Well my dear Jillian here is the chapter you've been waiting for. The introduction of your character, Misao Keiji. Read and enjoy.
Chapter 19-- An Unlikely Kenshin
Alyssia walked briskly out of the great hall, tall and straight, her features calm even as her heart continued to race. She followed the pathway veering off to the left of the massive white structure where her brother was outlining his war plan, heading straight for a smaller domed building glistening in the waves of a setting sun. Alyssia cast her eyes downward to avoid the glare of the reflecting light as she continued onward, hoping, praying that Koba would not discover her betrayal. But in her mind his actions were the true threat to Avinor, not Jurai.
Koba is lying. I know he is lying. He is not the man I knew. He is not my brother. I must not let him get away with this.
The dark haired woman raised her head as she jogged up the steps, her face a mask of calm to avoid suspicion. She gave a quick nod to a few officers who ambled down the steps, acknowledging her greeting with nods of their own as they passed. Alyssia gave a small sigh of relief, even as she knew she was being paranoid.
The lady of Avinor stood briefly before the large clear doors that led to the communication room as a flash of soft green light washed over her. Within seconds, the doors slid open allowing excess into the interior. Alyssia marched straight across the open area and into a turbo lift a few paces to her right. Reaching out she pressed one of the buttons on the right of the door, frowning as she noticed the trembling of her hand. Steady! She chided herself, dropping her hand the instant that her finger pressed the red button marked L3. The lift shot up and within a second, she reached her destination, an open, circular area marked Level 3-- Universal Communication.
Her blue eyes scanned the vast rotunda littered with civilian and military computer terminals. Most were in use. Alyssia straightened her frame and began forward, her keen eyesight searching for an empty terminal to warn Jurai of her brother's plan. The sound of laughter erupted near her and the lady jumped, taken by surprise at the noise. She shook her head and composed herself, a sad smile gracing her lips as she looked over to find a family huddled around a monitor, a pair of hands holding up a small infant who giggled endlessly on the small screen. The group of five smiled and pointed at the display as if the child was the most important thing in the world.
But family is the most important thing in the world Alyssia and you are about to betray yours. A voice whispered in her mind
Alyssia quickly turned away, focusing her attention back on the computers, ignoring the voice as she searched. Finally she spotted an empty terminal halfway around the room and moved as gracefully but quickly as she could without arousing curious onlookers. She pulled out the black swivel chair and sat down, scooting the seat back up to the white desktop that held a small, clear monitor and matching keyboard.
For a few seconds she sat still, biting lip as she thought just what exactly message she should send. Would they believe her?
There's only one way to find out.
With a speed born of fear at being discovered, the lady quickly typed in a short message: Lord Koba of Avinor is plotting against your planet. He is not himself. Has not been himself since his healing from one of your kenshin's named Ryan. Advise you make move to counter him. Send emissaries to calm the populace fears. Prove him wrong.
Lady Alyssia Natanshi of Avinor.
With a light tap, Alyssia sent out her communiqué, holding her breath as she awaited a response. A few seconds later a reply erupted on her screen but not as she hoped. She grabbed the desktop and pushed herself roughly away, her jaw clenched as the words TRANSMISSION INTERFERENCE flashed annoyingly on her view screen.
Dammit! Her mind cried as she lowered her head and covered her face with her hands.
Koba has somehow blocked all communication with Jurai. Or has he?
Alyssia dropped her hands into her lap as her features turned thoughtful. Perhaps he has a conspirator on Jurai. Someone purposefully blocking any attempts at communicating within certain sectors of space. If that's true, he would have to contact them someway. Her eyes sparkled in realization as she bolted out of her chair. Of course! She thought with a triumphant smile. With a quick stride, the lady crossed the floor back to the turbo lift, her features determined, a surge of adrenaline pumping through her veins as she prepared herself to test her theory. I hope to God this works! She thought as she exited the building and headed off in a new, hopefully more productive direction.
********
The Masaki clan stood in a clustered group within the protective shadow of the Nozomi, their curious eyes scanning the vast, sandy wasteland of the desert planet Karnac. The allotted meeting place Misao Keiji had agreed to meet with the kenshin. But even within the shade, they were not spared from the heat as wave after wave of hot, dry air blew by, pelting their exposed flesh with swirls of sand, causing them to close their eyes and mouths lest they choke on the dust. All save Ryan who seem unaffected by the torrent of granular pellets, his eyes forever set on the powder blue sky, an expectant look on his handsome face.
The kenshin shifted his black boots slightly in the yellow dust, his head turning to the side as he sensed movement beside him, his eyes meeting those of his wife.
"Are you sure this Keiji chick hasn't suckered you into a trap? It seems kind of fishy that she set the condition of our meeting on an uninhabited planet, especially one so desolate as this." Ryoko said, eyeing the open area with disdain and suspicion. "What's to stop her from attacking us?"
Ryan gave her a teasing smile. "What's this I hear. You can't trust a pirate? Is that what you're saying?"
Ryoko nodded to him unfazed by the look he was giving her. "Of course. I was once a pirate, and we are as dishonest as they come."
"But you've changed. And in your heart you've always had honor." Ryan said softly as he turned his gaze back up into the sky. "Besides, I know Misao would never go back on her word. She is a woman of honor. She promised to behave. I trust her."
"Well I don't."
"Then trust in me. She will not relent on her promise. Besides she owes me." Ryan said with a smile as he watched the atmosphere for some sign of Keiji's ship.
Ryoko was about to ask what the pirate owned him, when the sound of hover jets met her attuned ears. Ryoko tilted her head back, her eyes widening in surprise at the sheer size and scale of the ship approaching them. Her gaze followed the descent of the monstrous black vessel that landed with a gentle thud that belied it's enormity.
The ship easily overshadowed both the Nozomi and the Akuna combined, the shadow cast over the two smaller vessels swallowing them whole. Everyone watched in fascination as a long, metallic ramp began to angle out and down, collapsing onto the shifting ground, causing a dust cloud to blast outward.
Ryoko covered her face with her arm, protecting her tender skin from the sand, an action mimicked by the rest of the clan.
The discomfort lasted only a few seconds as the sand settled and the group lowered their arms, their eyes focused on the door that shot open at the top of the ramp. A figure emerged from the shadow of the ship. A collective gasp erupted from everyone as they got their first look at the man who began to walk down the ramp. Even from where they were standing, it was easy to see the immense size and bulk of the person heading towards them. A barrel chested man whose muscles strained against the fabric of his half opened blue shirt, the sleeves rolled up. His sturdy legs clad in black slacks that allowed just enough room for him to move without restriction. His heavy black boots, clanging loudly against the ramp until at last his feet hit the sand and he walked briskly over to them, his long, dark green hair pulled back into a ponytail that danced with the wind that swirled around him, his amber eyes unblinking as he studied the people before him.
Ryoko instinctively shifted backwards, intimidated subconsciously by the sheer size of the man, tossing a worried expression over at Ryan who had not budged from his spot, his eyes neutral and his features indifferent as he stood waiting for the man to stop his progress.
The man came to a halt less than a foot from the kenshin, his gaze hard as he eyed Ryan up and down before leaning in for a closer look.
Ryan met his stare, craning his neck back as he eyed the man who towered over him with interest.
The clan held their breath, waiting and wondering what would happen.
Suddenly the man's features softened into a look of recognition and happiness as he gave a loud, boisterous laugh and wrapped his arms around the kenshin, lifting him off the ground and giving him a bear hug.
Ryoko watched the display in astonishment, her curious eyes traveling to the light blue tattoo design of dragons snaked around each of the man's forearms. I know I've seen that design somewhere before, but where? She wondered with a frown as she returned her gaze to her husband.
Ryan smiled and patted the man on his beefy shoulders. "Easy big fella, I'm gonna need my lungs back."
"Sorry." The bulky man said with a hearty laugh, setting him down on the ground before backing away "Ryan of the kenshin it's been too long since the lady and I have heard from you."
Ryan gave him an apologetic smile. "Indeed it has Vega." He said with a laugh. "Too long." He added, looking past the larger man to the ramp. "How is Misao doing? Has she grown?"
Vega's smile did not diminish, instead it grew, grinning like a proud papa who has just heard words of praise lavished upon his child. "Aye, she has. By leaps and bounds. The lady is most anxious to meet you and your friends." He replied looking past the kenshin to the clan who looked nervously at him.
The large man laughed. "Come now. Don't be afraid of me. Old Vega here won't hurt you." He said, turning and gesturing them forward as he began to make his way back to and up the ramp.
Ryan turned to the others, a smile upon his lips. "Come on." He said, with a wave of his hand before grabbing hold of Ryoko's and pulling her forward as they struggled along the sandy terrain.
"Come. Come." Vega shouted out, his voice merry and his features friendly.
"Let's go." Tenchi said marching forward, Ayeka and the others at his heels.
Once inside the ship, the door closed down behind them and the corridor lit up in a bright, comforting light, revealing a wide hallway that seemed to stretch forever onward, the metallic interior as shiny and well cared for in appearance as the outside of the ship. Vega lead them quietly forward, slowing his stride so the rest of the group could keep up.
"How much further Vega?" Ryan asked, the closest of the clan and the most anxious of them all.
"The lift is just ahead kenshin. From there it is but a matter of seconds to the bridge." Vega replied over his shoulder.
True to his word, they rounded a corner and found an open lift waiting for them to enter. Everyone piled in, bunched together like grapes as they waited for the lift to rise.
"Bridge." Vega shouted out, causing everyone to wince at the volume of his voice.
The lift complied, rocketing upward at blinding speed. Stopping it's ascent with a slight shudder, the door sliding open and revealing a small room decked in bright shades of blue, from the walls to the floor save the enormous black view screen that stretched along the front and the black chairs placed strategically in front of various instrument panels about the area.
The bridge was empty, except for what appeared to be a small female who stood in front of the screen, her back turned to them. Long, lilac hair rested in a braid against her celestial blue outfit which bared a striking resemblance to Ayeka's royal garb.
Ryoko was unable to hide her surprise as she addressed the kenshin. "Are you telling me were trusting our lives in the hands of a kid? And a shrimp at that?" She said, looking from the small figure over to her husband who was about to reply when the lady spoke.
"I assure you Miss Ryoko, I am no child." A soft, feminine voice replied turning around slowly, her neon blue eyes crackling with an intensity of power that rivaled any standing in the room.
Every one gasped as they looked from the pirate to Ryan.
"She has the same eyes as yours." Ayeka exclaimed. "Is this little one a kenshin too?"
Ryan nodded. "That she is."
Misao raised an eyebrow. "Little one?" She murmured, looking over to the princess with an enigmatic smile. "I like that." She added, scanning the rest of the group before walking over to Washu who studied her with interest. The female kenshin stopped within a foot of the scientist her smile widening as she noticed the two were eye level. "Miss Washu it is an honor to meet someone of your genius." She said with a slight bow.
Washu smiled smugly. "It's about time someone recognized my greatness." She said closing her eyes and resting her hands on her hips.
Misao walked over to Ayeka and Sasami and repeated the motion. "The princesses of Jurai. Of the Hazemuto branch family if I'm not mistaken."
Ayeka stared at the small woman in shock. "How did you know.." She started then stopped. "Of course." She said softly staring into Misao's blue eyes. The princess studied the space pirate her eyes widening as if she recognized something. "You're from the Keiji branch of nobles!" She exclaimed excitedly, pointing at the smaller woman. "Your the lost child!"
Everyone looked to Ryan who gave mouthed "I'll tell you later" as the smaller woman continued onward.
Misao moved over to Tenchi, her eyes softening as she kneeled down. "Tenchi Masaki. The crown prince of Jurai and rightful ruler. I bid you welcome to my ship."
Tenchi stared down at her unsure how to respond to her formal tone. "Uh, I thank you." He said with a smile, turning his head in the direction of Ryan's voice.
"All right Misao, quit showing off. They know all about kenshin knights and what they can do. So drop the formalities. I have much to discuss with you." The kenshin said sternly, his eyes serious as he gazed down at the petite pirate.
Misao sighed. "You're such a party pooper." She said in a disappointed tone walking past them. "Well I hate to discuss business on an empty stomach so lets head to the galley and grab some grub." She added over her shoulder as she entered the lift.
Everyone looked at each other in uncertainty then to the petite woman.
"Well are you coming or not?" She asked, crossing her arms, her features impatient.
There was a nod of silent assent as everyone piled in.
A few minutes later found the clan situated around a long black metallic table, the surface covered in a variety of delicacies and treats from around the cosmos. Ryoko and the others dug in with relish but Ryan's plate remained empty as he sat to the right of Misao, the two deep in discussion.
"What has happened to you Ryan?" Misao said, studying the young man in concern. "Our power was nearly equal but now it seems you have lost part of yourself."
Ryan looked down. "My power was stolen from me by a man name Koba Natanshi. The current lord of the planet Avinor."
Misao looked at him in surprise. "Why the hell would he take your power?"
Ryan filled her in on all that had happened, Misao listening in rapt attention. When he had finished, her features were grim.
"I see why you need my help." She said, turning her attention suddenly over to Ryoko who eyed them in suspicion. A smirk tugged at her lips as she spoke. "It seems your wife wonders just what exactly your relationship to me is."
"Reading my mind Misao you naughty girl. I thought you knew better than that." Ryan tsked as he reached to fill his glass with a sweet smelling red liquid.
Misao's smirk widened. "It seems you've been a naughty boy Ryan. You keep it up and soon you'll have a litter of kids to take care of."
Ryan let out a laugh. "Yes I suppose I should behave myself. But as I'm sure you're aware of Misao, I'm not the aggressive one in the relationship."
Misao looked back over to Ryoko. "I'm surprised she hasn't worn you out." She murmured her features growing serious as she turned back to her friend. She reached out with her fork and tapped on her goblet. "I think it's time we discuss terms."
Ryan took a sip of his drink and nodded.
Several pairs of eyes watched the space pirate rise to address them, waiting patiently for her to begin.
"My fee is simple. In return to getting you safely to Avinor and assisting you in your mission, I request 100 billion in Juraian currency."
Ayeka choked on her drink. "What!" She managed to get past her clenched teeth as she fought to regain control of her lungs.
"You must be joking." Ryoko said with a frown. "There's no way in hell we can come up with that kind of money."
"I assure you Miss Ryoko I never joke about money." Misao countered, sitting back down.
Ryan stared hard at her. "Misao be reasonable. If you help us I can assure you that you'll receive 5 million but not even the emperor of Jurai could give out the amount of money you're seeking."
Misao closed her eyes.
Everyone held their breath, expecting her to refuse.
The female kenshin opened her lids slowly, a sigh of resignation escaping from her lips. "Okay. But only 'cause I like you." Misao answered looking over to Ryan. "I will prepare my necessities and join you aboard the Nozomi. Vega here will make sure that the Akuna is taken care of while we're gone." She added before exiting the room.
Ryoko looked over at Ryan who gave her a sheepish smile and a shrug. "I know she's a little ... different but you'll get used to her." He assured her as he rose and left, followed closely by the rest of the clan.
*****
"Now Vega remember to keep the crew away from the Akuna after you dock it. It belongs to Jurai and is not to be messed with. Understand?" Misao ordered the strong man who nodded as the two of them stood outside the Nozomi.
"Aye captain. She'll be in good hands." Vega replied. "You just watch yourself."
"As always." Misao said turning and walking up Nozomi's ramp, arms clasped behind her back.
Vega watched her disappear inside the corridor before pivoting around and heading back to his ship.
Once sure everyone was safely on board, Ryan engaged the engines and piloted the Nozomi through the atmosphere and into the coldness of space, streaking rapidly away from the hot confines of Karnac, Ryoko at his side. "Where are the others?" The kenshin asked surveying the cockpit with curious eyes.
"They're getting resettled in their rooms I suppose. As is your friend."
Ryan's brow furrowed at the distrustful tone in her voice. "You don't like her?"
"How is it you know her Ryan? Just what is the history you have with her?" Ryoko asked eyeing him in frustration.
"Are you jealous?" Ryan asked in disbelief.
Ryoko looked away. "Of course not. Well ... maybe a little."
Ryan laughed.
"What?" The space pirate asked with a frown as she returned her attention to him.
Ryan shook his head. "Misao is my friend. Nothing more. We do share a bond due to similar circumstances in our childhood but that's all."
"You mean she lost her parents too?"
Ryan nodded, his features growing serious. "She was the daughter of Takahara Keiji, a Juraian noble who was an emissary of Jurai. He often took his family with him when sent on goodwill tours. While visiting the planet Lohan he was assassinated by a rebel group opposed to Jurai's growing influence on their home world. Takahara's wife Umenko was killed as well, along with several assistants. The child, Misao, escaped before the killers could finish the job. She was taken in by a pirate named Vega Reisan, a burly man with a soft heart. He found her thieving from the pockets of wealthy vacationers as they walked the streets. He taught her the art of piracy and in return she pledged to stay with him until his dying day."
"This is all fascinating and explains Ayeka's outburst but what do you have to do with it?" Ryoko asked.
"We sensed the existence of a new kenshin emerging and I was sent to find the source. I was told to recruit the individual into our ranks with open arms. When I found Miss Keiji, I was surprised to say the least. A child of a Juraian branch family surrounded by a crew of pirates that adored and worshipped her as if she were some sort of savior. Granted, she was something of an oddity. A seventeen year old young woman of small stature and a rather quirky personality, but size means so little with what power was harnessed within her." Ryan paused, looking out into space before continuing again.
"I tried to get her to come back to Jurai but she refused, claiming she owed allegiance to Vega. I accepted her answer and was about to return when she asked me if I ever wished I had lived my life differently, if I had ever wished I had chosen to not go to Jurai but remain free of the responsibly. She had seen into my soul and found my a puzzle. She wanted to understand my choices, to understand why I killed so many people. For she herself could never lift a finger to harm another being. She wanted to return with me, but knew she would not be able to perform the duties we knights must undertake for the good of Jurai. I was touched by her concern for me and recognized her need to be around someone like yet unlike her. So I stayed a few months with her and her crew. Helped her with her doubts and showed her ways to use her power without inducing bodily harm. We became good friends."
Ryoko frowned. "Misao is a space pirate. A thief. You let her go to continue her pilfering ways without a by your leave?" She asked in incredulity.
"Yes." Ryan replied. "I understood Misao's need for freedom and I must admit I envied her. But my place rests with Jurai just as Miss Keiji's is with the charted and uncharted realms of outer space. I couldn't reign her in. She is a free spirit and always will be. The best I could do was make a deal with her. If she would restrict her thieving ways by taking from other thieves, Jurai would let her be."
"And she accepted that?"
Ryan nodded.
"Hmm." Ryoko sounded as she looked away from her mate to the cockpit door.
"What are you thinking about?" Ryan asked.
"Nothing." The space pirate replied as she rose out of her seat.
"Where are you going?"
"There's something I need to check up on." Ryoko answered over her shoulder as she exited the cockpit.
Ryan let out a sigh as he returned his attention to the instrument panel as he gave a silent prayer. God, I hope she doesn't go asking Misao about me. That little brat would tell her just to embarrass me.
********
Alyssia strode purposefully down the darkened corridor of her brother's ship, her ears focused for any little sound that might indicate she was not alone. Satisfied at the silence, she made her way to her brother's quarters, eyeing the surroundings with narrowed eyes. The lady shivered at the creepy vibe the room was giving off, causing the hair to rise off the back of her neck. It feels so cold in here as if death itself has laid claim to this room.
Alyssia features grew determined as she shrugged off the cold and hurried over to the communication panel on the wall. Her fingers flew across the touch screen, retyping the message and hitting the send button, crossing her fingers as she waited. There was a short pause and then the words she had been hoping to see appeared: MESSAGE RECEIVED. WILL BE SENT TO COUNCIL OF JURAI.
She let out a sigh, lowering her head in relief as she shut off the panel and turned slowly around, jumping back and letting out a cry of fear as Koba stood less than a foot away from her. His eyes hard and a dark look upon his countenance.
"My dear sister whatever are you up to?" He asked in a voice as cold as ice as he advanced upon her.
Alyssia back away, her features paling as she banged into the wall, her heart pounding against her chest, her voice lost to her as she closed her eyes and waited for death to come.
What an awful way to leave you guys huh? Next time: What will become of Alyssia? And what's this?! Ryan finds Ryoko and Misao giggling like schoolgirls over a bottle of Sake?! What could these two women be talking about and why is Ryan blushing? Turn in next time and find out.