder. "Your mind can only withstand so much stress. And, in this situation, your resources have been nearly exhausted. I will return to you, when your mind has been put to ease." Before anything else could be said, a circle of light surrounded both Sasami and Tsunami, and then Tsunami was gone.
"Washu-chan," Jim stated, as a beeping-sound from the console in front of him signaled. "I think I've found something. Take a look at this!" Washu went to his side, and looked at the screen. A frown crossed her face.
"Gilliam," she began, reaching out in front of Jim, and pressing a series of buttons on the console. "Change our course to these coordinates. And Melfina," she paused, turning in the woman's direction, "we need to exceed maximum velocity." The dark-haired woman's eyes widened in surprise, however she nodded her head in understanding.
"Washu, what's going on," Ryoko demanded.
"Kiyone and Mihoshi's ship is headed straight for Salgassou."
"Salgassou," Aisha exclaimed. "The spaceship graveyard?"
"I've heard of that place," Gene stated grimly. "But if that's where their ship is headed…" He allowed his voice to trail, and shook his head slightly. "I don't see how we're supposed to save them."
"True, it's a difficult task." Washu turned, to look at her daughter. "But it can be done."
Ryoko narrowed her eyes at the pensive look Washu gave her. "What?"
Washu smiled, shaking her head slightly. "You may be fooling everyone else, but you can't fool me. I know how you feel about this, Ryoko-chan. The choice is yours to make, of course." She paused, and as she looked at the woman she called her daughter, the others onboard watched the exchange awkwardly. "So," she continued, "what will you do, Ryoko?"
Crossing her arms in front of her, Ryoko glanced briefly at Sasami, as she thought over her answer. "I guess I really don't have a choice," she answered, as she shrugged her shoulders almost impassively. "We have to save them." She barked out a short laugh. "And here, I was hoping to get away from all of Ayeka's drama."
"Hey! That's really insensitive, Ryoko," Jim frowned. "For God's sake, that's Sasami's sister you're talking about!"
"No, Jim, it's okay," Sasami stated. She moved to Ryoko's side, and looked up at her. "Thank you, Ryoko," she began, her voice breaking slightly. "I knew I could count on you." The former space pirate was taken by surprise as Sasami lunged at her, wrapping her arms around her. A half-smile crossed Ryoko's face, as she brought up her hand, and rested it on the top of her head.
"I'd do anything for you, Sasami," she whispered.
"Okay, this is great, and everything," Gene began dryly, earning a glare from Ryoko's direction. "But how are we supposed to save them? I had heard Salgassou's like a black hole. It completely kills power once you're anywhere near it."
"We have this ship, don't we," Washu asked.
"Yeah, it's a powerful ship," Gene boasted. "But-"
"Then don't worry about it," Washu cut him off. "We'll play the situation by ear." Gene gave her an annoyed look, and slumped in his chair slightly.
"We'll see," he grumbled.
"You're not scared, are you Gene," Jim joked, turning in his seat to look at the red-haired man.
"Shut up, Jim," he yelled back. As the two began to bicker, Washu walked over to the space Tsunami had been standing earlier, and released a troubled sigh. Ryoko looked up, watching her silently.
"You'd better tell me what's going on soon, Washu," she spoke to herself, allowing her thoughts to penetrate Washu's mind. Washu looked into the reflection of the glass, towards Ryoko, and gave a furtive smile.
"You'll know soon enough, Ryoko," Washu spoke through their psychic link. She looked away from her daughter, and stared out into space.
Ron MacDougall sat in the pilot's chair of the El Dorado, looking intensely in front of him. His fingers gripped the armrest, and he had his jaw clenched in thought. Behind him, Harry was ecstatic over their victory. As the sleek, golden ship exited the subether stream, Planet Dragon loomed in front of them.
"There it is, Ron," Harry spoke. "Our Goddess awaits our successful return."
"Our Goddess," Ron scoffed silently. A sneer crossed his features, however he remained silent. Behind him, Harry frowned.
"Ron?"
Stifling a sigh, Ron turned in his seat slightly. "What is it, Harry."
The temperamental man narrowed his eyes slightly, as he looked at his brother. "I do hope you're happy with our success," Harry spoke, an edge creeping into his tone.
Ron turned away, as a sinking feeling settled in the center of his chest. He closed his eyes, and released a heavy sigh. He still was not used to his brother acting this way towards him. "Of course I'm happy, Harry," he stated.
"But," Harry prompted.
"But nothing," Ron sighed tiredly. "I'm just ready to help… our Goddess achieve her goal, so we can get away from her. Harry, don't you feel that way, too? We've been given this second chance! This," he continued, gesturing with a wave of his arm, "is not how things are supposed to be! We should not be dependent on anyone."
"You don't know what you're saying."
"I know exactly what I'm saying," Ron exploded, turning back to look at his brother. "You've changed! I don't like it. You've become submission to her whims." He stared at Harry, however the other man had an impassive look on his face. Disgusted, Ron turned away. "We should get back to her. Let's-"
"You will soon understand her plan, and come to accept it, Ron," Harry interrupted, gaining Ron's attention once again. "She'll show you the path!"
"Harry," Ron exclaimed, alarmed as suddenly his brother disappeared from the navigational center. He stood from his seat, and as he started over in the direction where his brother had been, he stopped as he felt his body give a sudden jerk. He felt as a force pulled at the center of his body, and suddenly a sensation of falling came over him. He felt, before he heard, that he was screaming, and his whole body felt as if it were on fire. Then as quickly as it had begun, the falling sensation ended, and he landed roughly on the ground. Breathing heavily, he pushed himself up to stand with shaking arms.
"Doesn't it feel amazing? Your powers have finally awakened."
Glancing up at the sound of his brother's voice, Ron saw the other man standing before him. He took a long look around at his surroundings, and then back to Harry. "Where are we?"
"At the gateway to the Leyline," Harry answered. "This key," he continued, producing the object they had retrieved from the Private Security Force base, "will open the way for our Lady to return to this plane." The object in his hand was not a conventional key, as it resembled something more akin to a crystal. It was oblong in shape, and green in color. "Come with me, Ron."
Ron watched his brother walk away, heading towards the other end of what appeared to be a temple. The intricately carved designs on the walls glowed softly, and he frowned as he turned to follow Harry. As he reached where his brother stood in front of a blank wall, he stepped over an indentation in the ground, and stared at his brother. "So, now what-"
His question was cut off, as suddenly, the indentation in the ground began to light up, and something began to emerge. Taking a step back, Ron watched as some sort of statue rose up from the ground. The statue appeared to consist of just three arms, in a triangular formation. The three hands were opened, with the palms facing straight up into the air. In the middle of the arms, there was a niche where, obviously, the crystal was to be placed.
Harry turned to look at his brother, and an odd smile appeared on his face. "It's time to release our Goddess!" Walking to the statue, the man eagerly, yet gently, placed the crystal into the niche. Almost immediately, the three hands grasped the crystal, and a swift breeze passed throughout the chamber. Without warning, the entire Temple began to shake violently. The three arms slowly began to sink down into the base of the statue. As they completely disappeared, the tremor that shook the Temple suddenly stopped.
Swallowing noisily, Ron looked at his brother. "What have you done," he wondered silently. His attention returned to the wall, as a green symbol resembling a dragon, began to glow softly upon it. Harry rushed to Ron's side, pushing his brother down the ground, and then kneeled down next to him. "Harry, what the hell is your problem?"
"She comes!"
Ron turned back towards the wall, and reeled back in surprise. The figure of a woman slowly began to emerge from the symbol, as if passing through a curtain. The wall pulled and stretched around the woman's form, and as she completely passed through the barrier, the wall wavered as if it were the surface of a body of water, disturbed by some foreign object.
"My Lady," Harry exclaimed, as he moved forward and bowed before her, so that his forehead rested upon her feet. A cold smile crossed her face, and she closed her eyes, inhaling the air deep into her lungs.
"Finally," she sighed, opening her eyes as she released the breath she held. "I am freed of my prison." Stepping past Harry as he knelt by her feet, she looked down in Ron's direction, and the cruel gaze she gave him sent a shiver down his spine. Ron watched as she approached the statue, briefly resting her hand upon it, before walking past. As she made her way towards the entrance of the Temple, he found his voice.
"Are we free of you?" He stood up, squaring his shoulders bravely as she turned back to look at him. "We have keep our part of the bargain," he continued on, cursing to himself that his voice was shaky. He cleared his throat, and continued, "It's time that you upheld yours."
"Of course," she replied as she quirked an eyebrow. "However, I do have one more request of you to make. You must take me to Tsunami, since she would not come to me." She continued to make her way to the door. "Then, you can have the freedom you so covet."
"We will do anything for you," Harry interjected, before Ron had a chance to reply. Ron shot him an angry glare, and then turned to follow the woman. As she reached the doorway, she stopped suddenly.
"What is it," Ron asked. He watched, as she cautiously reached out with her hand, and then quickly drew it back as some sort of energy struck her.
"Washu," she growled vehemently. Turning back to face the two MacDougall brothers, a sour expression settled on her face. "It would seem my dear sister does not wish for me to leave here quite yet."
"What will you have us do, then," Harry asked. "Should we force them here?
"No," she answered. "Both my sisters have surely felt my presence. They will come of their own accord. For the time being, you must return to the Leyline. I will follow you shortly."
Harry bowed in submission. "As you wish."
A great fear pressed down upon Ron, as he watched his brother's form shimmer, and then disappear. He glowered at the self-proclaimed goddess, his hatred for the woman growing even deeper. She had turned her back to him once again. She was vulnerable. Without a second thought, he retrieved his castor staff from the folds of his coat and took aim at the woman, firing off a single shot. A protective shield erupted around the woman's form, dissipating the shot almost immediately. She turned towards him slightly, and a smile that made his blood run cold spread across her face.
It was at that exact moment, Ron realized his life was about to come to an end.
He watched, horror-filled, as the woman raised an arm into the air. She created a ball of energy, and it formed into a beam - similar to what he had seen his brother wield. "I knew you would betray me," she spoke, her eyes flashing coldly, and without emotion. She flicked her wrist, and the beam shot forward, impaling Ron's chest. He gasped sharply in pain and tears stung his eyes, as they widened. "But you will serve a greater purpose, Ronald MacDougall," she continued. She laughed, as he fell limp to the ground. "Try not to die too quickly."
A wind swept across the Temple, and he sensed as she disappeared. An anguished cry escaped his throat, and a searing pain passed through his body with every breath he drew. "H-Harry," he cried. As tears pooled in his eyes, a cruel realization came to him. He was going to die alone.
Mihoshi woke with a start, and as her eyes fluttered open, the first thing she noticed was that for some reason, the emergency lights were on. Sitting up straight in her chair, she glanced down at Kiyone. She reached forward, placing a hand gently against the other woman's forehead.
"Oh no," Mihoshi murmured, as she watched Kiyone frown at the sudden, cold touch of her hand. "You're getting a fever!"
She stood from her seat, and walked over to he door. She blinked, confused, as it didn't slide open, as it should have. She reached over to the side of the door, pressing the button to open it manually, however it still didn't budge. "Come on, Yagami," she whined slightly. "We don't have any power at all?"
Not surprisingly, her question went unanswered. Frowning in determination, she stepped in front of the doorway, placing her fingers in the small gap between the door and the wall. She grunted as she began to pry the door open. Once the gap was wide enough, she squeezed her body into the space, continuing in her task. As the door gave way, she felt herself losing balance, and fell hard to the ground. "Ouch," she groaned, gingerly rubbing her backside.
After picking herself up from the ground, she proceeded down the corridor, with only the emergency lights illuminating the way. She paused momentarily at Tenchi and Ayeka's door, before continuing on. "No, I have to get the power back on, first," she stated. "I'll be right back," she yelled out, as she began to run down the hallway.
As she entered the control room, a look of surprise etched across her face. The primary view-screen, which usually displayed their surroundings outside of the ship, now only showed static. "That's weird," she thought. Walking over to the control panel, she sat down in the seat.
"Yagami, status report," she stated, as she typed at the console. When she didn't get a response, she glanced up at the screen. "Hello, Yagami," she repeated. "Switch to the secondary power generator." Frowning slightly, she manually typed in the command. At first, there was no reaction, however as power slowly began to return to the ship, and the console began to beep to life and light up, she gave a small cheer.
"Lady Mihoshi," the ship's computerized voice spoke.
"Welcome back, Yagami," the blonde beamed. "What happened?"
"I'm afraid that damage to the ship has caused us to go off course," the ship answered. "We've become stranded. Before I could alert you to this problem, the ship lost power."
The smile from Mihoshi's face slowly disappeared. "S-stranded?" Looking up towards the screen, she noticed it, too, was back online. "Let me see a shot of our perimeter, please, Yagami," she ordered. The screen switched to show the outside of the ship, and her eyes widened slowly. All around, there were other ships - some privately owned, and some government - that floated in space lifeless and listlessly; she could see no apparent signs of life. She slammed her hands against the console, shutting off the image. She drew a shaky breath, before looking back up at the now-blank screen. "What's going on, Yagami? How did this happen?"
"I believe the navigational program was also damaged. I did not detect this problem before launch. I apologize, Lady Mihoshi."
"Well, it's okay," she replied. "We'll be fine. All we have to do is output our distress signal." She gasped as there was a power surge, and a worried expression crossed her face. "Yagami, what's wrong?"
"It would seem this place we've entered has been negating our secondary energy resources. We're losing power."
Mihoshi looked around frantically as the controls slowly began to dim, and the emergency lights came back on. "Oh no, no," she exclaimed, staring at the screen. "Yagami!"
"I'm… sorry… Lady Mihoshi," the ship spoke brokenly, as the screen once again turned back to static.
"Yagami, you have to try," she yelled, as she pounded the keys. "Kiyone needs help. Yagami!" The ship completely shut down, and Mihoshi sunk down to her knees. "K-Kiyone," she hiccuped, burying her face in her hands as she cried.
"You know, you never cease to amaze me, Mihoshi."
The blonde jumped in surprise however knew immediately who had spoken to her. She turned in place, and as she looked at the other person, her eyes widened with hope. "Ryoko," she exclaimed.
The former space pirate stood just behind Mihoshi with an expression on her face somewhere between a smile and a smirk. "You haven't changed much," she continued, walking towards the other woman. "Always crying at the smallest of emergencies." She stopped right in front of her, offering her hand. "Come on, Mihoshi," she spoke. "Let's get you out of here."
Reaching out slowly, Mihoshi placed her hand in Ryoko's and allowed the woman to pull her up. "Ryoko," she exclaimed, embracing the other woman tightly. "How did you find us? How'd you get here?"
"One question at a time, Mihoshi," Ryoko stated with an amused laugh. "Now come on, where are the others?"
"We have to get Kiyone out first," Mihoshi answered, as worry clouded her eyes. "She's been seriously hurt." Without warning, she pulled away from Ryoko, and ran out towards the corridor. "Come on," she exclaimed, turning to her slightly, before disappearing down the hall.
"Mihoshi," Ryoko groaned, lifting up into the air, and then phasing through the wall as she flew through the air. She easily caught up with the other woman, landing next to her as she stopped in front of the door she and Kiyone shared.
"She's through here," she stated, entering through the still-opened door. The two approached Kiyone's prone form, and Ryoko frowned.
"You weren't kidding when you said she was hurt," she said quietly, as she looked at Kiyone's pale, sweating face. Stooping down, she picked Kiyone up gently and supported her form. "I'll be right back." Mihoshi blinked, and Ryoko was gone.
"Ryoko," Sasami exclaimed, as the woman reappeared aboard the Outlaw Star. She took one look at Kiyone, and rushed forward. "What happened?"
"I need to get back," Ryoko replied apologetically. "Washu-"
"Say no more," Washu interrupted. She typed a command into her laptop, and a cylinder similar to the ones Azaka and Kamidake were in, appeared next to her. She looked at Gene, motioning for him to stand up. "Help me with Kiyone, would you? Bring her over here."
"Sure," he replied, jumping out of his seat. He met Ryoko halfway, as she walked towards him, and took Kiyone from her arms. She flashed him an appreciative smile, and then phased from the ship. He walked with Kiyone in his arms, over to Washu, and placed her inside the cylinder. As it closed and began to fill with water, he turned to Washu. "What's this supposed to do?"
"Why, save her life, of course," she boasted. "I am a genius!"
"Mihoshi," Ryoko called out, as she reappeared back aboard Yagami.
"Over here, Ryoko," Mihoshi exclaimed. Ryoko turned, and saw she was a little way further down the corridor. Frowning, she started over in the other woman's direction.
"Mihoshi, what-"
"Tenchi and Ayeka are stuck in here!"
"Mihoshi, what's going on out there," Tenchi called through the door, causing Ryoko to stop. Her stomach began to tie up into knots, and her mouth began to go dry. She just stared at the door, unable to move.
"Mihoshi, is everything alright out there?" It was Ayeka that spoke, this time.
"Yes, don't worry about anything," Mihoshi called back. "We'll have you out soon." She turned, and saw that Ryoko was just standing by idly. "Ryoko," she exclaimed, causing the woman to snap out of her state of shock. "Come help me with the door."
Shaking her head, she went the rest of the way, closing the space between them. "Right. Um," she began inarticulately. "Step aside, Mihoshi," she commanded, as she put a space in-between herself and the door. As Mihoshi did as she was told, Ryoko rose a hand up into the air, and energy began to gather there quickly. As she was about to release the energy, the door slowly began to open. In the same manner that Mihoshi had opened her door earlier, Tenchi forced his and Ayeka's door open the same way.
"Mihoshi," he began, as he emerged from the room, "what-" He allowed his voice to trail, as his sight fell upon Ryoko. She turned her gaze away from him, allowing the energy ball in her hand to dissipate. "Ryoko!"
"Ryoko," Ayeka exclaimed, as she, too, exited the room. "Ryoko? What are you doing here?" The former pirate bristled at her words.
"Trust me, I don't want to be," Ryoko replied, still not looking at the two.
Mihoshi looked between Ryoko, Tenchi and Ayeka, and shook her head slightly. "Ryoko, you-"
"Ryoko, please look at me," Ayeka interrupted. Releasing a sigh, Ryoko complied, and as she finally looked at Ayeka, she was surprised to see that the Juraian princess had tears in her eyes. "You had us worried," she choked out with a sob.
"Oh, here we go," Ryoko sneered. "Why don't you just save it, Ayeka! Before you say anything, I didn't kidnap Sasami. She stowed away aboard Ryo-oh-ki. I didn't know she was onboard, or else I wouldn't have left like I did."
Tenchi stepped forward. "Ryoko-"
"Don't you interrupt me," she snapped, sending him a look that dared him to say anything else. He was taken aback, but remained silent. "I would have brought Sasami back to Earth, even if she hated me for it," she continued, looking at Ayeka once again. "But she was just as hurt as I was after what happened. She needed some time! You never gave either of us that chance, because you went running to your damn father! All this," she screamed, causing Ayeka to jump, "is your fault. Your fault, Ayeka, not mine!"
The tears slipped down Ayeka's face as she looked down at the ground. "I know," she whispered.
By this time, Ryoko's entire body was shaking with mixed emotions. She looked at Ayeka, and frowned slightly. "What?"
"I said I know, Ryoko," she said, raising her voice slightly. "I never wanted that bounty placed! I just wanted to see my sister! I wanted to see that she was safe. I was worried sick! And… I wanted to apologize. To both of you." She looked at her pleadingly, as Ryoko crossed her arms. "I was wrong, okay? I was wrong to make it seem like you were to blame for our fight."
"I need to apologize, too, Ryoko," Tenchi added, causing her to look at him. "I shouldn't have reacted the way that I did."
"Yeah," she snorted. "Whatever. Just forget it." Ryoko paused, closing her eyes briefly as she released a sigh. "Anyway," she began. "Sasami is fine. She's aboard the other ship."
Ayeka looked at Ryoko with hopeful eyes. "Is Sasami… okay with seeing me?"
"Yeah," she replied. "She was worried about all of you. Anyway, let's get going, Mihoshi," she stated, turning around towards the blonde. She frowned in confusion however, as she saw she wasn't there. "Mihoshi?"
"Where'd she go," Tenchi asked.
Ryoko released a sigh. "I think I know." She approached Tenchi and Ayeka, grabbing them around their waists, and pulled them to her. She lifted up into the air, and as she phased back through the wall, they were once again in the control room. "Mihoshi, come on, let's go," she stated, spotting the blonde at the console.
"I have to try and get Yagami to start," Mihoshi explained. "Just take Tenchi and Ayeka, then come back for me."
"Mihoshi-"
"Please, Ryoko," the officer pleaded. "I have to try!" Ryoko released a sigh, and then nodded her head silently. As she once again appeared aboard the Outlaw Star, she released her hold on her two passengers.
Ayeka looked around with wide eyes. "This isn't… we're not aboard Ryo-oh-ki." She turned, looking at Ryoko. "Where are we?"
"Welcome aboard the Outlaw Star, Princess Ayeka." As she turned to look at the person who had spoken, her face lit with recognition.
"You," she exclaimed. "You're Gene Starwind!"
"That's right," he replied. "How do you know who I am?"
"Officer Valeria told me about you, your crew and this ship…" Her voice trailed, and she looked around the ship, and the crew. She saw Azaka and Kamidake in their tanks, and a pang of sadness pulled at her chest. Then finally, her sight landed on her sister. "Sasami," she whispered, making her way to where the younger Juraian princess stood. Sasami just stood there rigidly, however her face showed her relief. Ayeka came to stop in front of her sister, and wrenched her hands in front of herself nervously. "Sasami, I'm so sorry for all of this," she began. She paused, trying to form the words she wanted to say. She could feel everyone's eyes on her, but didn't care. She kneeled in front of her, and continued, "I know why you left home. I've been a terrible sister to you. Do you think you can forgive me, Sasami?" Ayeka searched her face questioningly. After a moment, Sasami slowly nodded her head, and then embraced her sister.
Turning away as the two sisters reconciled, Gene looked at Tenchi, and quirked an eyebrow. "So, you're Tenchi, eh?"
"Yes, Tenchi Masaki," the boy replied, extending his hand in Gene's direction. Gene looked at it briefly, and then extended his own hand. "Thank you for taking care of Sasami and Ryoko," he continued, shaking the man's hand. "I don't know what would've happened if someone else came across them first."
"Yeah, well, that wouldn't have been a problem if you hadn't hurt Ryoko in the first place," he replied, releasing his hold and pulling his hand away.
"Gene," Melfina exclaimed. "That wasn't necessary." He turned to look at Melfina, offering an apologetic smile, and then looked back at Tenchi.
"Well, hey," he continued. "I think we both know Ryoko can handle herself pretty well. She sure gave us a hell of a hard time."
"Would you shut up, Gene," Ryoko asked, her cheeks flustering slightly. "Leave all that crap in the past, would ya? I don't need anyone else fawning over me. I just… I needed a change."
Tenchi looked at Ryoko and stared at her, studying her quizzically. "It does seem like she's changed," he thought. "She seems mad. Usually by now, she'd have exploded. Maybe being around these people has changed her…" He allowed his thoughts to trail, and as he looked from Gene, back to Ryoko, a sudden realization dawned on him. "Ryoko," he began, causing her to look at him. He faltered, shaking his head. "Uh, shouldn't you go back for Mihoshi?"
"Yeah," she replied, placing a hand on her hip. "She's really being stubborn about getting that ship to start."
"Make her understand it's impossible," Washu stated. "We really need to leave this place, before our ship is affected, too." Ryoko nodded her head, and then was gone.
"Hey, I think it's a little late for that." A frown crossed Jim's face, as he continued to monitor his screen. "Our levels have been unstable since we entered here," he continued. "But now, we're rapidly losing power." He turned, as Melfina gave a small gasp, and his face paled as he watched her rise from the ground."
"What happened," she asked. "Jim?"
"This isn't good," Jim trailed.
Gene went back to the pilot's chair, hopping into his seat. His hands flew over the console, and then he looked to his side. "Aisha, Suzuka, man the grappler arms," he instructed. "We're gonna grab hold of the ship, and then we've gotta get the hell out of here." He stared at the screen, watching as the arms reached out towards Yagami. "Be quick, Ryoko…"
Back onboard Yagami, Mihoshi was still futilely trying to get the ship to reboot. She was underneath the console, attempting to rewire the motherboard, as she had seen Kiyone do many times. Sighing in frustration, she sat up from her task. "This isn't working," she stated angrily. As she began to stand, the ship gave a sudden, violent jerk, and she let out a surprised yell.
"Mihoshi," Ryoko called out, as she reappeared. She looked over where the blonde was, and shook her head slightly. "That's not going to work! We need to head back to the Outlaw Star now, Mihoshi."
"I tried really hard, Ryoko," the distraught woman exclaimed. "I shouldn't have fallen asleep. Yagami warned me the ship was damaged, and I didn't listen."
"Hey, hey," Ryoko exclaimed, resting her hands on Mihoshi's shoulders, and giving her a gentle shake. "You know Washu can fix this. But we need to go. Do you realize where we are?"
Mihoshi shook her head. "I think I might…"
"We've entered Salgassou." Mihoshi's eyes widened, and Ryoko nodded her head. "Yeah, so we don't have a lot of time," she continued. "Now, are you ready?"
"Alright…" Ryoko tightened her grip slightly, and then the two phased back to the other ship.
Gene looked up, as Ryoko appeared. "Hey, is that everyone?" As she shook her head, he looked back to his controls. "Alright Jim, we'll have to do this the old-fashioned way. Gilliam's not much use to us right now."
"I still am functional, Gene," Gilliam spoke, sounding offended.
A smile crossed his face. "Alright, Jim, switch the system over to manual."
"Got it," the boy replied, as he typed in the command. The power began to fully return, and the crew cheered.
"Alright," Gene exclaimed. He looked up, as Melfina came over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. As she smiled at him, he returned the gesture. "Okay, Melfina," he stated, as he began turning the ship around. "Once we're far enough away from this place, I'll switch control back over to you."
"That sounds fine, Gene," she replied.
"Oh no, Gene," Jim exclaimed, as a persistent warning signal sounded. "We're starting to lose power!"
"What, how?"
"I don't know!" Jim's hands flew over the console, but he shook his head in frustration. "All my override commands aren't working!"
"Damn it," Gene cursed. He turned towards Washu. "Is there anything you can do? You built this ship. Is there some kind of special code or phrase, or something?"
Washu looked thoughtful. "Well, of course," she exclaimed. "But it would take some time to fix. There is," she drawled, glancing in Sasami's direction, "another way."
A puzzled look crossed Sasami's face. "Tsunami?"
Washu shook her head slightly. "No, Sasami, you," she answered. "Tsunami's will, is the will of the Universe. You possess her potential. You can save us, Sasami. Without summoning her here."
"What do you mean by this Washu," Ayeka demanded. "Sasami can't summon Tsunami by will!"
"Not only can she, but she has," Washu stated. "A lot has changed during your separation; things that must be explained to you all, and especially to Sasami." She paused. "And to you as well, Ryoko."
"Me," Ryoko exclaimed. "What do I have to do with any of this?"
"It'll all be explained in time, my dear child," she stated secretively. "But for now, Sasami? Do you think you can get us out of here?"
"I can try," she stated nervously. "What do I do?"
Washu smiled supportively. "You'll know what to do."
Sasami nodded her head. "Okay." Her forehead wrinkled in concentration, and taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes. "Please guide me, Tsunami," she prayed silently. For several moments, nothing appeared to be happening. Yet, ever so subtly, her hair began to sway from a sudden, gentle wind. A brilliant flash of light engulfed her body, obscuring the vision of everyone watching her. When the light dimmed away, Sasami was nowhere to be seen, and Tsunami stood in her place.
"Excellent job, Sasami," Washu praised silently.
"Sasami," Ayeka exclaimed, fearful of what had happened to her sister. Tsunami's eyes opened, and she looked in Ayeka's direction.
"Do no be alarmed, Princess Ayeka," Tsunami smiled gently. She raised her arms in the air, and a powerful energy swept from her. The energy returned to the ship, causing the consoles to surge to life. The ship gave a sudden jolt, and it began accelerate at a faster pace than any of the crew had ever experienced.
"Gene," Jim exclaimed. "I don't have control of the ship!"
"That's because Washu has control," Ryoko stated. Gene looked at the red-haired woman, and his eyebrows shot up in surprise. Energy swept from her, as it had previously with Tsunami.
"Okay, this is really getting weird, now," Aisha quipped. "What's going on?"
"Allow me to explain, while Washu takes us to a more desirable destination," Tsunami answered. "Ayeka," she began, turning in the Juraian girl's direction. "A part of this will sound very familiar to you. But now, it's time for you to learn the whole truth, of the history of Jurai."
"Wait," Suzuka interrupted. "What about Sasami? I thought that she needed to hear this as well."
"She's already learned the truth, and is coming to terms with it," she answered, placing a hand against her chest. "She resides within me, much in the same manner that I reside within her." She paused, before continuing. "Ayeka, you're familiar with the origin of the Jurai power stones?"
"Yes, of course," she nodded. "One is to manifest the power of nature; another for the manifestation of wisdom; and the final one is for the manifestation of the future." She frowned in confusion. "But what does that matter?"
Tsunami smiled gently. "That is the story you grew up learning, yes."
"It is my history," Ayeka exclaimed, offended.
"It is the half-truth that you learned. While it is true, that planet Jurai is a powerful force in the universe, it was not always that way. In the beginning, Jurai was struggling just for its' own survival. And this is how my sisters and I found your ancestor's planet."
"What," Ayeka whispered.
"I know it's hard to believe," Tsunami stated delicately. "But each of the power stones are a representation of each one of us; the power stone for nature for myself, the youngest; the power stone for wisdom for Washu, the middle; and the power stone for the future for our eldest sister, Tokimi."
"This isn't true," Ayeka scoffed. "You are the only guardian for our planet! Washu's famous on our planet, for being the genius that she is! And I've never, ever once heard of this… this Tokimi in my studies!"
"Together," she continued, overlooking Ayeka's outburst, "we nurtured the planet to prosperity. Washu taught its' people, and helped them create lives for themselves. I nourished the land, and created the first of the Juraian trees. And Tokimi mapped out a plan for its' people, and gave them hope. We were happy, and loved by its' people; we loved them back. But soon, the people of Jurai wanted independence from us. It was not an unreasonable request. But the way they went about it," she allowed her voice to trail. "It caused a great rift that was irreconcilable."
Ayeka swallowed, realizing how dry her throat had become. She cleared her throat gently. "Please," she stated softly, "I want to hear the truth."
To be continued…