1/2: Ranma of Grayskull Crossover: Masters of the Universe By: Dani Yanega yanega@mindspring.com (please respond to this e-mail address) http://www.mindspring.com/~yanega/index.htm Mirror Site at: http://www.ranko.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/index.htm Chapter Seven "LILY!" "ELDER LILY!" Comes the cries of the two Amazons, everyone but Nodoka looks at the new woman. Cologne and Shampoo with surprise and uneasiness. Ukyo and Akane with glares of hate for telling them they have no claim to Ranma. Lily gracefully moves toward the group a sardonic smile on her face. Lily is about six feet tall with long onyx black hair, it even shines like the stone. There are however, streaks of gray. Her hair reaches to her knees and is thick and straight with just a small curl at the ends. She like Cologne wears long robes but since she is still very young looking her robs are slightly tighter then the older matriarchs. Her robes are also in bright red with a scoop neck. The sleeves are cuffed at her wrists the sleeves are overlapping strips of cloth that moves every so often to reveal her soft smooth skin underneath. She also carries a staff hers being about two inches shorter then herself, and made of smooth carved mahogany and stained a dark brownish red. "Lily what are you doing here, I told the counsel it was not necessary for any of them to join me here." Cologne tells her counterpart, her eyes narrowing to tiny slits. "That was before my _grandson/granddaughter_ contacted the counsel for verification of the law he found. It was decided that since he had so much trouble with you and your granddaughter that I would be his Amazon family." Lily's smile widens as the shock quickly passes over Cologne's face. Akane, Ukyo and Shampoo stare at the new arrival. Shampoo's eyes darken to deep violet as she knows this woman will try to force her to marry stupid Mousse. Ukyo looks at her uncertainly, her heart breaking as she now has lost everything since she can not marry Ranma. Akane looks at the woman something about her is familiar but she can't place what it is. The three wanna be fiancées don't not understand what is going on but they know the out come of this battle of words will either be their dreams come true or the end of everything. Nodoka sits on the sofa sipping her tea a small smile on her face. She remembers when _mother_ Lily arrived with the missive. ***Flashback*** Nodoka is awakened from her fitful nap, her eyes puffy and sore. Her tears dried to her face. She pauses in the furo room and takes a wash cloth to wipe away some if the tearstains on her face. She then heads downstairs as the knocking continues. [The electronics men must have forgotten something. When they left they said it would be another two hours, before they were completely done as they needed to check the outside. I'll give Nabiki this if there is anything she is thorough!] Nodoka thinks while she heads for her front door a slight scowl on her lovely face. Nodoka opens the door to a tall beautiful woman who looks no older then her but her gray stormy eyes denote great wisdom. Nodoka stares in awe of her bearing and striking beauty, unable to say a word. The woman smiles at her and the strange woman's stormy gray eyes change to light gray with a twinkle in them. The woman bows to Nodoka who remembers her manners and bows back. She then steps back and allows the woman to enter. "My apologies please come in how can I help you?" Nodoka feels she should know this woman; she reminds her of someone. "Thank you I am sorry to bother you but I am looking for Ranma Saotome. Do you know where I can find him." The woman watches Nodoka closely and is surprised at the pain then the fear then the suspicion that crosses her face. "Oh I am not someone Genma Saotome made a promise too." The woman chuckles as she realizes why Nodoka looks at her suspiciously, the pain though is a mystery. "Then why do you want my son?" She asks not giving out any information. "Why child as your new mother, I would like to meet my grandson!" The woman tells her reaching out to catch Nodoka when her legs give way. The woman with a soft caring smile helps Nodoka to the sofa, she then finds the kitchen and returns a few moments later with a pot of tea and some cookies she had found in the kitchen. She sits across from the Saotome matriarch with a bright smile and serves her tea. "Tell me child when I came up, who are those men and why are they poking around in your yard?" Glad for a change of subject till she can get her bearings. Nodoka explains her son's insistence that she have the house checked over by a professional company that removes electronic listening devices from buildings. It seems Nabiki Tendo tends to put her nose where it doesn't belong. She then makes money off what she learns, at the expense and reputation of her victims. She tells the strange woman about how he is the one who had given her the name of the company he even set up the appointment all she had to do was call and confirm it. The woman stares at her in disbelief her eyes wide with shock. She sits down her tea then placing her hands in her lap with them clenched tightly into fists. She takes deep cleansing breaths. She then looks up at the curious woman across from her. Her smile straining she then explains to Nodoka why she is there. "I am Elder Lily of the Joketsuzoku Amazons." Lily watches as Nodoka's curiosity changes to anger, she raises her hand and Nodoka settles back down to hear the woman out. "I know all about what Elder Cologne has done to try and get your son to follow our laws. She and her granddaughter are also in a very precarious situation. Many of the counsel I and my granddaughter included believe that she knew of the law that Ranma sent us. She didn't say anything because she does not want Shampoo to marry my grandson Mousse." Nodoka looks at her with surprise, while Lily serves them both more tea. "Shampoo's mother and my late daughter were very close almost sisters, and although I frowned on her associating with Cologne's relations I did not stop it either. It was they who arranged the marriage." Lily takes a sip of tea a warm smile on her face while she remembers her late daughter. "I was pleased that my daughter made such a strong alliance, how ever Cologne was not. To this day I believe Cologne had both Shampoo's mother and my daughter killed to try and stop the union. Oh, but I digress. "The counsel agreed with Ranma and he was made an Amazon on the spot the only three things he really wanted besides not having to marry Shampoo, was, that although he respected Elder Cologne he could not trust her. If he was to be part of an Amazon family let it be anyone but hers. Second that you and only you be considered an Amazon as well. Finally he not have to live in the village, he told us of what he thought his destiny was and we really could not argue with is facts so we agreed." Nodoka smiles at the ingenuity of her son, her pride glowing brightly. "I volunteered to be Ranma's grandmother and your new Amazon mother. The missives we had received back from Cologne although sketchy as to what she was doing to fulfill the 'Kiss of Marriage' but full of Ranma's antics, intrigued me. The counsel agreed and since my granddaughter had already taken my seat on the counsel last year, I came here to stay with Ranma as a liaison between the two of you and the village." Lily finishes and pours herself another cup of tea, and warms up Nodoka's as well. Lily pauses in pouring the tea and watches the tear drops fall onto the red satin kimono that her new daughter is wearing. Lily rises and sits next to the distraught woman in a motherly embrace, making soothing sounds while Nodoka cries holding onto the robes of the woman tightly afraid this kind person is not really there. "What is wrong daughter? Where is my grandchild?" Lily's eyes widen as Nodoka crying into her shoulder tells her what happen to Ranma. ***End Flashback*** "I brought the missive and I will be staying here with my new daughter. She has told me what happened, now you will tell _me_ what you know." Lily tells Cologne as she rolls up the contract between the counsel and the elder. "What about your duties as Elder, we can not both be here?" Cologne is grasping as straws hoping to get rid of Lily so she can claim her son-in-law." Lily smiles at Cologne her eyes burning with fire. "Orchid has taken her rightful place on the Village Counsel." Lily watches as Cologne pales then watching the wheels turn as she expected Cologne is working around the orders. "Then you are no longer a Matriarch and I am the counsel here in Japan which means I refuse to except that contract. The marriage between Shampoo and Ranma still stand." Cologne smiles triumphantly, her smile falters at the look of glee on Lily's face. "I would rethink that Cologne!" Lily tells her nemesis, her voice dropping to a low whisper. Akane, Ukyo and Shampoo watch the interplay between the two matriarchs. The other two fiancées realize that Shampoo had nothing to do with Cologne's action so they were not angry with her any longer. They both flank the Amazon protectively while the Elders fight it out. They notice Nodoka sitting on the sofa a smile of glee on her face while she caresses an ivory lotus blossom pendant. The girls make their way to the matriarch of the Saotome clan but stops when she glares at them. They back up from her and stay on their side of the living room. /*\*/*\ Nodoka thinks about her son as she slowly caresses the locket he has given her. She has agreed to allow Lily to handle Cologne besides it is so much more fun this way. Nodoka sees the girls heading for her obviously wanting more information. Nodoka glares angrily at them as she feels they deserve nothing since they are nothing to her son now. She watches while they back up in fear. "There is nothing to rethink, I am the counsel here in Japan and I order you to not only return home or be banished but to destroy that form." Cologne has always been faster then Lily but since Lily knows the Hidden Weapons technique Cologne can not retrieve the order. Shampoo's eyes light up with hope, but are quickly torn asunder when Lily laughs. The three girls shiver as the laugh reminds them of Kodachi. They then turn at the gentle laughter of Nodoka Saotome as she laughs as well. Lily turns a cold icy glare onto the older matriarch the girls shiver in fear as Lily's aura bursts around her. "But don't you see _Cologne_ you signed away your right to be an elder anywhere but back at home." Lily pauses and waits for the words to sink deep into the two Amazons' brains. "I did not give up my status as Elder I merely changed the location of my authority." Cologne stares at her sweat beginning to form on her brow. "Great grandmother what she mean?" Shampoo asks her great grandmother in low whisper. "What I mean Shampoo, is here and anywhere else your great grandmother goes that is _not_ our village she is nothing but a simple warrior such as yourself. While I on the other hand am an Elder no matter where I go, I am the official representative of our village an ambassador, if you like." Lily smile broadens as the information sinks into Shampoo's mind. Lily watches as Shampoo tries to deny what she is being told. Shampoo's eyes widen with shock then narrows with anger and determination. She pulls her bonari out and threateningly advances on the deceptively young matriarch. Lily takes her staff and punches several of Shampoo's shiatsu points then turns and glares at Cologne. "You should teach your heir better then that Cologne! It does not bode well for her to attack an Elder when she doesn't get her way, although the apple does not fall far from the tree, does it." Lily tells her glaring at the old woman. "I would also like my grandson sent here later today after the Nekohanten closes. Nodoka has agreed to allow him to stay here. He will also not be working at the restaurant all day any longer. He will work there after he is out of school. When he graduates he will be returning to the village to help his sister." Lily watches as the two Amazons look on with relief and surprise. "Males are not permitted in roles as advisors!" Cologne growls at her smug counter part. "A lot has changed since you've left the village. Ranma's abilities to avoid you and your granddaughter have shown us men can be very resourceful. They can not hold any power but they are now able to advise those elders that choose to have them." Lily tells her with a shrug. Lily turns from Cologne letting the old matriarch know she is finished with the conversation. Lily looks at the other two girls a snarl on her lips. Ukyo backs up slightly but Akane takes offense at this woman's audacity and flares her aura as rage courses through her. The temperature in the room just drops twenty degrees as Lily implores the soul of ice. She steps forward and stands less the two inches from Akane. She looks down into the raging eyes of the youngest Tendo. "_Do not_ even think about using your anger against me _girl_. You have broken the engagement repeatedly, well now Ranma has agreed to it and none of you who have treated him like a prize to be had can receive him. He is free to do as he chooses and he started by _dumping_ the baggage his father saddled him with." Lily dares Akane to say or do anything but the Tendo girl backs away fear at the rage forming in the matriarchs eyes. "Now Cologne you _will_ tell us what you found out in Amazon treasures _that_ should never have left the village." Lily tells the old Amazon as she sits down next to Nodoka. /*\*/*\ Nabiki burst through the front door kicking her shoes of she quickly heads up the stairs. Kasumi comes out of the kitchen drying her hands and watches as Nabiki disappears on the upper level. A small frown adorns Kasumi's lips as she bends over and puts Nabiki's shoes where they belong. Her scowl depends as she turns and returns to the kitchen. Kasumi's mind is in a whirl, it has been ever since Ranma was sent away by the old master. She knows it took great courage for him to throw aside all that is expected of him for a life of his own. Kasumi reaches into her apron pocket and pulls out a letter with a postmark of today. The handwriting on the envelope is unmistakably Ranma's. She looks around as she sits down at the table and pulls out the letter. She pulls it free of its envelope and rereads it again. Kasumi: You are the only one other then my mother that I am saddened to be leaving. Of all the people in Nerima you were the only one that made me feel like I mattered and that my feelings counted for something. When I came back from China after Saffron and especially the failed wedding attempt you were the only one to sit with me and talk to me. You were the only one to see the pain I was in about having to have killed Saffron even though it was only way to save Akane. I was going through so much anger and resentment because of what your dad did in keeping the Nanniichuan from me but what really hurt was Akane went along with it. That was the start of the unraveling of my feelings for her. You never yelled at me or threatened me when I told you. You just sat and listened and helped to deal with the breaking of my heart and helped me to mend it. The happiest day of my life though was when you trusted me enough to tell me how you felt. How you felt betrayed by your family for ignoring your needs for their own. I told you then I would find a way to help you and I have. I am now a very wealthy person. It turned out that where my secret training ground was there was a hidden precious and semi precious gem mind. There was not many left I guess it was mind out some time ago and forgotten. There was enough there though to set me up for life and to help out my best friend. I have set up a trust fund for you but you can only access to the interest and only a small amount. This is of course until you MOVE OUT OF THE TENDO HOUSE and go to college. Then the money can only be used for YOU alone. When you go to college more of the principle will be released to you for books, lodgings, supplies etc. Try for some scholarships to help but there is enough you don't need them. When you graduate the principle will be released to you to start your own business, practice or what ever. Again Kasumi this is for you alone. Kasumi they are sucking you dry, you deserve better then this. It is Soun's responsibility to take care of his family. He had you and your sisters not the other way around. Leave now Kasumi before it is too late. I know you don't want to hear this, from our talks but your family takes you for granted 'good ole' Kasumi' always there to clean up after us, cook for us, be a mother to us. Kasumi don't let them do to you what they've been doing to me, please live your life for yourself. Please Kasumi your family is big enough to take care of themselves they will never learn to fend for themselves as long as you are there to do it for them. Live for yourself ten years as your mother is to long. I know what your dreams are go after them before it is to late, do like me and follow your star not other peoples. Love, Ranma Saotome Kasumi puts the note back in her pocket, her eyes vacant with contemplation. She now has a way to live her life but can she leave her family? She must decide soon because Ranma is correct if she doesn't leave soon she never will. Kasumi picks up the morning's newspaper then starts thumbing through the apartment listings. She looks up quickly worry on her face. "RRRRRAAAANNNNNMMMAAAA! THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!" Nabiki screams from upstairs, Kasumi shrugs then goes back to looking through the listings. /*\*/*\ Ranma turns and faces the two blonde warriors from the night before one a man the other a tall blonde. She looks at them reading their power levels and finding that they are magically enhanced. She then turns to the tiger grabbing his tail Ranma pulls him out from under the bed and drags him to in front of the warriors. "I know because other then this one not having magic in him he is the same because his life force and the life force of the one called Battlecat are the same." The two warriors look at her with some skepticism. "You can read the life force of others, Ranma?" The sorceress asks her guest her eyes alight with curiosity. "Yeah, I am not as good at it as Cologne but then again she's a three hundred year old mummy. My skill is good enough that I am able to read everybody, but not if they're hiding their aura." The two warriors look at the girl uncertainty still playing across their faces. "You can hide your life force?" The man asks her a contemplative look on his face. "Yeah I got my pop to teach me the Saotome secret techniques, and I can mask my presence so much I am practically invisible. It's a pretty cool thing to be able to do." Ranma tells them her eyes alight with the joy she feels when talking about the art. Ranma looks at the skeptical faces her smile broadens and she disappears from view. The sorceress begins to search for the missing girl using magic but is unable to detect any magical spells. The sorceress stumbles slightly. She feels like someone has given her a gentle push. The two warriors find they are unable to move their arms and are quickly relieved of their weapons. The three hope to follow Ranma by the swords but they were not visible either. The light soprano voice of Ranma can be heard by the three as she laughs heartily. She then reappears in the center of the three adults a bright smile on her face and a twinkle sparkling mischievously in her eyes. While she returns the weapons to the warriors she releases the shiatsu points so they are able to reclaim their swords. "That is amazing Ranma, uhm Ranma what is wrong with your eyes?" She-Ra asks the young warrior. Ranma looks at her with confusion and then turns to face the sorceress when she feels the woman's gentle touch on her shoulder. The sorceress' eyes widen with surprise then. She gently pushes her toward a nearby mirror. Ranma looks at her reflection not seeing anything out of the ordinary until she looks closer at her sapphire blue eyes. Her mouth hangs open with shock and confusion then turns to her hostess with eyes pleading for understanding. "I believe child that when Battlecat helped you to gain control of the cat inside you, he had to leave a piece of his soul behind to help you maintain that control. In doing so that piece of soul is showing its presence by making your eyes look like a cats." The sorceress tells her, Ranma nods as it makes sense. She looks at the bed and again sees the swishing tail of Cringer sticking out from under it. Evidently the frightened cat prefers hiding under the bed as it returned to the _safety_ of it. She turns to He-Man who watches her closely. He looks at her and smiles then draws his sword and shouts the incantation that will transform Cringer into his alter ego. "BY THE POWER OF GRAYSKULL! I AM THE POWER!" He-Man points his sword at the cat under the bed. "EEP!" Is all that Cringer gets out as he is surrounded by the power of Grayskull. Cringer changes into Battlecat under the bed, thus knocking the bed over when Battlecat tosses it from his back. Ranma watches the change and searches inside her for the fear. She smiles when she does not find it. Her smiles widens when she feels the cat in her reach out toward the one who gave her the stability and strength to control it. When the change is complete Battlecat finds himself flying through the air to the other side of the room, and hitting the stone wall hard. His breath having been knocked from him. He looks up to see the petite redhead attached to his neck. She looks down into his eyes and he now sees hers are the shape of a cats. "Thank you! You have taken a danger in me and helped me to control it so that I do not need to fear for the safety of those around me." Ranma smiles as she looks down onto the face of the big cat while he lays on his back with her sitting on his chest. "I think I made a mistake." Battlecat growls as the room busts out laughing at the sight before them.