Chapter 39--Two Different Dreams
That night, as Ryan and Tenchi slept aboard Nozomi, the kenshin and the crown prince had two wildly different dreams.
In his dream, Ryan saw himself standing beside a large lake that reminded him of his home world. The sky above was clear and blue and the sun shone warm and bright upon him. The large leafy trees that surrounded the lake shook slightly as a light wind flowed through them and all around the kenshin who closed his eyes in a state of peaceful bliss.
This feeling lasted for sometime until Ryan heard his name being carried by the wind. He slowly opened his eyes and turned around. Before him stood Ryoko, the breeze tossing her cyan hair about her pretty face. She walked up to him, a warm smile upon her face, and gently touched his cheek. Ryan placed his hand over hers and matched her smile. He enveloped her into his arms, closed his eyes, and held her tightly, afraid he might lose her again. He felt the warm drop of a tear fall onto his shoulder and heard Ryoko whisper, "Welcome home." Into his ear.
When he opened his eyes he discovered they were no longer on Calbon but outside the Juraian throne room. The kenshin looked around, confused. He released Ryoko and saw that she was dressed in formal attire. He looked down at himself and noticed he too was dressed formally. He turned to the two guards that stood at either side of the doors and frowned. The guards gave a chest salute then pushed open the two large doors, flooding the kenshin and Ryoko with light.
"Come on." Ryoko urged, clasping Ryan's right hand. "Their waiting for us."
Ryan shielded his eyes from the blinding light. "Who?" He asked as Ryoko gently tugged him inside.
After his eyes adjusted to the brightness, he gazed in awe at the mass of people that crowded the throne room. When this massive group caught sight of Ryan and Ryoko, they stopped their conversations and began to clap and cheer wildly.
Ryan smiled graciously at them, still unsure what was going on. He looked to Ryoko in the hope that she could shed some light on the situation. Instead he saw her look upward at the many flights of stairs that led to the throne itself. He followed her gaze and gasped. The clapping and cheering ceased as two figures at the top of the steps began to descend. The two figures, a man and a woman, had upon their brows a special metallic band that signified their status as emperor and empress respectively. Their arms were linked as they continued downward towards Ryoko and Ryan. Finally they stopped before the kenshin and Ryoko who bowed slightly, each of them smiling broadly.
"Welcome back kenshin." The man said proudly. He gently released himself from the woman and gave the kenshin a quick hug before backing away and giving a chest salute. The woman reacted similarly with Ryoko.
"It's good to be back…Tenchi." Ryan replied giving a chest salute of his own than turned to the woman and repeated the motion. "And Ayeka." He stated.
For the rest of the night, the kenshin slept soundly, happier than he had been in sometime.
Tenchi's sleep, however, was less than restful. For his mind was in the grip of a dark vision that prayed upon his fear: That he would be unable to save his princess; his beloved Ayeka. "Ayeka!" Tenchi cried out, tossing and turning in his bed.
In his dream, Tenchi ran frantically through a dark void. "Ayeka! Ayeka where are you?!" He cried, searching left and right as he plowed onward.
A sudden bright light erupted in the darkness up ahead, ripping it in two.
Tenchi skidded to a stop, raising his right hand to block his eyes from the intense glow. A shadowy figure emerged from the luminous portal. Tenchi lowered his hand, his eyes adjusting then widening in surprise. There, before him, stood Ayeka . Tall and proud, the princess smiled warmly, beckoning Tenchi forward.
Tenchi's heart was caught in his throat. "Ayeka?" Tenchi whispered joyfully. Slowly , carefully, he reached out to the princess, but before he could take Ayeka into his arms, she was ripped backward.
"Tenchi help me!" Ayeka cried fearfully, disappearing through the portal.
"Ayeka!" Tenchi called out. Without hesitation, he lunged into the lighted portal, passing into another realm. The crown prince landed on solid ground, rolling forward quickly before leaping to his feet.
Tenchi stared around in confusion as he took in his new surroundings. Rain came down heavily, pelting the crown prince with large, cold droplets. The tall, leafless trees provided little shelter from the wind that rose up around him. Where am I? And where is Ayeka? Tenchi wondered as he pivoted left then right.
"So glad you could join us." A husky female voice mocked from behind.
Tenchi whirled around, the motion swinging water from his drenched body in an arc as he came face to face with Kylia.
The confusion on Tenchi's face was turned instantly into rage. "Where is she!" He demanded fiercely, resting his right hand on the hilt of his sword.
saying nothing, Kylia looked impassively at him, a smirk plastered on her face.
In a lightning quick motion, Tenchi whipped the sword from his belt, engaged the blade, and brought it within an inch of Kylia's neck.
The dark kenshin didn't even flinch.
"Where is she!" He roared, his eyes brimming with anger.
Kylia smirk vanished. Slowly she lifted her arm.
Tenchi followed the motion, his eyes widening in fear. There, high above, floated a massive crystal the color of glass. Inside, Ayeka stood, her eyes pleading as she beat helplessly against her see through prison.
"Release her!" Tenchi commanded, looking from Ayeka to Kylia briefly before returning his gaze upon the princess.
A wicked smile spread on Kylia's face. "As you wish." She replied coldly. With a flick of her wrist she sent the crystal rocketing downward.
Tenchi gasped in horror as the crystal crashed nearby, shaking the ground with it's impact. "Ayeka!" The crown prince cried, rushing forward only to be swept aside by Kylia's telekinetic power. Tenchi fell hard on the ground but bounced back up. Again and again he tried to reach his beloved. And each time he was thwarted by Kylia's psychic attack. Bruised and battered, Tenchi slowly rose to his feet to try once more.
Kylia's face twisted in rage. "Pathetic boy!" She snarled, closing her outstretched hand. Tenchi was lifted off the ground, screaming in agony as the dark kenshin squeezed her fist, her psychic power slowly crushing him. "No matter how hard you try, you will never be able to save her. There is nothing you can do for her boy. Your weak and pitiful emotions of love will not stop us from destroying Jurai and they will not save your princess. She is forever lost to you." She taunted mercilessly.
Something suddenly snapped inside the crown prince. "Never!" Tenchi snarled defiantly, gritting his teeth as he struggled against Kylia's hold. "I'll never forsake Ayeka. Never!" And with an upsurge of power, Tenchi broke free of Kylia's grip, reverting Kylia's attack back upon her. The dark kenshin screamed, disappearing in a column of red light.
Tenchi collapsed onto the ground, landing face first into the dirt, his breathing labored as the rain blended with the blood and sweat than ran down his face. "Ayeka." He whispered weakly. The crown prince slowly turned onto his back before closing his eyes in exhaustion.
At that same moment, the crystal that had imprisoned Ayeka vanished in a burst of brilliant white light, freeing the princess.
Tenchi's eyelids flooded open, triggered by the light burst. His eyes widened in disbelief as he saw Ayeka rushing toward him.
Ayeka dropped beside Tenchi. Slipping her arms under the crown prince's back, Ayeka tenderly lifted his torso and set him upon her lap.
"Ayeka." Tenchi whispered weakly.
Ayeka nodded joyfully, tears running down her face.
Tenchi brought his left hand up and brushed her cheek.
Ayeka clasped his hand and kissed it gently. Releasing his hand, Ayeka leaned forward resting her forehead against his. The metallic band around Ayeka's head began to glow softly.
No more words were said. None were needed. The look in Ayeka's eyes mirrored his own. She loved him and he loved her. That was what mattered most.
Slowly the vision faded and Tenchi awoke. What had started as a nightmare had ended in triumph. Tenchi's love for Ayeka had conquered his fear. No longer did he doubt that he would succeed. With renewed strength and hope, the crown prince got out of bed and dressed, ready to take on Kylia and Bagon and in doing so return Ayeka to his side.
Chapter 40--Renewed Hope
That morning found the kenshin and the crown prince making final preparations on the scout ship they would take to the intersection point.
"Just a few minor adjustments and the tracking device should be operational." Said Akiro, one of Kia's chief engineers, as he connected various wires.
"Excellent." Ryan replied as he stood to the back of the scout ship's cockpit, his eyes focused on the machine Akiro was working on.
Tenchi stood to the right of the kenshin, his arms crossed, his mind elsewhere as he stared out the ship's main window into the vastness of space that lay before them. To the left, the checkpoint station was visible but Tenchi was far away, his thoughts focused on their mission.
The kenshin closed his eyes and smiled. He, too, was thinking of the upcoming battle. He looked forward to destroying his dark counterparts, freeing his fellow knights, and rescuing the Masaki household. And like Tenchi, thoughts of his beloved gave him hope.
For both men, the visions they witnessed last night gave them the strength and confidence that they would succeed; that Kylia and Bagon's days of terrorizing the universe would soon be at an end. And a new life, a life neither had thought possible, would begin.
"All set." Akiro said standing up.
Ryan opened his eyes and watched as Akiro switched on the machine causing the screen to come to life. Ryan walked over to the machine, Tenchi close behind. The kenshin typed in a few commands. A long streak of light erupted on the screen only a short distance from the blinking dot on the screen.
"That's the crystal ship isn't it?" Tenchi asked, staring hard at the screen.
Ryan nodded. "Yes. And in less than five hours they will be here. Are you ready Tenchi?" He said, turning from the screen to face the crown prince.
Tenchi nodded. "Yes. Lets go." He replied his eyes bright as he dropped down into the copilot seat. Ryan turned to Akiro and held out his hand. The tall, lanky chief engineer clasped the kenshin's hand and shook it once before letting go. "Thank you Akiro. Please tell Kia to monitor our progress and to leave two hours after our departure."
Akiro nodded. "I will kenshin and good luck. We're counting on you both." He said turning and walking briskly through then out of the ship.
Ryan watched him leave then sat down in the pilot seat. He stared at the red warning light as it turned green, signaling that all was set. The kenshin started the engines then gently glided the ship away from the checkpoint into space.
"Can I ask you a question Ryan?" Tenchi asked as Ryan initiated the turbo system.
"Yeah sure. What is it?" He replied focusing on the control panel.
"Why didn't we take Nozomi for this battle. We could of cloaked ourselves from Bagon and Kylia and attacked them by surprise."
Ryan smiled. "When we dematerialize from this ship, it will be left afloat without anyone at the controls. At that point, the risk of the ship being destroyed multiply. This scout ship can easily be replaced. But the Nozomi, a one of a kind ship, cannot. "
Ryan said pausing to type in a set of coordinates. " Besides," He continued. "What would be more surprising than materializing onto the crystal ship via, this scout ship." Ryan finished.
"How long before we reach the intersection point?" Tenchi asked, staring down at the various instruments on the control panel.
Ryan checked the tracking device. "We should be arriving there in three hours."
Tenchi frowned. "But…you said the crystal ship arrives in five hours correct?"
Ryan nodded.
"Then why are we leaving so early?"
"Once we reach the intersection point we will pass by it, as if we were on routine patrol. We will then turn around and retrace our route one hour later. By then, the crystal ship should reach the perimeter. The fate of the universe will be decided once and for all." Ryan concluded, releasing the controls and leaning back in his seat. He crossed his arms and closed his eyes. "So I suggest you rest before we face Kylia and Bagon." He added.
Tenchi sighed. "I'm not sure I can Ryan." He replied looking up.
Ryan opened one eye. "Why not?" He asked.
"I guess I'm just too hyped up." Tenchi began, shifting in his seat. "After my dream last night, I feel like I could do anything."
Ryan sat up. "Oh?" He replied, eyeing the crown prince with a smirk.
Tenchi relayed his vision to the kenshin who nodded approvingly. "So you conquered your fear. Excellent Tenchi. You are indeed ready for whatever happens next. But what you need to do now is calm yourself. Your excitement might tip off Kylia and Bagon that were nearby. And that is something we can't risk. We've only got one shot at this Tenchi. Just one." Ryan finished, flashing his index finger for emphasis.
Tenchi crossed his arms and looked out at the space that surrounded them. He furrowed his eye brows for a few seconds then relaxed his features. "Okay Ryan." He said with a sigh. "I'll try." He replied, leaning against the seat.
Ryan nodded, closing his eyes once more. Soon he was asleep.
Tenchi on the other hand couldn't sleep. Hang on Ayeka. I'll be there soon. He thought fiercely as he watched the stars stream by as the ship raced towards it's date with destiny.
Chapter 41--We've Reached The Perimeter
We will soon be arriving at he checkpoint my lord. Navolic communicated telepathically to Bagon who sat silently in his chair, his eyes closed in concentration.
Excellent Navolic. Scan the area for any ships in the vicinity and report back to me. Bagon replied opening his eyes and staring forward.
"Anything?" Kylia asked as she sat beside him.
Bagon shook his head. "Very strange. I cannot see what will occur next, but I'm sure we will pass through the perimeter without resistance." He replied, standing up. He floated down the steps and over to the crystals.
"Are you certain Bagon?" Kylia asked, sensing the dark traveler's rising fear. "You seem to lack you usual confidence lately." She added with a smirk upon her face.
Bagon clenched his jaw, his anger rising. But he failed to respond to her instigation. Instead he just stared at each crystal as he walked by. His thoughts dark.
Just then, Navolic entered his mind, My lord, scanners indicate a scout ship patrolling near our intersection point. What do you want me to do?
Bagon focused. His mind searching out the scout ship. Within a moment he replied. No need for concern Navolic. Scout ships patrol up and down the perimeter all the time. Continue your course. He thought back.
Yes sir.
Bagon walked back up to his throne and sat down. He crossed his arms and tapped his feet.
"Problems?" Kylia asked.
"Quiet Kylia. I need silence to think." Bagon replied.
Kylia shut her mouth and smirked. She directed a thought at Bagon who jerked his head toward her and frowned. "Don't start with me." He said , running a hand through his long black hair. "What's the matter with you anyway. You seem to enjoy my discontent."
Kylia smiled. "I had a plan Bagon, remember? Simple and direct. Yet you chose to play some complex mind game with our prey delaying our goal: To destroy Jurai. Now look at you. You can't sense what will happen next and because the future is unknown to you, you now fear it."
"That's not true!" Bagon said defensively. "I'm suffering a temporary set back. Just wait and see Kylia. You'll see."
My lord. Bagon heard in his head. We've reached the perimeter."
Bagon smiled confidently. "See. We've arrived unscathed. It won't be long before we reach Jurai. Then the universe will be ours for the taking."
Kylia matched his smile, conceding to his ego. "Of course." She replied, excited by the prospect of complete control over the universe.
"Ready Tenchi?" Ryan said standing up as he watched the crystal ship on the tracking screen reach the perimeter.
Tenchi nodded. "Ready."
Ryan clasped Tenchi's right arm and closed his eyes. Within seconds, the scout ship's lone passengers were gone. They reappeared inside the belly of the crystal ship. Ryan released Tenchi's arm and began to walk forward through the darkened corridor.
Tenchi, however, was paralyzed by what he saw around him. Row upon row of crystal as far as the eye could see. Within each, a human being in suspended animation.
Ryan stopped his progress and turned around. "Tenchi come on. We've got one hour before the transport ships arrive."
The crown prince shook his head and ran forward to catch up with Ryan. He stared left then right as he and the kenshin walked straight ahead. After a few seconds Tenchi whispered. "Ryan."
"Yeah." Ryan whispered back.
"Is it just me or is it awfully quiet in here?"
Ryan nodded. "Too quiet. But don't worry Tenchi. It won't last for long."
"Why's that?"
"Because they know we're here." Ryan said, staring straight ahead.
"Oh." Tenchi said absently then jerked his head towards Ryan. "What!"