Ranma of Grayskull

by Dani Yanega

Ranma breaks all engagements, at the announcement Happosai gets is final revenge and sends Ranma to Castle Grayskull using ancient magic. Ranma has a new destiny and a new love. This fic has some very Dark spots

10. Chapter 10

Ranma 1/2:

Ranma of Grayskull

Crossover: Masters of the Universe

By: Dani Yanega

(Dani: Legend is listed in Profile. My profile is also where I will address specific questions or issues that readers ask about.

I do not own many of the Characters in this story though some are mine all the KNOWN characters belong to those who originally created them. Thxs.

Please also NOTE I write Alternate Universe (AU) stories whether they are crossover or not. The AU applies to ALL characters. Thus this will make them OOC to the original Story and I like it that way. So if you plan to comment that Akane is not like that sorry I write her like I like to. This goes for all the characters it makes the story more fun for me to write that way. Got to have some antagonist and some friends! :D)

Chapter Ten

Ranma and Meriana came from their room as they entered the firelight shimmered off their outfits. Frosta and Castaspella stared in awe at the ones each were wearing. They saw as the Sorceress entered with a smile as she loved how the two looked in those kimonos. She moved forward and handed Ranma a sealed scroll for King Randor and the Lotus locket.

Ranma was wearing a shimmering black kimono. She wore with it a silver sash, kung fu pants, and slippers. The kimono showed a hand painted Tao symbol. A large one was on the back of the kimono top. It had a black side and a red side. The symbol had a border of gold going around it. On the front over the heart was a smaller version of the one on the back. Then embroidered at the hemline of the sleeves and the bottom of the kimono was a line of the same Tao only done in metallic threads of red, black, and gold.

Meriana wanted to wear her new sunny yellow kimono. She decided instead of taking the coordinating color of orange she chose to wear the yellow sash, kung-fu pants, and slippers. The kimono was a sunny yellow and was hand painted with bright orange tiger lilies. As Ranma looked down at the flowers she, decided to bring some back from earth to put near the lake along with some cattails. She felt they would add to food for the fish in the lake. The lilies again were not crowded but done in clumps of three or four blooms.

"Those are beautiful what kind of flowers are those!?" Castaspella asked as she pointed to Meriana's kimono.

"They are called tiger lilies. They come in orange, red, and yellow." Ranma told her decided to bring all the colors with her.

"They are very beautiful." Casta said absently.

"Well we better get going. Sorceress can you open the jaw bridge I will need to use the passenger basket but I can't get it through the window." Ranma said as she looked to her friend.

"Of course I will Ranma." The Sorceress smiled as she moved toward the door to Grayskull.

The Sorceress opened the jaw bridge and the three women and one little girl stepped outside. Ranma withdrew from stuff space a sturdy wood basket with a door in front that opened for ease of entering. It looked to seat four adults comfortably. The bench opposite the door sat two people then on either side was a single person seat. Frosta and Castaspella put Meriana in between them so they could better protect her. At each corner was two wooden rods that were three feet tall. One rod was attached each to the front and back of the basket at the corner. The other rod was attached at each corner on the sides of the basket. At the end of their three-foot length, they slowly leaned toward each other so that in each corner was an upside down 'V'. At the top the rods were bolted together with an, 'I' bolt sticking out of the top. Attached to each 'I' bolt was two feet of chain that connected to a wood handle which also had an, 'I' bolt on each end.

"Well is everyone ready to go?" Ranma asked as everyone nodded.

"Ok now if we are suddenly encased in fire that is just my Phoenix shield and we are about to have unwanted visitors. Don't worry nothing can get through the shield." Ranma explained as she called forth her Phoenix wings.

"PHOENIX WINGS!" Ranma's chi wings came forth and as she waved goodbye to the Sorceress she grabbed the carrying handle of the basket and took flight.

"BYE EVERYONE GOOD LUCK!" As the Sorceress received a wave from everyone but Ranma she closed the jaw bridge.

As Ranma flew, her senses were on full alert she listened to Frosta and Castaspella as they asked Meriana questions and she answered her excitement was evident. They were asking what her new home was like and were surprised to find it was too hot to visit. Meriana then told them that she was allowed to decide how her rooms were to look and the women took the hint and began asking questions.

Ranma smiled as she flew with her precious cargo. She also kept her concentration on finding any danger to her friends and daughter. As they saw the palace a few miles in the distance, she was about to let her guard down when she felt it a surge of magic and it was not friendly magic. She scowled as she tried to locate it. Her frown deepened, as there were several locations, which meant Skeletor wanted the two queens as hostages.

"HEADS UP WE GOT A LOT OF UNWANTED COMPANY! FROSTA CAN YOU SEND AN SIGNAL TOWARD THE PALACE OF AN ATTACK!" Ranma shouted knowing Frosta's skill with her ice was as phenomenal as her skill with her chi.

"YES RANMA!" She shouted back over the rushing air around them.

Frosta raised her hands and sent an ice ball the size of a two-ton boulder toward the palace. As it flew, they watched as the friction started to, dwindle the size but it would not make it so small it would be ignored. Ranma watched for a few seconds more as the ice boulder landed just short of the palace and in the empty courtyard. Ranma wondered if she could learn to do that with her dragon ice.

"OK HEADS UP THE PHOENIX SHIELD IS COMING UP!" Ranma shouted down at her passengers.

"OH BOY HURRY MOMMA!" Frosta and Castaspella had to hold tightly on the little girl, as it seemed she liked when her mother did this trick.

"PHOENIX SHIELD OF FIRE!" The cocoon formed around Ranma and the basket of passengers she carried both women noticed the noise level was now lower since the shield blocked the wind.

"Ranma what is happening?" Castaspella asked.

"It is Skeletor I guess he is a glutton for punishment. Normally I would just fly right through them this shield is pretty much, indestructible. The problem is I felt his portal open in several places along our upcoming path.

"So he wants to play rough Frosta said with a low growl. Ranma can you open up holes in the shield safely that Casta and I can shoot through?" The white haired woman asked her fast growing friend.

"I have never tried but let me see what I can do. We should be fine and with your boulder of ice I think we should have help soon." Ranma told her as she thought of best how to do what Frosta wanted without opening the inside of the cocoon to a counter attack.

As they flew both queens kept watch outside their fire shield for the threat, Ranma had sensed. Meriana sat solemnly she knew this was not like the last time and her momma and the pretty queens needed to watch for the threat. She watched too. She got down on the floor of the basket and looked through the openings in the basket.

"Momma I see something!" She did not want to shout she feared the bad people down below would hear her.

"Where Meriana!" Castaspella asked the little girl as she got down on the bottom of the basket with her.

"There!" Meriana pointed to the left side of the road behind a clump of boulders three men laid in wait three men with some kind of canon.

"Ranma to the left of the road behind those piles of boulders they have a canon!" Castaspella said.

"Ok listen I am not sure this is going to work Casta get ready an opening in the shield just in front of you is going to open and I don't know how long I can keep it open but I can't afford to have it opened to long." Ranma said as Frosta bent down picked up Meriana and held her close to her.

"I am ready Ranma just give me the signal!" Casta said as she shifted her position so when she shot she was at the correct angle to cast her spell at the men behind the rock.

"In...three...two...ONE!" A small fist sized hole opened just a little to Castaspella's left.

Castaspella shot her hand through the opening at the same time she released a spell of a large ball of cyclone winds and lightning. As soon as the spell was on its way, she pulled her arm quickly back in and the opening closed. She got back up in the seat as Frosta and Meriana watched as the storm ball hit its target. She smiled as because of the Horde and now the Kalcar she and Frosta had to learn to do quick casts and aiming of their spells.

The small group of friends watched as when the storm ball hit it exploded releasing the cyclone and lightning on the three men. The next explosion was the canon being destroyed. The force of the high winds and the explosion of the canon sent the three men from their hiding spot over one hundred and fifty yards from their starting point. When they landed roughly, it was obviously three of Skeletor's attackers were out of commission.

Meriana got back down on the floor to watch for more bad men as the queens of Etheria watched from above the basket. Ranma tried to watch as well but her concentration was locked on the shield and protecting those inside with her. They flew for barely a minute when dust was seen on the horizon. As they watched, they saw a palace land rover crest a small heel.

"MOMMA LOOK HE-MAN AND BATTLECAT!" Ranma saw running next to the rover was indeed He-Man and the large green and gold tiger.

"LOOK OVER THERE IT'S SHE-RA AND SWIFTWIND!" Ranma turned her gaze for only a moment and saw as from their left She-Ra and Swiftwind was flying straight for them.

"HEADS UP INCOMING!" Ranma jerked her attention back to the problem at hand when she sensed the release of a laser canon.

She looked quickly around and saw the red beam as it headed straight for her and the cocoon. She scowled as she waited until the last possible minute. As the blast was about to hit Ranma dove down and to the left. The blast just missed her as she tried to find the shooter or shooters. She then heard Frosta and looked in her direction.

"There behind that outcropping there are two one is a woman they don't have a weapon but she is carrying a wand. There is a hairy man with her." Frosta pointed out as Ranma spotted them.

"That is Beastman and Evil Lyn a little inept...well a lot inept actually." The giggles inside of the cocoon were not heard below.

"Ok Frosta your turn line up your shot then let me know when you are ready!" Ranma said as she gathered her concentration to open another access point in the shield.

"Ok Ranma I am ready!" Frosta had moved to the front of the basket.

She stood by the front left corner her legs apart slightly for balance. She was able to lean against the basket as the cocoon left and air pocket of about six inches. She waited for Ranma's signal as she decided on an ice torpedo. She liked using that one. She had learned to control it to an extent. Which meant if she needed to she could nudge it out of the way of counter attacks.

"In...Three...Two...ONE!" The opening the size of a fist again opened and Frosta shot her ice torpedo out and down at the enemy.

Frosta pulled back her arm and hand and the second it was inside the cocoon the hole was gone she watched as the torpedo shot toward the target Evil Lyn shot another magical bolt this time trying to shoot the ice from the sky. However, like, Ranma Frosta waited until the last possible minute then changed her attacks trajectory. The magical blast missed its target but it had cost Evil Lyn as they watched from inside the cocoon it looked as if Evil Lyn felt she had destroyed the attack.

When the attack kept coming, it was nearly upon her and Beastman she realized her arrogance cost her, as she did not have time for another shot. She dove, away from the incoming ice. Behind her she left, a confused Beastman, as he did not understand why Evil Lyn ran until the ice struck the ground where Evil Lyn had just been. The ice torpedo shattered sending very sharp, shards of ice everywhere. Beastman standing right next to the explosion received the brunt of the impact. Evil Lyn did not, escape unscathed. She could not out run the speeding ice shards and was hit all up and down the backside of her body. This left the evil witch unconscious with the melting weapons protruding from her backside.

As Ranma continued toward the palace, her three passengers watched for further opportunities to strike. Though, there was none as She-Ra and He-Man had taken care of the other ambushers. They had noticed that there was a redhead fighting with a man with wrist lasers that had taken care of a third group of ambushers.

Then the battle was over She-Ra moved in front of the cocoon to lead them to the palace He-Man, Man at Arms and Teela took protection detail from below. Ranma not wanting a sneak attack kept her cocoon in place until they were safely at their destination.

Ranma hovered over the courtyard waiting for people to move out of the way so she could land the gondola. They however seemed more interested in staring at the fiery egg. That was until a small opening in the fire opened up and a blast of ice shot to the ground followed by an angry voice.

"WILL YOU IDIOTS GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Frosta's angry shout filled the courtyard followed by everyone moving away from the fire egg.

When all was clear, Ranma began to lower her precious cargo. Just before the basket touched down the fire shield vanished amidst the gasps of the royal court. Once everyone had disembarked Casta and Frosta, each had one of Meriana's hands. Ranma landed and put their transportation into subspace again followed by the gasps of the crowd.

"IT IS YOU I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN! HOW DARE YOU ATTACK US!" Ranma turned and glared at the cousin of the king as he stormed up toward him.

"If you morons would have moved we would not have had to make you do so!" Ranma told Kadar as he snarled.

"HOW DARE YOU AND YOUR TRASHY FRIENDS COME HERE AND BRING THAT LITTLE BAS...*GULP*!" Kadar's face was full of fear, as he was up close and personal with Ranma as she lifted him effortlessly from the ground by his collar.

"You had better watch your wording or it will be the last you say!" Ranma growled low like a fierce giant cat.

"Kadar I warned you before. You have not only insulted the Mystic Warrior and her child but two of the Queens of Etheria. You will leave now and not return until you can learn your place. I will notify Sijhan of your behavior. Put him down please Ranma." King Randor spoke with controlled anger.

"Now Kadar apologize _to my guests_ then leave the palace!" King Randor's eyes flashed with rage at his cousin.

"COUSIN! You can't mean to tell me you believe these...these women are of royal blood! No royal would ever want to associate with her!" Kadar pointed to Ranma with contempt.

"Then son I guess I, Randor, Marlena and the twins are not royals!?" The ice-cold voice froze Kadar in mid point as his face paled to alabaster white.

"Oh cousin did I forget to mention Aunt Sijhan came in last night late." Ranma shuddered as Randor's smile reminded Ranma of Nabiki, as she was about to make a deal.

"Moth...Mother?!" Kadar turned and stared at a formidable woman whose eyes were glowing bright red with the same controlled rage in Randor's eyes.

Sijhan had long blonde hair worn up in a loose bun. A small gold and opal ringlet sat on her head. She stood about five feet seven inches and had a plump figure but not fat. Her face was round and her eyes a soft inviting brown full of love and mischief. They sat on either side of a medium length thin nose, it was a more feminine version of her son's and Randor's nose. Her nose ended at a pair of full luscious lips that were colored a deep red. She was in her late forties early fifties.

"Now son you will apologize to Queen Castaspella and Queen Frosta! I will not have you start an interplanetary conflict. You will also apologize to the savior of the universe for without her we all fall to the Kalcar! So you will apologize to her and that lovely child of hers, _NOW!_" Sijhan's voice said as it dripped with venom toward her son.

"*GULP* Ye...Yes mother. I apologize for my rudeness and inappropriate behavior." Kadar said with a bow but all three women knew he was not sincere just by the rage-filled glare he was giving them.

"Momma why that mean man so mad!" Ranma smirked as she bent down and picked up Meriana.

"Because he is a Hibiki and Akane wanna-bee who can't take responsibility for what he does." Ranma said as she glared back at Kadar who turned white then went from red to deep purple with rage.

"KADAR! Go to your room you will be ready to leave within the hour!" Sijhan smacked the back of her son's head causing him to stumble slightly.

"I do wish to apologize to you ladies I am afraid his brash arrogance came from his father and his antiquated notions of class separation." Sijhan said with a slight frown.

"Randor after Kadar is sent home may I still stay for a while I really would like to get to know the Mystic Warrior, her friends and that delightful child." Sijhan said as she smiled at a bashful Meriana.

"I would be honored aunt Sijhan." He told her as he held out his arm to her and motioned for the others to follow him.

Castaspella and Frosta glared daggers at the back of Kadar causing him to shudder.

(l(l(l)l)l)

As the two Etherian queens stood before the empty thrones of Randor and Marlena, they heard the laughter of Meriana and two women as the little girl ran through the halls. Ranma watched the doors to the throne room a smile plastered on her face, as it had seemed Queen Marlena had a new cohort in chasing down her wayward daughter.

As a door opened on the other side of the throne room a panting, King Randor came in and headed to his throne. He plopped down on this throne still breathing heavily as the women before him giggled behind their hands.

"My word Ranma what are you feeding that child! She moves like lightning." Randor asked with a wide happy grin.

"Oh it is not food father it is training!" Adora told him as she and Adam entered the room they also were breathing heavily but not as much as Randor.

"The same training you two have been getting?" Randor asked with wide-eyed surprise.

"Yes but she is starting more at the basics." Ranma said as she giggled as Randor's eyes opened wider and Ranma thought they would fall out.

"My goodness. Well let us get started I am afraid that my lovely wife may not join us as you hear she is taking care of Meriana.

"Ranma will you make formal introductions please." Randor requested of the Mystic Warrior who bowed deeply to her king.

"It will be my honor your majesty. I bring before you Queen Castaspella the ruler of the Kingdom Mystacore. This is Queen Frosta the ruler of the Kingdom of Snows." As Ranma introduced them, each woman stepped forward and bowed to the King of Eternia.

"Welcome to my Kingdom Queen Frosta and Queen Castaspella. It is an honor and pleasure to meet the both of you." Randor rose to his feet and bowed to the women then reached out his hand to shake theirs.

Frosta took his offered hand and shook it firmly. She was followed by Castaspella. The women stepped back next to Ranma who kept looking through the doors every time Meriana laughed a loving smile on her face. She turned back toward the king and bowed to him then stepped forward. Her face in a slight scowl but her eyes showed guilt.

"Your majesty I wish to apologize for my outburst toward your cousin when we arrived. I am sorry but after fighting to get here and the spectators not allowing me to land and the worry for the safety of my friends and daughter I over...!" Ranma was cut off by a feminine voice behind her.

"Do not apologize for doing what your destiny requires of you child. My son, knows how to behave, he just does not. It is I who should apologize for him to you and the two ladies you brought with you from Etheria." Sijhan came into the room Meriana's hand tightly in hers and Queen Marlena both women breathing heavily but their eyes shone with an inner gayety that made Ranma and her friends smile.

"There is no need to apologize Lady Sijhan your King is who we have come to see and he has shown us Eternia is ruled justly." Castaspella spoke with a curt nod from Frosta showing she agreed with her compatriot.

"Yes and why did you decide now to come to Eternia?" Queen Marlena asked the smile on her lips never reached her eyes as her children had told her what the Queen of Brightmoon had done to Ranma.

"We come to speak for our kingdoms and its people as well as _all_ the innocents of Etheria." Frosta told the queen of Eternia.

"And what do you wish us to know?" Randor asked as his hand reached out to his wife to calm her as she held onto Meriana with her other as the child had climbed into her lap and fell asleep under the smiling face of her mother.

"First and foremost we would have not allowed Ranma to take Meriana until after searching for her family. We however would have made an active attempt and would have sought Ranma's help in that. She has many great powers one of which is to be able to read a persons...uh...um?!" Frosta looked to Ranma who smiled at her.

"Their auras, I can detect if people are family members. It took a while but I was able to finally create the technique." Ranma said as she turned back to her friend with a wink.

"Queen Castaspella do you feel the same as Queen Frosta." Randor asked.

"Yes and I am sure Ranma would have agreed. It would not have been in Meriana's best interest just to send her home immediately with Ranma then have to bring her back if family was found that wanted her. It would have hurt Ranma and most importantly Meriana." Castaspella told the king as she smiled at Ranma who nodded her assent at the reason why they would have taken that stance as well.

"However, majesty we know of what Angella had done to Ranma and Meriana in an effort to break the bond they had created so rapidly. That we do not agree with. We will continue to fight for the resistance, which means aiding Angella when needed. We will however now see her in a light of insincerity and callous disregard for the welfare of a child and our friends from other worlds." Frosta said as she had moved to the other side of Ranma and took her hand protectively as did Castaspella from her side.

"We have learned a lot about Ranma and what we have learned has impressed us greatly. She cares greatly for the innocents that are being killed and tortured on Etheria. She will continue to help us save our home. No, matter what a few try to do to her. She brings with her the strength of a giant, the heart of a lion, and strategy of a warrior. With her and the help of He-Man and She-Ra we will defeat the Kalcar as we defeated the Horde!" Castaspella told the king.

"What can my kingdom due to aid in this endeavor? I have been told by Ranma that the Kalcar will come here next if Etheria falls!" Randor spoke in earnest his face showing the pain of the loss of life on Etheria and the possibility of the loss of life on Eternia." Randor asked as he stared the women down.

"I think we need a way to better keep you informed and get your input in battle strategies. You're famous throughout this galaxy as a Master of the Universe and have fought many times in the past to save your world and others." Frosta spoke showing she knew a lot more about Eternia then most Etherians.

"That was many years ago. I am afraid I am all that is left that fights on the side of good." Randor said sadly, as the faces of his fallen comrades passed through his mind.

"But the knowledge is still there majesty." Castaspella told the ruler.

"They are correct Randor. If we can help even in a small way...!" Marlena left the rest of her sentence hanging.

"When will you be heading back to Etheria?" The king asked.

"The Sorceress is allowing us to stay the one night we don't want to impose but hopefully we will be here at least one or two more days. We cannot stay away to long." Frosta spoke as she looked at the child sleeping in the lap of the queen.

"Let me talk with Man at Arms I think we might be able to do something. We can't outfit an army but at least the leaders of the different factions of the rebels how many are there?" Frosta and Castaspella looked at the king confusion on their faces.

"My husband moves quickly when the cause is just." Marlena told them with a warm smile.

"Well I am not exactly sure. We generally have planning sessions at Brightmoon but there are times we need to have access to strategist while in the haven Whispering Wood." Castaspella told the king.

"Well let me think there should be one for each of you three, one for each of She-Ra and He-Man. Angella should have one. Are there any other rulers from your world in the fight?" King Randor asked.

"No but let me think there are another twelve factions would that be too many?" Frosta thought about Glimmer, Bo, Madam Razz and some of the others that are always together for planning sessions or need to be available.

"No but how about we make thirty just in case you need extra. Ranma can carry them in her subspace pockets if there is a need for the extras. Is that ok with you Ranma?" The king turned to the Mystic Warrior with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes majesty it will be fine." She answered with a small smile.

"Ok we will try to have the six needed now then when we get the rest ready I will give them to Ranma and she can bring them to you to pass out." Randor said as he stood ending the conversation.

"I hope to be able to see you again before you leave if not maybe we can get together regularly for face to face meetings." Randor told them as he bowed to the queens.

Randor moved to his wife and gently took the sleeping Meriana from her he then cradled her tenderly and kissed her forehead before he turned and handed her to her mother. Ranma came forward and took her daughter with a smile that lit the throne room. Before Randor left he gently stroked the little girl's cheek a tear escaped his eye as he looked sadly and with some guilt at his daughter.

"Thank you majesty we look forward to working with you!" Frosta said as she bowed to the ruler of Eternia.

"The pleasure will be mine and my kingdom to associate with rulers of such honor." Randor bowed then wrapped his arm around Marlena's waist and walked from the throne room.

The group watched him leave shock was still on their faces. They then turned to Princess Adora and Prince Adam. They smiled and motioned them to the exit. The little group followed they were going over the meeting with Randor. Casta and Frosta still shocked at the magnitude that King Randor wanted to help. They felt if they needed other warriors other then He-Man and She-Ra they would get them, but if they asked.

"Adora are you ok?" Ranma asked her friend quietly.

"No not really I am afraid my father feels guilty for not being able to rescue me from Hordak when he kidnapped me when I was a baby. That I think is why he and mother are so eager to have Meriana here. It lets them have a little girl to love." Adora hung her head to hide her tears.

"Adora I wish my father was very much like yours. At least your father loves you unconditionally and only wants you to be happy. Mine thought of me as nothing but a bargaining chip to get what _he_ wanted." Ranma said as she placed a hand on her friends shoulder.

"Why don't you go to them and talk to them. I very wise Sorceress once told me the truth is all that is needed. Tell them how you feel tell them you love them and realize they tried to find you but you need to tell them of the hurt and anger you felt and to some extent still do. They can't help you if they don't know." Ranma continued to explain.

"She is right sis go talk with them I will make sure they get back to Grayskull safely." Adam came up and hugged his sister tightly as she returned the embrace.

"All right I will. Tell me Ranma was the advice good for you?" Adora asked.

"Yes in more ways than one! I now have my mother back and know she does love me no matter if I am male or female she just wants me to be happy." Ranma said as she smiled brightly.

Adam and Ranma caught up with Frosta and Castaspella as Sijhan showed them around the castle. They were in the hall of kings and she was telling them about the different kings. Ranma's gaze landed on Jagar and a warm loving smile formed on her lips. She turned at the tap on her shoulder and smiled even wider as Orko was behind her looking over her shoulder at the sleeping little girl.

"She taking her nap now?" Orko looked sad that the little girl was asleep.

"Yes Queen Marlena and Lady Sijhan tired her out. Don't worry Orko next time I will make sure Adam and Adora let you know we are coming. Today was sort of last minute." Ranma explained at the little Trollan as he floated down to Meriana's level and put his face real close to her.

He tired to jump back when in her sleep she quickly reached out, grabbed Orko by the neck, and pulled him toward her. She then rolled over into her mother taking the struggling creature with her. Ranma tried hard not to giggle, as she did not want to awaken her daughter. The others in the room were not as successful.

"Well *CHUCKLE* Orko next time *SNICKER* don't get so close to a student of Ranma *MUFFLED LAUGHTER*!" Adam told his friend as he held his hands over his mouth as Orko's arm waved wildly about as he tried to get loose.

"Here Orko let me try to help." Castaspella said her smile was tight lipped as she was trying to keep in her laughter.

Castaspella raised her hand and with a few whispered words in her hands appeared a rag doll that looked like Orko right down to the black letter 'O' on his chest. She walked over and placed the Orko doll in Meriana's other hand. As soon as the soft cuddly doll touched Meriana, she released the real Orko and pulled the doll closer into her tight embrace.

"Thank you Casta-Chan!" Ranma said with a warm friendly smile.

"She is special to us all Ranma she was the only one we could save that day and she is a rallying point for Etheria. To avenge the fact she lost all of her family." Castaspella said as she reached out and gently stroked Meriana's face.

"That is a lot to place on a baby don't you think?" Sijhan came up her face in a deep scowl.

"No lady it is not. If it were not for the Mystic Warrior's first appearance, all would have died that day and it would be another village destroyed. The fact she survived means we all have that chance to survive! It is a war a very devastating war and we all latch onto anything we can to get us through." Frosta told the aunt of King Randor, as she created an ice sculpture of a snowman.

With blue button, eyes and an orange carrot nose and finally a charcoal mouth made of six pieces of charcoal. It was about the same size as the Orko doll except it was made of ice and snow. Casta reached over and gently raised her hand over it. The snowman was covered in an ice blue light when she finished the snowman was made of soft white fur and was wearing a black top hat and a red silk scarf around his neck. Castaspella then put the snowman on Meriana who wrapped her arm tightly around it as well.

Then Castaspella raised her hand when the glow was gone she held two dolls with porcelain heads and soft pliable bodies. One looked like Frosta. It had long white hair and pale blue diamond eyes. The doll wore a crown of crystal snowflakes. She wore a long white blue gossamer dress and held a scepter of silver with a round ball of crystal on top.

Then the other doll like the Frosta doll it was a soft body for cuddling it also had a porcelain head. Both the dolls looked just like the queens they represented. The Castaspella doll had long dark red hair and emerald for her green eyes. On her head was a golden ringlet with a single emerald that rested on her forehead. The doll wore a long flowing gown of sunny yellow. It also carried a long staff of wood topped with an upside down dragon's claw holding a clear crystal.

"She said her birthday is in two months those if we are not here to give to her they can be her presents from us." Castaspella said with a large bright smile.

"Their beautiful Casta she will is going to love them both but you didn't have to do that the Orko doll was enough!" Ranma said as she put the dolls in subspace and smiled down at her daughter clutching the Orko doll and snowman.

"A little girl needs lots of dolls to play with I am, sure this is just the beginning. I bet you get a bunch more before you move into your home as well." Frosta said as she wrapped her one arm around Ranma's shoulder.

"Well let's go we have to get you four back to Grayskull. Ranma did you want to go back the same way you came or I can take Casta and Frosta and you can fly." Adam said as he moved up closer to someone he was beginning to care deeply for.

"I think it would be safer if we use the gondola. However, you don't need to come if you don't want to. It will be dangerous for you to get back here by yourself.

"He won't be by himself father has asked I go as his honor guard." They all turned and saw Teela in the door way a smile on her face as she stared at Meriana.

"Teela, how have you been? I haven't seen you at training for a while." Ranma asked given her an evil mischievous grin, which caused her to shudder.

"I had some things that I needed to do for King Randor." Teela said with a sheepish grin.

"Uh Huh! Teela this is Queen Castaspella and Queen Frosta they are two of the leaders of the resistance on Etheria. Ladies this is Teela the Captain of the Kings Guard." Ranma introduced them and they smiled at each other and nodded.

"Then we best get going Meriana needs to go to bed." Ranma said as she bent down and kissed her daughter's forehead then handed her to Frosta.

She pulled out the passenger basket again and waited for her and Castaspella to enter.

"We will take the rover and follow you to Grayskull." Teela said as Adam and Cringer climbed in.

"Ok." Ranma said as she summoned her Phoenix wings.

"PHOENIX FIRE WINGS!" The flame wings burst forth as she spread them out to the full sixty feet.

Ranma gently flapped the wings to get airborne as she rose above the gondola she took hold of the handle and rose up above the ground a hundred or so feet. She then headed toward Grayskull her senses on full alert. She wanted to allow Castaspella and Frosta to enjoy the view as they flew over Eternia. Below them, the rover kept a close pace with Ranma who had slowed down her travel to match the rover.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Ranma sat on the skull of Grayskull her friends asleep and Meriana was curled in their bed still holding onto the two dolls Castaspella had made for her. She smiled as she pulled the Frosta doll and the Castaspella doll from subspace. She was amazed at the intricate detail. She felt she was holding onto the real women. She placed them back into subspace and started trying to think what to do for Meriana's third birthday and their first one together. She would have a special party with the Sorceress first then something with at the royal palace.

She sighed, as she wanted her mother to be here for the festivities. She wanted her here for both of them. She decided the next time she was at the palace she would ask about him talking with Lily. She would have the Sorceress feel him about talking with her as she did not want to spring it on him that would not be fair. She reached down and lifted the lotus locket. She rubbed the flower gently and smiled when her finger ran over the tiny knick. She was glad it did not hinder the Sorceress' ability to make a communication link.

"Mom?" Ranma said softly as she opened the locket and stared at the star sapphire.

Ranma waited for a few minutes and felt her mother must be asleep she wanted to talk to her she wanted to see her face but she also hated waking her to do it. She was about to close the locket when it glowed even brighter and the face of her sleepy mother appeared in the locket.

"*YAWN* Ranma?" Nodoka tried hard to stifle her yawn but was unable to do so.

"I am sorry mom but I just needed to see you and hear your voice." Ranma said with a sad guilty smile.

"Don't apologize, my love! I am enjoying our ability to have a quiet time together. So what is happening?" Nodoka asked as she looked longingly at her child.

"Well we won the battle! I found due to my dragon magic I was able to increase the powers of two of the magic users three fold." Ranma said with a wry smile.

"That is wonderful Ranma are they friends?" Nodoka asked her daughter.

"Well at first no. It seems many of the royal fighters have a thing for He-Man they thought I was trying to steal him. They now know I think of him as a big brother and I am like a little sister to him." Ranma said with a chuckle of gayety that actually reached her eyes.

"We went to see King Randor for some way to communicate with him during battle planning he was a great warrior until he ascended his throne. Well he still is technically. We are going back in a couple of days to pick up six of the communication devices he is making for them and when he gets the rest done I will take them to Etheria and pass them out. He is actually making us some for backups." Ranma told her, Nodoka smiled when she saw something she very rarely saw in her child respect.

"What about Lily's ability to talk with the king?" Nodoka asked her child.

"Well when we go back I am going to have the Sorceress ask if he would be willing to talk with her through the locket. I am sure he will say yes but we will have to wait and see." Ranma said with a hopeful look.

"So tell me of your new friends." Nodoka asked wanting to keep the conversation going.

"Well they are both queens of their realms. There is Frosta she has the power of ice and snow. Then there is Castaspella she is a mage. She made these for Meriana their birthday presents to her. They look just like them." Ranma held up each doll as she told her mother who they were.

"My they are beautiful. When is Meriana's birthday?" Ranma heard the sadness in her mother's voice.

"In two months. After Casta-Chan and Frosta-Chan go back to Etheria, I plan to make a trip home through the spirit realm. I am going to get seeds for vegetables I want to have here and some plants for the Valley of the mist." Nodoka perked up at that news.

"Are you bringing Meriana?" She asked excitedly.

"No mom I can't just yet I have never tried to go through the spirit realm yet and until I know I can protect her I can't risk bringing her." Nodoka nodded, as she knew that much about her gifts spirits were attracted to the life force of a living being.

"And what about me Ranma?" Nodoka asked wondering if she would allow her to activate her powers.

"Well it is very draining so you will need to rest for a day or two before you start practicing." Ranma said as a way of answering.

"Mom I am not offering the Takashi clan an opportunity to activate their powers and don't know if I want you to either. I can't and won't stop you if you do but they will understand I and Meriana are not a part of the bargain." Nodoka nodded she understood.

Nodoka's father throwing her out of the family because of Genma hurt Ranma when she found out. She was not going to allow him to do that to her and Meriana. Nodoka did agree with it. She would like to activate her siblings' gifts but they would turn around and activate their father's and his first use of his Spirit Weaver powers would be to go get Ranma and or Meriana. Nodoka shuddered, as she knew if he tried to take Meriana from Ranma, he would not survive.

"I am afraid I would have to agree. If father is still living I don't even know if he is I will not activate my family's gifts." Nodoka left it at that, as she did not want to add to Ranma's mistrust of her grandparents.

"Are you planning a party for Meriana?" Her mother asked wondering what to get her granddaughter.

"Yes I will have a small private one with her and the Sorceress since she can't leave Grayskull unprotected. I then am planning one with Queen Marlena since she and King Randor love having her at the palace. I will then invite my Etherian friends to the party. Well if they can make it." Ranma said with a shrug.

"May I come?" Nodoka asked wondering if she would even be welcomed.

"I hope so? I will still probably be here at Grayskull and the Sorceress said you can stay here with us. She wants to meet you." Ranma said with a wide smile.

"Thank you Ranma. So what other things are you looking for when you come here?" Nodoka thought it might be a good idea to get some of the things ahead of time then they could spend more time together.

"Well I want to get plantings of the different spices...!" Ranma was cut off by Nodoka with a bright smile.

"Oh I will talk with Ukyo she uses some of the more rare spices at her restaurant she says her customers tell her, she makes the best Okomiyaki because of it. She even gave me a book on all the spices and herbs even the rare and hard to find ones. It also tells how to use them but I found if you experiment you can come out with some really good dishes." Nodoka said as she held up her book.

"Hhhummm, I am going to have to get one of those books along with one on terra roming. I also want to get some patterns and a big roll of butcher paper to make copies of the patterns so they will last longer. I am going to get some journals and color pencils. I don't know if they have them here, they seem to be more electronically adept here. I want to have Man at Arms help me convert my laptop to work with their technology and maybe be able to send emails too you." Ranma said with a wide grin.

"What about furniture?" Nodoka asked wondering how that was going.

"Well the stores I might be dealing with are still working on the bedroom sets I requested I can't put them in the castle till it cools completely. They should have them ready in about two maybe three weeks. Then I can put them in the castle and start getting the rest of the castle furnished. I just have not decided how to do the first two floors." Ranma said as she frowned as the sapphire began to flash slowly.

"Mom our time is almost up! I love you and will let you know when to expect me or maybe I will just show up and surprise everyone that way the panda can't plan anything." Ranma said with an evil grin.

"Alright Ranma I love you dear!" Nodoka said as she placed her finger in the left side of the sapphire.

"I love you too mom!" Ranma also put her finger on the left side of the gem as the magical light faded taking her mother with it.

Ranma closed the locket and jumped off the skull over the window. She flipped and landed inside. She padded softly to her room her tears falling silently. As she removed her kimono, she crawled into bed next to her sleeping daughter. She wrapped her arms around the child and pulled her closer to her. She rested her cheek on the top of her head. Ranma's tears fell into Meriana's hair. After a few minutes, Ranma too was fast asleep.

(l(l(l)l)l)

After the link ended Nodoka could not go back to sleep she was too excited Ranma was coming to visit. She needed to find out where she could get seeds for her daughter. She also wanted to get the spices and herbs cuttings. She would check with Ukyo. She will just tell her she wanted to grow some of them to have fresh seasonings. She would not be lying she would like to have an herb and spice garden. She will contact Ranma tomorrow night and get a complete list of what she is looking for. If she does not get them for her, she will at least have the places to get the plants she needed.

Nodoka rose from her bed, moved to her desk, and took out a notepad and pen. She started a list of where to find what Ranma needed she liked her idea of not getting everything Ranma needed as it would be a nice outing for her and Ranma to do together. The gardening things she could get for her except for the flowers and such that would be a nice thing they could do.

Nodoka wrote down what she needed to look up and find locations for. She also checked on office and craft supply stores. Then Nodoka paused what was she going to get Meriana for her birthday. She paused and thought about what her favorite toys were when she was little well besides dolls. She smiled as she knew what to get her granddaughter and she would go looking tomorrow. As she wrote her steam started to give out and she slowly laid her head down on the desk and went back to sleep. That was where Lily found her the next morning.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Ranma rose early as she always did. She tucked in Meriana and picked up the Orko doll and snowman doll from the floor where she through them in the night. Ranma put a doll on each side of her. She then got dressed into her normal tang, kung-fu pants, and slippers. She put on a sapphire blue tang with the same black pants but these had a sapphire blue stripe up the side. She smiled as she looked in the closet and found the Sorceress had made duplicates of them as well.

Ranma exited her room and went to the kitchen. She began to prepare a large breakfast for her, the Sorceress, Meriana and their guests. She moved around the kitchen at phenomenal speeds. She paused as the sound of two gasps at the kitchen door caught her attention. She turned and found Frosta and Castaspella standing there their mouths hung opened as if trying to catch flies.

"Good morning Casta-Chan, Frosta-Chan! Breakfast is almost ready!" Ranma said as she put the final touches on their meals a bit sad she would not get her morning routine done now.

"How do you do that!?" Castaspella asked her.

"Huh? Do what?" Ranma asked confused.

"Move so fast we can't even follow you!" Frosta said as she stared at her new friend.

"Ten years of near death training." Ranma said with a bit of rage and frustration.

"Could you teach us? I mean without the near death part?" Frosta asked again.

"Well I can get you started on some kata to practice but I won't have time to come to Etheria and train you properly. You know He-Man and She-Ra make regular visits and they have been training with me. I will ask if they can train you in what I teach them." Ranma said as she started to carry platters into the throne room, Frosta, and Castaspella shook off their shock and helped her.

(l(l(l)l)l)

The three friends entered the throne room and found the Sorceress working on the lotus locket. She looked up from her work and smiled at the women. Though she really did not want to share Ranma's friendship, as she was always so lonely, she was glad, her friend was getting friends that were good for her. She knew she held a special place in Ranma's heart as she saw it in the locked martial artist's eyes each time she confided in her. Then there is the possibility that as Ranma brings back more friends she will make new friends as well and not be as lonely.

"Good morning Sorceress is Meriana still sleeping?" Ranma asked as she did not see her daughter in the room.

"Yes I checked on her when I went past your room. She was fast asleep choking the stuffing out of the two dolls you two gave her." The Sorceress smiled at the Etherian queens with a warm and grateful smile.

"Well let's enjoy a quite breakfast before she wakes." Ranma said with mock fear the entire group laughed at her antics.

The four women talked Frosta and Castaspella asked about The Valley of the Mist. She told how she was going to be going to earth to get vegetables seeds and decorative plants for the courtyard. She asked her Etherian friends if they could get some of their world's vegetables seeds, spices, herbs, and decorative plants for her and she would pay the farmers she got them from. She listened as they agreed and told her about some of the beautiful trees in their kingdoms. Ranma frowned slightly as she listened to Frosta's description of her home world.

"They sound so beautiful but the valley is to warm to plant any of them." Frosta smiled at her friend as she reached across the table and squeezed her hand.

"Actually no it is not. If you will allow me when it is time to plant them I with my magic can convert, the area you want them into a winter climate and it is a permanent spell. So that section of the valley; will always be winter." She told a shocked Ranma and a surprised Castaspella.

"I didn't know you could do that!?" Castaspella said with awe.

"It is how I keep my kingdom in ice and snow as it grows.

"I would love that! It would give Meriana a place to play and a different environment for me to practice in." Ranma said excited.

"Well I ask only one thing for it." Frosta said with a wagging finger.

"What?" Ranma asked as she pushed her fear down.

"When you are able to take visitors with you to earth I want to go! I want to see where it was you came from!" Frosta said as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"I agree with Frosta! I want to go too!" Castaspella said mimicking Frosta.

"Ok it is a deal but I still want to pay the farmers for the seeds agreed!" Ranma said as she was the only one to see the pain of the Sorceress at not being able to leave Grayskull to go as well.

"We agr...!" They were cut off by the patter of little feet and excited cry of surprise.

"MOMMA, MOMMA! LOOK WHAT I FOUND!" Meriana came running into the throne room as Ranma turned and scooped up the little girl.

"What did you find my little Lotus Blossom?" Ranma asked as she smiled down at her daughter.

"I found these!" Meriana said as she held up the two rag dolls.

"Oh my, where did you ever find those!?" Ranma asked with mock surprise and Kasumi-esque behavior as she winked at the giggling women.

"I woke up and they were just there!" Meriana missed the interplay between the women.

"Well Castaspella made you the Orko doll because in your sleep you grabbed poor little Orko in a bear hug and wouldn't let him go. Once she gave you the doll you released your hold on Orko and put it on the doll." Ranma explained to a wide-eyed little girl.

"The snowman Frosta made for you and Castaspella turned the snowy item into a plush doll for you to sleep with as well." Ranma finished with a warm smile.

"They did?" Meriana asked wondering why someone other than her mother would give her such wonderful presents.

"Now you go over to Frosta and Castaspella and thank them for the lovely presents." Ranma put Meriana on the floor.

Meriana stood there confused. She looked down at the two dolls still clutched in her tiny hands. She then looked back up at her mother who smiled brightly at her and gave her a gentle push toward the two queens Meriana stumbled slightly but never fell as her mother's hand was still gently holding onto her. Meriana then smiled and ran to Frosta and Castaspella. She jumped into their arms and gave them each a big hug.

"Thank you auntie Frosta; thank you auntie Castaspella." She then got down leaving two shocked women and on the way back to her mother climbed up into the Sorceress' lap and showed her the dolls.

"Look auntie Sorceress ain't they wonderful!" Meriana sat on the Sorceress' lap and leaned into the woman's arms as she took a doll in each hand.

"Oh my yes and they will keep you company while you sleep." The Sorceress gently cast a spell over both dolls as the three other women watched.

"Now why don't you put them down here and eat your breakfast." The Sorceress said as she put the still glowing dolls in a chair next to her and served Meriana some hot cereal and milk.

"I cast a protection spell on all her toys she tends to carry them with her and in doing so they will protect her." The Sorceress said as a way of explanation.

"Thank you Sorceress." Ranma said as she smiled at her first true friend.

"That was a wonderful idea I should have thought to do the same." Castaspella said with a wide grin.

Ranma watched as Meriana ate her breakfast but the little girl's attention was locked on the two new dolls she had to play with. The others saw where Ranma's attention was drawn and stared at Meriana as she ate. They started to giggle as they too noticed her rapt attention focused on the dolls. As Meriana finished her cereal and milk, she climbed down from the Sorceress' lap and disappeared into her and Ranma's bedroom leaving three confused women and a smirking Ranma.

Meriana ran back in with the rose quartz figurines of Battlecat and Swiftwind. She then picked up her dolls and moved toward the mosaic in the center of Castle Grayskull's throne room. The two visiting women rose and moved next to her. As they stared down at the mosaic their mouths hung opened in surprise disbelief.

"I never get tired of looking at the mosaic. It seems so alive!" Castaspella said as she stared down at the glowing design of the three creatures that made the Mystic Warrior.

"I know what you mean." Frosta said as she knelt down and touched the raised paw of the black cat." It is like I can feel his pulse." She said as she rose to her feet.

Their attention was drawn to the quiet voice of Meriana as she played with her two new dolls and the quartz figurines. They smiled as she played happily. They soon turned and rejoined the Sorceress and Ranma. Their cups refilled with hot tea as they sat down. They each took a sip then looked at each other before Castaspella asked the Sorceress a favor for the both of them.

"Sorceress I was wondering if we would be able to come back to Grayskull to visit and be able to stay here?" Castaspella asked with a nervous gaze at the guardian of Grayskull.

"Yes I mean it won't be for long periods at the moment with the Kalcar still on Etheria but meeting you, Randor and Marlena we don't want to lose the new friends we made here on Eternia." Frosta put in to help explain the request they were making.

"I would be honored and happy to have two such wonderful new friends to visit me. I am just sorry my duties here will not allow me to visit your world. I must protect Grayskull from the likes of Skeletor and his minions." She said with a sad smile.

"Well when we visit if he tries anything he will find himself fighting all of us and with our battle skills increasing because of the war he won't like it very much." Frosta said as she snarled but it never detracted from her beauty.

"I say that would be an understatement Frosta-Chan." Ranma said with a cocky grin on her face.

"MOMMA!" Ranma turned at the frightened scream of her daughter and came face to face with her unwanted past.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Ryoga moved through the thick foliage the heat sapped his strength but he kept moving. He was still having the nightmare but it was changing. He now had to fight against Ranma's mother instead of with her. He remembered the first night it started to change and he shuddered when she announced she was Ranma's real mother. This made him begin to wonder if others were having the dream as well. Each night after the real Nodoka appeared Ryoga tried to force himself into his dream image. Every morning when he did not succeed he became more depressed and even more, angry. He had always blamed Ranma for torturing him and would kill him when he found him.

He found that after he walked for a while his anger would dissipate and decided Ranma would not willing do that to anyone. He just had to find a way in his dream to let him know. Ryoga stopped as he realized Ranma was not a he any longer he did not want to admit that even to himself but Ranma was a girl now. When Ryoga would remember that bit of information, again his depression would come back. He would then find a place to sit and think he needed to think there was too much in his head and it hurt.

He stopped and looked around he found himself in a cave with four beautiful women when a shout drew his attention to the floor in front of him. He scowled as a small red-blonde haired little girl was playing with dolls. Her green-blue eyes were opened wide with fear. He smiled but it seemed to frighten her more. He looked up at movement, saw the woman with hair of living fire as she jumped from the table and scooped up the little girl, toys, and returned in one fluid motion. Ryoga's eyes first went wide then narrowed with rage.

"SAOTOME! DIE FOR THE HELL YOU PUT ME IN EVERY NIGHT!" Ryoga's revelations flew from his mind when he was finally confronted by his mortal enemy; though something in the back of his mind tried to stop him, he ignored it.

(l(l(l)l)l)

"LET ME OUT OF HERE! YOU CAN'T KEEP ME PRISONER HERE!" Taro shouted as he shook the door of his cell.

He tried to kick the door opened but the six-inch thick oak door did not even move with his effort. The only thing it accomplished was to hurt his foot. He would have used the water they gave him to drink to activate his curse but he was never able to drink it by himself. They forced the water carefully down his throat then left him to eat his food. He kept trying to figure a way to get cold liquid but each time he tried his plan they were already ahead of him and found a way to prevent his attempts. He decided he hated the Amazons.

He had been there for nearly a week. He still had the nightmare only it was not as realistic as the first time. He was shocked at the change in the end where the dream Nodoka suddenly became the real Nodoka. He had been trying ever since the first time she had done that to do it as well. He was unable to accomplish it and was tempted to ask an elder. Though this tribe was not the Jusendo Valley Amazons, they knew of the tribe and interacted since they were of the same Nation. He then decided he did not like that idea. He just wanted to get away from them.

Taro looked up as his door opened he stood as he knew it was not time for a meal. He watched as a two and half foot woman floating outside his door. She carried six foot black mahogany staff covered in silver runes. On the top of the staff sat a white jade dragon clutching a goose egg sized emerald.stood before him. She had long white hair that pooled on the floor under her floating body. She wore shimmering silver robes and her hair and eyes shimmered with a silver color. The ghoul floated into the cell toward him. The door behind her closed and locked she turned her head to the left and tilted it down slightly. She did not look at the door but just acknowledged they were locked in the room together.

"Greetings Pantyhose Taro the elders of this tribe asked me to come pay you a visit." The woman said as she moved to the table and chair and jumped into the chair.

"Humm maybe it would be nice to put a table and chair in our cells makes it easier when we need to talk to the prisoner." The silver haired woman talked quietly to herself as Taro glared at her.

"Now Taro I am Silver head of the council of the Joketsuzoku Amazons our sister tribe here has summoned me. It seems you were a very bad little boy." Silver said as she looked at him through her eyelashes.

"Good for you! If I haven't talked to them why do you think I would talk to you?" He asked the silver robed woman but she seemed different from the other elders he had met.

"True young man, except because two of our young Amazons know what is happening. Shampoo and Mousse both had the same dream as well as everyone else in the dream. We have been getting reports from young Ranma's new grandmother." Silver watched as Taro stiffened then scowled in rage.

"So, Fem-Boy is the cause of this!" His aura blazed quickly but suddenly winked out.

Taro turned as Silver jumped back in her chair. She glared at him and with her staff tapped the bed for him to sit down. Taro glared at her defiantly. She looked at him and rose again to her feet. He watched her then suddenly sat down as the staff moved slowly toward his back. He watched as she smiled at him and then moved back to her chair.

"Why are you blaming her for something she has no control over?" Silver asked as she watched as Taro looked at her shocked.

"Her?" He asked the old mummy sitting across from him.

"You do not need to give this male any information on Elder Ranma, Elder Silver." Taro looked to the door to see another old mummy standing there in indigo robes, behind her was a beautiful Amazon with emerald green hair and eyes.

"It is necessary to create a relationship with him I give him information he wants he tells me what I want. It works well in most cases." Silver said with narrowed eyes.

"It would have worked here until _now_!" Silver said as she glared at her sister Amazon.

"Will someone tell me what is going on!?" Taro said as he stood abruptly.

"Sit down boy! If you tell me what I want to know I will give you what you want!" Silver said as she snarled at the cursed fighter.

"What do you have I want old ghoul! OOOWW! STOP THAT!" Taro shouted the last part as he rubbed the top of his head as he glared at both the Elder in indigo and the one called Silver.

"Tell me what you remember from your dream? How often do you have it? Has it changed any since it started?" Silver gave him the three things she needed but that did not mean she might not want more.

Taro glared but nodded he sat down on the bed and both Elders jumped on the table leaving the chair for the younger Amazon. He told them everything he remembered about the first time he had the dream. His face showed he was both reviled and intrigued when it came to his, Mousse and Ryoga's attempt to force themselves on Ranma. He told them about Ranma's final attack. He told them that, was all he remembered because in his dream he had died in the last attack. He told of Ranma's physical change when she escaped them. He told them he had the dream every night after the first time only it was not as realistic as the first time. The first time he tried to wake up but could not. Now he with some effort could wake up but not always.

The dream changed a few nights ago he told them when the dream changed. He felt as if there was someone watching them in the dream. This person had gotten homicidal when he and the other two boys tried...well uh uhm what we tried to do. He stopped as all three women began to glow. He decided it was best to gloss over that part. He cleared his throat as he continued when we got to the point where the three of us with the two Tendo daughters and Fem-Boy's mother things were not right. He told him that presence was still there but he could not figure from where. He told them how things were going like the dream then the dream Nodoka stopped speaking she suddenly became encased in a red light. Then she shouted she was no longer this vile dream version of herself but the real Nodoka and that, we were going to leave Fem-Boy alone. She even attacked Akane when the youngest Tendo tried to mallet her Ranma also attacked the youngest Tendo.

"I see well Fem-Boy no longer fits Ranma boy. She is locked permanently a side effect when she tried to protect herself from the magic He who should not be named sent her away." Silver said as she waited for what she said to sink in to the boy's addled brain.

"WHAT! HAPPOSAI IS UNGUARDED!" Taro's face lit up as he now had a reason to head back to Japan.

"Wait, where did he go?" Taro was not use to Ranma being a, her yet.

"Happosai sent Ranma to place called Eternia where she is a powerful fighter and magic user now one called the Mystic Warrior. She is fighting an evil on another planet that if they win they will come to this planet." Silver said as she watched as the information sunk in.

"So why ask me all these questions? Didn't Mousse tell you his side of the dream?" Taro asked as his eyes narrowed at the elder.

"Yes but it seems everyone had different parts in the dream and when they died they woke up." Silver told him as she and the other two Amazons, rose to their feet.

"You will be immobilized then taken to Jusenkyo and left. Garnet and her people want nothing to do with Jusenkyo victims." Silver said as Garnet came forward and tapped Taro's paralysis point then summoned some guards to remove him to Jusenkyo.

"Do you think we will be able to go to this Etheria or is it Eternia to help?" Garnet asked Silver.

"We don't know Lily is talking with the king of Eternia he knows our old laws have been changed but he is not sure we cannot be trusted to fall back on them when it suits us." Silver said as she, Garnet and Emerald walked out of the jail cell.

"That is true it took us a long time to quit trying to use those stupid laws when we got rid of them. We finally enacted a punishment that anyone falling back on those laws removed from our law book would visit Jusenkyo." Garnet said as she escorted Silver to the guesthouse.

"We may have to do that. It was because of Shampoo's hurt pride during tournament that Ranma came to our attention and it was lucky for us when Saffron attacked she should have been punished for giving the 'Kiss of Death' during the games." Silver said her face scowled in disgust.

"Ahh Shampoo is Cologne's great granddaughter right?" Garnet said as their voices faded to whispers to Taro still locked in his cell and forgotten.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Taro woke up lying next to the springs of Jusenkyo the guide sat next to him he looked down and saw a blanket and he had a pillow as well. He frowned, as he did not think the Amazons would look to his creature comforts. He looked to his left and saw the guide sitting in a chair as he stared over the springs. He had a deep frown as he felt the springs growing angry.

"=The springs are angry! Something is happening that is bad!=" The man who guarded Jusenkyo said though Taro felt he was not being addressed.

"=How do you know that?=" Taro decided he wanted information he did not like being in the dark especially where he was concerned.

"=Look at the springs boy what do you see!=" The guide told him his Mandarin fluid and perfect.

Taro pushed back the blanket and stood his back toward the springs he stretched as it felt as if he had been on the ground for days. He was about to ask how long he had been at Jusenkyo when he stopped. He watched, as the ground in front of him seemed to strobe in a rainbow of colors. He turned and stared wide-eyed at the springs each pool glowed a different color. As he watched, the bright colors grew darker and he realized how the guide knew the springs were angry. What he wanted to know was why.

"Why are they angry!?" Taro asked forgetting to speak his native tongue and went back to his second language which he had been speaking the most the last three or four years.

"Not know see all springs glow no Spring of Drowned Girl! Victim of spring close to not cure curse. Not ever happen before." Tang the guide said his face in scowled confusion.

"Fem-Boy!" Taro whispered as he moved closer to the edge of the springs and looked in.

He watched as a dove moved to the surface it flapping its wings angrily at him he sat back as he decided he had to take a trip. He was going to find Fem-Boy and make him stop what he was doing. He turned to leave but his path was blocked by the guide the man's face was angry as he glared at Taro.

"Springs tell Tang what happen to Mr. Customer! That not anger springs! They want victims of springs to help Mr. Customer but their warriors not get to Mr. Customer!" Tang's anger was accompanied by a vacant look as he stared at the springs.

Taro turned and saw the springs, as their rainbow colors were now almost black. He bowed his head he really did not care what happened to Fem-Boy he now had free access to Happosai. However, something in him told him he should care. As something, very bad was coming. Then the dream flickered in his head as he remembered his part in the nightmare the springs began to bubble and boil with rage a fact he had not noticed but Tang had. Taro did not want to see Fem-Boy again; he did not care where he was or what evil he was fighting. It did not concern him. He started to walk off his goal finally within reach.

"Mr. Customer must find way to other Mr. Customer or springs take revenge." Taro stopped and turned to face the springs.

"I have my own life to consider first old man! _Ranma_ is not even on this planet! There is no way to get to him!" Taro said using Ranma's name instead of his usual nickname.

"Springs no care; springs want find Mr. Customer and help stop evil!" Taro just gave and exasperated wave as he turned and walked away from the Springs of Sorrow toward Japan to get his revenge on Happosai.

(l(l(l)l)l)

(Dani: Please no flames here I don't know how the courts work in Japan so I am making the workings similar as in the US. But with some minor differences, thank you.)

Soun sat in court he sat behind the defendant's table where Akane's lawyer sat and waited for her client. She was worried the young girl's outburst during the last hearing could jeopardize their case if she tried it again. As it was now she had more charges against her. The lawyer turned at the gentle touch. She looked down and saw a diminutive wrinkled hand on her arm. She followed it up and looked into the black eyes of a very old man.

"I am Happosai the grandmaster of the Anything Goes School once miss Tendo is brought in I will finish what Soun started at the last trial and completely lock her skills what little she has away to protect the court and spectators." He told her with deep sadness shimmering in his eyes.

"Will she allow you to do that?" Mesuko Keneko hoped so she did not want any more charges against her client.

"It will not be her choice. I may be perverted on my end but I will not tolerate any of my students attacking any law enforcement officers doing their duties." Happosai scowled at Soun as the Tendo Patriarch shuddered.

"Very well Happosai-san but you will try as well to keep your urges under control as well, yes?" Mesuko asked the little gnome.

"Yes my dear I promise." He said as he patted her arm and moved to sit with Soun.

Happosai sat back in his seat and waited a few moments later Akane was escorted into the courtroom her head bowed. When she looked up at her father he gasped at the hallowed sunken eyes of his daughter. The range of emotions that filled her eyes was not ones he had seen since the death of his beloved Kimiko. Akane sat at the table with her attorney the handcuffs were left on because of her last visit to the courthouse. Akane's head was bowed and she did not notice as Happosai moved like lightning. She did however notice him once he finished.

"WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME YOU OLD PERVERT!" Akane shouted as she tried to stand but her balance was off, Mesuko took a hold of her arm to keep her from falling.

"It is quite simple my dear I will not have your anger cause any more problems I have completed what your father did the last time you were in this court! I blocked all your skills so you can not harm any of these officers as they do their duties." Happosai said with an angry glare at the young Tendo.

"DADDY MAKE HIM RELEASE MY SKILLS!" Akane screamed at her father who sat there staring past his daughter.

"No! Now sit down and shut up!" Soun realized in order to protect his daughter he must first hurt her by removing her meager skills.

Akane glared at her father with anger and betrayal but she sat down when her lawyer put her hand on Akane's arm. The youngest Tendo looked around the courtroom as she looked for her sisters they were not there. She slumped depressed in her chair as she felt they had abandoned her to the lies told by others. Though she knew that Ranma would save her, he always saved her. He had to he was her fiancé after all. She had forgotten he denounced all the engagements the day Happosai sent him away. She wanted to forget as it did not fit in her own little world where she was queen!

"All rise!" The room rose and waited as the judge entered the courtroom Akane frowned, as it was the same judge from Nabiki's trial.

There was a commotion at the back of the courtroom. Akane turned and saw her two sisters enter. Behind them was the man she now knew as her uncle. He followed Nabiki into the room. Behind Kasumi was the gajin that had been there during Nabiki's proceedings. They took seats behind their father. She smiled at them but turned quickly to the judge as his gavel hit the wood block that went with it.

"Come to order. Is the defense ready?" The judge looked at Mesuko.

"Yes your honor we are." Mesuko said as she stood next to Akane.

"Is the prosecution ready?" The judge asked as he looked at the other table.

"Yes your honor but we have a stipulation!" The attorney for the prosecution said as he stood and looked at the still handcuffed Akane and the guard moving to remove them.

"What is that?" The judge asked as his eyes flitted toward the defense table and saw what was about to happen and figured out the request.

"That the defendant's handcuffs not be removed." The prosecutor said as he frowned at Akane.

"WHAT! THAT IS NOT FAIR!" Akane jumped to her feet only to be pushed back down into her seat by her lawyer.

"Your honor if it was not for what happened before the start of this trial I would have agreed with the prosecutor. However, the aged gentlemen there is the grandmaster Happosai of the school my client and her family practice. He has fixed it so that Ms. Tendo has no access to her skills. She is still though very strong she however does not have access to her chi mallet." Mesuko explained.

"You Happosai, is it? Step forward please." The judge requested of Happi who walked very sedately through the gate separating the gallery from the litigants to stand before the judge.

"You are the schools grandmaster? What proof do you have she can no longer access her normal weapons." The judge said with narrowed eyes.

"Our school does not use weapons normally your honor. Miss Tendo taught herself the chi mallet something I am very proud of her for doing." Happosai started but did not see as Akane blushed.

"However her father's depression after their mother's death caused her to try and train herself she is very strong but she has no real skill except as a bully. That was one of the problems between her and her _ex_-fiancé. His skill was beyond phenomenal." Happosai continued as he winked at the judge and hoped the man realized he was trying to prove Akane was defused to an extent.

"YOU LITTLE PREVERT! I AM TO A SKILLED MARTIAL ARTIST!" Akane shouted as she jumped to her feet a very thin line of red tried to form around her but it kept going out.

"She has no real skills to mention. Her cooking is toxic, her cleaning atrocious, she can't sew a straight line. Though she is a so-so actress I wouldn't pay good money to see her." Happosai kept talking calmly as he felt Akane's rage build.

"YOU LITTLE BAS...! HEY WHERE IS MY MALLET! YOU LITTLE FREAK RELEASE ME SO I CAN POUND YOU!" Akane screamed as she tried to summon her implement of retribution but it refused to appear.

"*BANG* *BANG* *BANG* *BANG*! That is enough young lady sit down now!" Akane looked to the judge her rage directed at him but his glare back at her made her blush with embarrassment as she sat down in her chair.

"Request denied as long as Happosai-san remains in the courtroom to keep her under control." The judge declared and received a nod from Happi agreeing to his request.

The prosecution brought forth all the boys that Akane beat up every morning before Ranma came. The defense was able to get them to admit that Kuno Tatewaki had them attack her for the right to date her. She also got them to admit that she had turned them all down if they asked her nicely as well. The prosecution then brought forth Ranma's friends they talked about how Akane would not allow Ranma to have friends and that he had to push them way from him in order to keep them safe.

The defense tried to get them to admit they abandoned Ranma's friendship because of his being attacked all the time by his rivals and crazy fighters looking to defeat the great Saotome Ranma. Mesuko however could not find a kink in their stories. They admitted that was the other reason Ranma pushed them away because _no one_ watched out for the innocents that were around them. Ranma nearly died several times because he tried to keep the non-combatants safe from Akane and the others that wanted to enslave him.

"Your honor I object this witness is giving personal opinion that has no basis in fact." The judge looked at the young boy on the stand, before he could rule on the objection the boy spoke again.

"I can prove it is fact not an opinion. Let's talk about their attempt at a wedding. After Ranma saved Jusendo valley where he got his curse the guide sent him a barrel of water from the Spring of Drowned Boy to cure him. It hurt him that Akane knew about the water but did not tell him and allowed the father's to force Ranma to marry her to get it." The brown haired boy said at the shouts from the gallery of agreement.

"ORDER, ORDER! I will have quiet or will clear the gallery." The judge turned to the young boy this time he had a question.

"Tell me young man how many friends did Ranma have?" The judge asked as he glared at Soun and his daughter.

"Well besides me and Daisuke not many that he knew of, he could not have any friends that were girls and there are a lot of girls that wanted just to be friends. That was because none of the fiancée-brigade would allow him that opportunity. The boys that were a part of the morning attacks they were afraid of him. He though had a code that he would not fight anyone who was not of his level. The only time he broke that was to stop the morning fights. There were though about thirty or more of the guys not in the morning fights but was afraid if they started being friendly with Ranma Akane would start pounding on them like she tried to do to Daisuke and me many times." He said as he looked at the judge because he knew Akane and Nabiki were giving him lethal stares.

"I see but you and Daisuke still tried to be friends?" The judge asked the young boy.

"Yes we did. We even followed him a couple times when he snuck away for a training trip. We didn't train mind you but we went to the amusement park or we went to Tokyo to see the sights. We just wanted Ranma to have a normal life even if it was for only a day or two." The young boy said as he hung his head sadly.

"Now Ranma is gone and we can't see or talk to him any longer." Mesuko glared at the young boy as he painted her client as a manipulative vindictive bully.

"Any further questions I will let stand the testimony as given." The judge said as he looked at Mesuko.

"No, your honor." The lithe lawyer moved back to the defense table her mind thinking over what the young boy had said under direct examination and her questioning.

Mesuko was wondering if she should have refused to take this case. Everyone that has come to testify against her client said she tended to reinvent what happened to where this Ranma was always at fault when clearly she was. The problem was her family and his were willing to allow it and the abuse she evidently heaped on him. She came out of her thoughts as another person was called. She smiled, as it was Ukyo Kounji.

Mesuko listened making notes on where she was planning to attack the girl. Until she heard her account of the day, they all stormed Saotome Nodoka's home to get the device they used to talk with her friend. She smiled as she caught her in an answer she could exploit until the prosecution beat her to it.

"Friend Ms. Kounji? Were you not a fiancée and there, to force his mother to give you the communication device?" The prosecutor asked the young chef.

"Yes I was but after Akane attacked the officer that day I realized I was really no better than her and the others. I realized Ranma was my friend first. Our fathers engaged us even though Genma had no intention in upholding the promise...!" She was cut off by Mesuko.

"I object your honor she does not know what Ms. Tendo and Mr. Saotome's fathers intended." Mesuko smirked at the attorney but shuddered at his glare.

"Actually yes she can. Please tell us what happened when you were supposed to go with him after you were engaged?" The prosecutor asked Ukyo

"Your honor I object!" Mesuko continued to try to stop this line of questioning.

"Genma abandoned me two days outside Kyoto." She said as she looked at the lawyer next to her.

"Overruled Ms Keneko she knows his mind due to her own experience with him." The judge said as Mesuko slumped in her chair and glared at Ukyo.

She told of how her father forced her to live as a boy after she was abandoned at the side of the road at six years of age. She decided after twelve years of being forced to pay for his mistake she no longer had to uphold his punishment since her father knew Ranma was already engaged. She told the court how she apologized for her behavior to Mrs. Saotome and her son and that she hoped Ranma would forgive her and allow her still to be his friend. She told of Genma's attack on the Saotome home and by Kodachi Kuno's as well. She told of the fact that she was now a Saotome as Nodoka had adopted her. Ukyo broke down in tears but still looked up at the courtroom with a bright smile. Her last statement under questions by the prosecution brought gasps from many there.

"Ranma and I are kindred spirits we both were raised without our mothers and by fathers whose only goal was to get what they could from their children. We both now have a family that loves us and wants us to be happy and healthy. When Mrs. Saotome asked me to be a part of her family, I said yes. I however did not answer the night she asked. I wanted to make sure I was making the decision for me alone and not to be near Ranma. It took me almost two weeks when I returned to my new family I agreed for my sake. I do realize that Ranma played a part in my decision she had to. However, it was only a small part because now she is my sister. The joy I felt overwhelmed me to such an extent that it blocked out the shared nightmare all of us who tortured Ranma had not long after he left." Ukyo's voice grew despondent and frightened as Akane glared at her.

"Ms Kounji...!" Ukyo cut him off with a grin on her tears filled face.

"It is now and forever more Takashi! My mother took her maiden name after the divorce." Ukyo said as she smiled at Nodoka who sat in the gallery with Lily and Mousse.

"Very well Ms. Takashi it sounds interesting but a shared nightmare is not why we are here. What can you tell us of Tendo Akane's behavior not only to Ranma her fiancé but others as well?" Ukyo narrowed her eyes at the lawyer but nodded.

"Tendo Akane would never take responsibility for what she did. It was always Ranma's fault. She would even protect and believe his enemies over him. They were just as skilled in the art as him. She took his worst enemy to bed with the knowledge of her and Ranma's fathers. Hibiki Ryoga has a Jusenkyo curse and he used that curse by tricking Ranma into believing he was the cause of the curse when it was Genma Saotome. Then Ryoga after getting a promise of honor from Ranma to keep his secret started going to bed with Akane as her pet pig P-Chan. Honor dictated Ranma could not tell her. He didn't however say he couldn't give her hints large enough to drive a tanker through. She however refused to see or listen." Ukyo said as she turned at the shout from the defense table.

"NO YOU ARE LYING!" Akane jumped to her feet knocking her chair over.

"Am I Tendo let's see Ryoga changed in front of you oh I'd say four times that I know of. Tell me Tendo did you know Ryoga was P-Chan and that gave you an excuse to have an affair with him!" Ukyo snarled as out of the corner of her eyes she saw her grandmother hold Nodoka in her seat.

"NO! I didn't...I couldn't! I love Ran...I love him!" The words left Akane's lips as she fell to her knees her hands grasping the edge of the table as she leaned forward between her arms and cried.

"A bit to late isn't Akane! Because you alone of all the fiancées had his love but you destroyed it so completely that he is now permanently female!" Ukyo glared at her as a thin red line appeared around her.

"So Ms. Takashi you are saying her constant poisoning, beatings, and betrayal was all she did to this poor boy?" The lawyer knew the whole story most everyone in Nerima did and most of the government officials defiantly had.

"No I think what hurt Ranma the most and was the most dangerous to others around Miss Tendo was her ability much like the Kunos to see what she wanted to see if she did not like it if it did not fit into her world she changed it. The problem was she changed it so the villain was always my _brother_ Ranma. I can admit now that Ranma may have loved Akane though I am sure he didn't know what love really was. Akane was the closest thing to it he ever had since he was six." Ukyo turned to face the gasp from Akane's table.

"She abused him because his honor would not allow him to defend himself from her attacks. Her constant betrayals where Hibiki was concerned not to mention the blackmail and extortion she allowed Nabiki to perpetrate against him for things she damaged or destroyed. It eroded the feelings he had for her. It was really, not just Ranma but mostly it was he. She would get angry and use that da...stupid mallet on other people if they did not believe she was the end all be all. She had attacked several of the students who had no skill in the art. They laughed because she was caught in a lie about her abilities and when she tried to prove her claim, it was obvious she had no skill. They would laugh harder and she tried to hit them with her mallet. Usually if Ranma was there, he would stop her. If not I would." Ukyo said as Akane tried to charge the witness stand to make Ukyo shut up.

"What if neither of you were there?" Ukyo's tears flowed as she bowed her head.

"I cannot attest to what she did I didn't see it I only know by what I was told." Ukyo knew she would not get to tell because it was what the courts called 'Hear Say'.

"That is fine miss Takashi I have witnesses that will tell us how far Miss Tendo will go to keep her fantasies going. I am through with this witness your honor." The prosecutor moved back toward his table.

Mesuko rose to her feet. Her face had a deep scowl but not at Ukyo at Akane. She would have to have a word with her friend Kentou-san. She did not like her client and was fast getting to the point she hated her. She however was required to do her best for her and she would but she was going to hate doing her job today. She took her notepad and headed to the witness stand. She stared at Ukyo who was wearing a lovely gauze sundress in silvery lavender. In her lap sat a light gauzy wide brimmed sunhat of white brocade on white and on the top of the brim were two layers of satin in copper lying on top of the brim. She wore silver battle slippers on her feet.

"Miss Kou...Takashi what was your relationship like with the defendant?" Mesuko asked the girl as she turned to look at a smug Akane.

"The term I would use is the name of that American cable show 'Frienameies'!" The young girl said as she turned back to the lawyer.

"So you are both friends and enemies?" Mesuko asked as she glanced down at her notes.

"Mostly enemies but yes I mean after all we were two of his what thirty something fiancées his father engaged him to when he got caught stealing from their families." Ukyo said as she glared at the lawyer.

"If you weren't enemies would you be friends with her?" Mesuko asked thinking she knew the answer.

"No probably not." Ukyo smiled at the shock look on the lawyer's face.

"But you just said...!" She is cut off by the new sister of Ranma.

"Yes that is because I know her through Ranma. If Ranma never came into my life, I would never have met her and I would not have liked her if I had. Oh, and before you ask if I met her as Ranma's friend and not a fiancée I would still not like her and tell Ranma so and why." Ukyo said as she glared at the lawyer.

"The times you had to stop her from attacking others, how often was that?" Mesuko asked her as she looked up from her notepad through her lashes.

"Let me think a minute...!" Ukyo said as the court watched her as she mentally counted off the number of times she had to stop Akane from attacking defenseless students.

"Miss Takashi we are waiting!" Mesuko said wanting an answer now because her counting off the times was not going good for her client.

"I would say I personally stopped her over a three year period about twelve times. It may have been more since you didn't want me to continue to count. It was most defiantly not less than twelve." She told the lawyer to the chuckles of the gallery and the banging of the gavel.

"*BANG* *BANG* *BANG* *BANG*! Order in the court!" The judge nodded at Mesuko to continue.

"Did anyone else try to stop her? Like this Kuno Tatewaki?" Mesuko asked as she looked down at her notepad.

"BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Him, stop his 'Fierce Tigress Akane' I doubt it he is crazy about her because she beat him once. She can do no wrong." Ukyo said as she glared at her rival.

"What about Ranma's female side?" Mesuko wanted to prove Ranma was the cause of some of the issues to put some doubt in the minds of the judge and any future jury.

"Same reason he was his 'Pigtailed Goddess' because he beat him. He even changed from a female to a male in the idiots arms and he still would not believe they were the same person." Ukyo said as she rolled her eyes.

"So is it safe to say that because of Ranma this Kuno attacked him and Akane?" Mesuko got the question out the way she wanted it, now to get the answer she wanted.

"Well let me think." Ukyo said as she controlled her anger she knew this lawyer was paid to get Akane off but now she was just being rude.

"I would have to say _NO_! Kuno attacked Akane long before Ranma got there! If anything _she_ and her mercenary sister was the reason Kuno wouldn't leave her alone in either or her forms." Ukyo said as she leaned forward and glared at the attorney a thin red line around her.

"You just want to vilify Ranma because Akane is a spoiled rotten princess. One that would have if her family would have let her reap the consequences of her actions may have turned into a very decent person as it is now she will attack and could kill some poor person who looked at her funny or said the wrong thing to her." Ukyo said as she spotted her new mother in the gallery and saw her smile tenderly at her this had the effect Nodoka was hoping for and Ukyo calmed.

"Are you saying because she might hurt someone she should be locked away!" Mesuko smiled inwardly as that question got a response from the gallery.

"No I am not saying that far from it. Akane has anger issues very bad ones; I am sorry Kasumi because I know you had no real authority to help her. She needs help not to be locked in a cell and forgotten. She needs to come to grip with the loss of her mother and her father. They all need to get help so they can resolve their pain and move on." Mesuko scowled, as that was not what she wanted to hear she wanted a hysterical woman in love with the same man blame her client.

"That is very empathetic of you considering you just admitted that the man you love loved someone else." Mesuko decided to try and get her to appear as insincere as possible.

"I won't deny that fact that it hurts but kami-sama Ranma killed a demi-god to protect her! I at that time did not want to believe Ranma could love someone like Akane. She would never believe him, she didn't trust him, and she would rather see the good in everyone else including those idiots trying to kill him then to admit she cared for Ranma or to get rid of the only punching bag she had that could withstand her abuse." Ukyo said her face instead of in a scowl of anger as Mesuko hoped it was filled with pity as she looked at Akane.

"Until they all get help I am afraid none of their lives will be worth living. I should know." Ukyo said as she turned back to face the defense lawyer.

"What do you mean Ms. Takashi?" Mesuko asked her though not relevant she was curious.

"I object the defense has been trying this witness in order to make her client appear normal. She has no right to ask personal questions that do not pertain to this trial." Before Mesuko could give a reason as to relevance, the judged ruled.

"Overruled, the court is interested in this witness and how she can now feel pity for the defendant after all she was suppose to have done." Mesuko nodded to the judge and turned back to Ukyo.

"When Takashi-san adopted me there was a lot of anger not only against Saotome Genma but against Ranma. I had pushed it down deep inside when I re-established myself as a fiancée. My new mother wanted me to understand why I should not have blamed a six-year-old child for something his father did. I was six at the time also so I held onto that child's anger for twelve years. In therapy, I have learned a lot, about why I did some of the things I did to keep Ranma from Akane. Though I am not sorry I stopped the wedding with Shampoo for if Ranma would have married her she would have taken it as cart blanch to torment and possibly kill Ranma." Ukyo said as she stared straight ahead at her new family she blushed at the proud smiles on their faces.

"I have no more questions your honor." Mesuko walked away from the witness box.

As she sat down at the defense table, she felt dirty having to make that girl admit her need to cleanse herself as well as try to help another. The only good thing that came from it was the fact that she now has a way to keep Akane from jail on the charges against her for attacking the office at the Saotome compound as well as trying to attack Mrs. Saotome. She now had to figure out how to get her leniency for her actions in court.

The trial moved slowly as the prosecution summoned forth the victims of Akane's uncontrollable rage and her irrationalities in blaming her victims for her inability to control herself. Mesuko did as much damage control as she could but the other witnesses did not care why Akane did what she did just that they were injured and nothing was ever done about it because of either Kuno Tatewaki or Nabiki Tendo. Mesuko's dislike for her client and her family was growing. As the witnesses came forth followed by, several corroborating witnesses told of their misfortune of having a run in with the youngest Tendo.

(l(l(l)l)l)

The trial had taken almost a week to get through the victims of Akane's anger and the squashing of the attacks by Kuno Tatewaki and his father. In some cases, it was; Nabiki that forced the victim to recant their statements. As each witness talked of what had happened after they got out of the hospital, Nabiki seemed the most distraught by their stories, as did Kasumi. Akane just sat at her table next to her lawyer and glared at the people she hurt. Several times, she had to be restrained as she showed her mental workings in blaming the victims for their being brutalized.

The last two days of the trial was taken up by Akane's attack on the bailiffs during her preliminary hearing. There was nothing Mesuko could really due for her on these, charges she was a witness to her actions as was the prosecutor and judge. There was no mistake Akane attacked and without any real provocation. She was sentenced on those charges alone to five years. Whether she gets probation or actual time in jail depends on what outcome of the first part of the trial.

As the last day of the trail came, to an end Akane's anger had reached an all time high. She wanted to pound all the witnesses especially Ukyo! She wanted to pound the judge, the prosecutor even her own lawyer. She felt her lawyer was not doing everything she could to get her freed. She should have worked harder to put the blame on Ranma where it belonged. The judge had left his bench to go over what was learned in the trial. Akane had been remanded to a holding cell. Those in the gallery had gone for some dinner. The judge wanted to end the trial today so he called the recess to end at eight o'clock after everyone had a chance to be fed.

The judge ate in his chambers as he went over everything. He was inclined to agree with Ukyo who thought not only about Akane but also the whole family needed help. He knew Nabiki was as part of her probation. He however did not think Akane would follow through unless forced to do so. He then went through the testimony of the victims of Akane who were not lucky enough to have either miss Takashi or Ranma be around to stop Akane. He frowned as he was going to see them compensated by the Kuno family. Nabiki had already been tried for her part in the blackmail and extortion. She at least gave the families what she could but he felt not enough.

He paused as a knock came to his door he frowned, as he was not to be disturbed. He rose and opened the door to see Nabiki Tendo standing there and his frown deepened. He looked at her and saw her demeanor had changed from the haughty shark like mercenary to a frightened child. He waved her in and directed her to a seat. She sat down but never looked the judge in the eyes as she had been broken her spirit was now nothing more than a flicker.

"Miss Tendo it is inappropriate for you to be here considering I am deciding your sister's fate." The judge said as she finally looked up at her eyes filled with tears.

"I have nothing to say to save my sister your honor. I feel that she needs to be held accountable for all that she has done and I was no help by getting those she hurt...by forcing them not to press charges. I have come to ask a favor in her sentence. I would like no matter what her sentence is that she be forced into counseling. Kasumi has agreed to go with me for family counseling but daddy and Akane both are going to need to be forced." She said as she pleaded for the right to help her sister get through her rage.

"So if I see she must have jail time you don't care." The judge asked trying to understand this girl before him.

"*SIGH* I love my sister but Ukyo was right we made her what she is. I think a good dose of consequences is what she needs but if she is to be able to survive when she gets out or off probation whatever you decide, she needs to get rid of her rage. Daddy needs to understand what he did to us when he refused to raise us after mom died. I have talked with Happosai, he will not remove the lock on her skills until her sentence, and counseling is completed if at all." Nabiki said as her tears finally fell.

"I don't want to see my sister in jail but it is what she needs to realize she is not the center of the universe." Nabiki said as she began to rise from her chair.

"That is all I wanted to say. Thank you for allowing me to say my piece." Nabiki bowed deeply to the judge then left his office.

The judge just sat there staring at the door where Nabiki had disappeared. He would not change his sentence but he would consider her request. The family is, was, and will be dysfunctional until they all received counseling. He lowered his head then summoned the prosecutor and defense attorney to let them know of his visitor and her request.

(l(l(l)l)l)

The gallery was filled to over flowing. Akane sat at the table her anger now focused solely on her sister Nabiki. Her attorney had told her of Nabiki's visit to the judge. What enraged her was she did not beg the judge for her to set free. She did nothing wrong she should not be on trial. Ranma was the cause of all of this and as soon as she was free, she would hunt him down and beat him to a bloody pulp and beyond! She was nudged to stand as the judge entered the courtroom and took his place at the bench. He glared down at the angry Akane but she just glared back her rage growing as she stared him down. The slap on the back of Akane's head caused her to turn and see her father glaring at her. Her shoulders slumped as she looked down at her feet.

"This trail was very complicated. There were not only the rights of Mrs. Saotome but also all the victims that have fallen to Miss Tendo's unbridled rage. These victims were swept under the rug by others and were never given the compensation they deserved. I am going to give them that and more. Will the defendant please rise." The judge said as he watched as Mesuko pulled Akane roughly to her feet because she was refusing to stand.

"Miss Tendo the five years you received for attacking an officer of the court stands you will spend five years in a minimum security facility and during that time you will be put in counseling both alone and in family counseling with your sisters. Mr. Tendo you will also go through counseling because of your neglect your children turned out this way. If you refuse then you will never have access to your daughters again." The judge looked at Soun as he jumped to his feet.

"WHAT! YOU CAN'T DO THAT!" Soun shouted but quickly sat down as Happosai tapped a pressure point on his back.

"Yes he can and you will follow his orders or I remove the Tendo-Ryuu from my school!" Happosai told his student who cowered in his chair.

"Thank you Happosai-san." The judge said as he nodded to the tired old gnome.

"At the end of your five year sentence which if you make progress may make you eligible for parole. Once you have completed your jail time you will finish your sentence with five years of probation where you will continue to go to therapy and will do community service. At the end of the probationary period which will not be commuted down you will return to court to determine if your probation should be continued or ended." The judge slammed his gavel down and rose to leave the scream that filled the court caused him to turn to the gallery.

"I WILL NOT HAVE THIS! RELEASE MY FAIR AKANE!" Kuno ran forward his bokken rose ready to strike the judge he however never made it to him as he passed Lily her staff reached and causing him to fall and his practice sword to skid across the floor to stop at the feet of the judge.

"Aw yes Mr. Kuno I am glad you are here now I can place my judgment against you and your family." The judge returned to his bench and glared down at the confused man as he was lifted by two bailiffs.

"During this trial it was found and proven you and your father threatened and coerced Miss Tendo's victims into not perusing their rights against her. I have checked with my law books and with other judges on what I found and am solely within my rights to make a judgment against you and your family.

"Your financial advisors will be contacted by an court clerk tomorrow and a trust fund will be set up where the Kuno clan will place an amount to be determined by the clerk into an irrevocable trust to compensate your past victims and any new ones that I believe you will no doubt have. It will be a sizable chunk from the entire estate, from yours and your sister's trust funds not to mention from your father's money. I will not tolerate your kind of interference in a citizen's right to seek compensation when wronged. Bailiffs lock him up until the clerk notifies you of my order having been carried out." With that, the judge left carrying the bokken with him as he headed to his chambers.