Well I'm still working hard ( yeah right! ) on this story but I'm kind of looking ahead to my next project. I'm not sure if I want to write another Tenchi story or if I should try my hand at any of the other anime series I so dearly love: Yu Gi Oh, Yu Yu Hakusho, DBZ or DBGT for that matter. And of course a Pokemon story wouldn't be bad, (considering I've completed one already.) I just don't know. Perhaps you could help me out, give me your thoughts on what you'd like to see from me next. Well, enough of my thoughts.
Jillian: Thank you for the support! It truly does mean a lot to me when someone reviews.
Chapter 13--A Glimpse Into the Past
Time. He had lost track of time. One hour, two hours. Ryan had no concept how long he had been searching the Caladras Police criminal database, trying to find something, anything that would reveal the names of his assailants. But as the kenshin studied the countless faces of miscreants that paraded in a steady steam upon his screen, he began to lose hope. For when he had entered the information into the databanks, no exact match surfaced. There were however some two hundred possible candidates. Buckling down with a diligence perfected over his lifetime, the kenshin focused his energy, dedicating his mind for a sole purpose. To discover the identity of those who had robbed him of his power and left him to die.
But as time wore on, Ryan grew restless, a sudden doubt creeping into his mind. Perhaps his memory wasn't as intact as he thought it was. Maybe what he thought he seen and what really happened were two different things. And if so, how in the hell could he decipher which were true memories and which were false ones?
A loud rumble erupted behind him, breaking Ryan's concentration. Looking away from the screen, Ryan swung his chair around slowly, the sight that met his eyes much as he suspected. Standing up, he made his way to a large window overlooking part of Caladras. Craning his neck back slightly, the kenshin stared up into the angry sky, blinking as a brilliant flash of lightning traveled within the cumulonimbus blanket that hovered just above the tips of the city's highest buildings followed instantaneously by a wave of thunder that swept through the air, slamming into the kenshin's window with enough force to shake the very frame it was cased within. Rain began to pour from the sky, fast and heavy, pelting the window with such ferocity that Ryan could no longer see anything except a cascading waterfall of nature's tears.
As the power and fury of mother nature raged on, Ryan found himself engaged in a battle of his own. The storm had triggered something, a memory that flooded his consciousness. A memory not his own. Ryan stood still, drawn into the dark abyss. Little by little the darkness began to fade, until the kenshin had become part of the memory. For he was no mere observer but an active participant in a past unknown to him. And in this past, he felt every breath, every movement as if the memory itself had sprang to life.
Rain. He could feel the rain cascading down his body. It penetrated his clothing, soaking his flesh. Tilting his head back , the kenshin stared up into the darkened sky, cringing at the intensity of a lightning flash just above him. A heavy, metallic smell permeated the air causing Ryan to look about him to find the source. The sight that met his eyes paralyzed him. All around him, in pools of crimson, seven people lay. No cries of pain, no movement, nothing to indicate they were still alive. Ryan brought his hand up to rub his disbelieving eyes, jerking his hand away when he felt something slick across his palm. Looking down at his palms, Ryan's eyes widened in horror. It was blood. His hands were covered in blood. The crimson liquid ran down his hands, spreading along his forearms, mixing with the rain that continued to fall. Ryan followed the trail of blood, and realized suddenly his hands weren't the only things smeared with blood. It was everywhere, on his legs, his torso, his neck and his head. No place was left unmarked. The rain had begun to wash away some of it, but could not wash away the stain of fear, could not take away the sudden, intense horror in Ryan's mind. A sudden wave of nausea struck him, causing Ryan to clasp his stomach. Shuddering in revulsion, his mind reeled with possibilities that terrified him to the brink of despair.
What is this?! What have I done?! His mind cried out as he raised his head to the heavens above. What have I done?!
Then just as suddenly as his feelings of desolation sought to consume him, a new sensation emerged, one that had no place on such a sight of carnage. A feeling of elation and excitement coursed through him and it was in that instant, Ryan realized it was not his feelings but another's. One who reveled in pain and destruction. Suddenly Ryan felt himself being ripped away from this strange body, as if an invisible hand had reached inside and yanked him out. He tried to regain control but found himself unable to do so. Someone else was in charge now. And as Ryan focused on the man's face all became clear. It was the same tall, black haired man that had plagued most of the Masaki clan's dreams. Only this wasn't a dream, it was a memory. Ryan was sure of it. Somehow, someway he had gained access to this man's past.
But how is this possible? I don't have that ability anymore.
As if to refute his statement, Ryan winced as he was bombarded with a telepathic onslaught so powerful that he fell to his knees, clasping his head in pain.
Every thought, every emotion slammed into the kenshin's consciousness like a tidal wave, his mind swimming in a sea of rage and anger as the man's thoughts merged with the kenshin's.
How dare those fools try to stop me! Do they not understand my vision. I am the general that brought them victory! It was I, not those kenshin knights, who defeated Jurai's neighboring planets! It was I who brought order out of chaos! And now those insolent children think they can just come to my land and take me by force! Do they not know what I am capable of ! I can control minds! Fools! Look at them. All dead. All but one.
With a focus born of desperation, Ryan shut out the thoughts being infringed upon him. But in his weakened state he could not escape the images, could not turn away from what was about to happen. Like a reluctant spectator, he stood silent, watching, waiting for events to unfold, for some unknown action to take place, and within a few seconds it began.
"You're a little late for the party Renaki of the Kenshin!" The man shouted suddenly, looking up into the turbulant sky . "I know you're here, there's no use in trying to hide. Why don't you come out and face me like a man! Or are you scared you'll end up like your friends here?" He added, looking down at the ground. "It was such fun you know, playing them against one another. Watching them kill each other in the most vicious fashion." He added, grabbing his shirt with his right hand. "Of course I got a little too close to the action and ruined one of my favorite uniforms."
Dropping his hand, the man frowned, as if waiting for some response. When none came, he walked over to one of the fallen bodies and kicked it over, revealing a young woman. Strands of long blue hair clung to a beautiful face that had been untouched by the cruelty inflicted upon the rest of her body.
"Your girlfriend Mai was especially pleasing to watch. She was the first to die. I was quite amazed at her ability to resist my mind control long enough to plead for her friends to stop the madness, to take back control of their minds. And how do you think her plea was answered Renaki? Her friends cut her down. Her last dying breaths were wasted on you. She cried out for you Renkai! Cried out for you to save her!" The general taunted. "How does that make you feel? Knowing that had you been a few minutes earlier you could have saved her. I'm just dying to know!" He shouted out mockingly, his deep voice rivaling the thunder that rolled above him. No sooner had he uttered those words than a man appeared out of nowhere, his fist striking out and connecting with the general's jaw, the force of the impact rocketing him off his feet, sending him upward, his lean body crashing into the vast woodland that surrounded the area.
The man settled his athletic frame down upon the ground, his shoulder length red hair matted down by the constant downpour of rain. But it could not hide the fact that upon the man's brow rested a gold metallic band, a bright red jewel encased within it's center.
The man's neon blue eyes blazed with undisguised fury as he stared hatefully towards the woods. Looking away, his features softened as he gazed sadly down at the woman before him.
"Mai." He whispered, his voice cracking in grief as he knelt down beside her. Reaching out, Renaki tenderly pulled away the matted strands of hair clinging to the woman's slack face. His back turned, the red haired kenshin did not see the general come up behind him. Slowly, Renaki tucked his arms under Mai broken body. Pulling her towards him, the kenshin stood upright, cradling the fallen knight in his arms. He made a step forward only to stop mid pace. Whirling around, Renaki found himself face to face with the general. The black haired man held up his hand and the rage on the kenshin's features vanished, his face suddenly devoid of any emotion.
The general gave a nod.
Lowering his arms, the lifeless Mai fell hard onto the ground.
With a smug look of superiority, the general made a pretend motion of drawing out his sword from his scabbard, placing his right hand before his chest
The kenshin mimicked the movement, his left hand clasping the hilt of his weapon. His eyes were unblinking as he stood still, waiting for the next command.
The general smiled. "Good bye Renaki." He said, making a stabbing motion with his hand.
Renaki engaged his weapon, the blade springing to life but it was not the kenshin who gasped in pain. It was the general.
Looking down, the dark haired man's face grew pale, his features contorted in pain and shock. "It.. It cannot be!" He snarled in disbelief.
Renaki's blade had sliced through the general's hand, it's bright green blade piercing flesh and bone as it traveled through his heart and lungs before exploding out the left side of his back.
Renaki disengaged his weapon. "The only one who is leaving this world is you General Nomaru." He said forcefully, turning his weapon back to it's correct position, sliding the silver metallic device back onto his belt.
Nomaru fell to his knees, clutching his chest, his hands unable to stop the flow of blood that poured from his open wound. Looking up he stared in disbelief at the younger man. "How, how did you.."
"Your not as powerful as you think you are Nomaru, nor as clever." Renaki said calmly, though his face was still hard.
"This is not over yet boy. Mark my words you... will... die.." Nomaru growled with his dying breath before falling forward, his body crashing on the ground with a thud.
"Ryan?"
Ryan lost focus, startled by the sound of his name, reacting in surprise to the sudden physical contact of a hand upon his shoulder. Instantly the memory vanished back into the dark recesses of his mind, replaced by the view of a rain soaked Caladras once more.
"Ryan are you all right?" The voice repeated.
Seeing Tenchi's reflection upon the window, the kenshin didn't turn around. Instead he brought his hand to his forehead, his features pained. "I saw him." Ryan answered slowly.
At first the crown prince said nothing, looking over his shoulder questioningly at his grandfather and the two imperial knights who shook their heads in confusion.
"Who? What man did you see?" Tenchi asked after returning his attention on his friend.
"The man who haunted our dreams last night. General Nomaru. I saw him, inside my mind. I fear he's still there"
The men looked at each other, the confusion on their faces growing greater by the second.
"Who is General Nomaru?" Tenchi asked, voicing what was going through everyone else's mind.
Turning around, the kenshin wasted no time in telling them the details of what he saw.
"I don't understand," Tenchi began still unclear about parts of his story. "You said you witnessed this General Nomaru person's memory."
Ryan nodded.
"But how can that be. You said your power was gone, that you no longer had the ability to see into others minds. And from the sounds of it this man is dead and gone."
"That's true Tenchi and I'm not saying I looked into anyone's mind. Rather I think these memories I've witnessed were transferred to me when I was attacked."
Tenchi frowned. "But, how? How is that possible?"
Ryan began to pace, a look of concentration on his face. "The man who attacked me wore a metallic band with a red jewel encased in it's center." Ryan began voicing his thoughts as they began to form. "The man in your vision last night wore the same band. And there was a man, a kenshin knight who also wore the same identical band. These men are all connected to each other, but how?" Ryan said as he continued pacing, his features troubled. And then it came to him. Stopping his movement, the kenshin brought his hand up and smacked his forehead. "Of course!" He exclaimed. "All the time the answer was in front of me and I didn't see it."
The other men shared a look of confusion which Tenchi vocalized. "What is it? What is the answer?"
Ryan looked at them. "When I first arrived on Calbon, I felt a disturbance. A symbiotic relationship between two beings. Two minds in one body." The kenshin noticed their puzzled expressions and elaborated. "The man who attacked me and the man we both saw in our dreams is the same man."
Tenchi's face brightened. "The band. The band has something to do with it."
Ryan made a 'you got it' gesture with his left index finger, smiling at the crown prince's intelligence.
"In what way kenshin? How does the band work?" Yosho asked stepping forward.
Ryan thought about that, his features falling. "I'm not sure. But there maybe somebody who does." He answered looking away from the group back towards the window.
A knowing look formed on the men's faces. "Washu!" They exclaimed in unison, looking at each other than back at Ryan who stared down at the street. They've been gone a long time now. The kenshin thought, a worried expression upon his face. I wonder where they are?
********
"So is this the place?" Ayeka asked as her maroon eyes took in the dilapidated condition of the building the four of them were standing in front of .
"It is." Ryoko replied distantly, her eyes studying the gray brick intently.
"Looks like a wall to me." Washu said flatly, looking up at the younger woman.
"It's a bit more than a wall Washu. It's the entrance to Kusara's domain."
"Whose Kusara?" Ayeka asked, looking from the wall to the space pirate.
Ryoko moved a few feet to her left, caressing each brick carefully, her brow furrowed in concentration. "A mercenary pirate. Willing to plunder whatever is asked, for a price of course."
"Sounds like a kindred spirit." Washu teased lightly, her features amused.
Ryoko was less than that. "That bastard is nothing like me. After what he did to me, he's lucky his balls are still attached." She answered angrily. Turning to Sasami she said, "Sorry about that kid."
Sasami gave a small smile. "Nothing I haven't heard before."
Ayeka seemed shocked at Sasami's statement but decided now wasn't the time to ask her sister how she came to know such things. Instead she focused her attention on Ryoko. "Why is that? Did you two have a lover's quarrel or something?"
Ryoko didn't take her eyes off the wall. "Maybe I'll tell you over a drink sometime. Right now I'd rather focus on getting this wall to open." She answered softly, tapping on a series of bricks until she had traced the letter K. Immediately, the section of wall began to move up, until a small passageway appeared, dark and foreboding. Without hesitation Ryoko started forward, stopping part way into the passage when she noticed nobody was behind her. Turning around she saw the look of trepidation on their faces. "Don't worry," She said reassuringly. " Just stick close to me and you guys will be okay."
Everyone looked at each other then to Ryoko. With a shrug Washu went in next, followed by Sasami and then Ayeka. No sooner had they entered, then the door slid down, blocking their way out. The darkness that surrounded them quickly changed as lights sprang up along the wall, illuminating a long pathway that ended in front of a large metallic door where several other people stood around, chatting in loud tones as they drank from open neck bottles.
Ryoko started forward. "Remember ladies, stick close together. Show no fear and for the love of God don't speak. Let me do all the talking. This crowd is full of cutthroats and killers. They have no manners and no qualms about snatching you ladies for a little fun if you know what I mean."
"Let them try. We can take care of ourselves." Ayeka said defensively.
Ryoko stopped and turned to her. "I know you can Ayeka. But I need to gather some information from someone. If you get all pissy and start blasting these guys with your energy my shot at getting some answers is ruined. So try not to hurt anyone, at least not until I get what I came for." She said, turning back around.
"Fine." Ayeka replied. "Have it your way. But if any of those pervs touch my butt it's over."
Ryoko held back a smirk. "Deal." She said over her shoulder.
"So what is this place?" Ayeka asked as the group edged closer to the door.
"A bar." Ryoko answered.
"Great." Ayeka grumbled. She hated bars. Hated the smell of greasy men, stale cigarettes and beer. It made her gag every time she thought about it.
Sensing Ayeka's discomfort, Ryoko reassured her. "Don't worry princess. Everything will be fine. Just follow my lead."
Ryoko stopped in front of the door and gave it a resounding hit with her fist. The door shook from the impact and after a few seconds it began to move, creeping slowly but surely until at last the way into the bar opened, revealing a rather large, open room filled with men, women and cigarette smoke. The smell of liquor permeated the air and it was all Ayeka could do to hold down the bile that rose in her throat.
"God I hate that smell." The princess whispered, her features stressed as she stared disdainfully down at the throng of people below her field of vision.
"You're just going to have to focus beyond that Ayeka." Ryoko whispered as the four of them made their way into the bar, stepping slowly down the metal stair case that led to the bar room floor. "I may need your help."
Ayeka nodded. "I'll try."
Straightening her shoulders, Ryoko went into her space pirate persona, her body language strong and unafraid as she led the group onward toward the bar, her eyes and ears alert for the first sign of any trouble. To her amazement, none came. Strolling up to the bar she signaled for the bartender, a tall, wiry man with a bald head and a black goatee. The man gave them a long once over, his eyes traveling down their bodies before coming back up stopping just shy of their necks.
Letting out a disgusted sigh Ryoko said in a stern voice, "You want to take your baby browns off my chest long enough for me to ask you a question."
The bartender gave a sheepish grin, before giving Ryoko his attention. "What is it miss?"
"Have you seen Kusara anywhere?" She asked but before she could get an answer, Ryoko felt someone tap her hard on the shoulder.
"You got a lot of nerve showing your face in here bitch." A gravely voice spit behind her.
The space pirate didn't even bother to turn around. She knew who it was. "Hello to you too Veran." She replied in a relaxed tone. "Have you seen Kusara lately?"
"I don't think you want to talk to him. He didn't take too kindly to you leaving the last time." Veran replied, his voice full of malice. "In fact I don't think you'll make it out of here alive."
"Yeah well, I'll take my chances." She replied, turning around to face him. Her face twisted in revulsion as she took in his features. He was a small but powerfully built man with greasy black hair and an unshaven face. His eyes were set a little too far apart and his nose a little too long. Scars lined his face on both sides and his teeth were as yellow as the beer that flowed from the bar taps.
"Damn Veran." Ryoko said in disgust. "You are an ugly son of a bitch."
Those close by roared in unison, laughing at the small man's expense.
Veran's face turned beet red, embarrassed and angry. "Why you little.." He stammered, bringing his right fist up to strike down the one who had humiliated him.
But Ryoko was quicker and in a lightening fast move blocked his jab and countered with a left hook that caught the small man unaware. Veran was sent to the floor by the impact but bounced back up ready for more. Ryoko complied, hitting him hard, fast, and often. In his face, in his chest, on the sides of his head. With a final blow, Ryoko unleashed a monster uppercut that sent the small man flying up and backward, landing in a crumpled heap clear across the other side of the room.
The bar became strangely silent. Washu, Ayeka and Sasami gazed around, their features hesitant and anxious, wondering what would happen next. Ryoko maintained her fighting stance
as she gazed around the room openingly defying anyone else to attack. "Anybody else want to call me filthy names?"
No response came as the crowd returned to their conversations, ignoring the bloodied and unconscious Veran.
Ryoko relaxed but remained alert.
"Still taking on the world Ryoko?" A voice as smooth as silk whispered from behind her.
Ryoko smiled, pivoting around. "It's been a long time... Kusara."
Well that's it. Another chapter down. Thoughts? Comments? Review and let me know.