Galaxy 1001D presents:
Bram Stoker's Kagato
Starring Tenchi Masaki as Tenchi Harker
Ryoko Hakubi as Ryoko Westenra
Washu Hakubi as Doctor K. T. von Washu
Aeka Masaki Jurai as Ayeka Murray
Sasami Masaki Jurai as Sasami Morris
Mihoshi Kuramitsu as Mihoshi Renfield
Kiyone Makibi as Doctor Kiyone Seward
Special Guest Star Kagato as Count Vladimir Kagato
Tenchi Muyo and all related characters are © AIC/Pioneer. This story is written solely for entertainment and is not intended to make a profit in any way.
Based on "Dracula" created by Bram Stoker
And "Tenchi Muyo" created by Masaki Kajishima
Chapter Twelve: A Chance Meeting
"I don't believe it," Kiyone whispered. "Ryoko! She's alive!"
Tenchi could only shiver and make strange unintelligible noises. "Duh-uh-whu-uh…"
Kiyone bent down to inspect the sleeping woman. Ryoko was just as Tenchi described her. Her onyx hair had turned into a cyan-white fright wig of spiky tangles. The dressing gown she was wearing did resemble a Japanese kimono. Lifting an eyelid, Kiyone jumped back when she discovered a golden yellow pupil. Ryoko appeared at least a decade older than her twenty years should indicate, but that could be the bad lighting. And as for Ryoko's teeth… well, the gums could have receded to make her canines appear longer, right?
The teal-haired doctor shook her head. "This," she stammered, "This is impossible. Someone must be playing an elaborate hoax…" Her voice trailed away. The odds of that being true seemed no more likely than the tale that Tenchi told her that morning. She turned her head to address the shivering Tenchi. "I'm going to examine her."
Tenchi nodded, relived to find an excuse to leave the room. He felt like such a coward, leaving Kiyone to face the creature that was Ryoko alone, but after last night staying in that room was a test of endurance.
Meanwhile, Doctor K. T. von Washu was engaged in research at the National Archives. "Hm," the short scientist mused. "Nope, that one's destruction is well documented." Von Washu sighed and gazed around the chamber. Around her were tables for scholars to read texts so ancient and valuable that they were not allowed out of the building. At this early hour there was only one other person in the room. A priest in a purple robe and a green cloak was perusing a series of birth records from centuries ago.
Von Washu's emerald eyes narrowed as she studied the man. He wore a dark violet robe that was bisected by a thick purple stripe down the front. A thin three-pronged broach at his collarbone broke the stripe. The broad shouldered man was clean-shaven, but his sideburns were so long they drooped down to his shoulders like two ponytails. He gripped the records with hands clad in white kidskin gloves. His pale skin combined with his snow white hair gave him a washed out, almost cadaverous appearance.
"Yes?" He asked her with a sinister yet seductive voice. "May I help you?" Hideous yellow eyes peered over the dark, round-lensed pince-nez perched on the bridge of his nose. The pupils of his yellow eyes appeared to be blood red, but the most disturbing element of them was the fact that they did not appear to be round, but seemed to be vertical slits like those of a snake.
"What?" von Washu jerked in her chair. "Oh sorry," she waved in embarrassment. "I was just admiring what beautiful eyes you've got."
"My eyes?" the stranger mused to himself. "I didn't know anyone could see my eyes. The mental shroud that I've pulled over everyone's perceptions should be enough to make my eyes appear normal, and yet…" His hideous eyes focused on von Washu. "You can see them quite clearly, can't you?"
"I thought it was hard to think in here," von Washu smirked. "I've only just begun the day's research and yet I feel as if I've been at it all night. You're projecting a hypnotonic field around yourself because you like your privacy, aren't you?"
The green-cloaked stranger laughed. "You can not only see me as I really am, but you can hear what I'm really saying as well! My my, you are a woman to keep an eye on, aren't you? I really have to hand it to you, Miss…"
"Doctor," von Washu corrected.
"Doctor," the stranger corrected himself. "My apologies. This is such a strange time to be living in. Tell me, what have you earned your doctorate in?"
"Guess," von Washu folded her arms cheekily.
"Hm," the stranger put a white-gloved hand to his chin in thought. "Let's see. Medieval Metaphysics, Medicine, Cardiology, Neurology, Psychiatry, Theology, Philosophy, History, Physics… Am I missing one?"
"You forgot 'Gynecology,'" von Washu added.
"Of course," the stranger snapped his fingers. "How stupid of me. You must be the internationally famous Doctor Von Washu."
"In the flesh," she smiled proudly. "And you seem to have the advantage of me sir."
"Count," the man corrected. "Oh my, and I intended to remain anonymous too. Still, I guessed your name, Doctor. Can you guess mine?"
"Hm," von Washu put her hand to her chin. "Any clues?"
"Isn't my title enough?" the sinister man teased.
"Touché," the little genius wagged her finger. "I never could resist a challenge."
"I know what you mean," the Count's smile didn't seem to reach his eyes. "The question is, can you resist me?"
"Excuse me?" von Washu raised a suspicious eyebrow.
"Doctor von Washu," the Count rose from his chair to an intimidating height. "It has been simply ages since I have met anyone with such an indomitable will, let alone a will wrapped in such a lovely package. As a scientist, would you be willing to participate in a little experiment?"
"Certainly," von Washu stood up and put her hands on her hips. The two stepped away from their tables and faced each other.
"I'm curious to see just how powerful your will is," the Count said with a dangerous smile. "Doctor, come to me."
Von Washu just laughed. "Come on, your lordship, you can do better than that. Huh?" Her laughter died when she met his gaze.
"Doctor von Washu," the Count said in a silky voice. "I can feel your will working against mine. You truly are a magnificent specimen."
The little redhead just grit her teeth and stared into the stranger's eyes. A bead of sweat appeared at the side of her forehead.
"Now Doctor," the stranger commanded. "Walk towards me."
Von Washu's scowl deepened, and her body twitched. She balled her hands into fists and pressed them to her sides.
"I'm impressed, Doctor," the Count nodded. "Not everyone is capable of refusing me."
"Phew," the mad doctor let out a breath. "Not bad," she smirked. It's been years since I've encountered such a powerful intellect. Still, one good experiment deserves another. You don't mind do you?"
"Of course not," the Count bowed graciously. "I think that all of my future brides should be able to take the initiative."
"Why you cheeky devil!" von Washu teased. "You really do want me in your power!" Suddenly the little redhead was at the stranger's side, poking him with her elbow. "You plan to take me to one of those clubs, don't you?"
"Excuse me?" the Count raised a skeptical eyebrow.
"There you will do unspeakable things to my beautiful body!" Von Washu put her hands over her cheeks melodramatically.
The Count's yellow eyes became alert. "You really are quite extraordinary…"
At that moment, back at Tenchi's flat, Kiyone left the bedroom to talk to Tenchi. "It's remarkable," the athletic alienist told him, "That's Ryoko, all right. The birthmark on her wrist confirms it. I thought maybe a deranged relative was pulling a prank on you. If her hair has been dyed, it's a good job, 'cause the color goes right down to the roots. I can't wake her up. It's like she's been drugged or something. I'm going to go back to the hospital and fetch an ambulance to pick her up. You stay with her until I get back."
"What?" cried the incredulous boy, "Stay? With her?"
"We can't risk leaving her alone," Kiyone insisted. "The last time that happened, she was pronounced dead and buried alive. Just keep an eye on her 'till I get back."
"Okay," Tenchi nodded, steeling his courage. "I must have breathed in some strange fumes back at the university. Who knows what experiments they were doing in that building? I must have been acting as delirious as poor Ryoko."
"We'll get to the bottom of this, Tenchi," Kiyone assured him as she put her hand on his shoulder. "Trust me. There's got to be a logical explanation for all this, but right now our first concern is Ryoko. We don't want to lose her again."
"You're right, Kiyone," Tenchi nodded, more like his dependable and resolute self. "I just need some food, drink, and sleep to set my head straight, but it can wait until Ryoko is safely in your care."
"Okay, Tenchi," Kiyone nodded. "I'll be back soon. Make yourself something to eat in the meantime. I shouldn't be long." With that, the teal haired doctor left, leaving the young man alone in the apartment with Ryoko.
Back at the London Archives, von Washu continued to tease the Count. "So your lordship, are you willing to be my guinea pig?" She dared him as she walked back to her table.
"Why not?" the Count shrugged. "As you said 'One good experiment deserves another.'"
"I was hoping you'd say that," the little redhead reached into her carpetbag. "Here, take a look at this." The petite scientist pulled out a large ornate crucifix and held it out to the Count. "Whad'ya think? It cost me a pretty penny I'll tell you that. Take a look at the craftsmanship! Silver inlaid with gold with garnets on the ends. I tell 'ya this thing is worth a king's ransom!"
The reaction from the Count was dramatic. He scowled in fear and disgust and took a step away from the little woman. The red pupils of his yellow eyes were looked on the ornate cross and he bared his teeth to reveal that his canines were long and sharp as a cat's teeth. He trembled in seething rage as his arm involuntarily drew his green cape before him in a protective gesture.
"Are you all right, your lordship?" Washu's green eyes sparkled. "You don't seem well." She took a step towards the Count who retreated a pace backwards. "Here, let me take a look at you. I've been meaning to research faith healing for the longest time!" She held out the cross as if it was a traffic sign.
The little redhead advanced on the Count who continued to back up and put a hand out in a halting gesture. The hand that held his cape seemed to be clutching at his stomach and he doubled over in pain. He seemed to be attempting to speak, but only quiet groans or growls could be heard and only then if one was really listening. Finally he gritted his teeth and managed to snarl "Enough!"
"I thought so!" von Washu crowed. "If you don't mind my saying so, you are about as subtle as a shipwreck, my lord!"
The Count raised his arms causing his green cloak to open like a pair of wings as he soared backwards towards the exit. Once out of the genius' immediate proximity, he regained his composure and resumed his arrogant confidence. "Oh my, oh my," he clucked in a quiet and dangerous voice. "I'll really have to keep an eye on you, Doctor. As long as you focus your will into that symbol of faith, you have me at a disadvantage. Let's see if this will distract you." Like a stage magician, he snapped his fingers and a copy of the London Times appeared in his hand. "Here is some reading material," he said as he tossed the paper to the table nearest von Washu. "I think you'll find the headline quite interesting."
"Huh?" von Washu glanced down to look at the front page. "Wagh!" The little scientist grabbed the newspaper with both hands. "The Mad Science Building! It's ruined! What happened to it?"
"Tsk, tsk," the Count smirked. "Bad luck, Doctor. Until we meet again…" The Count glided backwards out the door as every chair in the room flew threw the air to impact against von Washu.
"Eeyah!" the redhead cried. "Come back here!" She roared in futile rage.
Next: The Glove Has Been Thrown