Answers in the Dark, Swords at Dawn

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Tenchi characters Pioneer does. Matt is my character however and if you would like to use him please obtain my permission first.

Tenchi slowly returned to consciousness, the first sensation he felt was a waft of cool air directed at his face. With a groan he opened his eyes and looked up into Sasami's pink orbs and worried face. Muscles protesting with every movement Tenchi forced himself in to a sitting position. "Oh, Tenchi, I'm glad your finally awake," said Sasami a worried expression still on her face, "Are you ok?"

"I, I, think so Sasami," moaned Tenchi rubbing his sore head, "Where's Ryoko?"

"Gone," Ayeka said from further down the couch, "She freaked when she saw us and phased away, to where I'm not sure."

"We have to find her," Tenchi exclaimed rising rather unsteadily to his feet.

Ayeka rose and helped Tenchi steady himself, and then looking him directly in the eye said, "You certainly don't have to go after her, not after what she did," Ayeka looked away as she finished some how not able to look him in the eye. Standing there, her hands on his lean shoulders, it was all Ayeka could do not to pull him into a her arms and never let go, but she did. She stood there on hand over her heart looking at the floor waiting for Tenchi's predictable response, she didn't have to wait long.

"But what if she's in trouble," came Tenchi's voice filled with concern. Tenchi crossed the living room and headed for the door. Ayeka stood there wondering what to do, and just as Tenchi placed his hand on the door knob a soft voice pierced the silence.

"She's fine," said Washu stepping out of her lab, her sad thoughtful look out of place on her normal cheerful face, "She's in no physical danger anyways." The diminutive scientist sat down on the couch and motioned for the others to do likewise. Their thoughts were identical as each took a seat on the sofa, this couldn't be good.

Ryoko stood above the entrance of her cave, staring into the a tear blurred sky, trying to make sense out of what had happened back at the house. When she discovered Matt's ability she had been furious at him for invading her private thoughts, but then she looked in his eyes and saw that he understood. All her pain and loneliness, and in that moment she lost control and threw herself into his arms letting go of all the hurt she kept bottled up inside. She cried onto his shoulder for several minutes while he had held her, stroking her hair, whispering small encouragements until slowly the tears dried. When she started to pull away he had tightened his grip, as she looked up into his eyes she let go and allowed him to pull her closer until their faces were a scant inch from each other. In that instant Ryoko had found what she had been looking for all along, and for just that moment she felt safe and whole. Ryoko the Demon was gone, the Ryoko that was left, the real Ryoko let it all go and kissed him. It was then that the world crumbled.

In the back of her foggy thoughts she had heard the door open, but it wasn't until she heard Tenchi hit the floor that she snapped back to reality. What had been so right a moment ago now was the cause of her greatest fear. Unable to deal with the situation she had phased to the first place that came to mind. So here she was standing beneath the stars, wondering what to do now. She had to go back of course, but what would she tell him? She had thought she was in love for so long, but it wasn't love, not really. The other big question was whether or not she was in love with Matt, or was she making the same mistake again? Frowning, Ryoko flopped down on the rocks and looked back up at the stars, searching for answers the weren't there.

"I don't understand what your saying Washu," said Tenchi into his shirt, there was just too much to think about he couldn't find the energy to lift his head.

"What I'm trying to say Tenchi is that he's much more than what he says he is," said Washu in low tones, "I can't pinpoint exactly what his powers are, but he is able to block the link between me and Ryoko whenever he's around, and his coming here was no chance event."

"But miss Washu," Sasami spoke up, "He already told us that he came here to learn about the shrine, he's a swordsman like Tenchi and Grandpa."

"I don't think so Sasami," put in Ayeka, "Nobody besides us knows that Yosho and Tenchi are warriors, the Jurian sword technique is a royal secret. Matt couldn't have known they were here before he came."

"Exactly Princess," piped Washu with a raised finger, "the only thing he knew when decided to come here was the legend about Ryoko being sealed in the cave be Yosho."

"He also said he studied the occult," said Tenchi making the mental connection, "do you think he's some kind of Satanist."

"I don't know Tenchi, we don't know enough about him to make a guess at this point," said Washu obviously frustrated.

"He is no Satanist," came a deep voice from the darkness which caused all four to jump in surprise.

"Lord Kahtsuhito," greeted Washu, "how do you know that?" The old Priest took a seat next to Washu and pushed his glasses up sweeping all of them with his stern gaze.

"After having spoken with him today I believe he came here looking for Ryoko," Yosho said folding his arms in profound thought, "When I first learned about his fighting ability I was sure he came here looking to continue his sword training, but he seemed far more interested in learning about Ryoko and our battle seven hundred years ago."

"I wonder why," Tenchi asked.

"He was very evasive about why he wanted the information, but he was very persistant. He wanted to know about every detail, from Ryoko's appearance and powers to what it took to imprison her," Yosho continued, "He refused to believe it was just a legend."

"Lord Kahtsuhito," Washu broke in, "Do you think he came here to resurrect Ryoko."

"I am not sure of anything concerning Matt," Yosho answered, "but I believe he now knows that Ryoko is the Demon that was sealed in the cave."

"Miss Washu," said Ayeka, "It might be safe to say, knowing what we know now that this traveler is very dangerous and has the ability to break the connection between you and Ryoko, that he is trying to control Ryoko."

"Yes you could be right Ayeka," said Washu, although without much conviction.

"Where is he now Ayeka," asked Tenchi

"I don't know, he helped me move you to the couch after you collapsed and just left," Answered the Princess as she remembered watching the tall man lift Tenchi easily and set him on the couch. He had said nothing, just looked her in the eye, before walking out the door, "but I remember he did take his sword with him."

"Washu," said Tenchi turning to the diminutive scientist, "can you still sense where Ryoko is?"

"She's at her cave," whispered Washu, "other than that I can't tell you anything, Ryoko won't let me into her thoughts right now." Tenchi stood up and headed for the door he steps steady his shoulders set.

"Tenchi where are you going," Ayeka held her arm out, grasping at the empty air towards him.

"I have to make sure she's all right," Tenchi said looking back over his shoulder, "I just don't want to see anyone of you get hurt." As Tenchi turned back to the door Washu stiffened.

"Tenchi," Washu said shaken, "I think you should hurry, he just blocked the link." Tenchi was out the door running hard before Washu even finished.

Matt stood there looking at her shadowy form bathed moonlight, he watched her for several minutes before he decided to make his presence known. It had taken him most of the night to find her after her abrupt departure earlier. It hadn't helped that he didn't know the terrain, but finally he had caught a wisp of her essence and followed it here. Steeling himself he walked into a clear stream of moonlight, and Ryoko turned to look down at him from on high. Phasing out she stood several feet in front of him.

"So now you know," Ryoko said unable to meet his gaze directly.

"What, that your not human," Matt spoke dismissively, "That you were a monster under some else's control, or maybe that you spent seven centuries in confinement?" He stepped up to her and put a hand under her chin looking into her deep gemlike eyes. "All that's in thee past Ryoko, you've been given a clean slate and a fresh start. Not everybody gets that, so you can't throw it away."

"No not that, I mean that I wasted all this time thinking I was in love, I went through all that torment for nothing," Ryoko cried turning away from him.

"We all make mistakes Ryoko, believe me I've made a few, but we have to pick up and go on with our lives," Matt said, and then in quieter tones, "I just want to know if you want to make the journey with me."

"What," Ryoko turned staring at him, and then she saw him for what he was, alone like her, and like her, desperately searching for something he didn't quite understand.

"We have a lot in common you know," he said a sad smile on his face, "When I say I understand you it's not because I can read your thoughts, it's because I'm not human."

"What," Ryoko repeated taking a step back, "What do you mean."

"I mean just that, I'm not human," he said hanging his head, his shoulders sagged, "I don't know what I am, I look human, but I can do things no one else can, like reading people's thoughts among other things." He looked up at her searching her eyes. Ryoko caught a glimpse of hope in the sadness that surrounded him in an almost palpable aura.

"That's why I came here, I'm looking for the answer to what I am, but instead I found you," the last part just a barely audible whisper. Ryoko was stunned, he had just laid his heart bare to her. She didn't know what to do. In her moment of hesitation she saw the hope fade from his eyes as he turned to leave, his steps heavy shoulders slumped in defeat.

"Wait," Ryoko heard her voice call out, it all seemed surreal as she ran forward to stop him from leaving. He turned at the sound of her voice and enfolded her into his embrace as she wrapped her arms around him.

Tenchi found them as the sun was just starting to rise. The couple was in a clearing near the cave propped up against a tree. He saw Ryoko asleep with her head on Matt's chest, her breathing slow and steady. Matt looked up at the sound of Tenchi's approach. Tenchi saw the green flash from his eyes as the two locked stares.

"Get away from her," Tenchi shouted as he strode forward. Matt stayed seated a calm look on his face as he brought a finger to his lips, "Shh, you'll wake her."

"What did you do to her you bastard," Tenchi cried angrily, activating Tenchi-ken. Now Matt did come to his feet in a fluid movement, gently resting Ryoko's slumbering form against the tree.

"Absolutely nothing, she is exhausted, and needs to rest," Matt tried to explain, but Tenchi would here none of it. Taking up a stance, Tenchi glared at the traveler through narrow slits.

"I won't let you do anything to Ryoko or anyone else," growled Tenchi as he leapt forward on the attack. Down swept the blue energy blade towards Matt. Tenchi would force him to undo whatever he done to Ryoko. A hollow clang, followed by the sound of crackling energy jolted Tenchi from his thoughts. He was sure that his energy sword would go right through any defense his opponent had. Matt was on one knee his serpent handled sword gripped in both hands. Tenchi was shocked to see crackling blue electricity wrapped along the length of the blade. Locking stares with Matt, Tenchi saw the green starburst flare to life as the weapons master rose. "I have no quarrel with you Tenchi Masaki but I can and will defend myself," the words spoken through clenched teeth. With a burst of strength Matt heaved Tenchi back. Tenchi quickly thrust ahead closing the distance between them again. Matt danced to the side and parried the thrust with a sweeping downward stroke.

Flipping the sword under his arm so the blade rested against the back of his arm Matt took a low stance, sword back, and left arm out. With a flick of his wrist he motioned Tenchi forward. Tenchi didn't disappoint him, and threw a wide sweeping cut. The weapons master spun his sword out point down to catch the blow. The energy of both weapons crackled as Matt swept Tenchi's sword into a circular parry, leaving Tenchi-ken held high. Low and inside Matt brought his blade in a tight cut across Tenchi's abdomen. Tenchi sucked in his gut and stumbled back just in time to avoid the crackling blade. He just barely blocked the next cut as Matt took the offensive.

As his blade slid off the blue energy blade Matt sent his sword forward in a vicious thrust. Tenchi's hours of training told though as he managed to sweep away the crackling blade and return the stabbing attack. Proving his mastery Matt flipped his grip on the katana and slashed across parrying the stab low on his own blade and using the slash to force Tenchi into leaping back. Tenchi fell back into a ready stance eying his opponent. He knew Matt was good after hearing about the morning display from Sasami, but he hadn't expected him to be able to defend against Tenchi-ken.

For his part Matt moved Tenchi up two notches in his estimation. He had never seen Tenchi's technique before, and he had to admit the young prince was good. The two were several feet apart, both in a ready stance when a rustle from the trees caused Matt to look behind him. Tenchi grasped the chance and jumped forward with a downward slash. Matt wasn't even there for it, he threw his hand out and rolled away coming to his feet standing defensively in front of Ryoko's silent form. There was a thunk and a muffled scream from the area of the distraction. Tenchi glanced at his opponent and then rushed off into the trees.

Ayeka rushed ahead of the others when they heard the clang of swords near the cave. Running through the trees Ayeka thought nothing of her own safety as she rushed to aid Tenchi. All she saw as she approached the clearing was a flash of silver and felt herself hauled off her feet as she flew several feet through the air. As she opened her eyes she saw Tenchi before her a look of concern on his face. "Miss Ayeka are you ok," Tenchi asked his breathing heavy.

"I think so but I can't move," Ayeka answered as she tried to move forward but something tugged her back. Reaching her arm across she found the reason. A sai was imbedded to the hilt into the tree behind her, in the space between her arm and torso, pinning her robe to the trunk. Gritting her teeth she tugged at it but couldn't get it to budge. Finally Tenchi reached up and pulled out the weapon. Tenchi threw the three pronged weapon to the ground just as the others rushed up.

"Tenchi are you all right," asked his grandfather, to which Tenchi nodded.

"Is Ryoko alright," said a breathless Washu.

"I don't know little Washu," Tenchi shook his head, "He's got her back there, she was unconscious when I found them, he did something to her I know it."

Together all five of them, Sasami was there also, moved back towards the clearing. What they found was Matt helping Ryoko to her feet, as he heard them approach his hand snapped up holding a small sharp knife by the blade. With a flick he threw it. Yosho caught the blade before it flew over his shoulder. Flipping it he examined the small blade. "You would have missed," Yosho stated calmly.

"It is not my intent to kill you," came Matt's response in a deadly whisper, "But, as I told Tenchi, I will defend myself." Out flashed the serpent handled katana, arcs of energy sheathing the blade.

"What are you doing," screamed Ryoko coming between Matt and her friends, "They won't hurt you Matt put away your sword."

"They have an odd way of showing it," snapped Matt as he slip the deadly sword back into it's scabbard, his glare focused on Tenchi, "Your boyfriend there tried to kill me." Ryoko stared dumbfounded at Tenchi not understanding any of this.

"You were trying to take over her mind," retorted Tenchi, then reaching towards Ryoko, "Come on Ryoko let's go home." Ryoko instead held her ground looking sadly at Tenchi, a single tear ran down her cheek. Tenchi not understanding reactivated Tenchi-ken and started forward. He stopped before the humming point of Ryoko's energy foil.

"Don't hurt him Tenchi," Ryoko said through her tears, "This all some big misunderstanding., Matt wasn't trying to do anything to me, other than show me the truth."

"Ryoko, what is going on here," asked Washu with concern as she came forward putting her hand on Tenchi's sword arm, "We are all worried about you, we thought his purpose here was to gain control of the demon sealed in the cave, you Ryoko." The former pirate let her weapon dissipate and started to laugh.

Matt too began to chuckle and soon both of them were shaking with laughter. The would be rescuers looked on in utter confusion. High above a flock of birds flew off into the dawn's light.

Authors Note

Wow this chapter almost wrote itself. What do you think of the fight between Matt and Tenchi? My only fear is that I might have gone a little out of character with Ryoko. Please continue to review.

Smack54