four of five.  =)


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Tenchi Muyo: Ryoko's Love Alpha! 
Chapter 4A: Aeka Canon
By Long T. Tran 


Dedicated to my dear friend, Ryoko Mas.  The bravest person I've
Met.



Disclaimer:

The Characters you're about to read are created and owned by AIC/ 
Pioneer.  This fic written just for entertainment purposes and not for 
moneymaking.


Author's notes:


The Aeka contents of this chapter were inspired by a baroque classical
Piece called Pachebel's Canon.  Listen to this classical piece to get the
Feeling of this chapter.  The music can be found on the Evangelion Death
Soundtrack.


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


Noon at the Bus Stop


Aeka was at the bus stop nervously waiting for Tenchi's return.  Shoji 
stood next to Aeka, like any guardian should, he looked forward into 
meeting the young Juraian prince.  Sasami was back at the house, 
cooking up some lunch to welcome back Tenchi and Ryoko.  Washu was at 
her usual place in the lab, doing her usual research on the collected 
data from the duel yesterday.

After a few minutes of agonizing anticipation,  the bus finally arrives
and stops.  As the door opened, Aeka took in a breath and watched as 
Tenchi stepped out of the bus.  

"Welcome home, Lord Tenchi."  Greeted Aeka.

"Thank you, Aeka."  Tenchi said as he returned Aeka's greeting, Tenchi 
looked over and noticed a Juraian male standing beside the princess.  

"Tenchi, while you were gone, the King of Jurai has made a major change 
concerning my safety."  Aeka announced.  

"Really?  What change?"  Tenchi inquired. 

"This is my new guardian, Shoji Takazawa.  He is a member of the 
Juraian Royal Guard."

Shoji steps forward and bows his head to Tenchi.  "I've been looking 
forward in meeting you, Lord Tenchi."  

"Uhh...Really?  Thanks, nice meeting you too."  Tenchi replied dumbly.  

Aeka looked around and searched for Ryoko. "Where is Ryoko?  Did she 
come home with you?" 

"Yeah, she did.  Ryoko was with me throughout the trip but as soon as 
the bus stopped, she just disappeared."  

"I...see."  Aeka replied curiously.     

"Well, I gotta go and unpack."

"Alright.  I will talk to you later, there is something I wish to 
discuss with you...in private."

"Okay, that's fine.  When?"  

"Will it be alright if I see you in ten minutes?" 

"Sure, I don't mind. I need to talk to you as well."  Tenchi said a 
little nervously.  Tenchi turned away from Aeka and faced Shoji. "I 
hope to talk to you in order to better acquaint myself ."

"Likewise."  The Knight responded kindly and smiled. 

Tenchi smirked in return and bowed his head to Shoji and walked off 
towards the house.    

"I can see why you are fond of him." Shoji commented. "What are you 
going to speak to him about?"  

"I hope to accomplish one important thing."  

"What is it that you hope to accomplish?"

"First and foremost, I hope to achieve resolution."  

"Resolution?"  Shoji inquired.

"I am taking your advice,  I must consider all possibilities.   Today 
will be the day where all the fighting, all the quarrels will end, and 
all the pain will be taken away."  

"Even if it opens the door to an even greater pain?  Are you willing to 
go through it?"  

Aeka looked away from Shoji hiding the pained faOade.  She regained her 
composure and looked at Shoji.  "Yes."  

"As simple as that?  Just a yes?"    

Aeka stood silent to Shoji's remark. "I will see you later."  Aeka said 
as she started her way towards the Masaki home. 

"Princess Aeka?"

Aeka stopped and turned around. "Yes?"  

"Please don't hesitate to talk to me.  I will be around if you need 
me."

Aeka peered at the knight and smiled. "Thank you."   


Tenchi and Aeka 


Tenchi unpacked his belongings from his back pack.  

<Why didn't I say a word to Ryoko on the way home from Naroda Beach? No 
wonder, that's why she just left me on the bus.  She's upset.  Why am I 
so nervous around her?  I was the one who kissed her!  I should be the 
one to talk, not her.>  Tenchi thought angrily.  

"Lord Tenchi?  May I come in?"  Said, Aeka's voice on the side of the 
door.

Tenchi quickly straightened up. "Oh sure, Aeka.  Please, come on in."  

Aeka stepped through the doorway, walked over to Tenchi's bed and sat 
down.  She watched silently and patiently as Tenchi placed the last of 
his belongings into the cabin drawer.  Tenchi turned around and sat on 
his desk chair backwards directly across from Aeka.  Aeka read his face 
carefully and noticed the nervous look.

"Tenchi, what seems to be bothering you?" 

"Aeka..., I..."  Tenchi trailed nervously. 

"What is it, Tenchi?"  

<You love me?  Is that what you're trying to say?>  Aeka thought, 
hopefully.  <No, Aeka, do not jump ahead of yourself.>  

"I guess the reason why you're here is to find out what happened 
between Ryoko and myself at Naroda Beach, right?" 

Aeka was starting to get nervous but quickly shrugged it off.  "Well, 
not really one of the reasons but I have to admit, yes I am curious 
about your trip to Naroda.  But I am mainly here to talk about our 
relationship."  

"Yes, our relationship.  Well..."  

Aeka noticed Tenchi's apprehensiveness and decided to move the 
conversation along.  "Before you say anything about your outing with 
Ryoko let me state that you are very dear to me."  

Tenchi silently listened as Aeka spoke.  

"Tenchi, I am in love with you."  

Tenchi froze at Aeka's confession. <This is definitely not going to be 
easy.  How am I going to tell her about my feelings towards Ryoko?>  
Tenchi thought heavily with guilt. "Aeka, I..."  Tenchi started to 
responded.  

Aeka quickly but gracefully stood from Tenchi's bed and stepped over to 
Tenchi.  She crouched down in front of Tenchi and immediately placed 
her right hand over Tenchi's mouth to prevent him from saying anything 
else.  

"Tenchi, please do not say a word.  I must tell you what I have 
contemplated over the last recent days.  Can you hear me out before you 
say anything?"  

After a moment of silent thought, Tenchi nodded his head under Aeka's 
hand.  Aeka gave a slight bitter-sweet smile and removed her hand from 
Tenchi's mouth.

"What I am about to tell you will, hopefully, put your mind at ease. I 
will ask a simple question and in return, all I want is a simple 
answer."

Aeka stepped back and sat down at her place on Tenchi's bed.  She gazed 
into Tenchi's nervous-but-caring eyes and carefully considered which 
words to speak. 

"Tenchi, I have lived with you for nearly two years and we both have 
been through a lot.  Do you remember the first time I arrived here on 
earth?" 

"Yes, I remember very clearly.  That'll be a day I'll never forget." 

Aeka smiled nostalgically and nodded. "Indeed, at first, I was 
searching for Yosho because I was still in love with him.  Even though
Our marriage was arranged and despite my feelings towards him, he did 
not share the same sentiments.  Instead, he diverted my attention away 
from him and now, to you.  At first, I was not sure about my feelings 
towards but as the days and weeks passed by I gradually fell in love 
with you.  Unfortunately, I was never able to tell you, until now."  

Once again, Aeka stood up from where she sat and crouched in front
of Tenchi, she gently held on to both of his hands and gazed into his 
eyes.  Tenchi did not flinch at Aeka's sudden boldness he carefully 
listened on.

"Tenchi, ever since I met you my heart has grown to love you.  I know 
that you were unable to tell me anything at all about your feelings 
towards me it was mainly due to the fact that Ryoko and myself are 
constantly fighting over you.  It has been that way for the past two 
years and now..."  Aeka was suddenly quiet, struggling to hold back any 
involuntary tears.  

"And now, what?  Aeka?"  Tenchi asked.

<I must not shed a tear, I must be strong.> Aeka thought adamantly.

Aeka regained her composure. "And now, things will be different from 
this conversation and on.  Ever since you were gone with Ryoko at 
Naroda beach, I knew that things will never be the same. I must ask you 
this question and my request."  

"Request?"

"You will know soon enough."  

Tenchi readied himself as Aeka contemplated. 

<How should I ask him?  Tenchi, do you love me?  Would you like to 
spend the rest of your life with me?  Sharing a love that is truly 
special?>  Aeka introspected. 

"Tenchi, do you love Ryoko?"  

Tenchi was caught off guard by Aeka's question.  "Aeka, I, I..."  He 
studdered. 

"Please, Tenchi, this is a yes or no question.  Do you love her?"    

Tenchi looked away from Aeka's gaze, for a long silent minute Tenchi 
did not say one word as he thought.  As time rolled by, Aeka held her 
heart with a tight grip waiting for Tenchi's reply.  

"Yes." 

"T-Tenchi..."  Aeka faltered abit without shedding a tear.  She looked 
away from Tenchi.

"I'm, I'm sorry Aeka." 

Aeka immediately gazed at Tenchi with bold amethyst eyes. "No! Do not 
ever say you are sorry! You did very well.  I thank you for being 
honorable by staying honest and truthful."  

"Being 'honorable' doesn't really excuse me for having to make you wait 
on me for nearly two years."  

"Tenchi, a few minutes ago, I mentioned to you about a request."

"Yes?" 

Aeka was hesitant but regained her mindset.  "Tenchi, you must keep 
this between us.  Nobody must not know about it."

"Alright." 

"Tenchi..., will you..." Aeka looked away, struggling to keep her tears 
from welling up.

"Will I, what?  Aeka?"

"Will you kiss me?"  

Tenchi did not respond.  For a silent moment, he gazed at her.  Aeka 
held Tenchi's hands grasping them tighter.  

"I know, it is a very bold request but please,  all I want is piece of 
you before I move on.  Just to feel what it feels like to have your 
lips against mine.  Your touch...  Please,  I need a little piece of 
heaven before I realize my reality."  

Tenchi didn't say a word.  Instead, he stood up from his chair and 
wrapped his arms around Aeka.  They held each other tight.  Instead of 
tears of sorrow, Aeka cherished the moment she had longed for.  She 
knew she didn't have time to be sad, finally, after a day and a half of 
lingering on a thread of anxiety.  The loose thread has been tied. 
Tenchi looked at Aeka and ran his hands down her face.  Aeka closed her 
eyes as she sensed his hands caressing her cheeks.  Tenchi slowly 
placed his lips on Aeka's.  Aeka felt warmth and wholesomeness through 
the shared contact.

Aeka hugged Tenchi even tighter and felt his soft lips.  After five 
cherished-eternal minutes Aeka broke away from Tenchi's lips.  She 
stepped away from him and walked towards the door.  She placed her 
fingers along her lips and smiled in a bitter-sweet manner. 

"Aeka..., what is to going to happen now?  Are you going to leave 
earth?"

"No, not yet.  I must make peace before doing so." 

Tenchi quickly understood and nodded.    


Ryoko and Washu 


Inside the warm environment of the floating Onsen, Ryoko walked around 
the different sets of bathing pools, she planned on adding a new 
feature.  In her hands she held the blueprints to the onsen,  ready to 
make some new modifications for the construction of the onsen's new 
feature, a Jacuzzi.  Ryoko paused for a few moments and thought about 
all the events that occurred during her date with Tenchi.  From 
rescuing a kid's life to nearly losing her own.  Ryoko thought about 
the weird irony of being the Rescuer turned rescuee.  And then, she 
thought about the one thing that really made the date worthwhile...  

<Tenchi kissed me...>  Ryoko initially thought. <But did he do it out 
of sympathy or did he do it out of love?  I was hoping that he would 
say something, anything about the kiss on the way home but he didn't.  
Maybe I shouldn't have left him on the bus.>  Ryoko tiredly sighed.  

"Well, well, hello Little Ryoko."  Said Washu, sitting in one of the 
warm pools.  

Startled by a second presence, Ryoko quickly calmed down. "Oh, it's 
just you, Washu." 

"Just me?  What ever happened to hello?"

"Okay, fine.  Hello."  

Washu sighed.  "Sarcasm, sarcasm. So..." 

"So, what?" 

"How was your date with Tenchi?  Or do I have to wring it out of you 
with a neural vice?" 

Ryoko looked away painfully at Washu's question.

"What's wrong?"  

"I don't know...I just don't know."  

"What do you mean by that?  What happened out there?"

Ryoko quietly answered Washu's question through the mind-link.  Through 
the long minutes of silence, Washu rode the memories of events which 
occurred during Naroda beach.  Washu saw the images of the Beach hunk,  
the dolphins, the rescuing of a young boy, the dance with Tenchi, 
sensations of drowning, Tenchi rescuing and kissing Ryoko...

Washu pulled away from the mind-link and studied Ryoko for few moments.  

While waiting for Washu's reaction, Ryoko decided to soak her feet into 
one of the nearby pools.  As she sat down and dunked her feet into the 
warm waters, Washu sat down next to Ryoko and did likewise.

"It looks like you had a really full day."  Washu said, breaking the 
silence.

"Yeah, you can say that."

"So what happened after the kiss?"  

"Nothing.  Absolutely, nothing."  Ryoko replied looking down.

"You mean, Tenchi didn't say a word of it?"

Ryoko nodded solemnly.

"Nothing at all?  Did you say anything to him?"

Ryoko shook her head negatively.  

"Why didn't you?"

"I don't know..., I figured I've been too aggressive with him lately 
and..." 

"And what?"

"I don't know,  I finally reached this far and yet, I don't know what's 
next between Tenchi and myself.  What do I do now?"

"Hmmm.  That's a good question, Ryoko.  What do you do now?"  

"I don't know!  I'm asking you, am I?  Aren't you the number one genius 
scientist of the universe?"  Ryoko yelled out.  

"Let me ask you this, why are you so nervous?  I've never seen you like 
this before."  

"I'm not sure why I'm so nervous.  Huh.  Look at me, I'm actually 
trembling."  

"What's the core of all your anxiety?"

Ryoko thought about Washu's question for a moment and looked down into 
the water. "Fear." 

"Fear?  Fear of what?"

"I'm afraid that, this is all too good to be true and somehow,  
everything will not turn out the way I originally I hoped for." 

"Ooh, I see.  I guess I can understand your anxiety abit." 

"Oh really?  Then tell me, genius.  What do you know of my anxiety?"  

Washu pulled her feet out from the water and stood up. "Well, since you 
asked, I might as well tell you.  You were imprisoned in that cave for 
Seven hundred years." 

Ryoko shuddered at the word 'cave'. "Please don't remind me."

"For all those years you had no way of contacting the outside world but 
the most you were able to achieve is being able to observe what's going 
on outside the cave.  Correct?"

Ryoko shook her head affirmatively.  

"Then, one day, you see a baby boy named Tenchi Masaki.  Now, I wonder, 
what is it about him that had you interested in him in the first 
place?"  

Ryoko smiled a bit , she closed her eyes and thought about Tenchi when 
she first laid eyes on him.  "Even though people did pass by the cave, 
Tenchi was different, he was able to feel my presence.  He was the only 
one who saw me.  Ever since seeing that beautiful baby boy, I vowed to 
meet him and to love him."  

"You watched Tenchi Masaki grow from a baby to a handsome young man and 
then you tried to find a way to escape from the cave.  Through the 
years, as you searched for a way out,  your body started to decay as a 
result of using all your energy.  And then disaster struck, Tenchi was 
inside the cave, exploring."

"Please don't remind me!  He wasn't even supposed to see me as a 
mummy!"  Ryoko shouted covering her ears. 

"okay, okay.  I'll skip that part."

Ryoko lightened up.  "Thank you."

"So finally, you meet Tenchi."  Washu continued on. "Of course, I won't 
comment on your first approach.  He thought you were going to kill him, 
which basically, made your chances even slimmer.  To make things worse,  
you had rivals for Tenchi's love.  Aeka comes along, Mihoshi, and maybe 
even Sasami.  Your chances with Tenchi gets slimmer and slimmer.  
That's how it is, until yesterday, when he first kissed you."

"You make it sound so simple."  

"Why should it be so difficult?"

"I see your point." 

"So what now?  What are you going to do about your relationship with 
Tenchi?"

Ryoko contemplated for few silent minutes.  Finally she pulled her feet 
out of the water and faced Washu. "I think I better go talk to him, 
instead of me waiting on him."

"Sounds good to me.  Try not to be too aggressive with him, ok?"

"Hey!  You don't have to remind me!  I think I'm a little mature since 
then."  Ryoko snarled.

Washu was silent then the red-head smiled at her daughter. 

"Thanks."

"Anytime, Little Ryoko." 

Ryoko ignored the title 'Little' and made her way towards the door of 
the onsen.

"Oh!  By the way, Ryoko!"  

Ryoko impatiently turned around. "Yes?  What is it now?"

"I almost forgot to remind to you,  can you drop by the lab later on 
today?" 

"Sure, I guess.  What time?"

"Sometime this evening, right after dinner."

"Alright, I'll be there.  But don't try anything funny!"  

Washu made an innocent face. "What?  Little ol' me?  I'm harmless!" 
  
"Yeah, right."

Ryoko stepped out of the onsen and she made her way towards the Masaki 
home.  Ryoko finally reached the front door and proceeded to open the 
doorway but as she reached, Aeka stepped out.  Both girls bumped into 
each other painfully.  Aeka fell to the floor and Ryoko stumbled 
backwards.  A bit of anger surged through Ryoko but she quickly 
extinguished the emotion,  she walked over to Aeka and helped the 
princess to her feet.  As Aeka stood up, Ryoko noticed the pained look 
on Aeka's face and was also startled by the fact that Aeka didn't yell 
at her.  Ryoko gazed into Aeka's amethyst eyes and noticed hidden 
anger, sorrow, and pain buried within.

Aeka looked away from Ryoko and regained her composure.  "Th-thank 
you."  Aeka gratified softly and slowly walked off towards the Holy 
Tree.  

Ryoko gazed with concern as Aeka gradually disappeared into the woods.
Instead of going up into Tenchi's room, Ryoko quietly tailed Aeka.          


Aeka  


Under the bright sun, the Juraian tree; Funaho, provided shadow.   Aeka 
hopped over a few stepping stones and reached the shady area of under 
the tree.  She quietly sat down, closed her eyes, and tears welled up.

<Why?>  She asked herself sadly.  <Why must I be kept from true 
happiness?>  

The thought of Tenchi and Yosho, the only men she loved in her life,
did not love her.  This realization struck her the hardest, the reality 
of knowing that the two, especially Tenchi, were not interested in her 
heart's investment.  First of all, she came to earth searching for her 
beloved fianc, only to find that Yosho had chosen to avoid the throne 
as well as marrying her.  Secondly,  Yosho attempted to start a 
relationship between her and Tenchi.  Instead of a flowering 
relationship, she waited and fought for nearly two years only to have 
found that Ryoko earned her special place in Tenchi's heart. 

Twice she had paid the painful price through hope, creating, and 
fighting.  Investing her emotional commitment, her soul, and her chance 
to experience any real love.  All of which hangs in the balance of the 
men who had made their decision.  The only price that Yosho and Tenchi 
paid for their own happiness was Aeka's sacrifice of her dreams of 
being ever close to them.   

Aeka began to cry, cursing fate under her anguished breath.  Will it 
ever stop playing cruel games of her emotions?  Is she forever 
condemned in such a cold cycle of hope and sorrow?  Her tears streamed 
from her eyes even harder, turned pink from pain and frustration.  
After a while of silent tears and sorrow, Aeka laid down on her back 
and watched as the white clouds rolled across the serene the deep blue.  
As the calm summer wind blew across her face, Aeka took
In a breath of fresh countryside air and closed her eyes.   

As Aeka's mind slowly cleared and relaxed, she focused her thoughts on 
her first and last kiss from Tenchi.  The only good that came from her 
sacrifice was the fact that Tenchi kissed her out of pure commitment 
instead of motivated through the sense of obligation.  After two years 
of waiting, she finally received her kiss.  Now, thanks to his kiss 
Aeka's heart is finally free.  No more worries of what Tenchi thinks of 
her because he had already chosen.  No longer will she worry about 
starting a committed relationship because Tenchi has already started 
one.  No longer will she worry about winning or losing a place in 
Tenchi's heart because Ryoko was already there.  She is free.   

"Aeka?"  Asked a familiar female voice.

Aeka quickly wiped away her sad facade.  "Hello, Ryoko." 

"Were you crying?"  

"That is not important, right now.  I have been wanting to talk you 
today, Ryoko."  

Ryoko stood on one of the branches of Funaho, she descended next to 
Aeka on the ground.  As she touched ground, Ryoko noticed the veiled 
look on Aeka's face and noticed her pinkish face. 

<Yep, she cried alright.  Ok, Ryoko, try to be diplomatic.>  Ryoko 
thought to herself.

"Oh?  What do you want to talk about?"

Aeka internally fought out the words. "Tenchi."  

"Okay, what about him?  Has something happened?" 

"I will just put this simply to make it easier on me."

"Easier on you?"  Ryoko asked curiously with concern. 

"He has chosen to be with you."  

Ryoko stood silent not knowing how to react to Aeka's statements.

"I asked him myself, he truly does love you."  Aeka continued on. " I 
am proud to say that the fights and quarrells will no longer preside; 
it is truly over."  

Ryoko couldn't believe what she was hearing.  "Proud?  Are you?  After 
two years of struggling to be with Tenchi, you'll just simply take this 
lightly and just give up?!?"  

"I am trying not to take it so hardly nor am I trying to take this 
lightly.  I am just finally accepting my true destiny.  I have been so 
foolish to let my emotions totally guide me, now, I must place myself 
back to my true reality."

"I, I, don't know what to say Aeka."  

"No need to say anything, Ryoko.  I just need you to promise me one 
thing."

"What?" 

"Promise me that you will take good care of Tenchi."

"Are you trying to tell me that you're leaving?"

Aeka suddenly shot an angry look at Ryoko.  "Ryoko, that is not 
important!  The matter that we are discussing; is.  You must promise me 
that you will take good care of Tenchi!" 

"At least tell me why you're giving up so easily!  This is not like you 
, you always give a good fight whenever Tenchi's concerned!"  Ryoko 
yelled back.  

"Ryoko, please."  Aeka begged weakly as she sat on the ground, her 
shoulders slumped.  Tears began to roll down her cheeks. 

Ryoko felt sympathy for Aeka, never had she ever seen Aeka in such a 
vulnerable state.  Ryoko stood next to the sobbing princess and placed 
her hand on Aeka's shoulders.  Aeka summoned up all her strength and 
held back the remaining tears. 

Aeka struggled to speak under her pain.  "If it makes you promise, I 
will tell you why I am giving up."  The princess spoke, not looking up 
at Ryoko.  "As I said before, I asked Tenchi who he loved.  He told me 
he loved you.  I love Tenchi."  

Ryoko gently rubbed Aeka shoulder, doing her best to comfort Aeka in 
some way. 

"I love Tenchi so much I do not want to burden him any further by 
fighting you.  Don't you see, Ryoko?  Things will be different, no more 
fights, we will no longer compete for his love.  He chose you, with 
my all my heart, I wish happiness for the both of you." 

"Aeka, I..."  

Aeka interrupted. "You do not have to say anything Ryoko, just promise
me that you will take good care of him."  

Ryoko stood silent still rubbing Aeka's shoulder.  "Aeka, I promise." 

"Thank you, Ryoko."  

Then the silence passed over again between the two girls.  

"Ryoko?" 

"Yes, Aeka?"

"I need to be alone for awhile, I believe you were on your way to 
Tenchi's room when we bumped into each other a short while ago.  You
can go now, our talk here is finished." 

"Are you sure about that Aeka?  Do you still need somebody to talk to?"  

"I am sure.  Please go and talk to Tenchi." 

"Aeka, please know that I'll always be your friend and that I don't 
want to fight with you anymore, not over anything.  

"Ryoko, I trust that a new chapter has opened between you and I."

"You got that right, princess."  

Aeka did her best to smile but only managed slightly.

"I'll see you around."

"Alright."  

Ryoko turned from Aeka and disappeared into thin air.

As soon as Ryoko left, Aeka laid back down to the grass and closed her 
eyes.    

<Now that I have established peace with Ryoko, what do I do now?>  Aeka 
thought.  <What do I deserve out of all this sacrifice and pain?> 

For long while she looked for an answer within.

"I am so tired..." 


Tenchi and Ryoko 


Ryoko teleported into Tenchi's room and found Tenchi sitting on the 
side of his bed, his shoulders slumped, he wore a nervous expression.

"Hello, Tenchi."  

Tenchi immediately looked up at the sound of Ryoko's voice.  "Ryoko!
I'm sorry for not saying anything to you on the bus."  

"It's ok, Tenchi. I understand."  Ryoko assured. "Tenchi?"

"Yes, Ryoko?"

"I just spoke with Aeka a few minutes ago."

"You did?  What did you two talk about?" 

"Aeka and myself have settled our differences, we won't be fighting 
over you anymore."  

"I, I was hoping for that kind of change.  Ryoko, about last night..."

Ryoko thought about the events that took place last night at the beach 
house and tried hard not to think about them. 

"Tenchi, please don't mention about last night."  

"No, Ryoko.  I have to tell you this.  It's very important to me and
to you." 

"Ever since last night,  I have never been so worried, I thought I 
that I would lose you.  Ryoko...I..."  

"You what? Tenchi?"

Tenchi fought for the words that harbored his true feelings for Ryoko.

"...I...um...I..." Tenchi said and faltered nervously.

Ryoko was being as patient as humanly as possible.  

Tenchi regained his composure and cleared his throat.  "Ryoko,  I..." 

"You what?"  

"I love you.  Ever since last night,  I couldn't stop thinking about you.
I also realized that I couldn't imagine my life without you and for the 
Fact that I almost lost a chance of getting to really love you on a 
Much more Intimate level.  I also want to apologize."

"Apologize? For what?"  Ryoko asked.

"I had you and Aeka waiting on me for all these years.  If I was
honest from the beginning things could've been different."

"No, Tenchi.  Don't apologize.  If I weren't so aggressive and over
protective, you wouldn't of felt so much pressure.  It should be me
who should be apologizing, not you." 

"Ryoko, don't say such a thing it should be me who should apologize."

"No, no Tenchi.  I should be apologizing." 

"Ryoko,  I should apologize." 

"Tenchi, you're wrong, I should apologize."  

"Don't be foolish Ryoko,  I was the core of all the fights and all
disappointments, so it should be me."  

"What?!?  Foolish?!  Is that what I'm being right now for being
considerate?" 

"No no!  That's not what I meant!  I was just saying that I should 
apologize!  Not you!"

"This is going no where... we're both being way to considerate, so I'll
settle this the usual way." 

"What do you mean? The usual way?  ERK!" 

Ryoko drew her red energy sword and held it at Tenchi's throat. 

"Now Tenchi darling,  I apologize for apologizing to you in this 
threatening manner and I'm sorry for being to aggressive to you.
Well?  Do you accept my apology?"  

Tenchi nodded quickly.  "Uh.Yes, Ryoko.  I accept your apology."

Ryoko's disappeared with a pop.  "Good!  Then that's settled."

Tenchi sighed in relief and smiled.  "You weren't really going to 
Cut me, were you?  Ow!" 

Ryoko softly bopped Tenchi's head with her knuckle. "Of course not, silly!  
I wouldn't dare do a thing!  Why would I hurt the love of my life?  My
most valued treasure." 

"Oh, uh thanks.  You still didn't have to hit me."  

"I'm sorry..."  Ryoko apologized and softly kissed Tenchi's head. 
"There!  Feel better?"  

Tenchi smiled sheepishly. "Um, much better.  Thanks." 

"Don't mention it."


Canon  


Meanwhile at Funaho's tree, Aeka began to think about what could have 
been possible if Tenchi chosen her instead of Ryoko, suddenly Aeka's 
thoughts were distracted by a soothing multi-melodic sound coming from 
the deep within the woods.  Aeka opened her eyes and sat up.  The music 
was strangely calming to her soul.  She had to find the source of the 
music and quick, before it stops playing.  Aeka stood up and focused 
her full attention on the music.  


Dinner 


"Come and get it!  Dinner's ready!"  Sasami yelled out throughout the 
house.  In a brief moment, Tenchi ran down the stairs and sat down at 
his place at the table.  

"Boy oh boy!  Am I hungry!"  Tenchi said drooling.  "Here's one 
thing I missed while being at Naroda beach and that's your cooking 
Sasami!" 

Sasami blushed and giggled.  "Thank you, Tenchi!" 

A minute later Ryoko materialized next to Tenchi, to her surprise 
Tenchi for once, didn't flinch. 

< He would usually become nervous but this time, he didn't.  Looks 
like things are changing after all.>  Ryoko mentally noted.


Washu's Favor 


Ryoko floated into the pseudo-lab and thought about Tenchi.  She found 
Washu busy at the holocomputer-console.  Washu ceased her typing and 
turned around to find Ryoko.  

"Ah!  You're here!"

"Of course, I'm here!"  Ryoko said with a hint of annoyance. "You asked 
me to be here didn't you?  so, what's up?"

"Oh nothing much, I need you to help me for on my little research."

"What are you working on?"  

"I'm just testing out this new data-entry program for the holocomputer 
database." 

Ryoko walked up behind Washu and curiously peered over her shoulder to 
take a peek at the new program.  Washu sneaked a glance through the 
corner of her eye and beamed slightly.  Unaware, Ryoko leaned forward
To take a closer study.

"Hmm..."  Ryoko commented softly as possible.  

"Interested?"  

Ryoko was caught off guard a bit and straightened up.  "No, of course 
not.  Why should I be?"  

Washu sighed. 

"Why do you need me here?" 

"I just need you to transfer a couple of files from the original 
database into the new one."  

"And what are you doing while I'm conducting all this data-entry?"

"I need to go feed the lab specimens.  Do as much as you can,  I'll be 
back in a few minutes."   Washu stated as she stood up from her 
floating chair.

"Um, alright."  Ryoko said unexcited and frowned, she sat down on 
Washu's chair and started her data-entry.  

Washu left Ryoko and walked around a corner,  she grabbed her mini-
camcorder.  Though the camcorder's viewer, Washu watched as Ryoko 
transferred data into the installed mock database which was actually a 
test program.  Ryoko looked bored as ever as she tapped at the keyboard 
slowly with her right fore-finger.  After a few minutes of recording 
Ryoko, Washu stepped out from behind the corner.  Pretending to be 
exhausted, Washu let out a tired-like breath. 

"Phew!  Man, that was tiring!  Those lab specimens can get really 
hungry these days."  

"I'm sure they would, since you only feed them once a month.  Can I go 
now?" 

"Oh sure, Ryoko!  Thanks for your help."

<I wonder what Tenchi's doing?>  Ryoko thought curiously.

Ryoko stood up from her chair and headed toward the lab exit. "Yeah, 
ok.  I'll see you around.  OH!"  Ryoko turned around nearly forgetting 
Sasami's favor. 

"Yes, Ryoko?" 

"Just wanted to let you know, Planet Jurai is holding their 
annual Startica Festival.  You should come along since the whole crew
will be heading there.  Well?  Would you like to tag along?"  
    
"Sure!  Why not!  It's been awhile since I ever had any space travel.
Thanks for asking me!" 

"No problem.  Ok, I gotta go. See you around."

Washu watched as Ryoko exited the lab.  After a moment of waiting, the 
coast is cleared, Washu beamed wildly and turned her attention towards 
the holo-computer display.  She typed in a few commands and the screen 
flickered with the results of Ryoko's I.Q. Test.

"Very interesting..."  Washu said contently.  "That's my daughter 
alright.  Heh heh..." 

Washu sits down in front of the computer and starts to tally up Ryoko's 
test results. 
 

Night Fall 


Tenchi laid in bed for the past two hours, he tossed and turned 
fighting for a way to go to sleep.



To be continued...   



Forevermore

Original Japanese Lyrics: Natsuko Karedo
Composed & Arranged by Seikou Nagaoka
Vocal: Ai Orikasa

Feel the wind... feel the sun
And our new day has only begun
On the sand... by the sea
It's a peaceful oasis made for you and for me
Take my hand...

This place was always waiting
This beauty all around us
The air intoxicating
Just like the love that found us

* Let's forget who we've been
And give into the dream
Maybe life is a song
That's how it seems...

And forevermore we'll hear the music play
Yes forevermore I'll take you in my arms this way
And forevermore we'll know the melody
We will sing forevermore, just like the peaceful sea

Past the clouds... past the sky
We can only imagine what great mysteries lie
Other moons... other stars
Close your eyes and together we'll go wandering far
Take my hand...

This miracle's undying 
It never will forsake us
We'll always keep on flying
Wherever love may take us

(* Repeat)


Author's Notes: 


I would like to give special Thanks to Akodo X for providing the lyrics 
of Forevermore.  Special thanks goes out to my pre-readers and editors, 
RyokoMR, Cman, Bglanders, Random,  Ryoko 82039.