Well I've got another installment for all of you, complete with some Tenchi/Ayeka fluffiness. Although I must confess I'm not all that good at romantic interactions. You'll just have to bear with me. This chapter is dedicated to Akemi Akibi, my most loyal reviewer (Whose an excellent writer by the way. I heartily suggest all you Tenchi/Ayeka fans check out her story entitled The General and The Commander, it's quite the read!). And for all you Legolas fans, I must suggest you check out the stories When Will the Sun Shine Again by Leap of Fate and( if you're into intense action sequences and can handle adult themed romance) If the Light Shines on Me Again by Elwe Singollo. They are simply the best LOTR fan fiction stories I've ever read. Okay enough about my thoughts, onto the story.
Chapter 6--A Shadow emerges
Koba flew high above the flattened lands of Calbon, far from the burning village of Tirith, laughing joyously. He felt so free, so alive. Like nothing could touch him. The power that surged through him was incredible. Stopping his flight, Koba studied his surroundings, searching for something to test his new abilities on. Finding none, Koba looked heavenward. Placing his hands in front of him, an intense look of concentration upon his face, a large green orb appeared. Using his mind, Koba sent the orb rocketing upward watching in fascination as the green light was absorbed by Calbon's atmosphere.
Koba cocked his head as a vision came upon him, a memory that was not his own. He felt himself being drawn in as he looked through the eyes of the kenshin, a witness to some past event. A vile man shaped creature rushed towards him, oblivious to the danger that floated above it. For there a young woman had her arms outstretched, a bright red ball of energy growing before her.
Her yellow eyes stared coldly down at the demon, her beautiful features full of rage as she unleashed her attack, knocking the creature to the ground. As sudden as it had come, the vision disappeared, leaving Koba to ponder just who the cyan haired vixen was. Closing his eyes, Koba tried to search out more memories but was thwarted by an insistent wave of concern that washed over him. Instantly Koba knew who it was. Letting out a sigh, the young man disappeared in a blinding flash of light.
Alyssia paced back and forth impatiently across the floor of the bridge, her arms crossed as she shook her head. Earlier she had went up to Koba's room to check on him, when she found his bed empty, she searched the entire ship, finding no trace of her small sibling. On a hunch, she checked the environmental suits that sat in the storage room. Sure enough one of the suits was missing. Her surprise had quickly turned to anger. Koba knew better than to go planet side, especially without someone to guide him. What was he up to?
The doors of the bridge opened and Alyssia whirled around, ready to chide Koba for his thoughtlessness when her voice suddenly dropped. Gawking in disbelief, she studied the man before her. "Koba?" She whispered, walking cautiously forward as her eyes took in his new appearance.
Koba beamed at her, his eyes following her movement.
Alyssia stopped within a foot of her brother. "Koba?" She repeated.
Koba nodded. "Yes sister it's me." He replied, smiling at her incredulity
Alyssia laughed happily as she leaned forward and enveloped her brother into her arms. "Oh Koba! You're healed!" She shouted joyfully, relaxing her grip to step backwards, examining him more fully. A look of confusion formed upon her pretty face. "Brother what has happened to your eyes?" She asked, touching his face as she stared into the vibrant blue orbs that stared back at her.
"An unusual side affect, I'm afraid." He answered moving away from his sister towards the large window that displayed the planet Calbon.
Alyssia watched him. "So the kenshin was willing to heal you then. Even after what you did?"
Koba did not answer right away, for his thoughts dwelled once again on the woman he had seen through the kenshin's eyes. "Yes. He was very understanding." He answered, his voice distant.
If Alyssia doubted his word, she said nothing. Instead she asked. "Then we are finished here? We can return to Avinor?"
Avinor. Koba thought, looking down at his hands. "Yes. We will return to Avinor." Her replied, in a neutral tone that belied the cold smile that crossed his lips.
"Now that you're healed, the council will have to accept you as their king once more." Alyssia added, eager to return home once more.
Koba was eager but for different reasons. Yes. He would return to his home world and reclaim his throne. But not before he showed them his wrath. They would pay for their insolence, with their lives. He would show them true power. The prospect of unleashing this power excited him to no end. Turning around, Koba headed across the bridge but not before leaving Alyssia with one last statement. "Prepare the ship for departure. We head for Avinor at full speed."
Once inside his bed chamber, Koba quickly crossed the carpeted floor and entered his bathroom, eager to inspect his appearance. But when his eyes fell upon his reflection he gasped, recoiling from the mirror in shock. For it was not his face nor his body he saw in the mirror. No. The man before him was tall and lean with eyes as black as the shoulder length hair that was pulled away from his chiseled features.
Regaining some composure, Koba addressed the image. "Who are you?" He asked sharply.
The man in the mirror gave him a cold smile. "Don't you know who I am?" He asked, his eyes full of contempt as he stared down at the smaller man.
Silence hung in the air as Koba studied the mirror. "No." He answered finally.
"Why, I'm you." The man answered simply, pointing his left index finger at Koba who backed away reflexively.
Koba shook his head. "You're not me." He replied, his tone a mixture of anger and puzzlement.
The man lowered his hand. "Oh, but I am. Or perhaps I should say I will be."
Upon hearing this Koba blanched. He knew that voice. It was the voice that had been whispering in his ear for the past year. The voice that told him how he could heal himself and gain power at the same time.
The man smiled, nodding his head arrogantly when he noticed the look of realization spread across Koba's face.
When Koba spoke again his voice trembled. "You used me to gain the kenshin's power, while claiming to help me. But that was not your attention was it?"
Again the man nodded. "Clever boy. But not clever enough." He began pausing to look hard at the smaller man. "Did you really think I helped you out of the kindness of my heart. I have no heart Koba. As you will soon find out."
Tears began to form in Koba's eyes for he knew that his death was near. "Why me? Why did you pick me?" He asked, his tone a mixture of grief and fear.
"I needed someone weak in body and spirit to control. Someone who was in a position of power." He answered, closing his eyes as he smiled to himself. "Once I take over your body, I will return to Avinor. And with the kenshin's power I will be able to finish what I started long ago. Universal conquest."
"You're mad!" Koba shouted out, momentarily forgetting his fear.
The man cocked his head to the side. "Perhaps. Good-bye Koba." He said, disappearing from view.
Instantly the jewel flared to life and Koba collapsed in a crumpled heap onto the white tiled floor, his body and mind under assault as a stabbing pain filled every pore. Koba tried to cry out but the pain was so intense he could only gasp as he convulsed violently on the floor, bruising his body and lacerating his exposed flesh. The searing pain intensified as the dark presence pressed down upon him. There was no escape, no release from the unrelenting force that sought to claim him. Suddenly, the voice was everywhere, filling the air with hisses and growls each noise bringing more pain, more suffering. It was more than the small man could bear.
Koba whimpered, covering his ears with trembling hands as the roaring darkness increased. One last, desperate thought occurred to him and in a jerky movement, Koba lifted his hands up to the metallic band strapped upon his forehead and clawed frantically at it, trying to rip the accursed band from his flesh. Instead, he was rewarded by a shooting pain that rifled down his arms and tore through his spine. Koba released the band and gave one last mental effort to stave off the old, evil power but his will was too weak. He did not have the strength nor the skill to combat such a knowledgeable and deadly foe and with one final assault Koba's will was broken and his spirit corrupted by the blackness that squashed what little light remained.
Koba's body grew still. After what seemed an eternity, he rose. But it was not Koba . It was the darkness that was in control now. Staring down at his hands an evil smile spread upon his face, a deep growl erupted from his throat that quickly changed to laughter. For now the darkness was free. The shadow had emerged, ready to begin his master plan.
***********
Tenchi lay quietly above the covers of his small bed, unable to sleep. The Masaki household had retired into their temporary rooms sometime earlier but the crown prince's thoughts stayed heavy in his mind and would not let him be. His hands behind his head, his bare chest rising and falling rhythmically, Tenchi stared upwards with dreamy eyes. Visions of Ayeka waltzed through his head, occupying his thoughts. He longed to be with Ayeka, longed to hold her, to show her the depths of his feelings for his beloved princess. Every moment without Ayeka by his side became more and more unbearable. But he didn't want to rush her. He promised they would take their time and he meant it. But that did little to quell the inner fire that raged within his heart.
A sudden gut wrenching scream pierced through his thoughts, startling the crown prince.
"What the hell was that?!" He cried, bolting upright. Swinging his pajama clad legs to the side, Tenchi slid off the bed, jamming his feet into a pair of black slippers before taking off out of his room only to collide with someone just outside his door. Instinctively, Tenchi reached out, grabbing and pulling the person close, preventing them from falling. When he looked to see who he had wrapped in his arms his eyes widened in surprise. It was lady Ayeka.
Tenchi took in her disheveled hair, the pink bathrobe thrown hastily over her shoulders that failed to hide the silk nightgown that hugged every curve of the fit beauty before him. He knew it was wrong to stare, but he couldn't help himself. She was the most beautiful creature to ever grace his presence. And not for the first time did he stand in awe of her.
Almost as soon as the two had collided, Ayeka had let forth an apology but stopped when she noticed the intense look Tenchi had fixed upon her. She felt a pounding below her slender fingers and noticed that her hands were pressed against the crown prince's bare chest. His heart beat wildly, pulsating in a rhythm that matched her own. A sudden heat filled her body as she tried to calm the rush of sensations that flowed through her. Ayeka knew they shouldn't be standing here like this, knew that now wasn't the right time to express what she was feeling. But as they gazed into each others eyes she saw a passion that burned. A passion that reflected her own desire. For she too was growing tired of waiting. Tired of waiting for the right moment, the right time to express her love more openly and intimately. As a princess she had been trained to always control her impulses, always remain a lady. But when ever she was around the crown prince her thoughts were less than lady like. She wanted to run her hands through his hair, to caress his perfect skin, to shower his handsome face with a thousand soft kisses.
Other thoughts entered her mind, seductive thoughts that could get the both of them in trouble. Tenchi released his grip suddenly, backing away from the princess slightly, his features a mixture of desire and restraint. Ayeka frowned in disappointment, her body aching from the lost contact.
"I'm sorry Ayeka. I should have paid attention before rushing out my room like that. It's just ..The scream startled me. I thought.." Tenchi began but was hushed by Ayeka who closed the short distance between them, stopping his lips with her index finger.
He was about to ask her what was wrong when Ayeka lowered her hand and leaned forward to kiss the crown prince's lips with a passion she had bottled up for over four years.
Tenchi's heart jumped as pleasant shivers spread down his body. His eyes widened at the princess's boldness. He responded accordingly, wrapping his arms around her waist. He would have been content to stand like this forever and would have if a voice hadn't shouted out, breaking through the pleasant haze that surrounded his senses.
"Strange place for a rendezvous eh, Tenchi?"
The crown prince and princess jumped, breaking apart as they whirled around to find the rest of the clan in various states of dress, staring at the pair in amusement. Tenchi noticed however that Sasami was hidden behind Kamedaki.
"Is it okay to come out now?" She asked.
Kamedaki turned his head to the side. "Yes princess. It's okay now." He replied, stepping aside so that now Sasami was in front of him.
"What are you all doing out here?" Tenchi asked, unable to keep the irritation out of his voice as he tried to calm his beating heart. Dammit! When was he ever going to be able to show Ayeka the true extent of his feelings.
Yosho cocked an eyebrow at him. "I assume the same as you, to investigate the noise coming from somewhere close by."
Tenchi studied those before him, his eyebrows raised when he noticed someone was missing. "Where is Ryoko?" He asked, frowning.
As if in answer another scream tore through the Akuna, a heart wrenching cry of pain and loss.
Without a word, the clan rushed down the hallway, sliding to a stop in front of Ryoko's door. Tenchi was about to enter when Yosho grabbed his shoulder.
"Wait." The older man commanded, pulling his grandson back.
Tenchi looked at his grandfather in askance.
Yosho released his grip and motioned Azaka and Kamedaki forward. The two imperial knights obeyed, walking up to the gray metallic door after Tenchi relented. Azaka pushed the small red button on the left and the door slid obediently open. The two knights rushed in, adopting a defensive stance, expecting the worst. What they found was Ryoko lying on the ground in a fetal position, her body shaking uncontrollably.
Kamedaki and Azaka rushed by her side, kneeling down to examine her. Something was not right. Ryoko's life force felt weak, yet there was no sign of any external injury. "Lord Yosho, Washu come here quickly. Something's wrong with Ryoko." Azaka called out.
The two knights turned when several shadows fell over them. The entire clan stared in concern down at the young woman lying on the floor before them. Washu pulled out a small device and passed it quickly over Ryoko.
"She's going into shock. We need to stabilize her nervous system or we'll lose her." Washu said matter of factly as she studied the information flowing across the micro screen of her small machine. Standing up, the short scientist looked to her left. "Kamedaki pick up Ryoko carefully and follow me." She commanded walking purposefully out the door and into the hallway. Kamedaki close behind. Everyone else followed, worry evident on their faces.
"What's going on Washu? What's wrong with Ryoko?" Tenchi asked as they hurried forward.
"No time to explain." Washu answered sharply picking up speed. "Hurry Kamedaki."
Kamedaki picked up the pace amazed that the short scientist was able to keep ahead of him. Washu made a sudden left turn, stopping before a turbo lift, pushing the red button to the left, the door slid open and everyone boarded. A short time later the clan found themselves inside Washu's makeshift lab, watching in concern as Ryoko was placed within one of the short scientist's machines. Her shivering body strapped down and a large black crown of wires slid down around her head. Washu moved to the computer panel in the center of the machine, typing in a rapid series of commands. A bright blue light burst above Ryoko's head, spreading slowly around and down the space pirate's body. Instantly, Ryoko stopped shivering and her pained features relaxed.
"Curious." Washu murmured, studying the read out on her monitor.
Lord Yosho stepped forward. "Tell me Washu. Does Ryoko's condition have anything to do with the bond she formed with the kenshin?"
Everyone looked at each other in confusion. Everyone but Washu who said. "You're quite perceptive Lord Yosho." She commented, focusing her attention on the pale features of the young woman that lay still before her.
Tenchi looked at Yosho in bewilderment. "What are you talking about grandfather? What does the kenshin have to do with Ryoko's condition?"
Washu turned away from the machine to address the crown prince. "Ryoko and the kenshin share a strong telepathic bond. A bond so strong that it transcends time and space." She answered, walking past them to another machine which she turned on and began fiddling with.
"And this bond you mention." Ayeka began coming up beside Washu. "How is such a thing formed" She asked.
Washu looked away from the machine towards the princess. "The kenshin is a strong telepath. A person with that kind of power would be capable of forming a mental connection with his or her chosen mate." The scientist began, pausing to make sure Ayeka understood. The princess nodded, urging her to continue. "And that means mate in every sense of the word." She added, her lips twitching in amusement when not only Ayeka but the rest of the clan eyebrows raised in sudden understanding.
Tenchi's features were thoughtful at first but quickly changed into a knowing grin. So that's why they didn't join up with us at the Akuna until it was just about time to leave. He thought smirking.
Noticing his expression of amusement, Ayeka slapped him on the shoulder.
"Ow!" Tenchi cried, turning to his beloved. "What was that for?"
Ayeka gave him a dark look. "It's not funny." She replied heatedly tilting her head towards Ryoko.
Tenchi's gaze fell upon the still form of Ryoko and his smile dropped. "You're right. It's not."
"So this bond is why Ryoko is suffering so?" Ayeka asked, turning her attention from Tenchi to Washu who nodded and continued. "When two people form a telepathic bond, feelings, wants, desires, hopes and dreams are shared. Any harm that befalls one is felt by the other. And any joy is shared. It is both a blessing and a curse."
Ayeka turned her gaze to Ryoko. "Then Ryoko's suffering means that.." She began her voice trailing off in sudden realization.
"It means that the kenshin is either dead or dying." Washu finished for her.
Everyone blanched at the thought of their friend dead. "What about Ryoko?" Tenchi asked. "Will she be all right?"
Washu walked back over to the space pirate. "Physically she should be okay. Mentally that's another story." She replied, removing the black crown that adorned Ryoko's head. "She should wake up shortly." She added, turning to face Yosho. "In the meantime, we need to set a course for Calbon. Something has happened to the kenshin. We must find out what."
Yosho nodded in understanding. "Azaka. Kamedaki. Stand watch over Ryoko while Washu and I head to the cockpit to make a few communiqués." He commanded.
"Yes sir." Azaka and Kamedaki replied in unison, setting up position on either side of the prone woman.
"And what about the rest of us?" Tenchi asked, not wanting to be left out. Not when his friends needed him.
Yosho looked at him. "I suggest you change into more appropriate attire." He said, pointing at there lack of clothing, a slight smile upon his lips.
Tenchi and Ayeka looked at each other, grinning sheepishly,nodding in acquiesce before heading off to their separate rooms for a quick change of clothing.
************
"Captain, I'm still not picking up any life signs within a thirty mile radius of Tirith." A young officer said yelled over his shoulder, his dark eyes studying the illuminated sensor screen held tightly in his gloved hand.
"Try again." Valader ordered as he walked through the wooded confines of the kenshin's birthplace. The hydro ships had arrived a short while ago, dousing the flames that had threatened the village. The trees that surrounded Tirith we not so lucky. They lay on the ground, mangled. A smoldering ruin. The lingering scents of burnt wood and fruit hung heavy in the air and it was all Valader could do not to gag from the smell. Come on kenshin, where are you? He thought in frustration.
He refused to believe Ryan was dead. But the longer they spent searching, the more hope faded from the older man's heart. The kenshin had told him to leave and at first Valader had complied with the order. Securing the safety of his men, the transport ship had lifted off. Halfway to Caladras, a voice seemed to call out to him. Calling out for help. And to his surprise he was not the only one to hear it. His men looked at each other in puzzlement, wondering if what they heard was real.
At first Valader was confused, but then a sudden understanding entered his mind and in that second he knew. The voice was real. It was the sound of a tortured soul, the sound of a man lost, left alone to a terrible fate. Valader ordered the ship to turn around and head back to Tirith. The soldiers did not question his order and for that the captain had been glad. For he could not answer them.
So as soon as they landed, they began searching for the kenshin, knowing that perhaps it was in vain, but they knew they had to try. Valader pushed the men forward, telling them to keep an eye out for something, anything that might give a clue to Ryan's whereabouts. But in one hour of searching, no trace of the kenshin had been found. Sighing angrily, Valader was about to order his men to move to a different location when a horrified voice blared through the captain's communication watch. "I've found him sir! "
Valader wasted no time in replying. "What is your location officer?" He shouted into his watch, his eyes darting in different directions.
There was a slight pause before the man answered. "A half mile due west sir."
Valader checked his position, marked the location on his watch and signaled the men beside him to follow with a wave of his hand. The men complied, running alongside their captain, their features anxious. None more than Valader. "Tell me officer what is the kenshin's condition?" He asked as he continued forward, dodging the last of the fallen trees before bursting into a healthy woodland area.
"Critical sir. He's covered in blood and.." The man seemed unable to finish.
Valader became angry. "Soldier what's wrong? What is his condition?"
"I'm sorry sir. I can't describe it. You'll have to see for yourself."
Valader gritted his teeth and pushed himself harder. His limbs burned from the effort and his breathing became heavy. Noticing that his men were holding back for him, he waved them forward and the soldiers flew past, their youthful limbs carrying them effortlessly towards their destination. Valader eyed them in resentment. Dammit! I'm getting old! He cursed but did not stop, for he knew the kenshin's life depended now on him. After what seemed an eternity, Valader made it to the location point, slowing his stride when he saw his troops gathered in a circle, their eyes all focused downward, their features grim. Frowning, the captain walked forward. "Stand aside men." He ordered.
The group parted, allowing Valader through. The sight that met his eyes horrified him He drew a sharp intake of breath. A part of him wanted to flee, wanted to erase the gruesome image burned into his vision. For what he saw made him want to weep. He ignored this weakness and edged slowly forward as he tried unsuccessfully to ignore the mixture of pity, sorrow and shock that rolled like waves in his stomach. Holding down the bile that rose in his throat, Valader crouched down beside the fallen man, his sorrowful eyes studying the mangled body before him.
"Oh my God." He murmured. He had never seen anything like this before. The kenshin lay on his back, his arms and legs twisted, his clothing ripped to shreds. And the blood. It was everywhere, It covered his entire face, streaking down his exposed arms and chest, even his hair was matted with the reddish fluid. As Valader forced himself to look closer he noticed several angry lacerations, long and deep, ruining the once intact flesh of his torso. More wounds appeared in his field of vision. It seemed not one speck of skin was unblemished. Even his face was not spared, for a large cut lay open, spreading from the tip of his right ear down to the base of his neck. What the hell happened to you kenshin? Who did this to you?
Valader's gaze lifted slightly when he noticed another set of eyes looking at him. It was the officer who found Ryan. "Look at this sir." He whispered softly, holding up a small hand held device.
Valader frowned and after a second's hesitation, held out his hand.
The officer placed the device gently into the captain's outstretched hand and waited.
With a heavy sigh, the captain brought the device up to his face and studied the information on the illuminated screen. His eyes widened as he read the true extent of Ryan's injuries. This can't be right. He thought, looking from the device to the fallen man. To all appearances Ryan was dead to the world. Their was no rise and fall of his chest, no movement, nothing to indicate what Valader saw on the screen. Reaching up, he yanked the long gold metallic bar that signified his rank as captain off the right shoulder of his uniform. Kneeling down and ignoring the blood, Valader held the bar under the kenshin's nose. Sure enough, A slight mist formed upon the bar. The kenshin was alive, but for how much longer depended on him. Jumping up, Valader brought his wrist up to his lips and commanded the transport ship to come to their current location.
His gaze then fell upon the men who looked at him in confusion. "He is alive." Valader answered firmly, ignoring the murmurs of his men as he looked down once more at Ryan. Hang on kenshin. He thought cranking his neck back as a large shadow loomed suddenly above him, signaling the arrival of the transport ship. Just hang on.
Okay. I know it took a little longer than usual to update but I really struggled with this. I mean, the story has splintered into three different parts! I kind of got lost in what to do with this. So do you like it? Hate it? Want more detail and less dialogue? Review and let me know! In the next episode the Masaki clan will reunite with their friend but their is no happiness to be found. What do I mean by that? Well you'll just have to read the next installment to find out! Mwa ha ha ha!