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 4- Love and betrayal
Kanei turned back to see Ayeka. "Yosho. Yosho is here." Ayeka responded. "Yes. yes he is." Kanei's head suddenly felt a sharp pain on the side which caused him to hold it with his hand. "Kanei! Are you okay?!" Kanei slowly rose up once again. "Yes. Let us go! We are going to be late."
The rest of the walk was silent but they walked slowly to enjoy the scenery. Kanei and Ayeka walked behind the others as they held hands as they walked. But soon they have arrived at the fields where Tenchi was working hard and Ryoko effortlessly flew while spreading the seeds along the rich soil. Tenchi waved as the others arrived. Kanei looked at the crops of carrots with fascination as they walked down the hill to Tenchi Ryoko and Ryo-Oki.
Everyone enjoyed lunch under the shade of a tree as they talked about their lives and experiences. Although it was mostly Mihoshi who was doing most of the talking and everybody else listened. Kanei acted differently, as if he had matured ever since he had touched the tree. He seemed less enthusiastic about most things and tended to se things more seriously. As Mihoshi spoke, he looked into the distant skies and barely touched his food. Everyone except Mihoshi noticed this and gave him a glance once in a while just to see if he was okay. Then without warning Kanei spoke out in front of everyone. "I. wish to se Prince Yosho. If that is okay with everyone else that is." He gave a smile which eased everyone.
Tenchi led him up to the shrine where his grand father hang around while the girls tagged behind. As they walked along the stairs the sound of sweeping intensified until it finally stopped when they reached the top of the seemingly endless flight of stairs. Yosho greeted everyone warmly and looked at Kanei. "Hi. Do I know you?"
Despite of the surprise to see Yosho so old and dried up, he gave a formal bow. "Yes my prince. I am sure that I have looked upon you while you have glanced at me at times." Yosho looked with a puzzled expression and put his hand to his face. "Hmmm." He pushed up his glasses and looked up once more. "You have grown. Kanei."
Kanei smiled. "Yes I have."
Yosho looked at him suspiciously and then smiled also. "Care for a little practice?" Yosho said enthusiastically and threw Kanei a practice wooden sword. Kanei grabbed it and tested the weight of the sword. "I accept my prince. It is a privilege."
Tenchi urged the others back a bit as he knew just too well what was going to happen next. Ayeka tried to object but as she looked at the seriousness of Tenchi's face, she stopped and did as Tenchi had said. Kanei gave a battle stance with both hands on the wooden sword and breathed out. Yosho grabbed his sword and walked to him slowly. Suddenly Yosho disappeared, his movements too fast for the human eye. Everyone looked at Kanei who did not move an inch. CLAK! Everyone looked all over for any signs of Yosho but as they looked back at Kanei, he still remained in the same pose except for his arms which moved above him. But behind him was Yosho who had his sword in contact with Kanei's. Kanei had saw Yosho's attack and had blocked it with his sword.
"Very good Kanei! Your skills have improved. Now. can I offer you a cup of tea?" Kanei smiled and gently tapped his sword with Yosho's. In an instant, both swords snapped making many impacting sounds on the hard stone floor. Kanei smiled wildly and Yosho suddenly turned red. " Thankyou. I will be glad to accept your offer."
* * *
Many days have passed, then quickly the days turned into months. Kanei managed to get up early everyday to help Sasami with the preparation with the food. Then after that, he followed Tenchi when he trained with his grand father and had picked a few challenges with the old man once in a while. The weather was very cold now as Christmas came. Kanei was just a kitchen hand and he had only enjoyed cooking because it was a perfect chance for him to ask Sasami things about her sister. Without knowing it, Kanei and Sasami's relationship deepened. Everyone prepared the decorations while Sasami and Kanei prepared the food.
Although Ayeka did not like looking at her sister with one of the two men she loved, she let the things the way they were. She felt that Kanei was a good companion for Sasami and as she watched them preparing food, she smiled to herself. 'This reminds me of the time when the both of us were young. He was gentle and funny.' She daydreamed as she was decorating the tree when she lost her footing on the ladder she was on. She fell side ways but as she braced for the impact, two hands caught her just in time. She gave a gasp as she saw that it was Tenchi who had caught her and blushed as he placed her on her feet. "Are you okay Ayeka?"
"Lord Tenchi!. umm. yes! Yes I am okay! Thankyou." Ayeka was lost with words. "Just be careful Ayeka. It is Christmas I'd hate to see anyone injured." Tenchi smiled and left her to get back to her duties.
That night, everyone drank heavily. Ryoko had already demolished ten bottles of beer and three bottles of sake and she was still going. What's worse was that she was actually making Tenchi drink almost as much as she was and there was chaos everywhere. Ayeka drank to her heart's desired while letting Kanei drink as well. Kanei hated drinking but to not let Ayeka down he put a cup of sake into his mouth and took another empty cup and gradually spat out the alcohol, making him looked like that he was drinking quite a bit. But even a fool proof plan like Kanei's wasn't good enough to escape Washu who had also drunk more than she should, and so Ayeka forced an entire bottle of sake down Kanei's throat after his scheme was discovered.
=Cough= =cough=
He tried to get rid of the taste by taking a bite of a pear but was suddenly under the influence of the alcohol and felt very sick while everyone cheered and went on drinking. "Kanei! Are you okay?!" Sasami shouted as she entered the room with some snacks she had prepared. Sasami quickly put the tray of food down and rushed over to Kanei who had looked half-dead. "Sa. Sasami! I am so. glad that you are here! Please! Guide me to the toilet! I need to vomit!" Sasami did so and waited outside the lavatory until Kanei had regurgitated all of that night's dinner and snacks. He came out still dizzy and Sasami guided him to his door. He thanked her and collapsed on the bed and went to sleep.
Sasami left his room but stopped as she was about to go into the living room. She opened Kanei's door once again and placed her hand on his forehead. Sasami started to glow and soon the light faded. "That'll make you feel a lot better" Sasami whispered as she gave a tender smile and got a blanket to cover Kanei up before she left the room.
* * *
Ryoko, Mihoshi and Washu lay on the ground motionless after finishing three dozen bottles of beer and one dozen bottles of sake. It was late and Sasami had retired to the bedroom she had shared with Ayeka, only Tenchi and Ayeka remained awake. After taking another sip from her cup of sake, Ayeka shifted her position on the sofa to face Tenchi who also had a cup in his hand. She raised her cup and gently tapped Tenchi's. She gulped the liquid down her throat and sighed loudly while rubbing her mouth to enjoy the taste. "Lord Tenchi." Ayeka said stumbling. "Do you. you. love me?"
Tenchi looked at Ayeka and tried to answer her but he had no more control over himself. He tried to speak but nothing came out. So instead he leant closer to Ayeka and kissed her on the lips. It was a shocking experience but Ayeka gladly accepted it and caressed his tongue passionately as he had put it in her mouth. Tenchi collapsed which sent him on top of her on the sofa. Ayeka moaned into Tenchi's mouth as he touched the flesh on her knee and sliding his hand upwards to her thy. But as the situation intensified, it diminished just as quickly as it accelerated because the heat was too much for Tenchi. He fell asleep and as his muscles relaxed, his body came down on Ayeka's while his head came to rest on her breasts.
Ayeka sighed while wrapping her arms around Tenchi's head and after much staring at the news reporter on the television, her eyelids became heavier and gradually she too fell into a quiet slumber.
* * *
Kanei woke up. He quickly climbed out of bed and had a shower proceeded by a change of fresh clothing. He gave a loud yawn and smiled happily with full of energy and enthusiasm. "It is going to be a great day!" He quickly ran outside of his room to greet everyone but ran into a wall as he could not see a thing.
He looked out of a window and saw that the sun was not up yet. Kanei looked at the clock, which read 4:25 am and signed. He decided to go into the kitchen and get a glass of water. Kanei had to go pass the lounge where the floor was littered with bottles, cups and sleeping women. Not wanting to wake them, he took extra care in his steps as he continuously scanned the ground while he tiptoed across the room. After getting the glass of water he had wanted, he quietly stepped at the doorway and looked at the flashing television.
Something on the couch caught his eye, it was Ayeka who was sound asleep. Kanei mischievously crept closer to her and knelt down next to her. The room was dark and he could only see apart from her face in the darkness. Kanei's shadow was cast upon her so he moved slightly for the light emitted from the television to reach her face. He smiled as he saw Ayeka resting peacefully. 'This is such a treat! I never had the chance to see her like this!'
There was a flash given out by the television which made Kanei see two pairs of legs. He was stunned at first but quickly moved out of the way for the light to reflect off the surface of the object he wanted to see. But what he saw shocked him. Anger, sadness, uncertainty all engulfed him as he saw Tenchi on top of Ayeka. Kanei's hands began to shake furiously and his entire body became numb. His mouth opened and he wanted to shout, but nothing came out.
A headache developed and he quickly held his head tight. He backed away from the two people and ran into a coffee table. The glasses on the table shattered on the ground as the table toppled over. "Argh!" Kanei dashed across the room and tripped over Ryoko. "Ow! What the heck?!" As Ryoko woke up and heard agonising shouts from someone. It took a few seconds for Ryoko to focus her eyes properly in time to see Kanei getting up and stumbling to get out of the doorway. "What the hell.?!" Ryoko got up and inspected her surroundings. What she saw broke her heart and added fuel to an internal fire. "Ayeka. you BITCH!!!"
Kanei ran frantically across the open field of snow and into the forests without an idea of where he was going. His mind was being invaded. All sorts of pictures flashed before his eyes. The pictures, the memories and the pain was all unleashed into the mind overwhelming him. Tears engulfed his eyes as his heart and muscles got sore. His body collapsed onto the hard ground with a thud and his muscle spasms shook him wildly from the exhausting run. Rolling on the ground he tried desperately to regain control. 'Why!? What are all of these. memories? Ayeka, Sasami. the duel. Tenchi MISAKI!'
"AHHHH!!!"
* * *
Meanwhile back at Tenchi's house, the conflict ceased between Ayeka and Ryoko as Tenchi convinced Ryoko that nothing happened between him and Ayeka. Ryoko's temper cooled down after a while and sat back down on the sofa. Sasami (woke up from all the fighting) gave her a cool drink after returning from the kitchen. Ryoko gulped the liquid down, sighed and layed back on the seat. A thought about Kanei went through her mind which made her jump. "Kanei! Where is he?!" Ryoko shouted.
"In his room I presume. I helped him there last night." Sasami said looking at Ryoko with a stunned expression. "Well I think I saw him just a while ago, stumbling out of this room. You know? There is a possibility that he may have seen you two." Ayeka heart skipped a beat as the feeling of dread engulfed her entire body. Ayeka's legs became soft and her head became light which made her stumble onto the couch. 'Oh no! I can't believe it. I betrayed his trust again. It was a mistake to drink so much!'
Ryoko teleported herself into Kanei's room which was empty and teleported back into the lounge. "I think I am right! He is not in his room!" Ryoko said as she got back. As she looked around, everyone had already gone. She ran to the front door to find it broken and the cool winds from outside blowing in. The sight chilled her as well as the cool breeze. "What do you think this means Tenchi?"
Tenchi looked down. "I don't know. But we must find him as soon as possible and settle this matter one way or another." Ayeka gripped Tenchi's clothing. "But we can follow his tracks in the snow."
"Then lets go!" Sasami shouted getting putting on her jacket. Ayeka and Sasami ran ahead, looking for his footprints. The weather was cold but calm. Snowflakes descended from the Sky while the sun's rays shone through breaks among the clouds. Soon they had reached the forest where the darkness lurked amongst the branches of trees. Everyone stopped to gaze at the spooky sight as they contrasted the whiteness of the snow to the pitch black of the route which led into the forest.
'Kanei is inside! I must go to him.' Ayeka stepped forward and resumed her task in following the trail left behind by Kanei. Soon the rest followed as one by one they stepped into the darkness. The trail seemed like a tunnel which led somewhere no one wanted to think about. Walking deeper in, a green light could be seen. As the light became stronger it was soon until everyone found Funaho (Yosho's tree which has taken root on earth), which was the source of the light. Ayeka ran forward, following the trail leading to the tree's base. Kanei layed on the ground, rolled up in a ball while shivering from the cold. She collapsed onto the ground into a kneeling position in front of him unable to control her tears which streamed down her face.
Ayeka quickly picked his shivering body up and embraced Kanei without hesitation, letting her tears run from her eyes. She touched his face with hers and felt the coldness of his skin. "Lady Washu! Quick! Help me!"
* * *
Kanei was carried back to Washu's lab by Ayeka's Guardians and was placed into the recovering chamber once again. And after a few minutes of treatment, the frostbites had all but vanished. Warm water was poured into the recovering chamber and soon his eyes opened once again. Kanei was stunned and struggled inside the chamber. Washu quickly pushed the abort button and the water quickly flowed out. The chamber hatch opened and Kanei dropped out, collapsed onto the cold hard floor, coughing.
Ayeka quickly ran to him to assist him but stopped as Kanei stretched out his arm and held out his hand. "No don't princess Ayeka. I am quite okay. I can get up by myself." He stood up and looked at her. They stared into each other's eyes but soon Ayeka rushed forward to embrace him within her arms. "I was so worried!" She whispered into his ear as tears of both joy and sadness ran down her cheeks. "You are.?"
Ayeka suddenly froze in place and her heart beat accelerated. 'Does he know?' But soon she felt Kanei's arms wrap around her and her body relaxed. "Then I thankyou for your pity."
Dinner was quiet and dull and no one said a word. At night after Ryoko did the dishes (She lost a bet with Sasami), everyone had retired to their rooms. However a shadow crept across the lounge and quietly it made its way to the front door. The figure hesitated but managed to turn the knob to go out into the cold. A gash of wind blew inside as the door was opened and swiftly it closed after the figure had steeped outside.
Kanei looked back at Tenchi's house and sighed. A stray tear found its way down his face as he stood in the cold. 'My memories have all returned to me. Seeing you so intimate with Tenchi breaks my heart. Goodbye Ayeka, Sasami, Washu, Ryoko, Mihoshi, Ryo-Oki. Tenchi. I'll leave Ayeka to you. It seems that I cannot have her heart. Farewell.'
Kanei turned around and roughly rubbed off his tears. He walked across the open field and took out his sword. "Ayumi! Came to me!" There was a low rumbling sound coming from the lake and soon a light could be seen from under the lake of ice in front of Tenchi's house. A gigantic dome broke through the crispy solid and soon the body revealed itself to be Kanei's ship. A warm green glow came from the dome as it came to hover before Kanei. "Hi Ayumi. Did you miss me? I am just glad to se you again." The dome sent rays of green light into the air in response which made Kanei smile even from his depressed state. He turned back for one last time to see the house where his love lay asleep. "Goodbye Ayeka, I have caused you enough trouble."
He walked up the ramp while tears dropped from his face. 'Ayeka. my love. I will now leave you in peace. You'll be happy with Tenchi. although it pains me to think about it but he will make you very happy. Farewell Ayeka. Farewell.'
"STOP! KANEI. WAIT!"
Kanei was surprised by the call of a female's voice and looked around to find Sasami still puffing from her sprint. "Sasami! What are you doing?"
"I. [puff] was going to [puff] ask you the same. thing!" Sasami panted and bent over, supporting her weight with her arms which she placed on her knees. "Well? What are you doing?" Kanei was speechless and avoided eye contact with Sasami. "I don't know. I wanted to be away from here."
"I know that you saw Tenchi with Ayeka!" Kanei's body stiffened as he quickly stared into Sasami's eyes as if she had controlled him. "But they were being careless that night! Ayeka loves you! She has always loved you! Sure it looked bad. But that is the truth!" Kanei's tears flowed uncontrollably even if he had tried his best to hold them back. "But. but. How can you be sure? Why doesn't she give a proper answer? If she loves me so. then why does she keep on avoiding my love for her?"
"Your way of showing love means that if she was to make an decision. She would have to keep a bond for life. It takes time for her to decide on whom she wished to be with. If she hate you then why did she even bother asking Tenchi's permission so that you could stay?" Kanei was speechless once more and wiped away his tears. His legs became soft which made him sit down on the steps which led to his ship. He remained there pondering until a soft hand touched his face and wiped away a tear from his cheek. "Kanei. Ayeka loves you. but she also loves Tenchi. Instead of running away, why don't you compete with Tenchi for her full loving heart? Please. stay with her. stay with us."
Kanei looked up at Sasami and smiled once again as tears streamed down his face. "Thankyou. Sasami! Thankyou for those kind words of encouragement." Sasami winked and smiled at Kanei. "That is the least I could do for my best Kitchen hand ever!" Kanei got up and walked down the steps hand in hand with Sasami. As they got off, Kanei turned around to face his ship once again. "Sorry for troubling you Ayumi. but it seems that I did not need you after all!" The ship responded by glowing brightly and soon it went back into the lake.
"Hey Kanei. how did you know how to call back your ship? Did you get your memory back?" Sasami asked as they walked towards the house. "Yes. I remember everything! Are you surprised?"
"No. not at all!" Sasami gave a giggle and started running, urging Kanei to run also. 'Thankyou Sasami. For all that you have done for me. I will keep this in my heart always.'
END OF CHAPTER
HEY WANT TO SEE WHAT KANEI LOOK LIKE? READ 'DEAR READERS FOR DETAILS'!
AYEKA'S HEART CHAPTER 4- Love and betrayal
Kanei turned back to see Ayeka. "Yosho. Yosho is here." Ayeka responded. "Yes. yes he is." Kanei's head suddenly felt a sharp pain on the side which caused him to hold it with his hand. "Kanei! Are you okay?!" Kanei slowly rose up once again. "Yes. Let us go! We are going to be late."
The rest of the walk was silent but they walked slowly to enjoy the scenery. Kanei and Ayeka walked behind the others as they held hands as they walked. But soon they have arrived at the fields where Tenchi was working hard and Ryoko effortlessly flew while spreading the seeds along the rich soil. Tenchi waved as the others arrived. Kanei looked at the crops of carrots with fascination as they walked down the hill to Tenchi Ryoko and Ryo-Oki.
Everyone enjoyed lunch under the shade of a tree as they talked about their lives and experiences. Although it was mostly Mihoshi who was doing most of the talking and everybody else listened. Kanei acted differently, as if he had matured ever since he had touched the tree. He seemed less enthusiastic about most things and tended to se things more seriously. As Mihoshi spoke, he looked into the distant skies and barely touched his food. Everyone except Mihoshi noticed this and gave him a glance once in a while just to see if he was okay. Then without warning Kanei spoke out in front of everyone. "I. wish to se Prince Yosho. If that is okay with everyone else that is." He gave a smile which eased everyone.
Tenchi led him up to the shrine where his grand father hang around while the girls tagged behind. As they walked along the stairs the sound of sweeping intensified until it finally stopped when they reached the top of the seemingly endless flight of stairs. Yosho greeted everyone warmly and looked at Kanei. "Hi. Do I know you?"
Despite of the surprise to see Yosho so old and dried up, he gave a formal bow. "Yes my prince. I am sure that I have looked upon you while you have glanced at me at times." Yosho looked with a puzzled expression and put his hand to his face. "Hmmm." He pushed up his glasses and looked up once more. "You have grown. Kanei."
Kanei smiled. "Yes I have."
Yosho looked at him suspiciously and then smiled also. "Care for a little practice?" Yosho said enthusiastically and threw Kanei a practice wooden sword. Kanei grabbed it and tested the weight of the sword. "I accept my prince. It is a privilege."
Tenchi urged the others back a bit as he knew just too well what was going to happen next. Ayeka tried to object but as she looked at the seriousness of Tenchi's face, she stopped and did as Tenchi had said. Kanei gave a battle stance with both hands on the wooden sword and breathed out. Yosho grabbed his sword and walked to him slowly. Suddenly Yosho disappeared, his movements too fast for the human eye. Everyone looked at Kanei who did not move an inch. CLAK! Everyone looked all over for any signs of Yosho but as they looked back at Kanei, he still remained in the same pose except for his arms which moved above him. But behind him was Yosho who had his sword in contact with Kanei's. Kanei had saw Yosho's attack and had blocked it with his sword.
"Very good Kanei! Your skills have improved. Now. can I offer you a cup of tea?" Kanei smiled and gently tapped his sword with Yosho's. In an instant, both swords snapped making many impacting sounds on the hard stone floor. Kanei smiled wildly and Yosho suddenly turned red. " Thankyou. I will be glad to accept your offer."
* * *
Many days have passed, then quickly the days turned into months. Kanei managed to get up early everyday to help Sasami with the preparation with the food. Then after that, he followed Tenchi when he trained with his grand father and had picked a few challenges with the old man once in a while. The weather was very cold now as Christmas came. Kanei was just a kitchen hand and he had only enjoyed cooking because it was a perfect chance for him to ask Sasami things about her sister. Without knowing it, Kanei and Sasami's relationship deepened. Everyone prepared the decorations while Sasami and Kanei prepared the food.
Although Ayeka did not like looking at her sister with one of the two men she loved, she let the things the way they were. She felt that Kanei was a good companion for Sasami and as she watched them preparing food, she smiled to herself. 'This reminds me of the time when the both of us were young. He was gentle and funny.' She daydreamed as she was decorating the tree when she lost her footing on the ladder she was on. She fell side ways but as she braced for the impact, two hands caught her just in time. She gave a gasp as she saw that it was Tenchi who had caught her and blushed as he placed her on her feet. "Are you okay Ayeka?"
"Lord Tenchi!. umm. yes! Yes I am okay! Thankyou." Ayeka was lost with words. "Just be careful Ayeka. It is Christmas I'd hate to see anyone injured." Tenchi smiled and left her to get back to her duties.
That night, everyone drank heavily. Ryoko had already demolished ten bottles of beer and three bottles of sake and she was still going. What's worse was that she was actually making Tenchi drink almost as much as she was and there was chaos everywhere. Ayeka drank to her heart's desired while letting Kanei drink as well. Kanei hated drinking but to not let Ayeka down he put a cup of sake into his mouth and took another empty cup and gradually spat out the alcohol, making him looked like that he was drinking quite a bit. But even a fool proof plan like Kanei's wasn't good enough to escape Washu who had also drunk more than she should, and so Ayeka forced an entire bottle of sake down Kanei's throat after his scheme was discovered.
=Cough= =cough=
He tried to get rid of the taste by taking a bite of a pear but was suddenly under the influence of the alcohol and felt very sick while everyone cheered and went on drinking. "Kanei! Are you okay?!" Sasami shouted as she entered the room with some snacks she had prepared. Sasami quickly put the tray of food down and rushed over to Kanei who had looked half-dead. "Sa. Sasami! I am so. glad that you are here! Please! Guide me to the toilet! I need to vomit!" Sasami did so and waited outside the lavatory until Kanei had regurgitated all of that night's dinner and snacks. He came out still dizzy and Sasami guided him to his door. He thanked her and collapsed on the bed and went to sleep.
Sasami left his room but stopped as she was about to go into the living room. She opened Kanei's door once again and placed her hand on his forehead. Sasami started to glow and soon the light faded. "That'll make you feel a lot better" Sasami whispered as she gave a tender smile and got a blanket to cover Kanei up before she left the room.
* * *
Ryoko, Mihoshi and Washu lay on the ground motionless after finishing three dozen bottles of beer and one dozen bottles of sake. It was late and Sasami had retired to the bedroom she had shared with Ayeka, only Tenchi and Ayeka remained awake. After taking another sip from her cup of sake, Ayeka shifted her position on the sofa to face Tenchi who also had a cup in his hand. She raised her cup and gently tapped Tenchi's. She gulped the liquid down her throat and sighed loudly while rubbing her mouth to enjoy the taste. "Lord Tenchi." Ayeka said stumbling. "Do you. you. love me?"
Tenchi looked at Ayeka and tried to answer her but he had no more control over himself. He tried to speak but nothing came out. So instead he leant closer to Ayeka and kissed her on the lips. It was a shocking experience but Ayeka gladly accepted it and caressed his tongue passionately as he had put it in her mouth. Tenchi collapsed which sent him on top of her on the sofa. Ayeka moaned into Tenchi's mouth as he touched the flesh on her knee and sliding his hand upwards to her thy. But as the situation intensified, it diminished just as quickly as it accelerated because the heat was too much for Tenchi. He fell asleep and as his muscles relaxed, his body came down on Ayeka's while his head came to rest on her breasts.
Ayeka sighed while wrapping her arms around Tenchi's head and after much staring at the news reporter on the television, her eyelids became heavier and gradually she too fell into a quiet slumber.
* * *
Kanei woke up. He quickly climbed out of bed and had a shower proceeded by a change of fresh clothing. He gave a loud yawn and smiled happily with full of energy and enthusiasm. "It is going to be a great day!" He quickly ran outside of his room to greet everyone but ran into a wall as he could not see a thing.
He looked out of a window and saw that the sun was not up yet. Kanei looked at the clock, which read 4:25 am and signed. He decided to go into the kitchen and get a glass of water. Kanei had to go pass the lounge where the floor was littered with bottles, cups and sleeping women. Not wanting to wake them, he took extra care in his steps as he continuously scanned the ground while he tiptoed across the room. After getting the glass of water he had wanted, he quietly stepped at the doorway and looked at the flashing television.
Something on the couch caught his eye, it was Ayeka who was sound asleep. Kanei mischievously crept closer to her and knelt down next to her. The room was dark and he could only see apart from her face in the darkness. Kanei's shadow was cast upon her so he moved slightly for the light emitted from the television to reach her face. He smiled as he saw Ayeka resting peacefully. 'This is such a treat! I never had the chance to see her like this!'
There was a flash given out by the television which made Kanei see two pairs of legs. He was stunned at first but quickly moved out of the way for the light to reflect off the surface of the object he wanted to see. But what he saw shocked him. Anger, sadness, uncertainty all engulfed him as he saw Tenchi on top of Ayeka. Kanei's hands began to shake furiously and his entire body became numb. His mouth opened and he wanted to shout, but nothing came out.
A headache developed and he quickly held his head tight. He backed away from the two people and ran into a coffee table. The glasses on the table shattered on the ground as the table toppled over. "Argh!" Kanei dashed across the room and tripped over Ryoko. "Ow! What the heck?!" As Ryoko woke up and heard agonising shouts from someone. It took a few seconds for Ryoko to focus her eyes properly in time to see Kanei getting up and stumbling to get out of the doorway. "What the hell.?!" Ryoko got up and inspected her surroundings. What she saw broke her heart and added fuel to an internal fire. "Ayeka. you BITCH!!!"
Kanei ran frantically across the open field of snow and into the forests without an idea of where he was going. His mind was being invaded. All sorts of pictures flashed before his eyes. The pictures, the memories and the pain was all unleashed into the mind overwhelming him. Tears engulfed his eyes as his heart and muscles got sore. His body collapsed onto the hard ground with a thud and his muscle spasms shook him wildly from the exhausting run. Rolling on the ground he tried desperately to regain control. 'Why!? What are all of these. memories? Ayeka, Sasami. the duel. Tenchi MISAKI!'
"AHHHH!!!"
* * *
Meanwhile back at Tenchi's house, the conflict ceased between Ayeka and Ryoko as Tenchi convinced Ryoko that nothing happened between him and Ayeka. Ryoko's temper cooled down after a while and sat back down on the sofa. Sasami (woke up from all the fighting) gave her a cool drink after returning from the kitchen. Ryoko gulped the liquid down, sighed and layed back on the seat. A thought about Kanei went through her mind which made her jump. "Kanei! Where is he?!" Ryoko shouted.
"In his room I presume. I helped him there last night." Sasami said looking at Ryoko with a stunned expression. "Well I think I saw him just a while ago, stumbling out of this room. You know? There is a possibility that he may have seen you two." Ayeka heart skipped a beat as the feeling of dread engulfed her entire body. Ayeka's legs became soft and her head became light which made her stumble onto the couch. 'Oh no! I can't believe it. I betrayed his trust again. It was a mistake to drink so much!'
Ryoko teleported herself into Kanei's room which was empty and teleported back into the lounge. "I think I am right! He is not in his room!" Ryoko said as she got back. As she looked around, everyone had already gone. She ran to the front door to find it broken and the cool winds from outside blowing in. The sight chilled her as well as the cool breeze. "What do you think this means Tenchi?"
Tenchi looked down. "I don't know. But we must find him as soon as possible and settle this matter one way or another." Ayeka gripped Tenchi's clothing. "But we can follow his tracks in the snow."
"Then lets go!" Sasami shouted getting putting on her jacket. Ayeka and Sasami ran ahead, looking for his footprints. The weather was cold but calm. Snowflakes descended from the Sky while the sun's rays shone through breaks among the clouds. Soon they had reached the forest where the darkness lurked amongst the branches of trees. Everyone stopped to gaze at the spooky sight as they contrasted the whiteness of the snow to the pitch black of the route which led into the forest.
'Kanei is inside! I must go to him.' Ayeka stepped forward and resumed her task in following the trail left behind by Kanei. Soon the rest followed as one by one they stepped into the darkness. The trail seemed like a tunnel which led somewhere no one wanted to think about. Walking deeper in, a green light could be seen. As the light became stronger it was soon until everyone found Funaho (Yosho's tree which has taken root on earth), which was the source of the light. Ayeka ran forward, following the trail leading to the tree's base. Kanei layed on the ground, rolled up in a ball while shivering from the cold. She collapsed onto the ground into a kneeling position in front of him unable to control her tears which streamed down her face.
Ayeka quickly picked his shivering body up and embraced Kanei without hesitation, letting her tears run from her eyes. She touched his face with hers and felt the coldness of his skin. "Lady Washu! Quick! Help me!"
* * *
Kanei was carried back to Washu's lab by Ayeka's Guardians and was placed into the recovering chamber once again. And after a few minutes of treatment, the frostbites had all but vanished. Warm water was poured into the recovering chamber and soon his eyes opened once again. Kanei was stunned and struggled inside the chamber. Washu quickly pushed the abort button and the water quickly flowed out. The chamber hatch opened and Kanei dropped out, collapsed onto the cold hard floor, coughing.
Ayeka quickly ran to him to assist him but stopped as Kanei stretched out his arm and held out his hand. "No don't princess Ayeka. I am quite okay. I can get up by myself." He stood up and looked at her. They stared into each other's eyes but soon Ayeka rushed forward to embrace him within her arms. "I was so worried!" She whispered into his ear as tears of both joy and sadness ran down her cheeks. "You are.?"
Ayeka suddenly froze in place and her heart beat accelerated. 'Does he know?' But soon she felt Kanei's arms wrap around her and her body relaxed. "Then I thankyou for your pity."
Dinner was quiet and dull and no one said a word. At night after Ryoko did the dishes (She lost a bet with Sasami), everyone had retired to their rooms. However a shadow crept across the lounge and quietly it made its way to the front door. The figure hesitated but managed to turn the knob to go out into the cold. A gash of wind blew inside as the door was opened and swiftly it closed after the figure had steeped outside.
Kanei looked back at Tenchi's house and sighed. A stray tear found its way down his face as he stood in the cold. 'My memories have all returned to me. Seeing you so intimate with Tenchi breaks my heart. Goodbye Ayeka, Sasami, Washu, Ryoko, Mihoshi, Ryo-Oki. Tenchi. I'll leave Ayeka to you. It seems that I cannot have her heart. Farewell.'
Kanei turned around and roughly rubbed off his tears. He walked across the open field and took out his sword. "Ayumi! Came to me!" There was a low rumbling sound coming from the lake and soon a light could be seen from under the lake of ice in front of Tenchi's house. A gigantic dome broke through the crispy solid and soon the body revealed itself to be Kanei's ship. A warm green glow came from the dome as it came to hover before Kanei. "Hi Ayumi. Did you miss me? I am just glad to se you again." The dome sent rays of green light into the air in response which made Kanei smile even from his depressed state. He turned back for one last time to see the house where his love lay asleep. "Goodbye Ayeka, I have caused you enough trouble."
He walked up the ramp while tears dropped from his face. 'Ayeka. my love. I will now leave you in peace. You'll be happy with Tenchi. although it pains me to think about it but he will make you very happy. Farewell Ayeka. Farewell.'
"STOP! KANEI. WAIT!"
Kanei was surprised by the call of a female's voice and looked around to find Sasami still puffing from her sprint. "Sasami! What are you doing?"
"I. [puff] was going to [puff] ask you the same. thing!" Sasami panted and bent over, supporting her weight with her arms which she placed on her knees. "Well? What are you doing?" Kanei was speechless and avoided eye contact with Sasami. "I don't know. I wanted to be away from here."
"I know that you saw Tenchi with Ayeka!" Kanei's body stiffened as he quickly stared into Sasami's eyes as if she had controlled him. "But they were being careless that night! Ayeka loves you! She has always loved you! Sure it looked bad. But that is the truth!" Kanei's tears flowed uncontrollably even if he had tried his best to hold them back. "But. but. How can you be sure? Why doesn't she give a proper answer? If she loves me so. then why does she keep on avoiding my love for her?"
"Your way of showing love means that if she was to make an decision. She would have to keep a bond for life. It takes time for her to decide on whom she wished to be with. If she hate you then why did she even bother asking Tenchi's permission so that you could stay?" Kanei was speechless once more and wiped away his tears. His legs became soft which made him sit down on the steps which led to his ship. He remained there pondering until a soft hand touched his face and wiped away a tear from his cheek. "Kanei. Ayeka loves you. but she also loves Tenchi. Instead of running away, why don't you compete with Tenchi for her full loving heart? Please. stay with her. stay with us."
Kanei looked up at Sasami and smiled once again as tears streamed down his face. "Thankyou. Sasami! Thankyou for those kind words of encouragement." Sasami winked and smiled at Kanei. "That is the least I could do for my best Kitchen hand ever!" Kanei got up and walked down the steps hand in hand with Sasami. As they got off, Kanei turned around to face his ship once again. "Sorry for troubling you Ayumi. but it seems that I did not need you after all!" The ship responded by glowing brightly and soon it went back into the lake.
"Hey Kanei. how did you know how to call back your ship? Did you get your memory back?" Sasami asked as they walked towards the house. "Yes. I remember everything! Are you surprised?"
"No. not at all!" Sasami gave a giggle and started running, urging Kanei to run also. 'Thankyou Sasami. For all that you have done for me. I will keep this in my heart always.'
END OF CHAPTER
HEY WANT TO SEE WHAT KANEI LOOK LIKE? READ 'DEAR READERS FOR DETAILS'!