AUTHOR'S NOTES:
I have never seen the 'Tenchi in Tokyo' TV series but I have watched the
OAV series and own the entire 'No Need for Tenchi' graphic novels. 'KANEI'
is a name I came up with. He is a new character that I have added to the
Tenchi Muyo world. Since I have read a lot of Fanfics about Ayeka's father
trying to find suitors for her, I am writing this story with a different
plot. Oh yeah. I have drawn Kanei so if you want to see the portrait of him
that I have drawn, send me an e-mail. My e-mail address is
[senzen_xlr8@hotmail.com] but on the message write. 'I demand to see' so
that I know that it is not junk mail! And please state which fanfic that
you are referring to. I hope that you'll enjoy the story. Oh! And I don't
own Tenchi Muyo. This is just a story which I have written purely for
enjoyment. So don't sue me!
AYEKA'S HEART CHAPTER 1- Memories
Ayeka walked happily along a wide route in the forest. It was slightly foggy, but the sun was shining brightly and stray rays of light penetrated the tall dense trees. She sat down on an exposed tree root and enjoyed the sight of the birds which were busy singing upon a branch. "It seems that even they want to impress the first princess of Jurai!" She said while pulling an arrogant smile. She layed back on the trunk and looked up into the tree branches. Soon she closed her eyes and looked back down to se a young male kneeling before her. That startled her and sent her backing away a few paces.
The male was from Jurai judging by the war-armour he was waring, and of a high ranking as well. His sky blue semi-long hair moved slightly in the breeze which hid his face from Ayeka. The man looked up and Ayeka gasped as she saw his face "Kanei?!".
"Yes Princess Ayeka. It is I. I haven't seen you for so long!" He stood up to bow to her before offering a hand for her.
"But Kanei. Why are you here on Earth?" Ayeka said accepting his offer to pull her up. However the man used a little extra force than Ayeka had anticipated and she was lifted into an embrace.
"I have come for you my dear Ayeka."
"What?" She gasped trying to recover from the surprised embrace. 'He is a lot bolder than I remembered.'
"Don't you remember Ayeka? We made a promise a long time ago (sounds like Love Hina! I know ^_^) ! We will marry when I become a high ranking officer!"
"Yes the promise. But. But. I have someone..."
"Someone? But I thought you loved me?" His hold loosened and looked straight into her eyes with his crimson red ones.
"I do love you. But you. left me such a long time ago and many things have happened."
"You mean Yosho? I heard when I was head of security during the revolt on planet Amarna." (the name just came into my head)
"No! It is not about him any more! It is his grandson."
"And you love him more than you love me." Kanei's voice grew sad and quiet as he had finally released Ayeka who was saddened by his actions. His head lowered casting a shadow over his eyes and turned away from Ayeka. "Then you were just playing with me." And started to walk away from the silenced Ayeka.
"No! I love you!" Tears lingered in Ayeka's eyes but those words left her mouth not even be heard. Frantically, she reached for him but had only felt air as he walked further and further into the shade provided by the thick under growth. "No don't go! Please come back! I love you!" Ayeka ran after him but the more she ran, the further away he had seemed to have gone away from her.
Soon she gave up and collapsed on a now black surrounding and cried out one last time as she saw the last spec of Kanei's body disappear into the shadows. "No please! Come back to me. I have waited for you. I really have. I cannot bare the loneliness of not seeing you! Please come back." tears fell harder as her body softened and cured into a ball. Her tears dripped down her face and into her awaiting hands which prevented it from flowing any further.
Ayeka woke from her dream to find herself in the room she had shared with Sasami. She knew that she had been crying for she had felt a dampness on the pillow her head was still lying on. The room was full of light from the sun with green shadows cast by the trees outside. Adjusting her eyes properly to bare the singling sensation that the sun had on her eyes, she stared into the face of a worried looking Sasami who was still in her pyjamas. "Sister. You are crying. Did you have a nightmare."
Ayeka was silent for a moment before she had answered Sasami. "No it was just a sad dream. About someone you don't know." Sasami looked at Ayeka then put on her cheerful face after she saw that her older sister was smiling radiantly at her.
"I bet I know if you just tell me his name."
"What makes you think that it is a he?" Ayeka's speech trailed off while sitting up and making a kind of I-didn't-do-it type of face.
"Just a hunch. Now tell me his name!" Sasami pleaded as he hugged her sister while, tickling her and laughing pleasantly.
Ayeka giggled as she felt her body being invaded by her little sister. "Okay! Okay you win! I'll tell you!" Sasami stopped and rested her head on Ayeka's chest while listening contently of what she was about to say. "Well his name is Kanei."
"Okay. Maybe I don't know him. Tell me more!!!" Sasami bragged until Ayeka complied.
"He was a friend of mine back on Jurai. But he was also my study partner for you see. he was the son of the great first general of Jurai at the time."
"Then why did a dream about him make you cry?"
"Kanei left me a long time ago to gain the experience to succeed his father. I don't even know whether or not he still remember me." Ayeka told Sasami while holding back her tears and hiding her sadness by saying it.
"Okay. Come and help me with breakfast!"
"Not a problem."
* * *
A ship glided gracefully in space travelling at a constant velocity in the limitless vacuum. Surprisingly, the ship was made entirely out of wood. At the heart lye the core where a tree glowed eerily which lit up the surrounding area with its light. Underneath a young man sat with a device in hand. He activated it and a hologram appeared in front of him. It was a very old but formal picture of Ayeka standing next to a male with light blue hair. The man smiled as he looked on at Ayeka's cheerful face on the picture. "Ayumi (His tree's name) Lets go to earth. Ayeka will be waiting for me." The tree sent light like twines down in rays of green light as if agreeing with him. He young man's smile disappeared after a while. 'Ayeka I am coming. but do you still remember?'
* * *
Tenchi was working in the fields that particular day and Ryo-Oki tagged along just in case if she was to get lucky and receive an extra carrot. The day was warm and it was just about to be noon as Ryoko teleported her and Sasami to where Tenchi was working. Sasami had already made lunch and Ayeka was left all alone with Mihoshi who had slept on the sofa. Ayeka soon got tired of watching Mihoshi snore and went onto the balcony where she looked across the lake.
"It is a beautiful day. SIGH." Ayeka said while putting her arms on the handrails, resting her head on her arms. The sun was shining bright and the birds sang their songs. Ayeka looked up to see to birds on the tree. 'They are such a beautiful couple. Tenchi, I wish that we would have such happiness.' She saw a beach chair so she sat down and layed her head back and loosened up. Soon under the warm sun her eyes became heavy and closed them after as she fell out of consciousness.
* * *
Ayeka walked along a wide glass road accompanied by one of her subjects. Suddenly a hand was placed on Ayeka's shoulder which made her give a little whimper. The surprise delayed her response but soon she got over it and rage fumed within her. "What the hell are you doing. A subject must not touch the first princess of Jurai! I can get you vaporised for this!" The hand loosened and soon detached itself from Ayeka's shoulder. "I am sorry your majesty." The man bowed and Ayeka turned around and looked at the man on the ground who was kneeling. He had light blue hair, Ayeka hesitated. "Well you better be! Now you will explain your actions!"
The man looked up which made Ayeka feel almost sorry for her actions. "Kanei!?". "Princess.". "You don't have to bow down to me! It has been such a long time since I have seen you!" Ayeka knelt down to take a good look at him. "But why are you here?"
"I have come back Ayeka. I have become the commander of the flag fleet of Jurai! I have come back to you. that is if you would accept me." Kanei looked up to reveal a sincere smile on his face then quickly lowered his face again to get back into a formal bow. Suddenly Ayeka dived into his arms to get into an embrace as tears streamed down her cheeks. "Yes. yes! I have waited for you for so long! I didn't think that you'd ever come back!"
"There are times when I thought that I was about to die. But all of that have passed. I have come back Ayeka. I love you." Ayeka cried sending her body shaking which made Kanei to hold her tighter as he too cried in joy. He released her and gently pushed her back enough to se her face. "Ayeka you are as beautiful as ever." Ayeka smiled and leant forward until their lips met.
A light spark of electricity surged through Ayeka's body as their lips touched. The light caress lasted for a long time but it was the ignition for more, as she pushed her lips harder against Kanei's and soon they where drawn deeper into the simple action. Kanei opened his mouth and extended his tongue which touched Ayeka's.
* * *
Ayeka was suddenly woken up by a light brush of cloth over her nostrils. Anger raged within her but died away as she saw Tenchi's face in front of hers. She looked around and was surprised to se that it was already late afternoon and looking at Tenchi, he had just layed a sheet over Ayeka. The sun was low on the horizon and gave a dim orange glow. Ayeka's face turned crimson as she stared into the dark eyes of Tenchi. "Sorry that I woke you."
"Lord Tenchi! Not at all." Ayeka's mind was not responding properly. "I didn't want to wake you. It is afternoon already and the air is getting cooler so why don't you come inside and take a nap?" Tenchi said smiling at the blushing Ayeka. "Thankyou for caring lord Tenchi."
Ayeka walked happily into the house with Tenchi while a ship entered earth's atmosphere undetected by the couple. Suddenly monitors throughout Washu's lab reported an unidentified flying object was approaching in an incredible speed. Washu tried homing in on the ship with cameras, but a visual was impossible due to the speed and possibly the cloaking device used on the ship. Washu warned everyone in the house and they braced for the impact from the landing of what never that had come from the sky. A light tremor can be felt and outside as a great amount of light was emitted as the craft landed. Everyone ran outside to se the intruder and were all surprised when they discovered that the ship was from Jurai.
Dread filled Ayeka's as she knew that her father must have sent this craft but could not work out the reason for this ship to come to earth. The ship's shields faded and engines cooled as the light disappeared when the cloaking device was turned off. The main door opened to reveal more light coming from the interior. Everyone tried their best to block off the light from their eyes but was still curious to see who was going to emerge.
Tenchi did not recognise the origin of the ship and took out his sword Tenchi (heaven and earth). A voice came. "My master have not come to fight you. Please lay down your sword for now." A guardian (A log) appeared from the intense light then a figure. As they made their way down, where their forms became more apparent to reveal a man with a hood and a cloak and an accompanying guardian simular to the ones belonging to Ayeka. As they have landed on slid ground, colour can be defined now as everyone could se that the man was wearing an imperial purple cloak and hood, underneath was a full Juraian armour. He was obviously a nobleman of some sort.
He made his way towards the princess and bowed down the while the hood still covered his hair and facial features. Ayeka hesitated until she spoke out the formal greetings. "Stand my subject." Then man obeyed Ayeka's command although the hood still cast a shadow over his face. "Now identify yourself and explain your motives."
For the first time the man spoke which had startled everyone who was present. "I am Kanei Arisaka. First admiral of the of the entire Jurian fleet, commander of the entire Jurian military. Princess Ayeka, your father has granted me permission to escort your Hines back to Jurai for the official ceremony of your wedding!" He finished his speech and pulled back the hood to reveal his light blue hair and the dashing crimson red eyes.
Ayeka's body went numb as tears engulfed her eyes 'he didn't forget!' The tears quickly made their way down her cheeks as she stared into Kanei's eyes. He smiled sincerely towards her and her face turned crimson and blushed in his presence.
"WHAT!? But who will be her suitor?" Sasami shouted. Kanei's eyes for the first time crept from Ayeka to Sasami and walked up to her to bow to her just like Ayeka. Sasami gave a little squeak as he had done so and blushed as she remembered that he was in fact in her older sister's dreams. "Princess Sasami. I am going to be Ayeka's suitor.!"
"What!? No! She is in love with Tenchi." Ayeka's heart skipped a beat as she heard her sister say those words. "Sasami!." Ayeka shouted but stopped herself from saying anything else knowing that it will only make the situation worse. Kanei stood up surprised at what Sasami had said. His eyes looked frightening and confused at that moment as if he was going to commit murder. Sasami was frightened as those eyes stared straight into hers. His hands started to shake as cold sweat began to form throughout his body which felt like needles probing every sweat gland with haste. To Sasami's relief he closed his eyes to hold his head with his shaking hands.
'Ayeka. I feel so angry! But I. I am not angry with you. This feeling. it is jealousy. Jealousy for the one called Tenchi. I feel so sad. but I cannot shed any tears, not in front of you!' Kanei's hands shook as they were placed on his face. Ayeka was also in pain 'I betrayed him. I do not deserve to live. What have I become? He has worked so had to become what he is so that he could marry me! But all I had to do was to wait for him to come back. but I did not even do that.'
Kanei removed his hands from his face to reveal an empty but pain-struck face "My orders are do take her back to Jurai." Everyone looked on in confusion at Ayeka then at Kanei and tried to work out what was actually going on between them. Tenchi stepped forward. "Kanei. Let Ayeka decide whether or not if she want to go to Jurai. Let us be reasonable! She may not even know who you are."
"Tenchi. that is your name am I correct?" Kanei spoke softly but loud enough to be heard. Tenchi nodded and Kanei spoke again. "Ayeka loves you. Do you love her?" Kanei's words struck Tenchi hard. There was silence for a while until Tenchi replied. "Yes. yes I do."
"Then Tenchi, under Juraian law. I am to challenge you to a duel." Kanei reached for his sword and detached his cloak and hood revealing the battle armour underneath. "WHAT?!" Everyone shouted in unison. "No! No. please don't Kanei. Just give me some time to think!" The words escaped from Ayeka's mouth hurt Kanei greatly and he looked up at Ayeka with a betrayed face.
"Ayeka. I have worked to my potential to get to the class that I have achieved to become. I sacrificed a lot to get to my position. You may not understand what I have gone through but I can say that it was not pleasant. Endless hours of labour for the emperor and endless galaxies I have conquered or colonised to be what I am. Through that I have lost friends my father and my youth. And why do you think I have done all of that for?. It is all for you. To finally have the status to be able to be a candidate for your hand in marriage." Tears ran down Kanei's face which where wiped away roughly with his hands. "Don't tell me that you where just playing with me so many years ago!"
Ayeka's body ached as she heard the last words from Kanei. She remembered her dream and her body started to shake. The fear, the sadness and the guilt made her legs soft and she collapsed from the dread which engulfed her. Kanei responded quickly and caught Ayeka just before she hit the ground and layed her head down on his lap, she was unconscious. 'He was worried about her' Tenchi thought. 'He truly loves her. I. I have only taken Ayeka for granted! She has shown a number of times that she loved me. But. but I did not. I do not deserve her.'
'Ayeka! I am sorry. I didn't mean to upset you! My presence here has only caused you pain!' Kanei stroked Ayeka's hair lovingly. "If you don't want me then just say so. I do not wish to hurt you." Kanei rose his head to face Tenchi. "Lord Tenchi. I know that it is wrong of me to do this but. I cannot let Ayeka go. She means too much to me. I have waited too long and suffered too much to let this go easily. Thus I ask for a duel, you and me, one on one. I will leave you at peace for now. But in three hours time I will be back. Be ready." Kanei stood up and lifted Ayeka up. "And please grant me the privilege of a talk with Ayeka alone before our match."
Kanei slowly rose into the air with the unconscious Ayeka in his arms. Ryoko and Sasami where just about to stop him before he spoke again. "I am an honourable man and I will not break my promise. Three hours is all I ask, and she will not be harmed in any way." Tenchi held the two girls back as Kanei boarded his ship with his guardian and took of. Soon the craft was out of range of sight. Tenchi could not do anything but look as the ship disappeared. Ryoko was saddened by Tenchi's actions 'Tenchi. maybe you love Ayeka more than me. I will love you none less and I will protect you if need be.'
* * *
On the ship Kanei placed Ayeka under Ayumi (the tree) and knelt down in front of Ayeka and rose his hand to her forehead. His hand started to glow bright yellow white and soon Ayeka woke. "Ayeka." Kanei's voice disappeared. Ayeka looked at Kanei uneasily and after she saw her surroundings, she knew that she was alone with Kanei. "Kanei. I have betrayed you!" Ayeka cried out as tears dropped from her eyes. Kanei simply looked to his side and avoided eye contact with her. Ayeka cried harder and embraced him harshly "I am sorry. I am so sorry."
The urge was great and Kanei wrapped his arms around Ayeka as tears poured down his face. "I have missed you so much Ayeka. I love you. I love you more than anything! I am so glad that I was able se you again."
"Please forgive me! I have waited. I really have! Kanei my love can you ever forgive me?" Kanei held her tightly his mind was confused but at this moment it was happy.
Kanei sat beside Ayeka under the tree they held hands but sorrow loomed in them. Kanei had told Ayeka about the duel and they where now quiet. Their minds empty brought by the shock of Kanei's sudden re-entrance into Ayeka's life. "Ayeka. You remember when were young?" Ayeka snapped out of her daydream and looked at Kanei who was looking into the stars via the sky window. The tree had a green glow which made the surrounding seem magical.
Ayeka blushed and replied. "Yes Kanei. One of the best times I have ever had. You were my only companion other than Yosho." Kanei looked at Ayeka and smiled sincerely. "Then do you remember. the time when I was about to leave." Ayeka gave a wide smile, an almost mischievous smile. "When you kissed me even you were forbidden to do it!"
Kanei's face went bright red and avoided eye contact. "Well yeah. What I mean is the promise. My promise to you." Ayeka's head sunk but answered. "Yes I still remember your promise to me, and I still remember my promise to you." Kanei sat back and rested his back on the trunk of his tree. -sigh-
"What do you think about my challenge to Tenchi?" Ayeka looked at Kanei. "Kanei. I love you. But you must give me time to think about this. Please call off the duel" Kanei took some time to respond but he looked into Ayeka's eyes. "Ayeka. You know that I love you?". "Yes.". "Then how can I be with you if I am not to marry you? You want to marry me right? It was your promise to wait for me.". "But I am just not ready to make up a decision." Kanei gave a mocking laugh. "I just know that you will never make up your mind. To make up your mind for you, the dual will take place in one hour."
Ayeka released his hand and grabbed his suit and pulled him up to her as she stood and looked glared at him in the eye. "You are so stubborn! I am worried about you. Tenchi is strong. You may die! Maybe I cannot make up my mind anytime soon but I do not want to loose you or him" Kanei stood one head taller than Ayeka and looked aside. "I will do anything to have you in my life or die trying!" Ayeka released Kanei and sat back once again. Tears once again dropped from her eyes, suddenly she embraced Kanei once more. "I know now that I cannot convince you to change your mind in this." She kissed him which surprised him more than anything and released. "But please don't kill him!"
"I cannot promise you this." Kanei said. "But I will try my hardest not to. We'll let fate decide."
"Why do you have to be like this Kanei? Why can't you just call it off? We'll live together. I am sure that Tenchi will let you!" Ayeka pleaded. "Two foes cannot live under the same roof. It will always bring about disaster." Kanei replied with a bitter tone. Ayeka sat hastily down. "If you kill Tenchi. It will make me hate you." Kanei stood up and walked a few paces. "It is time to get ready. This is my personality now. I am hardened by the campaigns I have fought in. A challenge cannot be withdrawn."
* * *
Kanei's ship returned right on time. Tenchi was waiting for him in his normal shirt and pants. Kanei descended from his ship with Ayeka. "Tenchi Misaki. Heir to the Juraian throne. I challenge you to a duel on the planet Tarsonis II in the Beta Galaxy." Kanei activated a portal. "Please come this way." Everyone started to make their way to the portal before Kanei stopped them. "Only Tenchi, Ayeka, the guardians and myself are permitted to join in this duel. By tradition you are not allowed in."
So the guardians Tenchi, Ayeka and Kanei walked through leaving the others to worry about Tenchi's life. The portal closed and the others started to panic. "Ryo-Oki! Get ready! We are going to planet Tarsonis. whatever! Washu get a portal ready!" Ryoko demanded while throwing the brown rabbit into the air and watching it turn into a space ship. "It is Tarsonis II Ryoko. And call me mum!"
And so the ship flew into another dimensional warp-gate "We are coming Tenchi!"
END OF CHAPTER
HEY WANT TO SEE WHAT KANEI LOOK LIKE? READ 'DEAR READERS FOR DETAILS'! (NEW PICTURE AVAILABLE!)
AYEKA'S HEART CHAPTER 1- Memories
Ayeka walked happily along a wide route in the forest. It was slightly foggy, but the sun was shining brightly and stray rays of light penetrated the tall dense trees. She sat down on an exposed tree root and enjoyed the sight of the birds which were busy singing upon a branch. "It seems that even they want to impress the first princess of Jurai!" She said while pulling an arrogant smile. She layed back on the trunk and looked up into the tree branches. Soon she closed her eyes and looked back down to se a young male kneeling before her. That startled her and sent her backing away a few paces.
The male was from Jurai judging by the war-armour he was waring, and of a high ranking as well. His sky blue semi-long hair moved slightly in the breeze which hid his face from Ayeka. The man looked up and Ayeka gasped as she saw his face "Kanei?!".
"Yes Princess Ayeka. It is I. I haven't seen you for so long!" He stood up to bow to her before offering a hand for her.
"But Kanei. Why are you here on Earth?" Ayeka said accepting his offer to pull her up. However the man used a little extra force than Ayeka had anticipated and she was lifted into an embrace.
"I have come for you my dear Ayeka."
"What?" She gasped trying to recover from the surprised embrace. 'He is a lot bolder than I remembered.'
"Don't you remember Ayeka? We made a promise a long time ago (sounds like Love Hina! I know ^_^) ! We will marry when I become a high ranking officer!"
"Yes the promise. But. But. I have someone..."
"Someone? But I thought you loved me?" His hold loosened and looked straight into her eyes with his crimson red ones.
"I do love you. But you. left me such a long time ago and many things have happened."
"You mean Yosho? I heard when I was head of security during the revolt on planet Amarna." (the name just came into my head)
"No! It is not about him any more! It is his grandson."
"And you love him more than you love me." Kanei's voice grew sad and quiet as he had finally released Ayeka who was saddened by his actions. His head lowered casting a shadow over his eyes and turned away from Ayeka. "Then you were just playing with me." And started to walk away from the silenced Ayeka.
"No! I love you!" Tears lingered in Ayeka's eyes but those words left her mouth not even be heard. Frantically, she reached for him but had only felt air as he walked further and further into the shade provided by the thick under growth. "No don't go! Please come back! I love you!" Ayeka ran after him but the more she ran, the further away he had seemed to have gone away from her.
Soon she gave up and collapsed on a now black surrounding and cried out one last time as she saw the last spec of Kanei's body disappear into the shadows. "No please! Come back to me. I have waited for you. I really have. I cannot bare the loneliness of not seeing you! Please come back." tears fell harder as her body softened and cured into a ball. Her tears dripped down her face and into her awaiting hands which prevented it from flowing any further.
Ayeka woke from her dream to find herself in the room she had shared with Sasami. She knew that she had been crying for she had felt a dampness on the pillow her head was still lying on. The room was full of light from the sun with green shadows cast by the trees outside. Adjusting her eyes properly to bare the singling sensation that the sun had on her eyes, she stared into the face of a worried looking Sasami who was still in her pyjamas. "Sister. You are crying. Did you have a nightmare."
Ayeka was silent for a moment before she had answered Sasami. "No it was just a sad dream. About someone you don't know." Sasami looked at Ayeka then put on her cheerful face after she saw that her older sister was smiling radiantly at her.
"I bet I know if you just tell me his name."
"What makes you think that it is a he?" Ayeka's speech trailed off while sitting up and making a kind of I-didn't-do-it type of face.
"Just a hunch. Now tell me his name!" Sasami pleaded as he hugged her sister while, tickling her and laughing pleasantly.
Ayeka giggled as she felt her body being invaded by her little sister. "Okay! Okay you win! I'll tell you!" Sasami stopped and rested her head on Ayeka's chest while listening contently of what she was about to say. "Well his name is Kanei."
"Okay. Maybe I don't know him. Tell me more!!!" Sasami bragged until Ayeka complied.
"He was a friend of mine back on Jurai. But he was also my study partner for you see. he was the son of the great first general of Jurai at the time."
"Then why did a dream about him make you cry?"
"Kanei left me a long time ago to gain the experience to succeed his father. I don't even know whether or not he still remember me." Ayeka told Sasami while holding back her tears and hiding her sadness by saying it.
"Okay. Come and help me with breakfast!"
"Not a problem."
* * *
A ship glided gracefully in space travelling at a constant velocity in the limitless vacuum. Surprisingly, the ship was made entirely out of wood. At the heart lye the core where a tree glowed eerily which lit up the surrounding area with its light. Underneath a young man sat with a device in hand. He activated it and a hologram appeared in front of him. It was a very old but formal picture of Ayeka standing next to a male with light blue hair. The man smiled as he looked on at Ayeka's cheerful face on the picture. "Ayumi (His tree's name) Lets go to earth. Ayeka will be waiting for me." The tree sent light like twines down in rays of green light as if agreeing with him. He young man's smile disappeared after a while. 'Ayeka I am coming. but do you still remember?'
* * *
Tenchi was working in the fields that particular day and Ryo-Oki tagged along just in case if she was to get lucky and receive an extra carrot. The day was warm and it was just about to be noon as Ryoko teleported her and Sasami to where Tenchi was working. Sasami had already made lunch and Ayeka was left all alone with Mihoshi who had slept on the sofa. Ayeka soon got tired of watching Mihoshi snore and went onto the balcony where she looked across the lake.
"It is a beautiful day. SIGH." Ayeka said while putting her arms on the handrails, resting her head on her arms. The sun was shining bright and the birds sang their songs. Ayeka looked up to see to birds on the tree. 'They are such a beautiful couple. Tenchi, I wish that we would have such happiness.' She saw a beach chair so she sat down and layed her head back and loosened up. Soon under the warm sun her eyes became heavy and closed them after as she fell out of consciousness.
* * *
Ayeka walked along a wide glass road accompanied by one of her subjects. Suddenly a hand was placed on Ayeka's shoulder which made her give a little whimper. The surprise delayed her response but soon she got over it and rage fumed within her. "What the hell are you doing. A subject must not touch the first princess of Jurai! I can get you vaporised for this!" The hand loosened and soon detached itself from Ayeka's shoulder. "I am sorry your majesty." The man bowed and Ayeka turned around and looked at the man on the ground who was kneeling. He had light blue hair, Ayeka hesitated. "Well you better be! Now you will explain your actions!"
The man looked up which made Ayeka feel almost sorry for her actions. "Kanei!?". "Princess.". "You don't have to bow down to me! It has been such a long time since I have seen you!" Ayeka knelt down to take a good look at him. "But why are you here?"
"I have come back Ayeka. I have become the commander of the flag fleet of Jurai! I have come back to you. that is if you would accept me." Kanei looked up to reveal a sincere smile on his face then quickly lowered his face again to get back into a formal bow. Suddenly Ayeka dived into his arms to get into an embrace as tears streamed down her cheeks. "Yes. yes! I have waited for you for so long! I didn't think that you'd ever come back!"
"There are times when I thought that I was about to die. But all of that have passed. I have come back Ayeka. I love you." Ayeka cried sending her body shaking which made Kanei to hold her tighter as he too cried in joy. He released her and gently pushed her back enough to se her face. "Ayeka you are as beautiful as ever." Ayeka smiled and leant forward until their lips met.
A light spark of electricity surged through Ayeka's body as their lips touched. The light caress lasted for a long time but it was the ignition for more, as she pushed her lips harder against Kanei's and soon they where drawn deeper into the simple action. Kanei opened his mouth and extended his tongue which touched Ayeka's.
* * *
Ayeka was suddenly woken up by a light brush of cloth over her nostrils. Anger raged within her but died away as she saw Tenchi's face in front of hers. She looked around and was surprised to se that it was already late afternoon and looking at Tenchi, he had just layed a sheet over Ayeka. The sun was low on the horizon and gave a dim orange glow. Ayeka's face turned crimson as she stared into the dark eyes of Tenchi. "Sorry that I woke you."
"Lord Tenchi! Not at all." Ayeka's mind was not responding properly. "I didn't want to wake you. It is afternoon already and the air is getting cooler so why don't you come inside and take a nap?" Tenchi said smiling at the blushing Ayeka. "Thankyou for caring lord Tenchi."
Ayeka walked happily into the house with Tenchi while a ship entered earth's atmosphere undetected by the couple. Suddenly monitors throughout Washu's lab reported an unidentified flying object was approaching in an incredible speed. Washu tried homing in on the ship with cameras, but a visual was impossible due to the speed and possibly the cloaking device used on the ship. Washu warned everyone in the house and they braced for the impact from the landing of what never that had come from the sky. A light tremor can be felt and outside as a great amount of light was emitted as the craft landed. Everyone ran outside to se the intruder and were all surprised when they discovered that the ship was from Jurai.
Dread filled Ayeka's as she knew that her father must have sent this craft but could not work out the reason for this ship to come to earth. The ship's shields faded and engines cooled as the light disappeared when the cloaking device was turned off. The main door opened to reveal more light coming from the interior. Everyone tried their best to block off the light from their eyes but was still curious to see who was going to emerge.
Tenchi did not recognise the origin of the ship and took out his sword Tenchi (heaven and earth). A voice came. "My master have not come to fight you. Please lay down your sword for now." A guardian (A log) appeared from the intense light then a figure. As they made their way down, where their forms became more apparent to reveal a man with a hood and a cloak and an accompanying guardian simular to the ones belonging to Ayeka. As they have landed on slid ground, colour can be defined now as everyone could se that the man was wearing an imperial purple cloak and hood, underneath was a full Juraian armour. He was obviously a nobleman of some sort.
He made his way towards the princess and bowed down the while the hood still covered his hair and facial features. Ayeka hesitated until she spoke out the formal greetings. "Stand my subject." Then man obeyed Ayeka's command although the hood still cast a shadow over his face. "Now identify yourself and explain your motives."
For the first time the man spoke which had startled everyone who was present. "I am Kanei Arisaka. First admiral of the of the entire Jurian fleet, commander of the entire Jurian military. Princess Ayeka, your father has granted me permission to escort your Hines back to Jurai for the official ceremony of your wedding!" He finished his speech and pulled back the hood to reveal his light blue hair and the dashing crimson red eyes.
Ayeka's body went numb as tears engulfed her eyes 'he didn't forget!' The tears quickly made their way down her cheeks as she stared into Kanei's eyes. He smiled sincerely towards her and her face turned crimson and blushed in his presence.
"WHAT!? But who will be her suitor?" Sasami shouted. Kanei's eyes for the first time crept from Ayeka to Sasami and walked up to her to bow to her just like Ayeka. Sasami gave a little squeak as he had done so and blushed as she remembered that he was in fact in her older sister's dreams. "Princess Sasami. I am going to be Ayeka's suitor.!"
"What!? No! She is in love with Tenchi." Ayeka's heart skipped a beat as she heard her sister say those words. "Sasami!." Ayeka shouted but stopped herself from saying anything else knowing that it will only make the situation worse. Kanei stood up surprised at what Sasami had said. His eyes looked frightening and confused at that moment as if he was going to commit murder. Sasami was frightened as those eyes stared straight into hers. His hands started to shake as cold sweat began to form throughout his body which felt like needles probing every sweat gland with haste. To Sasami's relief he closed his eyes to hold his head with his shaking hands.
'Ayeka. I feel so angry! But I. I am not angry with you. This feeling. it is jealousy. Jealousy for the one called Tenchi. I feel so sad. but I cannot shed any tears, not in front of you!' Kanei's hands shook as they were placed on his face. Ayeka was also in pain 'I betrayed him. I do not deserve to live. What have I become? He has worked so had to become what he is so that he could marry me! But all I had to do was to wait for him to come back. but I did not even do that.'
Kanei removed his hands from his face to reveal an empty but pain-struck face "My orders are do take her back to Jurai." Everyone looked on in confusion at Ayeka then at Kanei and tried to work out what was actually going on between them. Tenchi stepped forward. "Kanei. Let Ayeka decide whether or not if she want to go to Jurai. Let us be reasonable! She may not even know who you are."
"Tenchi. that is your name am I correct?" Kanei spoke softly but loud enough to be heard. Tenchi nodded and Kanei spoke again. "Ayeka loves you. Do you love her?" Kanei's words struck Tenchi hard. There was silence for a while until Tenchi replied. "Yes. yes I do."
"Then Tenchi, under Juraian law. I am to challenge you to a duel." Kanei reached for his sword and detached his cloak and hood revealing the battle armour underneath. "WHAT?!" Everyone shouted in unison. "No! No. please don't Kanei. Just give me some time to think!" The words escaped from Ayeka's mouth hurt Kanei greatly and he looked up at Ayeka with a betrayed face.
"Ayeka. I have worked to my potential to get to the class that I have achieved to become. I sacrificed a lot to get to my position. You may not understand what I have gone through but I can say that it was not pleasant. Endless hours of labour for the emperor and endless galaxies I have conquered or colonised to be what I am. Through that I have lost friends my father and my youth. And why do you think I have done all of that for?. It is all for you. To finally have the status to be able to be a candidate for your hand in marriage." Tears ran down Kanei's face which where wiped away roughly with his hands. "Don't tell me that you where just playing with me so many years ago!"
Ayeka's body ached as she heard the last words from Kanei. She remembered her dream and her body started to shake. The fear, the sadness and the guilt made her legs soft and she collapsed from the dread which engulfed her. Kanei responded quickly and caught Ayeka just before she hit the ground and layed her head down on his lap, she was unconscious. 'He was worried about her' Tenchi thought. 'He truly loves her. I. I have only taken Ayeka for granted! She has shown a number of times that she loved me. But. but I did not. I do not deserve her.'
'Ayeka! I am sorry. I didn't mean to upset you! My presence here has only caused you pain!' Kanei stroked Ayeka's hair lovingly. "If you don't want me then just say so. I do not wish to hurt you." Kanei rose his head to face Tenchi. "Lord Tenchi. I know that it is wrong of me to do this but. I cannot let Ayeka go. She means too much to me. I have waited too long and suffered too much to let this go easily. Thus I ask for a duel, you and me, one on one. I will leave you at peace for now. But in three hours time I will be back. Be ready." Kanei stood up and lifted Ayeka up. "And please grant me the privilege of a talk with Ayeka alone before our match."
Kanei slowly rose into the air with the unconscious Ayeka in his arms. Ryoko and Sasami where just about to stop him before he spoke again. "I am an honourable man and I will not break my promise. Three hours is all I ask, and she will not be harmed in any way." Tenchi held the two girls back as Kanei boarded his ship with his guardian and took of. Soon the craft was out of range of sight. Tenchi could not do anything but look as the ship disappeared. Ryoko was saddened by Tenchi's actions 'Tenchi. maybe you love Ayeka more than me. I will love you none less and I will protect you if need be.'
* * *
On the ship Kanei placed Ayeka under Ayumi (the tree) and knelt down in front of Ayeka and rose his hand to her forehead. His hand started to glow bright yellow white and soon Ayeka woke. "Ayeka." Kanei's voice disappeared. Ayeka looked at Kanei uneasily and after she saw her surroundings, she knew that she was alone with Kanei. "Kanei. I have betrayed you!" Ayeka cried out as tears dropped from her eyes. Kanei simply looked to his side and avoided eye contact with her. Ayeka cried harder and embraced him harshly "I am sorry. I am so sorry."
The urge was great and Kanei wrapped his arms around Ayeka as tears poured down his face. "I have missed you so much Ayeka. I love you. I love you more than anything! I am so glad that I was able se you again."
"Please forgive me! I have waited. I really have! Kanei my love can you ever forgive me?" Kanei held her tightly his mind was confused but at this moment it was happy.
Kanei sat beside Ayeka under the tree they held hands but sorrow loomed in them. Kanei had told Ayeka about the duel and they where now quiet. Their minds empty brought by the shock of Kanei's sudden re-entrance into Ayeka's life. "Ayeka. You remember when were young?" Ayeka snapped out of her daydream and looked at Kanei who was looking into the stars via the sky window. The tree had a green glow which made the surrounding seem magical.
Ayeka blushed and replied. "Yes Kanei. One of the best times I have ever had. You were my only companion other than Yosho." Kanei looked at Ayeka and smiled sincerely. "Then do you remember. the time when I was about to leave." Ayeka gave a wide smile, an almost mischievous smile. "When you kissed me even you were forbidden to do it!"
Kanei's face went bright red and avoided eye contact. "Well yeah. What I mean is the promise. My promise to you." Ayeka's head sunk but answered. "Yes I still remember your promise to me, and I still remember my promise to you." Kanei sat back and rested his back on the trunk of his tree. -sigh-
"What do you think about my challenge to Tenchi?" Ayeka looked at Kanei. "Kanei. I love you. But you must give me time to think about this. Please call off the duel" Kanei took some time to respond but he looked into Ayeka's eyes. "Ayeka. You know that I love you?". "Yes.". "Then how can I be with you if I am not to marry you? You want to marry me right? It was your promise to wait for me.". "But I am just not ready to make up a decision." Kanei gave a mocking laugh. "I just know that you will never make up your mind. To make up your mind for you, the dual will take place in one hour."
Ayeka released his hand and grabbed his suit and pulled him up to her as she stood and looked glared at him in the eye. "You are so stubborn! I am worried about you. Tenchi is strong. You may die! Maybe I cannot make up my mind anytime soon but I do not want to loose you or him" Kanei stood one head taller than Ayeka and looked aside. "I will do anything to have you in my life or die trying!" Ayeka released Kanei and sat back once again. Tears once again dropped from her eyes, suddenly she embraced Kanei once more. "I know now that I cannot convince you to change your mind in this." She kissed him which surprised him more than anything and released. "But please don't kill him!"
"I cannot promise you this." Kanei said. "But I will try my hardest not to. We'll let fate decide."
"Why do you have to be like this Kanei? Why can't you just call it off? We'll live together. I am sure that Tenchi will let you!" Ayeka pleaded. "Two foes cannot live under the same roof. It will always bring about disaster." Kanei replied with a bitter tone. Ayeka sat hastily down. "If you kill Tenchi. It will make me hate you." Kanei stood up and walked a few paces. "It is time to get ready. This is my personality now. I am hardened by the campaigns I have fought in. A challenge cannot be withdrawn."
* * *
Kanei's ship returned right on time. Tenchi was waiting for him in his normal shirt and pants. Kanei descended from his ship with Ayeka. "Tenchi Misaki. Heir to the Juraian throne. I challenge you to a duel on the planet Tarsonis II in the Beta Galaxy." Kanei activated a portal. "Please come this way." Everyone started to make their way to the portal before Kanei stopped them. "Only Tenchi, Ayeka, the guardians and myself are permitted to join in this duel. By tradition you are not allowed in."
So the guardians Tenchi, Ayeka and Kanei walked through leaving the others to worry about Tenchi's life. The portal closed and the others started to panic. "Ryo-Oki! Get ready! We are going to planet Tarsonis. whatever! Washu get a portal ready!" Ryoko demanded while throwing the brown rabbit into the air and watching it turn into a space ship. "It is Tarsonis II Ryoko. And call me mum!"
And so the ship flew into another dimensional warp-gate "We are coming Tenchi!"
END OF CHAPTER
HEY WANT TO SEE WHAT KANEI LOOK LIKE? READ 'DEAR READERS FOR DETAILS'! (NEW PICTURE AVAILABLE!)