Disclaimer: Outlaw Star, Aisha Clan Clan, the Ctarl Ctarl Empire and any references to any persons or things shown or spoken of on Outlaw Star are the property of Bandai Corporation. They don't belong to me, though I wish they did. ^__^

The character of Augusta Caar Caar is one of my own creation.

Acknowledgements: I'd like to extend a BIG thank you to breakaway-republic (formerly B G) whose writing has inspired and challenged me. If you want to read truly great OLS fan fiction read breakaway-republic's stories, especially "Twilight Fades" which is alluded to in this story. You won't be disappointed.

Note: This version of chapter 13 is the PG-13 version. For those adults (over 17), who want a more citricy story, read the standalone story, "Passion and Pain". A HUGE THANK YOU TO WAR DOVE for writing the lemon version for me. The way she combines raw passion while maintaining the integrity of the characters is nothing short of amazing. In my opinion, she is the very best lemon writer in anime fan fiction. If you're over 17 and enjoy serious passion, WarDove's work is second to none.

The Rise before the Fall

Chapter 13: Passion and Pain

Aisha was getting her shoes on while Augusta made some calls. She went to open the front door when Augusta's hand rested over hers and opened the door for her.

"Well?" She asked, walking out the door.

"Most of the gang is at Lionas." He answered.

"And the other thing?"

"We can leave the day after tomorrow and have a private cove all to ourselves for a whole week."

"Mmm, can't wait." She said as she jumped into Augusta's craft.

He got in the driver's seat and started the craft.

"You chariot awaits the Lady's order. Shall we proceed?"

"Will you go already Shokestear."

"That's Shakespeare." Augusta laughed as he sped away.

"Whatever!"

**********

After a fun filled evening with their friends, Aisha and Augusta spent a passion filled night at his apartment. Lying in bed together in each other's arms, Aisha pressed her ear to his chest. He had fallen asleep only a few minutes earlier so she took this opportunity to listen to his heartbeat. She felt her own heart beat in her chest and was amazed at how they appeared to beat in unison. She had never noticed it before but now it seemed so obvious.

'We really are very much alike you and I. We're both driven, both ambitious, both fierce warriors and accomplished captains. Mmm, okay maybe you worry a little too much but that's okay, I'm around to protect you, to look after you. Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad thing to marry you right now.'

Aisha sighed.

"What's wrong," Her lover whispered.

"I thought you were asleep." She looked up at him.

"I just dosed off for a minute. Is something troubling you?"

"No, no I was just…" Aisha paused. "I just can't wait for the day after tomorrow." She hugged him tightly.

Augusta checked his chronometer. "You mean tomorrow."

"Hmm?"

"It's already four in the morning."

"Four ugh. Four? Four! I need to get home!"

Aisha sprang up and started gathering her clothes.

"What's the rush?" Augusta lifted himself onto his elbows.

"My father's leaving for four weeks this morning, remember."

"Yeah, but what's that got to do…"

"He always checks in on me right before he leaves on a long trip. I want to be there when he does."

"Okay, I'll take you home." He got up.

"Don't be silly, you don't have to go through the trouble of driving me home."

"It's no trouble." He got up and retrieved his clothes. "How can spending more time with you be trouble."

Aisha smiled to herself, 'Maybe, maybe.'

**********

Augusta pulled in front of the Clan Clan estate and stopped the craft. Aisha leaned over and gave him a quick kiss, then got out. "So you'll pick me up tomorrow morning at eight?"

He nodded. "What are you doing today? Maybe I can stop by later?"

"Well, if we're going away for a week I need to go shopping and pack."

"Mmm, going to by a new bikini, one for each day?" He smiled.

"What? You don't think I'm going to go all day in the same bikini do you?"

He chuckled, "Sorry."

"Care to join me while I try them on?" She threw him a wicked smile.

"Mmm, as much as I'd love to go with you shopping, especially for swimwear, I think I'll let myself be surprised with each new outfit. Besides, I probably should take care of a few things as well. But if it's okay, I'd like to come by later this evening. We can just spend some quiet time together."

"I'd like that." She gave him a childish grin.

"Okay then. Bye Aisha, I love you."

"I… know." Aisha grinned again.

"Grrr" Augusta made a mock frown.

"Go already." She threw him a loving smile.

Augusta smiled back and drove off.

Aisha entered her house and headed straight to her room. Quietly closing her door she quickly changed and got in bed. Within seconds she was fast asleep.

About two hours later, Prowlus Clan Clan quietly entered his daughter's room. He walked over to her bed and looked down at his sleeping princess. She looked so peaceful, so carefree while she slept. Just like the small child he held in his arms not so many years ago. "You've come so far so fast, maybe a little too fast. What ever happened to your childhood? It seems like just yesterday when you fell from the tall cekofa tree in the backyard and skinned your knee and your mother wiped your tears way and comforted you. And now you're the Savior of Ctarl." He drew in a deep steadying breath. "And now you'll face your greatest challenge yet." He smiled at her. "May the God of Ctarl always be with you my precious child," he said as a single tear rolled down his cheek, fell and landed in Aisha's hair. Prowlus turned and walked away.