Ranma 1/2: A New Awakening Alternate Continuation (minor crossovers) By: Dani Yanega yanega@mindspring.com http://www.mindspring.com/~yanega/index.htm Co-author & Concept by: "Jerry" starfire@brainerd.net Chapter Thirty One The negotiations were long and tedious, but with the law changes safely under their belts the emissaries of the King and Queen of Illondra were willing to give some. Nodoka stretched her back, it was tingling and she knew why. She looked to Seran and saw he had the same problem. "Excuse me matriarchs but my husband and I need to stretch is it alright if we just do it here so as not to stop the proceedings." Nodoka asked Lilac as she seemed to be the one in charge. The matriarchs looked at her with a questioning look. Cologne whispered to Lilac and she nodded her head in agreement. Lilac then turned to the fidgety couple with a curious smile. "I see no problems as long as it isn't to distracting." She told the couple. "Oh well I don't think it will be but I am afraid we will need backless chairs." Nodoka explained. A matriarch an inch taller then Cologne waved to an Amazon male who disappeared and a few moments later returned with two stools. Nodoka smiled and thanked him as he turned and walked away with a nod. She and Seran then changed to the stools and with relief let their wings materialize. All the matriarchs mouths dropped open save of course Cologne who knew of the wings. There was a collective gasp from the gallery as the Amazons stared transfixed at Nodoka's red glittery wings and Seran's dark blue ones. Cologne came down and examined their wings her eyes going wide with amazement. "I sense ki running through your wings how is that possible?" She asked the Aurora woman. "Well during our training in the Faerie realm, we not only trained with many sensei, but my daughter trained us in the Anything Goes Style. The first thing she taught us to do was use our ki to strengthen our bodies, speed up our agility and heal quicker. Since the wings are now a part of us we use our ki to strengthen and quicken them. Our wings are almost indestructible, and part of our duty in Illondra is to train the other Faerie folk in the same technique." Nodoka finished with a proud smile Cologne knew was for her daughter Ranko. "Fascinating, and if I am right Ranko has figured out a way to use her wings during battle!" She made as more of a statement then a question. "On yes and she is quite fast as well, we all are but of course she is faster." Nodoka's smile grew. Lily came down and looked at the wings her eyes wide with awe she slowly reached out to touch the wings on Seran's back when she paused a few inches from them she looked at the man with pleading eyes. He nodded his consent and she reached out and touched them. She gasped and quickly pulled her hand away put then reached out again. The wings were soft and almost felt like but she couldn't describe it if her life depended on it. She felt them pulsing with energy and Seran's life blood. They were soft yet she could feel the strength in them. "_QUIET!_" Lilac banged the gavel on the matriarch table, slowly bringing order to the conference. "You all knew they were Faeries it was in Cologne's report! You're Amazons, so behave like it!" Lilac scowled at the murmuring audience. Her gaze fell on the two matriarchs examining the Aurora patriarch and matriarch's wings. A flash of jealousy crossing quickly across her face. To be changed a moment later to curiosity. She will have to ask to see them later on, but more important things came first. "Ladies please return to your seats we have much more to discuss." Lily and Cologne rejoined their counterparts at the council table. Their eyes still glued to the two Faerie people's wings, the wings moved slowly as if they were being gently moved in a breeze. Nodoka smiled at the curious looks from the old women. She looked at the gallery of warriors and saw Shampoo her eyes wide with shock, but she also noticed the single tear that rolled down her face. Nodoka realized that the young warrior finally came to grips with the fact that her 'Airen' was now out of her reach. "Come to order lets get this meeting done with, so we may celebrate the new alliance." Lilac told everyone as she banged her gavel again. "The Amazons are thus far quite happy with the trade agreement, although we would like to discuss getting more advanced technology." Nodoka raised her eyebrow at this because she was sure Lilac meant weapons. "The royal house of Illondra will not deal in weapons! The history of mankind shows they can not deal with it. If they see any changes in that aspect they will consider it. Most of the technology comes from other realms and any trading of them must be done with that realms permission and their ambassador present." Nodoka stated leaving no room for argument. "Then what about training? We would like to have our warriors trained in the techniques and magic that are from your realm. We have many enemies around us and wish to protect ourselves." Lilac pushed on, she figured the technology issue could be addressed at a later date. "Well the royal house has agreed that an _exchange_ of skills is desirable, however I am afraid to do much of the magic from our home you must be of Faerie origin. We do have many crossover mortal mages that if your warriors show aptitude they will be happy to train them in exchange for training in your techniques." Nodoka continued, Seran smiling proudly at her. It was discussed before they left Illondra since the Amazon's were a matriarchal society that she would handle the negotiations. He will do so when it was a male dominated society. The night before they left their home they worked out how she would handle the negotiations and he would be there to help her if she needed it. It seemed she did not, she was born to this task and it looked like the King and Queen chose well. Nodoka watched as the eyes of the matriarchs widened she sighed as she realized that an argument was about to ensue. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up, she looked around the room and noticed two pairs of eyes focused intently on her but for different reasons it seemed. She spotted Shampoo staring her eyes filled with loss and pain, Nodoka felt for the young woman but she had lost her child long before the crossover. The second set was from Lily. She could tell the matriarch knew Nodoka knew something about her grandson, and that she was determined to find out what. The argument among the elders as to whether Amazon secret techniques should stay that way or not, was divided. The only matriarch which hadn't voted being Lilac. She sat quietly and listened to the arguments and truthfully she saw both sides. On the one hand the Amazons fought hard battles to gain their secrets and to just give them away went against eons of training. On the other hand a sharing of knowledge would allow them to expand and hopefully attract new warriors male and female to join the tribe and secure their survival. Lilac also hoped that with the coming of Faerie instructors also might come new mates and new blood that would lengthen their lifespan without the current effects. She looked at Cologne and some of the other three hundred plus Elders with a sad smile. This could allow them to do more then just mortal magic. Lilac sighed heavily, she pinched the bridge of her nose as the other twelve matriarchs fought. She looked up at the hand placed on her shoulder to see Cologne looking at her. She smiled at her long time friend and sometime advisor. Cologne of course voted for the exchange of information, but the final choice was going to be hers. She had read everything Cologne had sent her about Ranma Saotome and his crossover. The only reason Shampoo was aloud to stay so long in Japan was because Lilac wanted the boy in the tribe as much as Cologne did but now that was not possible well at least not by marriage anyway. Lilac smiled at her friend then taking another deep breath prepared herself for the battle ahead. She closed her eyes the runes on her robe began to glow. The four ambassadors stared in awe at the power coming from the leader of the Amazon Council. The two dragons smiled as they sensed the magic was from dragon ancestry which is probably why none of the other Amazons had been able to learn it. Ranko learned dragon magic as did Micca but only the simplest of spells. The most advanced spells you must be a dragon to learn, part dragons could learn again only to a degree. They decided they would talk with Lilac later to find out for sure if they are correct but they knew they were. "ENOUGH! The time for arguing is over!" Lilac brought the council to order as she stood glowing with a gold and silver light. The council chambers instantly became quite. All spectators and participants looked to Lilac. She glared fiercely around the room quieting any of those still murmuring. When she had everyone's full attention she addressed the Amazon's guests. "In order to ensure our survival and the needed alliance with the mythical realm of the Faeries the council agreed to make changes and revert to the laws that started our tribes. We also thank Lady Aneika for allowing us to incorporate some of the newer laws that did not go against the original intent of the Amazon race." Lilac paused, she stared around the room making sure everyone was paying attention. "I have listened to the arguments on both sides of this and I agree with what both sides have said, _but_ if we are to grow stronger we must be willing to give in return. I will vote in favor of the sharing of techniques..!" There is an uproar as those that disagreed erupted into rage. "SILENCE!" Lilac's voice carried throughout the hall, all turned to look at the matriarch leader. "I will finish before there is _open discussion_!" The sarcasm was not lost on any present. "Nodoka, can you guarantee that Amazon techniques will not be shared with any but those we train." Lilac asked her eyes flashing with determination. "What I said earlier about technology hold true with all trading within Illondra. What is ours is our property and what is yours is your property. We will train you and trade with you but we will not trade your goods or techniques without your knowledge or permission. We in return expect the same from you." Nodoka told the Amazon her eyes flashing with just as much determination as Lilac's. "Then it is settled the agreements have been made and the Amazon's will honor their end as the Realm of Myths will honor theirs. If there is a disagreement in the future or the need to make changes we will renegotiate at that time." Lilac ended that part of the meeting with a loud bang of her hammer. The Amazons got up as if to file out when the gavel continued to be banged, drawing everyone's attention back to the council table. Lilac stared angrily at the warriors and matriarchs that thought to leave the chambers before the end of the session. They all quickly filed back to their seats and waited for the rest of the business to be conducted. "Cologne and Shampoo please face the council!" Lilac looked at her friend her eyes flashing sadness, Cologne nodded to her friend to show she understood. The two Amazons faced the council, Shampoo trying not to look nervous. Cologne balanced on her staff not even phased. The murmurs in the gallery can be heard by everyone only those of the Faerie realm could really make out what was being said. "You will now answer to the whereabouts of Matriarch Lily's grandson!' Lilac directed to the matriarch and her granddaughter. "We do not know Matriarch Lilac!" The murmuring got louder and a few gasps were heard throughout the chambers, Lily's eyes never left their guests. "He disappeared the day after Ranma crossed over. We have not seen him since. I do believe though he will return for the meeting tomorrow. We will find out then where he has been." Cologne noticed Lily's full attention on Ranko's mother and father. "Then I will return with you to Japan!" Lily stated there was no discussion, her eyes glued to the heads of the Aurora Clan. Nodoka stared back at the Amazon never faltering. She was upset she did not know Micca had living family but he was of age when he crossed over and it was his decision. He will now have to face the consequences of his actions, but he is still her son and she will not let him go without a fight. She felt Seran's hand as he took hers and gave it a gentle squeeze. She looked to her husband with a warm loving smile to show him she understood his meaning. They both turned back to the council determination strong on their faces. "Will that be alright with you?" Lilac asked Lady Victoria since she would be teleporting them back. "I am afraid not I do not have the power to teleport any more then the number I brought here. I will if you wish come and retrieve Matriarch Lily tomorrow for the meeting so she can see her grandson." Lady Victoria proposed knowing full well what was going on. "That will be acceptable." Matriarch Lilac stated ending the discussion and the meeting. The council chamber slowly emptied out and all headed toward the center of the village. Where a buffet was set out to celebrate the new alliance. The party went on for hours and well in to the hours of dawn. However the Auroras and the Japanese stationed Amazons had left after a couple of hours since there was much they needed to complete before tomorrow. /*\*/*\ When Nodoka and Seran entered their home giggles of children could be heard along with the quack of an angry duck. The parents just shook their heads as the children's new grandparents came to greet them, before the Aurora youngsters realized their parents were home. "Greeting children! How did it go?" Both Seran and Nodoka raised an eyebrow at Ejien's 'children' comment. Ejien caught the look and smiled broadly but didn't explain. Nodoka and Seran just smiled. Then their smiles faded and the Aurora matriarch seemed to deflate. Naja looked at her new daughter with worry and went to her putting a comforting arm around her. She led Nodoka to the sitting room where she had tea and honey cakes waiting the men followed behind them. "The negotiations went fine but we may have a problem. We have already talked with Queen Titiana and King Oberon. They will back us up on what ever we decide to do." Nodoka told the woman softly, Seran sat next to his wife and wrapped her in his strong arms. "It turns out Micca still has family in the Amazon village and the way she behaved she will want him back." Seran told the two wood elves. "NO! I won't give up _my_ son!" Nodoka sat up straight staring at her husband and the two wood elves. "It was my choice to join Ranko here and it is my choice to leave." The four adults turned to find Micca standing in the doorway a stunned Ranko standing next to him, her eyes opened wide in shock. "NO! YOU'RE MY BROTHER YOU CAN'T LEAVE ME!" Ranko screamed as she latched onto Micca tears streaming down her face. Micca wrapped his arms around his sister and held her tightly making soothing sounds in her ear. While behind him a blue hair Ranma stood looking very confused and angry. "It is alright little sister, I have no intentions of leaving, and my life is here with my family." He held her tightly resting his head on her shoulder but looking at his parents with darkening gray eyes. "Y..You promise *sniff*!" She whispered between sobs into his neck. "I promise! I have finally found the happiness I have never had and I _won't_ let Lily take it from me again." Micca snarled as he held his sister tightly to him. They watched as Cerulean's face mimicked the emotions that crossed their sons face. They knew there was going to be a long discussion but whether Ranko should be a part of it was another story. Micca understood the look on his parents faces and tried to pass Ranko to Cerulean but she knew what they were doing and refused to let go of him. "I will be a part of this! I will not be put aside when this is Aurora family business!" Ranko looked at her family the maturity that appeared from time to time showing now in both Micca and Ranko. The children entered the family room followed by Cerulean they all sat down and with their wood elf grandparents and listened first to Micca as to why he left his mortal family behind. Then why he refused to return to them. The Aurora Clan held council well into the night none getting tired as they worked out how they will keep their son. /*\*/*\ Nabiki rose early, happy in the fact that Kasumi was home and cooking. She had told the family she found a special school for Akane to help with her cooking, sewing, music and temper. She was supposed to have been there all day yesterday but she refused to go. Nabiki had promised Kasumi she would help get Akane there after school on Monday, after all it was in her own best interest to do so. Today, however she had other plans becoming filthy rich among them. She dressed quickly in her shorts and tee shirt, then made some calls on her cell phone. She called Tanaka Labs first to make sure they knew to be in place _before_ Ranma and his no _her_ mother arrived. She then telephoned her only friend, she knew Miroshi would be disappointed in her but she would still help her. After all money does talk, and it talks loud and long. She walked down the stairs talking with her friend. Well actually arguing with her. Miroshi refused to help in any way and Nabiki is trying to talk her into it. When Nabiki entered the family room she saw her father and Genma staring at her and she quickly left and headed for the back yard and away from the house. "Miroshi I need your help with this!" Nabiki told her a tinge of anger and betrayal in her voice. "And I told you I would not be a party to you giving living thinking beings over to a lab for dissecting." Nabiki heard the anger coming through the phone loud a and clear. "They're not going to do that just do some tests." Nabiki told her trying to not only convince her friend but herself as well. "I am surprised at your naiveté Nabiki you of all people would not believe those kind of promises. I am disappointed in you Tendo- san. I am afraid you have stepped over the line for me. Our relationship is terminated please do not call me again." Nabiki heard nothing but dead air on the other end, her anger rising she had not realized she was even glowing a slight red color. Kasumi watched her sister from the kitchen window she knew she was up to something, and if Miroshi was correct it would be bad for the two Aurora women. When the house phone rang Kasumi answered. Her suspicions confirmed her brow furrowed in her first real rage since her mother's death. She could only hope Nabiki would put a stop to it. /*\*/*\ "Children it is almost time!" Seran called to his children as they played in the back yard. Micca and Ranko came running into the house knocking their father to the ground with happy giggles and a tight hug. Seran smiled up at them with love and pride. He got them up and led them to their mother who was waiting for them at the front door with Lady Victoria and Cerulean in human form. "Well Ranko it seems you were right Nabiki has planned something for us, so we will need to be careful when we reach the Tendo home." Nodoka told her daughter as a sad look crossed her face. "I was hoping I was wrong!" She told the group with a sad sigh. "Come on sis you know Nabiki it will probably be a bunch of cameras hidden everywhere to get pictures." Micca told her as he put his arm around her. "I hope your right Micca but I doubt it." Ranko told him as she looked at him with sad soulful eyes. Ejien and Naja watched as the family was met by the mage Raist as they headed out. Worry evident on their faces. They watched their granddaughter walk slowly with slumped shoulders. Where before she was happy to be going to see her friend. Ejien pulled Naja into his arms, tilting his head slightly so it rested on top of hers. Both wood elves stared as the Auroras disappeared unshed tears glittering in their eyes.