Tenchi Muyo Fan Fiction ❯ I am Ayeka ❯ Part One ( Chapter 1 )

Disclaimer: AIC/Pioneer created the characters of Tenchi Muyo (Lucky Stiffs) so I don't plan on cashing any royalties on them.

Scenario: This little tale takes place about four years after OVA2. It's a story I never thought I would be doing, but after reading different tales of Ayeka and some not so great T/A fics, this was an itch I needed to scratch. Please let me know what you think.

"I am...Ayeka"

By Alighthawk

From the excerpts of the Juraian Gazette in the Juraian year of 25620…

For the last several years, peace and serenity had been covering the jewel home world of the Juraian Empire ever since the princesses Ayeka and Sasami had been discovered from their long journey from deep space. Rumors of their demise circulated throughout the empire ever since Ayeka's ship Ryu-Oh left off in search for the crown prince Yosho over 700 hundred years ago in the wake of the surprise attack on the planet by the notorious space pirate Ryoko and her monster ship Ryo-oki. However, in the last several years, recent reports had indicated that the young royals were stranded on a back water planet on the outer rim of the galaxy called Earth and that a descendent of Prince Yosho was living there, along with the wanted criminal Ryoko and the mad scientist Washu Hakubi, who was also rumored to be dead.

Indeed, when the young women finally returned two months ago, a worldwide celebration was held in their honor. Knowing that the successors to the crown were alive and well, the empire let out a sigh of relief. Media coverage of their arrival was intense and transmitted throughout the universe. Pictures of the happy pony-tailed princess Sasami and her lovely older sister were splattered across the electronic tabloids. However, many people were perplexed at the sight of Princess Ayeka, who for some reason looked to be very saddened by her return to the palace. According from government sources, the princess left the Sol system when it was discovered that the grandson of Prince Yosho, Tenchi Masaki, had made a choice and had chosen the pirate Ryoko over the Princess, as well as rejecting his claim to the Juraian throne... No further information was available.

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Two Years Later…

The sun graced its light over the lush green lands that surrounded the majestic imperial palace, just as it had been doing for the last two years since the return of the daughters of the emperor. Nothing exciting has happened…the Princess Sasami has returned to her private tutoring, tending to her gardens in the rear of the royal court and had taken an interest in the royal pantry, much to her mother Misaki's protests.

As for the Princess Ayeka, she was immersing herself into her planet's politics since it has been predetermined that she will succeed her father Asuza as ruler when the appointed time comes. Also, the queens Misaki and Funaho have regularly arranged for numerous potential suitors to grace themselves when the time allowed. Men from noble families, military officers or those holding political office would come by and spend an insufferable amount of time talking about themselves and why they should be the one to take the princess' hand in marriage. Ayeka had been going along with her family's plans, thinking that it couldn't be any worse than what she learned about `that night'. She had gone along with the notion that her life would be planned out accordingly seeing she was a crown princess to the throne and so it went on for two years.

However, on this particular bright green sunny morning, things were about to change…

"Sister…wake up! It's almost noon and we got a lot of things to do today. Mother has scheduled another suitor for you to meet this afternoon and you know how she hates it when you're late for these things!"

Sasami had entered her sister's spacious bedchamber, decorated in lights shades of lavender, violet and gold. The finest mahogany wood the king's craftsmen could make held up her spacious bed, adorned with numerous fluffed up pillows and quilts. Underneath the blankets, a sleepy princess could be heard squirming, reluctantly awakening to another tedious session with potential would-be mates.

"Sasami…I rather stay in bed today if you don't mind…"

"But sis, it's a beautiful day outside, why on Jurai would you want to stay inside?" Sasami innocently asked, not understanding why Ayeka was in such a dour mood.

"You don't know what today is do you?"

"No, why should today be any different…oh, wait. I-I remember now…" The light blue haired girl finally realized what today was. "Sorry Ayeka, Tsunami reminded me just now."

"Perceptive, isn't she?" Ayeka sarcastically replied as she removed the covers above her head and lifted herself against the wooden headboard, her eyes devoid of joy or eagerness for the day to begin.

"Don't be like that Ayeka. It's been two years since Tenchi made his choice and you said that you'd be ok with it. Can't you be happy for him and Ryoko?"

"I said that I accepted his decision Sasami and I do wish for their happiness, but it doesn't mean I have to like it…"

"Then I guess you won't like what I'm about to tell you sis…" Sasami sheepishly stared at her sister, afraid to reveal something that she received earlier this morning.

"What is it Sasami? Has brother Yosho decided to come back and assume the throne?" The purple-haired woman grumbled, clearly irritated that her sister had some unpleasant news for her.

"Geez, you sure woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning today." Sasami answered. "Besides your weekly marriage counsel, I'm here to tell you that we received an invitation to go back to Earth…umm, Tenchi and Ryoko are getting married."

Sasami quickly ducked under the base of the bed, in fear of Ayeka throwing a royal fit, but instead the older princess merely sat there, looking more dejected than angry. Sasami carefully walked over to Ayeka, looking concerned that she gave no reaction to the news.

"Uh Ayeka? Are you all right? You didn't say anything when I mentioned Tenchi and Ryoko's marriage."

"I'm fine Sasami…I guess I knew that this day would come so no sense for me to go on a rampage. I'm the first crown princess of Jurai and as such I should not conduct myself in such juvenile behavior…"

"Funny, you didn't say that when we were on Earth with Tenchi and the others…"

"That was then Sasami…now I have other important matters to attend to such as father grooming me to succeed him and mother planning for my future nuptials, whenever that day comes."

"You mean whomever," Sasami injected as she hopped alongside her sister, her pink eyes expressing concern. "Really Ayeka, you're not going to protest to mother or Auntie Funaho about them picking your future husband? It this what you really want?"

Ayeka stared motionlessly towards the ceiling, looking at the grand mosaic depicting the colorful mythical figures of Juraian lore, including Tsunami herself. She remained silent for several seconds before letting out a sigh and forcing a smile towards her younger sibling.

"I'm the crowned princess of Jurai Sasami; what I like or dislike isn't important. What matters is what my duty requires me to do. I'm sure my appointed suitor will be a pleasant man who knows his place…not unlike some who ran away from their responsibility or those who failed to see what they could have had."

"Ayeka…"

"Sasami…I don't mean to be rude, but I need to be alone for awhile, ok?"

"Sure sis…uh, what about the invitation to Tenchi's wedding?"

"Decide whatever you like Sasami, but I will not be attending. There's just too many memories to deal with and I don't wish to intrude upon their happiness." Ayeka replied as she stood up from bed and reached out for her light blue bathrobe. "Now if you excuse me, I'll be taking a bath. Tell mother that I will meet her in the dining chamber in a half-hour."

"Sure thing sis, catch you later." Sasami said as she stepped outside onto the main hallway, saddened by her sister's decision of not going to Earth for the wedding.

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"Your bath is ready milady and I added rose scented bubbles also. Is there anything else you require?" The chambermaid asked as the princess entered her personal onsen. The room was created shortly after her return to Earth. Sasami had mentioned to their mother that some of their happy moments were at the baths back on Okayama and therefore the Queen had instructed that the old bath chamber be renovated for the future Empress.

"No…nothing else. Thank you Aliza, that will be all." Ayeka politely answered as she entered the warm bubbly pool, her skin feeling tingly from the warm sensation of the water.

As she laid back, the water immersed up to her head, she slowly allowed herself to relax among the moving currents and pink bubbles. Her eyes looked up to see the skylight, watching the rays permeating thru the glass warming up the onsen and the various plants that were arranged throughout the chamber.

<Now this is better…perhaps a good soaking will get me through the day, just like the other times. Something is missing though…the laughter. >

No matter how grand this place was, it didn't compare to the good times she experienced with her sister, Washu, Mihoshi and yes, even Ryoko. The onsen back on Earth had a life of its own when the girls came in and had their fun and games. Even her daily squabbles with the cyan woman were missed.

As her daily routine, Ayeka closes her eyes as she fully immersed herself into the warm pool of water, remembering all the fond memories of Earth, the girls and Tenchi.

<Tenchi…I haven't been thinking about him lately until today. Now after all this time, he will finally take that big step and fulfill what Ryoko has always wanted…what I wanted, but was denied…>

Slowly, her memories drifted back to that night…the night Tenchi made his choice…

Two Years Ago…

It was a warm and misty night in Okayama as the Masaki family had just finished eating supper. While the meal itself was superb as usual, the atmosphere was somewhat somber. For most of the evening, everyone was more interested in noticing Ryoko and Tenchi being unusually silent. Ryoko in fact hardly touched her dinner; her facial expression displayed such sadness, which drew stares from the other family members. Tenchi himself hardly ate…it was as if they just received some bad news. When Sasami decided to ask if the food was good, they both repeatedly stated that it was, but that they both weren't feeling well. The gang accepted their explanation and went on to their various routines: Washu back in her lab, Sasami going to her room after cleaning up and playing with Ryo-oki, Mihoshi watching her favorite soaps and Yosho retiring to the shrine. Ryoko was nowhere to be found. Ayeka was going to comment on the pirate's table manners, but decided the better of it. Afterwards she disappeared, which the princess surmised that she was sitting on the roof, plotting her latest attempt to seduce Tenchi.

Oddly enough, Ayeka was about to join Mihoshi when Tenchi came over and asked if he could speak to her privately. She couldn't helped but noticed the serious look on his face, his warm brown eyes having a look of sadness as if something had happened…

Or will happen…

Ayeka agreed and the two young royals made their way towards the tree Funaho for privacy. During the walk, Tenchi was silent, which made the princess restless with anticipation.

<What could he want to say to me? And Ryoko…she was so quiet at dinner. Perhaps Lord Tenchi had said something to her that caused her to act that way, but what was it? What could he had possibly said to Ryoko that would make her…oh wait. Could it be…could it be that he had made his decision? Could the sad expression on her face mean he had chosen me over the pirate? >

Ayeka's mind started to fly off in different directions as she contemplated every possible scenario that could have occurred before tonight. This was it she thought; Tenchi had told Ryoko that he had made up his mind and the decision was that he was in love with Ayeka and not her…

<That's it…it's the only possible explanation. Why else would that demon woman be so sad? She's been rejected and Lord Tenchi feels sadden by telling her this, otherwise she'd be gloating to half the universe by now. >

The violet-eyed woman's heart started to beat faster as they reached the tree by the pond. A slight breeze started to pick up as it brushed against Ayeka's skin, giving the princess goosebumps as she felt this feeling of joy swelled within her. She did have some sympathy for her longtime rival, but right now all she could think about was hearing those words from her prince, the words that she had waited to hear ever since her arrival several years ago. The words that would make her forget the pain she endured when her first love, Yosho left off to fight Ryoko 700 years ago.

Those words never came…

"Miss Ayeka…you must be wondering why I asked you here tonight…"

"Yes Lord Tenchi…you did asked me rather unexpectedly, but I'm sure you have your reasons." She replied as she began to gaze deeply into the young man's eyes, causing his expression to be even more sullen.

"Uh yes…I do Miss Ayeka, but I don't know where to start." Tenchi began to fidget, his body language showing that he was very uncomfortable with the situation. Ayeka couldn't understand his hesitation, but then again Tenchi was never the decisive type to begin with.

"Lord Tenchi…" Ayeka once again looked into his sad eyes as she reached out and grabbed his hand, trying to calm his nerves. "I understand that you're nervous, but you don't have to be around me. I know what you're about to say…"

"You-you do?"

"Of course I do. I've seen how sad Ryoko looked at dinner and this sudden need to talk to me, it could only mean one thing…"

"Uh, Miss Ayeka? I don't think you…"

"Oh Lord Tenchi…I'm so happy that you have finally realize that you truly love me. I know it must have been hard telling Ryoko that you didn't love her, but perhaps later we can come up with something to cheer her up."

"Ayeka please, I…"

"And maybe now you will decide to come back to Jurai with me and accept father's offer of succeeding the throne when the time comes. Oh, my prince we will be so happy…"

"LADY AYEKA!!!" Tenchi screamed out to break Ayeka's chatter. "Please let me say what I have to say. This is already hard enough as it is without having you drawing to conclusions!"

The princess was startled by Tenchi's abrupt interruption. She was about to correct his rudeness until his last sentence finally registered in her mind.

"Drawing to conclusions? Whatever do you mean?"

Tenchi held both her hands as his eyes began to tear up. There was no other way of getting around this. After several moments, he broke his silence.

"Lady Ayeka…I will always be grateful for your kindness and grace that has filled our lives here over the last few years. Through it all I have come to care for you as deeply as the other girls…"

<Care deeply? Don't you mean love? >

"However, as much as I love you as any other family member, I need to finally tell you the truth…"

<No! Please don't say it…it can't be… >

"I have made my decision and I realize that I'm heads over heels in love with Ryoko. Probably for a lot longer that I care to admit." Tenchi confessed as tears began to roll down his tanned face. The dam that had been holding back his fears inside was starting to crumble away. However, his greatest fear came to realization as the young princess knelt down to the ground, her joy shattered by his admission of love for her rival.

"It-it can't be true…this isn't happening!" Ayeka cried out, her mouth trembling as she tried to continue to speak. "I was so sure that it was me and not Ryoko. She was so sad tonight…she was sad Lord Tenchi. If you had chosen her, why wasn't she gloating and swarming over you like she always does?!?"

Tenchi could see the frustration starting to set in on Ayeka's tear smeared face at the mention of his cyan love. Initially, He wanted the both of them to speak to Ayeka together, but Ryoko knew her rival would not take the news well and decided to stay back, waiting for him on the rooftop when he finished his talk with the princess.

"Ayeka…the reason Ryoko looked sad was that she knew that I was going to break the news to you tonight. Whether you believe or not, she is your friend and very concerned about you well being…"

"I…see."

"Lady Ayeka…I know you're hurting right now and I'm so sorry that it had to come to this, but it wouldn't be fair to you and Ryoko if I kept stringing you girls along because of my indecisiveness." Tenchi sat alongside the princess, stroking her back in order to comfort her. It pained him so much to see her in this state, but he knew once he confessed his love to Ryoko, this course of action had to be taken.

"How long?"

"Pardon me princess?"

"How long have you known that you were in love with Ryoko?" Ayeka demanded to know. Tenchi didn't want to inflict any further pain, but he reluctantly answered.

"I guess it started back on Dr. Clay's ship when he kidnapped Ryoko. Even though Zero was the one that was being openly demonstrative, Washu explained to me that she was acting upon Ryoko's inner feelings for me. As I held Zero in my arms, I felt a connection somehow. When we came back, I kept my suspicions to myself until I fully understood them. Then came last year…"

"Last year?" Ayeka asked again. Her mind was still reeling from Tenchi's admission, but she needed to hear the whole truth, his reasons for loving that monster woman.

"Yes. One day I went walking through the woods and without noticing, I happened to be at Ryoko's cave where she was imprisoned. Funny enough, she was sitting above the cave, looking at the sky. She smiled when she saw me and floated down to talk."

"What happened Lord Tenchi? What did she say that convinced you that you were in love with her?"

"She reminded me that it was two years to the day I freed her from her prison and she was waiting there for me to come. I guess she had a precognition that I was going to show up. We spent hours talking about the last couple of years and how things turned out.

It was then she told me about how she's been in love with me since I was a child, that during her imprisonment, she managed to project her astral image to the surface and became my friendly oni. All of the sudden, all my childhood memories rushed up to me like a flood and I remembered everything. I recalled all those games she played with me, those times when I was sad and she tried to comfort me, even though she couldn't touch me."

<She finally told him… > Ayeka thought to herself as she remembered the time at the onsen that Ryoko told her about her days with Tenchi when he was a child. The princess wondered why Ryoko never told him from the get go, but now she finally did.

"It was then that I realize how important Ryoko was in my life. She was always there for me, even when I didn't know it. When she said that she was in love with me, I couldn't help but feel these strong emotions surging through me. I wouldn't admit then, but I knew that I was in love with her. Finally…last month during the annual fall festival by the shrine, I walked with Ryoko to the lake and told her that I loved her as well."

As Tenchi finished recounting his story, Ayeka's heart continued to sink deeper into despair. She was totally oblivious to what Tenchi was saying, only that he finally made his choice and it happened to be the one she dreaded the most. All she knew was that Ryoko had stolen her first love by battle and now Tenchi, by her love.

"Lady Ayeka, are you all right?" Tenchi asked as he tried to help the princess up from the damp, cold ground, the night air now feeling chiller than a few minutes ago.

Ayeka just stood there, a blank expression on her face. As she looked up to see the worrisome look on Tenchi's face, reality finally was setting in.

"Y-yes, I'm fine Lord Tenchi. I-I'm very grateful that you have told me the truth and I'm happy for the both of you…"

"That means a lot to me Miss Ayeka and I'm sure that Ryoko will appreciate that as well. I know the two of you never always got along and I was so worried about tonight…"

"Yes…well I'm wouldn't worry about it Lord Tenchi, now that the truth is out, you'd need to move on with your life and not be concern about keeping the truth hidden any longer."

"But are you ok with this Ayeka? I don't want to…"

"I will be fine Lord Tenchi…" Ayeka answered in a stern voice, not wanting to be bothered with any more sympathy from her now lost love. "However, I wish to be left alone right now. This recent turn of events will be getting hard to get used to. I hope you understand?"

"Of course Miss Ayeka, I'll just head back to the house and tell Ryoko the news. Are you sure you'll be all right?"

"Yes, yes…now go on, I'm sure that…that Ryoko is waiting for you even as we speak."

"Ok then I guess." Tenchi answered. "Miss Ayeka? Whatever happens from now on, I hope you know that I'll still always be there for you no matter what. You're still a big part of my life and I'll never forget for all you done for me. If there's anything I can do…"

Without hesitation, Tenchi embraced the saddened princess in a loving hug; trying to express his deep affection and to soothe the heartache she was experiencing. Ayeka returned the embrace, but nothing in the universe was about to spare her from her pain.

"I know Lord Tenchi. I know you mean well, but right now I need some time to think. What has happened here tonight will cause some changes for us, to what end I cannot say, but for now I will sit here by Funaho and try to sort things out…good night Lord Tenchi and I do wish for you and Ryoko to be happy together."

Tenchi accepted the princess' explanation and in keeping with her wishes, headed back to the house. Part of him was elated that the truth was out and that he didn't have to worry about loving Ryoko, but at the same time another part was saddened for hurting a dear friend. It reminded him of an old phrase: The Truth Hurts? Doesn't It?

As Ayeka sat beneath the old tree, watching her former love fading into the dark back ground of the forest, she was trying her best to be happy for Tenchi and Ryoko, but with all that had happened between them; the fighting, the rivalry and to have the cyan woman finally win out over her, she could only think of two words to describe what she was feeling towards the pirate:

<That…Bitch! >

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END PART ONE

Author's Notes: You may be saying that the last line was OOC for the princess, but considering her present mental state and hanging around Ryoko long enough, this isn't much of a stretch for her don't you think?

If you read my other stories, I had made it clear that I'm not a big fan of the Princess nor do I ever intend on doing a pairing other than T/R, but I never seen a story so far that solely dealt with Ayeka being rejected and how she handles it. So… this is what I came up with so far.

Three things influenced me towards doing this little tale: The "Sea of Change" creator, Malena, had advised me that I needed to make the Ayeka character in my other story `The Trial' a strong individual as the story continues to unfold. `Make her shine' I think was the term used.

Second: a short story done by someone named By-tor; a story about the King of Jurai that caught my attention. One of the thoughts of the story dealt with Azusa's realization of who he was and the dream-state he was living throughout his life. As w/ his daughter, I feel that people born in such high positions never truly understand who they are and how it takes a major upheaval to make them see that.

Lastly, Di Long's `Not I' was another story that influenced me. While the story itself was about Ryoko not being chosen, I liked the course the story took that had my fav cyan girl adjusting to life w/o Tenchi.

So those are my two yens worth for now. As always, I want to thank those who helped me out w/ this story, in particular Mr. T-God Nichols. If you have any questions or additional comments, you can email me at a.falc@verizon.net.

Later,

Alighthawk