Akemi Akibi: My loyal reviewer has returned! Cool! Because I like you so much, I've decided to comply with your wishes (for the most part that is.) Read on to see if I met your demands.
Jillian: Thanks once again!
Chapter 14-- The Hunted
Ryoko smiled, pivoting around. "It's been a long time.. Kusara."
Washu, Ayeka and Sasami gasped. "That's Kusara?" They murmured in unison. Eyes wide, the trio stood frozen in their spots, totally captivated by the physical appearance of the man near Ryoko.
Kusara was tall, nearly a head above Ryoko who stared up at him, her features neutral, her eyes revealing nothing. He hasn't changed at all. The space pirate thought, studying her former colleague.
His hair was impeccably groomed, the dark red strands styled back, save for his bangs which hung in two arched strips, framing his smooth, perfect face. He wore an emerald silk shirt that hung open revealing a dark blue tank top that strained against his sculpted chest and abs. Hands stuffed in the pockets of slacks as black as the dress shoes he wore, Kusara looked like a male model straight from a fashion magazine, posing for his next snapshot.
Kusara noticed Ryoko's lingering gaze and flashed her a roguish smile, his bright gray eyes shining like silver, an expression of amusement gracing his handsome face.
"Indeed it has Ryoko. I haven't seen you in almost five years." The red haired man replied softly, shifting slightly when he heard giggling behind him. Turning his head, Kusara glanced over his left shoulder. Ryoko looked past him, her gaze falling upon the three women ogling the handsome pirate.
Oh brother. She thought with a roll of her eyes.
"Do you really think it wise to bring the princesses of Jurai and the scientist Washu along with you into such a place as this?" Kusara asked, returning his attention to Ryoko.
Narrowing her eyes, Ryoko asked, "And just how is it you know who they are?"
Kusara looked at her incredulously. "My dear Ryoko, have you forgotten your face was plastered all over the universal news channels along with those three ladies over there about four years ago?" He replied. Tilting his head back, the pirate's face grew thoughtful. Bringing his right hand up, Kusara began to tap his perfect lips with his index finger. "As I recall you were labeled political dissidents who attempted a coup d'etat on Jurai."
Ryoko snorted. "You know as well as I do that was all the impostor Kagato's doing. We played no part in that." She said, crossing her arms defensively.
Kusara brought his gaze down upon her, dropping his hand to the side. Letting out a small chuckle he said, "Relax Ryoko, I'm just teasing you." Shaking his head he added, "God, you've grown so serious since we last saw each other."
"I've changed more than you realize Kusara."
Kusara's face fell. Cocking his head to the side, he studied Ryoko for a few seconds before shifting his gaze over to the unconscious Veran slumped against the far wall. "So I see." He murmured softly. "Just out of curiosity, what did Veran do?"
Ryoko looked over her shoulder. "I don't like being threatened."
Kusara looked back at her, frowning. "What did he say to you?"
"He told me I wouldn't make it out of here alive."
Kusara rolled his eyes. "What an idiot." He said in disgust. "And just when I thought he couldn't get any stupider." Looking to his right, the red haired pirate's eyes settled on a table tucked away in the corner. Two men sat in silence staring down at the drinks with dark expressions upon their countenances. One of the men looked up from his libation, making eye contact with Kusara who made a motion with his head. The man slapped the arm of his friend seated to his right who also looked up from his drink. Without hesitation, the two men stretched up to their full height, sliding the chairs away from the table. They walked over to the unconscious Veran and lifted him off the ground. Moving forward, they quickly past by, heading straight for the entrance steps of the bar.
"He also mentioned about you being very upset at my leaving."
Kusara's eyebrows shot up. "He said that?"
Ryoko nodded, studying his face.
Looking away, Kusara let out a long sigh. "I was." He admitted in a whisper before turning back to face her. "You left so abruptly, I didn't get a chance to explain."
Ryoko gave a "Hmph." and shook her head. "Did you'd really think I would stay around to listen. Nothing you could have said to me would have corrected the damage you did. I had to leave. It was just better that way."
"But you never returned Ryoko and that bothered me. I hated you going away with so much anger towards me."
Ryoko's face grew dark. She was about to make a retort when a burst of green energy filled the room casting everyone in an eerie bright light.
"Crap." Ryoko murmured looking past Kusara to the source of the light.
There, near the bar, Ayeka had let forth her energy, her eyes flashing dangerously, fixated on the two men with dark greasy hair and equally dark clothes stood trembling before her. With a swipe of her hand, the princess sent the men flying back, their bulky bodies crashing hard on top of a large round table, the force of the impact splitting the table in two. Ayeka powered down and rushed over to them grabbing both by the front of their shirts she shook them hard, all the while yelling into their dazed faces, "Don't ever touch my butt again you creeps! You got that!"
The two men gave a sigh before passing out. Ayeka let go of their shirts, dusting off her hands as she walked back towards her sister and Washu who stared at her in disbelief.
An expression mirrored by Kusara. "Remind me never to upset your friends." He said nervously.
Ryoko covered her face in embarrassment. Slowly she lowered her hand, her features apologetic. "I'll pay for the table of course." She said before motioning the three women to come forward with an angry inward swipe of her hand.
But Kusara didn't respond, his eyes still wide as he watched the trio advance upon him.
Ryoko wasted little time, introducing the ladies quickly to Kusara who had finally recovered from his shock, favoring each of them with a formal bow before leading them to the now abandoned table in the corner. Pushing the drinks to the center of the table, the red haired man rested his hands before him. Once everyone was settled, he began. "Now ladies, what is so important that you would grace this establishment with your lovely presence." He asked, flashing them his most gallant smile.
Washu, Ayeka and Sasami gazed at him in total adornment, demure smile upon their lips.
This went on for a few seconds more before Kusara winced in sudden pain.
"Knock it off. I didn't come here to watch you flirt." Ryoko growled.
Kusara reached down to rub his bruised shin. "Okay, okay! Man!" He said hastily. "Is she always this fun?" He asked, drawing his attention back on the princesses and the scientist.
"Not always." Washu deadpanned, earning her a death glare from the space pirate who turned her attention back upon Kusara.
"We came for information. Information you could give."
"What kind of information?" He asked, bringing his hand back up to the table.
"The attacks on Calbon."
Kusara face grew serious, his posture stiffening. "I know about it. But what does this have to do with you four?"
Ryoko looked down at her hands a move mirrored by her friends. "There was a man. Someone very close to me who was assaulted and left for dead. I.." Ryoko paused, struggling to find her voice. "We need to find out who did this and stop them before it's too late."
Kusara searched her face, his brow furrowed. "Too late for what?"
"Too late to save the universe." Ryoko answered, looking up.
Kusara let out a laugh. "You're joking right?" His laughter quickly faded when he saw the somber looks being tossed his way. "Oh God, you're serious aren't you?"
Everyone nodded.
Kusara face grew serious. "Okay." He said slowly, clasping his hands in front of him. "What is it you think I know that can help you?"
"The attacks were carried out with the help of neural inhibitors. Giving your profession I figured you may have some idea who sold them."
Kusara shook his head. "Believe it or not Ryoko, there are no inhibitors on the criminal market."
Ryoko frowned. "What do you mean? "
"I mean that wherever the attackers got their supplies it wasn't by illegal means. Trust me I deal in stolen goods and no one even made an inquiry about neural inhibitors. They're such a rarity, what with them in illegal weapons storage via Jurai's security administration I'm afraid the only way they could have gotten their hands on them would have been from inside Jurai itself."
Ryoko's face paled. This was bad. Very bad. "Shit." She murmured, cursing her bad luck.
Kusara's face grew thoughtful. "Your friend's name. What is it?"
"Ryan." Ryoko replied, looking at him. "Why?"
"The kenshin knight?"
Ryoko narrowed her eyes, casting him with a suspicious glance. "What do you know about him."
Kusara stood up suddenly. "I'll be right back." He said with a cryptic smile, turning and heading nimbly up the steps that led to his office, opening and closing the door quickly.
"What was that all about?" Washu asked.
Ryoko shrugged her shoulders. "I have no idea."
As promised, Kusara returned a moment later, hands in his pockets. Sitting down, the red haired pirate brought his right hand up, laying his palm flat on the table. Slowly he slid something over towards Ryoko. Lifting his hand, the space pirate looked down to find a small black case a few inches from her fingertips.
"What is this?" She asked, looking up from the case to Kusara who smiled at her.
"Information." He replied.
Ryoko reached out and palmed the case. "Thank you." She whispered, sliding the case into her pocket.
Kusara leaned forward, his voice grave. "I must warn you Ryoko, the information I've given you puts not only me but you at risk as well."
Ryoko frowned. "What is it?"
Kusara shook his head. "That is something best suited for you to find out." He replied eyeing the growing crowd of people filtering into the bar. "Too many people may be listening. People that could spell trouble for you and your friends."
Ryoko caught the hint and rose. "Don't worry Kusara. We can handle ourselves or did you forget that little display of Ayeka's earlier."
Kusara smiled but it didn't reach his eyes. "Your friends are not the only ones with power. Remember that Ryoko." He warned.
Ryoko nodded walking away from the table, the other three women following suit. She stopped when she heard Kusara call out her name.
"Ryoko."
Ryoko turned around.
"For what it's worth, I'm sorry."
The space pirate studied him for a few seconds, wondering whether or not he was sincere. Satisfied by the look in his eyes, she nodded to Kusara, acknowledging his apology before turning back and heading up and out of the bar, Washu, Ayeka and Sasami quickly following suit. They pushed through the crowd that stood outside the bar, all four sticking close together, emerging a few seconds later into the darkened hallway lit only by a row of yellowish lights.
Ryoko led the pack, her thoughts troubled as she continued forward, edging ever closer to the door that led out into the alleyway the had entered sometime earlier.
I wonder what has Kusara all nervous? She thought, stuffing her hand into her right pocket, slowly retrieving the black case the red haired pirate had given her. What information is so valuable and dangerous, that he didn't want to reveal it personally?
The incessant sound of whispering filtered through her muse, her heightened ears picking up the distinctive sounds of giggling and then something else. Some sound that made the hair on the back of her neck rise up. The air grew heavy and it was all the space pirate could do not to bolt from the dread that creeped into her heart and sent shivers down her spine. They were being watched. But by whom. Ryoko slowed, focusing her senses, trying to find the source of her discomfort. The background noise of her friends proved too much for her and with a quick whirling motion she whispered in a low, chastising tone, "Quiet."
The three ladies complied, looking at Ryoko with worried faces.
Ayeka stopped beside the space pirate. "What is it? What's wrong?" She ask, studying her friend's focused features.
"We are being watched." She said softly, her sharp eyes searching the peripheral darkness as if expecting someone to emerge. But no threat came.
Letting out an angry sigh, Ryoko motioned everyone forward then spread her arms wide. "Let's get out of here."
Grabbing hold the four ladies vanished with a soft whooshing sound. No sooner had they left than a figure emerged from the darkness, his stature small and his features hidden by shadow.
"I have them in my sights." He whispered softly into the darkness.
But the voice that responded could only be heard in the man's head. You have done well Sunuka.
"What are your orders General?"
There was a pause and then the voice inside his head spoke. Follow them. If the kenshin is still alive, then they will lead you right to him.
"And if he is alive? "
Whatever your heart desires Sunuka. Just make sure he stays dead.
At this, Sunuka's eyes began to glow the color of fire, his features malicious. "As you wish General Nomaru." And with a poof of smoke, the small man vanished.
*****
Calbon's sky was ablaze with a soft red light, the setting sun hovering along the horizon. Dusk was approaching and with it the darkening shades of night. For the men of the Masaki clan, the beauty of heavens splendor brought no comfort. Fear and trepidation dominated their thoughts as they wondered where their friends and loved ones were. They needn't have worried. For a few moments later, the space pirate and her three companions materialized below the steps that led up to the Caladras Provincial Police Station.
Ryan and Tenchi gave loud sighs of relief before smiling at those before them, both men' s gazes lingering upon their respective girlfriends who matched their smiles.
Tenchi leaped down the steps that separated him from Ayeka and wrapped his arms around her. "Thank God you're all right!" He said happily, holding the princess close to his chest.
Ayeka stifled a giggle, returning his hug briefly before pulling back. "Of course I am silly, why wouldn't I be?"
Tenchi laughed nervously. "I know that Ayeka. It's just.. well I miss you that all."
Ayeka shook her head and laughed. "I missed you too."
Tenchi pulled her close once more and brushed his lips against her forehead.
Ayeka sighed, letting the crown prince show how concerned he was for her.
Washu and Sasami walked past the lovebirds, smirking at the overt display of affection the crown prince was lavishing on the princess. They came to stop beside Azaka who, along with his comrade Kamedaki and Lord Yosho, wore smirks of their own.
Ryoko on the other hand made no attempt to move, her eyes meeting and locking onto the kenshin's. She smiled softly as she watched him descend slowly down the steps, stopping just above her. As she stared up into his eyes, into the blue pools that reflected a look of love and devotion, she felt her face flush. Looking down at the ground in sudden interest, she avoided his gaze but could not escape the sound of his voice.
"Miss Ryoko whatever are you blushing about?" He asked, his tone full of merriment.
Ryoko forced her eyes to meet his. The light remained in his eyes. It wasn't an illusion. Her heart leaped at the sight. But she made no outward show to acknowledge this. Instead, she crossed her arms and turned away from him. "I wasn't blushing, it's windburn you jerk." She said in mock anger.
Ryan let out a laugh, not taking her seriously. "Whatever you say Ryoko."
Ryoko turned around, her features hard but as she looked up at her beloved his smile was so warm and tender that she found herself calming down instantly, her lips curving up into a smile. "Okay, maybe I was blushing. " She relented a few seconds later. "It's just that it's been so long since you looked at me like that, I didn't know how to react."
Ryan looked away suddenly, hiding his eyes from her. "I'm sorry." He said softly. "I didn't me to bring you any discomfort. It was wrong and I apologize."
Ryoko shook her head. "It wasn't discomforting at all Ryan. In fact," she said with a pause as she closed the gap between them. "It had quite the opposite affect." She whispered into his right ear.
Ryan returned his attention back upon her, his eyes studying hers. Ryoko held his gaze. With a small sigh, the kenshin rested his forehead against hers and closed his eyes.
"Hey! Are you two lovebirds done yet? Nighttime is creeping up on us and we have yet to tell them what we've found out." Washu's impatient voice traveled through the air, ripping through the bonds of closeness the pair had formed.
Moving away from Ryoko, Ryan turned. "What are you talking about Washu? What have you four been up to? I trust there were no problems?" He asked looking around the group.
The ladies shook their heads. "Nothing we couldn't handle but Ryoko here has something to tell you, don't you Ryoko?" Washu said, turning to the space pirate who narrowed her eyes.
I hate it when she does that! Her mind growled as she looked back to Ryan who eyed her. Reaching into her pocket, Ryoko pulled out the small case Kusara had given her. "I paid a visit to an old friend. He assured me that the contents within this case could help us in our search." She said, handing it over to Ryan who eyed it with great interest.
"What did your friend say was in it?" Ryan asked, still staring at the case.
"He wouldn't tell me. But I have a feeling it deals directly with you."
Ryan frowned. "And just where did you go to get this?"
Ryoko hesitated in telling him. For the kenshin was well aware of her connection with the red haired pirate. With a heavy sigh, Ryoko answered. "Kusara's domain."
Ryan's head jerked up, staring at her in disbelief. He started to speak only to close his mouth once more, too shocked to verbalize his thoughts. Turning away slowly, Ryan started up the steps only to stop when Ryoko reached out and clasped his arm. "Please understand Ryan. I had to see him. He deals in stolen goods. I thought he might know something about the neural inhibitors used in the attacks." She said quickly, her eyes full of pain and regret.
Ryan turned back towards her, his voice cool and businesslike. "And what did he say?"
Ryoko lowered her hand, trying her best not to feel upset with his sudden coolness towards her. "He said whoever got a hold of the inhibitors could only have done so from inside Jurai itself. There are none for sale on the black market."
A worried expression spread along the kenshin's face, but was quickly replaced by a passive one. "We'll have to look into that." He said slowly before turning around and walking up the steps towards Washu, who like the rest of the clan, had watched the display between the kenshin and space pirate with concern and curiosity. The scientist watched Ryan advance towards her, his hand held up, the case between his index finger and thumb. "In the meantime, I suggest we find out what is on this disc." Ryan continued, placing the case into Washu's outstretched hand. "There is one more thing I need you to research Washu."
Washu looked up at him, her eyes questioning. "What is it kenshin?"
Ryan relayed the events that had transpired sometime earlier. When Ryan was finished, the short scientist shook her head. "I have never heard of such a thing Ryan but I will check it out for you of course."
Ryan nodded his thanks then twisted to the side when her heard the sound of hands being clapped. His eyes met those of Yosho who tilted his head back to look up into the darkening sky.
"I think it best we get going. Evening is closing in on us and I for one am feeling a little tired and hungry. "
Everyone nodded in consent. Eager to go back to their ships.
"Miss Ryoko," Yosho began, addressing the space pirate who looked up at the priest with a dazed expression. "If you would be so kind as to provide us with your amazing ability, we can get there faster."
Ryoko looked over to Ryan who seemed to be averting her gaze. Hurt more than she cared to admit, Ryoko stiffened her posture a gave a curt nod and beckoned them forward.
Everyone walked down the steps and gathered around the space pirate, all except Ryan who seem preoccupied with the top of a nearby building.
What is that? Ryan wondered focusing his eyes on what appeared to be a wisp of smoke. He felt cold suddenly, as if an icy wind had penetrated his flesh and wrapped around his heart. Something was not right. Something unnatural. He felt like he was being watched. Ryan didn't like that. Not one bit. Ryan stared a little longer into the sky before a insistent voice caught his attention. Turning to his right, the kenshin found the entire clan watching him in concern and impatience.
"Kenshin are you coming or not?" Yosho called out.
Ryan looked back into the sky for a second or two before walking down the steps. Stepping behind Ryoko, Ryan rested his hand upon Ryoko's left shoulder and in an instant the whole group vanished.
*****
Dinner was unusually quiet. Everyone seemed lost in thought as a lingering silence hung heavy in the air. Sometime earlier Tenchi and Ayeka had excused themselves after a light meal, claming they were retiring to bed early to catch up on some much needed rest.
Ryoko had smirked when she watched them go. Sleep my foot. More likely they're sneaking out of the ship for some privacy. Her attention had then returned to Ryan who continued to stare down at his cup, swirling the contents absently as if he were a million miles away. The space pirate continued to study him, hoping he would notice her staring and ask her what was wrong. But Ryan's eyes never wavered from his cup, his silence towards her worse than anything he could have said. Ryoko knew he was disappointed in her for visiting the man who had broke her heart. But Ryan, Ryoko's mind cried. Can't you see your doing the same thing to me right now?
"Ryoko?" Washu's voice called out softly to her.
The space pirate acknowledged her call, turning her head to the right. "What is it Washu?"
"I'm about to begin work on the disc. Would you like to come along?"
Ryoko looked over to Ryan briefly before returning her gaze on Washu. "I guess so."
Washu rose up and stood in front of the table. "Are you going to join us kenshin?" She asked, staring down at the young man.
Ryan shook his head, the movement barely perceptible, as he continued to stare down at the cup in his hand, its brown contents sloshed around by his constant tipping motion. "I have some research of my own to do." He answered softly, his voice distant.
Ryoko, who hadn't moved from her spot beside him, reached out and touched Ryan's arm. Ryan looked towards her, the physical contact pulling him out of his daze.
"But we will talk later tonight right?" The space pirate asked.
The kenshin's features softened and with an apologetic smile said, "Of course. I want to know what you've discovered."
Ryan's smile eased Ryoko's fears. Perhaps he's not mad at me after all. She thought, rising up from the floor before turning and following Washu out the door.
Ryan watched her go and sighed. He couldn't blame Ryoko for what she had done. Despite the turbulent history between Ryoko and Kusara, the information she had been given by the red haired pirate would most likely be useful. Still, Ryan couldn't help but feel disappointed. After all the pain Kusara had caused her she still went to see him. Ryan remembered the devastation and heartache that Ryoko felt after leaving Kusara for good. She had shared it with him. Her pain had become his. But the heaviness in his heart came from a different source. For although Ryoko had shared parts of her life with him, Ryan had revealed little of his own. He wanted to tell her that he was far from perfect. That there was something he had done that he was not proud of. But he couldn't bring himself to tell her. Why am I thinking of these things? Before I wouldn't have felt so fearful of my life experiences. It was in the past, doomed to remain. Ryan hated this weakness he felt. He wanted to be whole again. He wanted his full power back. Perhaps then the dark memories would vanish like some bad dream. But for now the darkness remained inside him, inside his head. Always on the cusp of his consciousness as if daring him to look into the shadows. But Ryan knew if he stared too long he would be consumed and the kenshin would cease to exist. Only a hollow shell would remain, feeble and useless. Tired of all this introspection, Ryan rose with a disgusted sigh. I will conquer this! His mind vowed as he gave a formal bow to the remaining members of the clan before exiting the room.
Ryan found himself moments later standing outside the Akuna breathing in the cool night air. Darkness had laid claim to the sky, the heavens decorated by countless dots of light that glowed in various shades of white and yellow. Ryan craned his neck back, taking in the splendor of God's canvas when a sudden chill struck him, spreading rapidly along his body, a physiological warning that something was not normal. An abhor ration that had no business existing.
Narrowing his eyes, Ryan studied his surroundings. Logic dictated he should be afraid. But the kenshin felt no fear. Only anger at himself for the weakened state of his mental abilities. Clenching his jaw, Ryan focused his mind as best he could, hoping to get a better fix on what was causing him such discomfort. It was faint, but he could sense a dark force moving slowly some distance away, as if it were stalking some unknown prey. Suddenly Ryan gasped, snapping his eyes open when he felt two familiar life forces near the vicinity of the dark force.
What the hell are they doing out here?! Can't they sense the danger they're in!? Ryan's mind screamed. Ryan looked briefly up at the Akuna, wondering if he should get help. Realizing there was no time, he rushed forward, praying that he could get to them in time before something bad happened.
*********
Some distance away, totally oblivious to the danger the were in, Tenchi and Ayeka sat underneath the same oak tree they had visited yesterday. Their need for privacy overriding their desire for the comfort of the Akuna. Leaning against the tree, the crown prince gazed through it's branches, enjoying the view of the stars that were spread like dust among the heavens. No matter how many times Tenchi had witnessed the beauty of the stars, he never ceased to be amazed. A sudden shift in his arms caused the crown prince to look down.
"Ayeka?" Tenchi whispered as he relaxed his grip around her. The princess's head rested upon his right shoulder, her breathing slow and even. "Ayeka are you asleep?"
"No." Ayeka murmured a few seconds later, cuddling closer to Tenchi. "Just enjoying snuggling up to you that's all."
Tenchi let out a small laugh and tightened his hold on her, enjoying the closeness of her body against his. "In that case we should snuggle more often."
"I agree." Ayeka replied, opening her eyes. "It seems we never have any time to ourselves Tenchi."
Tenchi sighed, bringing his left hand up to brush the side of her face. "It won't be forever Ayeka. When this is all over, we can go back to earth and..."
Ayeka pulled slowly away from him and rose up.
Tenchi watched in concern as she turned away from him. A few seconds later he rose as well, walking up to her. "What's wrong Ayeka?"
The princess did not respond at first, her back still turned to him. Finally she spoke. "Do you remember what I asked you a few days ago as we returned to the Juraian Checkpoint Station?"
Tenchi frowned. "I remember Ayeka."
"And do you have an answer?"
Tenchi looked down at the ground, his thoughts troubled. How can I answer her? Why can't I just tell her yes? Why do I keep running away from this decision?
Because you're afraid of the responsibility. A voice echoed in his mind.
That's not true! he countered, arguing with himself.
Look at her and tell yourself you don't love her. Tell her your small existence on earth is more important that her life and heart. Then maybe you'll convince me and yourself.
But I do love her!
Then tell her the truth. Don't be afraid of tomorrow! Tell her you'll marry her! It's time to grow up Tenchi, take your responsibly as a man, not because you have to but because you want to!
Reaching out, the crown prince clasped Ayeka's shoulders and gently turned her towards him. "Ayeka listen to me." Tenchi began firmly, looking into Ayeka's puzzled eyes. "I love you with every fiber of my being. Nothing would please me more than to always be by your side. But I must ask you what you want from me. Ask and I'll do it. Whatever you desire, I will give it to you."
Ayeka looked away unable to meet his eyes.
"Ayeka please tell me, what do you want from me?" Tenchi pleaded once again, his eyes focused on her face.
The princess brought her face up to meet Tenchi's. "I want you to be happy Tenchi. And I know that you will never be content on Jurai. It was selfish of me to ask you about marriage. I apologize for pressuring you."
Tenchi gave her a tender smile. "You still haven't answered my question Ayeka. What do you want from me. I offer it freely to you. Without condition."
Ayeka blushed at the connotation but did not waver in her gaze as she blurted out, "I want you as my mate and husband. I want to feel loved. I want to know that you love me. That's all I've ever wanted." She confessed, her eyes moist with tears.
Tenchi smiled lovingly at her. "Your wish is my command." He whispered, pulling the princess close to him until they were mere inches from each other and to the complete surprise of Ayeka, brought his lips down upon hers in a passionate lock, pouring all his emotion into the moment.
Ayeka responded in kind, giving her all. The two engaged in an endless lip lock, too caught up in each other to notice a shadow drop behind the princess from a tree branch stretched above and beyond Ayeka's side of the forest. Silently and with great stealth, the shadow struck out, spearing the princess in the right side of her back with a long, thin metal blade.
Ayeka broke away from Tenchi's lips, letting out a cry of fear and pain, her body falling backwards, saved from contact with the ground by the crown prince's arms still wrapped around her waist.
Tenchi stared down at his love in abject horror, his heart leaping into his throat. "Ayeka!" He cried in anguish, pulling her back towards him, unaware of her injury. "What's wrong?! What happened?!" He demanded, lowering her gently to the ground, bringing his hands away from her back, frowning when he felt moisture. Looking down, he gasped at the blood smeared around in his palm. Tenchi's heart raced in sudden realization. They were not alone. Whipping his head around, the crown prince let out a cry of surprise as a wisp of shadow came hurtling toward him, arms outstretched. Long, curved blades of metal extending from each finger.
Tenchi leaped to the side but not before the shadow lashed out, slashing through his clothing, ripping the flesh of his right arm wide open. The crown prince landed hard on the ground. Clasping his arm and scrambling to his feet, Tenchi gasped in pain and rage as the blood flowed freely through his fingers. The shadow turned, coming around for another strike. Tenchi was a little more prepared for this assault and managed to dive and roll away from his attacker. The shadow however was relentless and came around once again to strike the crown prince down. Gritting his teeth, Tenchi released his hold on his useless right arm, and reached behind his back, just above the black belt he wore. Come on! Come on! His mind screamed as his fingertips brushed against something solid. Almost got it. There! He thought in triumph as his fingers wrapped around the hilt of his weapon. Jerking his hand around, the crown prince engaged his weapon, the blue blade springing to life.
The shadow stopped suddenly, as if mesmerized by the blue light.
"All right you bastard, let's see how well you do against an armed combatant." Tenchi spat as he brought himself to his feet.
At this the shadow laughed, disappearing from view.
Tenchi frowned, trying to sense the attacker's whereabouts, only to let out a growl of frustration at his sudden inability to find the shadow's energy source.
"Come out and face me coward!" He yelled in fury, pivoting around in every direction unaware that the shadow was crouched above him, hidden among the leave filled branches, an evil smile upon his face.
I so love playing with the minds of my prey. Sunuka thought as he watched the crown prince whirl about in frustration. But all good things must come to an end. Sunuka's eyes began to glow yellowish red as he gathered himself to his full height and with a certainty born of years of hunting and killing, the shadow leaped downward, his metallic claws stretched out before him, aiming directly for the crown prince's back. Good-bye Tenchi. He thought, his claws about to make their mark, when a blinding green light struck Sunuka, knocking him away with it's power. The shadow crashed through the brush, landing hard on his side, momentarily incapacitated by the attack.
Tenchi whirled to his left, startled by the rush of energy that whizzed past him, his eyes widening in shock. "Ayeka?" He whispered.
The princess's gaze was locked on the brush behind Tenchi's, her eyes ablaze with fury. Hands stretched before her, she stood, waiting for another attack to come. But within seconds of releasing a burst of her energy, Ayeka knees gave way and she fell forward.
Tenchi rushed to her side, disengaging his weapon and catching her with his left arm. "Ayeka." He cried falling down to his knees, struggling to keep his hold around her chest.
"Tenchi... We must hurry... It will return any minute to attack again." Ayeka whispered, looking up into his eyes.
Tenchi looked around frantically, searching for a place to take a defensive position. But there was no place to go, no place to hide. The Akuna was too far away and no one knew they were out here. God I've been so stupid! He chastised himself as he looked back down at Ayeka. "I'm sorry my love. This is all my fault." He whispered. But Ayeka did not hear him, having lost consciousness from the shock of her attack and the use of her energy.
A sudden rustling noise caused the crown prince to look up, his heart filling with dread as he slowly lowered Ayeka onto the ground and rose up, adopting a defensive stance. "All right you monster I'm ready for you!" He shouted, engaging the weapon in his left hand. But the voice that replied made Tenchi want to leap for joy.
"Who are you calling a monster!" Ryan yelled out as he emerged from the bush, his breathing labored.
Tenchi laughed, happy to see his friend. "Ryan thank God you're here!" He sang, lowering his weapon.
The kenshin's eyes widened at the physical state his friends were in. "What happened here?" He asked rushing forward to kneel beside an unconscious Ayeka.
"We were attacked by a shadow man of some kind. I don't really know how to explain it."
Ryan stood up slowly, snapping his head to the side as he signaled the crown prince to be quiet. "You shouldn't have come out here Tenchi." He admonished, his gaze settling heavily upon the brush nearby.
Tenchi looked away in guilt. "I didn't know that thing was out here." He murmured. "I mean I can't sense anything from it."
Ryan frowned. "Strange that I could." He whispered.
Tenchi's eyebrows shot up. "You can?" He asked. "I mean, can you sense him out there now."
Ryan nodded. "He's nearby, watching us this very second. Like a feral animal waiting for it's prey to reveal their vulnerability. I fear he allowed me to sense him."
"Why would he do that?"
Ryan turned to Tenchi. "Because whoever this is, they know everything there is to know about me. This shadow as you call it, enjoys toying with his victims. What better way to flush me out than to attack people close to me."
Tenchi shook his head. "Why not just attack you on your ship, when your sleeping."
"As I said before, he likes playing with his prey. He wants a challenge. Which I'm about to give." Ryan replied, bringing out his weapon and engaging his blade. "Tenchi on my signal, I want you to sling Ayeka over your shoulder and walk out of here."
"But I can't let you face this guy alone." Tenchi protested.
"Tenchi listen to me. Your life and the life of the princess are more important than mine. You have a destiny to fulfill. If you get killed in some meaningless battle, my work will be all for naught." Ryan said angrily, stepping in front of the crown prince.
Tenchi stared at him in befuddlement. "What are you talking about Ryan. What destiny. You're just as important as I am. Stop talking like this and come back with us."
Ryan looked over his shoulder. "I'm not going to tell you again Tenchi. Get out of here now!" The kenshin yelled before turning back once more.
Tenchi sighed sadly, as he knelt down. With great effort, he managed to sling Ayeka over his left shoulder but struggled to rise. He felt a strong hand grab onto his left arm and pull him up. The crown prince looked up to find the kenshin removing his hand.
"Go on Tenchi. The shadow will attack any second. Go now before it's too late!" Ryan growled, returning his gaze upon the bush.
"I'll get help!" Tenchi promised as he began back towards the ship.
Ryan listened to the crown prince's retreating footsteps and smiled. I know you will Tenchi. The kenshin thought with certainty, his smile falling as he watched the shadow emerge slowly from the brush, his eyes crackling with yellow energy.
"At last we meet." Sunuka spoke in a low, raspy voice, his arms to the side but the claws still visible.
"For the first and the last time." Ryan countered, his voice hard.
Sunuka cocked his head to the side. "I suppose that's true. But which of us will emerge the victor?"
Ryan brought his sword in front of him. "Why don't we quit with the pleasantries and find out." He replied, stepping forward.
Sunuka straightened. "As you wish." He whispered, rushing forward in a blinding flash of speed.
Hurry Tenchi. Ryan thought as he brought his weapon up to defend himself.
Okay. Now I know it's been three weeks since I've updated and I apologize but you see I've had a devil of a time with this chapter. There is so much going on and I feel scatterbrained after completing this installment. I think this is my longest one yet. I hope you enjoy it. I myself am not sure it's all that great but at least it's something. Questions? Comments? Review and let me know.