The Love of Evil
Chapter 3
By Moony

Ayeka took a deep breath as Tsugaru stood by her side. She felt she had more strength with him beside her. She saw everyone outside waiting for her to come out of her ship. It warmed her heart just seeing them again. Tsugaru looked down at her and gave her an assuring smile. The doors open and Ayeka stepped out.

"Ayeka!" Sasami cried and ran to her. She hugged her older sister tight.

"Hello, Sasami," Ayeka said, her voice was failing her. She looked up at Tenchi. Ryoko was standing beside him. Ayeka sighed inwardly. Maybe that was what was supposed to be Ryoko with Tenchi. That didn't matter now. She had to tell them. "I have some terrible news. I believe that we should go inside and I will explain everything." Everyone exchanged confused and worried glances as they followed Sasami inside the house. They sat down at the table. Ayeka took one last deep breath before she tried to speak.

"I got a message from the Galaxy Police..."

"Oh, did you talk to Mihoshi and Kiyone?" Sasami interrupted. Ayeka closed her eyes bowed her head. Tsugaru touched her shoulder.

"Ayeka, what's going on?" Tenchi asked.

"Kiyone and Mihoshi's ship was destroyed," Ayeka stated as tears felled her eyes.

"Oh, no!" Are they alright?" Sasami asked.

"I don't know. They were on the ship when it exploded." Everyone in the room gasped.

"I'm checking this out for myself!" Washu said. "I believe you, Ayeka, but I want to do some investigation."

Ayeka nodded, "I was counting on you." Washu smiled and nodded, then walked out of the room.

"I'll kill who ever did this!" Ryoko whispered in a growl as she balled her hands into a fist. "Who was it?"

"The Space Pirate, Ryuichi."

"No!" Ryoko cried. "Not even I could kill him! What made them think that they could... Oh!" Ryoko put her face in her hands. "The fools."

"Then we'll get him now, together," Tenchi said and stood up.

"No!" Ayeka stood up. "He's the most powerful evil in the Galaxy. You won't be able to do it and we don't really know if they got off the ship or not. Please Tenchi, Ryoko. Can we please wait until we hear what Washu has to say. If you're going to do anything lets do it when we have all the information. We're much stronger that way!"

"Yeah! Listen to her!" Sasami cried.

"Okay we'll wait, but not for long. That slime bag is going to pay!" Ryoko said and sat back down.

"I would like to go for a walk," Ayeka sighed and stood up. Tsugaru stood up beside her. "We will be back in time for dinner."

"I want to come with you, Ayeka," Tenchi said. She looked back at him.

"No, stay here. It's where you belong," Ayeka replied and left. Tenchi watched Ayeka and Tsugaru walk off.

'Poor Ayeka,' Sasami thought and held onto Ryo-Ohki. 'She's giving up on Tenchi.'

"What's her deal? She's acting like a different person and who's that guy?" Ryoko said.

"That's Tsugaru, he will be Ayeka's adviser and closest confidante. I remember over hearing Mother and Father discussing an arranged marriage between the two. Now I think they are just hoping the two fall in love on their own time," Sasami said.

"Well, I don't think they have to worry about Tsugaru. He looks like he's already in love with her," Ryoko sighed.

"Yeah," Tenchi said to himself, which got him a sideways look from Ryoko.

* * * *

"Ayeka, why didn't you tell me Earth was so lovely?" Tsugaru smiled.

"I tried," Ayeka replied. "You wouldn't believe me."

"Then I am a fool," Tsugaru said. The two sat on the bank of the pond. Tsugaru took Ayeka's hand. She looked at him. He glanced back at the pond. "Do you really believe you will be able to defeat him?"

"Together we can, but we will need you too," Ayeka sighed.

"I will be by your side."

"Thank you." Ayeka leaned her head on Tsugaru's shoulder and watched the sun set. Tsugaru put his arm around her shoulder.

"Don't worry Ayeka. We'll take care of this problem and everything will be fine," Tsugaru promised.

"I know, but I don't want to leave this place..."

"You must, unless you denounce the crown."

"I would never bring my family that shame." She paused, "like Yosho did,"

"Any you will marry for the same reasons... Ayeka, if you love Tenchi why don't you tell him?" Tsugaru asked.

"Because, he and Ryoko are to be together… and you and I are to be together."

"Is that what you want?"
"No," Ayeka answered honestly. "It is what I need. I need you Tsugaru." Tsugaru squeezed her tighter.

"And I need you, my princess." Ayeka sighed and closed her eyes. She had done it. She had chosen her destiny, Tsugaru. Tenchi would remain in her heart forever, but she would forever remain in Tsugaru's arms.

* * * *

"Ayeka!" Ryoko yelled up the stairs. Ayeka appeared at the top of them.

"Yes Ryoko?" Ayeka asked. Ryoko disappeared and reappeared in Ayeka's face.

"I need to talk to you," Ryoko explained.

"Alright, come into my room," Ryoko followed Ayeka. Ryoko stepped in.

"Where's what's his name?" Ryoko asked and looked around.

"He's down stairs with Sasami. The two adore each other."

"What's wrong with you Ayeka? You've not been acting like your usual snooty self." Ayeka had to hold in her anger. She knew fighting with Ryoko was pointless.

"I've made my decision, Ryoko. You get Tenchi. You win," Ayeka sighed. Ryoko's mouth dropped.

"Is this because of Tsugaru?" Ryoko asked.

"Well, yes and no. He wants me and Tenchi doesn't, besides it would be very selfish to try and take Tenchi from you with Tsugaru by my side."

"But Tenchi doesn't want me either," Ryoko replied.

"I think it would help if I wasn't here, but if you feel that way, do you think it's worth it chasing after him?" Ryoko sat down on Ayeka's bed.

"I don't know..." Ryoko whispered.

"Don't give up on him so soon, Ryoko, like I have. You are much better for him. You bring him more life. You light up everything you do. Trust me, Ryoko. He will care about you, if he doesn't already," Ayeka smiled and touched Ryoko's shoulder. Neither one of them could believe they were sharing a friendly moment.

"You've changed, Ayeka," Ryoko said. "I don't know if I like it or not."

"I guess that's what happens when a princess becomes a queen," Ayeka replied. "Now lets go down stairs. We have to make a plan to get Ryuichi."

"Yeah, this time we'll show no mercy," Ryoko said with a clinched fist. "He'll get his pay back ten folds."

* * * *

Ryuichi was repairing his ship. The next battle would be a little more intense. Ayeka and Tsugaru both had the power of Jurai and they would prove to be admirable enemies. If Tenchi and Ryoko were together they would be even stronger than Ayeka and Tsugaru. He would have to keep all of them apart, but how...

* * * *

Washu sat in her lab. "I see..." She whispered, reading her monitor. "He's of Jurai heritage... Ayeka's brother... could he be the real heir to Jurai?"


NOTE: not much to say. Hope you like it. Review please.