I've just beat Lord of the Rings--The Two Towers video game for Nintendo Game cube. And with my favorite character Legolas no less! He is the coolest archer ever! Sorry, got a little side tracked. Back to my story. Fifty hits and two reviews. Very depressing. And here I am with not one but two chapters(Although the second one is very short) for your reading enjoyment. Oh well. I guess I should expect this. After all this is not a Tenchi/Ryoko fic. Although Ryoko is my favorite character, Ayeka seems better suited for Tenchi. Well enough of my opinions, onto the story.

Chapter 2--Not all is as it seems

Light years away, aboard the Akuna, the Masaki household had gathered in the common room. For there was little to do on their way back to earth but sit and wait. Even the lights that radiated above could lighten the mood that hovered in the air like smoke.

Tenchi stood away from the group, near the far wall, his head lowered and his eyes closed Like the rest of the clan, Tenchi felt uneasy about Ryan going alone to Calbon. He had become part of the family and it didn't seem right form the kenshin to be on his own without the support of his friends. The crown prince missed the advice Ryan gave to him. It always seemed to help him in whatever crisis he faced. Tenchi smiled as the last words he spoke with the kenshin ran through his mind.

Follow you heart Tenchi. It will lead you to the truth.

"My heart." Tenchi murmured, turning slightly. His soft brown eyes fell upon Ayeka who sat on the beige sofa along the left side of the room, a small blue book open in her hand. Beside her Sasami slept peacefully , her dainty feet resting upon Ayeka's lap.

Tenchi's features softened. His heart led him to Ayeka. She was the missing part of his life. She made him complete. And yet his mind was troubled. The issue of Jurai bit at him like an annoying horsefly. Now matter how he tried to swat it away, it returned with a vengeance. He had to choose what he wanted, who he wanted to be. He wanted to be with Ayeka. Wanted to marry her, raise a family together. He pictured his future with the princess. He saw a small boy with black hair and maroon eyes running circles around a giggling Ayeka. The boy stopped suddenly and started ahead. Tenchi saw himself, older, wiser perhaps, crouching down with his arms outstretched.

"Daddy!" The boy cried, jumping into his arms.

Tenchi smiled. It was a good dream. One that he like to make into a reality. But in doing so, did he have to accept the crown? Take up the mantle and rule a planet he barely knew? Earth was his home. It was were he belonged. What he knew. Would Ayeka give up the throne for him? Yes she would. Why can't I do the same? What is this lingering doubt?

Tenchi felt a slender arm wrap around his waist.

"What are you thinking about Tenchi?" Ayeka whispered softly in his ear as she rested her chin on his shoulder.

The crown prince turned towards her, pulling her close to him with his left arm. "It is nothing Ayeka. Don't worry about me." Tenchi lied, brushing his lips against her forehead.

"But I do worry Tenchi. You seemed deep in thought and their was an ill look upon your face moments ago. So tell me my love, what troubles you?"

Tenchi gazed at her in amazement. "I thought you were reading a few minutes ago."

Ayeka favored him with a smile. "As a princess, I have learned to pay attention to more than one thing at a time, lest somebody tries to slip something by me or.." She paused, reaching up with her free hand to touch his face. "Hide something from me."

Tenchi gave a small sigh. He wanted to tell her, but now was not the right time. "Perhaps I'll tell you later. Away from all the prying eyes." He answered, cocking his head to the left.

Ayeka caught Yosho, Azaka, and Kamedaki staring at them with idiotic grins plastered on their faces. She narrowed her eyes. Azaka and Kamedaki turned away sheepishly, but Yosho seemed intent on watching them.

This was not lost on Tenchi as a sudden thought came unbidden to him. Reaching up, he pulled Ayeka's face up to him and kissed her full on lips. A surprised Ayeka returned the kiss briefly before breaking away in embarrassment.

"Tenchi.." She stammered surprise still on her face.

Ayeka face flushed as she looked back to find Yosho had fallen out of his seat, a shocked look upon his wizened face.

Tenchi chuckled at this and Ayeka's reaction and was rewarded with a slap on his shoulder.

"Ow." He cried, still laughing as Ayeka walked away. "Ayeka. Ayeka come back." Tenchi said chasing after the princess who plopped back down on the couch, grabbing her book forcefully of the coffee table, letting out a loud "Hmph." as she leaned back.

Tenchi leaned on the arm of the sofa. "Ayeka don't be mad. I just did that to see how grandfather would react." He paused looking over his shoulder. "He wasn't expecting that was he?"

Ayeka was not amused. "I don't feel comfortable expressing my feelings for you in front of all these people just yet Tenchi. Not like that anyway." She whispered back, her eyes still on the pages of her book.

"My love for you Ayeka does not diminish in the presence of others." Tenchi replied, studying her intently.

Ayeka lowered her book. "I know Tenchi. It's just that.. I'm new to this.. And I'm a little nervous."

Tenchi frowned. "Nervous about what?"

Ayeka blushed. "You know." She said softly looking downward.

"Oh." Tenchi managed, knowing exactly what she was talking about. Reaching down, the crown prince wrapped his hand around Ayeka's slender one.

The princess looked up at him.

"We will take our time Ayeka. One step at a time." Tenchi spoke, his features loving.

"I'm sorry if I embarrassed you." He added, bringing her hand up. He kissed it lightly before lowering it once more.

"I know." Ayeka replied, pulling reluctantly from Tenchi to move Sasami farther down on the sofa.

Tenchi sat down beside her and the two engaged in hushed tones, beyond the hearing of all except Ryoko, who sat some distance away in a cushioned chair, her arms crossed, her features neutral. She listened and watched the displays of affection with mixed feelings. On the one hand she was happy Tenchi and Ayeka had came together. On the other hand she couldn't help but feel jealous of their situation. Tenchi and Ayeka had each other while Ryoko was all alone. There was no one to comfort her, to hold her and whisper sweet nothings into her ear. No. Her love was millions of miles away doing what he felt was right.

Ryan had promised to return to her. But what if he didn't. What if.. Ryoko gave a slight shake of her head. No. She would see him again. She believed in him. Believed he could conquer What ever challenge came his way. And yet for some unknown reason, Ryoko felt uneasy. She couldn't explain it but she feared for Ryan. If only I could get a hold of him. Just to make sure everything is all right.

Ryoko stood up. Washu would know ho to contact him. With a smile, the former space pirate headed out the door, happy at the prospect of speaking to her beloved once more.

*******

Ryan stood inside an open hanger at Caladras provincial port where he had landed Nozomi a few minutes ago. He watched the technicians quickly going about their work inspecting and refueling his ship . Bored, Ryan turned away from the scene before him, squinting slightly as he walked outside into the midday sun. Once his eyes adjusted, Ryan looked around for some sign of Captain Valader. There was none. The kenshin turned around, focusing his vibrant blue eyes on the massive structures that stood in the background of the space port. Buildings as far as the eye could see, the noise emitted from the life that teemed within Caladras almost deafening. Millions of people on the move, shopping, working, living.

And here I am waiting as my life passes me by. Ryan thought glumly, closing his eyes as a strong gust of wind swirled around him, tossing his short dark hair about. God he hated this. Hated himself for his power. He wanted to be normal. Wanted to marry Ryoko and live happily ever after. But I'm living in a dream world. Ryoko and I will never have a normal life. Ryan thought in despair then gave an angry shake of his head, upset with himself for traveling down such a negative path. I will not think about this! I will not let my emotions get the best of me! He vowed, opening his eyes once more. Ryan turned his head slightly when he caught movement to his right. A slender man was walking methodically toward him. The kenshin recognized the gray uniform the man was wearing. It was Caladras provincial standard.

The man slowed his pace, confusion evident on his face as his dark eyes studied Ryan suspiciously.

Ryan looked down at his black T-shirt and blue jeans. Must be my outfit he's confused about. I am out of uniform. He thought in chagrin, turning completely around.

The officer's gaze fell upon a cylindrical device hanging loosely on Ryan's left hip. A kenshin's signature weapon. The confusion vanished. "You must be the kenshin." He said softly, stopping within in a few feet of the taller man.

Ryan nodded. "And you must be Captain Valader."

The captain stiffened, obviously prideful of his position. "I am. Sorry to have kept you waiting but I just now received word that you were here. Our men have been overworked since this crisis began a month ago. Our requests for Juraian troops have gone unheard. But now that you're here perhaps we can settle the strange circumstances surrounding our planet."

"What sort of circumstances?"

Valader drew in a breath, letting it out slowly. "The attacks within the other provincial borders have diminished. Now only villages within Caladras's borders have been hit."

Ryan frowned. "That makes no sense. Caladras has the least amount of farmland out of all fifty provinces. Why attack the villages. The informational disk made little mention of attacks on the population, only the crops and homes of the farmers."

The captain gave a nod. "Those were our initial reports. But since the last few days only villages have been attacked. Every night my men are on patrol. And every night these attacks take place where we are not. As if they know exactly where we're going to be. We have no clue as to how they're commencing their attacks or where they're base of operations is located. They simply appear and vanish like phantoms in the night."

"Have you performed sensor sweeps?"

"Numerous times, both on and off planet. All came back negative. Every trail leads to a dead end and frankly I'm sick of it."

Ryan's features were grim. "And Jurai offered no help?"

Valader shook his head. "None at all."

Ryan studied the captain for a few seconds before speaking. "Did the Juraian council give you a reason why your requests were denied?"

Valader gave a shrug. "I was told a greater threat existed against Jurai. We were told until it was resolved there was little that could be done for us."

Ryan frowned, sensing the anger in the older man. "I am sorry. I would have come sooner if I had known of your crisis. This is my home world after all."

Valader looked up at the kenshin. "You are from Tirith are you not?"

Ryan nodded, looking up into the sky. "It has been many years since I last visited my place of birth." He replied distantly, closing his eyes as he concentrated on his surroundings.

"Many things have changed since you've been gone kenshin. Things you may not like." He said softly.

Again Ryan nodded and after a few more seconds opened his eyes. "There is a reason why you could not retrieve information on your assailants." He began, looking down at the captain.

"What is it?" He asked.

Ryan shook his head. "I cannot say just yet, those responsible are hidden in shadow. But that will not deter me from finding them." He replied, his brow furrowing as he turned his head to the right. "Something happened last night. I sense a great emptiness from far away. The cries of the dead ring in my ears, crying out for justice." Ryan said softly, his features sorrowful as he pointed west of Caladras.

Valader dropped his gaze. "The city of Tanqual was attacked last night. Not much is left standing I'm afraid."

A sudden rage built up inside the kenshin. He had to know what happened and was in no mood to travel by ship. "Hang on." Ryan said suddenly, clasping onto Valader's right shoulder.

The captain's eyes widened as his field of vision became a white blur. In an instant the two men disappeared, only to reappear seconds later on a scorched piece of land as far as the eye could see. The scene looked like a war zone. The kenshin released the captain and walked cautiously forward, his angry eyes taking in the scene before him. Everything was gone. Where once shops and homes stood, now blackened mud lay. Who could do such a thing? Why? Images flooded Ryan's senses as he relived the last moments of the inhabitants lives. Darkness. People screaming. Bodies lying everywhere. Blood mixing with the rain that fell. Explosions rocked the ground mingling with the death cries from those struck by falling debris. And then a massive blast of energy struck, obliterating everything in it's path.

Ryan gritted his teeth, baring the onslaught of the past. I must focus harder! Ryan told himself harshly. I must find out who did this and bring them to justice!

A sudden stabbing pain ripped through the kenshin's mind, bringing him to his knees.

Ryan cried out, collapsing on the ground in absolute agony. The images intensified. Something was attacking his mind. An in an instant, he knew what it was. The dark presence he sensed earlier was behind it, trying to subdue him, to hurt him. Oh no you don't! Ryan thought angrily. With every ounce of strength, Ryan chased the evil out of his mind. The kenshin's breath came in short shaky bursts and it was sometime before he could open his eyes again. When he did he found Valader standing some distance away, his features frightened. Ryan struggled to get up. Valader rushed over and help him to his feet.

"What happened?" Valader asked, watching the kenshin warily.

Ryan let out a loud breath. "Something evil is at work here. It is not the destruction of crops the assailants are after."

Valader frowned. "What are they after?" He asked backing away from the younger man.

Ryan straightened. His features dark . And in a voice of utter conviction answered. "Me."