"We were together only a little while, and we believed our love would last a thousand years." -Yakamochi *** BGlanders presents... Summer Rain Chapter one: One more day... *** >From the journal of Katsuhiko Masaki, June 20th *** It was the start of another beautiful day. I awoke early and took my breakfast outside in the warm spring air. That's one of the advantages with living out in the woods; one often gets the chance to commune with nature. I sat on the front step and listened to the quiet singing of birds as I sipped my tea. I could tell that as the day would ware on, the humidity would rise with the temperature, leading to another fight filled afternoon back at the house. Once again, I gave thanks that I was out in the Shrine communing with nature instead of anywhere near that war-zone. After finishing my tea and listening to a goodly helping of bird song, I made to re-enter the Shrine office when I felt a presence nearing me. By the sound of their footsteps and the speed at which they fell I knew exactly who it was. "Good morning, Sasami. Have you come all the way out here to cheer me up?" Two seconds later a surprised Sasami stepped from the forest and into the clearing in front of the office. I offered her a morning smile, then quickly withdrew it when I saw the look of dismay on her face. "Grandpa, can I talk to you about something? I know it's early, but I wanted to get away while I could. Is that okay?" I motioned for her to join me on the office steps. I knew she was troubled when I didn't see the usual bounce, the usual energy that she normally displayed. This fact set off several alarms in my mind. I knew that Sasami was feeling lonely ever since Aeka left to visit our family on Jurai, but she was coming back soon, she had said so in her transmissions. If anything, Sasami should have been happy that her sister was returning. "Now Sasami, what's this all about? You're always smiling. A frown just does not suit that pretty face. Now tell me what's troubling you and we'll see if we can't fix that." I smiled at her again but I could already see that this was something deeper than her sister's absence. She stared at the ground for what seemed like several minutes, trying to gather her thoughts. I sat and calmly waited while the little one did her best to put her thoughts into words. Then, when she was ready, she told me what had happened. Sasami's Diary, June 2nd *** Today was the big day. Right after breakfast my sister's new ship, the Longinus landed and took her back to Jurai. She was going home for a special meeting of the Royal Houses to deal with a civil war that had broken out recently. She was chosen as one of the mediators between the two houses and I could tell she was really excited to go. She thought this was a chance to prove to father that she was capable of standing up for herself and that she could make decisions just like he could. When the ambassador beamed down to pick up Aeka, everyone was there to wish her off, even Ryoko. I thought it was really nice of her to see my sister off, but then Ryoko just started gloating. "Bye-bye princess! Don't worry, I'll be sure to take care of Tenchi while you're gone!" Normally Aeka would have said something back, but this time she was only smiling at Ryoko. It was really weird and I think Ryoko noticed it too. She stood with the rest of us and in the end actually waved when Aeka's ship went into orbit. As soon as it had disappeared, Ryoko flew to Tenchi and put her arms around his neck. "Finally! We're all alone now, my love. Now it's time for Ryoko to show her prince a willing pirates plunder." Normally Tenchi would have tried to fight Ryoko off in some way, but he just stared at the ground with this really weird look on his face. It was like he didn't even know Ryoko was there. Mihoshi was still waving goodbye to Aeka the entire time, but I caught her flashing Tenchi a look when he walked back into the house. I could tell she was worried about him. I mean, he was acting so strange around all of us. He didn't even say anything that night at dinner. I cooked a special duck recipe for everyone and they all seemed to really like it. It makes me feel really good when the others appreciate what I do. It makes me feel like I'm earning my place here, and that everyone really appreciates me, especially Tenchi. I wonder if he even notices all the work I do around here for him, I mean, what with the cooking and all. I wonder if he knows just how much love I put into preparing his meals, or how much I enjoy hearing his praise. Wow it's really getting late. I guess I should go to bed soon, but I don't feel sleepy at all. It's really neat to have the room to myself, just like back home on Jurai. I remember how big my room was and how many toys I had, but I'm just as happy here without them. On Jurai I had toys and servants, but mommy and daddy were always too busy to actually play with me. I'd always be playing with my nanny or just by myself, but here on earth I've got real friends and family that I see every day. I've got Aeka and Tenchi and Ryoko and Mihoshi and even Ryo-Ohki. On Jurai everybody acted like I was made out of glass, but ever since I came to earth they've been my friends and family. Ever since I've come to earth, I haven't felt alone anymore. Now it really is late and I'd better get to bed. Tomorrow I think I'll make some miso soup for everyone, cause Tenchi is gonna need his strength if he's gonna work out in the fields all day. >From the diary of Aeka Jurai, June 1st *** Well, tomorrow is the big day. I've been packing all afternoon and I think I have everything. I know that this will be an exciting two weeks, but at the same time I'm saddened that lord Tenchi and I will not be together. After what's happened, after having my wish come true, it almost seems like some cruel twist of fate to have to leave earth just when all my dreams are coming true, but I leave in the knowledge that I have won. My love for lord Tenchi, after so many endless nights of praying and pleading, after trial and tribulation alike, has finally been answered in kind. This conference is very important to the people of Jurai, and as much as I love my life here I know that my people's needs come before my own. This civil war has lasted for far too long for reasons that no one seems to remember anymore. I know that father will try to use my marital status as leverage in the peace talks with the noble houses, but now I have a bombshell for him. I can't wait to see the look on his face when he finds out what's happened. I wonder how Ryoko will react when Tenchi finally breaks the news to her. I promised him that I wouldn't mention it to her, but it's hard not to rub it in her face every time I see her now. I want to scream out 'I won!' at the top of my lungs, to rub her nose in my victory until there's nothing left of her. I want to see the look of defeat on her face when she discovers that I, Princess Aeka Jurai, have triumphed over the cruel and wicked demoness in the most arduous competition of all time. Only now do I feel bad for deceiving my dearest, but I had to do it. If I hadn't lied about this trip, then most likely he never would have told me how he felt about me. If I hadn't lied about my return date, he never would have been able to admit his true feelings for me. Well, it won't make any difference. When I return, Tenchi will be there, waiting for me with open arms. Oh, I can just picture it now... As much as I'm enjoying this, I should probably get to bed soon and try to sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a long day, and I know that I'm going to need my strength for what lies ahead. I wish my love could lie with me tonight, but if he did I'd be up all night! Oh, I shouldn't be writing such things, but I just can't help it. For the first time in ages, I feel so happy I could burst. Never again will I have to fight with Ryoko for Tenchi's affections. Never again will I have to suffer her insults. Finally, I have won. Mihoshi's diary, June 1st *** Tomorrow Aeka is leaving to preside over some big important peace talks. I really hope she'll be okay out there. I mean, its my job to protect her and if anything bad ever happened to her I just know that Sasami would be crushed, and I don't want that to happen, but she's travelling in the most state-of-the-art battle cruiser ever conceived. Wow I wish I could pilot something like that! I hear the Longinus is the first of the third generation space trees, and that she's rated for level three sub-space warp. That's pretty amazing! I wonder if the Galaxy Police will ever get ships that nice... I spent today cleaning the living room. Wow we really are messy here! I mean, we're guests here after all and it's really rude of us to be such a burden on Tenchi and his family like this, but I try to make up for it. I want to work really hard so that he'll know how thankful I am that he's let us all live here with him. I wonder if he ever thinks about that night, you know, the night after the party. I don't really know if what happened was right or not, but if I had to go back and do it all over again, I would. I'm glad that I got to tell him, and that he's finally following his heart. It was really painful to watch him keep hiding his feelings about them like that, and I care about him too much to see him get hurt... Listen to me! I'm getting all serious now! Oh... this is so embarrassing! Speaking of which... In two days I leave for my six-month evaluation. I really hate these! I don't wanna go because I know they'll just ask me a bunch of weird questions and I... I can handle this because I'm a Galaxy Police person and this is my duty. Besides, if all the others have to go through it, I might as well too. Sasami's dinner was wonderful! Wow, I don't know where she learned to cook, but whoever taught her must have been a real master! I guess that's her way of saying thank you to Tenchi for his hospitality, just like mine is cleaning. I know the others all work to earn their keep just like us, although I've never been quite sure just what it is that Ryoko does around the house, but I'm sure that it must be something! Well, as a galaxy police person, I must be responsible for princess Aeka's lift-off tomorrow, so I'd better turn in early tonight. Good night! >From the diary of Aeka Jurai, June 5th *** Well the peace talks seem to have gotten off to a good start. Both sides were a bit apprehensive to even sit together at first, but after a little persuasion we were able to get things underway. I still can't believe that both houses were fighting for so long, and for something so trivial! I guess that for a lesser house, the possibility of controlling a mining moon, even if it is a small one, is something of great importance. My journey back to Jurai was uneventful, but interesting. The Longinous was very well furnished, and even Azaka and Kamadaki seemed to enjoy the ride. I often wonder what goes on inside their minds. After all, what does one think about all day long when one just hovers in the same place for hours? Do they even think at all? Sometimes I envy my Guardian friends; they have but one solid, clear-cut duty, to oversee my safety and ensure my well being. Mother has done her best to keep me busy, and aunt Funaho has also been spending some time with me since I arrived back at the palace, but father seems so detached, like he doesn't really care that I'm back. I sometimes wonder if he even remembers that I'm alive at all. I haven't dared to tell anyone about Tenchi and I yet. If mother ever found out she'd instantly inform the entire royal court that her daughter had finally found a husband, and then father would murder me. He hates Tenchi, whether its because Tenchi represents Yosho's betrayal of father or because father considers him inferior, I've never been able to venture. At any rate, a marriage to Tenchi wouldn't be politically wise in his eyes. He needs me single so he can use me as a trump card with the lesser houses, always having my hand in marriage as a back up if deals go sour. I wish father would notice me. I wish that just once he'd spend some free time with me, or at least talk to me as if I were his daughter and not a member of the Royal Council. I want him to see me, to hear what I have to say. I want to stand up and scream in his face as loud as I possibly can, to let him know how I feel every time he threatens to marry me off to one of his lesser houses, or how hurt I am that he treats me like an employee of the palace and not his child! Why can't he just take a minute of his day to say, "Oh, by the way Aeka, I love you." Would that be so bad? Would it really be that much of a strain on him to say just three little words? I want him to know I'm alive. I want him to see me as a person and not a thing. I want him to know, to know about everything! Yet, every time I try to work up the nerve to say anything to him, my skin breaks out in goose pimples and my throat freezes and closes up on my words. It's like he has this strange power over people, a power that keeps them from admitting how they feel. Listen to me! I've been rambling on and at such a late hour! I had best get some sleep if I'm going to preside over tomorrow's dealings. I hope Tenchi and the others are doing well. Tomorrow I believe I'll write him. For now, I'd best sleep before I collapse from exhaustion. >From the diary of Sasami Jurai, June 3rd *** I think something is very, very wrong here. Tenchi has barely said a word all day, not even at breakfast. At first I thought he was depressed over Aeka's leaving, but now I'm not so sure. It's like something is eating away at him, and it's really starting to upset me. I hope he cheers up soon. Today I spent the day up in the attic reading father's manga. It was all rainy and yucky outside, but the rain sounded so soft and steady on the roof that after awhile I just feel asleep! Ryoko found me after awhile and I went downstairs to make dinner. Boy, I'm glad she didn't see which manga I was reading otherwise I might have been teased for days! I think that from now on I'll just read what's on the lower shelves, just in case I fall asleep again. Before I got ready for bed last night, I remembered I didn't have anyone to tell me a bedtime story. Aeka does that so I'll have good dreams and so the nightmares will stay away. I really tried to get to sleep without one, but I was all-alone and it was really quiet, so after awhile I went downstairs to see if anyone would read to me. Tenchi was already in bed and Ryoko was up on her beam, so both of them were out, and Father had gone to bed earlier so he could rest up for an important meeting today. After looking around a little more, I went to Washu's lab and asked her. She was really nice about it, and told me a story about something that happened long ago, before even my mommy and daddy were born, then she stayed with me and sang me a lullaby until I went to sleep. Tonight she promised to do it again, so I'd better finish up and get in my futon before she gets here! Goodnight! >From the Journal of Washu Habuki, June 2nd *** Something very interesting happened tonight. I was working in the lab as usual, trying out an experimental energy conversion emulator. My theory was that Tenchi's Light Hawk Wings could be reproduced if the proper elements were aligned correctly, those being Tenchi's DNA and a sample of sap from Funaho. Unfortunately, the test only furthered my hypotheses that Tenchi's ability to perform energy conversion is the result of a direct assimilation between him and Tsunami. Of course I could always be wrong, but without all the necessary samples I guess I'll never know. Hmm, maybe if I tie him down and let my fingers do the walking... Anyway, as I was just wrapping up my nightly tests, I had a visitor. Sasami had wandered in and was asking if I would be so kind as to read a bed time story to her. I guess Aeka usually does that for her, but since she was gone there was no one left to take her place, and besides the little dear looked so sad I just couldn't say no. I tucked her in and decided to retell a story that I remembered from my own childhood... at least, I'm pretty sure that's where it was from. It was a tale about an ancient castle, and inside lived a beautiful but lonely princess. For ages she had waited for her prince to return to her so that they could be married, but the prince had to face many trials and tasks set out by the princess's mother, the evil queen. In the end, the prince slew the evil queen and he and the princess ruled the land together, happily ever after. It wasn't much, but by the time I was done, Sasami was smiling and her eyes were droopy. I should have left then, but for some reason I started to sing to her. It was an old song, and even I couldn't remember what all the words meant, but it was an ancient lullaby that I used to sing a long, long time ago. Sasami fell asleep before I was done, but for some reason, I didn't stop until the song was finished. Sometimes I wonder why I'm even alive. After my world was taken from me, I was so close to killing myself that by all means, I should have ended it then and there, but something back then made me press on, despite the pain each day brought. I still remember standing in front of the mirror, night after night, trying to come up with just one valid reason to keep breathing. My child, my husband, my entire world had been ripped from my arms in one moment. And why? Because I wasn't one of the 'elite'. In someone's eyes I was beneath the life I was given, and in someone's eyes I wasn't deserving of the miracle I had born. Every night I stood in front of the mirror just telling myself that it could all end if I wanted it to happen. I could slit my wrists in the bath tub I used to bathe my baby in, or drink some poison and let my body destroy itself on the tile floor. I could eat a bullet, jump out a window... I had a list of different ways to end my suffering. And every night I went down that list and tried to find one reason, just one reason not to commit any of those actions. You know, I never really found one. I tried as hard as I could, but I could never come up with an excuse to keep on breathing. The strange thing is, I never went ahead with my promises of release. It's odd, now that I look back on it. I had nothing going for me in life. I had no family, no drive, and no motivation. I had nothing, but instead of simply ending it and resting, I kept waking up in the morning. I always told myself 'just wait one more day, then we'll do it. Just one more day and all everything will be okay, I promise.' So I'd wait one more day, and when the day had come and gone I'd tell myself that all over again. And that's pretty much it. Eventually I waited to die for so long that I decided to just keep on living. After awhile I began to get back into my work, trying to forget about what had happened in my life. I told myself that I wasn't going to let this get me down. I would go back to the Academy and my colleagues and be happy, because that's what made me happy before I fell in love. I would put on a mask and smile for the nice people, because if I could put on a happy mask and smile for one more day, then I'd eventually be happy. So that's exactly what I did. When I saw colleagues at the Academy, I would smile and wave. Sometimes I stopped to talk with them, all the while pretending that everything was okay, that everything was just fine. All I had to do was smile and work and just get through one more day. I could curl up on the floor and cry when I got home at night, but for the time being, just keep smiling for one more day. Before long I thought I would go crazy if I didn't let my feelings out. I wanted to stop someone, even a person on the street, and just scream out, "I'm not okay, do you hear me? I thought I could do this but I can't and now I don't want to anymore! I don't wanna keep going one more day! I wanna cry and scream and beat the living hell out of something! I want the whole world to know that I am not okay! DO YOU HEAR ME WORLD? I AM NOT OKAY!!!" After awhile, I started to wish that I had done what I had promised myself I would do. But if I had died, then I never would have come here. I never would have tasted Sasami's cooking, or have heard Mihoshi's gibbering. I never would have gotten the chance to see my daughter happy and free, chasing her heart. If I had killed myself back then, then I never would have met my new family here. This is my home now, and these people are my family. That feels so strange to say, but it's true. These are the people I love, and nothing will ever change that. Each one of them is special, and each one of them has a love for the other that can never waver. This is what I've been searching for, what I woke up night after night crying for. An end to loneliness, and end to the pain of having nothing else in life. Since I've come here, I've stopped telling myself to try and last for one more day. Since I've come here, I haven't had to wear a mask. For the first time in a lifetime, my smile is real. I think that's why I kept singing after she fell asleep. That lullaby was the one I sang to my child so many years ago, the one that made him laugh and coo at me. That lullaby was my way of telling him every day that I loved him, and that he was more important to me than anything in the universe. When I was singing to Sasami, I realized that the lullaby was for my family. It was a prayer, that each night my baby would fall asleep, free from worry, free from pain. That my baby would wake up tomorrow knowing that his mother loved him very much, and that nothing in this universe would ever harm him as long as I was alive. But... that wasn't a promise I could keep. Tonight I made a promise to Sasami. I promised her that I wouldn't fail this time where I failed before. That my new family would never be destroyed like my old one was. Tonight, I won't have to force myself to last one more day; I'll do it because I want to. Tonight, I tucked my baby in for the first time in twenty thousand years. I promise that it won't be the last. *** Tenchi&Co belong to AIC and Pioneer All C&C should go to BGlanders@aol.com