Hi guys! Back again for another installment to my ongoing story. Response time.

Akemi Akibi: Yeah I know. R and R are taking up most of my printed word but never fear! There will be some Tenchi and Ayeka moments in the next installments. Truth be told, it's difficult to slip these guys into the story right now since Ryan's memories are all fudged up. Speaking of which, everything will come back to him sooner than you think, although not everything will belong to him.

Metallica Wedo: I greatly appreciate your support. As to Washu's statements, the abilities and powers of a kenshin knight have been stripped from Ryan along with his knowledge on how to harness and execute his power. Having said that, his memory can be restored and with it, knowledge of his lineage as a direct descendent, thus some power remains within him, but it is different than the powers of a kenshin knight.

Onto chapter 11!

Chapter 11--I Remember

Ryoko lay still upon the bed, lost in a untroubled slumber when a loud, piercing sound startled her out of her sleep. The space pirate's eyes snapped open. Bolting upright, Ryoko searched her room frantically, honing her hearing for some sign the noise was real and not some figment of her imagination. Ryoko's heart leaped into her throat and her body became tense when she heard another sound, louder and more gut wrenching then the first. She knew the source of that noise.

Jumping off her bed, the space pirate tore out of the room, smashed the entrance button to Ryan's quarters with the palm of her hand and rushed into his room coming to panicked stop beside his bed. The sight that met her eyes worried her. Ryan lay above his sheets, the heavy comforter kick to the side. Dressed only in the same pair of gray jogging pants she had found him in, his exposed skin glistened with sweat and his body shivered uncontrollably. Ryoko looked beyond the scars, setting her gaze upon his face now pale and twisted in agony. Without thought or hesitation, Ryoko kneeled beside him and clasped his shoulders, shaking him gently.

"Ryan. Ryan please. Wake up." She chanted for several seconds, pleading for him to return to the realm of consciousness, return to her where the darkness had no hold upon him.

But Ryan was still gripped by a dark vision that held sway, causing him to cry out once again, arching his back in pain as he fought against some nameless foe. The sudden movement caused Ryoko to let go of his arms, her features frightened. Unsure of what to do, Ryoko reached out, pulled the kenshin up right, enveloped him into her arms and held him, begging Ryan once more to wake up.

Inside the kenshin's mind, the vision of death and darkness dissipated, the images changing. For no longer did a sadistic soldier stand above him. Instead he found himself staring up into a star filled sky. No sounds of battle, no screams of death filled his ears. Only the sound of crickets and the occasional wisp of wind surrounded him. Feeling a presence nearby, Ryan turned his head slowly to the left. His eyes widened in surprise. For there, beside him, sat Ryoko dressed in a dark tank top and blue jeans. Resting her head upon the back of a cushioned lounge chair, legs stretched out before her, the space pirate stared straight up into the sky, seemingly oblivious to everything around her.

For the longest time he just stared at her, wondering when she would notice his unwavering gaze. Slowly she turned her head and favored him with a smile. A knowing smile that made his heart jump. Ryan smiled back, his eyes lingering on her a few seconds more before he reluctantly turned away, focusing his attention on his surroundings. The sound of laughter floated in the air causing Ryan to lean to the side of his seat and look behind him. A two story house met his eyes, the soft glow of lights illuminating a large wooden deck situated a short distance away. And in sudden realization he knew that house, knew who lived there! Several people stood upon the deck talking softly and acknowledging Ryan with a wave. The kenshin smiled happily and gave a small wave before returning his attention back upon mother nature's awesome display in the clear dark sky. Outside of his mind, his body reacted, the calm, peaceful images soothing his troubled physiology.

Ryoko stared down precariously at the man in her arms, wondering if he was really okay. Ryan's brow unfurled and his body relaxed, leaning heavily against her. His breathing became normal and no more shaking was evident. Still, Ryoko feared to let go. Afraid the kenshin could revert to his prior state if she released her hold too soon. For several long minutes the space pirate held still until at last she deemed it safe to lay him down. Untangling her arms, she settled Ryan back down, covering him with the comforter he had kicked aside. Standing up, Ryoko stared down at the kenshin.

Should I stay here and watch over him or do I risk leaving him alone for the rest of the night? She debated, as she began to pace beside the bed, weighing the pros and cons of her decision. Stopping mid pace, Ryoko let out a long sigh and look down at Ryan once again. To hell with consequences, she thought boldly. Walking around to the other side of the bed, the space pirate settled gently onto the bed and watched her beloved slumber. "Don't worry," Ryoko murmured, reaching out to caress Ryan's cheek. " I won't leave you no matter what."

******

"Hey sleepyhead wake up!"

Ryoko stirred slowly, opening one eye then the next. She struggled to rise, looking around in slight disorientation, her vision blurred. Rubbing to clear her sight, Ryoko's eyes met those of a grinning Ryan who looked down at her.

Instantly she awoke, bolting off the bed. "I'm so sorry Ryan.. I.. That is.. I didn't mean.." She stammered, looking apologetically at the kenshin who fought unsuccessfully to hold back his laughter.

"It's okay Ryoko. I know why you slept here last night." He said lightly.

"You do?"

Ryan nodded. "You were concerned for me. I know I must have woke you up last night. I apologize." He said softly, turning away from the space pirate, who relaxed her features.

Ryoko's eyes followed Ryan's movement, watching as the kenshin walked over towards a small counter by his closet. Upon it sat a small white carafe that the kenshin lifted, pouring a clear fluid into the glass tumbler that sat beside it.

"Would you like a glass of water?" He offered, holding up the carafe.

Ryoko nodded, moving to stand beside the kenshin.

Ryan held out the glass he had poured which she accepted before lifting another glass and filling it.

Looking down at her glass Ryoko spoke. "You were screaming in your sleep last night."

"There is no need to explain Ryoko." Ryan interrupted.

"I feel that I must, "Ryoko insisted, meeting Ryan's curious eyes. "Last night, you scared me half to death. I..tried to wake you but you didn't respond. You were shivering so badly and you seemed in such pain. I had to help you somehow. I had to stay with you to make sure you were okay."

Ryan gave her a pained smile before looking away. "I was in pain Ryoko. A dark vision plagued me. A vision so real I felt every twist of the blade imbedded in my flesh. Each second seemed an eternity of torment. Each wave of pain washed over me like a white hot fire from which I could not escape." He said slowly, letting out a long, shaky sigh.

Unable to help herself Ryoko asked, "What did you see?"

Gathering himself, Ryan answered. "A dark battlefield entrenched with bodies. Nothing was recognizable to me. Not the men, not the land, nor the time period. But there was a man, a man in black armor who slaughtered all in his wake. But he was unlike any soldier I have ever met or known. He reveled in it Ryoko! He thoroughly enjoyed killing those men! I tried to look away, tried to block out the vision but I was powerless against him. I too became part of the dream and was soon battling this monster in the body of a man. But I was weaker and was impaled by his sword. I couldn't defend myself. All I could do was scream as he twisted the blade. I felt death was near, my vision began to fade." Ryan paused, turning back around, his eyes meeting Ryoko's, holding her gaze.

"And then I felt you in my mind Ryoko. Your presence pierced the darkness that surrounded me, driving it away, back to the hell that spawned it. I found myself looking not into the cold, soulless eyes of a sadistic killer but up into a star filled sky. You were with me. I remembered something Ryoko. I remembered that moment when we sat watching the stars on Tenchi's home world of Earth."

Ryoko's eyes widened, too astounded to speak.

"I also remember what Tenchi's house looks like. I even remember a little about it's occupants. " He finished, a look of bliss etched upon his face which Ryoko matched.

This was good news indeed. Hope filled Ryoko as she rushed forward and hugged the kenshin, laughing happily. Ryan smiled, joining in the space pirate's laughter, wrapping his arms around her.

A loud beep interrupted their celebration.

All became quiet as Ryan released Ryoko and headed to his door.

With the push of a button the door slid open.

"Good morning kenshin." Washu greeted with a smile, peering past Ryan. Her smile faded. Eyes narrowing, she looked hard at Ryoko who stood a few feet away.

"What?" Ryoko said defensively, catching the suspicious look Washu fixed upon her.

Returning her eyes upon Ryan the scientist asked, "She didn't try to get fresh with you last night did she?"

"I heard that Washu!" Ryoko snapped from behind an amused Ryan.

The kenshin tried hard not to laugh at their exchange. "Nothing happened Washu." He said, flashing Washu with an angelic smile.

"Hmm." Washu said. "Very well then. We leave for Tirith in ten minutes. I trust you'll be ready by then Ryoko?" She said sternly, noticing the space pirate disheveled clothing.

"Yeah, yeah. I'll be ready."

"Good. Then I just take the kenshin and we will meet you outside." Washu added, clasping the kenshin's arm and dragging him outside into the hall before Ryoko could protest. With a irritated sigh, Ryoko dematerialized from Ryan's room, reappearing aboard the Akuna for a fresh change of clothes.

*****

"What are you thinking about Tenchi?" Ayeka asked softly to the crown prince who sat beside her, the two of them situated near the front of the transport ship the entire clan had boarded a few minutes earlier.

Tenchi turned his head to face her, settling his troubled gaze upon her pretty features. "I'm concerned Ayeka. Concerned and troubled about a lot of things."

Ayeka frowned. "What's wrong Tenchi? You know you can tell me. What is troubling you so?" She asked entwining her hand with his own.

Tenchi looked down at their hands and smiled. "I know I can trust you Ayeka, I just don't want to burden you with my thoughts."

"It not a burden my love. Nothing you can say would burden me. So please, tell me. What is the matter?"

Tenchi sighed. "Last night I had a strange dream. In it I saw the demise of every living thing in existence."

"Everything died in your dream?" She asked in horror.

Tenchi shook his head. "Many died, but that's not it. I saw everyone swearing allegiance to a man. A man I've never seen before. Tall and lean. With long dark hair and cold black eyes. He wore a band of gold upon his head with a blood red jewel encased within it's center. He must have been a king or ruler of some kind. He bent people to his will and dominated their thoughts until they became slaves to his bidding. Maiming, killing, destroying whatever he wished. And this man enjoyed it Ayeka. That's what frightened me the most."

Ayeka looked at Tenchi in concern. "Perhaps it was just a bad dream?"

"That is what I thought at first. But when I talked with grandfather he told me he had a similar dream. Azaka and Kamedaki had the same experience. That hardly qualifies as coincidence. I fear who ever stole the kenshin's power has only begun. Something dark is about to happen. Something evil we may not be able to stop."

Ayeka lowered her head. "I hope that's not the case." She whispered, her voice tinged with fear.

"So do I. However, I can't help but feel unless Ryan's memory is restored soon it may be too late." He said then asked, " You didn't by chance have a dream like the one I described did you Ayeka?"

Shaking her head Ayeka replied, "I can't remember what I dreamed last night Tenchi, I was so tired I zonked out the minute my head hit the pillow."

Frowning Tenchi looked away, saying nothing.

Bringing her eyes back up Ayeka asked, "Did you ask Ryan what he dreamt last night?"

Tenchi looked over his shoulder, focusing his gaze upon the kenshin who gave the crown prince a smile and a wave before engaging in a conversation with Ryoko who sat in the window seat, her eyes focused on something outside. Tenchi smiled quickly then turned around, his attention once more on the princess. "He seems so happy right now, I didn't want to spoil his mood."

Ayeka nodded. "Do you think this trip will help him remember anything?" She asked, changing the subject.

"I hope so Ayeka. For his sake as well as our own."

Ayeka squeezed Tenchi's hand and smiled tenderly. "Don't worry Tenchi. Our friend will be all right. And we'll be all right too."

Tenchi brought Ayeka's hand up to his lips, kissing it tenderly before lowering it once more. The prince and princess rested their heads together and said no more, enjoying each other's company in companionable silence.

"They seem close." Ryan said, hoping to engage Ryoko in a conversation, the lingering silence that hung between them becoming unbearable.

Ryoko, did not waver in her gaze, for she knew who the kenshin was talking about. "They are." She replied softly, her voice distant.

Frowning Ryan asked, "Is something troubling you Ryoko?"

"Why do you ask?"

"I don't know. It's just that you seem lost in your own little world. Not that long ago you were laughing. You seemed so happy and now.."

Turning away from the window, Ryoko looked at the kenshin, her voice curious. "And?"

Ryan tilted his head, studying the lady before him. "And now you seemed, well, depressed. Why?"

"Because I know what lies ahead for you. The place we are traveling towards is the site of your assault. You almost died at Tirith Ryan. The memories you'll experience, if you experience them, will be painful and intense. I can't bear to see you in pain, so I'm trying to ready myself for that potentiality."

Ryan straightened his frame but said nothing, only nodded and left Ryoko alone with her thoughts as Captain Valader steered the ship straight towards Tirith.

*******

The transport ship landed on the outskirts of Tirith, it's passengers departing silently into the fresh air. Sunlight was denied them as a band of dark clouds hung low in the sky. Before them a vast expanse of wooded land met their searching eyes. No sound entered their senses, no signs of life met their eyes.

Looking up, Captain Valader spoke. "Looks like it's going to rain soon. We could do this at another time."

All eyes focused on the kenshin who shook his head. "No. I need to do this." He said softly bringing his steady gaze upon the smaller man who nodded.

"Very well. I'll take you to the site were you were found." The captain replied, turning away. He disappeared into the heavy woodland before them. Ryan went in next, followed by Ryoko, the rest of the clan close behind.

"How far are we from the site?" Ryan asked, walking a pace behind the smaller man.

"About a quarter-mile." Valader answered looking down at his watch. "I would have gotten closer to the site if I could but there is no open space large enough for a ship." He added, tearing his gaze away from his watch he peered over his shoulder to look at the kenshin. Noticing Ryan's pale features, he asked, "Are you all right."

The kenshin continued walking but his features seemed distant and it was a long time before he answered. "No I'm not. But we must press on. Don't stop on account of me sir. Continue forward."

Valader frowned, unhappy at the request but obliged turning his attention forward once more.

The exchange was not lost on Ryoko, who came up beside the kenshin her features tightened. She knew something was going on with Ryan. "What is it? What do you see?" She asked.

But Ryan could only shake his head, the flashbacks getting stronger the closer he got to the site. Images of fire and smoke, men screaming orders and laser fire filling the night air. He knew these were memories of events that had happened in Tirith.

The clan cleared a small hill and stopped. For the wood had gave way to a huge, opening where no opening had a right to be. Gasping in awe, everyone stared down at a huge crater surrounded by blackened earth. A crater that could only be made by a huge energy burst.

How in the hell did he survive an explosion of this magnitude?! Ryoko thought incredulously as she moved slowly to the side, never taking her eyes off the crater, if she had she would have noticed the kenshin walk away from the group, his eyes focused skyward where a cliff stuck out prominently just behind the ruined earth.

"Hey Ryan, how did you.." Ryoko began, her voice trailing off when she turned around and saw the kenshin gone. Whirling in every direction, Ryoko's heart pounded frantically. He was here a second ago Dammit! He couldn't have just disappeared. "Ryan where are you!" She shouted drawing the attention of everyone else who searched the area with troubled gazes.

Closing her eyes, Ryoko concentrated, trying to seek out his energy. In the short time she had been with him, she had become somewhat familiar with his different energy signal. Suddenly Ryoko's eyes snapped open and in a triumphant grin she murmured, "Gotcha!" and dematerialized from the rest of a stunned group.

Ryoko dematerialized a few seconds later upon the top of the cliff, just behind the man she loved. His back was turned and he seemed not to know she was there.

Ryoko opened her mouth to speak but before she could say anything Ryan fell to the ground upon his knees and clasped his head, crying out in pain. Rushing forward, Ryoko fell down beside him, hear features a mix of fear and horror as she cried out, "Ryan what is the matter! Tell me!"

Ryan couldn't respond, his jaw clenched so tight that not even the air he breathed could escape.

"Ryan please! Let me help you! She cried out desperately, stretching her arms outward, wrapping them around him , offering comfort and protection.

As had happened the night before, Ryan's body began to relax, the strength and resolve of Ryoko's love beating back the tide of pain and darkness that threatened to overwhelm him. Letting out a long, shaky sigh Ryan rested against Ryoko, opening his eyes once more. Blinking several times, Ryan found the strength to stand, moving away from Ryoko who looked up at Ryan in confusion.

Holding out his hand, Ryoko reached out and grabbed it.

Lifting her up, Ryan gave her a grateful smile. "Thank you Miss Ryoko. Once again you brought me back to reality, away from the pain of my past."

Frowning Ryoko asked, "What the hell just happened here Ryan? What happened to you, is it like what happened last night?"

Ryan was about to answer when a rustling noise startled her and she turned around to find the rest of the clan standing a short distance behind her, staring irritably at the space pirate and the kenshin, about to reprimand them when Ryan spoke up. "I remember what happened that night. I remember who did this to me."

The kenshin's proclamation made everyone forget how upset they were.

"Who did this kenshin? Was one of them a tall man with long dark hair and a blood red jewel encased in the center of a gold head band?" Tenchi blurted out, unable to resist asking.

Ryan stared intently at Tenchi. "No. The man who attacked me was short with white cropped hair. But he had a head band exactly like the one you describe. How the hell did you know that?"

Tenchi noticed the stern look his grandfather gave him but decided to answer. "In a dream last night. A dream shared by Azaka, Kamedaki and grandfather."

Ryan looked away, his features troubled.

"Tenchi's description sounds similar to the soldier you dreamt about last night Ryan." Ryoko said, looking away from the clan towards the kenshin.

"Is that true Ryan?" Yosho asked, stepping forward.

Ryan nodded. "But what does this mean Lord Yosho. How is it possible we all had similar visions of the same man?"

Yosho appeared thoughtful. "It may be an omen of some kind. An omen that something is about to happen."

"If it's anything like I saw last night, the omen is a bad one." Ryan said, describing what he had experienced.

When he had finished, everyone frowned.

"Enough about what happened last night, I want to know what just happened to Ryan." Ryoko voiced in frustration, looking expectantly at the kenshin who drew in a breath before answering, revealing the details of his assault.

When he was finished, Ryoko asked. "Did these two men have names?"

Ryan thought long and hard, trying to remember. But he could only shake his head, looking away angrily. Suddenly his face perked up and he took off down the left side slope leaving a bewildered group behind.

"Not again." They huffed in unison heading back down to the crater.

When they arrived they found the kenshin staring at a long metallic cylinder just inches from his face.

"Ryan be careful! That's a dangerous weapon!" Ryoko cried coming up beside him.

Ryan ignored her, his gaze becoming distant as a new voice met his ears and a memory long past came back to him. When he looked down , the hands that held the device were no longer large and strong but small and childlike. The voice he heard was deep and full of pride. Looking up from the object, Ryan's eyes met those of a man who looked familar to him. And in sudden realization he knew it was his father speaking to him.

My son. The weapon you hold in your hands has been passed down from generation to generation, usually to the oldest child. The ancestor who made that weapon was a powerful being, able to do things well beyond the realm of normal beings.

What is it papa?

The man gave a paternal smile and held out his hand.

Ryan reluctantly placed the object in the man's hand.

The man backed away and held the object to the side.

Instantly a green blade of energy burst forth, mesmerizing the little boy that was once Ryan.

It is a weapon fed by the energy within you Ryan. Each of us has slight variations of this energy. This sword recognizes only the descendants of Nagashi as rightful users. It will not work for anyone else. That makes it unique and invaluable. You must always take care of it, for there is no other in existence for you to wield. Someday you will need to use it. The man answered relaxing his features. The blade disappeared as quickly as it had been created.

The man handed the weapon back to Ryan and backed away.

Your turn son. He said with a smile.

The little boy mimicked his father and after some effort, the blade erupted outward.

Instantly the vision vanished and the kenshin found himself in the present where the blade once more sprang to life, bursting from the device much to the amazement of everyone around him.

With a smile, Ryan remembered. Remembered something about himself. He was more than just a man. He was a direct descendent of Jurai. A man able to push himself beyond the limits of normal beings. And with a certainty he had not felt before, the kenshin disengaged his weapon and hung it upon his belt.

I wasn't very happy with this chapter, but at least I have something for you. Writer's block has struck again. I'm finding it very difficult to move forward with this story. But I suffer for my work. I will continue forward even if it kills me. Next chapter I'll get back to the Koba situation and the painful past of Ryan will be revealed. Questions? Comments? I'll respond next chapter.