Greetings ladies and gentlemen, I bid you welcome to another installment to my ongoing story, I hope you've all enjoyed it so far. I must confess I find myself getting a little bored with my work, but I press on. I have already begun another story. This one takes place in a different anime series however. In the strange, fascinating world of Yu Yu Hakusho.
The title is After the Fall and is of the Action\Adventure\Romance genre, because I am a fan of violence (which keeps the guys interested) and because every story needs a romantic subplot to be good! (Keeps the ladies happy, doesn't fellas?)
*author raises head suddenly realizing how sexist that sounds and decides to backpedal* Well I.. Uh that is to say that romance only heightens the danger and excitement of the story and I know many girls who crave violence just as much as the next guy, uh person. *authors let's out sigh of relief then scratches head in irritation* Damn! That genre seems to be all I ever write?! Anyway it will focus mainly on Kurama and Botan (my favorite characters of course!) with all the usual players involved as well. So if you are a fan of Yu Yu Hakusho in general or K/B in particular (which I believe you are Jillian unless perhaps I have you confused with a different reviewer?) please keep an eye out for it.
Akemi Akibi: *author gives an apologetic bow* Forgive me my lady, I meant no offense. I know Ryan took up quite a few pages in the last chapter, but I felt I had to have the kenshin explain his past. Have faith and trust in me. I will not forsake the crown prince and princess, the part they have yet to play is integral to the universe's survival. What do I mean? Soon you will see. I will give you a small hint. It has something to do with a particular scene towards the end of the first story and that's all I'll say.
Jillian: So you want to be in my story? I'm flattered. I will do as you wish but I would like to know if there is a specific part you would like? A hero? A villain? A royal messenger from Jurai? A misunderstood pirate in training? Let me know and I'll see what I can do.
Chapter 17-- Joy and Pain
"Well, I've received word from our missing comrades." Washu chirped as she entered the lounge after checking the Akuna's communication channel. She stopped just past the closing doors, her relieved eyes meeting those of the rest of the clan.
"What did they say? Is everything all right?" Tenchi asked, breaking away from the conversation with Yosho, shuffling towards the couch where an alert Ayeka watched him advance. He settled quickly down beside her then turned his gaze on the red head.
Washu nodded. "Yes. Everything is fine. But they felt it better if we were all to discuss our options after some much needed rest. I'm inclined to agree." She answered, trying unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn as she turned her attention on Yosho who made his way towards the doors.
"Yes," the priest began. "That is a sensible decision. I for one feel weary and my aching bones are crying out for rest." The older man looked briefly at his grandson and Ayeka before glancing over his shoulder to the two imperial knights who caught the drift of his look.
"Ah, yes of course Lord Yosho." Azaka said with a smile as he stood up. "I think it best we get some sleep."
Kamedaki's eyes were full of mirth as he looked quickly away from the two royals towards his comrade. "Yes rest would be most beneficial to all of us." He said softly, stretching up to his full height of six feet. He walked gracefully over to Sasami and gave her a formal bow. "Allow me my lady to escort you to your room."
Sasami giggled at his formal manner, playing along. For she too knew something was up. "Thank you." She said regally, rising slowly from her seat. "Good night Ayeka. Good night Tenchi." She called out over her shoulder just as the doors closed behind her, the last to leave the dimmed confines of the lounge.
Ayeka stared questionably at the doors for a few seconds before turning to face her love.
"What was that all about?" She asked, her frown deepening when she saw the look on the crown prince's face.
"Ayeka?" He began softly, reaching out to take her hand.
The princess watched him intently, her gaze shifting from their entwined hands to his somber face.
Tenchi continued to stare into the pools of her eyes, his breath momentarily taken away by her loveliness. God, she is so beautiful. He longed to pull her into his arms and show her full extent of his feelings, the intense longing his heart felt to always be near her. To never let go. With a nervous sigh he spoke. "Ayeka there is something I want to ask you. Something I know you've wanted me to ask for the longest time."
Ayeka drew in a sharp intake of breath. Is he going to ... I mean is it possible he'll ask.. "Yes?" She whispered, leaning closer into him until their faces were a mere inch apart.
Tenchi's heart jumped at the proximity of their bodies. The sudden desire of his body threatening to overwhelm him. Focus Dammit! Now is not the time for school boy fantasies! He scolded himself as he concentrated his vision solely on Ayeka's eyes. "I was just discussing something of great importance with my grandfather. Something that concerns the both of us." He paused, making sure Ayeka was still listening to him.
"Go on." She said with a nod.
Tenchi swallowed hard. God! I 've gone over this a hundred times in my head and yet I'm still unsure how to ask her.
"Well, um...Would you.. That is.. Will you marry me?" He asked hurriedly, letting out a sigh of relief at having finally voiced his thoughts.
Ayeka studied him intently for a few seconds, her face void of expression.
Sweat began to pour down the sides of the crown prince's face as he waited anxiously for Ayeka to say something, anything. "Ayeka?" He whispered in uncertainty as the princess continued to stare blankly at him.
An uneasy silence filled the room and Tenchi thought he would go mad for the lack of noise until at last, Ayeka let out a giggle and reached out, wrapping her slender arms around his neck as she closed the microscopic gap between them. She rested her head on his shoulder. "Yes." She whispered into his ear.
Tenchi's eyes widened in surprise and relief. "Did you just say yes?" He said in an excited whisper.
Ayeka pulled slowly away until their faces were within an inch of each other. "Yes." She repeated, her eyes twinkling with joy.
Tenchi let out a low laugh before leaning forward to kiss her, his lips expressing the joy his heart felt.
Ayeka returned the gesture as the two continued to bask in the other's touch.
******
"Well kenshin you seem bright eyed and bushy tailed this morning. Sleep well did we?" Washu asked as she walked just behind the young man down the corridor that lead to the lounge. They were accompanied by Ryoko who walked to the left of the kenshin, her eyes bright and her features full of merriment.
Ryan tossed the space pirate a side glance after hearing the scientist's comment, a sly smile on his face. "Yes Washu. After last night I feel very much revived."
Ryoko flashed a smile of her own as her eyes met those of Ryan.
The look shared between the two was not lost on Washu. "So I see." She said with a smirk.
"Odd that Tenchi and Ayeka would be up so early. I mean, everyone else is asleep well, besides you of course Washu." Ryan said with a smile as they stopped just outside the doors that gave access to the lounge. When the two had arrived five minutes earlier they had checked the whereabouts of the clan via the computer terminal, three people were out of their rooms: Washu, Tenchi and Ayeka. The former in her lab and the latter two in the lounge. After meeting up with the scientist, Ryan wished to check up on his two friends. And so the three of them reached the lounge, standing in the corridor as the kenshin opened the doors. The sight that met their eyes made the two women gasp and Ryan smirk in amusement.
There, on the couch, lay the crown prince upon his back, eyes closed and clothing slightly disheveled. His right arm was draped around the torso of Ayeka who was nestled above and slightly right of Tenchi's chest, her vibrant purple hair concealing most of her face save for a blissful smile that graced her lips.
"Well, well. Isn't this interesting." Ryan commented dryly, drawing the women's attention to him.
"Should we wake them?" Ryoko asked.
Ryan's smile widened at the mischievous tone of her voice but shook his head. "No. Let them be." He whispered. "Obviously they're exhausted from what happened yesterday. We will discuss our options when they are fully rested." He added, turning away from the doors his heart lightened by what he saw. This is good. The crown prince and princess are growing closer together. Perhaps there is hope for the universe after all. The kenshin thought, a smile still on his lips as he moved back into the corridor and walked away, followed by the ladies, leaving Tenchi and Ayeka alone in their slumber.
******
Why is it so warm in here? Ayeka thought groggily as she struggled to wake up, letting out a small sigh as she shifted from her spot, a sudden flush creeping along her cheeks as she felt movement beneath her. The princess's eyes snapped open, focusing her attention down, gasping in surprise at the sight of Tenchi's body under her, his face a picture of bliss.
Oh God! We fell asleep on the couch. Together. She thought as the memory of last night flooded her consciousness. Tenchi and Ayeka had ended up snuggling together, making plans for their wedding. They had talked for hours until at last the need for sleep overcame them and they fell into the world of dreams, holding on to each other as if their lives depended on it. Slowly and with great pain, she tried to slide off and away from the crown prince only to stop as she felt Tenchi's grip around her waist tighten.
"Don't go." He murmured dreamily as his eyelids fluttered open, his gaze locking instantly upon Ayeka's surprised features.
Ayeka let out a soft sigh and relaxed against him, her eyes never leaving his. Her heart began to beat wildly as she saw the unspoken need reflected within his brown pools. Her breath caught in her throat as the crown prince reached out to brush away the strands of violet silk that clung to her forehead. She warmed to his touch but suppressed her growing desire to kiss him. For she knew that one kiss could lead to all sorts of trouble. Instead she spoke in a calm, even voice. "We need to get up Tenchi."
The crown prince studied Ayeka, her words breaking through the haze of lust that swirled within his head. Reluctantly, he relaxed his hold, sliding his arm away from the warmth of her body, resting it on the back of the couch.
Ayeka shifted backward and sat down at the far edge of the couch, allowing Tenchi to swing his legs to the side then right himself into a sitting position. He winced at the stiffness of his body, rotating his arm a few times to allow the blood to circulate once more into his numb arm.
"Where is everybody?" Ayeka asked, looking around the room. "Weren't Ryoko and Ryan supposed to meet with us today?" She gasped as she looked down at her less than regal appearance. "God I look a mess." She murmured in disgust.
Tenchi looked over at her, a smile plastered on his face as he watched the princess struggle to straighten her clothing and disheveled hair. "You look beautiful to me." He replied.
Ayeka blushed at the compliment, cheeks reddening at the tone of desire ringing within his voice. She found herself unable to look at him, afraid at how she would react, afraid they would be discovered in a less than noble situation. Instead, she forced her eyes down, staring at her hands that rested in her lap. "What time is it?" She asked softly, hoping to change the focus of Tenchi's attention.
The crown prince tore his gaze away from her perfection and glanced down at his watch. His features hardened at what he saw. "Damn! It's past noon already!" He cried, rising quickly off the couch. He rushed forward, his legs in a near sprint as he made his way over to the computer terminal, the ship's internal monitor responding immediately to his touch. "Computer display the current location of all living organisms aboard this ship." Tenchi's frown deepened as he studied the screen's reply.
"What is it?" Ayeka asked, noticing his irritation as he advanced towards her, coming to a stop less than a foot away. "Come on." He said hurriedly, holding out his hand to her.
Ayeka reached out and clasped his hand, her lips tingeing into a small smile as he pulled her gently up to her feet. "What is it Tenchi?" She repeated as the crown prince led her out the lounge.
"It seems our family members have decided to begin without us again." He replied irritably as they headed down the corridor towards Washu's lab.
********
"This makes no sense." Ryan murmured, staring in frustration at the words that flashed continuously across Washu's big screen.
For several hours he and Washu had tried to contact the office of Chairman Meiko on Jurai only to be rebuffed each time with the words TRANSMISSION ERROR blinking in big white letters across the black monitor.
Shifting his weight, the kenshin looked from the screen down at the red head who continued to stare irritably at the keyboard before her. "I've done everything I could think of to gain access to Meiko's office. As we are well within Jurai's territory there should be no communication problem."
Ryan let out a sigh, looking over to Ryoko who stood beside him, her arms crossed and her features hard. She had been relatively silent ever since they had began trying to contact the councilor. He noticed the far away look in her eyes and frowned. What are you thinking about Ryoko? He wondered. With a shake of his head he spoke. "And yet," He began, "Our attempts of communication with Jurai have failed to go through." He said, his eyes straying from the space pirate's pretty face back to the monitor, his features perplexed. "I've never encountered a problem contacting Councilor Meiko before. Even if he wasn't in his office, I could still leave a message for him to get back to me."
"It would seem that someone has worked very hard to make sure we don't reach him." Washu commented, tilting her head up towards the kenshin whose handsome features twisted in concern as he contemplated the possibility that General Nomaru was behind the interference.
How far does your reach extend Nomaru? As far as Jurai? Beyond? Ryan shook his head in frustration. He needed answers to the questions running through his head. And yet the only person who could help him was inaccessible to him.
The sound of the cargo bay doors opening shook Ryan of his concentration. Looking to his left, he spied Tenchi and Ayeka walking briskly towards them, navigating gracefully around the scattered machines that littered the cargo bay floor. Tenchi's face was a mask of irritation as he came to a stop a few feet from Washu, Ryoko and Ryan.
"What's going on guys?" Tenchi asked in a neutral tone.
Ryan smiled as he studied his friend, noting the agitated body language that clashed with the gently way he held onto Ayeka's hand.
Tenchi's eyes settled on the kenshin. "What?" He asked as he noticed the smirk tugging at Ryan's lips.
"Nothing." Ryan replied quickly, his smile growing wider by the second. Nothing at all. He added mentally. Everything is as it should be. Destiny is struggling to reinsert the pattern that should be. Soon you will know why your life has turned out like this. And what must be done to correct it. Ryan's smile fell as his features grew serious. "And you haven't missed anything Tenchi. We have been waiting for you."
Tenchi looked to Ayeka briefly, his irritation giving way as he released Ayeka's hand and walked up to the kenshin while Ayeka made her way over to Ryoko and began to speak with her in hushed tones.
"So?" The crown prince began, looking from Ryan to the screen. "What have you been doing all this time?"
Ryan kept his eyes on the screen, frustration evident in his voice. "I've been trying to contact Jurai for several hours now. Each time I keep receiving a transmission error message."
"Why contact Jurai?"
"Because I need to know how the hell my file got released." The kenshin replied, crossing his arms as he spoke. "And I need to know the current location of the other kenshin knights."
"Why?" Tenchi asked. "Do you think they're in danger?"
Ryan said nothing at first, closing his eyes as he thought about his response. "I think this has been a set up from the beginning." He answered finally, whirling to the side suddenly when he heard Ryoko exclaim, "No way!"
Tenchi mimicked the kenshin's movement, the two men staring in dumbfoundment at the space pirate's outburst.
Ayeka and Ryoko met the men's baffled expressions with giggles before the space pirate crossed quickly over to Tenchi and gave him a hug. "Congratulations." She said happily as she pulled away to move beside Ryan, wrapping a slender arm around the kenshin's waist.
Ryan raised an eyebrow as he looked from Ryoko to Ayeka to Tenchi then back to Ryoko. "What is going on?"
Ryoko smiled as she watched Ayeka come beside Tenchi and lock her arm with his before resting her head on his shoulder, replying in a sweet tone. "It seems our mutual friends have decided to tie the knot."
At this, the kenshin broke out into a grin as he reached out and slapped Tenchi on the shoulder. "This is good news Tenchi! Good news indeed!" He said jovially, happy for his friend and more than a little relieved. "Have you set a date yet?"
Tenchi smiled. "Well," He began turning his head to the right, his eyes meeting those of Ayeka. "We thought long and hard on that one and decided to have grandfather perform a simple ceremony as soon as possible."
"Can't wait to get her alone eh, Tenchi?" He said with a snicker, wincing as he felt Ryoko slap him hard on the shoulder. "What?!" He exclaimed as he looked down slightly at her.
Ryoko let out a disgusted sigh. "You have a dirty mind." She growled under her breath.
Ryan smirked. "I thought you liked that side of me." He said, his eyes twinkling devilishly.
Ryoko narrowed her eyes, ignoring his comment as she looked over to Tenchi and Ayeka. "You see what I have to put up with?" She said in mock exasperation.
Tenchi and Ayeka looked at their friends in chagrin.
"Perhaps you two should think of getting married as well." The crown prince said with a smile.
"Yes perhaps." Ryan said softly as he looked over to Ryoko who buried her face in his shoulder to hide the knowing smirk that lingered on her lips.
"Um hmm" Washu coughed from behind them.
Everyone turned to her.
"I hate to interrupt this little love fest but I think we have more pressing matters to attend to don't you think?" She said in a reproving tone as she eyed the two couples through narrowed slits.
Ryan's face grew somber. "Yes of course Washu. We must focus on the task at hand."
"What are our options?" Tenchi asked as he stared down at the red head.
Washu clasped her hands behind her back as she began to pace. "We know who is behind this but not where they are. We need to find them. The sooner the better." She replied stopping in her tracks. She gazed up at Ryan with a hint of excitement in her emerald eyes. "There is a way to find them, a way to track them down and prevent them from completing whatever dark plans they have designed for the universe."
Ryoko recognized that gaze all too well. "No Washu." She said with a shake of her head. "You can't make him do that. The strain to his body could kill him."
Ryan looked away, staring down at his feet. His features grim as everyone waited for him to respond. "That is a viable option." He whispered, whipping his head up as Ryoko pulled away from him, her eyes staring at him in disbelief and hurt.
"I can't believe you would willfully subject yourself to this! I.. I've seen the effects of memory recovery. I've seen the damage inflicted to the body, the horrible screams issued from the throats as they relived each and every memory. I won't watch it again. I refuse to be a part of this!" She said in anguish as she turned and left the room, leaving the rest of the clan to stare at her in confusion.
"What is she talking about?" Tenchi asked as he turned around to face Washu.
Washu sighed. "What Ryoko said is true. The strain to the mind and body during a memory recovery test has been known to be fatal. Those that manage to survive sometimes go insane from the process."
Ayeka gasped.
Tenchi shook his head.
Ryan remained silent, his eyes still set on the cargo bay doors as if he was expecting Ryoko to return any second.
"What I find curious is how Ryoko knows about those tests. They have been outlawed for decades before she was even born."
"Just because they were outlawed doesn't mean they weren't performed. You know that as well as I Washu. Ryoko's reaction is normal in her situation. She was subjected to just such a test. I know. I've seen it in her mind and through her eyes." Ryan whispered slowly as he hung his head in dejection.
Washu looked at him in astonishment. "When in the hell did that happen?!"
Ryan turned to her. "When she was a child." He replied flatly before adding, "I'm not going to go into the details. That is a matter for Ryoko to decide. What I want to know is can you truly perform this test?"
Washu nodded. "Of course I can. And I can guarantee you will not suffer the same fate as those unfortunate souls in the past . If by some chance you begin to have a reaction, I will stop the process immediately. " She spoke confidently as she turned away from the group. "If you are willing to try this I can have my machine ready within the hour."
Ryan looked over his shoulder to his friends, the concerned looks on their faces mirroring his own. What choice do I have? I must confront this darkness within me. Only then will I know the truth about our enemy. And about myself. With a nod, Ryan gave his assent then left the room without another word as he sought out his wife.
*********
He found Ryoko in her assigned room, pacing and mumbling to herself, her arms crossed and her eyes dangerous.
"Ryoko?" Ryan called out softly to her, trying to get her to look at him.
The space pirate shot a look that would have had lesser men cringing in fear.
Ryan held his ground, meeting her lethal stare with a calm, neutral one. "You know it is for the best." He murmured, his gaze unflinching as Ryoko advanced upon him and in a lightning quick motion, slap him hard in the face.
The kenshin made no move to stop her, his head snapping to the side from the impact. Ryan let out a sigh as he turned back to face her, blood trickling down from his nose, spilling over his lip. "I suppose I deserve that." He murmured, his blue eyes never leaving Ryoko's amber ones.
"Don't even begin to lecture me on the necessity of this! I'm tired of you caring more about your mission than me! Don't I matter to you at all?!"
Ryan started to reply but was cut off by Ryoko's continued outburst. "I can't stand to see you suffer anymore Ryan! You're always the one that has to risk everything. And for what? For some misplaced loyalty to a planet that cares little for your welfare? Do you know what you are to them Ryan? Expendable. A tool to serve their needs and nothing more."
"That's not true Ryoko and you know it." Ryan replied, his voice rising in pitch.
"Isn't it?" Ryoko countered, turning away from him. "Then tell my Ryan. What are you to them? What do you believe they think of you?"
Ryan moved closer to her. "What is it you want from me?" He asked, ignoring her remarks. "What would you have me do?"
Ryoko whirled to him, tears brimming in her eyes. "I don't want you to take any unnecessary risks. I don't want you to die on me. I don't want...." Her voice trailed off as she slumped to the ground, burying her face in her hands.
Ryan kneeled down in front of her, wrapping his arms around her body, pulling her against him. "Oh Ryoko. I know you're afraid for me. I know you love me. But you have to trust me. I know of no other person who could pull this off without a hitch than Washu. She will make sure nothing happens during the procedure." He whispered resting his chin on the top of her head.
Ryoko pulled away slowly from his hold, tilting her head up.
Ryan smiled, reaching out to touch her face. "There." He said softly, wiping the last of her tears away. "All better now."
"Oh," She cried painfully and in regret, raising her hand towards his face, her finger tips wiping off the blood that had settled on his lip. "I'm so sorry." She said apologetically as she dropped her hand. "I shouldn't have hit you. I don't know what's wrong with me. It's just..."
Ryan smiled down at her. "There is no need to explain Ryoko." He replied, resting his forehead upon hers. "No need at all."
Ryoko let out a sigh before lifting her head up, looking at him through half lidded eyes as she reached up to take hold of his face and pull him to her.
Ryan gave a muffled response as their lips locked, his surprise giving way to desire as he closed his eyes and met her need with his own.
*********
General Nomaru surveyed the throng of people who had gathered outside his ship, blinking his blue eyes in irritation at the bright light reflecting off the massive metallic pillars that lined the palace space port. So this is Avinor. He thought in mild interest. It was similar to what he had found in Koba's memories. And so different from Jurai. He added mentally as he took in the new surroundings. Where Jurai maintained it's power through the trees that spread over the vast majority of it's terrain, Avinor was a marvel of modern technology. Gigantic man made structures, ten times the size of the oldest trees of Jurai, rose up, there tops seeming to touch the sky. What purposes they held, Nomaru could only guess. He tossed his head back as he eyes took in these artificial wonders, these colossal towers adorned in white, a crafty smile tugging at his lips. Yes. A technologically advanced civilization. The perfect place to build my weapons of war.
"Lord Koba, it has been too long since you last were among us."
Nomaru dropped his head, fixing his stare on a tall, thin man with dark blue hair and sharp green eyes, his olive tinted skin taunt and his expression one of false sincerity, his royal blue tailored uniform a dark contrast to the white that surrounded them. The general took a few seconds to pull the name of this man from his host's memory. A picture formed in his head and Nomaru smiled in a way that made the larger man back reflexively away. "Yes it has, hasn't it Salma." He replied in a low voice, earning him a sigh from Alyssia who walked just behind him.
Nomaru turned slightly to her before addressing the man once more. "Well Salma, I must say you've managed to keep this place clean while I've been away." He commented as he continued away from the ship towards the main hall of his host's palace. A building of monstrous size, whiter than the hair that graced his head, it's perfection shining in the midday sun. "Beautiful." He murmured as he began up the marble steps, his pace too quick for Alyssia and the others to keep up.
He burst through the massive doors that surrendered easily to his touch. He stopped in the middle of the main hall his eyes glinting in pleasure as his gaze fell upon the open throne room decorated with the latest in technological advances, everything draped in white. Even the throne chair itself, perched high above a series of steps, was decorated in the same color.
Ugh. This white has got to go. He thought to himself as he collapsed upon the cushioned seat, resting his chin upon his chest.
"Brother what is wrong with you?" Alyssia cried as she entered the room slightly out of breath, her gaze falling questioningly upon the small man.
Nomaru whipped his head up to her, irritated at her insolence. But she is right. Koba did not act this way. Would not have acted this way. He was furious at his forced exile. Perhaps I should demonstrate some anger towards those that booted him off the planet. "I'm sorry sister." Normaru said slowly. "I guess I just missed this place so much my enthusiasm got the better of me. I apologize."
Alyssia narrowed her eyes. What is with you Koba? You never acted like this before? She wondered, moving towards him, taking the stairs one at a time, her gaze never wavering from Nomaru.
The general was the first to look away as his ears picked up the sound of several feet marching down the hall. Within seconds they had reached the throne room. A group of about twenty men dressed in the same uniforms as Salma stopped just below the throne steps, giving Normaru a series of formal bows before addressing him.
"Lord Koba, please allow us to extend our apologies for the harsh treatment you received from our colleagues. We were simply trying to look out for the best interests of our people." A younger man with blond hair and brown eyes offered sincerely.
Nomaru smiled, opening his mind to search the true motives of the one before him. This one is called Mercer. A man who sympathized with Koba. I could use someone like this. "Yes I suppose you were." He replied coolly, his eyes straying to the rest of the members before coming back to the young man who had addressed him. "But I trust since you have studied the files my sister gave you, that little matter has come to a rest."
Several of the men murmured assent, eager to escape any wrath that might occur from Koba's harsh treatment, their eyes widening as Nomaru rose up out of his seat and jaunted down the steps, stopping swiftly before them.
"Apology accepted." He said softly as he watched their startled reactions with a smirk. "Now gentlemen. There is something I want you to do for me. Something of the utmost importance that I need to discuss with each and everyone of you."
"We are at your beck and call my lord." Mercer spoke with pride.
Nomaru turned to him and clasped his left shoulder. "Excellent Mercer." He said with a smile before adding, "I would like you to call an emergency session in the great hall. I want every member of the government there. Tell them they have one hour to arrive. Those that refuse will suffer my wrath."
The men frowned. "What should we tell them this session is about?" Mercer asked.
Nomaru's face grew serious. "Survival." He replied before marching past the men. "I'm going out for a little fresh air. Alyssia inform me when the members are all assembled." He said over his shoulder as he exited the room.
The men looked from the retreating Nomaru to Alyssia who could only shake her head, just as confused as they were. She didn't know what was wrong with Koba but she would figure it out. Without a word, the tall woman walked gracefully down the steps, past the men and out into the sunlight and fresh air. She scanned the area, hoping to catch sight of her brother but to no avail. Whatever is wrong Koba, I will help you. She vowed as she strode forward, determined to find her brother.
Well another chapter is done. I need to stop with all this fluff and get back to the plot of my story. Next time: What memories are in store for Ryan and can he survive them long enough to get some real information. When will Tenchi and Ayeka tie the knot? And just what does Nomaru have in store for the council of Avinor? Check back soon to find out!