Dark Hero, Warm Heart, Part Two

Author Psykorabbit2000

Scene 1
Toad Home World

TOADBORG and AIR MARSHAL are standing in front of a giant screen with 
KOMPLEX on it.

Komplex
(menacingly)
"I am disappointed in your choice of mercenaries, Air marshal. The 
Regens have failed to get the information about the Aldebaran forces, 
again."

Air Marshal
(cowering)
"Oh might Komplex! They say that a mammal interfered in the 
assignment!"

Komplex
(angrily)
"I imagine that is was that filthy hare!"

Air Marshal
(stammering)
"N-n-n-mp Komplex! It w-w-w-was a male Aldebaran! They say he has some 
kind of magic that we have not seen the Aldebaran witches wield yet."

Toadborg
"For once the Air Marshal's whining is true. I saw the report myself. 
This cat seems different though."

Toadborg walks over to a side monitor and pushes a button. An image of 
KINJITE appears on the screen as he fights a Regen on a shuttle.

Toadborg
"This cat is different. He is more aggressive than the other Aldebarans 
and seems more resourceful than the others. His fighting styles don't 
match anything in our databases of known mammal fighting styles. We 
have heard reports that his strength is greater than a Betelgusioan 
Berserker. We do not know if it is his true strength or has something 
to do with the black and white flames that cover his body when he is 
angry and fighting. He warrants further investigation and we need more 
information about him."

Komplex
"Interesting. Perhaps your failure has enlightened us to a new target 
or threat, Air Marshal. Still, I want the information on Aldebaran. Get 
it."

Air Marshal quickly salutes and runs out of the room. Komplex turns to 
Toadborg.

Komplex
"What else have you found, Toadborg?"

Toadborg
(nodding)
"I have done some scans in a system, not far from Aldebaran. I have 
found another cat race like the Aldebaran race, but different as well. 
I am doing more scanning to learn more."

Komplex
(sinisterly)
"Good, when we have enough information on both this cat and his race, 
we will invade Aldebaran."

Scene 2
Kinjite's Apartment, Morning

Kinjite slowly opens his eye. His body is still sore from the wounds he 
received from the fight he was in yesterday. He blinks a couple of 
times and starts to roll over. He feels someone sleeping beside him. He 
sees AYAMI sleeping there and the memories of last night quickly 
return.

Kinjite
(thinking)
<Who is she? How does she know so much about me? Why is she so 
concerned about me?>

He slowly gets up and steps over her. He walks into the bathroom and 
quickly cleans up, checking his wounds. He changes his clothing and 
steps out. Ayami has woken up and was rolling up the bed mat. She looks 
up and smiles as he steps out.

Ayami
(warmly)
"How are you this morning, Lance?"

Kinjite walks over and sits on his couch.

Kinjite
"How do you know my real name?"

Ayami
(putting the bundle away)
"The Goddess of Light told me of your real name and the name you have 
been labeled with."

Kinjite
(nodding)
"I see. I have never heard of Twin Goddesses or a Goddess of Light on 
Aldebaran."

Ayami quickly looks at Kinjite and he catches a glint of anger, before 
she hides it.

Ayami
(kindly)
"I am not an Aldebaran. My home world is close to their system, but we 
are a separate race."

Kinjite
"Is that why you were angered slightly?"

Ayami
(blushing a little)
"I was told that it would happen a lot, before I left to find you. Our 
race does not like the Aldebaran race for specific reasons. I am sorry 
about getting angry."
(She gets up and walks over to stand in front of him, her paws behind 
her back)
"You should get something to eat. It will help you regain your energy."

She quickly walks into the kitchen and Kinjite soon hears the cupboards 
opening closing.

Ayami
(calling out)
"Don't you ever buy groceries? These cupboards are bare!"

Kinjite smiles and gets up. He walks into the bathroom and picks up the 
body suit he wore yesterday. In the pocket is an envelope. He pulls it 
out and opens it. There is the check from Fritz. He quickly reads the 
amount and smiles. He walks out and sees Ayami walk out of the kitchen.

Kinjite
(holding up the check)
"Just got paid."

Elsewhere…

JENNY is walking down the street. It is sunny out and she seems to be 
in a good mood. She turns up a street and heads towards Kinjite 
apartment. She starts up a flight of stairs and hears a door shut. A 
few seconds later, Kinjite and Ayami walk down the stairs. Jenny stops 
and looks at them in shock.

Kinjite
(seeing Jenny)
"Morning Jenny. Can I help you with something?"

Jenny is about to say something, when Ayami sees her. There is hatred 
in her eyes and Jenny sees it.

Jenny
(cautiously)
"Who is she?"

Ayami
(coldly)
"My name is Ayami, Aldebaran."

Kinjite looks at Ayami and then Jenny.

Kinjite
(hoping to diffuse the situation)
"She helped me home last night and helped me tend to my injuries."

Jenny
(nodding)
"That's good."
(looks at Ayami, confused)
"What Order are you part of? I notice you don't have any spell gems."

Ayami
(growling)
"I don't need any of your *orders* and I don't use any *Aldebaran* 
spell gem!"
(looks at Kinjite and kindly)
"Shall we go?"

She grabs his arm and pulls him past Jenny. The last thing Jenny sees 
of Kinjite is a seriously confused cat. Jenny just stands there for a 
few seconds.

Jenny
(thinking)
"Something about her seems familiar, but I can't put a finger on it. I 
wonder what bug bit her tail."

Jenny just shakes her head and walks down the stairs.

Scene 3
Fritz's Office, later

FRITZ is sitting at his desk, eating his lunch, when the door opens and 
Jenny walks in.

Fritz
(surprised)
"I have to admit, this is the first time I've seen you come in here 
without Bucky in tow. What's up?"


Jenny
"Just ran in Kinjite."

Fritz
(putting his sandwich down)
"How's he doing?"

Jenny
(sitting in a chair)
"Seems to be holding up. He has a female cat with him, who seems to 
have a problem with me, because I am an Aldebaran."

Fritz looks at her for a second and takes a sip of his coffee.

Fritz
(curious)
"What does she looks like?"

Jenny
"For the most part, a body like an Aldebaran. She has snow white hair, 
crystal blue fur, and eyes like Kinjite's eye"

Fritz
(placing a paw on his chin)
"I wouldn't say Kinjite's eye is exactly like other Aldebaran eyes."

Jenny
"You know what I mean. She seemed offended that I thought of her as an 
Aldebaran. I feel that I have seen others like her, but can't remember 
where. So I figured I would come here and tell you, before the Valkyrie 
heads out on patrol."

Fritz
(nodding)
"Thanks, I will see what I can find out."

Jenny nods and gets up. She walks out the door and Fritz hits a button 
on his computer.

Scene 4
Toad Home world, a couple of days later

Toadborg walks into the command room. Komplex appears on the screen.

Komplex
(menacingly)
"What have you found?"

Toadborg
"I have found out that the race has problems with the Aldebaran race 
for some unknown reason. They do not possess the magic of the witches 
of Aldebaran, but some of them possess a magic like this cat that the 
Air Marshal speaks of."

Komplex
(intrigued)
"Some of them? Not all of them?"

Toadborg
(nodding)
"Actually very few of them. It is about one out of every hundred 
possess that magic."

Komplex
"And what of this cat that keeps interfering with the Air Marshals 
attempts to get the information?"

Toadborg
"I have been unable to find out more about him."

Komplex
(smiling cruelly)
"Start preparations for the invasion! When they are started, you and I 
will work on the plans to makes sure they are going to work 
accordingly!"

Toadborg nods and stomps out of the room.

Scene 5
Kinjite's Apartment, that evening

Kinjite is sitting on a thick mat and leaning against he wall. His eye 
is closed and he is in a mild meditation. Ayami walks out and sees 
this. She smiles and quietly walks over. She kneels by the mat and 
waits patiently. After a few minutes, Kinjite's eye opens and he looks 
at her.

Ayami
(warmly)
"Dinner is ready if you are hungry."

Kinjite nods and stands up. He follows Ayami into the kitchen. They sit 
at the table, where there are two plates prepared.

Kinjite
(eating)
"So tell me a little of your world."

Ayami
"Well, we are ruled by a king and queen. We have…"

Suddenly there is a knock at the door. Kinjite sighs and slowly stands 
up. He walks over and opens it. Jenny comes barging through, anger in 
her eyes. Bucky and Dead Eye are behind her.

Jenny
(seething)
"Where is she!?"

Kinjite just stands there confused for a second. Ayami walks out the 
door and hisses at Jenny. Jenny starts forward, but Kinjite steps 
between the two females. Bucky and Dead Eye step in and shut the door.

Kinjite
(demanding)
"Jenny! Ayami! Back off from each other!"

Jenny of course doesn't, but Ayami steps back to everyone's surprise. 
Bucky steps up and gently takes a hold of Jenny by the arm and pulls 
her back.

Bucky
(looking at Kinjite)
"What is going on here?"

Kinjite shrugs his shoulders and looks at Ayami and then Jenny.

Kinjite
(tiredly)
"I would like an answer myself.

Jenny
(stepping forward)
"She is an Atlantean!"

Kinjite
(nodding)
"And as of right now, still a guest in my apartment."

Jenny
(trying to cam down)
"Atlantean are a slap in the face of Aldebaran culture! They directly 
oppose us."

Ayami
(hissing)
"Just because Aldebaran females are to near sighted to even give males 
a chance and treat them as property! If a male steps out of line on 
your world, he is killed!"

Kinjite sighs as he remembers life on Aldebaran.

Jenny
(shouting back)
"You seem to like Kinjite! He's an Aldebaran!"

Ayami
(flatly)
"No he is not."

Everyone in the room suddenly turns to her.

Kinjite
(stunned)
"I'm not?"

Ayami
(looking at Kinjite)
"Lance, I was about to tell you when *she* showed up. The Goddess of 
Darkness told me of your past, including your mother and her origins."

Even Jenny is silent as she says this. Kinjite stands there with his 
mouth open.

Kinjite
(quietly)
"What about my mother?"

Ayami
(quietly)
"She was a priestess of the Goddess of Darkness. She received a message 
from the Goddess after finding out she was pregnant with you. She was 
told to go to Aldebaran and give birth to you there. We never heard 
from her again and were never told why she had to go."

Kinjite
(stunned)
"That was over four hundred years ago. How do you know this?"

Ayami
(looking into his eye)
"Akisha, the Goddess of Light told me to speak with the Goddess of 
Darkness Ahsika,, when I received her gift."

Kinjite
"Gift?"

Ayami
(nodding)
"Just like you received Ahsika's gift."

Kinjite looks at Ayami and then at the others. His eye focuses on 
Jenny.

Kinjite
"How did you find out who she was?"

Jenny
(flatly)
"I talked to the Sister Hood."

Ayami scoffs at the mention of the Sister Hood. Jenny glares at her and 
takes a step forward. Bucky grabs her arm again and stops her. She 
looks at Kinjite

Jenny
"Kinjite you were born as an Aldebaran! You were born at the same time 
the Queen was! You were raised as an Aldebaran! Don't tell me your 
going to believe what she says!"

Kinjite
(furious suddenly)
"Yeah, born as an Aldebaran, raised as an Aldebaran, banished because 
of those same reason! What does it matter what I want to believe? On 
Aldebaran, I am just a *male*, remember? According to your laws, *I* 
should be dead!"

Jenny takes a step back In shock at the outburst. There is rage in 
Kinjiet's eye and his muscles are tensing up, threatening to tear his 
wounds open again. Ayami steps forward and gently places a paw on his 
shoulder.

Ayami
(kindly)
"On Atlantis, you would be accepted as a chosen of Ahsika. Males 
receive the gifts, just as females do."
(she looks at Jenny)
"Unlike on Aldebaran, males with power are accepted as equals."

Jenny glares at her and looks at Kinjite.

Jenny
(quietly)
"I didn't mean to come here and anger you, Kinjite."

Kinjite
(quieter)
"I know, you've been trying to help me adjust to life off planet."

He turns and walks into the back room of his apartment. Ayami looks at 
him and then back at the group.

Bucky
"I think we better leave, Jenny."

Jenny nods and turns to the door. She and Bucky walk out and Dead Eye 
stands there for a second. He steps up to Ayami and nods.

Dead Eye
"Will Kinjite be alright?"

Ayami
(politely)
"He has gone through a lot. He needs time to clear his mind and 
meditate. He should be alright though. I will tell him that you are 
concerned for him. It helps to have others care about you."

Dead Eye
(nodding)
"Tell him that me lass, Jenny is worried too. The whole crew worries 
about him. He came to this planet to fight and protect it. He was 
banished after being injured during that fight."

Ayami
(nodding)
"I know. His path is a hard one to walk, let alone walk alone."

Dead Eye nods and walks out the door. Ayami walks into the back room 
and sees Kinjite leaning with an arm between his head and the wall, 
gently punching the wall with his other hand.

Ayami
(gently)
"Lance, are you alright?"

Kinjite 
(quietly)
"If I'm not an Aldebaran, then who or what am I?"

Ayami
(walking up and gently placing her arm around his waist)
"You are an Atlantean. You are a chosen one of Ahsika, and have become 
only what all other chosen dream of becoming."

Kinjite
(looking at her)
"What is that?"

Ayami
(smiling)
"A chosen who possess the gift of both Ahsika and Akisha. No other has 
ever done it, but then no other has ever lived to be over four hundred 
years old and survived as much as you have."

Kinjite stands up and turns to her. He smiles weakly.

Kinjite
(weakly)
"Let's hear it for stubbornness."

Ayami smiles and gently kisses him.

Ayami
(taking his paw in hers)
"Come on, dinner is getting cold."

She gently pulls him out to the kitchen.

Later…

Kinjite is laying on the floor, looking at the ceiling and Ayami is 
placing out the bed mat.

Kinjite
(quietly)
"Will you ever give Jenny a chance?"

Ayami
(looking over shoulder)
"What?"

Kinjite
"Will you ever give Jenny a chance?"

Ayami
"Why do you ask, Lance? She is an Aldebaran."

Kinjite
(turning his head to look at her)
"She helped me out a lot, after my banishment. She's always been there 
to help me out. She helped me find this apartment and helped pay for 
the first month, while I looked for work."

Ayami sits on the mat and looks at Kinjite.

Ayami
(quietly)
"I'm sorry about the way I acted. It is just that the Aldebaran race 
has always put down our beliefs and treated us as if we were being 
naïve about our males. We have tried to settle things in the past, but 
they have not worked all that well."

Kinjite
(sitting up)
"So you naturally hate all Aldebaran females you encounter?"

Ayami
(looking down)
"I am not sure. I know I don't react well to their anger and I really 
haven't met one who has reacted well to me."

Kinjite nods and looks out the window. He remembers when Jenny first 
met him after putting on his spell gems. Ayami stands up and walks over 
to him. She kneels down and gently leans against his shoulder.

Ayami
(quietly)
"Would you like for me to try and develop a friendship with her?"

Kinjite
(shocked)
"Huh?"

Ayami
"she seems to mean a lot to you as a friend. If you want, I will try to 
put aside the enmity and try to develop a friendship with her, if she 
will try as well."

Kinjite
(stunned)
"It is up to you, if you want to be her friend. I should have no effect 
on it at all. Why does my opinion matter in this?"

Ayami looks at him and he sees his answer in her eyes. He kisses her 
gently and stands up. She smiles at him and gently puts her arms around 
his neck.

Kinjite
(gently)
"If you want to try and have a friendship with her, go ahead and try 
when you feel ready."

Ayami
(smiling)
"I'll try for you, when I feel ready."

Kinjite
(warmly)
"We should head to bed. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day."

Ayami
(playfully)
"Yes, you will need your energy, won't you?"

Ayami smiles and slips her arms down and takes his paws in hers. They 
walk towards the bed mat.

Scene 6
Capital City, Genus, three weeks later

Ayami is walking through the market square. She steps up to a vendor 
and is looking through some of the goods. She looks up and sees Jenny 
at the next booth over. She remembers what Kinjite said and grits her 
teeth. She walks over and stands behind Jenny.

Ayami
(forced warmly)
"Pilot Jenny? Are you free for a little while?"

Jenny turns around and sees her. Both of their eyes narrow at the sight 
of each other, looking at each other.

Jenny
(flatly)
"Why?"

Ayami
"I was wondering if you would like to have lunch with me? I really 
don't know of any good cafes."

Jenny 
"I suppose I can."

They walk down the street, heading towards the Empty Mug Tavern

At the Tavern…

Kinjite flips over the counter. He lands on his feet and spins around. 
He catches the beer bottle between two fingers. He immediately flips 
over backwards, landing on the bar, and catches the knife between his 
teeth. Everyone in the tavern starts clapping. Kinjite sets the bottle 
and knife down. He hops off the counter and walks over to a bar stool. 
Brahma walks over and sets a glass of water on the bar in front of him.

Brahma
(amused)
"Looks like your wounds are healing up. How do you feel?"

Kinjite
(taking a drink)
"Better."

He turns as the door swings open and sees Jenny, followed by Ayami, 
walk in.

Kinjite
(quietly)
"Let's hope I keep feeling better."

At a table…

Jenny sits across from Ayami. She watches as the young Atlantean sits 
down. Alissa walks over and they both place a light order.

Jenny
(turning to Ayami)
"Alright, what is it?"

Ayami
(looking at Jenny)
"I was asked to get to know you. I figured that this was a good way to 
start."

Jenny
"Who asked you?"

Ayami
"Lance asked me to try and get to know you."

Jenny
(amused)
"And just because he asked, you can drop the hatred and try to become a 
friend of mine?"

Ayami
(swallowing hard)
"His opinion means a lot to me and I respect his wishes."

Jenny
(suddenly interested)
"Why does his opinion mean so much to you? You met him just a few weeks 
ago."

Ayami is silent as Alissa brings over their food. She pays for the meal 
and waits until the female panther leaves. She turns to Jenny and takes 
a drink from her glass.

Ayami
(quietly)
"Our paths have become one. It is the wish of the Goddesses."

Jenny
"So just because of two goddesses, you are a servant to Kinjite?"

Ayam
(glaring at Jenny)
"I am no one's servant!"

Jenny
(defensively)
"But you are with Kinjite, because of the wish of two goddesses. You 
just said that."

Ayami
(trying to calm down)
"Our paths have come together as one."
(looks directly into Jenny's eyes)
"I choose to be with *Lance* of my own free will."

Jenny
"Is that so? And what is it that made you choose that?"

Ayami looks down at her plate and blushes deeply. Jenny just sits there 
for a second. Then she smiles.

Jenny
(quietly)
"You really do, don't you? You barely even know him!"

Ayami
(looking up quickly)
"What?"

Jenny
(Whispering loud enough for her to hear)
"You *love* him?"

Ayami gasps quietly and looks down quickly. Jenny just sits there for a 
second and watches her.

Jenny
(quietly)
"Have you told him?"

Ayami
(quietly)
"Not verbally."

Jenny stands up and slides her chair around to sit closer to the young 
Atlantean. Kinjite watches from the counter.

Jenny
(quietly)
"Why not? He should know your true feelings, aside from physical 
interest."

Ayami
(looking at her)
"Please don't say anything to him! I would be so embarrassed if word 
got to my world!"

Jenny
"I thought males were equal to females on your world."

Ayami
(quietly)
"They are, but think about this. The Gifts are rare. Some think it is 
done through heritage and breeding. Lance is considered the strongest 
Chosen there has ever been!"

Jenny
(quietly)
"So if you two get together and have a kitten, some will think that the 
child will have the ability to be as strong as Kinjite?"

Ayami nods and gently pokes at her food.

Jenny
(chuckling)
"And here I thought I had it hard being in love with a hare."

Ayami
(looking up, stunned)
"You do? I thought Aldebaran females didn't develop relationships with 
any one not of their planet."

Jenny just smiles as she takes a drink. Suddenly, Ayami grabs her head, 
as if in pain. A scream tears from her throat, as she lurches to her 
feet. Beams of pure white light shoot from her body in all directions, 
slicing through furniture and flesh alike. Jenny barely dives out of 
the way, as a beam slices through her chair. Kinjite reacts 
immediately. He leaps over a beam, flips sideways in the air and comes 
down towards Ayami. A beam grazes his arm, as tendrils erupt from his 
body. They quickly encase Ayami and block the beams. After a few 
seconds, the tendrils slowly lower and Ayami is still clutching her 
head.

Kinjite
(worried)
"Ayami! What's wrong?"

Ayami
(opening her eyes in terror)
"My world is being invaded!"

Scene 7
Fritz's Office, an hour later….

Fritz is sitting in his chair. Kadaf is standing off to the side. He 
sets aside the papers he is holding and leans back.

Fritz
"Finally, know if nothing else goes wrong…"

Suddenly the door slams open and Kinjite comes through, with a pair of 
tendrils on each side of his body. One of the tendrils shoot out and 
grab Fritz. Kadaf leaps forward and is caught in mid air by another. 
Fritz is pulled across the desk and face to face with a very pissed off 
Kinjite.

Fritz
(calmly)
"I know that check passed…."

Kinjite
(snapping)
"Frell the check! What is this bull about the council not being willing 
to help Ayami's world?"

Ayami, Bucky, and Jenny quickly run into the office.

Fritz
(trying to sit on his desk, but being held by the tendril)
"Ayami's world? Which world is that?"

Ayami
(worried about her world)
"Atlantis! The toads just invaded it!"

Fritz looks at her and then back at Kinjite.

Fritz
"I'm sorry, but Atlantis is not part of the Coalition. We have to deal 
with a great deal of red tape to…"

Kinjite makes a snap with his hand and the tendril holding Fritz, 
throws him back into his chair.

Kinjite
(growling)
"Red tape to help mammals?"

Fritz
(straightening his tie)
"I would love to help every planet, but the council is squeezing the 
budget! I have to clear every penny I spend through them! If there was 
a way to help, I would!"

Kinjite drops Kadaf and pulls his tendrils to him. He looks at the star 
map on the wall of Fritz's office. He looks at Ayami.

Kinjite
"How many systems over is your planet from the Aldebaran systems?"

Ayami
(thinking for a second)
"One system over."

Kinjite
(looking at Fritz)
"If Captain O'hare's ship is in that vicinity, can I at least catch a 
damn ride there?"

Fritz
(smiling)
"If his ship is that close, then it would be in direct violation of 
Coalition rules for him not to attempt to drive them away."
(looks at Bucky)
"I believe your patrol, that you are late for, is in that area, if I am 
not mistaken."

Bucky nods and looks at the others.

On the Valkyrie, later…

Bucky is reading some screens as the frigate races through space. Jenny 
is paying attention to her readings. Down below, everyone is preparing 
to engage the toads. Kinjite is pacing like a caged animal. Little 
flames leap out of his fur as he walks. Ayami is sitting in a corner, 
holding herself as she is trying to cope with the situation.

Kinjite
(thinking to himself)
<I can't believe this! I return to what is apparently my home world, 
just to fight more!>

He spins around as he hears someone climbing down from the cockpit. He 
sees Jenny climbing down. Ayami looks up as she approaches Kinjite.

Jenny
(concerned)
"There are a lot of toad double bubbles around the planet. They have 
already landed a climate converter on the planet and are in the process 
of activating it."

Ayami
(walking over)
"What is a climate Converter?"

Jenny
"It will change you planet into a swamp quickly and make it easier for 
toad invasion."
(looks at Kinjite)
"There are to many double bubbles to land and attack the converter."

Kinjite
(growling)
"Let me know when you break into the atmosphere."

He spins around and walks towards the air lock. Ayami looks at Jenny 
and quickly follows Kinjite.

Ayami
(worried)
"What are you planning?"

Kinjite
(firmly)
"An upper atmospheric drop. I should be able to live through it."

Scene 8
Atlantis, upper atmosphere

The Valkyrie breaks into the atmosphere and double bubbles swarm all 
over it. The frigate is rocked by maser cannon fire.

Inside the frigate…

Kinjite looks up as the frigate shakes. He looks at Ayami and gently 
pushes her out of the air lock and into the main bay. The air lock 
seals shut as soon as he pulls his paw back in.

Kinjite
(pushing a button)
"Are we through yet Jenny?"

Jenny
(through the radio)
"Yeah, we are in the upper atmosphere. What is that banging sound?"

Kinjite looks at the door and sees Ayami, through the porthole, beating 
on the door, and yelling something.

Kinjite
(quietly)
"I'm sorry Ayami."

He turns and pushes a button.

In the cockpit…

A red light starts flashing on the console. Bucky and Jenny both notice 
it at he same time.

Bucky
(alarmed)
"One of our airlocks is open?"

Ayami
(screaming form down below)
"Kinjite! He jumped out of the air lock!"

Bucky and Jenny both look out the window in time to see a black furred 
cat disappear into the clouds.

Bucky
(angrily)
"That damn crazy cat!"

Outside…

Kinjite is spread eagle as he falls through the air. His midnight blue 
hair and tail trailing behind him. He breaks through the clouds and 
sees the ground quickly approaching. He summons the energy of the world 
of darkness and fuses it into his body, hardening it to levels higher 
than titanium.

Kinjite
(thinking)
<Let's hope you didn't bite off more than you can chew, cat.>

He angles his body and aims towards a Void Droid. Moments before he 
strikes, several black tendrils spring out and wrap his body.

On the ground…

Several Atlantean look up from their war and see a black spot falling 
from the sky. It suddenly sprouts tendrils, that wrap around it, and it 
smashes into the Void Droid.

Female #1
(stunned)
"That looked like a Chosen of Ahsika!"

A male quickly pulls her to the ground, as maser fire rips the ground 
up in front of her. Suddenly, several black and white tendrils spring 
out of the crater and Kinjite leaps out of the smoke. He quickly dives 
towards the toad forces.

Scene 9
Atlantean Palace, half an hour later

Toadborg is storming into the palace, knocking aside males and females. 
He kicks down the throne room door and storms through. He sees the King 
and Queen sitting there scared.

Toadborg
(menacingly)
"You and your world belongs to the Toad Empire!"

Voice
(from behind)
"Hey rust bucket! The fight isn't over yet!"

Toadborg spins around and sees Bucky standing there. Right beside him 
is Jenny and Ayami. Ayami has white flames all over her body. She leaps 
forward and the beams of light lash out and slice towards Toadborg. 
They quickly end up ducking and dodging all over the place. Bucky and 
Jenny quickly join in the fight. The King and Queen dive off their 
thrones as a beam of light slices the chairs in half. Toadborg grabs 
Ayami around the throat and starts to squeeze.

Toadborg
"Worthless mammal!"

Voice
(from above)
"The same can be said about you being a waste of armor, *FLUBBORG*!"

Enraged Toadborg throws Ayami and looks up, just in time to be knocked 
back by Kinjite. The cyborg slams into the wall and gets up. He sees 
the black cat with black and white flames all over his body, standing 
there ready to fight. Bucky quickly stands by him.

Kinjite
(barking orders)
"Ayami, Jenny, take care of the King and Queen! Bucky, take care of the 
converter! Leave tin butt to me!"

With that, Kinjite leaps at Toadborg and they tumble out into the hall, 
thrashing, kicking and clawing each other with sprays of blood and 
shrieks of metal tearing all over the hall. Ayami runs over to the King 
and Queen.

Ayami
(worried)
"Your majesties! Are you alright?"

She helps them both to their feet.

Queen
(dazed)
"Who was that feline with the white and black flames?"

Ayami
(checking them for injuries)
"He is the son of Great Priestess Ayeka!"

King
(shocked)
"Priestess Ayeka?! She died four hundred years ago on Aldebaran!"

Jenny
(standing guard)
"And now four hundred years later, her son has return to help your 
planet."

The King and Queen turn and notice she is an Aldebaran. They both glare 
and hiss at the same time.

Ayami
(quickly)
"We can have that argument after the planet is dealt with."

She turns to the hall and runs out into it. Toadborg has Kinjite around 
the neck and smashes him into a wooden door. The door explodes into 
splinters and Kinjite is yanked back out. He is then promptly smashed 
into the wall. Toadborg pulls him back and slams him into the ground 
with a sickening thud. Kinjite flops over and is smiling, despite the 
blood on his face.

Toadborg
(raising a foot)
"What do you find so humorous, mammal?"

Kinjite
(spitting out a tooth)
"I never realized just how much of that armored body is empty and full 
of *shadows*."

Toadborg
"A worthless observation, cat."

He starts to stomp down, towards Kinjite's head. Suddenly his foot 
stops mere inches from Kinjite's face.

Kinjite
"Was it, or was it just to subtle of a hint, Rust bucket?"

Suddenly Toadborg shoots across the hall and slams through the wall. 
Kinjite staggers to his feet and half runs, half limps to the hole. The 
King and Queen watch as the battered and blood covered cat runs out the 
hole. Jenny steps up beside them and watches.

Jenny
(with a hint of concern)
"Just once I wish he would try to keep from getting new wounds in every 
fight."

Outside the castle…

Toadborg is hurled through several toad troopers and vehicles. He 
finally manages to get his feet under him. His eye sensors narrow 
towards Kinjite.

Toadborg
(menacingly)
"You may have saved this planet, filthy mammal, but you can't stop our 
invasion!"

Toadborg turns and signals a retreat. The toads quickly head towards 
the ships and takes off. Kinjite turns and sees a dome on a hill 
explode. He catches sight of Bucky and the rest of the crew heading 
towards the castle.

Kinjite
(thinking)
<I really have to let my body heal all the way one of these days.>

He sighs gently and promptly falls backward onto the ground, 
unconscious. Ayami runs up and slides to a stop on her knees by him. 
She quickly feels for a pulse. With a sigh of relief, her paw glows 
slightly and she touches his forehead. The wounds slow down the blood 
flow and eventually stop it. She sighs again and sits down on the 
ground. A medical crew quickly arrive and place Kinjite on a stretcher. 
They head towards a medical facility, with Ayami following along.

Scene 10
Atlantean Medical Facility, half an hour later.

The King and Queen finish listening to Ayami explain the events that 
led up to the arrival of the crew. The King thoughtfully rubs his chin 
and looks at Jenny.

King
(sternly)
"Very well. You know the standings of your people and our world. Don't 
push your opinions around here and you may stay."

Jenny silently nods and stands by Bucky. The Queen looks at Bucky and 
smiles.

Queen
(cordially, but warmly)
"So you are the famous Captain Bucky O'hare. It is a pleasure to 
finally meet the dashing hero we have seen on the Video Screens. I am 
Queen Mei Lin and this is my husband Hwang Lin. Welcome to our world. 
Your crew will be given quarters at the castle, as soon as we can make 
sure that there isn't to much damage."

She gently shakes Bucky's paw and the King does as well. Two Guards 
fall in step beside them as they leave. Bucky looks at Ayami, who is 
peeking through a window on the wall. Inside the room, Kinjite is 
laying on a bed, with a blanket over him. His clothing and gems are 
laying on a table against the wall and there are several doctors 
checking over him. Bucky and Jenny both step beside her.

Jenny
(hopefully)
"I'm sure he is alright. He suffered worse between the fight on Genus 
and then the fight on Aldebaran. He's a tough cat."

Ayami
(quietly)
"The stories say his mother was a tough cat as well, maybe it is passed 
through his family lineage."

Bucky
(chuckling)
"I'll say he's tough *and* stubborn, but he does a thorough job when he 
gets started."

They stand there watching the doctors work on him. A male doctor closes 
his eyes and his paws glow. The glow transfers to Kinjite and his body 
glows slightly. When the glow stops, the Doctor opens his eyes and 
nods. He and the rest walk out of the room. He walks up and bows to 
Ayami. Ayami bows back and looks at him.

Ayami
(quietly)
"How is he, Tenchi Otacon?

Otacon
(wiping his brow)
"He is sleeping peacefully, Tenchi Ayami. Oni Lance's thoughts are 
worried about you. I told him I would do a scan on you to check for 
him. May I do that now?"

Ayami nods and steps away from Bucky and Jenny. The doctor's paw glows 
slightly and he gently raises and lowers it before her body and face. 
He lowers it and gets a quizzical look on his face.

Ayami
(worried)
"is everything alright?"

Otacon
(shaking his head to clear it)
"Uh, yes. I will need a few minutes to go over your scan. I guess the 
work on Oni Lance has tired me out more than I thought."

Ayami
(patting him on the arm)
"There were a lot of wounded, Tenchi Otacon. You should rest and you 
can give me your findings later."

Otacon nods and walks down the hall.

Jenny
(looking at Ayami)
"Is he a brother to you?"

Ayami
(stepping up to the window)
"No, why?"

Jenny
"You referred to each other as Tenchi? Why did he call Kinjite by Oni 
Lance? Does it have something to do with the shadow being who taught 
him? He called it Oni."

Ayami
(looking at Jenny)
"The terms Tenchi and Oni are titles on our planet. Those with the 
title Tenchi are the Chosen of Akisha and those with the title of Oni 
are the chosen of Ahsika. Who was this shadow being he called Oni?"

Jenny
(shrugging)
"It was a living shadow, that taught him how to use the powers he 
gained from something called an Ancient Text."

Ayami thinks for a second and nods her head.

Ayami
(looking back in the window)
"That makes sense. How else could he have learned or earned the gift of 
Ahsika?"
(she looks at Jenny)
"The one he called Oni must have been a bearer of the gifts for him. 
Perhaps it was something that Ahsika set up before his mother was 
pregnant."

She walks over to he door and into the room with Kinjite. Bucky and 
Jenny look at each other and walk down the hall.

Later…

Ayami looks up as Otacon and the Queen walk in.

Queen
(kindly)
"Tenchi Ayami, may we have a few minutes with you. Tenchi Otacon has 
brought something of interest to my attention concerning your health 
and body."

Aymai nods and bows quickly. She follows them as they walk out into the 
hall and into a sitting room. Just as the door shuts, Jenny walks 
around the corner and steps into the room, where Kinjite is laying. She 
looks around and sees Ayami isn't there.

Jenny
(quietly)
"I wonder where she is?"
(walks up to the side of the bed and looks down at Kinjite)
"How are you doing? You look a little better. You should really take a 
break from being the hero all the time."

She gently brushes his face with a finger and his eye flutters open. He 
looks around slowly and his eye focuses on Jenny. He suddenly sits up 
and looks around again.

Kinjite
(worried)
"Is Ayami alright!?"

Jenny
(trying to calm him down)
"She's fine. The doctor checked her and there didn't seem to be 
anything wrong. What about you? You gave all of us a scare diving out 
of the air lock like that."

Kinjite slowly lays back down and sighs gently.

Kinjite
"Yeah, the doctor said I was lucky. Apparently I barely stayed alive 
after that latest stunt and I probably would have died if not for 
Ayami."

He looks at Jenny and smiles.

Jenny
(crossing her arms)
"Don't give me that look! It might work on Ayami, but it won't work on 
me!"

Kinjite
(Smiling)
"It works on Katrina as well, you know."

Jenny
(shocked)
"What? You are so lucky you are in recuperation, Kinjite! Otherwise I 
would slug you for that!"

Kinjite chuckles as he hears a door open and shut. Otacon walks in, 
shortly followed by the Queen and a shaken Ayami. Otoacon walks around 
the bed and looks at Kinjite.

Otacon
(bowing deeply)
"Master Oni Lance, it is good to see you awake and it is a pleasure to 
meet one of your level."

Kinjite
(confused)
"Master Oni?"

Queen
(bowing as well)
"It is the title you have earned. You are the first in countless 
generations to achieve it."

Kinjite looks over at Ayami, who quietly sits in a chair, with her arms 
crossed over her stomach. He sits up slowly.

Kinjite
(worried)
"Ayami? Are you alright?"

Jenny looks over and catches sight of her before she can hide it.

Ayami
(quickly)
"Yeah, I'm fine. Tenchi Otacon told me how close you came to dying and 
it scared me a little."

Otacon and the Queen both look at her confused. Ayami coughs gently.

Ayami
(standing up)
"I need a drink. My throat is a little dry."

She quickly walks out the door and down the hall. Kinjite looks at 
everyone in the room.

Kinjite
(confused)
"What did I just miss?"

Otacon
(patiently)
"When the answers to all questions are to be known, they will show 
themselves."
(gently examines the interior of Kinjite's right ear)
"She did answer you though, where you able to hear her well enough?"

The Queen sits down in the chair and watches as Otacon examines 
Kinjite. Jenny slips out the door and down the hall. She spots Ayami 
walking out a door. She follows her and sees her sit on a bench under a 
tree. She walks up behind her, quietly.

Jenny
(suddenly)
"So, what is wrong?"

Ayami spins around and sees her standing there.

Ayami
(startled)
"Nothing! I already said I was scared by how close…."

Jenny
(interrupting)
"Ayami, I am an Aldebaran remember? We are use to hiding the truth and 
covering it up. What is wrong?"

Ayami
(motioning to the bench)
"You might want to sit down." 

Scene 11
Atlantean Palace, that night

Jenny is sitting on a chair in a sleeping quarter. She is deep thought 
and doesn't hear Bucky approach.

Bucky
"What's on your mind, Jen?"

Jenny looks up and sees him. She smiles at him and shakes her head.

Jenny
(smiling)
"Just some news I was told by Ayami."

Bucky
(curious)
"Are you at liberty to share?"

Jenny laughs at the expression on his face. She motions to a chair 
nearby and waits as he sits.

In the Medical Facility….

Kinjite is finishing getting dressed. Otacon is standing nearby with 
his eyes closed and paw glowing, monitoring Kinjite's body.

Kinjite
(picking up his gems and putting them in a small pouch)
"So how bad was it really?"

Otacon
(keeping his eyes closed)
"You had several broken bones and ruptures in your body. Ayami was able 
to stabilize you, but it took a considerable amount of work to fix the 
damage."
(he opens his eyes and looks at Kinjite)
"It seems that all the damage has been fixed. You will be tender for a 
couple of hours, but the magic is still working."

Kinjite
(nodding)
"Can you tell what caused the most damage?"

Otacon
(thinking for a second)
"I would have to say that it was a combination of things, but I know 
two of them for sure. Your dive from the sky and that metal clad 
behemoth slamming you into things. I would have to say those two caused 
the most. Frankly, I am amazed you were able to stand after your 
landing, from what I heard."

Kinjite
(smirking)
"It was a hell of a landing. Glad the Void Droid cushioned it for me. 
Just wish it was made out of something other than titanium."

Otacon chuckles a little and shakes his head. He looks at Kinjite and 
his eyes take a more serious note to them.

Otacon
"You should go to the temple and introduce yourself, Master Oni Lance. 
They will want to meet the son of Great Priestess Ayeka."

Kinjite
(leaning against the bed)
"Can you tell me anything about my mother?" She died giving birth to me 
and the Aldebarans didn't really tell me anything about her."

Otacon
(shaking his head)
"I wish I could, but I don't know the stories. High Priestess Selena 
will be able to tell you."

Kinjite
(nodding)
"So is she an Oni or a Tenchi?"

Otacon
(Smiling)
"Not all of us have the Gifts. They are a rare benefit that very few of 
our race get to enjoy. High Priestess Selena was not given the Gift, 
though she speaks with the Goddesses themselves. She will be in the 
temple in the palace."

Kinjite nods and walks out the door, gingerly, because he suddenly 
realizes how tender his feet really are. Otacon smiles as he watches 
the black cat walk out.

Otacon
(thinking)
<Youthful and eager. I hope he is patient as well, for Ayami's sake.>

At the temple…

Ayami is kneeling before an altar. Her head is bowed and her eyes are 
closed. She is in a silent prayer.

Ayami
(praying to herself_
"Great Akisha, Goddess of Light, I am lost and need your guidance. What 
am I to do in this situation? My heart has made me take actions with 
out consideration of possible results and now I worry about straying 
from my path."

At the door, Kinjite walks around the corner and his eye opens at the 
sight of the Temple. There are two statues, one carved from crystal 
like onyx and the other from perfectly smooth ivory. They are both in 
the shape of lovely feline women in kneeling positions with their heads 
raised high. There are several statues lining the walls of various 
males and females. There are thick kneeling cushions around the room 
and small pots, carved from a crystal like substance in each corner. 
They all have fires in them and the light flows around the room, 
warming it. There are young male and female cats walking around tending 
to the place. Kinjite sees Ayami in prayer and looks around for a place 
to sit. He spots a pillow off to the side and sits on it. A female cat 
sees him and walks over to him.

Female
(politely)
"Are you sure you want to sit there?"

Kinjite
(quietly)
"I figured it was out of the way and I didn't want to be in anyone's 
way. Why?"

Female
(smiling politely)
"That is the pillow that a married couple use to consummate their 
marriage on their first night of marriage."

Kinjite just sits there for a second and slowly looks down. He slowly 
stands up and steps to the side.

Kinjite
(embarrasses)
"I think I will stand right here instead."

Female
(hiding her smile)
"How may I help you? I don't believe I have seen you in the temple 
before."

Kinjite
(quietly)
"Actually, this is my first time in here. I came to speak with High 
Priestess Selena about Great Priestess Ayeka."

Female 
(politely)
"I'm sorry, but High Priestess Selena is very busy right. She is 
checking the ancient text. She was worried that they might have been 
damaged in the attack. You can find stories about Great Priestess Ayeka 
in the library."

Kinjite
(patiently)
"I don't want the stories. I want the truth about my mother and I was 
told that High Priestess Selena was the one to talk with."

Female
(slightly irritated)
"I'm sorry, but you can't be the son of Great Priestess Ayeka. She died 
over four hundred years ago on a different planet. Now you should leave 
Mister…."

Kinjite
"my name is Kin…er Lance."

The young acolyte's eyes widen and she covers her mouth with her paw.

Female
(stunned)
"Oh my stars! Master Oni Lance! I am so sorry!"
(she quickly drops to her knees and places her forehead on the ground)
"I didn't realize it was you! Please forgive me!"

Everyone turns at the sudden noise, including Ayami. She sees Kinjite 
standing in front of a window. The light streams in around him and 
gives him a divine appearance, with the acolyte kneeling before him. A 
whisper starts and quickly works around the room. Ayami slowly stands 
and walks towards Kinjite. She hears the young female acolyte asking 
for forgiveness. Unseen to anyone in the room, a door opens silently 
and a tall, proud female cat with white hair that has silver streaks 
through it. Her fur is a dark grey and smooth. Her eyes are wide as she 
sees Kinjite. Ayami walks up and smiles.

Ayami
(kindly)
"Is everything alright here, kitten?"

Acolyte
(Looking up)
"Tenchi Ayami, I insulted Master Oni Lance and I told him to leave 
before I realized who he was!"

Aymai looks at Kinjite and smiles again. Kinjite just shrugs.

Ayami
(kindly)
"I am sure he didn't take offense to you doing your duties."

Kinjite
(shaking his head)
"Not at all."
(looks at the pillow)
"In fact she taught me a little bit about this temple."

The acolyte looks up hesitantly and Kinjite reaches down. He gently 
takes her slender shoulders and pulls her to her feet.

Kinjite
"Please don't let me stand in the way of your duties."

The acolyte nods nervously and quickly walks off to return to her 
duties. Kinjite looks at Ayami and smiles.

Kinjite
(playfully)
"I wonder if I am going to get that everywhere I go on this planet."

Voice
(gentle and strong)
"Yes Master Oni Lance, you will. You are the first in our records to 
obtain both gifts."

Kinjite and Ayami both turn to look and see Selena walking over to 
them. Kinjite bows his head and Selena smiles.

Selena
(amused)
"One of greater status and power bowing to me? I am honored."
(she bows back and straightens up)
"How may I help you two?"

Kinjite
(hesitantly)
"I was told you could tell me about my mother."

Selena nods and looks at Ayami.

Ayami
(nervously)
"I wish to speak with you about a personal matter, after you help 
Master Oni Lance"

Selena nods again and looks at Kinjite.

Selena
(warmly)
"I can not tell you about your mother personally, but I can give you 
the ancient text that tells about her and are written by her own paw."

Kinjite nods and Selena motions for them to follow her. They walk 
through the door, she came in, and down a long hall. They walk into a 
small room with several scrolls and books. She walks over and pulls out 
a couple of scrolls and books. She sets them on a table.

Selena
(looking at Kinjite)
"You may read them in here. These are the ones I have access to 
currently. The others are in deeper storage and I will have to retrieve 
them later, if you wish."

Kinjite
(bowing his head again)
"Thank you High Priestess Selena."

He sits at the table and starts going through them. Selena looks at 
Ayami and they walk out the door, gently shutting it behind them. They 
walk down to another door and walk in. It is a sitting room. There are 
plush cushions shaped like chairs and small couches Selena seats 
herself on a couch and leans back into it. Ayami sits in a chair and 
pulls her feat up under her.

Selena
(friendly)
"What is your problem, Tenchi Ayami?"

Ayami
(looking down)
"I fear I may have strayed from my path."

Selena
(patiently)
"How is that?"

Ayami
(still looking down)
"Akisha said that my and Master Oni Lance's paths would become one. I 
went to find him and did. After a couple of nights together, I…became 
intimate with him."

Selena
(nodding)
"I see no error in your choices."

Ayami
(looking at Selena)
"I…bear his child now."

Selena smiles at this part and sits up. She reaches over and takes 
Ayami's paw in hers.

Selena
(warmly)
"Tenchi Ayami, you did not choose the path of physical purity. You 
choose the path of the righteous warrior. This path doesn't prevent you 
from mothering a child. The Great Priestess Ayeka choose the same path 
as you and she had a son who achieved a greater level than any. If you 
were to stray, Akisha would tell you."
(she pats Ayami's paw and stands up)
"How sure are you about the child?"

Ayami
(quietly)
"Tenchi Otacon was able to sense it, when he scanned me for injuries 
from the fight."

Selena
(nodding)
"He is very accurate. How long ago were you two together?"

Ayami
(slightly embarrassed)
"Off and on for the last few weeks."

Selena 
(turns around and looks at Ayami, intrigued)
"And there is already a life growing in you?"
(walks over and sits on the couch again)
"Have you told Master Oni Lance yet?"

Ayami
(shaking her head)
"No, I am afraid of what he will think."

Selena
(kindly)
"You can't hide it forever. You really should tell him. It might hurt 
his feelings if he finds out when you can't hide it anymore. Was the 
child conceived from emotions or desire?"

Ayami looks at the ground, in an attempt to hide her embarrassment. 
Selena smiles and pats her shoulder.

Selena
(standing)
"If his feelings are for you, as yours are for him, you have nothing to 
be worried about, at least not for now."

Ayami
(looking up quickly)
"What do you mean for now?"

Selena
(smiling)
"Little kittens can be very tiring on their parents."
(turns to the door)
"Take a little time and think about this, but you need to tell him to 
avoid future problems."

Selena walks out the door and Ayami gently bites her lower lip. A few 
seconds later , she walks out the door.

Scene 12
Atlantean Palace Gardens, next morning

Kinjite is standing by a pond, going through various fighting moves at 
a slow rate. He sees several other cats watching him and tries to 
ignore them. His mind wanders back to the text he read last night.

Kinjite
(thinking)
<She was a priestess, as well as a warrior, and a chosen of Ahsika. Her 
dairies talked so much of the many battles they had to protect this 
planet. I wish I could have had time to be raised by her. Her writings 
show that she had so much knowledge.>

He swings his arms around and over his head, in a smooth fluid motion 
and finds Ayami face to face with him and one of his arms on each side 
of her head. Her eyes are wide in shock.

Kinjite
(stunned)
"uh…hi?"

Ayami
"You certainly have a way of greeting a cat first thing in the 
morning."
(she gently kisses him)
"So what did you find out about your mom?"

Kinjite
(lowering his arms)
"She and I have so much in common. I wish I could have met her."
(he walks over and sits on a bench)
"I just wonder how she was really though. The text showed me how she 
thought, but they can't show me how she felt. They don't answer how she 
would have felt about me."

Ayami sits by him and looks in the pond. She sees their reflection and 
smiles.

Ayami
(hesitantly)
"Lance, I have something to talk with you about."

Kinjite
"What's wrong?"

Ayami looks at him and starts to open her mouth. Suddenly Dead Eye 
comes running up.

Dead Eye
(out of breath)
"Kinjite! The Captain needs…. to speak… with you immediately! We got 
a…message from Genus! Aldebaran is under attack!"

Without waiting for a response, Dead Eye grabs Kinjite and yanks him to 
his feet. Ayami watches as Dead Eye drags Kinjite towards the castle.

Ayami
(sighing)
"I am already having a hard enough time trying to get the courage to 
tell him."
(looks up at the rising sun)
"I hope you're enjoying this Akisha, because I'm already scared enough 
as it is!"

Ayami stands up and runs towards the palace.

Inside the Palace…

Bucky, Jenny, Dead Eye, and Kinjite are in a room talking.

Bucky
"Fritz just finished informing me that as of four hours ago, the toads 
have started an invasion of Aldebaran. Dogstar and Mimi are fighting 
them, but they can't do anything for the ground battle."

Kinjite
(nodding)
"What does this have to do with me? I'm not welcome on Aldebaran."

Jenny
"We know this and so does Fritz, but he feels we could use your 
fighting skills and he is offering you another payment if you will help 
us."

Kinjite looks at the group and turns as Ayami runs in through the door.

Kinjite
(takes a deep breath)
"Tell him I will help."
(looks at Ayami)
"I have to help out the Aldebarans."

Ayami
"Why?"

Kinjite
(looks into her eyes)
"Jenny helped free your world and they raised me."

Voice
(from the door)
"Yes she did help us. So we will help them out. One deed deserves 
another."

Ayami and Kinjite turn to see the door. Standing there is the King. His 
green eyes are staring at Jenny.

King
"Inform your Queen that Atlantis will send a sizable force with Captain 
O'hare."

He turns and walks out. Bucky looks around and shakes his head.

Bucky
"Hope they can spare a few ships too."

Space above Atlantis….

The Valkyrie is leaving the planet's atmosphere, being followed by six 
sleek warships from the Atlantean space fleet. Ayami is sitting in the 
lead warship, with Kinjite.

Kinjite
(looking at Ayami)
"What did you need to tell me?"

Ayami looks at the various Atlantean soldiers going over the controls 
and turns to him.

Ayami
(shaking her head)
"Don't worry about it right now. You need to be planning your tactics 
right now."

Kinjite looks at her and his eye narrows. He gently takes her arm and 
pulls her down the hall. They step into a room and find it empty. 
Kinjite shuts the door and leans against it.

Kinjite
(concerned)
"Ayami, I am going to be worried that something is wrong with you. Ever 
since I came to in the hospital yesterday, you've been acting strange. 
What's wrong?"

Ayami looks at him and then down at her feet. A tear slowly rolls down 
her cheek.

Ayami
(whispering)
"Goddess, I am so scared by this! I feel so alone right now!"

Kinjite's ears perk up and he hears this. He steps forward and gently 
takes her in his arms.

Kinjite
(gently)
"You're not alone and you have nothing to fear. I'm here for you. Tell 
me, what's wrong."

Ayami looks up and into his eye. She sees the concern and worry there. 
She lays her head against his armored shoulder and starts crying 
harder. Kinjite gently strokes her hair as she cries.

Voice
(over intercom)
"Master Oni Lance, we estimate our landing time will be Forty minutes. 
Shall we prepare the armored units?"

Kinjite
(hitting com button)
"Yes, start preparing them. I will be back on the bridge shortly."

Voice
(over com)
"Yes sir!"

Kinjite turns his attention back to Ayami. She has composed herself, 
but hasn't pulled away.

Ayami
(quietly)
"Lance, do you remember our first night together on Genus?"

Kinjite
(warmly)
"Of course I do. Why?"

Ayami
"I did what I did, because I love you."

Kinjite
"I know. I could see it in you eyes."

Ayami
(hesitantly)
"When Tenchi Otacon was finished working on you, he came out and did a 
check on me."
(pauses for a moment)
"Lance…I'm carrying your child."

Kinjite just stands there and Ayami's last words echo In his ears. He 
gently pushes her back and holds her at arms length.

Kinjite
(stunned)
"Are you sure? I mean…was the check that accurate?"

Ayami nods her head gently and looks at the ground.

Kinjite
"That…is a good reason to be acting like you have. Why didn't you say 
something last night or this morning?"

Ayami
(looking at him)
"I was scared last night and I tried this morning, but Dead Eye has 
rotten timing."

Kinjite pulls her against him and hugs her tightly.

Kinjite
(chuckling)
"Go figure! I get banished, smashed into a hospital wall, deal with a 
six year old aldebaran female, meet you, and end up becoming a father!"
(he looks into Ayami's eyes)
"Finally, some good news for this black cat!"

Ayami
(stunned)
"You aren't mad? You're going to stay with me?"

Kinjite
"Of course! Why would I leave you?"

Ayami
(quietly)
"I was worried that you would think I was trying to have a child that 
had greater chances of getting a gift."

Kinjite throws his head back and laughs out loud. He laughs hard enough 
to need to brace himself against the wall. Tears stream down his face, 
from laughing so hard.

Ayami
(confused)
"What's so funny?"

Kinjiet
(wiping tears from his eye)
"My dad was a chosen of Akisha! My mom wrote in her dairy that she was 
worried that my dad would be worried about her trying to use him for a 
son or daughter that would gain a gift as well!"

Ayami just stands there for a second and lets what Kinjite said sink 
in. She shakes her head in disbelief.

Kinjite
"Ayami, I am not angry with you. I wish you would have said something 
sooner, but we can't change that."
(he hugs her again)
"The only thing I plan on doing about this is plucking that duck's 
feathers for stopping me from finding out sooner."

He takes her paw and they head back to the bridge.

Scene 13
Aldebaran

The ground invasion is waging fiercely. The Female Aldebarans are 
trying to hold the toads back, but are being forced to give up ground 
slowly. Queen Katrina watches from a tower in the Palace. She lowers 
her head in sadness as she hears the death cry from an Aldebaran 
soldier. Beside her is Samantha.

Samantha 
(quietly)
"It looks like they tried attacking, despite the fact that I was able 
to prevent the Regens from getting the information on our defense 
force. I'm sorry, your Highness."

Queen
(nodding)
"You tried Sister. It is the best I could hope for."

They both turn and walk from the window. They head down the stairs and 
into the throne room. A guard walks up and bows to the Queen.

Guard
"The UAC has sent two of the frigates to fight along side us. They are 
making the best attempts they can, but it only slows down the toads a 
little, your Highness."

The Queen nods again and the guard leaves.

Queen
(sighing)
"It will take a miracle to save Aldebaran."

Samantha
(quietly)
"We will fight to the last cat, your Highness. We won't surrender."

Queen
(nodding)
"I am starting to wish that Kinjite was still on the planet. His unique 
fighting styles and unique magic would help and possible turn the 
battle in our favor."

Samantha bites her lip at the mention of Kinjite. She remembers his 
fight with the Regen to save her.

Samantha
"He is only a male and only one cat. He would need an army to make a 
difference."

The Queen nods and sits silently. She looks up as the guard comes 
running in.

Guard
(quickly)
"Your Highness! Captain O'hare has arrived! He has six Atlantean 
warships with him! The Forbidden One is on the lead warship and says 
they are here to help! What do you wish for us to do?"

The Queen sits there stunned. She turns her head to a small screen and 
sees the video. The warships have taken a combat formation and are 
cutting a path through the double bubbles. The Valkyrie is on the front 
line firing away. There are some Aldebaran ships in the way.

Queen
(ordering)
"Give them a clear fly zone and prepare to accept reinforcements from 
Atlantis!"

The guard stands there stunned by the order. The Queen glares at her.

Queen
(coldly)
"I gave you an order! MOVE IT!"

The guard spins on her heels and bolts out the door. The Queen turns to 
Samantha.

Queen
(hopeful)
"Looks like Kinjite is attempting that miracle."

Samantha nods and turns to the screen.

Outside…

The six war ships move in combat formations and start mowing through 
the double bubbles. Kinjite is running down the hall of the lead ship, 
with Ayami and a couple of high ranking soldiers following him.

Kinjite
(running)
"As soon as we land, I want the Heavy Mechanized Assault Units deployed 
and they are to reinforce the Aldebaran lines! We need to stop the 
toads from closing in on the Palace!"

Soldier #1
"Yes Sir!"

He breaks off and heads down a separate hall. The other one stays with 
Kinjite and Ayami.

Soldier #2
"Sir! I believe the Aldebaran air forces could use some help! Shall we 
lend them aid?"

Kinjite
"Make it happen! I want the entire shuttle force from the Quasar to be 
launched and eat the toads alive!"

The soldier salutes and she darts down a second hall. Kinjite slams a 
door open and runs up to a ship about to launch. He looks at Ayami.

Kinjite
"Send the group of Chosen from the Nebula to help protect the Queen. I 
want you to be with them. I am expecting that that armored behemoth 
named Toadborg will be down there. I don't know how well the royal 
guards are and I don't want to take the chance they may not be able to 
stand up to him."

Ayami nods and quickly kisses him on the cheek.

Ayami
"Try to stay in one piece!"

Kinjite nods and seats himself next to the pilot. They quickly strap 
in.

Kinjite
(looking at the pilot)
"Let's do this!"

The pilot nods and she slaps the launch button. Kinjite's head slams 
back into the seat as the ship rockets forward at extreme speed. The 
launch tube become a blur and is quickly replaced by the blue sky, full 
of maser fire and ships.

In the throne room…

The Queen watches as there are several small, fast, and highly 
maneuverable fighters launched from the warships. She looks up in time 
to see a white flash and sees four male and three female cats standing 
there. One with white hair and crystal blue fur steps forward. The 
guards have their weapons at firing positions, but the Queen motions 
for them to hold.

Ayami
(politely bowing)
"Your majesty, I am Tenchi Ayami of Atlantis. We are here by orders of 
King Hwang Lin to assist you in defending your planet. Master Oni Lance 
has ordered us seven to personally aid the royal guards in protecting 
you."

Queen
(nodding)
"And where is Kinjite right now?"

Ayami
(with a hint of concern)
"He is presently engaging the toads as we speak."

The Queen nods and motions for the guards to lower their weapons.

Queen
(nodding)
"Then let us hope and pray that black cat is successful, Tenchi Ayami."

She motions for Ayami to come forward and turns to the screen to watch 
the battle.

Scene 14
Skies of Aldebaran…

The fighter whips around and the Double Bubble explodes into flames. 
Kinjite spins the gun camera in search of another.

Pilot
(quickly)
"Off our right! Two approaching at high speeds!"

Kinjite flips the gun mount around and spots them. He opens fire and 
takes down one of them. The other dodges and falls in behind them. The 
gun mount swivels around and continues firing. The Double Bubble 
explodes and Kinjite sighs with relief. He flips the gun camera so it 
is aimed at the ground and sees the Heavy Mechanized Assault Units 
stomping across the ground towards the battle lines.

Kinjite
(softly)
"Let's hope their enough."

He spots another Double Bubble approaching and takes aim.

On the ground….

A couple of female Aldebarans stop when they hear the steady thumping 
behind them. They look back and see the top of a Battle Platform appear 
over the ridge.

Female #1
(stunned)
"Atlantean! Here?!"

Female #2
"The Queen placed a statement saying their here to help us. We'll see 
if she's right."

The barrels raise into firing position and slots open on the front, 
revealing missiles. The front of the barrels begin to glow. Suddenly 
twin beams of red light shoot out and streak across the field, quickly 
followed by several missiles. They tear into the approaching toad 
forces with devastating effects. Several other Battle Platforms appear 
and start firing on the toads as well. Slightly smaller multi-legged 
tanks come scurrying over the ridge and towards the front lines. The 
Aldebarans step aside and let them pass. A pilot of one looks out at an 
Aldebaran female.

Pilot
(shouting)
"Let's shove these slimy fly eaters back into space! Follow us!"

Female Aldebaran
(shouting back)
"Lead on then!"

The tanks stomp across the battle field firing various maser, missiles, 
and flames as they go. The Aldebaran forces fill in the opening between 
and fire their blasters as well. The Aldebaran Forces start gaining 
ground with the assistance of the Atlantean forces.

In the Air…

Kinjite looks up as he hears an explosion. He sees an Aldebaran fighter 
in flames approaching them. The Aldebaran pilot is forcing the hatch 
open to jump out. Kinjite taps the Pilot and points to the fighter.

Kinjite
"Get closer and open our canopy! I'm going to step out!"

The Pilot nods and steers towards the fighter. The canopy slides open 
and the air is sucked out, because the speed they are going. Kinjite 
braces himself and climbs out on the wing, using a tendril to anchor 
himself. The Aldebaran leaps from her fighter and Kinjite launches a 
tendril. It wraps around her and pulls her to him. He puts her in the 
gunner seat.

Female
(stunned)
"What is going on?!"

Kinjite
(yelling over the wind)
"You're taking my place! She will tell you how to operate the maser 
cannons!"
(looks at the Pilot)
"Fly over the castle! I believe I saw Toadborg heading towards it!"

The canopy slides shut and Kinjite hangs on with two tendrils, as the 
fighter flips around and streaks towards the castle.

In the castle throne room…

Ayami looks up as she hears the sounds of fighting. She recognizes the 
sound of the stomping coming towards them.

Ayami
(yelling as she stands up)
"He's coming! Get ready!"

All the Chosen taking fighting positions before the Queen, as do the 
Royal Guards. The doors explode inward and two of the chosen raise 
shields to deflect the splinters. In the smoke, Toadborg's eye sensors 
narrow.

Toadborg
(amused)
"Albanians? On Aldebaran? I thought you hated each other."

Ayami
(hissing)
"We hate toads more!"

She and the Chosen leap at him and their magic flare up. Their battle 
quickly destroys any furniture in the throne room. Two of the Royal 
Guards pull the Queen to a corner and take defensive stances before 
her, while the others attack Toadborg as well. Toadborg easily swats 
aside the attackers and shrugs off the Atlantean magic. He knocks Ayami 
to the ground and stands over her.

Toadborg
(menacingly)
"Foolish mammal! Your puny magic is of little use against me! Why do 
you think we attacked your planet? It was to gain information about 
your race and the foolish black cat!"

He raises his foot to stomp down and Ayami rolls to the side. As his 
foot smashes into the ground, Ayami rolls to her feet and flings a ball 
of white fire at him. It slams into him and throws him across the room, 
but hardly evens scratches him. He raises his arm and fires a blast at 
her. Caught off guard, Ayami reacts by instinct and barely gets a 
partial shield up. The blast catches her in the upper left part of her 
chest and slams her into the wall by the Queen. Toadborg stands and 
starts walking across the room towards Ayami and the Queen. The two 
guards step forward and prepare to engage him. Suddenly the stained 
glass window in the roof, explodes inward. Kinjite flips around and 
lands on all four,, with several tendrils out across the floor. He 
lifts his head and sees the scene. His eye focuses on Ayami, who is 
holding her paw over a wound on her chest. His eye narrows and he looks 
at Toadborg, who has turned around to look at him.

Toadborg
(angrily)
"You! I will kill you with my own bare hands this time for sure!"

Kinjite
(evilly)
"You have really managed to really frelling pissed me off this time!"

He lunges at Toadborg. Toadborg fires his arm blasters at Kinjite's 
head. Just before the blast hits, Kinjite splits into two of himself 
and the blast goes between them. Both of them land on Toadborg and 
start tearing into him with claws, teeth, and tendrils. They thrash 
around and fall through a window, into a two story drop to the ground. 
Ayami winces as she hears the loud thud and tries to stand, despite the 
pain. One of the Guards helps her up.

Queen
(looking at her wound)
"You need to slow down! You're wounded!"

Ayami
(through gritted teeth)
"Lance…is going to need…help! That armored monster….almost killed 
him…last time!"

She staggers to the window and looks down.

Below…

Toadborg grabs one of the Kinjites and slams him into the castle wall. 
The other lassos him with a tendril and yanks him back, up over his 
head, and smashes him down on a stone bench. The other one falls out of 
the wall and lands on his knees, coughing up blood. He looks at the 
other Kinjite and nods. He staggers to his feet and grabs the others 
paw. They suddenly suck back into each other. Toadborg sees an 
opportunity and fires again. The blast tears through Kinjite's stomach 
and comes out the back. Kinjite falls over backwards.

Toadborg
(getting up)
"I may not have taken over this filthy world, but I will take great 
satisfaction in killing you mammal!"

Toadborg raises his hand and claws slide out of his fingers. Kinjite 
tries to get up and falls back on his back. The clawed hand comes 
racing down towards his head. Suddenly there is a blast of energy and 
Toadborg is sent flying to the side. Kinjiet looks over and sees 
Samantha standing there with her paw out stretched. He smiles and 
struggles to his feet and wraps a tendril around his stomach, covering 
his wounds. Samantha runs up to him.

Samantha
(quickly)
"Use your magic! I saw how destructive it is!"

Kinjite
(gasping)
"He's protected against it! I can't muster enough power with out my 
gems and I left them on Atlantis!"

Toadborg gets up and roars with anger. He comes charging and Samantha 
throws up a shield. Toadborg starts smashing his fist into it and the 
strain is obvious on Samantha's face.

Samantha
(in a strained voice)
"You better do something!"

Kinjite thinks quickly and he remembers something from four hundred 
years ago.

Kinjite
"Reverse the shield, so it is around him instead!"

The shield wraps around Toadborg, but he still smashes his fist into 
it. Kinjite suddenly shoves Samantha aside.

Kinjite
(yelling)
"Get down!"

He shoots a tendril at Toadborg's chest. When the tendril strikes the 
shield, there is an enormous explosion. Toadborg is sent flying up 
through the air and out over the battlefield. Samantha was barely able 
to avoid the brunt of the explosion, but is singed by the backlash. 
Kinjite is caught in the explosion and smashed into the same spot on 
the wall and goes through it this time, flops across the floor, and 
lays there unconscious. His wounds bleed all over the carpet. Samantha 
slowly stands up and steps through the hole. Her eyes widen at the 
sight of Kinjite's burnt and slashed body.

Samantha
(Yelling out the door)
"We need a med team here, now!"

She quickly kneels by the motionless body and feels for a pulse. There 
is a weak one.

Samantha
(worried)
"Come on you stupid cat! Stay with us or Ariel will never stop crying!"

Two Aldebarans run in and quickly start working on him. Samantha steps 
back and sees Ayami run in. Her eyes widen at the sight.

Ayami
(whispering in horror)
"No, not now!"

Samantha gently puts an arm around her shoulders.

Samantha
(comfortingly)
"He'll make it. I'm sure he will. He has to or Ariel will never forgive 
me."

They walk out the room and let the medical team do their work. A male 
chosen runs up and Ayami points in the room.

Ayami
(crying)
"He needs it more than I do! Go help him!"

The male nods and runs into the room as well.

Scene 15
Aldebaran Palace, a Couple of Days Later

Kinjite is watching over the reloading of the Atlantean troops. His 
abdomen, right arm, left leg and the right side of his head is wrapped 
and bound. He is using a crutch to help stand. Samantha and Ayami are 
standing by him.

Ayami
(talking to Kinjite)
"I can't believe you tried something like that! You almost died again! 
If you weren't hurt as badly as you are, I would beat you into the 
ground!"

Kinjtie
"I had to do something! Somehow he was able to generate a shield that 
was shielding him from our magic!"

Ayami glares at him and sighs She carefully slips an arm around his 
waist. Samantha smiles and looks at Kinjite.

Samantha
"What was it that happened exactly? I know you shoved me to the ground 
and used your magic, but I don't understand the explosion."

Kinjite
"Four hundred years ago, I had a fight with a group of Assassin Sisters 
and one of them threw a spell blast at me. I reacted by instinct and 
threw a shadow tendril to intercept the blast. When they collided, 
there was an enormous explosion. That is what I did to Toadborg. Our 
two magic types don't mix and result in what you saw."

Samantha nods and looks at the troops marching into the shuttle. The 
three of them turn as they hear chattering behind them. Chairman Fritz, 
Queen Katrina, Queen Mei Lin, and King Hwang Lin are walking out of the 
castle.

Fritz
"I suppose that the council has to accept your world into the 
Coalition. What are we going to do about the war between Aldebaran and 
Atlantis though?"

Queen Katrina
(Looking at Mei and Hwang Lin)
"Maybe it is time, we try for an agreement between our people. Our 
races do have a lot in common."

King Hwang Lin
(nodding)
"Yes there is a lot of similarities, but we need to remain as 
individual races though."

Fritz
(smiling)
"Good. Why don't we discuss it on Genus, say in a couple of weeks? Give 
everyone time to calm down after this incident?"

The group walks towards ship that brought King Hwang and Queen Mei Lin. 
Kinjite chuckles as he watches them.

Kinjite
(looking at Samantha)
"Looks like this is all working out."
(he offers his paw to shake)
"Thanks for helping me out with Toadborg back there. Couldn't have beat 
him without your help."

Samantha smiles and shakes his paw. Suddenly Ariel comes running up and 
grabs her mother's leg. She smiles at Kinjite and looks at his 
bandages.

Ariel
"Did you get in another fight, Lance? You look as bad as when you saved 
my mommy."

Everyone laughs and Kinjite shakes his head. Bucky and Jenny walk up to 
the group.

Bucky
(looking at Kinjite)
"We're getting ready to head back to Genus. Fritz wanted to know how 
long until you head back?"

Kinjite
"Has to clear the check through the council?"

Bucky
(shaking his head)
"No, he said he was drawing it out of his own funds. Said it saves on 
the red tape."

Kinjite looks at Ayami and gently squeezes her shoulder

Kinjite
(looking at Bucky)
"I'll be there in a couple of days. I have a couple of matters to 
attend to on Atlantis."

Jenny
(smiling)
"Like setting up a place to call home and become a father?"

Samantha's eyes open in shock and looks at Ayami.

Samantha
(shocked)
"You?"

Ayami nods and gently places her arm over her stomach.

Samantha
"And you were here fighting?"

Ayami smiles as she leans into Kinjite a little.

Ayami
"I couldn't let the father do all the work, now could i?"

That evening on Atlantis…

Ayami is laying in the bed by Kinjite, nestle in the crook of his arm. 
She is gently sleeping. Kinjite is laying there with his eye open and 
looking out the window. A small ball of light floats through and 
settles at the foot of the bed. It forms into a female figure of light.

Kinjite
(quietly)
"Who are you?"

Figure
(quietly)
"Someone who has been watching you, Lance. I am glad to say that you 
have chosen your paths well and carefully."

Kinjite
(smiling)
"I guess I just got lucky is all."

Figure
(shaking its head)
"No, Lance. You have a large heart and a clear mind. That is why you 
were able to make the choices and decisions you have."

Ayami mutters something in her sleep and nestles against Kinjite. He 
looks down at her and gently strokes her hair. He looks back at the 
Figure.

Kinjite
"Will there be more choices that are as hard as the ones I have already 
faced?"

Figure
(nodding)
"Life is full of hard choices. It is what makes living worth doing. 
Even though you have made it this far and found a place to be accepted, 
you will always be a Dark Hero to some races. They will always judge 
you from what others have labeled you as,"
(indicating to the sleeping Ayami)
"but others have seen the warmth of your heart and accept you because 
of it. Your path has ended, but your new one began that night on Genus 
with her. We look forward to watching you on this one."

The figure slowly shrinks back into a ball and slowly floats out the 
window again. Kinjite watches it until he can't see it anymore. He 
looks down at Ayami and gently kisses her hair.

Kinjite
(thinking)
<I may never know what my mom thinks of me, but I have to say I am 
happy with my life so far>

He gently pulls the cover up a little and lays his head down. He slowly 
closes his eye and drifts off to sleep. A few minutes later, a shadowy 
figure appears at the foot of the bed. A hint of a smile appears where 
the face would be.

Figure of Darkness
(whispering)
"I have always been proud of your choices, Lance. Don't ever doubt 
yourself, my son."

The figure fades out and a smile spreads across the sleeping faces of 
Kinjite and Ayami.

THE END