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 5- Resolution
It had been weeks since Kanei got his memory back but it was a little secret that only he and Sasami shared between them. But during that time only Ayeka had sensed a change in Kanei's attitudes. He looked happy but he had also showed less of his immature side. 'This is strange. he did not once ask me to bathe with him again.' Ayeka sat on the sofa chewing on some beef jerky and looked into air. 'But at least he did not see me and Tenchi. At lease that is a good thing.'
Suddenly a pair of hands blocked her view. "Guess who?" A feminine voice said. "Ryoko this is no time to fool around!" Ayeka shouted as she surrounded herself with floating logs. "Arrgue!!!"
A sound of surprise and pain echoed around the valley. Ayeka turned around, and saw Kanei's charred body on the wall motionless. He started to giggle but coughed smoke in the process. "Kanei!?" Kanei stopped giggling and picked himself off the wall. "Kanei I am sorry!" Kanei brushed some of the black soot off his sleeves. "Don't worry I had it coming. Sasami! You can come out now!"
Sasami's blue hair appeared from beneath the sofa. Even though she knew it was a serious matter, she could not control her grin. "Sasami! Did you put Kanei into this?" Sasami nodded as she grinned mischievously. Ayeka was just about to lecture her about a few things before Kanei stopped her. "Come on. I am sorry Ayeka. She only encouraged me, I am the one who did it."
"There is nothing to apologise about. Do you need something Kanei?" Kanei turned red as he hesitated. But Sasami urged him to say what he wanted to say by elbowing him on his side playfully. "Ayeka. um. Can I take you out tonight?" He avoided eye contact and blushed while his hands fiddled with his own clothing. Ayeka turned red by his proposal and couldn't respond at first but after some hesitation she spoke up. "But where will we go?"
"Well you seem to like watching the entertainment of this planet on that monitor. so I was wondering if you would like to watch some program on a larger screen? And maybe we can enjoy the food outside for a change. just the two of us."
Sasami puffed and got a little bit angry. "Well if that is what you think about my food then. you can just eat raw food from now on!" Kanei was quick to correct himself. "I don't mean that! Your Japanese food is excellent. Like I said a while back when I first tasted your cooking, you are better than the best of my cooks back at home. It is just that I would like to taste the food of different cultures." He began to whisper into Sasami's ear. "And since they say that French is the language of love. then we'll go to a French restaurant."
Sasami giggled and nodded in approval. 'Hmm. Kanei is more vigilant of earth's entertainment than I initially thought!' Kanei turned to look at Ayeka once more. "So will you go with me Ayeka?"
"But I have lost all of the treasures from my ship when I got to earth. I don't have anything to use to barter. And Tenchi is broke right now so."
"You are worried about money? I'll use a small bit of my savings from Jurai. I am sure that it is more than enough." Ayeka stiffened as she heard his words. 'Does he remember?' "I'll just get some out of my ship."
He activated his sword and a rumble could be heard throughout the house as the gigantic ship 'Ayumi' ascended up into the sky outside. Ayeka, Kanei and Sasami ran outside just in time to see three gigantic crates drop from the ship (each the size of eight telephone booths put together). Kanei walked towards one of the three ellipse shaped containers and pressed the open button. As a hatch opened, large bars of gold fell out of the container (obviously it was packed as tightly as possible). The sound of the bashing of gold had attracted quite a bit of attention as Washu, Mihoshi, Ryoko, Ryo-Oki and Tenchi ran out of the front door.
Everyone could not believe their eyes (except for the royals). Kanei picked up a bar of gold and showed it to Ayeka. "I think these will be enough for at least one night!"
"That is enough to disturb gold prices rather harshly." Washu said sweat dropping while calculating the figures in her head. "So then it will be enough then." Kanei asked as everyone looked at him as if he was crazy.
* * *
Nobuyuki helped Kanei open a bank account in the city that afternoon as Ayeka waited quietly at home. She was happy that Kanei had asked her out but a feeling of dread still lingered within her, making her fiddle with her obi uneasily. Meanwhile Ryoko was fighting an urge of her own. She liked the colour of gold very much and knew where to find tonnes of the valuable element.
That night, a limousine pulled over at Tenchi's driveway as Kanei and Ayeka (both dressed formally. earth style) walked out of the house. The driver opened the door for Ayeka which she had climbed into and soon Kanei followed her into the black body also. They waved goodbye to everyone who looked on either a little bit jealous or looked on with admiration.
Tenchi walked inside and bitterly ignored everyone who was still waving the limo goodbye. Tenchi went straight to his room where he jumped onto his bed. 'Kanei has asked Ayeka out. It is definitely a mistake to let him stay with all of us. He may yet have Ayeka's heart in the end.'
* * *
"What would you like sir?" A waitress asked eagerly as Kanei and Ayeka were still flipping through the menu. "I don't know. umm. have you decided Ayeka?" Kanei looked at Ayeka who was still trying to decide on the dish she had wanted. "Hmm. I guess I don't mind."
A little imaginary rain cloud formed over Kanei's head and a lightning storm brewed within it. "We'll have everything on the menu.." There were several clinging sounds made by the cutlery as they hit the floor while everyone in the five-star restaurant turned to look at Kanei. The waitress would not believe what she had heard, but she took Kanei's order none less. "Any drinks sir." She asked nervously.
"What do you think Ayeka?" Kanei asked. "Oh. I think I know what I want. I'll have red wine tonight." Ayeka gave Kanei a small smile. "Maybe a bottle of champagne as well." Kanei said as he handed the menu to the waitress.
After the waitress had left, the music played by a violin quartet could be heard. The music was intoxicating as Kanei looked into Ayeka's pinkish eyes. They seemed to be deep pools of liquid which seemed to have made him become hypnotised by their magnificence. Ayeka smiled at him and blushed while he looked at her intently. The night seemed to have come to a complete halt as they looked at one another. The calmness would gave comfort, but it was interrupted by a thought which had irritated Ayeka over the last few uneasy hours. "Kanei. I must ask you something." Ayeka said as she looked at him with a questioning way. "How did you how to get the gold off your ship?"
Kanei smiled at Ayeka. "I am sorry Ayeka. but I have kept a little secret from you." Ayeka was all ears as she looked at Kanei with both uncertainty and curiosity. "Remember the day I wondered off into the forest?" Ayeka's hands stiffened but she gave an uneasy nod. "Well I recovered by memories just before I left." He looked at Ayeka in the eye and reached his hand across the table to hold hers. Ayeka jumped slightly on contact but she calmed down soon enough. "I. saw something which triggered my remembrance." Kanei smiled and looked up to change his face into a stern expression. "I saw you and Tenchi."
Ayeka almost fainted from the dreaded feeling of guilt as those words left Kanei's mouth. His hand let go of hers and he crossed his arms in front of him as he had finally broke eye contact with her. "It was very traumatic for me to see you like that. And after you restored me in Washu's lab, I planned to leave you and let you go and have your good life being happy and not forced to make such a difficult decision. But Sasami stopped me in the end, before I tried to leave the planet. She convinced me to stay on earth and let you decide who you want to be with." Kanei looked up once more. "I am sorry Ayeka. for pushing you so much."
He saw tears rolled down her face which made him feel uneasy but he soon saw that she had a nice smile across her face. "Ayeka! I have no right to force you. Will you accept me as a friend for now?" Kanei stood to give a formal bow. "Yes... yes! But don't bow to me in public!" Kanei looked up as he was met by multiple stares by the other customers. Kanei sat down hastily and began to turn red. "Sorry. it was a reaction I have for serving the emperor for too long!"
Ayeka laughed and wiped the tears off her face. "I have to talk to father about that then!"
The waitress was back and apologised for interrupting. "Your meals have been prepared. Since we thought that you couldn't have a good enough appetite to have the full 89 dishes that we serve. We have made two sample portions of every dish that we serve in this restaurant. I hope that you'd enjoy your meal!" The small plates of food just kept on arriving as Kanei and Ayeka talked about memories past while they had the snails, the frogs, the lobsters and the paster. The classical orchestra played their music in the background while the food just kept on coming until neither of them was able to have another bite.
Kanei and Ayeka left to watch their movie after paying the bill for the multiple dishes they had. All the cooks and employers waved them goodbye as they got in their Limousine once again. It was already late when they arrived at the theatres and the cinema was almost empty when they found their allocated seats. There was only one other couple sitting in the darkened room and they where sitting about ten rows in front of Ayeka and Kanei.
"Ayeka. do you enjoy staying on earth?" He asked as he handed Ayeka the Maltese's and spring water. "Yes. I do. Even if the things are primitive here on earth, it is a perfect spot to escape everything."
"Is that why you stay on earth?" Ayeka struggled with Kanei's question. "I wouldn't mind if you tell me the truth." Kanei said quickly. "I came to earth to look for my brother Yosho but instead I was looking for love. I thought that you had forgotten about me, and ever since me and Yosho's arranged marriage, I made myself forget something very important to me. you. But when I found Tenchi, it was as if he was so much like you. I guess staying away from you too long made me feel that way about Tenchi. I loved him. He is just like you to me. That is why I had always loved you."
Kanei looked into Ayeka eyes. He did not know whether he felt happy or sad and at that very moment his mind was empty. He leant closer never breaking the eye contact he had with Ayeka. Ayeka was scared and tense. 'Is he angry? Have I offended him? What is he.' Kanei placed a tender kiss on Ayeka's lips, gently he caressed them lovingly. Ayeka after recovering from the surprise gave in to Kanei's gentle, simple motions and layed back on her seat while his body followed hers. Her arms wrapped around him and pulled his body down towards her.
His chest touched hers and she gave a small moan while she stretched her tongue and touched his lips. Kanei immediately parted his mouth to welcome Ayeka as their tongues fought for dominance. Soon they ceased their little conflict and began to caress one another. But soon Kanei broke the kiss and placed the tip of his nose to hers. "I am sorry Ayeka. I got carried away."
"No. I wanted this. I have always wanted this. Kanei. my love I am so happy that we are finally fully together. I love you. Kanei please do not ever leave me. No matter what." "I promise. Ayeka. I will stay with you always. I will love you always. You are the only one for me." Ayeka smiled and embraced him while tears of joy flowed freely from her eyes. "Kanei."
* * *
The limousine once again pulled into Tenchi's driveway. It was already one o clock when Kanei and Ayeka got home. The house was dark, all except the light for the front porch which was left turned on for them. Ayeka opened the door after a retina scan placed there by Washu and the two of them crept in as silently as possible. Kanei walked Ayeka to her room and watched her open the door. Sasami layed on her futon sound asleep while Ryo- Oki was resting on her stomach.
"Goodnight Ayeka. See you tomorrow." With one final kiss Kanei closed the door to Ayeka's room and once again headed down stares to his room next to Washu's lab. As he reached for the doorknob to his room a familiar voice could be heard. "Kanei."
"Lord Tenchi. You are staying up late tonight." Kanei turned to see Tenchi standing at the end of the corridor. "Don't be smart! I'll tell you one thing. Kanei. I am sorry. I eavesdropped on you by putting a listening device on one of your buttons on that shirt you are wearing. I have heard everything. Ayeka's heart belongs to you! I know that it is wrong for me to say this but. you must die."
Kanei was stunned. "Lord Tenchi?"
"I said. you must die! Ayeka loves you but if you are gone. I am the next best thing!" Tenchi took out his sword and activated his ring as his battle armour appeared. "Lord Tenchi. You are acting as irrational as I was when I first saw you. I know that you are better than that! Please. I no longer wish to have to fight you."
Tenchi started laughing. "Oh. really?! I thought about this current chain of events all night! And I managed to come up with just one solution! Your death will bring about both Ayeka's and my happiness!" Tenchi activated his sword and a bright light was emitted which filled the hallway with an eerie blue. "Now on guard!" Kanei looked on, shocked. 'Damn. my jealousy drove me insane when I first heard that Ayeka was in love with Tenchi! But now Tenchi is experiencing the same thing! Shit! This is going to be mighty difficult!'
"Tenchi! I cannot tell you how much I regret our fight a few months earlier. But please! Don't make the same mistake I have. If you want to fight me. then I will try my best to defeat you. After the last fight. I am sure that you know that I still have the upper hand! Tenchi! Don't give in to your jealousy. You won't even know how many people that you are about to hurt."
"I have quite a good idea of the numbers. There is only one that I will hurt and that person is you! Since you refuse to draw your weapon then I'll see you in hell!" Tenchi charged and Kanei could smell the stench of alcohol in his breath as Tench have his battle cry. Kanei jumped out of harms way and Tenchi plunged and immediately cut through the wall with his sword. "How dare you mock me! DIE!!!" Tenchi ran at Kanei but yet again missed his opponent by far.
'Ayeka will never forgive me if I hurt Tenchi! He is drunk. his thoughts are irrational but he must be very tired. Then all I have to do is to tire him out and he will be back to his old kind self! Time to go!' Kanei started sprinting towards the front door "Come back! Coward!"
After two hours of running Tenchi was exhausted and collapsed on the hard solid ground. Kanei had managed to run just fast enough so that Tenchi would follow but by now he was just simply power walking. Kanei heard the thud and turned back to Tenchi who had fainted from the exhaustion. He walked closer to Tenchi and picked up his motionless body. Tenchi's sword had extinguished and it lay motionless on the ground. Kanei put it in his pocket and began to walk back to Tenchi's house. 'I just hope that I have done a good thing for him this time. It is a good thing that I ran in circles around the house. it will not take too long to get back."
* * *
Kanei sighed as he walked in through the front door. "Oh I just cannot wait to get to bed! All that running around is making me so damn tired!" He looked around to see everyone glaring at him. "Running around!? What the hell are you talking about you shit!" Ryoko shouted at the top of her lungs. "Well."
SMACK!
Kanei held on to the left side of his face as he stared into the angry eyes of Ayeka. "Kanei! How could you!? You are just so unlike the Kanei that I was talking to earlier tonight." Ayeka ran off crying leaving Kanei stunned. "But. but."
SMACK!
Kanei was flung backwards as Ryoko punched him hard on the jaw. She caught Tenchi just in time while Kanei hit the wall with full force. Kanei coughed as Ryoko teleported herself away from the room. Sasami ran to him trying to tend to his wounds. "Sasami. What is going on?"
"You don't have to play games any more Kanei! But you can answer me one question. Why did you have another fight with Tenchi?" Kanei struggled and quickly spoke. "But Tenchi was the one who tired to attack me!"
Sasami looked in disbelief. "You can lie but I am not buying it!" Kanei quickly responded. "Look if you go up to him right now, I am certain that you can smell that he is drunk. And then you can make up your own conclusion whether I am lying or not." Kanei stared into Sasami's eyes with full intensity and quickly got the response he had wanted. "Okay I'll take your word for it. I'll go and have a look." Sasami turned to head upstairs, which left only Mihoshi. "You believe me don't you Mihoshi."
Mihoshi yawned. "Wha? What was happening?" (Obviously she had slept through the entire thing) Kanei fell onto the sofa where his eyes felt heavy. He was about to go to sleep when Ryoko kicked him off the furniture. "Now. you are going to pay!"
Kanei was hurled across the room and smashed through the windows to the warm air outside. He recovered from his fall and saw Ryoko summoning an energy sword and came with a forward slash. Kanei's exhaustion delayed he senses and the time for him to summon his light hawk wings had taken more time than usual. Ryoko managed to slightly penetrate the partially summoned wing and the recoil sent both of them backwards.
Kanei hit the ground hard while Ryoko stabilised in the air and quickly made another attack. Kanei ducked out of the way of her forward slash which shattered the ground and shook the surrounding ground. "Ryoko! I assure you that Tenchi is not hurt! Go and see! I only exhausted him and I did not even land one punch on him I swear!"
"Bull shit! I know a lie when I hear one! Prepare to die!" Ryoko charged once more. With reluctance Kanei summoned his light hawk wings and threw it at Ryoko front on. The force from his three wings was enough to send Ryoko flying into the distance. "Sorry Ryoko. I am sorry." Kanei walked back in the house and quickly made his way up to Ayeka's room. The door was closed and lightly, Kanei knocked on the door.
"Ayeka. can I come in?" There was no answer and gently Kanei slid the door open and entered quietly. Ayeka was lying on the bed and had her back to him. Kanei put his hand on her shoulder but she moved from his reach. "Ayeka. please! This is not what you think. Ayeka. I never attacked Tenchi like you may think. Tenchi was drunk and how could I have fought him if I did not even have my sword with me?"
"You did not have your sword? But you always had that sword with you." Ayeka finally said something but still had her back to him. Kanei shifted sideways to Ayeka "It was a special night tonight. And I just thought that I do not need it any more. Unless I am away from you I will never have to hold on to that sword to remember you by. I have already received many swords in my life as promotions came once in a while but I have always held onto that sword. It was the second most precious thing to me."
A hand was placed on his. "Then you didn't started the fight. I am sorry for doubting you. But it isn't like Tenchi to simply attack anyone." "Tenchi was drunk. Which reminds me. I still have his sword." Kanei gave the sword to Ayeka. "But you had no sword! What happened." "Well I thought that you'd be upset if I harmed Tenchi in any way. And his thoughts were as irrational as mine when I first got to earth. I concluded that it was best to tire him out by running away."
Ayeka looked on at Kanei and quickly embraced him. "You made the right choice! Thankyou." Kanei wrapped his arms around her and kissed her on the lips.
* * *
Months have passed since the incident. During that time, Kanei has convinced Ayeka enough for her to return to Jurai with him for a short while to get the full approval of her father for their wedding. The ship 'Ayumi' was prepared for take off. Kanei shook hands with the ever-silent Tenchi. Everyone had given the couple their best wishes except for Tenchi, but Kanei was not going to force it out of him.
Kanei let go of Tenchi's hand after the shake while the star engines of 'Ayumi' vibrated in the background. The gusts of winds that the ship created made the two men's clothing move in waves in the warm noon sun. Their faces where expressionless as they stared into each other's eyes. But after holding back for so long Tenchi had finally spoken as sound from the vibrating engines distorted his voice. "Kanei. Take good care of Ayeka."
Kanei gave a warm smile at the prince. "I will my prince. Farewell." Ayeka quickly hugged Tenchi and gave him a peck on the cheek with her lips. "Farewell Lord Tenchi. be happy."
"Thankyou Ayeka. I will miss you."
As Kanei's ship accelerated and ascended into the sky, it became invisible as the cloaking device was activated. Tenchi brushed off a tear which had ran down his face. 'Over the last few months. I did not do enough. I have not shown Ayeka my love. Now I have lost her.' He felt a sudden gust from the invisible star engines as the ship had achieved escape velocity. His chest felt sore and soon it triggered tears to flow. This time he did not try to hide them while they ran. A hand with a handkerchief rose up to his face and wiped the tears away. Tenchi looked and saw Ryoko smiling at him uneasily. She embraced him tenderly as Tenchi cried soundlessly on her shoulder. She ran her fingers through his hair 'He is crying like the day his mother had died. I am sorry Tenchi. I am sorry I cannot make you happy.'
The others left them outside as the sun was low on the horizon. The less intense rays are orange on that autumn day. Browned leaves dropped from the trees and Tenchi and Ryoko's shadows simular in colour. Rays reflected from the lake like the radian shine of the gold that Kanei had left behind. "I am sorry. Ryoko. Let's go inside, it is getting colder now. Winter is coming."
END OF STORY
To make it a happier ending. read the following:
Tenchi placed his jacket over Ryoko and held her close as they made their way towards the house. A cool breeze blew at them making Tenchi shiver slightly. 'I am sorry Ryoko. you have loved me all this time while you looked at me trying to win Ayeka's heart. I don't know how to repay you. I love you. I am just too pathetic to tell you so. I wish I can repay you. I will do my best to make you happy.'
Maybe I did not write that too well but at least it gives it a happier ending.
AYEKA'S HEART CHAPTER 5- Resolution
It had been weeks since Kanei got his memory back but it was a little secret that only he and Sasami shared between them. But during that time only Ayeka had sensed a change in Kanei's attitudes. He looked happy but he had also showed less of his immature side. 'This is strange. he did not once ask me to bathe with him again.' Ayeka sat on the sofa chewing on some beef jerky and looked into air. 'But at least he did not see me and Tenchi. At lease that is a good thing.'
Suddenly a pair of hands blocked her view. "Guess who?" A feminine voice said. "Ryoko this is no time to fool around!" Ayeka shouted as she surrounded herself with floating logs. "Arrgue!!!"
A sound of surprise and pain echoed around the valley. Ayeka turned around, and saw Kanei's charred body on the wall motionless. He started to giggle but coughed smoke in the process. "Kanei!?" Kanei stopped giggling and picked himself off the wall. "Kanei I am sorry!" Kanei brushed some of the black soot off his sleeves. "Don't worry I had it coming. Sasami! You can come out now!"
Sasami's blue hair appeared from beneath the sofa. Even though she knew it was a serious matter, she could not control her grin. "Sasami! Did you put Kanei into this?" Sasami nodded as she grinned mischievously. Ayeka was just about to lecture her about a few things before Kanei stopped her. "Come on. I am sorry Ayeka. She only encouraged me, I am the one who did it."
"There is nothing to apologise about. Do you need something Kanei?" Kanei turned red as he hesitated. But Sasami urged him to say what he wanted to say by elbowing him on his side playfully. "Ayeka. um. Can I take you out tonight?" He avoided eye contact and blushed while his hands fiddled with his own clothing. Ayeka turned red by his proposal and couldn't respond at first but after some hesitation she spoke up. "But where will we go?"
"Well you seem to like watching the entertainment of this planet on that monitor. so I was wondering if you would like to watch some program on a larger screen? And maybe we can enjoy the food outside for a change. just the two of us."
Sasami puffed and got a little bit angry. "Well if that is what you think about my food then. you can just eat raw food from now on!" Kanei was quick to correct himself. "I don't mean that! Your Japanese food is excellent. Like I said a while back when I first tasted your cooking, you are better than the best of my cooks back at home. It is just that I would like to taste the food of different cultures." He began to whisper into Sasami's ear. "And since they say that French is the language of love. then we'll go to a French restaurant."
Sasami giggled and nodded in approval. 'Hmm. Kanei is more vigilant of earth's entertainment than I initially thought!' Kanei turned to look at Ayeka once more. "So will you go with me Ayeka?"
"But I have lost all of the treasures from my ship when I got to earth. I don't have anything to use to barter. And Tenchi is broke right now so."
"You are worried about money? I'll use a small bit of my savings from Jurai. I am sure that it is more than enough." Ayeka stiffened as she heard his words. 'Does he remember?' "I'll just get some out of my ship."
He activated his sword and a rumble could be heard throughout the house as the gigantic ship 'Ayumi' ascended up into the sky outside. Ayeka, Kanei and Sasami ran outside just in time to see three gigantic crates drop from the ship (each the size of eight telephone booths put together). Kanei walked towards one of the three ellipse shaped containers and pressed the open button. As a hatch opened, large bars of gold fell out of the container (obviously it was packed as tightly as possible). The sound of the bashing of gold had attracted quite a bit of attention as Washu, Mihoshi, Ryoko, Ryo-Oki and Tenchi ran out of the front door.
Everyone could not believe their eyes (except for the royals). Kanei picked up a bar of gold and showed it to Ayeka. "I think these will be enough for at least one night!"
"That is enough to disturb gold prices rather harshly." Washu said sweat dropping while calculating the figures in her head. "So then it will be enough then." Kanei asked as everyone looked at him as if he was crazy.
* * *
Nobuyuki helped Kanei open a bank account in the city that afternoon as Ayeka waited quietly at home. She was happy that Kanei had asked her out but a feeling of dread still lingered within her, making her fiddle with her obi uneasily. Meanwhile Ryoko was fighting an urge of her own. She liked the colour of gold very much and knew where to find tonnes of the valuable element.
That night, a limousine pulled over at Tenchi's driveway as Kanei and Ayeka (both dressed formally. earth style) walked out of the house. The driver opened the door for Ayeka which she had climbed into and soon Kanei followed her into the black body also. They waved goodbye to everyone who looked on either a little bit jealous or looked on with admiration.
Tenchi walked inside and bitterly ignored everyone who was still waving the limo goodbye. Tenchi went straight to his room where he jumped onto his bed. 'Kanei has asked Ayeka out. It is definitely a mistake to let him stay with all of us. He may yet have Ayeka's heart in the end.'
* * *
"What would you like sir?" A waitress asked eagerly as Kanei and Ayeka were still flipping through the menu. "I don't know. umm. have you decided Ayeka?" Kanei looked at Ayeka who was still trying to decide on the dish she had wanted. "Hmm. I guess I don't mind."
A little imaginary rain cloud formed over Kanei's head and a lightning storm brewed within it. "We'll have everything on the menu.." There were several clinging sounds made by the cutlery as they hit the floor while everyone in the five-star restaurant turned to look at Kanei. The waitress would not believe what she had heard, but she took Kanei's order none less. "Any drinks sir." She asked nervously.
"What do you think Ayeka?" Kanei asked. "Oh. I think I know what I want. I'll have red wine tonight." Ayeka gave Kanei a small smile. "Maybe a bottle of champagne as well." Kanei said as he handed the menu to the waitress.
After the waitress had left, the music played by a violin quartet could be heard. The music was intoxicating as Kanei looked into Ayeka's pinkish eyes. They seemed to be deep pools of liquid which seemed to have made him become hypnotised by their magnificence. Ayeka smiled at him and blushed while he looked at her intently. The night seemed to have come to a complete halt as they looked at one another. The calmness would gave comfort, but it was interrupted by a thought which had irritated Ayeka over the last few uneasy hours. "Kanei. I must ask you something." Ayeka said as she looked at him with a questioning way. "How did you how to get the gold off your ship?"
Kanei smiled at Ayeka. "I am sorry Ayeka. but I have kept a little secret from you." Ayeka was all ears as she looked at Kanei with both uncertainty and curiosity. "Remember the day I wondered off into the forest?" Ayeka's hands stiffened but she gave an uneasy nod. "Well I recovered by memories just before I left." He looked at Ayeka in the eye and reached his hand across the table to hold hers. Ayeka jumped slightly on contact but she calmed down soon enough. "I. saw something which triggered my remembrance." Kanei smiled and looked up to change his face into a stern expression. "I saw you and Tenchi."
Ayeka almost fainted from the dreaded feeling of guilt as those words left Kanei's mouth. His hand let go of hers and he crossed his arms in front of him as he had finally broke eye contact with her. "It was very traumatic for me to see you like that. And after you restored me in Washu's lab, I planned to leave you and let you go and have your good life being happy and not forced to make such a difficult decision. But Sasami stopped me in the end, before I tried to leave the planet. She convinced me to stay on earth and let you decide who you want to be with." Kanei looked up once more. "I am sorry Ayeka. for pushing you so much."
He saw tears rolled down her face which made him feel uneasy but he soon saw that she had a nice smile across her face. "Ayeka! I have no right to force you. Will you accept me as a friend for now?" Kanei stood to give a formal bow. "Yes... yes! But don't bow to me in public!" Kanei looked up as he was met by multiple stares by the other customers. Kanei sat down hastily and began to turn red. "Sorry. it was a reaction I have for serving the emperor for too long!"
Ayeka laughed and wiped the tears off her face. "I have to talk to father about that then!"
The waitress was back and apologised for interrupting. "Your meals have been prepared. Since we thought that you couldn't have a good enough appetite to have the full 89 dishes that we serve. We have made two sample portions of every dish that we serve in this restaurant. I hope that you'd enjoy your meal!" The small plates of food just kept on arriving as Kanei and Ayeka talked about memories past while they had the snails, the frogs, the lobsters and the paster. The classical orchestra played their music in the background while the food just kept on coming until neither of them was able to have another bite.
Kanei and Ayeka left to watch their movie after paying the bill for the multiple dishes they had. All the cooks and employers waved them goodbye as they got in their Limousine once again. It was already late when they arrived at the theatres and the cinema was almost empty when they found their allocated seats. There was only one other couple sitting in the darkened room and they where sitting about ten rows in front of Ayeka and Kanei.
"Ayeka. do you enjoy staying on earth?" He asked as he handed Ayeka the Maltese's and spring water. "Yes. I do. Even if the things are primitive here on earth, it is a perfect spot to escape everything."
"Is that why you stay on earth?" Ayeka struggled with Kanei's question. "I wouldn't mind if you tell me the truth." Kanei said quickly. "I came to earth to look for my brother Yosho but instead I was looking for love. I thought that you had forgotten about me, and ever since me and Yosho's arranged marriage, I made myself forget something very important to me. you. But when I found Tenchi, it was as if he was so much like you. I guess staying away from you too long made me feel that way about Tenchi. I loved him. He is just like you to me. That is why I had always loved you."
Kanei looked into Ayeka eyes. He did not know whether he felt happy or sad and at that very moment his mind was empty. He leant closer never breaking the eye contact he had with Ayeka. Ayeka was scared and tense. 'Is he angry? Have I offended him? What is he.' Kanei placed a tender kiss on Ayeka's lips, gently he caressed them lovingly. Ayeka after recovering from the surprise gave in to Kanei's gentle, simple motions and layed back on her seat while his body followed hers. Her arms wrapped around him and pulled his body down towards her.
His chest touched hers and she gave a small moan while she stretched her tongue and touched his lips. Kanei immediately parted his mouth to welcome Ayeka as their tongues fought for dominance. Soon they ceased their little conflict and began to caress one another. But soon Kanei broke the kiss and placed the tip of his nose to hers. "I am sorry Ayeka. I got carried away."
"No. I wanted this. I have always wanted this. Kanei. my love I am so happy that we are finally fully together. I love you. Kanei please do not ever leave me. No matter what." "I promise. Ayeka. I will stay with you always. I will love you always. You are the only one for me." Ayeka smiled and embraced him while tears of joy flowed freely from her eyes. "Kanei."
* * *
The limousine once again pulled into Tenchi's driveway. It was already one o clock when Kanei and Ayeka got home. The house was dark, all except the light for the front porch which was left turned on for them. Ayeka opened the door after a retina scan placed there by Washu and the two of them crept in as silently as possible. Kanei walked Ayeka to her room and watched her open the door. Sasami layed on her futon sound asleep while Ryo- Oki was resting on her stomach.
"Goodnight Ayeka. See you tomorrow." With one final kiss Kanei closed the door to Ayeka's room and once again headed down stares to his room next to Washu's lab. As he reached for the doorknob to his room a familiar voice could be heard. "Kanei."
"Lord Tenchi. You are staying up late tonight." Kanei turned to see Tenchi standing at the end of the corridor. "Don't be smart! I'll tell you one thing. Kanei. I am sorry. I eavesdropped on you by putting a listening device on one of your buttons on that shirt you are wearing. I have heard everything. Ayeka's heart belongs to you! I know that it is wrong for me to say this but. you must die."
Kanei was stunned. "Lord Tenchi?"
"I said. you must die! Ayeka loves you but if you are gone. I am the next best thing!" Tenchi took out his sword and activated his ring as his battle armour appeared. "Lord Tenchi. You are acting as irrational as I was when I first saw you. I know that you are better than that! Please. I no longer wish to have to fight you."
Tenchi started laughing. "Oh. really?! I thought about this current chain of events all night! And I managed to come up with just one solution! Your death will bring about both Ayeka's and my happiness!" Tenchi activated his sword and a bright light was emitted which filled the hallway with an eerie blue. "Now on guard!" Kanei looked on, shocked. 'Damn. my jealousy drove me insane when I first heard that Ayeka was in love with Tenchi! But now Tenchi is experiencing the same thing! Shit! This is going to be mighty difficult!'
"Tenchi! I cannot tell you how much I regret our fight a few months earlier. But please! Don't make the same mistake I have. If you want to fight me. then I will try my best to defeat you. After the last fight. I am sure that you know that I still have the upper hand! Tenchi! Don't give in to your jealousy. You won't even know how many people that you are about to hurt."
"I have quite a good idea of the numbers. There is only one that I will hurt and that person is you! Since you refuse to draw your weapon then I'll see you in hell!" Tenchi charged and Kanei could smell the stench of alcohol in his breath as Tench have his battle cry. Kanei jumped out of harms way and Tenchi plunged and immediately cut through the wall with his sword. "How dare you mock me! DIE!!!" Tenchi ran at Kanei but yet again missed his opponent by far.
'Ayeka will never forgive me if I hurt Tenchi! He is drunk. his thoughts are irrational but he must be very tired. Then all I have to do is to tire him out and he will be back to his old kind self! Time to go!' Kanei started sprinting towards the front door "Come back! Coward!"
After two hours of running Tenchi was exhausted and collapsed on the hard solid ground. Kanei had managed to run just fast enough so that Tenchi would follow but by now he was just simply power walking. Kanei heard the thud and turned back to Tenchi who had fainted from the exhaustion. He walked closer to Tenchi and picked up his motionless body. Tenchi's sword had extinguished and it lay motionless on the ground. Kanei put it in his pocket and began to walk back to Tenchi's house. 'I just hope that I have done a good thing for him this time. It is a good thing that I ran in circles around the house. it will not take too long to get back."
* * *
Kanei sighed as he walked in through the front door. "Oh I just cannot wait to get to bed! All that running around is making me so damn tired!" He looked around to see everyone glaring at him. "Running around!? What the hell are you talking about you shit!" Ryoko shouted at the top of her lungs. "Well."
SMACK!
Kanei held on to the left side of his face as he stared into the angry eyes of Ayeka. "Kanei! How could you!? You are just so unlike the Kanei that I was talking to earlier tonight." Ayeka ran off crying leaving Kanei stunned. "But. but."
SMACK!
Kanei was flung backwards as Ryoko punched him hard on the jaw. She caught Tenchi just in time while Kanei hit the wall with full force. Kanei coughed as Ryoko teleported herself away from the room. Sasami ran to him trying to tend to his wounds. "Sasami. What is going on?"
"You don't have to play games any more Kanei! But you can answer me one question. Why did you have another fight with Tenchi?" Kanei struggled and quickly spoke. "But Tenchi was the one who tired to attack me!"
Sasami looked in disbelief. "You can lie but I am not buying it!" Kanei quickly responded. "Look if you go up to him right now, I am certain that you can smell that he is drunk. And then you can make up your own conclusion whether I am lying or not." Kanei stared into Sasami's eyes with full intensity and quickly got the response he had wanted. "Okay I'll take your word for it. I'll go and have a look." Sasami turned to head upstairs, which left only Mihoshi. "You believe me don't you Mihoshi."
Mihoshi yawned. "Wha? What was happening?" (Obviously she had slept through the entire thing) Kanei fell onto the sofa where his eyes felt heavy. He was about to go to sleep when Ryoko kicked him off the furniture. "Now. you are going to pay!"
Kanei was hurled across the room and smashed through the windows to the warm air outside. He recovered from his fall and saw Ryoko summoning an energy sword and came with a forward slash. Kanei's exhaustion delayed he senses and the time for him to summon his light hawk wings had taken more time than usual. Ryoko managed to slightly penetrate the partially summoned wing and the recoil sent both of them backwards.
Kanei hit the ground hard while Ryoko stabilised in the air and quickly made another attack. Kanei ducked out of the way of her forward slash which shattered the ground and shook the surrounding ground. "Ryoko! I assure you that Tenchi is not hurt! Go and see! I only exhausted him and I did not even land one punch on him I swear!"
"Bull shit! I know a lie when I hear one! Prepare to die!" Ryoko charged once more. With reluctance Kanei summoned his light hawk wings and threw it at Ryoko front on. The force from his three wings was enough to send Ryoko flying into the distance. "Sorry Ryoko. I am sorry." Kanei walked back in the house and quickly made his way up to Ayeka's room. The door was closed and lightly, Kanei knocked on the door.
"Ayeka. can I come in?" There was no answer and gently Kanei slid the door open and entered quietly. Ayeka was lying on the bed and had her back to him. Kanei put his hand on her shoulder but she moved from his reach. "Ayeka. please! This is not what you think. Ayeka. I never attacked Tenchi like you may think. Tenchi was drunk and how could I have fought him if I did not even have my sword with me?"
"You did not have your sword? But you always had that sword with you." Ayeka finally said something but still had her back to him. Kanei shifted sideways to Ayeka "It was a special night tonight. And I just thought that I do not need it any more. Unless I am away from you I will never have to hold on to that sword to remember you by. I have already received many swords in my life as promotions came once in a while but I have always held onto that sword. It was the second most precious thing to me."
A hand was placed on his. "Then you didn't started the fight. I am sorry for doubting you. But it isn't like Tenchi to simply attack anyone." "Tenchi was drunk. Which reminds me. I still have his sword." Kanei gave the sword to Ayeka. "But you had no sword! What happened." "Well I thought that you'd be upset if I harmed Tenchi in any way. And his thoughts were as irrational as mine when I first got to earth. I concluded that it was best to tire him out by running away."
Ayeka looked on at Kanei and quickly embraced him. "You made the right choice! Thankyou." Kanei wrapped his arms around her and kissed her on the lips.
* * *
Months have passed since the incident. During that time, Kanei has convinced Ayeka enough for her to return to Jurai with him for a short while to get the full approval of her father for their wedding. The ship 'Ayumi' was prepared for take off. Kanei shook hands with the ever-silent Tenchi. Everyone had given the couple their best wishes except for Tenchi, but Kanei was not going to force it out of him.
Kanei let go of Tenchi's hand after the shake while the star engines of 'Ayumi' vibrated in the background. The gusts of winds that the ship created made the two men's clothing move in waves in the warm noon sun. Their faces where expressionless as they stared into each other's eyes. But after holding back for so long Tenchi had finally spoken as sound from the vibrating engines distorted his voice. "Kanei. Take good care of Ayeka."
Kanei gave a warm smile at the prince. "I will my prince. Farewell." Ayeka quickly hugged Tenchi and gave him a peck on the cheek with her lips. "Farewell Lord Tenchi. be happy."
"Thankyou Ayeka. I will miss you."
As Kanei's ship accelerated and ascended into the sky, it became invisible as the cloaking device was activated. Tenchi brushed off a tear which had ran down his face. 'Over the last few months. I did not do enough. I have not shown Ayeka my love. Now I have lost her.' He felt a sudden gust from the invisible star engines as the ship had achieved escape velocity. His chest felt sore and soon it triggered tears to flow. This time he did not try to hide them while they ran. A hand with a handkerchief rose up to his face and wiped the tears away. Tenchi looked and saw Ryoko smiling at him uneasily. She embraced him tenderly as Tenchi cried soundlessly on her shoulder. She ran her fingers through his hair 'He is crying like the day his mother had died. I am sorry Tenchi. I am sorry I cannot make you happy.'
The others left them outside as the sun was low on the horizon. The less intense rays are orange on that autumn day. Browned leaves dropped from the trees and Tenchi and Ryoko's shadows simular in colour. Rays reflected from the lake like the radian shine of the gold that Kanei had left behind. "I am sorry. Ryoko. Let's go inside, it is getting colder now. Winter is coming."
END OF STORY
To make it a happier ending. read the following:
Tenchi placed his jacket over Ryoko and held her close as they made their way towards the house. A cool breeze blew at them making Tenchi shiver slightly. 'I am sorry Ryoko. you have loved me all this time while you looked at me trying to win Ayeka's heart. I don't know how to repay you. I love you. I am just too pathetic to tell you so. I wish I can repay you. I will do my best to make you happy.'
Maybe I did not write that too well but at least it gives it a happier ending.