"Tenchi Muyo!" and all characters herein are the property of Pioneer and
AIC, save those created by the author. KISS is the property of Gene
Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Mercury Records. "I Still Love You" is
copyright Paul Stanley. This work if a fanfic, is not for profit, and does
not express the views of Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Mercury Records,
Pioneer, or AIC. The views expressed herein are solely those of the
author.
Tenchi Muyo! We Are One Special Edition by William R. Nichols Jr.
Dedication: To all of those serving to protect our freedoms at home and abroad: thank you. Also to Joy Story: thank you for your enthusiasm and support.
Prelude: The Fallen
"Stay away!" screamed the damned soul as he ran for his life. He gasped for each breath as the walls of his future tomb passed in dark blurs. His legs pumped harder and harder as he tried to distance himself from the demon that pursued him. The methodical clomp of the demons iron heel echoed in stark contrast to his frantic footfalls.
"By the name of the goddess' stay away!" he pleaded tripping over his blue and scarlet robes. The dark mass of the demon lurked closer and closer, a deep fire burning in its chest. Its emerald eyes cast a pallid glow to its face as it emerged from the shadows.
"The goddess'?" laughed the demon. "Do not evoke their name in my presence." The damned soul cowered beneath the hulking mass of the demon. His wicked grin broke his black lips to bare his fanged teeth.
"Do not call for the goddess,' he sneered, "Because it was they who sent me."
"..." The demon smiled as his prey realized him. The Avenger. The Slaughterer. The Reviler. He was the Devourer of the Damned. He was the Culler of Souls. He was Death Incarnate, in its purest and coldest form.
"Goddess' no," he whimpered.
"Oh yes indeed!" The poor wretch tried to scurry away from the demon, hurling profanities and uttering prayers as he tried to escape the beast's wrath.
"Prayers to them and to me!" mused the demon. "How nice." As the condemned backed up against the wall the demon clutched the hilt of his blade. The fire in its chest burned brighter.
"Please no, please I beg of thee," the poor soul whimpered. The demon only laughed evilly as he prepared to drive his blade home. The condemned soul covered his eyes as a flash of blue and crimson light came from behind the demon.
"You!" the demon rasped, turning to the intruders.
"This ends here," spoke one of the intruders.
"I concur," spoke the other. Summoning their power they began to banish the demon.
"She will not allow this!" screamed the demon as the fabric of his being was pulled into the nexus. "You will pay most dearly for this!" he screamed as the dimensional rift sealed.
Ever grateful but confused, the demons would be victim took a knee before the ladies. "I thank thee," he began before he fell over.
"Sleep child. This is not for mortal eyes." The other nodded while a third figure appeared in front of them.
"I am not pleased with this," said the new comer.
"It had to be done."
"He was out of control."
"You did not have my consent," retorted the new comer.
"It was for the greater good." The new comer frowned and faded away. A moment of silence passed before one spoke out again.
"She will hold this against us," said the blue tressed one.
"I know," replied the one with crimson locks. "I must leave. I cannot take this any longer."
"Sister," began the other as her compatriot was enveloped in swirling light. "Take care."
"I shall."
Washu woke up in a cold sweat. Rubbing her temples she looked at her chronometer: 03:47 local time. She switched off her computer and opened the portal leading to her bedroom.
'Just a nightmare,' she thought curling up in her bed. 'Just a nightmare.'
Chapter one: All Good Things...
Five years have come to pass since the Masaki household was turned upside down by its visitors from outer space. In that time they have shared many adventures and heartbreaks. Together they have saved not only the earth, but also the entire galaxy on several occasions. They have traversed time and alternate realities. Countless fond memories have been created and many a tender moment shared among this unlikely family. But as all good things, these times must also come to an end.
It was pleasant summer day in the mountain valley cradling the Masaki house. To say it was perfect would be cliché, but appropriate. Life was busy for the occupants of the cozy little house. Some were doing housework while others worked in the yard and fields. They were all comfortable in their daily routines. But for one this comfort was only fleeting. Her fears were coming to be despite her best efforts otherwise.
Ayeka sat down on the couch and watched the wind play through the trees. She loved the trees on the earth. To her they were just as beautiful as those on Jurai. Her time was short on this planet, and each day she dreaded the next. With a sighed she looked up to the rafters above. Her long time rival and newfound friend was cat napping. A half smile slid across he face as the tail on Ryoko's yellow and blue striped dress dangled from its sleeping master. She couldn't be mad at Ryoko. If anything she was jealous. Ayeka sighed deeply and slipped out of the house. She needed someone to talk to, and she knew just whom that would be.
Ayeka Jurai walked up the steps of the Masaki shrine as she had done countless times before. But this time she walked more slowly than usual. Despite her best efforts it was becoming clearer each day that Tenchi was falling in love with Ryoko, even though he had not formally declared so as of yet. It was beyond her comprehension how Tenchi could love that demon woman. Ryoko was brash, arrogant and forward: the direct opposite of herself.
By birthright he should be hers, but by his heart he was someone else's. She bowed respectfully as she entered the shrine and walked to Katsuhito's office. She knocked on the door, hoping that he would be in.
"Come in Ayeka," replied Katsuhito from within. She slid the door open and entered. "Please join me for some tea," he offered as she kneeled by the low table.
"Lord Katsuhito," began Ayeka trembling, " there is a matter that I wish to discuss with you."
"I see my dear," he replied as he sat down his teacup. "I have an inkling of what you wish to discuss with me." As he finished Ayeka broke down into tears. She just could not contain her emotions any longer.
"You know of my feelings for Lord Tenchi..." she began only to falter off.
"I do," answered Katsuhito sipping his tea. "And he does not return the same feelings?"
"Tenchi has not openly admitted to this but it is painfully obvious."
"Why painful my dear?" inquired Katsuhito.
"Because every man I love forsakes me! Why?" she sobbed as she buried here face into her hands. "Lord Tenchi, as your grandson should be mine by noble birthright, but, but..." she stammered.
"But he has fallen in love with Ryoko." Ayeka's silence answered for her.
"I have lost."
"My dear Ayeka, the point in this matter is that you have not lost at all." Ayeka looked up, surprised by his words. "You have spent five wonderful years here on this planet with Tenchi. You have grown together and shared many fond memories. He is grown now as are you, and it is up to you to decide for yourselves which is the right path to follow. Follow your heart now Ayeka." With that Katsuhito stood up and walked to the window.
"The time is nearing for you to return to Jurai. Do not leave this place with hate in your heart."
Ayeka stood up and walked beside her brother. "My dear Yosho, you are right. I will respect Lord Tenchi's decision whatever it may be. I will not cause him any undo grief. He has loved us for so long and I must be happy in his happiness." With that she turned and left the shrine. Katsuhito watched her go and wondered what lay in the future. For some strange reason he had a feeling of dire apprehension.
"Some things never change," thought Tenchi as he wiped the sweat from his brow. He surveyed the family vegetable garden. Or should I say Ryo- Ohki's carrot garden. In his absence it had become somewhat disheveled, but it was nothing he could not fix.
For the past three years he had been attending the university in nearby Hiroshima. Going off to school was a pleasant diversion, but he missed his family at times. The city is nice, but it lacks the serene beauty of his home. Serene as along as Ryoko and Ayeka are not fighting, but that too has died down a bit. Just as he returned to his fieldwork he heard a familiar voice call his name.
The past few years had brought many changes for him. Being away from the girls constant bickering over him gave him time to think about his feelings for a change. And the more he did so the more comfortable he became with them. He knew that his decision would hurt one of the girls, but there was no way around it. It was a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation.
His epiphany came when he realized how selfish he was being. By trying to protect both of their feelings he was only really protecting his own, and causing them both undo grief. Since that day he began to show his feelings more openly towards his love, hoping to build things up gradually so that other would not be hurt as badly. As of yet it appeared to be a wise strategy.
"Whatcha doing Tenchi?" inquired Ryoko as she materialized behind him. A slight blush spread across his face as he felt her arms wrap around his chest. Some things never change.
"Just..." he stopped feeling her chin rest on his shoulder. He carefully twisted around inside her arms so that he could face her. He placed his arms around her waist and looked into her golden feline eyes.
"I Love you Tenchi," whispered Ryoko. "More than life itself." Tenchi breathed deeply and decided one final time.
"I know you do Ryoko. You've been a part of my life for so long now, and I..." he choked for a second as he thought for the right words. Ryoko looked at him with tears welling in her eyes.
"Ryoko," he began, "I care for you deeply, much more than I have for anyone else ever."
"Yes, Tenchi?" she whispered.
"What I am saying is..."
'Come on Masaki, you can say this! It isn't that hard. Just tell her before its too late,' he thought to himself.
"I love you Ryoko."
'See, that wasn't so hard,' a little voice said in the back of his head.
"You mean so much to me, I just don't know how to say what I feel some times." He stopped as she raised a finger to his lips.
"Later," she mouthed before kissing him passionately.
The two stood there for a moment in their embrace, only to be disturbed by the meowing of Ryo-Ohki.
"What is it little one?" asked Ryoko. Tenchi watched as the two carried on, having no clue as to what was being said.
"Tenchi, Washu needs me," she began. "We'll continue this later." She quickly kissed him as she picked up Ryo-Ohki and floated away, gradually phasing out of sight.
Tenchi felt relieved as he picked up his garden hoe, only to have his heart sink when he realized that Ayeka was standing across the field from him.
'How long had she been there? How much had she seen?' His mind raced as she slowly made her way towards him.
"Miss Ayeka," he began only to be cut off.
"Lord Tenchi, I just want you to know that..." she paused as she tried to maintain her composure. "That I will respect your wishes and that I will not interfere with your happiness." As she finished she lowered her head trying to control the surge of emotions tearing through every shred of her being.
"I...I," she choked, "give you and Ryoko my blessing as the first princess of Jurai."
How she managed to form the words was beyond Tenchi, as he could tell Ayeka was visibly shaken. She tried to say something else, but fell to her knees and buried her face into her hands. Tenchi moved beside her and put an arm around her, trying to console her.
"Miss Ayeka," he began, "I thank you for your blessing."
"Why Tenchi, Why?" sobbed Ayeka. "Why her?"
Tenchi sighed heavily. He knew that this question would come, and he had been trying to come up with an answer that would not crush Ayeka.
"Ayeka, I do love you as well, but it is a different love than that I have for Ryoko. When I look at you I see..." he trailed off as he tried to clear his throat.
"What do you see Lord Tenchi?"
"I see a shade of my mother. You two are of the same cloth, the same spirit, and the same noble heart. I know this is not the answer you were expecting, but it is the truth. Believe me, Ayeka I would never do anything to harm you. You have been there for me so many times, and I just, I just..."
Ayeka wiped her eyes and looked at Tenchi. He too had begun to cry. In his eyes she saw the pain he was in, being forced to choose between her and Ryoko. If he had chosen her the pain would have been even greater as he would have been constantly reminded of the Lady Achika. In his eyes she saw that he did love her, but she saw that his heart belonged to Ryoko. He would be happy, and this was all that mattered to her.
"You will always be MY Lord Tenchi," she said placing a hand on his face.
"I thank you Ayeka. Your friendship means so much to me," said Tenchi as he gave her a hug. "You will always have a place in my heart. Besides you only have a month left here on earth before you must return to Jurai for your coronation. Lets make the most of it."
"You will be there, will you not?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world."
With that the two stood up and hugged once more. Tenchi watched with just a hint of sorrow in his heart as Ayeka headed back towards the house. The sun was getting low in the sky, so he had to make the most of the daylight. He returned to his gardening, knowing, hoping things would work for the best.
In a far away place in a distant dimension a being watched as events unfolded on this seemingly insignificant orb. They had given her cause for alarm, and now she began to plan her long awaited vengeance.
Dinner was quieter than usual that night. Tenchi was afraid for a moment when Ayeka sat down next to Ryoko, and Ryoko didn't know just what to expect either. Fortunately nothing transpired, as Ayeka was more polite to Ryoko than she had ever been. As dinner carried on Nobuyuki came home from the office, late as usual.
"I got them! I got them!" he screamed running into the house.
"Dad, Dad, what do you have?" asked Tenchi, looking more confused than usual.
"I've got nine front row tickets to KISS' Farewell Tour in Tokyo!"
"That's great Dad, but how?" asked Tenchi. By now everyone else was also looking very puzzled.
"What's KISS?" asked Mihoshi.
"Just the greatest rock 'n' roll band ever! And tomorrow night we are all going to see them! Come on, it will be a great trip to take as a group one more time!"
They all watched in amazement as Nobuyuki went into a dissertation on KISS that would have made Washu proud. Tenchi sat on the couch and placed an arm around Ryoko. She smiled at him as she laid her head on his shoulder. Ayeka sat across from them and gave a slight smile of approval. Tenchi sighed and watched his father carry on.
Kiyone was not sure what to make of this "KISS" group and neither did Sasami. Mihoshi on the other hand was enthralled by Nobeyuki's tirade about the almost mythical band. In the end everyone got a good laugh out of Nobeyugi's over enthusiasm.
Later that night Tenchi found Ryoko in her usual spot on top of the roof. He sat down beside her and looked out toward the vast expanse of stars before them. The myriad of lights played softly across her cyan hair.
"Ayeka gave me her blessing," he said as he looked at the woman he had come to love.
"I know, she told me the same thing," Ryoko said as she lay back on the roof. "Convenient how Washu needed me right about then wasn't it Tenchi?"
"Leave it to Washu," chuckled Tenchi. "What do you think of Dads plan for tomorrow night?" he asked as he lay down beside her.
"It should be fun. I here this band has a demon and a star man. I listened to few of their songs, not much to them, but it sounds like fun."
"You know Ryoko, Ayeka is leaving in a month to be crowned on Jurai. Sasami will probably be returning as well. And with them gone Kiyone and Mihoshi will probably be getting a new assignment as the princess will no longer be here to guard. It will just be Washu and us. Things, things will be too quiet."
Ryoko interrupted him with a kiss. He returned the favor and the two embraced together for what seemed like an eternity, yet not long enough.
"Yes it will be quiet, and probably lonely for a while, but we will have each other and is all I need. All I need is you Tenchi." Ryoko wiped the tears from her eyes as she kissed him again.
"I do love you Tenchi."
"I know," said Tenchi as Ryoko laid her head on his chest. She liked the sound of his heart; it was so comforting to her. Tenchi ran his hand through her hair and kissed her fore head, noticing that she had fallen asleep. He just lay there letting Ryoko sleep, holding her, and feeling more comfortable than he had in many years.
In an alternate dimension a being called her most trusted vizier. "D3, come to me," she said across space and time. As his ethereal form appeared before her, he knelt in respect to his master.
"Yes Lady Tokimi, what is thy bidding?" he asked.
"Matters involving my greatest fear are coming to be. I authorize you to summon him to my presence." D3 hesitated for the first time ever in his response to Lady Tokimi.
"Is that necessary my Lady?" he inquired.
"Never question my orders D3," boomed Tokimi.
"As you desire my Lady." D3 faded from view leaving Tokimi to her own devices.
"It's show time!" exclaimed Nobeyugi as the gang poured out of his mini-van. Washu phased in next to them, preferring inter-dimensional travel to the family van.
"I must say," began Katsuhito, "this is most impressive." Everyone was in awe at the mass of people at the Egg Dome to see the show. Tenchi laughed as his father acted more like a kid than an adult, wandering if this would be his fate later in life.
"So dad, just how did you get these tickets?" inquired Tenchi.
"Lets just say that having the most complete romance manga library in the world finally paid off!" beamed Nobuyuki, "or so thought Radio Tokyo." Tenchi just shook his head.
"Well at least they are good for something."
Everyone filed into the arena and was escorted to their seats. Even Sasami couldn't help but giggle at Nobuyuki; he was acting younger than her. He even had his face painted to match one the band members. As the lights went down and the music began everyone seamed to forget that their time together was fleeting.
The music blared and the spectacle began. Every one managed to identify themselves with at least one of the bands songs. Each of them had a favorite. The one thing that scared Tenchi was that his father seemed to know all of the different lyrics.
The pageantry of the performance was spectacular; everything was coordinated to flow perfectly. For three hours everyone was transported away from reality. Even Ayeka enjoyed herself, cheering for the "Spaceman" persona and even blushing when the "Star Man" blew her a kiss. Mihoshi was fascinated with cat styled drummer. She had never seen anything like this show in her life. Kiyone was enjoying herself as well and Washu was busily calculating how long it would take everyone to go deaf at these decibel levels.
Naturally Ryoko was transfixed on the Demon persona as he breathed fire and spat blood onto the crowd.
'Maybe he is a god of thunder,' she thought. 'But his flying is obviously faked.'
During one song sung by the Star Man, Ayeka thought that it was written just for her. As the mournful, rhythmic strains of the guitar filled the arena she became lost in the songs words:
You tell me that you're leavin'
And I'm trying to understand
I had myself believin'
I should take it like a man...
But if you got to go then you've got to know
That it's killing me...
And all the things I never seem to show...
I've got to make you see...
Girl it's been so long,
Tell me? Tell me how could it be,
That one of us knows the two of us don't belong
In each other's company...
It hurts so much inside you telling me goodbye
You want to be free...
But knowing that you're going to be leaving me behind,
I've got to make you see...
Got to make you see...
I've got to make you see that...
I still love you...
I love you...
I really, I really love you
I still love you,
I still love you...
People tell me,
I should win at any cost.
But now I see as the smoke clears away,
The battle has been lost...
I see it in your eyes,
You never have to lie
I'm out of your life.
Tonight I'll dream away you can still be mine,
But I'm dreaming a lie...
Dreaming a lie...
Makes me want to die...
Because-
I still love you...
And when I think of all the things you'll never know,
There's so much left to say...
'Cause girl now I see the price of loosing you,
Will be my hell to pay,
My hell to pay,
Each and every day,
Hear what I say:
I still love you...
I still love you.
Tenchi had been holding Ryoko from behind until he noticed the silent tears streaking Ayeka's face. Ryoko saw them as well and nodded to Tenchi. He slipped over to Ayeka and held her as she cried onto his shoulder. He rested his head on hers as her tears eased. She needed to know that he would be there for her, even if he did not love her the way she loved him.
As the band moved on to a more festive mood Ayeka's demeanor changed. "Thank you," she mouthed to Tenchi as Ryoko joined them. Tenchi nodded in acknowledgement and Ryoko squeezed Ayeka's hand in support. Comforted Ayeka wiped her eyes and tried her best to rejoin the fun the others were having. Time was too short to waste it on tears.
'Yes Lord Tenchi,' she thought, 'I still love you. Always.' Her emotions were not lost on the Star Man either. He reached down to the distraught princess and handed her one of his silk sashes. She smiled and rapped the purple cloth a round her neck, gaining a little bit of joy from all of the envious looks she received from the audience.
As the night wound down and the show ended the Masaki family seemed to be happier than ever before. All Sasami and Mihoshi could talk about were the fireworks and lights. As Nobeyugi drove home he noticed in the rear view mirror that Ryoko was asleep with her head on Tenchi's shoulder. Tenchi had his head leaned against hers and had an arm wrapped around her.
'My son is becoming a man!' he thought.
The next morning all was well in the Masaki home. Kiyone and Mihoshi left for their scheduled patrol of the Solar System, and Tenchi went about his fieldwork and training. Sasami went about her schoolwork and preparing the days meals. Not to mention trying to keep Ryo-ohki out of the vegetable bin.
Ryoko was relaxing in the Onsen when Ayeka joined her for a bath. She wondered for a moment whether this would be peaceful or not, but her fears were abated when Ayeka hugged her. The two carried on, talking idly about life on earth, and of course Tenchi.
"I am not angry," confessed Ayeka, "just a little envious. Being angry would be unfair to the two of you."
"Thank you Ayeka," said Ryoko passing the sake bottle. "That really means a lot to me." Ayeka nodded in agreement as he took the sake bottle.
"You know," began Ayeka as she sipped her sake, "As Lord Tenchi's paramour, you must have an appropriate tile."
Ryoko looked at her with a puzzled expression. Maybe it was the sake talking, or did Ayeka just say that she needed a title?
"Yes, an appropriate title. As the crowned princess of the planet Jurai, I name thee Lady Ryoko."
"Lady Ryoko, I could get used to that!" laughed Ryoko as she sipped her sake. They broke out into laughter as they enjoyed the setting sun through the dome of the Onsen. Even rivals can become friends after all.
D3 materialized into the deepest region of hell, or what surely could have passed for hell. A withered hand connected to a tormented face reached for his robe but he kicked it back. Others began to approach him, but backed off as his eyes began to glow. As he wade through the endless sea of tormented souls he approached a being who seemed to be at peace with himself, as if he enjoyed his surroundings.
"Shigeru, Culler of Souls, thy presence is requested," said D3.
"I know," began Shigeru with an evil grin. "The time of my vengeance and devastation is at hand."
To be continued in 'The Dye is Cast'
Tenchi Muyo! We Are One Special Edition by William R. Nichols Jr.
Dedication: To all of those serving to protect our freedoms at home and abroad: thank you. Also to Joy Story: thank you for your enthusiasm and support.
Prelude: The Fallen
"Stay away!" screamed the damned soul as he ran for his life. He gasped for each breath as the walls of his future tomb passed in dark blurs. His legs pumped harder and harder as he tried to distance himself from the demon that pursued him. The methodical clomp of the demons iron heel echoed in stark contrast to his frantic footfalls.
"By the name of the goddess' stay away!" he pleaded tripping over his blue and scarlet robes. The dark mass of the demon lurked closer and closer, a deep fire burning in its chest. Its emerald eyes cast a pallid glow to its face as it emerged from the shadows.
"The goddess'?" laughed the demon. "Do not evoke their name in my presence." The damned soul cowered beneath the hulking mass of the demon. His wicked grin broke his black lips to bare his fanged teeth.
"Do not call for the goddess,' he sneered, "Because it was they who sent me."
"..." The demon smiled as his prey realized him. The Avenger. The Slaughterer. The Reviler. He was the Devourer of the Damned. He was the Culler of Souls. He was Death Incarnate, in its purest and coldest form.
"Goddess' no," he whimpered.
"Oh yes indeed!" The poor wretch tried to scurry away from the demon, hurling profanities and uttering prayers as he tried to escape the beast's wrath.
"Prayers to them and to me!" mused the demon. "How nice." As the condemned backed up against the wall the demon clutched the hilt of his blade. The fire in its chest burned brighter.
"Please no, please I beg of thee," the poor soul whimpered. The demon only laughed evilly as he prepared to drive his blade home. The condemned soul covered his eyes as a flash of blue and crimson light came from behind the demon.
"You!" the demon rasped, turning to the intruders.
"This ends here," spoke one of the intruders.
"I concur," spoke the other. Summoning their power they began to banish the demon.
"She will not allow this!" screamed the demon as the fabric of his being was pulled into the nexus. "You will pay most dearly for this!" he screamed as the dimensional rift sealed.
Ever grateful but confused, the demons would be victim took a knee before the ladies. "I thank thee," he began before he fell over.
"Sleep child. This is not for mortal eyes." The other nodded while a third figure appeared in front of them.
"I am not pleased with this," said the new comer.
"It had to be done."
"He was out of control."
"You did not have my consent," retorted the new comer.
"It was for the greater good." The new comer frowned and faded away. A moment of silence passed before one spoke out again.
"She will hold this against us," said the blue tressed one.
"I know," replied the one with crimson locks. "I must leave. I cannot take this any longer."
"Sister," began the other as her compatriot was enveloped in swirling light. "Take care."
"I shall."
Washu woke up in a cold sweat. Rubbing her temples she looked at her chronometer: 03:47 local time. She switched off her computer and opened the portal leading to her bedroom.
'Just a nightmare,' she thought curling up in her bed. 'Just a nightmare.'
Chapter one: All Good Things...
Five years have come to pass since the Masaki household was turned upside down by its visitors from outer space. In that time they have shared many adventures and heartbreaks. Together they have saved not only the earth, but also the entire galaxy on several occasions. They have traversed time and alternate realities. Countless fond memories have been created and many a tender moment shared among this unlikely family. But as all good things, these times must also come to an end.
It was pleasant summer day in the mountain valley cradling the Masaki house. To say it was perfect would be cliché, but appropriate. Life was busy for the occupants of the cozy little house. Some were doing housework while others worked in the yard and fields. They were all comfortable in their daily routines. But for one this comfort was only fleeting. Her fears were coming to be despite her best efforts otherwise.
Ayeka sat down on the couch and watched the wind play through the trees. She loved the trees on the earth. To her they were just as beautiful as those on Jurai. Her time was short on this planet, and each day she dreaded the next. With a sighed she looked up to the rafters above. Her long time rival and newfound friend was cat napping. A half smile slid across he face as the tail on Ryoko's yellow and blue striped dress dangled from its sleeping master. She couldn't be mad at Ryoko. If anything she was jealous. Ayeka sighed deeply and slipped out of the house. She needed someone to talk to, and she knew just whom that would be.
Ayeka Jurai walked up the steps of the Masaki shrine as she had done countless times before. But this time she walked more slowly than usual. Despite her best efforts it was becoming clearer each day that Tenchi was falling in love with Ryoko, even though he had not formally declared so as of yet. It was beyond her comprehension how Tenchi could love that demon woman. Ryoko was brash, arrogant and forward: the direct opposite of herself.
By birthright he should be hers, but by his heart he was someone else's. She bowed respectfully as she entered the shrine and walked to Katsuhito's office. She knocked on the door, hoping that he would be in.
"Come in Ayeka," replied Katsuhito from within. She slid the door open and entered. "Please join me for some tea," he offered as she kneeled by the low table.
"Lord Katsuhito," began Ayeka trembling, " there is a matter that I wish to discuss with you."
"I see my dear," he replied as he sat down his teacup. "I have an inkling of what you wish to discuss with me." As he finished Ayeka broke down into tears. She just could not contain her emotions any longer.
"You know of my feelings for Lord Tenchi..." she began only to falter off.
"I do," answered Katsuhito sipping his tea. "And he does not return the same feelings?"
"Tenchi has not openly admitted to this but it is painfully obvious."
"Why painful my dear?" inquired Katsuhito.
"Because every man I love forsakes me! Why?" she sobbed as she buried here face into her hands. "Lord Tenchi, as your grandson should be mine by noble birthright, but, but..." she stammered.
"But he has fallen in love with Ryoko." Ayeka's silence answered for her.
"I have lost."
"My dear Ayeka, the point in this matter is that you have not lost at all." Ayeka looked up, surprised by his words. "You have spent five wonderful years here on this planet with Tenchi. You have grown together and shared many fond memories. He is grown now as are you, and it is up to you to decide for yourselves which is the right path to follow. Follow your heart now Ayeka." With that Katsuhito stood up and walked to the window.
"The time is nearing for you to return to Jurai. Do not leave this place with hate in your heart."
Ayeka stood up and walked beside her brother. "My dear Yosho, you are right. I will respect Lord Tenchi's decision whatever it may be. I will not cause him any undo grief. He has loved us for so long and I must be happy in his happiness." With that she turned and left the shrine. Katsuhito watched her go and wondered what lay in the future. For some strange reason he had a feeling of dire apprehension.
"Some things never change," thought Tenchi as he wiped the sweat from his brow. He surveyed the family vegetable garden. Or should I say Ryo- Ohki's carrot garden. In his absence it had become somewhat disheveled, but it was nothing he could not fix.
For the past three years he had been attending the university in nearby Hiroshima. Going off to school was a pleasant diversion, but he missed his family at times. The city is nice, but it lacks the serene beauty of his home. Serene as along as Ryoko and Ayeka are not fighting, but that too has died down a bit. Just as he returned to his fieldwork he heard a familiar voice call his name.
The past few years had brought many changes for him. Being away from the girls constant bickering over him gave him time to think about his feelings for a change. And the more he did so the more comfortable he became with them. He knew that his decision would hurt one of the girls, but there was no way around it. It was a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation.
His epiphany came when he realized how selfish he was being. By trying to protect both of their feelings he was only really protecting his own, and causing them both undo grief. Since that day he began to show his feelings more openly towards his love, hoping to build things up gradually so that other would not be hurt as badly. As of yet it appeared to be a wise strategy.
"Whatcha doing Tenchi?" inquired Ryoko as she materialized behind him. A slight blush spread across his face as he felt her arms wrap around his chest. Some things never change.
"Just..." he stopped feeling her chin rest on his shoulder. He carefully twisted around inside her arms so that he could face her. He placed his arms around her waist and looked into her golden feline eyes.
"I Love you Tenchi," whispered Ryoko. "More than life itself." Tenchi breathed deeply and decided one final time.
"I know you do Ryoko. You've been a part of my life for so long now, and I..." he choked for a second as he thought for the right words. Ryoko looked at him with tears welling in her eyes.
"Ryoko," he began, "I care for you deeply, much more than I have for anyone else ever."
"Yes, Tenchi?" she whispered.
"What I am saying is..."
'Come on Masaki, you can say this! It isn't that hard. Just tell her before its too late,' he thought to himself.
"I love you Ryoko."
'See, that wasn't so hard,' a little voice said in the back of his head.
"You mean so much to me, I just don't know how to say what I feel some times." He stopped as she raised a finger to his lips.
"Later," she mouthed before kissing him passionately.
The two stood there for a moment in their embrace, only to be disturbed by the meowing of Ryo-Ohki.
"What is it little one?" asked Ryoko. Tenchi watched as the two carried on, having no clue as to what was being said.
"Tenchi, Washu needs me," she began. "We'll continue this later." She quickly kissed him as she picked up Ryo-Ohki and floated away, gradually phasing out of sight.
Tenchi felt relieved as he picked up his garden hoe, only to have his heart sink when he realized that Ayeka was standing across the field from him.
'How long had she been there? How much had she seen?' His mind raced as she slowly made her way towards him.
"Miss Ayeka," he began only to be cut off.
"Lord Tenchi, I just want you to know that..." she paused as she tried to maintain her composure. "That I will respect your wishes and that I will not interfere with your happiness." As she finished she lowered her head trying to control the surge of emotions tearing through every shred of her being.
"I...I," she choked, "give you and Ryoko my blessing as the first princess of Jurai."
How she managed to form the words was beyond Tenchi, as he could tell Ayeka was visibly shaken. She tried to say something else, but fell to her knees and buried her face into her hands. Tenchi moved beside her and put an arm around her, trying to console her.
"Miss Ayeka," he began, "I thank you for your blessing."
"Why Tenchi, Why?" sobbed Ayeka. "Why her?"
Tenchi sighed heavily. He knew that this question would come, and he had been trying to come up with an answer that would not crush Ayeka.
"Ayeka, I do love you as well, but it is a different love than that I have for Ryoko. When I look at you I see..." he trailed off as he tried to clear his throat.
"What do you see Lord Tenchi?"
"I see a shade of my mother. You two are of the same cloth, the same spirit, and the same noble heart. I know this is not the answer you were expecting, but it is the truth. Believe me, Ayeka I would never do anything to harm you. You have been there for me so many times, and I just, I just..."
Ayeka wiped her eyes and looked at Tenchi. He too had begun to cry. In his eyes she saw the pain he was in, being forced to choose between her and Ryoko. If he had chosen her the pain would have been even greater as he would have been constantly reminded of the Lady Achika. In his eyes she saw that he did love her, but she saw that his heart belonged to Ryoko. He would be happy, and this was all that mattered to her.
"You will always be MY Lord Tenchi," she said placing a hand on his face.
"I thank you Ayeka. Your friendship means so much to me," said Tenchi as he gave her a hug. "You will always have a place in my heart. Besides you only have a month left here on earth before you must return to Jurai for your coronation. Lets make the most of it."
"You will be there, will you not?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world."
With that the two stood up and hugged once more. Tenchi watched with just a hint of sorrow in his heart as Ayeka headed back towards the house. The sun was getting low in the sky, so he had to make the most of the daylight. He returned to his gardening, knowing, hoping things would work for the best.
In a far away place in a distant dimension a being watched as events unfolded on this seemingly insignificant orb. They had given her cause for alarm, and now she began to plan her long awaited vengeance.
Dinner was quieter than usual that night. Tenchi was afraid for a moment when Ayeka sat down next to Ryoko, and Ryoko didn't know just what to expect either. Fortunately nothing transpired, as Ayeka was more polite to Ryoko than she had ever been. As dinner carried on Nobuyuki came home from the office, late as usual.
"I got them! I got them!" he screamed running into the house.
"Dad, Dad, what do you have?" asked Tenchi, looking more confused than usual.
"I've got nine front row tickets to KISS' Farewell Tour in Tokyo!"
"That's great Dad, but how?" asked Tenchi. By now everyone else was also looking very puzzled.
"What's KISS?" asked Mihoshi.
"Just the greatest rock 'n' roll band ever! And tomorrow night we are all going to see them! Come on, it will be a great trip to take as a group one more time!"
They all watched in amazement as Nobuyuki went into a dissertation on KISS that would have made Washu proud. Tenchi sat on the couch and placed an arm around Ryoko. She smiled at him as she laid her head on his shoulder. Ayeka sat across from them and gave a slight smile of approval. Tenchi sighed and watched his father carry on.
Kiyone was not sure what to make of this "KISS" group and neither did Sasami. Mihoshi on the other hand was enthralled by Nobeyuki's tirade about the almost mythical band. In the end everyone got a good laugh out of Nobeyugi's over enthusiasm.
Later that night Tenchi found Ryoko in her usual spot on top of the roof. He sat down beside her and looked out toward the vast expanse of stars before them. The myriad of lights played softly across her cyan hair.
"Ayeka gave me her blessing," he said as he looked at the woman he had come to love.
"I know, she told me the same thing," Ryoko said as she lay back on the roof. "Convenient how Washu needed me right about then wasn't it Tenchi?"
"Leave it to Washu," chuckled Tenchi. "What do you think of Dads plan for tomorrow night?" he asked as he lay down beside her.
"It should be fun. I here this band has a demon and a star man. I listened to few of their songs, not much to them, but it sounds like fun."
"You know Ryoko, Ayeka is leaving in a month to be crowned on Jurai. Sasami will probably be returning as well. And with them gone Kiyone and Mihoshi will probably be getting a new assignment as the princess will no longer be here to guard. It will just be Washu and us. Things, things will be too quiet."
Ryoko interrupted him with a kiss. He returned the favor and the two embraced together for what seemed like an eternity, yet not long enough.
"Yes it will be quiet, and probably lonely for a while, but we will have each other and is all I need. All I need is you Tenchi." Ryoko wiped the tears from her eyes as she kissed him again.
"I do love you Tenchi."
"I know," said Tenchi as Ryoko laid her head on his chest. She liked the sound of his heart; it was so comforting to her. Tenchi ran his hand through her hair and kissed her fore head, noticing that she had fallen asleep. He just lay there letting Ryoko sleep, holding her, and feeling more comfortable than he had in many years.
In an alternate dimension a being called her most trusted vizier. "D3, come to me," she said across space and time. As his ethereal form appeared before her, he knelt in respect to his master.
"Yes Lady Tokimi, what is thy bidding?" he asked.
"Matters involving my greatest fear are coming to be. I authorize you to summon him to my presence." D3 hesitated for the first time ever in his response to Lady Tokimi.
"Is that necessary my Lady?" he inquired.
"Never question my orders D3," boomed Tokimi.
"As you desire my Lady." D3 faded from view leaving Tokimi to her own devices.
"It's show time!" exclaimed Nobeyugi as the gang poured out of his mini-van. Washu phased in next to them, preferring inter-dimensional travel to the family van.
"I must say," began Katsuhito, "this is most impressive." Everyone was in awe at the mass of people at the Egg Dome to see the show. Tenchi laughed as his father acted more like a kid than an adult, wandering if this would be his fate later in life.
"So dad, just how did you get these tickets?" inquired Tenchi.
"Lets just say that having the most complete romance manga library in the world finally paid off!" beamed Nobuyuki, "or so thought Radio Tokyo." Tenchi just shook his head.
"Well at least they are good for something."
Everyone filed into the arena and was escorted to their seats. Even Sasami couldn't help but giggle at Nobuyuki; he was acting younger than her. He even had his face painted to match one the band members. As the lights went down and the music began everyone seamed to forget that their time together was fleeting.
The music blared and the spectacle began. Every one managed to identify themselves with at least one of the bands songs. Each of them had a favorite. The one thing that scared Tenchi was that his father seemed to know all of the different lyrics.
The pageantry of the performance was spectacular; everything was coordinated to flow perfectly. For three hours everyone was transported away from reality. Even Ayeka enjoyed herself, cheering for the "Spaceman" persona and even blushing when the "Star Man" blew her a kiss. Mihoshi was fascinated with cat styled drummer. She had never seen anything like this show in her life. Kiyone was enjoying herself as well and Washu was busily calculating how long it would take everyone to go deaf at these decibel levels.
Naturally Ryoko was transfixed on the Demon persona as he breathed fire and spat blood onto the crowd.
'Maybe he is a god of thunder,' she thought. 'But his flying is obviously faked.'
During one song sung by the Star Man, Ayeka thought that it was written just for her. As the mournful, rhythmic strains of the guitar filled the arena she became lost in the songs words:
You tell me that you're leavin'
And I'm trying to understand
I had myself believin'
I should take it like a man...
But if you got to go then you've got to know
That it's killing me...
And all the things I never seem to show...
I've got to make you see...
Girl it's been so long,
Tell me? Tell me how could it be,
That one of us knows the two of us don't belong
In each other's company...
It hurts so much inside you telling me goodbye
You want to be free...
But knowing that you're going to be leaving me behind,
I've got to make you see...
Got to make you see...
I've got to make you see that...
I still love you...
I love you...
I really, I really love you
I still love you,
I still love you...
People tell me,
I should win at any cost.
But now I see as the smoke clears away,
The battle has been lost...
I see it in your eyes,
You never have to lie
I'm out of your life.
Tonight I'll dream away you can still be mine,
But I'm dreaming a lie...
Dreaming a lie...
Makes me want to die...
Because-
I still love you...
And when I think of all the things you'll never know,
There's so much left to say...
'Cause girl now I see the price of loosing you,
Will be my hell to pay,
My hell to pay,
Each and every day,
Hear what I say:
I still love you...
I still love you.
Tenchi had been holding Ryoko from behind until he noticed the silent tears streaking Ayeka's face. Ryoko saw them as well and nodded to Tenchi. He slipped over to Ayeka and held her as she cried onto his shoulder. He rested his head on hers as her tears eased. She needed to know that he would be there for her, even if he did not love her the way she loved him.
As the band moved on to a more festive mood Ayeka's demeanor changed. "Thank you," she mouthed to Tenchi as Ryoko joined them. Tenchi nodded in acknowledgement and Ryoko squeezed Ayeka's hand in support. Comforted Ayeka wiped her eyes and tried her best to rejoin the fun the others were having. Time was too short to waste it on tears.
'Yes Lord Tenchi,' she thought, 'I still love you. Always.' Her emotions were not lost on the Star Man either. He reached down to the distraught princess and handed her one of his silk sashes. She smiled and rapped the purple cloth a round her neck, gaining a little bit of joy from all of the envious looks she received from the audience.
As the night wound down and the show ended the Masaki family seemed to be happier than ever before. All Sasami and Mihoshi could talk about were the fireworks and lights. As Nobeyugi drove home he noticed in the rear view mirror that Ryoko was asleep with her head on Tenchi's shoulder. Tenchi had his head leaned against hers and had an arm wrapped around her.
'My son is becoming a man!' he thought.
The next morning all was well in the Masaki home. Kiyone and Mihoshi left for their scheduled patrol of the Solar System, and Tenchi went about his fieldwork and training. Sasami went about her schoolwork and preparing the days meals. Not to mention trying to keep Ryo-ohki out of the vegetable bin.
Ryoko was relaxing in the Onsen when Ayeka joined her for a bath. She wondered for a moment whether this would be peaceful or not, but her fears were abated when Ayeka hugged her. The two carried on, talking idly about life on earth, and of course Tenchi.
"I am not angry," confessed Ayeka, "just a little envious. Being angry would be unfair to the two of you."
"Thank you Ayeka," said Ryoko passing the sake bottle. "That really means a lot to me." Ayeka nodded in agreement as he took the sake bottle.
"You know," began Ayeka as she sipped her sake, "As Lord Tenchi's paramour, you must have an appropriate tile."
Ryoko looked at her with a puzzled expression. Maybe it was the sake talking, or did Ayeka just say that she needed a title?
"Yes, an appropriate title. As the crowned princess of the planet Jurai, I name thee Lady Ryoko."
"Lady Ryoko, I could get used to that!" laughed Ryoko as she sipped her sake. They broke out into laughter as they enjoyed the setting sun through the dome of the Onsen. Even rivals can become friends after all.
D3 materialized into the deepest region of hell, or what surely could have passed for hell. A withered hand connected to a tormented face reached for his robe but he kicked it back. Others began to approach him, but backed off as his eyes began to glow. As he wade through the endless sea of tormented souls he approached a being who seemed to be at peace with himself, as if he enjoyed his surroundings.
"Shigeru, Culler of Souls, thy presence is requested," said D3.
"I know," began Shigeru with an evil grin. "The time of my vengeance and devastation is at hand."
To be continued in 'The Dye is Cast'
