Disclaimer: I DO NOT own Tenchi Muyo or any Tenchi related series and plots. All I own that deals with Tenchi Muyo are a few lovely mangas, some Ryoko pics, and this fanfic which is the result of my imagination. I am not making any money from this. I do this only to entertain. I also do this for those of the Ryoko+Hotsuma legion.
Chapter 4: Seeking Demons
Far away from Earth and the system in which it orbits is a large cluster of stars called the Blue Cluster system. Everything there radiated a light blue haze giving everything a peaceful lazy look.
That was until two space ships tore across the sky. Hey will you stop! Yugi screamed over the communication link to the ship Ryo-ohki was perusing.
He's not slowing down! Sasami said as she navigated Ryo-ohki. Alright Ryo-ohki let's show him what real speed is made of! Sasami said pushing Ryo-ohki to go faster.
Washu fought to stay on her feet. What kind of driving did Ryoko teach you? She asked about to vomit.
Sasami and Yugi said together.
He's not going to slow down Sasami. Yugi said disappointed.
Come on girls you're space pirates in training. Ryoko and Hotsuma would be disappointed in you two if they were here right now. Washu said holding tightly to the chair's arm.
You're right! Ryo-ohki, fire a few shots past him so he'll know we mean business! Yugi commanded.
Ryo-ohki cried as she fired at the fleeing ship.
Hey! What are you doing? A female voice cried out over the link as an image of her followed.
Pull over! Washu cried almost begging so that they would slow down.
What give in to a bunch of little girls? The woman dressed in dark garb asked in a laugh.
She asked nicely. Yugi said in a frightening tone. Ryo-ohki take her out! Yugi shouted. Ryo-ohki locked on her target then fired at the fleeing ship. Ryo-ohki missed her target on account that Yugi commanded that she miss. But it had caused the dark woman to abandon her craft in an escape pod.
Okay Ryo-ohki let's go pick her up. Washu said grateful they had finally come to slow down.
After a few minutes of maneuvering Sasami was able to get Ryo-ohki to teleport the small escape pod on board.
The three girls stood around the captured pilot of the ship; a woman with short navy hair and dark purple eyes that could be mistaken for a near black. Her complexion was that very much like Mihoshi's only this woman wasn't bubble headed. She was rude and had a very bad attitude.
You brats had better let me go! Do you know whom you're dealin' with? Maya the strongest of Suzuka's shadow warriors! Maya proclaimed.
She's worse than Ryoko! Washu moaned.
Tell us where Suzuka has taken Akira and Yosho. Yugi said.
Why should I answer to a bunch of kids? Maya asked turning up her pointed nose.
Sasami frowned. This is Washu, the greatest mad scientific genius in the universe. Sasami said pointing towards Washu.
Maya asked as if she could care less.
And if you don't tell us what we want to hear you're going to be her new lab rat. Yugi said.
Ha! Like you little girls can really scare me. Maya laughed.
Washu's body suddenly transformed into her adult form. It seems it is you who do not know who you are dealing with. Washu said grabbing hold of Maya's collar. With a insane smile on her face she dragged Maya into the portal that connected Ryo-ohki to the lab.
Well Sasami. Yugi sighed. We had better make our report to Jurai.
I hope Washu will be able to get all of the information we need. Sasami said sitting down at the controls.
***
Eight months had passed. Eight months since everyone had been together as a complete family. Eight whole months seemed like years to Ryoko, which seemed to be degenerating the person she had become on Earth. Hope was constantly growing and fading within the being of the former notorious space pirate. For the eight months they had been searching, information of Suzuka's whereabouts was forcing everyone farther and farther apart. Non-stop and at top speed it would take the Yubori weeks to reach Jurai. It had been awhile since they had heard anything from Kiyone and Mihoshi or Washu and the girls. But still they searched.
In the Angel sol on a space colony called Ozy a woman sat in a dark tavern. A sheet of blue and pink smoke floated still in the moldy air. The smell of the smoke and the brewers gave the place a welcoming scent. The woman's long black hair reached down all the way to her back One eye was covered by her bangs the other a emerald green peered over the cards she held in her hand. The place was full of considerable outlaws and dregs of the streets.
I think I win again fellas. The dark haired woman announced laying her cards down on the table so everyone could see.
Two men who wore matching dark uniforms stared down at the hand. One growled slamming his cards on the table.
For the great shadow warriors of Suzuka you are terrible at gambling. The woman said taking a drink from her glass.
Both men stood onto their feet. The second shadowed man removed a gun from his cloak and aimed it at her while the other removed a gun. Everyone in the tavern turned to see what was happening between the two men and their female companion. What do you know of our mistress? He demanded.
The woman slowly stood to her feet. She swung an energy saber cutting the gun in the shadow's hand in half. She has my children. She said.
The two shadows shouted. Five other shadow warriors who were drinking in the tavern stood to their feet.
I see you've got backup. Ryoko said giving the men a fanged smile. The boozehound sitting at the end of the bar and a vagabond who was sitting at a table with a single bottle of liquor sprung onto their feet. With speed like lightening they dashed before the five new shadows taking them out. So do I. Ryoko said.
Everybody out! Hotsuma commanded removing his vagabond disguise with one wave of his arm. Everyone even the tavern owner left on command of the space pirate. Katsuhito sheathed his sword (A tachi Ryoko had stolen for him.) watching out for any sudden movements of anyone else.
Now tell me where Suzuka and my children are before I rip you apart. Ryoko said pointing her saber in the direction of the men.
What makes you think you can make us tell you anything? One asked.
Katsuhito said his fingers lightly tapping on the hilt of his sword.
Suzuka have two ships one holds your children the other Suzuka. We don't know where either one is. The first shadow said.
And why is that? Hotsuma asked.
Suzuka keeps her ships moving. That's how she is never captured. The other said.
Where is the last place Suzuka was heading? Ryoko asked placing the tip of her saber almost on the shadows Adams apple.
He said in a meek voice.
Ryoko smiled as she pushed the black hair from her face. Good boy. She said praising him as if he were a pet who had preformed a simple trick. Katsuhito, Hotsuma darling please wait for me outside. Ryoko said phasing into her battle suit.
Wait you said if we told you where Suzuka was you wouldn't harm us. A shadow said in a frightened high-pitched voice.
I said for you to tell me before I rip you apart. Ryoko smiled revealing her fangs. Do you actually think I will show mercy to anyone involved with the kidnapping of my children?
Hotsuma and Katsuhito stood outside the tavern doors listening to the sounds of Ryoko happily beating the two shadow warriors to within an inch of their lives. Shouldn't we stop her? Katsuhito asked when one of the shadow warriors flew out of the window onto the street. Hotsuma smiled as he crossed his arms before him and leaned against the wall. No let her fight and work off some of that frustration she's been holding in. Hotsuma said. Believe me, she needs it.
Ryoko stepped out to the door with a satisfied look on her face. She took a deep breath, Ah city air, so nice and polluted nothing like the country. Ready to go? She asked phasing out of her battle suit into the skintight outfit she had on before.
Yes princess. Katsuhito and Hotsuma said together bowing.
I'm leaving you two behind. Ryoko growled walking away.
***
Hotsuma sat before the communication link prepared to make his report to the others while Katsuhito stood in the miniature kitchen preparing tea. He stepped out of the kitchenette when he heard Hotsuma's frustrated grunts, as he yet again couldn't get the communicator to pick up any signals.
We must be too far away to communicate with anyone any longer. Where's Ryoko? Katsuhito asked looking around the room.
In the shower. Hotsuma said piecing the communications device back together. Come on work! Hotsuma hissed pressing the surface of the 12-inch screen.
The static flashed with static then cleared. Jurai...line open. The screen said.
I've managed to contact Jurai! Hotsuma announced.
This is the Jurai; you are using a private line reserved for emergencies and the royal family alone. A woman said formally with her eyes closed.
Hotsuma winked at her. This is Hotsuma Hakubi, Ryoko Hakubi's husband. You know, we are Jurai's best privateers and security. Hotsuma said causing the woman to open one eye. I also have Yosho Jurai with me. Katsuhito waved at the woman from behind Hotsuma. And we would like very much to speak with Princess Ayeka and Lord Tenchi. Hotsuma said smugly.
The woman lowered her head in apology. The Princess will be with you momentarily. The woman said.
The screen went white as a cheesy song began to play. Are they scrapping nails against glass or is that a woman trying to sing? Katsuhito asked.
Hey who's killing a cat out there? Ryoko yelled from the bathroom.
A voice asked followed by an image of Ayeka standing beside Tenchi dressed in Jurai nobleman clothing.
It's nice to see you again Princess Ayeka, Tenchi. Hotsuma said.
We're glad you called. Tenchi said.
Yes I've been trying to contact you and Ryoko for days now! Ayeka said.
Is there a problem? Hotsuma asked noticing Ayekas upset tone.
Yes there's a problem. About a month ago we received word that Washu, Sasami, Yugi, and Ryo-ohki had a run in with an uncooperative minion of Suzuka's. It seems she refused to tell anything to a bunch of Ayeka said.
Both Hotsuma and Katsuhito asked.
Do you know how they got her to speak? Yugi fired buck shots' at her! Then Sasami promised they'd subject her to Washu's experiments if she didn't talk. Right now they are holding her in Washu's lab. I know this is all Ryoko's fault. She's a horrible influence on the girls. You two teaching them how to be space pirates! Ayeka fumed.
Tenchi sat Ayeka down. It seems that some farce information is being deployed. Kiyone and Mihoshi are all the way in Kalong and Washu and the girls are half a galaxy away in the Blue cluster system. Tenchi said.
And we're going even farther apart. Hotsuma said. Thanks to Ryoko's...people skills we are heading towards Shaddap.
Shut up? Tenchi asked puzzled over the curious name.
No Shaddap. Katsuhito said. Just beyond this system about two days away. Ive got tea to make, good-bye Tenchi take care of Ayeka.
Okay. Be careful out there grandpa. Hope to see you soon. Tenchi said just before the screen went out again.
***Jurai***
After the screen went blank Ayeka walked away with a heavy sigh. Is something wrong Ayeka? Tenchi asked.
I was thinking about something. Tenchi. Ayeka said heading onto the balcony. I was recalling how perhaps a few years ago I wouldn't have cared for Ryoko or -as she would say it- her family of demons. But now...now so many things have changed. I guess I miss being on Earth with our family' Tenchi. Ayeka smiled feebly.
Tenchi gave Ayeka a tender hug from behind. So do I. Tenchi said looking out at the view of Jurai amazed at the fact it could be his to rule if he choose. We are doing all that we can to get everything back to the way it was. Tenchi said recalling the press conference Ayeka had passionately spoken at about the situation with Ryokos and Hotsumas children, requesting that everyone do what they could to save them.
Tenchi what do you think Suzuka's up to? Ayeka asked bringing Tenchi out of his thoughts.
I don't know Ayeka. But whatever it is she wants Ryoko for it and Ryoko alone. I think that is why everyone is so far apart. Tenchi said.
So she's deliberately separating us? Ayeka asked. Tenchi nodded his head wishing inwardly for everyone's safe return home soon.
I think we should contact Washu and Kiyone and tell them to come to Jurai. Tenchi said.
***Back on Yubori***
Just as the conversation ended Ryoko walked out of the bathroom fully dressed in her red tank top and her beige pants. Around her head was wrapped a large teal towel. That black stuff is unbearable. Ryoko mumbled rubbing the towel vigorously against her hair.
I kind of like your hair that color. Katsuhito said sipping his tea.
You would. Ryoko stated removing the towel. Ryoko's mane of cyan hair tumbled down her back stopping just below her rear. I really need to cut this. Ryoko said looking down at the mass of hair she had grown over the past months. My hair wasn't this long since I transformed when I took in the power of Jurai from that crystal. Ryoko said noticing the tips of her hair was starting to curl instead of remaining pointed.
Leave it. I think it's lovely. Hotsuma said running his fingers through Ryokos hair.
Ryoko humped as she tied her hair down. If we're going to train today let's get on with it. I do want to eat sometime today. Ryoko said.
Katsuhito and Hotsuma both nodded their heads then proceeded off towards the training dimension Washu had installed on Ryoko's request.
Ryoko stood with a bokken in her hands, both Katsuhito and Hotsuma stood against her. This is for the twins. I must improve for my children. Ryoko reminded herself as she took slow deep breaths. Almost each day she insisted that she spar with either Hotsuma or Katsuhito or both if she felt up to the challenge. Even if she wasn't up to the challenge she insisted they both fight her.
I must sharpen my skills, my agility, everything. I must improve. Suzuka's power...I had never dreamed she would become so powerful without the power of Heaven's Tear destroying her. Ryoko thought forgetting that Hotsuma could hear her.
Ryoko closed her eyes and took another deep breath clearing her mind and blocking her mental link. She could hear them both stalking around her in wide circles. Her eyes snapped open when she heard someone run. The steps were heavy most likely Hotsuma attacking from above. Ryoko brought up the defense. Her bokken clashed with Hotsuma's.
A cry sounded from behind her. Ryoko then realized her mistake, she had let herself be distracted by the obvious of Hotsuma's attack that she forgot about the furtiveness of Katsuhito movements. Ryoko quickly changed her position so that she could counterattack Hotsuma and defend herself from Katsuhito all at once. It was Katsuhito she had to look out for, he was trained very well by the best swordsmen and women of Jurai, Hotsuma was a task in his entirety he had some skills with a sword but he had power and he could use it anytime he felt fit.
Remain decisive Ryoko. She said to herself as she pushed on increasing the speed of her attacks, dodging and striking with the tactics all laid out in her mind with every possible alternative. Hotsuma and Katsuhito attacked with the same strength and force increasing their speed to match or surpass Ryoko's.
For a half-hour the only human sound in the training room was battle cries and grunts as the three sparred. And of the wooden blades humming through the air making a resonant whack as they clattered against one another.
Ryoko pressed her aching body harder increasing her speed and her two opponents increased theirs. The blades were hitting so fast that something had to give. For a moment everything began to move in slow motion; Hotsuma was swinging upwards from below, Katsuhito was bringing his in from the side and Ryoko was bringing her bokken down from above. With a sound like a gunshot, the three blades shattered as the three combatants slammed them together.
Ryoko stood frozen in poise panting still holding the hilt of the broken bokken in her hands. Katsuhito Hotsuma was standing behind her with his back facing Ryoko's and his glasses about to fall from his nose. Hotsuma stood about two feet to the right of Ryoko his glasses still in place only his hair long golden had come untied and fell to his shoulders.
That makes about...seven bokkens this week. Hotsuma said tossing the wooden fragment to the side.
It makes nine this week. Katsuhito corrected.
While since we're done here I say we eat. Ryoko said tossing the bokken handle behind her. Whose turn is it today? Ryoko asked looking at the men. Katsuhito sidestepped away from Hotsuma. Ryoko gave Hotsuma a kiss on the cheek. Make dinner good. She said walking off.
Feed us! Feed us! Feed us! Feed us! Ryoko and Katsuhito chanted as they banged their fist into the table.
Yelling isn't going to make it cook any faster. Hotsuma said over the sizzling skillet.
Bring on the food! Katsuhito shouted.
Yeah snap to it. Chop chop! Ryoko said.
Hotsuma walked out of the kitchen with a pan of stir fried vegetables with teriyaki chicken.
Ryoko shouted. For the eight months that had passed Ryoko felt incomplete. In fact she always felt incomplete without her other two true gems. There were times she felt like crying but the tears would not come. Then there were times she was strong and collected then the teas came.
What little sleep Ryoko was use to getting decreased so that in total she sleeps about two to three hours each day. Even her ritual naps changed instead of sleeping she would lie on her side staring out at the stars wondering where amongst them her children were.
Although Hotsuma and Katsuhito tried to make Ryoko happier she would remember the danger her children were in and would become weighted with guilt once again. The only thing Ryoko keep in good habit was eating a good amount of food even thought her usual six to ten servings dropped to four or six.
Ryoko sighed as she finished her last plate. Ryoko stop doing this to yourself, it's unhealthy. Hotsuma sent into his wife's mind.
I miss them so much. Ryoko said her eyes dropped with longing.
And we will get our children back. You are the strongest, most determined, and stubborn person I know. Once you say you're going to do something you do it. Hotsuma said.
Ryoko smiled grateful to her husband's confidence. I won't stop looking until I find my children. Ryoko vowed. Even if it kills me I will bring my little oni home.
Once dinner had ended Ryoko washed the dishes thoughtlessly then stood before the large window of her room. I hope they are well. Ryoko whispered.
***Far away on the dark ship***
Are you sure this will work? Akira asked Yosho as he flew towards the ceiling.
Course, have you knowed any of my plans to fail? Yosho asked.
Your plan to sneak off with Ryo-ohki failed. Your plan to break into grandma's lab and play with her specimens failed. The time you wanted to steal the ice cream failed. Akira listed as she watched her bother fly towards the door.
Hey what about my plan to scare auntie Ayeka? Yosho asked.
That was a success but then we got in trouble for that. Now that I think about why do I allow you to pull me into such illogical stunts? Akira asked her brother.
You've been hanging around grandma Washu too long. You think you're smart or something.
Akira tossed a weak energy blast towards her brother that flickered out before it came anywhere close to him. Then why do you ask me questions all the time? Akira asked.
Alright cuz you're smartest than me. Now just start screaming and we'll get that big man and the ball in here. Once they're in I'll jump on big and stinky and you close the door. Yosho said.
Are you sure he's gonna come this time? I think he's nervous around us now. Akira said.
Whose fault is that? I wasn't the one who put his hair on fire. Yosho said.
Akira blushed. Akira took a deep breath then released in gathered air in her lungs. "AAAAaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!! She screamed until her face turned blue.
The door of their room flew open as Menos and Beltis entered. Now what is it?! Menos roared.
Akira stopped scream and smiled impishly at Menos. We want to play. She said in her young voice. Akira's young yet intellectual voice caused unease in Menos.
Where is your brother! Beltis demanded.
Akira smiled innocently Akira said as she pointed her tiny fingers above and behind the two.
Yosho cried as he flew downward slamming his small elbow in the back of Menos's neck.
Akira flew to the door slamming it close as Beltis tried to escape. Beltis crashed into the door then fell onto the floor. No no no bally. We want to play. Akira smiled revealing her fangs as picked up Beltis.
***Two days later on Yubori***
Everyone sat in the living area; Katsuhito drinking his tea, Hotsuma reading Cousin Bette and Ryoko fighting to figure out a Rubix cube Washu had given her to help her relax and concentrate.
Concentrate my ass! Ryoko thought. She screamed in frustration slamming the cube on the small coffee table. She held out her hand open palm ready to blow it apart. Hotsuma and Katsuhito watched neither daring to stop the demon's wrath on the colored cubed.
Welcome to Shaddap. Said a hologram appearing before the three. Please dock at the port closest to you. Thank you and enjoy your stay. A hologram said disappearing.
Okay gentlemen. And I use the word lightly. Ryoko said running her hands through her long hair turning it black. We've finally made it to Shaddap. Ryoko smiled pulling her hair into pigtails much like Sasami's.
Are we going to split up this time? Hotsuma asked as he fitted himself into his aristocrat disguise.
Ryoko bit into her bottom lip mauling over the question. Shaddap is rather big; if we were to split up we could perhaps cover more ground. Katsuhito said maintaining his priest clothing.
Okay then, we'll split up. Then meet back here at Yubori in about a day. Exactly at 1800 colony time. Ryoko said.
Yes Princess! Hotsuma and Katsuhito said saluting. Ryoko grumbled under her breath.
This is good; Shaddaps is divided into 5 sectors. The first and third sectors are fairly large. Hotsuma said looking at a map of Shaddap.
Which is bigger? Ryoko asked.
Sector one I believe. Hotsuma said.
Well then I'll take sector 2, Katsuhito gets sector 4, and you have sector 5. Ryoko said walking up behind Hotsuma looking at the map.
What about the larger sectors? Katsuhito asked.
I think I can handle sector five on my own. Hotsuma said.
I guess you and I will take on sector one. Ryoko said hooking her arm around Katsuhito's neck.
So we have a plan, besides running in and fighting. Hotsuma teased his wife.
Enough of that. So it's agreed we meet back here in two days? Katsuhito asked. Both Ryoko and Hotsuma nodded in agreement.
***Two days later***
Hotsuma jogged quickly back towards the Yubori. He was a little later than the appointed time. But he had no choice it was very difficult get the shadow warriors relaxed enough that they spoke freely about their mistress and her whereabouts.
As Hotsuma approached the Yubori he found Ryoko and Katsuhito awaiting him outside. Hello Princess. Hotsuma said hoping they would overlook his tardiness.
Not now. Ryoko moaned bringing her fingers to her temples. Please don't start now.
Hotsuma looked towards Katsuhito in hopes of finding an answer. Hangover headache. I fear I cant watch over your wife as well as you can. He replied. I looked away for only a second and she was gone.
I got the information we were looking for didn't I? What have you got? Ryoko asked leaning her head against the cold metal of a lamppost grateful for it coolness.
I was told they are at Port-Syn. Hotsuma said.
We were told Hyson. Katsuhito said.
So what do we do? Ryoko asked fearful of the answer.
I guess we split up. Hotsuma said. I'll go to Port-Syn. You and Katsuhito can no doubt handle Hyson.
Ryoko frowned. I think that's what Suzuka wants. For us all to split up. Ryoko said.
Hotsuma hugged Ryoko. Ryoko, I'll be back soon enough. And when I do get back- Hotsuma lent down to her ear to whisper the rest in a deep voice, causing Ryoko to whimper.
So how are you going to get to Port-Syn? Katsuhito asked. Both Ryoko and Hotsuma stared at him as if he had lost all logic. Sorry, I forgot I was amongst the best and most infamous space pirates. He said.
Hotsuma gave Ryoko a long passionate kiss hating himself for parting for her even if it was meant for a short period of time. With a See you soon and another kiss Hotsuma flew down the port and hotwired a small luxury ship.
Ryoko watched as the ship her husband had just stolen shot into the sky. She smiled and laughed as she got aboard Yubori. It's no wonder I married him. She said to no one.
***Half a month later***
Hotsuma sat at the bar of Port-Syn troubled with the fact that he had been in the system for days now and he had yet to find any hints or sources that would lead him to the whereabouts of his children.
You want another? The bartender asked.
Hotsuma only nodded his head. He had found the drink called Atomic Pile-driver' to be very delicious and pleasing by the way burned his throat as he swallowed the liquid and it gave him the necessary buzz he needed all the while keeping him at a stable state of mind so that he could think. He hated the so-called Pile driver because it did allow him to keep a clear head. He wanted to be drunk instead of being tormented by the dull pain of loneliness and the constant worry of it all. But he was capable of thought; he wondered why he had not found anything that might help him to find his children. His thoughts lead from one thing to another until he came up with the conclusion that those men had given him false information.
We shouldn't have split up. Hotsuma grumbled into his glass. Hotsuma missed the presents of his wife, her scent of cherry blossoms, her voice, her laugh, and her touch. He missed being with her, holding her in his arms feeling no other man in the universe was as fortunate as him. He also missed his children. He missed their laughter and the abnormal silence of his children when they were up to something. He missed the way he held his daughter close to him when they began training their powers. And he missed racing his son as they flew through the air.
Hotsuma was so indulged at the thoughts of his wife and children that he didn't notice a woman had walk into the bar and sat down at the stool right beside him. Give me a laced juice, I don't care what kind. She said.
It was at the sound of her slightly haughty voice that alerted Hotsuma that the woman existed. Hotsuma gave her a quick look over thinking all the while if Ryoko was her she would have slapped him in the back of the head. Long blue hair merging to a deep purple was the first thing he noticed about her. She looked over at Hotsuma and her sapphire blue eyes locked with his for a brief moment. She looked somewhere in the physical age of her late twenties. At first look she reminded him of a more muscular Kiyone only with Tenchi's worker's tanned complexion. Feeling he had seen enough of the woman Hotsuma went back to his drink.
Tell me are you Hotsuma? She asked into her cup causing her voice to sound muffled.
Hotsuma looked back at her. And if I am? He asked.
Then we are looking for the same person. She said.
Hotsuma was surprised that someone else was daring the risk of hunting down Suzuka. Who are you? Hotsuma asked.
I am Midori. She said. A long time ago Suzuka destroyed the city in which I lived. Only ten people survived. It has been my lifelong quest to see her destruction. When I heard that you and some others were looking for her as well I decided I should come join you.
Why should we allow you to join us? Hotsuma asked.
I have good social skills. She said reaching into the long sleeve of her shirt and removed a large energy rifle. Does anyone here want to test me and my rifle today or are you willing to tell me and the gentleman here what we wish to know? She asked.
Hotsuma watched in almost shock. Almost. Great another Ryoko. He moaned to himself returning to his drink.
End Chapter 4
Sorry it took so long. Monitor broke down just got a new one.