(A/N: This fanfiction was over eight years old when I finally decided to post it on line in 2006. I did post another TM fic a while back and it didn't go over so well, even

though I thought it would. So after that, I got to thinking about TM Universe and TM In Tokyo. I wanted to do a shoot off with Yugi, and that one guy Kagato and sorta

clash them. Now I have not seen a lot of the episodes for TM Universe, but I know enough about it to do what I want to do with it for this fanfiction. Now, this is a different

from your normal Tenchi/Ryoko romances. They will never declare their love with words, nor ever wind up officially together. But they do express their love by

their actions and mere gestures with their bodies and in the end, they do wind up together, somewhat...

Sasami called everyone down to eat one fine, crispy morning while the sun was rising. However, Ryoko didn't feel like eating. She didn't fell like doing anything. Washu

noticed her daughter's missing presence, noting that she did not come down to eat. She politely excused herself from the table and went upstairs to Ryoko's room. Lately

Ryoko had been too quiet for Washu's taste. Not to mention

over stressed. Where the sudden behavior came from, Washu did not know, but she planned to find out today.

-knock, knock!-

Ryoko groaned, refusing to answer whoever was beckoning to her. Washu sighed reaching to slide the door open. She waited for permission to enter, but only silence

greeted her. Seeing Ryoko still in bed, Washu strode over quietly and watched her closely in utter silence. Washu saw many signs in Ryoko that made her mind race with a

million questions as to how and why. Finally after what seemed hours, Washu gently said,

"Ryoko, later today I would like to scan you."

"Mmm… for what?" Ryoko muttered sleepily. Washu shrugged, clasping her hands behind her back.

"Oh. No reason. I think it will confirm my suspicions." Too tired to argue, Ryoko agreed.

Later that day, Ryoko raised herself from her bed. She dressed slower than usual, feeling ridiculously drained of all her energy. Even when she tapped into her reserves,

they were just as weak. Ryoko knew she looked like a wreck. Her hair was disarrayed and she had heavy rings under her eyes, but she didn't much care. She set off to go

find Washu. Not seeing her about in the main room, she asked Kiyone if she knew where Washu might be. Kiyone sitting on the right end of the red couch, nearly half

asleep while Mihoshi was snoring softly at the other end.

"Hmm? Miss Washu? She's in her lab probably." Kiyone replied, a yawn seeping past her lips. Ryoko rolled her eyes. Should of known. She thought, heading for the lab. She

opened the door and stepped in cautiously. One could never be too sure what to expect when one entered Washu's lab. Washu was in her chair, viewing a data screen.

Seeing Ryoko approach out of the corner of her eye,

she turned in her chair to greet her.

"Ah perfect timing! Ryoko I think I know what's wrong with you and why you've been acting the way you have." Ryoko arched a brow, giving her a hopeful look,

"You do?" Washu nodded.

"Yep. But I want to be sure." Washu snapped her fingers. At the sound of the snap, a blue light engulfed Ryoko. Washu turned back around to face the floating

holographic computer screen. Once the light transferred the data to the computer, Washu smiled broadly.

"Well!" Ryoko snapped, tapping her foot impatiently. Washu bounced out of her chair and landed gracefully. The blue light around Ryoko faded as Washu proudly

announced,

"Ryoko, you're pregnant."

Ryoko paled, swaying on her heels back and forth.

"I'm… I'm what?" She whispered meekly, her eyes wide with disbelief. For the sake of her daughter, Washu repeated what she had said.

"You're pregnant. Don't know how yet exactly, but you are."

Ryoko forced herself to stand still before daring to speak.

"Washu… that can't be right! Do another scan!" Ryoko ordered roughly. Washu sighed, sweat dropping.

"Honey, the computer tests don't lie." Ryoko scowled, her brows furrowing madly. No… that can't be! Me? Pregnant! Ryoko's heart was pounding hard against her ribcage

and her mind screamed out in confusion at the news. In her fury, she grabbed her mother by the collar of her lab coat, shaking her like a rag doll.

"Do it again!" Ryoko shouted.

"Do another scan!" Washu hung limply in the air, knowing she wasn't going to get anything else accomplished that day unless she did so.

"All right Ryoko." Washu replied, still a little dazed from the shaking. Ryoko set her down and waited while the small scientist did another scan. Once done with the second

scan, Washu waited for the data results. They came out "positive" across the screen, flashing in big, green letters. Washu gasped softly to herself.

Ryoko is not going to like this. Not one bit. But…

"Well? What does it say?"

Washu cringed, shrugging helplessly.

"The tests indicate that you are indeed pregnant." Washu concluded softly, avoiding her daughter's deadly glare. It wasn't long before she heard a deep growl emerge

from her daughter's throat. Washu took that as sign to leave, so, she did.

"Oh no you don't!" Ryoko barked, grabbing Washu by the collar.

"Washu do it again!"

Washu sighed, looking deep into her daughter's golden hazel eyes.

"Ryoko I just did. You're going to be a mo-"

"Don't say it!" Shouted the former space pirate.

"Washu please tell me it's not true? Tell me now!"

"Sorry honey. It's true and you're pregnant."

Disgusted at the news, Ryoko threw Washu back into her chair and phased out of the lab and back to her room. Kiyone bolted awake when she heard Ryoko let out a raw

scream. Ten seconds later silence settled, leaving her to ponder.

"What's her problem?" Mihoshi had woken up when she heard the scream as well. Kiyone gave her partner a muddled look. She was just as lost.

"I um… well I dunno know. Perhaps her and Washu got into an argument and Ryoko lost?"

Kiyone blinked, shaking her head slightly.

"Perhaps. But… what could they have gotten into that made Ryoko scream like that?" A shrug from the bubbly blonde.

"I dunno know Kiyone. I dunno…"

Five days later, Ryoko experienced her first morning sickness. She woke with a start, her body making it's way to the bathroom before she threw up. After that ended, she

proceeded downstairs, taking a seat at the table. Ayeka and Kiyone looked over the head of the couch at her worriedly.

"Still feeling bad Ryoko?" Ayeka asked her softly, honestly a little concerned for her obnoxious friend. Ryoko just nodded, too nauseated to reply.

"Would you like me to get you some tea? Or some hot soup?" Kiyone suggested in a hopeful voice.

Ryoko shrugged.

"Sure… thanks Kiyone." Kiyone laughed, rising to her feet.

"My pleasure." Ever since the household found out Ryoko was having a baby and was going to be a "mother", they had been going out of their way to make sure she was

comfortable as much as possible. They didn't seem to mind it that much. They actually liked helping her out.

"I can't believe that me… Ryoko the Space Pirate, is going to be Ryoko the Space Mamma… oooh what a drag."

Washu came out of her lab just then, looking cheerful as usual.

"Washu are you…" Ryoko took a deep breath.

"Hmm? You say something Little Ryoko?"

"Are you sure that those tests were accurate?" Ryoko moaned, already knowing what was going to be said.

Washu folded her arms over her chest and nodded firmly.

"Yes. I'm sure." Ryoko moaned again.

"It's not the end of the world, you know." Washu added some odd seconds later.

"Yes it is." Whined Ryoko.

Ayeka giggled, loving to listen to Ryoko's despair over the matter. Kiyone came out of the kitchen then with a hot red bowl of steaming soup. She greeted Washu as she

set down the bowl in front of Ryoko.

"Morning Miss Washu."

"Morning." Chirped the scientist.

"Now," Sighed Kiyone. "eat up Ryoko. It'll make you feel better."

They all watched as Ryoko reached for the silver spoon. She snatched it up in her hand and inhaled the soup's aroma. This made her hungry. Her stomach growled loudly,

telling her it was also hungry. Ryoko dipped the spoon in and took large sips. Kiyone was content and re-joined Ayeka on the couch and the two started to talk about

current events taking place in the world. Washu glanced past the couch to the wide, rectangle window.

"Ryoko after you're done eating, I think you should go back to bed. No offense honey, but you look terrible." She commanded softly, her gaze sliding back around to her

daughter.

"Sure thing Mom."

Washu's heart fluttered and everything seemed to stop in mid motion.

"You… you called me-"

Ryoko cut her off.

"Don't even say it. Just leave it at that... okay?" Washu was on Cloud 9 and then some. Ryoko called her "mom". For 20,000 years her ears waited for the day to hear that

one word. Granted, it didn't carry the greatest appeal, but it held sincerity. She meant it and Washu couldn't have been happier.

(Don't think just because I called you that means we're on the same train. We still got a lot to talk about and settle, get me? I'm still quite ticked over what happened…)

Ryoko contacted her mother using their mental link, while still taking large sips of her soup.

Chuckling softly, Washu smiled.

(I understand. Ryoko?)

(Yes?)

(Thank you...)

( …)

Washu's mental link with her daughter broke off and oddly enough, Washu didn't try to re-form the connection she shared with her daughter. She didn't need to. Ryoko

called her "mom". That alone filled her with such an emotion she found she could not speak herself.

Lately Ryoko had been more on edge with violent mood swings to boot. For everyone's safety and well being, Tenchi told the household that when ever Ryoko was

around to give her space and keep out of her way. One slow dull afternoon Ayeka, Sasami and Tenchi sat together outside under a shady tree. They discussed what to do

about Ryoko. Ayeka suggested that Ryoko should go far away.

Someplace quiet and not so packed. Sasami shook her head, disagreeing. She claimed it would be better to keep a close eye on Ryoko. For she knew Ryoko was one

restless person and God only knows what she'd do when all by herself. Tenchi sighed, not sure what to do about the situation at hand. A breeze ruffled their clothes and

hair gently. The breeze helped sooth some stress, but not much.

"I worry more about Ryoko more than the baby." Ayeka murmured rather sadly, eyes narrowing slightly. Tenchi shook his head, sighing deeply.

I know what you mean. She's been up in her room day after day. Eating or sleeping. One of the two. She rarely leaves the room and if we so much as even disturb her, we

get chewed out or uh…blasted into the next room."

Ayeka and Sasami nodded softly in agreement.

"I understand that Lord Tenchi. But what can we do? If Ryoko doesn't want to be bothered, then we have to respect that. No questions asked."

Ayeka paused, her eye brows knitting together.

"I'm sure this is… very hard on Ryoko." She chose her words carefully and smoothly. Ry-oh-ki came hopping outside, a smile on her furry face. Seeing Sasami, she hopped

over and nuzzled up against her side, meowing happily.

"Oh hey Ry-oh-ki!" Sasami gave her a warm smile, who got a "miyow" in return. Ry-oh-ki hopped up to perch on her friend's shoulder, still smiling.

"So what should we do?" Tenchi asked quietly, looking up to his companions. Ayeka shook her head sadly.

"I'm afraid there's nothing we can do, Lord Tenchi. But we can be there for her when she needs us… can't we?" Tenchi smiled gently.

"Of course we can." The little group departed, heading off to do their daily routine. But during this time, their minds would wonder on about the former space pirate and

wondered if she was really going to be okay.

In her room, Ryoko slept on. Her dreams tormented her, making her frown in her sleep. In her dream, she was being beat on by small infants with rattles. Ryoko turned

restlessly in her agitated sleep, her dream now shifting. Now she was in Tenchi's arms, gazing with pure affection up at him. And in the crib beside them, was a small baby

girl with her mane of spiky hair… but yet, the color was blonde. The baby also had a odd eye color. It was mixed with Tenchi's dark brown and her golden hazel. Giving it a

rather beautiful effect. Ryoko liked this dream much better.

"She's beautiful Ryoko…" Tenchi commented, his eyes resting on the sleeping infant.

"Thank you Tenchi." Ryoko replied softly, casting her eyes down to her daughter as well.

"Have you thought of a name?" He questioned, his arms clasping even tighter around her middle. Ryoko rested her cheek on Tenchi's shoulder, a faint smile tugging at the edge of

her mouth.

"Her name? Her name is…"

"Ryoko?" Ryoko's dream faded away as did the voice brought her back to reality.

"Hey Ryoko, Sasami is fixing lunch. You want some? I'll um, bring it up to you if you prefer to stay in your room."

Ryoko's eyes fluttered open to the sound of Tenchi's voice.

"No thanks Tenchi. Maybe later on, 'alright?" She sighed lazily, turning onto her right side. Tenchi was a little was important for Ryoko to eat as well as sleep. But it made

him worry so when she would stay in her room for hours just sleeping.

"Oh. All right."

He didn't leave just yet. Instead, he stayed a while outside her door, listening to her deep breathing. After a few minutes had passed, he slid the door open to look in at

her. Even with her hair messed in places, even with dark rings under her eyes, she was beautiful.

"Sleep well Ryoko." Tenchi whispered with a small smile, sliding the door shut.

Time passed, and Ryoko was still having trouble accepting the fact that she was going to be a mother. Ryoko left the house early one morning to go walk by the lake. She

would sigh every now and then, and kick a rock or twig out of her way. Birds fluttered by, chirping as the sun rose high in the sky. Ryoko kept walking until she found the

lake. She stood by the edge of the bank, her eyes far away as she gazed at the sparkling water. Sub-consciously, she lifted a hand to her face and cupped her cheek.

"It's just so hard to take in. Two months now… I can feel "it" inside me. But what I don't understand is how… how in the world did this happen? I haven't slept with any

one. Sure I fought like crazy, got drunk and made out with some men here and there. But never once have I gone all the way…"

Ryoko lowered the hand from her face and found herself smiling. For no good reason. If you know Ryoko, then you know that was way out of her norn to smile so

suddenly. The warmth in her stomach sent relaxing sensations through out the rest of Ryoko's body, soothing her some/what.

"What's… what's this feeling I get inside me from time to time?" Ryoko's smile lessened to a "half-smile".

"Heh. Are you making Mommy soft? You're a bad girl… or boy." Ryoko added after a moment. Ryoko eyes shut gently and she began to picture herself heavy with her child.

She began to think of ways to provide for her child. As she lifted her head, her eye lids lifted ever so slowly and her gaze locked on the floating, puffy clouds.

"I've seen couples with children and they're happy." Her eyes narrowed while she pondered the phrase she just spoke.

"I wonder if I'll be happy with my little one?" A little heat filled her cheeks at the mere thought of her acting "happy" with a child.

"Hmm. I wonder…" She let out a dramatic sigh, getting ready to go back up to the house.

When Ryoko entered the cozy household, Sasami was watching a soap with Ayeka. She rolled her eyes at this.

To think I would sit there with them and be drawn into that stuff.

"Honestly, what do you find 'outta that crap?"

Hearing the former space pirate's rude question fill her royal ears, Ayeka eyes got tiny and a nerve vein grew visible above her right brow.

"Oh your "Dante The Shogun" is hot stuff! All he does is drink, seduce women and kill for thrills!" Sasami looked at her sister, then stole a look at Ryoko angry face.

"Here we go again…" She muttered, leaving the room before they got at each other.

"Ayeka my Dante is ten times better than your soap dramas. Unlike a soap, mine is a reality TV show. He shows the way real men would act under those circumstances.

He's the real deal and besides from all that…" A sly grin from Ryoko.

"He gets all the Sake he wants. My kind of show, my kind of man." Ayeka crossed her arms, looking cross.

"I can't believe you sometimes. You think you're soooo top notch! Hey look at me! I'm Ryoko the Space Pirate! Blah, blah, blah!" Barked a very much irritated Ayeka. Ryoko

was about to shout a rude comment back, when her stomach growled heavily, making her sweat drop.

"Never mind." She muttered meekly, putting a hand on her growling stomach.

"I'm too weak to fight."

Ayeka gawked at her.

"Hey wait just a, where are you going?"

Ayeka asked in a bewildered voice, watching Ryoko fly up the stairs. Ryoko landed outside her door, her hand still resting on her stomach. A stomach that

would get bigger with each month that passed by.

"Why me? Of all people? Why me?" She whispered, going through her own door.

Ayeka scoffed, hunching her shoulders.

"I swear that woman is the most wild, unpredictable person I've ever met…"

Ryoko didn't go to sleep as she had planned. Instead she got some yen out of her savings box, strode over to her bedroom's window and flew out to the city of Tokyo.

She found herself a nice, cozy bar and decided to stay awhile. As soon as she walked in, all eyes went to her. She dodged the men's rude glares and sexual comments as

she made her way to the bar counter top. She took a seat and mumbled an order of three glasses of water and big dish of food. Any kind of food the bar tender could find

ASAP. The bard tender nodded, going into the kitchen section to find himself someone to whip up a tray with varieties of different sections. Ryoko waited patiently for her

meal, tuning out the men, along with all the loud noise in the background. About a half hour later, the bar tender came out with four plates, all stacked in pairs in both his

hands. He set the plates down in front of her, then a cook came out with her three glasses of water. Ryoko tossed some yen up on the table, thanking him in a gruff voice.

One plate was full of sweet sour chicken and white rice. Another had a mountain stack of fresh, juicy shrimp and cocktail sauce. Her third plate was hina arare, sweet rice

filled cakes with a vanilla glaze. Her fourth plate made her mouth water the most, for it was mini sub sandwiches, all neatly arranged in a circle. Ryoko started off with the

shrimp, eating slowly at first, but by the time she got to her second plate, she was eating super fast. After she had finished the main course off, she simply lifted the plate

and downed the rice cakes. The people in the bar watched her with wide, astonished gaps. Ryoko barely even noticed she drew a crowd, she was too busy devouring the

sweet rice cakes. When she had successfully swallowed the last little crumb, she downed her water. A big wave of warmth consumed her body and she smiled slightly as

she set her glass down on the bar's counter top. You're full too I see. Ryoko sub-consciously patted her belly.

"Hey there baby." A man with wavy hair said, daring to come up to her.

"Buzz off." Ryoko snapped, giving him one of her most deadly glares. The man sighed meekly, slumping away. Ryoko thanked the bar tender one last time for the meal,

and left. Just like that.

By the time she got home, it was late. Ryoko hoped no one was around for she wasn't in the mood for anyone's bull shit. She had no such luck. Kiyone was about and

caught her red handed.

"Ryoko!" She shouted, not caring if she woke anyone up. Ryoko jumped hearing her name being bellowed.

"Where have you been? Tenchi and Washu have been worked sick about you all night!" Ryoko regained her composure and sauntered on over to the red couch. She took

a seat, arm resting on the head, her eyes avoiding Kiyone's questioning glare.

"Well?" Kiyone demanded, lifting a brow.

"Well what?" Ryoko remarked with a ping of sarcasm.

Kiyone bared angry teeth at Ryoko.

"Don't play dumb! Where were you?"

Ryoko shrugged a casual shoulder.

"No where in particular. I just went to a bar…"

Kiyone was outraged.

"A bar!" She exclaimed, eyes wide.

"Ryoko are you nuts? You know alcohol isn't good for the baby!"

Ryoko glared at her, a little hurt to see her think such a thing.

"I know that! I went there to relax some, okay? I ordered a meal and some water. Lighten up man… I'm not as insane or dense as you all think I am!"

Kiyone could tell she had dented Ryoko's dignity and quickly apologized.

"I'm sorry Ryoko. I'm just worried about you. Everyone is." Ryoko stared at her for a full minute, then burst out into laughter. Kiyone sweat dropped.

"What? Did I say something funny? What?" Ryoko forced herself to stop laugh, though it was hard to do.

"Oh… nothing Kiyone my dear. It's just amusing to me to have people worry about me. Um, thanks. Next time I'll be sure to tell you guys where I plan to go."

Ryoko chuckled phasing to her room Kiyone remained in her spot, head lowering a little ways.

"That woman is more trouble than that baby ever will be. I swear it."

Washu was going through her files on the floating computer, when her bedroom's door groaned open. Washu paid the person who entered no heed. She was too busy

trying to figure out her the father of Ryoko's baby. Even Washu knew that no one could get pregnant out of the blue, especially if there was no other partner to begin

with.

There must be some reason, just some clue. I know Ryoko is reckless but she's not one to just go off and have sex either. Well… she might. But the bottom line is, I would have

known…

Washu's fingers were flying all over the keys, her head was pounding from all the reading and thinking.

"Um… Miss Washu?"

Washu nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound of the voice. Ry-oh-ki and Sasami both had apologetic looks on their faces.

"Sorry Miss Washu. We didn't mean to startle you…" Sasami meekly said, lowering her eye lashes. Ry-oh-ki mimicked her friend's actions.

"Miyow." She meowed, flattening her ears against the back of her head. Washu chuckled, rubbing the back of her neck with her hand tiredly.

"It's all right. Really." Washu hopped out of her chair so she could face Sasami on a more even level.

"It's rather late you two. What's wrong?" Sasami sighed, not sure how to go about with what she wanted to tell Washu.

"Um… Ryoko."

Washu arched an eyebrow.

"What about her?"

"I… I have a confession to make and it involves Ryoko." Washu folded her arms over her across her chest, easing forward slightly, suddenly very intrigued.

"Go on. I'm listening."

Sasami gave Ry-oh-ki a desperate look. Ry-oh-ki only meowed sadly, nuzzling her friend's cheek. Sasami felt a little better and lifted her gaze to Washu's.

" I… I know why Ryoko…" She gulped, glancing sharply away. Washu blinked at the reaction. This certainly is odd of them. Washu eased back, morphing into her adult form. Now much taller than Sasami,

Washu looked down, bringing her right hand to rest on the shoulder Ry-oh-ki wasn't on.

"Sasami? What's wron-"

Sasami couldn't hold it any longer. In one quick phrase she blurted out,

"After Yugi was sealed away, she came to me in one of my dreams and told me she was going to be reborn through Ryoko because she felt bad over everything she did

and wants to atone for all she's done. There! I said it!"

Washu went ridged, her face paling a ghostly white. Sasami shrugged off Washu's hand, taking a few cautious steps back. Silence fell and no one spoke for a long period

of time.

"When… when did you have this dream, Sasami?"

The hoarse whisper came some time later as Washu's mind was beginning to race in all different directions. Sasami looked away in shame.

"Two weeks before Ryoko became with child." To her mere shock, Washu did not yell at her or scold her for keeping quiet about the news for so long. Instead, Washu

smiled.

"Sasami… you just solved the mystery to the pregnancy. I thank you." Ry-oh-ki and Sasami blinked in unison.

"I-I did?"

Washu nodded slowly.

"However…" Washu sighed deeply, rubbing a tired hand about her face.

"The biggest problem to resolve is telling Ryoko she's carrying her former enemy."

Sasami lowered her eyes, inhaling deeply.

"Do you think... Ryoko will kill the baby when she finds out?" Sasami's eyes narrowed. She didn't want to ever think Ryoko would do such a thing. But there was bad blood

with Ryoko and Yugi.

Washu sat back down in her chair, another sigh breezing past her lips. She shifted the chair around and with her hands, she closed the computer top down gently.

"I don't think that will happen Sasami. But even if it did... I wouldn't let her."

Washu replied, remaining still in the chair. Sasami looked at Ry-oh-ki, who only gave her a sad "meyow".

"It's late. Go back to bed. I'll... I'll deal with Ryoko later on, all right?" From the tone of Washu's voice, Sasami knew the scientist was just as worried as she felt.

"You're still here?" Washu remarked some time later, still in her chair. Sasami swallowed.

"I'm just-"

"Look," Washu said, turning around in the chair and getting to her feet.

"I know you and Yugi were close. And I know you still hold her dear to your heart. But you have to have faith that I will not let Ryoko kill the child." The gleam in Washu's

eyes was strong and assuring and it gave Sasami the strength to put her trust in Washu's hands.

"Now go back to bed and try to get some sleep."

Washu ordered gently, cracking a half smile. Sasami nodded, making her way out of the lab. After she and Ry-oh-ki were gone, Washu's smile faded from her face

completely.

Yugi is in Ryoko huh? Ohh I can't wait to tell her this... that's just gonna be a walk in the park! Washu heaved a sigh, ready to call it a night. Why does this have

to keep getting complicated?

Was her last thought before falling ungracefully on her bed and shutting her tried, sore, burning eyes.

Tenchi had just finished packing his suitcase and tucked it away in the back of the car when Ayeka came out to greet him. Upon seeing her, Tenchi smiled warmly at her.

"Hello Princess Ayeka. What brings you out here so early?"

Ayeka noticed the car running and could not help but wonder...

"Oh. Are you going somewhere Lord Tenchi?" She asked in a gentle voice. Tenchi nodded.

"Yeah. As you know, we're sorta behind with bills and all... and well," Tenchi put a hand on his hip and exhaled.

"I'm going into the city to get a job and Dad said he'd hook me up with a good paying job that will help cover up some of the debt." Ayeka grew said at the news. She

knew they were struggling to get out of debt, but Tenchi never brought up the subject to go into the city. Yes, they had discussed that possibility, but somehow, they

managed to talk him out of it. As of now though, he was on his way

to the city, and what hurt was that he never said word to either of them.

"So... you will leaving us?" Tenchi felt a pang of guilt hit him. He knew he should of spoken up about his plans, but then again. He was glad he didn't. They would try to

trick him into staying and well... they really needed the money. Especially with the new member that would be joining them soon. They barely had enough to support

themselves, which made Tenchi grimace with the thought of supporting a baby. Tenchi rubbed his neck, gazing at her with a apologetic look.

"Yes. I'll be leaving soon. I was just about to go in and uh... say my good-byes." Ayeka heaved a small sigh. She was almost to the verge of tears.

"Lord Tenchi, I will miss you dearly." Tenchi bowed his head.

"Yeah. I'm gonna miss you too." They then left the car to go into the grand house.

Everyone was in the living room, watching TV or just moping around. Tenchi took this time to tell his girls that he was going to leave.

"Everyone please! May I have your attention please!" Kiyone and Mihoshi looked up from the TV, Washu closed her book and Sasami and Ry-oh-ki set aide their worried

thoughts to give Tenchi their attention.

"Everyone, if you don't already know. I am leaving to go to Tokyo." Gasps came from everyone.

"But why Tenchi!" Sasami cried, running to him. She wrapped her arms around his waist, round saucer eyes pouring into his.

"Are you leaving because I can't cook well?" Tenchi shook his head, his hands resting down on her shoulders.

"No, no Sasami. This has nothing to do with your cooking."

"Then what is it?" Kiyone demanded, quite upset that Tenchi was leaving on such a short notice. Tenchi looked around at the confused, slightly angered faces and sighed.

"As you all know, we're struggling with getting enough money to pay off our debts. A week ago, I called Dad and asked him if he could look for some job listings. He found

one that will really help us get the money we need and last night, he called me and told me about it. I told him last night I'd meet him in town..." When he finished, the

room was quiet. Sasami still had her arms around Tenchi, refusing to let him go.

"So uh. When will you be back?" Washu finally asked, breaking the chain of silence. Tenchi smiled, glad Washu spoke up.

"Oh I'd say about... sixteen months."

"Sixteen!" They all chorused together, eyes wide. Tenchi felt Sasami's arms fall. She gapped up at like the rest.

"Will you visit?" Mihoshi questioned, arching a blonde brow. Tenchi laughed.

"But of course." Mihoshi waved a hand airily.

"Oh. Then it's okay." Mihoshi smiled, looking at her partner.

"Right Kiyone?" Kiyone lifted a shoulder, brows knitted together in thought.

"I guess so..." She muttered glancing away from Tenchi.

"All right then. Just keep in touch." Washu advised, nodding at him.

"Thank you all for understanding."

Ayeka blinked, remembering something.

"Lord Tenchi, what about Ryoko? Will you be home for the birth?" Tenchi nodded slowly.

"I wouldn't miss that for the world and all the money it had to offer."

Ayeka smiled faintly.

"We wish you luck on your trip." Everyone bid him farewell, hugged and cried. They didn't want him to go, but he had to go.

"Tell Ryoko I wish her the best." He addressed this to Washu, who was still in her adult form from the night before.

"Sure thing Tenchi." Tenchi took his leave, going to his car and making his way to the grand city of Tokyo. The girls of the Masaki household were sad. Without Tenchi, they

really didn't feel like doing much.

"I'm going to go cook something." Sasami mumbled, brushing past Washu-san and her older sister. Washu took a seat in the comfy chair by the red couch and re-opened

her book to pick up where she left off. Kiyone and Mihoshi resumed watching TV. Even though it was a comedy channel, it did not make them laugh. Knowing Tenchi was

gone, it took all the fun out of everything.

Upstairs Ryoko slept heavily. Ryoko wasn't sure what time it was when she felt a hand shake her awake, but judging by the darkness that covered the room, it was really

late. Slowly Ryoko let her eyes flutter open. She was on her side, so she had to roll on her back to see the person who roused her. It was nothing but pure blur and

waves at first, but when it began to fade away, her mother's tired face appeared above her.

"M... Mom?"

Washu's eyes slanted and a amused smile tugged at her lips.

"Heh. You must be going soft. You seem to be calling me "Mom" a lot more often."

Washu's eyes darted to the side for a thoughtful moment, then came back around. Ever so slowly, her smile thinned out to a grin.

"And I admit... I like it."

Ryoko smiled lazily up at Washu.

"I do too." Ryoko muttered sleepily, a little surprised those words came out of her mouth so freely.

"Ryoko, I need to tell you two things. The good news is, I figured out how you became pregnant. The bad news is... the child growing inside you."

"What do you mean by that?" Ryoko asked, her voice still chocked with sleep. Washu sighed, taking a seat at the end of Ryoko's bed.

"Ryoko the baby you will bore into this world is Yugi."

Washu heard Ryoko's quick intake of air, even though it was soft.

"But don't worry. Yugi wants to start over... she wants you to know that she's sorry for all the pain she's caused you. Now I'm sure you're wondering how she got into

your body, right?"

Washu didn't wait for a response.

"Her spirit somehow went into your system and conceived with an egg. I didn't think she was capable of such things, being sealed away and all..."

Ryoko's eyes narrowed and a frown appeared on her face.

"How did you find this out?" She whispered, clutching her comforter with a hand. Washu bowed her head, closing her eyes.

"Sasami came to me one night. She was upset, more so disturbed about something. So I asked her to tell me what was eating at her, that sorta thing. And well... she told

me," Washu's voice grew softer. "she had a dream of Yugi and Yugi told her what I just now told you. Ryoko, she told Sasami that two weeks before you conceived a

child."

Washu waited for Ryoko to speak. For a long time, Ryoko was mute. She didn't know what to think.

"Yugi is... inside me? I'm going to give birth to a devil's child?"

Ryoko's voice did not rise, it remained calm. Washu shook her head.

"Ryoko she was never loved, never understood... perhaps this time you and Yugi can change that." Ryoko sat up by her mother, letting go of the air she had been holding

in.

"Mom, thank you for telling me this. But I'm a little scared of the fact that she's inside me."

Washu shrugged wearily.

"Ryoko we can't do anything about it. Yugi is your child now and you're going to be her mother whether you like it or not." Ryoko's eyes took on a deadly gleam.

"We could do something about it. As soon as she's born I could-"

"Ryoko don't you dare! Don't you dare!"

Ryoko glanced at Washu, startled some/what at her tone of voice.

"If you so much as try to harm that child, I will take her away from you and raise her myself!"

Ryoko's eyes still held a stubborn flare.

"Look," Washu snapped, giving Ryoko one of her most outraged looks.

"I know I wasn't always there for you and when I was, I treated you like some lab rat... and even left you in the hands of a sick bastard. But that wasn't on purpose. My

choices then still affect me up to this day. Do you think it's funny, to know your own daughter curses you to the very ends of the earth, because she was powerless to

stop someone from controlling her? Do you think it's funny, to see your own daughter recoil every time you try and be part of her life, despite that the daughter disagrees?

You're not the only one who's been left alone! You're not the only one who suffers! You're not the only one who's life was turned upside down just because of a few

people!"

Ryoko's hard gaze softened a little.

Washu took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.

"So with that being said, do you think it's funny to kill a child who wants nothing more than what I would want? Yugi wants someone to love her. She wants a mother who

will remain at her side forever..."

Washu looked up at the ceiling, her jaw line tightening.

"I know I'm not in the best position to say this, but damn it all Ryoko! Everyone deserves second chances. You got one so why can't she have one?"

Washu got to her feet, still quite urked over Ryoko's decision to kill Yugi, just as Sasami had feared she'd do.

"Take my words seriously Ryoko. If you try to hurt Yugi, I will have no problem taking her away from you."

Ryoko merely looked up at her mother with a blank face. Washu didn't say another word. She simply walked out of her room and returned back to her lab. Ryoko lifted her

hands and let them rest over belly. She lowered her chin to the middle of her chest, her face now shadowed in the dark room.

"Yugi..."