Author's note: Remember, kids--a little revenge can go a long way.

Purity of the Heart

The only thing Ayeka could do was watch, and nothing more. It seemed as if everything now fell into Ryoko's hands: Ayeka's health, her meals and drink, bathing and relieving, her leg, everything. It was as if the princess had regressed back into the infant stage, and Ryoko was playing the mother. As expected, this frightened Ayeka quite a bit--just enough to make her gnash her teeth a little.

But she had little choice in the matter. Ryoko made it crystal-clear what her demands were. If Ayeka hoped to get better, she had to rely on her enemy. Because her leg prevented her from moving around, she could no longer look for food or water, and she would require help in bathing and relieving herself. These last two thoughts disgusted Ayeka greatly, but with her leg broken like that, what other choice did she have?

At first, Ayeka dreaded having Ryoko take care of her. After all, this was a woman who would often go to great lengths to make sure that Ayeka was of ill health and mind. The fact that they had depended on each other up until this point was irrelevant; Ryoko was strong enough to manage on her own. After all, she was a space pirate, so surviving on her own would be simple, even on this primitive island.

Even though Ryoko guaranteed that she would care for Ayeka, this did little to brighten the princess' mood. She trusted Ryoko like she trusted Ryo-ohki to not eat carrots, and she was about as fond of the other lady as she was fond of hugging a porcupine. She also couldn't help but think that the woman would relinquish her "sworn duty" and ignore Ayeka, or worse still, suddenly have a boost of strength and fly away forever.

But, none of that happened. When Ayeka would wake, Ryoko greeted her with a smile and a sharp pinch on the cheek (usually adding a derogatory comment as well), and would set about making breakfast. Ayeka would usually have a glass of freshly-squeezed orange juice, an egg, and some meat from a random animal that Ryoko had killed. The pirate would then play nurse and check up on Ayeka's busted leg--the worst part of the day.

Even pinching it gently would cause Ayeka to howl out in miserable pain. The princess couldn't help but think that the pirate took a sick glee in making her scream, but fortunately the examinations never lasted long. After a gentle massage and a changing of bandages, Ryoko would leave the leg alone and attend to other duties. In the meantime, she would ask Ayeka to do the only chore possible: knitting together their worn-out clothes.

When it came time for lunch, Ayeka would usually have freshly-caught fish and a small cup of water, and maybe a cracker or two. She often found herself smiling warmly as her enemy fed her such quantities of food, while saving scraps for herself. Of course, her excuse would always be "You need your strength, and the more you eat the faster you get well!", but Ayeka had a pretty good idea that there was more than that.

After lunch, Ryoko would lift Ayeka out of bed and carry her in her arms. The two would then go down into the forest so that Ayeka could use the lady's room. This always brought the girls… close, in a way, as Ryoko had to "help" Ayeka with her "duty". This was Ryoko's least favorite part of the day, and it always seemed that the worse Ayeka had to "refresh" herself, the tighter Ryoko would pinch her leg the next day.

After using the lady's room, Ryoko would carry Ayeka to the sea, where they had their daily bath. Oftentimes Ryoko would gently put her patient into the water, but on occasion she would dump her in instead. Of course, this always resulted in Ayeka screaming back (or Ryoko giggling out loud), and insults would fly, and Ryoko would say that the princess "slipped"--but on very rare occasions, and apology would be made. This did not happen often.

After the bath, Ryoko would dry Ayeka off with a towel and a civil conversation would usually be held between them. The girls talked about little things, like how they were doing, how they felt about certain situations, the condition of the food, etc. Sometimes, though not often, Ryoko would spoil the princess and style her hair in pretty designs, and would even compliment her if she felt like it. Of course, the words "cow face" and "flat-chested" and "trailer trash" popped up every now and then, but more often than not, these were taken with a warm smile and not a hot scowl.

After their bath, Ryoko would carry Ayeka back to the tree, where she would tuck (or throw, sometimes) the princess back into bed. Ryoko would then retrieve Ayeka's diary, and would ask the lady to pen another entry; Ryoko, in private, made a few entries in her own journal as well.

Diary of Ayeka

Sixteenth of July

My leg seems to be getting better now. I tried moving it, and I got as far as wiggling my toes before any pain showed up. Ryoko knows about as much on medicine as I know of the internal combustion engine of an automobile , but I think she's doing… rather well for someone so ignorant in these methods. (That was not an insult; I know how foolish I am when it comes to the inner workings of an Earth automobile)

I must say, she is trying to make the most out of this experience. She takes great glee in throwing me in the sea, and believe it or not, but I am starting to detest it less and less. Earlier today, I actually laughed myself as she flung me in the ocean. We had ourselves a little water fight, and of course I won (she did not allow me to win on purpose mind you, but Ryoko's like a kitten when it comes to water-fights), and a big laugh was had.

I honestly cannot believe how nice she is being to me. Even after everything I have put her through, she insists on making me better. I recalled a dream I had a few months ago: in this dream, it was I who was abandoned on those rocks, and it was Ryoko who laughed at me. Even so, she rescued me without hesitation, and carried me back to shelter. I am now seeing that dream come true, right at this very moment.

I never thought I would say this, but I am thankful that she is here. Hopefully… yes, hopefully, when I get better, I may return the favor. I would very much like to do this.

Yours truly,

Ayeka

Ryoko's Crappy Journal,

I forgot the day and Ayeka's not telling

Whew! It's hard work taking care of a hippo! For all my efforts, people might start to believe that I actually had that job! Ayeka sure eats like one, at least. Yesterday, she ate two eggs, a whole peach, two glasses of juice and a cup of water, and a whole chicken wing! Leaving nothing for poor me! :o( *insert sad violin music* Aw, I suppose it's worth it, seeing as how she's getting better. Today, when I checked her leg, she only grunted slightly. A week ago, she was screaming like the banshee she is. Dr. Ryoko to the rescue! Nah, but I would look good in a snug little nurse's outfit! Maybe I should wear one when I see Tenchi again! ;o)

PS--I hope this never gets out, but I'm starting to like Ayeka as a friend again.

3 Me

Sighing, Ayeka moaned gently as she woke up. For the first time in a long while, her leg didn't seem to hurt very much--and Ryoko hadn't forced her awake. The latter was only possible because said space pirate was dozing in a nearby chair, snoring and drooling slightly. Ayeka could not prevent the smile that attacked her face.

"Lousy little shrew…" she mumbled. "Asleep on the job! And here I am, starving half to death!" She smiled warmly, and wished she had the strength to wake her companion. Taking in a deep breath, Ayeka decided to verbally snap Ryoko out of her dreams.

"Oh miss Ryooooooooookooooooooo!" she sang. "It's time to get uuuuuuuup!"

"Bite me," mumbled the pirate. Ayeka smiled and let a snort out.

"If you don't wake up, then I just might!" she threatened. Ryoko muttered again, and let out a yawn that rivaled a lion's roar. Groggily, she tumbled out of her chair and trudged forth to examine Ayeka.

"Morning, sleeping hideous," she murmured. Ayeka smiled lightly and shook her head.

"Morning yourself, lazy good-for-nothing." Ryoko grunted, and without saying a word, walked around the bed and invited herself to snuggle up underneath the covers. Ayeka, to her surprise, did not object. Instead, she merely placed her hands on her hips and scowled playfully.

"Are you really that tired?" Ryoko mumbled out something that sounded nasty, but Ayeka kept her smile. "All right, all right… I suppose you could sleep in here for awhile. But not for long, mind you. I'm very hungry."

"Chew on your tongue," blurted Ryoko weakly. Ayeka sighed and couldn't help but smile. She gave Ryoko a love tap on the head, and settled down for a quick nap.

"GET UP, YOU LAZY TWAT!!!!!" Ayeka snapped awake, and almost screamed as she felt Ryoko shake her. The pirate was directly on top of her, shaking her shoulders maniacally.

"I'm AWAKE, Ryoko!!" roared Ayeka. Ryoko snorted, and released the princess roughly. Ayeka let out a grunt of exasperation, but at least the other woman was now wide awake.

"Hehehehehe… I'm more effective than a cup of coffee," noted the pirate. Ayeka took in a very deep breath, and tried to calm herself before speaking. She had to run her hand over her face in exhaustion before she was really ready to speak again.

"I'm glad you're finally awake," sighed Ayeka. "Now if you don't mind too terribly much, I should appreciate it if you gave me something to eat. Please." Ryoko smiled mischievously at that last word, and gave Ayeka a very faux curtsy. Skipping like an insane schoolgirl, Ryoko hopped outside to grab a few handfuls of food, leaving Ayeka to shake her head and smile at the performance.

"Insane little witch," she muttered.

When Ryoko came back with the food in her arms, she threw the apple at Ayeka. The princess caught it, as she had caught so many other objects (Ryoko started throwing food at her from the first day, and in this time, Ayeka learned to catch very well), and thanked her comrade. Silently, Ryoko smiled and bit into some coconut meat she had found.

"Delicious," noted Ayeka. With a toss that would have made Lou Gehrig jealous, Ayeka threw the core out of a window. "Thank you, Ryoko."

"Eh." Ryoko shrugged, and swallowed down the coconut. "I thought you might like that one. It smelled really good." Ayeka smiled, and managed to sit up in bed without too much effort. Folding her hands in her lap, she looked at Ryoko kindly.

"Ryoko?"

"Hm?"

"I… have something that I need to tell you."

"Hm?" Ryoko stuffed a few more chunks of coconut in her mouth, and hovered over next to the bed. She made herself comfortable in a chair, and continued eating. "What's up?" Ayeka sighed, closed her eyes, and began to speak.

"I want to apologize to you, Ryoko," she began. Not allowing a precious break in conversation, Ayeka continued without letting Ryoko make a comment. "There is so much that I need to tell you, so much that I need to answer for, that I may never finish speaking. But, I shall try.

"In these past few days, I have… realized how good I really do have it. I know that in the past, we have been bitter rivals, and perhaps hated enemies as well. I honestly cannot remember a time where we really got along. Going on that cruise seemed to worsen our relationship, and being stuck on this wretched island with you seemed worse than Hell.

"But… I don't know how it happened, but we seemed to have grown a lot closer in these past few weeks. I really started to notice this around the time where you… ah, struck me for the comments I made about you and Lord Tenchi. And, that time we spent together on the beach, telling each other our darkest desires… That was really, very special to me, and I think we attained something like friendship then.

"Here is where my apology comes in," she continued. Ayeka swallowed, and downed a glass of water to clear her throat. "I know that I am a spoiled brat with a gigantic ego. I know how proud I really am, and I know how disagreeable I can become. Although at times you do deserve a little thrashing, I must admit that most of the problems we have been facing get their origin from me. No, don't say anything--I'm smart enough to admit when I'm wrong.

"I know that, had it not been for my stubborn, selfish pride, we might have become friends long ago. It seems, though, that I can never 'allow myself to sink to such a level', and…… well, when I said that I detested the idea of being friends with you, I was really… at a low. But, now that I've gotten to know you--I mean, really gotten to know you, I realize that… well, I was the cause of much of our strife.

"I want to apologize for that. I want to apologize for every insult I ever gave, every nasty comment I ever uttered, every curse I ever wished on you, and every pain that I have caused. I want to say that I'm sorry for being bossy, and proud, and selfish, and stubborn. But most importantly, I want to apologize for ruining what might have been a lovely friendship.

"Now, now that I am far away from all prying eyes, I no longer need to worry about the public's opinion on me. I don't need to worry about who I'm bargaining with, or the people who are watching me, or manners, or formality. Ryoko… I'm… living out my desires right here on this island. I'm free to make any decision I want, I'm free to make or break any rules I chose, I don't have to worry about anything…… I can be free on this island, Ryoko, really and… truly free…" She paused, and smiled warmly as she gazed at Ryoko's face.

"Thank you, Ryoko. Thank you for… everything. I… only hope that you can forgive, and… forget."

Silence.

And a smile.

Perhaps twenty minutes passed since Ayeka finished speaking. In that period, Ryoko could only offer her best smile: a warm, glowing, radiant, beaming smile without any malice, or contempt, or savagery in it at all. In fact, as Ryoko grinned back at Ayeka, tears began forming in her eyes and a look of loving kindness came upon her face. Finally, the pirate sniffled and wiped her eyes, and shook her head in shock.

"Wow," she managed. "I…… don't know what to say. You… really caught me off guard there, princess. I… really don't know what to say." Ryoko kept her smile, and gently brushed her hand against Ayeka's face. The girls shared a warm smile, and in that quiet and peaceful moment, Ryoko forgave Ayeka for all past mistakes, and the two started their new relationship with a clean slate.