Jillian: I'm glad you liked it.
Akemi Akibi: Here you go my lady, a gift for you. Happy birthday and enjoy.
Chapter 24-- The Battle Begins
A burst of light erupted above the planet Avinor, the cloaked Nozomi having finally reached it's destination.
Ryan eased the ship into a gradual descent, entering the large planet's atmosphere all the while studying the space before him with keen, wary eyes. Even though they had managed to escape through the barrier, that didn't mean that Nomaru was finished with them. If anything the dark one had other tricks up his sleeve. Ones that promised death to those caught unaware. But the kenshin had no intention of becoming ensnared into any death trap. Not with so many lives at stake.
Leveling out the ship as it broke free of the atmosphere, Ryan studied his monitors in conjunction with the pitch black sky that surrounded them, looking for a safe place to land. But was there anywhere he could go that would be truly safe. Some of his friends would have to stay behind and Ryan wanted to be sure that no harm would befall them while he was away. But if I fail, no one will be safe. He thought with a frown as he lowered his altitude just above a thick growth of woodland far beyond the outskirts of Veurth, the capital city.
With Ryoko and Misao's teleportation skills, reaching Veurth would prove no obstacle. And with the ship so far away, I know they won't be bothered by the military forces of Avinor.
"Ryan?"
The kenshin turned to the owner of the soft voice that had spoke, his features curious as he studied the beautiful countenance of his wife. "Yes Ryoko?"
"Are you going to land sometime soon or are you just going to cruise above the forests outside the cockpit?"
The young man shook his head as if to clear his thoughts. "I'm just looking for a clearing Ryoko. That's all."
The space pirate said nothing, returning her gaze in front of her, her keen eyes also searching for a large enough space to land. "Over there." She said a few seconds later, pointing out the window in a easterly direction.
Ryan turned his head, his eyes registering an open field to the right upon which the Nozomi was rapidly approaching. With a quick turn, the kenshin maneuvered the ship at a slight angle, shutting off his main engines, slowing his speed as he engaged his hover engines, the ship landing gently upon the ground a minute later.
The kenshin released the controls and shut off the hovers. With a sigh he unstrapped his safety harness and rose up out of his seat, the rest of the compartment doing the same. Ryan stepped into the center of the small room and began to speak. "This is it everyone. Time to decide who goes and who stays."
Washu responded to the comment first. "I think it best I stay here and monitor your progress from afar."
Ryan nodded, turning his attention on Lord Yosho who spoke in an authoritative tone. "I believe it wise for Sasami, Kamedaki, Azaka and myself to remain behind. We would only slow you down."
Again Ryan nodded. "Agreed." He replied, understanding the truth behind Yosho's words. This matter had to be resolved quickly and with the most powerful people available. Turning his attention to the remaining members he asked, "Is there anyone else that wishes to remain behind?"
Ayeka and Tenchi looked at each other, a silent communication commencing between them before the both nodded and looked back at Ryan. "Ready when you are Ryan." Tenchi said with a firm smile.
"Misao?" Ryan asked, looking over to the petite kenshin who nodded, a smile spreading upon her lips.
"That's what you brought me here for isn't it?"
Ryan matched her smile. "Of course." He replied, his mirthful eyes turning somber as he gazed over to his wife. No more words were said, a silent understanding reached between them as Ryoko walked forward and placed her hand upon his shoulder, the two disappearing from view.
A look of confusion crept upon the crown prince and princess's features until they felt a hand upon their shoulder, the two royals disappearing from view thanks to Misao's teleportation ability.
The three of them appeared instantly beside a quiet Ryoko and Ryan.
The kenshin pressed his index finger against his lips, signaling them to remain silent.
Everyone shifted their gaze to follow Ryan's, their eyes widening at the sight just beyond the darkened building where they stood behind.
An enormous group of men in military dress stood rigidly in front of a domed shaped building that gleamed a ghostly shade of white from the ground lights that circled around it. A living defensive wall, impenetrable, unyielding.
But not for long. Ryan thought as he motioned the group to fall back away, deeper into the safety of the darkness.
"Where did all those soldiers come from?" Tenchi whispered as softly as he could, staring questioningly at the dark haired kenshin.
"They were placed there by Nomaru in an attempt to delay us." Ryan answered, his neon blue eyes shifting over to Ayeka who spoke.
"If that's true, then why didn't Misao just teleport us into the building? Couldn't that have saved us from the trouble of dealing with all those men?"
"I can't." Misao replied softly.
"What do you mean?" Ayeka asked, looking over to the petite woman.
Misao lowered her head. "It seems Nomaru has prepared well for our assault." She began. "He has enacted yet another barrier much like the one out in space. He has anticipated our moves yet again."
Ryan frowned, his gaze hardened as he focused on Miss Keiji. "Misao look at me." He commanded in an authoritative tone.
The petite kenshin raised her head a fraction, ashamed blue eyes meeting the serious ones of Ryan.
"This could not be helped." He began, wanting to make sure his comrade understood. "This was not your fault."
Misao said nothing, her head falling back down in guilt.
Ryan sighed. He knew Misao felt responsible. That she had let everyone down. But the kenshin didn't have time to console her. There was so little time left and right now the last thing he needed was for his strongest ally to go on a pity party because of some perceived personal failure. Did she forget that Ryoko wasn't able to break through the barrier either? He wondered as he studied the small woman before him. I'm sorry about this Misao but I don't know what else to do. Ryan thought before closing his eyes and forming a telepathic link with the petite royal. Dammit Misao! Quit moping over yourself and help me figure this situation out! He sent mentally, finally drawing the petite woman's attention, and her wrath.
Don't snap at me Ryan! That doesn't make me think any faster you know?!
Ryan smiled, noticing the flame of anger swirling within the blue pools of the female kenshin. Good. He thought. Better to face her anger than her depression. "Go back quickly to Washu, Misao. Tell her the situation then come back as soon as you can." He ordered.
Misao understood what Ryan was asking of her, her anger quelling, replaced by a calm sense of purpose as she nodded. "Be back shortly." She replied, disappearing instantly from view.
"What do we do now?" Tenchi asked, looking over to Ryan.
He was about to answer only to stop as a warning went off in the back of his mind. Without thought, the kenshin reacted, snapping his left forearm protectively to the side of his neck a millisecond before he felt the unmistakable pressure of a noose tightening around him. Ryan's features flowed quickly from shock to anger as his body was savagely yanked upward, the wire like material slicing through the sleeve of his shirt and into the flesh of his forearm. A burst of blood erupted from the wound, the crimson fluid flowing freely downward as he was continually dragged upward.
"Ryan!" Ryoko cried, the first to recover from the abject shock and horror that filled her heart. She raced forward in an attempt to help when a sudden heaviness overcame her limbs. What the hell?! Her mind cried as her body stiffened, not complying with her commands to move. Unable to turn her head, she could not see the kenshin continue to struggle against the wire that held him captive high above the ground. Nor could she see the state her friends were in. Ryoko could not call out to ask if they were all right. She could not call out words of support to Ryan, her voice as dead as they would all be soon if she didn't figure something out. Without voice or movement, her thoughts darkened as she found herself unable to break free of whatever spell was holding them.
Just then a voice whispered from behind her, masculine in sound and full of malicious triumph. "Ah it seems I've caught my prey."
Shit! Ryoko cursed mentally, her anger rising at her new found helplessness. She wanted to turn around and throttle whoever it was that began to stroke her hair. Wanted to kill him for what he had done to her friends. To her husband. Tears of frustration welled up in her eyes as she wondered why Misao hadn't returned yet.
"My you are a beautiful one. I see that the kenshin has excellent taste in women." The voice continued, only to cut off at the gurgled sound of Ryan's voice growl harshly from above.
"Leave .. her alone."
The grip on her hair loosened, the sounds of footsteps walking past as Ryoko got her first look at their attacker. A slender man dressed in clothes as black as the hair that hung freely behind him.
"Still alive?" The man said in mild interest. "The general was right. You are not to be underestimated."
Ryan glared down at the pale, plain looking man, his eyes widening as his gaze fell upon the gold metallic band around the man's forehead. Another neural inhibitor? He wondered. "Who ... Are you?" He demanded in short breaths, hoping to stall the attacker from bothering his wife.
The man smiled. "A humble bounty hunter hired by General Nomaru to capture you. And it seems I have done so." He said, his features full of evil intentions as he gave a quick flick of his wrist.
Ryan let out a gasp before gritting his teeth and wincing as he felt himself being lifted even higher, the wire digging deeper into his skin. He must be telekinetic! He thought in surprise. Closing his eyes, the kenshin tried once again to contact Misao but, as before, their was no response. It was as if he was being blocked. Ryan's eyes widened in realization as he stared back down at the man. We are being blocked! This new fact caused the kenshin to struggle even harder to free himself.
"It does no good to struggle kenshin, the sooner you accept defeat, the less you will suffer." The man said tritely as he turned around, walking back over to Ryoko who he appraised with a cold smile as he reached out and caressed her frozen features.
But Ryan could see the fear and disgust reflected in the space pirate's eyes and it brought a rage unlike any the kenshin had ever felt before. Summoning up his strength, Ryan released the grip he had with his right hand around the noose, lowering his arm and reaching out to the left of his body, his fingers clasping around the hilt of his weapon. Yanking it off his belt, Ryan brought the sword up above his head. Engaging the weapon, the energy blade sliced through the wire, freeing the kenshin who dropped hard onto the ground.
The attacker whirled around, his complacent features twisting into fear and anger only to fall to the ground silent as Ryan charged forward, cutting the man down without blinking an eye. The remaining members of his party instantly came to life once again, free of whatever spell had been placed upon them.
"Ryan!" Ryoko cried, running up to him, reaching out to help the kenshin remove the wire still around his neck. Her eyes reflected the worry in her heart as she looked down at the deep wound on his left forearm that continued to bleed.
Ryan caught her concern and gave her a reassuring smile as he looked back down at the dead man at his feet. Crouching down, the kenshin removed the band around the dead man's forehead before rising once again. Holding it up he spoke, "A neural inhibitor. Who knows how many more are out there, waiting to ambush us." He said in disgust before placing it upon his own forehead.
Ryoko frowned. "What are you doing Ryan?"
Ryan looked at her. "I'm going to use Nomaru's own toys against him." He answered simply, turning his gaze over to Tenchi who addressed him.
"Shouldn't Misao be back by now?" He asked, his features full of concern. "Why didn't she come back the instant we were attacked?"
"We are being blocked Tenchi." Ryan answered, his sword still clasped in his right hand, the left one at the moment useless to him, a smile forming on his lips as the voice of Misao spoke softly behind him.
"Not any more."
Ryan turned to her. "Took you long enough." He said in mock gruffness.
Misao rolled her eyes. "I'm back aren't I?" She replied, looking down at the fallen man nearby, her voice softened, her features a mixture of sadness and regret. "I see I should have been here sooner." She added, reaching out and healing the wound Ryan had suffered moments ago.
Ryan's smile fell as he watched the petite kenshin work, saddened by the effect his actions had on her. He had killed once again, even though it was in self defense and although Misao understood his reasons, it always hurt her to see the dead. "No one else will die today Misao." He said reassuringly as Miss Keiji pulled her hand back, clasping her arm briefly, blood flowing between her fingers. "Except Nomaru." He added with a hardened tone as he continued to look at Misao.
The petite woman nodded, avoiding his gaze, her heart troubled as Ryan turned and began to walk away. She knew what he said was the truth. That Ryan would make sure no one else except the dark one would die. But what about you Ryan. Don't you care what happens to you? She wondered. She could sense the resolve within the kenshin's spirit, the will he had to defeat Nomaru was strong. But would he live through it? Would any of them survive this battle that seemed inevitable. Misao knew Ryan would sacrifice himself to save them. To save the universe that he had sworn to protect. The thought of Ryan dying brought a grief to her heart that she didn't want to face. Had never wanted to face. The responsibility the kenshin had placed upon his shoulders, the burden he had chosen to bear overwhelmed her. To kill someone was beyond her ability. She herself could not. But she would help Ryan. She had to help him. Even if .. it meant the death of another to achieve it. The petite woman lifted her eyes, watching with a heavy heart as Ryan turned and headed past his friends.
"Where are you going Ryan?" Tenchi asked, watching his friend walk out into the open.
"To settle the score." He replied, turning back to him, his eyes aflame in a eerie blue glow. "Are you coming or not?"
Tenchi and Ayeka looked worriedly at each other before taking their place by his side, Ryoko and Misao in tow.
The five of them marched forward, proud and unafraid as they faced a mob of heavily armed soldiers who had now noticed who was walking towards them.
War cries echoed around them as Misao erected a energy shield, protecting the group as they continued forward, unmolested by the rain of laser fire that erupted around them.
"We have to get as close to the barrier as possible." Misao began, her voice distant. "Washu will tell me when she has broken through the barrier."
"And then what?" Ryan asked.
Misao smiled. "We will have five seconds to pass through the barrier. After that, she will reenact the energy field in a different frequency. One the Avinorians will not be able to break, sealing them out and us in. Leaving only Nomaru and whatever guards he has stationed inside to contend with."
Ryan nodded. "Good." He said roughly as he stopped walking. "We need a clear path." He added, looking over his shoulder to Misao who nodded.
Eyes aflame with blue, the petite kenshin raised her arms and made a wide motion with her hands.
Instantly the sea of men parted, tossed roughly to the side, knocking many of them to the ground.
Just then Misao spoke. "It's time." She said, her eyes calming down, the barrier disengaged as the five of them raced forward, dodging the laser fire and pushing through the barrier, whirling around and smiling as the soldiers tried but failed to follow, bouncing painfully back as the barrier rejected their attempts to break through.
Turning back to the domed building Ryan nodded satisfactorily, his features showing no emotion as he waved them forward. "Let's go."
And without a word, the others followed, hoping that their long journey would soon be at a end and all would be right with the universe once more. Because if they failed, the universe was doomed.
********
"My lord, I really don't think .... "
"Silence you impedit fool! I want that device up and running now!" Nomaru roared at the cowering Sojo Maitan who backed away as the dark one advanced upon him, his once blue eyes swirling black in anger.
As frightened as Sojo was, he continued to speak against his lord. "Sir, the device needs time to build up energy. Even at this rate, it still will not be ready to use for another hour."
Nomaru was about to yell once again when he stopped suddenly, whirling his head behind his shoulder, his features paling as he sensed the rapid approach of Tenchi and company heading straight towards him. How the hell did they escape Kaita?! His mind roared in frustration, his eyes narrowing when he could not feel the presence of Ryan anywhere on the planet. Could it be the bounty hunter had succeeded in eliminating his feared adversary? Realization set in as Nomaru remembered the neural inhibitor he had given Kaita to help him sneak up on the Masaki group. If the others are here then Ryan is as well, wearing the very device that had tricked him!
"My lord?"
Nomaru turned back to Sojo. "Get the device ready." He snapped, pivoting roughly around, his cape flowing behind him as he exited the room, leaving a confused Sojo alone to his work.
The general stomped down the hallway, intent on settling this once and for all, his pride fueling his rage. I don't need the device to defeat Juraian scum. I'll do it myself and I will enjoy every minute of it! He snarled mentally, removing a cylindrical device similar to the one kenshin used from the right side of his belt, but did not engage the weapon as he searched out the intruders, murderous intent flush upon his features as he continued forward towards his destiny. The elimination of the house of Jurai and the protectors of their realm.
*********
"Ahhh ..... "
Ryan retracted his hand, relaxing his fist as another guard dressed in gray fell hard upon the marble floor, unconscious from the blow the kenshin had just struck before rushing ahead.
No one stopped, the urgency to end the threat overwhelming their need for rest. For over ten minutes they had fought in tight quarters, going from room to room, searching for Nomaru but to no avail. Where ever he was, whatever he was doing, the five had yet to see any evidence of his presence.
"Where the hell is this guy?!" Ryoko shouted, firing an small energy blast at the charging group of soldiers ahead of them, knocking them all to the ground as they raced up a flight of stairs.
Ryan, who had been in the lead, skidded to a stop, motioning his companions to halt their advance.
The others complied, their eyes widening at the sight before them.
There, on the small floor before another flight of stairs, stood Nomaru, his body aglow with a bright red energy, his features hardened, his eyes as cold as the smile that graced his lips. "Well now kenshin, it seems we meet at last." He spoke in a deep tone, a voice Ryan recognized from all the nightmares he had been suffering.
When Ryan did not respond, Nomaru gave a barking laugh. "What's the matter kenshin? Don't tell me you're afraid to face me? After all this time, and after all I've seen through your eyes I must say I for one have been looking forward to this."
Ryan remained calm as he spoke. "I'm not afraid Nomaru and I can't say I've been looking forward to this but it is my responsibility as a knight in the service of Jurai to bring an end to your plans."
Nomaru laughed again. "Always the hero to the end, eh kenshin?" He said with a shake of his head. "When will you learn that your place is six feet in the ground while mine is to conquer and rule this universe."
Ryan's face grew hard and unyielding. "The only one that will die today is you Nomaru." He countered, reaching out with his left hand to retrieve his weapon. Engaging the blade, Ryan pointed the sword directly at the general, eyes aflame with a blue energy that matched the aura that surrounded him. "I will stop you Nomaru, even at the cost of my life. That is my oath and my bond to my people. Just as Renaki swore when he defeated you 5,000 years ago."
Nomaru scoffed, even as he engaged his own weapon, the blade as vibrant and red as the aura that surrounded him. "And just like him, you will fail." He responded, reaching out with his free hand to telekinetically retrieve the band around Ryan's forehead, crumpling it with his power before charging straight towards the kenshin who braced himself for the attack only to twist to the side at the last second as the dark one unleashed a volley of energy blasts. Red clashed upon green as the two enemies swords met, the kenshin straining to hold back the powerful onslaught of Nomaru while at the same time watching the progress of the red orbs. Ryan's eyes widened as he saw the orbs defy gravity, veering upwards at a ninety degree angle into the marbled ceiling where the kenshin's allies stood.
"Misao! Protect them!" Ryan shouted, gasping as Nomaru unleashed a psychic attack that knocked the kenshin off his feet and into the wall, the force knocking the air out of his lungs. He struggled for air, his watery eyes shifting over to the pile of rubble that had seemingly crushed his friends only to smile as the marble exploded, revealing Misao and the others, all protected by the petite kenshin's energy barrier.
His smile fell as Ryoko cried out, "Ryan look out!"
The kenshin shifted his gaze back over to Nomaru, jerking to the left as the dark one's blade jabbed forward and clear through the wall. Ryan kicked out with his feet, catching Nomaru in the shin, the dark one grunting in pain and surprise as he went sailing backwards his sword with him, landing on his butt with a hard crunch.
Ryan jumped to his feet and advanced cautiously towards Nomaru who had risen quickly to his feet, his eyes full of anger and hatred.
The two circled each other, studying, analyzing what the other would do next.
"Shouldn't we help him?" Tenchi asked, his concern for his friend evident in his voice.
Misao shook her head. "We can't. Not like this anyway." She answered as she watched the two combatants with curiosity, her eyes widening as she heard Ryan's voice inside her head.
Misao, I want you to take Tenchi and Ayeka and search the building for that device. Destroy it before he can use it to kill anyone.
Misao frowned. But what about you? What if Nomaru kills you. We can't leave you here to die alone.
Ryan smiled as he charged forward, bringing his sword forward shifting it quickly into a side slash aimed for Nomaru's midsection which the dark one blocked and forced away, countering with an upward thrust that nearly hit the young man in the jaw. I won't be alone. Ryoko can remain behind. He sent back as he executed a series of back flips while Nomaru bridged the small distance between them, sword at the ready. When Ryan noticed Misao had not moved, he sent out, I'm counting on you to do this Misao, so stop pussy footing around and get going!
Misao nodded, closing her eyes as she reached out and touched the two royals, leaving Ryoko as the lone witness to the two rivals battle within the hallowed halls of the experimental laboratory of Avinor.
Ryan smiled at his wife who looked around briefly in confusion before her eyes met his and held. Ryoko. He thought with a wistful smile before his features grew hard and his eyes traveled back to his foe who began to attack anew. Ryan grit his teeth as the dark one's attacks intensified, become stronger with each blow, driving the kenshin back and it was only through his years of training that he avoided being seriously harmed. He fights as I would. He thought as he parried a particularly nasty slash aimed for his head. Ryan vaulted over Nomaru, flipping in mid air to land behind the dark one who made a quick swipe as he turned. No longer did Nomaru seemed composed, if anything he seemed rather annoyed. Good. Ryan thought as he waved the dark one forward. Time to irritate him some more. "Is that all you've got Nomaru?" He taunted backing slightly away. "I would expect someone who stole my power to make better use of it than this pathetic display you've showed me."
Ryan's smile fell as Nomaru stopped his advance and began to laugh.
"Young fool!" He said in-between his laughter. "I've only been playing with you!"
"What do you mean?"
Nomaru stopped laughing, his features growing hard once more. "I thought to have a little amusement at your expense but I admit this is growing tiresome, so I think I'll just finish you now." And with that he disappeared from view.
What the .... Ryan's thought started but never finished as Nomaru reappeared instantly in front of the kenshin, driving his sword clear up to the hilt into the left side of Ryan's chest while his left hand clamped over Ryan's mouth. With a snarl of rage, Nomaru charged forward, his power radiating in waves as the two men went crashing into and through the wall disappearing from Ryoko's view.
******
"Why the hell did we leave Ryan?" Tenchi yelled at the small woman ahead of him, who seemed to pay no mind to the crown prince's anger.
"Because Ryan left us in charge of finding the device and destroying it before Nomaru can get his hands on it." She replied simply, stopping as she peered into yet another room that offered no answer to the question of where the device was hidden.
"But doesn't Nomaru know what were up to? Can't he read minds like you guys?"
Misao smiled as she continued onward. "Even though Ryan is not a strong as he was before, he can mask his telepathic conversations from even the most gifted psychics, myself included." She replied. "If Ryan can distract Nomaru long enough, we can fulfill this task and get back to the kenshin in time to offer our assistance."
Tenchi frowned. "You mean to tell me Ryan is risking his life to buy us time to destroy the device even though he has no chance of defeating Nomaru alone?"
Misao nodded. "More or less."
Tenchi sighed. "That's crazy. Why not take Nomaru out first and then destroy the machine?"
"Because this is the way it must be Tenchi." Misao answered stopping to turn to the crown prince, a sad smile upon her features as she looked up to study the young man before her. "It is the duty and the responsibility of a Juraian knight to maintain the laws and safety of not only Jurai but the universe as well. The goal of this mission is to destroy the machine and then take care of Nomaru. Even at the cost of his own life, Ryan will uphold the duties and responsibilities given to him. We must do our part to help. And the help he needs right now is not a pack of cheerleaders but someone willing to do whatever it takes to make sure that goal is achieved." She said before adding, "And I hope it is something you will reward when you become emperor."
Tenchi studied Misao. "How did you ... "
Misao only smiled her enigmatic smile as she turned around and continued walking once more.
Tenchi stood silently for a few seconds as he pondered what Misao had said, turning his head to the left as he felt Ayeka's hand clasp around his own.
"And I will be by your side when you do." The princess said softly, turning her head to gaze at him with candid maroon eyes.
A tender smile formed on the crown prince's lips as he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze and leaned forward to give her a soft kiss upon her lips before moving back away and pulling her gently forward until they caught up with the female kenshin, their eyes now scouring the area for some sign to the whereabouts of the device that would signal an end to the universe they knew.
*******
Ryoko stared in shock, to horrified to move, her feet stuck to the floor at the viciousness of the attack she had just witnessed. Dust lingered from the fallen debris that littered the once pristine floor. When at last she felt life in her legs, the space pirate rushed forward, her lean frame flying up the stairs two at a time before charging to the side where a gaping black hole greeted her panicked eyes. Without thought, Ryoko rushed head long into the darkness, gasping as her feet hit ... empty air?
The space pirate fell for about a half a second before righting herself using her levitational power, her amber eyes scanning the darkened landscape. Realization hit her as she saw she was not really outside but rather in an open area of the same building. But the drop down was a good twenty feet and without his healing ability the kenshin could very well be lying dead on the floor, twisted and broken like a rag doll. Please don't let it be like that! Please let him survive this! Ryoko pleaded as she landed onto the marbled floor, eyes darting back and forth as they adjusted to the blackness surrounding her until they fell upon a trail of blood that led to yet another hole into a side wall. Ryoko followed the blood trail, racing forward as her ears picked up the sounds of battle up ahead. Hang on Ryan! She thought as she pushed through the darkness once again, determined to help. I'm coming!
And there you have it. Not the end. Not yet. One, at the most two, chapters left. I hope you've enjoyed this little trip into the world of Tenchi. I know I did. Til next installment. JD.