Notes: This continuity is from the OVA and takes place after OVA 1 and 2, ignoring the OVA's afterward (i.e. OVA's 3, 4, and 5). This mean's that the Tenchi characters will have their OVA (Ryo-Okhi) personalities and powers.

Ayeka woke up with a stiff back, messed up hair, and itching all over. For a minute, she didn't know where she was. Disoriented, she looked around the unfamiliar room, wondering why Sasami's futon was four feet off the ground. The veil of sleep was wearing off quickly, and Ayeka was starting to recognize where she was, remembering the events of yesterday. She combed through her hair, desperately trying to pull out the straws that got stuck there. Here she was, stuck on another planet, bound by some curse, in less than hospitable conditions. What a mess...and she had to sleep in a pile of HAY!

But...she dare not sleep on the bed, lest she disturbs the tentative peace between her and... that girl. Ayeka didn't know what to think about the girl, Louise if she remembered correctly. At first, she had a certain arrogance about her that ticked Ayeka off; this was one of the main reasons for the violent outburst last night. The girl's attitude reminded her so much of Ryoko's that she couldn't control herself. Adding the sheer tension of the moment created a deadly cocktail that could have ended in disaster. She was too ashamed afterward to come forward and ask for better accommodations.

There was also the matter of the inscriptions on her hands. It didn't hurt as much as it did before, but that didn't mean that it didn't make it any less ugly to look at. A tiny part of her fussed at how it would affect her skin, would it make it rougher, would it ruin her beauty? It seemed confined to her hand, so it should be fine, right? She couldn't scrub it off, as it appeared that it was burned into her skin. That brought to mind the other problem, the whole 'Familiar' situation that Louise kept talking about. The girl explained what it meant, but Ayeka didn't know exactly how it would pertain to her. What she got out of that conversation was that she was now Louise's pet, servant, slave, or something of that notion. Ayeka didn't like that one bit but didn't know what to do about it. She didn't know where this place was in relation to Jurai or Earth, so she couldn't contact her family or Washu, and she didn't think this was a rare occurrence here. The people here seemed unphased by what happened to her. And according to Louise, it seemed to be the norm. Now, that's not saying that she entirely trusted everything that came out of Louise's mouth. The girl could have just been mouthing off, but... she sounded sincere, and she seemed almost desperate for something.

Ayeka was startled out of her thoughts by a groan that came from the bed. She watched as Louise rose, rubbing the crust of sleep out of her eyes. The young girl looked out of it, reminding Ayeka of a drunk Ryoko (definitely not a drunk her). Ayeka decided to rise as well, though she stayed back; she didn't think their relationship was strong enough yet.

Louise's eyes finally landed on Ayeka standing in the corner. Ayeka saw how the young girl's eyes widened the moment they met hers. To diffuse a potentially unfavorable situation Ayeka opened her mouth to speak. However, the young girl beat her to it.

"You!" Louise said, fumbling with her sheets. Did she want something in there, or was she trying to get up? Her questions were answered when the girl got out the twig that she was waving in Ayeka's face yesterday. The girl turned and pointed it between Ayeka's eyes, a slight tremble in her hand. Looking past the wand, Ayeka noticed the light sheen of sweat on the young girl's face. She was scared; Ayeka frightened her so much last night that she didn't trust her. It stung Ayeka, to not be trusted. She was a princess, if her subjects could not trust her, then who could they turn to? To betray your people's trust is disgraceful; to do so would make her no better than a shameful pirate. As she came to this realization, regret flooded through Ayeka's veins; she had betrayed this girl's trust, in her personal dwelling no less. She needed to rectify this at once!

Before Louise could say anything else, Ayeka bowed her head. Bending at the waist to deepen her bow, Ayeka folded her hands in front of her with her palms facing outward to let the girl know that she had nothing in her hand. She hoped these gestures put the girl at ease and showed her that she was not malicious at heart. Ayeka didn't want her first impression to be one of terror. Though she couldn't deny that the girl was rather rude, that didn't excuse Ayeka's threat to her life.

Ayeka took a deep breath before saying, "I apologize for my crude behavior yesterday. I...know that due to this you have no reason to trust me. But, know that I mean you no harm. I won't hurt you." And I am truly sorry. Though Ayeka didn't say this out loud, she thought it really hard. She didn't expect a mere sorry would be enough to repair the damage to their relationship. Yet, it was a start.

The girl looked confused now. She lowered her stick just a bit so that it wasn't pointing directly between Ayeka's eyes anymore. Though it was still pointed at her, there was less fear there.

The girl opened and closed her mouth before speaking again, "H-h-huh? Y-y-you-you're...apologizing?" The girl seemed to struggle with something, eyes scrutinizing Ayeka's show of civility. The girl slowly inched off her bed before cautiously approaching Ayeka, the stick never leaving its target. Ayeka waited patiently as the girl circled her, though she couldn't help but feel a flash of irritation as the girl jabbed her twig into her back. Ayeka felt a shuddering gust of air on her back before she heard the girl speak, "Who...who are you?"

Ayeka answered, "My name is..."

The girl interrupted her, "No! I, I mean, I want to know your loyalties, do, did, was that apology sincere?!" Louise's voice appearing to get more confident as she continued to address Ayeka.

Ayeka didn't know why Louise was asking those questions. Her loyalty was to Jurai and Tenchi, and of course, her apology was sincere!

"My loyalty is to the crown of Jurai, and yes, my apology to you was sincere."

A pause, then Louise replied, "What's Jurai? Is it some backwater county in Germania, or somewhere near those accursed devils?" The girl jabbed the stick harder into Ayeka's back. Discomfort increasing Ayeka replied, "It's a planet in the Milky Way galaxy, its authority extends throughout the galaxy ."

"So, you come from the heavens?... Preposterous! Don't lie to me! You just come from some backwater village, you're just fabricating a story to get yourself out of trouble. Either that or you're delusional. I don't care, but understand this, your past loyalties don't matter anymore. You are loyal only to me, you understand! I am the Master, and you are the Familiar. We are bonded for life; you don't abandon me, threaten me, or betray me. In turn, I will provide for you, I'll give you privileges that a commoner could only dream of. All that you need to do is act like my Familiar!"

Ayeka was stunned; this was the same stunt that she was pulling yesterday! Demanding that Ayeka enslave herself to this young girl, abanding her family, her duties, her loyalties because of some strange inscriptions on her hand.

"And why," Ayeka's voice became deadly cold, "would I agree to that?"

Ayeka felt the stick dig further into her back, were her skin not as though as it was, Ayeka was sure that the stick would have drawn blood. She could feel the stick tremble; the girl was getting scared again.

"B-b-because, I-I-I need a familiar. I can only summon one, and that one was you. If, if I don't have a familiar, I will be expelled. I...I will have to go home and be groomed for bridal duties." The tremble was different this time, deeper, and for a second, Ayeka could have sworn that she heard a sniffle.

If I don't have a familiar I will be expelled

Be groomed for bridal duties

The girl's pleas struck a deep chord within Ayeka. She knew what it was like to be groomed for marriage. Set up to be Yosho's bride from a young age, then almost forced to leave Earth for an arranged marriage to that idiotic Seiryo Tennen. Back then, she had Tenchi to fight for her. But, did this girl have anyone to fight for her?

Ayeka was torn, on one hand, this girl was rude, arrogant, and had enslaved her against her will. However, on the other hand...Louise didn't appear to do it out of malicious intent. She was just a confused child, a confused child who wanted freedom. Was this the same reason that Yosho left? (That's why some hidden part of her, some part that even she wasn't aware of, that wanted to stay on earth, with that despicable space pirate, that bumbling police officer, and that deranged scientist. That part loved the simple life on earth, the...freedom. Though that part was buried deep inside the many layers that Ayeka wore over her heat.)

A beat passed, one, two, three...

Each moment moved like molasses, time had ground to a crawl as the princess made her decision.

"I accept."

"H-h-huh?" The little girl replied with frightened confusion. Ayeka could detect a faint trace of hope in the girl's tone.

"I said I accept. I accept your proposal; however, I will have some conditions of my own. "

"Hmm, go on." The girl didn't seem that interested.

"I will serve you, but you, in turn, must treat me with respect. I will respect your orders, and you will respect my dignity. If you try to force me to do anything embarrassing, demeaning, or something that's against my morals, I will not do it. I will leave, do you understand?"

Louise didn't respond for a long time. Her silence stretched on as Ayeka waited patiently for a response. The girl's wand was still pressed into Ayeka's back, though it wasn't as piercing as it was before.

"Very well, I agree to your 'conditions'," suddenly, a bell sounded in the distance. Louise gasped, "Oh no! I'm going to be late for breakfast!"

The girl abandoned her position behind Ayeka's back and ran to her dresser, worried by something. She shifted through the drawer before pulling out an outfit similar to the one she wore yesterday.

"Quickly, dress me!" Louise said, hand behind her, attempting to hand Ayeka the clothes.

Ayeka didn't move.

"Come on! I'm running out of time!"

Ayeka crossed her arms. She stated her terms, and she would abide by them.

"What's wrong with you!?" Louise finally turned around to face Ayeka.

"Say please."

"What?!"

"Say. Please."

Ayeka watched as Louise's face fell. Desperation painted Louise's features as her eyes darted between Ayeka and the window. Ayeka could see sweat form on the girl's forehead as she considered what Ayeka said. Ayeka maintained her steadfast resolve in their contract from earlier. Already, it seems, the girl has forgotten her promise. Things were already going poorly in their relationship, and they haven't even gotten out of the room!

Ayeka was starting to feel the pangs of hunger in her gut. She missed lunch and dinner yesterday. She missed lunch because she was transported here before she could enjoy Sasami's heavenly cooking. And dinner because on this alien planet, she didn't know where the kitchen was. Because of this, Ayeka was famished. She was practically drooling at the thought of a bowl of rice. But her stubbornness won out in the end.

The girl was struggling, her rudeness warring with the desire for food. Ayeka caught her between a rock and a hard place; she couldn't have done better if she planed it out.

"F-f-f-f-f-fine. Have it your way."

"And." Ayeka tapped her foot.

"And?"

Ayeka tapped her foot even harder, giving the girl a look that she hoped came across as 'Don't even attempt to pull this on me.'

The girl worriedly studied Ayeka's face, trying to find some other meaning there that would get her out of keeping her promise.

"P-p-p-puh."

There was a start of something.

"P-p-p-p-puh, p-p-please?"

Close enough. Ayeka gave her points for trying.

Ayeka moved over to Louise before taking the clothes from her hands. The outfit looked like those quaint little school outfits from Earth, the ones that Sasami fancies. Not that Sasami ever seriously wore them other than for novelty reasons, and Ayeka never had to dress Sasami; she was old enough to dress on her own. This brought to question how old was Louise; she seemed to be Sasami's age, yet she acted like an unruly toddler. Ayeka glanced over to Louise, who had her arms raised above her head expectantly. Ugh.

Ayeka daintily put the shirt over the girl's head, ensuring that her head and arms went in their respective slots. She then went to put on the socks, something that disgusted Ayeka, but she did anyway to keep their relationship civil. That didn't mean that she had to completely put it on. Ayeka rolled the sock up before placing it in front of the girl's foot. There was a pause as the girl waited for Ayeka to put the sock on her foot, and Ayeka waited for the girl to move her foot so that Ayeka could pull it the rest of the way.

Louise looked down at Ayeka, letting out a growl of displeasure, but Ayeka didn't budge. The girl finally decided that food was more important than her ego and moved her foot. Ayeka then pulled the sock up the rest of the way, the same routine was done on the other foot.

There was a bit of a scuffle when putting on her shoes. Ayeka insisted that Louise could do it on her own, but the girl maintained the position that Ayeka must do it. Ayeka was starting to think that there was something wrong with the girl. It was clear the girl could walk and function like a normal being, yet she instead that something as simple as putting on her shoes be done by someone else. But, eventually, Louise got frustrated; with a "Hmph," and a huff, the girl violently put on her shoes and raced to the door. Ayeka followed. Ayeka didn't know the layout of this building, and she was getting rather hungry by now. She concluded it in her best interest to follow the girl to gather important information.

Ayeka and the girl raced through the strange stone halls. Ayeka tried to memorize the route, but they were moving so fast that Ayeka wasn't so sure that she could accurately retrace her steps. Soon, they entered a large ballroom, not a vast as those in Jurai, but it was decent enough. There was a long table in the center with children lining the sides. There was delicious food in the center that made Ayeka's stomach growl, already her mouth was watering at the sight.

As soon as they entered, whispers erupted throughout the hall. Glances were sent their way as kids leaned further to get a better look at them, or rather Ayeka. Ayeka knew that she was a beautiful woman, and as the princess of Jurai, she was used to receiving a lot of attention, especially from courtiers. However, these children were far too young for Ayeka to take them seriously. Their stares mostly annoyed her.

Ayeka kept her head high as she followed Louise to a place at the table.

Ayeka pulled out a chair next to Louise and sat down. Another young girl in different clothing from the ones sitting at the table came over with a tray of food, a servant probably. She set down a splendid meal for Louise while she set down...colored water and rock for Ayeka. Ayeka couldn't help but stare at her 'food' if it could even be called food. Ayeka looked at Louise's meal before looking at everybody else's. Ayeka couldn't help but feel a little bit cheated, no, more than cheated, ripped off. Everyone had a splendid meal except for her. Weren't guests supposed to be treated well? Apparently not on this planet.

Louise and the other children put their hands together in earthen style prayer before they all said, "Oh, Great Founder Brimir, we thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided us." HUMBLE?! The only person with a humble meal here was her. And calling her meal humble was being too generous.

Ayeka tugged Louise's sleeve, "Excuse me, but where is my food?"

"Hmph, you already have your food."

"This is my food? You must be joking."

"Nonsense, this should be enough for a commoner like you." Ayeka thought they already got over this.

"This garbage could barely feed an insect, the water's dirty, and that rock is going to break my teeth. What about the others, you have enough good food made," Ayeka gestured to the others around the table, "I don't see why you can't spare anything for me that isn't glorified waste product."

"How dare you question me Familiar!" Louise stood up to confront Ayeka, though the little girl's head barely got past Ayeka's hips. The Louise that was confronting her now was different from the Louise in the room. It was as if any kindness or propriety was completely swallowed up by rudeness.

"Having trouble with your familiar Louise," a sultry voice said.

It somewhat reminded Ayeka of the silky voice that Ryoko would use when she would try to seduce Tenchi. Though, Ryoko's voice was rougher than this girl was. No, she was more than a girl; she looked like a young woman, with flowing red hair that reminded Ayeka of Washu and tan skin similar to Mihoshi's. Her uniform couldn't contain the woman's bust size, and Ayeka could see a cleavage that could rival Ryoko's or Mihoshi's. (Ayeka couldn't help but feel a wave of jealously, as she wasn't as developed like many of the women at the Masaki household, or her mother.)

"Stay out of this, Zerberst!"

"Really Zero, it one thing to come to breakfast late, but to be unable to control some simple commoner. You truly are a Zero." A blond boy said.

"Come now, Louise." The redhead said. She sauntered over to Ayeka and Louise, "At least your familiar is still functioning after the first day. We were all afraid that your commoner would run away once they realized the hazards weren't worth the money."

"Money!? Are you saying that I paid someone to be my familiar?" Louise said.

"Well, that's what's been going around the school. I, for one, think that's totally absurd."

"Huh? Really?"

"Of course, after all, the familiar reflects the master. And a commoner would fit you perfectly. They're so bland and ordinary, why just look at my wonderful Flame! She is an exemplary example of what a familiar should be."

The redhead, Kirche? motioned over to her side where a red reptile was standing. It looked up to the woman before letting out a blast of flame that startled Ayeka. Ayeka wasn't expecting that, though she shouldn't have been so surprised. After all, there were many strange creatures in the galaxy, what's to stop there from being a fire-breathing lizard. Didn't they have legends of such on Earth?

"Get that oversized candle lighter out of my face! Just leave me and my familiar alone." Louise said. Her exclamation was followed by a stomping of her foot and a pout on her face.

By this point, Ayeka had had enough of this whole debacle. She was hungry, insulted, homesick, and just wanted to violently smash her head into a pillar to get rid of their incessant, annoying, arrogant voices. Seeing that bashing her head into a pillar would hurt a lot, and Ayeka wasn't too keen on that, she settled for the next best thing.

Ayeka got out of her seat. Ignoring the two bickering children, she made her way to the nearest exit. She left the room with the sound of Louise's cries of indignation and a rising chorus of jeers and taunts biting at her heels. Ayeka didn't want to leave the room so improperly, but those hooligans didn't deserve any of her royal elegance.

Ayeka walked through the unfamiliar corridors once again but this time there was no one to guide her. Ayeka decided that this would be her first priority; who knows how badly she could get lost in these empty halls, starving and thirsting away.

Ayeka's search proved fruitful, as, after some time, she found someone. A young woman that looked like she was Ayeka's age. She had short black hair and was wearing the same uniform as the servants. Well, beggars can't be choosers, and the servants seemed far more polite than those children in the ballroom were. (Not that that surprised Ayeka, most servants were more polite. Though, this could have been due to her royal status, though Tenchi was polite.)

Ayeka cleared her throat, "Excuse me, miss."

The girl turned to face Ayeka, surprise evident in her light blue eyes.

"Yes?"

Ayeka bowed slightly, "May you direct me to the kitchens? I'm new here and am quite lost."

"Oh! Right, this way, miss. I was actually going there myself."

"Why, thank you!" Ayeka replied.

Ayeka followed the girl in relative silence for a while. As they walked further down the hall, Ayeka was starting to notice differences in the structures. While she was in the ballroom and the surrounding area, the architecture had far more style and quality than where she was walking to now. It was more humble, with simple stone blocks that were dull in comparison to what she had seen so far. It was like being in the Jurai royal palace one minute before being instantly teleported to the Masaki house. The difference in quality was so stark and jarring that Ayeka had to wonder about the state of the class system here. Was there such a gap between classes that there was nothing in between? That you were either one or the other?

Ayeka glanced to the side at her companion. The girl had a smile on her face as she led Ayeka to the kitchens. She was really a pretty girl. Ayeka could see the Jurain men being awed by her exotic beauty. This thought brought to mind her Father and Funaho, while Ayeka loved Funaho dearly and considered her a mother, Ayeka couldn't help but perceive an aching sadness around Funaho. Some silent ache of something lost, something sacrificed that hurt dearly.

Ayeka chose not to dwell on those thoughts. They were thoughts for another time. Ayeka was brought back to the present by a question from her companion.

"I'm sorry, but I never got your name."

"Ayeka, my name is Ayeka."

This was the first time someone asked her for her name.

"And what is yours?" Ayeka said.

"Oh! My name is Siesta. I'm a maid here at the Academy. I haven't seen you around; are you new?"

"Yes, I was transported here by one of the students."

"Oh my, are you the familiar that Miss Louise summoned?!"

Really now, does everyone here only see her as an object? Ayeka's irritation became visible in her twitching eyebrow, though she tried her hardest to hide it.

"Yes, indeed I am."

"You are the talk of the whole school. No student has ever summoned a human as a familiar! At least, none that I've heard of, though... I haven't been here very long."

Ayeka could recognize the shameful look and fidgeting hands as a sign of the girl's uncomfortableness. Ayeka herself felt uncomfortable with this conversation as well. In the interest of the ease of both parties. Ayeka decided to try to steer the conversation elsewhere from the awkwardness the moment made.

"Could you tell me more about this place, Tristan, I believe. As you know, I am new here, and I haven't gotten the chance to learn my way around. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated."

Siesta immediately brightened. With a smile on her face, she told Ayeka all about this new land. By the time that they reached the kitchens, Ayeka felt like she had a better understanding of where she was and how this planet's system and history worked.

"And so this 'Founder Brimir' created the mage system that you have today?" Ayeka said.

"Yes, he is the reason this school exists."

Siesta motioned over to a simple wooden table. It wasn't as grand or shiny as the one that Ayeka was at before, but it would do. Ayeka sat down as Siesta went to get some food. Ayeka thought about helping her, but, Ayeka reasoned that she didn't know her way around the kitchen. She could be causing more harm than good if she tried to intervene. Maybe she should ask?

"Do you need any help?"

"No, no, I'm fine. You don't need to trouble yourself."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course! This is my job, after all, and you are a guest. It would be rude of me to make you do my duty." Siesta said.

Ayeka felt a pang of homesickness at these words. Siesta placed a plate of steaming food in front of her. The soup that Siesta gave to her was much better than what was served to her in the hall. She could see the pieces of meat and vegetables floating inside, larger and much more prominent. It smelled absolutely delicious. Ayeka could feel slava forming in her mouth as she gazed at her prize. The bread was soft too, not like the tooth break rock that was served to her before.

Ayeka dug into the meal with vigor, temporarily forgetting her manners as a princess in her haste to fill her stomach as quickly a possible.

Finished, Ayeka set her spoon down, sighing in satisfaction as her hunger was finally sated.

Ayeka glanced to the side, noticing that Siesta hadn't moved since she set Ayeka's meal in front of her. She's a servant, Ayeka realized. She's not supposed to move until you dismiss her. But, Ayeka didn't want to treat Siesta as a servant.

Ayeka stood up and picked up her plate. She could see the signs of surprise forming on Siesta's face, though the girl was doing a good job at hiding it.

"Would you mind showing me where you clean the dishes?" Ayeka said.

"Oh! You don't need to trouble yourself, Miss Ayeka. I can clean them for you."

"Please, I've already been such a bother. It the least I can do to repay the kindness you've shown me."

Ayeka could see the trepidation in Siesta's face as she chewed one of her fingernails. Siesta's eyes darted to and fro, looking at Ayeka before glancing to the side. Finally, Siesta sighed; motioning over to the side with her hand, she led Ayeka to the kitchen. The sink here was rather primitive. But considering what Ayeka had seen so far, it was logical to conclude that they weren't as advanced in technology as Earth. Or anywhere near Jurai for that matter.

Ayeka scrubber her plate thoroughly. Paying close attention to assure that there were no microscopic pieces of food left on the plate. Plate washing wasn't her specialty. But a princess must be perfect in everything that they do, and that includes dishwashing. Sasami did it all the time, and if Sasami could do it, then so could she.

Ayeka held the plate out in front of her, admiring her work. She could see her reflection on the plate, it was cleaned so thoroughly. Light bounced off its shiny surface as Ayeka looked on with pride. Another job finely done, as expected from the first princess of Jurai.

Ayeka turned around to face Siesta, a smile on her face but stopped upon seeing Siesta's expression. It was weird; her eyes were wide with surprise, yet one side of her mouth was quirked upwards, and Ayeka could see one of Siesta's eyebrows twitching.

"Ehhhhhhhhhh..."

"Is, is there something wrong?" Ayeka asked.

"N-n-nothing."

Siesta gasped, suddenly distracted by something. Looking out the window for a minute, Siesta turned back to face Ayeka.

"I'm sorry, but I have to go. I have to serve the student's midday tea."

"Let me help," Ayeka said.

"Oh no! I couldn't let you trouble yourself with my responsibilities."

"Please," Ayeka took Siesta's hands into hers, "you given up much of your time for me. It's only fair that I repay your kindness."

Siesta gazed shyly at Ayeka. She looked down at her hands, which were still in Ayekas's own, before meeting Ayeka's eyes once again. Siesta demurely smiled and nodded.

"Alright."

Ayeka responded with a smile of her own.

Besides, Ayeka thought, It's not like I have anything else to do.

Ayeka set a cup of tea in front of another student. The young man didn't even glance at her as he took a sip from the cup. Ayeka sighed and went to serve to the next person. This was the typical response of many of the students when Ayeka gave them their tea. A few gave a light thanks, but many just went about their business. Even she thanked the servants when they served her something, it was just common courtesy! The younger ones weren't as bad about it, but it seems that as they get older, they get ruder. Maybe this is why Louise is such a boor.

A commotion startled Ayeka out of her thoughts. It was between a table full of boys and...was that Siesta? Siesta was giving something to a blond boy who was trying vehemently to reject it to the jeers of his companions.

"Isn't that Momorency's?"

"Yea, what is it doing there?"

"Be quiet!" The blond exclaimed, "Get away from me maid!"

A young well endowed blond woman was starting to walk towards them. She had voluptuous hair that reminded Ayeka vaguely of a drill, and her blue eyes were narrowed with a hint of fury.

"What is going on here, Guiche?" The blonde girl said.

"N-n-nothing dear Monmon. This servant girl was just returning something of yours to me." The blond boy, Guiche said.

"Isn't that my perfume?"

"Y-y-y-eeessss."

"Why would a servant girl find it, did you lose it?"

"Y-y-yes, Yes! I lost it, I dropped it somewhere, that's it!"

Monmon narrowed her eyes.

"Are you sure that's all Guiche? You didn't give it to someone else, did you?"

"Of course not! Of course not, my dear Monmon; you're the only one for me!"

A gasp interrupted this exchange. It came from a brown-haired girl who just entered the courtyard. There was the start of tears in her eyes as she gazed upon the two blonds.

"Lord...Lord Guiche." Ayeka could hear the pain in the brown-haired girl's voice.

"K-k-Katie, it-it's not what you think!"

"Oh really!" The blond girl interrupted.

"MonMon, wait..."

"You two-timing swine! You've been seeing another woman behind my back!"

"Wait..."

The brown-haired girl let out a loud cry. With a sniffle, Katie left the grounds in tears.

"Wait! Katie!" Guiche cried. But before he could rise, the blond girl struck his face.

"I HATE YOU!"

At this, the blond turned with a swish of her blond hair and stormed out of the courtyard. Stunned silence flowed in her wake.

Ayeka couldn't believe the drama that just unfolded in front of her. The nerve of that boy! She couldn't blame the girls for their reactions, he was asking for it!

The blond boy rubbed the side where he was struck. He seemed to still be in shock.

His eyes narrowed before turning to face Siesta once more.

"You stupid maid! How dare you cause those two beautiful ladies to cry."

Ayeka couldn't believe this; now he was trying to blame his problems on Siesta!

"I-I-I." Siesta couldn't even reply. The poor girl was shaking in fear.

"I'll make sure you are punished for your crimes!"

He made to grab Siesta's hand. But by this point, Ayeka had had enough. She would not let this go any further!

Ayeka ran across the courtyard and stood in front of Siesta, holding out her arm to keep Siesta behind her and to ward off any blows. The blond boy gazed at Ayeka in surprise.

"Enough, cease this at once!"

The boy looked shocked.

"And who are you to command me?!"

Another boy from the crowd piped up. "Hey, isn't that Zero's familiar?"

"Yea," another person chimed in, "what's she doing here?"

"Enough!" The blond boy said. Straightening up to his full height (which was still much shorter than Ayeka's), the boy tried to strike an intimidating pose.

"Listen here, Familiar of Zero, that servant there has offended the honor of two beautiful young ladies. She must be duly punished, not like a barbarian as you can understand. So get out of the way!"

"No."

The boy stepped backed a little, stunned. He tried desperately to regain his composure.

"H-h-how dare you! Do you know who I am?! I am Guiche Garmont, son of the famous general! And you would dare challenge me!"

Ayeka narrowed her eyes, "I frankly don't care who you are, what your father is, or how terribly you solve your problems. You will not lay a hand on Siesta."

That Guiche boy was furious now. He violently reached into his shirt and pulled out a rose with a flourish. Holding the rose in front of his face, he made a wide gesture with his other hand.

"Very well then, I challenge you to a duel!"

Ayeka gazed straight into the boy's eyes.

"I accept."

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