Disclaimer: You already know

Chap. 9

The ten heroes decided to set up camp in the edge of the forest. Goku, Sho and X went searching for food while the others stayed behind. Later, Liu Kang and Ryu left off into the forest to train.

"Hey guys. I caught dinner."

Sho and X looked over in the pond they where at. Goku was standing in the middle holding a massive fish over his head.

Sho looked, surprised as he held the various fruit he had found. "Are...you sure we can eat that?"

"Sure. It's a little small, but just enough for everyone."

X was equally surprised. "That is small? You must have a really big appetite, Goku."

"Hey, X." Sho started. "Do Reploids eat food?"

X nodded, "Actually, yes. We usually have energy foods of various types, but we are capable of eating organic foods as well."

"I see. A robot that can eat. You Reploids seem almost human."

"Well that is how Dr. Light constructed me. And Dr. Cain created Reploids based off my data so we all have the same functions."

Sho smiled, "Tetsuro would like to meet you. He's into all kinds of technical stuff."

X smiled back, "Perhaps I will." They were interrupted by another call from Goku.

"Hey, guys. I got another one."

Camp...

"Cosmo Canyon."

"Excuse me?"

Cloud was staring into the newly made campfire, "This reminds me of Cosmo Canyon. Except there were no trees."

Tenchi stopped briefly and looked thoughtfully into the fire as well. "It reminds me of back home when everyone would gather in front of a fire sometimes. Ryoko and Aieka would usually start fighting, but it wasn't so bad when they where outside."

Jin then spoke, "Reminds me when I was a kid. My mom and I would often go on outings in the forest. If it got dark enough, she would set up a fire and we would just sit by the fire." His voice hid the inner sadness within.

"Sounds nice."

That came from D-Boy, who had been silent through the entire exchange. Silence followed for a bit before Cloud asked him a question.

"How about you? Have any memories of campfires?"

"Not really" was his answer. He didn't really have many memories at all. And the ones he did have weren't exactly pleasant.

Elsewhere...

Liu Kang and Ryu were both practicing their katas. Silently, they moved, utilizing the techniques they have learned from years of training. After a long while, they stopped and bowed to one another.

"That was excellent. Your styles are flawless."

The two of them turned to see Ryo standing nearby.

Thank you", Ryu said. "However, I still have a long way to go before I master the fight."

Liu Kang looked at him, "Is that to say that you are not a master?"

"No. I still have much to learn."

"The way of the warrior is long. But do not belittle your skills. You have much to teach to the world as well as learn."

Ryu looked at him warily, "You speak as a master."

Liu smiled, "Perhaps."

Ryo decided now to interject, "Well, we'll probably find out soon enough. But for now, dinner's ready."

______________

The group had all re-gathered to eat dinner. Thanks to the fish and vegetables that were collected, Goku was able to make some stew for everybody.

"That was great, Goku. Really hit the spot."

Even the normal somber D-Boy was pleased by the meal, "You should be a cook."

Goku gave a small laugh and scratched the back of his head, "You should taste Chi-Chi's food. It's a whole lot better."

"Same to you, Tenchi. The potatoes are delicious." Ryo added.

"Thanks. Thanks a lot."

"Strange."

That comment came from Jin.

"What is?"

"How the food was so conveniently found."

Liu nodded slightly, "You think that was set up as well?"

Well, it makes sense", Ryu stated. "If we are to be fighting this guy, he would want us at full strength.

"Perceptive as always, Ryu."

The ten men turned around to see a young woman stride toward them from out the forest. She was very beautiful, with azure blue hair, glowing green eyes and slightly pale skin. She was wearing a simple blue gown, but what they noticed most about her were the folded sky-blue, bird-like wings on her back as well as the same colored feathers etched into her hair. It was Jin that managed to ask the question first.

"Who are you?"

The young woman smiled, "My name is Crysta."

"You're not the one that brought us here, are you?" Sho asked.

"No. That was my kerac, Xardion that summoned you here."

"Kerac?"

"My husband. He wants to face you all in combat."

Now it was D-Boy's turn to ask. "Why?"

She gazed in his direction, "Why not? You are all the greatest warriors from your realms."

"He wants to test his own strength."

The response came from Liu, but Crysta merely waved her finger.

"Now that much, I can't tell you. I only came to observe you a bit up close."

"Mrs. Crysta?"

Crysta turned the young man, smile reappearing on her features, "No need for formalities. You can just call me Crysta."

Tenchi's face reddened a bit, but he went on, "Okay, Crysta. Why am I here? I understand the others, but I'm not a fighter or a warrior. I'll just get in the way."

"Tenchi. You have a great power deep within you. You know that, right?"

Tenchi nodded solemnly, "Yes."

Crysta moved to the young man and place her hand on his shoulder, causing his face to become a deeper shade of red, "That power is forged from you. Your soul is that of a warrior. Have faith in your our power.

Tenchi blinked. Those words..."That's the same thing Tsunami told me. To have faith in my own power."

"Tsunami sounds like a wise girl then."

He began to scratch the back of his head, "Well actually, she's not a girl. At least not...I mean she is...but she isn't..."

The winged woman gave a slight giggle and backed away from him. "Don't worry. I understand the world you are from. All of you actually. Tenchi, you are part human and part Jurian." She then turned to each of then accordingly. "The legendary Super-Sayian. The ace Maverick Hunter. The champion of Mortal Kombat. The Ronin Warrior of Fire. Everything. Speaking of which, that reminds me. A visitor has come to join you."

"Visitor? Is it another warrior?"

"Not necessarily. In fact, Ryo, I believe you are acquainted with this individual."

Crysta stepped aside as another figure emerged from the forest. Many of them backed away a bit, but Ryo moved forward instead.

"Whiteblaze!"

The white tiger gave a low growl as his master rubbed the side of his head. At the sight of this, the others relaxed. Crysta nodded at this and began to walk away.

"Hey, where are you going?" Jin asked.

Crysta didn't stop walking, but answered, "I must go now. Don't worry. Whiteblaze will lead you all to the Crystal Tower in the morning." She then stopped briefly. "However, I will warn you that more trials will await you there. One of the mind and one of the heart." She started off again, "Be prepared, and good night."

"Strange lady" X said finally.

Ryu finally spoke up, "Did you feel her ki? It was...strange, but powerful.

Goku nodded in agreement, "Yeah. She's really strong. I don't think I've felt anything like that since Majin Buu."

"And she wasn't trying either" Liu added. "I wonder what Xardion is going to be like.

Sho then thought out loud, "A trial of the mind and heart. What could that mean?"

"I guess we'll find out tomorrow." D-Boy muttered.

_______

Tomorrow's going to be a big day, huh?

It sure is. But did you have to tease the Masaki boy like that?

I have no idea what you are talking about.

Come now. Who are you kidding?

Don't tell me you're jealous. Not that I blame you. He is quite cute, especially when he blushes like that.

I'm not jealous, although I wonder about that power of his. He seems to have a strange attraction to women.

Maybe. But that still doesn't let go of the fact that you're still jealous.

Okay. That's it.

What are you? Hahahahaha...no...stop...tickling...me...hahahahah!!

Say it.

Okay, okay, you're not jealous! You're not jealous! Hahahahahaha!!!!