Disclaimer: The characters in this fan fic are property of AIC and Pioneer. This fan fic is not like the others. Yes, this is based on Ryoko. Although, the villain is not of almighty power. Instead, the villain is a master in his skill. Enjoy the fan fic. Tenchi Muyo! The Hunt on a Full Moon: Lust for Blood The dark figure stood motionless. How he enjoyed the death of his victims. He lusted for the thrill of them running from him. "The hunt," he called it. This victim was different. She fought him. The smell of her death seeped through his nostrils. He had to kill her quickly. She put up a fair fight. Her dull blue hair was soaked in her blood. He usually never looked to find out who his victims were, but she was different. He had to know who his worthy opponent was. He found a wallet inside her dark cloak. He opened it and read the name on an identification card. "Nagi." His voice chilled. He didn't have to finish looking at the card to know who she was. Indeed this was a different kill, but something else caught his eye. He saw cyan hair that reflected a woman's hair color. He gently pulled it out of the wallet to see the owner of the hair. He looked closely at her golden orbs. "Ryoko." He said with great satisfaction. "She should be fun. It has been a long time since I hunted a pirate. I know exactly where to find you. I better bring a gift." He grabbed his long knife. The blade was a shiny red metal. It had the curve of a scimitar. The hilt was pure gold with the head of a lion finely crafted into the base of it. Two ruby orbs revealed the lion's eyes. "Your next." He smiled licking the dry texture of his lips. *** Ryoko walked down the staircase. It was a perfect evening to go out and harass Tenchi. "Ryoko." Ayeka screamed. "What?" She asked innocently. "Did you forget that it was your turn to clean the porch?" She took a deep breath. "Besides, where do you think you were going?" She asked not changing the loud tone in her voice. "Well, I was..." She said gazing at the ceiling before Ayeka interrupted her. "Going to see Tenchi." She yelled. "How did you guess?" Ryoko snapped back getting annoyed at the Princess's bickering. "Listen here. You have work to do." Ayeka smiled satisfied that Ryoko was losing her temper. "I'll do it." Ryoko snapped. "Spoiled brat." She huffed under her breath turning her back toward Ayeka. "What was that, Ryoko?" Ayeka flared red in anger. She summoned her power and sent a green orb toward Ryoko. Ryoko jumped before the blast hit her. She looked back at the angry princess. "You want a fight?" She raged. She summoned a golden globe of pure energy. She felt the warmth it reflected around her hands. She thrusted it at Ayeka. Ayeka blocked with her shield. "Stop it!" A cry rang through the air. The two participants looked for the owner of the voice, only to find an angry Tenchi. Both immediately bowed their heads in shame. "Do you both have to fight all the time? This is getting ridiculous." He looked straight at Ryoko. His eyes so filled with anger that they were about to pop out of his head. "Ryoko, I am especially talking to you." He said grinding his teeth in irritation. "Me, Ayeka threw the first blast." She exclaimed in defense while pointing at Ayeka. "But somehow, you lead her into it." "Why am I always guilty? Can you for once yell at her and not me?" Ryoko pouted feeling like she was in a trial for her life. "Ryoko!" Tenchi screamed. "That is enough. It ends here. I expect you to clean up this mess." He yelled in anger. Ryoko's emotions blasted open. She felt angry, scared, and above all heart broken. "Go to hell, Tenchi." She screamed and vanished. Tenchi stood still. A person he cared about before has never threatened him. He could only stand there and think what he did wrong. He had to do something to stop the fighting. He turned at the sound of a familiar sound. He turned to see Ken-Ohki with tears in his eyes. "Ken-Ohki!" Tenchi exclaimed. "Ryoko must be fighting Nagi." He spoke to himself. "Tenchi?" Ayeka asked. "I think Nagi has returned to finish Ryoko off." He said not leaving his eyes off the white haired cabbit before him. "Yes, but why would he be crying?" Ayeka asked. "Indeed." Tenchi replied thinking about Ayeka's conversation. "Ayeka! Ayeka!" Sasami called running into the room. "What is it, Sasami?" Ayeka asked in her cool, comforting voice. "The man on the radio said that there is going to be a full moon tonight." The little girl mumbled out in excitement. "So, why are you in a hurry to tell me?" "Isn't that when the murders have happened? You know the ones that required Mihoshi and Kiyone to go to Belta-4." She babbled out. "Yes, I remember. But, that is no reason to be afraid. Belta-4 is far away, and besides that was two months ago." "She smiled rubbing her little sister's back for comfort. "I know, but what if they happen here?" She asked as her eyes reflected the fear she felt inside. "We will lock all doors just in case. Okay?" Ayeka smiled hugging her little sister. "Okay." Smiled Sasami. "Well, I better go get, Ryoko." Tenchi said walking toward the door. "Watch Ken-Ohki while I am gone." "Okay." Ayeka agreed. She didn't want him to go after Ryoko, but for Sasami's sake, she would do it. *** Ryoko felt the cool breeze as the new full moon glistened over the mountaintops. She couldn't believe what she did back there, but he never does care for her. He always goes to help Ayeka. Even in the battle against Kagato, he ignored her wound and ran into the Jurai palace. He would never do the same for her. "Bastard." She hissed. She enjoyed the feeling of the wet grass between her toes. "Wet grass? It didn't rain at all this weekend." She slowly looked down to see blood on the grass, and someone's head in front of her. She gasped in horror, and turned to run. Her stomach felt weak. All she could see in her mind was the blood and the head of a woman. "Woman?" Ryoko stopped and slowly turned to get another look. She squinted her eyes to get used to the darkness. She glanced at the features as the name of the owner matched the description of the head that lay at her feet. "Na..gi!" She choked at who could do such a thing. She turned at the snap of a twig. No one was behind her, but the wind began to pick up. She had to return home. She had to be in the house where it was safe, and she could think in peace. She leaped into the air and took flight. The cool breeze blew hair back as she flew across the forest. She continued flight with the images of the blood and head of Nagi still pictured in her mind. The sound of the wind as a sound of something else disturbed the wind. She didn't want to look back and continued home. But, felt something hit the back of her head and everything went black. *** He was amazed. He never thought a stone would end her flight. He felt the anticipation grow for more blood as he drew closer to her stiff, motionless body. His saliva drooled down his chin at the sight of the future corpse in front of him. He slowly reached for the hilt of his long knife. The cool metal chilled his veins, but it pleased him to have that feeling. Torture is what he lived for, whether it was his own or others. He drew and listened as the glorious red blade clashed with his sheath. He brought it to his face and began to lick across the backside of the blade. The taste of the metal made the adventure of murder even more thrilling. He kneeled beside her and grabbed a strand of her hair ever so gently. He brought his nose above the strand and breathed in the natural fragrances of the cyan hair. He began to have the knife slide down her back. The blade maneuvered downward slicing through her blue and yellow striped robe as if it didn't exist. Now, it was time for the blood. His favorite part of his art, no his skill. *** Tenchi ran into the woods. He saw Ryoko fall, but why? He didn't know, but it worried him. He felt the fear of her being injured because he yelled at her. He knew he was hard on her, but he had to be. Why did he have to be? No time to worry, he knew she needed him, someone right now. The breeze ceased to blow as he saw a shadowy figure standing over a body. He didn't have time to think. Instinct took over and he was blinded by rage as the soft ivory hilt of his sword appeared into his hand. A blue light shimmered out of the hilt as Tenchi ran closer to the figure. "Ryoko!" He screamed. The figure looked up and vanished into the trees. Tenchi could only hear his heart beat. He looked at the blood that seemed to spew out of Ryoko's back. Tenchi felt sick at the sight. The cuts and stabs were designed in a pattern. He looked into the night air. The moon was bright as its light engulfed the forest they were in. "HELP!!!" He screamed into the night. He was afraid to leave Ryoko, in case that shadowy figure returned. *** He ever did so enjoyed his work. He took the knife and slid it down her spine. Blood leaked out of the cut and turned into a river streaming down her back at all places. It was beautiful as he forced the knife into the part of her back below the shoulder blade. The flesh gurgled as his blade pushed through it. Ryoko screamed as her eyes bulged in pain. He smiled as she fell back into her unconscious state. All of his victims seem to do the same thing, and that was good because it shows his consistency. He made several stabs into different spots of her back and cuts as made his art to life. But his anxiety ended as a boy screamed his victim's name. He had no time to finish, and leaped into the forest. He ran to a tree and jumped into a tree. Like his symbol the lion he will watch the creature that disturbed his hunt and hope it will leave so he can finish. Then, the next moon the boy will face a similar fate as all of his victims for interfering. He tasted the bitter taste of her blood in his mouth as the blade slid across his tongue. Oh, he shall definitely go for more on the next hunt. *** Ryoko gasped, as an unbearable pain awakened her. This was the end. Ayeka gets a knight to save her, while she suffers with death. Why couldn't he care for her? She was on her own and tried to move her arms to fight, but she couldn't move. Then, the darkness took over, and it was black again. *** Tenchi took off his white T-shirt and began to cover Ryoko's back. Her dress was cut down to the lower tip of her spine. Tenchi was no doctor, but he figured it was better than letting the blood pour out of her back. "Tenchi!" Cried Ayeka. "Are you..." She gasped at all the blood and Ryoko's limp body. "Ayeka, get Washu. I don't know what to do." He said as tears streamed down his face. "She is on her way. We all came running at the sounds people screaming into the night." She said and took a deep breath to ignore the stench and sight of the blood that flowed out of Ryoko's body. She sat beside Tenchi and leaned his head on her shoulder. "It will be okay. Washu will help Ryoko. You will see." She whispered smoothly. Tenchi couldn't say anything as the tears of guilt and the loss of a friend possessed him. He could only cry on her shoulder. "What the..." Washu gasped at the sight. She ran over to Ryoko's side. She knew instantly not to ask questions, but help the one in need, then ask. She was a scientist and a partial doctor it was her duty. She clapped her hands and they all appeared into the lab. She looked at Tenchi and Ayeka. "This could get ugly. I need you two to wait outside of the lab. Nobuyoki and Sasami are there, as well as those two cabbits. Ayeka, call the science academy. Ask for Dr. Brell. Tell whomever you are speaking to that it as at my request. You should be able to talk to him personally. Tell him that he owes me a favor and to teleport to celestial space 4x6l immediately. That is all I need you to do." Washu said quickly as well as abruptly. "I will. Come Tenchi." Ayeka said leading the worried Tenchi out of the lab. Washu waited until they left and prepared Ryoko's body for surgery. They might have to go in to stop the bleeding. Washu licked her lips it was going to be a long night, and the thought of trying to save a life in the short time they had disturbed her. The dryness of her lips proved that. *** Tenchi stood by the closet door waiting and praying for good news. Washu stepped out an hour ago to let them know that Dr. Brell arrived, but the chances of life were slim. "It is all my fault. I yelled at her." He said dimly looking at the floor below him. "It was not your fault. Ryoko, would have gone out sooner or later." Ayeka said with a smile on her face. "Why are you smiling?" He asked feeling annoyed at her happy face at such a gloomy time. "Someone has to be. It helps keep your hopes up. You feel better and worry for the same person you care about." She said tenderly. "Ayeka, why did it have to be Ryoko?" He said and wept upon her shoulder again. "I can't answer that, but if it is the killer Kiyone and Mihoshi are after than that is probably reason enough." She rubbed the back of his head with the palm of her hand. "I pray and hope that everything will be okay." Tenchi nodded slightly and jerked his head up as the closet door opened. Tenchi straightened his posture instantly. "We have done everything we can. Only time will tell, if she will be okay." Said Dr. Brell. His age and experience shined through his pale, wrinkled skin. His spiked white hair did not move as walked toward them. "Thank you doctor. I know you did everything that you could do." Tenchi shook his hand and used all his strength to hide his tears. "I will stay until she regains consciousness. If she does that, her chances for survival are better than they were before." He said walking back into the lab. "Until she awakes, I can allow one of you in for a few moments, but that is all. Who will it be?" Tenchi looked into Ayeka's eyes. The pink pearls blinked harshly, and she nodded her head. "I will go." Tenchi said depressingly. "Okay, come in." He said gesturing with his hand for Tenchi to walk through first. Tenchi entered the lab and Dr. Brell closed the door as soon as he was in. *** "Kiyone!" Mihoshi cried out as she searched through a stack of papers. "Ssh!" Kiyone replied to the cry. "We want to surprise this guy, if he is here. This is after all his apartment." "I know but I found something behind this wall." Mihoshi smiled with contempt of hopefully revealing a hidden door. "Hmm." Kiyone sounded as she maneuvered her hand on the wallpaper. The paper was as plain white as all the furniture in the room was, but it was poorly placed on the wall, probably to hide the grooves of the door. She felt the cool surface again until she felt a slope and followed it around the wall. "This is it. Knife." She ordered. "Knife." Replied the ever-excited Mihoshi. Kiyone cut around the slopes she felt. The ripping noise of the knife on the paper was indeed loud. She removed the paper to reveal the white, wooden door. She opened it slowly and stepped aside. Using her left hand, she signaled Mihoshi to be ready. With that she swung the door open in an incredible force and jumped behind Mihoshi, as the young blonde partner ran into the newly discovered room armed and ready. Kiyone moved behind her. The two women gagged for fresh air as a deranged order flooded their nostrils. Kiyone pinched her nose and signaled Mihoshi to stand guard. She pulled her revolver back in her sidearm holster. She pulled a flashlight that rested on her boot. She turned it on and jumped back at the horror of a body hanging in front of them. "It looks like Nagi's body." Mihoshi commented turning around to hide the picture from her mind. "Where's here head?" She coughed the smell and the sight of blood was too strong for her to take. "I don't know." Kiyone replied and flashed the light behind the body to see used wax placed in a circle around a wall. She maneuvered around the hanging, headless body. Raising the light in front of the burned out candles, she saw pictures of past victims marked with a red X. No doubt blood. It was dark and crispy in look. Kiyone raised it at another face that just caught her eye. "Ryoko." She gasped moving the light around the pictures on the wall. It was her cyan haired friend, but unlike all the others there were many photographs of her than one, like all the others. Kiyone looked again, and under an 8 X 11 photograph of Ryoko was a picture of a woman that died fourteen years ago. Kiyone did not know why she was doing it, but she did it. She pulled the photograph of the mysterious woman off the wall tucked into her pocket. "See what the guys downstairs found out and meet me outside. We have to leave immediately." Kiyone ordered leaving the room. "Also, tell them to look around up here. Our man recovered this room, but not bother to clean up his mess." "Which means that he is moving fast." Acknowledged Mihoshi. "Right." "So, where are we going." Asked Mihoshi curiously. "To Earth. Ryoko, I think is the next target on our killer's mind." "Ryoko? Why?" "I don't know, but maybe she will. Let's go." Ordered Kiyone and the left the scene. *** Tenchi looked at the milky skinned body in front of him. She was lying on her stomach, and bandages surrounded her back. Sheets and blankets covered her up to her spine. Tenchi could hear her breathing. It was in a steady beat. She was indeed relaxed, but if she awakens, she will not be so comfortable. He watched as her side inflated and deflated as the lungs took in air. She was alive. He watched her and waited. Praying that she would try to do something to get his attention, but nothing happened. A tear drew down his cheek, and only one thought ran through his mind as he blurted the very essence of the thought into a word, "Ryoko." He whispered to himself in guilt. *** It has been three days, since Tenchi saw the killer. Ryoko regained consciousness earlier this morning, but Washu told everyone to let her rest. She will need all her strength to deal with the pain the wound will cause. Mihoshi and Kiyone returned yesterday. They told everyone about their discoveries as well as the name the killer has used to register for an apartment. "James Jones." Tenchi said to himself. Of course, it was not the killer's real name. Tenchi was aware of that, but it was a name nonetheless. "Okay, Tenchi, you can see her now." Washu said. "But try not to talk to her to long. She is very weak." Washu suggested with a smile. "Thank you, Washu." He said with gratitude, and walked toward the lab. "Tenchi." Washu interrupted. "Yes." He replied a little annoyed. "When will dinner be ready?" She asked innocently, aware that he was a little annoyed. "Sasami said shortly." He replied and entered the lab. *** He walked slowly in the room. There she was. Still in the same position she was in when he first saw her. "Ryoko." He called quietly. He knelt in front of her to look at her golden eyes. "Ten...chi!" She replied weakly. "Yes!" He said with joy. She was really alive. He couldn't believe it anymore. The excitement drove him mad. He could hug her to death, but realizing what Washu said he sat there smiling at her. "How do you feel?" He asked calmly. "I hurt. I can't move my arms or my legs." She spoke sadly. "How can I still be alive?" She asked more to herself than to him. "I saw you fall from the sky, and ran to where I lost saw you. Then I saw a shadowy figure with a knife kneeling above you. The figure saw me and ran away. The others heard the excitement and found us. Washu teleported us to her lab." He spoke grimly. "You saved me." She choked. "Yes! I know I have shown my favoritism toward Ayeka, but you never have seemed to need me. Otherwise, I would have helped. Whoever this guy is, he wants you pretty badly because Nagi is dead." "I know. That is why I was flying home. I was scared, and then this happened." She froze her eyes not looking at him but the floor. Filled with pain, they still shined their bright golden color. "What did he do to me?" She flinched in pain. "He..." Tenchi hesitated. He couldn't tell her. "He used the knife." Tenchi managed to blurt out. "I can't describe how he used it because it hurts me to picture you like that." "I hurt." She repeated as she closed her eyes tightly. Tenchi leaned his head against hers and closed his eyes. Smelling the essence of her hair. Feeling the soft skin that rested under the cyan hair. "Forgive me, Ryoko." He pleaded as the darkness of celestial space surrounded them. *** "Two weeks have passed since the attempted murder on Ryoko. Ryoko was taken to the hospital a week ago. Her life signs were too weak, and Washu claimed that we should get her to professional help." Tenchi licked his lips. The killer was still on the loose. Tenchi walked down the staircase buttoning his white shirt. He looked up to see Ayeka and Sasami waiting for him below. "Come on Tenchi." Sasami begged. "I'm coming." He said with a smile, as he took a step toward the blue haired girl. "It was nice of the hospital to lend us this apartment." Ayeka said trying to start conversation. "It was and well appreciated." Tenchi nodded in agreement. "Let us go." Sasami urged them out the door. "Visiting hours will be over soon." They left the apartment in excitement and ran to the elevators. *** There she is. She was asleep. This was too perfect. His art was not complete until the life was drained out of her. The cops were easy to get around. Just take the outside entrance, and they can't stop you. Especially, with the moon as the only source of light. He slivered his was to her bedside. Leaning over her, he brought his lips to her ear. This is it. He has been waiting to finish her off, but not tonight. This was his way to let her know that she was still his prey. He placed his hand gently upon her forehead. His lips almost touched her ear before he spoke. Tonight, his victim will hear the voice of her hunter. "Death is near." He whispered very quietly. It was almost too quiet to be a whisper. At the sound of his voice, her eyes bulged in fear. She tried to turn her head to see his face, but she couldn't turn her head for his hand was forcing it the opposite direction. She was doing wonderful to tempt his eagerness to kill her, but it must be on a full moon. All masters of the art had their signature, and the full moon was his. "Don't scream." He whispered. Moving his hand over her mouth and still forcing her head away from him. "You will not die tonight. I just want you to know that I am still out there." He smiled and moved closer to her ear. "I enjoy a challenge." He taunted. Moving his knife back and forth on her abdomen with his other hand, he quivered with anxiety as he watched her eyes tear with fear. Even with the hospital gown, she could tell his knife was upon her. He lifted the knife to face her eyes, and brought it to her cheek. "Something to remember me by, until we meet again." He hissed. Just as he was about to slice her cheek, a sharp pain grew around the gloved hand that covered her mouth. With his free hand, he used the hilt. It hit her on the side of the head. As it connected, Ryoko screamed and fell unconscious. He immediately ran to the open window. He heard someone enter the room, and jumped out the window. *** Tenchi ran to the window, but the man was gone. He couldn't even make a distinction of what the man looked like. It happened all to fast. He turned around to see doctors run in to the unconscious Ryoko. One of them asked Tenchi and the others to leave. Tenchi led the two girls outside to see a man in a navy trench coat walk up to them. "Tenchi Masaki?" He asked with a tone of urgency. "Yes." Tenchi replied looking into the man's dark brown eyes. "I am Detective Gaylen Blake." He introduced himself holding out his hand. Tenchi took it and greeted the man back with a nod. "What can I do for you?" He asked. "I have been after this man, since the beginning. I am here to let you know that I was sent to help the space detectives on this case. I was sent by the Galaxy Police." The dark haired man smiled. "If you will excuse me, I must take a look inside. I will ask you some questions later." He said and walked past them without their reply. *** Kiyone desperately looked at the photographs, of Ryoko and the woman that died fourteen years ago. The woman was killed by the serial killer known as Black Winter. The killer killed at night on a winter season. His victims had a snowflake carved into the skin of their foreheads. He was sick. The greatest galaxy police detective known as Detective Gaylen Blake caught him. Sean, Black Winter, Flyte, was caught and executed a month later. How it was her dream to be as good as him. But now, she finally has a chance to work with the heroic detective. She was excited. Glancing back at the picture, she became lost in thought. "What does this have to do with the murders of today?" She spoke to herself leaning back against her chair. Then, a thought that could ruin her hero's reputation crossed her mind. "Oh my God!" She shrieked spilling a cup of tea that was set at the corner of her desk. "Mihoshi, get in here." She called anxiously. "What is it, Kiyone?" Replied Mihoshi as she ran into the room. "Look at these pictures." Kiyone demanded. Mihoshi starred at them for a long time, and looked back at Kiyone. "I don't get it." "This girl died fourteen years ago, by Black Winter. Ryoko was attacked by the killer reporters are calling the Hunter." Kiyone said taking a breath. "So." Mihoshi blurted out in confusion. "So, why would a killer of today have a photograph of another killer's?" She asked becoming annoyed with her partner being so naive. "The other killer could have gave it to him." Mihoshi replied still uncertain where Kiyone was leading this discussion. "True, but why wait so long?" Kiyone asked hastily. "I don't know." Mihoshi said rolling her eyes toward the ceiling. "Try to figure this out. What if Sean Flyte was not the killer fourteen years ago?" "But, he was. All evidence proved that he was." Mihoshi pointed out observantly. "Yes, but the evidence could easily mislead anybody. It is not hard for a serial killer to cover his or her tracks." "So, you are saying that our killer is the same one from fourteen years ago." Mihoshi cheered in anxiety. "Yes, but why resurface after fourteen years?" Kiyone said leaning back into her chair. "To wait for everyone to forget about it, and start again." A man's voice spoke entering the room. "Exactly." Kiyone jumped up in acknowledgement. She looked around realizing that was not Mihoshi's voice. She saw a man standing at the door, his navy trench coat trailing at his ankles. "I am Detective Gaylen Blake. I was assigned to help with this investigation." He said walking toward the wide-eyed women. "Did you know Sean Flyte was innocent?" Kiyone asked trying not to ruin her expectations of her hero. "No. Well not until I saw Ryoko's back last night." He said looking at the floor in disappointment. "What do you mean?" Kiyone asked trying not to push her idle too hard. "I saw a snowflake etched into Ryoko's back. It was crossed out with an X." He said looking back up at the women. "I am afraid to say that the Hunter and Black Winter are one in the same." "Let's see what else we can find." Kiyone ordered and walked to the door. She stopped and waited for the others to follow. "We have a lot of work, and not long before the next full moon." "You are right. We only have one week until the next full moon." Blake replied. *** Tenchi walked back into Ryoko's room. It was early in the morning. He watched her as she breathed steadily. Part of her sheet revealed her paled skin on her side, but it was deformed. It had the shape of an inkblot. How could she get a scar that looked like that? What could have done that? Ryoko opened her eyes slowly to see Tenchi looking at her side. She glanced down to realize what he was looking at. She weakly threw the sheet over the scar. Tenchi lost his thought as the sheet covered the scar. "Ryoko?" He asked looking to notice that she was awake. He looked down at the floor. "Where did you get that scar?" He asked shyly. She took a breath and looked away from him. How the idea of that scar ruined her pride. She has been in many fights, but none that reflected the power of Jurai. Kagato got her. How it surprised her. But now, the man she loved saw the scar that destroyed her pride, and now she felt ill to her stomach. "Ryoko?" Tenchi asked in concern. "Was it the wound you got from, Kagato?" He asked looking at her pale face for some expression, but received none. "I knew you were injured badly, but I did not know what to do. I chose to heal grandpa and you would not anybody near it. You are tough, Ryoko." He said looking into her eyes. "You handled the pain like it was not there. I wish you were not so full of pride. We could have helped you, but that is in the past." He stopped as a thought that he never had thought about occurred to him. "How did you heal yourself?" He asked taking her hand into his. "Somethings are best to left alone, Tenchi." She replied turning her head towards him. It was a part of her life that she would like to forget. "We will just leave it at that." She said weakly and closed her eyes and fell to sleep. "I see." He replied. "I did this. I will not let you get hurt again. I swear it." He said rubbing his hand over hers. Her hand was warm and skin so soft he couldn't leave the comfort he felt. *** The full moon rose over the bright city of Tokyo. Shining its pearl orb over the enchanted city. Indeed, it was time to continue his masterpiece. Wandering the dark alley, he passed many men and women, whose lives were meaningless to him and the world. He found a girl. An exchange student from some country on this world, known as the United States. She spoke a little Japanese. Her long blonde hair and high social status at the college made her a perfect prey. The challenge was so clear. Killing in front of a mass of her friends and escaping without anyone knowing his description or identity. She was walking to one of the three clubs she has been going to. He knew everything about her. Sneaking behind her. He lurked in the shadows of the masses of the apartments near the club. She was close to the bouncer, when he jumped in front of her. Her face quivered in fear. Then, she recognized him. She smiled and waved him to move out of the way. That is all he needed. He bowed ever so graciously, that she moved around him, but at that instant he grabbed her and ran into the nearest alley. Smiling at her screams for help and to put her down. He ran behind a dumpster and threw the girl into the brick, knocking her out instantly. He reached for then knife the rested on his side. "Feel privileged, my child. You have been chosen to be my next masterpiece. It is a pity you won't be able to see it, but feel it you will." He smiled scraping the knife on her clothing. Shredding it as it connected with blue silk material. He then began his work, but footsteps prevented him and he tossed her behind the dumpster and hid with her. The bouncer and several of her friends that he could remember ran past and turned back finding nothing. This was more perfect than he predicted before. He would be able to leave his masterpiece in the open. He began to carve his work into her flesh as the blood flowed out at every cut and stab. He licked the crimson liquid off his blade. He always believed to feel what you are painting, you must taste what you are painting. He felt her struggling underneath. He immediately buried her head into the pavement. She indeed screamed, but not for long for death was quick. He dragged her body to the center of the alley and drew a circle of blood around her using her own blood. It was beautiful. He admired his skill very much. He blew her a kiss and walked out of the alley. *** Cops were everywhere. The city was in a panic. A serial killer in Tokyo was no pleasure. In fact, a universal serial killer was worse. Hard to track and so much ground to cover. "It looks like he struck again, but it was not after Ryoko." Kiyone noted to her comrades. "Indeed, there is not doubt. It is he. He likes the name the media has given him. He carved a lion's head on her abdomen." He remarked. "What do you mean?" Mihoshi whispered trying not to look stupid. "The lion's head is the symbol of the mighty hunter. Indeed, our killer has changed personalities." "I agree." Kiyone acknowledged. "Let us go back home." Mihoshi commented. "Yes, let us see if there is a pattern in these murders." Agreed Blake. *** Tenchi sat on the couch by Ayeka listening to the report of the serial killer, "The Hunter." Ayeka shivered. "What is wrong?" Tenchi asked holding her tightly towards him. She was also warm, but shaking. He rubbed her back trying to calm her down. "I can only imagine how Ryoko feels, knowing that a serial killer is after her." Ayeka commented in a voice that was as shaky as her body. "I am sure Ryoko will be fine. We have a few police guarding her door inside and out." Tenchi said. "Listen to you." Ayeka scolded raising to her feet. "What?" Tenchi replied, totally confused. "Tenchi, she needs us. This guy is not from your world. We don't know how many he would kill to get her." Ayeka lectured. Tenchi looked down at his feet. "I know." He muttered in shame. "It is just that, unlike you and Kagato, I am dealing with someone who enjoys killing and trying to defend someone I care about. I don't want to lose you thinking I love her more than you." He said. "For once, I am not worried about who you love, but I am worried about our family. We were happy, and now this. A killer uses our argument to get to Ryoko. Also last week, he put fear into her by delivering his message. We need to help her." Ayeka held her hand out to him. "Ayeka, I will always try to save either one of you, but Ryoko won't let me help her." He said taking her hand. "Sometimes we help those, who don't want to be helped." Ayeka smiled pulling him to his feet. "It never ceases to amaze me that the one thing in this universe that you are afraid of is not being polite to Ryoko or me. Tenchi, Ryoko might be a fighter, but if the scars on her back are not a clue enough she needs us, then what is?" Ayeka lectured again. "I will go. You are right. I am more afraid for my life, I guess." "And you weren't with Kagato." Ayeka said giving him the evil eye. "No, because it felt like my destiny. Where this is life, it is not destined to be." "Destined or not let's go." Ayeka insisted. "Right." Tenchi nodded. They opened the door, when the phone rang. *** Kiyone studied the pictures for a long time. Every girl in the pictures was marked with the lion's head and except for Ryoko and the woman in the picture fourteen years ago. The woman in the picture had the mark of Black Winter, but not his other insignia of a star. These two were special to the killer, but why? Kiyone glanced at the recent picture of the girl that died earlier that night. The lion's head on the abdomen and some writing on the back were carved into the girl's body. "Writing." Kiyone spoke to herself. She immediately recognized the writing. It was Egyptian hieroglyphics. She began to translate. "One chosen...on full moon...speed." Kiyone spoke aloud the translation. "Damn." She cursed under her breath and made a phone call. "Yes special room 4b, please." She said to the operator. "Hello." A man's voice answered. "Tenchi, this is Kiyone. I have important news. This is it. The killer is going to strike again tonight, and the last victim ever is to be Ryoko. Hurry." She said and took a deep breath. "Right, bye." Tenchi replied in an urgent tone and hung up the phone. Kiyone placed the phone back on the receiver and looked back at the picture of the other woman. She began to type in her computer for information on that murder. The screen told her a lot. The name of the dead woman was Crylina Dubai. Her child reported missing as well as the father. She then, did a search for a Mr. Dubai. A list of names came on screen, but the first caught her eye. `Lt. Dubai of the Galaxy Police, it read. She clicked on for the photo. "Mihoshi!" She called. "Get in here, I am downloading a picture that could give us a lead. Mihoshi!" She called again and saw a dark object hit her and then darkness. *** Tenchi and Ayeka were driving to the hospital. They ran into the building as fast as they could. They broke into Ryoko's room, which alerted the police, but they relaxed when they saw who it was. Tenchi looked in and Ryoko was gone. Tenchi ran to the window and looked down, and there was a man carrying someone on his back running. "Ayeka!" He called. "Down there." "Hold on. I am not sure, if I can do this, but here goes." Tenchi wrapped his arms around her. She felt her Jurai energy surge through her and fell forward with Tenchi holding on. They dropped out of the hospital and like a piece of cloth floated safely to their feet. "This way." Tenchi ordered. Leading Ayeka as they turned a corner. He felt his heart beat. He felt cold. Not for himself, but Ryoko. If she died, he would be lost. He had to save her. *** The church was the perfect spot for his talent. He has waited along time for this. Years of planning and devotion to his plans finally paid their dues. He could do it at a temple, but the artwork in a Christian church intrigued him more. He laid Ryoko on the mantel in the center of the church. This was to be his grand finale. Ryoko's eyes were opening. He licked his lips with eager anticipation. "Good evening, my child." He said evilly. She blinked tightly trying to focus who the man was in front of her. His features became clear. The short dark hair and brown eyes, it had to be Detective Blake. "Detective Blake?" She asked in confusion. "What are we doing here?" She questioned sleepily. "Let me remind you." He said dancing to her side. He kneeled and brought his lips to her ear. "To kill you." He whispered and laughed violently as she struggled to sit up, so she could run from him, but he forced her back onto the mantle. "YOU!" She shivered in disgust and fear. "Ya, I know, but I have another shocker for you." He said twirling in a circle. "Do you remember your mother?" He asked with an evil grin. "Vaguely." She answered in a pleading voice. "How about your father?" He said hastily as if he was prosecuting her. "A little." Came the scared reply. "Good and how about your mother's murder." He interrogated. "NO!" She screamed. "It never happened." She mumbled to herself. She thought she could forget, but the past has come to haunt her. "But, it did." He smiled. "Noooo!" She raged. "Daddy didn't mean too." Ryoko cried. "I did, Ryoko. She knew about my murders, and so did you. But, you ran away." He turned to face her. "Now the saga can finally end." "Why?" Ryoko asked in tears of fear. "I had to. My record at the station was pitiful, so I killed many people and developed a pattern for the killers I portrayed, and framed innocent men by turning them in myself. My record grew perfectly and so did the money, but your mother was against it. She wanted to turn me in. TURN ME IN!" He yelled in anger. Walking up to her, he signaled her to stay quiet. "I had to keep her quiet, but you saw me. So, you have to go too." He smiled and laughed again. Grabbing the rope, he tied her hands to the mantle. Then, he tied her feet. Pulling his knife from its sheath, he stretched it over her body. "And now the end." He gloated. Ryoko could hear her heart beat louder and louder. She couldn't take it anymore and screamed for her life. "Yes! Yes! Scream for your life. It makes my work more enjoyable." He snapped back in laughter. Just then, the door opened and Tenchi and Ayeka stepped in. Dubai turned around annoyed. "Well, look who decided to interrupt. Excuse me, I will have to take care of these unwanted guests, but daddy will be back." He whispered in her ear and gave a kiss on her tender forehead. "Blake?" Tenchi sounded like a wild animal. "Yes, it is me." He hissed. "But, please call me by my real name. I am Dameon Dubai." He said with a musical tone in his voice. "Welcome to my church." He greeted. "You're the killer?" Ayeka asked in hatred at the sight of Ryoko tied to the mantle. "Indeed." He gestured happily. "Why?" Tenchi asked. "Too many questions." He mumbled to himself. "You ask too many questions." He spoke aloud. "Ask Ryoko, if either of you survive." He said gesturing his hand at them. Tenchi pulled out the Tenchiken, but a sharp pain coursed through his hand. He looked at Dubai to see some sort of gun aiming at him. "I am sorry, but I do not allow swords in a fight." He smiled malevolently. "Don't hurt him." Ayeka screamed. She forced the shield around her and Tenchi. "Smart, Princess Ayeka, but how can you attack me with your shield activated?" Ayeka realizing this kept the shield up until he lowered his gun. She watched as it lowered. Focussing her energy, she prepared to fire as her shield lowered. She was ready, but lost control as something like a dagger pierced her left shoulder. Ayeka fell to the ground and placed her hand where she felt the pain. She felt the warm liquid on her shoulder and realized she has been shot. "Anyone else?" He yelled insanely. Tenchi watched Ayeka fall to the ground and ran toward the killer in all anger. But in the end, he felt flesh connect with his chin and faltered backward, only to feel himself fly into a wall by the free hand of Dubai. "Idiot! You dare try to attack an armed man." Dubai's filtered with frustration. Tenchi struggled to his feet. He looked up and watched as Dubai placed his gun in its holster and walked toward him. He grabbed Tenchi by the collar with both hands and lifted Tenchi in the air. How it thrilled him to show his power of others. He pushed Tenchi back into the wall. "So, she has feelings for you." He laughed. "What a disappointment. You don't give a damn." His eyes lifted as if a brilliant thought crossed his mind. "You just want to be a hero." He said tossing Tenchi back into the wall. "IS THAT IT?" He yelled grinding his teeth in between each word. The throbbing pain hurt Tenchi; he could only shake his head back and forth. The answer he received was another toss toward the wall. "I think you are lying to me." Dubai hissed. He dropped Tenchi and walked toward Ryoko with his hands out as if he was a holy man. "I will just have to let you watch the last and final murder." He smiled wickedly as he grabbed the knife that lay on the floor by the mantle. "Rest assured child. You will be with your mother soon. I promise." He said leaning over to give another kiss on her forehead. Then, he remembered the knife. How did it get on the floor? His eyes were opened full in surprise as a foot crashed into his face. He flew back to the floor. Ryoko stood up and limped toward him and picked up the knife that was in his hands. "You want to sacrifice, who?" She raged. "My dear." He begged. "It was not supposed to be this way." As he spoke, his arm raised up holding the pistol and fired one shot. Ryoko flew over the mantle to the other side. She dropped the knife in midair. "I told you. I was suppose to CUT YOUR THROAT." He yelled in anger. He bent down and picked up the knife, and walked around the mantle to see Ryoko holding her chest. "Why did you do that, Ryoko? Now you might die, and I can't finish my masterpiece." He said in disappointment. "I guess I will have to work quicker." He raised the knife to her neck. "Starting here." He hissed. "Noooooo!" Tenchi yelled jumping over the mantle and crashing on top of Dubai. Tenchi grabbed Dubai by the throat leaned him forward and punched him in the nose. The man's head flew back at the blow. "I..." Tenchi said throwing another punch into Dubai's right eye. "love..." Giving another blow to Dubai's lip. This time he drew blood from the dry lips of Dubai. "Ryoko." He finished and banged Dubai's head to the pavement knocking the man out. Tenchi crawled to Ryoko. "Are you okay?" He asked out of breath. Ryoko could only cry. Her back hurt and was bleeding again, and now her chest hurt to breathe. Tenchi gathered her in his arms, but felt a blow to the back of his head and fell into darkness. Dubai smiled and picked Ryoko up on her feet. He pulled the knife to her throat. "I will have to kill you, then finish my art work on your body." He dragged her to the front of the mantle. He was ready to cut, but the crack of the doors opened as a woman walked through. Dubai felt a stinging pain in his shoulder and dropped Ryoko. He staggered backwards and grabbed for his gun, but it was gone. He looked up and saw Kiyone her gun pointing at him. "I thought you were dead." He muttered in pain. "You should always make sure your victims are dead." She replied in anger. "You Bitch." He screamed and ran toward her with the knife in his hand ready to kill, but another bullet flew through his chest. He dropped the knife staggering backwards a few more steps. He looked up and saw Mihoshi. Blood dripping from her forehead like Kiyone's. He turned to Ryoko. "I must finish." He said limping toward her. "DIE!" Tenchi screamed climbing over the mantle at a rapid rate. Dubai's eyes quivered in fear for the first time of his life. Tenhci had his gun. Tenchi aimed and fired. Kiyone and Mihoshi fired after him. He struggled to stay on his feet. Blood gushed out of his mouth, as he tried to speak. "Aren't you going to read me my rights, detective?" He smiled as the blood leaked out of his mouth. "No living for you." Kiyone replied without pity and fired a shot. It flew into his forehead knocking him off his feet. She walked slowly to the body and kneeled to check a pulse. She looked back up at the others. "He's dead." She said. Tenchi ran to Ryoko and gathered her in his arms. "I will never doubt my abilities. I will always be there for you." He cried tears of happiness and sadness. Feeling Ryoko's head under his chin, he gave her a kiss on top of her soft, cyan hair. "We will be okay. It is over." He cried, while cradling her in his arms. *** Outside of the church, the streets were full of activity. News crews, policeman, ambulances, and firemen crowded the streets. Not just the news crews on Earth, but from all of over the universe. Everyone knew the serial killer called "The Hunter" died that night. Tenchi walked with out of the church with a bandage on his head. He followed the ambulance as they loaded Ryoko on to the ambulance. Kiyone and Mihoshi also walked out of the church with bandages on their foreheads. Ayeka followed Tenchi with her arm in a sling. She boarded the ambulance and sat by Tenchi. The ambulance took off toward the hospital in full speed with the sirens blazing aloud. *** It has been three months since the church. Tenchi had Ayeka in his arms. She was so relaxing to be around with. "We leave for Jurai tomorrow?" He asked. "Yes." She replied with a smile on her face. "I wonder how they would feel with me taking the thrown back?" He smiled and gave her a kiss on the forehead. "We will find out when we get there." She replied. She got up and sauntered to the kitchen. Tenchi walked outside. Feeling the cool breeze, he walked toward a tree. Looking up, he smiled. He climbed up the tree carefully and reached the nearest branch. Pulling himself on to the branch, he sat down and looked at the woman on his left. "Is this branch taken, or am I invited?" He asked with a smirk upon his face. He erased his grin, when the young lady did not acknowledge him. "What's wrong?" He asked putting his arm around her. She was startled by his arm around her and turned to face him. "I was just thinking about my fa..." She couldn't finish. The thought of that monster being her father troubled her. How could she live with the name, his name. "I don't care, if he did give you birth. That was not your father. Trust me. A father does not kill the people he loves. Come here." He gestured for her to lean on him. She did so slowly, as if he was going to hurt her. She rested her head on his shoulders and felt the firmness of his shoulder. It was strong and it made her feel safe. Tenchi stroked her soft hair. Enjoying the hair as it slipped in between his fingers. "You will be all right." He whispered in her ear. Feeling the tender skin as it barely touched his lips, he snuggled his forehead on to her cheek. "I know, but I am a Dubai. That name has been disgraced by my father." She busted out in disgust. "Look at me." He said sternly leading her face to look at his. "You will not have to bear that name anymore. Like I told your father. I love you, and soon you will be Mrs. Masaki, if you accept my invitation." He smiled as Ryoko blushed brightly. "I don't know what to say." She spoke in astonishment. "Take your time." He said comfortingly, bringing her closer to him. "I will...I mean...I do." She stuttered not sure how to say yes correctly. Tenchi grew excited at her answer, now he will always be with her, but her happy expression returned to being gloomy. "It will be okay. Once we get to Jurai, the nightmares on Earth will vanish." He said watching the sun set. "I hope so." She said and looked up into his eyes. His eyes were gazing into her own. "I love you." He said passionately as he leaned forward and kissed her. The taste of her lips and the warmth of her breath made him want to stay there for all eternity. This was it. He finally found paradise. He was going to be with the people he cared about. What more could he ask for? The two embraced and kissed as the sunlight engulfed the couple with its golden light. Lost in their love, they let the warmth of the sun consume them. THE END That is the end of this fan fic. I hope you liked the mystery and the drama the antagonist caused in this story. I started writing this story and couldn't quit. I love to read comments or questions that you have on my fan fics. Please, e-mail me at washu@saiyan.com. This fan fic was really fun to right, but don't get the wrong idea. I don't like to always write about insane killers. Thank you for reading my fan fic.