I know it has been awhile, but I just don't have the time sometime

I know it has been awhile, but I just don't have the time sometime. I have the rest two more chapters written down, I just need to type and post them. I will try to make it speedy. This one is longer than I thought. I will tell you this, a new twist is coming up. I hope that you like this one as much as you like the others. Enjoy ;).

Disclaimer: I don't own Tenchi, some other people do. However, the story and any new characters are mine.

Okay on with the show…

Tenchi Muyo! Lost Souls Ch. 7

It was the day of the coronation, and the whole planet was in a festive mood. That is all except the occupants of the Grand Library in the palace, each of the six beings in their own reverie. The focus of the day stood at the far end of the room, his back facing all the others. He stared at the reseeding darkness of the Juraian night as the bright sun broke through the horizon. It would have been a beautiful sight had there had been one other person to share it with him. Aeka...he sighed deeply as he thought of the situation they were in.

He wore a long, knee-length haori-like robe, onto which had the royal emblem at the left side, near his heart. He wore simple white pant and black shoes. Upon his head he wore a slim bark-crown, his triangular power marks clearly showing for all to see that he was, in fact, the yielder of the Juraian power. It was a simple, yet regal outfit; fit for the coronation that was to happen in six hours. Finally he spoke up, "There has been no sighting of Aeka, Ryo-Ohl, or her 'crew'?"

"None what so ever," answered Ryoko solemnly. She stood near him, always near him, watching him carefully. She herself was dressed for the occasion wearing traditional Juraian robes. Her hair, which had grown since her power had surfaced, was tied in a high ponytail that trailed down her back till it reached the ground (reminiscent of Masaki, Aeka's mother) with her bangs framing her face regally. She wore no jewelry or had any markings on her, but everyone on the planet knew that she was Lady Ryoko, one of the intendeds for the prince.

"With the capabilities that Ryo-Ohl has, you know that we cannot track where they might be," Washu said calmly, "I had gotten a little closer, but that was before Ryo-Ohl got into my system and pushed me back a ways." She stood near her daughter, however she did not opt for the Juraian look and wore long, black pants and a short jacket. You were, though, not able to see the brilliant colors that adored the jacket and the ancient symbol of a goddess because the long blue, gray, and red overcoat she wore. It did not contain any markings either but a large red jewel—one that which had lost it's powers long ago—did adorn it. Flowing from jewel were white ribbons that seemed to flow in a continuous breeze that no one felt. She was in her older image, preferred over the younger one, for the occasion. Her hair was worn in the normal way as it usually was.

"She will no doubt be far away by now," Yosho admitted out loud. He was dressed in a similar fashion as the prince, except that the jacket was black with a gold strip immediately following the crest of the royal family. He also did not wear a crown, nor did he have any markings.

"I do not believe so," his sister spoke up. She was dressed in the traditional Juraian fashion. With the outfit that she wore she truly looked like the goddess from which she had fused with. Very prominent, especially, were the two round dots that marked her forehead. "She will not venture far."

Next to her sat her ever present companion and best friend, Ryo-Ohki, in her humanoid form. She had grown, and was equal to age-appearance to that of Tsunami. She was also dressed in a similar Juraian robes, except that her more prominent color was pink, covering her fur-covered body. She nodded her head vigorously in agreement with Tsunami.

"Do you really believe that, Tsunami," Tenchi asked with hope.

"She was here to see Sasami," Ryoko said, "She has done that already. She will be long gone now." Her heart was breaking as she said it; she didn't want Aeka to leave. They had been so close; she had been within reaching distance. All she had to do was reach out and grabbed her, instead, she had fallen back on old habits and insulted her. She just couldn't learn, she thought with resentment.

"No," it was Yosho, "Sasami is correct, she is here for another reason." Everyone eyed the regent. "When I asked her why she was here, she had answered that she had not plan on coming. She said that she came to see to Sasami's 'problem'. When I asked her what she was doing on the planet, she ignored the question. She never answered."

"That would mean that she is here for another reason, but what is that other reason," Washu thought out loud.

Tenchi returned to his window and wondered at the same thing. What are you really up to Aeka no koishii? Are you here to stop the coronation?...No, that cannot be it. You're after something, but I have no clue as to what you want. All I know is that I want you with me, beside me. Please, come home.

Much of everyone's thoughts were running along the same track as that of the Crown Prince, and no one was coming up with a reasonable answer. Then after about fifteen minutes of deep thought, there was a pensive but firm knock at the library door. It opened to reveal one of the servants that served the whims of the royal 'family'. "Your highness, I have been bid to inform you that Captain Mihoshi of the Galaxy Police, is arriving in fifteen minutes. She requests permission to meet with your highness to discuss what she said was a delicate 'family' matter."

Tenchi's interest was piqued with the mention of the "delicate family matter." They really could be one reason that Mihoshi could want to speak to him that involved the 'family'. "Inform the captain that the request will be granted. Make sure that the necessary personnel are informed that she is to be escorted here at once," Tenchi stipulated.

"Yes, your highness," the servant said, bowing as he retreated from the library.

"Do you think she has some useful news about Aeka," Ryoko anticipated.

"When does she ever have useful information," Washu deflated Ryoko's hopes.

"This time could be different," Tsunami said with optimism.

"We will just have to wait and see," Tenchi said out loud, but more to himself than to the rest in the room.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In the suite at the hotel that Andromeda and her crew were staying at, they gathered to discuss the plan once again. Atena and Iris sat in the love seat that was situated facing the large piture-window. Atena talked of the plan, while Iris and the rest listened tentatively. Behind them stood Ares, arms crossed over his chest and a look of total displeasure written on his face. Hermes sat on a chair across from the loveseat, concern on his face, and to the right of him was Eros, who was sitting on a too delicate looking chair for his frame. Ever present at her spot beside Eros, Aurora sat, cross-legged, on the floor. Even she and Eros looked forlorn as Atena talked.

Sitting in a chair that was in front of the window, Andromeda sat. She seemed to be lost in a world of her own. She already knew the plan back and forth. She had gone over it again and again last night. Even in her sleep, she had rehearsed it. Now, she wasn't thinking about the plan, she was thinking about her family. As she watched the sun rise over the horizon, Andromeda wondered what they were doing now. What are they thinking about? Are they devising a way to pull her back? Back into the life that had caused her so much turmoil...She couldn't allow them to do that.

She took a deep breath, trying to wash away the conflicting feelings that swirled in her body. Slowly she brought her hand to the jewel that was at the base of her neck and closed her eyes, remembering the day everything began to change.

Tenchi, Ryoko, and Aeka ran through the doors that lead to the main room were Tokimi could be found. They had just dispensed with that bodiless floating laky of Tokimi, and they were now on their way to get back Washu and Sasami. Unfortunately, Mihoshi had to be left behind having been hurt by one of his blasts.

"It has to be in here," Ryoko yelled, "I can sense them."

"Okay," Tenchi said, "Let's go." They all nodded.

They stopped suddenly with the sight that greeted them. Washu and Sasami were hanging by unseen shackles, almost lifeless. Tokimi, in her godly form hovered above them.

"Sasami," Aeka yelled with worry.

"Let them go, Tokimi," Tenchi said with revil. She merely laughed at his request. She was not about to give them up; once she had their power, she would be the most powerful being in the universe.

"You cannot stop me," Tokimi said, "I will drain their powers and then I will become invisible." Crackling gold lightning began to surround Washu and Sasami, causing them to yell in pain.

"No, Sasami," Aeka yelled at her sister. Suddenly the lightning stopped, and Tokimi had the look of shock on her face. The two prisoners fell unconscious still strapped to the wall.

"This can't be," Tokimi said, "They have no powers. They are completely useless to me." She looked at the small group, her gaze narrowing as anger coursed through her. "They have given their powers away." She brought up her hands as she readied to attack. "That does not matter, I will just have to take it from you." An unseen blast hit the group and they flew in opposite directions. Aeka, with the help of her shield was stunned, but managed to stay awake. Ryoko and Tenchi were also still conscious, having landed on their feet.

Tokimi continued her attack on Tenchi and Ryoko, blasting them as they moved away just barely. With Tokimi distracted, Aeka took the chance and attacked. Hands in front of her, she shot off a blast, hitting Tokimi on target.

But it did nothing to her. She stopped her attack on Tenchi and Ryoko, and fired one at Aeka. Aeka brought her shield up again, but it was no good this time. The blast easily broke through it, and hit Aeka to the ground. She couldn't move, but she was still awake.

"Aeka," Tenchi and Ryoko screamed. Anger coursed through them. Soon Tenchi was powered to full, and with his energy sword in his hands, he attacked. He was able to do some damage, but it was not enough. Ryoko stood by, knowing full well that she could not help much. It angered her more.

Suddenly a red glow gathered around Ryoko, burning so bright that it soon became white. The light hawk wings of Washu, then, appeared in front of her. Ryoko had reached her full power. Tokimi looked between Ryoko and Tenchi. "This is the power that I look for. And soon I shall have it."

Tenchi jumped to stand beside Ryoko and he himself produced his light hawk wings. "We have to do this together, Ryoko." She nodded her understanding.

Tokimi readied herself to deal the final blow, as did Tenchi and Ryoko. A blast shot out from both sides at the same time, hitting in the middle where it caught. All three struggled with the power, trying to build upon it to destroy each other.

Finally coming out of her dazed stated, Aeka looked up with amazement. The power that was flowing around them was great. And she could do nothing to help. She pounded the ground in her frustration. She watched with tears in her eyes as the struggle continued. Then she heard them.

"Tenchi," Ryoko said, "I don't know how long I can hold this."

"Ryoko, you have to try and hold it a little longer."

"I can't," Ryoko, clearly weakened, repeated. "I'm sorry, Tenchi. I love you." She reached out for his hand, which he took a hold of.

"I love you, too, Ryoko," he said smiling, "Now, please, try a little harder."

The tears finally fell from Aeka's eyes. "How cute," Tokimi mocked, "Too bad you will not live to love each other." This statement caused Aeka's anger to rise. She didn't have Tenchi's love, but she was not going allow him to be killed. Same went with Ryoko; even though Ryoko had Tenchi's love, Aeka still thought of her as her best friend, her soul sister. She still loved them both. She felt herself begin to grow hot with anger. A green light pasted through Ryoko and Tenchi, giving them renewed strength.

Suddenly, Tokimi's eyes widened with shock, "What is this? Where did this power come from?" Her eyes opened with realization. The stalemate finally broke as Tenchi and Ryoko's blast won out Tokimi's.

She yelled more from the shock, than from the pain. She disappeared in a cloud of smoke and ash. When it finally cleared, all that was left was the golden jewel that had adorned her head. Falling near Aeka, it glowed with a faint aura.

Powering down Ryoko and Tenchi ran to the two captives. Aeka sat there stunned as they helped Washu and Sasami down. She bowed her head in defeat. She had lost Tenchi. There was no hope left for her. As she opened her eyes, she spotted the jewel. Tentatively, she picked it up. When she had it in her hands, a cloud of golden smoke surrounded her. It combined with her green aura and then disappeared. Her eyes became glazed with a faint golden glow. She blinked once, then twice, and then her eyes shown with a blackened gold glow. She looked down at the jewel in her hands and grinned wickedly.

Tenchi calling out her name brought her out of the trance. She looked up to see her sister sitting beside Tenchi. Relief covered her face as she ran to her little sister, "Sasami!" She held her sister like she would never let go, crying.

Tenchi, Ryoko, and the now conscious Washu stood a distance away, letting the two sisters comfort each other. Ryoko and Tenchi, smiling, joined hands once again. Everything was finally over.

Her head turned away from the rest, Aeka's eyes glowed with the same blackened gold tint of before as she smiled her wicked grin.

Suddenly something vanished from Andromeda's eyes. The coldness was no longer there. "Ryoko no onatamane, Tenchi no koishii, Sasami no imouto," Aeka silently whispered. Her eyes began to glow with a golden green tint and for the briefest moment, she could, she could be seen, the true Aeka, the true Tokimi. Then it was gone, replaced with Andromeda's frigid glare.

Iris had looked up when she had heard Aeka—not Andromeda—say the names. It had been a long time since she had heard that voice, but she would recognize it anywhere. It wasn't cold like Andromeda's voice, it was gentle and regal. As she watched the reflection of her princess in the window, she saw something—only for the briefest of moments. Had Iris not have had keen senses, she would have thought that it had been an illusion; but, she was perceptive and she did see it. It gave her hope.

When the icy glare of Andromeda returned, Iris gave her attention back to Atena. She could not risk Andromeda knowing that she had seen Aeka's true form; it would only lead to a step back.

Finally, Atena was through with the recanting of the plan. She looked towards Andromeda, waiting patiently. She didn't have to wait long.

"Is everyone clear on what they're roles are," Andromeda asked stonily. They all nodded.

"Are you sure, Andromeda-hime…" Ares began to ask for the thousandth time.

"It is the only way," she cut him off.

"I have reservations about this coarse of action, also," Eros aired. This route had to be risky if Eros was worried. He was considered to the most risky of all the Olympus's crew.

Hermes voiced his worries, "If there is no…"

"There is no other way," Andromeda's voice interrupted. She got up from her chair and walked to her chambers, everyone eyeing her with trepidation. There was no other way, she said again to herself.

After what seemed to be forever, Captain Mihoshi of the Galaxy Police was shown into the Grand Library of the palace of Jurai. As the door was closed behind her, Tenchi took a seat in the large desk that occupied the room. His faced lined-up with her serious one when she began to speak.

"Hiya, everyone," Mihoshi said in the happy-go-lucky style only she could pull off. Everyone face vaulted, even the stoic Tsunami and serious Yosho.

"Well, Mihoshi, what news do you have for us," Tenchi said after regaining his composer.

"Well," she brought her finger up to near her mouth, "There is tension between the Verulians and Spicalis. The Galaxy Police is hoping to nip that in the bud soon. The Jacibian queen has just given birth to a healthy baby boy. It is said that he is going to be a great ruler someday." Everyone face vaulted once again. How in the universe did she make captain, everyone thought.

Finally losing her patience, Ryoko yelled, "What did you want to tell us about Aeka?"

Mihoshi 'oh'ed and then tentatively looked at Yosho and then Tenchi.

"It's okay, Mihoshi, he's on our side now," Tenchi reassured.

"Oh, okay," Mihoshi brightened, then she began, "Approximately 6 days ago, while patroling the Sigma-Seven-Omega-Eight-Three quadrant about a sighting of the Princess Aeka of the planet Jurai, my crew and I came across a ship. We opened a com-link to the ship and proceeded with the questioning. On the ship there were exactly seven people. When questioned about…"

"Will you just skip all the drivel and get on with the important stuff," Ryoko exasperated.

Mihoshi, clearly a bit shaken—ok, a lot—stuttered out, "W…we f…f…found that A…a…an…andro…meda was AEKA."

No one said anything for a moment, then Ryoko yelled, "We already know that!" Mihoshi ran and coward behind Tenchi.

"Ryoko, you don't have to get on Mihoshi's case. She didn't know that we knew," Tenchi calmly said.

Ryoko took a calming breath and then said, with as steady a voice as she could, "I'm sorry, Mihoshi."

Mihoshi still behind Tenchi quickly responded, "It'sokay!"

"Looks like we're back at square one," Washu said unphased by the antics of her daughter.

"Is there no way we can track the ship, Washu," Tsunami asked.

"Well, there might be," Washu began, an idea forming in her head. She had to quickly forget it though. "Well, I had an idea, but I would need a trans-atomic signature of the ship that Aeka is traveling in."

Mihoshi stood up quickly, forgetting that she was frightened only a second ago by Ryoko, and triumphantly said, "We got that when we spotted the ship."

Ryoko lost it again, "Why didn't you tell is that in the first place?!"

Mihoshi, cowering behind Tenchi once again, answered meekly, "You didn't ask."

Everyone face vaulted.

The time of the coronation drew to a close and Washu worked feverishly in her lab. Over her shoulder her daughter watched, trying to follow everything that she was doing. Of coarse, it really did no good; she was never as intelligent as her mother, even if she did have her powers.

"Washu, do you really think this is going to work," Ryoko asked dizzied by the fast pace her mother kept.

"This will work, Ryoko, don't you worry," Washu reassured her daughter. Ryoko just sighed and returned to her vigil.

A few minutes later the door to the lab opened sounding the crab-bell. Ryoko turned and found Mihoshi, with a ditsy look, and Sasami, with an apologetic one, standing there. It was now or never.

"Tenchi calls for you both. There is no more time," Tsunami informs them.

"We just need a little more time. An hour or so," Ryoko pleads.

"I'm sorry, Ryoko," Tsunami says, "There is no more time to give."

Ryoko is about to persist when a hand halts her. Ryoko turns and finds herself eye to eye with her mother. Washu begins to walk out of the lab, followed by three perplexed women.

Finally, they reach the others in the Grand hall. Tenchi looks at Washu expectantly, his eyes falling to the small object in her hand.

"If the ship that Andromeda is using is within the vicinity of this alarm, it will alert us," she answers his unspoken questioned.

"What if she has left the planet," Ryoko entreats.

"Then after the coronation, we will begin our search," Tenchi decrees. They all nod in agreement.

In the shadows of the capital city of Jurai, stand six heavily cloaked figures.

"I still don't like this," speaks one, a male from his voice.

"Do not worry, it will work," says a calm female voice.

"I still don't like leaving her unprotected, especially now," the first speaker airs.

"We all don't like to leave her unguarded," says a second male.

"But we must trust her," a second female says as she looks towards the Royal Palace. They all nod.

Once again Andromeda has made her way to the underground cavern. Still they have not learned, and have no guards there. She smiles deviously and heads through the tunnel that leads to the least likely to be guarded area of the palace and where her objective was: the throne room.

Thirty minutes later she has reached her destination. She smiles as she peers through the hidden door by the throne.

Just as she had suspected. She listens carefully and hears the ceremony as it begins in the next room. She walks out of the door and sheds her heavy cloak. She then walks up to the throne, caressing it with her fingers.

She can still sense his presence here. In her mind's eye, he still sits there issuing commands that are to be obeyed. "Thankfully, Tenchi cannot take your place. Tenchi has a heart; you didn't, father," she says to herself. Gingerly she sits on the throne.