I'm back! Did you miss me? Of course it's only been a week since I last updated. As a reader of fan fiction, I understand the frustration of waiting for the next installment to appear, therefore I am striving to do one chapter every week. I can't guarantee every chapter to arrive on time, but I will do my best. Now to respond to some reviews.
Akemi Akibi: Anything to help out a fellow author. As to your questions: 1) Koba is possessed via the stone, which you'll learn more about in subsequent chapters. 2) Let's just say Tenchi has extremely intense thoughts revolving around the lovely Ayeka. And 3) Maybe they did and maybe they didn't, but I'm not telling because I'm evil! Mwa ha ha ha! Oh and because you are such a clever girl, I put you into the story (well, I used your name anyway). It's a cameo, but I did say if you guessed right I would put you in the story somewhere!
Metallica Wedo: I appreciate the support! I do try to make my stories have at the very least a respectable plot! And of course there will be more Tenchi and Ayeka interaction to come!
Rain- Masaki-The- Miko: Never fear! Tenchi and Ayeka are far from finished expressing their feelings to one another! I promise! And there will be some Ryan\Ryoko interaction weaved within the story although at first it will be a one sided affair.
Onto chapter 7!
Chapter 7--He Is Lost To Me
Ryoko lay still within Washu's lab, her features relaxed. The neural sedative had succeeded in deadening the pain that had wracked her body, completely numbing her senses. All save one. Her heart ached endlessly, and at first she was unsure why. Ryoko sought comfort, calling out to the one who had healed her spirit and awakened her love. But there was no answer. Her mind reached out again and again, searching for him. Wanting, no needing, to bask in the glow of his presence. But he did not come to the space pirate, did not envelop her with his warm light. Only an empty and desolate darkness awaited her.
A terrible pain seized Ryoko, the harsh reality of his absence crushing her already bruised heart. His presence was lost to her. He was lost to her. She felt so alone, adrift in a sea of never ending darkness that threatened to overwhelm her. Oh God! Ryoko's mind screamed as frightening images flooded her consciousness. Such much pain! Too much pain! Ryoko tried to withdraw, to flee from what she saw but it was no use. The images surrounded her and would not let her be.
"Ryan!" She screamed, only this time it wasn't delivered in her mind but through her trembling lips.
Ryoko felt pressure on her arms as if someone was pinning her down. An insistent voice called out to her, urging her to wake up. Slowly, and with great pain, Ryoko complied, opening her eyes. Blinking several times, she tried to focus in on the face above her.
"Washu?" She croaked, propping herself up on her elbows as she looked around in confusion. "What am I doing here?"
Washu backed away from the space pirate, studying the young lady before her. "Your body went into a state of shock a short time ago. I had to apply a neural sedative to sever your connection with the kenshin."
At the mention of Ryan, Ryoko tried to bolt upright, but the motion was too quick and she collapsed back down, clasping her forehead in pain. "How did you know about our bond?" She asked through gritted teeth, hoping like hell the pounding in her head would cease.
"There was an unusual amount of neural activity occurring in your frontal lobe and your pain receptors were firing at a rapid rate. Normally there should be little or no activity in these areas when in a state of unconscious yet it was present in your case. These conditions are indicative of a telepathic bond." Washu answered clinically.
Ryoko let out a sigh as the pain began to subside. Running her hand down her face, she frowned suddenly, pulling away when she felt moisture. Staring down at her hand, she turned her head to Washu, her eyes pleading for an answer.
"You've been crying." Washu replied, her voice no longer clinical but soft, her eyes sympathetic.
Turning away, Ryoko closed her eyes, dropping her hand to the side. In a pained voice she spoke. "I cannot sense his presence Washu. Ryan is lost to me. Death has claimed him for it's own." She paused drawing in a shaky breath before letting it out slowly. "He was in so much pain. So much pain Washu. You have no idea what it's like to feel such agony, to feel every blow and assault to the one you love and be unable to help. I couldn't help him Washu. He.. Cried out to me and I did nothing! Nothing!" She cried, tears welling in her eyes once again, which she swiped away angrily.
Washu shook her head slowly, disturbed by Ryoko's attitude and wanting to set her straight spoke quickly. "You are wrong Ryoko." She began as Ryoko turned
her attention back on the older woman, her features questioning. "I tell you Ryan lives."
The effect of her words was immediate. Ryoko jerked upright, ignoring the waves of dizziness that rolled all around her. "Alive?" She whispered in disbelief, eyeing Washu guardedly.
Washu nodded, offering the space pirate a small smile.
"He's alive?" She repeated and this time her features hopeful, her heart lightening at the thought.
Again Washu nodded, but this time no smile graced her lips. Instead her features were grim.
Ryoko's face fell. "But if he's alive, why can't I sense him? What has happened to him Washu?"
Washu cast her gaze downward, unable to met Ryoko's questioning glare, debating whether or not to tell her.
"Washu?" Ryoko said forcefully, grabbing the scientist's attention, who brought her eyes upwards to face her.
"I'm afraid the kenshin is in a precarious state Ryoko."
The space pirate narrowed her eyes. "Don't sugar coat his condition Washu. Tell me what has happened to Ryan." She demanded in irritation.
Washu studied Ryoko, still unsure whether to tell her or not. Finally with a heavy sigh she answered. "The kenshin is currently under the care of doctors at Caladras provincial healing center." She began but stopped.
Ryoko frowned as she saw the sympathetic look that encompassed the scientist's features.
"And." She said, staring expectantly at Washu.
But Washu only shook her head. "I don't have the heart to tell you." She answered looking away.
Ryoko jumped off the table and rushed forward, seizing the smaller woman by the shoulders. "What is it?! Tell me please, I beg you Washu!" She cried, desperately.
Relenting to the space pirate's request, Washu nodded and Ryoko released her grip.
"Follow me." She whispered turning away from the larger woman and motioning her forward with her hand.
Ryoko complied, tagging behind the scientist who stopped before her computer situated near the doorway. Leaning forward, Washu typed in a command and a medical screen popped up. Backing away, Washu pointed silently at the screen.
Ryoko, swallowed nervously, afraid of what she might find. Gathering her courage, the space pirate focused her gaze on the screen and began to read. No sooner did she begin to read when all color drained from her pretty face and her hand went up to her mouth. Heat blisters on both hands. Fractured left and right humerus. Fractured left and right tibia and fibia. Both kneecaps torn. Seven cracked ribs. Fractured skull. Broken back. Innumerable contusions. More than 30 lacerations all over the body, including a stab wound with a point of entry through the back and an exit out the upper left pectoral and a nearly fatal laceration that spread from the tip of the right ear to the base of the neck, just missing the jugular vein.
Ryoko whipped her head away. It was too much to comprehend at once. Weakened to the point of nausea, Ryoko hung her head, her breath escaping in uneasy bursts as she tried to calm the pounding in her chest and the queasiness of her stomach. How did he get like this? How could someone so powerful be unable to defend himself?
"Where was he found?" She asked, her voice a mere whisper above the humming of Washu's machines.
Washu edged forward, her tone even but her eyes sad as she stared at the screen. "Near the village of Tirith in the western province of Caladras. The kenshin's birthplace." She said softly.
Ryoko turned around slowly, her face streaked with tears as she stared back at the screen. It pained the scientist to see Ryoko like this. She seemed so helpless and vulnerable, like a little girl lost, alone and afraid. Not sure what else to do, Washu waited silently for Ryoko to gather her thoughts and deal with her grief.
After several minutes, Ryoko gave a shaky sigh. She had to maintain her composure, had to be strong for her beloved. Straightening her frame and drying her eyes she asked in an even tone. "How far away are we from Calbon?"
Washu studied Ryoko. Now this was the woman she knew. Strong, brave and in control. "The Akuna is traveling at maximum speed. We should arrive there in six to eight hours."
Ryoko gave a nod. "And the others are aware of this?"
"Yes. I informed them of the situation and suggested they get some rest."
Ryoko rubbed her eyes, suddenly feeling very tired. "I think that's what I'll do Washu." She said with a yawn. "Good night." She added, marching past the smaller woman and out the door.
Washu stared after her unsure whether Ryoko was really tired or if it was a ruse, something to distract from the fact that the space pirate was suffering. "Good night Ryoko." Washu murmured, certain it would be anything but for the space pirate.
************
The warm morning rays of Calbon's sun filtered through the band of clouds floating high above the Caladras Provincial Hanger. A strong breeze tore through, whipping dust in every direction, pelting the Masaki clan that stood beside the Akuna, their anxious eyes intently searching for some sign of their escort, their hearts unsettled. All wanted to see Ryan as soon as possible and were a little frustrated at their current situation. Yosho was about to order Kamedaki to contact the provincial police when he spied a large ship heading towards them from the direction of the city. It appeared to be a shuttle of some kind. Large and white, the words CALADRAS HEALING CENTER emblazoned in big red letters on the side and adorned with a row of windows, the ship stopped some twenty feet away, hovering briefly before coming to rest onto the pavement with a soft thud.
A few seconds later, the small door slid to the side and a man stepped out, dressed in gray, his features tired as he focused his attention on the Masaki clan. Yosho recognized him. It was Captain Valader, the man who had informed Yosho and Washu of Ryan's current situation. Valader approached slowly, greeting them with a weary nod before speaking. "I'm sorry for any delays you may have encountered, I trust you have not waited long?" He asked, eyeing the group before him.
Yosho stepped forward, speaking for the clan. "Not very long I assure you Captain Valader."
Valader nodded in affirmation. Not wasting any time, the Captain turned sideways and motioned them forward. "Shall we?"
The Masaki Clan boarded the shuttle silently, wanting to see their friend. Once settled, the shuttle lifted off, gradually turning left before heading towards the massive city of Caladras.
"Tell me Captain, how is the kenshin's condition?" Yosho asked, sitting behind Valader.
The captain turned to face him. "His prognosis is good Lord Yosho. Dr. Akibi informed me just a half an hour ago that his health recovery rate is at forty percent." He answered earnestly but his features were tight as he looked away towards the rapidly approaching city.
"You seemed troubled Captain, tell me what happened at Tirith." Yosho asked.
Valader sighed, his shoulders sagging in sadness. "I've never seen anything like it Lord Yosho. Believe me when I tell you how sorry I am for all that has happened." He said slowly and began to tell them what led to Ryan's injuries. The kenshin's suspicions, his brush with the dark force, the evacuation of Tirith, the subsequent burning of the trees and the downfall of Ryan. Yosho shook his head. It made no sense. Ryan should have been able to detect any unnatural activity, yet he was taken down without any hint as to how.
"You said your scanners indicated no activity, yet you were attacked with no warning?" Yosho asked.
Valader nodded.
"And the kenshin sensed nothing as well?"
Again Valader nodded. "I know it makes no sense Lord Yosho and at first I was vexed. But then when we searched the battle sites we found a crumpled pile of neural inhibitors."
Washu's head jerked towards Valader. A sudden sparkle in her eyes. "Of course!" She exclaimed. "It's no wonder Ryan couldn't sense anything."
Everyone frowned as they stared at Washu. Noticing their confused looks, she elaborated. "Neural inhibitors act as a block of the electrical and biocardial processes that go on inside the body. Like a shield, it reflects back both man made and psychic sensors, rendering them useless."
The shuttle came to a sudden stop, drawing the clan's attention away from Washu to what lay outside their window. They had arrived at their destination.
A large circular building several stories high and adorned in white metal, the Caladras Provincial Healing Center stood on the outskirts of the city, bustling with activity. Through the windows, a tall slender woman was visible. A gust of wind swept past, tugging the woman's long dark green hair in all directions. She brushed the strands away, tucking them behind her ears. She seemed to be staring at their vehicle intently, as if she was expecting them.
"Who is that woman?" Yosho asked, looking away from the window towards the captain.
"That is Doctor Akibi." He answered, pushing himself up off his seat. "I asked her to meet us as soon as we arrived." He added, moving towards the shuttle door.
The Masaki clan followed Valader's example, quickly exiting the ship. They walked up to the doctor, stopping within a few feet.
Doctor Akibi's intelligent cobalt blue eyes followed their progress before resting on the small man before her. "I presume this is the kenshin's family." She said softly, returning her attention on the group behind Valader.
The captain nodded.
Yosho spoke. "Doctor Akibi, I hope you don't find me rude, but I must insist we see Ryan immediately. We are extremely concerned about him. As tired as we are from our long journey, I fear we cannot rest until we know for certain the kenshin is well."
The doctor studied Yosho for a few seconds before responding. "Of course. This way please." She answered, turning around swiftly. She marched forward, followed closely by Valader and the clan.
They entered through two large sliding glass doors, walking briskly on the smooth green stone floors towards a turbo lift on the other side of the open entryway that was flooded with a soft and inviting light.
"Level twelve." Doctor Akibi commanded once they were all inside. The lift complied, and within seconds they were heading out the door past the nurses desk down a brightly lit corridor, stopping some time later in front of a massive electronic door. The doctor raised her hand, swiping her right index finger across a narrow black band that sat dead center within the door itself. Instantaneously, the door clicked open sliding to the side to reveal a darkened room that glowed with an eerie blue light. Without hesitation, Doctor Akibi strolled forward, stopping to turn towards the wary group behind her. Giving them a small smile, she motioned them inside. "I know it seems creepy, but the lack of light helps speed their recovery." She told them, looking away towards the source of the blue light.
On each side of the doctor, a row of healing chambers stood, filled with a blue solution that literally glowed. Everyone stepped forward into the room, eyeing the machines in fascination, especially Washu who gave a covetous look at each chamber she passed. Almost every chamber held an individual in different states of bodily distress. Mostly men, they were all naked save for a simple white towel that hung from their waist to their mid thigh. The few women also had a strip of dark cloth wrapped around their breasts, in an attempt to protect their modesty. None seemed to be moving. It was as if they were dead to the world.
But then everyone gasped as their eyes fell on a familar face. In that moment Ryoko's world grew still. She could hear no sound, sensed nothing around her, her attention riveted on the chamber before her. "Ryan." Ryoko murmured, drawing her gaze slowly up and down his prone form.
Countless streaks of fluorescent blue lined his skin, undulating every few seconds as if the light were alive. Ryoko realized that the streaks were the places Ryan had been cut, wounded, maimed. Her heart ached at the sight. She wanted to reach through the glass barrier and hold him in her arms. Tell him everything was all right. That she would never leave his side again. She would protect him and keep him safe. But it was a dream that would have to wait. For Ryan did not open his eyes, did not register their presence. A loud voice cut through her mental fog. Turning away she focused on the small woman who had spoke.
"I knew these were DNA Medi-Chambers!" She exclaimed excitedly.
Doctor Akibi nodded. "State of the art. We take microscopic tissue samples of our patients and input them into the medi-chamber which isolates the healing cells of the individual. Once identified, the machine replicates the cells a thousand fold. The blue solution, which contains an extract of the potent healing plant called alafaras, acts as a catalyst, activating the cells which penetrate through an open wound, seeking any internal injuries first, healing them at a sub atomic level before gradually working their way outward."
"And how long does the healing process take?" Washu asked.
"Anywhere from two to twelve hours."
"And how long has Ryan been in stasis?" The red haired scientist inquired.
Doctor Akibi ran her finger down the small monitor to the right of Ryan's machine. "Ten hours with a healing rate at fifty percent." She answered, frowning. "Which I find odd considering the healing powers of a kenshin. Ryan should have been at full health hours ago."
"Do you have any idea why he is so slow to recover?" Yosho asked, his features concerned.
The doctor shook her head. "Short of him somehow losing his healing ability, no."
"Hmm." Yosho sounded, closing his eyes in thought. Whatever those thoughts were though, the priest kept to himself.
"When will he wake up?" Ryoko asked, her eyes fixed back upon her beloved.
"Hard to say. Based on his health recovery, any where from five to ten hours."
"Can I stay until that happens. I want to be here when he awakens." Ryoko asked, her tone pleading.
The doctor appeared thoughtful. "I wouldn't recommend you staying too long in this room. The atmosphere is rather depressing." She began but was interrupted by the space pirate.
"Please doctor. It's important that I be here for him. I failed him once before and I vowed never to do it again. He is my heart, my soul. I can't leave him alone." She said, her eyes pleading for her okay.
With a sigh, Doctor Akibi relented. "Very well. But I heartily suggest you take short breaks from this room. I don't want you to suffer needlessly."
Ryoko nodded.
An insistent beeping noise emitted from the watch the doctor was wearing. She brought her wrist up to her face and pushed a small red button on the left side of the watch face. Studying it intently, she pushed the red button again and lowered her hand. "I'm sorry to leave you like this but I'm late for an appointment. Captain Valader will show you the way out. It was nice meeting you. Hopefully Ryan will awake soon. When he does I'll come back and assess his state." She promised and giving them a formal nod, bid them good day.
The clan watched her go then turned the attention on both Ryan and Ryoko.
"Are you sure you don't want us to stay with you Ryoko? We'd be more than happy too." Ayeka asked, looking at her former rival in concern.
Ryoko lowered her eyes and shook her head. "I know you are all tired and need your rest. Go. I will wait for him."
"But you must be tired as well?" Tenchi asked, his eyes etched with worry and concern.
"I am. But I will find no rest until he is returned to me."
Tenchi nodded reluctantly, turning to Ayeka who had wrapped her arm around his. "Come Tenchi. Ryoko must do this on her own." She whispered sadly, tugging him slightly towards her.
She shouldn't have to. Tenchi thought shaking his head sadly as he turned away from the space pirate whose gaze lifted to stare at Ryan once more.
Yosho everyone to follow the crown prince and princess but the priest remained behind briefly to speak with Ryoko. "When he wakes up Ryoko, contact us immediately. We'll be waiting for you on the Akuna." He said, pausing to rest a comforting hand on the young woman's shoulder. "Have faith child. He will awaken soon." He added, removing his hand and turning towards the door, Yosho departed, leaving Ryoko alone to wait for the return of her beloved to the realm of consciousness.
Blah, blah, blah. A boring chapter I know. No romance. Very little action. Medical jargon. The lists goes on and on. I apologize but I felt I had to explain a little about the operation of the medi-chambers. And I know I didn't reveal just exactly how the kenshin received his wounds. But I will in the next chapter! And from the lips of the one who suffered no less! Although the kenshin is not quite himself. I will get back to the situation with Koba as well. What dark designs does the stone have in store? Time will tell. Review and tell me your thoughts.