Akemi Akibi: Yes, I must say I was surprised to hear you liked it what with there being no Tenchi and Ayeka moments. But don't fret! I am not punishing you. I just wanted to get back into my plot a little bit more. Since the final chapter will be coming around soon.
Jillian: So you thought that was cool huh? Well I'm flattered! ^_^
Chapter 22-- Outside the Barrier
"This is quite a challenge to lay before my feet kenshin." Washu said as she leaned back in her chair situated in front of her computer screen. Always quick to set up shop, the short scientist had miniaturized her entire lab, storing it within a small black suitcase before she had boarded the Nozomi. Within an hour of their departure, Washu had her lab up once more within the ship's cargo bay, ready to go. And now it appeared she would be needed once again on the kenshin's behalf. And frankly, the petite woman was looking forward to the situation Ryan had presented.
"But is it a challenge you can meet Washu?" Ryan asked as he stood a few feet away to her left, his arms crossed and his features somber. "Do you think you can do this?"
Washu scoffed at him, waving his questions away with her small hand. "Are you kidding? There's never been a man made system yet that I couldn't figure out. Rest assured kenshin, I will find a way to unlock the mysteries of Avinor's energy barrier." She replied, looking away form him over to her giant monitor. "But of course I won't know exactly what I'm up against until we reach the barrier. If it's been activated that is."
Ryan drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly, his brow furrowing. "Trust me Washu. Nomaru has activated the barrier. No doubt he has also informed the countless number of bounty hunters that we are on our way and to watch for us accordingly."
"But we're currently cloaked are we not?" Washu asked, turning her attention back on the young man who nodded.
"Yes but even a cloaked ship can be tracked remember."
Washu smiled, looking at him as if she knew something that he did not. "Ah. But he will need to know the exact signature of the Nozomi and I'm confident you do not know what that is."
Ryan flashed a grin. "No. I'm afraid I neglected to memorize that particular feature of the ship."
Washu closed her eyes smugly, her voice brimming with self confidence. "Then you have nothing to worry about."
But I do. Ryan thought suddenly, his grin fading as he turned his gaze to the side. There are still too many variables. Too many risks that must be taken. Ryan frowned as he thoughts turned to the crown prince and princess. I can't risk the death of Tenchi and Ayeka and yet I need their help. Dammit! He growled mentally, I have no choice. I can only hope to keep them safe, but how? Weak as I am, Nomaru may yet win.
"Kenshin?" Washu spoke authoritatively, drawing his attention to her.
Ryan looked at her with troubled blue eyes. Eyes suddenly in need of rest.
"Is something bothering you? You seem preoccupied."
Ryan gave her a small smile. "It is nothing Washu."
Washu was not convinced but she decided not to press him on the issue as she asked, "So, how far are we from Avinor?"
Ryan brought his right arm up, his eyes shifting downward, gazing at the black watch strapped around his wrist. His handsome features turned thoughtful as he mentally calculated the time and distance. "About twelve hours away." He answered finally, lowering his arm back to his side. He turned away from Washu, a look of determination upon his countenance. "If you will excuse me Miss Washu. I need to check up on Misao's progress." He said softly.
Washu nodded. "Of course." She replied, turning back to her work upon the screen, her slender fingers gliding across the keyboard quickly and expertly as Ryan exited quietly out of the room.
The kenshin stalked down the corridor, eyes straight ahead, his demeanor serious as he headed toward the lounge, expecting to find everyone still inside. Hopefully Misao is still there. He thought with a frown. I need to talk to her about this sudden trepidation I'm experiencing. I need to know if it is coming from inside me or from a more outward source.
The kenshin gave a sigh as he stopped in front of the lounge doors, reaching out to tap the open button. No sooner did Ryan enter, than did his eyes widen in surprise, a small gasp escaping from his throat as his gazed stood fixated upon the crown prince and princess in the midst of a serious lip lock.
The pair must have sensed his presence for they quickly broke contact with each other, their eyes turning to focus on the kenshin who stammered an apology.
"I'm .. Sorry you guys ... I didn't mean .." He said in bursts as he backpedaled towards the door, his face red from embarrassment as he turned to leave only to stop as Tenchi called out to him.
"Ryan wait a sec will ya!"
The kenshin turned slowly back around, his sheepish blue eyes meeting those of a smirking crown prince and princess who, linked arm in arm, walked over to the small table and sat down beside each other.
Ryan mimicked their movement, making his way over to the same table, reaching out to take a seat opposite of the two royals. "What is it you wish to discuss with me crown prince?"
Tenchi frowned, rolling his eyes at Ryan's formal tone. "You know Ryan you don't have to be so damn correct in your etiquette."
Ryan smiled, letting out a sigh. "Of course Tenchi." He replied, leaning back in his seat and crossing his arms. "What would you like to talk to me about?"
Tenchi drew in his breath and then began. "I just wanted to let you in on our wedding plans." He said, pausing to look over to Ayeka who gave him a tender smile which the crown prince returned. "We've decided to hold the ceremony on Jurai. After this dilemma is resolved of course."
Ryan's face brightened. "This is good news indeed!" He exclaimed, his anxiety momentarily forgotten as he shared in their joy. "The royal wedding ceremony in Jurai will be an unforgettable event. It will bring great joy to all Juraians to know stability will be restored to such a proud, noble system."
Tenchi nodded as he brought his eyes back upon his friend. "I was wondering Ryan ... I mean you don't have to say yes ..." He started then stopped, his handsome features twisting in uncertainty until he looked back over at Ayeka who gave him a reassuring nod. "Would you be the best man for our wedding." He said at last. "You are my best friend and it seems only right."
Ryan fairly beamed. "I would be honored."
"You know Ryan," Tenchi began his smile turning devilish." "Perhaps you and Ryoko could tie the knot with us. An adjoining wedding."
Ryan eyed them in distress, letting out a small nervous laugh. "Uh ..." he spoke softly, his voice trailing off at the thought of what Ryoko would say. "I wouldn't want to spoil your day."
Tenchi rolled his eyes.
"Oh come on kenshin," Ayeka said lightly, looking at him like he was a silly little boy. "You two are our friends. It would be an honor to have you participate in the wedding ceremony by exchanging vows just as Tenchi and I will."
Ryan closed his eyes and uncrossed his arms. They just don't give up do they? He thought with an inward sigh of resignation. "I will talk with Ryoko about it my lady." The kenshin replied, rising out of his seat before giving them a bow.
Tenchi shook his head. "What did I tell you about that formal behavior kenshin?"
Ryan's face remained impassive, his tone still respectful as he answered. "You'll just have to get used to it Tenchi." And with that he left the room, leaving a shrugging Ayeka and a confused crown prince alone once more.
********
Misao sat Indian style upon the carpeted floor of her room, her features void of expression and her eyes closed. But inside her mind the petite kenshin was millions of light years away, searching for the familiar energy of Ryan's fellow knights. So far she was having little luck. No one had responded to her telepathic inquiries. It was as if someone were blocking her, interfering with her mission.
Forcing her willpower, Misao sought to the source of her frustration. What she found frightened her. A black, coldness suddenly gripped her mind, paralyzing her with a rising terror she had never known. She was inside his mind. Inside Nomaru's mind. And he knew. A wave of pain smacked into her with the force of a tidal wave as the dark one tried expelling Misao from his thoughts.
But Misao did not relent quietly, gritting her teeth as she dug further into his memories in the hopes of extracting information.
Nomaru's will grew stronger as did the intensity of his attack.
Misao found herself unable to breathe. For the evil darkness was collapsing around her, closing her in, shutting out the light of her spirit.
The female kenshin focused all her power. You don't scare me! She sent defiantly. We are coming for you! She added before breaking off her link with Nomaru. Misao's eyelid's shot open, her breathing labored as she tried to calm the pounding of her heart. I need to speak to Ryan! She thought frantically, shooting up to her feet only to collapse back down in exhaustion. The link had taken it's toll, draining Misao of her energy. Closing her eyes, Misao relaxed her muscles. She found her inner calm, applying her healing powers until she felt the strength return to her limbs once more. She rose quickly, pushing of her agile feet as she flew towards the bedroom door, tapping onto the open button, passing through the entry only to collide with Ryan where he stood just outside.
Ryan noticed the distress Misao seemed to be in and his heart dreaded it. What had she seen? "What's wrong Misao?" He asked, eyeing her in concern.
Misao took in a deep breath then let it out slowly, straightening her petite frame before answering in a troubled voice, "I saw into his mind."
Ryan said nothing at first, his eyes widening as his features grew dark. "Nomaru?" He whispered, his blue eyes clashing with Misao's as the small woman nodded.
"He has enacted the barrier in the hopes it will delay us from reaching him before he completes his weapon."
Ryan looked away, the color draining from his face. His thoughts strayed to what else Nomaru might have up his sleeve.
"There is more." Misao spoke with a softness that belied the seriousness of the situation as Ryan returned his gaze to her. "This weapon being designed will amplify his power by an infinite number. No one will be safe. Not even ... us."
"What do you mean Misao?" Ryan asked in a strained voice. "What else have you seen?"
Misao looked away, biting her lip before she spoke in the same child like voice Ryan had heard last night. "If Nomaru completes his plan, he will begin killing people one by one. No one will be safe from his will, not even us." She paused, looking back up to her friend. "He will kill us first Ryan. And then the other knights. No one will be left to oppose him. He will have complete domain over the entire universe. And all will be cast into a never ending darkness in which none will escape from."
Ryan clenched his jaw, his anger rising to the surface which he fought to maintain control as he asked, "How long before his weapon is completed?"
"We have one, maybe two days." Misao answered, gazing at him with worried eyes.
"Then I have no choice." Ryan murmured, turning away from Misao, his posture stiff, determined as he started forward.
"What do you plan to do?"
Ryan stopped. "The only thing I can do." He replied over his shoulder. "I'm heading to the cockpit. Inform everyone to be there within five minutes."
Misao watched Ryan walk briskly down the corridor until he rounded a corner and disappeared from sight, her features troubled. For the kenshin had not allowed her access to his mind a fact that worried her. What are you up to Ryan? She wondered before closing her eyes and carrying out his request.
******
A burst of light erupted on the outskirts of Avinor's quadrant, vanishing as quickly as it had appeared. In it's place the Nozomi floated, coming to a dead stop in the blackness of space.
"Is everyone okay?" Tenchi asked, unstrapping himself from his seat as he looked around, his eyebrow quirked at the terrified faces of his friends. "Well don't all speak at once." He said with a shake of his head as he turned left to gaze upon his future wife. "Ayeka?" Tenchi whispered, reaching out to nudge the lithe beauty upon her right shoulder.
Ayeka blinked as if coming out of a daze, shaking her head to clear the disorientation she felt as she looked over to the crown prince. "I'm fine Tenchi." She said with a gentle smile, her gaze shifting over to Ryan who spoke in a serious tone to Washu who rose out of her seat to stand beside Nozomi's pilot.
"Okay Washu, it's your time to shine." Ryan began, jumping out of the captain's seat so Washu could observe the information streaming across the small black monitor encased within the instrument panel.
The short scientist plopped down into the seat, her eyes growing serious, her tone scientific as she spoke. "Hmm ... Interesting .... Pulse waves ...." She murmured to herself as everyone waited for her assessment.
"Well Miss Washu, can you break through this barrier?" Ryan asked.
Washu looked up from the panel to the kenshin, a child like smile upon her lips. "Nope."
Ryan about fell over as the entire pit shouted, "What!"
"Oh relax." The scientist replied with a wave of her hand. "What I meant to say is I can't break it from here in the cockpit. I need to be in the lab."
Everyone let out a sigh of relief.
"Time is of the essence Washu. Please hurry." Ryan spoke quickly, his eyes pleading for her to get a move on.
The scientist caught the meaning in his stare and gave him a nod. "I'm on it." She responded as she rose out of the chair.
"I'll give you a hand." Misao said rising from her seat. With a quick movement, the petite kenshin rested her hand upon Washu's shoulder, the two women disappearing instantly from view.
"I don't know about that woman." Ryan murmured under his breath as he returned to his seat.
"Now what?" Ryoko asked, shifting slightly in the copilot's seat to look at her husband.
"Now we wait and pray Washu can indeed solve this technological riddle." The kenshin replied, crossing his arms, his blue eyes aflame with determination. I'm coming for you Nomaru and this time only one of us is going to come out alive.
Another chapter down and only a few left folks! The showdown between Normaru and Ryan is coming to a head! Who will survive? Until next time!