Another week, another chapter! I'm not sure I'm giving you the best work that I can, but I did promise one chapter per week, so I plow forward. Response time!

Akemi Akibi: I'm flattered you're flattered! Yes it is bad that Ryan has forgotten Ryoko isn't it! It's about to get worse! Read on and find out! And I must concur that the shadow is a rather creepy character. I'll reveal more about his true identity in later chapters. And of course there is a little T/A interaction although not as intense as in the previous chapters.

Rain Masaki the Miko: Such language! Am I scared? Not yet but I promise not to upset you too much with cliffhangers!

Onto chapter 9!

Chapter 9--No Memory

Ryoko and the kenshin stared at each other, one shocked the other confused, as an eternal silence lingered between them.

He doesn't remember me! Ryoko thought, stunned by his question and behavior. How could he not know me! After everything we went through together? A part of Ryoko wanted to flee, to escape this horrible nightmare that had assaulted her consciousness. But the more rational part of her being realized Ryan was not himself. That his memory had been damaged somehow by the injuries afflicted at Tirith. Resigning herself to this fact, Ryoko stepped boldly forward, closing what little space remained between them.

The kenshin gazed at her questioningly but did not move from his spot.

Ryoko opened her mouth to speak but before a single word could be uttered, a burst of noise erupted behind her, startling them both.

"There he is!" a group of doctors shouted a short distance away, pointing excitedly towards the pair.

Growling, Ryoko turned back toward the kenshin. She had neither the patience nor the inclination to explain to them what the situation was. Reaching forward , she clasped his right arm and in an instant, the two of them disappeared.

*******

Washu sat quietly in her lab, furiously typing into her computer the last of raw datum she had accumulated on the kenshin. So many questions, so few answers. Led by a need to test Yosho's theory she had toiled for the last three hours to perfect a new program, one that would determine whether the priest's idea was correct. But was it true? Was such a thing possible? She wondered as she leaned back in her chair and waited. Waited for an answer to a most puzzling question. Was the kenshin's power really stolen. And if so, how? And by whom?

A sudden white light burst upon the screen, illuminating Washu's pretty features. She blinked several times, blinded temporarily by the light's intensity. Once her eyes adjusted, Washu leaned forward, her mind processing the information before her.

"Fascinating." She murmured scientifically, moving her cursor around to read the small print that glowed a faint red. She was about to click onto the image when her screen blacked out. A few seconds later, the screen lit up, Washu's datum replaced by the worried image of Doctor Akibi.

Frowning at the intrusion, Washu almost yelled at the young woman, but the look on the doctor's face stopped her. Something had happened. Something involving Ryan. Biting her tongue Washu addressed Doctor Akibi. "What is wrong doctor? Has something happened to the kenshin?"

Doctor Akibi looked downward, unable to meet the scientist's eyes. "I fear the kenshin is not himself." She answered slowly and with great care she explained what had happened since Ryan had regained consciousness.

Washu listened respectfully, nodding in understanding when the young woman had finished. Rubbing her forehead wearily, the scientist closed her eyes. It was worse than she feared. She thanked the doctor for the information. The doctor gave her apologies then signed off, the computer monitor returning to it's previous screen.

Opening her eyes, Washu stood up and shut off her machine. Heading briskly over to Akuna's internal computer, she accessed the life sign reading, checking to see if everyone was still on board. When the response came back one, she frowned. I'm the only one here?! Where the hell is everyone else?! She thought angrily. Heading back to her tracking machine she soon found out. Storming out of the lab, Washu marched quickly to the turbo lift and within moments found herself outside in the fresh air of Calbon. But the bright sunshine did little to lighten the scientist's mood as she headed on foot towards a wooded area to her right, where the remainder of the Masaki clan rested some distance away.

********

"It's so nice to be out in the open air once again, don't you think Tenchi?" Ayeka said with a happy sigh as she rested her head upon his right shoulder.

"Mmm." Tenchi said softly, closing his eyes as he leaned his head back against an enormous brown tree trunk.

The two of them sat next to each other underneath the branches of one of the largest oak trees either had ever seen. Bright sunshine filtered through the bright green leaves wrapping the prince and princess in a warm, comforting glow. Tenchi and Ayeka had chose a secluded spot away from the rest of their family, needing a little private time.

After traveling in space for several days, Tenchi missed the calm, peaceful way of nature. When ever he felt the need to be alone, he always found solace in the trees and hills near his home. Home. He thought with a wistful smile. What I wouldn't give to back on Earth right now.

Ayeka shifted beside him, lifting her head off his shoulder. Tenchi noticed the loss of contact and turned his gaze upon her pretty face.

"Tenchi, there's something I need to ask you. Something you may find silly but I need to know."

Tenchi smiled encouragingly, reaching out to take her hand. "What is it Ayeka?" He asked in a loving tone as he studied her.

Ayeka looked down at Tenchi's hand. "How..I mean, when did you realize that you loved me?"

The crown prince raised his eyebrows. He hadn't seen that one coming. His features grew serious and he thought about what she had asked. When did he know he loved her? Was there some hidden meaning in what she was asking? Was she asking why he had chose her and not Ryoko? Is that what she meant? Tenchi frowned, unsure how to tell her. For the longest time he had loved both the proper princess and the rebellious space pirate equally. But his shyness and uncertainty prevented him from committing to either one of them. His fear kept him away. It was why he chose to attend school in Tokyo far away from the place of his birth. But his immersion into the college culture helped him overcome his fear of women. He learned how to interact on a more mature level with the fairer sex.

His confidence grew with the relationships he forged. But to his dismay, he found them to be short lived. On a physical level, everything was fine, but in his heart it just didn't feel right. Tenchi found his thoughts traveling back to his home and the women he had left behind. And the more he thought about it the more troubled he became. Did they still care for him? If so, how would he know which girl was right for him? How would each of them handle his choice when the time came?

These questions haunted him. When he learned of the problems at his father's house he was excited but a little apprehensive at the prospect of returning home. He wondered how Ayeka and Ryoko would react to his homecoming. Sure enough, it was just like old times, the two women fought for his attention. But when the kenshin arrived and revealed a new threat to the universe, Tenchi found himself thinking less about love and more about the showdown with the dark force.

In the end it was the way each girl behaved towards him that helped him decide. For Ryoko had always been a little too aggressive in her pursuit of the crown prince, and it reflected in Tenchi's reaction to her. But Ayeka was different. In many ways she was shy like him. Unable to express her feelings the way she wanted to. So subtle in her feelings that at times Tenchi failed to notice.

For the longest time he had thought it some kind of competition between the two girls, with him as the prize. He had always resented that. It was part of what drove him away. But now he realized it was because they cared deeply for him, but in different ways. He knew that Ryoko was physically attracted to him. She had promised him on more than one occasion to give him a good time. And he knew that she loved him enough to risk her life for his sake. But in his heart he knew he would end up breaking hers. Because he loved her but not the way she wanted. It just didn't feel right. His sorrow towards this fact eased when he saw how Ryoko's eyes sparkled when she was around the kenshin. He had given Ryoko what Tenchi could not. Someone who truly loved her unconditionally. Without worry and without hesitation.

Tenchi wanted to experience love like that. Wanted a partner who complimented him, not conflicted with him. And he found that in the princess of Jurai. Ayeka was more respectful towards him and his personal space. She didn't try to seduce him every chance she got or push him into doing what she wanted. She too would risk her life for his sake. But again the crown prince's uncertainty delayed his choice. His love for Ayeka was a gradual thing that didn't even reach fruition until she had been taken away from him. It was then that he realized it was Ayeka he loved. It was then his heart knew. This felt right. This was the right choice.

Drawing in a breath the crown prince released it slowly and giving her a tender smile replied. "I have always loved you Ayeka. I will always love you. It matters not when I realized it. In my heart I always knew. That's all that matters to me."

Ayeka looked up at him with a warm smile. She was about to say something when a rustling noise in the bushes nearby startled her. Jumping up, Tenchi placed himself protectively in front of the princess and shouted. "Who's there!"

"It's me you idiot!" An agitated voice called out from within the thick foliage.

Tenchi recognized the voice. "Washu? What are you doing in there?" He asked, looking quickly at Ayeka before rushing forward.

"Bird watching." She said sarcastically, still stuck in the brush. "What the hell do you think I'm doing! Give me a hand here will ya."

The crown prince reached into the green foliage, feeling then untangling the small woman from the thick brush, pulling the scientist towards him.

Washu popped out, tiny branches of green and brown sticking out in and around her long red hair. "Thanks a lot." She said with a heavy sigh, brushing off the leaves attached to her clothing.

"What is wrong Miss Washu?" Ayeka asked, coming to stand beside Tenchi.

Washu wasted no time in telling them of the situation.

Tenchi frowned. "And there was no word from Ryoko?" He asked.

Washu shook her head.

"Perhaps she is with him now?" Ayeka offered, looking back and forth between the scientist and the prince.

Washu appeared thoughtful. "Perhaps. But then if that's the case, why hasn't she bothered to contact us?"

"Maybe she can't." Ayeka suggested.

"Or won't." Tenchi added.

"Hmm." Washu said softly. "If that's true then she'll show up soon."

"Why is that?" Ayeka asked, studying the smaller woman.

"Because she'll need our help to restore the kenshin to his former self. Come on. The others are waiting for us." She answered, turning around and walking past the brush, searching for a clearer path back.

Tenchi and Ayeka looked at each other in confusion briefly before following, wondering just what the short scientist was talking about.

******

What just happened?! How did you do that?!" Ryan exclaimed, gazing at Ryoko in childlike wonder as they materialized into the cockpit of Nozomi.

"That's not important right now. What is important is helping you recover your memory." She replied, releasing his arm slowly, watching his reaction to his environment.

Ryan frowned. "My memory?" He murmured, his eyes still fixed on the space pirate.

"Do you know where you are right now?" She asked.

The kenshin turned away, studying his surroundings slowly and carefully. Nothing seemed familar to him, not even the lovely lady before him. With a shake of his head, Ryan turned to face Ryoko. "No, I'm afraid I don't. What is this place?"

Sighing sadly, Ryoko looked past Ryan towards the cockpit door. "We are on the Nozomi, your ship."

Ryan's eyebrows shot up. "My ship?" He said in disbelief.

"Yes your ship." She answered, bringing her gaze back upon him. "Do you know who you are? Do you know your name?"

Ryan stared down in the floor, his features frightened. Try as he might, no answers came to mind, no name, no knowledge of his person. It was like smacking into a brick wall, useless and full of pain. Why can't I remember my name? He thought in frustration. Unable to muster a reply, Ryan could only shake his head.

Ryoko bit her lip. This was worse than she thought. How should she help him? Could she help him? He seemed so lost, like a little boy all alone in the world. And the most painful part was she could think of no way to comfort him. Right now she was a stranger to him. She could not reach out, offer him solace in her arms, could not whisper words of encouragement, of love. Sagging her shoulders, Ryoko slumped into Nozomi's co- pilot seat, rubbing her forehead in pain.

The kenshin tore his gaze slowly away from the floor, resting his uneasy eyes upon Ryoko. Edging closer to her he asked in a hesitant voice, "Miss, please tell me. What is my name?"

Ryoko lowered her hand, dropping it into her lap. Staring sorrowfully up at his handsome face, she let out a slow sigh before answering. "Ryan. Your name is Ryan."

"Ryan." He repeated slowly, testing out the sound as he looked over to the pilot seat.

For a few moments neither spoke.

Frowning, Ryan looked back towards Ryoko. "Am I a pilot?" He asked, eyeing her questioningly.

Ryoko thought that over for a few seconds. "You know how to fly but no, your not a pilot."

"Then what am I? What am I doing here?"

Their bond broken, she could not feel the anguish his mind was going through, the suffering he was enduring. But she knew he was frightened and confused. One look at his face revealed more than could be put into words. Ryoko debated how she should tell him. Coming to a decision, she rose up out of the chair and walked towards him.

Ryan watched her advance but did not move, his expression one of curiosity as she stopped before him.

"Perhaps it would be better if I show you." She answered, moving past him toward the cockpit door.

"Wait." Ryan said suddenly, clasping her arm gently, stopping her.

Ryoko's heart jumped at the contact, turning around to face him. "What?" She asked in a slightly strangled voice.

Ryan released his hold, and giving her a shy smile asked, "Tell me my lady, what is your name?"

Ryoko almost rolled her eyes at his method of address toward her but stopped herself. "My name is Ryoko." She answered giving him a smile of her own.

"Ryoko." He repeated softly, almost lovingly.

Her pulse quickened at the way he spoke her name. Shaking her head she reprimanded herself for the sudden thoughts that entered her mind. Now was not the time for such silly fantasies. What good was she to him if she got caught up in her emotions. Straightening her frame, Ryoko waved him forward. "Follow me please." She said briskly, wincing mentally at the coolness in her tone as she exited out the door.

Ryan frowned, taken slightly aback by Ryoko's response. A small look of pain crossed his features only to fade as quickly as it had come. Wordlessly he followed behind her, eager to find out his true identity.

Well there you go. Ryan has no memory at all. Not of himself or his loved ones. What a bummer for Ryoko huh? Anyway. I love my loyal reviewers, but based on the hits this story is receiving I know there are more of you out there. I'd love to hear your perspective on my work. You don't have to review every chapter but a line here or there would feed my curiosity about what type of people enjoy this. I know there are a couple T/R fans who actually enjoy reading my drivel! And of course the T/A fans have given voice to their opinions. So let me know how you like this. Yes, No. More action, less talk. Well, I've got to go. It's getting close to midnight and I have work tomorrow. Until next week!