I don't own nor will I take any responsibility for any of these characters, except Tye. They belong to AIC and Pioneer. Chapter Two: Hero's Love -Washuu: log entry 120.237 They had just received the biggest news of the day: A new visitor had arrived and would be there any minute now. Washuu carefully explained the situation to the rest of the girls and they were very accepting in the new move that was brought upon them. "I already dropped him off in the forest area which was as far as my transport beam would permit. Since this forest is really big, you will all have to split up and search for him so we can bring him back here." Washuu calmly explained to everyone. She gestured every one's attention towards a framed technology advanced device that resembled a fifty-cent piece. "Ladies and, uh, ladies, I present to you: Tye Masaki!" The form of a young looking man hovered above the device and twirled around like a pre-programmed dancer; lifeless from the rest of the world. What followed was the interested faces as they automatically zoomed in on the figure, Washuu proudly holding out her captive for the world to see. The stringy dark haired person that was cousin to Tenchi stared at the girls without emotion from the device. The innocent gaze and sensitive, silky face; his skin coated with Mihoushi's blessing as they shared the same skin tone. His tall and straight-forward stance completed the finishing touch as the figure finally vanished. "Wow, he's really handsome!" Sasami struck out a daydreamer's pose as she imagined her finding Tye before any of the other girls. The others shared their agreement, including Aeka and Ryoko, but only because he resembled Tenchi in a way. Aeka couldn't get last night out of her mind and either could Ryoko. Aeka poured out her heart into the open, something she never did before. Ryoko on the other hand couldn't get the image of Tenchi's angry face as he yelled at her, her mind belittled, her heart torn. I mean, what did he care that she played a trick on Aeka to stop them from getting closer? She was the one who truly loved Tenchi, not Aeka. Ryoko was the one that was destined to be with him. She was the guardian of Tenchi's heart, not Aeka. *It's bad enough Tenchi is sitting there taking Aeka's side, and now some other boy is going to take Tenchi's time from me as well!?* Ryoko was deep in thought. It was obvious Ryoko needed to find Tye first and lay down some ground rules. "I will find Tye for Yosho, Washuu. I'll be right back!" Ryoko phased from visual contact. Aeka knew Ryoko too long to know she was being helpful. "I'd better go as well just in case Ryoko doesn't find Tye." Aeka walked into the depth's of the forest in search of the new arrival. With this, Sasami and Mayuka followed suit in their own direction- eager to find the newcomer as well. "Well...." Washuu looked on at Kiyone and Mihoushi. Of course the two police official's had rarely anything to do with the events that often took place at the Masaki household, but Washuu would at least think they would participate in this event. With a shrug and a sigh from Kiyone, Mihoushi made a joyous cry and ran toward the forest as Kiyone also went in her own direction. Washuu couldn't help but make a exclaiming laughter into the bright raise of the sun. "Let the events begin!" Friday, it just had to be friday. Of all the days in the world Tenchi had to come home. Of course, Tenchi looked worse then ever, filled with guilt for yelling at Ryoko and sorted emotions for finally knowing Aeka's true feelings. *Like I didn't already know* Tenchi had to say to himself. He could take the hint from the beginning, but could he accept it? What face did he see in front of him when he looked deep in his heart, who was the guardian of that sacred place? Aeka or Ryoko? Was it someone else? Now that he knew Aeka's true feelings, what method was left to use? The true question was, did he share Aeka's feelings? Of all the things he thought about on the walk home was how Ryoko would feel about all of this. Tenchi brushed his hair back with of wave of his hand, dismissing the feelings and emotions right where they had come about. Suddenly Tenchi sensed something. Someone close. A friend yet a rival at the same time. A competitor yet a companion.. He recognized this person. Was it him? It had to be! He could sense him a mile away. Finally, someone to talk to, someone to share his feelings and past events with. He was the only one that would understand him now. He was the only option Tenchi had left. Tenchi turned toward that sense and followed suit. He was going to find a way out of this one way or the other. "Get ready Tye, here I come!" Tenchi raced toward his destiny far beyond the next tree. Mihoushi wandered through the forest taking gaze to everything as if she had seen it for the first time. She didn't look like she was looking for anything special, she was just hoping to take in the beautiful sites of the forest. The mild smells of bark lifted the air and the particles of dust filled every sunspot that a tree dared enough to gap apart to let light in. She heard faint scraping sounds in the distance, as if someone was lightly trimming some tree bark with a tooth-pick. She followed that sound out of childish curiosity that so often overwhelmed her at times. The prize that awaited was a figure sitting against a tree positioned at the lake front, he appeared to be using a tool against a piece of paper as he often looked at the lake in front of him before continuing his work. He often would guide his hand across the side of his face to put his stringy bangs back casually when he tilted forward too much. He had an open white button-down flannel shirt that revealed a thin white muscle shirt underneath. He also had thin and baggy black pants that resembled the ones worn by Tenchi when he put on his gii, only the pant legs were less spread out. After a moment of thought, Mihoushi finally remembered who he was. "Hello there! My name is Mihoushi! Are you the one we're looking for: Tye Masaki?" Mihoushi greeted the quiet guy laid back against the tree as she came in to get a closer look. Tye turned to face the beautiful police officer in her casual wear. He smiled passively as his thinly framed glasses shined in the mild sun; resembling Yosho's glasses, Mihoushi recognized. He took the glasses off and positioned them neatly in his breast pocket. He slowly got up, revealing his tall and slender stature that was inches above Mihoushi as he greeted her in his soft and friendly tone. "Hello there Ms. Mihoushi. Are you the one that transported me here?" Tye said as he looked on at Mihoushi with a welcoming smile. Mihoushi closed her eyes with a smirk, "No, you must mean Washuu. You thought I could do something like that?" Mihoushi made a pleased face. "I would think so Ms. Mihoushi. You can do anything you wanted to, anyone who tells you otherwise doesn't know any better." Tye explained. "Well, I am an officer of the Galaxy Police Patrol. I have to go through a lot of work there and I share an apartment with my partner Kiyone, in fact, we only come here temporarily." Mihoushi confided. Tye already had a deep admiration for the beautiful women in front of him. He smiled despite himself, "Well, I guess I should keep face and salute you," Tye told her plainly as her picked up his hand and saluted. *Not bad for a civilian* Mihoushi mused. This time it was her turn to smile, "At ease..." "Now that that is taken care of, would you do me the honor of escorting me back?" Tye swung his hand to the side, pointing to the way which Mihoushi had arrived in with an open hand. "I'd love to! It's my civil duty as an officer!" Mihoushi said rather seriously. She clung to his shoulder, leaning on him.With a gesture of her hand, Mihoushi lead the way, head rested against Tye's shoulder as if she had known him since they were kids. Tye felt the same way and didn't mind the move at all. "What were you doing before I found you?" Mihoushi asked in a low purr as if she were falling asleep. "I was drawing a picture of the lake front," Tye answered smartly, "it was so beautiful, I felt that I should capture it on paper. It's my hobby." "Wow, your an artist?" "As a matter of fact Ms. Mihoushi I am." "Just call me Mihoushi please." "It would be my pleasure......." Tenchi was the last to arrive at the meeting spot in front of the forest entrance because he had shared in his own search. To his surprise, he didn't receive any greeting from Ryoko or Aeka, just as he had feared. This made him wonder even more about if he should figure out which one was in his heart, and what should he do afterward. Usually such ideas exited his mind as quickly as they had entered, but this one remained. Why? Maybe if he confronted the one who said she loved him? Yes, that had to work, it was the only way of clearing his mind once and for all. Of course, he would have to sacrifice feelings he couldn't contemplate just yet. Tenchi sighed out every feeling and emotion that was in him as he finally would be relieved of every worry he had up until that point. "Finally Tye, your here again. Just when I needed you most, cousin." He looked up at the sky with a feeling of hope for the better. The whole party turned at the sound of movement erupting from the forest, emerging from the shadows were Tye and Mihoushi arm in arm in a friendly cuddle, Mihoushi's head rested on Tye's accepting shoulder. This immediately surprised everyone and made Kiyone especially angry from this gesture. Already this strange man had put the moves on an inhabitant of the household and here was gullible Mihoushi probably swallowing every word this joker was saying! Mihoushi could play at least a LITTLE hard to get.......... "This is Tye everyone, I found him near the lake--" Mihoushi pointed out the obvious, but not before Kiyone grabbed Mihoushi away from Tye as if he was the scum of the earth, saying, "Come over here with me Mihoushi!" Tye, shocked by the move, didn't say anything although he knew the accidental first impression he gave off. He also didn't know how big the welcoming committee would be. He didn't know what approach he should take other then to change the subject and act like he didn't give off any impression at all. "We meet again Tenchi Masaki! What have you been up to all these years, something you haven't told me?" He said with a heavy dose of sarcasm as he went to meet his old pal. "Tenchi, why can't you just be mine and stop all of this." Ryoko said aloud as the two cousins shook hands. She had developed her "bad mood" ever since she heard of the guy coming here. She decided to have a personal feelings towards him based on what was going on around her and the situation she was in. This included having to share with another person, Tenchi holding a grudge against her, and Aeka being one step closer to Tenchi then she was- if that wasn't a way to set a bad mood, she didn't know what was. "Is this guy a joke or what!?" Aeka was more welcoming. She walked up to Tye along with everyone else except Ryoko and introduced herself. "May you have a wonderful time here..." Aeka was saying to him. Inside she wished she had the nerve to tell Tenchi similar things. "Let's give you a tour of the house!" Mayuka told Tye with the agreement from everyone else in the house, save Ryoko and Kiyone. Kiyone was trying to tell Mihoushi the rules of womanhood and playing hard to get. Ryoko on the other hand, just blanked herself to what was going on and flew towards the roof as always. As everyone departed and attached themselves to Tye, Tenchi saw his opportunity to end his mental suffering and get everything straight once and for all. "Aeka, could you stay here for a few more minutes?" He defensively scratched his head with a nervousness he couldn't shake off. *I can do this,* Tenchi thought, *Tye is here now so there is no excuse, I have to talk to her!* Aeka stopped in her tracks and turned around. Did she hear him correctly? Did he actually ask for a moment of time that she would gratefully spare any time of the day? Was he finally going to say what she had been anticipating her whole time at the Masaki household, the reason why she stayed there? "Yes Tenchi?" "Aeka, I want you to know-- I mean, last night, I heard everything you said. What you said about me. You said that you loved me Aeka." Tenchi swallowed. Aeka was frozen in place, still looking at him with those innocent eyes. Beautiful eyes. He walked towards her, placing his hands on her soft shoulders as their eyes met. "You said you have always loved me, and wouldn't stop loving me." He looked deep into her eyes, he could see the tearing building up around them. "No!" Aeka collapsed on her knees, cupping her face in her hands. She held back her inner most secret from him for so long. Now he had found out and the world around her came crashing down. It was over, there was nothing left to hide. No reason to hide. "Please forgive me lord Tenchi! I shouldn't have said that and I know it put you at a disposition-- I hope you won't think of me any less of a person because of what said--." Aeka cried. Tenchi kneeled on the ground in front of her, his hand gently cupping her chin as he raised her face up to meet to to his. "Of course not....." Tenchi was softly wiping away the tears with his thumb. "Oh Tenchi......." Aeka gave him a desperate hug. She felt the slight message of the pats Tenchi gave her on her back, her head resting on his shoulders. She backed off only enough to look into his eyes. "Do you.......feel the same for me Tenchi?" Tenchi looked at the ground from his kneeling position with an uneasiness in his voice. He had to say something, there was no holding back now. "I don't know my feelings Aeka. I can't seem to decide whose in my life right now and who I want to be in my life. In my heart I've never wanted to decide for fear that I might lose one of you. I want you both to be with me, mainly because I'm afraid of the outcome of either decision. But it doesn't work that way. I feel so willing and obligated at the same time." Tenchi confessed. Their faces were brought closer to each other as Aeka whispered, "I was afraid too. Afraid that I would finally tell you my feelings. Afraid that it wouldn't matter....." Their eyes closed as they grew nearer. "You don't have to be afraid, not any more Aeka." They could feel the atmosphere of each others faces before them as they grew ever closer. "Oh Tenchi, there is something inside of me that burns when I'm around you. A feeling I cannot describe. I've falling in love with you, and the sensation in my heart grows stronger every time I think about you. Your the only one for me, Tenchi....." "Aeka................." "Kiss me, Tenchi." "If you want......." Their lips touched for the first time in their lives. So soft, so tender, so lovely. Time froze, hearts stopped, only life continued in the essence of bliss; love had finally surfaced. Aeka and Tenchi were finally together. "Tenchi........" A female voice from above the two called out, her voice altered by the utter sadness that surfaced upon seeing them. Tenchi and Aeka looked up to see Ryoko hovering several feet above them. Tears filled her eyes as she witnessed the fear that reclined in the dark shadows of her mind; clouding her every moment like a nightmare. Daring to break free. "Ryoko!" Tenchi called up in surprise. Ryoko looked away, she couldn't bare to see his face. His lovely compassionate face, the same face that had embraced another women as she watched, taking in every horrible moment with disgust. "Tenchi, I thought that I......that we......" Ryoko's eyes began to rapidly tear against her will. The sadness too overwhelming even for a strong willed person like her. "Ryoko please, we didn't mean to--" Aeka tried to patch things up. What once were beautiful and winsome eyes turned into flooded anger and bloody rage. The cyan hair of the women above almost stood on end as the crimson power enveloped her, static charges giving off a shock wave of pure energy that signified the anger of the wielder. "Tenchi meant everything to me Aeka," Ryoko choked out distractedly as an energy bar formed between her palms, concentrating every mental thought into the work at hand. "You took him away from me..." Ryoko kept on as the surrounding energy became what was compared to a molten flame sprung from a lava pit. Aeka looked up at the angry form of Ryoko covered by the red energy sphere that washed over her as it rippled and mixed with the air. Even from Aeka's stand point she could she her eyes; they no longer held the wit, charm and competitiveness it once was- it was now flushed with electric charges that swept over her eyes as she prepared for her vengeful assault. Perhaps it was a good day to die. Maybe it was fate or her common destiny, the kiss her and Tenchi shared was more than worth what lie ahead for her now. She prepared for the worst. The sphere surrounding Ryoko gradually became smaller, just as the ball of energy in Ryoko's hand enlarged. It grew until it became a heap of mass destruction ten feet in diameter. Ryoko held the death ball over her head as she took one final look at the villain, the one who had committed the crime on trial; there was no remorse for the betraying weak. "Now I have nothing! You will pay for my pain!" Ryoko cried out as she released the ball with a heave-ho; throwing it with all of her might towards her adversary.... Sasami and Mayuka had just finished the tour and had joined Tye on the couch, although they didn't quite comprehend why Tye was so blunt about not wanting to visit their room that they shared with Aeka. 'Invasion of privacy', Tye had said. They didn't fully understand but they didn't mind either. Tye was also startled that a man like Tenchi had had a daughter, but was calm when he found out what the explanation was. "So, what brings you here?" Sasami had to ask. Save Washuu and Yosho, the meaning to Tye's unexpected visit was hush-hush. She had to wonder if the guest himself would know anything more. "I don't know much about it to tell the truth. Washuu contacted me from my boarding school quarters in the U.S. She told me that Yosho requested my presence and automatically transported me in the forest before I could say anything." Tye explained. "That sounds like Washuu alright!" Mayuka shared a laugh with Tye and Sasami. Sasami broke it up by remembering it was time to start fixing dinner, a special in Tye's honor. She was in the kitchen and making the preparations with the speed born into her from the constant routine of home making. "Should I call you Uncle Tye?" Mayuka implied with a burst of glee that was uncanny to Tye. "Not technically, but I'm not objecting if you would like to call me what you wish--" Tye was interrupted with feelings of being scared, angry, sad, shocked, and bewildered at the same time. All of his feelings were a rush as he could feel the presence of a situation he was not in. He knew where the feelings were from and rushed to the occasion like he was told to do since the first day of his training with Tenchi. *You scratch my back, I scratch yours* Mayuka was in the middle of saying she should call him Uncle Tye for the fun of it when she realized he wasn't there any more. Her eyes showed signs of confusion as she scanned the room to find only Sasami whistling in the kitchen as Washuu and Yosho arrived upstairs. "I've trained them well." Yosho sipped his late afternoon tea with plain emotion he so often showed. "What's going on?" Mayuka had to ask, expecting the answer for Tye's disappearance. Washuu took up the spotlight, "Well it seems that Tye and Tenchi have developed a kinship towards one another. The rivalry and friendship they demonstrate developed a sixth sense of some kind. They can feel what each other is feeling and sense each others thoughts and ideas. Or in this case...." Washuu took a sip of her tea steadily as a shock wave boomed against the house as if on cue. Mayuka was shocked and confused at first but suddenly got the idea. "When the other person is in danger!" She figured. "Ummmmm hmmmmmm" Yosho sipped again as he overheard a feminine war cry in the background. "You know what that means," Sasami called over her shoulder, "those two are at it again!" Aeka had barely missed the full force of the blast. She was knocked off of her feet as her back bear hugged the dusty pavement. She looked up briefly to see Ryoko rocketing towards her with her hilt-less red sword arched in a full battle position. Aeka saw those eyes and knew what they meant- she was going to punish Aeka no matter what the price, no matter what the outcome. Aeka looked to the side to see Tenchi struggling to get up, his school uniform carrying a fizzle mark on the back of it; the fact that he was beside her told the tale. He looked as if he had taken in most of the blast- was that why she escaped almost unscathed? Had Tenchi saved her? Whatever the case, Ryoko was following through to finish the job. "You made me hurt Tenchi! Now your really asking for it, Aeka!" Ryoko swooped in for the kill. It would all be over soon... Aeka closed her eyes. She felt a soft grip almost lift her in the air as she felt her body move further to the side. Strange, there was no pain. She held in her fear for the worst and reopened her eyes. Tye was standing over her, looking up at Ryoko plainly as he awaited her next move. "You, you dare interfere!? You will be share Aeka's fate!" Ryoko swooped in on him like a hawk to it's prey. "Please, I don't know what this is about but I know that we can stop and--" Tye couldn't even finish his sentence as he casually ducked under the clean swipe. Ryoko was using her best tactics as she would swing here and slash there, rushing angrily at Tye with a new lust for blood. Tye was simply using a small portion of his tactics. He would evade to the left and right and even somersaulted backwards on one occasion to evade the angry women that charged at him. Finally, Tye was knocked on his back by a sphere of energy that emulated from Ryoko's hand. Tye was more or less surprised by this- he knew about the Tenchi-ken and thus Ryoko's hilt-less sword didn't faze him as shocking, but this new technique caught him by surprise. Ryoko stood over the fallen fighter, a look of pleasure on her face. She knew Tye was holding back nearly all of his skills considering he was Tenchi's cousin and she had seen him in action avoiding chances to strike her when he could have taken her down. Taking this into light, she was able to get him with her fire ball and down him. Now she was preparing another volley of her energy spheres as she discarded her hilt-less sword and formed a giant ball similar to the one she had thrown at Aeka. "Now I can rid myself of this pain," She regarded Tye as he look up at her, knowing his fate. "I'm sorry you had to be sacrificed in the process, but I have no other choice. You shouldn't have interfered." She scolded as she prepared her final assault, lifting the ball of hot fury ten feet in diameter. "Please stop this Ryoko!" Aeka pleaded as she kneeled to Tenchi's aid. She was hoping that Tye could stop her or buy some time for Tenchi to recover- both unsuccessful. Ryoko whirled on her new target, the rightful one to inflict damage upon. *Aeka, the one who started this pain inside me, the one who tries to take away what is rightfully mine. And she has the nerve to stand near Tenchi in front of me! She will pay for this!* Ryoko considered as she leapt through the air, landing right in front of Aeka at point-blank range. "This is your punishment for making it harder for people like me who deserve people like Tenchi. Die, Aeka!" Ryoko prepared to let go of the energy ball when she realized she was aimed directly for another target. Tenchi stood there in front of Aeka, arms stretched out as he guarded her. Ryoko was caught by surprise and instinctively took her focus off of the sphere over her head and in turn it disappeared. She suddenly looked apologetic as she faced the very person in which she had fought to protect. Protecting the relationship that they might still have left. "Tenchi I..........." Ryoko tried to find the words as all of the anger and hatred left her. Tenchi wasn't about to sympathize with her. "I want you to stop this foolishness at once! What were you trying to do? Kill Aeka and my cousin who has done nothing wrong?" Tenchi flared up, "What are you thinking? That by stopping me and Aeka from expressing our means of friendship and caring for one another that I'm gonna come running to your arms? Did you think that playing tricks on her would even up the point list that you have with me? Well let me tell ya, that point list between you and me barely even exists!" Tenchi was near yelling. Tye had gotten up by now and was feeling Tenchi was being too hard on Ryoko. Even though he barely knew her, the sixth sense he had with Tenchi took hold. He didn't share the emotions Tenchi was expressing at all, although he would have a good reason to. Aeka as well. So much in fact that she almost regretted kissing Tenchi- it wasn't worth this. Yosho, Washuu and the others had also came out to see what was going on. Even Sasami left her post to check it out. They too felt sorry for Ryoko although they had witnessed practically the whole thing. They couldn't believe Tenchi still didn't realize by now his feelings for Ryoko. His feelings for both of them. Tenchi kept on, "Me and Aeka kissed, so what? Deal with it. And if the future we express ourselves again, you have no part of it, got it? Just stay out of my life and let me decide what's best for me!" Tenchi exploded, everything he was feeling coming out. Coming out the wrong way. Ryoko was fighting back tears as she kept her head facing the ground. She couldn't believe what she was hearing and refused to think Tenchi was saying this. She looked up once again and stared into his face, her eyes filling up with tears by the second. She had to say it once and for all. "What do you want from me, Tenchi?" Ryoko asked softly, almost whispering to Tenchi through the crisp air above. Tenchi sneered as he stared right back into her eyes. "I want you out of my life!" Tenchi spat before he realized what exactly he was saying. Tenchi saw the tears slowly flood to the ground, they all did. Tenchi didn't mean a word he said, and he regretted every minute of it. He didn't know what came over him, and it sickened him to know that the deeper he hid his feelings, the more he would express- even in ways he didn't want. "Ryoko I didn't mean that, I........" Tenchi started. "Whatever you want Tenchi. I thought that we had something but I realize now that it never existed. Good bye Tenchi." Ryoko said slowly as she gradually flew up into the air, not bothering to look back- not bothering to look at him. She flew off into the sky above, leaving what was once her dying love behind. How was she foolish enough to think that she was worthy of Tenchi? Her up against a women like Aeka? The choice was so clear. She didn't deserve Tenchi Masaki. Tenchi had made the right choice. Aeka was the one he truly saw in his heart. Not her, never her. "Ryoko wait!" Tenchi reached his hand into the air, reaching out to the clear blue sky in desperation to reclaim a lost love. "Ryyyyyyoookkkkooo!" "Please, will you go and talk to him Tye?" Sasami put on a puppy-dog face as she looked on at the handsome boy before him. "He won't even come down to eat his dinner." Tye fiddled with his beautifully tanned rice in shame. He sure didn't feel like he was special and he couldn't bring himself to tap into his cousins' feelings. He was certain that the events were connected to him being there, he could feel it. He sighed as he remembered what Ryoko had said earlier to him in the depths of her rage, it had really hit home. How could he make things right? He considered what Sasami had said now as he looked up at her with a look of negativity. "I don't think any words of mine could heal the hurt of Tenchi in the condition that he's in." Aeka took the opportunity to step in. She too regretted the events that occurred and wanted to set them right once again. "Please Tye, I know that it would help Tenchi if you talked to him. At this point, it seems that you are closest to him and it would really be good for him that you gave this a try." Aeka said in her sweet and sensitive tone. She was one of the few who always wanted what was best for Tenchi and had truly cared about his feelings. She couldn't bare to see Tenchi going on like this. It became clear to her that Ryoko was a keen part in Tenchi's life. They both were. Tye reconsidered this new information. He was in a debt to set things right. He didn't want to do it but understood that it would help him to rid himself of his own problems as well as help out his cousin. More than his cousin. "Alright, I'll see what I can do." "Yayyyyy!" Mayuka shouted as she jumped on Tye's chest, overflowed with joy. Tye grinned, "Well, I can't help if I wrapped up in something already." Tenchi cradled his head in his hands, all of which were clasped against his knees. He felt like bawling right then and there as he sat on his bed, looking down at the floor between his knees. He couldn't go downstairs and eat without having to deal with all of the faces looking at him; disgusted at the feelings that he had shown for Ryoko. The wrong feelings he had shown for Ryoko. Even as he thought about it he couldn't understand what he had said, or even why he said it. He looked deep within himself and tried to find the one he saw in his heart. The guardian of his heart, the keeper of his soul. An imaged formed. He could see a figured dancing across the darkness with a laugh that lighted him up and strengthened him- the figure of his beautiful mother. She stood there looking straight ahead as another figure took up the rear as she appeared from the darkness, putting a hand on his mother's shoulder with a laugh. The figure formed into the image of the one which he loved; the answer was soon to come..... "What's up Tenchi, planning to hang in the room all day?" Tye entered the room in which Tenchi would share with him. Tenchi looked up to see the welcoming face before him. "Sorry I couldn't come downstairs, I have a lot on my mind." Tye chuckled, "As if I don't know that!" Tenchi laughed at that. It was true, both Tenchi and Tye could sense each others feelings and even knew what the other was thinking at times. Tenchi looked up at his long awaited cousin which he confided in. "I wish so much to know my true feelings for them. I wish I knew who I loved more, I can't decide what's right for me. It's probably better this way." Tenchi turned away from his cousin, looking out the window. Tye shook his head, "I don't think so, and you don't either," Tye reached out and put a hand on Tenchi's shoulder as he continued, "I know why your at a standstill and no one here blames you. But until you make your choice you must make bonds with what could be your potential choice. If not, the choice is made for you." Tye finished. Tenchi turned on him, "But I'm afraid--" Tye interrupted, "I know, but you have to make the starting point now. You have to do this for the ones which you love, for the one you will choose in time." Tenchi nodded his head with a smile, grateful that he finally had someone in which to turn to. "Tye, you already know which one don't you? The one I will end up with?" Tye turned away, facing the door. "I won't lie to you. I do know the one in which you truly care for. You don't realize it because your mind is clouded, but I can't really be sure nor can I make the choice for you. You must figure out this one on your own" Tenchi had to laugh, "Grandfather always said you were the wise one." Tye turned to face him, "That's because you were too busy practicing your spars out back so you could beat me!" Mihoushi and Kiyone heard the footsteps pass by the bath house and automatically knew Tenchi was going to search for Ryoko and patch things up; the same old thing that always happened. But this time they barely noticed as they argued with each other. "I'm telling you Kiyone, Tye is not what you think he is," Mihoushi turned to Kiyone from he position on the lawn chair, "he's a really nice guy!" Kiyone only re-positioned her sunglasses in comment to that. She just didn't understand why Mihoushi would fall all over every guy that would spare the time to talk to her. She was angry at Mihoushi always buying the same old lines until the point where she felt sorry for her when she got dumped. It sickened her to she Mihoushi used and abused time and again. It was finally time for Kiyone to step in and decide what was best for Mihoushi. "Yeah, like all of the others that were really nice guys and used you until they didn't need you any more. You have to stop being gullible and realize that Tye is just like all of the others!" Mihoushi made a beggars pose, "Please, can't you understand that this is different. Tye is better than that, I feel it's different this time Kiyone!" Kiyone had had enough. She raised up for her lawn chair and leaned over Mihoushi like a punishing mother. She burned into Mihoushi with an attitude like acid, "Look, why don't you grow up and understand what your getting into. This isn't puppy-love, this is the real world!" This time it was Mihoushi's turn to get angry, "Listen Kiyone, I know that I'm not the smartest person in the world and I'm sure you and the others look at me like some sort of ditz, but listen up: I can make my own decisions and the outcome doesn't concern you!" Mihoushi voice was near heart-broken. She eased up, looking at Kiyone as she put on a winners pose, "I know that he is the right one, something inside of me is telling me so; I can feel it Kiyone. He won't turn on me like the others, and I will prove it to you!" Kiyone merely caught a glimpse of Mihoushi as she looked up to the clouds, already lost in herself. This was what she had feared. "We shall see, Mihoushi." As if on cue, Tye entered the bath house accidentally. He was a bit flustered at first but was happy that no one was bathing at the moment. "Hello Mihoushi. How do you do, Kiyone." Tye bowed his head in greeting. Mihoushi returned the greeting as Kiyone merely snorted at him. Tye seemed to be caught off guard, but then remembered everything and apologized. "I'm really sorry about the way I had acted towards Mihoushi, Kiyone. I didn't mean to give off that first impression of myself, I was only trying to be friendly." Tye faced Kiyone. Kiyone turned away, still not convinced of Tye's innocence. "Don't mind her Tye, she's just grumpy." Mihoushi jumped up and gave Tye a funny giggle, "You and me on the other hand have a date today." Mihoushi said with a wink. "Huh?" Tye was taken completely off guard. *How fast was that!* "I know you probably have other things to, so I'm giving you until sunset to meet me at the spot that we first met at!" Mihoushi was explaining to a confused Tye. Tye looked up at the sky. He had little more than an hour before then. He couldn't help Tenchi look for Ryoko and go to his date at the same time, especially considering the position he was in. He was responsible for Ryoko as Tenchi's cousin, but the fling with Kiyone and Mihoushi proved that this was all part of some personal test to prove Kiyone wrong on Mihoushi's part. If he were to back down, Kiyone would continue to think he was just another guy. He was beginning to like Mihoushi, and he wished that something could happen between them later on in the future. It was a no win situation: betray Tenchi as his cousin, or crush his newly found friendship with Mihoushi. "Mihoushi I--" Tye started, but Mihoushi put her index finger to his lips, silencing him. "I'm gonna go get ready, ok? See ya later!" Mihoushi walked off. She turned to face Tye one more time with a romantic wink, "Get your pencil and paper ready!" Tye could only shrug. He had no choice, he was bound to the date. "I guess I should go get ready as well." Tye walked past Kiyone, heading for the exit. "Oh, and Tye," Kiyone called out. "Yes Kiyone?" Tye asked. Kiyone pulled down her sunglasses far enough for her eyes to burn into his, "You'd better not screw this up." *Where is she?* Tenchi looked around each tree in search for the lost Ryoko. "Please Ryoko, tell me where you are!" Tenchi called out to no avail. *Tye could make this a lot easier* Tenchi thought. When it came to Tye, his technique to going around places was like Ryoko's phasing and flying. Tenchi looked up at the sky, "I only hope Tye will choose to participate." Tye was just about to enter the house when Washuu stood before him, blocking his entrance. "Something you want Washuu? I was trying to get ready for a date." Tye explained rather tiredly. Washuu shook her head, "If I'm not mistaken Tye, you are in debt to us for reasons you cannot comprehend as of yet." Washuu walked straight up to Tye in a professional matter, "I wouldn't be out of line if I would say that Ryoko is my daughter, and if anything happens to break her heart that could have been avoided I will be very displeased," Washuu made a devilish smirk, "so you understand the consequences for not participating in helping the Masaki household. I am a scientist above her time and I am quite capable of dealing with different situations that cause for my action." Washuu explained. By now, Tye was intimidated. If anything did happen, he could have easily handled anything Washuu could dish out with his skills, but he decided to humor her. "I get the picture Ms. Washuu, I'll go find Ryoko." Washuu gave out a wide grin, "I'm glad you understand." then she couldn't contain her emotions and gave out a madly intense laugh into the sky above, causing Tye to make a run for it. Tye was hopping from tree to tree, taking seconds at a time to look for any sign of movement. He arrived at a clearing in the forest, the sound of slight moaning and the chorus of tear drops the only guidance. With one final summersault, Tye landed right in front of Ryoko. "Wha.....what do you want!" Ryoko managed to keep face despite the pain and suffering in her voice. She turned away from him, quickly wiping away the tears from her face so as not to show her feelings to one that she hated so much. "I know that I must be bad news to you. I'm sorry that I caused you to hurt so much Ryoko, but I only want the best things for my cousin and his loved ones." Tye almost whispered in his most sincere tone. Ryoko whirled on him, "Damn you! You don't know the first thing about my pain, Tye. Having to go about your everyday life worrying about if the one you love might want someone else. Having to watch them be together, and you couldn't help but wish that you were in their place. Having to just shut up and hide your feelings while you see them together, kissing each other." Ryoko laid her forehead against the tree next to her, "Then you know once and for all that it's over, and you didn't stand a chance." Ryoko started crying once again. "No words of mine can comfort you Ryoko," Tye stepped aside to let the shadowy figure come into view, "but maybe his words can." Ryoko turned around in surprise to see Tenchi's warm smile and handsome face. She couldn't believe her eyes as he walked up to her with an angels touch. "Hello Ryoko." Tenchi stopped directly in front of the cyan haired beauty. "Tenchi...." Was all she managed to say. She wished she could say so much more to him. "I know," Tenchi looked into her eyes, "it was hard for you to endure what you did, and I would think that anyone would've wanted to react that way in your position." Tenchi turned away from her, the gaze too compelling to bare, "Ryoko, I do love you, but.........." "But you love Aeka." Ryoko finished. "Can you forgive me? I honestly cannot decide between you two right now. I know that my feelings are there but I just can't see them, I don't want to see them. It would hurt you two too much...." Tenchi suddenly felt uneasy. He was finally telling the true meaning of his feelings. Ryoko but a loving hand on his shoulder, "But you've already made your decision, Tenchi. I see that now. That was what I was crying about- the relief of finally knowing the truth and this finally being over once and for all." Tenchi turned to face her once again, "But I still don't know which one of you I choose. It's still unclear to me--" "I don't know either, but we will see it in time," Ryoko smiled, "but know this: whatever your decision, I will always be beside you and will never stop loving you." A tear drops flooded Ryoko's eyes. Tenchi's eyes were equally watery. "Thank you, Ryoko. I feel the same way you do." They both embraced in a loving hug. Tears slowly washed down their cheek, Ryoko cradling Tenchi in her bosom as they both let their emotions out. All the tension, the pain, the hardships- it was finally leaving them to make way for new and better memories. Tye was equally happy at the current event. He looked up at the sky instinctively and the happiness came to a halt as it came back to him. He still had to get to Mihoushi. He silently left the two at peace. Mihoushi had just finished crying her heart out when she had decided to leave. She looked up at the sky- the sun had nearly finished setting. An orange-red lining above the hills spread across it's magic, revealing some of the stars above. Kiyone was right, he was just like all of the others, only out to use her to a point in which he saw fit. How could she have been so stupid to think that he was any different from the rest? She walked toward the house in sheer rage at the extent of her stupidity. "Mihoushi!" Tye jumped in front her. Mihoushi's appearance was stunning. She had wanted to make the occasion special, ironically enough, an occasion that was proclaimed as Tye being the only man that wasn't a jerk. She had dressed especially for him. She was wearing a tightly fitting, silk multi-decorated brown dress with a slit on the side, a similar made scarf around each shoulder. She was wearing pearl earrings and short high-heel shoes to match, and had even done her hair; two blond curls out front reaching down the sides of her face as a pony tail completed the back, arching over her head and extending past her shoulders. "I don't want to talk to you, Tye." Mihoushi said plainly as she walked past him in disgust. Tye softly grabbed her arm, "Please wait." She turned on him, "Let go of me you jerk! Your just like all of the other men!" Mihoushi snatched her hand back. Regarding him, she huffed, "And you didn't even take the time to dress for the occasion. How could you!" Tye tried to calm her down, "Let me explain--" Mihoushi interrupted him, "Explain this: I went through a lot of trouble getting ready for this, it was a perfect day so I thought we could take a walk, after that, I wanted you to draw a portrait of me to mark the occasion! All for what, Tye? For you to just abandon me? You make me sick!" She began to walk away again. Tye looked at the ground, "Mihoushi, you've been through so much hurt that you were forced to hide it and act like nothing was wrong. I know you've been disrespected in the past, but I'm not that kind of guy. Please, don't leave me yet Mihoushi, not when haven't had a chance to know what true friendship is. A true relationship, a true love." Mihoushi was in tears again. She clung onto him, holding onto his chest, "Oh, why do you make it impossible for me to hate you! I hate you, I hate you, I hate you, I hate you!" she was pounding on his chest as she cried. "Because I want you Mihoushi...." Tye whispered. Mihoushi held onto him, looking into his warm and dark eyes through tears, "Why? Why do you want me!?" He returned the gaze, "Because you need me, and I need you." They both embraced each other with a passion that wasn't there before. Clearly it wasn't going to be easy for either of them, but it was worth a try on both parts. "Let's start over ok?" Tye held her close, making her apart of his world. Mihoushi nodded her head, almost asleep in the peace that was only theirs to share. A mysterious figure dressed in a highly decorated robe looked at the screen in utter disgust. He was very displeased at the image of Tye embracing with that woman. He turned away from the sickening image and faced his master, Kain-Two. Kain-Two resembled a metallic techno spider that was in suspended animation in a blue liquid tank. His face was a white mask that resembled a clown. *Report?* Kain-Two telepathically relayed to his most loyal subject, High-Priest Genumai. Genumai was a tall and round being with a small rounded head that had gray strands poking out all over his head. Genumai straightened up, "It seems that we have found him, Kain-Two. He is currently at the Masaki household with his biological cousin, Tenchi." *It sickens me to know that he is linked with such an enemy. No matter, we shall proceed as planned.* Kain-Two relayed. Genumai nodded, "Since he has developed emotions and feelings, it totally blocked out the part that is linked to us by relation of blood. Now we must manually introduce him to our side so he can do our bidding. After that, all we need is the Jurian princess to complete the process. Kain-Two nodded, *Once I have those two, my power will grow massively, and I will be able to summon back my link, Kain, who was destroyed by the Masaki bloodline! Once we are united, we will smite all worlds and control the galaxy!* Aeka was out retrieving Mayuka and Sasami, their playfulness sometimes made them forget when it was time to come into the house. "C'mon inside Ryo-ohki," Sasami picked up the little cabbit as she raced towards the house. "Maya! Maya!" Was all Aeka heard as they trotted inside the Masaki household with Mayuka taking the rear. Aeka had followed suit and was about to go upstairs when she had heard a noise outside. The door was closed, so she looked towards the kitchen window; it was open. Looking out, she saw Tenchi and Ryoko walking arm in arm towards the house. "I just want you to know Ryoko, You will always be in my heart." Tenchi smiled at the beautiful woman next to him. "Tenchi......" Ryoko started. "Yeah?" Tenchi turned to her. "Shut-up and kiss me...." Ryoko took his face to hers, pressing her lips against his. Tenchi was caught off guard, his eyes wide with surprise. But what did it matter now? It was time to finally start following his heart. He returned the kiss. Tears clampered against the kitchen sink, a silent cry through the window, the pain against the heart. "No..." Aeka moaned as her face lay glued against the scene before her. The faces of Ryoko and Tenchi locked, sucking into each others lust. A pain that was to hard to bare. "This can't be true Tenchi, your in love with me......." I hoped you enjoyed my story. This is my first dedicated saga that I have written, so I guess I can say these are my first true stories. Any C&C are greatly appreciated and I hoped you'll stay tuned for my next ones in the future. With this story, I'm trying to accomplish the act of a involving plot that has to do with everyone in the Tenchi Universe, so each one has a role for everyone. Stay tuned for "Chapter three- Showdown" in the Hero of my Heart saga. A special thanks to all my fans and to Gensao for taking this into consideration. Don't worry about anything Gensao, I got your back! C'yall later!