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
Of Mice, Men, and Flying Cats
Matt stalked through the hallways unhindered now. Instead of trying to stop him the guards did their best stay out of his path. Behind him lay the bodies of over fifty men including Azusa'a personal guard. Anyone who attempted to slow his progress he killed without a thought or care. He was walking death and looked the part. The simple white gi Ryoko had given him the day before was no caked with brown splotches of dried blood, in his hand he gripped his katana, the blade dripping blood with each step. Most terrifying however were his eyes, no longer could on see his unusual eyes for they were hidden by a cold green glow.
Ses beat his wings slowly through the heavy air as he trailed his host trying to figure out what had happened to Matt. That he was angry at Ryoko being hurt was understandable, but was it worth all this? In the few months they had been together Ses had come to understand things about Matt that he told no one else. He was dangerous, there was no other way to put he had said at one point. Now Ses knew exactly what he meant back then. The winged cat always felt Matt's suppressed power, something he always kept under control. He could feel the concentration it took the swordsman to only use what was necessary during a fight to keep from killing others. Added to this was his proficiency at taking life, Ses was under the impression that being a weapon's master made the power that much harder to control during combat. That the discipline aided him in his daily control of his abilities Ses didn't doubt. But now his control was gone, and Ses could only follow in his wake and hope.
Ses sent messages frantically telling Matt to stop as they came into a well used area of the palace, but nothing seemed to slow his long strides. For several moments Ses almost believed they would make it through without confrontation, then a woman screamed seeing the blood stained sword. People scattered as several guards pulled weapons from their belts. Standing in the middle of the huge room Matt waited expressionlessly as the guards rushed him. He spun low disemboweled the first one and continued up taking the head from another. He blocked the blow of a third and with a quick feint slashed the man open diagonally from shoulder to waist. He reversed the cut on the next before the previous man even hit the floor. Matt flipped the sword smoothly, reversing his grip, and stabbed a man behind him leaving only one guard left standing.
Terrified the man held his weapon shaking for a few seconds while Matt stalked towards him in deathly silence, he wasn't even breathing hard. At the last instance the uniformed guard dropped his weapon to the floor, where it dissipated instantly, and ran away as fast as his legs would carry him. Matt didn't care as he continued along his chosen course. Nothing would stand in his way, not guards, not people, not even Tenchi. He was going to Ryoko and he was going to have her.
Slowly Ayeka came to her senses looking around the containment room. She knew of course he was gone. Gone to Ryoko, she thought oddly jealous. Coming to her knees Ayeka saw that her parents and the others were still unconscious from having their essence drained. Ayeka wondered why she was able to move, and then figured it was due to the fact that she had been drained before and had somehow built up an resistance to it. Knowing it was useless to try to wake any of them up, only Matt could give them back their essence, Ayeka opened the door and stepped out into the hallway.
The princess looked down as she felt something slippery under her foot. Blood, it was everywhere, Ayeka gagged at the sight. Bodies lined the walls at irregular intervals each one killed by a single precise katana cut. She was horrified at the thought of what had happened here. Unable to cope with the blood and the smell Ayeka fled down the hall only to find more bodies killed in similar fashion. She felt tears streaming down her cheeks as she recognized the faces, with their dead staring eyes, of her fathers personal guard.
"Why did he do this," she sobbed falling to her knees, "Some one tell me."
She cried pitifully for a few minutes before a thought occurred to her, What will he do if he comes across civilians? Ayeka shuddered at the thought, she had to find a way to stop him, but how. She was powerful, but Ayeka doubted her ability to take Matt in a head to head fight, Ryoko had fought him before, but now she was hurt and without her gems, that left only one person Ayeka could think of, Tenchi. If she could find Tenchi and explain what happened he could stop Matt. Yes, Tenchi can do it, he was the one who killed Matt before. Her strength renewed by her faith in Tenchi Ayeka climbed back to her feet and ran as fast as she could from the blood stained room.
Ayeka found Tenchi's room empty when she arrived. The lavish suite her family had bestowed on Tenchi had mostly gone to waste as Tenchi, unused to luxury, had only used the room to sleep and bathe. Although she wasn't surprised to find him gone Ayeka was a little disappointed and this made finding him more difficult. She didn't have a lot of time, Matt would continue his killing streak until some one stopped him, and right now that hope laid squarely on Tenchi's shoulders. Leaving the room Ayeka stopped to consider where she could go next, she couldn't just run around the palace shouting his name. Then an idea hit her.
Tenchi pulled Ryoko along corridor as they tried to escape yet another patrol. Since he had rescued Ryoko they had been forced into three fights with guards patrolling the palace, luckily no one had been killed, yet. Now they were running hoping to outdistance this squad and avoid another senseless battle. Tenchi ran in front while Ryoko floated behind him still weak from her time spent at Azusa's, so called, mercy. Another reason Tenchi didn't want to risk her fighting repeatedly as they tried to find Matt. Eventually the sounds of their pursuers footsteps faded away and Tenchi came to halt to catch his breath.
"We lost them," Ryoko commented while Tenchi inhaled deeply to get his breathing under control.
"Yeah, I think so at least," Tenchi answered looking at her, "Are you feeling any better?"
"Some," Ryoko replied flexing her hands, "Juraian powers really sap my strength, especially without my Gems."
"Ryoko I've been meaning to talk to you about that," Tenchi said sheepishly, he was about to continue when a familiar voice interrupted him.
"Hello again Gem Bearer so nice to see you," both Ryoko and Tenchi looked in the direction of where the voice had come from as Serendus came into view. Gone were his advisor robes, replacing them was a purple and black outfit sharply tailored to allow him free range of motion while at the same time loose enough to hide any small movements. A smirk lit his face as he considered the pair before him, even together they stood no chance of winning, not with the Dreadaleus at his command.
"You," Ryoko said in surprise, "You tried to kill Tenchi."
"An accident I assure you Gem Bearer," he said with a slight bow, "I meant no harm to the Crown Prince."
"Why did you attack Ryoko," Tenchi put in stepping up beside Ryoko.
"I have no business with you boy," Serendus said sharply to Tenchi, "I am here for the Gem Bearer."
"Stop calling me that," Ryoko shouted activating her energy foil.
"That is what you are Gem Bearer," he said calmly, "Now come along, I have no wish to hurt you. If you come without a fight I will see to the safety of ten Crown Prince myself."
"Ryoko's not going anywhere with you," Tenchi said igniting the Master Key.
"I had hoped it would not come to this but so be it," Serendus sighed reaching around his back with one hand and falling into a low balance, "Come forward if you think you can win."
Ryoko launched towards Serendus first with a shout, as she flew through the air her white gi changed into her red ad black combat suit. With blinding speed Serendus whipped his arm around knocking Ryoko hard into the wall while Tenchi charged forward clad in his Juraian armor. Tenchi brought his glowing blade down in an overhead chop. Tenchi never did figure out what happened after that, all he knew was his attack had failed and he was sitting three yard away on his stinging rump.
"Is that the best you can do," Serendus taunted with that same smirk on his angular face, "My offer still stands Gem Bearer."
Ryoko snarled in reply and swung at him again with a sharp cut. Again Serendus flipped his arm out from behind his back and parried her blade only this time he completed his spin before returning to his original stance. Ryoko gasped in pain as she looked down to a long shallow cut had been opened along the top part of her chest, revealing white flesh, as blood seeped down the front of her body suit. Ryoko was at a loss as to how he had done it while blocking her blade, he only had one weapon as far as she could tell. Then again he was so fast, much faster than before. She had to force him to reveal his weapon so she knew what she was fighting against. That plan in mind she fired a burst of energy shots at Serendus. The explosion rocked the hall but as the smoke cleared Ryoko saw that Serendus was unharmed.
Holding the Dreadaleus in front of him Serendus allowed the energy shield to dissipate. This was too easy, even without the combat rod he could have defeated these too, and now he was going to prove it. Ryoko saw the purple, rune covered rod in his hands as he stepped forward and resumed his stance with one arm behind his back. With the glimpse Ryoko had gotten of the weapon she had no clue as to how he had cut with it, no energy weapon could ignite or dissipate fast enough to keep from being seen. Reforming her own weapon Ryoko rushed him again thrusting forward hoping to catch him off guard. Serendus was more than ready as he spun to the side avoiding the stab and used his own weapon to open another cut on Ryoko, this time along her upper arm.
Ryoko gripped her shoulder in pain as Tenchi came to stand at her side. He nodded to her solemnly as they attacked in cohesion. Serendus laughed as he spun the rod, his hands a blur, as he knocked their blades away and flipped backwards landing in his stance. Again the pair came on trying to punch a hole in his defense, and again they were forced to retreat. Both of them knew that Serendus was toying with them, giving the two glancing wounds, never pressing his advantage. Time was against Ryoko and Tenchi, they had to end this fight fast before they got too tired. When that happened it would be the end for both Pirate and Prince.
"Ayeka slow down," Washu called form several yards back.
"We don't have any time Miss Washu," Ayeka called over her shoulder, "We have to get to Sasami before Matt does."
Ayeka had found Washu under heavy guard in the central palace guest rooms and, using her position, procured Washu's freedom. Now though they were running towards the royal quarters where Matt had been spotted just minutes before by a patrol that had been chasing Tenchi and Ryoko. Washu had tried to contact Ryoko through the link but found herself cut off. Ayeka intended to see to her sister's safety before they found Tenchi and Ryoko. Washu didn't argue, while it was prudent to stop Matt, protecting Sasami was equally vital.
Washu came out of her thoughts as they reached Sasami's room. Ayeka posted guards outside the room while the two of them went in alone. Inside they found Sasami crying hysterically her forehead symbol glowing brightly. Ayeka took her sister into her arms and tried to comfort the blue haired girl. It took several minutes to calm Sasami down enough to so she made sense.
"It was terrible sister," Sasami snuffled, "Matt had killed everyone, even you. Why would he do that?"
"I don't know Sasami," Ayeka said worried, "But we have to get to somewhere safe."
"What's going on Ayeka, tell me," Sasami pleaded.
"Sasami, I'm not going to lie to you," Ayeka started haltingly, "What you saw in your dream is coming true, Matt has gone crazy and killed a lot of people."
"Oh, no," Sasami gasped and then started to cry again.
"Sasami," Ayeka said pulling the little girl away from her chest, "You have to be strong. It'll be ok."
"As touching as all this is I really think it's time we got going," Washu interrupted.
"Your right miss Washu," Ayeka answered helping Sasami off the bed, "Are you ready Sasami, we have to go find Tenchi."
"I'm ready," Sasami answered shakily.
"Then let's go," Washu said opening the door.
Quickly the three were surrounded by guards as they stepped out into the hall. They were about to leave when everything suddenly went terribly wrong. Ayeka threw up her barrier as the first guard died screaming. Crackling energy flashed along the walls jumping away only to strike out at a victim. Whatever the energy touched, died. In mere seconds only Washu, Ayeka, and Sasami were left alive in the hall. As the corpses of her escort fell Ayeka saw him standing at the end of hall. He was looking right at them with his glowing green eyes, Sasami buried her face into Ayeka's kimono in fright. Washu held her breath, if he came after them there was no where to run they were trapped. Ayeka faced him with a look of determination plastered across her face as she kept her barrier up against the continuing stream of energy radiating from the weapons master.
Then he simply turned and walked away leaving them alone. Ayeka let out a sigh of relief as her barrier dissipated. She spent a moment consoling Sasami before the trio decided Matt was far enough away. Quickly they moved out into the main passage where they found more dead bodies, all killed by Matt's power. Sasami tried to keep up a stoic face, but Ayeka knew this was traumatic for her. Still, Ayeka decided, The safest place for Sasami is with us, once we find Tenchi we'll put a stop to this madness.
"Ayeka this is bad," Washu said as she inspected a body, "He's using more of his powers with each passing minute, at this rate he'll destroy the entire palace within twelve hours if his essence holds out."
"What do you mean miss Washu," Ayeka asked somewhat confused.
"When he started he only killed with his sword," Washu explained, "Now he's moved up to using his essence to remove the people in his path. I don't know enough about his powers guess what comes next but I do know the end result."
"And that is," Ayeka prompted.
"Remember when Tenchi fought Sor-ra-eyu," Ayeka nodded to Washu and she continued, "She took him to Matt's former home, all that's left is crater."
"Are you saying that Matt is going to start blowing up the palace," Ayeka shouted in shock.
"I'm not perfectly positive Ayeka," Washu said calmly, "But I'm reasonably sure he will begin to use stronger forms of his abilities until he finds what he's after."
"Ryoko," Ayeka whispered spinning on Washu, "He's looking for Ryoko. My father tortured her and told Matt, that's when he went crazy."
"Then we have to find Ryoko," Washu said simply.
Serendus laughed as he knocked Ryoko sprawling. With a quick movement he sent Tenchi along a similar arch. While this was fun he had to admit it was time to put an end to this pathetic fight and carry out his mistress's will. He waited patiently for the two of them to get back to their feet before launching his final assault. Just as he was about to move however he felt a familiar feeling wash over him, albeit much stronger than before. The Guardian was close, definitely time to end this then.
"One last chance to surrender peacefully Gem Bearer," Serendus offered sincerely to Ryoko.
"I'll never give in to you," Ryoko spat back.
"I'm with you Ryoko," Tenchi said leveling his sword.
"Either way this ends now," Serendus said falling back into stance.
"My thoughts exactly," Ryoko agreed charging forward.
Ryoko loosed a beam of energy before teleporting behind Serendus while Tenchi charged in. Sliding to one knee as he passed by Serendus Tenchi swung the Master key and finally scored a hit. Meanwhile Ryoko reformed her energy foil as she appeared and thrust it the dark man's neck. Shocked that he had been hurt Serendus swung the Dreadaleus down hard knocking Tenchi's weapon from his hand and dove to the side just in time to avoid Ryoko's humming blade. Serendus swung the combat rod around opening a deep gash along Ryoko's ribs causing her to fall to her knees in pain, dissipating her foil.
"This fight is over," Serendus said just before a purple blast tore into his back, "Argh!"
"Leave Tenchi and Ryoko alone," Ayeka shouted dressed in her battle armor backed by Washu and Sasami.
"Ayeka," Tenchi cried in surprise turning towards her away from Serendus and Ryoko.
"Tenchi watch out," screamed Ryoko, but she was too late. Serendus capitalized on Tenchi's mistake thrusting one blade from his combat rod, then the other into each of Tenchi's shoulders. He then swung downwards hamstringing Tenchi dropping the prince to the floor. Ayeka gasped in shock along with Washu while Sasami cried out Tenchi's name. Serendus grinned in glee as he turned back to Ryoko. She was on her knees head bowed low as blood seeped from her many cuts.
"I will spare his life if you come willingly Gem Bearer," Serendus sneered, "You have now choice."
"Tenchi," Ryoko whispered looking past Serendus towards her fallen comrade, "I love you."
Ryoko reached up and gripped the single earring she wore. In a flash the pseudo Gem grafted to her left wrist adding to her armor and empowering her. Although not a real Gem it granted Ryoko far more abilities than she normally had. Rising to her feet Ryoko faced Serendus once more, a look of cold determination in her golden eyes. In a flash she ignited her orange blade sending it in a lethal arc towards Serendus. Predictably he knocked the blade wide and stepped in for an offensive strike. He was shocked when she parried to blow expertly, and not with her original foil. Ryoko stood there holding not one, but two glowing blades eyeing Serendus with a look of cold hatred.
"You aren't going to hurt Tenchi or I any more," she promised with deadly intent.
"Even with your new tricks you can't defeat me," Serendus shot back, "I am the Emissary of Tokimi, no one is my equal."
"We'll see about that," Washu called from a dozen yards away where Ayeka and Sasami were trying to help Tenchi as best hey could.
Yes we will, Ryoko thought as she engaged Serendus one last time. Where she had learned to dual wield Ryoko had no clue but it came naturally now as she fought against this so called Emissary. For his part Serendus fought masterfully counter Ryoko's every move. The two battled for several long minutes, Ryoko spinning full circles swinging her twin blades while Serendus used speed and poise to keep the whirling blades at bay. This was taking too long Serendus thought to himself as the duel continued, he had to find a way to end this now. But Ryoko was in no mood to oblige him as she continued her offensive. They were at a stalemate when both of them were forced to raise their respective energy barriers as crackling blue electricity raced along the walls. Matthew Aaron Carson had arrived.
"This is not good," Washu said as the energy died away.
"What are we going to do Washu," Ayeka said shaking the diminutive scientist, "Tenchi's hurt and Ryoko's busy with whoever that guy is."
"I don't know Ayeka," Washu admitted, "I'm out of ideas."
Ayeka stood up and bravely faced the killing machine that once Matt while Sasami and huddled protectively over Tenchi. Tenchi saw the tears coming form Sasami's pink eyes as the killer stalked forward. This is the end I guess, he thought as Matt raised his sword. They were in the way, that was the only thing on Matt's mind now that he had found Ryoko. There she was fighting with someone, he would kill him and claim her as his own, but first theses four.
Stop Matt please stop, Ses sent helplessly, he had seen enough killing and wasn't about to see these people die too, Help, somebody help.
"Worry not," came a silky female voice filling the room, "Tenchi believe in your own power."
"My power," Tenchi repeated, "Tsunami!"
Tenchi stood up then fully healed. Three shining wings appeared in front of him before rushing back, Tenchi's battered armor became the flowing robes of the Light Hawk and the trifoil symbol appeared on his forehead. Before him the Light Hawk sword came to his call forming out of the empty air. With a buzzing hum blue energy completed the broad blade of the white sword. Tenchi stood ready as the blood stained swordsman came forward at a steady pace. Tenchi met the serpent katana with his own blade and turned it aside. Just as quickly though Matt sent his blade darting in again, unable to parry the attack Tenchi called upon his other two wings to intercept the blow.
Meanwhile, Serendus and Ryoko continued their running battle. Ryoko fought furiously but she had yet to score a hit on her opponent even with two blades. Launching into another spinning assault Ryoko tried again to get one of her foils pas that darting rod with it's snapping blades. The Dreadaleus flashed masterfully in Serendus's hands keeping him safe from yet another barrage. Knowing he had no choice now that the Guardian was upon them Serendus used the powers Tokimi had granted him. Ryoko dropped her jaw in shock as her blades suddenly disappeared and her powers vanished. Knowing he couldn't suppress the power of the Gems for more than a few seconds Serendus took advantage opening. Swiftly he opened shallow wounds across Ryoko's stomach and throat, effectively putting her out of the action.
Ayeka saw what happened to Ryoko and rushed to aid of her rival as Serendus turned around. Ayeka put all her force into the punch but Serendus ducked under her arm and tagged her with a brutal uppercut. Ayeka fell to floor in a heap unable to move due to the pain of a broken jaw. Tears slid out from her tightly clenched eyes, she had failed. Now Tenchi was busy fighting Matt allowing the dark man to attack him from behind. Ayeka couldn't even shout a warning at him.
"Tenchi watch out," Sasami said for her sister seeing Serendus approaching from behind.
Serendus ignored the younger princess as he drew upon the dark power of his weapon. Not only did the Dreadaleus grant him greater speed along with unpredictable attacks it had other powers locked within it's rune covered surface. Dealing with a servant of the Light Hawk was not in his job description so Serendus decided to be done with this once and for all. The shaft of his weapon glowed purple along with his eyes as he sent the stored energy towards the Crown Prince.
Tenchi screamed as ribbons of black energy pulsed along his body dropping him to his knees. He could only look up in despair as Matt's curved blade went up high into the air. Matt was about to sweep his blade downwards when Sasami jumped in the way while Ses, having had enough of this, dug his sharp, tiny claws into Matt's face. The swordsman stumbled backwards trying to pry the winged creature from his perch but Ses was locked on tight. Sasami shouted again in warning as Serendus walked up to Tenchi but the dark man ignored them both, his attention fixed upon Matt.
Matt you have to listen to reason, Ses implored, These are your friends remember, they brought you back to life. You were about to kill a child, you have to snap out of this. Put your powers away, you don't need them any more, Ryoko's right over there, just go to her.
It was the last thing Ses sent before Serendus whipped the Dreadaleus across his back cutting his wings and severing his spinal cord. Ses dropped to the floor limply blood pumping from the gaping cut. Matt blinked as he felt the connection go dead. The green glow faded instantly from his eyes as Matt forced the power back into himself. What have I done, Matt screamed in his own mind as the world came into focus. Nearby Tenchi lay moaning in pain while Sasami hugged him protectively. Washu stood back against the wall trying to stay out of the way of the fighting. A few yards away Ayeka was curled up in pain not moving. He couldn't see Ryoko because of the man standing before him. Matt looked into his eyes and instantly knew he was in trouble.
Matt tried to get his sword up but Serendus slapped it from his hand and thrust the other end of the combat rod at the Guardian. Reflex alone saved Matt from being impaled as he rolled back. The weapon's master pulled his twin sai's from the back of his belt just in time to meet the dark man's attack. In lightning quick movements Matt parried away the flashing blades of the Dreadaleus quickly catching onto the weapon's abilities. Still he was at a disadvantage, sai were designed to disarm swordsmen or break their weapons, but with it's flashing blades Matt could do little but parry away the attacks. Still disoriented from using his power for so long Matt was sluggish and off balance. In mere moments Serendus slashed him across both hands causing Matt to drop his weapons.
"Give up," Serendus grinned holding the point of his weapon against Matt's throat, "I was expecting a better fight out of you Guardian. Not that it matters, the Gem Bearer belongs to me now."
"Weapon's masters don't fight," Matt said suddenly gripping the haft of Serendus's weapon, "They kill."
With that Matt shoved back hard, not knowing which command to obey the Dreadaleus extended Both it's blades. One pierced Matt through the shoulder, but the other caught Serendus in the throat. He gasped in shock but was unable to form words as the blade slid out of his throat blood running down his chest. He clutched his hands to his neck to try to stop the blood but it just kept coming. Slowly he slid to the floor, the last thing he saw was the Dreadaleus fading way. I'm sorry mistress I failed you.
Matt dropped heavily to his knees and hands hovering over Ses. Two tears fell to the blood stained floor as he took his little friend into one hand. Matt glanced at the wound, but in reality didn't care. He deserved this pain as he began to heal the winged cat. It was done in moments but Matt knew his friend would be a long time in recovering. Leaving Ses with a stunned Sasami Matt crawled over to Ryoko who managed to get to her knees. Blood covered both of them, for Ryoko most it was hers, for Matt it was the blood of over a hundred innocent people.
"I'm sorry," was all Matt could get out before he buried his face into her chest, just above her breasts, and began to sob uncontrollably his tears mingling with her blood. Ryoko wrapped her arms around him as the others stood looking on. Ayeka leaned against Tenchi, who wrapped a supporting arm around her while Sasami held on to his side closely. Washu stood off to the side wiping a tear from her eye as she watched her daughter embrace Matt.
Tokimi stood within the room of night and carefully placed the Dreadaleus back on it's stand. Things had not gone as she had hoped, her Emissary had failed to bring her Washu and the Gem bearer, but still all was not lost. The Juraians would be some time in recovering from the Guardians assault and the cause Serendus had caused. Of course she had other Emissaries, more powerful than Serendus. Still he had been useful, but in the end his obsession for Ryoko had been his undoing. Yes, she thought, The balance is still in my favor.
Sensing the presence Tokimi turned around slowly. She knew who it was without having to look at him. Still he forced her to look into his blue eyes. It had been centuries since she had last dealt with the Dark Strider, not since she had taken the Dreadaleus from him. As usual he was dressed in loose black clothing and a long cloak. A wide belt bearing at least a dozen pouches circled his waste. His long blonde hair was pulled back into a ponytail and clipped with a silver band. Around his neck hung a silver pendant with two serpents wrapped around a sword locked in combat. Jutting up from his should was a ruby hilted sword.
Tokimi had reason to fear that blade, she knew what it was. The silver pommel was carved to look like a dragon while the majority of the hilt was made of transparent ruby engraved with the words Life to Death on one side, on the other Death to Life. The guard was made in the shape of a dragon wing on one end a claw clutching a crystal on the other. The Ruby Slayer it was called, and it's power was that to take the life of an immortal, even hers. He reached up with one hand to touche the sword briefly but put his hand back down. At this Tokimi relaxed visibly.
"I have not come here to fight you goddess," he answered truthfully, "Only to reclaim that which to stole from me."
"The rod is yours of course," Tokimi hastily agreed praying she would escape easily his wrath.
"Of course," he replied with a smile.
He walked past her and took the weapon into his hand admiring his handy work for a moment before placing it under his cloak. Tokimi hated this but had no choice but to endure his presence. He was older than her, older than anyone as far as Tokimi knew. A man of immense power who wandered the universe in a massive space fortress. Rarely did he intervene in the power ruling the universe but when he did the heavens shook.
"This dimension has nothing to do with you," she said in her own defense.
"You are correct," he agreed, "However I sense there are others that will intervene if you continue with your plan.:
"I say again it has nothing to do with you, take your weapon and be gone," she prodded hoping he would leave.
"Very well, As you wish Mistress," he said with a slight bow, "I need not warn you to interfere with me or mine again."
With that he vanished for which Tokimi was doubly glad. With the Strider gone Tokime returned to her true form and teleported back to the throne room. Damning Serendus again for the loss of her favorite weapon Tokimi took several minutes to form a new plan. She looked into the future and saw what was to be, she smiled with interest as the child entered her thoughts.
"Washu." she whispered to the infinite, "I will have the Gems."
Author's Note
I know it's late but believe me it's well worth it. This chapter formed so perfectly in my mind all I had to do was type. Well things are wrapping up(for real this time I swear) but of course I have to leave you with questions. Will Ryoko forgive Matt? Can Matt forgive himself? Yes, Ses lived, I love that little guy. These and many more questions to be answered in the next chapter. Also I'm writing a stupid crossover fic of Matt's first days in Japan, don;t ask why, the thought just hit me and I started writing and it got really in depth for some reason, In fact it's partially to blame for this getting out so late. Also I'm about to start work on the Guardian side story involving Matt's ancestors so keep an eye out for that. As always thanks for all the reviews and Keep 'em coming.
