Poetry-Freak:  WOW!!!! OMG, Thank you so much for the reviews!!!!! You guys are the best!!!  I have never gotten that many reviews in two days!!!

                        Jillian:  I'm glad you like it!!!

                        Sir Eval Sweetwater:  I'm glad you like it, thanx for the chewy crimson teardrop, and also, that's an interesting idea, I might use some of it.

                        Namestealerthedemented:  Thanks!

                        Kuteazngurl:  here's the next chapter, and thanks!

                        Kakyuu:  Huge thank you!!!!! I didn't expect to make anyone's favorite list with this story!

                        Ayekaisbest:  I know it doesn't fit into the series really well, but, hey, it's been a VERY long time since I've seen the series, work with me!  Here's                                                         the next chapter!

                        Pulccinella:  Thanks!  I really appreciate you reviewing! 

            Well, how about since this is a Tenchi fic, we have Sasami do the disclaimer???

            Sasami:  poetry-freak doesn't own anything but the plot.  If you try to sue her Ryo-ohki will throw carrots at you!

           

            Poetry-freak:  thanks, now, on with the story!!!!

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            Raindrops

                       

      ~by poetry-freak

Chapter 2-Confrontation

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           (Last time:  Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a voice she half-hoped she'd never hear again, and half-hoped she would- 

                                    "Ayeka?")

                        Ayeka looked up, drenched in rain, tears still flowing uncontrollably, silently.  The memories had somehow reopened her scars, blood slowly seeping the life from her veins.  A young man, with dark hair, and warm brown eyes that were clouded with worry, locked with her sad ruby ones, for the first time, the flame of hope was gone, all he saw was anguish, more desolute than Ryoko's even.  When he saw the blood, his face changed from worry to alarm,

"What happened?  Did someone attack you?  How-"

            Ayeka smiled wryly, and instead of directly answering, she merely asked,

"Why her, Tenchi?"

"She loves me, Ayeka, she'd even die for me, do anything for me.  She was always there for me, she doesn't deserve more pain, she's too fragile, she-"

He stopped.  He felt an odd stinging on his cheek.  It took a moment, but he realized that Ayeka had slapped him, not enough to hurt too badly, she couldn't bring herself to do that, but enough to get his attention.  Quivering with emotion, she countered,

"As a child, I was beaten by my teacher, that's what these scars are from, along with these, (here she shows him numerous scars on her back),and you know what, I didn't tell you, but I gave up the crown, just because I knew you didn't want to go back and be a prince, so I gave it up to stay with you!  When you needed someone, I was there, but you called out for Ryoko, I remember.  I admit, I'm not nearly as powerful as Ryoko, and never will be, but I still fought, I wanted you to know that I would do anything to help you, but it was Ryoko that you always needed, not me.  Ryoko comforted you, yes, but I did what I could, I couldn't help the fact you wanted her, hoping that just once, you would ask for me, but it was always her.  I suppose I played the "princess" to well, because you didn't realize I love just as much.  When I slipped out every morning, laughter follows me, because you all thought I actually believed her taunts.  But this morning, celebration taunted me as I left, this morning.  It's dark now, you know, and you know this is where I go, but I suppose you didn't actually think of me until maybe Sasami remembered her sister, am I right?  I see now I shouldn't have believed in hope, and Tenchi, you helped me to realize that.  Goodbye…"

            Tenchi, so absorbed in her amazing outburst, had never realized she had called Ryo-oh while she was talking.  Before her could say anything, she kissed his cheek, and whispered, sorrow in every syllable,

"I hope you're happy Tenchi…"

            As Ryo-oh pulled Ayeka aboard, Tenchi thought, 'I never realized she was so beautiful…' even though she was drenched, and sorrow made up here whole being, he thought not even Tsunami couldn't compare.  He noticed a burning on his cheeks, and found he had been crying, and still was.  Attempting to ignore his screaming conscience, he waited cack to the house, his face devoid of emotion…

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poetry-freak:  okay, I know that isn't nearly as long as the first chapter, but it needed to be a chapter by itself.  I really loved all the reviews, let's see if I can get 6 more reviews at least!  That'll make my total 13, do the math!   Click that little review button and I'll love you forever!!! ^_^;

Until next time!

Poetry-Freak