Disclaimer: Tenchi Masaki and the group I have labeled the "Tenchi crew" are property of Pioneer. I did not essentially coin the name "Tenchi crew". I do not claim ownership of it, so use it as you please. However, Ronin, Kel'Doran, Lich, Forscythe, Rath, and any new characters in this chapter are creations of mine. If you are seen using them, I will send my ogre friend Gortog to club you and eat your bones. Enjoy. Tenchi Muyo! Blade of the Jimmu Chapter 8: The Night Edge Ronin rushed into the cockpit of the Yagami. Washu, Mihoshi, and Kiyone were already waiting for him. He headed to the front and turned to Washu. "Where is the ship?" "We're a few hundred miles away right now. Give us a few minutes and we can hook up with it." Nathan nodded. "Ok. You said something about its markings earlier?" Washu pointed to the display on her computer. "Yep. Here it is. There's a large symbol on the dorsal surface. It's just like the one on that guy Forscythe's ship." "What?!? Let me see!" Nathan looked at the screen. The very sight of the symbol made his blood run cold. It was a image resembling a large reptilian eye. A red slit of a pupil on an eye of gold…the symbol of the Damned Ones. "It's one of theirs, all right. Did Kel'Doran sense that Forscythe had failed?" Mihoshi took this opportunity to speak up. "Oh, don't worry. It might just be a couple of daemons out on vacation." The occupants of the cockpit all sweat dropped. Ronin took another look at the display. "Wait a minute…" His eyes widened. "Guys! Look there! There's another symbol on the side!" Kiyone moved closer and squinted. She could just make out the design. It was a flame colored symbol. It looked like a bird of some kind. A broad smile covered Nathan's face. "The Phoenix Emblem…That was my symbol when I was Kel'Doran's right-hand man. All the soldiers under my command had that symbol branded into their shoulder. And look under it! I can just make out the words…the Night Edge. I know that ship! I have to board the vessel and see their commander immediately. How far away are we now?" Looking a bit confused, Washu replied, "We're about ten miles from it now. Heck, you can see it out the window now. But…you know who's on that ship?" "Without a doubt. I recognize the aura now. He's an old war partner of mine. His name is Daranus Artegian. If I can enlist his help, he and his battalion would be invaluable to our cause." "Wait a minute!" cried Kiyone. "For all you know, this Daranus is still working for Kel'Doran. How do you know you can trust him?" "He owes me a big favor." "That'd better be one hell of a big favor!" Kiyone exclaimed. "We're talking about going up against a daemon king here! Will he really join up with us?" "Just trust me on this one." "You want to go this one alone, then?" Washu asked. "I don't think I should. His crew might be slightly hostile if they don't recognize me right off the bat." "Slightly?" "Well, to tell you the truth, they'll probably try to tear me apart. I need someone who can create fields of protection. Washu, open a link with Ryo-ohki. I have to speak to Ayeka." "I see, Nathan. So all I do is keep a shield around us?" "Yeah. The Damned Ones are somewhat weak against holy powers like that of Jurai's. Think you can handle it?" "Most definitely." Ayeka closed her eyes. In a matter of seconds a translucent barrier surrounded the two of them. They began to walk down the dark corridor from the airlock. "Um, this probably isn't the best time to bring this up," Ayeka began. "But what if Daranus is against you? When you left Kel'Doran's fortress, you were branded a traitor." "Yes, but Daranus and his men, kept under Kel'Doran's oppressive heel, were told that I was dead. When they see me alive, you'll see where their loyalties lie." At that moment, Nathan tensed and spun around. "Ayeka, watch out!" A blast of energy flew at the two of them. It crashed into the shield, tearing a hole in it. "Impossible!" Nathan said aloud. "I'm afraid it's all too possible, intruder." A stern voice replied. The man who stood before them wore a grey cloak. His gloved hand was still smoking from the blast. "I am Sarlone, Captain Daranus's second-in-command. My power is infinitely beyond your own. Surrender now or be destroyed." "I believe you are the one who should surrender." Nathan replied. "I am Ronin, the Phoenix Knight, commander of the First Battalion of Lord Kel'Doran." Sarlone scowled. "You lie. The Phoenix Knight died a traitor's death." "Then why do I have this?" Nathan shot back, drawing the Phoenix Blade. The cloaked man's eyes widened. "That sword…it is…" He instantly dropped to one knee, averting his eyes to the floor. "Forgive me, Lord Ronin. I…everyone thought you were…I did not mean to speak of you in such a disdainful manner. We are forever under Kel'Doran's vile control." "I know. Your actions were understandable. There is no transgression." Sarlone looked up at Nathan gratefully. "Thank you, my lord. Truly this is a blessing from the gods. You have returned to us." Ayeka was absolutely stunned. First a travelling warrior, then a rogue soldier, and now a worshipped commander. There's always some event that reveals more about his true self, she thought. "Sarlone, I would like to speak to Daranus as soon as possible." "Of course, Lord Ronin. He is resting at the moment. Shall I wake him?" "No, you can let him rest. Can my companion and I tour the ship until he wakes?" "Of course, sir. Anything you wish. By all rights, you are this ship's commander now. If you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask." "Thank you, Sarlone. You are a credit to your rank." Sarlone stood up slowly, then bowed and walked with Nathan and Ayeka to the end of the corridor. "I shall be in the training room if you require anything." "Thank you." Nathan replied. As the cloaked mage exited, Ayeka turned to Nathan. "You never mentioned anything like this!" "Well, please don't tell anyone. I despise being worshipped. You do, right?" Ayeka sweat-dropped. "Oh, yes, I absolutely hate it when someone treats me like royalty. I find it so ridiculous……" She trailed off. Nathan raised an eyebrow. "Riiiiiight…." He said slowly. Taking a few steps into another hallway, he turned back to Ayeka. "Shall we?" TO BE CONTINUED