This is the last chapter of this story. I hope everything makes sense, and I hope it doesn't disappoint you, but I don't think it will. I honestly think it's a little predictable myself, but I'll leave that up to you to decide.
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"Your turn," Sasami said as she rested her chin on her fists. Tenchi rubbed his chin in thought while puckering his lips before smiling and moving his queen two spaces.
"Check," he said with a smile. Seeing as they had to wait for whatever it was Washu wanted them to wait for, Tsunami had taken the liberty to start a chess game for them to keep them busy and keep their minds off all the events that have taken place. It was working pretty well, but the game stopped immediately as three people came out of the forest. Ayeka, Ryoko, and Washu.
"Ayeka!" Sasami cheered as she ran to her sister, who was carrying a flustered Ryoko.
"Are you guys okay?" Tenchi asked as he joined the group.
"Yes, we're fine. Ryoko's a little shaken, but she's okay," Ayeka said before shooting Washu a quick glance. She had helped the goddess retain her memories of her human life and she seemed distant and quiet. Ever since they had left the clearing, her thoughts have been elsewhere and it was starting to bother the princess, as well as Ryoko. Ryoko had given up her pissy attitude towards Washu, but Washu just smiled at her occasionally but nothing else. Washu left the group and made her way to her sister and stood in front of her with a straight face.
…You know what to do, sister… Tsunami said slowly. Washu took a deep breath and lowered her head before closing her eyes and shaking her head.
…I don't… she whispered. Tsunami looked at the others who were waiting for the goddesses to tell them something but forced themselves to be content with the grave smile Tsunami gave them.
…You do, but you just don't want to admit it. You don't want to do it again and that's what's keeping those gems on your wrists and Tokimi in the back of your mind… Tsunami said flatly. Washu bit her lip before slowly looking up at her sister with a look that disturbed Tsunami into turning her head away.
…I'm tired, Tsunami… Washu said softly. Tsunami snapped her head back over and stared at Washu for a moment before smiling slightly as she understood why.
…Then that's your answer… Tsunami said softly as a saddened look crossed her features. The others all looked between themselves, lost beyond all belief as to what was going on, but they remained silent regardless. Asking questions at times like this never got them anywhere before, so why would it now? The goddesses stared each other down for a few moments before Washu smiled and closed her eyes in a gratefully manner.
…Thank you, sister… she whispered before looking over at Ryoko and smiling at the toddler who was giving her a curious look. Washu made a silly face at her, which caused everyone to smile before walking over and standing in front of Ayeka and leaning over. She closed her eyes and smiled as Ryoko carefully played with her face and nipped at her fingers and fulfilling the ritual.
…If mommy will let you, would you come see Washu…? she asked in a playful sounding voice to ease the toddler's mind while looking up at Ayeka. The princess shrugged her shoulders carelessly and handed the child over to her and smiled as Washu tickled her sides. Ryoko let out a laugh and everyone could see Washu's eyes brighten up at the melody of the toddler's voice and tilted their heads curiously as she slowly walked away.
"Where is she going?" Tenchi asked suddenly as she started for them. He stopped, however as Tsunami appeared in front of them, blocking them from advancing after Washu and Ryoko, who were now almost fifty feet away.
…Please Tenchi. This will end all this madness and return your lives to normal. Please believe me… Tsunami said with an apologetic look.
"Then tell us what's happening? You always seem to know exactly what's going on, but you never tell us!" Tenchi shouted.
…I have no need to tell you, Tenchi. You can watch for yourself… Tsunami said as she moved so that they could see. She kept an eye out and was ready to get in the way if they tried to go after the redhead and toddler. They shifted uneasily in their positions as they watched Washu sit on the ground with Ryoko in her lap. The little girl was smiling and giggling about something and they couldn't help but smile at the goddess who was grinning at the child. Yet, the sense of déjà vu wasn't settling well with them.
***
Washu let out a sigh as she stared into the golden eyes of her daughter. She remembered her now and this hurt. Just like the first time, she didn't want to do this, but had no choice. Why was her life such a roller coaster? Why couldn't she just live normally, like Tenchi and the others? Was that too much to ask? Ryoko reached up and lightly pulled on Washu's bangs to get her attention and pointed to the others with a whine.
…I know, Peanut. They're far away, but it's okay. You can still see them, right…? Washu asked. Ryoko looked at her and smiled weakly as she played with a loose thread on her shirt.
…They aren't going anywhere… Washu said softly as she hugged the little girl close to her. She closed her eyes and bit her lip to keep it from quivering as she slowly rocked the child back and forth. Ryoko lightly shifted in her arms and let out a yawn before settling down again as Washu sang her song for her in a soft, slow voice. Washu had kept her eyes closed and her mind on the lyrics so as not to loose it right there and scare Ryoko. She finished her song and opened her eyes before checking to see if the girl had fallen asleep and smiled at the innocent look on her face. She then wrinkled her brow and looked away before getting so lost she wouldn't be able to do this. She looked back at the others before closing her eyes and resting her head on top of Ryoko's as she did what she had to do.
***
"Why are you allowing this!!" Tenchi shrieked as he watched a pale green light emit from the two sitting in the middle of the field.
…Because it has to be done… Tsunami said.
"Why?! So she can become human again? So she can loose Tokimi's gems? Why, Tsunami? Tell me!" Tenchi raved as he stared up at the goddess.
…Tenchi, listen to me and heed my words. You will not loose Ryoko… Tsunami said slowly.
"I don't know if I believe you, Tsunami," Tenchi sneered as he wrinkled his face in distaste.
…I'm sorry Tenchi, but that's all I can do for you. Believe what you want to believe, but I can't let you interfere… Tsunami said.
…Than you're no better than Tokimi… Tenchi snapped. Tsunami gave him an apologetic look before letting out a sigh and returning to her duty of not letting them pass. Tenchi let out a whimper as he watched the green light around the two in the field grow and wrinkled their faces as it started to turn a deep shade of green before engulfing the redhead and toddler in a thick black cloud. Tenchi went to go after them again, but found that Tsunami was serious about this. She wasn't going to let them anywhere near Washu right now, and that caused Tenchi to grow sick with rage. This was exactly what had happened the first time, two years ago. Now, it was happening again. Everyone then tilted their heads and wrinkled their brows as they heard what sounded like a faint scream coming from the direction of Washu and Ryoko and looked up at Tsunami who was smiling.
***
Washu had channeled the power of Tokimi's gems through the toddler and winced as she heard the scream they both gave her. Washu let out her own scream of rage as she thought of the situation over and over in her head. She couldn't just give the powers back to the gems because that would mean giving up her powers as well. True, she had made the combination and it was her decision to break that, but it wasn't that easy. Nothing in Washu's life was that easy. Her powers were a part of Tokimi, just like Tokimi's powers were a part of her. Washu had placed all her powers into Ryoko, both hers and Tokimi's, but unlike Tokimi, Washu could easily handle the innocent nature that made up Ryoko while Tokimi couldn't. Washu had then taken her powers back, but left Tokimi to fear the small body that now had her gems. Washu opened her eyes and saw an array of colors flying around her within the black cloud that the others were staring at and smiled before biting her lip again. She looked down at Ryoko who was staring up at her with such a fearful face and eyes so wide that Washu couldn't help but feel like dirt for doing this.
"M-m-mommy? W-what's h-happening, mommy? I h-hurt," Ryoko whimpered as her body shook. Her speech would've surprised Washu at any other time, but she was able to use Tokimi's ability of speech to voice what she was feeling, even if it was strenuous on her. Washu smiled weakly and hugged her close before letting the tears fall, seeing there was only one thing left to do, and it wasn't something that was an easy feat for her to accomplish. She had done it once before, but this was different. This was a child. It was Ryoko all the same, but Ryoko as a child and she didn't deserve this.
…Shhhh. It's okay, baby. It's okay. Mommy's here. I'll make it go away… Washu cooed as she held her close. Ryoko's body trembled as Washu ran her fingers through Ryoko's cyan hair and her tears wouldn't stop. Even after she closed her eyes, they still found there way past her eyelids and down her cheeks. Washu then ran her hand over Ryoko's eyes and forcing her to close them before kissing her gently on the forehead. Without another word, Ryoko's body stilled and her breath stopped, allowing her body to fade from sight and leave nothing but the three small, black gems that were now the prison Tokimi would live in for the rest of eternity.
***
…It's over. Tokimi will no longer be a threat… Tsunami said as she looked over her shoulder to see Washu slowly making her way out of the black cloud. She took about five steps before stopping and sitting on the ground while pulling her knees up and burying her face in her arms. Tsunami looked at the others and licked her lips before making her way over to her sister and standing in front of her. The others joined them and regarded the cloud that still hung behind Washu with a fearful curiosity.
"What happened, Washu? Where's Ryoko?" Ayeka asked as she glared over at the goddess. Washu remained with her head in her arms and Ayeka looked down at her feet in thought as she heard the goddess's tears. The cloud then started to fade and everyone held their breath, wondering what was going to come of this. They then felt the anger and confusion grow as the cloud faded to nothing to reveal exactly that. Nothing. Ryoko was gone, once again.
"Washu…" Tenchi said in a slow voice through clenched teeth. He closed his eyes and clamped his hands into fists, trying his hardest to calm his anger but not doing a very good job of it.
…Remember what I told you, Tenchi… Tsunami said as she made her way over to where the cloud once hung. She smiled and held her hand out before three small gems floated up from the grass and formed a circle in her palm. She looked over at Tenchi and the others and hung her head as she saw Tenchi standing in front of Washu with rage written all over his face.
"Are you happy now? You did it again, Washu. How does that make you feel?" he asked in an almost hysterical voice. Washu remained with her head down and didn't respond. He then reached down and pulled her to her feet and got a good look at her tear-stained face before shaking her arm to get her attention.
"How does that make you feel?!" he screamed in her face. He then let out a shout of pain as his body crackled with energy that Washu had exerted on him to free herself of his grasp.
…How do you think I feel! You have no idea how hard this is for me!! You have no idea how hard it is to take the life of your own child…! Washu screamed as she clenched her fist. Tsunami approached her and gently rested a hand on her shoulder and feeling her body trembling as the others stared at her with stunned looks.
…Washu, calm down…
…I didn't want to do this, Tsunami! You know that! I would've killed myself before taking her again, but noooo. I had to things your way so that I could help them! They're ignorant and don't understand, Tsunami! They don't see what I've gone through to help them! Looking into the face of my daughter as my sister's powers ate away at her was torture! Hearing her say she was scared and in pain killed me, Tsunami…!!! Washu screamed. She knew Washu couldn't help it, seeing if she had done this before, Tokimi would've taken over in a heartbeat. Tsunami watched as she hung her head and covered her face with her hands as the sobs filled her throat. Everyone was speechless. Washu then let out a quick sigh and dropped her hands to her sides, but kept her head down.
…I'm tired. I just want peace, Tsunami… Washu whimpered. Tsunami stood in front of her and tilted her head thoughtfully as she stared at her sister.
…There's one more thing and it'll be all over, Washu… Tsunami said in a soft voice. Washu looked up at her and let out a small snort while shaking her head.
…I don't know if I can… she said softly.
…Yes, you can. I know you can… Tsunami encouraged before slowly floating up into the air, leaving Washu no choice but to follow.
***
"Why does this kind of shit always have to happen to us?" Tenchi asked himself as he lay on his back in the grass. A long blade of grass was jutting out of his mouth as he lightly chewed on it with his head resting on his hands.
"I don't know," Ayeka said in a small voice as she sat next to him. Sasami was standing in front of them with her hands folded in front of her and concerned look on her face.
"So what does this mean?" Tenchi asked. He knew no one knew, but he couldn't help but ask anyway.
"All it means is that Tokimi is no longer a threat," Sasami said in a distant voice. Tenchi and Ayeka looked up at her and saw her sway slight, once again in a trance because of Tsunami.
"What about Ryoko?" Ayeka asked as she stood up. She felt it was her fault, seeing she had given the toddler to the redhead before this all happened.
"Do not concern yourself with that. There's something I would like you to watch," Tsunami said before giving Sasami back her voice. The little girl grinned at them before plopping down next to Tenchi and giggling up at him. Tenchi smiled at her as he sat on the grass and watched Ayeka lower herself next to him on the other side before the air in front of them wavered a bit before becoming a window. They saw Washu and Tsunami floating in space where Earth had once been, looking at the dust and hunks of rock that were still floating around. The goddesses looked at each other before lowering their heads and fanning their arms out. Tenchi and the others watched in awe as a soft light started to build in the area between them and their eyes darted around the window as all the dust and rocks froze in their courses. Washu then brought her hands together in a quick clap before parting them back to their original position as the dust and rocks started to come together. Tsunami then repeated Washu's actions and all the matter around them clapped together to form the planet once again. Tenchi and the others all let out the breath they had been holding and blinked at what they were watching. The goddesses then raised their heads before reaching up to the heavens and letting the billows of transparency around them fan out in a sheet that covered the planet, much like it had when Tokimi had used Washu to destroy it. They then floated towards the veiled planet and disappeared into its layers of waving cover and leaving nothing but a white ball, floating in space.
"That's it?" Tenchi asked as he wrinkled his brow curiously. Wasn't quiet what he was expecting.
"Just watch, Tenchi," Sasami giggled as she continued to watch the window with awe. The cover jerked once before falling still, giving it the effect of a large chunk of ice in the midst of space before folding in on the planet and into its core like it had before. Instead of combusting, the rock surface started to fade from the gray color of the rock to the swirls of greens, blues, and whites that the others knew all too well. Earth. They had recreated Earth for them. The window then disappeared from sight and left the others to gawk over the sight they had just seen. They had just watched the creation of their home planet. Tsunami and Washu appeared in front of them and smiled at the gaping mouths they were greeted with.
"But…How? Why?" Tenchi asked.
…I wasn't about to let you suffer because of what Tokimi did… Tsunami said with a smile before looking over at Washu who was rubbing her temples with a distant look on her face. Tsunami's smile faded and she wrinkled her brow slightly before turning to the others and grinning at them.
…This means you can return home. Everything was restored and your family is safe… Tsunami said. Tenchi smiled at her and let out a sigh of relief upon hearing that Grandpa and dad were okay but then his smile faded as he looked over at Ayeka.
"What about Ryoko?" he asked softly. Washu lifted her head and stared at them for a long time before looking over at Tsunami with a pleading look.
…Sister, please… she said softly, but Tsunami merely lowered her head with a blank look.
…That would leave me as the only one, Washu… Tsunami said. Washu let out a sigh and round to her front to get a good look at her sister's solemn face.
…You care about them, do you not…? Washu asked.
…I do…
…Then you know that this will make them happy…
…It will, but… Tsunami started but stopped as she looked up at her sister with a painful look.
…Tsunami, I'm tired. This is best for all of us… Washu said as comfortingly as she could.
…But I'll be alone… Tsunami said, barely above a whisper.
…I'm sorry, Tsunami. I'm going to do this whether you want me to or not… Washu said softly. Tsunami looked up at Washu and saw the look on her face and couldn't help but let her. Her once vibrant green eyes were now dull and tired while eyelids dropped slightly.
…Do what you must, sister… Tsunami said with a small smile. Washu closed her eyes and let out a sigh before turning to the others who were giving her a curious look.
…Thank you for everything… she said before slowly fading from sight. Tenchi and the others looked around curiously before seeing the hurt look on Tsunami's face.
"Tsunami, what was that all about?" Tenchi asked. The goddess looked up at them with a saddened look and smiled weakly.
…When Washu had brought Ryoko back the first time, she was a child because that was all Washu could afford to give her. She had made it up when she said that was all she could get of her… Tsunami said.
"What does that mean?"
…It means Washu had given up a portion of her energy to revive Ryoko as a child. This is why she is feeling this tiredness. That, plus the stress of Tokimi's powers were weighing her down. She's tired and I think you'll appreciate what she's doing for you… Tsunami said before leaving them in the field.
"Wait! How do we…" Tenchi shouted but stopped when he saw that the goddess had left.
"…Get home," Sasami finished for him with a sigh. They all hung their heads and closed their eyes in defeat, not noticing their surroundings changing as they stood there.
"I just want to go home," Tenchi whined as he lifted his head. His eyes then shot open as he found him and the others standing in the center of the field before the Masaki house. Tenchi let out a laugh and held his arms out as though he wanted to give the scene a big hug and spun around to see the others with the same expressions. He then dropped his happy expression as he saw Washu standing behind Ayeka and Sasami with a small smile on her face.
"Washu," he said as he walked over to the others who had already followed his gaze and were looking at the goddess with blank faces.
…I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused you throughout the years, Tenchi. But this will be my final attempt to repay you… Washu said before her form flickered slightly. They all took a few steps back as she brought her hands up and crossed them over her chest as she concentrated her power. She then slowly raised her hands towards the sky and they all watched with curiosity as a small green orb started to grow in her palms. She slowly brought it down and wrinkled her face as it grew brighter. Her form then started to fade from sight as the orb grew before it flew out and hovered in front of her. She held her hands out towards it and they could see her shaking as the orb twisted and churned as it started to take on a human form. Tenchi's face fell as her saw the form take on more definition and his eyes fluttered in disbelief. Washu let out a grunt and closed her eyes as her figure continued to fade from sight before letting out a gasp of air and pausing for a moment. She really seemed to be struggling with this, but she looked determined to finish.
"Washu, don't," Tenchi said after a moment, even though he knew what she was doing. What Tsunami had told him earlier was now returning and it showed that Washu really had given a lot for Ryoko, just like she had taken a lot from her. Washu ignored him and continued with her project but found she couldn't stand any longer and fell to her knees while her body shook from her exertions.
…Come on, come on… she whispered to herself. The form before them then took on a fully defined adult form that caused everyone to cover their mouths in shock. Ryoko stood in front of them with her eyes closed and her head lowered.
"Ryoko?" Tenchi asked as he took a step forward. He body slowly lowered itself to the ground and lay motionless, as though it had only been a joke and this wasn't really Ryoko, but a dummy. Tenchi stopped, however, as he saw a barely visible Washu slowly float over to Ryoko and kneel over her. She slowly ran the back of her hand down the smooth skin of Ryoko's face before leaning over and resting her lips on her forehead before fading into the revived pirate. A soft glow radiated from Ryoko's body for only a second before she gasped and flung her eyes open. Tenchi wasted no time in reaching her side and taking her hand in his.
"Ryoko?" he asked. She let out a groan as she sat up while rubbing her head and looked around before focusing on Tenchi.
"What happened? Why are we in the field?" she asked in a dazed voice. Tenchi then took her shoulders, causing her to give him a slightly surprised look before wrinkling her brow.
"What? What are you blaming me for this time?" she asked harshly. Tenchi let out a laugh and couldn't help but wrap his arms around her in a hug, causing her eyes to grow to the size of dinner plates.
"T-en-chi. C-an't b-rea-th," she wheezed before he finally let her go. She tilted her head with curiosity as she saw the tears running down his face.
"Ryoko, I'm so glad your back," he said as he wiped his eyes.
"Didn't realize I was gone," she said as she rose to her feet. She held out her hand and help Tenchi up before looking over at the two princesses that were smiling at her. She smiled down at Sasami and winked at her before a stunned look crossed her face as the little girl ran over to her and wrapped her arms around Ryoko's legs.
"Oh Ryoko! I'm so glad you're okay! I missed you so much!" the little girl cried as Ryoko gently stroked her hair as a distant look crossed her face before she smiled and shook her head slowly.
"Um…well I'm here, so it's okay…right?" she asked as she gave Ayeka a confused look, even though the older princess had seen her expression. Ayeka smiled at her, knowing that she wasn't stupid. She knew. She then chuckled and walked over to help the pirate pry the little princess off her legs.
"Ryoko's probably tired, Sasami. Why don't we go inside and you can fix us all a big meal because I know that I, for one, am famished," Ayeka chuckled as she headed back to the house with Tenchi, Sasami, and Ryoko. The old, spunky, wise-ass Ryoko.
***
After everyone had a large meal, Ayeka and Sasami went to bed while Ryoko and Tenchi sat in the living room, thinking about what had happened recently. Washu had turned Ryoko into a child after becoming a goddess, steals Tokimi's powers two years later, destroys Earth, finds that she can't control Tokimi as well as she thought she could, creates a unicorn world that still exists in some dimension out in space, and then sacrifices herself to bring Ryoko back. Such is the Masaki life. You never know what's going to happen. Tenchi let out a sigh and looked over at Ryoko and saw a distant look of thought on her face and smiled as he tilted his head at her.
"What are you thinking about, Ryoko?" he asked. She looked over at him and smiled slightly before pursing her lips and shrugging her shoulders.
"Nothing, really. Just thinking about mom," she said in a soft voice. Tenchi then felt his heart break at the tone in her voice and lowered his head before letting out a slow sigh.
"I don't know what to tell you, Ryoko," he said softly.
"What happened in the lab? I remember you giving me back my gems and giving her a hug, but that's it. I then found myself in the field with you crying over me," she said, adding a hint of sarcasm to her voice. Tenchi took a deep breath and shrugged his shoulders.
"Everything was happening so fast that I don't really remember what happened," he said. Ryoko stared at him for a while before smiling and leaning over in his direction and placing her lips next to his ear.
"Is it that, or is it that you don't want to remember," Ryoko whispered before standing up and leaving him to ponder her words.
***
Ryoko sat in the floating cushion of her mother's lab with Washu's laptop in front of her. Ryoko wasn't stupid and knew what had happened but wasn't sure if she wanted the other to know that. She remembered everything. Everything. Being a child, seeing Washu at night and playing with her until she fell asleep, and playing with the unicorns her mother had created for her. Ryoko smiled as she ran a finger across the keys on the laptop, remembering what Washu had done. The first time she had taken the gems from Ryoko in the lab that night, it had been horrible. She had been tricked Ryoko into that hug and it had angered her, but the second time, she had known what was happening. Washu had lulled her into sleep so that the majority of the shock and pain would be avoided, but Ryoko remembered all too well what she had said to her and what Washu had replied. Ryoko then closed her eyes as she thought of how her mother was never coming back and could feel the tears in her eyes. Washu had truly loved her. Even as a goddess, with no memories of her, she still loved Ryoko unconditionally.
…That's what mother's do best, Ryoko… she heard someone say from behind her. Ryoko wrinkled her face slightly and turned to see Tsunami standing behind her with her head down and a weak smile on her face.
"Tsunami," Ryoko said as she turned to face her.
…She had brought you back without consulting me first. Things like that are to be discussed between the group, but she went ahead and did it anyway. Same thing happened the first time… Tsunami said slowly. Tokimi was trapped within her own powers and Washu had sacrificed herself for Ryoko. She was the only goddess left of the three.
"It upsets you, doesn't it?" Ryoko asked.
…It does. It upsets me very deeply, Ryoko. I had enjoyed my sister being with us, and now she's gone. Not human, not goddess. Just…gone…
"I don't want to sound all sappy and gushy-like, but she lives in our memories. I've heard it a lot and always thought it was a load of crap, but now I find more meaning in those words," Ryoko said as she bit the inside of her lip. She then wrinkled her brow and slightly turned towards the laptop again, letting her thoughts roam. Tsunami picked up on the pirate's thoughts and couldn't help but smile at her.
…It's up to you, Ryoko. You've always been smart, but you never really used your knowledge for anything useful. Now that Washu had brought you back, you know of this intelligence but I believe it would be better discussed with the others… Tsunami suggested. Ryoko thought about this and smiled before turning to face the goddess.
"You're right, Tsunami. I should talk to the other about it, but can I ask you something first?" she asked with a curious tilt of her head.
…What is it…?
"Would you help me? I know this will work, but I might need your assistance," Ryoko asked as she gave the goddess a pleading look. Tsunami considered this and then thought to herself about her position. She was a goddess. The only one left of the three. There was no one to tell her no, or argue with her decisions.
…Sure. Tell the others, though… Tsunami said as she waved a finger at Ryoko.
"I should, but…" Ryoko said slowly with a sly grin.
…But…?
"Well, you know what they say. Like mother like daughter," Ryoko said with before turning back to the laptop and starting her project, despite Tsunami's suggestion of consulting the others.
***
Tenchi let out a yawn as he slowly made his way down the stairs. He looked up to see Ayeka on the couch, slightly dozing before Sasami called for breakfast but he didn't see Ryoko anywhere.
"Where's Ryoko?" he asked with another yawn as he sat down next to Ayeka.
"I don't know. She's a big girl. She can take care of herself," Ayeka said as she smiled over at him. He chucked at her little joke and shook his head before Sasami called them in for breakfast. After a few minutes of eating, Ryoko phased into the room and sat down at the table with an extremely tired look on her face.
"Whoa, Ryoko. Didn't you get any sleep last night?" Tenchi asked.
"Not really," she mumbled, but didn't further explain herself. The others just shrugged their shoulders and continued with their meals. A topic would be raised and spoken about for a short while before it would fall silent again. After breakfast, they all went into the living room for a day of lounging around and taking naps while drinking tea. After yesterday, all they wanted to do was rest. Ryoko, however, had disappeared again and it left the others to wonder where she had gone.
"I wonder where she keeps going," Tenchi said lazily as the sun filtered through the window and casting a ray of sunlight over his face.
"I'm sure she's just lounging around in the trees or on the roof or something like that," Ayeka said as she sipped at her tea.
"Lounging on the roof, huh?" Ryoko asked as she appeared in the living room, causing Ayeka to slightly choke on her tea.
"Ryoko!" she shouted as she saw the tea stain on her kimono.
"Maybe you should learn to be more careful, princess," Ryoko teased with a snicker.
"And what would you know about being careful?" Ayeka snapped back. Tenchi rolled his eyes as he heard the two fighting like old times but could resist the smile that had found it's way to his lips. Just like the old days.
"Okay you two. That's enough. Can't think with all that racket," someone said from the hallway. Everyone froze and looked in that direction before dropping whatever it was that was in their hands, whether it be teacup or magazine. Washu had walked into the room and was now raising an eyebrow at them.
"Are you all that shocked to see me? Or are you just gawking at my beauty?" she joked sarcastically as she flipped her hair over her shoulder.
"Whatever, mom. What do you want?" Ryoko asked, but the others could see the smile on her face as she sat next to Tenchi. Tenchi then shook his head to clear his thoughts and jumped up from his seat and ran over to Washu before grabbing her by the shoulders and staring at her with wide eyes.
"Washu? Is it really you?" he asked.
"What? Did you hit your head this morning? Of course it's me. No one else in the universe is as smart, or as cute, as me!" she cheered as he released her shoulders.
"But you…Ryoko…you being a goddess…" Tenchi stammered as he looked between Ryoko and Washu.
"Yes, it's me. Yes, that's Ryoko. And yes, I was a goddess. Tsunami even asked me to hold on to three black gems that resemble my own, but I don't know what they are," Washu said as she scratched her chin in thought. Tenchi gapped at her along with the others before looking over at Ryoko who was grinning to herself as she sat on the couch.
"Tenchi's had a hard week, mom. He's probably just over tired. That's all," Ryoko said casually.
"Well then! Come to my lab after lunch and I'll fix you up brand new, Tenchi my boy!" Washu chirped before disappearing into her lab again. Tenchi slowly walked back over to the couch and slowly sat down before looking over at Ryoko with a confused look.
"Do you mind explaining, because I know you have something to do with this," Tenchi said as they all leaned forward to hear this one. Ryoko let out a sigh and gave in to their questions. Couldn't keep in from them forever.
"I know what had happened after that day in the lab. I remember everything. Being a child, playing on the unicorn world, and all that. After I was brought back by Washu, I found that either some of her intelligence had worn off on me, or that I had it in me the whole time but just never used it," Ryoko stared. She paused to see if anyone would ask questions but continued when they remained silent.
"You know how mom is. She had a record her personality and genetic material stored in her data banks in case anything happened to her, so I figured now was as good a time as any to bring her back. With the help of Tsunami, I had created a superior type clone of her and input her personality and memories into the clone, therefore, reviving her. She's the same old Washu with memories of her 20,000 years of human life, as well as her goddess memories and the abilities they had given her as a human. That was Tsunami's doing. I did, however, leave out this little two-year time period, so I think it would be best not to speak of it around her," Ryoko said, finishing her explanation.
"Wow," Tenchi said after a long pause. He didn't know what else to say. Things truly were the way they use to be. Everyone sat there, letting this information filter their thoughts and sink in before Washu popped her head out of the lab with a large grin on her face. Everyone raised an eyebrow at her as she entered the living room with her hands behind her back before she came to stop in front of Tenchi and leaning over and getting in his face.
"I need your help in the lab, Tenchi," she said sweetly.
"With what?" he asked nervously.
"Pweeeeese?" she whined childishly, causing Tenchi to chuckle at her while shaking his head.
"As long as I don't have to take my clothes off," he said as he stood up. Washu jumped up and clapped her hands together in delight.
"Great! This way, my little guinea pig," she said as she grabbed his hand and leading him to the lab with everyone chuckling at what the scientist was going to most likely put him through. Ah, the good old days.
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Well, what do you think? That's it. There is no more. Was it a good story? Personally, I really like it, but that's only my opinion. For all those who didn't like the idea of Ryoko as a baby, I returned her to her old self for you guys. I had a few different endings in mind, but I think this was the best one to choose. That way everything goes in the usual circle and returns to how they use to live. A happy ending, in other words. Hope you liked it, and I hope you get a chance to read my next stories. I'm revising my old ones, so I hope you'll be interested enough by this story to read the others.