This is the second version of my story. Due to some constructive criticism,
I've decided to expand on the story. I thank you for the reviews, they have
helped so much. Some of you might like this version, some of you might not,
but don't let that stop the reviews. Keep 'em comin'. I need feedback. Oh,
I don't own Tenchi Muyo! All characters and related publications are
property of Pioneer and AIC. Now, without further adieu, I give you version
2 of my creation, hahahaha (evil Washu laugh)
Captive Heart
Ayeka stood on the balcony, silently watching the object of her affection walk down the path towards the house, returning from an early morning's work in the carrot fields. A gleaming smile suddenly came over her face as she noticed a certain furry cabbit hopping along behind him.
'Today will be the day,' she thought to herself. 'Today, I shall confess my love to him. I just pray that he will return my feelings.'
She quickly walked downstairs. Sasami was just finishing up her cooking in the kitchen. Scents of fish, rice and miso filled the air. Ayeka immediately rushed to the front door to meet Tenchi as he came in.
"Good morning lord Tenchi. I trust you're feeling well this morning."
"Oh, good morning miss Ayeka. Yes, I'm feeling very well, thank you."
"Lord Tenchi," She paused for a moment. A slight blush could be seen growing in her cheeks. "I was wondering.if I could discuss something with you later on."
"Sure Ayeka, what's it about?" The blush deepened in her cheeks. Her gaze turned downward, her hands fidgeting. She drew the strength and began slowly. "Well,." Suddenly Sasami's voice rang out from the kitchen. "Hey, everyone! Breakfast is ready!"
"Be right there, Sasami!" Tenchi called back. "I'm afraid we'll have to pick this up later miss Ayeka." He said, rubbing the back of his head.
"That's fine, lord Tenchi." She said, bringing herself to show a pleasant smile to cover her frustration. She then followed Tenchi into the kitchen, taking her usual place next to him at the table as they sat down. Ayeka remained silent throughout the meal. Tenchi seemed to notice this more than anyone else. Washu just sat there, typing away on her holo-top and eating at the same time. Mihoshi and Kiyone were discussing which karaoke place they should go to tonight. Nobuyuki sat in his usual spot next to Mihoshi and Kiyone, drinking his tea and reading his paper. Sasami quietly hummed a tune to herself, while Ryoko complained to Yosho asking him why she had been given toilet-cleaning duty for the third week in a row. Yosho just silently sipped his tea. Tenchi then looked over to Ayeka. 'Usually Ayeka would put her two cents in about Ryoko and her obligations to do her chores, but she's oddly quiet today. Could it have something to do with what she needed to talk to me about?' Tenchi thought, turning his eyes back to his bowl of rice.
After breakfast was finished, Sasami gathered the plates and went into the kitchen. Tenchi and Ayeka walked into the living room. "So what was it you wanted to discuss with me, Ayeka?" "Well, I, um.." Ayeka became frustrated, not being able to find the words. "I'm sorry, I forgot I had to take care of something, Tenchi. I'll meet up with you later." Ayeka quickly scurried off. "Okay. Later then." Tenchi walked away, slightly confused. Ayeka sprinted up to her room and closed the door. She then rested her back against the door and slid down to the floor letting out a sigh. "Why am I so nervous? Why can't I just say it? Why can't I just say 'Tenchi, I'm in love with you'? Why do the words always get in the way?' She thought, resting her head on her knees. "I love you, Tenchi." She whispered.
Tenchi swept the steps of the Masaki shrine, deep in thought. 'I wonder why Ayeka is acting so strange today. What ever it is that she needs to talk about seems really important.' Tenchi's quiet thoughts were interrupted when the voice of a certain cyan-haired former space pirate came from behind him.
"Tenchiiiiiiiiii." Before he knew it, she was hanging on to him and making circles on his chest with her finger. "Tenchi, what do you say we get out of here and have some fun, just you and me?" She said in her playful voice. "Ryoko, you know you should be doing your chores right now."
"Chores are so boring. I'd much rather be having fun with you, Tenchi. Pleeeease?"
"Come on, Ryoko. I have work to do."
"Aaaaaww, Tenchiiiiiii." She whined.
"Come on, Ryoko. Get off." She released him and made a pouty face before she transported away.
'That Ryoko, what am I going to do with her?' Tenchi thought with a smile as he continued his sweeping. The wind had picked up, and some leaves had blown across the steps in front of him. "Oh, it's an omen. Winds of change are coming." Tenchi said, as he allowed himself a short pause to contemplate the notion.
Ryoko flew along the treetops spinning and twirling, accelerating in and out of loops. She then noticed Ayeka sitting at the foot of the tree, Funaho, looking deep in thought. Ryoko lightly touched down in front of the tree, thinking twice about teasing Ayeka like she usually does. Seeing that something was obviously bothering her, Ryoko instead quietly sat down beside her.
"What's up, princess? You look lost in your own forest." Ryoko said, trying to snap Ayeka out of her daze.
"Huh? Oh, it's you Ryoko." She said, suddenly realizing that she had company.
"So what's got you in such a daze, Ayeka?"
"Oh, just thinking"
"Oh, yeah? About what?"
Ayeka froze, not knowing what to say. Ryoko noticed this and became puzzled. "Well, it's um, nothing really." Ayeka said, gently waving her hand. "Come on, Ayeka. You can tell me. Something has got to be bothering you." Ryoko got up and stood in front of her, looking at Ayeka with both concern and curiosity. Ayeka looked slightly away and chose her words carefully.
"Well, it's about Tenchi." Ayeka replied.
"Tenchi?" Ryoko said, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes. There was something I just needed to discuss with him that's all. It's nothing really." Ayeka said insistently.
"Oh. Well. Okay. You know, if you need to talk about anything that's bothering you.let me know, okay? I'll be here." Ryoko said in sincerity. It was one of the few times she actually opened up and spoke to the princess with kindness and seriousness, instead of her usual taunting and teasing.
"Thanks Ryoko. That means a lot to me."
"Don't mention it. I'll see you at lunch." Ryoko called out to the princess as she flew off into the blue sky.
'Oh, Ryoko. If only you knew what it was that I needed to talk to Tenchi about. Would you still have offered your kindness to me?' Ayeka thought to herself. 'Would you still think of me as a friend?'
At Washu's lab, the genius scientist was conducting tests on the Jurai energy that is emitted from Funaho on a daily basis. She then noticed Ayeka show up on her monitor, sitting against Funaho. A distant look was evident in her eyes. 'Hmmm, something is going on.' Washu thought while looking at the data show up on her holo-top. 'I'm receiving both Alpha and Beta emotional waves from her. Also, her storge` thought waves are running very high.' Washu thought as she gently rubbed her chin with her finger. She then pressed a button on the console and an image of Tenchi sweeping steps appeared on the screen. 'Tenchi appears to have the same look of deep thought and troubledness that Ayeka has. Very interesting.' She then set it aside in her mind for later, and continued her research and testing.
Meanwhile, Tenchi had finished his sweeping duties for the day and started his way down from the top steps of the shrine back to the house for lunch. 'I wonder what Sasami has cooked up for us today? She's so talented in the kitchen. We're really blessed to have her. I'm so glad that all the girls have come to live here with us. If it weren't for the Ryo-oki falling to earth and causing that entire ruckus, I wouldn't have been able to meet all these great people. I would still have had the same old boring life. I wouldn't have had all those adventures in space. I wouldn't have known my true lineage as a prince of Jurai. And I wouldn't have met.Ayeka.' Tenchi shocked himself with his own thought. 'Ayeka. She's always so kind and gentle, accept when she's fighting with Ryoko of course, but she's always been there when I needed her. She's been there when I needed someone to listen to my problems, and she would provide comforting words to sooth my stress and anxiety.'
Tenchi then arrived at the front gate where the two guardians Azaka and Kamidake stood. "Why, hello Tenchi." Kamidake said, rotating and facing Tenchi. "What wonderful spring-like weather, don't you agree?" said Azaka.
"Hello Azaka, Kamidake. Yes, it is very nice today. Is lunch almost ready?"
"Sasami said it should be 15 more minutes." Azaka replied
"Excellent. I'd better go get washed up." Tenchi quickly made his way into the house and up the stairs toward his room
Ayeka sat in her room relaxing, waiting for lunch to be ready. 'Rhythm Emotion' by Two-Mix was playing on her radio. 'This earth music is absolutely amazing. We have nothing like this back on Jurai. The composition is incredible, incorporating sounds and tones I have never even heard before.' Ayeka thought as she gently nodded her head to the rhythmic beats, and hummed with the catchy melody. She then caught sight of Tenchi passing by her open door. She quickly got up and ran to the hall. "Tenchi!" Ayeka called down the hall. Tenchi peaked out his head from the bathroom. "Yes Ayeka? What is it?" He asked curiously. "There's something I need to talk to you about as soon as possible."
"Sure, Ayeka. Can it wait until after I wash up? It's been a long morning on the steps of the shrine."
"Sure, no problem."
Tenchi went back into the bathroom and Ayeka turned around and went back into her room. She sat back down in her cushioned two-seat sofa, and waited anxiously for Tenchi to arrive at her door. The sounds of water running and splashing in the bathroom quickly ceased, and with it Ayeka's heartbeat sped up. It got faster as she heard the footsteps coming down the hall. Then, the sound of the gentle knock at her door almost startled her. "What was it you needed to talk to me about, Ayeka?" Tenchi asked, standing a foot into her room. "Please, sit down." Ayeka said as she patted the seat cushion next to her. Tenchi walked in and then relaxed into the sofa next to Ayeka. Some quiet music by Ai Orikasa started playing on the radio.
"So what's this all about, Ayeka?" Tenchi asked, turning towards the ruby- eyed princess. "Tenchi, we've known each other for quite some time now, and I think we've come to know each other quite well. In that time, I've become more and more sure of something in my heart. Now, I know it as sure as the sun rises every day." Ayeka paused, turning her eyes to the floor, unable to move on to the next sentence. "What is it, Ayeka? Please, tell me." Tenchi said, concern growing in his voice. Ayeka forced herself to stop hesitating and to just say it. Ayeka turned her eyes back to Tenchi. "I love you." Ayeka said, breaking through the barriers in her heart. Tenchi was completely speechless. "Ayeka. I don't know what to say, I." With out wasting another moment Ayeka quickly moved forward and pressed her lips against his. Ayeka knew that this was going against what it meant to be a princess. To be proper and to act within certain behavioral guidelines as one of royalty should. But she didn't care anymore. Her love overruled all of it. Tenchi was shocked at first, then slowly relaxed into the kiss. 'Her lips. They're so soft. And her scent is so sweet, like a rose.' He thought as he slowly put his arms around her. 'His arms feel so strong. And his body feels so warm.' Ayeka thought as she gently placed her hands on his chest. Their hearts began to race as they started to kiss more deeply.
They then both heard a gasp at the door. Quickly they broke their kiss and looked at the doorway to see a very stunned and confused little girl with blue pink-tails and wide-open eyes. "Sister. What are you doing?" Sasami asked, as the shock wore off. Ayeka scrambled out the words. "Well, it's just that, we were, uh, that is." Sasami started to giggle and smile. "Hehe. You're a naughty girl, Ayeka, just like Tenchi's a naughty boy. Hehe. Lunch is ready so you both better hurry up before it gets cold." Sasami then ran down the stairs. Their faces both flushed in embarrassment. Tenchi got up and started towards the door. "I'd better go and talk with her, before." he was then stopped by Ayeka holding onto his arm. "Wait. Please don't go Tenchi. You still haven't told me how you feel about me." Tenchi then slowly turned around and sat back down beside her. "Ayeka, please try to understand. This is all so sudden. It might even be a bit much for me all at once." Ayeka then turned her gaze downward. A single tear could be seen running down her cheek.
Tenchi then continued. "I realize that you have deep feelings for me, and I know that I have a tendency to be indecisive. I can understand your feelings, Ayeka. I do love you, as I love everyone else in this house. But as for the love you feel, I'm afraid I just can't return those feelings, at least not yet. I just need some time to think this through. Find out how I really feel, that's all. Please try to understand." Tenchi placed his hand on her shoulder to try to comfort her, but it did no good to slow the tears. Ayeka placed both hands over her heart in an attempt to ease the pain of it breaking. It did no good, though. She stayed silent for a moment. Then, she was finally able to speak through the weakness of the tears. "Yes, Tenchi. I understand completely. I will wait. Until the end of eternity if I have to, because I'm convinced that my feelings will not change. I will be here Tenchi, when you decide." She attempted a smile through the tears, which caused Tenchi's heart to ache for the pain he has caused her. "Thank you for understanding Ayeka. It means so much. I promise. I will make my decision. It might not be today, and it might not be tomorrow, but I will make my decision." All Ayeka could do was nod as she wiped away the tears.
Ryoko came in from her from her travels just in time to see lunch ready on the table. Fried fish and Taiwanese rice noodles. Then Sasami caught her attention. She came down the stairs and was giggling to herself for some reason. "Hey, what's up kiddo?" Ryoko asked curiously. "Ooooooh, nothing." Sasami said in her cheerful voice, and then giggled again as she skipped into the kitchen. Ryoko then noticed Mihoshi suddenly appear at the table with chopsticks in hand, starting on her plate. Then the rest of the gang walked in and sat around the table. Ryoko sat down and started eating. Then something occurred to her. 'That's strange. Where's Tenchi and Ayeka?' She thought, looking around. 'Wherever she is, Ayeka can always get the leftovers. I'll go find Tenchi.' Ryoko got up from her seat and teleported away. She appeared in Tenchi's room. 'Hmm, he's not in here. I wonder where he could be?' Ryoko then made her way down the hall. She thought she heard talking coming from Ayeka's room, but then it was silent. 'Ayeka probably left her radio on again, I'll go shut it off.'
Upon walking into the room her eyes beheld the sight of a sobbing Ayeka and Tenchi trying to comfort her. "What's going on?" They both looked up at Ryoko. The tears began to flow evenharder down Ayeka's face. "It, it's nothing, nothing at all. I'm sorry I have to go." Ayeka said through the tears. She then got up and ran out of the room, covering her face with her hands in an attempt to hide the anguish she was feeling. "Ayeka wait!" Tenchi yelled desperately, as he got up from his seat. "No, you stay here. I'll go talk to her." Ryoko said, standing in his way. "I'll speak to you later, Tenchi." Ryoko's suspicious tone worried Tenchi. All he could do was sit back down and deal with the pain he has undoubtedly caused with his indecisiveness. Ryoko quickly teleported downstairs to try to catch Ayeka before she ran out the front door. She succeeded. Seeing that Ryoko was blocking her exit, Ayeka quickly stopped. "Ryoko please move. Get out of my way now!" She yelled, sobs still evident in her voice. "No, I won't. Not until you tell me what's wrong." Ryoko said, trying to reach out to Ayeka. "Damn it Ryoko I said get the hell out of my way!" Ayeka screamed. Ryoko was taken back by the look of desperate anger in Ayeka's eyes. A look that she has never seen in her before. The sound of her voice still rang in her ears. Ryoko's gaze fell to the floor, and she silently moved aside, letting Ayeka run through.
'Ayeka. What could have possibly caused her to act this way? Could it have been Tenchi? Could it have been something that he said or did?' Ryoko asked herself as she watched Ayeka run off into he distance, knowing that there was nothing she could do for her friend right now, other than give her time.
Tenchi sat in Ayeka's room, unmoved from his place. He just sat and stared out the window. The look of worry was all over his face. 'Why is it that I cause so much pain to the one's I love so dearly? By choosing one girl, I cause the other girls pain. Yet doing nothing causes even more pain. I never wanted to hurt anyone. Now Ayeka is suffering because of me.' A single tear slid down Tenchi's cheek. "Tenchi?" Came a voice from behind him. He did not move. "Tenchi, please. Look at me." Came the voice again. Still he did not move. He then felt a soft hand gently move his face to look at his company. Ryoko stared into Tenchi's face looking for answers. "Tenchi, please tell me what happened. What happened to Ayeka?" Ryoko asked desperately. Tenchi looked up into Ryoko's eyes. "Ryoko,..." He paused. "Ryoko, could a person be hurting someone? Even by doing nothing?" Tenchi said, his gaze unbroken. "Hurting.doing nothing. What do you mean, Tenchi?" Ryoko asked as she knelt down in front of him. "I.I'm sorry, Ryoko. I just need to be alone right now." Tenchi quickly got up and left the room. Then the sound of his door closing came from down the hall. "What the hell is going on?" Ryoko asked herself as she stared at the open doorway.
On the far side of the lake, Ayeka walked. Her eyes were still wet with tears. She sat down on the soft grass laying her back against a tree, and stared at the sparkling light reflecting off the water. 'Oh, Tenchi. What could I have done wrong? What can I do to win your love? Is it that I'm too uptight, or is it that I'm just not pretty enough? God, why did this have to happen? This was supposed to be the perfect day, the day that I've been waiting for, for so long. It figures. When I finally get the courage up to tell him how I really feel about him, it blows up in my face.'
Ryo-oki then scurried up to Ayeka. Seeing the tears in her eyes, Ryo-oki patted her paw on Ayeka's hand as if to say 'What's wrong?' Ayeka then picked up Ryo-oki and set her in her lap. "Oh, Ryo-oki. You still love me, right?" Ryo-oki then let out a cheerful "Meooow." Ayeka then gently petted Ryo-oki as she laid in her lap. A soft breeze then blew over the lake, and then caused the leaves in the trees to rustle. Ayeka's tears had subsided and she drifted off to sleep, as did Ryo-oki.
Captive Heart
Ayeka stood on the balcony, silently watching the object of her affection walk down the path towards the house, returning from an early morning's work in the carrot fields. A gleaming smile suddenly came over her face as she noticed a certain furry cabbit hopping along behind him.
'Today will be the day,' she thought to herself. 'Today, I shall confess my love to him. I just pray that he will return my feelings.'
She quickly walked downstairs. Sasami was just finishing up her cooking in the kitchen. Scents of fish, rice and miso filled the air. Ayeka immediately rushed to the front door to meet Tenchi as he came in.
"Good morning lord Tenchi. I trust you're feeling well this morning."
"Oh, good morning miss Ayeka. Yes, I'm feeling very well, thank you."
"Lord Tenchi," She paused for a moment. A slight blush could be seen growing in her cheeks. "I was wondering.if I could discuss something with you later on."
"Sure Ayeka, what's it about?" The blush deepened in her cheeks. Her gaze turned downward, her hands fidgeting. She drew the strength and began slowly. "Well,." Suddenly Sasami's voice rang out from the kitchen. "Hey, everyone! Breakfast is ready!"
"Be right there, Sasami!" Tenchi called back. "I'm afraid we'll have to pick this up later miss Ayeka." He said, rubbing the back of his head.
"That's fine, lord Tenchi." She said, bringing herself to show a pleasant smile to cover her frustration. She then followed Tenchi into the kitchen, taking her usual place next to him at the table as they sat down. Ayeka remained silent throughout the meal. Tenchi seemed to notice this more than anyone else. Washu just sat there, typing away on her holo-top and eating at the same time. Mihoshi and Kiyone were discussing which karaoke place they should go to tonight. Nobuyuki sat in his usual spot next to Mihoshi and Kiyone, drinking his tea and reading his paper. Sasami quietly hummed a tune to herself, while Ryoko complained to Yosho asking him why she had been given toilet-cleaning duty for the third week in a row. Yosho just silently sipped his tea. Tenchi then looked over to Ayeka. 'Usually Ayeka would put her two cents in about Ryoko and her obligations to do her chores, but she's oddly quiet today. Could it have something to do with what she needed to talk to me about?' Tenchi thought, turning his eyes back to his bowl of rice.
After breakfast was finished, Sasami gathered the plates and went into the kitchen. Tenchi and Ayeka walked into the living room. "So what was it you wanted to discuss with me, Ayeka?" "Well, I, um.." Ayeka became frustrated, not being able to find the words. "I'm sorry, I forgot I had to take care of something, Tenchi. I'll meet up with you later." Ayeka quickly scurried off. "Okay. Later then." Tenchi walked away, slightly confused. Ayeka sprinted up to her room and closed the door. She then rested her back against the door and slid down to the floor letting out a sigh. "Why am I so nervous? Why can't I just say it? Why can't I just say 'Tenchi, I'm in love with you'? Why do the words always get in the way?' She thought, resting her head on her knees. "I love you, Tenchi." She whispered.
Tenchi swept the steps of the Masaki shrine, deep in thought. 'I wonder why Ayeka is acting so strange today. What ever it is that she needs to talk about seems really important.' Tenchi's quiet thoughts were interrupted when the voice of a certain cyan-haired former space pirate came from behind him.
"Tenchiiiiiiiiii." Before he knew it, she was hanging on to him and making circles on his chest with her finger. "Tenchi, what do you say we get out of here and have some fun, just you and me?" She said in her playful voice. "Ryoko, you know you should be doing your chores right now."
"Chores are so boring. I'd much rather be having fun with you, Tenchi. Pleeeease?"
"Come on, Ryoko. I have work to do."
"Aaaaaww, Tenchiiiiiii." She whined.
"Come on, Ryoko. Get off." She released him and made a pouty face before she transported away.
'That Ryoko, what am I going to do with her?' Tenchi thought with a smile as he continued his sweeping. The wind had picked up, and some leaves had blown across the steps in front of him. "Oh, it's an omen. Winds of change are coming." Tenchi said, as he allowed himself a short pause to contemplate the notion.
Ryoko flew along the treetops spinning and twirling, accelerating in and out of loops. She then noticed Ayeka sitting at the foot of the tree, Funaho, looking deep in thought. Ryoko lightly touched down in front of the tree, thinking twice about teasing Ayeka like she usually does. Seeing that something was obviously bothering her, Ryoko instead quietly sat down beside her.
"What's up, princess? You look lost in your own forest." Ryoko said, trying to snap Ayeka out of her daze.
"Huh? Oh, it's you Ryoko." She said, suddenly realizing that she had company.
"So what's got you in such a daze, Ayeka?"
"Oh, just thinking"
"Oh, yeah? About what?"
Ayeka froze, not knowing what to say. Ryoko noticed this and became puzzled. "Well, it's um, nothing really." Ayeka said, gently waving her hand. "Come on, Ayeka. You can tell me. Something has got to be bothering you." Ryoko got up and stood in front of her, looking at Ayeka with both concern and curiosity. Ayeka looked slightly away and chose her words carefully.
"Well, it's about Tenchi." Ayeka replied.
"Tenchi?" Ryoko said, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes. There was something I just needed to discuss with him that's all. It's nothing really." Ayeka said insistently.
"Oh. Well. Okay. You know, if you need to talk about anything that's bothering you.let me know, okay? I'll be here." Ryoko said in sincerity. It was one of the few times she actually opened up and spoke to the princess with kindness and seriousness, instead of her usual taunting and teasing.
"Thanks Ryoko. That means a lot to me."
"Don't mention it. I'll see you at lunch." Ryoko called out to the princess as she flew off into the blue sky.
'Oh, Ryoko. If only you knew what it was that I needed to talk to Tenchi about. Would you still have offered your kindness to me?' Ayeka thought to herself. 'Would you still think of me as a friend?'
At Washu's lab, the genius scientist was conducting tests on the Jurai energy that is emitted from Funaho on a daily basis. She then noticed Ayeka show up on her monitor, sitting against Funaho. A distant look was evident in her eyes. 'Hmmm, something is going on.' Washu thought while looking at the data show up on her holo-top. 'I'm receiving both Alpha and Beta emotional waves from her. Also, her storge` thought waves are running very high.' Washu thought as she gently rubbed her chin with her finger. She then pressed a button on the console and an image of Tenchi sweeping steps appeared on the screen. 'Tenchi appears to have the same look of deep thought and troubledness that Ayeka has. Very interesting.' She then set it aside in her mind for later, and continued her research and testing.
Meanwhile, Tenchi had finished his sweeping duties for the day and started his way down from the top steps of the shrine back to the house for lunch. 'I wonder what Sasami has cooked up for us today? She's so talented in the kitchen. We're really blessed to have her. I'm so glad that all the girls have come to live here with us. If it weren't for the Ryo-oki falling to earth and causing that entire ruckus, I wouldn't have been able to meet all these great people. I would still have had the same old boring life. I wouldn't have had all those adventures in space. I wouldn't have known my true lineage as a prince of Jurai. And I wouldn't have met.Ayeka.' Tenchi shocked himself with his own thought. 'Ayeka. She's always so kind and gentle, accept when she's fighting with Ryoko of course, but she's always been there when I needed her. She's been there when I needed someone to listen to my problems, and she would provide comforting words to sooth my stress and anxiety.'
Tenchi then arrived at the front gate where the two guardians Azaka and Kamidake stood. "Why, hello Tenchi." Kamidake said, rotating and facing Tenchi. "What wonderful spring-like weather, don't you agree?" said Azaka.
"Hello Azaka, Kamidake. Yes, it is very nice today. Is lunch almost ready?"
"Sasami said it should be 15 more minutes." Azaka replied
"Excellent. I'd better go get washed up." Tenchi quickly made his way into the house and up the stairs toward his room
Ayeka sat in her room relaxing, waiting for lunch to be ready. 'Rhythm Emotion' by Two-Mix was playing on her radio. 'This earth music is absolutely amazing. We have nothing like this back on Jurai. The composition is incredible, incorporating sounds and tones I have never even heard before.' Ayeka thought as she gently nodded her head to the rhythmic beats, and hummed with the catchy melody. She then caught sight of Tenchi passing by her open door. She quickly got up and ran to the hall. "Tenchi!" Ayeka called down the hall. Tenchi peaked out his head from the bathroom. "Yes Ayeka? What is it?" He asked curiously. "There's something I need to talk to you about as soon as possible."
"Sure, Ayeka. Can it wait until after I wash up? It's been a long morning on the steps of the shrine."
"Sure, no problem."
Tenchi went back into the bathroom and Ayeka turned around and went back into her room. She sat back down in her cushioned two-seat sofa, and waited anxiously for Tenchi to arrive at her door. The sounds of water running and splashing in the bathroom quickly ceased, and with it Ayeka's heartbeat sped up. It got faster as she heard the footsteps coming down the hall. Then, the sound of the gentle knock at her door almost startled her. "What was it you needed to talk to me about, Ayeka?" Tenchi asked, standing a foot into her room. "Please, sit down." Ayeka said as she patted the seat cushion next to her. Tenchi walked in and then relaxed into the sofa next to Ayeka. Some quiet music by Ai Orikasa started playing on the radio.
"So what's this all about, Ayeka?" Tenchi asked, turning towards the ruby- eyed princess. "Tenchi, we've known each other for quite some time now, and I think we've come to know each other quite well. In that time, I've become more and more sure of something in my heart. Now, I know it as sure as the sun rises every day." Ayeka paused, turning her eyes to the floor, unable to move on to the next sentence. "What is it, Ayeka? Please, tell me." Tenchi said, concern growing in his voice. Ayeka forced herself to stop hesitating and to just say it. Ayeka turned her eyes back to Tenchi. "I love you." Ayeka said, breaking through the barriers in her heart. Tenchi was completely speechless. "Ayeka. I don't know what to say, I." With out wasting another moment Ayeka quickly moved forward and pressed her lips against his. Ayeka knew that this was going against what it meant to be a princess. To be proper and to act within certain behavioral guidelines as one of royalty should. But she didn't care anymore. Her love overruled all of it. Tenchi was shocked at first, then slowly relaxed into the kiss. 'Her lips. They're so soft. And her scent is so sweet, like a rose.' He thought as he slowly put his arms around her. 'His arms feel so strong. And his body feels so warm.' Ayeka thought as she gently placed her hands on his chest. Their hearts began to race as they started to kiss more deeply.
They then both heard a gasp at the door. Quickly they broke their kiss and looked at the doorway to see a very stunned and confused little girl with blue pink-tails and wide-open eyes. "Sister. What are you doing?" Sasami asked, as the shock wore off. Ayeka scrambled out the words. "Well, it's just that, we were, uh, that is." Sasami started to giggle and smile. "Hehe. You're a naughty girl, Ayeka, just like Tenchi's a naughty boy. Hehe. Lunch is ready so you both better hurry up before it gets cold." Sasami then ran down the stairs. Their faces both flushed in embarrassment. Tenchi got up and started towards the door. "I'd better go and talk with her, before." he was then stopped by Ayeka holding onto his arm. "Wait. Please don't go Tenchi. You still haven't told me how you feel about me." Tenchi then slowly turned around and sat back down beside her. "Ayeka, please try to understand. This is all so sudden. It might even be a bit much for me all at once." Ayeka then turned her gaze downward. A single tear could be seen running down her cheek.
Tenchi then continued. "I realize that you have deep feelings for me, and I know that I have a tendency to be indecisive. I can understand your feelings, Ayeka. I do love you, as I love everyone else in this house. But as for the love you feel, I'm afraid I just can't return those feelings, at least not yet. I just need some time to think this through. Find out how I really feel, that's all. Please try to understand." Tenchi placed his hand on her shoulder to try to comfort her, but it did no good to slow the tears. Ayeka placed both hands over her heart in an attempt to ease the pain of it breaking. It did no good, though. She stayed silent for a moment. Then, she was finally able to speak through the weakness of the tears. "Yes, Tenchi. I understand completely. I will wait. Until the end of eternity if I have to, because I'm convinced that my feelings will not change. I will be here Tenchi, when you decide." She attempted a smile through the tears, which caused Tenchi's heart to ache for the pain he has caused her. "Thank you for understanding Ayeka. It means so much. I promise. I will make my decision. It might not be today, and it might not be tomorrow, but I will make my decision." All Ayeka could do was nod as she wiped away the tears.
Ryoko came in from her from her travels just in time to see lunch ready on the table. Fried fish and Taiwanese rice noodles. Then Sasami caught her attention. She came down the stairs and was giggling to herself for some reason. "Hey, what's up kiddo?" Ryoko asked curiously. "Ooooooh, nothing." Sasami said in her cheerful voice, and then giggled again as she skipped into the kitchen. Ryoko then noticed Mihoshi suddenly appear at the table with chopsticks in hand, starting on her plate. Then the rest of the gang walked in and sat around the table. Ryoko sat down and started eating. Then something occurred to her. 'That's strange. Where's Tenchi and Ayeka?' She thought, looking around. 'Wherever she is, Ayeka can always get the leftovers. I'll go find Tenchi.' Ryoko got up from her seat and teleported away. She appeared in Tenchi's room. 'Hmm, he's not in here. I wonder where he could be?' Ryoko then made her way down the hall. She thought she heard talking coming from Ayeka's room, but then it was silent. 'Ayeka probably left her radio on again, I'll go shut it off.'
Upon walking into the room her eyes beheld the sight of a sobbing Ayeka and Tenchi trying to comfort her. "What's going on?" They both looked up at Ryoko. The tears began to flow evenharder down Ayeka's face. "It, it's nothing, nothing at all. I'm sorry I have to go." Ayeka said through the tears. She then got up and ran out of the room, covering her face with her hands in an attempt to hide the anguish she was feeling. "Ayeka wait!" Tenchi yelled desperately, as he got up from his seat. "No, you stay here. I'll go talk to her." Ryoko said, standing in his way. "I'll speak to you later, Tenchi." Ryoko's suspicious tone worried Tenchi. All he could do was sit back down and deal with the pain he has undoubtedly caused with his indecisiveness. Ryoko quickly teleported downstairs to try to catch Ayeka before she ran out the front door. She succeeded. Seeing that Ryoko was blocking her exit, Ayeka quickly stopped. "Ryoko please move. Get out of my way now!" She yelled, sobs still evident in her voice. "No, I won't. Not until you tell me what's wrong." Ryoko said, trying to reach out to Ayeka. "Damn it Ryoko I said get the hell out of my way!" Ayeka screamed. Ryoko was taken back by the look of desperate anger in Ayeka's eyes. A look that she has never seen in her before. The sound of her voice still rang in her ears. Ryoko's gaze fell to the floor, and she silently moved aside, letting Ayeka run through.
'Ayeka. What could have possibly caused her to act this way? Could it have been Tenchi? Could it have been something that he said or did?' Ryoko asked herself as she watched Ayeka run off into he distance, knowing that there was nothing she could do for her friend right now, other than give her time.
Tenchi sat in Ayeka's room, unmoved from his place. He just sat and stared out the window. The look of worry was all over his face. 'Why is it that I cause so much pain to the one's I love so dearly? By choosing one girl, I cause the other girls pain. Yet doing nothing causes even more pain. I never wanted to hurt anyone. Now Ayeka is suffering because of me.' A single tear slid down Tenchi's cheek. "Tenchi?" Came a voice from behind him. He did not move. "Tenchi, please. Look at me." Came the voice again. Still he did not move. He then felt a soft hand gently move his face to look at his company. Ryoko stared into Tenchi's face looking for answers. "Tenchi, please tell me what happened. What happened to Ayeka?" Ryoko asked desperately. Tenchi looked up into Ryoko's eyes. "Ryoko,..." He paused. "Ryoko, could a person be hurting someone? Even by doing nothing?" Tenchi said, his gaze unbroken. "Hurting.doing nothing. What do you mean, Tenchi?" Ryoko asked as she knelt down in front of him. "I.I'm sorry, Ryoko. I just need to be alone right now." Tenchi quickly got up and left the room. Then the sound of his door closing came from down the hall. "What the hell is going on?" Ryoko asked herself as she stared at the open doorway.
On the far side of the lake, Ayeka walked. Her eyes were still wet with tears. She sat down on the soft grass laying her back against a tree, and stared at the sparkling light reflecting off the water. 'Oh, Tenchi. What could I have done wrong? What can I do to win your love? Is it that I'm too uptight, or is it that I'm just not pretty enough? God, why did this have to happen? This was supposed to be the perfect day, the day that I've been waiting for, for so long. It figures. When I finally get the courage up to tell him how I really feel about him, it blows up in my face.'
Ryo-oki then scurried up to Ayeka. Seeing the tears in her eyes, Ryo-oki patted her paw on Ayeka's hand as if to say 'What's wrong?' Ayeka then picked up Ryo-oki and set her in her lap. "Oh, Ryo-oki. You still love me, right?" Ryo-oki then let out a cheerful "Meooow." Ayeka then gently petted Ryo-oki as she laid in her lap. A soft breeze then blew over the lake, and then caused the leaves in the trees to rustle. Ayeka's tears had subsided and she drifted off to sleep, as did Ryo-oki.