This will be the last chapter for this story unless a reader asks for an epilogue. In the beginning, I had envisioned a much different storyline than the one actually written here. It was going to end as a truly dark story with Ayeka coming out as the only winner as she lost herself to the serenity of a blank memory. But I decided that for Ayeka, remembering nothing of everyone would be the easy way out.
Ayeka is conscious of her duties, if nothing else.
Samanda
Disclaimer: I do not own Tenchi or any of its characters.
Lullaby Of Flowers
Chapter Nine: Home
Written By:
Samanda Hime-sama
The scenery was calming and serene, Ayeka thought anew as she glanced around her.
At first, Washuu had created an alternate universe for Ayeka. Full of beautiful meadows and burbling streams. Ayeka had looked around in curiosity but eventually decided against it. There was something missing.
"I need to be around people." Ayeka voiced her reason for vetoing it.
That had led to a long argument over what could be considered proper, yet safe for Ayeka. Finally, they came to an agreement that both pronounced themselves satisfied with. That led to this world she stood on now.
Retan II was a small world with a small, scattered population. Ayeka lived in one of their 'cities' that numbered about a thousand people. The technology was around the same level of Earth but engineered vastly differently with the first thought going towards protecting the planet they were inhabiting.
The balcony that Ayeka stood on overlooked a beautiful lake scene. Today she didn't see what was in front of her eyes, but rather the people that had earned a place in her heart.
She had regained her memories, most of them at least. There were a few holes that she could not recall and she doubted that she would ever do so. She suspected Washuu had taken those few memories that she could not live with. Ayeka understood and did not fault her for doing so.
What Ayeka had been forced to swallow had been bitter indeed. Twice she had found herself in love, twice she had been rejected. But the older, wiser version had seen how happy Tenchi was and accepted the truth that the old version could not.
Ryoko was the best match for Tenchi.
Ayeka had faced the truth that drove her younger self to despair, suicide and insanity but came from the realization still sane. That pill had an unexpected sweet center that she was loved. Perhaps not the way she would have chosen, but she was still loved and loved in return, the family she had found on Earth.
Ayeka reached into her pocket and pulled out the small device given to her by Washuu. She stared down at the small object and commented aloud. "Such a small thing to reach such a long distance."
She turned the device around with absent fingers. She thought of her sister with the deep love that had always characterized their bond. In her mind, she saw her parent's faces waving goodbye. She remembered Washuu with a fondness that might surprise the scientific genius if it was ever discovered. The princess smiled at the thought of Mihoshi, who was probably running around ineffectually trying to capture her young charges. Last of all, she thought of Ryoko and Tenchi.
Smiling, she activated her communicator. "Washuu, I'm ready to come home."