Chapter 48-- A Little Tenderness
Ryoko was not the only one suffering the loss of the kenshin. The entire Masaki household was grief stricken, their hearts heavy with the loss of their comrade. The crown prince was no exception.
I can't believe he's gone. Tenchi thought in disbelief, as his saddened eyes watched the stars stream by the Banshee's bridge window. Ryan was one of the most powerful people Tenchi had ever known. And yet with all that power he had been unable to save himself.
What happened to you Ryan? What went wrong? Tenchi wondered with a shake of his head.
His thoughts turned to Ryoko and what she must be going through. Tenchi had lost a best friend. A man who had been like a brother to him. How much worse was it for Ryoko to lose that whom she had loved most?
Tenchi turned away from the window, his gaze falling on Ayeka who stood near the back of the bridge, engaged in a serious discussion of some sort with her sister Sasami. How would I feel if I lost someone I loved? What if I lost Ayeka? Tenchi wondered. A sudden pain welled in his chest and a wave of nausea wracked his body at the horror of such an event.
The crown prince clenched his eyes in pain as he imagined the depths of despair he would go through. His heart would be ripped from his chest and cast into a pit of utter desolation. Forever alone to suffer in agony and heartache. Finding it hard to breathe, Tenchi began to stumble around and would have caused quite a scene if a voice hadn't burst through his self induced nightmare.
"Lord Tenchi?" A feminine voice spoke in concern.
Tenchi slowly opened his eyes and unclenched his jaw.
Ayeka stood beside him, her eyes deeply troubled. "Are you all right?" She asked, her voice and features alarmed.
Tenchi blinked several times before straightening his frame. He let out a shaky sigh. For a few seconds he said nothing, just stared into the pools of Ayeka's eyes. All the pain that had swelled in the crown prince subsided, to be replaced by an inner warmth that was so intoxicating it left him almost speechless. A tender smile formed on his lips.
"I'm okay." He reassured her. "Now that you're here." He added so softly Ayeka had to strain to hear it.
The effect of his words were immediate. Ayeka blushed furiously, looking down at her hands to avoid Tenchi's intense gaze.
Tenchi watched her silently, awaiting her response.
"Lord Tenchi.." She began softly, breaking the silence that hovered over them, as she struggled to find the right words to say. "The feelings I have for you.." The princess broke off , unable to fininsh her sentence.
Tenchi gave an inward laugh at her shyness. He knew what she was trying to say. Crooking his finger under Ayeka's chin, the crown prince tilted Ayeka's head upwards until their eyes locked.
Tenchi's heart began to beat hard against his chest, but his voice remained calm as he said, "Are the same as my own."
Ayeka's eyes widened. "What?" She whispered in disbelief.
Tenchi smiled. "I'm saying that I love you. Is that so hard to believe?" He asked in mock increduality.
A look of love caressed Ayeka's pretty face. Tears of joy streamed from her eyes. "Oh Tenchi! I love you too!" She cried leaping forward, embracing him in her arms.
A look of surprise appeared on Tenchi's face that was quickly replaced by a beaming smile as he wrapped his arms around her. For the longest time the two of them stood in companionable silence, enjoying the moment, as they held on to each other. After what seemed an eternity, Ayeka shifted slightly until she was face to face with Tenchi.
"So what happens now?" She asked, studying Tenchi's handsome face.
Tenchi frowned. "I haven't really thought that far ahead Ayeka."
"Oh." Ayeka replied looking away.
"Why do you ask?"
Ayeka still did not meet his eyes, reluctantly backing away and out of Tenchi's arms.
Tenchi watched her closely, his eyes troubled.
Ayeka took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "The council will want to know if I plan to return to Jurai or if I will be returning to earth." She began pausing to look back at Tenchi. "This may be the last time they ask."
Tenchi sighed. "I see." He said in a slightly strained voice.
Ayeka reached out and clasped Tenchi's hand. Tenchi looked down, his full attention riveted on their entwined hands.
"Please understand Tenchi. They will ask you the same question. Whatever your decision, where ever you go, I will follow. My place is with you." She said lovingly, edging closer to the crown prince.
Tenchi looked up. The last thing he wanted to think about right now was his place in the Jurai royal tradition. But he knew he had to tell her something. "There are many things left undone on earth Ayeka. Things I need to do. I'm not sure I am ready for the responsiblity of rule. I can't promise I'll accept the throne." He said somberly.
The crown prince's features quickly softened as he brought Ayeka towards him. "But I can promise you this," he paused as he rested his forehead upon Ayeka who looked at him with quizzical eyes. "No matter what the future holds for us, we will face it together." He added before brushing his lips lightly against Ayeka's.
Ayeka closed her eyes, enraptured by the crown prince's affection. With a happy sigh she leaned forward and nestled against Tenchi's chest, two young lovers together at last.
And so they remained for the rest of the trip.