This is my first Tenchi fic. I absolutely love the series. I hope you enjoy
my story. I do not own Tenchi Muyo, or any of its characters. Tenchi Muyo
and all characters are property of Pioneer and AIC. Blah blah blah. Enjoy :
)
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. '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. However, I've also realized in these last couple hours that something very special has appeared in my life." Ayeka raised her head and looked into his eyes hanging on his every word. "I've found that my feelings have started to change since I've made that realization. And I've discovered something. I've come to discover that.I love you too." Tenchi then gently placed his hand on her face. Ayeka couldn't believe her ears. These are the words she has waited to hear from him for so long. Tears started rolling down her face, tears of joy. Their lips met again to form a kiss of true love.
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 a sight that made her heart stop. Ayeka matching lips with the object of Ryoko's affection. "T.Tenchi? A-Ayeka?" They both quickly set their eyes on the former space pirate, unable to say anything. A lump formed in Ryoko's throat, as she could not find the words. She then turned around facing the door. Her eyes fell to the ground. Tears started to trickle down her face. Tenchi then got up from the sofa and reached out his hand for her shoulder. "Ryoko, I." Ryoko turned around and swatted his hand away. Her face was filled with anger, and her eyes were filled with tears. "Shut up! Go to hell, Tenchi! I hope you're happy with your Princess!" She said pointing at a speechless Ayeka. Ryoko teleported away, shedding more tears behind her. "Ryoko, wait!" Tenchi yelled, starting after her. "Tenchi." Ayeka said in a quiet voice. Tenchi stopped at the door. "But, we have to find her. Who knows where she'll go, or what she'll do?" Tenchi said, turning towards Ayeka. "Tenchi." Ayeka said again. She looked up at him with pleading eyes. Her face was washed in sadness. Tenchi then walked back and sat next to Ayeka. "Just let her go for now, Tenchi. She needs to work out her feelings. I suppose this had to happen sooner or later. Oh, Ryoko. I hope our friendship can survive this." Ayeka said, moving into Tenchi's embrace. "I hope she's alright. I suppose she just needs time alone right now." They both sat, holding each other in silence.
On the far side of the lake, Ryoko appeared. Tears were still pouring out of her eyes. 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 could I have said to cause you to run to Ayeka instead of me? Is it that I'm too obnoxious, or is it that I'm just not pretty enough? God, why did this have to happen?'
Ryo-oki then scurried up to Ryoko. Seeing the tears in her eyes, Ryo-oki patted her paw on Ryoko's hand as if to say 'What's wrong?' Ryoko then pick 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." Ryoko then held her close to her chest and gently rubbed her cheek against Ryo-oki's soft furry face. Ryo- oki returned the affection by leaning into it like a cat. Ryoko'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. '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. However, I've also realized in these last couple hours that something very special has appeared in my life." Ayeka raised her head and looked into his eyes hanging on his every word. "I've found that my feelings have started to change since I've made that realization. And I've discovered something. I've come to discover that.I love you too." Tenchi then gently placed his hand on her face. Ayeka couldn't believe her ears. These are the words she has waited to hear from him for so long. Tears started rolling down her face, tears of joy. Their lips met again to form a kiss of true love.
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 a sight that made her heart stop. Ayeka matching lips with the object of Ryoko's affection. "T.Tenchi? A-Ayeka?" They both quickly set their eyes on the former space pirate, unable to say anything. A lump formed in Ryoko's throat, as she could not find the words. She then turned around facing the door. Her eyes fell to the ground. Tears started to trickle down her face. Tenchi then got up from the sofa and reached out his hand for her shoulder. "Ryoko, I." Ryoko turned around and swatted his hand away. Her face was filled with anger, and her eyes were filled with tears. "Shut up! Go to hell, Tenchi! I hope you're happy with your Princess!" She said pointing at a speechless Ayeka. Ryoko teleported away, shedding more tears behind her. "Ryoko, wait!" Tenchi yelled, starting after her. "Tenchi." Ayeka said in a quiet voice. Tenchi stopped at the door. "But, we have to find her. Who knows where she'll go, or what she'll do?" Tenchi said, turning towards Ayeka. "Tenchi." Ayeka said again. She looked up at him with pleading eyes. Her face was washed in sadness. Tenchi then walked back and sat next to Ayeka. "Just let her go for now, Tenchi. She needs to work out her feelings. I suppose this had to happen sooner or later. Oh, Ryoko. I hope our friendship can survive this." Ayeka said, moving into Tenchi's embrace. "I hope she's alright. I suppose she just needs time alone right now." They both sat, holding each other in silence.
On the far side of the lake, Ryoko appeared. Tears were still pouring out of her eyes. 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 could I have said to cause you to run to Ayeka instead of me? Is it that I'm too obnoxious, or is it that I'm just not pretty enough? God, why did this have to happen?'
Ryo-oki then scurried up to Ryoko. Seeing the tears in her eyes, Ryo-oki patted her paw on Ryoko's hand as if to say 'What's wrong?' Ryoko then pick 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." Ryoko then held her close to her chest and gently rubbed her cheek against Ryo-oki's soft furry face. Ryo- oki returned the affection by leaning into it like a cat. Ryoko's tears had subsided and she drifted off to sleep, as did Ryo-oki.