Note: It's amazing how many more reviews one gets when you leave the story on a cliff hanger. Thanks for all the nice things you guys are saying. I know I need to work on some of my grammar and spelling but it's been a while since I actually had to use it beyond the occasional business email.

I know the battle scene is not very good, but considering some of the fight/battle scenes from the old He-Man cartoon it should fit. Warning: A certain song may get stuck in your head after a certain line in this chapter and I would like to apologize ahead of time for it.

Sorry for the short chapter once again, but I'm trying to stick to plan of posting at least one chapter a week and with work being a pain...well...(sigh)

Chapter 6: Reunion

Previously on Earth's Magic:

"Eternia, this is the Earth Alliance Vessel Cu Chulainn. We are currently under attack by the Horde and both ships on a collision course with Eternia. Repeat: We are on a collision course with..."

(Outside of the Eternian Royal Palace)

"By the Ancients!" exclaimed the armored king as he watched the two shipped streak across the sky.

"Guards! Masters! "ordered Teela as her sky sled rose up, "Move out!"

Sky sleds, Wind Raiders and Stratos took off. Attack Traks, ridden mechanical horses and other land vehicles followed with the more land bound Masters.

Adam with Cringer was already part way to Darksmoke when he noticed the two ships. A few seconds later he activated his communicator as he flew downward to land.

(Crash Site)

Large, intertwining grooves illustrated the path the two warring vessels followed after crashing into the fields. The Horde warship was in mostly in one piece but barely. Not far away, the Cu Chulainn was surprisingly good shape. Aside from a few dents and the hook in her side, she looked almost flight worthy.

Large, bay doors slowly opened up on the Horde vessel. As soon as there was enough room, Horde soldiers and robots started to stream out. Commander Aerallo's voice rang out orders to capture the Earth ship and its captain. The other humans were expendable.

The first few soldiers to reach the Cu Chulainn climbed up trying to find an entrance but were blasted off by shots fired from the sky. Teela flew overhead on her sky sled and send a few more blasts towards the Horde. She was soon followed by the rest of the airborne Royal Guards and Masters.

From the inside of an Attack Trak, Man at Arms attempted to raise the crew of the Earth ship through the Attack Trak's communicator. "This is Man at Arms, of the Eternian Royal Guard. We are outside your ship and are fighting off the Horde. Can anyone on the Earth ship hear me?"

(Inside the Cu Chulainn)

With a few groan and moans that were barely heard due to the alarms, the bridge crew got up and dusted themselves off. Marshall pressed a few buttons on his armrest only to find they were non-responsive. "You two, "he said looking at the helmsman and navigator get those fires out. Comm try to get the monitor up, "He used his personal communicator to reach the crew, "Damage reports, is anyone injured?"

The alarms slowly shut down as they lost power and now the muffled sounds of battle could be heard. "What the…"said the navigator.

"Sir!" said the communications officer, "We are being hailed by a 'Man at Arms.' He claims to be part of the Eternian Royal Guard."
Marshall walked over and took the earpiece with a nod to opening the channel. "This is Captain Steve Marshall of the Earth Military Vessel Cu Chulainn. Do you hear me, Man at Arms?"

"We hear you, Captain Marshall, "the static filled response was heard, "Are you all alright in there? The Guard is currently keeping the Horde off of you, but since they are so close to your ship we don't dare hit them too hard."

"Understood and thanks, "said the Captain with one ear listening to his personal communicator, Marshall added, "All crew members are accounted for. No serious injuries. If you can hold them off for a few more moments, we can help drive them off."

"Agreed, "said Mann at Arms.

Marshall returned the earpiece and then ordered, "Gear up! Full combat."

(Outside)

"Get ready, "came Duncan's voice from Teela's communicator as she fired a few shots, "The Earthlings are getting ready to evacuate the ship and join in."

A few moments later, a door on the side of the Earth ship slid open. Eight grayish-blue armored figures double timed it out two at a time. As soon as they were clear of the ship, each pair split up and fired off their assault rifles towards the Horde as they headed for cover. One of the first ones out was wearing slightly different looking armor with sliver colored trim.

From his downed warship, Commander Aerallo saw this on his monitor and snarled. His prey was now becoming the predator. He picked up and shouldered his oversized blast rifle and turned to join his men. If they failed, his life wouldn't be worth living anyways. Both Lord Devon and Horde High Command would make sure of it.

An evil laugh startled him and he quickly prepared his rifle to fire. "Looks like you could use a little help, "said Skeletor stepping through some smoke with Panthro at his side.

"I know of you traitor, "said Aerallo with a snarl as he stood up aiming his rifle, "I would shoot you now but it would be a waste of energy."

"I'm hurt, "said Skeletor sarcastically, "And here I was all ready to save you and your few remaining soldiers. But if you don't want my help…"

Aerallo closed his eye and growled, "What's your price?"

"We'll discuss that later, "said Skeletor as he tapped the foot of his havoc staff on the floor, "For now, lets us see if we can thin out some of the vermin."

Evil-Lyn appeared out of thin air on the top of the warship's wreckage and starting casting spells that brought shards of ice from the sky down on the Eternians and Earthlings.

One of the Earthmen exclaimed, "What the hell?!"

"Watch yourself, Evans, "said Marshall through his helmet's communicator as he continued firing, "It's only magic."

"Only magic he says…"said another voice through the helmet communicator, "How do we fight magic?"

Now that the battle was a little more even and actually started to move more in the favor of the Horde soldiers when large pack of wolf like creatures with spikes howled as they were ordered by Beastman to attack. Tri-Klops lead a squad of robots from his sky sled all firing on flying Eternians as Trap Jaw lead squads on the ground.

Then above the sounds of the fight, the Battle Cat's roar shook the ground as He-Man road in and they literally mowed down a squad of robots

"FUS RO DAH!"

A force wave flew into and scattered a squad of flying robots to the four winds and cleared the way for Dovahzii to fly in. She called out "Kaan Drem Ov!" towards the spiked wolf pack and the ones they were attacking. The wolves all stopped and looked up towards the dragon warrior as those who were being attacked shook their heads as if confused. Dovahzii then said "Raan Mir Tah." The wolves' eyes glowed briefly as they all turned to face Beastman with a growl.

"Oh oh, "said Beastman as he slowly started to step away.

He-Man dismounted and took hold of one of the damaged sky sleds and threw it towards the Horde ship, close to where Evil-Lyn stood. When it landed it caused the whole ship to shake and roll slighting, knocking Evil-Lyn over and stopping the ice shard shower.

With a growl Dovahzii saw that Captain Marshall surround by robots and the few remaining Horde soldiers. With a "Du Grah Dun" she landed close to the captain and her staff started to glow. She swung her staff knocking over and away three of the attackers that were going for Marshall from behind.

"Thanks "said Marshall as he shot two robots and used his assault rifle's butt to hit the third one across the face. Seeing how the newest arrivals to the battle were making mincemeat of his forces, Skeletor sent a blast to clear a path way out of the ship. "Curse those meddlers! And just when it was starting to get fun, "said Skeletor and he turned to Aerallo to add, "We better leave or next we'll be seeing She-Ra or someone just as annoying show up."

(After the battle, next to a partially damaged Wind Raider)

Dovahzii sat on the hood of the Wind Raider, hands and chin on the top of her staff as she enjoyed the show of two old soldiers trying to play diplomat. After one too many different renditions of 'We come in peace, 'she finally spoke up, "This is what the third or fourth time contact between Earth and Eternia has led to people from both worlds working together? I think it's safe to skip this whole 'let's get along' song and dance. Leave it to the politicians to work over the details. It's what they're paid for, after all."

Man at Arms sent a small glare at the unimpressed dragon warrior as Captain Steve Marshall coughed slightly. Teela stepped up to the strange warrior and asked, "Who are you?"

The woman shrugged and said, "Dovahzii is as good a name as any. Even though it's more what I am rather than who I am."

"She's a friend, "volunteered He-Man walking up and leaned against the same Wind Raider, "She just got here from Darksmoke to help out."

"This friend should start heading back or Granamyr will have my hide taking too long, "said Dovahzii with a half-smile.

"Wait, you're heading to Darksmoke?" asked Teela and seeing Dovahzii nod, added "If you happen to see them, could you please find out what is keeping Adam so long? He missed the whole fight."

With an amazed look on her face, Dovahzii said, "You mean you actually expected and wanted the Prince and Heir to the throne of Eternia in an active battle? I did not know that the throne had the heirs to spare."

"What do you m…"Teela started to ask, only to be interrupted by the dragon warrior.

"I asked that the Prince and the apprentice to stay behind for their own safety. Both are too valuable for what they will one day become to risk on a single and relative small battle, "Dovahzii said firmly, "He-Man and myself are better suited for the battlefield than they are, especially when we are not distracted by concern about someone's safety."

"Enough, Dovahzii, "said He-Man firmly.

"My apologies "said the winged warrior as she slid off the air ship and then bowed slightly. She turned and prepared to take off as she said, "I see to it that Prince Adam and Althea return to the palace."

"WAIT!" exclaimed Steve Marshall, as he took hold of the Dovahzii's to prevent her from leaving, "You said you'll see to Althea's return?!"

Dovahzii shrugged slightly and said, "Althea has been studying under Granamyr in the control and use of her mage gift. I do believe Granamyr will understand that she might be needed to greet her countrymen and family member to a strange world." With that said, Dovahzii flew off.

(A few hours later at the Eternian Royal Palace)

Man at Arms and Captain Marshall, wearing his formal dress uniform, walked into the throne room flanked by Teela and Stratos.

Man at Arms bowed and said "Your Majesties, I present you Captain Steve Marshal of the Earth Military Alliance ship Cu Chulainn."

Marshal gave a sharp, military bow to the King and Queen of Eternia.

"Welcome to Eternia, Captain Marshall. I am Randor, "said the king with a friendly smile. He then looked towards the queen, "This is my wife, Queen Marlena. I assume you have already met Duncan, my Man at Arms, and Teela, the Captain of the Royal Guard."

"It is an honor, You Majesty, "replied Marshall, "And I do thank you for all the assistance you have provided and have offered. I will admit that I am almost overwhelmed by such a warm welcome. After all, I have basically brought a war to your front steps."

The throne room doors swung open to allow Althea, Cringer and Prince Adam to walk in. Seeing Captain Marshall, Althea limped faster as she cried out, "Steve!"

"Pardon me, "said Marshal with a small bow towards the thrones. The king nodded his permission. Steven then turned and walked quickly to meet up with his niece.

(Snake Mountain)

Aerallo, with a pair of Skeletor's robots flanking him, was marched into Skeletor's throne room.

"Commander Aerallo, "said Skeletor sitting on his throne, "I do hope you and your men are finding the stay at Snake Mountain comfortable."

Aerallo stood not far from his host and said, "What could you possibly want from me Skeletor? My ship is lost as well as most of my weapons and crew. My life is forfeit if I return to the Horde both for losing my ship and making a deal with a known traitor."

"Ah, the Horde, "said Skeletor as he created a finger pyramid and sat back, "What is the Horde's interest here?"

"None, "Aerallo answered, "The only reason why I'm here is to take care of an Earthling that has proven to be a thorn in the side of Horde High Command."

"Rrrrreallly, "asked Skeletor, "Tell me more about this Earthling."

Figuring there was no point keeping it a secret since he was stuck here, Aerallo answered truthfully, "His name is Steve Marshall. He was captured when Lord Devon's group raided an island chain where most of the world's larger naval forces were docked. While on route to Horde World for questioning, he and a few others somehow took control of the prison ship they were on. He then led his small group on a piracy spree that included stealing a Horde space frigate, the destruction of three other warships and a command ship. That alone would have placed a nice price on his head, but it was his return to Earth that marked the point where the Earthlings started to consistently succeed in fighting off Horde forces. What should have been a relatively easy planetary take-over ended up being one of the few times the Horde was actually forced to retreat. Horde High Command believes that Steve Marshall is to blame."

Tapping two fingers together, Skeletor thought a few moments before saying, "So this has nothing to do with a certain Dovah or another Earthling showing up not too long ago."

"What are you talking about?"

Skeletor reached over and took hold of his havoc staff. He indicated that Aerallo should watch as he waved his hand over the orb held in place by the skull's horns. An image of Dovahzii fighting in the earlier battle appeared. "This is the Dovah and according to reliable sources, they died out centuries ago. The last one was buried on Earth." The image changed to one of Althea sitting with Queen Marlena and Man at Arms in the memory projector room. "This is Althea Strom, a magic wielder from Earth that is learning on how to better control and use her abilities before returning to her home world."

Aerallo snarled. One of the reasons that Earth was chosen to be conquered was its apparent lack of magic. It was assumed that they would have absolutely no defense against the Horde's more magic based weapons and warriors. It was bad enough that old magical artifacts have been found and used by Earth's defenders, but if Earth should get true magic users...

"Aaaah, I see you were unaware, "said Skeletor with false concern, "I had assumed that a 'Devon' would have notified the Horde. After all, he is the one who saw to their arrival on Eternia."

"What?!"

"It's true, "said Skeletor with a grin, "My spies in the Royal Palace have heard the story as it was described to the King Randor."

"That worthless piece of slim, "muttered Aerallo thinking about what he heard through the Horde rumor mill lately. Then he became suspicious and asked, "Why are you telling me this?"

"My argument has never been with the Horde, only with Hordak, "Skeletor said firmly, "So long as the Horde leaves Eternia for me to conquer, I'm more than happy to pass on a bit or two of useful information."

Aerallo laughed humorlessly, "Plus if we take care of few of your obstacles while seeing to it that Marshall never returns to Earth all the better for you."

"I do believe we understand each other, "said Skeletor.

Aerallo sighed and then said, "I need to contact Horde High Command."

With a nod, Skeletor signaled for Tri-Klops to bring in an old crate with the Horde symbol burned in on it. Tri-Klops opened the crate to reveal a dust covered interplanetary communicator.

To be continued….