Chapter30--Into the Darkness
The kenshin groaned as he lay motionless on the cool metallic floor of Nozomi's training chamber. His swollen and bruised eyelids fluttering open as he slowly regained consciousness, wincing as he moved his head to the right.
How long have I been out? He thought, taking in his surroundings. Scraps of metal littered his field of vision. Frowning, the kenshin attempted to prop himself up on his elbows only to collapse with a cry of pain.
"Dammit that hurts!" He hissed through clenched teeth, squeezing his eyes shut as a wave of pain racked his body.
He remembered fighting with the laser targets, setting the difficulty level to maximum then destroying every target. But not before the lasers had hit almost every part of his body, ripping his clothing, scorching his flesh.
Must of passed out from the pain. The kenshin thought, sighing heavily. I've got to getup. I can't let anyone find me like this.
By sheer force of will, Ryan was slowly able to get himself in an upright position. After an intense and laborous struggle, the kenshin managed to stand on his feet and make his way to the exit door. Once in the ship's corridor, Ryan leaned heavily upon the corridor wall, slowly and painfully propeling himself forward with his right arm.
What the hell was I thinking! I could have killed myself and jepordized our chances of finding Ryoko and Ayeka. Ryan thought angrily, gritting his teeth as his clothing rubbed painfully across his singed flesh. With each movement, the kenshin felt himself growing weaker and weaker. Finally, Ryan made it to his room, looking briefly around before his knees buckled and he fell forward, collapsing with a thud onto his bedroom floor.
His confrontation in the training chamber had pushed him to the edge, relieving his stress but not the nagging doubt and fear he had about Ryoko's safety. It's was all he could think about. He had let her and the others down. These thoughts drew the kenshin dangerously close to losing his composure. His heart ached for Ryoko who was left to the mercy of his darker counterparts.
Just then the kenshin heard a sound in his mind, distant at first but growing louder by the second. A cry of pain and fear, desperate for someone to hear it's plea for help. A bright light flashed before Ryan's eyes, an intense glow that beckoned him to enter.
The kenshin closed his eyes softly, succumbing to the light and the voice that called from beyond it's brillance.
Chapter 31--A Voice is Heard
Aboard the crystal ship, silence echoed along every corridor. Thousands floating and dormant, encased in crystal that drew constant energy from every occupant, rendering them paralyzed and unable to move. Torn between the world of the living and the dead, these victims could do nothing about their situation. But inside their minds, a tiny spark of consciousness continued to function allowing them to remain aware of their existance.
Ryoko struggled futilely to move her arms. So heavy. She thought tiredly. Why are my arms so heavy? Why can't I open my eyes?
Her mind began to fill with memories of what had happened , uncertainty replaced by icy cold fear that gripped her heart. Unable to look away, she was bombarded by horrible images that left her with the realization that there was no hope of escape. Terror welled up inside Ryoko as the images became a dark void that surrounded her mind and began to press down upon her.
Somebody help me! Her mind screamed as the darkness began to smother her. Suddenly a bright light erupted through the blackness, ripping the void in half. Ryoko could just make out the figure of a man who swung his arms in wide arcs, forcing the black void to relent it's hold on her mind. The figure turned around to reveal the kenshin.
Ryan? Ryoko thought in confusion briefly before crying out in joy, It is you! In her mind she rushed forward, stopping a few inches from Ryan's image. She reached an exploratory hand outward, which Ryan took gently with his own.
Ryoko embraced the kenshin, crushing him with her arms. Tears of relief fell down her face, splashing like torrents of rain onto Ryan's shoulder. The kenshin said nothing, just held her, comforting her with a soft rocking motion. After a few moments, Ryan pulled slowly away, clasping Ryoko's shoulders gently but firmly.
Ryoko looked up a look of worry upon her face as she reached out to clasp his arms. You heard me didn't you Ryan? Please tell me this isn't a dream. She whispered, her eyes desperate.
Ryan shook his head. No. No dream. He replied, wiping the remaining tears from her eyes.
Then what is going on? What is this place? And how did you get here? She asked, staring around her in confusion.
Ryan looked around as well. I don't know Ryoko. I'm just as confused as you are. This has never happened to me before.
Then if you and I are here then that means.. Ryoko began, her voice trailing off.
Ryan gave a sad nod of his head. You are still trapped inside the crystal ship. At the moment there is little I can do to help you.
Ryoko bit her lip, casting her eyes downward.
But. He said with a pause, lifting Ryoko's chin gently up. I promise you I will find you. I won't leave you to suffer at the hands of the dark ones. Rest assured they will pay for what they have done to you.
The light appeared once again. Ryan looked behind his shoulder, finding himself irresistibly drawn to it's brillance. He quickly returned his gaze on Ryoko.
There isn't much time Ryoko. If the darkness attempts to consume you don't panic. Fight back with memories of happier times. That will keep it at bay.
Ryoko looked at him with a mixture of sorrow and confusion. She wanted to say many things but all she managed was, What is the darkness Ryan?
Despair and hopelessness. He answered with a frown. Ryan drew close to Ryoko and wrapped his arms around her.
Ryoko held onto him tightly, afraid to let go.
Don't give in to it Ryoko. Fight back with love and courage. He whispered.
Ryoko nodded as Ryan pulled away.
The kenshin gave her a soft kiss on the lips before turning around, disappearing in the light as quickly as he had come. Leaving Ryoko alone once more.
Chapter 32--What Has Happened?
Aboard the Nozomi, Ryan's eyes shot open, his ears assaulted by the insistent beep of his door chime. Pushing himself off the ground, he managed to gain his footing, making his way unsteadily to the door. Ryan still felt sore in certain spots which told him he hadn't healed completely. His mind was still trying to comprehend what had just transpired between Ryoko and himself.
Could it be we formed a telepathic bond? Or was it because of my closeness to the abyss that allowed me to hear Ryoko and respond accordingly? He thought with a frown. With a shake of his head, the kenshin pushed the green button beside his bedroom door, causing it to swoosh open, revealing the crown prince.
"Good morn.." Tenchi began, his voice falling, unable to complete his sentence as he took in the kenshin's appearence.
Ryan looked a mess. His clothing was torn and tattered in several places. And parts of his exposed skin were scorched black.
Tenchi did a double take as the burnt skin began to ungulate, the blackness disappearing, new, healthy skin taking it's place.
"What happened to you?" He finally managed in astonishment.
Ryan looked down at himself. I guess I do look the worse for wear. "Nothing." He replied quickly. "Just a training exercise that got a little out of hand."
Tenchi arched his eyebrows. "A little out of hand huh?" He said incredulously.
"Well. Maybe more than a little." Ryan conceded with a small smile.
"I don't know about you Ryan." Tenchi said with a shake of his head.
"So what is it you wanted to tell me Tenchi?" Ryan asked.
"Well Washu sent me to find you. It seems the crystal ship has disappeared from the detector."
Ryan straightened his frame. "How long ago?" He asked.
"About five minutes ago."
Ryan clenched his jaw. "Tell her I'll be right there." He said slowly, turning away from the door.
Tenchi gave a quick nod then headed off to inform Washu.
What games are you playing Bagon? Ryan thought as he threw off his damaged clothing, quickly dressing into a black crewneck sweater and blue jeans. And how do I counter your move? He added before heading out to speak with Washu.
Chapter 33--Lost
Inside Washu's lab, the kenshin found the entire Masaki clan hovered around the the short scientist. Washu turned her gaze upon the kenshin. When he saw her perplexed expression his heart fell. This can't be good. He thought fearfully.
"What is going on Washu?" He asked as he approached.
Washu met him halfway. "It seems the crystal ship has disappeared from our radar screen." She began. "Are you familar with cloaking devices kenshin?" She added, looking up at him with her intelligent green eyes.
Ryan nodded. "I have one installed on the Nozomi." He answered, looking down at her.
Washu didn't even blink. "Then you understand it will be almost impossible to find them." She replied, turning away from him.
"Although the low percentage of success will not deter me from locating them." She added as she walked back toward the detector. Her manner business like as she gazed at the machine in determination.
Ryan allowed a small smile. "I'm sure you will succeed miss Washu."
Just then Ryan felt something. Odd at first but becoming stronger every second. The kenshin closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead as he tried to pin point what it was he was sensing. It felt as if his mind was being intruded by a large entity of thoughts and feelings, something that refused to leave him alone.
"Ryan are you all right?" He heared Tenchi ask.
Ryan opened his eyes. "Yes I'm fine." He lied, turning away from the group. "I need to go up to the cockpit." He added, starting for the cargo bay door.
"We will join you." Yosho said, looking around the group with an expression that broke no arguement.
"Yes of course." They replied, frowning in concern as they stared at the kenshin's back.
Ryan stopped, waiting for them to catch up before heading to the front of the ship.
Chapter 34--Traveling Down a Dark Path
"You are now entering the Devon system. All ships in this sector not affiliated with the Galaxy Police will be boarded. Turn around now or risk arrest. You are.."
Ryan shut off the repeating message that poured through his communicator and searched the vast region of the Devon system for any sign of the authorities. He double checked his cloaking system to make sure it was functioning properly then said, "We should reach the spot once occupied by Jonto soon."
Everyone looked at each other in concern. Ever since Ryan had been informed about the disappearence of the crystal ship, he had seemed preoccupied; distant. His odd behavior was more evident now that they were in the Devon system.
Yosho was particularly worried. What is wrong kenshin ? He had sent to Ryan. When he recieved no response he frowned. He's put up a defensive wall, protecting himself from any mental imagery or thought. But why? Yosho thought in confusion.
Suddenly, two Galaxy Police cruisers coasted by. Everyone held their breath. When the two ships didn't turn around they all let out a sigh of relief. Ryan leaned his head back and rubbed his eyes. He slowly ran his hand down his face and blinked slowly.
"What is it Ryan?" Tenchi asked noticing, like his companions, that Ryan was in pain.
Oh God. Not now. The kenshin thought desperately. I can't let it.. "I..hear them." Ryan whispered, his voice distant.
Tenchi frowned. He looked around at everyone then back at the kenshin. "Hear who?"
"The dead. Out there.." He said, waving a hand in the direction of space. "So many voices crying out. I..can't.." Ryan murmured, his voice trailing off.
Yosho stood up, sensing Ryan's distress. "Kenshin?" He said gently but firmly, trying to get the kenshin's attention. When Ryan didn't respond Yosho walked up to him and placed a hand upon Ryan's right shoulder. Ryan turned his head slowly. Yosho noticed the trance-like state of Ryan's eyes and his ashen features. "Kenshin?" Yosho repeated in concern.
Ryan blinked a few times in response and grimaced in pain. With great effort he leaned forward and braced himself. He stood up, his arms shaking violently from his effort to rise. Yosho helped him out of his seat and Azaka and Kamedaki rushed to his side, giving him physical support.
The others could only watch silently, full of concern for the young kenshin. Ryan beckoned Washu forward. She complied, eyes etched with worry. She waited patiently for Ryan to speak.
"Miss Washu.." Ryan began, furrowing his eyebrows in concentration. "I'm afraid.. I'll be unableto captain the Nozomi forawhile. Given..your expertise..I humbly ask..you to take the helm." He finished, his breathing labored. He leaned heavily against Kamedaki. The two elder knights gently led Ryan out the cockpit. The door swooshed closed behind them, leaving most of the remaining friends momentarily stunned.
Tenchi was the first to recover. He walked up to Yosho. "Grandfather, what's wrong with Ryan?" He asked apprehensively.
Yosho pressed his lips and cast his eyes downward. So that is why he couldn't repond to me earlier. He thought in sudden realization. Yosho removed his glasses and rubbed his tired eyes. "So that is what happened." He said, shaking his head sadly.
"What is it grandfather what has happened to Ryan?" Tenchi asked.
Yosho turned to his grandson, his features grim, his voice matter of fact. "Sometimes when a catastrophic event occurs, a kenshin's senses are overloaded. The stress to their bodies is so great they lapse into a deep coma."
"But I thought kenshin knights were really powerful?" Sasami blurted out, perplexed at the events that just transpired.
Yosho looked down at the young princess. "They are child. But sometimes their strengths can also be their weaknesses."
Sasami frowned. "I don't understand."
Yosho continued. "It takes enormous mind power to hear and see the thoughts of others. Normally Ryan could pick and choose what thoughts or visions he wanted, if anything at all. He has developed mental defenses, much like walls, that keep out unwanted information that might harm him. But sometimes those defenses are overwrought. In this case, billions of different images and voices are bombarding him all at once. His body and mind can't compensate for such massive energy. Thus the kenshin gets lost in the confusion and his whole system shuts down to preserve itself." He finished, staring down at Sasami. "Now do you understand?"
Sasami looked up at Yosho thoughtfully and nodded. "I think I do now." She answered.
"Can we help him?" Tenchi asked as he looked at the cockpit door. Yosho turned to him. "If we can keep him focused on the present, then there is a chance he can maintain consciousness."
"And if we can't?"
"Let us hope that does not happen." Yosho answered, heading out the door with the rest of the group close behind.
They found Azaka and Kamedaki in the infirmary staring helplessly at the kenshin with fear in their eyes. Ryan lay still as death upon the sickbay bed, his breathing shallow and his luminous eyes closed. several long, thin strips of white were stretched outward like tentacles, attached to the kenshin's body. The round discs at the end of the strips sent biological feedback to a small machine with several graphs covering it's face. A vital monitor revealing that the kenshin's life signs were growing weaker by the minute.
Yosho gazed apprehensively at the kenshin. "How long has he been like this?"
Azaka turned his dark eyes to Yosho. "Since before we entered this room." He answered. The elder knight then peered over his shoulder at Ryan. "His health has been declining at a rapid rate ever since."
Kamedaki slumped down on a chair beside the bed. "There's not much we can do is there?" The younger knight said futilely, rubbing his forehead as he cast his eyes downward.
Yosho clenched his jaw. "Maybe not at the moment. So the sooner we leave this accursed place, the better." He said, turning to Washu who stood beside him.
Washu nodded. "I'll get right on it." She said, giving them a thumbs up before heading back to the cockpit.
"What now?" Tenchi asked.
"We must watch the kenshin vigilantly. If he dips into a coma, he may never come out of it." Yosho said pacing thoughtfully. "Which is I believe the intention of those villains that keep eluding us."
Everyone gasped.
"Grandfather..you can't be serious. They would destroy a whole planet just to slow down one man..;" Tenchi exclaimed in shock.
Yosho shook his head. "Remember Tenchi, they have no respect for life. To them, this is just a game. Destroying an entire planet to slow down their opponent, the only one who could possibly find them, is just one more move on the chessboard. They know Ryan's weaknesses and they exploited them expertly."
Tenchi looked at Yosho in horror. "If that's true grandfather then what does that mean for the rest of us?"
"It means we must find them soon." Yosho replied inclining his head toward Ryan. "Or suffer a fate similar to the kenshin, we will." He concluded then headed out the door.
Tenchi watched his grandfather leave then focused his concerned eyes back to his immobile friend. He walked slowly up to the kenshin and knelt down beside him. "I don't know if you can hear me Ryan, but I need to talk to you. You have to fight your way through this. We're all depending on you to help us defeat Kylia and Bagon." Tenchi said casting his eyes upward. He stared out through the small side window into the darkness of space. "Somewhere out there they lurk. Using innocent people like Ryoko and Ayeka to fulfill their twisted desires." Tenchi said gritting his teeth in anger. He clasped Ryan's right arm and began to shake it. "We have to stop them. This has to end now. You need to be with us when it happens." The crown prince pleaded. "You've got the wake up kenshin, you've got to.." Tenchi stopped shaking Ryan's arm when he felt a light but firm pressure on his left shoulder. He turned his watery eyes toward the hand and found Azaka staring sadly down at him. Tenchi released his grip and stood up slowly.
"Lord Tenchi, perhaps it would be best if we take first watch over the kenshin. Your grandfather might need your help." Azaka commented, noticing the crown prince's distress and fatigue.
Tenchi sighed, closing his eyes briefly then nodded.
"Rest assured Lord Tenchi. Ryan will pull out of this. You'll see." Kamedaki added reassuringly.
"I hope your right, Kamedaki." Tenchi replied. "I hope your right." He murmured to himself as he left the infirmary.
After engaging the auto pilot system, Washu and Yosho had headed to the cargo bay that served as her makeshift lab. Inside the lab, Yosho focused his eyes on a tracking device before him. Washu stood beside him also gazing at the lighted screen before them. "We've got to find that crystal ship." Yosho commented, staring hard at the screen. "They must be around here somewhere, but where?"
Washu shrugged. "As I said before, if the crystal ship has a cloaking system they could easily hide themselves."
"If that is the case miss Washu, then how in the world do we find them?"
Washu rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "I've been thinking about this for awhile and I believe I may have found a way to track them down. You see, all ships have a unique signature that is emitted from their propulsion system. The trick for us is to discover the crystal ship's frequency. Once we do, tracking the ship should present no problem."
"Can you do that?"
Washu grinned and waved her hand. "Of course I can. I am after all the greatest genius in the universe."
"Yes of course." Yosho repeated dryly. His face grew serious when he saw Tenchi enter the lab. The crown prince approached Yosho and Washu slowly. His features and posture dejected.
"What is it Tenchi? What's wrong?"
Tenchi cast his eyes downward, taking a moment to collect his thoughts. "Ryan won't respond to anything we say to him. I don't know.."
Yosho interrupted him. "I fear the kenshin may be unable to help us now."
Tenchi's head shot up. "But we need his help grandfather. Without it.."
Yosho held up his hand. "I don't like the thought any more than you Tenchi, but we must prepare for such an situation."
Tenchi nodded grudgingly and walked forward until he was beside his grandfather.
"Have you located the crystal ship yet?" He asked hopefully, staring at the lighted screen.
"We're working on it kid." Washu replied, typing furiously on her keypad. The tracking screen magically floated upward, transformed into a 3D model. She enlarged the hologram to a four foot dimension, the form glowing brightly from thousands of dots and streaks.
"My God, there must be thousands of different ships that passed through the Devon system the past few days. How are we going to find which one belongs to the crystal ship?" Tenchi exclaimed.
"An excellent question Tenchi." Yosho commented, staring long and hard at the screen. After a few moments, he spoke. "Washu, could you isolate the more recent signatures?"
Washu did as he asked. The screen was now less cluttered, but many dots and streaks remained.
"Good. Now isolate the signatures that head straight for Jurai."
Washu typed in the commands. Within a few moments, only seven signatures remained. "Well that certainly narrows the field." She said approvingly.
"Yes it does." Yosho agreed.
"But which one do we follow?" Tenchi asked staring left then right at the screen before him.
Washu frowned. "We're going to have to put that aside right now." She said, tinkering with her keypad.
Yosho turned his attention to her. "Why?"
"There's a distress call emanating about half a day's journey from here." Washu explained looking upward. Yosho followed her gaze an saw a small blip flashing on and off in the upper section of the screen. "Five of the signatures that passed through the Devon system also made their way through the area of the distress call." She continued, magnifying the blinking section of space.
"Can you decipher if the signal is authentic?" Yosho asked.
Washu shook her head. "Not from this distance." She replied, adjusting the hologram. "Being that there were a few ships in that area, its quite possible the dark travelers have laid a trap for us." She said, pausing thoughtfully. "On the other hand, if the signal is legitimate and we don't come to their aid.." She added, her voice trailing off.
Yosho and Tenchi nodded in silent understanding. "So what do we do?" Tenchi asked.
"We have little choice in the matter." Yosho answered staring hard at the hologram. "But if this is a trap, the hunters may find themselves the hunted." He said with conviction. His companions nodded, silently praying that Yosho was right.
That night, after a quiet dinner, everyone retired to their rooms for what would be their last peaceful slumber.
Chapter35--Face to Face With Evil
"Well, here we are." Washu said, shutting down the turbo system and switching to the slower propulsion system. She rechecked the coordinates as the insistent beep of the distress call came through loud and clear.
"See anything?" Washu asked.
Everyone shook their heads.
"Me either." She replied moving the ship forward edging ever closer to a large blue-green planet. Washu frowned. She magnified the planet and sighed. "It appears that the signal is coming from the planet uh…" She paused, staring at the screen. "Galan."
Everyone looked at each other, unsure what to do next.
"Can you tell if it's a ship or a person?" Tenchi asked.
Washu performed a sensor sweep. "It appears to be a ship."
"Any life signs?" Yosho asked.
Washu stared hard at the screen. "The scan comes back inconclusive. Let's try verbal contact." She suggested, switching on the communicator. "Attention unknown vessel. This is the Nozomi. Come in please." Her response was little more than static.
Washu repeated her message, still no one answered. After a few more tries, she switched off the system and turn to face her companions, a perplexed look upon her face. "There's no response." She said.
"Now what?" Asked Tenchi.
"Well.. We could enter the atmosphere and check the ship ourselves."
Everyone turned to Yosho, who shook his head. "I don't like this. If the kenshin were conscious, he could gauge the situation. Without him, were left in the dark."
"If you feel uneasy, Lord Yosho, we can continue towards Jurai." Azaka commented.
Yosho turned to him and shook his head. "I sense nothing even remotely malicious. Which means one of two things. Either the dark ones are not out there or they are and are hiding their power from us." He answered, noticing the somber looks of his companions. He focused his gaze toward Galan and sighed. He clenched his jaw and nodded. "Very well. We will go planet side and investigate the distress call." He said.
Washu nodded and steered Nozomi into Galan's orbit, descending slowly through it's atmosphere. Once clear, she locked on to the distress call. Nozomi glided high above the lush plant life that abounded the land. After the ship zoomed past a large cluster of trees, they hit a patch of bare land.
Washu decreased Nozomi's speed, landing softly onto the ground below. Not far ahead of Nozomi, lay a massive ship near the edge of a woodland area. It's metallic skin shredded and torn in several places.
"Do you think anyone survived?" Tenchi asked.
"I don't know but we need to find out." Washu said, rising from the pilot seat. The rest followed.
Washu opened the side ramp and led the crew out. Yosho stopped and turned to Tenchi who was following them. "Tenchi. You need to stay with the kenshin while we search the vessel."
"But grandfather, I..." Tenchi began to protest.
Yosho held up his hand. "Tenchi just stay put. If anything goes wrong, we will contact you. Right now though, Ryan needs you more than we."
Tenchi nodded, slowly turning and reluctantly heading back up the ramp. The remaining members waited patiently for the ramp to close than turned and entered the damaged ship.
"Were do we start?" Azaka asked, looking to and fro at the darkened corridors in the bowels of the ship.
"Split up." Yosho answered. He pointed upward. "Azaka and Washu take the upper decks." The two of them nodded. "Kamedaki and Sasami take the middle section." The younger knight and the princess nodded as well. "I will search the lower levels. Be alert and cautions. If anything goes array, leave the ship immediately."
"Yes sir." They said in unison, heading off to begin their search.
Now alone, Yosho crept slowly along the darkened corridor unaware he was being watched.
High above Yosho, Azaka and Washu exited a turbo lift and walked slowly among the debris and shrap metal that littered the corridor floor. Washu found a computer terminal and began to enter the system. Azaka waited patiently for her to finish. After a moment, Washu turned to Azaka. "The power level for this ship is low. I estimate about two hours of power is left."
"That doesn't give us much time to search for survivors." Azaka commented, his features thoughtful. "I wonder what happened to the crew?" He added, eyes and ears alert.
"Once we reach the control room we may find some answers." Washu replied.
Azaka nodded then led the way back to the turbo lift.
Below, Kamedaki and Sasami walked slowly along a well-lit intact corridor. The lights flickered briefly, causing Kamedaki to narrow his eyes and Sasami to cling to his arm.
"I'm scared Kamedaki." Sasami whispered.
The young knight stopped walking. He looked down at her and offered a comforting smile. "Don't worry princess. No one will harm you while I'm around." He said reassuringly as they continued through the lighted maze.
Azaka and Washu meanwhile, made their way to the control room prepared for any thing but what they saw before them. Littered about the room were about a dozen bodies.
"My God." Azaka gasped. "What happened here?"
Washu shook her head sadly. She weaved her way through the mass of bodies to the main computer. She entered the system and began to study the digital information that scrolled down the screen.
"Anything?" Azaka whispered appearing next to her.
"Nothing yet. I accessed the ship's memory bank but I'm having a hard time finding more recent information." She replied, typing in a series of commands in an attempt to find what she was looking for. Finally she found it and it caused her face to blanche.
"What is it?" Azaka asked in concern, looking past Washu at the screen.
Washu pointed to the screen, her eyes full of dread. "We've got to leave now." She said, racing to the turbo lift doors. Azaka followed close behind.
Far below, Yosho stopped walking. In a calm voice he addressed the darkness that lay before him. "You can come out now." He said.
A tall darkly robed figure with unearthly green eyes stepped forward into the light. "Well, well. Lord Yosho we meet at last."
Yosho maintained his distance and crossed his arms. "You must be Bagon."
The figure bowed slightly. "That I am." He replied, righting himself. "I must thank you and your companions helpful nature for this opportunity of capturing you. I wasn't sure if you would fall into my trap but I should of known your emotions would override your sense of reason. So as much as I enjoy a good game of hide and seek, I admit this will save time." He added with a smirk.
Yosho narrowed his eyes and adopted a defensive stance. "I must warn you, I won't be easy to defeat and capture." He said defiantly, ready to fight.
Bagon's smile widened. "Who said anything about capturing you by force." He replied, floating upward.
Yosho watched him, puzzled. Suddenly, he was engulfed by a strange reddish light. A few seconds later, Yosho was gone.
In the turbo lift, Washu was explaining her haste to Azaka. "Even though we can't sense their presence, the life scan system of this ship picked up three more life signals than there should be."
"Couldn't these signatures be survivors?"
Washu shook her head. "No. This ship, the Kafta, is a supply vessel. Most of it's enormous space is used to hold liquid and dry goods for various supermarkets throughout this galaxy. Only twelve crew members are needed to man this monstrosity all of whom were on the command deck.
"So, the other life signs must be Kylia and Bagon."
"And one of their henchmen." Washu added stopping the lift at level thirty three. They cautiously exited the lift, waiting to face their unseen enemy. Up ahead, they heard cries for help. They rushed forward, rounding a corner in time to see Kamedaki and Sasami disappear in a bright flash of red light. In their place stood Kylia smiling wickedly. She attacked quickly but Azaka, with his power staff, managed to defend Washu and himself from Kylia's assault. Each time she attacked, Azaka and Washu backed up.
Suddenly, Washu was grabbed from behind by a demon. Azaka heard her stifled cries and whirled around, leaving his back exposed. Kylia seized the moment and pierced the knight's right shoulder. He cried out in pain, his staff dropping from his now useless right hand. Azaka and Washu suffered the same fate as their friends, engulfed in the reddish light.
Chapter36--The Kenshin Awakens
On the Nozomi, Tenchi paced back and forth in the infirmary. Every now and then he would glance sideways at his prone friend before looking straight ahead again. "Come on grandfather, what's taking so long." Tenchi mumbled under his breath.
To Tenchi's left, the vital monitor started bleeping. The crown prince stopped pacing, rushing over to the machine to study the various screens. The end screen, which monitored brain wave activity, was literally jumping off the chart. Tenchi frowned, gazing back and forth between the machine and Ryan. For all appearances, the kenshin looked dead to the world.
What's going on? Tenchi thought in confusion. He stared hard at the vital monitor then jumped back when the machine started to short circuit. Sparks flew everywhere causing Tenchi to duck down and cover his head. In a few seconds the machine stopped going haywire and Tenchi stood up.
"Kenshin?" Tenchi whispered apprehensively, leaning over Ryan. Suddenly Ryan's eyelids shot open. His neon blue eyes and his body glowing intensely. The air became heavy. Tenchi felt the hair rise off his arms and the back of his head. The crown prince backed away slowly, unsure just what was going on.
Aboard the crystal ship, Bagon and Kylia were admiring their extended collection of the Masaki household. "Marvelous aren't they." Bagon cooed, walking up and down the row of crystal. He glanced at each face as he passed. He stopped in front of the two empty crystals and sighed. "Two left to go and my revenge will be complete." He said, turning around. He strode down the line again but when he reached Ryoko he stopped, sensing a strange surge of power emanating from her crystal. He peered closer. Bagon's eyes widened when he noticed Ryoko's fingers were twitching.
"What the hell?' He murmured.
At that instant, Ryoko's eyes snapped open, her crystal prison shaking. The same thing happened to Ayeka and so on down the line. The ship began to shake violently, causing Bagon to stumble backward. He gritted his teeth and disappeared rematerializing in the control room, his face full of rage.
"What the hell is going on Navolic!" He roared, gripping a crystal chair before him as the ship rocked back and forth.
"The crystals are destabilizing around the ship. Those once imprisoned are now waking up. This event is causing us to lose power at a rapid rate, my lord."
Navolic shouted above the ensuing chaos.
"What!" Bagon exploded. "You told me a few minutes ago that our new acquisitions gave us more than enough power to destroy Jurai. Now you tell me we're losing power. What is going on Navolic."
Navolic frowned. "I don't know sir. But whatever is causing this disruption is coming from the planet below."
Bagon tightened his grip on the chair. The resulting pressure caused it to explode into a thousand pieces. "Ryan." He spat out, clenching his jaw in anger.
"My lord, what do we do now?"
Bagon turned his furious eyes on Navolic. "Reroute all remaining power to the engines and move us away from here quickly!" He barked.
"But sir, what about.."
"Just do it Navolic!" Bagon snapped disappearing from the room.
Seconds later he was floating beside a confused Kylia.
"What's happening Bagon!" She shouted above the noise.
"Ryan has foiled us again."
Kylia frowned. "I thought you said he would be incapacitated during the operation of our plan."
Bagon turned away from her. He floated downward to the now stable floor and explained. "He found a way to make it back to the land of the living." He stated flatly, walking slowly up to the crystals. The Masaki household was again in a state of suspended animation, their eyes closed. "Somehow he channeled into our energy source and turned it against us. But how?" The dark lord mumbled, a hint of fear floating from his voice.
Kylia was silent as Bagon turned around and stalked to his throne. He settled his left hand over his eyes and sighed heavily. "I fear that capturing the kenshin and the crown prince is now out of the question." He mumbled , his hand still upon his face. "My revenge will be incomplete."
"You sound afraid to me Bagon, but why? You said so yourself that we have enough power to destroy Jurai so let's do it!"
Bagon removed his hand, his face brightening. "Your right. Perhaps my revenge will be complete after all."
Kylia frowned. "I'm not sure I'm following you."
"Think about it Kylia. They've tried so hard to stop us, yet were persevere. Their group is now down to two. I don't care what just happened, they can't stop us. They won't be able to stop us and that fact alone will gnaw at them the rest of their pitiful existence. The mental anguish they will go through will be a sweet reward in and of itself." Bagon finished delighted with his new vision of revenge. Navolic, he thought, set our course straight for Jurai.
Yes my lord, Navolic thought back, adjusting the coordinates. The crystal ship changed course. It's new direction, Jurai.