Tenchi Muyo Fan Fiction ❯ I am Ayeka ❯ Part Three ( Chapter 3 )

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" (Part Three)

By Alighthawk

"Ayeka! What kept you? We were starting to wonder if you'd make it on time." Cried out Queen Misaki as the Princess and her guardians entered the dining hall for her latest session with a potential husband.

"My apologies, I was momentarily distracted." Ayeka replied as she entered the spacious chamber. As a child, she never paid any mind to the sheer size and elegance of this particular room with its long rectangular mahogany table that stretched from one end of the hall to the other. However, before her return from Earth, Ayeka had gotten used to eating at the small modest dining room of the Msaski's and as she looked around the immense chamber, she realized that Nobuyuki's home would probably fit inside here, with room to spare for Ryo-ohki if she was in her ship form.

Usually when the emperor had a formal function with either the Holy Council or dignitaries from other worlds, nearly a hundred guests could be seated at one time. Like the other rooms in the palace, portraits of the great kings of the past and Jurai's deities are on display with a golden statue of Tsumani embedded above the entrance of the room as the people entered.

Above the table hung a round chandelier with layers of nearly a thousand flame shaped light crystals that would illuminate the entire chamber. However, since it was the early afternoon at the palace and sun's rays were piercing through the large oval shaped windows, it's frames and trimmings decorated in ivory white and gold, no artificial lighting was needed. Despite the brightness, the light couldn't brighten up the dark mood Ayeka was in.

Sitting at the edge of the table, side by side were the queens of Jurai Misaki and Funaho, dressed in their usual formal green and purple attire. Behind them was a pair of royal knights, standing in full attention since they were assigned to be their bodyguards. The princess chuckled to herself, knowing full well that both her mother and step-mother could easily dispatch these knights and any foe that would dare fight them, but Azusa decreed that a knight of the First Order of Jurai must accompany any member of the royal family to assure their safety, despite the fact that Misaki was the Commander of the Royal Bodyguard.

Ayeka circled around the pair, timidly sitting alongside her impatient mother. Azaka and Kamedake floated against the windows, waiting for further instructions. After hearing what their royal mistress had said just a few minutes earlier, they were leery of what the young girl had up her sleeve.

"Ayeka dear, you really need to be more prompt when attending these pre-marriage sessions; your latest suitor will be here in a few minutes…"

"Mother, I said I was sorry didn't I?"

"Ayeka? What did I say about addressing me?" Misaki snapped, her bluish-silver brows menacingly staring at her daughter.

"Mother! You can't be serious!"

"Ayeka…"

"I am over seven hundred years old!"

"AYEKA!!"

"Grrr…Yes mommy! I'm very sorry for acting badly earlier." <Sigh, how humiliating. >

"Now that's better." Misaki's facial expression changed drastically from a threatening troll to a doting mother at the sound of her daughter's reply. She gleefully pinched Ayeka's cheeks and ordered one of the knights to fetch the suitor-in-waiting. Funaho smiled, amazed how some things had never changed over the years.

Ayeka, on the other hand, was not pleased. All morning she had been analyzing on how her life had turned out since leaving Earth and what she needed in order to straighten herself out. Unfortunately, this meeting came along and proved to her why she had felt like a puppet on a string.

As she rubbed her left cheek from the hard pinch Misaki left, Ayeka began to wonder who was to be her latest husband-to-be.

<Last month it was the son of a ship merchant from one of our outer satellites in the Ryuten system. He seemed pleasant enough, but his lack of regard towards other lifeforms was disturbing. > The princess recalled when the last applicant, a young man with flaming red hair and amber eyes went on raving about how all life in the universe should bow down to the empire and if chosen as royal consort to the empress, he would make such suggestions to the Holy Council. Ayeka and the queens saw the frightening ambition the young entrepreneur was displaying so Misaki politely thanked the lad for his interest and had the knights escort him back to his ship. Funaho made a note to have this would-be suitor's family kept under surveillance.

As Ayeka shook her head in disbelief, the two great brass doors opened and slowly two men entered the room, accompanied by one of the knights. One was an elderly man, dressed in a gray Juraian naval uniform. The violet haired woman took notice of the insignia and number of medals the tanned, balding gentleman was wearing on his uniform and knew immediately that he was an admiral. The other man was much younger, perhaps a few years older than Ayeka and was also dressed in military garb. He was a tall man with the same complication as the older man with black hair and crimson eyes.

The men bowed to the royals and waited until they were permitted to sit across from the women, with the young man facing directly at Ayeka. The tall man's features made the princess take notice, while the princess' flawless beauty attracted him.

"Your royal highnesses Funaho and Misaki…Princess Ayeka…My name is Jaxel, retired admiral of the Juraian Royal Space Navy and this is my son Broma. We are from the House of Gondor and loyal subjects to Emperor Asuza and the Royal Family."

"A pleasure to see you again Lord Jaxel. I do believe that we met some years ago at the Royal Space Naval Review." Funaho recalled, remembering the admiral being in the company of several officers at the time. "We didn't have the chance to speak that day, but I do recall the king being impressed with the readiness of the fleet. A credit to your preparation no doubt."

"You flatter me your majesty; I merely wish to serve the king and the empire. Today however, I wish to present to you my oldest son Broma. He is also a officer of the space fleet and a very good one at that."

"Beaming with a father's pride no doubt." Misaki injected, seeing how the elder Gondor's eyes displayed affection towards his son who was slightly flustered by his father's praise. "Tell me Broma, What makes you think you are worthy to be a royal consort for my little Ayeka?"

"Mother, please…"

"Oh hush Ayeka, I just want to know what this young man is thinking. After all, he could possibly be your future husband and I want to make sure that my little baby is well taken off."

"I am not a infant mother! I can ask Broma some questions for myself or is that too much to ask?"

"Ayeka, what did we just discussed a few minutes ago?" Misaki said, giving her irritated daughter a stern parental look.

"No, absolutely not! Not in front of these men!" Ayeka snapped back, refusing to give in to her mother's juvenile demands.

Sparks were starting to fly between mother and daughter until Funaho stepped between them and calmly diffused the situation.

"Sister, since Ayeka is asking that we allow her to speak to Broma, why don't we indulge her? After all, if this young man here is a potential spouse and member of the royal family, perhaps it's best that she's permitted to question him. There's no harm in that is there?"

Misaki's youthful face was contorted with Funaho's suggestion. Since Ayeka's return from Earth, she and her sister had been conducting the interviews for Ayeka's nuptials and now this sudden desire from her daughter to run her own marriage counseling session was a surprise. Seeing how Funaho was being agreeable to the idea and in the last two years no suitable husband had been chosen, the usually bubbly queen of Jurai threw her hands up and looked at her daughter; nodding her head for Ayeka to proceed.

"Thank you Auntie Funaho…Broma, why don't we take a stroll around the palace and get to know each other shall we?" Ayeka suggested to the young Juraian, deciding that privacy between them would be a better than to have an entire ensemble listening in on their conversation. Once again, Misaki wasn't happy with Ayeka's decision.

"Ayeka dear, this isn't how we conduct these pre-marriage sessions. We need to know what the young man's intentions are besides marrying you…"

"And I'll find out for myself mommy dearest." The princess responded, sporting a wicked smile at her mother who was now clearly irritated by her daughter's mock display of affection. "Do I have your permission to leave the chamber?"

Everyone in the room stayed seated, deciding that it was wiser not to intervene. Misaki looked back at her wife/sister, who merely nodded her head in agreement.

"Fine Ayeka, do what you think is right, but I still intend to speak to Broma when you're finished. After all, I am your mother and I'm only doing this for your best interests."

"It wouldn't be also because I'll assume the throne one day mother?" Ayeka noted sarcastically. "Well, Broma and I will be off now. I shouldn't take long so we'll be right back."

"Take your time Ayeka, these decisions shouldn't be rushed. Misaki and I will keep the admiral company until you return." Funaho interceded once more, sensing that she needed to mediate more than just the Gondor clan and the Royal Family.

As the young Juraians left the dining chamber, Misaki motioned to one of the knights to send in the servants for refreshments. At the same time, both queens stood up and excused themselves from the table and stepped out into the hallway. The silver-blue haired queen was disturbed of how today's events had been going.

"Sister, this is highly irregular. Every interview for a potential spouse has always gone through us first. Ayeka had never wanted to get involved this early before. What is she thinking?"

"Perhaps Misaki, Ayeka has decided to take a more direct approach towards finding a husband, rather than waiting for us to decide for her."

"Maybe, but her tone of voice since we began is out of line. Can you believe she refuses to call me mommy?" Misaki asked as she began to pout at the thought of her daughter not properly calling her mommy.

Funaho sighed, knowing how sensitive her sister/wife tended to be when she felt slighted. While the Earth-born queen was also startled by Ayeka's sudden assertiveness, she was quite happy to see the change nevertheless. She had witnessed in the last two years her stepdaughter's lack of involvement when it came to family matters, as if she was content to whatever decision her parents had reach. Seeing the fire that Ayeka had displayed just now gave the raven-haired queen a glimmer of hope that she would take matters into her own hands and maybe convince both her sister/wife and Azusa that the young princess would assume the throne on her own merit, rather than being propped up.

"Sister dear, Ayeka had spent a lot of time of away from us when she chose to go after Yosho." Funaho said as she laid her hand on Misaki's right shoulder, bracing her for some unwelcome news. "She only came back because Tenchi had his heart set on someone else. Like it or not, she may be reaching a point that she may feel the need to outgrow everything that she has known and move on with her life."

"Does that have to include her loving family Funaho?" Misaki responded; her face flushed with a tinge of frustration. "Aren't we looking out for her best interests? Wouldn't I know what's good for my little girl?"

"She's not a little girl anymore Misaki and I think that's what she's trying to tell us…"

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

"So tell me about yourself Broma. I see by the insignia on your uniform that you're a captain?" Ayeka asked the young Juraian as they left the confines of the palace and strolled by the Palace Gardens. Young Broma couldn't help but marvel at the beauty and splendor of the vibrant life that surrounded them. Being a space officer didn't allow him the luxury of enjoying the natural wonders of his home world and to see all of it encompassed in at the premises of the Royal Family was a special treat for him.

"Broma? Are you listening to me? You seemed lost in thought." The princess asked again, perplexed at the officer's silence.

"Oh, my apologies your highness. It's just that I don't get to visit Jurai that often when I'm on duty in deep space. To come home and see all this magnificent scenery, along with this marvelous home of yours is breathtaking to say the least."

"Really? Funny…before I left Jurai 700 years ago, I wouldn't have given much thought to what you have said. However, since being back from Earth, I do notice the difference of how people live. For many, this is a wondrous place. For others, an excess of luxury."

"How do you see it Princess Ayeka, if you don't mind me asking?"

"The palace and the royal grounds are a sight to behold, but after living on simpler means for the couple years I was on Earth, I realized that I wouldn't miss this if I had to leave again." The violet haired-woman replied, again remembering those quiet days back of Earth with her adopted family. <Quiet on those days when Ryoko wasn't annoying me with her ill-mannered behavior. >

"You still haven't answered my question Lord Broma."

"Huh? Oh I'm sorry…yes I'm the captain of the Space Frigate Aegis. For the last three years, we've been mainly exploring the outer rim of the galaxy. To seek out and contact alien civilizations if possible."

"Sounds like an important assignment captain, but it doesn't leave you with much time to socialize, much less starting a family." Ayeka noted as the strolling couple found a stone marble bench to sit on while they continued to converse.

"No your highness, it doesn't. Since officers aren't allowed to fraternize with the crew, it does get a bit lonely sometimes…"

"And perhaps your father the admiral felt that a devoted and loyal son would be better off serving the empire by being the next royal consort of the future empress of Jurai?"

Broma was taken back by Ayeka's blunt assessment. Being in deep space for many months at a time had the young captain feeling isolated at times, but he was a loyal servant to the kingdom and proud of it. However, with a little arm-twisting, Admiral Jaxel had convinced his son that a chance to marry into the Royal family was a rare opportunity that shouldn't be wasted.

"Uh yes, you could say that." Broma flustered, knowing full well that he had little say in this meeting with the princess. "I'll admit that this wasn't my idea your highness, but being this up close and seeing how beautiful you are, I have no qualms in giving my pledge of loyalty and eternal affection to you. If you'd have me, I know that I can be a suitable consort and a good husband Princess Ayeka."

Ayeka was mildly surprised by Captain Broma's words. He seemed sincere enough and he was quite handsome. In the back of her mind she wished that Tenchi had said those same words years ago when she was on Earth competing for his affections with Ryoko.

As her mind was reminiscing elsewhere, she hadn't noticed when Broma knelt down on the grassy ground and brushed his body against the sitting princess. His hands reached out and gently held the young woman's right hand. Ayeka flinched slightly at the naval officer's touch, but relaxed as she gazed into his warm reddish eyes. It wasn't the same loving look that Yosho had once shown her, nor the soft caring gaze Tenchi laid upon her when they spent time together in Okayama, but Broma had this pleasant look about him. It was a sincere, honest face that made her see that his intentions were genuine and noble.

This was the first prospect in all the pre-marriage sessions that Ayeka had attended that she sensed could be an adequate suitor for a spouse. If this meeting had taken place months, maybe weeks earlier, she would had made an effort in getting to know Broma more vigorously, perhaps more intimately. However, in light of the recent revelations about herself and her life, Ayeka knew that she was not ready for marriage, much less an arranged one. Her newfound respect for Broma and admiration made her realized that she would do more harm than good to the both of them if she were to unwillingly commit herself to marriage.

Ayeka stood up and motioned Broma to rise as well. He noticed that her expression had changed from a fluster look to a forced smile, but her eyes were warm and friendly to the space captain. He did note that they hid some sorrow as well, which didn't make his chances any better. The violet-haired woman would remain silent for several seconds, giving the handsome officer an indication that the princess was about to give an answer he wasn't going to be happy about.

"Broma, I…"

"Princess Ayeka, as a native Juraian and a loyal servant of the kingdom, please allow me the honor of becoming your husband and royal consort." Broma humbly pleaded again, trying to persuade the princess to think otherwise. "I know we just met for the first time today, but I feel that given some time, we can grow close together."

Ayeka smiled once more after hearing Broma's moving words. Reluctantly, she grasped the taller man's hands, holding them together delicately. <He's very sincere of his intentions, but I need to follow what my heart tells me and right now it's telling me that I cannot go through with this farce. Broma is an honorable man and deserves more than having to go through a marriage that could end up being very hollow and devoid of any joy if we were to wed. >

"Broma, you have proven to me that you are a good and honorable man. Any woman should consider herself fortunate to have you for a husband…"

"Princess Ayeka…"

"Allow me to finish please," Ayeka jumped in, putting her index finger on Broma's lips. His mouth appearing dry from all the talking and nervousness he had displayed since he entered the palace. The kind princess then took her right hand and placed it on his left cheek, bracing him for her unpleasant decision.

"I am flattered that you find me beautiful and I too, find you quite attractive. However, before you came to the palace I had made some decisions regarding what course my life should take…"

"Princess?"

"And as much as I would like to get to know you and give you the chance to prove your worthiness of being a royal consort to me, I feel that such a decision would cause much unhappiness for you and I, as well as our families. It's with a heavy heart that I must decline your offer. I hope you can understand my position."

"Your highness?"

"It's not your fault Lord Broma. It's just that I have come to the conclusion that I need to find my place in the scheme of things, to understand what my role in this universe should be. If I'm ever going to assume the position of empress of the Jurai kingdom without any doubt, I need to find out what will make me happy, otherwise I will never know any peace."

Broma looked totally perplexed by Ayeka's words; here was the future ruler of Jurai who could have anything that she desired, but was stating that she was unfulfilled. The black-haired Juraian always assumed that being a part of the royal family was the next best thing to godhood, but right in front of him the first crowned princess was telling him that she's was unhappy and needed to find out for herself what true happiness was.

Broma sighed to himself, feeling mixed emotions of relief and disappointment. Despite his reservations in going through this obligation for his father, he was willing to commit himself to being the future companion of the next empress, never questioning his feelings into the matter. He was quite content in being an excellent space captain with hopes of reaching higher status through his own merit, his family honor and prestige was at stake. Now, after hearing Ayeka's rejection of his hand in marriage, Broma couldn't help but feel a bit relieved that his proposal was being turned down.

"Your highness," Broma muttered as he sat down again on the stone bench, his thoughts trying to piece together what the princess had told him. "Are you sure this is what you want? Is there no way of convincing you otherwise?"

Ayeka looked down at the sullen officer, seeing the disappointment in his eyes. For the first time, she understood what Tenchi must had felt when he had to tell her the truth about his feelings. Although this situation wasn't as ominous as it was on Earth two years ago, she suddenly realized how hard it must be to tell someone that you don't feel for them as they feel for you.

"I'm so sorry Lord Broma that you came all the way here to be turned down. Please understand that my decision has nothing to do with you personally. It's just that I need to find my own destiny and I wish to do it on my own terms. Surely you must understand what it's like to try and achieve something on your own merit?"

"All too well your majesty." Broma smiled, finally understanding where Ayeka was getting at. "Many times my father had tried to get me positions in the military where I didn't have to take chances. Thankfully he relented when I flatly told him that I wish to work my way up on my own, with no strings attached. Believe me, I know where you're coming from."

"Then you're not upset about not being chosen as my royal consort?"

"Maybe a little, but after hearing your reasons I can relate to what you're saying princess. In order to be happy with ourselves and with others, we must choose a path that will lead us to where we want to be. The trek itself may not be a smooth one, but attaining what we desire in life never is."

Broma stood up and wrapped his hands around Ayeka's. She liked how strong and warm they were, as if she was being protected from all the troubles that was occurring in her life. They reminded her of how Yosho used to hold her when she was much younger and how the prince would look after her. As much as she hated to tell Broma about her decision, she knew her choice was a wise one.

"Besides, it's not like I'm being turned down for another man so it's not so bad." The space captain quipped.

<And may you never have to deal with that decision. > Ayeka said to herself as she winced at the Juraian's ill-timed words. "You are a good man Captain Broma. I do hope that you attain whatever goal you set forth to do. Who knows, perhaps down the road our paths will cross again?"

"I would like that very much your highness." Broma replied as he bowed his head down, kissing Ayeka's hand softly as a warm token of respect and affection. "And may you find what you're looking for as well."

"Thank you Captain. Would you do me the honor of escorting me back to the dining hall?" I believe I have some news to tell to both my mothers."

"A pleasure your highness, but please just call me Broma. I feel strange when a beautiful woman addresses me in rank."

Ayeka blushed once more at Broma's comments. It's been awhile since she was complimented so much and it felt wonderful.

"Very well Broma, but only if you call me Ayeka. I don't like it when my title gets in the way of a handsome man giving me compliments…"

"Heh, as you wish Ayeka. Shall we go back inside?" Broma laid out his right arm in which Ayeka happily slid her left arm underneath and the two young Juraians leisurely strolled back into the palace.

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

"YOU DID WHAT?!? AYEKA, how could you?!?" Misaki screamed out after hearing her daughter explained how she turned down Captain Broma's proposal for marriage, despite the fact that he would've been a perfect consort for her. The queen's face was beaming a blood red expression of rage and shock, her veins nearly exploding from the sudden news. Here she was, setting up her oldest child's wedding plans after finishing interviewing the admiral while Ayeka and Broma took their stroll outside.

Funaho put on her best face as she tried to calm down her sister/wife and the admiral, who was nearly speechless when his son entered the chambers was told his father of the decision.

"Princess Ayeka, won't you reconsider your position? Broma put a lot of time and effort in coming here to meet with you. I'm sure if the two of you were to spend some time together…"

"Father, Ayeka has made up her mind." Broma interceded, trying to break the news to his father gently. "It wasn't nothing personal sir, it just that she wishes to pursue other ventures in her life."

"Ventures?!? What other ventures could you possibly pursue Ayeka?" Misaki jumped in, still trying to fathom what her oldest child was plotting. "Your only goal right now is to prepare yourself to replace your father at the throne and to have a suitable consort at your side! What are you thinking right now?" Misaki continued to shout at the top of her lungs as she kept scolding her oldest daughter for not selecting a potential spouse.

"Mother, could we have this conversation in private? I'll explain my position as soon as the admiral and Captain Broma leave."

"Ayeka dear, have you thought this through? There's no need to be hasty in this decision." Funaho asked, hoping a calm voice in the bedlam would give Ayeka a chance to reexamine her position.

"Yes I have Auntie Funaho, but if you wish for me to explain my reasons, I will do so, but in private."

"Very well Ayeka, Admiral Jaxel…Captain Broma, I'm sorry that you came so far for this, but it seems that the princess has made up her mind…"

"Not yet she hasn't…"

"Misaki please," Funaho glared at her sister as sensed the frustration starting to set in on the younger queen. The raven haired beauty knew that this discussion was going nowhere like this and since Ayeka had vehemently stated her wishes of not marrying anyone, the queen decided that it was best to send the Gondor clan back home.

"We will continue to discuss the situation Admiral. If there's any changes we will contact you further. Again, I apologize for any inconveniences this may have cause you."

"There's nothing to apologize for my lady." Admiral Jaxel replied standing up along with Broma, bowing in the direction of the royals, his face devoid of any emotion. "I had wished for a more positive conclusion in our encounter, but if Broma is all right with the princess' decision, I shall abide her wishes as well. Now if you'll excuse us, my son and I will take our leave."

"Farewell Admiral Jaxel, Captain Broma. May Tsumani watch over you…"

"Thank you Princess Ayeka, Lady Misaki and Lady Funaho. Come Broma, let us go."

With a stern look, the older Gondor noble proceeded to exit the dining hall with Broma and two knights behind him. Just as he reached the doorway, Broma quickly looked back and flashed a friendly smile towards Ayeka, who meekly returned the display of affection. As the doors were closing, a storm was brewing in the form of Mother Misaki.

"Explain yourself young lady! What in Tsunami's name were you thinking of turning that young man down? You even admitted that you were attracted to him and that he seemed sincere in his intentions and you still rejected his proposal?"

"I already explained myself to you and auntie Funaho mother, I don't wish to marry anyone at this present time…"

"And what did I say to you about addressing me young lady?"

"I am not going to call you mommy like some deranged infant in front of strangers; why can't you accept that?" Ayeka snapped back as she was determined to outgrow Misaki's infantile view of her.

Funaho once again tried to be the voice of reason within the group. She admired how Ayeka was starting to gain some backbone towards her mother, but she feared that the violet-haired woman might overstep the younger queen's authority in order to state her independence.

"Ladies, both of you are frustrated right now. Ayeka, why don't you retire to your room and freshen up while your mother and I discuss your decision about not marrying now. Perhaps after some quiet time, you may reconsider your position?"

"Perhaps you're right. I'll go now, but whatever you and mother discuss, please understand that my decision is final. Neither the two of you nor father will change my mind." Ayeka replied as she began to walk towards the door with Azaka and Kamedake.

"Ayeka, this isn't over yet! You father will hear of this!" Misaki yelled out, tying to remind her daughter who had the last word of the subject.

"I will speak to father if he wishes to discuss this, but it will be very unlikely that I'll reverse my decision mother, now if you'll excuse me."

Sparks of electricity seemed to shoot out of Misaki's eyes as she watched her oldest child defiantly walked away. She muttered something under her breath that was loud enough for Funaho to shake her head in disapproval.

As the guardians opened the doors for Ayeka, an unwelcome presence made itself known to the Royal Family…

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

"Princess Ayeka! I'm so glad that I've found you here; I thought that I was too late to save you from that wretched excuse of a Juraian noble." Proclaimed the arrogant, self-centered Seiryo.

"Seiryo, not again." Ayeka sighed as she looked with contempt at the black and yellow clad Juraian, whose head was covered up with a black hood. "How many times have I told you that I have no desire to marry you, much less see you?"

"Oh Ayeka, you keep saying that, but I know in my heart you don't mean that. Just give me a chance to prove myself worthy and you'll see that I'm the only one in the universe capable of loving you as a real man should."

The nobleman then whipped out a red rose, gave it a scant sniff and presented it to Ayeka, who at the moment was glowing a deep shade of red. Both Misaki and Funaho shook their heads in disbelief at the scene that was played out before them. Rather than to continue to watch, both queens decided to retreat towards the other side of the room since they knew what was about to happen next.

"You're such a twit! What will it take for you to understand that I don't like you?!? Every month after a pre-marriage session, you show your face here and continue to make a buffoon out of yourself every time I keep telling you no."

"You just in denial my lady Ayeka. Being on that planet with those mongrels has diluted you to accept lesser men of quality. If you were to marry me, I guarantee that you'll be the greatest ruler Jurai has ever seen; with my help of course." Seiryo gloated as he pulled out a hand mirror to admire himself.

"You pink-haired moron! I wouldn't marry you if you were the last man on Jurai! You're so full of yourself that a supernova couldn't make you look away from a mirror."

"That's not true princess, I do think about ways to honor you…"

"Oh really? Do tell…"

"Well, for starters how about this?" Seiryo pulled back his hood and revealed something that nearly caused Ayeka to vomit.

"AAAHHHH!!" Ayeka laid out a shriek that could be heard from the other side of Jurai as she looked up and saw that Seiryo had dyed his hair in the same shade of violet as Ayeka's.

"Do you like it? I had my own personal hair stylist fix it up just for you. Since you keep mentioning your dislike of my hair color, I decided to match it with yours. Don't we look cute together?" Seiryo continued to ramble on, not noticing Ayeka's eyes turning blood red with rage and had summoned her mini logs to surround themselves around the blabbering Juraian male.

"Argh! I had enough of this. Seiryo, you conceited imbecile! Consider this as my way of saying no for the last time!"

In one brief flash of blue light, the logs dispersed a huge bolt of energy into Seiryo, which caused him to yell out in torment. When the logs disappeared, all that was left a drooling man curled up in a fetal position, his clothes nearly burnt off and his long flowing hair now reduced to a few charred strands. As Ayeka walked by past Seiryo and onto the hallway, she could hear him muttering the word "Mommy".

<Sigh…if I have to endure another day with this fool, I'll lock myself in Ryoko's cave. Whatever did father see in this idiot? > Ayeka kept asking herself as she continued her way back towards her room. While Seiryo provided a moment of amusement, the princess knew that her mother, step-mother and her father the king will come to her with questions; questions that she herself had been asking for the last two years and answers that needed to be heard. Egos and emotions would be flying off the handle soon, but Ayeka knew that she needed to face them head on if she wanted to be free from the constraints of her life.

Back at the dining hall, a black charred-looking man managed to get up and examined himself from the blast his great desire had given him. He scratched his head for a moment and smiled when he came up with a conclusion…

"Oh my, she must really want me bad…"

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END PART THREE

A/N: Sorry for taking long, but things in life have a tendency to come up on and deprive you of time and focus; which in my case is work, my new wheels (cruising baby!) and a couple of birthdays: Mine's and my now six year old son (God this kid can't get enough Gundam figures!)

In all honesty, this was not the original script I had intended, but I really don't feel like dragging this story much longer than it should. However, I do think that Ayeka is starting to take the necessary steps to pull herself out of quagmire that she's been in for quite some time. You be the judge.

COMMENTS FROM LAST CHAPTER'S REVIEWS:

T-God: No song huh? Well, we can always whistle a happy tune w/ a lager or two, eh?

DarkGod: Y'know, as much as I'd like to make this story a dark one, I just can't find it within me to do so. However, if it means anything, this story will not be a 'Ayeka meets her love and sails off to the sunset'; too predictable and too lame.

Smack54: Thanks for the comps. After going thru this fic, my opinion on Ayeka has softened a little. I still can't ever see her with Tenchi, but she deserves a break once in a while. I felt the same way about Sakuya prior to doing 'Second Chance', but after writing her up, I didn't think she was that bad as I thought she was on TiT.

Bobr: Sorry for the long wait Bob. I see your point about the scene, but like I said to you before, I just wanted to push the envelope a bit.

Rain Child: I know that Ayeka didn't know Tenchi was Yosho's grandson at first, but to me the shed scene was more of a physical attraction than emotional. I never claimed that the princess never truly loved Tenchi, but you would think that she would be showing stronger emotions towards Yosho considering she spent 700 years looking for him. I don't know, maybe seeing him as an old fart took the fun out of it.

Shadow: She better stand up for herself. Imagine the Empress of Jurai having to call out Mommy everytime Misaki pops up?

D.Long: Everytime I get a review from you, I know I must be doing something right. Much as I wanted to have Ryoko flying around the house proclaiming 'Tenchi's Mine!' it just wouldn't be cool, y'know?

Bexi: Dang, like fungi growing on a tree. Cold and cruel, but I love it. I have to remember that next time, heh.

Kryo2000: I'm glad my stories are giving you some good material, although I get lots of help from some of my fellow scribes because my writing skills ain't as sharp as I would like them to be. I look forward to reading up on 'Purity'. I love reading AU fics that are totally different from the main Tenchi universe.

Well, we're down to the last installment and what will Ayeka do? Stick around for the conclusion and once again, thanks for looking and hope the last chapter won't disappoint you. If you have any questions or additional comments, you can email me at a.falc@verizon.net.

Later,

Alighthawk