TR Act 5 Continued

Scene 5 – My Sister's Keeper

{The flickering light of a candle illuminates the silhouette of Princess Ayeka as she wrings the water from a cloth rag.  Seated at Sasami's bedside, the regal woman quietly folds the damp rag and sets it on her sister's forehead.  Solemnly, her amethyst eyes settle on the silent, youthful face of her kin, aged only nine years.}

{Ayeka rests the back of her hand against the child's cheek, feeling a slight heat of fever.  Concerned, she sighs and folds her hands in her lap, an unspoken prayer flowing through her mind.  A hand rests on her shoulder, drawing the lady's attention from her thoughts and to the person seating himself at her side.}

{Tenchi grins supportively, spurring a thankful response from her.  He turns to the younger princess, his own concern showing.}

Tenchi:  How is she?

{Ayeka glances back to Sasami as well, her expression melting back to worry.}

Ayeka:  The fever has lessened, but no other change.

Tenchi:  Has Nerti looked at her?

{With a stiff breath, the princess nods.}

Ayeka:  She has and said that it was simply exhaustion, that she overexerted herself.

{She gazes back at Tenchi, her brows furrowed seriously.}

Ayeka:  I don't trust her, Tenchi.

{Quizzically, he raises a brow.}

Tenchi:  She's been helping us since she awoke.  We've all been watching her, and she hasn't done anything bad.

{Lowering her eyes, Ayeka holds her arms close, fear and unease slipping into her voice.}

Ayeka:  Something about her isn't right...  I don't know how to explain it...

{Tenchi places his hands on her shoulders, his gaze meeting hers while he speaks gently to her.}

Tenchi:  Sasami will be alright, Ayeka.  As soon as the doctors wake back up, they can take care of her.

{She listens, fighting back her sisterly worry to hear his certain words.}

Tenchi:  I promise.  Everything will be alright.

{She nods slowly, a tear at the edge of her eye.}

Ayeka:  I'm sorry, Tenchi...  Seeing everyone fallen... and Sasami...

{He concurs.}

Tenchi:  I know.  It's not easy for any of us, but it'll be over soon.

{As a slight grin crosses Ayeka's lips, a pair of golden eyes glisten in the distance.  Near the door to this ward, the former pirate Ryoko stands, watching them quietly.  She watches the princess's form relax next to her beloved prince, and the Ryoan woman lowers her head and steps away into the darkened corridor.  Tenchi's brown eyes then glance toward the doorway, seeing only the empty darkness remaining.}

{Ryoko's amber irises open, allowing her to see clearly in this deep shadow.  She folds her arms while her feet levitate from the ground, coasting over the unconscious Juraians below her.  The images Jezibel conjured float through her mind:  Tenchi and Ayeka caressing one another, their lovers' kiss, and their snide smirks.  She closes her eyes, shaking the thoughts from her head.}

Ryoko:  It's a lie...

{While she drifts through the corridor, her gaze catches an artificial light flowing from a room ahead and to her left.  Silently, she approaches, hearing the voices of two speaking within the ward.  Curiously, she glances inside to see the armor-clad Nerti Ro standing near a body-length mirror.  She lightly touches the white plates along her shoulders and collar, her thoughts melancholic and distant.  Behind her, Will Pii steps to her side, his voice sober and quiet.}

Pii:  Nerti, you don't have to do this.

{Her grey eyes lower while her hand closes over her heart.  Pii rests a hand on her shoulder, his concern obvious.}

Pii:  You can explain it to someone else, or relay instructions over the comm.

{She shakes her head, shame in her words.}

Nerti:  No, Will.  Someone else could make a mistake.  The comm could fail.  It has to be me.

{She glances back to him, her eyes longing and gentle.}

Nerti:  Can't you see why?

{He nods, his head descending from her gaze.}

Pii:  I can, but I...

{His words catch in his throat as his hand draws back to his side.  However, the blonde approaches, taking his hand in hers.  Nerti's eyes look into the black visor, meeting their reflection as she whispers softly to him.}

Nerti:  ... I know...

{Her free hand lightly reaches to his visor, raising it gradually from his face to reveal his chocolate-colored eyes.  His expression longs back toward hers, the two exchanging a rekindled emotion.  Again, her vaporous words linger toward his ear.}

Nerti:  ... I've missed you...

{She smiles warmly, a tear at the edge of her gaze.}

Nerti:  Your pretty eyes...

{Pii closes his eyes and eases his hand against the visor, pushing it back over his eyes.  However, Nerti blinks in confusion, gripping the optical device in her hand as well and holding it from shutting over his vision.}

Nerti:  Will, what's wrong?

{A shame of his own stiffens his face, the tension growing throughout his body.}

Pii:  I'm sorry, Nerti...  If I were stronger... or saw all this coming...

{Carefully, she forces the visor up and his headgear off his head, revealing his true face and brown hair.  Her loving gaze centers on his opening eyes as she draws closer to him.}

Nerti:  Stop it, Will...  Please...

{Her arms wrap around his neck, dropping his headgear to the floor.  In response, his hands rest on her sides while she speaks.}

Nerti:  I always thought of you... when she loosened her hold on me a little...  I never blamed you... not for anything...

{Hearing this, his arms hold her closer, their lips nearing while he replies.}

Pii:  You were always in my thoughts... while I hunted for you... to bring you home...

{Her tears break free of her eyes as the two lean together and press their lips gently together.  Aside, Ryoko watches this distantly, alone.  The former pirate turns away, drifting back into the black corridor.  A coldness fills her body, causing her to hold her arms close for the missing warmth.  She floats in solitude through the corridor, away from the infirmary while she recalls all the times she was close to Tenchi.}

{In the 1920s American world she devised, Ryoko clasps the young prince's hand.  The pirate glances over to him, a weak smile breaking through her facade.  In return, he grips her hand, and grins back for her.}

{In Yagami's corridor, the fierce Ryoan pirate extends her hand threateningly to the prince, but her scowl breaks.  She wraps her arms around Tenchi and holds him tightly, sobbing for him to stay and be safe with her.  Pain tears through her, not only from the wound in her side, but also from her heart for this brave young man.}

{Along the path from the Masaki house with the sakura petals falling around them, Ryoko leaps into Tenchi's arms, holding his neck tightly as she swings around with him.  She cheers to his dumbfounded face, happy to be back with him again.}

{Her mind returns from these memories as she lands her feet at the doorway into the ballroom.  Here, the moonlight casts down upon the fallen Juraian royalty, as well as two figures near the terrace.  Draped in the silvery rays from above, the fierceness of the huntress Nagi's features is softened, her eyes watching the distant trees sway in the breeze.  Her cape billows behind her as she folds her arms thoughtfully.}

{The other figure approaches her slowly from behind, the knight Kamidake with his staff key in hand.  She glances back toward him while he speaks in a most gentile manner.}

Kamidake:  Are you well, Lady Nagi?

{Her cold stare is his only reply when he halts a meter away.  Her scarlet eyes examine him carefully, her vision quite clear, much like Ryoko's.  His lavender gaze meets hers before she returns to her distant audience with a few words.}

Nagi:  Should I be?

{He steps closer, his attention set on her.}

Kamidake:  You seemed upset leaving the briefing with Lord Yosho.

{Her thoughts drift to the harsh words exchanged between herself and Pii during discussion, spurring a scowl onto her lips.  The knight continues.}

Kamidake:  I realize the Terran hunter's words were insulting to you...

{She scolds him, her brows furrowing.}

Nagi:  What would you know of it, knight?

{The purple-haired woman closes her eyes, venom dripping from her words.}

Nagi:  You who were raised by nobility, honored and revered... what would you know?

{Ryoko listens to the solitude of her sibling, as well as the royal warrior to sets his hand upon the huntress's shoulder.  A chill rushes through Nagi's body at his touch, together with his calm and understanding words.}

Kamidake:  I know what it is to be a stranger in one's own home, to come back after everything has changed.

{The former pirate grins slightly and hopefully while her nemesis glances aside, observing the honest face of the warrior with her.  Nagi blinks, a gentle quality appearing in them.}

Kamidake:  Skill and reverence, as well as time, can isolate just as much as shame and prejudice, Lady Nagi.

{However, her eyes grow hard as she slaps his hand away from her shoulder, barking back at him.}

Nagi:  Get your hand off of me!  I'm not some wilting flower like these regal ladies on the floor!

{She motions toward the fallen Juraians around the ballroom, taking Kamidake aback.  Ryoko sighs, shaking her head slowly with a curse under her breath.}

Ryoko:  You dumb bitch...

{Apologetically, the knight's eyes lower while the huntress continues her verbal attack.}

Nagi:  I don't need your sympathy, let alone even want it!

{Respectfully, he bows to her and concurs.}

Kamidake:  Very well, Lady Nagi...  My most sincere apologies for making such an assumption...

{Turning away from her, he rises and marches away, a breath helping to maintain his pride.  However, her eyes slide down to her left, and her fists gather at her sides, her breath hot and tense.  Soon, the noble warrior exits the ballroom, leaving her to spin once more to her distant thoughts toward Jurai's groves.}

{However, after he has left the room, he pauses, his eyes scanning around the region around the door.  Finding no one and no signs, he continues forward alone.  Then, Ryoko phases down through the ceiling and watches him depart.  Once he is out of sight, the former pirate enters the ballroom door, floating over the fallen people around below her.  Loudly, she calls across the chamber to her blood opponent.}

Ryoko:  You are a moron.  You know that, Nagi?

{A scowl crosses Nagi's eyes as she answers, rotating to face her half-sister.}

Nagi:  What do you want, Ryoko?

{A few meters from the purple-haired woman, Ryoko sets her feet to the ground and scoffs back at her nemesis.}

Ryoko:  When a guy like that talks nice to you, you should let him.

{A redness burns in the cheeks of the huntress, though the shadows around them mask much of it.  However, Ryoko laughs to herself, issuing a more hateful stare from the other party.}

Nagi:  What concern is it of yours?

{Ryoko waves her hand to the side as she reclines in the air, levitating with her legs crossed under her.  Mocking elegance, she draws her arms close, resting her chin on one of her hands.  Humored, she replies.}

Ryoko:  I am your big sister.

{Nagi's hand waves before her, denying this implication.}

Nagi:  I don't acknowledge any kinship with you.

{Exasperated, Ryoko's eyes close as she sighs, shaking her head.}

Ryoko:  God, no wonder we hated each other for so long...

{Coldly, the huntress announces her intent.}

Nagi:  We still have unfinished business, Ryoko.

{The former pirate raises her head, confused and sarcastic.}

Ryoko:  What?  I'm not breaking laws any more, bringing “disgrace” to your “good” name.

Nagi:  You've done enough already.

{Seriously, Ryoko stands from her floating posture and walks toward her kin.}

Ryoko:  What does that have to do with you?  I didn't take you from your dad's house.  I didn't force Mom to leave your dad.

{The scarlet eyes lock onto their amber opposites as the two begin to circle one another, slowly.}

Nagi:  No, but your mother's blood was the cause.  Your crimes only worsen the fact.

{Insulted, Ryoko's hands rest on her hips as she stops and barks back at her half-sister.}

Ryoko:  It takes two to tango, Sis.  Your dad had as much to do with you getting born as Mom did.

{Nagi's glare flares hotter as her words quiet.}

Nagi:  Don't call me “Sis”.  All we share is a mother, nothing more.

{The huntress stops opposite her rival while Ryoko blinks in realization.  Confused, Nagi watches as Ryoko starts to laugh, soon holding her sides.  Icily, the purple-haired woman inquires.}

Nagi:  What's so funny, Ryoko?

{Calming her laughter, Ryoko answers, still chuckling to herself.}

Ryoko:  I get it now!

Nagi:  What?

{After another burst of laughter, the former pirate replies, loudly.}

Ryoko:  You're jealous!

{Nagi recoils away from her half-sister, surprised at this answer.}

Nagi:  Jealous?!

{The cyan-maned woman nods, chuckling with her hands on her hips.  Pleased with herself, she circles her old nemesis, watching her growing unease.}

Ryoko:  Yeah, I've had the wild life, with you chasing around behind.  I've now got a nice home on Earth, and you don't, Sis.

{A ruddy glow burns in Nagi's cheeks while Ryoko stops before her, more prodding words to follow.}

Ryoko:  Instead of chasing after my life, why don't you get your own?

{She smiles wider, teasing far more.}

Ryoko:  Maybe your own man?

{Angrily, Nagi barks back.}

Nagi:  Shut your mouth!

{Ryoko scoffs, spinning away from her kin.  With a shake of her head, the former pirate sighs, her own gaze slipping into the distant foliage of Jurai.}

Ryoko:  You remember a couple years ago, right before Tenchi took Kagato down?

{Irritated, Nagi listens and concurs.}

Nagi:  I do.  What of it?

{A slight grin crosses Ryoko's lips, recalling when Nagi barged into her room in the Masaki house, then within Yagami's cargo bay.}

Ryoko:  I've always wondered why you helped us then.

{In the silvery light, her cyan mane of hair shimmers, seemingly a ghostly white.  As she remembers the pain of her wound and her screams of determination, a melancholic distance absorbs her.  Approaching quietly, Nagi answers, some of her anger waning.}

Nagi:  Ken-Ohki wouldn't let Ryo-Ohki battle alone.  Then, there was the fact that Kagato could very well come after Father.

{The Ryoan woman scoffs and nods.}

Ryoko:  If you say so.

{Standing at her sister's side, the half-Juraian narrows her eyes and glances toward the former pirate.}

Nagi:  Do you imply that my decision had something to do with you?

{Ryoko's smile widens as she shakes her head.}

Ryoko:  No, not at all.

{Nagi glances away before Ryoko then continues.}

Ryoko:  But, you did just now.

{The huntress's lips curl while she glares back at the ex-pirate.  With a quick look to the floor, Ryoko's expression becomes more serious as she speaks.}

Ryoko:  You are my sister, Nagi, whether you like it or not.

{The two siblings face one another in the Juraian moonlight, a gravity passing between them.}

Ryoko:  If you want, we can settle our old score after we deal with Jezibel.

{Nagi nods, the pair of them accepting this mutual hatred.}

Nagi:  Agreed.

{A whooshing sound gravitates the sisters' attention into the ballroom, where two female figures materialize.  Their feet clank against the ground, their skin a blue steel.  The two mechanically raise their heads, their eyes glowing a hot red as they each stare at either Ryoko or Nagi.}

{The former pirate blinks in surprise and recognition.  While these two machines do have quite unrefined features, such as sharp-edged joints and corrugation lines in their skin, the design matches that of Mecha-Nerti.  With just a moment's hesitation, Ryoko summons her crimson katana and holds it ready at her side.  Nagi also draws her rapier-like sword and holds it aloft toward the two.  Then, voice arises from the two, Jezibel's amused words.}

Jezibel:  Ah, I see the blast wave also ignored you, Lady Nagi, as well as your dear sister.

{The huntress glares coldly, the telepath continuing.}

Jezibel:  Must be that fiery Ryoan blood in your veins.

{The purple-haired woman grips her sword more tightly as she replies.}

Nagi:  I will see your blood soon enough, witch.

{Jezibel's voice scoffs and answers.}

Jezibel:  Still “daddy's little girl”, I see.  Nice that...

{Impatiently, Ryoko interrupts sarcastically.}

Ryoko:  Why don't you just shut up so we can kick your ass?

{A humored laugh rings from the hollows of the robots before the Kimitan responds.}

Jezibel:  Very well.

{At this, the two machines rush forward at the sisters, their hands igniting in an obsidian flame.  Ryoko fades away while Nagi steps aside, the blackened claws of their adversaries grasping for their former locations.  The huntress swipes her sword through the arm of her nearest foe before sliding a short distance.}

{Jezibel's laugh echoes within the hall when metal tendrils emerge from the wound of the damaged unit.  These shoot forth and intertwine into the steel hull of the severed arm, drawing it back into place.  Quickly, the damage seals itself, the hand flexing its fingers.  Ryoko curses as she reappears near Nagi.}

Ryoko:  Dammit!  These bitches regenerate just like the original!

{Her sister eyes the enemy while she comments.}

Nagi:  Lovely feature.

{Again, Jezibel's voice speaks to the two while the metal figures turn to the sisters.}

Jezibel:  Just come quietly.  It would make this far simpler.

{Promptly, they answer.}

Ryoko:  Go to hell!

Nagi:  Not happening, Kimitan.

{Pleased, the telepath's words seem to smile at their retort.}

Jezibel:  Excellent.

{One robot darts toward them, and the two sisters both shoot into their air.  However, the second machine leaps toward Ryoko, who suddenly shifts direction and avoids the incoming enemy.  Nagi's path arcs to the ground, where her feet slowly touch for a moment before she shoots back into the air at the falling android.}

{Her left hand takes her whip's hilt in hand as its glowing violet length snakes to life.  She snaps it across the robot's chest, scorching a gash into the chassis.  The huntress then hovers in the air for a moment while she levels her sword at the enemy.  A blast of regal fire flies from the blade's tip, punching through the armored body of the robot.  Its feet land firmly on the ground while Nagi drifts aside.  It stares coldly back up at her, its armor regenerating as before.}

{With Ryoko, she sights the other robot and soars down at it, her crimson katana leading the way.  However, it rolls aside and rises to its feet while she slices into the floor.  She spins toward it and swipes her blade furiously, but its burning hands clash against the Ryoan sword each time, deflecting the shot away.  Her temper shortens until she slides back and throws the blade into the machine, where the weapon explodes on impact.  The machine remains, regenerating its shell.}

{Jezibel's cackle sounds within the ballroom, the two sisters backing away from their adversaries.}

Jezibel:  What a great display of your skills, but witness how little they matter.

{Hurried steps halt at the doorway to the palace's corridors.  Both Ryoko and Nagi glance to see the crimson knight Kamidake standing there, swinging his staff into his hands.  Commandingly, he orders the two androids.}

Kamidake:  Stand down, machines!

{Displeased, Jezibel remarks.}

Jezibel:  ... Another unexpected interruption...

{The robot opposite Ryoko extends an arm toward Kamidake, its hand cracking open its plating.  The fire around its casing flares darker when Nagi calls out to him.}

Nagi:  Kamidake!

{He turns to this enemy, the headpiece of his staff spins and gathers his scarlet energies.  However, with Nagi distracted, the robot opposite her rushes forward, the flames around its hands dispersing.  It grabs her whip hand while she reacts, thrusting her sword into its side.  The foe slams her against a wall, holding her firmly while Kamidake's staff explodes flaming Jurai Power at the other machine.}

{Yet, the machine then fades from sight, a whooshing noise left by the air rushing into its former location.  The blast of Jurai Power continues forward, smashing through the edge of the veranda's doorway.  Ryoko and Kamidake quickly turn their attention to Nagi, who struggles against her enemy's grip.  She kicks at the unfeeling mechanism holding her with no effect.  Kamidake advances a step, ordering again.}

Kamidake:  Release her!

{With the huntress, the remaining robot begins to vanish as well.  Ryoko quickly fades away while Kamidake shoots himself forward on his fleet feet to Nagi's location.  Ryoko appears with him there as his staff swings through the fading machine, failing to affect it.  Both stand helplessly as Nagi disappears with her captor.}

{Ryoko curses and punches the wall, frustrated while Kamidake grips his staff tightly, likewise affected.  Soon, the other six members of the party arrive:  Tenchi, Ayeka, Yosho, Azaka, Pii, and Nerti.  With Ryo-Ohki at his side, Ken-Ohki hops into the room.  He blinks for a moment, stunned while Ryo-Ohki mews to him.  Yosho questions the damage incurred to the room.}

Yosho:  What happened here?

{Ryoko simply glares at the floor while Kamidake kneels to his lord and answers respectfully.}

Kamidake:  My apologies, Lord Yosho.  The enemy came for Lady Nagi... and took her.

{Shocked, Ayeka gasps while Tenchi approaches Ryoko, his expression concerned.  Azaka watches his partner's tight grip as he continues.}

Kamidake:  They were two, mechanical and quick.

{Nerti watches silently and somberly while Pii advances and examines the damage for himself.  Tenchi rests a hand on Ryoko's shoulder when the former pirate tenses, facing away from him.  The young prince whispers to her softly.}

Tenchi:  Ryoko...

{Her amber eyes glance back to him, dancing with passion as she speaks.}

Ryoko:  It was her.

{The others, save Kamidake, turn to her as she explains.}

Ryoko:  Jezibel.  She sent those two things after Nagi and me.

{Nerti's eyes blink in surprise, but then to concern as Ryoko stands and glares furiously at Yosho.}

Ryoko:  I'm going after her.  Right now.

{Nerti speaks, worried.}

Nerti:  This might be what Jezibel wants, Ryoko.

{Ryoko shakes her head.}

Ryoko:  I don't care.  You of all people know what she'll do.

{The blonde lowers her eyes and nods, knowing too well.  Pii then inquires.}

Pii:  What about the existing plan?

{Azaka turns to Yosho, commenting.}

Azaka:  These two saw Kamidake.  They know that at least one Juraian survived.  We have lost surprise.

{The elder prince nods, understanding this while Kamidake's voice rises.}

Kamidake:  Sire, if you would allow me...

{He gazes up to Yosho, meeting his determined eyes to the prince's steady sight.}

Kamidake:  I will accompany Ms Ryoko and ensure they return safely.

{For a moment, the grandfather considers this while Tenchi gently squeezes Ryoko's shoulder.  She rests her hand over his as she whispers back to him.}

Ryoko:  I have to, Tenchi...

{Seriously, he nods, replying.}

Tenchi:  I know...

{Finally, Yosho concedes.}

Yosho:  Very well.  Kamidake, you and Ryoko will locate Nagi and deal with this Jezibel Kimitan.

{The young knight bows his head thankfully.}

Kamidake:  Thank you, sire.

{Ryoko takes a careful breath while Tenchi's concerned eyes watch her brooding stare.  The two cabbits rush to her and mew, the white one meeting and acknowledging her eyes.  Yosho adds, calling the attention of everyone to him.}

Yosho:  Everyone.  Since we have lost the element of surprise, we must strike now.

{Kamidake stands as the legendary prince motions to him and Ryoko.}

Yosho:  You two know your parts.

{They agree knowingly before he then motions to Tenchi and Pii.}

Yosho:  With Nagi captured, the two of you will have to handle Liaens alone.

{These two acknowledge this, though Pii inquires with his own worries.}

Pii:  What about Nerti?  If the red knight and Ryoko go after Nagi, who goes with her now?

{Everyone witnesses Yosho turn to Azaka and speak gravely to him.}

Yosho:  Sir Azaka, I would ask that you accompany her to the Aelins Reactor.

{The azure knight furrows his brows, confused.}

Azaka:  But, my lord, that would leave just you here to protect the palace.

{Then, Ayeka steps forward, her amethyst eyes calm.}

Ayeka:  He will not be alone.

{All turn to Ayeka when Tenchi speaks to her.}

Tenchi:  You, Ayeka?

{She nods, certain.}

Ayeka:  This is my world, Tenchi, and I will fight for her.

{Yosho questions her.}

Yosho:  Are you sure, Ayeka?  You were bedridden not long ago.

{She accepts this, extending her arm.  Around her hand, five of her small guardians appear and generate a small force shield.  Her gaze meets his again.}

Ayeka:  We are already short-handed, and we need everyone we can muster.  I will fight, Grandfather.

{Tenchi witnesses this quietly, both he and Ryoko surprised by her answer.  The legendary prince agrees.}

Yosho:  Very well.  It will be you and me, Ayeka.

{While Ayeka's shield and guardians vanish, he nods to the entire gathering.}

Yosho:  Everyone, the operation begins now.

{As one, the group concurs as Tenchi narrates.}

Tenchi:  We all had our roles to play then.

{From around the corner of exit to the corridor, a tail of blue hair slips into the darkness.}

Tenchi:  All of us.