Sorry for the delay folks but I've been preoccupied with a college course I've been forced to take by my place of employment. I've chosen the acceleration option for the course but it is time consuming, trying to complete a twelve week class in one fourth the time. So please bear with me.
Chapter 12--An Unexpected Turn of Events
Running. He was running. But from what? From whom? An inky blackness swarmed about him, it's once comforting concealment failing him as the world lit up around him, flushing him out. There was no where to go, no where to hide. In an instant he was surrounded, whirling around as his eyes took in the appearance of his pursuers, their gazes hard and unrelenting. He tried to push them away with a blast of psychic energy but found him strength gone, no longer able to defend himself, his power drained and his body fatigued. Suddenly a bright light erupted before him causing the dark one to clench his eyes and cover his face in agony. When he dared open them again he gasped in shock. There before him stood someone he thought long dead.
"This can't be! I killed you!" The darkness shouted, his features terrified.
The man said nothing, only glared at him as he slowly engaged his weapon and brought it down upon the dark one's forehead, striking his headband and shattering the red stone within it's borders.
The darkness jerked awake, bolting upright in his bed, frightened by what he had seen. Reaching up, his shaky fingers brushed against his headband. Letting out a sigh, he dropped his hand and clenched his fist, angry at himself and his fear.
What is this weakling emotion?! I am a giver of fear, a maker of death. Why should I be afraid of a dead man and his friends?! Their power is nothing compared to mine!
And yet the fear remained steadfast, wrapping itself around his heart like a vice grip. No matter how hard he tried, he could not get rid of the fear. Not rationalization, not anger. Nothing worked. Ripping the covers off , the dark one jumped out of bed, growling in fury as he wrapped a black bathrobe around his naked shoulders. Stalking over to his chair beside the window, the dark one dropped angrily into the seat and crossed his arms, wondering if what he had witnessed was merely a nightmare or a vision of his own demise.
If it was a vision how could the kenshin be alive? I saw him die. I killed him!
But was he really dead? A nagging doubt filtered into his consciousness. Closing his eyes, he concentrated, focusing on the planet of Calbon. But no trace of the kenshin could be felt. Frowning in frustration, the dark one let out his breath in short angry bursts. Cursing himself, the dark one stood up and walked over to his communication monitor. Typing in a series of commands, he hit the send button, then went back to his seat to wait for a response.
******
Ryan stood silent, his mind filled with memories of his past. His life, his whole history flowed in a steady stream of images so real, he could almost reach out and touch them. A welcoming light in the darkness that had laid hold over him, like a friend once lost and now found. A voice called out to him, a voice full of grief and anxiety. He felt a pair of hands resting gently upon his face. Blinking several times, the kenshin's eyes adjusted to the present, his gaze falling upon a distraught Ryoko, who looked at him with frightened eyes.
"Ryan?" She whispered warily, not taking her eyes off him.
Ryoko. She had been so patient with him these past few days. There were many things he wanted to tell her. Things about his past. And how very alike they were. A past filled with pain and suffering. But from the suffering a new hope had arisen. Hope in a better tomorrow. A tomorrow they could share together. He remembered what he had promised, remembered their time together, the trials they had overcome. Yes, it was all clear to him now. He had to tell her. But not here, not now. Something else had to be done first. Giving her a tender smile, Ryan reached up and pressed his left hand over her right one.
Ryoko blinked in surprise, startled by his reaction.
"It is all right Ryoko." He whispered. "Everything is all right now."
Ryan removed his hand, allowing Ryoko to do the same. Lowering her arms she asked, "What all do you remember Ryan? Do you remember me?"
"I remember who I am. What I am."
"And us?" Ryoko whispered.
"I remember everything." Ryan said. "Everything." He added, his voice tinged with pain.
A polite cough erupted behind the kenshin, causing him to turn around.
Finding several pair of eyes staring expectantly at him, Ryan waited for their questions.
"Is that true kenshin? Do you remember us as well?" Tenchi asked, his features full of hope.
Ryan grinned at his friend. "Of course I remember Lord Tenchi. You are my family, my friends. How could I not remember all of you."
At this everyone smiled in relief.
"And your power? Has it returned?" Yosho asked.
Ryan stared at the elder man, his countenance turning grim. "My memory has been restored but the power I once had is gone. In essence, the kenshin is no more."
The priest frowned but said nothing.
"But," Ryan added drawing the entire attention of the clan, "It won't remain that way for long. I will find the man who stole my power and take back what is mine."
Searching out the crowd, his eyes fell upon Captain Valader. "Captain Valader, there is something I need you to do. Something your department can supply me."
The older man nodded. "Whatever you ask of us, we will do."
Ryan smiled. "Excellent. Here is what I need you to do." He said happily, and began to outline his plan.
******
"Did he say how long he was going to be?" Ayeka called out to Ryoko, watching the space pirate march down the steps that led away from the multistoried gray building that housed the Caladras Provincial Police.
Ryoko shook her head, her features disappointed as she came to a stop in front of the Masaki clan. "He doesn't know how long it will take." She answered then added, "He did say that we should enjoy ourselves while we wait. Check out the sights, see what Caladras has to offer."
Ayeka noticed the distress resonating in the space pirate's voice. Worried for her friend she asked, "Is something wrong Miss Ryoko?"
Ryoko shook her head. "It's not important." She said quickly walking past the group and down the bustling sidewalk.
Ayeka cast a sidelong glance at Tenchi who shook his head, unsure what was wrong with their friend. Frowning, the princess began forward, motioning Sasami and Washu to follow.
The crown prince watched her go. "Ayeka where are you going to?" He asked in an uneasy voice.
Ayeka stopped and turned to face him. "We're going to see the sights." She answered with a smile.
"Alone?" Tenchi said, his face etched with worry.
"Don't be silly Tenchi. The ladies and I will be together. Think of it as a girls day out." She replied, laughing lightly when she saw his brow furrow. "Don't worry Tenchi. We can handle ourselves just fine. We'll meet you back here in a couple of hours." She added. Walking up to the crown prince, she gave him a quick peck on the cheek then turned around and ran forward to catch up with Ryoko, Sasami and Washu close behind.
Tenchi started to follow when Yosho grabbed his shoulder.
"Grandpa!" Tenchi cried, turning to face his elder. "What's the big idea?"
Yosho gave his grandson a stern look. "Do you truly love Ayeka?"
Tenchi looked back at his grandfather in surprise, startled by his question. "Of course."
He added a few seconds later.
"Then trust her judgment. Ayeka knows what she is doing."
"But what if she gets into trouble?"
Yosho gave him a wry smile. "I fear more for the safety of those that try to harm her than I do for the princess herself. Don't you?"
Tenchi let out a slow breath and relaxed his stance. "I guess." He replied, looking longingly at Ayeka's retreating figure. "So what are we going to do then?" He asked turning reluctantly back to Yosho.
A simultaneous rumble was heard. Looking down at their stomachs the older men gave a smile and in unison said, "Lunch!" before turning and walking opposite the direction the women had chosen.
The crown prince's shoulders sagged. Letting out a sigh, he marched behind his elders wishing for all the world he was with his better half.
Meanwhile Ayeka had caught up with Ryoko until they were stride for stride. "So where are we going to?" She asked looking sideways at the space pirate.
Ryoko stopped, turning to face the princess. She studied the woman before her and frowned, a thought entering the realm of her consciousness. The space pirate was about to embark on a dangerous mission and Ayeka's abilities would come in handy if she got in a sticky situation. With Sasami and Washu, the risks multiplied and she didn't want anyone hurt. But truth be told, Ryoko welcomed the company. Giving Ayeka a smile, Ryoko began to walk forward once more. "We're going to visit some old friends of mine. I have some catching up to do."
Ayeka smiled back. "Friends huh? Why do I get the feeling we're about to mingle with a less than savory crowd?"
Ryoko smirked. "That would be a correct presumption princess. Are you sure you can handle it?" She teased.
"I can handle anything you throw at me." Ayeka answered, her voice tinged in defiance.
"I hope so." Ryoko murmured, turning right. The group of four headed down the new sidewalk, their eyes taking in the sights before them, gazing in wonder at the bustling crowd of people hustling about, heading in and out of a multitude of shops and cafes the like none save Ryoko had seen before.
"What do we do now?" Ayeka asked, looking from the shops to Ryoko.
The space pirate gave her a wry smile. "Now we eat." She answered heading towards the nearest building. A dark gray establishment, the words Tomakios Bar and Grille glowed a steady neon blue above the glass door.
"I should have known." Ayeka said under her breath as she watched Ryoko enter and with a small sigh followed, Sasami and Washu close behind.
Once settled, their orders taken, the four ladies sat quietly sipping the hot tea the hostess had poured for them. All was silent until Ayeka could wait no more. There was something she'd needed to ask the space pirate. Something nagging at her. Settling her cup back down upon her small plate the princess asked, "What do you think about those dreams Tenchi and the others had? Don't you think it strange that only the men in our group had visions about the same man? I find it rather unsettling."
"Hmm." Ryoko sounded setting her cup down. "I admit it is rather odd. But perhaps Washu could give a better explanation as to what occurred last night." She answered, looking over to the smaller woman.
Washu brought her hands behind her head and smiled smugly. "I knew it was just a matter of time before you guys asked me what was going on."
"So?" Ryoko asked expectantly.
Washu turned towards the space pirate. "It's quite simple really." She said but didn't finish much to the irritation of those around her.
"Why don't you quit pussyfooting around and enlighten us oh smart one." Ryoko commented sarcastically.
Washu narrowed her eyes. "Sarcasm gets you nowhere Ryoko."
"Neither does delaying the answer." The space pirate retorted.
With a sigh the scientist caved in. "Okay, here's my theory." She began, looking to make sure everyone was paying attention before continuing. "First off Tenchi, Yosho and Ryan are all direct descendants of Jurai. As such, their power may allow them to sense any unnaturalness that might occur around them. Most of the time though it would be more of a sense rather than a knowledge of what is going on. This unnaturalness could conceivably manifest itself into the dream realm."
"And Azaka and Kamedaki?" Ayeka asked.
"Azaka and Kamedaki are trained warriors and have close ties to the direct descendants. Perhaps their position allows them to share the visions of those they protect."
Ryoko seemed unconvinced but didn't press the issue, her eyes lighting up as their server brought their lunch.
The four of them ate in companionable silence. Their stomachs full, Ayeka and Ryoko engaged in a conversation about their significant others.
"So tell me Ayeka, have you got past first base yet with Tenchi?" Ryoko teased lightly, nudging the princess's right arm with her elbow, a small snicker escaping from her lips.
"What kind of question is that Ryoko!" The princess admonished the woman before her.
Ryoko didn't even bother to hide her amusement.
"Especially in front of Sasami!" Ayeka added looking over to her younger sister who made an uncharacteristic display of rolling her eyes.
"Good grief Ayeka, I know all about that stuff. I'm not a baby you know." Sasami admonished her older sibling much to Ryoko's chagrin.
Ayeka stood up. "If you will excuse us for a moment." She said curtly, pulling Ryoko up by the arm.
"What?" Ryoko asked, looking down slightly at the smaller woman before her.
Ayeka fidgeted, looking over her shoulder towards Sasami and Washu who gave the princess a small wave before busting out in giggles.
Ayeka narrowed her eyes at them before turning back to face Ryoko. "Not that it's any of your business, but if you must know, we haven't yet thank you very much." Ayeka said defensively, waiting for some sarcastic remark. To her surprise none came.
"Why not?" Ryoko asked, curiosity evident in her voice. "Don't you find him desirable?"
"Of course I do!" Ayeka answered quickly. "It's just.. Well it's just.."
A knowing look spread upon the space pirate's features a silent "Ah.." forming on her lips.
"You're afraid." She said softly.
Ayeka lowered her head. "A little." She conceded.
"Well you shouldn't be. Tenchi would never harm you in any way."
Ayeka looked up. "How do you know. You.. You and he didn't.."
Ryoko smiled but shook her head. "It wasn't from lack of trying on my part though." She answered. "Tenchi is gentle by nature. He takes great pride and care in everything he does. Showing his feelings towards you on a physical level would be no different."
Ayeka's features relaxed but her body posture stiffened as she said. "If I tell you something you promise you won't laugh."
Ryoko made a thoughtful gesture. "Hmm. I don't know. I have been known to laugh from time to time." She replied, trying to lighten the princess's mood.
It worked, for Ayeka rolled her eyes in mock mollification. "Honestly I don't know how Ryan puts up with you."
Ryoko frowned. "Neither to I." She replied in a serious tone before letting loose a small laugh which Ayeka mirrored.
"Okay. I know this sounds archaic but," She paused. "I'm saving myself for marriage."
Ryoko's eyebrows raised slightly but as promised she didn't laugh. "That's an adamant goal." She said, surprising the princess.
"You think so?"
"Of course. Whatever makes you comfortable Ayeka. These kinds of things shouldn't be rushed. If you truly love someone, they should be willing to wait until the time is right and you feel ready to take the relationship to the next level."
Ayeka stared at the space pirate, her opinion of Ryoko rising up a few notches. "I never knew you had thoughts like that."
"Yeah well, don't go telling everyone. I don't want them thinking I've gone soft. I do have a reputation to uphold you know."
"As you wish." Ayeka replied, a smile tugging at her lips. "So tell me Miss Ryoko," She added. "How well do you know the kenshin?"
Ryoko seemed caught off guard by the princess's question but recovered quickly. "A lady never kisses and tells." She answered in mock disdain but could quite pull it off, a smile replacing her frown.
"Come now," Ayeka pressed. "I told you something. The least you can do is give me a hint."
Ryoko pondered the question, taking her time before answering. "Let's just say Ryan hasn't been the only man in my life." She replied giving the princess a cryptic smile before turning and walking back to their table.
Ayeka watched her go, wondering just exactly what Ryoko meant by that. With a shake of her head, she let the matter go and went to join her companions.
After paying their bill, the four ladies made their way out the restaurant only to be greeted by a sight totally different from the one they had first laid eyes upon. The once bustling sidewalks were now bare, save for a few stragglers who seem in a great rush to flee the area. And for good reason. The air seemed heavy, the wind carried an aura of rain, a smell that infiltrated the senses as a distant rumble thundered high above. Looking up, the four saw a great band of dark clouds that choked out the warm rays of the sun, replacing them with a cold that penetrated through the their clothing. Goose bumps erupted upon Ayeka , Sasami and Washu's arms, causing them to rub their affected skin vigorously in an effort to warm back up. For Ryoko, this fast approaching storm served as a symbolic reminder of what she was about to do. And although it was a great risk, it could not be helped. She needed information. Information, Ryan would not be able to get through legal channels. Steadying herself, Ryoko turned to her companions. "Are you ready?" She asked them, a look of determination on her face.
"Yes." Ayeka said without hesitation and without fear.
Washu and Sasami nodded in silent consent. Beckoning them forward, Ryoko spread her arms to the sides. Grasping hold on either side they gave her the signal they were ready.
"Hang on." Ryoko commanded and in a flash they were gone.
******
"Do you have what I requested Tamarac?" The dark one inquired to the man appearing on the screen before him, his features hidden in shadow. Then too, the dark one had sought safety in the darkness that surrounded him, not allowing the man to see his true features.
"Indeed I do." Tamarac replied, holding up what appeared to be a gold disc roughly half the size of his palm. "All the information on the royal family of Jurai is stored within this disc." Tamarac said, his voice oozing contempt, for he was one of the few to escape the symbolic purging of officials who worked under Kagato who had attempted to usurp the throne only to be defeated by Tenchi.
The dark one could see the sneer that formed on Tamarac face as he spit the words" royal family of Jurai, " out of his twisted mouth. The hatred radiated freely around the shrouded man, much to the chagrin of the dark one. With an inward smile the dark one congratulated himself on finding such a unscrupulous man inside the Juraian Information Ministry. Although truth be told it was his contact and subsequent inquiries with Felaris that had led the dark one to Tamarac only a few days ago. This addition of Tamarac to his list of helpful sources furthered his agenda and had set into motion his grand plan for universal domination.
"The dossiers of the entire Masaki clan is stored within this disc. Everything from their favorite food to the brand of underwear they use is inside this little beauty." Tamarac declared, waving the disc back and forth.
"That thorough huh?"
"In a few moments you'll know for yourself. Although I must insist that if we keep meeting like this, you should at least give me your name. I mean, after all, you know mine."
The dark one frowned. He didn't like being told what to do. On the other hand, the dark one was getting tired of not being addressed as anything other than "Sir." Could he risk revealing his true identity? Any trepidation he had soon dissipated. For no one remembered him or the dark deeds he inflicted upon the universe so long ago. Yes. It was time he revealed his true name, his true self. With an air of self importance, the dark one answered. "You may call me General Komaru."
"Well then General Komaru, prepare to receiving the information you requested." Tamarac spoke in a serious and satisfactory tone as he went off screen and was replaced instantly by a stream of information on the very people he sought to destroy. Gazing excitedly at the monitor, Komaru leaned towards the screen and began to read, anxious to fill in the gaps that littered the kenshin's memories. And even more anxious to rid the universe of their presence.
Sorry to end this chapter like that, I know it's kind of sucky but it's been two weeks since I got anything out for you and I know how hard it is to be kept waiting. Thoughts? Comments? Let me know.