Here's the next chapter as promised. Dedicated as always to Blue Haired Goddess.


Lullaby Of Flowers

Chapter Four: Reunion

Written By:

Samanda Hime-sama


"Do you remember anything at all today, Ayeka?" Washuu asked her.

Ayeka gave a tiny shake of the head. "No, I am sorry to say that I have not, Miss Washuu."

"I see." Came Miss Washuu's cryptic answer. "Ryoko and Tenchi's children are coming to visit today. I trust you will make them welcome."

Ayeka was affronted. "Of course I shall."

"I'm sorry." Miss Washuu's lips twitched. "You are always gracious, Ayeka."

Ayeka smiled. "Join me for breakfast, Miss Washuu. I heard that my younger sister is cooking for us this morning."

"She's an excellent cook," Washuu said simply. "I think I will this morning."

Ayeka beamed. "Wonderful!"

The two made their way to the breakfast table. Ayeka set out the china and Washuu, the hashi, as Sasami brought out the food. All three sat down together and began eating.

"Wonderful food, Sasami." Ayeka complimented her.

Sasami blushed. "Thank you."

It was after the meal was finished that the front door opened and two young voices and an upbeat female one could be heard before the door slammed. Ayeka and Sasami, who were doing the dishes, turned around to see who was at the door.

The upbeat voice belonged to Mihoshi, Ayeka saw with pleasure. She greeted her warmly as Tenchi and Ryoko, previously silent, greeted everyone. Ayeka welcomed them formally and everyone sat down, except for the children who sprawled out on the floor.

The two children, Mayuka and Satoshi, were six and three. Mayuka was Tenchi's biological child but Ryoko had bonded strongly to her, feeling like they had much in common. Mayuka's previous existence had been less than happy and Ryoko sympathized, since she too had once been without her own will.

Mayuka had a feminine version of Tenchi's face although her hair and eyes bore more of a resemblance to her Juraian genes. At her age she was merely little girl cute but Ayeka saw the promise of great beauty in her face once she entered girlhood.

Satoshi, on the other hand, bore more of a resemblance to Ryoko. His hair, eyes and temperament were the same as his mother's. The world would tremble later when he reached adult (and womanizing) status but for now the ex-pirate's get was more interested in being fed.

"Nanas!" He screeched.

A tired looking Tenchi dug out a banana and gave it to the child. Satoshi grabbed it and began munching on it, peel and all. He must have inherited Ryoko's lack of taste buds as well. Ayeka was slightly disapproving at this method of child rearing.

Tenchi must have noticed the change in expression. "It's much easier when he gets what he wants. Not as much property destruction."

Ayeka simply shook her head and went outside. She was instantly distracted by the beautiful day outside and unconsciously found her feet heading towards her garden. It was still there but it looked a little neglected. Ayeka mentally scolded herself for her lack of care then set to right her mistake.

She was weeding carefully when a small voice interrupted her work. "What are you doing?"

Ayeka looked up with a slight smile. It was the little girl, Mayuka, and she was watching Ayeka as her hands moved smoothly from one weed to the next. Ayeka rested her soiled hands against the equally dirty fabric of her jeans as she scrutinized Mayuka.

"I'm helping the flowers to breathe." Ayeka told her.

Mayuka took a step closer. "How are you doing that?"

"By removing these weeds to threaten to steal the sunlight from my blossoms." Ayeka showed her an uprooted weed. "This way my flowers can keep growing beautifully."

"Can I help you?" Mayuka sat on the ground.

"Yes." Ayeka smiled and guided her small hands. "See, this is how you do it..."

Later on in the day, Ryoko approached Ayeka. Mayuka had gotten tired long before and had been carried into the house for a nap. Ayeka was still in her garden attempting to put it to rights.

"Thanks for letting the munchkin help you." Ryoko said to Ayeka's back.

Ayeka stood from her kneeling position and turned her face towards Ryoko's voice. "It was nothing."

"No, it wasn't." Ryoko disagreed. "You have so much patience."

Ayeka waved off the praise. "It's easier for one of my nature to simply wait for everything to come to me rather than grabbing it and holding onto it."

Ryoko supposed that was true enough. "Thanks anyway. Have to go in and make sure Satoshi isn't wrecking everything in sight."

Ryoko made her way back to the house but Ayeka hardly noticed. Something Ryoko said was nagging at her. She couldn't get those words and Ryoko's tone of voice out of her mind.

No, it wasn't.

**********************

Flashback

**********************

"It was her fault!" Ayeka, First Princess of Jurai, said shrilly.

"No, it wasn't!" Ryoko said defensively. "It wasn't me, Tenchi. This spoiled princess broke it."

"How dare you!" Ayeka gasped. "You are the one that hit the TV!"

**********************

The small bit of memory flashed through Ayeka's brain but faded quickly. Unfortunately, she could still remember all of that conversation. Ayeka flushed with embarrassment and humiliation. If her mothers had seen her acting that way...

Did I really act that way? Ayeka asked herself.

If she had lost her composure like that frequently and made a fool of herself so completely, Ayeka wasn't sure if she wanted to remember. There had to be some good memories, there had to be! She couldn't have spent the entire time she was on Earth acting like a lovesick fool, could she?

"Do I even want to remember?" She asked herself aloud.