All characters relating to Tenchi Muyo! and its multiverses, if not stated before, are (c) AIC/Pioneer. All other characters not relating
to it (Minaka, Tetsuri, etc.) are strictly of my creation.
Chapter Five: Showdown
*****
in outer space...
Minaka, aboard Neku-oh, stood, rigid and tense, as the image of the immense space pirate battleship appeared in Neku-oh's radars. She hadn't seen it for so long...
Another window popped up, this time containing the face of Ryoko, wearing her traditional battle suit, the right half of her face darkened by a long, black stripe.
"Hey Minaka, is this it?"
"Yeah... huge isn't it?"
Ryoko grinned nastily. "Yeah, kinda like the Souja, only a bit smaller... whoever built this thing wasn't a genius. We can get around the defenses easily enough... but be careful. They've probably got a beam cannon built into that thing too. I'll take Ryo-Ohki around to the other side, you and Neku-oh get around to the right... I'll fire off a few rounds to get their defenses aimed at me, and if this is right..."
Another window with schematics for the enemy ship popped up. It showed the plan for attack, with Ryo-Ohki's cannons firing at the left side of the ship. The defenses reconfigured for that side of the ship, but left a giant hole in the right side. Ryoko continued.
"...then you should be able to slip through their defense shield. After you get through, I want you to let off a few rounds. You'll be beneath the defense shield, but they'll be able to attack your ship. The defense shields will reconfigure for the right side of the ship, and I'll be able to get though and get to you in time. Then we can rendevous with them, and land. Got it?"
The plan seemed a little far-fetched, but with so few minutes left and Washuu's life hanging in the balance, there was no time to contend the recklessness of it. "Got it, Ryoko. Minaka out."
Even in the quiet of outer space, one could hear the sound of Ryo-Ohki's battle cry as she fired off her main cannons. As Ryoko had predicted, the defense shields surrounding the huge ship shifted to the left side, where the main attacks were being launched. Several small fighter ships, safe within the boundaries of the defense shield, fired back at Ryo-Ohki, but their attacks bounced harmlessly off her defenses. Using that nugget of time, Minaka slipped into the right half of the ship's unprotected boundaries.
"Neku-oh, fire main cannons!"
"Yes ma'am!"
Several small, pea-shooter-size cannons on each wing fired at the side of the ship. Minaka could hear the sounds of the defense shields lowering over the top of her ship, and saw several small fighter craft heading towards her.
"Neku-oh! Switch off main cannons and open hailing frequency. We're here to negotiate..."
"Yes ma'am!"
A comlink window opened, and the face of a gnarled space pirate filled it.
"Hey, whaddya think yer doin' here, attackin' the ship?"
Minaka simply glared back at him. "I'm sure Tetsuri's told you of my arrival... I'm Minaka Asano. The others are a rescue party for the captive Washuu Hakubi. We attacked your ship because the damned defenses were all over the place, we couldn't even contact you. I'm sure you'd agree that sometimes drastic measures need to be taken. Now, let us pass."
The pirate growled, and contacted the other ships. "Defenses down! This is the one we're trading for that red-haired captive."
The other ships gradually faded back into the shadows that the huge ship cast. Ryo-Ohki appeared next to Neku-oh, and Ryoko opened a comlink.
"Well, that was fun. Now, what's going on here?"
Minaka looked up. "That ship there's leading us into the main ship. C'mon, lets follow..."
"Right."
Minutes later, Minaka, holding Mikumo in her arms, followed by Ryoko, Tenchi, and Aeka, stepped down into a darkened corridor, lighted only by small electric lanterns on the wall. Obviously, the space pirates that dwelled within preferred the look of legendary dungeons, and had designed their ship to include the dank and dusty surroundings. Mikumo sneezed quietly, and coughed.
The pirate that led them cast an angry glance over his shoulder. "Hey, keep that brat quiet, or I'll-..."
"You'll what, huh? Wanna tangle?" Ryoko glared back menacingly, and brandished her energy sword. Minaka raised a hand.
"No violence, please... we are guests here, remember?"
She glanced back at Ryoko and winked. Ryoko grinned, winking back. She made a low growl in her throat, as if displeased with Minaka's command, and snorted.
They continued on for what seemed like ages, when finally, they came upon a large, wooden door. The pirate knocked on it, and a large comlink window appeared.
"Sir, I wish to report-..."
Tetsuri waved his hand. "No need. You are dismissed."
He glanced at Minaka, and smiled. "I see you have made it just in time. A few minutes remain, of course, but we were preparing the electronic prods for full stun... just enough to kill your friend. But, seeing you here certainly gladdens my heart! Guards!"
With a snap of his fingers, the doors opened, revealing two guards, Tetsuri, and...
"WASHUU! Oh my God!"
Washuu hung, her body still in the crucifix pose, from a large crystalline cross. Blood coursed its way down her scarred body, to drip to the floor. Her chest rose and fell, but weakly, and every so often, she coughed, only to wince and weaken even more.
"You.... you BASTARD! What the hell have you done to her?!"
Tetsuri chuckled. "Why, I thought I told you we knew she'd had to have saved you using some sort of omniscience... so we decided to see if we couldn't wheedle it out of her... stupid woman, she kept telling us that she didn't remember..."
Tenchi, thoroughly horrified at the sight before him, became suddenly enraged. "But she doesn't know! She's had her memories erased!"
Tetsuri became interested. "A Juraian prince, how interesting... you say she has no memories? How would you know that, boy? Unless... GUARDS! Seize him immediately!"
The two armed thugs rushed Tenchi. Quickly, Tenchi grabbed his sword and activated it, slashing away at the two guards.
Minaka, quickly handing Mikumo to Aeka, made her way to the podium on which Tetsuri stood, and threw herself to the ground. "NO! No, please... I'll tell you everything I know, just let my friends go!"
The two guards hesitated, and Tenchi held his ground. Ryoko, in a battle pose, and Aeka, protectively guarding Mikumo, looked up sharply.
"Please... just let them go..."
Tetsuri seemed to think about this for a moment, then snapped his fingers. The guards dropped their stances, and backed away from Tenchi.
"So be it. I'll spare their worthless lives... but from now on, both you and the baby are mine to do with as I please."
With a wave of his hand, Washuu was released from her bonds. Being at a severe height, her tiny frame seemed to drop for miles. Ryoko leapt quickly, and slid on her knees to where Washuu would eventually fall, catching her in her arms. She held her gently, and lifted her.
"It's okay now, mom... you're okay..."
Washuu's eyes fluttered, and opened slightly. She seemed to smile.
"Ryoko... I never... thought I'd hear you... call me "mom" again..."
She coughed raggedly, blood spattering across the front of Ryoko's battle suit. Ryoko ignored it, and carried Washuu to a corner, resting her down gently.
"Well, don't think I'm getting soft or anything now, okay mom?"
Washuu merely smiled, and then passed out from pain and exhaustion. Ryoko turned angrily on her heels, and stalked back to the center of the room. Deep down, she loved her mother, and it angered her greatly to see her hurt or injured. She covered it with indignation, but this time, she couldn't contain her anger. Charging her energy sword, she rushed at Tetsuri.
"You BASTAAARD!"
Tetsuri, aware of Ryoko's assault, turned. Lifting both his arms, palms outstretched, he growled.
"HAH!"
Three long, winglike shields deployed from his hands, sending Ryoko crashing to the ground. She skidded to a stop at Tenchi's feet, only to hop back up again.
"Damn, that's right. He's Juraian... but Lighthawk Wings?... This is going to be tougher than I thought..."
"Guards! Bring Minaka and the child to me..."
However, Minaka stood her ground. Growling fiercely, she crossed her arms over her chest, and concentrated, grating out a message of anger and hatred.
"You may take me, Tetsuri... but I won't let you lay one finger on our son..."
She began to glow, an intense aura of energy surrounding her body. They gave off immense waves of heat and power, causing Ryoko and Tenchi to stumble backwards. Aeka threw herself at the two, and created a shield with the small wooden guardians. The energy deflected off of her shield, but was still impressive.
"What the hell... it's like she's..." Tenchi muttered.
"Oh, LOOK!"
Aeka merely pointed, but both Ryoko and Tenchi were aware...
Minaka's body, still glowing, had begun to change. She became taller, and her skin darkened. Two dark stripes, edging her jawline, appeared, as did a form of Juraian battle dress. However, her new form shredded the sleeves, leaving her wearing a sort of toga. Two large sharp prongs grew from her elbows, and her hair lengthened its way down her back. Finally the energy waves ceased, and Minaka, transformed into a strange beast, stood in its wake.
"Oh my God... she's... she's a Gagutian!"
It took Ryoko and Aeka a moment to remember just what the heck Tenchi was mumbling about. Then they remembered... the affair on Ryuten, Lady Asahi, and the conspiracy... plus Yume and the stolen Royal Tree, Bizen... and Gohgei. Gohgei had seemed, at first, to be a normal and peaceable, if still slightly undertrained, monk, nothing special about him. Then they witnessed his transformation into a powerful, awesome beast, as he strove to protect the one he loved. This time, the scenario was strikingly similar, as Minaka aimed to protect both her newborn son and her best friend.
Tetsuri merely sneered. "Is that the best you can do, my dear? Partly Juraian, partly Gagutian, but still, no match for my power. Allow me to demonstrate."
With all speed, Tetsuri braced himself and powered up. His body began to glow, as well, but not a good, pure aura as the one Minaka had given off. This one radiated evil.
"Oh damn..."
Ryoko clenched her fist in anger. Tenchi looked to her.
"What is it, Ryoko?"
"That power signal he's giving off... it's not human, or Juraian, or anything... he's a biomech. And, he's a transforming biomech... he can absorb the battle techniques and genetic coding of others and use them as his own. He's tricked everyone into believing he's Juraian, but he can become anything he wants, even an unbeatable foe..."
Minaka shielded her face with her arms, her frame able to withstand the amount of energy her foe was giving off. Never had she imagined him to be such a worthy adversary... if he were a normal Juraian, she would have been able to beat him. Now it seemed he was something much more, and she herself, in her new, more powerful form, might not be able to beat him.
Tetsuri screamed his battle cry, as he began to change form. His hands began to change shape, growing long, sharp steel claws. His upper frame became covered in reptilian scales, and his face morphed into a wickedly curved beak, loaded with fangs. Two great, leathery wings sprouted from his back, and his lower body turned into a centaurian form, both front and hind legs sharply clawed. His form ended with a long, curving tail, tipped with a sharp steel barb, waving poisonously in the air.
"Oh kuso..." Ryoko breathed. Aeka merely held her breath. Tenchi, who had only believed such ugly creatures as these to belong in fantasy tales of old, gaped.
"What the hell is that thing?!"
"Not good... not good at all..." Ryoko muttered. She herself, in her escapades as Kagato's slave, had only seen a creature such as this on a scouting trip to an ancient planet, bearing no name but belonging in the Raxis system. They were nameless, evil, beastly creatures with immense fighting powers and insatiable tastes for blood. She had never had to face off against them, as Kagato had so kindly pulled her out just before she got attacked by a mob of the creatures, stating that it was too dangerous to proceed with his plans. She thought she would never see one of these ugly things again...
Aeka, on the other hand, had never actually seen one of these things herself. To the elder Juraians, the creatures were very much real, but to the young children, they knew, would scare them very much to know that they were real. So, the beasts were used as "bogeymen", to scare naughty young ones and to enforce good behavior. Aeka had only thought of them as imaginary beings. Now, to see one, towering and real, before her very eyes, left her very shaken. She toppled to the ground in a swoon.
"Damn... I thought that perhaps the breed had died out or something," Ryoko puzzled. Tetsuri turned his head in her direction, and gave a wicked, fanged smile.
"Well, there aren't many of these wonderful creatures left, I assure you... but, on so many travels, I had heard of them, and their awesome fighting powers. I wanted to see them... and I liked what I saw... Quite a fitting look for me, eh?"
He turned his attention back to Minaka, who stood, both feet planted squarely beneath her. He grinned again.
"Does my new form terrify you? It should..."
"No... it disgusts me," Minaka spat contemptuously. This enraged Tetsuri's new form, and he charged, slashing out with his claws. Minaka countered his blows, returning with her lightning-fast speed and powerful blows. Angry, Tetsuri unfolded his wings, and flew high into the air, to dive and strike at Minaka. She was able to counter, and, grabbing his forelegs, threw him into a wall. Knowing that this blow was not enough to destroy him, Minaka charged at the fallen rubble. Tetsuri burst from the crumbled wall, startling Minaka, and slashed.
Blood spurted from a deep wound in Minaka's neck.
"Oh NO!" Tenchi cried. "She's going to get herself killed! We have to do something!"
"Heh," Ryoko snorted. "Seems it's my turn to remember. Gagutians can keep fighting, even when gravely wounded, remember Tenchi?"
"But she's not full-blooded Gagutian! She's part Juraian, too..."
"So? Take if from me, Tenchi... Juraians are as tough as nails compared to regular humans... a combination of the two types of beings make have made her even stronger..."
Minaka flew through the air above their heads, smashing into the wall behind them. She crumbled, and fell. Tetsuri laughed insanely as he galloped at full speed to the wall.
"KUSO!" Tenchi leapt free of Aeka's protectors and threw himself headlong at Minaka. She may have been a half breed, but Tenchi knew, from past experiences, that while Gagutians had superb fighting tactics, they still lacked sophisticated defenses. Now, knocked unconscious by Tetsuri's attacks, she was helpless, and couldn't even produce Lighthawk Wings to protect herself. Tenchi would have to make it to her and deploy his own Lighthawk Wings in order to protect her.
However, Tetsuri's speed was too much, as he sped past Tenchi, still in mid-stride.
Can't... make it... in time...
A small beam of energy hissed by in front of Tenchi's face, and slammed squarely into Tetsuri's chest, sending him flying head over tail. Tenchi looked quickly in the direction from whence the blast came...
Washuu!
She leaned up against the wall, her arm outstretched, panting quietly. She shot Tenchi a smile, and a quick thumbs-up.
"I'll be... you're something, Washuu..." he said softly, grinning.
A shrill scream was heard, as Tetsuri exploded with rage. His serpentine eyes locked onto Washuu.
"You BITCH! I'm going to KILL YOU!" he screamed, his rage building. Finally, he leapt onto all fours, and charged angrily. Tenchi threw himself in front of Washuu, and attempted to activate the Lighthawk Wings. But Tetsuri's awesome speed and power overcame the young Juraian, as Tetsuri slashed out with a huge claw, knocking Tenchi off his feet. He skidded along the floor, and slammed into the far side of the room. Groggily, he looked up...
Tetsuri wrenched Washuu into the air, his huge claws wrapped around her neck. She gagged and coughed, trying with all her strength to wrench Tetsuri's claws from their stranglehold on her windpipe. Growling loudly, he flung her into the wall, and leaped at her, slashing at her with his steel claws. He gouged and tore at her, slashing his claws down her back, across her face...
"YOU SONOFABITCH!"
Ryoko broke free of Aeka's protective wall, and threw herself carelessly at Tetsuri. She latched onto his back and scratched at him with her nails, and bit him savagely, reverting to feral tactics to attack Tetsuri rather than use her energy beams.
Tetsuri screamed angrily, trying to throw his attacker, but Ryoko clung on fiercely, biting and scratching even harder.
"How'dya like THAT, huh? A taste of yer own medicine? Take THIS, you bastard! And this... is for my mother!"
Ryoko balled up both her fists, raised them, and brought them down sharply to smash across the back of Tetsuri's skull. This fazed him, as he tottered on his legs. His front knees buckled, and he fell to the floor, throwing Ryoko off his back. However, he quickly regained his wits.
"How dare you..." Tetsuri growled. He charged at Ryoko, but instead of attacking her, he swept her out of the way to once again have at it with Washuu. He grabbed at her...
But she was gone. Befuddled, Tetsuri looked about himself, when he saw...
Minaka, standing a few hundred feet from Tetsuri, held Washuu in her arms, tears coursing their way freely down her face. She whispered quietly to her, her voice catching in her throat.
"It's okay now... it's okay, Washuu... rest easy now... everything will be over soon..."
Pacing quietly across the large room, she carried Washuu to Aeka, who still held her defense shields active. She carefully placed Washuu in Aeka's arms, and sat but for a moment, just watching her friend as she struggled to breathe. Her lungs rattled softly, and she coughed, blood spattering to the ground, before her breathing finally became quiet again. Minaka looked up to Aeka, and smiled.
"Protect her, okay? For me?"
Aeka nodded, and concentrated, the strength of her defense shield increasing. Minaka stood, and turned slowly to face Tetsuri. Her body quivered with untold rage, but she held a calm face in front of the evil creature.
"You think that puny shield will keep me from killing her? Before the day is through, I will have slain all your precious friends, your son, and YOU!!"
Screaming at the top of his lungs, Tetsuri reared up on his hind legs, and charged at Minaka, thrusting his claws outward, planning to impale Minaka.
Minaka stood, fearless, channeling her rage. Her body began to glow a bright blue, as she gathered all her anger, hate, and rage into one tiny pinpoint of energy, ready to release at Tetsuri... she just had to wait for the right moment...
Tetsuri continued his charge, laughing madly. "This is too easy! Soon I'll have you run through like a shish-ka-bob!"
Wait for it...
Tenchi sat, aghast at the scene unfolding before his eyes. "Minaka, do something! He's going to kill you!"...
Wait for it...
Ryoko gently clapped Tenchi on the shoulder. "You worry too much. Minaka knows what she's doing... just watch..."
Wait for it...
Aeka, even behind her force field, could feel the immense amount of power Minaka was giving off. Her skin tingled...
Wait...
Washuu, floating in and out of consciousness, opened her eyes slightly... where was this immense power signal coming from?... M... Minaka?
NOW!
Minaka could feel Tetsuri's breath as his sharp claws pierced her shoulder.
"Hah... I've got you, you stupid bitch!"
Minaka smiled nastily, as she slammed her hand into Tetsuri's stomach.
"No... I've got YOU!!"
The beam slammed out of Tetsuri's back, and exploded through a wall. Tetsuri fell away from Minaka, clutching at the hole in his stomach. Unable to speak, he looked fearfully at Minaka, who wore a cruel grin on her face.
"Goodbye, Tetsuri..."
He snarled, once, then collapsed over, his eyes glazing for a moment before, with rapid succession, his body began to vaporize, until, rather quickly, it was nothing more than a smouldering heap of ash.
The silence was deafening. After such a loud battle, the only sounds that could be heard was the faint hum of the ship's engines, and the faint cry of Ryo-Ohki, who had reverted to cabbit form, and hopped into the room. She hopped about, meowing loudly, nuzzling Minaka, who had fallen to the ground.
"I... its over..."
The bundle of cloth, seemingly containing Mikumo, vanished with a crackle. A large comlink window opened above the quiet warriors.
"Need any help in there?" Kiyone's face appeared.
"No," Ryoko said with a grin. "We've got it handled here. How about the rest of the pirate league?"
"We're on it... managed to get most of the Galaxy Police here on red alert. This is one of the larger pirate rings, and it was almost always impossible to find because they were on the move. Your diversion gave us enough time to input the coordinates you gave us prior to the actual diversion. Hey, we might even get promoted for helping to find one of the largest pirate rings in the galaxy!"
A cheerful Mihoshi popped up behind Kiyone, holding the real Mikumo in her arms.
"Oh, he's such a good baby! He stayed so quiet when we had the hologram projector on him... he's such a cutie!" she squealed.
"Uh..." Aeka looked up to the window. "Kiyone, are you apprehending any criminals aboard Yagame?"
"No... Yagame has a few cells on board, of course, but we can't arrest anybody. Not in our jurisdiction... we can alert the other GP ships that are in this jurisdiction, but we can't do anything... why do you ask?"
"Well... does Yagame have any life support units, then?"
"Yes, all GP ships do... why- oh my God..."
Kiyone finally noticed Washuu. "Uh... can she be carried, or do you need a stretcher?"
"We don't have any time to carry her... I'm afraid she isn't doing too well..."
Minaka, from her spot on the floor, gave a gentle moan. She reverted back to her normal Juraian body, but had passed out. Her attack had spent all her energy, and she had nothing left to give.
"Alright. We're sending down a stretcher, just be careful with her... we're at the main entry dock on the first level... can she make it that far, or should we send LSUs?"
"Send LSUs as well, Kiyone, please."
"Right."
The window vanished, once again leaving the room quiet. Ryoko helped Tenchi up, while Aeka continued to hold Washuu in her lap. Ryoko quietly padded to the spot where the two sat, and kneeled down, gently running her hand through Washuu's hair spikes.
"My God, mom... I don't think I've ever... seen you looking quite so fragile... you're always the one saving everybody else with your genius... what are supposed to do now, mom? Can you tell me? I know that normal LSUs aren't gonna help you much... can you even hear me?"
A gentle tickle at the back of Ryoko's mind brought her to full attention... the astral link, which she had kept open, even though she hadn't heard anything from Washuu, was now active.
*Ryoko?... Is... is that you?...*
*Yeah... could you hear me talking to you?*
*...no... not really... I thought I heard you calling me "mom" again, though, but I can't be too sure... could you repeat it a little louder, please?*
Ryoko grinned. *Sure, MOM!*
Washuu seemed to wince, then smile. *OW! Not so loud... listen, Ryoko... I'm not afraid of dying. But... I don't think it would be the same without me, right?*
*Hell no... please, you aren't dying, are you? I don't think Minaka could bear it... neither could I, honestly...*
Washuu chuckled. *Well, I'm not real close to kickin' the bucket, but it is getting hard for me to keep my brain going... that Tetsuri was a hell of a guy, wasn't he? Listen... I'll be able to survive with the LSUs, but that won't keep me going for very long. Have Kiyone get us back to Earth, then you take me and teleport into my lab. You know how to help...*
*No, I don't! I might know the inside of your lab like the back of my hand, but I don't know how to work any of your gadgets!*
*Hush now... you're fretting... look, you might think you don't know anything, but I put a sort of "blueprint" in your memory chips as a sort of backup in case of an emergency. I blocked them off, so even you can't unlock them, but I still can. Here...*
Ryoko sat quietly, then felt a sort of twinge in the back of her mind. Hundreds of images seemed to flash into her vision, then disappear just as quickly. She began to feel an immense knowledge she had never had before...
*There, ya got it?*
Ryoko jumped. *Uh... yeah, I think so... so yer saying that this thing in yer lab can help, right?*
Washuu chuffed quietly. *I'll remind you that its rightful name is the Restor-O-Matic 5000, okay? Just hook me into that baby, press the red button, and I'll be okay, alright?*
It seemed insanely simple, even for one of Washuu's brilliant creations. *Are you sure there aren't any other instructions for me to follow?*
There was a pause. *Washuu? Washuu, speak to me!*
The link became fuzzier, and Washuu's voice seemed to be fading away. *Can't... keep this up much longer... used up most of my energy blasting... then... unlocking the... prints... hurry... not much... left...*
Just at that moment, Kiyone, followed by Mihoshi, who stumbled and tripped on just about nothing, rushed into the room with a large stretcher and an LSU.
"Okay... Ryoko, Aeka, pick Washuu up and bring her over here... be careful..."
The two obeyed quietly, and gently lifted Washuu from the floor, being careful to keep her immobile. They rested her down on the stretcher, and Kiyone applied an oxygen mask to her face, while Mihoshi fumbled with electrodes that led to an EKG monitor.
*Heh... she's such a klutz...*
Ryoko felt a small pang of relief in the midst of her anxiety. *At least your still going... just hang on a bit longer, mom, we can make it... I promise we'll make it back home...*
Washuu's voice warbled drunkenly. *Home... sounds nizzze...*
"Oh God... c'mon, we gotta get her back to the ship!"
"But..." Mihoshi sat, more electrodes applied to herself than to Washuu. Ryoko ripped them off her, Mihoshi yelping quietly, and threw them aside.
"Screw the damn monitor, I'm telling you we need to get her out of here NOW! Kiyone, get ahead of us and jam Yagame's engine thrust to the highest point... she's going to die if we don't do something now!"
Aeka, having not many feelings for Ryoko or her well-being, was suddenly very sympathetic to Ryoko's plight. She gave Ryoko a light pat on the shoulder. Ryoko jumped, then looked back, tears streaming down her scowling face.
"What the hell do you want?"
Her voice... so angry, but so... helpless...
"Washuu will be okay... listen, I'm sure she's doing everything in her own power to keep herself alive, and not just for the rest of us, either. She's doing it for you... she loves you, you know... you two might not have the best relationship with each other, but you still love each other very much, as it should be. She's tough... just like you are... don't give up hope. Fight for her... you won't let her die, now, will you?"
Ryoko had to take a moment to let Aeka's words sink in. Sure, she had a grudge against the princess, and enjoyed tormenting her whenever the need arose... but sometimes, she could be just so damn nice... Ryoko smiled. She hated that, but she liked it, too...
"Right... now, stop being so sentimental, okay Aeka? I'm not a delicate little flower like you are. I'm tough! I'm not going to turn into a helpless bundle of nothing, no way!"
Aeka smiled. She had nerves of steel, but a heart of pure gold.
"Right. Come, now, we need to get to Yagame immediately. Tenchi, can you take care of Minaka?"
Tenchi grinned, lifting Minaka into his arms. "Got it covered, Aeka. Come on, lets go!"
The four warriors exited the room, its emptiness and quiet sinking into each of them.
*****
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Still uploading when I can, and yes, I forwent the "Title" and "Fic by" headings because I figure you've all been reading this from chapter one, and know the title/who I am by now, so... but the disclaimer stays.
to it (Minaka, Tetsuri, etc.) are strictly of my creation.
Chapter Five: Showdown
*****
in outer space...
Minaka, aboard Neku-oh, stood, rigid and tense, as the image of the immense space pirate battleship appeared in Neku-oh's radars. She hadn't seen it for so long...
Another window popped up, this time containing the face of Ryoko, wearing her traditional battle suit, the right half of her face darkened by a long, black stripe.
"Hey Minaka, is this it?"
"Yeah... huge isn't it?"
Ryoko grinned nastily. "Yeah, kinda like the Souja, only a bit smaller... whoever built this thing wasn't a genius. We can get around the defenses easily enough... but be careful. They've probably got a beam cannon built into that thing too. I'll take Ryo-Ohki around to the other side, you and Neku-oh get around to the right... I'll fire off a few rounds to get their defenses aimed at me, and if this is right..."
Another window with schematics for the enemy ship popped up. It showed the plan for attack, with Ryo-Ohki's cannons firing at the left side of the ship. The defenses reconfigured for that side of the ship, but left a giant hole in the right side. Ryoko continued.
"...then you should be able to slip through their defense shield. After you get through, I want you to let off a few rounds. You'll be beneath the defense shield, but they'll be able to attack your ship. The defense shields will reconfigure for the right side of the ship, and I'll be able to get though and get to you in time. Then we can rendevous with them, and land. Got it?"
The plan seemed a little far-fetched, but with so few minutes left and Washuu's life hanging in the balance, there was no time to contend the recklessness of it. "Got it, Ryoko. Minaka out."
Even in the quiet of outer space, one could hear the sound of Ryo-Ohki's battle cry as she fired off her main cannons. As Ryoko had predicted, the defense shields surrounding the huge ship shifted to the left side, where the main attacks were being launched. Several small fighter ships, safe within the boundaries of the defense shield, fired back at Ryo-Ohki, but their attacks bounced harmlessly off her defenses. Using that nugget of time, Minaka slipped into the right half of the ship's unprotected boundaries.
"Neku-oh, fire main cannons!"
"Yes ma'am!"
Several small, pea-shooter-size cannons on each wing fired at the side of the ship. Minaka could hear the sounds of the defense shields lowering over the top of her ship, and saw several small fighter craft heading towards her.
"Neku-oh! Switch off main cannons and open hailing frequency. We're here to negotiate..."
"Yes ma'am!"
A comlink window opened, and the face of a gnarled space pirate filled it.
"Hey, whaddya think yer doin' here, attackin' the ship?"
Minaka simply glared back at him. "I'm sure Tetsuri's told you of my arrival... I'm Minaka Asano. The others are a rescue party for the captive Washuu Hakubi. We attacked your ship because the damned defenses were all over the place, we couldn't even contact you. I'm sure you'd agree that sometimes drastic measures need to be taken. Now, let us pass."
The pirate growled, and contacted the other ships. "Defenses down! This is the one we're trading for that red-haired captive."
The other ships gradually faded back into the shadows that the huge ship cast. Ryo-Ohki appeared next to Neku-oh, and Ryoko opened a comlink.
"Well, that was fun. Now, what's going on here?"
Minaka looked up. "That ship there's leading us into the main ship. C'mon, lets follow..."
"Right."
Minutes later, Minaka, holding Mikumo in her arms, followed by Ryoko, Tenchi, and Aeka, stepped down into a darkened corridor, lighted only by small electric lanterns on the wall. Obviously, the space pirates that dwelled within preferred the look of legendary dungeons, and had designed their ship to include the dank and dusty surroundings. Mikumo sneezed quietly, and coughed.
The pirate that led them cast an angry glance over his shoulder. "Hey, keep that brat quiet, or I'll-..."
"You'll what, huh? Wanna tangle?" Ryoko glared back menacingly, and brandished her energy sword. Minaka raised a hand.
"No violence, please... we are guests here, remember?"
She glanced back at Ryoko and winked. Ryoko grinned, winking back. She made a low growl in her throat, as if displeased with Minaka's command, and snorted.
They continued on for what seemed like ages, when finally, they came upon a large, wooden door. The pirate knocked on it, and a large comlink window appeared.
"Sir, I wish to report-..."
Tetsuri waved his hand. "No need. You are dismissed."
He glanced at Minaka, and smiled. "I see you have made it just in time. A few minutes remain, of course, but we were preparing the electronic prods for full stun... just enough to kill your friend. But, seeing you here certainly gladdens my heart! Guards!"
With a snap of his fingers, the doors opened, revealing two guards, Tetsuri, and...
"WASHUU! Oh my God!"
Washuu hung, her body still in the crucifix pose, from a large crystalline cross. Blood coursed its way down her scarred body, to drip to the floor. Her chest rose and fell, but weakly, and every so often, she coughed, only to wince and weaken even more.
"You.... you BASTARD! What the hell have you done to her?!"
Tetsuri chuckled. "Why, I thought I told you we knew she'd had to have saved you using some sort of omniscience... so we decided to see if we couldn't wheedle it out of her... stupid woman, she kept telling us that she didn't remember..."
Tenchi, thoroughly horrified at the sight before him, became suddenly enraged. "But she doesn't know! She's had her memories erased!"
Tetsuri became interested. "A Juraian prince, how interesting... you say she has no memories? How would you know that, boy? Unless... GUARDS! Seize him immediately!"
The two armed thugs rushed Tenchi. Quickly, Tenchi grabbed his sword and activated it, slashing away at the two guards.
Minaka, quickly handing Mikumo to Aeka, made her way to the podium on which Tetsuri stood, and threw herself to the ground. "NO! No, please... I'll tell you everything I know, just let my friends go!"
The two guards hesitated, and Tenchi held his ground. Ryoko, in a battle pose, and Aeka, protectively guarding Mikumo, looked up sharply.
"Please... just let them go..."
Tetsuri seemed to think about this for a moment, then snapped his fingers. The guards dropped their stances, and backed away from Tenchi.
"So be it. I'll spare their worthless lives... but from now on, both you and the baby are mine to do with as I please."
With a wave of his hand, Washuu was released from her bonds. Being at a severe height, her tiny frame seemed to drop for miles. Ryoko leapt quickly, and slid on her knees to where Washuu would eventually fall, catching her in her arms. She held her gently, and lifted her.
"It's okay now, mom... you're okay..."
Washuu's eyes fluttered, and opened slightly. She seemed to smile.
"Ryoko... I never... thought I'd hear you... call me "mom" again..."
She coughed raggedly, blood spattering across the front of Ryoko's battle suit. Ryoko ignored it, and carried Washuu to a corner, resting her down gently.
"Well, don't think I'm getting soft or anything now, okay mom?"
Washuu merely smiled, and then passed out from pain and exhaustion. Ryoko turned angrily on her heels, and stalked back to the center of the room. Deep down, she loved her mother, and it angered her greatly to see her hurt or injured. She covered it with indignation, but this time, she couldn't contain her anger. Charging her energy sword, she rushed at Tetsuri.
"You BASTAAARD!"
Tetsuri, aware of Ryoko's assault, turned. Lifting both his arms, palms outstretched, he growled.
"HAH!"
Three long, winglike shields deployed from his hands, sending Ryoko crashing to the ground. She skidded to a stop at Tenchi's feet, only to hop back up again.
"Damn, that's right. He's Juraian... but Lighthawk Wings?... This is going to be tougher than I thought..."
"Guards! Bring Minaka and the child to me..."
However, Minaka stood her ground. Growling fiercely, she crossed her arms over her chest, and concentrated, grating out a message of anger and hatred.
"You may take me, Tetsuri... but I won't let you lay one finger on our son..."
She began to glow, an intense aura of energy surrounding her body. They gave off immense waves of heat and power, causing Ryoko and Tenchi to stumble backwards. Aeka threw herself at the two, and created a shield with the small wooden guardians. The energy deflected off of her shield, but was still impressive.
"What the hell... it's like she's..." Tenchi muttered.
"Oh, LOOK!"
Aeka merely pointed, but both Ryoko and Tenchi were aware...
Minaka's body, still glowing, had begun to change. She became taller, and her skin darkened. Two dark stripes, edging her jawline, appeared, as did a form of Juraian battle dress. However, her new form shredded the sleeves, leaving her wearing a sort of toga. Two large sharp prongs grew from her elbows, and her hair lengthened its way down her back. Finally the energy waves ceased, and Minaka, transformed into a strange beast, stood in its wake.
"Oh my God... she's... she's a Gagutian!"
It took Ryoko and Aeka a moment to remember just what the heck Tenchi was mumbling about. Then they remembered... the affair on Ryuten, Lady Asahi, and the conspiracy... plus Yume and the stolen Royal Tree, Bizen... and Gohgei. Gohgei had seemed, at first, to be a normal and peaceable, if still slightly undertrained, monk, nothing special about him. Then they witnessed his transformation into a powerful, awesome beast, as he strove to protect the one he loved. This time, the scenario was strikingly similar, as Minaka aimed to protect both her newborn son and her best friend.
Tetsuri merely sneered. "Is that the best you can do, my dear? Partly Juraian, partly Gagutian, but still, no match for my power. Allow me to demonstrate."
With all speed, Tetsuri braced himself and powered up. His body began to glow, as well, but not a good, pure aura as the one Minaka had given off. This one radiated evil.
"Oh damn..."
Ryoko clenched her fist in anger. Tenchi looked to her.
"What is it, Ryoko?"
"That power signal he's giving off... it's not human, or Juraian, or anything... he's a biomech. And, he's a transforming biomech... he can absorb the battle techniques and genetic coding of others and use them as his own. He's tricked everyone into believing he's Juraian, but he can become anything he wants, even an unbeatable foe..."
Minaka shielded her face with her arms, her frame able to withstand the amount of energy her foe was giving off. Never had she imagined him to be such a worthy adversary... if he were a normal Juraian, she would have been able to beat him. Now it seemed he was something much more, and she herself, in her new, more powerful form, might not be able to beat him.
Tetsuri screamed his battle cry, as he began to change form. His hands began to change shape, growing long, sharp steel claws. His upper frame became covered in reptilian scales, and his face morphed into a wickedly curved beak, loaded with fangs. Two great, leathery wings sprouted from his back, and his lower body turned into a centaurian form, both front and hind legs sharply clawed. His form ended with a long, curving tail, tipped with a sharp steel barb, waving poisonously in the air.
"Oh kuso..." Ryoko breathed. Aeka merely held her breath. Tenchi, who had only believed such ugly creatures as these to belong in fantasy tales of old, gaped.
"What the hell is that thing?!"
"Not good... not good at all..." Ryoko muttered. She herself, in her escapades as Kagato's slave, had only seen a creature such as this on a scouting trip to an ancient planet, bearing no name but belonging in the Raxis system. They were nameless, evil, beastly creatures with immense fighting powers and insatiable tastes for blood. She had never had to face off against them, as Kagato had so kindly pulled her out just before she got attacked by a mob of the creatures, stating that it was too dangerous to proceed with his plans. She thought she would never see one of these ugly things again...
Aeka, on the other hand, had never actually seen one of these things herself. To the elder Juraians, the creatures were very much real, but to the young children, they knew, would scare them very much to know that they were real. So, the beasts were used as "bogeymen", to scare naughty young ones and to enforce good behavior. Aeka had only thought of them as imaginary beings. Now, to see one, towering and real, before her very eyes, left her very shaken. She toppled to the ground in a swoon.
"Damn... I thought that perhaps the breed had died out or something," Ryoko puzzled. Tetsuri turned his head in her direction, and gave a wicked, fanged smile.
"Well, there aren't many of these wonderful creatures left, I assure you... but, on so many travels, I had heard of them, and their awesome fighting powers. I wanted to see them... and I liked what I saw... Quite a fitting look for me, eh?"
He turned his attention back to Minaka, who stood, both feet planted squarely beneath her. He grinned again.
"Does my new form terrify you? It should..."
"No... it disgusts me," Minaka spat contemptuously. This enraged Tetsuri's new form, and he charged, slashing out with his claws. Minaka countered his blows, returning with her lightning-fast speed and powerful blows. Angry, Tetsuri unfolded his wings, and flew high into the air, to dive and strike at Minaka. She was able to counter, and, grabbing his forelegs, threw him into a wall. Knowing that this blow was not enough to destroy him, Minaka charged at the fallen rubble. Tetsuri burst from the crumbled wall, startling Minaka, and slashed.
Blood spurted from a deep wound in Minaka's neck.
"Oh NO!" Tenchi cried. "She's going to get herself killed! We have to do something!"
"Heh," Ryoko snorted. "Seems it's my turn to remember. Gagutians can keep fighting, even when gravely wounded, remember Tenchi?"
"But she's not full-blooded Gagutian! She's part Juraian, too..."
"So? Take if from me, Tenchi... Juraians are as tough as nails compared to regular humans... a combination of the two types of beings make have made her even stronger..."
Minaka flew through the air above their heads, smashing into the wall behind them. She crumbled, and fell. Tetsuri laughed insanely as he galloped at full speed to the wall.
"KUSO!" Tenchi leapt free of Aeka's protectors and threw himself headlong at Minaka. She may have been a half breed, but Tenchi knew, from past experiences, that while Gagutians had superb fighting tactics, they still lacked sophisticated defenses. Now, knocked unconscious by Tetsuri's attacks, she was helpless, and couldn't even produce Lighthawk Wings to protect herself. Tenchi would have to make it to her and deploy his own Lighthawk Wings in order to protect her.
However, Tetsuri's speed was too much, as he sped past Tenchi, still in mid-stride.
Can't... make it... in time...
A small beam of energy hissed by in front of Tenchi's face, and slammed squarely into Tetsuri's chest, sending him flying head over tail. Tenchi looked quickly in the direction from whence the blast came...
Washuu!
She leaned up against the wall, her arm outstretched, panting quietly. She shot Tenchi a smile, and a quick thumbs-up.
"I'll be... you're something, Washuu..." he said softly, grinning.
A shrill scream was heard, as Tetsuri exploded with rage. His serpentine eyes locked onto Washuu.
"You BITCH! I'm going to KILL YOU!" he screamed, his rage building. Finally, he leapt onto all fours, and charged angrily. Tenchi threw himself in front of Washuu, and attempted to activate the Lighthawk Wings. But Tetsuri's awesome speed and power overcame the young Juraian, as Tetsuri slashed out with a huge claw, knocking Tenchi off his feet. He skidded along the floor, and slammed into the far side of the room. Groggily, he looked up...
Tetsuri wrenched Washuu into the air, his huge claws wrapped around her neck. She gagged and coughed, trying with all her strength to wrench Tetsuri's claws from their stranglehold on her windpipe. Growling loudly, he flung her into the wall, and leaped at her, slashing at her with his steel claws. He gouged and tore at her, slashing his claws down her back, across her face...
"YOU SONOFABITCH!"
Ryoko broke free of Aeka's protective wall, and threw herself carelessly at Tetsuri. She latched onto his back and scratched at him with her nails, and bit him savagely, reverting to feral tactics to attack Tetsuri rather than use her energy beams.
Tetsuri screamed angrily, trying to throw his attacker, but Ryoko clung on fiercely, biting and scratching even harder.
"How'dya like THAT, huh? A taste of yer own medicine? Take THIS, you bastard! And this... is for my mother!"
Ryoko balled up both her fists, raised them, and brought them down sharply to smash across the back of Tetsuri's skull. This fazed him, as he tottered on his legs. His front knees buckled, and he fell to the floor, throwing Ryoko off his back. However, he quickly regained his wits.
"How dare you..." Tetsuri growled. He charged at Ryoko, but instead of attacking her, he swept her out of the way to once again have at it with Washuu. He grabbed at her...
But she was gone. Befuddled, Tetsuri looked about himself, when he saw...
Minaka, standing a few hundred feet from Tetsuri, held Washuu in her arms, tears coursing their way freely down her face. She whispered quietly to her, her voice catching in her throat.
"It's okay now... it's okay, Washuu... rest easy now... everything will be over soon..."
Pacing quietly across the large room, she carried Washuu to Aeka, who still held her defense shields active. She carefully placed Washuu in Aeka's arms, and sat but for a moment, just watching her friend as she struggled to breathe. Her lungs rattled softly, and she coughed, blood spattering to the ground, before her breathing finally became quiet again. Minaka looked up to Aeka, and smiled.
"Protect her, okay? For me?"
Aeka nodded, and concentrated, the strength of her defense shield increasing. Minaka stood, and turned slowly to face Tetsuri. Her body quivered with untold rage, but she held a calm face in front of the evil creature.
"You think that puny shield will keep me from killing her? Before the day is through, I will have slain all your precious friends, your son, and YOU!!"
Screaming at the top of his lungs, Tetsuri reared up on his hind legs, and charged at Minaka, thrusting his claws outward, planning to impale Minaka.
Minaka stood, fearless, channeling her rage. Her body began to glow a bright blue, as she gathered all her anger, hate, and rage into one tiny pinpoint of energy, ready to release at Tetsuri... she just had to wait for the right moment...
Tetsuri continued his charge, laughing madly. "This is too easy! Soon I'll have you run through like a shish-ka-bob!"
Wait for it...
Tenchi sat, aghast at the scene unfolding before his eyes. "Minaka, do something! He's going to kill you!"...
Wait for it...
Ryoko gently clapped Tenchi on the shoulder. "You worry too much. Minaka knows what she's doing... just watch..."
Wait for it...
Aeka, even behind her force field, could feel the immense amount of power Minaka was giving off. Her skin tingled...
Wait...
Washuu, floating in and out of consciousness, opened her eyes slightly... where was this immense power signal coming from?... M... Minaka?
NOW!
Minaka could feel Tetsuri's breath as his sharp claws pierced her shoulder.
"Hah... I've got you, you stupid bitch!"
Minaka smiled nastily, as she slammed her hand into Tetsuri's stomach.
"No... I've got YOU!!"
The beam slammed out of Tetsuri's back, and exploded through a wall. Tetsuri fell away from Minaka, clutching at the hole in his stomach. Unable to speak, he looked fearfully at Minaka, who wore a cruel grin on her face.
"Goodbye, Tetsuri..."
He snarled, once, then collapsed over, his eyes glazing for a moment before, with rapid succession, his body began to vaporize, until, rather quickly, it was nothing more than a smouldering heap of ash.
The silence was deafening. After such a loud battle, the only sounds that could be heard was the faint hum of the ship's engines, and the faint cry of Ryo-Ohki, who had reverted to cabbit form, and hopped into the room. She hopped about, meowing loudly, nuzzling Minaka, who had fallen to the ground.
"I... its over..."
The bundle of cloth, seemingly containing Mikumo, vanished with a crackle. A large comlink window opened above the quiet warriors.
"Need any help in there?" Kiyone's face appeared.
"No," Ryoko said with a grin. "We've got it handled here. How about the rest of the pirate league?"
"We're on it... managed to get most of the Galaxy Police here on red alert. This is one of the larger pirate rings, and it was almost always impossible to find because they were on the move. Your diversion gave us enough time to input the coordinates you gave us prior to the actual diversion. Hey, we might even get promoted for helping to find one of the largest pirate rings in the galaxy!"
A cheerful Mihoshi popped up behind Kiyone, holding the real Mikumo in her arms.
"Oh, he's such a good baby! He stayed so quiet when we had the hologram projector on him... he's such a cutie!" she squealed.
"Uh..." Aeka looked up to the window. "Kiyone, are you apprehending any criminals aboard Yagame?"
"No... Yagame has a few cells on board, of course, but we can't arrest anybody. Not in our jurisdiction... we can alert the other GP ships that are in this jurisdiction, but we can't do anything... why do you ask?"
"Well... does Yagame have any life support units, then?"
"Yes, all GP ships do... why- oh my God..."
Kiyone finally noticed Washuu. "Uh... can she be carried, or do you need a stretcher?"
"We don't have any time to carry her... I'm afraid she isn't doing too well..."
Minaka, from her spot on the floor, gave a gentle moan. She reverted back to her normal Juraian body, but had passed out. Her attack had spent all her energy, and she had nothing left to give.
"Alright. We're sending down a stretcher, just be careful with her... we're at the main entry dock on the first level... can she make it that far, or should we send LSUs?"
"Send LSUs as well, Kiyone, please."
"Right."
The window vanished, once again leaving the room quiet. Ryoko helped Tenchi up, while Aeka continued to hold Washuu in her lap. Ryoko quietly padded to the spot where the two sat, and kneeled down, gently running her hand through Washuu's hair spikes.
"My God, mom... I don't think I've ever... seen you looking quite so fragile... you're always the one saving everybody else with your genius... what are supposed to do now, mom? Can you tell me? I know that normal LSUs aren't gonna help you much... can you even hear me?"
A gentle tickle at the back of Ryoko's mind brought her to full attention... the astral link, which she had kept open, even though she hadn't heard anything from Washuu, was now active.
*Ryoko?... Is... is that you?...*
*Yeah... could you hear me talking to you?*
*...no... not really... I thought I heard you calling me "mom" again, though, but I can't be too sure... could you repeat it a little louder, please?*
Ryoko grinned. *Sure, MOM!*
Washuu seemed to wince, then smile. *OW! Not so loud... listen, Ryoko... I'm not afraid of dying. But... I don't think it would be the same without me, right?*
*Hell no... please, you aren't dying, are you? I don't think Minaka could bear it... neither could I, honestly...*
Washuu chuckled. *Well, I'm not real close to kickin' the bucket, but it is getting hard for me to keep my brain going... that Tetsuri was a hell of a guy, wasn't he? Listen... I'll be able to survive with the LSUs, but that won't keep me going for very long. Have Kiyone get us back to Earth, then you take me and teleport into my lab. You know how to help...*
*No, I don't! I might know the inside of your lab like the back of my hand, but I don't know how to work any of your gadgets!*
*Hush now... you're fretting... look, you might think you don't know anything, but I put a sort of "blueprint" in your memory chips as a sort of backup in case of an emergency. I blocked them off, so even you can't unlock them, but I still can. Here...*
Ryoko sat quietly, then felt a sort of twinge in the back of her mind. Hundreds of images seemed to flash into her vision, then disappear just as quickly. She began to feel an immense knowledge she had never had before...
*There, ya got it?*
Ryoko jumped. *Uh... yeah, I think so... so yer saying that this thing in yer lab can help, right?*
Washuu chuffed quietly. *I'll remind you that its rightful name is the Restor-O-Matic 5000, okay? Just hook me into that baby, press the red button, and I'll be okay, alright?*
It seemed insanely simple, even for one of Washuu's brilliant creations. *Are you sure there aren't any other instructions for me to follow?*
There was a pause. *Washuu? Washuu, speak to me!*
The link became fuzzier, and Washuu's voice seemed to be fading away. *Can't... keep this up much longer... used up most of my energy blasting... then... unlocking the... prints... hurry... not much... left...*
Just at that moment, Kiyone, followed by Mihoshi, who stumbled and tripped on just about nothing, rushed into the room with a large stretcher and an LSU.
"Okay... Ryoko, Aeka, pick Washuu up and bring her over here... be careful..."
The two obeyed quietly, and gently lifted Washuu from the floor, being careful to keep her immobile. They rested her down on the stretcher, and Kiyone applied an oxygen mask to her face, while Mihoshi fumbled with electrodes that led to an EKG monitor.
*Heh... she's such a klutz...*
Ryoko felt a small pang of relief in the midst of her anxiety. *At least your still going... just hang on a bit longer, mom, we can make it... I promise we'll make it back home...*
Washuu's voice warbled drunkenly. *Home... sounds nizzze...*
"Oh God... c'mon, we gotta get her back to the ship!"
"But..." Mihoshi sat, more electrodes applied to herself than to Washuu. Ryoko ripped them off her, Mihoshi yelping quietly, and threw them aside.
"Screw the damn monitor, I'm telling you we need to get her out of here NOW! Kiyone, get ahead of us and jam Yagame's engine thrust to the highest point... she's going to die if we don't do something now!"
Aeka, having not many feelings for Ryoko or her well-being, was suddenly very sympathetic to Ryoko's plight. She gave Ryoko a light pat on the shoulder. Ryoko jumped, then looked back, tears streaming down her scowling face.
"What the hell do you want?"
Her voice... so angry, but so... helpless...
"Washuu will be okay... listen, I'm sure she's doing everything in her own power to keep herself alive, and not just for the rest of us, either. She's doing it for you... she loves you, you know... you two might not have the best relationship with each other, but you still love each other very much, as it should be. She's tough... just like you are... don't give up hope. Fight for her... you won't let her die, now, will you?"
Ryoko had to take a moment to let Aeka's words sink in. Sure, she had a grudge against the princess, and enjoyed tormenting her whenever the need arose... but sometimes, she could be just so damn nice... Ryoko smiled. She hated that, but she liked it, too...
"Right... now, stop being so sentimental, okay Aeka? I'm not a delicate little flower like you are. I'm tough! I'm not going to turn into a helpless bundle of nothing, no way!"
Aeka smiled. She had nerves of steel, but a heart of pure gold.
"Right. Come, now, we need to get to Yagame immediately. Tenchi, can you take care of Minaka?"
Tenchi grinned, lifting Minaka into his arms. "Got it covered, Aeka. Come on, lets go!"
The four warriors exited the room, its emptiness and quiet sinking into each of them.
*****
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Still uploading when I can, and yes, I forwent the "Title" and "Fic by" headings because I figure you've all been reading this from chapter one, and know the title/who I am by now, so... but the disclaimer stays.