Sorry about the delay in reviewing but I had a hell of a time writing this installment. I hope you don't find it too crappy. Well I guess I should give up asking for those that have yet to review to leave me a line on their thoughts or comments about my story. No more pleading. It's obvious this must be some sort of guilty pleasure for those non reviewers. Well, regardless whether you review or not, I'm glad you're following me on this fan fiction journey into the world of Tenchi. That said, time for my usual response to those brave souls willing to tell me their thoughts:
Akemi Akibi: Don't fret! Ryan will recover his memory, but not all at once. And some of the things his mind sees won't be his. What do I mean by that? Read on to find out. As far as length of chapters go, some will be shorter than others, but I'll attempt to make them longer (no guarantees mind you.)
Metallica-wedo: Thanks for the support! In regards to your question, Ryan's abilities do include visions of the future. As far as whether I'll end this story with the vision he saw in part one, maybe or maybe not. But I won't say which, because I'm evil!
Jillian: Thanks!
Chapter 10--False Memories
"So tell me Washu." Tenchi began, as he and Ayeka fell into step with the small scientist. "What is really going on with Ryan?"
Washu didn't respond right away as she stopped abruptly, her eyes scanning the scenery before her, searching for a way out. "I'd prefer to tell you when everyone is together." She said absently, turning to her right, starting off on a small dirt path stretched between two columns of thick, dark shrubbery that rose well above their heads.
Tenchi sighed but kept quiet as he followed Washu down the path.
The trio continued onward, emerging a short time later from the forest into the open space of the Caladras Provincial Hanger landing pad. Standing near the wooden border, a small distance away, the remainder of the Masaki clan fixed their troubled eyes upon the approaching group.
"It seems we are all here." Yosho stated looking down at the small woman who stopped before him. "Perhaps now you can fill us in on what you've discovered."
Washu looked up at the priest, her features calm. "Allow me to show you Lord Yosho." She answered, focusing her attention away from him towards the hanger bay. With a short wave of her hand, she urged them onward, walking briskly forward, heading straight for the Akuna some distance away.
Everyone looked at each other briefly, their eyes settling upon Yosho who inclined his head slightly, a signal to do as Washu wished. Without further delay the clan headed back to their ship, anxious to see what the scientist had discovered.
*******
Ryan followed Ryoko down Nozomi's main corridor, wondering just what his relationship to the lady before him was. He felt drawn to her, to her presence, for she was a light that illuminated the darkness that surrounded him. Although he couldn't say why, he knew she would do what ever it took to help him. She would restore his life and memory, he was certain of it. With a grateful smile, he picked up the pace until they walked side by side.
"Tell me Ryoko," Ryan began, turning his head slightly towards her. "Where are we going?"
Ryoko said nothing for a few seconds, lost in her thoughts, wondering if this was the right thing to do. Would he remember anything she was about to show him? "We are going to your room." She answered softly, turning right down a short side corridor before turning left onto another long corridor. Within seconds she stopped in front of a door, reaching out with her right hand. With a push of the button, the door whooshed open, revealing the kenshin's bedroom.
Ryan peered inside briefly before looking back at Ryoko.
The space pirate gave him a nod, her signal it was okay to enter.
Hesitantly, the kenshin made his way forward, stopping in the middle of the room. His eyes roamed slowly, methodically over and around it's almost Spartan interior.
Ryoko hung in the door way, giving Ryan his space, her gaze ever watchful for some spark of recognition.
The kenshin's eyes floated past the large black comforted bed to hover upon a pair of wood framed photographs that rested on top of a metallic night stand beside the bed. More out of curiosity than recognition, Ryan walked up to the stand. Reaching out with his left hand, he grasped the smaller photo and brought it up to face. A man, a woman and a little boy stared back at him, their faces pleasant but unknown to him. Frowning in frustration, Ryan set the picture back down and picked up the larger one.
This picture depicted several people of various sizes and ages crowded together. All had smiles upon their faces. They all seemed so happy, like a family.
Family. Ryan thought with a smile as he studied the photo more closely, his eyes widening slightly as he recognized Ryoko. She had her arms wrapped around the neck of a young man, her head resting on his right shoulder, a silly grin plastered on her pretty face. The man in front of her held her upon his back, his arms wrapped around her legs, his head turned towards her, his bright blue eyes fixed upon her with an equally silly grin gracing his face.
Could it be? Is.. That me? Remembering there was a mirror nearby, Ryan moved around the bed towards the long piece of glass that hung on the side wall, bringing the photo along with him. Looking up slowly from the picture, Ryan studied his features and found they resembled those of the young man that held Ryoko in the photo. But something was different. Very different. Turning his head to the left Ryan's eyes befell the sight of a long pale ridged scar that ran down from his ear to his neck. With a mixture of fascination and revulsion, the kenshin lifted his left hand and traced the imperfection slowly, gasping when a flash of memory struck his mind. The scraping of flesh as his face struck a jagged piece wood stuck out of a thick tree branch before his body continued to fly through the air. Yes he remembered that. Remembered the pain. Why couldn't he remember anything else?
"Ryan?"
Lowering his hand, Ryan turned away from the mirror to find Ryoko's pained eyes searching his face.
"What is it? What's wrong?" She whispered, her gaze unwavering.
Ryan looked back down to the picture, unable to tell her what he was feeling. Trying to avoid answering, he focused his attention on the photo. "You seem happy here." He said softly, moving past her toward the bed.
Ryoko followed his movement, watching as Ryan sat gently upon the end of his bed. He's avoiding my question. Why? The space pirate wondered, walking slowly towards the bed before settling down beside him. Not wanting to pressure him, she decided to play along. "I was very happy." Ryoko answered softly as she studied the photo. "Would you like me to tell you about it?"
Ryan nodded, not taking his eyes off the picture.
Ryoko bit her lip. There was that little boy look again. It broke her heart to see him like this. So alone and in pain. Just sitting close to him was torture, for she could not reach out to him. Her hands longed to touch him but she couldn't. She would only confuse him. Pushing her wants to the side, she began to tell him about the photo. "We had all gone on a picnic near our home on Earth."
"Earth?"
Ryoko nodded. "A beautiful planet many light years away from here." She replied evenly before continuing. "Anyway, we decided to take a break from our training. Sasami the young lady here," She paused, pointing to the young princess. "And her sister Ayeka," Again she pointed, tapping the glass slightly. "Prepared our lunches. We chose a shaded spot, high upon a cliff top overlooking the land. We talked for hours about our hopes and dreams, our thoughts and decisions. It was a nice time." She said wistfully, her thoughts going back to that day.
Ryan chanced a glance up from the picture to look at the woman beside him. She's quite beautiful. He thought with a soft smile looking back down at the photo. "Who is this man here. The one who looks a lot like me?" Ryan asked, pointing to Tenchi who stood smiling beside Ayeka.
Brought back to the present by his voice, Ryoko looked down and answered him. "That is Tenchi. He is crown prince of Jurai. But raised on Earth by Yosho, the rightful ruler of Jurai. You two are quite good friends."
"And the others?"
Ryoko told him.
With a sigh, Ryan closed his eyes, setting the picture beside him. "I wish I could remember that day. I wish I could remember everything." He said sadly, looking down at his shoes. "but all I remember is pain. And darkness."
Ryoko frowned. This was getting him nowhere. It was clear she was going to need help finding answers and she knew exactly who could get them. Standing up, Ryoko held out her hand.
Ryan looked up at her, his features puzzled.
"Come on. I know someone who can help us." She said, favoring him with a smile.
Ryan smiled back at her, reaching out to clasp Ryoko's hand. And in a flash they were gone.
*****
"Interesting Miss Washu. You've really done your homework." Yosho commented, leaning back from the scientist's computer screen. The rest of the Masaki clan stood huddled in front of Washu's monitor, staring in wonder at the images displayed upon it's face.
"How can this be? It's as if.." Tenchi murmured his voice trailing off suddenly as he whirled around.
The crown prince wasn't the only one who moved. The entire clan turned around, their eyes widening in surprise. For there, a few feet away, stood Ryoko. And with her Ryan.
The kenshin smiled nervously. "Uh, hi." He said with a small wave of his hand.
Everyone stood silently. For a few tense seconds no one moved. Then as if falling back into reality, they shook their heads and approached Ryan slowly.
"Hello Ryan. It's been a long time." Tenchi greeted the kenshin with a friendly smile.
Ryan gave a graceful nod. "I'm sorry I can't say the same Tenchi." He replied.
Tenchi's eyebrows shot up as he looked at Ryoko who replied. "I'll tell you later."
"Greetings Ryan." Washu said, walking up to the young man who stared down at her. "How are you feeling?" She asked as she began to circle around him.
Ryan followed her movement, his eyes troubled. "Right now, I feel pretty damn confused."
Washu ended her study of his form, stopping in front of the kenshin. "I can believe it." She said softly as her gaze fixed upon his face.
"Listen Washu." Ryoko said irritably, coming to stand beside her beloved. "Can we dispense with the pleasantries and get down to business. Ryan needs your help. Everything I've tried has failed to jump start his memory."
Washu turned to face the space pirate. "Given his condition, that's to be expected."
Ryoko frowned. "What the hell are you talking about? I hate it when you withhold
information. Spit it out. What is wrong with him?"
Pivoting away, Washu motioned Ryoko to follow.
With a growl at Washu's behavior, Ryoko complied leaving a confused Ryan behind.
"Take a look at this." Washu said, hitting a button on her keyboard once Ryoko was within view.
Instantly two human shaped images appeared, one outlined in a vibrant shade of green the other bright yellow. Numerous words, lined in paragraph form littered every area around the forms.
Shaking her head Ryoko asked. "What am I looking at?"
"For all intents and purposes these are computer generated models of Ryan before and after his assault." She answered. "See this model here," She said pointing to the form on her left. "This is the culmination of the kenshin's psychic, spiritual, and life force energy. See how intense the color is. That is indicative of someone with an amazing amount of power."
"And that one over there?" Ryoko asked pointing to the other model.
"That one is the current state of Ryan's energy." She answered before adding. "As you can see his power level has dropped significantly, so much so that he has become a different person entirely, which is why no one could not sense him."
"And how do you know any of this is true? "
"I won't bore you with the details of how I developed the program to read energy levels. I will tell you however it is correct and accurate. Whoever Ryan tangled with at Tirith had the ability to steal energy. Somewhere out in space someone is carrying not only Ryan's abilities but his knowledge of how to use it. In fact it is Lord Yosho's belief the attacks on Calbon were a mere ruse to lure the kenshin back to his home world for the express purpose of stealing his power."
"You're telling me someone staged attacks on Calbon just to steal Ryan's power? "
Washu nodded.
"Hmm." Ryoko sounded, studying the screen. "If that's the case how do we help him regain his power?"
Washu looked away from the screen towards the kenshin. "By restoring his memory."
"But how can we? You said yourself Ryan's memory was taken from him."
"Not exactly."
Ryoko rubbed her forehead. "This is giving me a headache." She said dropping down in the chair situated in front of the computer.
"I know it seems preposterous, but I can assure you Ryan's memory can be recovered. He is a direct descendent of Jurai. The power remaining in him is still there only buried, suppressed by his lack of memory. If we can find a trigger, something to unlock his knowledge, he will regain everything lost."
"And how do you suggest we do that?" Ryoko asked removing her hand to stare up at the short scientist with a questioning gaze.
Washu closed her eyes, her features thoughtful. After a few seconds she spoke. "I have no idea."
"What!" Ryoko cried out in disbelief, falling sideways out of her chair. Jumping quickly back up she added. "That's the best you can do!? "
Washu opened her eyes and looked up at the younger woman. "What do you want? I don't know everything. I need time to think."
"Some nut job is out prowling the universe with the kenshin's power and you say you need time to think! There is no time!"
With a sigh, Washu focused her attention upon Ryan. "Has he said anything to you about what happened? Does he remember anything at all?" She asked.
Ryoko shook her head. "All he remembers is pain. I believe he remembers his assault but he won't talk about it Washu."
The scientist frowned but her eyes gleamed. This is going to be quite a challenge! She thought, excited at the possibility to prove she was yet again the greatest genius in the universe.
Ryoko noticed the look upon the scientist's face and was in no mood to feed her ego. "No experiments Washu." She growled threateningly.
Washu held up her hands and softened her features. "Okay, okay. Relax. I've got an idea." She replied quickly, lowering her hands. "Seeing as how Ryan's remembers only his assault, we will take him to Tirith in the morning. Retrace his steps. Perhaps then he might remember something about his attackers."
"But what do we do for tonight?"
"Tonight I think it best to surround the kenshin with what he's spent the most time around, namely his ship Nozomi. Hopefully it will spark a memory or two. You'll be staying with him of course." Washu said, looking up at the space pirate.
Ryoko looked at her as if she had antlers growing out her nose. "Of course. As if there was any doubt."
Washu smiled gamely. "Yes well, don't push him too hard Ryoko. Who knows what the stress would do to him. He might be able to handle what he sees."
"Yes ma'am." Ryoko said sarcastically. "Is there anything else you want me to do?"
"Yeah. No funny business either. I don't want Ryan confused anymore than he is."
Ryoko's face reddened at the implication. "What do you take me for!? Some kind of animal in heat!" She snapped, fists clenched at her sides.
"You said it not me." Washu said dryly, turning away from the offended space pirate to head toward the kenshin who was surrounded by everyone, engaged in a serious conversation with Lord Yosho.
Ryoko's glared angrily at the retreating scientist. Letting out a long slow breath, she calmed herself, unclenching her fists as she move to join the crowd.
*******
Dinner proved quite animated as Ryan asked countless questions from everyone, particularly Azaka and Kamedaki who explained the origin of kenshin knights and all the unique and fantastical things they could do. Ryan ate it up like a enthralled schoolboy, and Ryoko couldn't help but smile at his boyish enthusiasm as she sat quietly beside him, sipping her tea. But her mind was troubled. For try as she might she could not wash away the darkness that gripped her. What if Ryan never recovers his memory? What if he doesn't care for me anymore? The space pirate lowered her head in dismay. It seemed as if the fates had conspired against her. Robbing Ryoko of any happiness she might enjoy with the man beside her.
"Miss Ryoko are you all right?" Ryan asked in concern, noticing the space pirate's dejected body language.
Ryoko brought her head up and gave him a brave smile. "I'm fine. Just a little tired that's all." She lied, helping herself to another cup of tea.
Ryan frowned, looking down at her hands. They were shaking slightly. Not sure why, the kenshin reached out gently clasped her right arm. "Do not worry miss Ryoko. It will be all right. You'll see."
Tears formed in Ryoko's eyes but she held them back, as Ryan released her arm. Bringing the cup slowly up to her lips, she downed the contents in one gulp then set the cup back down. Standing up she spoke. "Thank you for dinner Sasami, it was delicious as usual. But I think it's time to turn in for the night."
Following her cue, Ryan stood up and offered thanks to Sasami as well, bidding everyone good night.
And with a touch upon Ryan's shoulder the two of them disappeared. Not catching the looks of sympathy aimed their way. They reappeared seconds later outside of Ryan's bedroom. Reluctantly she removed her hand from the warmth of his shoulder, casting her eyes downward as Ryan slowly turned towards her.
"Well..I guess this is goodnight then." He said softly, tilting his head slightly as he studied the woman before him.
"Guess so." Ryoko murmured unable to meet his eyes, unwilling for him to see the tears that threatened to cascade like rain down upon face. His words replaying over and over again in her mind. For despite what he said, it was far from all right. And wouldn't be until the kenshin regained his memory and returned to her healthy and whole.
"Good night Miss Ryoko." Ryan said, opening the door to his room.
"Good night." Ryoko replied, waiting for Ryan to enter his room before turning away and entering the room next to his. Curling up on the strange bed, the space pirate closed her eyes and beckoned the darkness to come, to take her to a place far, far away. To a time not so long ago when Ryan held Ryoko in his arms and told her he loved her.
*********
As the night wore on, Ryan's dreams became restless, full of dark images. Visions of people who had no names. Countless faces crying out in anger, fear, and rage as they clashed upon some ancient battlefield. Some were dressed in armor as gold as the sun that refused to break through the oppressive clouds that hovered low in the sky. Others were outfitted in shiny black armor as dark and more desolate than a moon less night.
Smoke hung heavy in the air, as these two forces collided viciously. A deafening cry of war shouts permeated the air. Sword clashed upon sword, fist upon fist. All too soon the ground was littered with bodies, the blood spreading like water along the field as the relentless pursuit of victory waged on.
Suddenly the kenshin's focus shifted on one soldier who stood taller than the rest, his head hoodless and without protection. His long black hair as dark as the armor he wore. Except now the armor was smeared red. The soldier paid no mind, swinging his blood stained sword expertly at every foe that came his way. But something was different about this soldier. Something terrifying and evil. For this soldier was reveling in the slaughter. A lustful, almost manic gleam in his eye as a sneer formed upon his thin lips. His pale face flushed with excitement.
One soldier, a commander of some kind, rushed forth to challenge this ruthless opponent. The battle was well met but the dark one proved more skillful and in a devastating move, skewered the young man upon his sword. But that was enough for him. He began twisting the blade, literally lifting the smaller soldier off the ground. The dark soldier laughed, enjoying the way the man screamed in agony. With a vicious move, he lowered the man downward before slamming him into the ground. Hovering above him, the dark soldier began to twist the blade again, delighting in the fallen man's cries.
Ryan tried to escape from these images only to find himself no longer a mere observer but an active participate. For now he found himself looking directly up into the cold, merciless eyes of the dark one. The pain spread like wild fire through his body as yet again the dark soldier twisted the blade, only this time the voice that cried out no longer belonged to the fallen soldier but to the kenshin. The scream had become his.
Well I hope you enjoyed that. And sorry again for the delay. In the next chapter, Ryan will regain a small piece of his memory and something he left behind at Tirith. Questions? Comments? Let me know in your review and I'll respond next chapter.