I know a lot of you have been reading my story, but I don't know whether you like it or not. Some reviews would make me feel much better about where I go with this story. Please?
Speaking of reviews, I want to thank Moonfairy for the uplifting imput. It has helped me immensely. Well, enough about my fragile ego, back to the story.
Chapter 10--Tenchi's Arrival.
The next morning, the Masaki house was buzzing with activity. The girls prepared for Tenchi's arrival as Koboyuki left for work and Azaka, Kamedaki, and Ryan headed to Yosho's, choosing to stay far away until after Tenchi arrived.
"Poor Tenchi." Ryan said in pity, as he sat upon Yosho's steps. "He won't make it to the door before he's assailed." He added with a shake of his head.
"Yes. Lord Tenchi is in for a surprise." Azaka commented, leaning against a wall.
"More than one." Kamedaki said dryly as he stood beside Azaka.
"Well this has been coming for some time." Yosho said, staring off into the woodland that surrounded him. "He has to deal with it now or spend the rest of his life running from it."
"Should we be there when he arrives?" Ryan asked. The men looked conspiratorially at each other. "Nah." they said in unison, laughing heartily.
At the end of the long dirt driveway to the Masaki house, Tenchi stepped off the bus, bag in tow. He strolled along the pathway to his old home. I can't believe I've been away for so long. It will be nice to see everyone again. He thought as he walked up the front porch. Before he ever got to the door the ladies of the house rushed out to greet him.
"Help." Tenchi squeaked as he was dragged into the house. Ryoko and Ayeka began to argue over the young man, so caught up in their verbal and physical volleys that they failed to see the crown prince sneak his way upstairs to his old room. Tenchi quickly slid the door behind him.
"Whew! I forgot how hectic it is at home." He said, rubbing his eyes in exhaustion. Tenchi threw his bag upon his bed then cast his eyes around. He nodded satisfactorily at the condition of his room then slumped into his chair. "I wonder were grandfather and the others are?" He murmured
Downstairs, Yosho, Azaka, Kamedaki and Ryan entered the Masaki house apprehensively. The smell of burnt furniture infiltrated their senses when they walked inside only to find the living room a mess. The men quickly spotted the purveyors of the destruction. Sitting on opposite sides of the living room table, Ryoko and Ayeka stared straight ahead, their eyes glazed and their clothes blackened
"Well, that went well I think." Ayeka commented, her hair frazzled.
"Yes indeed." Ryoko replied, smoke curling off her hair.
The men stifled their laughter, noting that Sasami and Washu were conspicuously absent. They all shrugged.
"Must of run away when things got a little too rough." Ryan commented before bending over to pick up a tossed couch cushion. The rest of the group arranged the furniture back into order. Azaka was then sent upstairs to retrieve Tenchi.
The elder knight knocked gently on the door which slid open. Tenchi poked his head slowly around the door. "Have they settled down?" He asked apprehensively.
Azaka nodded.
Tenchi exited his room and followed Azaka's retreating form. Together, they began to descend the stairs. But when he spotted the kenshin standing beside Yosho and Kamedaki, he was so startled that he lost his footing and tumbled forward taking Azaka down the stairs with him. Tenchi quickly bounced back up like nothing had happened.
"You all right Tenchi?" Yosho asked, striding forward to help Azaka to his feet..
"Yes I'm fine, why wouldn't I be?" he said hastily staring in open astonishment at the kenshin.
Ryan, sensing Tenchi's confusion and surprise, gave a calming smile. "Perhaps we should all sit down." He suggested.
Everyone did.
"Lord Tenchi." Ryan began. "My name is Ryan. I am a kenshin knight sent from Jurai to help protect you from an invisible menace threating the universe."
Tenchi gasped. "What!" he exclaimed.
"It's true. " Lord Yosho said. "We are all in very serious danger. We must combine our efforts and even then it might not be enough."
"But grandfather I..." Tenchi stammered.
Yosho cut him off. "Tenchi listen. I know you want to live a normal life. But you're not normal. You are a direct descendent of the house of Jurai. The power you possess may make the difference between us living another day or breathing our last breath."
Tenchi stared at his grandfather then slowly nodded. "I understand." He said then turned to stare at Ryan.
"I sense your confusion about who I am?" Ryan said with a smile.
"How do you know that?" Tenchi asked.
"It's a long story." Ryan said then proceeded to tell him who he was.
"Wow!" Tenchi exclaimed. "And the resemblance.." He asked, circling a hand around his face.
"Ryan is also a direct descendent of Jurai. Nagashi is his ancestor. She was Keito's sister. We come from Keito's bloodline. We are therefore related. So that is where the resemblance comes from." Yosho explained.
"So what do we do now?" Tenchi asked .
The others looked at each other. "We must train." Ryan said.
Everyone nodded solemnly. "We must be disciplined and vigilant." Yosho added.
"Lunch is ready!" Sasami yelled. The older men took off for the kitchen running over Tenchi and Ryan.
"So much for discipline and vigilance." Tenchi murmured.
Ryan laughed.
"Can I ask you something Ryan?" Tenchi asked staring off at the kitchen.
"Of course." Ryan answered waiting patiently for Tenchi to continue.
"Will life always be like this?"
Ryan quirked an eyebrow.
"I mean all these threats to the universe and my hectic life." Tenchi said with a wave of his hand.
"What is it you want to know Lord Tenchi?" Ryan asked , although he already knew the answer.
"I want to know if I'll ever experience peace."
Ryan shut his eyes and drew in his breath. "Peace will come to you sooner than you think. Your heart knows the answers you seek, but your mind has yet to receive the message. Once that happens, you will know the true purpose of your life."
"What do you mean kenshin?" Tenchi asked, frowning.
Ryan opened his eyes and smiled. "I cannot say Lord Tenchi."
"Can't or won't?"
"Both." Ryan countered.
Tenchi sighed. "All right Ryan. I'll take your word for it. Now, let's go eat." Tenchi said rising. Ryan followed him into the kitchen and the two had their lunch.
After the filling meal, the men set off outside to evaluate their fighting skills and critique their techniques.
Tenchi trained with Yosho at his house while the three knights trained in the woods.
Some hours later, the two groups met at Yosho's to assess their strengths and weaknesses.
Tenchi and Yosho started off first, using Bo staffs as weapons.
For several minutes they were dead even, attacking and defending constantly.
Tenchi finally managed a quick foot sweep that brought Yosho down.
"Yeah!" Tenchi cried triumphantly, thrusting his fist in the air. Yosho responded by jabbing Tenchi in the stomach. Tenchi stumbled backwards, hunched over as he tried to recover his breath.
"Never stop attacking Tenchi." Yosho commented, gathering himself off the ground.
"Yes grandfather." Tenchi squeezed between his clenched teeth , rubbing his sore stomach.
"Next." Yosho called.
Ryan stepped forward.
"Ready?" Yosho asked tossing a staff to Ryan.
Ryan caught the staff and twisted it in an intricate series of twirls quickly and expertly. "Ready." He said adopting a defensive posture.
Yosho attacked quickly, jumping high into the air, bringing the staff downward.
Ryan blocked the blow and pushed Yosho backward. Ryan attacked aggressively,
swinging the staff to Yosho's right then to his left.
Yosho blocked each blow then swung at Ryan's legs.
Ryan anticipated the move and jumped up. He struck at Yosho so quickly Yosho barely managed to block the blow.
The force of the blow broke the elder man's staff in two, causing Yosho to stumble backwards.
Ryan was about to finish his move when he saw Ryoko appear behind Yosho. That split second hesitation was all Yosho needed. He jumped forward and whacked Ryan on the head with one part of his broken staff.
"Oww!" Ryan cried rubbing his head. Ryoko laughed.
"Always pay attention." Yosho commented, grinning. "Never be distracted by a woman or anything else for that matter. You'll only get into trouble."
"I see what you mean." Ryan said still rubbing his sore head.
Azaka and Kamedaki squared off last. Each battled the other expertly until Kamedaki struck Azaka's right foot. Azaka instinctively dropped his staff and reached for his foot. Kamedaki struck Azaka's left foot and the older knight went down clutching both feet.
"How humiliating." Azaka said in disgust, rubbing his sore feet.
"Excellent." Yosho said. "Attack where the enemy least expects it . Tomorrow we will all begin using special attacks."
"Well, if you boys are finished playing," Ryoko interrupted "Dinner is ready."
Everyone headed back to the house. After a filling meal, Ryan stood up. Here goesnothing. He thought. "Since I have everyone's attention, I would like to ask the ladies of the house a question."
The women waited patiently. "Each of you possess great power. I was wondering if you would like to train as well?" Ryan asked.
The girls looked at each other in shock. "Kenshin are you saying you would train us to defend ourselves?" Ayeka asked.
Ryan shook his head. "You already know how to defend yourselves. No, what I want to teach you is new methods. To make you faster, stronger, better. That is what I propose. What do you say?" He asked, staring at each of them.
"No thanks." Washu answered. "I'll stick to science just the same."
Ryan shrugged then focused his attention on the remaining women.
After a moment's pause, Ayeka said "Yes. I would like that."
"Yeah. Sounds good." Sasami added.
"Sure, why not." Ryoko said nonchalantly.
"Excellent. We will begin tomorrow." Ryan said sitting back down.
Azaka leaned towards Ryan. "You sure you know what you're doing kenshin?" He asked.
"Trust me," Ryan said. "Their help is essential for victory." He turned to face Azaka. "And it'll give Tenchi a little peace."
Azaka chuckled. "A little." He admitted.
Chapter 11--Training Day
The following morning, after breakfast, Ryan met with his protégés outside, near Yosho's house, to begin training. Wanting to evaluate their skills, he started with hand to hand combat testing Ayeka first.
"Again." Ryan commanded as he stood in front of Ayeka, calmly waiting for her to attack. Ryoko and Sasami sat upon Yosho's steps watching the kenshin and Ayeka spar. Ayeka lunged forward, her right arm outstretched, her fist heading straight for the kenshin's head. Ryan deftly moved to the side, clasping Ayeka' s arm gently but firmly. Ayeka stopped.
"Your leaning too far forward, extending your reach princess." Ryan commented. "This makes you vulnerable to attack here and here." He added touching the princess's neck and rib cage. He let go allowing Ayeka to straighten her frame.
"I see." She said softly. Behind her she heard Ryoko snicker. Ayeka whirled around. "I'd like to see you do better!" She challenged.
Ryoko stood up and stretched. "Stand aside princess." She ordered.
Ayeka gave a mocking smile. "Be my guest." She said with a wave of her arm before walking past the approaching Ryoko, glaring at each other as they switched places.
The kenshin stood perfectly still, waiting for Ryoko to make the first move. Without warning, Ryoko shot forward, disappearing within inches of Ryan. The kenshin's eyes narrowed. Quickly almost imperceptibly, Ryan moved left. At that moment, Ryoko's fist materialized within inches of his head. Ryoko flew past the kenshin, landing back upon her original spot.
"Show off." Ayeka grumbled under her breath.
Ryan smiled as he gazed upon the space pirate. "Well done miss Ryoko." He complimented. "I see that your years among the stars have made you quite the fighter."
Ryoko nodded quickly before turning to sit down once more, smiling triumphantly at Ayeka who scowled in response.
The kenshin focused his attention on the two princesses. "I think I'm going about this the wrong way." He stated walking towards Ayeka and Sasami.
"How so?" Ayeka asked.
Ryan studied them. "With your defense capabilities, hand to hand combat is not necessary for you two."
"What about Ryoko?" Sasami asked.
Ryan turned towards Ryoko. "Ryoko's power is different than yours. Hand to hand combat will serve her well." He said, with a soft smile.
Ryoko smiled back.
Ayeka noticed the interaction and coughed politely. "Kenshin?" She called out softly.
Ryan focused back upon Ayeka.
"What do you have in mind for us?" She asked.
The kenshin motioned for them to rise. They did so.
"Now before we begin, I have to ask you a question." He paused backing slowly away. "Can you generate Juraian energy at will?"
Ayeka and Sasami looked at each other in confusion.
"That is can you discharge energy from your body as a weapon." Ryan said before adding. "Like when you fought with Kagato princess Ayeka."
Ayeka nodded in understanding. "I can try." She replied.
"What about me?" Sasami asked.
Ryan looked at the young girl. "Follow your sister's lead Sasami, and you should do fine." He answered with a small smile.
Sasami nodded and watched her sister.
Ryoko watched them, a look of boredom spread across her pretty face.
Try as they might, nothing happened.
"Hmm..." The kenshin sounded softly, pacing. His features fixed in a thoughtful grimace. Strange that they are unable to generate Juraian power at will. He thought in frustration. I know they can do it. After all Ayeka succeeded when Tenchi... Ryan suddenly stopped his pacing. He focused his attention back on the two princesses of Jurai.
"Princess Ayeka, Princess Sasami." He began. "There's something I'd like to test you on. If it is successful, I'll know how to proceed with your training."
Ayeka and Sasami exchanged quick glances before nodding their consent.
"Close your eyes please." The kenshin ordered, backing far away.
The two princesses did so.
Ryoko's look of boredom vanished. Curiosity weaved it's way upon her features as she looked from the kenshin to Ayeka and Sasami. I wonder what he has in mind. She thought.
Ryan floated upwards, hovering some 50 feet above the ground.
"Do not be afraid of what you're about to see." He warned. "Reach inside yourself and react to it." He added, before closing his eyes as well. Here goes nothing. He thought, holding an inward breath before unleashing his mental projection.
Instantly, Ayeka and Sasami we flooded with the image of Tenchi, bleeding and exhausted as he battled with some invisible force. The two ladies gasped in shock as a large hand shot out of the darkness, wrapping itself around Tenchi, who screamed in absolute agony. "Ayeka, Sasami help me!" He managed to shout out before another scream erupted from his blood drenched lips as the hand attempted to squeeze the life out of him.
Without thought, The princesses of Jurai reacted, harnessing their Juraian power.
Outside of their minds, A soft green glow enveloped around them.
Ryoko felt the upsurge in power and wisely backed far away.
"Whoa." She murmured looking from Ayeka and Sasami to the kenshin.
No sooner had Ryoko moved, when two green orbs of energy rocketed away from the princesses outstretched hands upward, heading straight for the kenshin.
A look of panic flickered on Ryoko's face. "Ryan look out!" She cried.
The kenshin,either from her cry or because he knew what was coming, dodged the attack, disappearing from view.
Ryoko let out a sigh of relief when she saw the kenshin reappear on the ground below, a grin plastered on his handsome face.
"Well done ladies." He said heartily.
Ayeka and Sasami opened their eyes. They seemed slightly disorientated as they took in their surroundings before staring down at their outstretched hands.
"What just happened?" Ayeka asked looking from her hands to the kenshin.
"I found it necessary to provide you with a trigger." Ryan explained. " Something that would bring your power out into the open. In time, and with some training, you'll be able to do it without thought. Once you learn how to focus, your attack power will increase." He said, pausing to look up at the sky. "Along with your aim." He added with a good natured smile.
"Are we through for the day kenshin?" Sasami asked, trying unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn.
Ryan nodded, sensing Sasami's exhaustion. I must have taxed their mental system, he thought with a frown. I'll have to go easy on them or I'll wear them down. "Yes princess. I've kept you long enough and I know you have many things to do. You've all done well. I look forward to tomorrow's session." He answered with a formal bow. Ayeka and Sasami returned the bow before gracefully exiting.
Chapter 12--Another Attack!
Ryoko remained standing on Yosho's roofed porch. She leaned against the wall, watching Ayeka and Sasami descend the massive stairway leading away from the shrine. Once sure they were gone, Ryoko focused her attention on the kenshin who made his way upstairs to stand beside her.
"So," She began edging her way closer to the kenshin. "You think hand combat would work best with me hmm." She asked, her voice serious but her eyes twinkling mischievously.
Ryan rested his back upon the wall, closing his eyes as he leaned his head back. "I do." He replied with a smile.
There was something in the way Ryan answered her that made Ryoko's heart beat against her chest like a trapped animal.
His husky tone was not unlike those men she heard proclaiming their undying love on those stupid soap shows Ayeka was so fond of.
It brought to the surface feelings she thought reserved for Tenchi alone.
Is it possible I'm falling for him? She asked herself as she studied the kenshin's handsome face.
A loud clap of thunder jerked her back into reality, shaking the very foundation she was standing upon.
She stared out at the darkened landscape , her features troubled.
Suddenly a hard rain came pouring down, pounding relentlessly against the roof above them.
Ryoko turned towards the kenshin whose features mirrored her own. "Where did this storm come from?" Ryoko shouted above the rain.
The kenshin's eyes narrowed as lightning slashed across the darkened sky, followed instantaneously by a deafening roar of thunder. Ryoko and Ryan covered their ears in response.
Suddenly the kenshin's eyes widened as focused his attention upward.
"What is it?" Ryoko asked, her voice tinged with fear.
No sooner had she mouthed those words, when Ryan leaped forward, embracing Ryoko into his arms, twisting away.
At that same instant, a large black sword erupted from above, causing large splintered bits of wood to explode everywhere.
Ryan shielded Ryoko with his body, crying out in pain when several wooden projectiles embedded themselves into his back.
Acting quickly, Ryoko dematerialized, taking Ryan with her before reappearing a safe distance away.
Ryoko held onto Ryan briefly before gently setting him on the ground.
The rain continued to pour down, cold and relentless, seeping through their clothing.
Ryoko ignored the steady stream of water that flowed down her face, instead focusing her attention on Ryan's back.
Gingerly she peeled back the kenshin's collar and peered downward. Oh my God! she thought, the breath catching in her throat, her features tightening in anger when she spied several large streaks of blood and ripped tissue all along his once perfect flesh.
Rage built up inside of Ryoko and with fists clenched, she stood up. "Wait here." She advised, in a voice that broke no argument, disappearing before Ryan could protest.
At first the kenshin sat still, closing his eyes, tilting his head upward until the rain beating against his face slapped him back into consciousness.
I've got to help Ryoko! He told himself, grimacing as he struggled to rise. Slowly Ryan set off after Ryoko, every step shooting pain up and along the kenshin's back.
He did the best he could to ignore the pain, pressing forward. About halfway to his destination, he stopped beside a large oak tree.
Leaning heavily against it's massive trunk, Ryan struggled to catch his breath, bowing his head in disgust.
Dammit! How come I didn't detect the demon's presence earlier. He thought angrily Because I let my guard down. He answered guiltily. That must not happen again.
The kenshin clenched his jaw as he thought how he had left Ryoko alone to deal with the demon.
If I had more time then I'd be good as new. But I don't have the luxury of time. I must make my stand with Ryoko, even if she doesn't need me, I must be there for her. I cannot, no, I will not allow that horrible creature to hurt her! he thought angrily, straightening his frame.
Full of this new resolve, Ryan continued his march forward, hoping that Ryoko would be okay when he arrived.
Some distance away from the kenshin, Ryoko appeared far above Yosho's house. She stared angrily at the now deserted roof.
"Come out you bastard, I know your here somewhere." Ryoko murmured scanning the surrounding area for some sign of the demon's whereabouts.
Suddenly, her eyes widened in alarm. Sensing something behind her she whirled around and found herself face to face with a monstrous creature, similar to Ayeka's attacker except this one was masculine in appearance.
"You are not the one that I want." The demon growled. "Where is the kenshin?!" He snarled menacingly, focusing his dark, shark like eyes evilly upon her.
Ryoko's shock turned quickly to anger. "He's not here right now. So you'll have to make do with me!" She answered defiantly, locking gazes with the horrible aberration before her.
The demon smiled wickedly. "So be it." He mumbled and charged forward, sword at the ready.
Ryoko vanished it thin air, only to reappear behind the demon. Raising her right arm forward, Ryoko released a large red energy orb that struck her opponent in the back. The demon screamed and whirled around, swiping viciously at Ryoko's head. She swiftly dodged the attack while at the same time releasing another volley of energy directly in the demon's face.
But this time the demon was prepared, blocking her attack in one easy swipe of his sword. Ryoko narrowed her eyes, her fist clenched tightly at her sides. The demon took the offensive, lunging forward once again. Ryoko disappeared.
The demon stopped, quickly whirling around, disappearing as well. Suddenly the two combatants reappeared, so close to one another they could touch. Ryoko's eyes widened in shock. How the hell did he know! her mind screamed. There was no time for her to react to the demon who raised his sword high above his head to strike Ryoko down.
The space pirate clinched her eyes reflexively, waiting for the blow. She quickly opened them when she heard the demon scream. Where once had been the demon's hand, now resembled a bloody stump. Clutching it's injured arm, the demons stared in undisguised hatred at the ground below.
Ryoko followed it's frightening stare to find the kenshin, left hand outstretched, staring up at her, his features a mix of fear and anger.
"Why don't you pick on someone your own size!" Ryan shouted upward, his eyes fixed coldly upon the demon but his thoughts were directed to Ryoko. Ryoko can you hear me?He sent telepathically.
Ryoko's eyes widened. She had never heard someone else in her mind before. Yes.She answered back.
There's not much time. It's me he wants. If he charges I want you to take him out from behind. Create the biggest energy orb that you can then unleash it.
Ryoko shook her head. What if I miss and hit you instead. She replied fearfully.
Ryan smiled softly. I'm thankful for your concern miss Ryoko, but it is unnecessary. I won't get hit. Trust me Ryoko, it'll work. Just focus your attack on his back and you'll do fine. He finished cutting off communication so he could focus back on the demon.
The kenshin's smile faded to a scowl as he continued his challenge. "Well, what's it going to be ugly. You going to fight me or are you just going to float?"
With a primordial cry, the demon rushed forward, arms outstretched.
Ryan stood calmly, while Ryoko built her energy orb to the size of a watermelon, releasing it just as the demon reached the kenshin. It stuck the demon full force, exploding on impact. In a fierce howl of agony the demon was slammed to the ground, large pools of green blood spreading along its back. Ryoko landed close by, searching frantically for the kenshin. Ryan appeared instantly beside Ryoko.
"Nice shot." He said appreciatively before kneeling down in front of the demon. The kenshin roughly, pushed the creature over. Grabbing it's shirt, he jerked the demon upward until their faces were inches from each other.
"Who sent you?" He demanded sharply.
"Ugh..." The demon gargled, spitting forth blood that landed in green flecks across Ryan's face.
Ryan ignored this. "Who sent you?" He repeated, shaking the demon hard.
"Dark..Dark..." The demon began but stopped, it's eyes glowing an unearthly red as some sort of seizure racked it's mangled body.
Sensing a powerful upsurge of energy, Ryan let go, stretching his hand out and up. The demon's body flew upward, not quite reaching the clouds before exploding in a flash of red light.
Ryoko and Ryan held their breath, watching the red light slowly dissipate.
Finally they both sighed.
"I need a vacation." Ryan said, still staring up at the sky.
Ryoko laughed. "You and me both." She said. Her smile faded when her gaze fell upon his blood stained shirt. "You okay?" She asked softly, her voice betraying her anxiety.
Ryan nodded. "I'm fine. You?" He asked scanning Ryoko's body for any obvious injuries.
Ryoko took a second to answer. "I'll live." She replied. "What happened to that thing?" She asked tilting her head upward.
"It self-destructed."
Ryoko frowned. "Self-destructed?" She repeated.
Ryan nodded. "Charging then releasing it's own energy upon itself, exploding from the inside." He explained.
"Oh." Ryoko said before adding. "This isn't going to be an everyday occurrence?" She asked, studying the kenshin.
"Demons?" He said.
Ryoko shook her head. "Saving your butt."
Ryan laughed. "I'll try not to get into too much trouble." He replied, before gazing candidly at the space pirate.
"Miss Ryoko, I.." He began.
"Yes." Ryoko said, returning the kenshin's gaze.
Ryan swallowed hard and tried again. "Miss Ryoko..I just wanted to.." He struggled.
Ryoko slid closer, never taking her eyes off the kenshin.
"That is I just wanted to say.."
"What is going on here!" The shocked voice of Ayeka rung through the woods, spoiling the mood.
Ryan turned towards the noise only to find the entire Masaki household heading his way.
Ayeka was the first to arrive followed closely by Tenchi and the others.
Ayeka, spying the damaged roof, narrowed her eyes at Ryoko. "First that large ball of red flame in the sky and then this." She began, pointing a finger at Ryoko. "This is your doing isn't it." She accused.
"Back off, princess." Ryoko snapped, tightening her fists.
Ryan made a calming gesture. Ayeka fell silent. "Actually princess Ayeka, we were just attacked by another demon."
Tenchi, who was just behind Ayeka, stepped forward. "Are you guys all right?"
He asked in concern, noticing Ryan's shirt and the scruffy marks on Ryoko's cheek and forehead.
Both nodded.
Yosho walked up onto his porch, surveying the damage. "So evil has visited us once again." He commented looking from the roof to the kenshin.
"Yes lord Yosho. " Ryan confirmed before adding. "Ryoko, however, made short work of it."
Yosho studied Ryoko briefly before asking Washu. "Miss Washu, perhaps you can enlighten us as to what just occurred her."
Washu, who had been kneeling beside the pool of green blood, stood up. "A few minutes ago, a large upsurge of energy originated from the source I've been tracking for you kenshin, landing above Yosho's house."
Ryan looked at Wahsu. "Then these demons originate from the negative energy heading this way. Interesting."
"What does this mean?" Ayeka asked.
"It means we can expect more visits from these creatures. They must be the ones responsible for the disappearances of all those people. The ones who do the dirty work for the mastermind or minds behind this." Ryan answered, rubbing his forehead in exhaustion.
Yosho, noticing the looks of fatigue on the kenshin and Ryoko's faces suggested they go back to the Masaki house.
The danger over, Ryoko slipped back into her old persona. "I don't know about all of you, but I can use a drink.." She said, looking at everyone. "What?" She asked when she noted the look of disgust on Ayeka's face.
"Really Ryoko." Ayeka murmured in disgust, walking back toward the Masaki house.
"Like you've never had a drink." Ryoko said sarcastically, following close behind Ayeka.
Yosho noticed Ryan's searching the horizon. "Looking for trouble kenshin."
Ryan frowned, shaking his head. "No lord Yosho. I'm just wondering what will happen next. I must be prepared when it... happens..." He said with a yawn, rubbing his eyes tiredly.
"Come." Yosho beckoned with his hand. "We'll worry about this tomorrow. For now kenshin you need your rest."
Ryan followed soundlessly, heading home with the rest of the clan for a much needed rest.