Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-ohki and its characters are copyrighted by AIC/Pioneer. Please don't sue me.... I'm broke. And please don't use my story (thou I doubt anyone would ^.^*) w/o my permission. Oh, and this is my first attempt at a fic, so bear with me. Fear What am I afraid of? Do I fear that the second I glance away, another dark force will show itself and attempt to tear him away from me once again? Am I terrified that upon closer inspection, his chest will have ceased its calming rise and fall, and I will be doomed to a life of emptiness and despair, the life I once led under another? What am I afraid of? Am I frightened for him, or myself? Why do I shiver at the thought of him rejecting me, pushing me away, demonstrating his repulsion while I desperately try to convince myself he loves me? That he merely is not aware of it yet? That he could not possibly know how much his words wound me, injure me, tear me to shreds? What am I afraid of? Is this fear rational, or even necessary? Why do I tremble when that innocent, blue-haired angel steals the laughter and warmth that I have been longing for seventeen years? That I have been denied my entire life? Why does my heart pound in my ears when that cunning heir to the Juraian throne cloaks her burning desire with gentleness and elegance, delicately sinking her claws deeper and deeper into his unknowing heart? What am I afraid of? Even as I float silently above him, guarding his sleep, staring at those beloved features, the endless questions plague my mind, threatening to eclipse the love flowing through my veins with logic and reason. And even as I gently touch those dark strands of hair, I feel the kind, selfless smile that fills my heart day in and day out, and those beautiful, warm brown eyes I first witnessed seventeen years ago melt all doubt and hesitation. What am I afraid of? Perhaps the sensation of fear itself, a feeling as alien to me as love used to be. Not one billion bounty hunters and Juraian generals could cause the pain and terror harbored in my soul now. But if I can see him every day, witness him living in relative peace and enjoying all the things I could not, hold on to the hope that perhaps one day, his friendly, compassionate gaze will be filled with half the unconditional love I feel for him.... then ... I will not be afraid.