Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Tenchi Muyo characters! I do claim Miyako.

Chapter 3: The joys of motherhood; A changing Ryoko

It had been almost a month since little Miyako had came back into Ryoko's life and already everyone saw a change in her. She wasn't as angry anymore and she seemed a lot more calm. Tenchi enjoyed seeing a different side of her, a gentle side. Sasami loved to play with Miyako when Ryoko needed a short break, but Ryoko would always take over when she was ready. Ayeka had no more comments to pick on her and actually enjoyed seeing a calm Ryoko.

Ryoko would hum to her and make sure she was fed and had a good nap. Ryoko was enjoying being a mother again. She didn't want to admit it to the others, but she felt happy again. She still tried to pick small fights with Ayeka, but they didn't last long. She was still worried that when she got older she would lose her again.

'If you need to ask me something then come ask me little Ryoko.' Washu's voice in her head would make her jump. 'Get out of my head! I will come to you when I feel like it!' 'Well isn't someone moody. You should be nicer to your mommy.'

By this time Ryoko had cut the link and crumbled. She hated when Washu just entered her mind without thinking. She turned her attention to Miyako who was trying to stand using the couch for balance. She then began to walk along it using it to lean on. Ryoko hovered over her smiling at her, "Good job Miya!" She giggled and held her hand up to her. Ryoko stood not far from her and held out her hands to her, "Come to me." Miyako would look at her feet then to Ryoko as if measuring the distance between them. "You can do it Miya." Ryoko would encourage her to try to walk. Tenchi had come into the living at the right moment to catch Miyako taking a step forward, wobbly at first, but slowly walking to Ryoko. As soon as she reached her, Ryoko had scooped her up giggling, "Good job Miya! I'm so proud of you!" Miyako giggled wildly clapping her hands. Tenchi had laughed seeing how excited Ryoko got and the laugh made Ryoko blush a little, "Welcome home Tenchi." "Thank you Ryoko. I think I came in at the right time." Ryoko nodded smiling big and set Miyako on her feet again.

Tenchi had sat down watching them smiling. Ryoko was floating just holding her hands out to Miyako making her walk to her. Sasami smiled as she peeked her head out from the kitchen, "Dinner is almost ready!" Miyako wobbled and fell back onto her butt. She looked around with wide eyes and Ryoko chuckled, "Did Sasami scare you Miya?" Miyako looked around and saw her bottle on the table. She crawled over to it and used it to stand up before trying to reach for it. Her arms were too tiny and she grew frustrated trying to get it and Ryoko scooted it over to her. Miyako smiled big and got it sitting down drinking it happily. Her eyes started to close softly as she drank her milk. "Someone's sleepy." Tenchi said smiling watching her. Ryoko scooped her up and rested her on the couch replacing her bottle with a pacifier. Miyako had fallen asleep and just in time for Ryoko to have dinner.

During dinner Ryoko had to share how Miyako is starting to walk and Sasami cooed over how cute it was. Ayeka was impressed and congratulated her. It was just them for dinner since Washu was still in her lab and Mihoshi went back to work. Ryoko had her two usual helpings and thanked Sasami for cooking. Tenchi had helped Sasami with the dishes and Ayeka cleaned the table. Ryoko went to check on Miyako who was still sleeping. She gentle picked her up and cradled her in her arms. She sat down with her looking over her face. Miyako looked the same as she did all those years ago. She rested her onto the couch again and saw that Tenchi and Sasami was still busy while Ayeka was sipping on tea. "Ayeka would you keep an eye on her for a few minutes? I need to talk to Washu about something." Ayeka was surprise she was asked that question. She nodded at her, "Yes I will watch her." Ryoko thanked her and went to see Washu.

Washu was surpised to see her, "I was wondering when you would come see me little Ryoko." Ryoko rolled her eyes, "I need to know something about Miyako." Washu put her halo computer away and looked at her, "What is it?" Ryoko bit her lip almost afraid to ask. "If you used the same dna... doesn't that mean that Miyako will get sick again when she turns nine?" Washu crossed her arms, "I can't say for sure honestly. I have been researching her illness and have been for years. I think I have come close to finding out what it was and getting a cure. It will take some more time so just enjoy her for now. You have years more with her. I will let you know when I find anything." Ryoko nodded looking down worried. "Ok.. night Washu." Washu watched her leave her lab and she sighed returning to her work.

Ryoko came out of Washu's lab seeming sad. "Is everything ok Ryoko?" Tenchi asked worried. She looked up and saw Tenchi sitting on the couch beside Miyako. She gave a soft smile, "Sure Tenchi. Where's Ayeka?" He smiled, "She went with Sasami to get a bath before bed." She looked at him with a defeated look on her face, "I guess she left you to watch Miya?" He smiled, "I don't mind." Ryoko had looked down again and Tenchi noticed something was wrong. "Did something happen?" She shook her head, "I had to ask Washu about Miyako... about her getting older." He frowned, "Do you think the same thing will happen again?" Ryoko shrugged, "There might be a chance it will." He looked down at the sleeping Miyako and smiled sadly, "I don't think it will." Ryoko looked at him, "She is researching to find out what made her sick before and to find a cure. She said I have years with her so to enjoy it.. she will let me know when she finds anything." He smiled at her, "Then take this as an opportunity Ryoko. Enjoy the time you have with Miyako and if Washu finds anything then she won't have to go." Ryoko nodded and gave him a sad smile, "Yeah, I guess you're right." Miyako began to whimper and Ryoko went to her picking her up patting her back. Tenchi had stood and placed a hand on her shoulder, which he seemed to do often, and gave her a smile. "Night Ryoko." She smiled at him and nodded. She went to her room and held Miyako close to her chest. It still bothered her to think she could lose her again. She looked at her now peaceful face and kissed her head trying to hold back her tears.

Author's notes: Sorry this one was short, but I don't want to put too much detail into it yet. I want to play this one out and leave some suspense. Please leave reviews and keep an eye out for chapter 4. Thanks~