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

14. Chapter 14

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 Fourteen

"So how did your training go?" The Sorceress asked as they watched as Meriana colored with the coloring books and crayons they brought back for her.

"Very well, it also went well with mom but I still won't go to her home. It is to close to Nerima and she has enough problems with the panda." Jun said as he smiled as he watched Meriana talking with her dolls as she colored.

"So will you be meeting Happosai there every time you go for training?" The Sorceress asked them as they turned and gave her their full attention.

"No he now knows where our secret training ground is and he promised not to tell anyone. So, we will meet him there. We however will not be training for a few days we have to go over the scrolls he gave us. He wants us to understand them first then when we meet him in five days he will test us." Akira said as she and Jun pulled out the scrolls.

"Oh I almost forgot. Jun these are early birthday presents for you from everyone.

"I already opened mine." Akira said with a grin as she handed his presents to her brother and pulled out hers.

"We also picked up a second earth laptop. Once Man at Arms has time to alter the first one I want to be, there so I can learn how to do it and alter this one. I also brought mom's back with me so hers will be able to pick up and receive messages from us." Akira said as Jun and the Sorceress looked through their gifts.

"I thought while he had mom's laptop we can fill it with pictures and video of us, Meriana, the Sorceress and all the sights of Grayskull and Eternia." Akira told her as she pointed to the digital camera and extra memory sticks and f flash drives.

"She got us different hobby books so we can learn from them and make a living. Once the war is over it will be nice to earn what we need, even though we don't need to. It will make us feel a part of Eternia and help us make friends with the locals." Akira said as Jun tore opened his gifts.

"Wow! We aren't just learning our own hobbies are we!?" Jun asked knowing the answer.

"Nah mom just split them in two piles so we each had something to open. Oh I see you got some cookbooks!" Akira said as she grabbed an American cookbook.

"So what kind of things will you do as a means of making money?" The Sorceress said as she stared at all the options.

"Well not really sure but it will be fun to learn. Would you like to come and learn with us? I am thinking since the rooms on the second floor are as large as the rooms on the first I will turn one of them into a craft room and get some sewing machines and things like that. If Jun and I decide to go with Ceramics we can turn one of the first floor rooms into a workshop for clay and another one for woodworking." Akira said as she frowned as Jun shook his head.

"I got an idea. We need to build a green house in that space behind the castle wall what if we make a large workshop maybe two or three stories. The first story could be divided into to two rooms one for clay and sculpting work the other for wood working then. The second story can be crafting, sewing and jewelry making and the third story can be painting and maybe mosaic title pictures and such." Jun wanted his ideas out there before anything was decided.

"That might work too, and we can keep it locked so Meriana does not get to the dangerous equipment without us being near by to keep an eye on her." Akira said, as she liked that idea.

"That sounds like fun are you going to build it out of quartz like the castle?" The Sorceress asked them as she loved the book on jewelry making.

"Yeah we have a lot of quartz still in the mind though there rose is pretty much depleted. Once the main structure is done, we will temper it as well. I was wondering how about using the quartz as the foundation for the green house complex we could build one and add more as we need them." Akira said as she looked at her brother as he stared at a woodworking pattern book.

"Poppa what you got?" The twins looked down as Meriana crawled up between them.

"Gifts for me and momma we received from gramma and great gramma." Jun decided to wait until Ukyo agreed to be their sister before telling Meriana so the chef would not feel pushed into it.

"Can I color the picture?" Meriana asked as she looked at one of the books.

"No sweetie these are not coloring books like those over there. These are momma and poppa books we are going to use them to make things to sell to help support us." Jun said as he smiled down at her inquisitive eyes.

"Can I learn too?" She asked as she saw the pretty jewelry in one of the books.

"I don't see why not but I am afraid you might have to wait until we learn or we can learn together that might be more fun." Akira said as she leaned down and kissed the top of her daughter's head.

"I like that! Is auntie Sorceress gonna learn to?" Meriana asked as she looked at her auntie.

"Yes I am your momma and poppa has already invited me to join in the fun." The Sorceress leaned forward and smiled at the happy little girl.

"Oh Prince Adam and Man at Arms are here." As the Sorceress rose to her feet the twins put away their gifts and cleaned up the child messes but did not put anything away just stacked them neatly out of the way of traffic.

"Greetings Prince Adam, Man at Arms. Hey Cringer!" Akira bowed to her friends, as did Jun.

"Duncan please Akira, Jun." The king's builder asked.

"Hello Akira and Jun! How is it going have you gotten use to seeing yourself yet?" Adam asked his eyes alight with curiosity.

"It has been surprisingly quick. We had to get acclimated quickly especially with the battle for Brightmoon on Etheria. How did the explanations go?" Jun asked being careful not to mention Adams alter ego.

"Frosta and Castaspella can't wait to meet their newest friend. Once they understood that you and Akira are Ranma just two different bodies." Adam said with a grin as Meriana stared at them confused.

The adults watched as Meriana bored with the conversation moved off toward her dolls and Wolfie. She snuggled into Wolfie's paws and began to color again.

"You know you two should not keep bringing her back gifts from earth it will only spoil her." Man at Arms said even though he used to do the same thing for Teela.

"Yeah we know but she doesn't have much to play with right now and well we like doing it." Akira said with a giggle at his mock scowl.

"So what brings you here Prince Adam?" The Sorceress said with a warm smile as she indicated the empty chairs at the dining table.

"Well I am to see the sketches of the rooms in the dun...!" Man at Arms was cut of quickly by Akira.

"Basement please." She said as she pointed to Meriana who looked up as he started mentioning the dungeon.

"Oh yes right, basement and what type of equipment you want down there." Man at Arms could not do it himself but since the twins wanted to learn to do for themselves he needed to know what to teach them.

"Well here is the sketches of what the basement looks like all the doors are gone and removed any metal from the area. We also want to set up a treasure vault to hold our gifts from Nova. There is a lot of regular armor we can use to decorate the castle but there is also a lot of magical armor and weapons we need to secure. I think a third of the basement for each?" Akira said as she pulled out the sketchpad Jun and she was going over.

"Do you think you will need more for the electronics? Also do you think you can alter our one laptop to reach earth we want to do it with your guiding us then we can do our second laptop and mom's ourselves." Jun asked as he handed one of the three laptops they had with them to Duncan.

"Yes that is an easy fix and yes I can train you to do that as well." Duncan liked that the two Mystic Warriors wanted to gain the knowledge to fix their own things and he relished the idea of training them.

"Now as I look at your sketches and the list of things you wanted in there I think you may need to shrink down your armory, your vault or both as there needs to be redundant circuits incase of an electrical storm damage or such.

"How much?" Jun asked as he frowned at losing the space for either the armor or treasury.

"I will need at least a minimum half of the basement." Duncan liked that term over dungeon maybe he can get King Randor to use it instead.

"Hum there is a lot of both groups. What if we dig out and enlarge the basement under the garden. We can use some of the quartz to make the walls for the new section and temper it as well. Then we can make the basement under the castle for the electronics and add one room to the front and back for the armory and the vault." Akira asked Jun as he nodded with a gleeful smile.

"That would work and you can build hidden doors for those two rooms. Uh how your you going to do that if the quartz is tempered it will be like cutting through diamonds!?" Duncan asked as Adam looked on listening to every word.

"These." Jun and Akira said as their ki claws appeared on their hands.

"EEP!" Cringer hid under the table at the glowing red claws.

"Cringer it is alright." Adam said as he pulled the tail of tiger to get him from under the table as his shaking was rocking the whole table.

"GIGGLE!" They turned to see Meriana giggling at them from the safety of Wolfie's paws.

"Ok you little imp you go back to coloring!" Jun said as he smiled at her.

"Hey Cringer why don't you go play with Meriana." Adam suggested as Cringer removed his paws from his eyes and shrieked as he looked at Meriana.

"N...No the...there's tha...that big b...beast ther...there!" They all looked and saw only Wolfie behind Meriana.

"Cringer that is a stuffed _toy_ made to look like a large dog." Akira told the frightened cat neither she nor Jun could understand the difference between Cringer and Battlecat.

"N...No!" Cringer refused and Jun shrugged his shoulders at his daughter who shrugged back and continued to color in the comfort and safety of Wolfie's paws.

"It is alright Adam, cringer will settle down soon." The Sorceress told him as she glowed slightly.

"Thanks Sorceress it is hard to get ideas with the table moving." Duncan said as the woman smiled at him as Cringer fell asleep under the table.

"How soon do you wish to start?" Duncan asked as he looked at everything they needed.

"Well we can dig out the other two rooms after the electronics are done right and add security for them after they are finished, right?" Jun asked remembering their training with Happosai.

"Yes that way you can design them to suit your needs better." Duncan said as he made some drawings into the cells and designed where everything was going to go.

"Do you want view screes on the first floor?" He asked as he drew more equipment and worked on the best place to put them.

"Yes I think in the throne room and war room. Though the screen should be smaller and maybe buried in the wall behind the dais since it will not be a throne room any longer." Jun said as he watched as Duncan drew what he thought they would need.

"How long do you think it will take to make the wing rooms? I know youi are thinking bout doing after we get the castle hooked up." Duncan said as he thought about how to set up security for the rooms.

"Well the breaking point cutting out the room not much time. The time will be when we temper the quartz we use to hold the walls and ceilings up." Akira said as she tried to figure out how long that would take.

"Oh I forgot about that. You might want to get done before we start the immense heat could damage the electronic." Duncan said as he wondered if there was a way to prevent that.

"Well actually we can create a barrier that will hold the heat in." Akira said as she remembered the barrier around Nova's inheritance she had hidden in the mountains.

"Good then we can get started on your training when you are ready. Adam said you are training with the grandmaster of your school. How often and how long do you think it will take?" Duncan asked, as he wanted to get their training going before something else came up.

"We are going to be training twice a week all day. He has given us scrolls to learn and he will work with us to get them right. We are very quick studies and since it is basically our school and we know the Tendo and Saotome School the others should be learnt fairly quickly." Jun said as he wrapped a proud and loving arm around his sister.

"All right let's see I can start your training tomorrow is that good for you?" Duncan asked just as excited as Akira and Jun.

"That would be perfect." Akira gushed as her eyes sparkled with excitement.

"One more thing I have, explicate instructions that Meriana is to join you. Queen Marlena and Adora want time with her." Duncan smirked as the two Takashi siblings giggled.

"I won't say yes or no. She just had a bad experience and she feels safest with the Sorceress when we have to leave." Jun said as he stared over at his daughter as she colored in her new color books.

"What happened?" Duncan asked as he too watched as Meriana happily colored while they talked.

Jun and Akira told them what had happened while they were on Etheria. The two men sat their mouths agape as they told of the battle with the angry spirits and Nova's part in the protection of the Sorceress and Meriana. The two men stared at the mosaic and wondered if it was a good idea for Ranma to put it the center of Grayskull. The Sorceress saw there looks then made her voice known.

"The Mystic Warriors have given me and the future Sorceresses a very special gift I cannot say what it is for it is for us. The mosaic is not a danger but a great protection. I can summon help from the spirits that were used to create it. Now the cat spirit won't be Battlecat until he moves on but a cat spirit of great power will come to the aid of Grayskull. Nova proved that." The Sorceress said as she smiled at Akira and Jun.

"We are going to however use Nova's tomes to find a way to keep the ambient spirits out of Grayskull or linked to the mosaic." The Sorceress finished as she smiled sweetly but with a deadly glint in her eyes.

"Alright but if you need help let us know. We will see you in three days for your first lesson. May I take the laptop so I can figure the best way to do what you want? I promise not to make any changes until you can do them." Duncan said as Jun nodded.

"Thank you Duncan, and Adam please let your mother know if Meriana refuses to leave Grayskull she will not be with us. After the spirits attacked we have to give her time to build her courage up again." Akira told the prince of Eternia.

"I will Akira and we hope she does want to come with you." Adam said with a bright smile on his face as he stared at Meriana now playing with her dolls.

"She may we just need to wait and see." Jun said as they walked with Duncan and Adam to the entrance of Grayskull.

None of the adults saw as Meriana stared after her parents fear filled her face. She rose and slowly followed them to a doorway just before the jaw bridge she peeked around the corner and watched as her parents waved goodbye to their friends. She watched with relief as auntie Sorceress closed the door and her parents remained in the castle. As they turned to head back to the throne room Meriana ran back to the safety of Wolfie and her dolls. She ignored them as they returned to the dining table.

"Meriana do you feel better now that we returned?" Akira asked her daughter a knowing smile and outstretched arms for her daughter.

"Yes!" Meriana said as she ran into her mother's embrace.

"We sensed her behind the doorway watching us as we said goodbye to Adam and Duncan." Jun said as he went to his sister and daughter and hugged them both.

"Hey why don't we all go to the valley today. We never did get to finish our picnic." Jun said as he looked at Meriana as she laid her head on Akira's shoulder then toward the Sorceress with a happy smile.

"Would you like that Meriana?" Akira asked her daughter, as it was like the first day they met as she buried her face in her neck and held on for dear life.

"Can Auntie Sorceress come?" Meriana asked frightened to leave the woman alone in Grayskull.

"Of course she can. She is the only visitor that has a come and go as you please card." Jun said as he tickled her side eliciting the wanted giggle from his daughter.

"Now the dolls have to stay here we don't want to loose them but you can bring your crayons and coloring books if you want but I doubt if you will have time to color." Akira said as she moved to their bedroom to get Meriana's swimsuit and dressed for the excursion.

"I think she fears if we leave you here you might get attacked by those spirits again." Jun said as they moved to the kitchen to prepare the lunch for them.

"Yes it was hard to fight them and protect her. I don't know how you and Akira do it while holding her. I am going to have to practice that." The Sorceress said as she Jun prepared a simple lunch of sandwiches and fruit salad with juice and ice tea.

"We will help you with that Sorceress. We don't want to lose the first truly best friend we ever had." Jun said, as he laid his hand on her shoulder she turned her head toward him and smiled as she squeezed his hand with her opposite hand.

"Thank you Jun, I have always had friends in the royal twins and Duncan. However, it has never been like this. I have friends that I love and love me. Plus because of you I have new friends in Frosta and Castaspella also." She said as she smiled happy tears.

"Wait until you meet Madam Razz and Broom!" Jun smiled sadly as he gently wiped away a tear.

"Well we better get this finished or Akira and Meriana will leave without us." The Sorceress giggled as they moved around her kitchen preparing what they would be having.

"After about twenty minutes the two of them returned though there was no visible basket it was safely tucked into Jun's hyper storage space.

A moment later Akira returned and she and Meriana were wearing identical outfits that consisted of a sky blue tang with sapphire plastic buttons and royal blue kung-fu pants and slippers. Akira put Meriana on the floor and they both twirled around amidst the 'OOOs' and 'ahhs' of the other two. Meriana ran to her poppa and at five feet jumped into his arms. He held her close to him and kissed her all over her face as he tickled her side like her momma does to her.

"Well let's get going before something stops us!" Akira said as they all stood on the mosaic each being sure to stand on the white mist in the artwork, Jun still held Meriana.

"Now think of the valley and let's go have fun!" Akira said as she realized she would have to figure a way to keep Meriana from doing this on her own.

(l(l(l)l)l)

The days before Meriana's third birthday past quickly, about two weeks before the celebration Ukyo agreed to become Nodoka's second daughter. Just before their testimony in Akane Tendo's trial. It was at this time that the Kalcar attacked with heavy forces. This time instead of Brightmoon, they attacked Mystacor. She-Ra, He-Man, Akira, Jun and the animals went to save their friend's kingdom. It was strange that when they arrived to the battle there was a wizard floating over the battle. He was as tall as He-Man and had ice blue hair. The upper portion of his face was covered with a white mask that had no opening for eyes. He wore white robes with black boots. He carried an ash staff of unfinished wood but engraved with runes from top to bottom. The new warriors shocked out of their mind and joined the battle to defeat the Kalcar. It was Jun that noticed that the only attackers where the old Horde robots. There were no Kalcar generals.

Jun put this thought away for the time being since there were a lot of Horde robots to be destroyed. They fought long and hard the two Mystic Warriors joined She-Ra and the unknown wizard for air support. Jun and Akira either used the Neko-claws or their Phoenix powers. They occasionally threw in a little dragon magic. They however agreed that neither would use the dragon breaths or their Spirit Weaver powers unless they both agreed or one was injured and the other needed the added power to win and survive. They moved over large columns of the robots and fired streams of Phoenix fire.

One thing they learned in this war that they had to find a different way to focus, their powers other then shouting the name. Back home, it helped and added hope the attacking morons would not want to find out what they were going to do and run away. It of course never happened. Here they had learned to focus using only their minds and no longer needed to shout out their attacks.

{Brother, I think we need to surreptitiously use our lightning.} Akira said as she flew into a line of robots her ki claws slicing through them as she went.

{I can't get use to this, but what do you have in mind.} Jun said as he still had troubles with he and Akira's ability to use dragon telepathy between them and with dragons.

{Two fold slip some lightning into our fire stream I found that cause a plasma ray like affect and boy is it powerful. We should also check with jiji to see our school as lightning in it. It should be a part of the air school.} Akira moved though the robots as if she were cutting through butter.

{Sounds good to me may I suggest using the Umi-Sen-Ken to hide the dragon breath coming from our writs as we feed it into the fire.} Jun told her as he joined her slice and dice session on another line of robots.

{Excellent I knew there was a reason Meriana and I kept you around!} The giggle in her voice was unmistakable as was the teasing.

{We will discuss it later _sister_!} Jun told her back his voice light and full of love.

The two warriors felt with the new huge influx of robots they needed to cause massive damage and the plasma stream would do that. They worked out the attack first being sure they could localize the Umi-Sen-Ken as they needed it. Most of their techniques or alterations were developed this way as the need showed itself they created the attack. It only took them about two tries to hide the lightning coming from their wrists and they both smiled at the incoming ocean of old Horde robots. They pointed to the tin men and let loose with stream of lightning filled Phoenix fire.

The battle ceased as all watched as the new attack smashed into and through the new arriving robots. When they stopped, the attack there was only a river of molten metal. They then moved off as bubbling slag began to cool as Frosta had sent a stream of frozen ice on top of it. They then moved on to the next group of warriors. The flying wizard followed Akira and Jun as they moved in and around the battlefield. His mouth was in a deep frown as he watched the newest Mystic Warrior. Then he was suddenly pushed out of the way of a laser beam by a side bump from Swiftwind. The unicorn and She-Ra then deflected the beam back toward the robot from where it came. The wizard stared after She-Ra and flew higher as he wanted to watch the battle.

As the wizard watched, he would occasionally fire a protective blast to prevent some the most powerful magic users from being killed. He was beginning to see one would not be enough. He then flew in a nosedive toward a ring of robots that had circled some of the non-magical rebels. He took a page from the Mystic Warriors' book of fighting and with his glowing staff. He used it to slice the robots from around the rebels. Once the rebels were freed, he threw fireballs at the remaining robots that had made up the circle.

As the battle raged on the wizard made sure, he was the one that saved the female magic users and warriors. He made sure they saw him save them. He also made sure they saw how much power and strength he had. He never actually got closer to them for them to ask any questions he just saluted them and flew off to fight elsewhere. He was swaying most of the rebel leaders with magical powers except for the Mystic Warrior and She-Ra. They were the ones he wanted most. Then he turned his attention to the male Mystic Warrior. He did not want him he wanted to kill him but his power was too great to be wasted. He would have to think upon this to determine if there was a way to have both Mystic Warriors.

"HEY FLYBOY HEADS UP!" The wizard turned as a blast of sapphire blue light hit a robot behind him as the male Mystic Warrior flew by with a an irritating cocky grin.

"The slight frown turned into a snarl. He flew after the Mystic Warrior. He stopped dead in his tracks as it was his turn to reciprocate, as he could not be in debt to one of his new slaves. He threw a fireball at six oncoming robots that were about to broadside the Mystic Warrior. The male warrior turned in time to see the flames as they consumed the robots. He turned and with the same irritating grin saluted to the wizard in white. He then disappeared into another column of advancing robots.

The battle was soon over and though the wizard wanted to stay and garner the favors of the beautiful and powerful women he needed to stay aloof and a mystery. He waited and when they looked for him, they saw him still floating. He again saluted to the fighters and disappeared over the Greenvale forest before disappearing in a puff of smoke.

(l(l(l)l)l)

The battle had ended and though there were casualties, they there were none that were seriously wounded. The healers from inside Mysticor's castle came out and took care of the wounded. The fighters looked around to make sure everyone was ok. The fighting of the Kalcar had never been this light.

"Where is the White Wizard?" Castaspella asked as one of the rebels shouted.

"He is up there!" They all looked up to see him as he saluted them then flew out over Greenvale forest and then disappeared in a puff of smoke.

"Isn't he dreamy?" Glimmer said as she stared doe eyed where the White Wizard had disappeared.

"Seems we had something like this before huh, Glimmer?" Bo asked, as he did not trust the White Wizard.

"Yeah I guess we did." Glimmer said as she remembered the Red Knight and found out later he was her father.

"Well I don't trust him there is something off about him." They all turned to see Akira shudder as she thought about the flying wizard.

"I have to agree with you sis." Jun said as he shuddered also.

"You don't even know him! This is the first battle he has ever fought with us." Frosta said as she stared at the male Mystic Warrior.

"We use our ki senses and he doesn't feel right. He is blocking much of his power levels but I think it is with magic." Akira said as she thought about it.

"You are right Akira but I am sensing some type of deception just under that I actually felt sick when I tried to probe deeper." Jun responded to his sister's assessment.

"Hey sis didn't Nova say to beware of a mystery warrior no one ever fought with?" Jun asked as he turned to Akira.

"Yes the day he saved the Sorceress and Meriana." Akira said with a far away look.

"WHAT!?" Castaspella and Frosta were up close and personal to the two warriors.

"We will tell you about it later in the mean time I would like to introduce my brother, Jun." Akira said as Jun bowed to the shocked warriors before him.

"Then you are both Ranma?" Castaspella asked as she came forward and took Jun's hand.

"Yeah for now." Jun said as he shook her hand then took Frosta's hand.

"We can discuss it when you come to Meriana's third birthday party in a couple of weeks. We have to get back." Jun said as his chi wings burst behind him.

"Yes Meriana is waiting." Akira added as she followed Jun's lead and brought forth her chi wings.

"See you guys later! Let us know if you need us!" The two of them said as they flew toward Whispering Wood and home.

(l(l(l)l)l)

The time for Meriana passed slowly for Jun and Akira as their time was filled with training from Happosai and Duncan. The two absorbed the training like the sponges they were. They studied the scrolls given them by Happosai so when they reached the training ground they were able to use the techniques against him. They were able to complete the training a week before Meriana's birthday. On their last training trip, it was for shopping and not training since it was completed the two days prior. They not only shopped for Meriana but for things, they needed as well.

They kept their senses opened wide for unwanted visitors while they shopped. Since Happosai taught them to see through the umi-Sen-Ken they kept that little trick active whenever they were in Japan though they stayed away from Nerima.

(l(l(l)l)l)

The training with Duncan took a bit longer since they had no background in electronics. They started with adapting the laptops and learned quickly. They were ready to return Nodoka's laptop to her at Meriana's birthday. The other more advanced electronic knowledge took longer as they needed to know how to install the equipment and maintain it. Their classes with Duncan had progressed enough they felt they could start work on the castles though would have to continue under his tutelage for a few more months.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Akira woke early and met the Sorceress and Jun in the throne room. They all tiptoed toward the kitchen to talk out of earshot of Meriana. Akira made some tea and cakes for them and sat down to talk. After making sure little ears were still sleeping.

"Well I have contacted Lily she and your mother and their guests should be at the doorway in an hour. She said she is bringing the cake which is good it is hard to make a birthday cake with the birthday girl snooping around." The Sorceress giggled as did Akira and Jun.

"What about those from Etheria?" Jun asked as he wondered if they would be as forthcoming with friendship as the Sorceress.

"They will be at their entrance at about the same time. Now you two have got to get her out of Grayskull so I can get them in here and hidden." The Sorceress said with a mock scowl.

"No problem Sorceress we are going to the valley. We have some work to do and she can come with us. The castle is cooled now so there is no danger. We just have to finish waiting for the furniture to be ready." Jun said not seeing the sadness in the face of his friend.

"Don't worry Sorceress you can visit whenever you wish. Since we found that spell Grayskull and our valley is protected from access from the mosaic unless we all three allow it. That will also keep Meriana from lsneaking through there to the valley." Akira told her as she did see the sadness and gave her friend a huge hug.

"Thank you it means a lot to have somewhere to outside Grayskull without becoming Zoare or losing the strength of my magic." She said with a warm smile.

"So when you are ready for us to return telepathically contact us. We will return through the mosaic so everyone will know where to watch." Akira said as she finished packing a small lunch, as they did not know how long they would be there.

"So what are you going to be doing there today?" The Sorceress asked them.

"Well during our alone time we started building the armory and treasure vault. We have a lot more to do but it is coming along. Since we aren't trained enough to do the security systems yet. We think one or two more training sessions and we can start then when finished Duncan will come and examine what we have done." Jun said as his eyes sparkled with excitement.

"We are hoping to have the rooms done before we start so they can temper while we do the installation." Akira said as she put a plate of food in front of the Sorceress.

"You know since you two have been living here I have gained weight and am finding it harder to fly *GIGGLE*." The Sorceress giggled while trying to look stern.

"I guess we will just have to increase your training sessions then." Jun said as he and Akira grinned evilly at the shocked face of the Sorceress.

"Momma I hungry!" The three adults turned to see Meriana standing in the doorway in her long cotton nightgown clutching her Orko and Snowman dolls.

"Well come on in and eat some cereal then we have to get ready to go to the valley. Poppa and I have some work to do...well more like playing to do." Akira said as Jun lifted Meriana into her chair as she placed a bowl of cereal and milk next to her.

(l(l(l)l)l)

The Sorceress watched at the little family used the mosaic to go to the valley feeling it safer then flying, since Skeletor and his cronies are after them. She gave them a few more moments then raised her arms and cast an old magical spell she found that allowed her to decorate the throne room with streamers and balloons. She moved down a hallway and returned followed by several tables. She put one against the wall to the left of the throne and moved the other two to the right of the dinning table.

She set up the tables and covered them with white table clothes then magically decorated them with streamers and smaller balloons. The table to the left of the throne was also setup, covered with a white tablecloth, and also decorated them with streamers and balloons. The Sorceress then went to her room to get the gifts from her, Akira, and Jun. As she entered her room, she found two large boxes on her bed. She moved to them and saw they were from both Akira and Jun. She opened the first one, found in them several beautiful kimonos though these were true kimonos, and had not been altered for fighting. She pulled them out and smiled her eyes full of tears as she laid them out on the bed.

Her hand ran over the delicate soft material as she tried to figure out how to put them on. Her eyes caught a glimpse of the other package. She tried to lift in and found it to be quite heavy. She opened it and gasped as she pulled it from the box. She assumed was a replica of a Japanese temple. It was so beautiful. It sat on a board ten feet by ten feet and was the palace of the Japanese Emperor. She lifted it and moved toward her throne room. She moved it to the table near the window where the quartz castle sat. She smiled as now she realized why Jun replaced the table with a much larger one. She lowered the temple to the table and hoped that they would tell her about them.

"Sorceress?" The Sorceress jumped slightly as the voice of Nodoka came across the communicator from King Randor.

"Yes Nodoka are you at the doorway?" She asked as she moved through the castle.

"Yes we are." Nodoka's voice was full of excitement.

"I will be right there and huh Nodoka I need your help on something." The Sorceress asked as she reached the door and opened it to reveal Nodoka, Lily, Ukyo and Mousse.

"Welcome to my home and Eternia!" The Sorceress said with a large smile as she ushered in her in guests.

The Sorceress led them through the corridors to the throne room she noticed she seemed much more happy then before but mostly a lot less lonely. The arrival of the Mystic Warriors has opened up her home to new friends and has given her a chance to help raise Meriana for a while but she was sure they would be back and forth between Grayskull and the valley regularly. She turned at the gasps from behind her.

"Those tables there are for the food I might need to get another dining table but I will wait and get a number first. Over there is the gift table." The Sorceress directed them as they moved thourgh putting down what they brought with themselves.

"Where are Akira, Jun and my granddaughter?" Nodoka asked a bit disappointed they were not here.

"Well they went to the valley. They wanted this to be a surprise for Meriana and when we are all ready I will contact them." The Sorceress smiled the stepped closer to Nodoka.

"Nodoka I was wondering if you could help me for a moment?" The Sorceress asked the mother of her friends.

"Of course what do you need." The Sorceress smiled and led her to her bedroom.

"Akira and Jun gave these but I don't know how to put them on and would like wear one. Though these are not battle kimonos I see they are the regular style." The Sorceress said as she looked at the red kimono with white orchids that Nodoka was wearing.

"I would love to help you. Yes these are standard kimonos." Nodoka said with a warm smile though her eyes showed a bit of jealousy the Sorceress never saw it.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Frosta and Castaspell hurried to the doorway to Eternia. They did not want to miss surprising Meriana. They rode in a magically powered wagon. They not only had the presents for Meriana but the plants for the garden for the Sorceress' castle and the Valley of Mists. They wondered if Akira was able to get the spices and herbs yet. They hoped not actually as they wanted to visit earth and they hoped she would take them. The wagon reached the edge of Whispering Wood. Then Frosta got down and looked around for any unwanted visitors.

"It is all clear Casta. Wait here and I will have the Sorceress open the door." Castaspella nodded as Frosta used the communicator and called the Sorceress.

Frosta told the Sorceress she and Castaspella were just inside the tree line. She explained they had a wagon of items for Meriana, her and Akira. She asked if they would open the door, as they wanted to stay inside the woods as the Kalcar patrolled the edge of the woods looking for rebels. The Sorceress agreed she would open the door and would have some help to dissuade any Kalcar nearby.

"Ok we watch for the door then make a dash for it." Frosta said as she got back into the wagon getting ready to defend her and her friend.

"What was that about aid? I thought Akira and Jun were taking Meriana to the valley so we could all get there for the surprise?" Castaspella asked as she looked out the line of trees in the sky for air attacks.

"Maybe He-Man and She-Ra are there." Frosta said as she also watched for intruders.

"There's the Sorceress! What is she wearing?" Castaspella asked as it reminded her of the couple of the outfits Akira had worn.

"We will ask her later get this wagon moving! Who is that!?" Frosta said as Lily and Mousse flanked the either side of the door watching for Kalcar warriors.

"Like you said we will ask when we get inside." Casta said as with a hand jester she, Frosta, and the wagon moved at a fast speed toward the door.

It was to late to stop when Castaspella realized the wagon was too wide for the door. She quickly cast a spell and at the final word of the incantation, she slowly brought her hands together. This caused the wagon to shrink in from the sides about a foot. The wagon made it in passed the two shocked Amazons. Once the cart was within Grayskull, Lily and Mousse followed it and the Sorceress shut the door.

"Welcome Castaspella, Frosta. Come let us go to the throne room and I will show you where to put Meriana's presents and the plants. I will also introduce you to Akira and Jun's family." The Sorceress indicated Lily and Mousse.

"We'd like that." Frosta told her friend.

The group entered the throne room and saw a redheaded woman in another of the outfits Akira wore though not the same as hers. Beside her stood a young brown haired woman in a sky blue gossamer type dress. They were talking with He-Man and She-Ra. As they entered, the Grayskull throne room the warriors turned and smiled at them. He-Man and She-Ra came up and gave them both hugs. Then they looked at the wagon that followed Castaspella.

"Here Casta I will drop of the gifts for Meriana and run this to the area where the Sorceress wants her indoor garden that will give you time to meet and get acquainted with Akira and Jun's mother and family.

He-Man grabbed the front of the wagon after Casta released the movement spell so he could control it. They watched as He-Man put out Meriana's gifts from the two queens and then watched as he disappeared down a hallway. Their attention was returned to the other guests and they gathered around the Sorceress and the two Etherian queens. The both shuddered slightly at the rage in the woman's eyes that was not hidden by the icy smile.

"Queen Frosta and Queen Castaspella, this is Akira and Jun's family. This is Nodoka their mother. This young woman is their newly adopted sister Ukyo. This is Elder Lily their Amazon grandmother and this is Lily's grandson and their cousin." The Sorceress quickly introduced them to prevent Nodoka from boiling over with rage thinking one of them was Angella.

"It is nice to meet some of my children's' friends here on this lovely world." Nodoka said as the smile turned genuine and the rage faded.

"Well we are friends from Etheria where the war is going on but we first met Akira and just recently met Jun it is still a bit confusing to us but since we have nothing to reference this Jusenkyo place we are trying to understand it." Frosta said as she shook Nodoka's hand.

"Jusenkyo is a dangerous place that looks deceptively safe." Mousse said with a shudder.

"How does the war go majesty?" Lily asked as she stepped forward and shook the hands of the two queens.

"Please Elder Lily it is Frosta and Castaspella. We do not stand on ceremony unless holding court. It tends to get in our way when we try to fight. The others try to protect us so we are just rebels and it actually aids in keeping the rebels morale up." Castaspella said as she spoke for her and Frosta.

"So is there anything we can help get ready?" Frosta asked as the others shook their heads.

"No so why not get some punch and we can all sit down and get to know each other." The Sorceress said as she pointed to a table laden with food and beverages and some comfortable chairs she kept in storage for times like this.

"That sounds wonderful!" Frosta said as she moved to get a glass of juice for herself and Casta.

As He-Man returned pulling the empty cart behind him She-Ra met him with a juice and they joined the group for a short talk. The Sorceress contacted Akira and Jun and they said they would be there in about ten minutes. Meriana was playing with the spirit of the first He-Man and she was having too much fun. They may have to tell her that gramma is there just to get her to leave. The Sorceress laughed and responded. She then told the others what the problem was and it seemed they all enjoyed a laugh it was forced for the ones that have been to Etheria or came from there but it was a needed release. They all began talking about each other as they waited.

"Sorceress where did you get such a lovely dress? It looks like the ones we have seen Akira wear when she visits King Randor." Frosta said with a curious smile.

"The twins got it for me. They bought me three of them. Isn't it beautiful!?" The Sorceress gushed as she had never had such lovely gifts.

"Yes it is very beautiful!" Castaspella said wondering if she might be able to get one.

"They are very complicated to put on I am going to have to learn how. If it was not for Nodoka helping me I still would not be dressed." The Sorceress told her guests as she smoothed the shimmering material while smiling thankfully at Nodoka.

The Sorceress wore the satin kimono that was a shimmer reddish brown with an obi of white. The kimono was hand painted with lotus blossoms of white with pink centers. The blossoms were different sizes and covered the kimono. However, it was not overly crowded with them. As they talked there was a shimmering light coming from behind them they all realized Akira or Jun was warning them they were returning. The Sorceress dimmed the lights and everyone hid within the shadows.

(l(l(l)l)l)

In the throne room to the quartz castle the mosaic in the center of the room glowed along the line of white mist. Three figures stepped from a wall of light mist. Jun held Meriana as he and Akira walked from the mosaic. They looked around and were about to leave the castle when Meriana piped up excitedly.

"I wanna see!" They turned and remembered the last time she did not get a tour of the castle.

"Alright orchid, Akira is it still to hot for her? It seems to be almost cool." Jun asked as he noticed the castle was no longer glowing as bright as it was.

"Yes it is still hot. Though it seems almost cool in spots." Akira said as she looked at the walls and noticed something confusing.

"Jun is that wall still pink?" Akira asked as her brother turned to where she was pointing.

"Uh no, it doesn't look like it. Well I mean there is pink there but there is also the fire yellow like our hair and the colors of Nova. Cool it won't be so bad now that it is not totally pink." Jun said with both a wide happy grin and a shudder.

"I agree. It looks pretty cool doesn't it?" Akira asked, as she looked closer at the wall.

"Yes I can hardly wait to see the rest of it." Jun said as Meriana tried to get a better look but gave up.

"I wanna see my rooms!" Meriana decided to let her parents know she has priorities while they were here.

"Alright dear." Jun said as he tickled her side and smiled as she squirmed and giggled.

Akira led Jun through the castle even though he had memories from Akira he was still awed at the castle's size and how they were going to furnish it all. She led him passed two alcoves that probably held to statues or armor and a large wall in between. He figured a tapestry would be put there. Akira saw him as he looked at the wall in passing moved next to him.

"That is the secret entrance to the basement. I plan to put a curio cabinet there and set it up so that it will move when the door is opened. I think we got some old unmagical armor from Nova we can use to help decorate the castle." Akira said quietly a furtive glance at Meriana, as she was busy looking around.

"That sounds good then we will need to work on that when we come back to finish the storage rooms. Which reminds me how are we going to protect the plants and trees we have planted if we temper the walls in those rooms." Jun asked, as he did not relish replant dead trees and bushes.

"Nova!" Akira said and left it at that as Jun nodded he understood.

"Meriana do you want to see the second floor before we go to your room or on the way back down after visiting the third and forth floors?" Akira asked her daughter who smiled excitedly that she was allowed to choose.

"On way down!" Jun chuckled as he hugged the one person other then Akira that really did love him unconditionally.

"Ok off to the third floor it is." Akira said with a smile as she slipped her arm through Jun's arm opposite Meriana and led them up the stairs to the third floor.

They moved directly to the three suites that would be their rooms. The one in the middle was for Meriana they went there first. Meriana wanted down but her parents told her no and if she persisted they would leave. She stopped struggling and pointed to what she wanted to see. They started in the main room it was large enough to set up as with a sitting area and work desk. They moved to her playroom to show her though the wood shelves were gone they were to be replaced. They then showed her the large walk-in closet. Finally, they showed her the balcony through the opening, where doors use to hang.

"Man we have to replace a lot of wood doors. Plus the stair railing glad they used the quartz to make the stairs." Jun said as he though about what to use.

"Yes I was wondering I was thinking to use decorative wrought iron for the railings. There are several companies I found online when I went back before you arrived. We can go over what I found I mean if you like that idea." Akira said as she hoped he did.

"Yeah we can do it later tonight or tomorrow." Jun said as he smiled at the idea.

"What about doing those fancy wrought iron grates to put over the outside of the doors." He asked as he remembered them from his training trips with the panda.

"Oooo I like that idea. We can also do that for the balconies and or doors." Akira said as ideas of other ways to use wrought iron decorations ran through her mind.

They moved from Meriana's room to Akira's then Jun's they were pretty much like Meriana's so they moved out and down the other hallways toward there were twenty rooms total on the second floor. There were three more set up as suites like Meriana's the rest where single large rooms. The fourth floor was identical to the third with twenty bedrooms and six suites. They then headed down to the second floor.

The rooms on the second floor were more like the ones on the first floor. There were only ten rooms on the first and second floors and they were twice the size of the bedrooms. Jun was not sure what to do with them as the ten on the main floor may be enough but he was sure he and Akira could think of something. He thought instead of building a workroom they could use the rooms on the second floor. For all the different hobbies, they would like to try. The group stepped onto the first floor then moved toward the throne room and out the balcony doorways. They were met by their ghostly parents.

"Welcome daughter and son!" Jagar told them as they moved closer to the little family as they stepped from the mist.

"Greetings father-Jagar mother-Karamer!" Akira said as Jun stepped up next to his sister while holding Meriana.

"Hello father-Jagar mother-Karamer how's it going?" Jagar raised an eyebrow at the in formalness of Jun's greetings then turned at the giggle from his daughter.

"Oh lighten up daddy!" Akira said as Jagar looked even more shocked.

"Is Raja coming? I have a bone to pick with him!" Jun snarled as the image of the ghosts attacking the Sorceress and Meriana came to his mind.

"It wasn't his fault Jun. The spirits communicate telepathically they can't read each other's minds. Raja did know Aria was nuts." Akira said as she smiled at her daughter as she stared confused at her parents and ghostly grandparents.

"He will be here shortly dear. Hello Meriana would you like to play with me?" Karamer asked as she formed some spirit mist into a ball with a spirit shield around it to help it keep its form.

"Yes, p'ease!" Meriana said as Jun put her on the ground and watched as she and the first Sorceress of Grayskull ran off to play.

Akira walked toward the front walkway to watch the playing and set up the blanket on the path from the front gate to the castle. She spread out the blanket and began to set up for lunch. She watched as Karamer and Meriana played catch. Jun sat down followed by Jagar. They were soon joined by Raja he stared at the child his face a deep scowl as his eyes opened with guilt.

"She is not frightened of us?" Raja asked as Akira and Jun looked up at him.

"No the Sorceress told her it was a game and the dragon was our friend." Akira said as she watched as he sat down next to her.

"The castle will be cool enough tomorrow to start moving things in." Raja said, as he wanted Akira living in the valley though he was not sure about Jun.

"Well that is good but the furniture and linens won't be ready for another month or so. So, we will stay at Grayskull until our bedrooms furniture is ready. We might go home to get some from there but I really want to wait and see what the companies I have making the other stuff do." Akira said as Karamer chased Meriana to the picnic.

"Momma can we stay?" Meriana asked breathlessly as she sat between her parents and took a sip of juice.

"We will live here after we have everything ready, my little Lotus Blossom. Right now the castle is still to warm and we don't have any furniture. It will be soon though." Akira told her as she handed her a sandwich.

As the mortals in the group ate, their spirit family made suggestions on the changes to the castle. Jagar seemed the most impressed that he had not thought of a hidden armory for magical armor but then he did not have any. The treasure vault was good idea as well. He asked if they were also going to include them in the new security system. They told him yes plus some magical wards and magical protections they found in Grayskull's tomes and Nova's tomes.

"Momma I wanna play more!" Meriana said as she was bored with the conversation and had finished eating.

"Alright sweetie what do you want to play?" Jun asked, as he got ready to get up with her.

"I wanna play him!" Meriana said as she ran at Raja who just got his spirit shield up in time to catch her.

Everyone around the picnic laughed as Raja looked at them helplessly. He saw he was going to get no help so he carried Meriana over to where she played with Karamer. He put her down then lightly touched her and started to run off. Meriana looked at him confused then smiled and began to chase the large muscular ghost.

"I think she will like it here. I am glad Aria and her family did not frighten her so bad to be afraid of all ghosts." Akira said with an angry scowl.

"Raja feels bad about inviting her and her family into the mists. He felt they should be able to watch their child grow." Karamer said as she watched as Meriana tagged Raja and he began to chase her just keeping from tagging her.

"I am afraid families like that are not uncommon on earth either. I am just glad Angella could not find them they would have just left her in another village to be killed by the Kalcar." Jun said as his eyes still flashed red with the fires of rage.

"I think Nova's spirit had a lot to do with that. It seems that the, mosaics were a good thing after all. The Sorceress said she and all future Sorceresses could use the mosaic to summon the powers of the Mystic Warrior." Akira told them as she watched Meriana play with Raja with a melancholy smile.

"What about the cat? Battlecat is still alive." Jagar asked as he smirked at the happiness showing on his descendant's face.

"We don't know for sure but the Sorceress feels that there is a cat in the mists that would take his place until he arrives or even after. She said she sensed a large cat near the mosaic waiting to see if it was needed." Akira told them as she wondered what it was.

"I think I know which one hold on for a moment." Jagar rose and moved into the mists around the valley.

"So what other things will you be planting here?" Karamer asked curious about what they were going to do.

"Well after we terra form, the mountain we are planting different foods from earth, Etheria and Eternia. We will barter with local growers. We will also have the different spices and herbs from the three planets. Plus some ornamental plants." Akira said as she looked at the Sakura trees and Lilac bushes.

"What about your earth family?" Karamer asked wondering if they will live in the valley.

"Mom wants to move here but she also fears if she stays in the valley she would fall back on her old habits. We discussed it one night. So I have been looking for different shops for her to look at." Akira said as she really wanted her closer but she could not take the risk of her trying to force her desires on her.

"That makes sense, do you know what kind of business they will run?" Karamer asked her daughter.

"No, Ukyo is a chef so something with a restaurant but also maybe a tailor or dressmaker. I am looking for buildings that will give them the largest variety of options." Akira continued as Jun listened.

"My that would be wonderful for them and you." Karamer turned quickly toward the mist as she moved in front, of Jun and Akira.

"What is wrong?" Jun said as he and Akira stood abruptly.

"Be prepared I think Jagar is going to answer your question about the cat." Karamer stayed in guard mode as Raja did the same for Meriana.

They all watched as Jagar came from the mist. A large figure followed behind him. They could tell it was twice as large as Battlecat and almost as tall as Jagar. They saw as Raja smiled but he stayed with Meriana. They turned as a large saber-tooth tiger exited the mist and moved with lethal grace toward the twins. When it reached them it bowed down to them then rose and stared into their cat eyes.

{Greetings Mystic Warriors! I am Warriorcat and the companion of Raja when he was He-Man. I will add my powers to that of Nova to protect you and your child, family and friends as well as continue my protection of Grayskull.} The cat told them telepathically as he never had the ability to talk as Battlecat received.

"I remember you. I saw you in the painting of Raja. You were his companion in his prince form. You were a very large black cat. You looked to way about twenty-five pounds. Then when you were He-Man's companion you were a soft gray with white stripes." Akira said as she and Jun bowed to the large cat.

"We thank you for helping Sorceress and Grayskull. She will be pleased to know you are there to help her." Jun said as he rose and moved toward the large cat.

{I have gotten soft and miss fighting with He-Man. It will be nice to help with Grayskull. I am also available to you since you can open rifts I can help you as well.} The cat seemed anxious to be back in battle again.

"Well Warriorcat we do not use our spirit powers except surreptitiously for now. We are saving it as a secret attack. However I think you will make a very fun first attack." Akira told the cat as she followed Jun toward the cat.

{I would like that. We have always wanted to continue to aid Grayskull but until now, there was no way to get there.} Warriorcat told them as he looked back at the mist.

"Oh, are there are other past companions, He-Man and She-Ra's that wish to aid Grayskull and us?" Jun asked as he focused on the mist to see if they were there.

{Yes, just tell the Sorceress if she needs the help of the spirits of the He-Man, She-Ra or companions invoke the request as she did with Nova.} The cat said as he turned at the laughter of Meriana.

{She is better with you then what passed for her real family.} The cat moved toward the mist.

"Wouldn't you like to stay and meet her?" Akira asked not really wanting the cat to go.

{I will meet her the next time you come after all, you have guests at Grayskull waiting for her.} Warriorcat disappeared and as his tail vanished in the mist the Sorceress contacted her.

{Jun, Akira everyone is here and ready for the guest of honor. Don't forget you need to also get her to the palace.} The Sorceress' voice echoed in both Jun and Akira's mind.

{Alright Sorceress we will be right there. We just need to clean up and get Raja to quit playing tag with her.} Jun and Akira smirked at the laughter from the Sorceress as they cleaned up the left over food and blanket.

"Meriana it is time to go auntie Sorceress has a _BIG_ surprise for you!" Jun said, as he moved his arms as wide as he could.

"WHAT!?" Meriana shouted, ran, and jumped into her poppa's arms from ten feet.

"My she is getting better at that!" Jagar said with a proud smile.

"She is a fast learner." Akira said as she hugged her adopted father and mother, and then gave Raja a hug as well.

Jun followed suit but instead of hugging Raja, he shook the ancient He-Man's hand. They then walked into the palace and stood on the mosaic. Akira put a blindfold on her daughter and then thought of the throne room of Grayskull. They were gone in an instant and reappeared on the mosaic within the halls of Castle Grayskull. Akira put a finger to her mouth then moved to the center of the visitors. Jun was close behind her trying to keep Meriana from taking off the blindfold it was almost a loosing battle. Jun put her on the floor facing the Sorceress then with a great deal of fanfare pulled off the blindfold amidst the cheers of friends and family.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY MERIANA!" The little girl stared confused as she looked at her aunties Sorceress, Frosta and Castaspella.

"Gramma!" She turned at movement behind her and found Nodoka standing next her momma and saw as her great gramma and two others as they moved next to Nodoka.

"Yes my angel it is me!" Nodoka said as she held out her arms.

Meriana just stared for a few moments her mind could not comprehend that her gramma was right in front of her. Meriana suddenly smiled brightly at Nodoka and ran into her gramma's arms well actually, she just jumped. Nodoka stumbled back slightly at the impact but Mousse was behind her and steadied her. Nodoka looked shocked at her children but did not see the smirks on Ukyo and Mousse's faces as they figured the child would be training.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Hey she is our daughter!" Jun said with a shrug of his shoulders.

Jun and Akira moved to Frosta and Castaspella and welcomed them back to Grayskull as their earth family introduced themselves to Meriana. They turned and watched as Nodoka and Lily both fought for the right to hold Meriana. The twins chuckled when Ukyo stepped between them and took Meriana as she went by. They were surprised as Mousse joined her and both of them gushed over the little birthday girl.

"Sorceress you look beautiful!" Akira said as she stepped up next to Akira.

"I feel beautiful they are all lovely though your mother had to help me put it on." She said with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah they are a bit complicated. It took me nearly six months to learn to do it. Oh, I have a message for you. It comes from Warriorcat." The gasp from the Sorceress drew everyone's attention especially He-Man and Battlecat.

"Really and what that might be?" She asked though she thought she knew.

"The spirits of the He-Mans, She-Ras and their companions want you to know that now they can get to Grayskull if you need them just summon them the way you did Nova. They want to continue their destinies and help guard Grayskull." Jun told her with his cocky grin firmly in place on his and Akira's face.

"Oh my, that will be helpful for me and future Sorceresses!" The smile that grew on the face of the Sorceress mimicked Akira and Jun's smirk.

"Now let's get this party started." Jun said, as he and Akira started bring gifts from the gift table to their daughter still in a circle of love from their family.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Orko floated into the throne room his eyes alit with excitement. As the first birthday, they had at the palace for him floated back through his mind. He loved every gift but it was not the presents that mattered the most it was all the people in the court that cared for him. He floated around looking at the decorations and balloons as he spun slowly he had not seen Lady Sijhan with her back to him.

"OOF!" Orko bounced of her back and she turned to see the Trollan wizard as he tried not it hit the wall.

"I have you Orko!" She told him as she quickly reached out and grabbed the hem of his robe to stop him from being hurt.

"Thank you Lady Sijhan! I am sorry I was not paying attention. All these decorations reminded me of my first birthday here and realizing all the friends that accepted me and made me feel wanted." Orko said as his eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

"You are a welcome member of the family Orko. You not only saved Adam but you have fought to protect us all. How could we not love you." Sijhan said as she smiled sweetly at the flying wizard.

"Now I understand that the family of the Mystic Warrior will be here as well!?" Sijhan was excited to meet Ranma's family.

"Actually Aunt Sijhan there are now two Mystic Warriors. We don't understand it completely but the curse that made Ranma a female allowed them to split into a male and female Mystic Warrior but and this is where it gets confusing they are both Ranma." King Randor said as he came up behind his aunt and gave her a welcome hug.

"Also the male Ranma now goes by Jun and the female Ranma goes by Akira. It was their maternal great grandparents' names." Randor continued as he watched the confusion on his aunt's pretty face.

"Oh my! I will have to try and get my mind around that bit of information. Did their splitting weaken their Mystic Warrior powers?" Sijhan hoped not fearing it would cause Etheria to lose and then Eternia would fall prey to the Kalcar.

"They didn't know at the time we met Jun but believe me those two have a lot of secrets and if it did they would still be strong enough to stop the Kalcar." They turned to see Marlena walk into the room.

"I pray you are correct my dear for all our sakes." Sijhan had heard of the Kalcar's atrocities.

She shuddered as she worried about her family, friends, and people. She felt the strong arms of her nephew as he wrapped them around her shoulders. She looked up at him and smiled sadly her eyes brimming with tears. She felt guilty for wishing Ranma had not become two people as it could mean the death of Randor and Marlena as well as her son and herself. They had pinned their hopes on the Mystic Warrior and now the warrior may be too weak to win. She laid her head down against Randor's shoulder as she tried to calm down she did not want little Meriana to see her upset not on her birthday.

"*SIGH* so when will they be here?" Sijhan asked as she pulled from the comforting embrace of Randor.

"They should be on their way. I just saw Adora and Adam head toward the courtyard to watch for them." Marlena said as she smiled and put her arm around a still upset Sijhan.

"Don't worry Sijhan according to the reports of the last battle the _two_ Mystic Warriors fought no one noticed any differences. I am sure there was but their skills in other fighting styles and magic makes them formidable fighters alone or together." Marlena told her as she remembered the report from He-Man and She-Ra when they returned from the last battle.

"Thank you Marlena that does make me feel better about what happened." She said as she felt her anxiety lessen a great deal.

"Good now let us go meet the Mystic Warriors family." Marlena said as she turned Sijhan and they headed toward the courtyard Randor and Orko behind them.

(l(l(l)l)l)

As the fire egg hovered over the courtyard Adam and Adora scowled as again no one moved they started shooing people away from where Akira and Jun hovered over the courtyard to land. The problem was the royals did not believe they had to listen to the twins they were after all only the prince and princess. The two warriors got angry, pulled their swords, and brandished them at the stubborn royals.

"MOVE OUT OF THE WAY SO THEY CAN LAND OR WE LET QUEEN FROSTA AND QUEEN CASTASPELLA MAKE YOU MOVE!" Adam shouted as he moved toward the non-moving wall of royals.

"I would like to see that I missed it the last time!" King Randor said all turned to see the rage on his face, as he glared not at his children but the barons and their wives for not heeding the orders of his children.

The royal court moved away from under the fire egg. Once the way was clear Akira released their fire shield and she and Jun lowered a much larger gondola to the ground. As the Mystic Warriors disbursed their wings and landed next to the door to the gondola, they glared with their fiery eyes at the rude barons. They smirked as the rude courtiers had the good senses to be embarrassed. Akira then moved to King Randor, Queen Marlena and Lady Sijhan. She bowed when she rose she had a wide smile on her face.

"Majesties and Lady I would like to introduce my and Jun's family. This is Takashi Nodoka our mother. This is our grandmother Elder Lily of the Joketsukuko Amazons. This is our new adopted sister Takashi Ukyo and this is Mousse of the Joketsukuko Amazons and grandson of Lily." As each was named they stepped forward and bowed to the royalty that stood before them.

"Welcome to Eternia and our home! It is very nice to meet you all. Welcome back Queen Frosta and Queen Castaspella!" Randor said as he first bowed to Akira and Jun's family then to the queens of Etheria.

"Thank you for your wonderful hospitality and for giving my children a place where they can live and grow with a lot less chaos in their lives." Nodoka said as she shook their hands.

"It is wonderful to return." Castaspella said as she and Frost stepped up next to Nodoka and Lily.

"Please let us go inside. #Does she know what is inside for her?#" Randor said as he whispered the last sentence to Nodoka.

"No she thinks we are here for an audience with you." Nodoka whispered back as Akira and Jun each had a hand of Meriana and would lift her off the ground and swing her between them causing her to laugh.

(l(l(l)l)l)

When they entered, the throne room Meriana's eyes grew wide with surprise. She looked around at the table piled high with gifts and several other tables piled high with food. She looked to her parents who smiled down at her. Jun then bent down and picked her up as they walked toward the throne. He then bowed to King Randor and Queen Marlena.

"Akira and I want to thank you for your kindness in giving Meriana the best first birthday as our child that she has had. This will be a memory she will cherish for her entire life and one Akira and I hope will erase the one given her by Angella." Jun's face turned to a deep scowl at the mention of the queen of Brightmoon.

"It is our pleasure. Meriana's first two years of life was hard for her and we all feel now that she deserves is a happy start on her new life." Randor said as he smiled, as Meriana was not listening as she looked at the decorations and specifically the table of presents.

"Meriana?" The little girl turned to face the king and queen at the call of her name.

"We want to wish you a happy birthday! Come why don't we go see what you got for presents!" Marlena said as she held out her arms to Meriana who squirmed from her father's grasp and ran toward her auntie Marlena.

Marlena scooped her up and with Lady Sijhan took her to the table of presents. Her family and friends watched as Marlena put the presents on the floor in front of her and when she had opened one either Sijhan or Marlena would give her another. Akira smiled with a shaking head, as did Jun. They then turned to the king and mock scowled at him. He gave them a Ranma-esque smirk as he feigned fear and surprise.

"Don't blame me I had no input in the planning of this party. That does not mean I did not have a say as to what to give her." Randor laughed, as did his children.

"You do realize you are spoiling her rotten!" Akira said her eyes spoke of the pride she felt for Meriana and the growing love for the monarch and his wife.

"Yep and until Adam and Adora give us grandchildren we decided we would spoil Meriana." Randor told them with a simultaneous response from his own children.

"FATHER!" The laughter filled the hall as Meriana enjoyed opening the presents more then playing with them.

(l(l(l)l)l)

"Sire we cannot find anything about the Mystic Warrior to explain why there are now two. It might be to your best interest to start being friendly with some of the rebels during the battles. Once they believe you to be a friend they might they could trust they will open up and tell you." The small weasel man spoke nervously at the angry face of his lord, Maldar.

"Yes that is excellent. Since they do not come to minor skirmishes that would be my best chance to start insinuating myself into their hearts." He said with a snarl as his eyes flashed of two female Mystic Warriors crossed his mind and the fact he controlled them both.

"Keep track of our attacks and let me know when the White Wizard needs to be there. Stay with the smaller battles but ones that need a bit more power then what the rebels have however, none that requires the intervention of the Mystic Warriors or He-Man and She-Ra." Maldar gave his order and left the control room and wait for his weasel like assistant to do his job.

The little man returned to his station and began to fulfill his lord's dark orders. He watched as the Kalcar troupes attacked small bands of rebels on different fronts. He sent messages to his lord as to where to find the battles he requested. He did not bother to check if his master acted on them that, was not his orders. As he watched his monitor, he saw which battles brought out the White Wizard. He saw that the White Wizard hit three of the battles he sent him. The little man smiled as Maldar's intervention helped the rebels defeat the Kalcar with no loss of life on the Kalcar side but some injuries on the rebels' group. This allowed Maldar the chance to do healing and ingratiate himself more quickly to the rebels.

As the White Wizard vanished, he began to look for more of the required battles. He found what he needed he sent the information on to his lord. He then watched as the White Wizard showed up at the new battles and continued to fight with the rebels and heal them afterward with no ulterior motives as far as the rebels knew. When he found no more battles, he signaled his lord and the White Wizard disappeared after making _friends_ with some of the rebels. He turned as Maldar appeared in control room. He moved toward him to find out what he needed for him to do now.

"Is there any further instructions lord? Or do you wish me to continue as I have been?" The man asked as he waited for a reply.

"Continue to find me the battles I need. Though find them where more of the local rebel leaders are amongst the fighter. Still send me the list of ones like today the more rebels I fight with the faster I will be accepted." Maldar left and headed to his rooms to think and rest.

"Yes lord Maldar." The little man said with a sardonic smile as he moved back to his station to fulfill his orders.

(l(l(l)l)l)

"I think she is going to sleep for a week. I can hardly move in our room!" Akira said as she came back into Grayskull's throne room her face a lit with happiness.

"Well at least she got some more clothes, though I like the ki...kimo...Oh what is they are called?" Frosta said frustrated.

"Kimonos they are traditional formal attire." Nodoka said with a giggle as she sipped her tea.

"So how did your visit with King Randor go?" The Sorceress asked as she looked at Lily.

"I am afraid pretty much the same. He will not allow Amazons to live on Eternia until he is sure that they will not go back to the old laws and will follow his laws." Lily said with a look that she expected that.

"He did say that I and Mousse if we choose are welcome and he will make a tribe by tribe decision on the rest of the Amazon Nation." Lily said glad she had won that victory.

"That does not sound right." Castaspella said as Lily shook her head and placed her teacup on the table.

"No it does you see the Joketsukuko were the only tribe that still had the outsider laws in effect. Though I would say about half never enacted them and the others that did threw them out centuries ago. So it is our tribe that must prove themselves to King Randor." Lily said with a warm smile to the ice Queen.

"Oh that makes sense. Do you know if any of your Nation will come and fight?" Castaspella asked hoping they would.

"Oh yes pretty much all want to come and fight. Though if they wish to stay and live on either Eternia or Etheria I cannot say for sure. I think though Mousse and I will join Nodoka here. We will be the liaison between this world, Etheria and our tribes.

"How are you able to speak Eternian and Etherian so well I have been curious." Castaspella asked.

"Well when Akira awoke Nodoka's gifts they gave her the knowledge of the Eternian language. Mousse and I are adept learners but I am afraid we still are not fluent. Ukyo along with us are wearing magic stones the Sorceress gave us so we can understand and speak the language. When we go home in a few days we will start our training in earnest so we can communicate when we finally move back here." Lily said as Akira and Jun fill everyone's teacups and sever left over cake to everyone.

"Akira what are you and Jun going to do with all those toys!?" Ukyo asked as she came back into the throne room after using the bathroom.

"Well I and the Sorceress gave her two bags of holding so she can carry her dolls with her everywhere. I think I might do the same for a toy chest. Jun will make one for her and when she outgrows it for toys it can be a hope chest or a place to her most precious items." Akira said as she smiled at her sister.

"So are you going to visit any of the cities around Eternia?" Frosta asked Nodoka as she stared toward Akira's room.

"Yes, Akira and Jun have found me several buildings that might allow me to open a shop or restaurant or both to earn a living." Nodoka said as she sipped her tea.

"Since Ukyo is a professional chef we might do a restaurant of earth foods and if I can get some Etherian recipes we can include them as well. I am leaning though toward a building that would allow me a shop of goods as well." Nodoka said as she smiled at Jun and Akira who fidgeted at the confused stares from Frosta and Castaspella.

"I don't want to stay in the valley because I fear I might revert to my bad behavior back home. This way I get a chance to prove I have changed and that I can be trusted." Nodoka told the women her eyes be spoke of the pain she felt at the hurt she caused her children.

"Since we don't have to go back just yet can we go with you? We would like to visit some of the cities and villages around Eternia." Castaspella told them as her eye sparkled brightly.

"Sure we have plenty of room." Jun said as he smiled at his growing friends.

"Oh and Akira here this is some of our and the many rebels favorites recipes and we would be honor if you would allow Nodoka to use them." Castaspella said as she handed a small disk to Akira.

"Thanks Castaspella. And thank you both for the plants and seeds you brought. Maybe before you leave Frosta you can set up the section of valley as the winter wonderland. I know Meriana would love it." Nodoka looked confused as she looked to her daughter and the white haired queen.

"We would love that Akira." Frosta said as she smiled at her friend.

"I figure that would be a good time to take mom and the family there and they can watch you do the magic needed. It will be interesting for them and us." Jun said as he put his hand on his mother's shoulder.

"Ok no problem. Sorceress will you come also?" Jun asked as the sorecess smiled and nodded.

"I thought you couldn't leave Grayskull?" Nodoka said with surprise.

"Akira created a portal for me when she created the mosaics in Grayskull and in the Valley of Mists. Though only we can use them. So both places are protected. They will use the gondola to take you to the valley and I will use the portal." The Sorceress said leaving it at that.

"That is wonderful!" Frosta and Castaspella said happily.

"YAWN! Well I don't know about you all but I am beat. We got a big day tomorrow as we are gong to show everyone around and look at the buildings we got picked out for mom." Jun said as he tried to stifle a yawn.

"Frosta and Casta you are in the rooms you had when you were last here. You guys come with me and I will show you where you are staying." Akira rose and everyone left the throne room but Jun and the Sorceress.

"Sorceress thank you so much for all you did for Meriana today she loved every minute of it. We just wish we could take you on the tour tomorrow." Jun told her as he started picking up the dirty dishes and headed to the kitchen to clean up.

"I wish I could go with you as well Jun but the ability to go to the Valley and not become Zoare is the greatest gift anyone has ever given me!" The Sorceress told her friend as she hugged him tightly.

"We are glad and as the Mystic Warriors it is a way to keep close ties to Grayskull. This was the first happy home Akira and I have ever had." Jun told her as they heard the rattling of the rest of the dishes in the throne room and knew Akira would soon to join them.

"Hey don't leave me out!" Akira said as she entered the kitchen with the last of the dishes amidst their laughter.

"We would never leave you out Akira!" The Sorceress said as she hugged the twin of Jun.

They worked and talked quietly about the coming days as they cleaned up the dishes. The Sorceress asked Jun what type of toy chest he would be making for Meriana and he was not sure. He thought about one that had inlay on the top maybe with a lotus blossom and orchid since that was their nicknames for her. There was also maybe a unicorn or Wolfie. He had to do some drawings to get an idea. The Sorceress nodded as she dried the last of the dishes and put it away. They all walked back into the throne room and found Nodoka sitting at the table Jun and Akira worried. The Sorceress started to leave when Nodoka stopped.

"Don't go Sorceress this will include you." Nodoka said as the three sat down at the table Akira and Jun flanking their relieved mother.

"I had a lot to think about today. How much you two have grown as people and in happiness. I am ashamed that it was the Sorceress that helped you become happy adults. I feel that I cannot infringe on your life here! I fear that I will become what I was and lose you both. I...!" Nodoka was stopped as a hand each took one of hers.

"Mom stop right there! You did the best you could until the panda took us and I say us because we are still Ranma. Your love before we left was what kept us going. Yes you fell into his trap and your constant 'manly' crap and the threatening of us with your sword has made us leery of your intentions I am sorry even now." Jun started as he squeezed his mother's hand when he saw the tears fill her eyes.

"Mom we know it is going to hard for you to let go of ten years of loneliness and betrayal. It was not us that did that to you, and we know you will fight hard to not become Saotome Nodoka again. If you do we will sit you down and tell you to stop before it goes to far. We will help you change and become as happy as we are with our new life and our new friends." Akira told her mother as Nodoka smiled at the wisdom of her children.

"I will be happy to help as well Nodoka. Even though I love them as if they were my own children, I know they are yours and that they need you in their lives. I fear though if you stay on earth you will not see them there again. They cannot go back as those in their old life will not allow them that right." The Sorceress told the mother of her friends as Nodoka nodded she was correct.

"Yes you are correct Sorceress Genma has already tried to find out how to get to them and that Kuno girl tried as well *SIGH*. I just don't want to become the dream Nodoka again I don't want that for you two!" Nodoka told them as she hung her head and would have covered her tear-streaked face if her children had let go of her hands.

"Mom you fought to free yourself of that dream Nodoka and you did! I have sensed some of the others have also begun to try and free themselves they just have not figured it out. You did you wanted to show you loved us as we were and you did. That is why we want you here! We know you have a reason to want to change and it is to have a happy family with your children and granddaughter." Jun told his mother as he moved her hand into his other hand and wrapped her arm around her shoulders.

"So please say you will stay with us that you will move to Eternia where _we_ all can finally be happy and be a real family!" Akira did as her brother did and they stared at Nodoka as she thought about what they said.

"Yes mother please say yes to them! You and I was a victim of the panda and he as destroyed our lives for far to long! Let's come here and be happy like Akira and Jun." Nodoka looked over to the door that led to the rooms they were staying in and saw Ukyo standing there in a flannel nightgown, as it was a bit chilly in the castle.

"I guess I am out voted aren't I." Nodoka said as she looked not at her nodding children but at the Sorceress of Grayskull.

"Yes you are and I am afraid I definitely have to agree with them. You see Nodoka because of Akira and now Jun I have found new happiness as well. I am no longer alone in protecting Grayskull nor am I lonely. They have brought me friendship and friends." The Sorceress said as she smiled at the two Mystic Warriors.

"Very well then once we pick out our home we will go home and pack to return here." Nodoka said with a tear-streaked face that was lit by a bright happy smile.

They all rose and had a large group hug the Takashi clan and the Sorceress. They hugged each other so tightly as they feared if they let go they would find it all a dream and that their lives would not have changed and they would be back to the desolate lives of before. Finally, though they did separate and they headed back toward their rooms for some rest. There was much to do before returning home and moving back here to Eternia. The most important was Akane's trial it was the following week and Ukyo had to testify.

The problem was none of the four women and one man could get to sleep right away. Their minds were filled with conflicting feelings and memories. They tried to push them back into the deep recesses of their minds to think on it later. They however could not the memories, demanded the right to be seen and dealt with. So as each dealt with their pasts in their own ways they all slowly succumbed to their tried and drained emotions and finally fell into troubled sleep. Troubles they would spend the next three late nights talking out amongst themselves after everyone else had retired for the night.