This story is mine, but not the characters in it. They mostly belong to AIC and Pioneer. No money is being made from this story The Return By Kenzie Kennedy Washu was interrupted from her light reading on Earth's energy crisis by a beep. She glanced at her laptop to see the clock had just switched over to midnight. As she was watching the computer, it started blinking "Ayeka's Birthday". She went back to her reading. Another beep and the computer flashed "Incoming message". Washu tapped a key and the message popped up. Washu scanned it and sighed. The royal family of Jurai requests Ayeka's presence. Geez, nice way to say Happy Birthday to your daughter. Washu tilted her head. Hmm, do I go to bed and have a good couple hours sleep or do I stay up and miss the birthday party and have the royal family come here? Closing the book, she started off toward the door. *** Everyone was gathered around the table when Washu stumbled out of the lab door dressed in her bathrobe, rubbing her eyes. All eyes turned toward her. She straightened herself up and pointed at Ayeka. "I am up at this ungodly-" Washu paused. "-ungoddessly hour to inform you that your parents want you on Jurai by nine o'clock." Washu turned around and went back inside the lab. Mihoshi, Sasami, Ryoko, and Tenchi looked at Ayeka. "Uh, happy birthday, Ayeka." Ryoko offered. Ayeka grimaced and looked at her plate. "I didn't even know it was my birthday..." *** As soon as breakfast was over, Tenchi trotted out the door to tell his grandfather were they were going. His grandfather nodded to him and said that his chores would be waiting tomorrow. Tenchi sighed. *** Ayeka was busy trying to tell Ryoko why she wasn't enthused about her birthday. "Ryoko, it's not the party or presents that upsets me." Ryoko grinned. "Those don't upset me either." Ayeka sighed. "It's the production it is. Everything is staged. I can tell you step by step what will happen. First we'll be greeted by my parents, which will be taped of course for the broadcast later. Then we'll proceed to the ballroom where everything will be set up with the lords and ladies presenting me gifts and toasting me." Ryoko laughed. "I'd love it!" Ayeka hesitated. "It's all fake, Ryoko. Not many lords there see Ayeka, but a duty to the princess. The populace never notices I'm not happy." "Oh," Ryoko contemplated this. "But you still get cake, right?" Ryoko grinned at her friend. Ayeka groaned. *** Washu appeared bright-eyed and bushy-tailed fifteen minutes before nine outside her lab. "Everyone ready?" she asked intelligently. The portal sprang into life beside her. "Just walk through and you'll be on Jurai." She explained. "Is this...your doing?" Ayeka asked. Washu frowned. "My doing? Yes, I created it. Isn't it a lovely work of science?" she cooed at it. Ryoko rolled her eyes toward the ceiling and started forward. "Uh-uh, Ryoko." Washu stepped forward. "You can't come." "What?! Why not?" Ryoko demanded. "The Emperor thinks that having you there will bring panic to the masses even though most of them know by now it was Kagato doing the crimes and you were his puppet." Washu explained. "If it makes you feel better, I'm ignoring their invitation for this insult. We'll make a mother/daughter day out of it." "Got room for one more?" Tenchi asked. Ryoko and Washu looked at him. "If it's not appropriate for a space pirate to be there, I'm guessing it's not appropriate for the date of the space pirate to go either, prince or not." "Stop this!" Everyone turned to look at Ayeka. Sasami's eyes trembled as she held Ryo- ohki. "NO one is being left behind. It is my birthday and I may invite whomever I wish." Ayeka looked straight at Ryoko as she said it. Ryoko who had been on the verge of tears and not wanting to admit it, adequately nodded her head. They all stepped through the portal. *** "Ayeka!" Misaki cried and leaped forward to hug her two daughters. "Mommy!" Ayeka and Sasami yelled. The rest of the group looked on and shuddered. "Oh, we've got so many presents for you and the cake is lovely this year!" Misaki cried. Then she caught sight of Ryoko. "Oh, Ryoko!" Misaki leapt forward to grab the pirate in a hug. "I was afraid you'd actually take Azusa seriously. You know he loves all of you, he just doesn't show it." Ryoko gasped for air as Misaki sought other victims. After the hugging and re-introductions were over, the empress guided them to where Funaho and Azusa were waiting with the vehicle. The Emperor glared at Ryoko the whole ride to the palace, but Ayeka made her choice plain by speaking to Ryoko the whole time. *** At the palace, the lords and ladies were all introduced and presented their gifts to the princess. Ryoko marveled over some of the more long-winded speeches and toasts to Ayeka. Idly she wondered if a small energy ball placed under their chair would make them hurry up... Washu shot her a glance that plainly said, "Don't you dare!" and Ryoko sighed and sat through them. *** After the procession was over, the gifts given, the toasts all spoken, Ayeka finally got the private party with her friends and parents. This cake she ate more of than a sliver, she had a whole slice. The presents from her parents were well thought out and would be useful on Earth. Azusa shot them all mean glances when it was found out that no one had presents for Ayeka, but Washu assured them that they would have a private party on Earth and go shopping ahead of time. Azusa didn't seem to know what to do with Washu. She was pretty sure Tsunami hadn't told him she was a goddess, but you never know. *** Ayeka got to show Tenchi and Ryoko her rooms in the palace and Ryoko loved the gardens. Washu was quickly seduced off by Funaho wondering if the portal could be made permanent for emergencies. Mihoshi sat around gobbling cake and listening to Misaki chatter on about past birthdays. *** An hour later, they were all back together and at the entrance point of the portal. Everyone had Misaki try to kill them with her hugs and had waved good-bye. Washu winked at Ryoko as Mihoshi, Ayeka, Sasami, and Tenchi went first through the portal. Washu gestured for Ryoko to go first. Ryoko raised an eyebrow but stepped through albeit warily. Washu grinned and quicky followed. *** "Where are we?" Ryoko asked. Washu shook her head. "We're back in the shopping mall. I thought you all might like to get presents for Ayeka here since we won't have time to go to a city in Japan." "But I'm still here." Ayeka protested. "Umm-hmm," Washu nodded. "I'm going to stay right here." Washu patted the back of a bench. "When you're ready to leave, just come here and I'll send you home. Ayeka, you're leaving right now while everyone else goes shopping." Ayeka nodded and stepped through the portal Washu provided. Everyone else scattered to find presents. Sasami tagged along with Mihoshi while Ryoko and Tenchi wandered off. *** "This is cute." Mihoshi picked up a glass unicorn. It was white ceramic with sapphire eyes. Sasami went a little white at Mihoshi picking up something breakable but admitted that it was cute. Mihoshi, trusting Sasami's judgment, immediately bought the little unicorn. Displaying rare common sense, she let Sasami carry it for her. Sasami thought about her present. What could she get Ayeka that she would really like? A smile brightened her face. Of course! I'll fix a fancy dinner with all the things that we can't get on Earth. She tugged Mihoshi along after her to one of the many grocery stores in the mall. *** Ryoko and Tenchi peered in windows and saw nothing that reflected Ayeka's personality to them. Ryoko cast a longing glance at the garden shop but resisted going in. Tenchi smiled at her and she smiled back. "What do you think Ayeka would like?" Tenchi finally asked. Ryoko shrugged. "We could get her lingerie for her destined when he shows up." Ryoko suggested. Tenchi gave her a look. Ryoko grinned. He was being a lot more mellow lately. "All right. What about a book?" Tenchi asked. Ryoko gave him a queer look. "Washu's got an entire library and you want to know if she wants a book? Why not get-" Something caught Ryoko's eye. She looked around. Something had sparkled... "Tenchi, what about something simple like jewelry?" Ryoko purred. "A necklace with a globe of the earth on it? To remind her of us wherever she goes?" The two started for the jewelry counter. *** After they had gotten the necklace (it had been decided that it was Tenchi's present to Ayeka) Ryoko was left wondering what to get her friend. It couldn't be something too common. Tenchi and Ryoko were wandering around the mall and found themselves on the upper levels. It was mostly clothing stores up here. Strolling along, Ryoko started looking into the windows. Her eyes widened as she saw the most ornate robes she had ever seen. She pictured herself in the red one with the black patterned leaves. She grinned. Pretty good looking if I do say so myself. The one next to it was a soft lavender with a gentle green pattern of ivy leaves with tiny blue flowers. The third was a pink color with darker pink roses on it. Ryoko sighed. The pink one was Ayeka's color and that was definitely the one she'd choose for her friend. But which one for her, the red or the lavender? Ryoko grinned as she chose. *** On the walk back to Washu, Ryoko bit her lip and looked at Tenchi's hand. Taking a leap of faith she sidled up to him, matched his stride, and gently wrapped her hand around his. To his credit, Tenchi didn't stop in his tracks, though he did slow down a bit. He glanced down at their hands and kept walking. Ryoko grinned. He really is getting more mellow about me... *** Back at the house, Sasami hurried into the kitchen with Mihoshi following her. They both had bags in their hands. Washu held Mihoshi's bag for her in the living room along with Tenchi and Ryoko's present. Ayeka sighed and let down her princessly manners for once. She sat down in a chair by falling into it. Her eyes rolled toward the ceiling with relief of being away from the newspeople. Ryoko and Tenchi exchanged glances. "So, Ayeka..." Ryoko began. Mentally, she searched for something innocent to say. "How are you enjoying your birthday?" Ayeka winced. "Just fine, Ryoko." Washu growled lowly. That was her daughter, tactless. "What would you like to do until supper, Ayeka? Did you want your presents now? Help cheer you up?" Ayeka tossed Washu a grateful glance. "Hey, Mihoshi, Sasami! Can you spare a couple minutes?" Washu called into the kitchen. Sasami and Mihoshi came out into the living room. Washu gave Ayeka her presents and they all sat back to watch Ayeka unwrap them. First, Ayeka peeked into the bag with the unicorn in it. She unwrapped it carefully from its tissue paper. Her mouth parted and her eyes danced when she saw the delicate figure. "Oh, Mihoshi, I love it." She said softly. "Oh, you do? I was wondering if you would because even though I thought it was pretty and Sasami thought you might like it, I was still worried." Mihoshi babbled on merrily. Ayeka reached for Tenchi's small box and opened the lid. Her mouth quirked up at the ends as she examined the tiny earth. She slid it over her head and under her collar. The next present was Ryoko's. Two large garment boxes lay at Ayeka's feet. She opened the top one and gasped. Red cloth with a black leaves. How...not her. "You'll like the other one better princess. That's if you have someone to show it off to and feel a bit...naughty." Ryoko grinned. Ayeka slid the box aside and opened the bottom one. She sighed with relief. This was something she instantly fell in love with. Oh, I love pink, she thought. "Thank you, Ryoko." She said quietly. "They're both very pretty." "And I'm making you dinner. All your favorites that we haven't been able to find on Earth." Sasami informed her. Ayeka smiled at her sister. "Thank you very much, Sasami." Ayeka piled the presents to one side as her sister started to go back into the kitchen. "I have a present for you as well, Princess Ayeka." A blue-haired figure took shape in the room. "Tsunami," Ayeka said. "Hello, Ayeka." Tsunami turned to Washu. "Sister, I will need your help in bring my present here." Washu sighed. "Let me guess. You can't because you don't have a physical body?" Tsunami nodded. Washu stood up and her gems sprang to her hand. "What's your present calling itself now?" "The package's name is still the same." Tsunami told her. Washu nodded and spoke silently to the gems. A figure stepped from shadow into being. A thought ran through Ayeka's mind. Maybe this is my destined, she thought excitedly. As the figure started to unblur her thoughts ran from pleasure to fear. Tenchi pulled Tenchi-ken from his waist and Ryoko's energy sword came up instantly. The figure solidified and Washu's gems ceased their glowing and went back to her. Once Washu opened her eyes again, they were stern. "Put those away, you two." She said scoldingly. "He's harmless." "But that's-" Ryoko began. "I should know who he is better than you, daughter. He is also Ayeka's destined." Washu told her. Ayeka fainted. *** Ryoko looked at Ayeka lying on the floor and walked the few steps to her quickly. Fanning her friend with her hand, she shot the visitor a dirty look. "What do you mean, he's harmless?" Tsunami spoke next. "He's completely mortal now." Tenchi blinked at her. "How?" The guest stayed silent while Tsunami explained. "Tenchi, I can't explain how. It's a goddess ability, specifically attuned to Tokimi, Washu, and I." Ayeka came back into consciousness and Ryoko helped her sit up. "What is he doing here?" she asked coldly. "He is here because he is your destined." Tsunami said in a firm voice. Ayeka shook her head. "I am not associating myself with that-that," Ayeka sputtered. "God," Ryoko finished for her. "Tsunami, how about you let me take a whack at it, huh?" Washu tried not to laugh at her younger sister. "Okay, here's what has happened. Balar was not meant to be a god, not even a minor one. He was meant to be a mortal. Too much power corrupts and all that. He could be the most powerful mortal in the universe and he wouldn't turn into what he was before." Washu shrugged. "Just the tiniest grain of sand can tip the scale one way or the other." "We're supposed to forgive him because the universe screwed up?!" Ryoko said. "No. He's mortal now. When a god goes from god to mortal, all the crimes of the god are erased because a mortal mind can't comprehend the reasoning. Balar knows he committed crimes and even knows what they are, but they are as stories to him now. He's basically a good person now." Washu finished. "Princess Ayeka, he is your destined." Tsunami couldn't get past that point. If one of her protectorates wanted someone to love and she found them someone, why wouldn't they be happy? Washu understood what Tsunami was going through. She stopped herself from chuckling at her sister. You just don't get it, do you, Tsunami? She thought. "So, Balar, why don't you sit down?" Washu asked the ex-god. Balar, who hadn't said a word since he arrived, nodded and sat in a chair beside the TV. He looked around the room at the people staring at him. Suddenly he felt a strange feeling. His skin crawled. Tsunami disappeared and left them to deal with one another on their own. Sasami went to the kitchen to cook, Mihoshi helping her. Ayeka sat stiffly in her chair. Tenchi and Ryoko looked at anything except Balar. Washu grinned at the reactions of her family. How soon would it be before they all found pressing things- "Well, I promised Grandfather I'd help him with the shrine." Tenchi got up and left. Ryoko looked at his back as he walked out the door. "Um, Ayeka, want to help me with the spaceship garden?" Ryoko asked. Ayeka walked around the outside of the couch, pointedly keeping as far away from Balar as she could. The two girls left into Washu's lab. That left Washu and Balar staring at each other. "Do-do you hate me?" Balar spoke. Washu fixed him with a stare. "No. I don't hate you. I told you, when gods go to mortal form, the past crimes are gone. I believe that, even if the rest of the household can't grasp it." Washu sat up. "Would you tell me about them all? Tsunami said to ask you." Balar said hesitantly. "Sure. Let's see," Washu considered, "Tenchi is a Juraian prince who's in love with Ryoko. Ryoko is an ex-space pirate and my daughter. Mihoshi is a galaxy police officer and a bubblebrain, but she means well. Sasami is Ayeka's younger sister. Ayeka is-" "Lovely," Balar sighed. Washu looked at him knowingly. "So Tsunami uploaded information on Ayeka, but not the others? How like her." Washu stood up. "Let's go find you a room." Balar stood up and they marched off into the house. *** Dinner was so much fun for Washu. Ayeka kept stealing glances at Balar and then looking away, sticking her nose far into the air. Tenchi and Ryoko looked at each other with worried eyes and splitting their attention between looking at each other, at Ayeka, and at Balar. Mihoshi was completely oblivious to the whole scenario and marveled over how good the food was. Sasami kept up a steady line of chatter with Mihoshi and the humanoid Ryo-ohki. It was a scientist's paradise for human emotions being displayed so widely. Anger, aggression, concern, all were here. Washu could have hugged herself. Balar on the other hand was completely calm. He was absorbed in the food. Balar cleared his throat. "Sasami?" he said uncertainly. The little blue-haired girl's head shot up. "Yes?" she asked cheerfully. "Does all food taste this good?" he asked innocently. "Thank you!" Sasami beamed. Ryoko snorted. "Apple-polisher." She muttered. Louder, she asked, "What have you never tasted food before?" Balar shook his head. "No, I haven't. It is my honor that it is Sasami's meal that has first graced my mouth." Washu chuckled out loud at Ryoko's shocked expression. The rest of the meal went as normal. *** After dinner, the family and guest sat down to watch TV. Ayeka toted her new belongings up to her room. When the TV show was over, the family started to go to the baths. Balar sat in the chair and looked at everyone. "Where are you going?" he asked politely. "We're going to the baths." Tenchi explained. Sighing, he said, "I'll show you where the men's bath is." Tenchi had to explain what a towel looked like, soap was used this way, and other bathroom etiquette. He quickly found that the memories and images had been placed in Balar's mind, but no practical knowledge. Balar explained that he knew how to keep certain functions in the bathroom and how to eat, but that was the limit of his knowledge. Tenchi actually found himself sympathizing with him, but snapped back to the image of the god that had challenged Washu over the Earth. Something kin to hatred crossed his face as he remembered this person had intended to force Ryoko into marriage. "What have I done wrong?" Balar asked, noting the expression on Tenchi's face. "When you were a god, you were going to marry the person I like against her will." Tenchi informed him politely, but harshly. Balar stared Tenchi in the eyes. "Ryoko is yours. Tsunami has made it plain to me that Ayeka and I are the best people for each other. I can remember the god memories about Ryoko thinking that she was fair enough and she was a goddess's daughter." His eyebrows came together. "That was the reason I wanted her? But that doesn't make any sense. I want Ayeka differently. To love her, to hold her, to protect her." Balar sighed. "But how can I protect her if I'm mortal? But how can I love her if I'm not?" He sank under water and swam away from Tenchi. After the bath, Tenchi went to his bedroom. Balar followed right behind him. "Hey!" Tenchi objected. Balar jumped back a few inches. "Am I doing something wrong?" "This is my bedroom." Tenchi started. "Ah, there you are, Balar." Washu said from the hallway. "Did Tsunami explain sleeping to you?" Balar shrugged. "She tried. I could not understand why mortals would lay prone for so long." Washu led him down the hall. "Do your eyelids feel heavy? Is there a general ache in you?" "I do not understand what the term 'ache' means either, Washu." Balar said apologetically. She looked at the ground. "Let me try another way. As a god, you had unlimited energy so you didn't get tired. But humans have a limited amount of energy and when it runs out, they lay still and soak up more energy. Make sense?" Balar looked as though a lightning bolt had struck him. "Ah, so that is what this feeling is. I ache, because I am tired." "So now you lay in bed in as many or as few clothes as you wish and sleep. I'll come get you in the morning." Washu told him as they arrived at his door. He went in and then paused. "Washu?" Washu, who had been walking down the hall, paused. "Yes?" she asked. "How long does this sleeping take? Does it hurt?" "On average, most humans sleep eight hours. You might sleep more or less. It doesn't hurt and if you experience pictures as you sleep, it's normal. It's called dreaming." Washu walked down the hall. Balar laid down on the pallet, fully made up, and closed his eyes that were so heavy. *** At breakfast, Balar did not show up. Sasami asked, "Washu, where's Balar?" Washu finished her mouthful of rice. "He's still sleeping as far as I know." Sasami made a plate for him and put it aside. *** After breakfast, Washu tiptoed up the stairs with Balar's tray. She approached his room and slid open the door. Balar's blond hair was everywhere and he was twisted in the blanket. Washu's mouth quirked on one side. "Rise and shine, Balar." She said, placing the tray on the table. Balar snored loudly. Washu snickered. She walked to him and shook him. "Up." She said simply. Balar's eyes came wide open. "Why didn't anyone tell me dreaming was fun?" "Because gods don't usually sleep, that's why. Now get up, you missed breakfast." Balar's stomach growled. "That means you're hungry." After Balar had eaten, Washu asked him what he was going to do today. He stared at her. "I have to do something?" he asked blankly. Washu covered her face with her hands. "You can't sit and contemplate the world unless you're a priest, a scientist, or a philosopher. What do you like to do?" Balar was silent. Washu sighed. "Ryoko and Ayeka are working on the garden, Tenchi is doing chores, and Mihoshi is patrolling the system." "What do you do?" Balar asked. "Me?" Washu pointed to herself. "Me, I'm a scientist." She said proudly. "Why?" Balar asked simply. "Why what?" Washu returned. "Why be a scientist and try to figure things out if you can snap your fingers and they're done?" Balar asked innocently. Washu felt the floor fall out from underneath her. He's right, she thought. Why am I doing this? Her thoughts came back to her reassuringly. Washu smiled at Balar. "Because the rest of the world can't do it like I can. How would there be anything if we gods didn't figure it out. Yes, we could cry, I can create fire out of nothing. But how would the smaller creatures create fire if we didn't give them wood and flint?" Balar nodded. "So what should I do? Tsunami said I had to find out some things for myself." Washu put her hand on his shoulder. "Then I suggest you get dressed and go for a walk." *** Balar was dressed in shorts and a short-sleeved shirt. He stood at the door to the Masaki home and looked out. Washu had taken off for her lab already. He took one step outside the house and then another. Soon he was in a field. A strange noise propelled him in one direction. Walking in that direction, he saw the young man named Tenchi wielding a long stick. Frowning, Balar walked toward him. "What is that you do?" he asked. Tenchi whirled around. "Oh, it's you." He held up the stick. "This is a hoe. You scrape at the ground and destroy the weeds. The weeds take the moisture away from the carrots that Ryo-ohki eats." "May I try?" Balar asked. Tenchi tentatively handed the hoe to him. "Now," Tenchi said, "this is a weed." He held up a tiny green shoot. "This is a carrot top." He pointed to a frond-like thing poking out of the ground. "We could try to pull up all these shoots one by one, but it would take forever. Don't hit the fronds, scrape the weeds out of the way." Balar carefully dug at the weed. It popped out of the ground and he grinned. He tried again and it happened again. Tenchi had never seen anyone so enthusiastic about weeding before. A thought popped into his head. "Balar, you said something last night about not being able to defend Ayeka?" Balar turned to him. "Yes." "Well, you haven't met my grandfather yet. He could teach you how to fight." Tenchi offered. Balar jumped at the chance. "Yes! We will go meet this man now." Balar started off in one direction. "Balar, it's that way." Tenchi sighed. He'd have to finish the field later. *** At the shrine, Tenchi called, "Grandfather!" "Yes, Tenchi, what is it?" Grandfather said calmly, appearing out of nowhere as usual. "This is Balar." Tench would have gone on further but his grandfather stepped forward. "Ah, yes. You're the god that kidnapped everyone, aren't you?" he asked. "Yes, sir. I kidnapped everyone, but I am no longer a god. Tsunami has made me mortal." Balar gave a short explanation. "I am sorry for what I have done." "Mm-hmm," Katsuhito considered. "And what are you here for now?" "Tsunami said that Ayeka and I are destined. But I need to know how to defend her." Balar said. "Ah," Katsuhito understood. "I will teach you under one circumstance." "Yes?" Balar leaned forward eagerly. "You will treat my sister with respect." Katsuhito winked. Balar blanched. "Of course," Balar said and bowed. Katsuhito's bokken came out of nowhere and bonked him on the head. "Never lower your eyes. Lesson One." Grandfather started off toward the house. Balar looked at Tenchi. "Are you coming, boy!" Katsuhito shouted. Balar trotted off. Tenchi went back to the fields. *** In the days to come, Balar's time was split between practicing with Lord Katsuhito and getting to know the household. Lord Katsuhito said he was very good for a beginner and he would be in fighting shape in no time. Sasami remained very pleasant toward him and eager to make him feel at home. Tenchi was easy to talk to and he explained things like music and how the others came here wonderfully. Mihoshi was oblivious that he had ever done anything wrong. Ryoko was wary of him and stayed as far away as possible. Washu took samples and helped him with anything Tenchi couldn't explain. Ayeka... Balar sighed. Ayeka. As pretty as the stars, as solemn as the moon, softer than anything he'd ever known, what he wouldn't give to have even a kind glance from her! But she treats me as if I am evil. Balar scuffed his foot over a bit of grass. He was sitting on the porch and wondering if she would ever even say hello to him. "Hello." Balar turned around, his eyes hopeful, but it died as he saw that it was Ryoko. "Hello," he said warily. Ryoko swung herself down on the porch. "Washu has told me to make an effort to talk to you." She heaved a great sigh. "She says you're not as bad as I think you are." Swinging her legs back and forth, she added, "I think the greatest scientist in the universe, elder goddess deal has gone to her head." Balar shrugged. "I'm not the same person I was." "Yes, but you have the same potential to be that person." Ryoko insisted. "I suppose I do, but if I'm conscious of what I could become, can't I stop myself?" Balar asked her. "No-" Ryoko began. Her thoughts flew back to something. I've been wanting to go into space again, she thought. But what if when I get there, I burn or pillage something? She argued with herself. But I'm not that way anymore! I know the difference now. She related that to what Balar had just said. He was a god, I was a pirate. I know I won't do that again, but that was because I was controlled by Kagato. It doesn't matter, she realized. Kagato may have controlled me but what if it was in my personality all along? "Maybe you can prevent yourself from becoming that again. Let's try another question. What do you want to do with your life?" Ryoko asked. Balar tilted his head to the left. "I don't know." He finally said. "I don't have enough information about the world." He paused. "I do want to be with Ayeka. Wherever she goes, whatever she does." "She's the princess of Jurai. Whoever she marries is king." Ryoko cautioned. "That doesn't matter to me. I don't want to be the king just to be the king. I'm afraid of that kind of power." Balar admitted finally. "I don't even want to get close to it. But if that's the cost of having Ayeka to love then I'll pay it." Ryoko looked at him. She snorted. "You know, we've got a problem. Whoever Ayeka marries is king. If Tenchi takes the throne, I'll be queen. It just matters which one of them wants it." "What if neither of them wants the throne?" Balar asked her. Ryoko looked at the ground. "I don't think that will happen. They're both really honor-bound." She looked up at the sky and smiled at a bird flying overhead. "If Ayeka marries you, then you'll be king without wanting to be. If Tenchi marries me, then I'll be queen." Ryoko smiled. "I'd love to get my hands on that planet. What gardens I could have!" Balar glanced at her. "You'd have a whole planet with all it's military forces and a massive fleet and you'd plant gardens? That doesn't sound very pirate-ish." Ryoko sighed. "See? I've gone soft." "Oh, I don't think you've gone soft, my pirate." Tenchi's voice came from behind her. His chin rested on top of her head for a moment and he smelled her soft hair. Banishing the idea of standing there all day, he said, "Sasami has lunch ready for us." Balar and Ryoko got up and went with him in to lunch. Tenchi wasn't the only person who had managed to sneak up on the pair. Ayeka faded back into the house and made her way to the table. *** That night at dinner, Washu made an announcement. "I've got to go the Academy tomorrow and I won't be around in case anyone needs me. Sasami, could you put aside dinner for me? I won't be back until after dinner." "Why are you going to the Academy, Miss Washu?" Ayeka asked. "They've asked me to give a talk on quadrapotric physics." Washu answered. "Oh, is that where 2-2937*378374+298384832902%3028948=9?" Ryoko asked. Washu looked at her daughter with prideful eyes. "Yes, it is, Little Ryoko. If you think you'd enjoy it, I'll take you with me." Ryoko nodded happily. Everyone else rolled their eyes. *** After dinner, Tenchi, Mihoshi, and Ayeka went to watch TV, while Washu and Ryoko walked into the lab. They were talking about what clothes to wear to impress the people there. Balar went outside. What am I doing? He thought. I don't know how to make her like me. I don't even know who to ask. He sat down beside the lake watching the plants move in the water. Hmmm, I wonder what happens if you try to walk on it? He thought about the water. *** Washu's stopped in her thoughts about clothing and started running toward the lab door. She threw it open when she got there and ran out of the house toward the lake. Ryoko followed her out of the lab leaping into the air once she was out of the house. The rest of the household ran after her. Washu's gems glowed a deep red as she summoned Balar out of the lake. His face was blue and Washu determinedly told his lungs to breathe. Balar started to gasp and cough up water. "What were you trying to do?" Washu screamed at him. "Just because Ayeka doesn't know you're alive is no reason to kill yourself!" As soon as Balar could talk he said, "I wasn't trying to kill myself." "Then what were you doing?" Ryoko asked him. "I wanted to see what would happen if I tried to walk on water. When I sank I started to chase the fish under there, but they got away. Why did I start to die?" Balar asked confused. Washu pulled her hair. "Because, stupid, you need to breathe!" "What's breathing?" he asked. Washu quit answering his questions and Ryoko carried him inside and laid him on the couch. Ayeka walked slowly behind the others. Washu put up a slideshow for Balar on breathing and oxygen and explained it very scientifically to him. After the slideshow, Balar took a bath and went to bed early. With all the excitement that became the general notion and everyone went to sleep. *** In the morning, Washu and Ryoko were still around. Washu informed everyone that they weren't leaving until mid-morning. After breakfast, Tenchi went out to the fields with Balar and an extra hoe. Mihoshi went to do the laundry and Ayeka went to make sure she got the right amount of detergent in the machine. Ryoko curled up on the couch with a math book. She was idly munching on cookies while working out the complicated math in her head when Ayeka spoke up. "Ryoko, can we talk?" she said faintly. Ryoko looked up into her friend's worried face. "Sure, Ayeka." Ayeka sat down on the couch with her. "I'm worried that I'm not doing the right thing." Ryoko nodded. "Not doing the right thing about what?" "Balar." Ayeka paused. "I overheard your conversation yesterday. I apologize. I didn't mean to." "Don't bother with it, Ayeka. What's got you so worried about the guy? He seems to be okay now." Ryoko said. "That's the problem. He's okay now. What if we do fall in love and we marry and he takes over the galaxy?" Ayeka looked at the floor. "That's not the only problem. I can't seem to get away from him. Everywhere I go in the house I see him. Even if he's not there I'm looking for him because he always seems to be where I am." "He's got a crush on you, Ayeka. At the very least." Ryoko giggled. "So do you like him or not? He is good-looking." "Yes, he is that." Ayeka considered. Ryoko laughed. "You mean you actually looked, princess?" "Let's just say I'm not blind." Ayeka smiled at Ryoko. "He behaves nicely, dresses smartly, and is adorable." Her face fell. "But I can't forget what he did. And there isn't anywhere I can simply talk out my feelings with myself that he isn't looking at me." Ryoko sat there for a moment. So, Ayeka needs somewhere she can be alone to sort this out. He does seem okay so far. Ryoko thought for a few minutes and stood up. "Come on, Ayeka. I know a place where you can think." Ryoko led the way to Washu's lab. The two girls walked through the lab and to the house. Ayeka started to speak. "Yes, I know I could ask you to bring me here, but there isn't really anywhere here I can sit and think." Ryoko grinned at her. "Oh, there isn't?" Ryoko bounded up the stairs, taking them two at a time. Ayeka, being very sedate, swept up the stairs gently and slowly. Ryoko walked down the hall and paused at the keypad by the door. "Ryoko, I don't really think I want to sit in the spaceship garden. I'll be distracted by things that should be done in there." Ayeka objected. The cyan-haired lady pushed a button and the room shimmered. "I'll guarantee you won't be distracted in here." Ryoko said and ushered Ayeka into the room. Ayeka walked under the white archway with ivy climbing on it. The fountain bubbled happily. A few butterflies flew around, perching on the flowers. The cherry trees were beginning to show their fruit and the swing between them hung, wanting to be sat in. "Oh, Ryoko." Ayeka said. "Yes?" Ryoko beamed at the garden. "It's all mine. I made it when I was younger and left it only when Kagato kidnapped me from here. It's where I come to be alone and to feel peaceful. I thought maybe you could use a little peace and quiet." Ayeka nodded, realizing the beautiful and heartfelt gift Ryoko had given her. "Ryoko, dear! We're going to be late!" Washu called from the end of the hallway. Washu entered the garden. "Oh, hi, Ayeka. If you're going to be in here long, there's stuff in the fridge. Ryoko, change into your clothes! We've got to get going." Ryoko winked at Ayeka and started to leave the garden. Washu marched right behind her. *** Sasami glanced around. Ryo-ohki was talking to Ryu-oh, Tenchi and Balar were in the fields, Ayeka was in the lab with Ryoko, Ryoko and Washu were going to the conference. She grinned. Now was the perfect time. She crept out of the house and up to the shrine. Soon she stood in front of Ryoko's cave. They told me never to come up here, she thought. Swallowing, she entered Ryoko's cave. She examined the little house where Tenchi-ken had been stored. She giggled over the stone and the remains of the vine. Tenchi should have known better than to tie them together with that. She squeezed through the opening left in the rocks. Slipping, she fell down the long corridor and slipped out of consciousness as her head hit the side of the long rock wall. *** Lunchtime came and no food was put on the table. Ayeka was still in Ryoko and Washu's house. Mihoshi was reading girls comics. But Tenchi and Balar had come back to the house and couldn't find the little girl. They found Mihoshi under the clothesline and she hadn't seen her either. Ayeka wasn't around so they thought the sisters were together. *** Ayeka had concluded that she would decide for herself if Balar was to be trusted. His time with them had been short but he hadn't done anything wrong. Ayeka smiled. She would try to get to know him at least a little bit. She came out of the lab intent on finding Balar and saying hello. The first person she ran into was Mihoshi who was reading on the couch. "Oh, Ayeka." She said. "Do you know where Sasami is?" Ayeka shook her head. "No, I don't. Why do you ask, Miss Mihoshi?" Mihoshi burst into tears. "Oh, no! Then she's missing!" Tenchi and Balar who had been in the kitchen trying to find something to eat, came out of the kitchen to explain that Sasami wasn't around. When Ayeka heard that Sasami hadn't fixed lunch, she knew something was wrong. "We must search for her." She decided. Tenchi and Balar decided to search the woods and tell grandfather while Ayeka looked in Sasami's garden and around the house and fields. Mihoshi was told to stay in the house if Sasami came back. The three searched for little Sasami but she wasn't found by dinnertime. Tenchi had asked why didn't they wait for Washu to come home. It couldn't be anything serious because Tsunami would have come for them. Ayeka sat on the couch and tried not to cry. Balar sat in his customary chair and almost cried himself to see his love in such pain. Oh, Tsunami, why did you make me without any powers? He cried inside. If I was a god, I could find Sasami quickly and Ayeka wouldn't cry. But if you're a god then you won't love Ayeka anymore, Tsunami told him. Then tell me where she is, Balar asked of her. Tsunami was silent. If I tell you will you go and get Sasami? Balar told her yes. *** Balar crept toward Ryoko's cave. Squeezing through the opening inside, he remembered Tsunami's words of being careful of the slippery slide. He climbed down it carefully and ran to Sasami's prone body. Held by his arms, Tsunami touched her chosen and Sasami's head healed. Together the two people climbed out of the cave. Balar had to help Sasami gain footholds, but they made it. *** Back at the house, Washu and Ryoko had just gotten back from the conference. They walked into the living room to find everyone, except Sasami and Balar, waiting for them. "What's the problem?" Washu asked. "Sasami is missing." Ayeka said. "We can't find her." Washu summoned her laptop. "Give me a few minutes and-" "Hi, Ayeka!" Sasami said as she ran to her sister. "Sasami!" Ayeka cried and held her sister close. "Where were you?" "She was in Ryoko's cave, unconscious." Balar told her. Ayeka looked into his green eyes. "Thank you," she said softly. *** After Sasami had made dinner (she insisted) everyone sat down to watch a little TV. Balar got up halfway through the program and went outside. He sat there with his back to the door and looked at the dusky sky filled with stars. He breathed in deep the brisk air filled with the energy of late spring. Ayeka had spoken to him! "Hello," came a soft voice from behind him. He turned and saw his vision of loveliness. "May I sit down?" she asked. He smiled and nodded. The two of them stared at the stars together. Was everyone surprised about Ayeka's intended?