Some reviews would be nice. It makes me feel better when people let me know how they like the story.



Chapter 24--A Losing Battle

Surrounded, Ryoko appeared to be trapped. She noticed the leering smiles that distorted the demons features, making them appear even uglier, if such a thing were possible.

The space pirate clenched her fists and offered a smirk of her own as she disappeared just as the demons lunged forward from all sides. Halting their attack, the nasty creatures looked about for their prey, hissing loudly in frustration when they were unable to find her.

All of the sudden the sky lit up around them as the demons were assaulted by a barrage of energy. Crying out, the evil creatures covered their eyes; blinded by the light that erupted around them. They struck out desperately, injuring each other in their confusion.

Ryoko appeared a short distance behind them, finishing the demons off with more explosive bursts of energy; the sky aflame from her effort.

Stopping her attack, Ryoko lowered her hands. She nodded approvingly at her handiwork That takes care of that. Ryoko thought satisfactorily, wiping the dust off her hands before turning around to set off toward Ryan. About halfway to her goal Kylia appeared, her arms crossed. A wicked smile upon her face.

"And just where do you think you're going?" Kylia asked snickering.

Ryoko clenched her jaw. She brought her fists upward, ready to fight. "Out of my way sister." She ordered.

Kylia's smile grew wider. "My, my. Aren't we a feisty one." She said swiping her drenched hair away from her eyes. "Well if you insist. But only if you beat me." She added, holding her left arm downward, her left palm open. A sword materialized from her hand, it's blade glowing a eerie reddish-black.

Ryoko dropped her fist. Oh great! She thought disgustedly, how in the hell do I defend myself against that?

Kylia made the choice for her, charging forward, swinging her sword viciously at Ryoko's midsection. Ryoko avoided the blow and released a ball of energy at Kylia. The evil knight swiped the blast away with her sword then pressed her assault.

Weapon less, all Ryoko could do was dodge each swing of the blade. Farther and farther she was driven away from Ryan. Dammit! I'll never get to Ryan at this rate! Sensing an opening, Ryoko moved quickly to the side and was able to clasp Kylia's left arm. The space pirate and the dark kenshin struggled against each other, fighting for leverage.

But Kylia was too strong and in a brutal move, whipped Ryoko downward, causing her to rocket through the trees before landing with a sickening thud on the ground. She struggled to get up, her arms and legs shaking from the effort.

Ryoko slowly lifted her bloodied head to find the dark kenshin stalking towards her, a like of triumph etched upon her face. A sinking realization struck Ryoko, her eyes widening as she remembered what Ryan had warned her about. Two dark figures. One fighting me ,the other you. They took you away from me. Those very words told by the kenshin echoed within Ryoko's mind.

Summoning up the last of her strength, Ryoko stood up and stared defiantly at the approaching woman. Kylia stretched her left arm out and made a sweeping gesture. Ryoko, bruised and battered, crossed her arms in front of her face, defenseless as a psychic wave of energy hit her full force, knocking Ryoko backwards into a large oak.

The space pirate gasped in pain, the breath literally knocked out of her as she slid onto the moist earthen ground. Kylia instantly appeared and grabbed Ryoko by the neck.

"Foolish human." Kylia spat as she lifted Ryoko off the ground. "Did you really think that you could defeat us."

Ryoko struggled desperately to maintain consciousness, clawing futilely at Kylia's arm. Kylia responded by applying more pressure. Ryoko's vision blurred as her arms slowly fell downward; limp.

Ryan. She thought bleakly before the darkness consumed her.

At that same moment Ryan heard Ryoko in his head. Ryoko! He thought fearfully, sensing her distress. Knowing that Kylia had Ryoko in her clutches, he flew fast from his battle with Bagon toward the space pirate. Spotting a limp Ryoko and a smirking Kylia, Ryan zoomed downward. Just before he reached her, Kylia disappeared with her prey.

"No!" Ryan cried, looking helplessly skyward. Again Bagon appeared in front of him. The kenshin slowly turned to face his opponent, a look of pure rage twisting his handsome features. Engaging his sword, Ryan rushed forward, snarling a battle cry before attacking Bagon viciously. This time Bagon was put on the defensive, grunting at each blow he blocked, the evil knight's sweat mingling with the rain that continued to fall.

Above in space, Kylia placed Ryoko in one of the nine crystals before dematerializing again. Back on earth, a bolt of lightning struck so close to Tenchi, Ayeka, and Sasami that Ayeka had to use her force field to protect them. As it was, it sent them spiraling upward causing Ayeka to be separated from Tenchi and Sasami. Her body crashed into a tree and she tumbled to the ground unconscious.

"Ayeka!" Tenchi cried out in horror, rushing forward. At that same instant, the crown prince was ripped backwards by an invisible force. He skidded to a halt beside Sasami, grimacing as he sat up. A puzzled frown creased his features which quickly changed into one of fear and anger as he saw Kylia appear, several of her minions in tow.

Suddenly Tenchi and Sasami found themselves surrounded and unable to help Ayeka who was left at the mercy of Kylia. The demons rushed forward. Tenchi jumped up, meeting their charge with his sword, slicing left and right , severing the limbs of his enemies as he attempted to reach the fallen princess.

Sasami for her part, began to glow a soft shade of green. Sensing Sasami's energy level, the demons halted their attack, backing away in fear. At that same instant Sasami unleashed several energy orbs, guiding them with her hands. "Out of my way!" She cried, destroying every last evil creature.

Tenchi shook off his amazement and rushed forward only to find that he was too late. For Kylia had grabbed Ayeka and was rocketing skyward, far away from Tenchi's reach.

"Ayeka!" Tenchi cried, his voice anguished as both he and Sasami stared helplessly up at the sky.


Chapter 25--Catch Us If You Can


Some distance away, Ryan and Bagon were locked in an eternal struggle. Ryan made a swift attack, striking at Bagon with full force only to have his blade slice harmlessly through an empty space where Bagon had been seconds earlier. The dark knight had disappeared. Ryan straightened his frame and looked about him warily. Suddenly he heard Bagon's voice booming above the rolling thunder.

"The game has begun Lord Ryan. I have the princess and Ryoko in my grasp. If you want them back , I suggest you catch us. If you can." He taunted, his wicked laughter slowly fading away.

Ryan stood speechless as images whizzed by in his mind. Images sent by the dark kenshin Bagon. The kenshin's body shook in a mixture of pain and fury. Oh God! Ryan's mind screamed as he saw what Bagon and Kylia intended to do. I'm so sorry Ryoko. I'm so.. Ryan couldn't even finish his thoughts as he fell to his knees in shame, his features wounded. The cold rain mixed with the kenshin's tears. Tears weeped for Ryoko and for a universe poised on the edge of destruction.

When Tenchi stumbled out of the bush near Ryan a short while later, he found the kenshin kneeling on the ground motionless. Upon seeing him, Tenchi rush forward.

"Ryan, they took her. They took Ayeka!" He cried stopping his progress in front of the kenshin.

"Ryoko." Ryan murmured, unaware that Tenchi was in front of him.

"Ryan?" Tenchi said softly kneeling down. The crown prince grabbed the kenshin's shoulders and gently shook him. "Ryan snap out of it." He implored.

The kenshin shook his head, his dazed eyes brimming with alertness once again.

Tenchi released Ryan's shoulders, stood up and backed away.

Ryan raised himself upright, his features pale. "Ryoko has been taken." He said dejectedly as he stared at Tenchi.

Tenchi shook his head. "Ayeka is gone too." He replied, looking around, hoping that the others would arrive soon.

"I should have anticipated this. I didn't see until it was too late." The kenshin said, staring upward into the cloud filled sky that continued to rain down, whirling around when he heard movement behind him.

"And what was it you saw kenshin?" Yosho asked, coming out of the woods with the rest of the group close behind.

Ryan set his pained eyes upon him. After what seemed an eternity, the kenshin answered. "Why Jurai was left alone. Why they need us to complete their plans to destroy Jurai."

Everyone gasped. They looked at each other then back to Ryan in shock.

"Yes." The kenshin said turning his eyes downward. "The wicked Bagon revealed his plans to me tonight. I saw the destruction of Jurai and all the lives lost at the hands of these monsters."

"Why was Jurai left alone kenshin?" Yosho asked

Ryan continued to stare at the ground. "They didn't have enough power on their own. That is why all those people were taken. The crystal ship channels their stolen power into a massive force of energy. Once all the power is harnessed, they will unleash it straight at Jurai decimating the planet and placing themselves as rulers over the universe."

"Why didn't they just grab us all tonight?" Tenchi asked.

Ryan turned to him. "What fun would that be?" He said in disgust.

Tenchi frowned.

Ryan continued. "They think this is a game. They delight in making us suffer. The others were right, these two have twisted ideas and powers. They are far stronger than I imagined." He said, clenching his fists. "I have failed in my duty. I let them take Ayeka and Ryoko away." He whispered in shame.

For a moment no one spoke. Then Yosho said, "We need to regroup and come up with a plan. We need to anticipate their next move."

A determined look spread across the kenshin's face . "I know what it is. They're headed for Jurai. They expect us to follow them, to take the battle to space."

Yosho placed a comforting hand on Ryan's shoulder. "And we shall kenshin." He said then turned to the rest of the group. "Come. Let's get out of the rain.. We have much work to do." With that he led the group home.


Chapter 26--Sinister Intentions

Far away from earth, Ryoko slowly awoke. She groaned, rubbing the back of her neck. She started forward, grimacing in pain when she bumped her head on something solid. Opening her eyes, Ryoko gasped, bringing her hands forward. She pushed with all her might but was unable to escape. Ryoko looked around frantically and spotted Ayeka in a crystal beside her, the princess's features like one who is dead.

"Well, well. The favored one of the kenshin has awoke."

Ryoko turned her head in the direction of the voice. Bagon stepped out of the dark corner of the room and slowly strode towards her. He stopped a few inches from her, taking her measure. Ryoko scowled at him and pounded against her crystal prison. Bagon instinctively jumped back and smiled.

"And feisty as well. I see why the kenshin chose you. Welcome to my humble abode." He said in false modesty, bowing slightly.

Ryoko stopped her pounding. "What have you done to us?" She asked angrily, her voice hoarse.

Bagon appeared thoughtful for a moment. "Let's just say that I need you and the princess for a little project. It should be great fun."

Ryoko narrowed her eyes at him. She looked around the room. "Where are the others?"

"Don't fret yourself. They will join you soon. They're all so worried about you. Especially lord Ryan. He blames himself for your abduction. And lord Tenchi is beside himself with grief at having lost his precious Ayeka." Bagon paused then continued. "Love is such a useless emotion. Why do you bother?" He sighed.

"I don't know what your talking about." Ryoko replied, her features defiant.

Bagon walked closer to Ryoko's crystal. His green eyes peered intensely at the former space pirate. Ryoko met his gaze, unafraid.

"I think you do know. You know all too well Ryoko." Bagon said, pointing his left index finger forward, touching the crystal where Ryoko's forehead would be. "Your thoughts betray you. You're thinking about him right now."

Ryoko's silence spoke volumes.

Bagon smiled wickedly.

Ryoko gritted her teeth, staring venomously at him. "Let us go you creep." she demanded then closed her eyes in pain. The crystal lit up around Ryoko, absorbing her power before becoming dark once again. Ryoko collapsed, unconscious.

Bagon shook his head. "Tsk, tsk. No manners at all." He scolded lightly. He turned and walked up to his throne. He sat down and leaned his head back, exhausted from his battle with Ryan.

Kylia came into the room. She stalked up to her throne and sat down. Her arms crossed. She turned her head toward him. "Tired are we?" She said with a leer.

"He is stronger than I thought. I may have underestimated him. But of course I fought Ryan alone." Bagon said, turning his head toward her. "You might try it sometime." He said with a leer of his own.

Kylia blew him off. "So." She began. "Are they following us yet?"

Bagon closed his eyes. "Yes." He said after a few moments. "They are headed this way. Blissfully unaware of what we have planned next for them." Bagon opened his eyes and stared straight ahead. "Come fools. Come and meet your fate at the hands of Kylia and Bagon." He roared, laughing maliciously. Kylia joined him in his madness, their thoughts as dark as the shadows that surrounded them.

Chapter 26--The Journey Begins

Ryan stared forlornly up at the night sky. Back at the Masaki house, preparations were under way. Everyone was busy packing the necessary items they would need for the long journey into space. The kenshin left them to their task, choosing to spend some quiet time in his favorite spot.

"Ryoko" Ryan murmured. He leaned against the tree and closed his eyes. His breathing became shallow as he searched for some sense of his love. He furrowed his eyebrows in frustration when he failed to acquire any hint of Ryoko's whereabouts.

I wish Ryoko was here with me now. But all the wishing in the world won't bring her back. I will find her, even if it kills me. Ryan thought grimly.

A few seconds later Ryan heard Yosho in his head. Kenshin we are ready.

I'm on my way. Ryan thought back, heading for his ship.

Koboyuki bowed out of this adventure, his business too busy for him to take any time off. He wished everyone good luck as he watched the rest of the Masaki household disappear in a haze of blue light. Once on the ship, everyone but Washu joined Ryan in the cockpit. Ryan initiated the propulsion system, the ship angling up and out of earth's orbit. Ryan took one last look at the blue sphere he had called home for more than a year. Yosho caught Ryan's features and placed a comforting hand on the traveler's shoulder.

"We will return Ryan. Rest assured."

Ryan nodded then turned back to his control panel. He engaged the autopilot system then stood up. He led the others out of the cockpit all the way to the back of the ship where the cargo bay , and Washu, was located.

Ryan pressed a series of numbers, causing the bay's giant doors to clang open. After what seemed an eternity, they were finally able to enter. Once inside, the group marveled in awe at what lay before them.

"Washu, you are a genius." Ryan replied, straining his neck as he took in the enormity of some of the machines.

Tenchi walked up to one of the smaller machines. "What's this?" He asked. It looked like a large microwave. A keypad sat beside it.

Washu turned to him. "That dear boy is a food replicater. Simply type in what you want and voila! Dinner is served."

Tenchi's eyebrows sprang up. "Cool." He said. "Can I try it?"

Washu shrugged. "Sure."

Tenchi typed furiously on the keypad. His mouth watered at the thought of tempura shrimp and fried rice, rubbing his hands in anticipation. After thirty seconds, a bell sounded . Tenchi opened the door. Instead of shrimp, chocolate ice cream flew out, splattering all over the crown prince.

Washu raised her eyebrows and bit her lip. "Well, I see that one needs some fine tuning." She said handing Tenchi a towel.

"Washu, is the energy detector up and running?" Ryan asked.

Washu turned to him. "Yes. This way please." She answered, leading them to the back of her makeshift lab. She switched on the monitor.

"There." She said after typing in a few commands. She pointed to the right corner of the screen. "Heading in that direction."

Ryan stared at the star chart. He frowned. " That's the Kevon system, a heavily populated section of space. Why would they be heading that way. Unless.." He said, his voice trailing off . The blood drained from his face.

"What is it kenshin?" Yosho asked in concern, sensing the fear and panic in Ryan.

"No." Ryan whispered, his eyes brimming with tears. "Everyone to the cockpit now!" Ryan exclaimed running as fast as his legs could carry him out of the cargo bay straight to the cockpit. The others followed wondering what the kenshin was upset about.