Akemi Akibi: Hey that's all right. I understand your predicament. I thank you for your reviews.
Chapter 20--A Near Moment of Embarrassment
Alyssia remained against the wall, eyes closed shut. Every beat of her heart roared within her eardrums. Thump, thump, thump. Her breath escaped in short bursts as she stood motionless, unable to escape the fear and loathing pulsing through her veins, waiting for death to sink it's rancid teeth into her soft flesh and tear her apart.
But death did not come.
Instead the lady heard a deep, compelling voice speak to her, lolling her into an almost trance-like state.
"Open your eyes Alyssia."
Alyssia obeyed without question, her eyelids fluttering open , tilting her head down to look into the face of Koba.
But his eyes were no longer blue. Rather the darkest shade of black, pulsating with unspoken power.
Like a moth to the flame she was drawn in.
And the voice continued to speak, even as the small man's lips remained still.
"Alyssia .. You will forget everything that happened. Every suspicion of your brother will vanish. You will remain steadfast and loyal to him. Do all that he asks of you. Do you understand?"
The lady gave a slow nod, her eyes glazed.
The small man backed away, allowing Alyssia safe passage out of his room. "Go now," He commanded. "Rest and forget."
Alyssia left the room slowly, her movements methodical and controlled.
Nomaru watched her go before turning to the computer terminal, an evil smile on his face. This has worked better that I planned. He thought happily. She has contacted Jurai. They will come and my point will be proved. He had wanted to kill the troublesome woman right then and there but had thought better of it. She is more useful to me alive.
The dark one turned away from the screen and crossed over to the small chair near the far wall, collapsing into a heap upon it's cushioned seat. He rested his arms against the sides as his thoughts turned to more serious matters. To the one thing that bothered him. The kenshin was still alive and on the loose. He had yet to hear from any of the bounty hunters, assassins or risk takers bent on grabbing the reward. Nomaru let out a sigh and brought a hand up to run his throbbing temples. I cannot sense him. I have no idea where he is at the moment. He thought in frustration and anger as he dropped his hand back on the arm rest. A sudden smile spread on his face. But I know one thing. If he somehow manages to survive, he will come here. He leaned back in his chair as his smile became a look of smugness. Let him come. I'll face him again. And this time I'll win.
*****
"Interesting."
Ryan studied the monitor in Nozomi's research lab, his eyes focused on the swirling image of the planet Avinor. Around this image, was an endless array of information divided into blocks which the kenshin processed in an orderly fashion. He tapped the next button on his keyboard, allowing the screen to change into a series of images detailing Avinor's capital city and governmental center, Veurth.
He began to read down the file when the lab door slid open. The kenshin turned to find Tenchi entering the room, his features troubled as he stopped before his friend.
"Could I talk to you for a moment Ryan?" The crown prince spoke in a serious tone as he reached out to a nearby chair and drew it towards him, sinking down into the seat slowly and with great care as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders.
Ryan leaned back in his chair, a frown upon his countenance. "What is troubling you Tenchi?"
Tenchi let out a sigh as he cast his eyes downward, unable to meet his friend's gaze. "It's about this whole marriage thing."
Ryan frowned. Oh boy. He thought as he studied his friend. "Are you having second thoughts?" He asked in concern. "Do you not still love the princess?"
Tenchi whirled his gaze back to the kenshin, his features darkening. "Of course I do." He replied sharply causing Ryan to raise an eyebrow at his tone. Tenchi shook his head and calmed himself. "I love Ayeka with all my heart. It's just ... " His voice trailed off, unable to express his self doubt.
But Ryan could read the conflict within the crown prince's features and understood perfectly what was going on in Tenchi's mind. "You fear the responsibility of being emperor of Jurai and all that it entails."
Tenchi didn't even attempt to deny it. He sat silent for a few seconds before lowering his head in shame. "I am." He replied softly, hoping for some sage advice from Ryan. What he got instead was unexpected.
The kenshin began to laugh.
Tenchi's head jerked up, his features confused and agitated. "What?"
Ryan's laughter died down slowly as he shook his head. "I don't know about you Tenchi." He began looking over at the crown prince with twinkling eyes. "Anyone else would jump at the chance to rule the most powerful planet in the universe and here you are stuck in self doubt and uncertainty."
Tenchi crossed his arms. "This is not very helpful to me right now kenshin." He spoke in agitation. "I was hoping you could illuminate the darkness brimming in my mind."
Ryan features grew serious, his teasing tone replaced by a somber one. "I can not give you any answers crown prince. All I can tell you is that you are more than capable of performing all that will be required if you were to become emperor."
Tenchi's arms loosened as he relaxed his posture. "You really think so?" He asked, his eye full of shock.
Ryan looked at the crown prince as if he were a dolt. "Of course. Why wouldn't I?"
Tenchi looked away, his lips drawn silent.
The kenshin tilted his head as he studied Tenchi, his eyes troubled. There is something else bothering you my prince. But what? He wondered, closing his eyes as he pondered why Tenchi seemed so conflicted. He opened his eyes suddenly in realization. "You fear you will never see the earth again."
Tenchi brought his brown eyes back upon his friend's face. Relief flooded through him. Finally someone understands. "Yes." He answered. "My father is still there. My life is still there."
"You can always return to Earth Tenchi." Ryan countered. "Anytime you wish."
"Really?"
Ryan smiled. "I know of many Juraians who have vacationed on the Earth before. And not just Juraians. There have been others from planets throughout the universe that have been to your home world." He replied, straightening his frame. "How do you think I got my first name?"
Tenchi looked at him in surprise. "Your parents visited the Earth?"
Ryan cast his eyes downward. "More like they had an emergency landing." He began in a pained tone, reliving the story his mother told him when he was only five. "It was just before I was born. A man named Ryan Johnstone gave them room and board while they waited for a repair ship to come and retrieve them. He took great care of them and was an amiable host. My mother liked the sound of his first name, said it seemed masculine and strong, that she vowed to name her first son Ryan." He finished with a sad smile. "I got quite a few stares on Calbon when I was introduced. And got into quite a few scrapes before I left my home world." Ryan shook his head. "In any case that is in the past. What is important now is you focusing on what you value most Tenchi."
Tenchi let out a low sigh and closed his eyes, pondering the kenshin's statement. "I know what I want. But I'm still afraid I won't fit in."
"Don't be." Ryan said, his eyes growing serious. "You have all you require to be a leader. Don't be ashamed to show it. Show Jurai what a true ruler can do."
Tenchi smiled and nodded, turning his gaze over to the glowing monitor. "What are you researching?"
Ryan followed the crown prince's movement. "I thought it best to understand as much as I could about Avinor."
"What have you discovered?"
"What Washu said was essentially true." The kenshin began. "They have the technological ability to take over any part of the universe they sought fit."
Tenchi frowned. "But they haven't?"
Ryan nodded. "They've never shown any desire to expand their territory. They do maintain good relations with their neighbors. A trade coalition of sorts. But that will all change if Nomaru gets his wish."
Tenchi's features tightened. "Just how much trouble are you expecting?"
Ryan crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair, a dark look upon his countenance. "Although they have no massed produced weapons to speak of , they do have a defensive shield capable of producing a massive wave of energy around their entire quadrant."
"And what's so special about this shield?"
Ryan turned to him. "It means ships can get out, but you need a specific identifier to enter. And I have no clue what that could be. A password, a badge. I don't know."
"Can't Washu help?"
"Perhaps." Ryan conceded, looking back to the screen. "Perhaps not. I can't say for certain until we get close to Avinor."
The crown prince leaned back on his chair his expression thoughtful. "Can't we execute a space jump like before when we reached the space port?"
Ryan shook his head. " I cannot execute a space jump while the ship is cloaked. And I would not risk such a maneuver with so many people on board." He answered before adding, "But this shield dilemma doesn't worry me as much as what Nomaru plans to do with the power he has stolen."
"What does he plan to do?" Tenchi asked, setting his troubled gaze upon his friend.
Ryan closed his eyes. "Imagine being able to control countless planets all with a mere thought."
Tenchi's face drained of color. "Could he do that?" The crown prince murmured.
"All he needs is a weapon to enhance his psychic abilities, one that would amplify his power in waves of energy. He could have anything he wanted. The universe would become his for the taking."
"What's to stop him from doing that to us?"
Ryan smiled. "Those of strong minds will not succumb to his power no matter how enhanced his ability."
Tenchi let out a sigh, shaking his head. This is crazy. He thought in dismay. He turned suddenly his features brightening. "What about the other kenshin knights?"
"I cannot contact them. They in turn have not contacted me. Most likely they have no idea what is going on. Is that not strange?"
"What about Misao?" Tenchi pressed. "Isn't she a knight?"
Ryan gave Tenchi an impressed look. "Perhaps she could be of assistance." He answered rising slowly from his seat.
Tenchi rose as well. "I guess it's time to call it a night."
"Yes." Ryan replied softly, a mischievous grin forming on his lips. "You don't want to keep Ayeka waiting too long young prince."
Tenchi gave him a smirk. "You have such a dirty mind."
Ryan feigned offense. "Moi? I don't know where you got such a ridiculous notion."
Tenchi shook his head. "Good night kenshin."
Ryan nodded. "Good night crown prince."
Ryan watched his friend turn and exit the room before returning his attention to the screen. Reaching out with his left hand, the kenshin shut off the system all the while shaking his head. Tenchi still doubts his place in the universe. And I who know of it cannot tell him. He must discover it on his own without my guidance. It is the only way he will truly know what kind of man he will become.
Ryan brought a hand to his face and rubbed his eyes. God I'm tired. But I must see Misao before I turn into bed. With that, he shut off the lights and left the room, in search of his smaller comrade. A few minutes later he found her.
Ryan stood just outside Nozomi's lounge doors, his arm stretched hesitantly, his hand hovering in front of the green button that allowed access to the room. He held his breath as he eyed the door in disbelief, his ears picking up the sounds of two women giggling and roaring in laughter, mostly at his expense. His eyes widened as he heard Ryoko's voice shout out enthusiastically, "No, no, no wait! Tell me again what happened that night?!"
"Okay, okay." Misao gentler voice countered. "But pay close attention this time because I don't like having to repeat myself."
Ryan could take no more, jamming the button forcefully causing the doors to slide open revealing the two women sitting around the long metallic table, several bottles of rice wine littering it's black surface. A blue cup filled to the brim with sake sat before each woman who turned to him with glazed eyes and lurid grins as they appraised him.
"Hey handsome!" Ryoko cried, trying to rise off the couch only to collapse back on the cushions with a giggle. "Come and join the fun!"
"Yes." Misao sang gaily. "I was just telling your wife about that time on Randai when you went out drinking with Vega, the boys and me."
Ryan blanched. "You ... You told her about that?" He stammered in horror. My God! He thought in fear. Surely she didn't tell her everything about that night?!
Ryoko let out another giggle, righting herself before waving a come here gesture at him. "You are so cute when you're embarrassed."
Ryan was not amused. "I think you ladies have had enough for one night don't you?"
Both women ignored him as Ryoko turned her attention over to Misao who reached out and snaked her hand around her cup, taking a demure sip before setting it down again. "Anyway. Like I was saying, Ryan went with us to Lorainas a great big bar and entertainment center on Randai. He refused to touch any of the liquor we offered, claiming it tainted his mind and loosened his senses." She paused, sliding her eyes over to Ryan who gave her a warning glare and a shake of his head. "Naturally I was intrigued." She continued looking back at Ryoko who nodded.
"Naturally." She piped, reaching out to grab her cup, tossing the contents back in one gulp. She placed the cup back onto the table, her features full of glee as she listened.
"So I kept pouring bits of whiskey into his soda every time he was distracted. It didn't take much to loosen him up."
"I'm allergic to alcohol." Ryan grumbled. "It causes adverse reactions which wouldn't have happened at all if you hadn't screwed around with my drink." He added with a growl.
Misao waved away his words. "Shush!" She chided. "Anyway, so that night Lorainas was hosting a Karaoke contest." She continued only to be drowned out by Ryoko's voice.
"Oh Karaoke! I love Karaoke!" She exclaimed excitedly as she studied Misao.
"Yeah," Misao murmured with a sigh, her voice trailing off as she stared up at the ceiling, lost in thought.
"Misao!" Ryoko said with a snap of her fingers.
"Huh?" The small woman sounded, shaking her head as she turned back to Ryoko. "What was I saying? Oh right! Karaoke." She added. "Well the kenshin get up from his seat and marched up on stage, full of swagger and confidence. Many a young lady cast a roving eye as they watched him jump up onto the stage and begin to belt out on song after another."
Ryoko cast a glance over to her husband but her question was aimed at Misao. "Was he a bad singer?"
Ryan's face was buried in his hands in embarrassment. Oh God! His mind cried. Please give me strength.
Misao laughed. "Actually he was pretty damn good at it. Had everyone singing along and dancing. And Ryan's watching the crowd, hamming it up for them when he seemed to focus on this one woman coming towards him. And I mean she's a knockout. Long black hair, nice body, and looks that could kill. She stopped in front of the stage, all the while throwing these intense looks at Ryan, her eyes literally smoldering with desire. I mean I didn't have to read her mind to know she wanted him." She said with a snicker.
Ryoko's giggling stopped but her eyes continued to twinkle. "Do tell."
"Well, " Misao said with a pause as she looked over at Ryan who gazed at her imploringly to stop. She smiled and turned back to Ryoko. "Ryan stopped singing, dropped the mike and ...." But Misao didn't get to finish as Ryan's hand coiled around her mouth, silencing her.
"Okay Misao. I think that's enough story telling for one evening." He said quickly with a nervous smile before releasing her and moving swiftly over to Ryoko. With one graceful movement, he swept his wife into his arms and whisked her out of the room before Misao had a chance to complete her story.
"Aw, come on Ryan!" Ryoko protested as she looked up at her husband, her arms clung around his neck. "I wanted to hear the rest of the story."
Ryan did not answer her as he rushed down the corridor towards his room. That was too close! He thought with a sigh of relief, his features turning dark as he realized Misao would probably finish the story tomorrow. Great! He growled inwardly. I suppose I should tell her before Misao does and puts some ridiculous twist on my mistakes.
The kenshin stopped finally before the door to his room, staring at the entrance button to the one side. Ryoko giggled as he shifted her in his arms, pulling her tightly to his chest as he steadied his weight on his right leg before bringing the left one up, tapping the button with his foot. The door complied, shooting open and allowing access to his darkened room. Ryan headed straight for his bed, stopping on the right side of the mattress as he bent down and lay his wife upon the black comforter. He removed his arms gently from her but could not right himself because Ryoko still had her arms wrapped around his neck.
Ryoko let forth a giggle as she noticed the discomfort upon Ryan's face. "I don't bite Ryan." She whispered huskily, the desire evident in her voice.
Ryan let out a sigh. "You're drunk Ryoko."
There was a pause. "And .." She said, leaving the comment open ended.
Ryan looked down into her face. Her luminous eyes were so warm and inviting that he felt himself drawn in. He leaned downward, about to press his lips upon hers when suddenly he pulled back and shook his head. "Not like this Ryoko." He said softly. Slowly and with great care he reached up and removed Ryoko's grip around his neck then righted himself.
Ryoko looked away from him to hide her pained eyes. Desperate to direct attention away from her blunder she said, "I like your friend."
The kenshin smiled. "I'm glad." He replied as he moved down to the foot of the bed and gently removed her black boots, setting them neatly to the side before walking back towards her and lifting her body up in the air enough to pull back the comforter, resettling her on the bed .
"Ryan?"
"Hmm ..." He sounded as he tucked her in.
"Why haven't you told anyone we were married at the checkpoint station yet?"
Ryan stopped what he was doing, staring down at her with surprised eyes. I should have known. "The universe is at stake Ryoko," He began. "I don't think now is a good time to announce our marriage bond."
Ryoko let out a weary sigh as she turned from him. "If you say so." She murmured in a sleepy voice.
Ryan frowned. I've hurt her. He thought sadly, lowering his head. Best to drop the subject before you stick your foot in your mouth. He chided himself as he backed away and turned from her and began to walk towards his door.
"Where are you going?" She asked softly.
Ryan stopped. "There is something I need to ask Misao before I turn in." He said gently. "I'll be back in a few minutes." He added before exiting his room.
But when Ryan found Misao he let out a sigh of frustration. Dammit! He thought as he stared down at the unconscious form of the small woman. Why the hell does this happen to me! He had wanted to ask the female kenshin if she would attempt a telepathic message to the other knights. True he had realized it would be difficult, giving her state of inebriation but he was not expecting to find her passed out on the couch.
Great! Now I'll have to wait for Misao to sober up before asking her to contact the others.
With a shake of his head, the kenshin decided to take Misao back to her room if only to spare her the embarrassment she would have found most entertaining had it been him. "Okay Misao, time for bed." He said gruffly, lifting her nearly weightless frame into his strong arms.
His irritation melted when he heard Misao mumble in a childlike voice, "But I'm not tired daddy." She said, snuggling into his chest the way a child would to seek reassurance and safety. " I want to hear your stories about the emperor Keito and Lady Nagashi again."
Ryan paused for a few seconds. "Not tonight Misao." He said finally as he walked out the lounge and towards her room. "Tonight you need your rest. You have a big day ahead of you tomorrow."
Misao mumbled something incoherent, falling back into a state of sleep as Ryan entered her room a few minutes later and set her gently upon her bed, tucking her in as he had done for Ryoko. He gave her a small pat on the head then turned and left the room.
When he finally entered his bedroom he found Ryoko sound asleep. Ryan let out a yawn as he stretched, walking slowly over to his closet, sliding the door to the side and opening one of the dressers inside. He retrieved a pair of blue pajama bottoms and sat down on the edge of the left side of the bed. With a weary sigh her removed his pants and folded them before sliding on his pajamas bottoms. He stood up and stripped off his shirt, folding it neatly as well before stalking over to a small hamper and lifting the lid. He tossed them gently inside then shut the lid once more before turning back around and climbing into his bed. He lay there silently for the longest time, smiling as Ryoko moved towards him, still asleep, and cuddled up against his bare back.
Soon Ryoko. He vowed. Soon we can tell them about us, but not until everything is safe once more.
The kenshin closed his eyes finally, willing himself to sleep and the world of dreams.