Okay. Sorry for the delay, but my dad came upstate to visit us. It's been a few months since I seen him and of course I had to spend some time with him. I know you all understand. Right? Anyway. Here we are. Another chapter for all those loyal readers.
Akemi Akibi: *worry lines appear on author's forehead* "My God! She's gone mad! Everyone run for your lives!" Just kidding! Although I must admit, my heart is heavy after what I've done. ):
Jillian: Fear not! Tenchi and Ayeka will pull through. How you ask? Read on and find out!
Chapter 16-- Confessions
"Poisoned!" Everyone cried in unison, tearing their eyes away from Washu to gaze down upon the prone bodies of the prince and princess. Their features paling in disbelief.
"Will you all quit gawking! Tenchi and Ayeka's lives are at stake!" Washu snapped.
Azaka and Kamedaki shook their heads and reached out, collecting their fallen friends into their arms.
"Quickly Ryoko!" Washu commanded, beckoning the space pirate forward.
Ryoko reached out and placed her gloved hands on each of the knights shoulders while the rest of the clan grabbed hold of Ryoko's arms. Instantly, the space pirate teleported back to the lab. The two knights followed Washu's instructions, laying Tenchi and Ayeka gently down upon two medical beds that sat side by side.
Washu wasted no time, typing in a series of commands into each bed's computer. A metallic arm rose up beside each bed, curving over the two royals bodies and emitted a soft green light. The motorized arm moved slowly downward, the light caressing Tenchi and Ayeka until coming to a stop at the end of the metallic table where the arm disappeared once more. The effects were immediate. Tenchi and Ayeka's breathing settled, their skin returned to a normal hue, and their features relaxed. By all appearances they seemed peaceful, as if they were in a place far away from their bodies.
Although not sure what had happened everyone let out a collective sigh of relief. But Washu maintained a somber demeanor as she continued to work beside the crown prince's bed. She pushed a small, red button. Instantly, a side drawer flew open, revealing a wide assortment of medical gadgetry. Vials, needles, swabs, petrii dishes, blank slides, medicines. A cornucopia of medical supplies to make any doctor drool. The short scientist reached into the drawer and quickly pulled out a small, clear vial and a packaged needle. Expertly, she opened the package and attached the needle to the vial. She then took out a long rubber tube and wrapped it around Tenchi's right arm.
Ryoko frowned, coming up to stand beside Washu. "What are you doing?" She asked in a worried whisper as she turned to the smaller woman.
Washu kept on working. "What does it look like I'm doing? I 'm taking a blood sample." She replied, her eyes scrutinizing and finding a vein just below the crown prince's bicep. In one clean move she inserted the needle into the raised vein. Instantly, the vial filled with blood.
"Why?" Ryoko asked, her concerned eyes focusing back on Tenchi.
Washu removed the needle and applied a gauze pad on the point of entry. "I need to isolate the poison that's flooded their blood streams. Once that is done, I may be able to create an antidote."
Ryoko's gaze did not waver. "How long will it take?"
"Honestly I don't know." The scientist replied, moving away from the bed, heading towards her computer.
Ryoko followed. "And in the meantime?"
"I've managed to lower their vital functions down to the bare minimum. That will keep the poison from spreading any further. Hopefully I will have what I seek in an hour or two."
The sound of Sasami's pained voice caught the two women's attention. Turning around, their eyes met those of the young princess who gazed at them with wounded eyes. "You won't let them die Washu? Please tell me you won't let them die."
Washu focused her attention on Sasami, her face full of resolve. "I promise to do everything in my power to help them Sasami. I've never failed before and I don't plan on starting now." She answered, placing a reassuring hand on the princess's shoulder and giving it a gentle squeeze.
Ryoko smiled at the sound of confidence resonating in Washu's voice. For it was true that the scientist had yet to fail in any challenge thrown her way.
Sasami gave a small nod, turning slowly away.
Ryoko watched the young lady make her way over to her sister, her features pale and distraught. The sight of which made the space pirate's heart grew full of grief and anger. How in the hell did this happen? And who did this to them? She wondered before another thought began to form in her mind. To something that happened earlier that day when she had felt an unnatural presence in the corridor to Kusara's domain. Is that what attacked Tenchi and Ayeka? But if that's so, why can't I feel it's presence now? Ryoko hung her head, disgusted at the helplessness and uncertainty she was feeling.
"Miss Ryoko?" Washu said softly, drawing the taller woman's attention back on her. "Perhaps now would be a good time to fetch Ryan. He may be able to offer his help."
Ryoko acknowledged her request with a nod. "Yes of course." She murmured before vanishing from view. She reappeared seconds later inside Ryan's lab only to find that the kenshin was not there. Ryoko frowned and teleported to his room. No such luck. Ryoko frowned. "Ryan, where are you?" She whispered to the air that gave no reply.
******
Impossible! Sunuka's mind snarled as he brought his sword up to defend himself from the kenshin's unrelenting onslaught that left no time for the small man to teleport away from the danger he was facing. That poison's been in his system for over five minutes ! It should have been activated by now!
But the poison was indeed weaving it's way through Ryan's bloodstream, spreading like fire throughout his entire body. Each breath he drew burned with an intensity that made him want to collapse in pain. Every move he executed was torturous. His drenched clothing clung to skin that was so hot, the kenshin thought he would spontaneously combust. With every beat of his heart, Ryan knew that death drew near. His slashes grew less frequent, his lunges less accurate. Yet Ryan pressed on, even as his life force drained from his body.
Ryan shook his head, trying to clear the double vision he was suddenly suffering from. I must not lose focus! He vowed silently as he made another slash to the shadow on his left. But his sword met empty air. Damn! It was the other one! Ryan cursed as he crashed onto the ground from the force of his own attack, his weapon flying from his hand as he hit the dirt hard.
Sunuka seized his opportunity and teleported away.
Ryan tried to push himself off the ground, only to double over in agony as a fresh pain gripped his heart. The kenshin clawed at his chest, clenching his eyes and gritting his teeth as the pain intensified almost beyond his ability to cope. Tenchi.. .Ayeka ..I failed you once again. I'm so sorry. His thought sadly as his lungs fought for air.
"The sooner you give into the pain, the sooner your suffering will end."
Ryan struggled to bring his head up. Opening his eyes, his gaze fell upon a pair of black boots a few feet from him.
"But by all means, continue your struggle. It's quite entertaining." Sunuka said with a malicious laugh before crouching down, his yellow eyes glowing unnaturally in the dark.
Ryan's head fell back down, but his eyes continued to watch Sunuka.
The shadow reached into the black coat draped around his shoulders, retrieving what appeared to be a small vial. Sunuka then placed it before Ryan's face and began to swing it back and forth. "Do you know what this is kenshin?" He asked.
Ryan studied the vial, his eyes widening in sudden recognition.
Sunuka noticed his expression and nodded. "Yes kenshin," He said, sitting it down just beyond the young man's reach. "You surmise correctly. The contents within this vial hold the antidote to that poison rampaging through your cardiovascular system. Any master of poison would be a fool not to carry such things. One never knows when an accident will occur." He added with a wicked chuckle.
Ryan's eyes flashed dangerously, his gazed fixed on the vial just beyond his reach.
Sunuka sneered, his tone mocking as he looked from the kenshin to the vial then back again. "Poor kenshin, your salvation is so close at hand and yet you can't lift a finger to retrieve it! Not only have you failed yourself but your friends as well." He said, edging closer to Ryan, bending low to whisper in his ear. " I'll be sure to have a little fun with Ryoko before I send her to meet you."
Ryan gritted his teeth, his anger beyond the breaking point. "You.. sick.. bastard! I .. won't.. let.. you get.. away with this!" He screamed, feeling a sudden rush of energy fill his body as he forced himself slowly off the ground, a mist of green rising around him.
"What the hell?" Sunuka murmured, instinctively backing away.
Ryan let out a ear splitting cry of agony and rage as the green mist swirled around him, a river of red cascading down his bare chest.
Sunuka's eyes widened. It's as if he's.. but that can't be... no one can do that! "What do you think you are doing kenshin?! You'd have to bleed yourself dry to force all the poison out of your system!" He cried backing farther away still, his shocked gaze fixated almost hypnotically on the green mass of spiritual energy being emitted by the kenshin.
Ryan continued to howl in rage and pain as he brought himself up to his feet. He placed his hands in front of him, a large ball of green energy emerging from his palms. "You will not hurt Ryoko!" He roared in fury, the surrounding trees shaking violently as the kenshin released the energy orb which collided with the suddenly paralyzed Sunuka.
Sunuka let out an agonizing cry as he was lifted up off the ground and rocketing upwards into the darkened atmosphere. With hardened eyes Ryan watched until the light faded into nothingness, absorbed by the starlit sky.
"That.. was for my friends." Ryan whispered heatedly into the darkness. A low groan escaped from the kenshin's pale lips as he collapsed forward, the strain and loss of blood more than his consciousness could bear. But just before his face hit the dirt, a pair of arms wrapped around him, stopping his fall.
"Ryan." Ryoko murmured, gently lowering him to the ground, resting him upon his back. She recoiled slightly in shock at what she saw. Her eyes widened in alarm as she took in the massive amount of blood all over his bare chest and pants. Her frightened gaze traveled up to his slack face and her features paled. She edged beside him, ignoring the smell of blood as she reached out to caress his face with trembling fingers.
"Ryan?" She whispered in a grief stricken voice, hoping he could still hear her.
Ryan's eyelids fluttered open, drawn away from the seductive call of death by the sound of her voice. His weakened eyes focused on the space pirate, widening in surprise. "Ryoko?" He spoke, his voice a mere whisper, so soft that Ryoko had to strain to hear him.
Ryoko looked down at him. "What happened to you?" She asked, her eyes straying briefly to his chest before focusing once more on his face. "Where did all this blood come from?"
The kenshin drew in a shaky breath and let it out slowly, his features pained. "I had to get rid of the poison. I .. think I .. over did it." He replied his expression suddenly turning into one of panic. "Tenchi ... Ayeka.. Where are they? We have to help them! They've been poisoned too!" He spoke urgently, struggling to rise only to collapse back on the ground, wincing from the effort.
"Steady." Ryoko said, pressing her hands down on his shoulders. "We already know. Washu is doing all she can to find an antidote for them."
Ryan turned his head to the side, his eyes searching the ground. A few seconds later he lifted his left hand off the ground and rested his weakened fingers on her forearm.
Ryoko looked down at him. "What is it? What's wrong?"
"Over there." He replied, removing his hand and dropping it beside him once more.
Ryoko looked to her right, her eyes studying the area. Soon her gaze fell upon a small object. Stretching out her arm, Ryoko retrieved the object and held it up for closer inspection. It was the vial Sunuka had placed on the ground earlier, still intact. Focusing back on the kenshin, Ryoko's eyes were surprised. "Is this what I think it is?"
Ryan gave her a small nod and flashed her a pained smile. "Tell them.. I'm sorry... I should... have been there sooner." He whispered, letting out a sigh as his eyelids grew heavy and his face became slack once more.
A panicked look spread upon Ryoko's pretty face. "Ryan?" She whispered, her voice full of fear. "Ryan?" She repeated, reaching out to touch his face. There was no response. Quickly, the space pirate withdrew her hand and rested it upon Ryan's left shoulder and teleported them back to Washu's lab.
******
Silence. The crown prince was engulfed by a sea of quiet. No noise, no sound met his ears. Only a peaceful calm. Tenchi found himself in the midst of a dream. And in this dream, the focal point remained the same. Ayeka. Always Ayeka. Everything her had ever wanted was there for him, waiting to embrace him in a never ending sea of light. Tenchi found himself strolling, then running along a woodland path. For he knew that the princess was anxious to see him. And she mustn't be kept waiting. He traveled the path until it ended before a wide, shallow river. His anxious eyes caught sight of his beloved on the opposite shore. Ayeka sat upon a large rock, regaled in the clothing of her royal house. Her eyes met his and radiated a warmth that rivaled the sun.
Tenchi gave her a fond smile and a quick wave before hopping over the various stones that jutted straight out of the water. Once upon the shore, her raced over to Ayeka and swept her off her feet, whirling her around a few times before setting her gently on the ground. The crown prince tilted his head slightly, bringing his lips gently down upon the willing princess. But no sooner had he done this than the silence that had enveloped this dream erupted into a sound of terror and pain.
Ayeka screamed in agony, breaking away from his hold. Tenchi cried out as well, lowering her to the ground. And it was at this moment that the crown prince looked up to find a giant pair of claws slashing down on him.
"Ahhhhh.." Tenchi cried out, bolting upright, his frightened eyes darting erratically back and forth, clasping his right arm as he remembered what had happened to him. When he felt no pain, the crown prince removed his hand and gasped. The wound, it was gone! But how? He wondered, frowning then relaxing when he recognized his surroundings. Tenchi wiped the sweat off his brow, realizing what he had just witnessed was nothing more than a nightmare. I'm in my room aboard the Akuna. But how did I get here? I remember reaching the ship with Ayeka on my shoulder and... Tenchi's eyes widened. "Ayeka? What's happened to Ayeka?" He cried, ripping the covers off his legs and bolting out of bed. He walked frantically to the computer terminal inside his room. Pushing the green button on the touch screen he spoke. "Computer, show me the current location of the lady Ayeka."
A internal chart of the ship popped on screen, a bright red dot blinking inside the box marked LOUNGE.
Tenchi frowned, noticing that several other red dots were clustered in the room. So the entire family is in the lounge. How come nobody woke me up! Turning away from the screen, he marched over to a dresser beside his bed. Pulling open the top drawer, the crown prince yanked out a white T-shirt and slid it quickly over his head, jammed his feet into his tennis shoes, bent down to tie them rapidly and headed out the door.
A few minutes later, Tenchi found himself outside the lounge doors and jammed his finger against the small side button. The metallic doors heeded his command, sliding open instantly. His eyes scanned the room, falling upon Ayeka who was seated demurely on the couch to the left of Sasami who sat beside her. His peripheral vision caught sight of Washu sitting opposite the two princesses with Yosho and the two knights sitting to the side around a small table.
All eyes turned to Tenchi, who had returned their surprised look with one of annoyance as he started forward. "What's going on here? Why didn't you guys wake me up?" He asked, stopping a few feet from the couch.
But instead of giving an explanation, Yosho took the initiative. "Good evening Tenchi. Please have a seat beside Ayeka. We have much to discuss."
The crown prince turned his head slightly, his irritated eyes softening as he gaze at Ayeka.
The princess graced him with a warm, loving smile letting him know that she was okay. Tenchi mirrored her smile as he made his way to her. Sitting down beside Ayeka, Tenchi reached out and entwined his had with hers then looked at his grandfather in askance.
Yosho caught his look and motioned over to the scientist. "I will defer to Washu to explain what has happened these past few hours."
Tenchi gaze shifted from Yosho to Washu who began, "You're a very lucky man Tenchi. Very lucky indeed."
Tenchi frowned, confused by her cryptic words. "What are you talking about Washu?"
"Of course you remember your attack." Washu continued, pointing to the crown prince's right arm. "And the wounds inflicted on you earlier."
"Yes," Tenchi replied. "I woke up and the wound was gone. I assumed it was your handiwork."
Washu nodded. "I managed to heal your wounds with a modified version of that blue fluid used in the medi-chambers in Calbon's Healing Center. But in healing your wounds, I still had one major problem. An underlying cause to your collapse aboard the Akuna."
Tenchi looked from Washu to Ayeka then back again. "What was it?"
"The man who attacked you tonight did more than wound you. In doing so he infected you with a poison that caused your internal body temperature to rise at a level that would have killed you while also attacking your entire cardiovascular system. It's a miracle you ever made it back here. And lucky for you, because if I hadn't slowed the process both of you would be dead by now."
Tenchi looked at her with surprised eyes, struggling to find his voice. A few seconds later he was able to ask, "How were you able to reverse the process?"
"Ryoko managed to retrieve an antidote your attacker had left in his battle with the kenshin."
At the mention of the space pirate and Ryan, the crown prince looked around. Neither of them were in the room. "Where are those two anyway? I presume Ryan was able to take care of the shadow." When his ears met silence, Tenchi turned his attention back on the red haired woman. "Washu?"
Washu lowered her head as she spoke. "Yes. The kenshin was able to defeat the shadow but at a terrible price. He too became infected. As a last resort, he forced the blood out of his open wound, ridding himself of most of the poison but the loss of blood would have taking too long for me to correct."
Tenchi didn't like the way this conversation was going. "So where is he now?"
Washu looked up at him. "Still on Calbon."
"What?!" Tenchi exclaimed, turning to the windows on the far side of the lounge, his eyes widening as he noted the stars streaming by. "What the hell are we doing out in space? I thought we still had work to do on Calbon?" He asked, focusing back on Washu.
"After what Ryoko and I discovered, it became necessary to leave the planet and seek a safer harbor elsewhere."
Tenchi eyed her in curiosity. "What did you find?"
Washu reached out, opening up the laptop computer sitting on the coffee table. She turned it around for the crown prince to see. "Read for yourself." She said before adding, "But I warn you that this information was never meant to be revealed."
Tenchi looked at the screen, his eyes scrolling slowly down as his mind processed the information. His face tightened in some parts while turning sad in others. On more than one occasion, the crown prince shook his head in sympathy. "I had no idea." He murmured, looking from the screen to Washu.
But Washu did not turn the screen back to her. "There is more." She said.
Tenchi frowned, returning his attention to the monitor. With a light tap, he hit the next button, causing a different page to pop up. As he began to read, his eyes widened in shock. There, on the screen, a paragraph in bold white letters stood put, proclaiming a 10 million dollar bounty to anyone who could find the kenshin and prove his death. Below this, a list of replies met the crown prince's troubled eyes.
"My God," Tenchi whispered, looking up from the screen to Washu. "Every cutthroat killer and assassin seems to have replied to this."
Washu nodded, her features grave. "I fear the attack on you tonight is only the beginning. These assassins will do what ever it takes to destroy the kenshin. Until we can find the one responsible for issuing the hit, we are all in serious danger."
Tenchi leaned back in his seat, eyeing Ayeka in concern, his heart heavy with anger and fear. Anger at the helplessness he felt, anger at the one who attacked them. And fear. Fear at the thought of losing Ayeka, fear of losing their lives before they could even begin a life of their own. Tenchi grit his teeth. I refuse to live in fear! I will not deny myself a life of happiness any more! Turning to Yosho, he spoke. "Grandfather, may I have a word with you in private?"
Yosho looked at the young man in surprise but nodded, standing up.
The crown prince rose as well.
The priest, walked over to the far corner, followed by Tenchi.
Ayeka watched the two converse, her features puzzled. I wonder what was so important Tenchi had to discuss it in private?
"Ayeka?" Sasami said quietly, leaning towards her big sister.
Ayeka turned to face her younger sibling. "Yes Sasami?"
"Is everything all right? You seem preoccupied."
Ayeka gave her a big smile. "Of course Sasami. Everything is fine, don't worry." She said, wrapping her arm around Sasami's shoulders and giving her a reassuring hug as she returned her attention to Tenchi who was talking somberly with Yosho.
"How soon will we be arriving at our destination?" Azaka asked, his dark blue eyes focused on Washu.
Washu brought her left arm up and looked at her watch. "We should be arriving within a half an hour."
"And the kenshin?"
Washu features grew grim. "Ryoko and Ryan will rendezvous with us as soon as they can. In the meantime we will wait and hope all goes well." She replied crossing her arms and closing her eyes to hide the fear that was growing in her heart. You must hurry kenshin. I don't know how much longer I can keep this nonchalance up.
*****
Cool. His body felt so cool and light. As if he was floating on a bed of water. Drifting lazily along, surrounded by a peace he had never experienced. Time had no meaning here. There was no pain, no fear. Just a sense of calm that wrapped around him like a blanket, protecting him from all the horror and trauma he had witnessed and participated in. A small part of him realized it was just a dream. A mere illusion feeding off of his need for solitude. The kenshin ignored this, even as the feeling faded and the world lit up around him. He heard his name being called in the distance, felt his body grow heavier as he was pulled towards the sound. And with a weary groan, he opened his eyes to find the pretty face of Dr. Akibi staring down at him.
"How are you feeling kenshin?" She asked with a smile, straightening her frame.
Ryan raised a hand to his eyes and rubbed them. "Better than I was." He admitted, lowering his hand to the side, lying perfectly still as the doctor scanned his body with a hand held vital monitor.
"Well, your wound has healed and your blood count is back to normal. All in all, I'd say you're the picture of health once more." She said, turning off her monitor and backing away are rya rose slowly, swinging his legs off the medical bed.
The kenshin looked down at his chest, bringing his left hand up to finger this healed wound, the pale streaks adding to the road map of scars that lined his body. With a sigh, Ryan hopped of the bed. "Thank you doctor. That's twice you've saved my life. I am in your debt."
Dr. Akibi looked somberly at him. "You certainly will be after you see the bill." She replied sardonically.
Ryan gaped at her in disbelief.
The doctor let out a small laugh, amused by the look the kenshin threw her way. "Relax kenshin. I'm only joking."
"Oh." Ryan said with a nervous chuckle.
At that moment, Ryoko appeared with a fresh set of clothes and shoes gathered in her arms. The space pirate hid the joy she felt at his state of being. There would be time for that later. "Here you are Ryan. Hurry and get dressed. We must leave here as soon as possible." She said quickly.
Ryan noticed the tone of urgency emanating in her voice and although he was curious as to why, he didn't push the issue. "Understood." He replied, reaching out to take the clothes Ryoko held out for him then turned and headed for the changing station in the corner of the room, closing the door softly behind him.
Ryoko watched him go then turned to the young woman beside her. "How is he?" She asked, her tone one of concern.
"His vital stats have returned to normal." Dr. Akibi replied, looking off in the direction of the changing station. "One thing is for certain, the kenshin is a survivor. I'd be hard pressed to think of anyone else who has gone through what he has and lived to see another day."
Ryoko looked at the doctor questioningly. "How do you know that?"
The doctor turned to her. "From the medical data I've acquired since the kenshin has been under my care." She replied matter of factly. "His body is a walking history of brutal injuries and broken bones. Even if they are on a microscopic level."
Ryoko frowned confused. "How can that be? Kenshin's have the ability to heal."
"Ryan hasn't always had that ability. The wounds I'm talking about were suffered in childhood and early adolescence." The doctor countered, looking over to Ryoko, her eyes widening in realization as she noticed the look on the space pirate's face. "But you already know that don't you?" She added softly.
Ryoko looked away from Dr. Akibi. "Yes." She replied in a saddened tone. She knew what Ryan had gone through, but had not realized he still carried the physical scars of his past. She was saved from continuing by the sound of the station door opening.
Ryan stepped out, freshly clothed and his eyes bright. He walked quickly over to the two women, stopping in front of the doctor. He bowed gracefully to her. "I thank you doctor for everything you have done. I won't forget you." He said softly, rising slowly before leaning forward to give the startled doctor a quick peck on the cheek then backed away with a small laugh as Dr. Akibi looked at him in surprise.
"Does he do this stuff often?" She asked turning towards Ryoko.
Ryoko gave an evil smile. "If he knows what's good for him he won't." She replied staring hard at him.
Ryan made the sign of the cross with his two index fingers, his features one of mock horror. "God deliver me! She's evil! Evil I say!" He cried.
Ryoko let out a sigh of irritation, stalking up to Ryan and reaching out to clasp his arm. "Knock it off will you, were late as it is!" She growled.
Doctor Akibi laughed at the Ryoko's agitation and Ryan's chagrin. "Good luck!" She called out just before the two disappeared from view.
******
"So were are we headed?" Ryan asked, unstrapping himself from the pilot's seat just after Nozomi cleared Calbon's orbit. He studied his star chart, waiting for Ryoko to reply.
"To the Kielan sector." The space pirate said, her voice distant, her thoughts elsewhere. She wanted to talk to him about what she had read. The words of Dr. Akibi running through her head. So it's really true. He really did suffer all those events listed in his file.
"Ryoko?" Ryan said insistently, breaking the space pirates train of thought.
"What is it?" She asked turning towards him.
"I said why are we going there? It's listed as a dead zone. Pilot's tend to steer clear of that sector of space."
"Which is precisely why we are going there."
Ryan frowned imputing the coordinates into Nozomi's piloting system before returning his attention to Ryoko. "You didn't answer my question. Why are we going to the Kielan sector?"
Ryoko looked away. "Do you remember that disc Kusara gave me?"
"Yes."
"Through that disc we discovered that someone has placed a 10 million dollar bounty on your head. The condition for that reward is your death. By any means necessary. They knew you were on Calbon. That's why we had to get of that planet."
Ryan's eyes grew troubled. "General Nomaru must be the one behind this. He has my memories. He knows everything about me." He murmured, looking down at his control panel.
Ryoko turned to him, and in a strained voice she let forth the thoughts swimming in her head. "Does he also have the memory of your parents murder?"
Ryan jerked his head up, his features pale and his mouth suddenly dry as the cockpit seem to shrink around him. "What?" He managed to whisper several tense seconds later, his heart beating insanely against his chest. How in the hell does she know about that?
Ryoko however continued with her outburst, her voice shaky with pain. "Or the abuse you suffered at your guardian's hands. How you ran away after you killed him. Only to find yourself an indentured servant to another monster of a man who worked you to the bone. And the revenge you took upon your family's killers once you came into power. Tell me Ryan, does he share your memories of that? It seems your enemy knows more about you than your loved ones do."
For several seconds, Ryan found himself unable to respond. "You've read my file." It wasn't a question but a statement of fact as he lowered his head in dejection.
Ryoko's features softened, the anger giving way to pain and fear. "As have the ones seeking to kill you." She whispered. "I'm sorry I spoke so harshly to you, it's just that I'm hurt you didn't tell me. Did you believe I'd think any less of you because of your past? How can I ? I love you." She added, reaching out to touch Ryan's hand.
But the kenshin pulled slowly away, hitting the auto pilot button as he rose up out of his seat, turning his back to her.
"Ryan?" Ryoko asked, watching him in pained concern.
The kenshin let out a slow, shaky sigh. "I'm sorry you had to learn about my past through a machine. I'm sorry I didn't tell you myself. How could I? The things I've seen, the things that happened to me, the torture I put myself through. I didn't want to burden you with such things. The pain I felt should have left long ago. But still it remains. How ironic that a man who can heal others can't do a damn about his own suffering." Ryan began, his voice hard and riddled with guilt. "When I was nine, all the people I had ever loved and who had ever loved me were gone. Taken from me by a band of greedy mercenaries intent on stealing my family's earnings from our monthly crop sale. They followed us back to Calbon, shooting us down just as we entered the atmosphere." He said softly, closing his eyes in remembrance, his face twisting in pain.
"I remember my father and mother yelling at me to stay in my seat and like a fool I didn't listen. I rushed forward determined to help them when another blast of energy struck our ship, tossing me back into the wall like a rag doll. I remember the sound of metal crashing all around me and the shocking pain as my legs were snapped like twigs. I dragged myself slowly to my mother and father crying out to them. But their lifeless eyes could not register me, their deafened ears could not hear my voice. My father, my mother and the little one developing in her womb were no longer with me. They were all gone! Dead! Then they came. Those men dressed in black, broke into our cockpit, marching past me and ripped open our vault. A tall, skinny man noticed my struggle and lifted me off the floor and tossed me with such force, my skull was fractured. Luckily my father had sent a distress call and the police arrived, whisking me straight to the nearest healing center."
"It took me over six weeks to recuperate and in that time I developed an obsession. I would find the ones who had killed my family and when I did I would show them no mercy. I would make them pay for what they had done!" Ryan snarled, reliving the memory and anger at his past.
Ryoko made no comment, letting the kenshin vent his feelings. Her saddened eyes watching Ryan pace back in forth, delving deeper into his memories.
"But fate would deal me a poor hand as I was sent to live with my uncle Tatsahero, an abusive drunkard who sought fit to beat me anytime he felt like it. No matter what I did, he was never happy. God I hated that bastard! Many a time I found myself unable to move, the beatings so severe it took days for me to recover. There was no joy in my life, no friends, no one to confide in. I kept to myself at school, never allowing anyone close to me. For I knew if I did they would end up like my parents. Many times I wanted to give up on life and kill myself. But my father taught me that no matter how bad the situation was, suicide was not the answer. Besides, if I killed myself I could never seek revenge on those that had ruined my life. So I continued to survive, growing stronger every day as my obsession pushed me onward. A little over a year after my parents had died, I returned home from school to find my uncle fiddling around with Nagashi's sword."
"Something inside me snapped as I rushed forward, grabbing onto the hilt all the while screaming at him to give it to me. Enraged at my defiance, my uncle raised an arm to strike me down. And in my rage, I engaged the weapon, the blade piercing him through the neck, killing him instantly. Rage gave way to fear. I had killed someone. I had been taught never to strike out in unprovoked provocation and to only kill when my life was threatened. And here I stood over the body of a man who had abused me. Did he intend to kill me? I can't say. All I knew was fear. So I ran away, sickened by what I had done. I left Calbon and never looked back." Ryan said, pausing to collect his breath as he turned around.
Ryoko's heart broke at the look in his eyes. She wanted to tell him to stop. He needn't hurt himself anymore for her sake but knew he couldn't. Knew he had to tell her the whole story.
"Fate was cruel to me once more as I found myself under the employ of one Metamora Takasai, who worked me near death on more than one occasion aboard his cargo ship. The years of manual labor strengthened my body even as my spirit weakened. After five years of indentured service I was free to leave. My luck began to change, my life grew better as I found employ at a space port stationed on the planet Ruldan. For two years I worked with Thoma Katana and learned more about ships and piloting than I ever thought possible. But when I turned seventeen, everything changed. At last I came into that power once held by my greatest ancestor. I had become a kenshin knight. Able to see into the minds of others, able to do things no normal human could do. The power was intoxicating!
And with that power I tracked down those who had killed my loved ones. The pirate Murker and his crew of bandits. I could see into their minds, read their thoughts and witness their foul deeds. They had killed so many people over the years, ruined so many lives, I felt myself overcome with rage. And so I killed them, with the same lack of mercy as they showed me and my kin. I slaughtered every last one of them Ryoko! But the worst part wasn't what I had done. No. I was the lack of feeling I had. There was no shame, no guilt. Nothing!" He yelled, tilting his head back letting out a strangled sigh as he lowered his head to look into Ryoko's pained eyes. "So you see Ryoko. That is my past. The dark deeds I have committed. These sins shall follow me all my life even as I continue to atone for them." He added. "So what do you think of your kenshin now Ryoko? Not a hero, not a saint but a murderer."
Ryoko rose out of her seat, shaking her head as she walked over to him.
Ryan watched her approach, his eyes full of uncertainty.
Slowly, gently, the space pirate reached out to caress his cheek. "No Ryan. You're wrong." She whispered, looking into the kenshin's troubled eyes. "What you did was no less than what I would have done in your situation."
"But.. I.." Ryan began to stammer only to be hushed by Ryoko's index finger.
"I still love you. No matter what your past, my love for you will not change. You are my other half, my soul mate. My husband." She said tenderly as she leaned into the kenshin, her lips brushing against Ryan's surprised ones as the Nozomi continued to travel towards their chosen destination.
*****
General Nomaru paced in his room, frustrated and angry. Sunuka should have contacted me by now. I can't even reach him telepathically. Dammit! The kesnhin must have killed him! His mind growled as he stopped in front of the mirror. The general studied his face, smirking satisfactorily at his figure. Yes, this is the true face of power! He thought proudly of himself. Oh well, he was the first to try but certainly not the last. Even if the kenshin does manage to slay all those assassins by the time he finds out who I really am it will be too late. I will have total control over the universe and not even that pathetic boy will be able to stop me once my plan is complete!
A female voice came through the ship's intercom, breaking his thoughts. "Koba, we're about five minutes from reaching Avinor. The council has received our hail and the information you requested me to give them. They have agreed to let us land at the palace spaceport. They will greet us there."
Nomaru smiled. "You have done well sister, I will meet you at the entrance gate shortly." The general said into the intercom before backing away. The shadow smiled. Yes the council. Once I have them under control I will begin phase two of my plan. Soon this whole sector of space will belong to me. And all who live within it shall bow down to me! He thought as he brought his right hand up, forming a fist. "And from this I shall build an army the likes of which none had ever seen! I will show Jurai the true meaning of power!" He snarled into the darkened air as he marched forward out of his room towards his destiny.
Well that's all for now. I hope you enjoyed it. Myself, I slaved hard over this and am not entirely happy with the results. If there are errors, I apologize.
Next time: What will the Masaki clan do now that they know they are being hunted like animals? What was Tenchi so intent upon talking to his grandfather about? And what's this?! Ryoko and Ryan are married?! When did that happen?! Check in a few weeks to find out!