i do not own tenchi muyo

hey, sorry for the delay, it's been hetic around here. enjoy the chapter and PLZ REVIEW.

slim:)

--------------------------------------------------------------------

A dismal smile creeps its way onto Ayeka's features as she compels herself to sit up. While her hand gracefully caresses her shoulder, her eyes wince at the rays of the sun, penetrating her weary eyes. Ayeka slowly ceased her motions as she stared at her hand as if she was seeing it for the first time. It was then; at that very moment Ayeka realized the truth. With every second, and with every breath she took in, something inside her slowly died.

"I have to get out, but how?"

She couldn't go down stairs where a group of what seemed like strangers wanted her to sing fucking kum-bi-ya (s/p?) and cry. Even worse, there was a steaming Ryoko who was just egging to get back at her. Ayeka also knew that Washu was concocting new ways for them to confront her, and Tenchi; well as far as Ayeka was concerned Tenchi wasn't even on her radar right now. It was 12:21 p.m. and Ayeka's eyes grew dark as she imagined what would most likely take place if she did show her face down stairs. Of course there would be that awkward silence that she hated, along with the anxious stares. This naturally would be follow by an unwanted evading of the true subject matter. While this is going on there would be someone babbling on and on about a meaningless topic which would be cut short by someone; most likely Ryoko, who had enough guts to break this senseless cycle and finally get straight to the matter at hand. When this takes place an argument will naturally break out, leaving everyone unsatisfied, distraught, irritated, and unforgiving. Emotions Ayeka did not care or have enough room for in her hectic mind.

Down stairs: Tenchi's POV

"Ryoko just tell us what happened"

I asked almost demandingly. If was obvious that I was extremely annoyed by Ryoko's stubbornness.

"Ryoko, look all I want,"

I started with a sigh as I tried another futile attempt at deciphering the hardheaded Ryoko, only to be cut off.

"Ryoko"

Washu interjects. As soon as eye contact is made I watch as Ryoko uncomfortably shifts breaking their link. It was as if there is something that she didn't want us to find out or was just ashamed of. Of course this was Ryoko I was thinking about, so there had to be another explanation.

"Ryoko…Ryoko, look at me"

Washu sternly demands, making the unwilling Ryoko do as commanded. Surprised that Ryoko did what she was told I was a little astonished by the few seconds of soundless eye contact. Although no words or expressions were spoken, it was like they understood each other just by looking into one another's eyes.

"I see"

Washu softly said as Ryoko shifted her head slowly to the side. It was when I caught a glimpse of her I was confused. Her eyes were emotional; they were murky and sorrowful almost. What could have Washu said to her to make her come across like that? I don't know if it was just me, but I know what I saw.

"Hey guys!"

Mihoshi and Kiyone burst through the door cheerfully, thankfully interrupting our awkward silence. I could practically see both of their smiles gradually disappear as their brains scanned the situation, so I took matters into my own hands.

"Hey, Mihoshi, Kiyone, what a pleasant surprise"

Damn this false welcoming, it makes me feel like a ken doll. However it should keep them from discovering the dreadful reality of these circumstances for at least a couple of hours.

"Tenchi"

Mihoshi gleefully greeted and hugged me while I could tell that Kiyone's police reasoning was in process of a thorough investigation. Dammit, well at least I fooled Mihoshi.

"Kiyone what's wrong?"

Ok, dammit I give up. Prying myself from Mihoshi's loveable embrace I could tell that' she was catching up to Kiyone's analysis.

"Well let's fill you in"

Washu took over as I plummeted on the couch, thinking over my unsuccessful mission of getting off this damn subject.

Kiyone's POV

Ignoring the objections from Tenchi and the other's I made my way upstairs.

"How could they be so blind?"

Where they just stupid at the moment, maybe afraid, or were they all just to caught up in self-pity. Tenchi however had no justification what so ever; he could have stopped this before it even began. Why he decided not to, is beyond me. Freezing my handa little as it approached the door i questioned my I do this? It was obvious that those who could hadn't even tried, so I guess it was up to me to buy them time.

"Ayeka?"

I practically whispered. Come on Kiyone you can do this.

"Miss Ayeka"

Hearing quick shifting coming from inside the room I decided to make the first move.

"I just want to talk."

Even more rustling this time

"Look I'm just going to open the door a little so that you can hear me better. All I'm asking is that you hear me ok"

I didn't expect to hear a response so I went ahead and slowly opened the door. Relief hit me like a ton of bricks as I heard her sit on the bed. It was good that she was listening; it gave me hope.

"Listen, I heard what happened"

Dammit Kiyone don't start off that way; she's probably ready to slam the door in my face.

"But that doesn't mean I know how you feel"

Nice cover, I am just too good

"Don't blame the others they can't imagine you like this."

Hell, I can't imagine Ayeka like this

"I don't know how close you and Tarra were, but I know how it feels when someone dies. Being a cop, I've seen people die not only five minuets after speaking to them. Even though I didn't know them well, the fact that I did, and I will never have the chance to, is devastating. To witness how short human life is, it's just mind-boggling. I couldn't imagine losing someone so close to me, especially in your situation, so don't think I'm trying to relate; I'm just trying to help, I'm trying to help them. Ayeka, I don't know much about your situation, but I know this; I know what you're going to do, and I am begging that you don't. How they've treated you is thoughtless. They've been selfish, but please give them time, and I beg that you give them even a day. If you do it now, they will never understand and they will blame themselves until it's their time to experience what you have. I know you don't want to believe me, especially since one of them has already gone through what you are going through now, but you have to understand that they are human, they make mistakes like you and I. They don't know you, I think only she did, but you must let them try. Let them try until one of them comes forth, and you know what I mean. If not for them, do it for me, I know I'm not always here, and I know we aren't the best of friends but, I'm here now, and I am not them; so please do this for me. Please stay, just for one day."

I had said my peace I could do no more. Then why did I still feel like cussing everyone out downstairs?

Ayeka's POV

Kiyone's melancholy footsteps dissolved as she tentatively walked further down the hallway. Although my heart was just not for it I decided to respect her wishes and stay, just for one more day. Gazing at my half packed duffle bag I decided to finish it later, concerning my thoughts with other things; such as why the hell it got so damn quiet downstairs. Listening closer I heard the door quietly shut and I knew that Kiyone and Mihoshi where gone. Smiling a bit I thought back to our conversation. She was pretty accurate about everything with the exception of one. I however always considered her a close friend. And with that last thought roaming through my mind I finally let sleep have me.

---------------------

Washu's POV

As I sat in silence I reviewed the brief conversation we all had before Kiyone and Mihoshi left. Disgusted somehow Kiyone went upstairs convinced that she could make a difference. While this took place Mihoshi rambled on about the many jobs she got herself and Kiyone fired from in an attempt to make a living. However everyone's minds where on Kiyone, and whether or not she would succeed in her task. It was a good half hour by the time Kiyone came back downstairs, and I found it extremely hard to read her.

"What happened?"

Tenchi anxiously said. For a minuet I didn't think that she would answer him, but then she sighed, relaxing herself a little.

"I gave you time"

Extremely baffled by this, Tenchi let out all his frustrations at her.

"What the hell does that mean!?"

The fool, he was to preoccupied with his own battles that he didn't realize that Kiyone just helped him find away to,

"What the hell does that mean? Got dammit Tenchi are you blind or just stupid?! You have the ability, but you're to wrapped up in your own self that you can't see that you are the one! But don't worry, because in the end you will feel just like her; you will have no one."

My thoughts were cut off by Kiyone's burst of emotion. She was right, we all have been to busy with ourselves that we couldn't let our hearts see how much this affected our Ayeka. To make matters even worse the one person that could see is too afraid to. He should've been the first one at her side. What could be holding him back? Silence entered the room as everyone let Kiyone's words sink into themselves. However it was broken with the closing of the door. I knew how Kiyone felt; she was a cop and had most likely seen many deaths, but not like Ayeka. I don't think anyone of us could relate. Even with all our hidden secrets, even if we reveal them to her, would they even matter now? She would still be alone, with only our secrets to comfort her. Our lies, our betrayal, and our stupid mistakes would be the only things left, mocking her as they concealed her in her own darkness.

"Well I guess I better get to work"

Work, yeah right. I didn't reply as I watched him walk out the door. He's been hiding behind his work ever since Ayeka got the news and left for the funeral. She's been up in her room and he's been working himself to death. It seems like they are both dying, but I do have to admit that Ayeka's a bigger concern here. That's why I feel extremely thankful to Kiyone; she gave us time. But I'm afraid it won't be enough, not for him. Sighing I looked around the dead house. It was so quiet, and lonely, I decided to head back to my lab. With Tenchi working, Ryoko pissed off and gone, and Ayeka probably sleeping, there was only one thing I could do. I had to be the next one. Maybe I could by them time, but I had to first figure out how.

--------------------

Time quickly passed, it was around 5:47 p.m. and I would have to put dinner by Ayeka's door. Ryoko was still out, and Tenchi was relentlessly working himself into his own grave. I now felt the anger that Kiyone displayed earlier. She had given us the precious gift of time and what were they doing with it; they were wasting it. If we lost Ayeka because of our ignorance I could never forgive myself; I could never forgive them. So far I had deciphered only a small portion of what might have happed in their conversation, with no clues what so ever to go off of I was extremely agitated and exhausted. After placing one of Sasami's pre-made meals by Ayeka's door I found myself sound asleep in my lab.

"Lady Washu"

A familiar voice awakened me. My eyes almost shot open at the sight of,

"Tsunami"

How did she get here?

"Sasami is not aware of my presence here, nor is she aware of Ayeka's condition."

I nodded my head, understanding that she came to tell me something

"You must go to the lake at 6:21 tomorrow. There you will confront Ayeka, however before speaking look into her eyes and all will be revealed. But do not assume that it is the answer or the problem, because it is only time that is affected. But let this be known, if the fall of death takes place before the truth, then the rain will not bring to her life, salvation, or truth, but only death, destruction, and the darkest of power."

"And if we are to late?"

"Then only death will be her salvation"

---------------------------

My eyes shot open as I woke form the dream, but that was no dream; and I knew what I had to do.

The next day

The day went by fast with everyone doing the tedious routines. Tenchi was working as usual, Ryoko was out, and I was left at the house alone again, as usual. Surprisingly they both came back home for dinner around 6:00 p.m. but I didn't let there presence distract me from my task at hand. When I found out the truth I would try and track Tenchi down if he wasn't still at home, and attempt to convince him that he was the only one who could bring her back to us.

---------------

The wind sent an ominous chill up my spin, as I waited for Ayeka to show. Looking at my watch I realized that I got there a couple of minuets early, it was only 6:18. I watched the shimmer on the lake as I slowly felt a presence.

"So you're here"

Damn I hope that she will listen to me

"Did Kiyone tell you? No I suppose not, the others aren't here.

Others? She was pissed off, I could tell, she didn't even call them by their names. It was then I saw the truth. There was a familiar twinkle in her eye, wait, she was…..she had a spirit in her. I could tell it wasn't possession as I took a closer look.

"So did you come here to stare at me orto stop me?"

Shit, I was staring at her.

"Neither"

Good job Washu just play it off. As we spoke I kept my eye on her, examining everything about her; after all I am a genius.

"You're leaving?"

I asked pointing to her duffle bag, asI continued

"No, I guess not, Sasami will be back in a couple of days"

I could tell she forgot all about that, maybe she was really prepared to go.

"Why are you here?"

Good question, I don't think I really know

"I must say something, will you hear me?"

"Perhaps. We will see"

Ok then, that's good enough for me.

"We have been, wait no, I cannot speak for them, so let me rephrase that. I have been utterly selfish. Wrapped up in my own stupidity, I couldn't see, I couldn't see your hurt. My stupid mistake,"

I could tell she was get agitated; she didn't want to hear me apologize. I could see it was too late for that now.

"But that doesn't matter now does it? What's done is done. I cannot change the past; I cannot change my mistakes, let alone theirs. An apology is way over-do, and honestly it wouldn't make you stay anyway. Tell me this, it's something I must know, why is he, why didn't he,"

"Rescue me when he could?"

"Yes, it's not like him to just, be afraid and give up."

"You can't save someone if you're the one who needs saving."

"Saving?"

"Tenchi, he has, he has made his choice, because no one makes a mistake if they really didn't want to. Will betrayal, lies, and deathbe the things that tare us apart? I thought life and trust was worth more, but it seems that every second is wasted for renewal. Do people care so little? Is the entire world's beauty gone with the passing of one? Is this the end of the world?"

"Your world?"

"My world is the only world! And so is yours. We are selfish aren't we?"

"No Ayeka, your not."

"Then why does no one care?! Why doesn't anyone understand?! Are we so different that three selfish idiotic actions are the very things that will bring upon are deaths?!"

"Ayeka I,"

"No, I sick of this bullshit! No more talking, I'm going. Goodbye Washu."

And with that said I watched Ayeka walk away as the night covered the sky. But although discontent filled me, as her detached shadow faded in the distance, a plan formed in my head. It would involve a precise comprehension and connection only one person here had obtained.

---------------------------------------------------------

hoped you liked the chapter. i apologize that it took so long for me to update but it's gettin hard to find the time, but no worries cause the holiday is coming up soon soi'll have plenty of time. the next chapter should be up sometime soon, but PLZ REVIEW for encouragement ;)

slim:)