Momiji's cell door opened. The guard growled, "Looks like your brother decided to visit you before we got our ransom." He tossed Ken's limp body onto the ground. "We'll bring some food and items to get his wound cleaned. We can't have a dead Juraian to bargain with." They closed the door once again, locking down the area.
"Shirou!" Momiji shrieked. She turned Ken's body over to face her. "... you're not Shirou..." She looked confused, touching his markings that have not faded away. "Who are you?" She asked herself. Momiji was also stuck battle-ready. Two Juraian marks on her forehead were rather pronounced. She traced along his three streaks on each cheek. "They got you too, huh?" Her eyes shifted to an electronic collar around his neck, "Bastards. All of them."
The guard returned with food and medical supplies, "I hope for your sake you know how to dress a wound, Princess. Or your pretty-boy brother will be dead before morning." The cell door closed once more.
Momiji waited until the area was clear. She carefully stripped Ken of his jacket and shirt. Ken let out a slight cry. She attempted to calm him with her soothing voice, "Shhh... it's okay. I'll fix you up. Don't wake up just yet, young soldier." She cleaned up his wound with some water. She then cleaned the area with the medical supplies and bandaged him quickly.
"I wonder where you came from?" She asked herself. Momiji pulled a blanket over to cover him. She leaned close and propped up him up a little to help him take a drink of water. His head rested soundly in her lap as she idly played with his hair. She watched his face, overly concerned as more and more questions filled her head with each moment of silence.
Ken groaned, opening his eyes to look up at Momiji. "..wh... where... who..."
"Shh... don't talk. You're hurt pretty badly. You were captured by the guards."
"Who are you?" Ken asked.
"I'm Princess Momiji of the Planet Jurai."
"Oh, that makes this really easy to find you then, huh?" He tried to sit up.
"Hey... you're hurt. Stay where you are." She put a hand over his chest, stopping him from getting up. "You're in no condition to get up. What do you mean easy to find me? Were you looking for me?"
"Yes and no. Your mother and brother organized a rescue team that I was part of. I got... separated from the group and got captured, I guess." He seemed annoyed.
"My mother... and brother? I see. Well then, who are you?"
"Me... I'm no one special." He turned his head to the side. She turned him back to face her.
"Yes, you are. You have the markings of the Juraian royal family here, here, and here." She traced the markings with her finger. "I'd like a name to go with your face."
"Makibi." He whispered under his breath, "Tenchi. I mean Ken."
"So what is it, Tenchi or Ken?" She blinked, "Wait a moment, have we *had* this conversation before?"
"Have we? I don't believe I've ever met any Juraian Princesses..."
"...maybe. I don't know. I distinctly remember having a conversation like this before." Shook her head, "Maybe I'm the one imagining things. I'll call you Tenchi."
"Okay, whatever." He went to sit up again. "So what are these things?" He pointed to the collar around his neck.
"I'm not entirely sure. All I can tell so far is that it puts Juraian's in a point where you're battle ready, but are unable to use the Juraian power."
"Like it suppresses? What's the Juraian power?"
"You are Juraian, you should know." She looked baffled.
"No lady, I have no idea. I'm a Galaxy Police cadet. I rely on my training. I've never once seen this 'Juraian power' you're talking about. Whatever I *am* has no bearing on what I can do."
"How fascinating. What do you propose we do then?" She crossed her arms.
"Well... I'm not going to stick around here until they decide what to do with us. Obviously no one is going to pay the ransom. I'm going to follow through with the plan... just a step ahead this time."
"Okay, smart boy. Please enlighten me on how exactly we're going to get out of here, hmm?"
Ken shrugged, "I don't know. I'm not exactly trained in this yet." He looked around the room, "Okay. I have a few ideas. I..." He held his head. "I can't think. It's like a bad headache that won't go away! Wait, that's it."
"What's 'it'?" Momiji asked.
"... no time to talk. Stand up." He himself gathered his clothes. He pulled on his shirt and jacket.
She did as he said very slowly and hesitantly. The tone in his voice seemed to make her a little nervous. Ken walked around behind her, leaning in close to whisper softly, "Just go along with it. I promise not to hurt you." He pulled her back, locking his arm around her neck.
Momiji shrieked, attempting to pull away from his tense headlock. He was much stronger than she expected. She yelped again.
Ken raised his voice, "GUARDS! GUARDS! GET IN HERE!"
"Help!" She coughed, her fingers unsuccessful at pulling away from his grip.
Ken smiled and whispered into her ear again, "When I tap you on the back, I want you to pretend to faint." He raised his voice, "I HAVE A HOSTAGE! IF YOU DON'T WANT YOUR PRISONER HARMED, YOU'LL DO AS I SAY!"
Two guards enter the area. The first guard glares from outside the cell. "What do you think you're doing?" He sneered.
"Taking my prisoner." Ken growled back. "You lead me right to her. You fools." He tightened his grip around Momiji. She whimpered in a little pain, her discomfort obvious.
"Feh, you're Juraian. You can't fool us."
"You know NOTHING ABOUT ME!" He growled, pulling back. Momiji cried out again. Ken clenched his teeth, "I'm a bastard, abandoned child of the Juraian royal family. I hate them with all my heart and soul. I know what this... this Phoenix Zero is all about. You hate them almost as much as I do. You're doing it all wrong though. Now your mistake will be that you will be blamed and hunted for the death of this Princess." He smiled back at the guards, then commented to Momiji who is now crying, "It's okay, girly. You were so nice to bandage my wounds, but now it's time to say goodbye to this lonely, pathetic existence. No hard feelings, okay?"
The second guard acted quickly, he opened the cell door quickly and rushed toward Ken, the first guard immediately after, "Let her go!" the second guard commanded.
Ken waited until they were within a two feet of him and Momiji. He pulled an arm back, faking the motion hitting Momiji over the head. He moved his opposite hand to gently touch her back and push her aside. It was a swift movement, almost too quick to note what really happened. Momiji fell to the ground in what appeared to be her fainting. Ken snapped a quick kick to the oncoming guards gut, then fist down into his shoulder and then his head to knock him down. That guard fell easily. Ken used the downed guards' back as a stepping stone to leap at a sharp angle into the first guard head first. Kens momentum forced the guard sharply into the hard cell bars, also knocking him down rather swiftly. Ken panted, holding his sore side for silence after the guard had been taken down.
Momiji opened her eyes, seeing Ken stumble to the cell door. She spoke up, "...you didn't have to hurt me. I almost believed those words you spoke."
"How do you know which words are truth and which are fiction? I could have been lying to you from the beginning." He turned and kneeled behind the nearest guard to him. He unhooked a key from the guards belt and tossed it at Momiji. "Sorry. You shouldn't trust anyone, especially those you have just met. Everyone could be an enemy. Use that key to try and unlock your collar. I'll tie these bozos up and we'll figure out something."
Ken was quiet and efficient. He tied the guards up easily, even taking a cloak from one of them and pulling it on. Momiji managed to get the collar off using that guards key. They left the cell, locking the door on the guards.
"... thank you. You're no enemy, Tenchi." She spoke quietly, following behind Ken's path.
"Yeah, right? That could have gone very wrong. You're lucky they didn't kill us on the spot." He kept two steps ahead of her, checking around corners and down the hall. The block is virtually unmanned. Ken got the feeling that maybe this Phoenix Zero operation was a bit smaller than the Galaxy Police even knew.
"Well, perhaps it's time for you to take off your collar." She commented, "I still have the key."
"Good, good. Let's find a spot less in the open. I'm okay for now." He assured her. He was on alert, but still seemed to be in much pain. They rounded the corner and came to a door. Ken cracked it open, peeking inside. No one. "This must have been where those two were working. Ah... I see, it's a security control booth." He stepped in, Momiji following quietly behind.
"A control booth?" She wondered, making sure the door locked behind her.
"Yeah. Like... well, there are the video monitors over there. A few maps here... and even something that appears to be monitoring...me...?" Ken blinked and checked out the screen. "Damn, it must be this collar. Gimme that key."
Momiji handed the key over, "How do you know so much? You've got to be a little younger than me... it's strange hearing such a professional tone from someone of your age."
"Well, maybe I'm special." He used sarcasm as a defense. He attempted to place the key in the locking mechanism of the collar. It fit about halfway in, then stopped. "...it's not working. This is the wrong key! Man, I must be cursed." He whined a little, displaying his age a bit better.
"Does it hurt so much? Surely we can find the other key or make it out of here before it becomes too painful." She sounded concerned.
"Right. I agree. I'm feeling a bit limited with it on. They can find us quickly because of this thing and I don't like that idea." He shook his head, "We're safe here for now. I'm going to help myself to their snacks and do some research on the computer here."
"Well, I don't really have much of a choice but to do the same. I have no way of knowing where to go next. I hate to be the one to admit that you're my last hope to make it out of this base alive." Momiji sat down, taking small snack bag into hand and opening it.
"I see. Again, the putting faith in strangers thing... not good. I am not a fully capable person to do that. I, myself, had gotten captured before, remember?" He tapped on the computer console, searching through menus and records of any sort. "I don't want to put you in danger just 'cause of me." He tapped away until he suddenly stated, "Ah-hah... I found it."
The screen blipped on. The camera positioned awkwardly in the corner of the room, pointing down onto a person in the center. The prisoner was wearing a tank top and black slacks. It was a woman. Her hair was long and forward over her face as she looked down. She was tied securely on the chair, arms behind it in solid metal cuffs that covered both hands entirely and linked in the center, her feet bound the same way. A voice came from a standing man on the left side, "Your Galaxy Police, what do they want with us?"
The woman in the chair sat in silence, unmoving. After a long moment, he picked up a remote and pushed the button. The woman shrieked and tensed up. Her body curled as much a she could from her confined position. She looked up at the man, face now uncovered. It was Kiyone. Her voice was rough, almost damaged, "I'll tell you nothing."
"That's too bad." The man on the video spoke, "Because I was going to feel a bit generous and let you live. Now I'm not so sure, since you're being so difficult."
"At least I'll die with the knowledge that I did the right thing and you will get what you deserve in due time, asshole."
The man backhanded Kiyone across the cheek. She let out a wince. He forcefully grabbed her face with one hand, "You stubborn bitch! Do you want to die THAT badly? I'll arrange it." He let go, heading to the door. "Keep electrocuting her until she passes out or cracks. If she doesn't say anything, go ahead and arrange for the execution. We have no time for this any longer."
The video continued on until they dragged Kiyone's body out of the room. She was limp and easily carried by the guards. The video screen went black.
Ken stared at it for quite a bit. The look on his face was rather unreadable. Momiji reached over and touched Ken carefully on the shoulder, "What's wrong?" she asked.
"... kill. I'm going to kill that bastard if it's the last thing I do." He said shakily.
"..." she carefully moved in to hug him from behind, "Calm down. Everything will be fine."
"No it won't! He killed my mother!" Ken cried out. Tears began to roll down his cheeks. His hands clenched tightly in anger.
"Your mother?" Momiji looked back at the now blank screen. She pulled away to turn Ken's chair around to have him face her. She then brought him back into a hug. "Tenchi... I'm here for you."
Ken calmed down after a being held in Momiji's gentle hug. He moved away and wiped his tears from his cheeks, "...I'm okay. Let's consult the map again to find the best way to get out of here."
Momiji nodded and looked over the screens. She poked Ken on the shoulder, "Look at that screen... it looks like someone's attacking that entrance."
"... those aren't normal people, that's your mother, brother and the rescue team! Oh, this is good... let's see..." He punches up a few numbers on the board. "Okay, their coordinates are here ... which means... they're at the opposite end of the base from us. At their rate, we can meet them halfway - there are NO other paths they can take. Let's see... " He points to the map for Momiji, "So we go this way and we enter this large room and take the rest of the way so we can meet up with them and get the hell out of here safely. It's are safest route since I still have this collar on."
"I'll go with that. You're really good at this."
"Thanks... I only went to school for it for the past 3 years..."
"That would make sense then." Momiji commented.
Ken stretched and hopped out of his chair. He walked over to a cabinet and opened it up. "This is what we need. An arsenal." Ken grabbed a rifle and a handgun. He slipped the handgun under his belt and strapped the rifle over his shoulder. "Grab something for yourself. We should move out."
"I don't need any weapons. I can handle myself." She smiled.
"Okay... well... whatever. Just don't get yourself hurt or nothing. I can't cover you the whole time. Stay close and we'll be fine."
Momiji nodded. He charged the gun and went to the door to exit and start down the hall. The path was clear. Momiji followed quickly behind.
He looked down the hall to notice a group of about ten or so dressed just like the guards had. Ken moved his hand back to stop her from moving ahead. He turned and pushed her against the wall, covering her with his body. He quickly pulled the cloak hood over his head. She yelped then noticed the guards passing by behind them. He covered her mouth with his hand, keeping close to her. Momiji blushed at the contact. His eyes closed and forehead barely touching hers to block her face and body from the eyesight of those passerbys. The group of soldiers quickly moved past. Ken tilted his head to notice that and grabbed Momiji's hand to turn the corner and barrel down the corridor. He stopped again at the end of the hall. Two ways to go this time.
"Do you remember the way?" Momiji asked, concerned.
"Yes.. it's that way." He points to the path down the right. Ken looked down the left corridor. "But... this way are the rest of the prisoner cells. I... can't just leave the rest of the GP there, if there are any left. It's only the door at the end of the hall. I don't expect you to stay with me. I just have to check. It's my duty."
"I understand completely. I'll stay with you, though. I'm not about to try and make it out of here by myself." She smiled, "Let's go!"
Ken smiled and nodded. He prepared his rifle and made the left turn. He ran to the door and opened it quickly. Two guards on duty, just like the other cell block. He fired on them with no remorse. They had no idea it was coming. Ken grabbed the keys and signaled for Momiji to tie the guards up. He unlocked some cell doors with five very war-torn Galaxy Police officers.
"Who are you?" asked one of them.
"I am Makibi Ken, son of Makibi Kiyone and Galaxy Police Cadet-in-Training. I want you to leave as fast as possible and contact headquarters. No time to explain the situation, just get out and get reinforcements fast. They've given up hope on this mission and they need a swift kick in the ass before they come back to this hellhole to save everyone. Use this." He pulled a small communicator out of his jacket and tossed it to the highest ranking officer. "That should broadcast you to the main Galaxy Police channel for alerts."
"But... but... they'll block the signal. They'll catch us and kill us for sure!" said the man.
"No, they won't. I already unjammed the frequency and that room has been sealed. No one will be able to track you. Just get out and DO it. I have to save a Princess and meet up with another rescue team. I don't have time for this kind of hesitation. Just do it. NOW."
The officer nodded to Ken, "I understand. Continue with your mission, we'll notify GP of your rescue and tell them to send reinforcements to pick us up. Thank you."
"The defenses of this place are really limited. Tell them to raid the place using 'The Xesicon' maneuver. It'll work. They don't have the resources to fight back. Their beef is with the Juraian royal family so GP will have the edge. Take this rifle - you'll need it." Ken handed the rifle over to the Galaxy Police officer.
"I'll relay the message. We'll move out now." The officer headed out with his group of four.
Ken watched as he left, then pulled his pistol out from under his belt. "Okay, this is the last stretch. We go in and meet up with the others, then I go exact my revenge."
"What!?" Momiji seemed surprised, "You can't just do that you know!"
"And why not? At that point the responsibility of returning you to safety is over and my mission will be complete when I resolve the crime against my mother." He sounded rather determined.
"It's not the right way to do things!"
"I don't care."
"You can get hurt!" Momiji whined, following behind Ken as he wandered down the hall.
"That's right, I can. I'll leave that up to my skill and strength when I face him." He turned down another corridor, heading toward a door at the end of the hall.
"Tenchi! You're unbelievable!"
Ken looked through a small window on the door. "... shit... he's in *there*. We have to get through this door to get to the rest of the base and meet up with everyone. I didn't anticipate this."
"So this is it? You're just going to rush in, gun blazing and all?"
"Seems like the only way to do it. It's my fate, not yours." Ken looked at Momiji. He looked a little sadly at her, but had this driven feeling about him.
Momiji nodded, "You're right about that. Tenchi... you're a good person. I'm glad you were the one who saved me. Please be careful."
"You're not so bad yourself, Princess." He smiled, checking his gun one final time. He turned to look Momiji over. Ken touched her cheek softly, then leaned in close and kissed her on the lips in one swift motion. He pulled away and stated calmly, "I now at least have kissed a girl once before I die."
With that, he pulled open the door and ran right into action. He started firing at the guards who came at him.
"Tenchi!" Momiji shrieked, following quickly behind. She lifted up a small Juraian personal shield around herself.
Ken was taking down targets easily. The main fellow was in the center, sitting in what appeared to be a throne that was at the top of a tiny staircase. Two guards by his side. One managed to duck away from Ken's attack. Ken growled and pulled down his cloak top. "You! Get down here and fight me like a man!"
The man on the throne stood up. He was dressed in a blue cloak and a dark outfit, similar to a ninjas. The main difference would be that his had a symbol on his chest and his hood was pulled down as well. "Fight you? You're just a boy."
"You scared? Come down here and face me!" He growled.
"I see you've got the marks of the Juraian royal family. Tsk... you won't be able to do much since we have you locked down. Lovely technology, isn't it?"
"Fuck you! I can fight without that so-called power! Take up your weapon and fight!" Ken raised a gun at the man.
"A gun? You're Juraian. You should use a sword when fighting an adversary such as myself." He threw a sword toward Ken. It landed on the ground next to the young cadet. The man then picked up his own sword from beside the throne. "I will fight you, but I want a name to go with my opponent." He started down the stairs toward the boy.
Ken kneeled down to pick up the sword. He put the gun back at his belt buckle and went into a fighting pose. "My name is..."
The room was large, there was even a second level that had a balcony that looked over the arena. A loud sound of a door opening and several footsteps came from above. It was lead by Tenchi and Ryoko. Yoshiko looked over the side of the balcony and screamed, "Ken!"
Ken didn't miss a beat. He growled, "My name is Makibi Tenchi!" He leapt toward the fellow clad in blue with his sword. Ken's technique was strong and focused. The swords clanged loudly in the hollow room. "I'm here on behalf of the Galaxy Police! Your ass is mine!"
"You're good!" The man commented, "Though, your anger can make you clumsy." He slashed quickly, cutting into Ken's left arm.
Ken winced, continuing to fight. The blood soaked through the jacket and cloak. He snapped at the man, "Shut up!" He pushed forward with an onslaught of different techniques, defending each one thrown at him.
Tenchi looked around the area, "There's no way to get down quickly!" He sounded frustrated, "Ryoko, go down and help him!"
"I can't do that." She watched quietly, "It's his fight. He's doing what he came here to do."
"Ryoko! This is no time to be concerned about his pride." Tenchi snapped.
"No, Dad... let him fight. He's not losing. What happened to his hair and face?" Yoshiko asked.
"Those are Juraian battle markings." Aeka spoke up. "He seems to have them, but he isn't displaying any of the Juraian power. It's most peculiar. He would certainly have an advantage in the fight if he did use it."
"It's because he can't." said a voice behind the group.
"What?" Tenchi asked, turning to face that voice.
"He can't. They have collars that put Juraians in a battle ready stage but stop the power from working. It's a constant strain on the body. It hurts the more you try." said the cloaked figure.
"... I see." Ryoko said, "Are you here to try and capture us?"
"No. I'm sorry. I can't explain just yet." The figure turned and ran down the corridor to another exit.
Tenchi looked back over the balcony to watch the fight. "This isn't good. He keeps making mistakes that can get him killed. I wish Grandpa could have been able to teach him."
The fight continued below. Several cuts flow back and forth between the two. Ken does not slack off in his stance. He rushed the older man, only to have his sword slashed into two, the lose blade clanging to the floor rather dramatically. He tossed the half-sword and hilt aside. "I'll take you down with my bare hands if I have to." He panted sharply.
"Ken!" screamed Yoshiko again. She ran to Tenchi's side and grabbed the Master Key from where it was tucked under his belt.
"Hey! Yoshiko! Give that back! That's not a good idea!" Tenchi tried to chase after her.
Yoshiko ran along the balcony wall and threw the Master Key toward Ken. He looked up and noticed the falling sword hilt. He did a slight leap sideways to grab it in mid-air. He turned to face the enemy once more, gripping the sword gracefully, "Maybe I don't have to."
Ken winced. His heart started to pound faster and harder in his chest. He felt as if his blood was running through his body thicker and stronger than before. The blade began to extend, then blinked away. His nose began to drip blood slowly from one nostril. He closed his eyes and concentrated harder, the blade now fully extending from the Juraian sword. He snarled and leapt toward his opponent once more for full combat.
This time was different, he was able to get in a lot more hits. The longer the combat lasted, the more Ken seemed to regress into a feral from. He was making all the right moves faster than ever. First it was his nose, then he started to bleed through his ears. He stopped hearing the cries from the balcony and Momiji, only able to hear his own heart beating. He disarmed the man and growled, "I hope you like it in hell." Ken slashed quickly across, down and into the opposite mans heart. It was a swift death as the lifeless body fell to the ground. Ken stumbled backwards as the blade disappeared.
With his back turned, a cloaked figure started toward Ken with a sword, "You'll pay for that!" He remarked.
The other cloaked figure ran in from the side entrance, lifting a gun and shooting down the assailant. The assailant fell to the ground behind Ken. This cloaked figure now approached and kicked the body over to be face up, "No one touches my son." and shoots the lying figure in the head.
Ken stood still, unaware of what happened behind him. He looked up toward the balcony, and then aside at what he had done. His hand released his grip on the master key, letting it fall to the ground before he himself collapsed.
"Tenchi!" cried the hooded figure. Pulling the hood off, it revealed that it was Kiyone. She went to Kens side, checking his wounds.
Ken started to convulse and going into a seizure. Kiyone tried her best not to panic, her eyes wide as she went into a medical procedure or two. "... somebody call for help!" She yelled to no one in particular. She did her best for what the situation called for, but he continued to shake and shudder. She tried to comfort him as much as she could. "...everything's going to be fine... calm down... help is on the way." Her emotions getting the best of her as tears started to roll down her cheeks.
Ryoko teleported down to appear next to Kiyone and Ken. She took note of the collar, "How do you get these things off?"
It wasn't long before Momiji ran over near Kens side. "There was a key! But... I don't know where the key to his is. We have to get it off or it'll kill him!"
"What he's done already may have pushed him already to the edge of death." Kiyone commented, "Ryoko, can you try to take it off?"
"...I can try. Are you sure doing THAT won't kill him?" Ryoko looked at Kiyone carefully.
"Please... oh god, Ryoko, just do it. It's the collar that's poisoning his body. The longer it is on, the shorter time we have. Please..!"
"I won't let him die." She formed a small energy blade with her hand, jamming the tip into the locking mechanism and twisting. It sizzled and popped, forcing the collar to unlock and fall off.
Kiyone let out a faint cry of joy, tears still falling quickly. She threw the collar into a different direction and hugged Ken to her.
The building shook outside, noises erupted loudly and echoed through the walls. It was only took a few moments for several Galaxy Police soldiers to burst through the two opposite doors to find the troop of would be rescuers and the downed boy. Ken was rushed to an aircraft with Kiyone to be taken to a nearby hospital while the others followed in Ryo-Oh-Ki.
* * *
Kiyone sat in the chair next to the hospital bed. She watched Ken sleep as he was hooked up to many machines to monitor his life signs. She hasn't bothered speaking to the others since they arrived at the hospital. 'Why should I?' she asked herself, 'They know the truth. They don't even have to stick around any longer. I should talk to them. I just... dammit. I can't believe he went all that way to find me.' She paced around the room, idly watching Ken through tired eyes.
In the other room, the group was sitting in the lobby. All sitting in chairs along two rows. Mihoshi had joined them within the first hour or two of being there.
"Any news?" Mihoshi asked everyone.
"They aren't letting anyone in there but family." Aeka commented. "Although I suppose Lord Tenchi could go in there if he wanted to."
"Hmm? Oh, well I guess Tenchi is always like family huh?" Mihoshi smiled. The others just smiled uncomfortably.
"I guess I should check on things, if it's okay." Tenchi looked over to Ryoko and Yoshiko.
Ryoko nodded, "We're fine. Please check on things, Tenchi. We'll be right here."
Tenchi stood up and walked over to the room Ken was staying in. He opened the door and stepped in quietly. "Hey."
"... Tenchi. Long time no see, really." Kiyone spoke up. "How're things?"
"Oh, they were pretty fine... then someone crashed into the forest near my house... then Aeka contacted me... then I found out I had a son. You know, all in a weeks work."
"... well. Sounds like a pretty exciting few days."
"Why didn't you tell me, Kiyone?"
"There wasn't a need to tell you. There wasn't any reason to. I mean... you had your life, I had mine."
"He's MY son!" Tenchi turned to Kiyone, "I had a right to know!"
"Don't raise your voice at me!" She snapped. Kiyone ran a hand through her hair, "I'm sorry. I'm a little worn out still. I didn't mean to yell. Yes, I always had thought that it would have been right for you to have known all along. Then you got back with Ryoko... got married, and everything. I was really scared to bring any extra drama into your life, especially early on in your marriage. More than anything, I wanted you to be happy. No strings. Remember?"
"No strings or not, I would have been happiest knowing the truth." Tenchi walked over to look at Ken, "How's he doing?"
"He had some internal bleeding. He needed stitches in a few places. Has a fever, has a few broken ribs..." She trailed off, watching him sleep.
"Kiyone..."
"He's almost sixteen. His birthday is in a few days, too. Tenchi... what was I thinking? I didn't expect him to come after me. I thought I had raised him better... to handle things like the prospect of my death." Kiyone wiped her eyes. She hugged herself, "He's just a kid."
Tenchi hesitantly stepped over and hugged Kiyone from behind, "It's okay. It'll be alright. You raised him very well. Things'll work out."
"I'm too old for this. Maybe it's time for me to take a desk job." Kiyone paused, then spoke up softly, "You know... I did try to tell you. Once."
Tenchi let go of Kiyone, "When?"
She turned around and looked at him, "You probably don't even remember. I chickened out."
"Please, tell me when?" Tenchi looked into Kiyone's eyes. "It's important to me."
Kiyone couldn't look Tenchi back in the eyes, she turned away, "Well... I remember it went something like this..."
// The small japanese park was bustling with the usual amount of activity for a thursday afternoon. Kiyone walked over to a payphone across the street, placing a few yen into the slot and dialing a number.
*Brrrrrrrring*brrrrrrrring* rang the phone at the other end. A faint click is heard and a familiar voice picks up on the other line.
"Hello?" spoke Tenchi. "This is Masaki."
"Hello..." Kiyone spoke softly, "Tenchi, it's Kiyone."
"Oh wow! That's a voice I wasn't expecting to hear. What's going on?"
"Say.. do you have some time? I'm obviously in town... can you come down to the park near your school? I'd like to see you."
"Yeah, I've got the afternoon off. I'll be there in about ten minutes." Tenchi said, "See you soon."
"Okay, bye." Kiyone hung up the phone. She walked back across the street to the park. She approached a teenaged girl playing with a toddler. She sat down in the grass next to the child and ruffled his hair, "How's my little boy been doing?"
"Oh, he's such a sweetheart." said the teenaged girl. "So this is what Earth looks like? I'm so glad you brought me on this trip, Detective Makibi."
"Well, you were assigned to train under me. Just be sure to watch Ken and make sure he doesn't make a fuss while I'm talking to my friend." Kiyone looked up and over to notice Tenchi turning the corner and heading toward the park. "Alright. Keep him here, I'll be back in a few minutes."
Kiyone stood up and walked over to a bench to lean against it. She waved to Tenchi, "Hey! I'm over here!" She signaled.
Tenchi smiled and walked over, "Hey back at you!" He hugged Kiyone, "Long time no see, eh?"
Kiyone hugged back. She seemed to hold on for a bit longer than normal friends would. "... yeah, it's been a while."
Tenchi pulled away, "So... what brings you to Earth?"
"Well... nothing really... just wanted to see you." Kiyone smiled nervously, "Let's sit?"
"Okay... that's a pretty long trip just to see someone. You've got to be pretty busy, with work and all." Tenchi sat down as instructed.
"My life has been one huge rollercoaster. I should really take the time to see friends more often."
"You don't say?" Tenchi smiled, "It's really good to see you though. I mean, you call every once in a while but it's nice to see you in person."
Kiyone nodded. She looked back over to where Ken and the GP cadet were seated. Ken looked up and waved to Kiyone. She smiled and waved back at him.
Tenchi looked over to the young boy and waved as well, "Oh, did I tell you the news?" He spoke up.
"Mmn? What news is that?" Kiyone looked back over to Tenchi.
"Ryoko and I are getting married." Tenchi said.
Kiyone blinked, "...I see. Congratulations."
"Don't sound so enthusiastic." Tenchi raised an eyebrow.
"No! Really! I'm happy for you." She smiled weakly, "I guess I wasn't expecting it... so soon! I mean... you're still in college, right?"
"I'm almost out. We decided it was about time anyway. Things just finally worked."
"... I'm glad. You two always seemed to be a good fit." Kiyone looked back over to Ken. 'Dammit, I can't tell him now. I'm not going to ruin things between him and Ryoko.'
"... I can't help but hear a tone in your voice... is something wrong, Kiyone?"
"No. Everything is perfectly fine. I'm actually pretty happy with my life. I can honestly say that."
"Wow. That's very good to know. Things worked out for you too, huh?"
"It appears that way." She smiled. Her bracelet made a light beeping noise, "Oh no. I cannot believe this. I have to go."
"Uh, okay. We'll catch up later, right?"
Kiyone paused, looking sadly at Tenchi, "Sure... I guess so. Don't forget to invite me to the wedding, okay?"
"Sure thing." He got up and hugged Kiyone goodbye. "I'll see you later."
Ken ran over to where Kiyone was, followed by the cadet. "Come back!" said the teen.
"Daaaaaa!" Ken ran up to Tenchi and hugged his leg.
Kiyone froze in her tracks. Ken smiled up at Tenchi. "Daaaaah!"
"Hey there little guy." Tenchi smiled down at Ken.
"... I'm so sorry, sir! He was too fast for me." said the young cadet.
"It's okay." Tenchi smiled. Ken let go of Tenchi and walked back over to the cadet. Tenchi looked back over at Kiyone, "Well, I'll see you later. Don't forget to call if anything important happens, okay?"
"Right..." She commented. "Bye." //
Tenchi looked at Kiyone, "So you're telling me... that was him? In the park?"
"Yes. I think I would have told you that day if you didn't mention Ryoko. God, I sound like a bitter 'Ex'. I just didn't want to ruin things for you. I just... I lost my confidence. He looked so happy."
"I can't believe this. He was right there..."
"You couldn't have known. No one did."
Ken murmured off to the side, "... Mom?"
"... you're awake!" She ran over to the side of the bed. "I was so worried."
"Mom... I think I'm okay. Am I dead?" He asked lightly.
"No... no, we're at the hospital. You got hurt pretty badly back there. You know, you're a hero." She smiled at Ken, taking his hand in hers.
"I wanted to save you. The Galaxy Police gave up on you. I..."
"Shhh... don't talk. Everythings fine. We're all here now. Everyone is safe."
Ken nodded, then looked at Tenchi, "Don't give my mom too much trouble. She did her best. I'm happy." He smiled and closed his eyes.
Kiyone let out a light sigh. Suddenly the heart monitor lets out a loud beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep noise. Flatline.
"Tenchi!?" Kiyone looked over her son, "Oh no! Call a nurse! Call the doctor!" She pressed the emergency button. A rush of nurses and doctors barged into the room. Two nurses escort Kiyone and Tenchi out of the room. "No! Let me stay here!" She tried to struggle, but was pushed out of the room. The doors closed soundly on the two. She turned and cried on Tenchi's shoulder. He hesitantly wrapped his arms around his friend for comfort.
Tenchi held Kiyone as she cried in the cold, quiet hallway. Ryoko stood up and noticed the two. Normally she would have been jealous of the situation. This time was not the case.
"Mom, what's going on?" Yoshiko asked Ryoko, tugging at her sleeve.
"...I don't know, sweetie." She tried to sound reassuring, but ended up sounding rather scared.
Ryoko looked to the others in the room. Mihoshi, Aeka, Momiji, Tenchi, Kiyone and Yoshiko. Sasami had escorted Shirou back to Jurai while the others opted to stay at the hospital. Ryoko thought to herself, 'Even in that short time, Ken had brought this group of people together once again. Sure, it's not like the old days. Nothing can be like that ever again. All it took was one boy to change a few lives around. Like before. He truly is the son of Tenchi.' Ryoko stood up and walked over to where Tenchi and Kiyone were.
"Hey Officer." She half smiled, "I'm here for you, okay?"
Kiyone looked over to Ryoko and pulled away from Tenchi's hug. She rubbed her eyes again, "I never expected it to end this way. I never expected anything like this to happen..."
"I was mad at you - at first. It really ticked me off to know that Tenchi had found his way into someone elses heart, especially yours." Ryoko crossed her arms, "I can even say I'm a little jealous now knowing you have a little bit of Tenchi with you through Ken."
"Please don't start with me, Ryoko..."
"I'm not finished." She cut Kiyone off. "What I'm saying is... maybe this needed to happen. I can honestly say I'm glad Ken came to us. I'm even fine with the idea that you and Tenchi have a son together."
"... you certainly have matured, Ryoko." Kiyone commented. She turned to look back to the door leading to Ken's room. "...why can't they let us know what's going on? Why can't they just tell us if he's still alive?"
"Alive? What happened?" Ryokos eyes widened.
Kiyone walked away over to sit next to the door, alone.
Tenchi said quietly to Ryoko, "... he flatlined. They rushed us out of the room."
"Now I feel really bad." Ryoko hugged herself. Tenchi moved over close to hug Ryoko from the side for comfort. She returned the hug needfully. Ryoko then opened her eyes and looked back up at him, "Keep me posted. The girls are just as concerned as I am."
"It's like I'm outside of the situation. I know he's my son. I feel responsible that he's in such a delicate state... I just... I've got so many mixed emotions about it all. It's so hard to care about someone you barely know, but it's also hard NOT to care about someone you know is your own blood." Tenchi seemed exasperated. He sounded on the verge of tears, but not quite letting himself go there yet.
Ryoko nodded, "I know. Just try your best to be there for her. It's all we can do at this point." Ryoko squeezed Tenchi's hand and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek. She then wandered back over to sit with Yoshiko and the group, quietly updated them of the situation without raising too much concern.
Tenchi looked back over to where Kiyone was. He took a deep breath and sat down in the chair next to her. He said to her quietly, "You're not alone in this. We're all here for you and Ken."
"You don't have to try and be the father that never was there. It wasn't something I was expecting of you, Tenchi. You don't have to make up for lost time, or any of that. I can understand if this is really... really strange for you." Kiyone choked on her tears, staring at the floor.
"Don't push me away." He snapped, "It's not even about that. You are my FRIEND. You're one of my closest friends, and have been for years. I still can't believe you kept this from me. I'm not going to pretend that I'm happy you kept this a secret. I feel a little violated. I feel... useless. I would have wanted to know how he was like growing up."
Kiyone lowered her head. "Well, I never said I made all the right decisions all the time. I'm sorry. I'm just... sorry." She cried a little bit again.
"... Kiyone... please... it's just my afterthoughts. I'm proud of how you've raised him. Don't cry." He reached down and took her hand. "We'll get through this."
* * *
The wind kicked up. It was a hot autumn day. Ken opened his eyes. He was laying down on the grassy ground in the middle of the forest next to the Masaki Shrine. He ran a hand through his hair, straightening it out. Ken stood up and looked around the area, familiar yet unfamiliar. He heard a voice in the distance, "Tenchi!" called a voice. "Come here, Tenchi!"
Ken smiled. He straightened out his clothes. Nothing really fancy like before, just a pair of loose pants, a tank top with a light overshirt and a pair of sandals. His hair was pulled back into a pony tail, bangs falling a little into his eyes. He started to run toward the voice, up the many stairs to where the shrine was situated. He stumbled once or twice, climbing the stairs happily. He eventally made it to the top. A figure appeared to be sitting near the shrine entrance. "Tenchi, there you are!" said the woman.
"Have you been waiting for me long?" Ken asked.
"Not really." Said the woman. Her hair was long, pulled back into a ponytail. She had slight highlights of grey, wearing a Japanese traditional styled kimono. "Was it a rough trip?"
"... it was very nice. I like this place." He sat down next to the woman. "How do you know me?"
"You are my Grandson, of course I know who you are."
"I see." He looked up into the sky. "So, is this where it all ends... or where it all begins?"
"What do you think, Tenchi?"
"I like it here, but..." Ken hesitated.
"You know that it's not your time." She smiled and agreed, "I'm here to tell you to go back. You still have a lot to do with your life."
"Is that so?" He asked, "I suppose."
"Don't you think?"
"I don't know. I..." He twiddled his thumbs, "I'm really not sure where to go from here. I mean... I always wanted my mom and dad to be together, but they can never truly be together."
"I'll admit it's a very different situation..." She commented, "You were a gift."
"A gift? Howso?"
"For your mother. She never wanted children. She was burning herself out with her lifestyle. The opportunity came along to give her that much needed change. You."
"I don't understand what you mean." He looked at his feet. "I was an accident."
"No. You were a blessing. It was meant to happen." She smiled back at him, "Please believe that you are just as much a part of this family as my own Granddaughter is."
"I should go back. They'll miss me if I stay here. I want to stay but... the longer I'm here... I mean, I should go, right?"
The woman stood up and opened her arms to Ken. He blinked, and then walked over and hugged her softly, "It's okay, Tenchi. You'll know when the time is right. I'll be here for you when that time comes."
"Thank you."
* * *
The lobby of the hospital was quiet. The door that lead to Ken's room opened and a Doctor exited. He walked over to Kiyone and Tenchi. "It seems your son has pulled through." He said to Kiyone, "He's now in a stable condition, but he's resting. When he wakes he can have visitors again."
"Thank you for letting us know." Kiyone seemed relieved.
"Yes, thank you." Tenchi nodded.
The doctor left them alone. Kiyone let out a sigh. "This is good.." She fell back down into her chair.
"Whoa, Kiyone... you okay?" Tenchi blinked.
"Yes. I'm fine. I'm relieved... and just a bit worn out."
"Let me tell the others the news. We should all get something to eat downstairs."
Kiyone nodded, leaning back in her chair. "Alright."
Tenchi walked over to the group. They seemed really relieved at that point as well. The girls stood up and stretched. Kiyone took her time, lingering at the doorway. She then got up and went to join the group. Mihoshi ran up and glomped onto Kiyone.
"Erk! Mihoshi! Not so tight..." Kiyone smiled weakly.
"I'm just so happy you're okay and Ken's okay and everyone is okay!" She practically sobbed.
"Mihoshi... it's fine. Let's just go get food, right?" Kiyone patted Mihoshi on the back and pushed her away from the hug to walk with them.
The group went downstairs to a small cafe. They idly chatted back and forth about how things have been lately. Of course, conversations seemed to move toward Ken.
"So, Kiyone - How long were you going to hide him from us?" Ryoko asked, taking a drink from her cup.
"Eh? Well... my original intention wasn't to hide him. It just ended up that way. I was going to wait until he was old enough to want to meet... well, everyone." Kiyone commented.
"So you were waiting on his decision?" Tenchi asked.
"Yes and no. It was my decision to leave it up to him, when he was old enough to make his own choices... or, in this circumstance... in the case of my death I left instructions for him to approach the Masaki home and make contact with Tenchi. I guess I planned badly on that half, but it worked out for the best."
Yoshiko smiled, "I have a brother now. I can't complain."
"He's very bold." commented Momiji. "I can safely say that I wouldn't have gotten free if it wasn't for him. I've always had the impression I had met him before though... has he ever trained on Jurai?"
"Yes. He was pretty young back then... it didn't last long. His trainer and I had a difference of opinion."
"I met a boy just like him several years ago. He beat Shirou in a swordmatch and ran off. I remember his name was Tenchi. Aunt Sasami thought I misheard his name, but I think maybe it was him." Momiji said lightly.
"I've never heard this story." Aeka spoke up, "He beat Shirou?"
"If he's the same boy, yes. Maybe that's why Shirou hated him so much." Momiji shrugged.
"I can't say I'd be the first one to know when this would have happened. Only Ken would know the truth." Kiyone shrugged, looking a little tense. "Mn... let's go back up. I want to see if he's woken up."
"Relax, Kiyone. He's not going anywhere." Ryoko spoke up.
"I know. Still, I would feel better being the first person he sees when he wakes up. Always the concerned mother." She pushed her chair back in and started to head out of the cafe.
Tenchi stood up and went to follow. "I'll go with. I'm done with my meal anyway. I'll see you guys up there, okay?"
Ryoko nodded and let Tenchi wander off after Kiyone.
Tenchi caught up with Kiyone as she entered the elevator. "Hey."
"Hey." she responded, "You don't have to do this."
"I want to."
"Right." Kiyone leaned against the elevator wall. She pushed the button to the correct floor.
"So... did you ever find love?" Tenchi asked.
"Hmm? Well, maybe once or twice. I never let my guard down enough to let them get close. Now it's just too late. I'm old, Tenchi. Out of everything, though, I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm happy with being the single mother. I was always happy to know that even in the smallest way, you would always be part of my life through him, even if we had lost contact."
"Kiyone, you always were the independant one of the group." he said softly.
Kiyone looked up at Tenchi. "... yeah."
Tenchi walked over and touched Kiyone on the cheek, "Everything is fine, right? He's fine, you're safe..."
"I suppose so." She looked into his eyes, "Tenchi... I..." She flashbacked to how things were that weekend. Her cheeks flushed at his gentle touch. She impulsively leaned in close and kissed him faintly on the lips. It was innocent and warm. 'Always longing for the impossible. Always reaching for the one thing I can never have.' She thought to herself. The elevator stopped at the floor. Kiyone pulled away and whispered, ".. thank you. C'mon, let's go see our son."
Tenchi followed Kiyone to the room Ken was staying in. He had only been awake for a few moments, but he was conscious to greet them.
"Are you feeling better?" Kiyone asked.
"Mn... I think so." Ken smiled. "I'm feeling a lot better. I was told it wasn't the time to leave."
"I see." She seemed confused. "Well, what do you want to do after you get better? Go back to the academy?"
"I don't know." He looked at Tenchi, "I think I might want to spend some time on Earth... or maybe visit Jurai again. That is, if I'm welcome."
"You'll always be welcome at the Masaki household." Tenchi spoke softly. "This time it'll be on happier terms, right?"
"Right." Ken smiled again.
Kiyone ruffled Ken's hair, "Don't you ever go on any sort of revenge missions ever again, got it?"
"I won't. I promise." He straightened his hair back out. "Mom, will you come down to Earth with me?"
"Well, I don't know how the Galaxy Police would like that. I'm a bit more important than when I was first on Earth. We'll see, okay?" Kiyone looked over at Tenchi a little nervously, then back at her son.
Tenchi laughed lightly. He joked lightly with Kiyone and Ken for the rest of the afternoon, joined later by the rest of the group.
Many decisions surrounded the newest member of the 'Masaki' family. It may have only been less than two weeks, but everyones lives had now been changed once again. A full revolution has taken place. Once again a starting point had opened up for the young boy now known as Tenchi. He was finally home.
- The End -
Title: Based off of a song title from a group called 12 Volt Sex. Here are the lyrics to that song, just to be random.
Helmet - 12 Volt Sex
Hey, come on, they said catch up
With us your slacking way behind
Hind, beyond, recessing all
The steps and time of everyone
I can't finish what I start
I face another day
Someone said I'm not that smart
It won't get in my way...
I'm a dream inside myself
My own perception let's me be
Be the one
The broken son to every father in the world
I can't finish what I start, I face another day
Someone said I'm not that smart
It won't get in my way...
Helmets are OK
You can take me to the ground
With nothing more than just a sound
From the faces that I bear
Inside the helmet that I wear
I can't finish what I start
I'll find another way
Someone said I can't be part
It won't get in my way...
Helmets are OK
You oughta, you oughta, you oughta
Fear is nothing
I'm alone again
Fear is nothing
I'm alone again
Fear is nothing
Fear is nothing
You oughta, you oughta, you oughta
Fear is nothing
You oughta, you oughta, you oughta
Fear is nothing
You oughta, you oughta, you oughta
Fear is nothing