Disclaimer: Tenchi-Muyo is owned by Pioneer and AIC.
"…." Talking
'….'Thinking/telepathy, unless single quotes used in another grammatical way
Chapter 2:
The Dream continued…
Ryoko felt a hand on her shoulder…
She turned around to see none other than the bounty hunter. She stared up at him in disbelief 'is he trying to comfort me? Here I am defenseless, why doesn't he kill me now that he has the chance? Doesn't he realize what I am?'
"Who made you do this?"
"You…know?"
"I figured it out, now tell me who is controlling you like this?"
'Ryoko, what do you think you are doing talking to this scum! Finish him now!'
"Ahhh" Ryoko clutched her head in pain as she tried to remain in control. She knew it wouldn't be long before he regained control completely; 'maybe there is hope for me after all' thought Ryoko, as she gasped "Kagato".
The bounty hunter grasped Ryoko's hand in a comforting way.
"I want to help you, Ryoko."
"What? Are you crazy? Kagato will kill you! 'If I don't end up killing you first.' You have to get out of here. Forget about me. Helping me is a lost cause."
"No it's not Ryoko. When you tried to save that young girl's life I saw a glimpse of who you really are, you're not lost yet Ryoko!"
Ryoko was at a loss for words, 'dare I have hope?' "I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything."
"So the famous Shadow Bounty Hunter, known for not having a name, decides to help me…"
"Oh, so you've heard of my reputation. I'll let you in on a little secret. I have a name, but no one knows what it is but me, that way Death can't find me"
"Clever."
"I thought so" he said smirking.
At that time Kagato regained control of Ryoko's body and Ryoko lunged towards the bounty hunter sword raised, he leapt out of the way just in time.
The Shadow Bounty Hunter called to his ship, "Kado!"
"Ciao!" the ship responded.
"I will be back for you, Ryoko, don't lose hope!"
And with that he teleported to his ship, and was off.
'Such failure will by no means be rewarded, my Ryoko. Come back to the ship at once! And bring the Talisman!'
End of Dream…
Ryoko awoke to find herself on Washu's lab table. She shivered at the realization-the last time she was here she was strung up and left in the dark for hours. Ryoko hated the cold and dark but would never admit that to anyone. She blinked her eyes once more as the rest of her surroundings came into focus…Tenchi. He had one hand resting on hers and was smiling thoughtfully down at her. 'He only touches me like this when I'm in a life or death situation, I suppose near-death experiences have their perks after all'. She smiled to herself. 'Maybe he does care afterall'
"Hey, you feeling better?" asked Tenchi, concern written all over his face, 'sleeping beauty has awoken…did I just think that!' Thought Tenchi.
"Mmm, yeah I guess so. I just feel soo…drained. How long was I out?"
"Not long. Just a few hours."
"A FEW HOURS!"
Tenchi regretting his answer, replied a meek, "yeah"
"How could a couple of demons put me out of commission so easily? I must be going soft! I've got to remedy that right away" Ryoko tried to get up but was stopped by Tenchi.
"Ryoko you just went through quite an ordeal. You really should get some rest before-"
"Ohhh Tenchi you really do care" smiled Ryoko as she flung herself on Tenchi.
"Uh Ryoko I don't think this is such a good-"
"RYOKO! YOU GET OFF OF LORD TENCHI THIS INSTANT!"
" 'Hi' to you too" mumbled Ryoko releasing Tenchi.
"You've recovered rather quickly haven't you Ryoko," said Ayeka giving Ryoko one of her prize winning glares, if looks could kill…
"What are you implying princess?"
"Well, I'm only stating the facts. For someone who just fought a tremendous battle against some very powerful demons you sure seem to be back to your no good-self awfully fast. This isn't the first time you have let Demons on the loose forgetting you can't control them! I know that what happened last night was your entire fault. Don't try and deny it Ryoko. That was all part of some plan to get Lord Tenchi or perhaps to get your Gems back."
"I would never make Tenchi give me my gems back! I would give him the one I have now if he asked me for it! You know that right Tenchi?"
"Uh, well…"started Tenchi.
"Humph! Don't believe a word she says Lord Tenchi! Can't you see she is just trying to manipulate you? She knows you have a kind heart and is trying to take advantage of that. Oh poor Ryoko almost got hurt…maybe if I give her gems back…Ha! Fat Chance Ryoko! I'll make sure that day never comes! I think after this master plan of yours Tenchi won't want you staying here anymore, right Lord Tenchi?"
"Ayeka, I don't think…" started Tenchi
"Tenchi you can't possibly allow that Demon Woman to stay here after what she did?!"
"Ayeka we don't know if Ryoko is behind all this. How can we blame her for something she might not have done."
" 'Might not have done' MIGHT NOT HAVE DONE?! You're not considering that I was behind the Demon attack are you Tenchi?! I would never put you in danger because of some scheme! You believe me don't you? You have to Tenchi!" pleaded Ryoko.
"Well, I don't know Ryoko. The evidence does seem to be pointing at you…but until we really know for sure…" said Tenchi.
"Ahhahaha you won't fool Tenchi so easily as you thought, demon!" said Ayeka.
"I don't believe this! I save your life and this is the thanks I get!"
"What thanks do you deserve for putting Lord Tenchi's life at Risk!" screeched Ayeka.
"Ohhh I'm out of here!" Ryoko teleported herself to the roof to think.
"Hey, wait Ryoko," said Tenchi calling after her, but he was too late, she was already gone.
'Damn, if only I could get a word in edge wise when those two girls fight! They always make me out to be the bad guy somehow!' Sighed Tenchi.
Later on the Roof…
'I can't believe Tenchi would side with Ayeka! I didn't do it, for once. That woman… Lady Tokimi did. Why does that name sound so familiar?'
Just then a splitting pain went through Ryoko's head. Ryoko tried to muffle a scream…
Flash Back…
"Her existence isn't possible…"said Zero.
"Quiet, you don't know what you are saying" said Dr. Clay.
End of Flash Back.
'It was she! I remember now. That was Lady Tokimi. What is she? Who is she? She can control demons just like I can, so is she a Demon too? I wouldn't even know this "Lady Tokimi" was a real if it wasn't for Zero. She…she was so powerful. I don't know how I am going to protect Tenchi from that woman or whatever she is. Somehow I have to though. I won't let anyone near my Tenchi, even if I am mad at him for not believing me, that doesn't stop me from loving him. I will protect the one I love at all costs. But how? I need to train but I can't train here. Bad memories with Yosho so I can't train with him and I'd always hold back if I trained with Tenchi…I know!'
Ryoko teleported in front of the door leading to Washu's lab.
'I hate going in here, but anything for my Tenchi!'
Ryoko cautiously made her way into Washu's lab.
"Washu?"
'Good, no response, maybe she's asleep at the computer again.'
Ryoko made her way over to the computer, where Washu was conked out.
'Great this is going to be easier than I thought.'
Ryoko began to type away at the computer, 'it's a good thing that Washu…or was it Kagato, implanted these computer-programming skills into my brain'…
'Hmm now lets see, Martial Arts facilities across the galaxy…a few 2 galaxies away…hmm I want the best…hmmm'
Just then the computer screen went on the fritz.
"Hey!" Said Ryoko hitting the computer "not now!"
The computer screen suddenly came back on and revealed a page about the "Greatest Martial Arts Dojo known in this galaxy and the next".
'Hmm it says it is very hard to get into…hmmm it says that you have to pass a series of tests for the Master of the Dojo before you can be trained there…and that the identities of the people trained there are kept confidential. That's convenient for me! Now lets see…the first test is to get there…by climbing the mountain that the Dojo is situated on. That doesn't sound so hard! I'll just teleport to the top! It will be a synch to get in and pass those tests. And then I'll be able to protect my Tenchi better! Now all I need is to borrow Washu's Dimensional Travel Door and off I go!'
Meanwhile in Tenchi's room…
'Something isn't right. Sure Ayeka and Ryoko fight all the time but Ayeka has never had so much venom behind her words before. It's as if she is an entirely different person, well, at least around Ryoko, she turns into this hateful person. Maybe that's the way it's always been but I just never noticed before. I don't know, something is different and I'm going to find out what it is. I suppose she just wanted to protect me, but do I really need protecting from Ryoko. Was she really behind the Demon attack? It was convenient that she was in my room to save me…but she always looks after me at night…I don't know what to think! If only I had some proof that Ryoko didn't do it!'
Back at the Lab…
"Ok, now I think I activate the door way like this" Ryoko threw a small square into the air and it turned into a door. The door opened and Ryoko stepped through it.
At the foot of a very tall mountain…
"Wow! That's some mountain. I feel sorry for the people that actually have to climb it! Ahahaha."
Ryoko tried to teleport to the top but found that she couldn't.
"What! You've got to be kidding me. They expect me to climb this thing without my powers! Oh well, anything for my Tenchi. Am I the Space Pirate Ryoko or not! It can't be that hard…"Ryoko said as she glanced up at the mountain that seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky.
Ryoko gulped.
'Damn, if I had known I would have worn something a little more appropriate for climbing a mountain. And without my powers I can't just phase into another outfit…how is it that they can control my powers like this anyways…I'll worry about that later! Right now I have a mountain to climb.'
Ryoko began to make her way up the steep mountainside in her pink dress! 'The going is tough but what do they say on earth…when the going gets tough the tough get going' thought Ryoko. The dress was making it hard to climb because it restrained Ryoko's flexibility somewhat. After several hours, Ryoko began to tire. Just as Ryoko was wondering just how much farther this mountain could go, some of the mist surrounding the top of the mountain blew away revealing that she was only a hundred feet away from her goal. 'Great, just great, I still have quite a way to go'…
Ryoko continued her way up but began to lose her footing…
Ryoko's grasp slipped and she found herself hanging one handed from the mountain looking at the mists below. Ryoko was tired and felt she couldn't hold on much longer but she wouldn't even admit that to herself…
'I must be a little tired. If I can just grab on over there'…Ryoko tried to get a better grip but failed. 'It can't end like this! I'm the Space Pirate Ryoko! I'm still feared throughout the galaxies! I can't die failing to climb a stupid mountain! If I've got to go I want to go protecting my Tenchi! Tenchi…I can't give up. I have to stay alive and train so that my Tenchi will be safe. I can't give up now, not now that I am so close!'
Ryoko, getting a second win stretched her arm out and managed to get a firm grip upon the mountainside. Ryoko sighed with relief.
'Not much longer now…'
Ryoko reached up and lifted herself onto the flat surface at the top of the mountain. She had done it, her love for Tenchi had given her the motivation and strength she needed to survive. Ryoko looked at the sight before her. The Dojo was magnificent. With terra cotta walls and tiled roofs. Two guards guarded the entrance. Ryoko approached them with caution. They both starred at her like she was crazy. Ryoko was quite a sight, her dress torn and her hair even wilder than usual. The guards regaining their composure spoke.
"What is your business here?"
"I'm surprised you can't figure that out for yourself! I didn't climb that mountain for nothing! I'm here to speak with the Master of this Dojo about being trained here."
Both guards looked at each other, smirks on their faces.
"You want to be trained here?"
"Well, yeah that's why I'm here!"
Both guards broke out into laughter.
"Hey, what's so funny about that!" asked Ryoko getting pissed.
"Ahaha well you see this Dojo doesn't Aahahah admit aahaha women!"
Both guards were on the floor now and Ryoko was fuming.
"Well we'll see about that!"
Ryoko walked past the guards and into the main entrance hallway. It was huge with a stone fountain in the middle and potted plants around the perimeter. There were also a series of marble columns up and down the sides.
The two guards figuring out what just happened went after Ryoko.
"Hey, you! You can't go in there! I already told you-"
"What is the meaning of this?" asked a voice.
"Master" said both guards falling to their knees.
The speaker was a middle-aged man with all white hair, blue eyes, and strange markings on his forehead.
'Master?' thought Ryoko.
Ryoko turned to him and began speaking at once.
"So you're the master of this place huh? Well, I'll tell you 'what the meaning of this' is. I climbed that mountain so I could come here and be trained. But your two guards wouldn't let me in! I passed the first test on my own and without using my powers! I think I have the same right as any man to try and pass your tests!"
Ryoko looked at him straight in the eyes with a look that said, 'you better not tell me to get out of here because I'm a girl.'
The old man smiled at Ryoko.
"I see no problem here. Guards leave us."
"But…" started one of the guards.
"I said 'leave us'"
The two guards left.
"Well, well, well, The Space Pirate Ryoko."
"You know who I am?"
"Of course, as you know I am the best. So you want to be trained here?"
"Yes, and I'm willing to try and pass your tests."
"So be it"
"When do I-"
The doors at the back of the room opened and a masked man passed through them. He was dressed in leather from head to toe. He was also wearing a leather facemask. Other than that you couldn't tell any other distinguishing characteristics about him. He pulled out a wooden sword and pointed it at Ryoko.
"I see," said Ryoko, "But how am I supposed to fight without my energy sword?"
The Man in Black threw a wooden sword to Ryoko.
"Alright then" said Ryoko.
The two faced each other off. It looked like they would be fighting in the main entrance hall, 'oh well, how much damage can wooden swords do anyways,' thought Ryoko.
The two charged each other at breakneck speed, their swords clashing. Ryoko swung high and man low, each managed to block each others attack; they stepped back from one another.
"Not bad" said the man.
"I know," said Ryoko.
"Guess I shouldn't hold back then" said the guy smirking.
"Guess I won't either" responded Ryoko.
They attacked each other even faster this time. Both managed to avoid each other's attack but took a few columns down in the process. Each attack was fiercer than the one before it and finally it began to take its toll on Ryoko who was still worn out from the mountain climb. The man brought his sword down and managed to give Ryoko a bad slash across the chest causing her already low-necked dress to become even more indecent, if that's possible.
The man smirked at Ryoko's blushing face. But that wasn't what had made Ryoko flushed and worried-he had drawn blood from her. 'I never bleed…it must be something to do with the fact that I can't use my powers here, it happened when I was fighting the Demons too'… Ryoko growled and attacked harder than ever. This time she managed to draw blood from him. The faster the attacks, the more worn out Ryoko became, she new she had to end this quickly with one last final attack. She would put all her energy into this last attack, so it was now or never. She would try a fake out.
Ryoko made like she was going to swing high and with lightning speed changed her attack swinging low. However, instead of catching the man off guard he met her attack with such force that she was sent flying backwards onto the floor panting for breath.
"It looks like I've won," said the man looking at Ryoko panting on the floor.
"It's not over yet!" cried Ryoko gathering the last of her strength to stand. She was not about to give up.
The two charged each other again but just as their blades were about to clash they both found they couldn't move. Applauding could be heard coming from behind them…
"Good, good." It was the Master of the Dojo.
Ryoko and the man put down their weapons.
"Your problem Ryoko is that you don't know when to quit" began the Old Man.
"I could go on all day," said Ryoko giving him a glare. 'How does he know I feel so worn out?'
"Hmm is that so? Well if you can past this last test Ryoko you will be trained here."
"Really!"
"Yes, all you have to do is make your way back down the mountain."
Ryoko sweat dropped.
"Well, um, ok, but before I go I have a few questions."
"Well, since you may never see us again, go right ahead," said the old man.
"How is it that I…bled?"
"Oh, that's easy to explain. The only reason you think you don't bleed like everyone else is because you have uncharted regenerative capabilities. With your powers you heal before you can even show the first signs of an injury. But without your powers you are as mortal as say-a mere earthling."
"Humph!" responded Ryoko, "One last thing…may I ask your names?"
"Hahahaha! I'd forgotten we were never formally introduced," said the man in black. "I'm Adrien, and this is my master, Terminus."
"Pleased to meet you, alright then, when would you like to see me again for our next lesson?"
"Assuming you will make it down the mountain. Tomorrow at 5am," replied Master Terminus.
"Alright then, tata!" said Ryoko waving back at them.
Ryoko's wound was gushing blood as she made her way outside. She was beginning to have doubts about whether or not she'd be able to make it down.
'I don't know if I can do this…but I have no choice. Better to die trying than to give up like a coward.'
Inside the Entrance Hall…
"Well, Master what do you think? Is this plan going to work?" asked Adrien.
"As long as she doesn't figure out who we are then, yes," said Master Terminus. "Of course it would make our job a lot easier if she doesn't make it down the mountain."
A voice behind them broke them out of their revelry.
"D3, Z, how is the plan coming along. Did she fall for it?" asked a voice.
D3 and Z turned around to face the voice. It was lady Tokimi; her image had appeared in the cascading water of the fountain that was in the middle of the entrance hall.
"Yes, my Lady, she did. We should be able to distract her from her constant watch over that boy, Tenchi. Long enough for you to be able to capture him."
"Good. Soon I will have the boy, and soon you will fight and defeat him Z," she said turning to Adrien, a smile on her face, "It is your destiny. I didn't bring you back to life for nothing you know."
"Yes, my lady" responded Adrien.
"The Lady Ayeka has been useful to us. It's so easy to control her mind. As long as she keeps some hate in her heart for Ryoko I will always be able to bring out that hate and use it to our advantage. I hope no one suspects…"
Back at the Masaki house…
Tenchi knocked on Ayeka's door.
"Who is it?"
"It's me Ms. Ayeka can I come in?"
"Oh, Lord Tenchi! Of course you can!"
Tenchi entered.
"Ms. Ayeka there's something I wanted to talk to you about…"
"Is it about Ryoko?"
"Actually yes"
"I know what you are going to say Tenchi, that I've been too hard on Ryoko lately. To tell you the truth I don't know what's gotten into me. It's just that when I see that Demon woman I get so…I don't know how to describe it. Sure I hate her but you're right about us not knowing if Ryoko really did cause that Demon Attack. I was hasty to blame her and I'm sorry Lord Tenchi. Will you please forgive me?"
"Ms. Ayeka I don't know what to say…Thank you for giving Ryoko a chance."
"Humph, well if it wasn't her fault she sure did a good job of protecting you Lord Tenchi. Better than I because I was just focusing on keeping you away from Ryoko at the time."
"So do you really think she did it?"
"I don't know for sure. I seems like something she would be capable of, but putting you in danger Tenchi, we both know she wouldn't do that on purpose"
"Yeah, you're right, thanks Ms. Ayeka I want to go find Ryoko and apologize for by behavior in the lab"
"Alright Lord Tenchi, tell her that…I'm sorry too…although I doubt she'll believe me."
"Why don't you tell her yourself?"
"It's just when I'm around her I lose all sense of prospective. I don't think I'd be able to get the apology to pass my lips. I know it's hard to understand but I don't understand it myself."
"Don't worry Ms. Ayeka I'll tell her for you"
"Thank you Lord Tenchi"
Tenchi left Ayeka's room. 'I wonder why Ayeka is acting so weird around Ryoko. Strange…I better find Ryoko I'll bet she'll be happy to know that we aren't jumping to conclusions about her'…
Back on the mountain face…
'Man this climb is tough. I wonder how much farther I have to go. Too bad I can't just fly down.' Ryoko strained her eyes to see past the fog and mists. 'Darn it! I can't see a thing! Who knows how much farther I have to go.' Ryoko's wound began to bleed again because of all the strain being put on it. 'Maybe I spoke to soon…maybe I won't make it after all. Well I'm sure the Princess will be happy when I'm out of the way. Tenchi…'
Back at the Masaki house…
"Ryoko. Ryoookooo? Where are you?" called Tenchi. 'Tenchi'…"Ryoko was that you?"
Back on the mountain side…
'I just have to make it. It's just I'm so tired'…Ryoko felt her grip giving way.
Just then she heard a voice.
"Don't give up Ryoko I was looking forward to our next sparring match but if you die we won't get to have one" said a voice.
Ryoko turned to see Adrien floating next to her.
"You! What do you want?" asked Ryoko trying to compose her self.
"You want a hand?" said Adrien stretching out his hand to Ryoko 'There is something so familiar about her…'
"No I can make it on my own! If I get help I won't have passed the test!"
"Well, ok, you can do it Ryoko! Give it all you've got and I'll be by your side just incase you can't make it. That way you won't be distracted with thoughts of your death or Ten…or other things" 'I don't know why I'm going against orders like this. I'm supposed to be making sure no gives her outside assistance and here I am helping her.'
"You would do that?"
"Yeah, you're not lost yet!"
"Right!"
Ryoko began to make her way down the mountainside again. This time with new-found strength and hope. When Ryoko finally made it down she collapsed on the ground.
"Well done Ryoko, you sure showed me!" said Adrien.
"Yeah, yeah I did didn't I" Ryoko smiled trying to get up.
"Here allow me!" Adrien lifted Ryoko up. "How about I take you home hmm?"
"Wait you don't have to-"
Adrien teleported Ryoko and himself back to the Masaki residence.
The Family was at dinner when Adrien and Ryoko suddenly appeared in the dinning room.
"Well, here you go Ryoko! See you tomorrow!" and with that he left.
The whole group looked shocked at Ryoko's arrival and even more so of her condition. She was dirty, bloody, and sweaty-an overall mess.
"Ryoko," said Tenchi standing "What happened to you?"
Ryoko stretched herself in a very cat like way.
"Mmmm sparring my Tenchi! So I can get better at protecting you."
"You mean to tell me you were sparring with that guy?"
"Yep"
"Well, who is he?"
"Adrien, he's an apprentice over at this Dojo…"
"Why didn't you just ask if Grandpa would train you? Then we could spar together…"
"Lord Tenchi I don't like that idea at all! She'd be trying to seduce you instead of training!" broke in Ayeka.
"Stay out of this Princess. I have my reasons Tenchi. Training with Yosho would…only bring back bad memories…no offense Yosho…"
"None taken" said Yosho.
"Anyways and as for sparring with you, I wouldn't want to hurt you so would be holding back the whole time."
"Sure Ryoko do you really expect me to believe that one. What about at the school…" smirked Tenchi reminiscing.
"I had my reasons for attacking you then" said Ryoko.
"What? revenge?"
"That was only part of it. The real reason was that…well…that you forgot me…"
"Forgot you? How could I forget you if I never knew you?"
"That's just it Tenchi…"
Ayeka looked upon the scene knowingly and decided to speak up.
"Well, I think our dinner has been interrupted long enough!"
"Right, well, I guess I'll go clean up then. See ya." Ryoko said teleporting away.
"Ayeka do you always have to do that?"
"Do what Lord Tenchi?" Ayeka said feigning ignorance and sounding sickiningly sweet.
"Oh, never mind" said Tenchi resuming his meal, but occasionally glancing behind him in case Ryoko decided to throw her arms around his neck, he missed that lately.
End of Chapter 2:
So we found out that the man in black is named Adrien and that his true identity is "Z". Also that Master Terminus' identity is "D3". How is Tokimi using mind control on Ayeka? Who is immune to this? What will Tokimi's next move be? How is fighting Tenchi Z's destiny? What happened between Ryoko and that bounty hunter without a name?
These questions and more to be revealed in my next chapter!
Terminus-latin-God of boundaries
Adrien/Adrian-latin-Dark one
Kado-Gateway in Japanese