Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters from Ranma ½. Many references are from various mythologies, as well as some random Xena: Warrior Princess easter-eggs.
AN: This is a complete rewrite to Amazons. Ranma POV. After the manga series. Many thanks to Richard Ryley for being amazing help with this chapter and helping to shape the rest of the story.
From Somewhere Within
Chapter 1
"Baka!" Akane shouted, chucking her bag at my head. I stuck out my tongue and ducked the hurling satchel, thinking I was in the clear when her foot connected with my back and I was thrown into the koi pond.
"Hey!" I shouted, rising above the water, my cursed body taking form.
She stuck her tongue out at me and hopped onto the porch, grabbing her bag and slipping her shoes off.
"Kasumi! Dad! We're home!" She called out.
I leapt from the water wringing my hair and shirt out.
"Hey, where is everyone?" I walked into the kitchen where a kettle was already on and gave a soft smile. Akane ducked her head in and shrugged. Kasumi came in, wiping her hands on her apron and pulled food from the fridge, starting to prepare dinner.
"I believe there is a guest in the dojo to see the two of you."
I grabbed the kettle and quickly switched back before catching up with Akane as we entered the dojo.
She stood tall and proud. Relaxed but on the balls of her feet. I recognized her as a martial artist immediately. She turned to meet our eyes and I felt a chill down my spine. Her face was young but her eyes had seen things someone her age shouldn't have.
"Tendo-chan, Saotome-kun." She nodded slightly to each of us, and the tension in her feet softened slightly.
"Dad?" Akane questioned her father who was sitting to the side with Pop.
"This is Alona. She knew your mother. They were…" he tilted his head to the side looking for the word.
"Comrades" Alona interjected.
I raised an eyebrow. This strange woman couldn't be much older than me and Akane and yet she fought with Akane's mom?
"Yes" Pop gruffed. "Knows your mother too, Ranma."
"Now, we mustn't waste time. Akane. Ranma. I need your help. This will be very dangerous and your lives will be at risk. But I will train you and prepare you as best I can for the coming times. These are dark times. I cannot stress enough how important you two are, but I cannot say more till I know you are with me one-hundred percent."
Her eyes pierced into me. Deep and rich, kinda like Akane's when I thought about it. But it lacked the softness I had often seen from my fiancée.
Akane was staring, her eyes worried. Seeing her face, I knew I had to be strong. We'd survived Shampoo and her bunch of crazies, the Kuno family, Happosai, Herb, and most recently Saffron. What else could be thrown our way? I hardened my resolve and felt Akane join me in confidence.
We both turned to our guest and nodded.
Alona's face softened and she completely relaxed. Had she'd been nervous we'd say no?
"Excellent" she sighed. "Tonight we will relax and get to know each other. I will start to tell you what you need to know and we will get more serious tomorrow."
She bowed her head to our fathers and then to us before delicately leaving the room.
Our fathers let out a collective sigh of relief. And I found myself relaxing. When had I gotten so tense?
Kasmui's voice called out to us, "Dinner!" And we all locked eyes for a second letting the tension leave the room.
We joined Nabiki and our guest around the table as Kasumi brought over a large pot of food.
For the first few minutes we sat quietly serving ourselves and eating.
I glanced from my food, in-between scarfing it down to prevent Pop from stealing it, to check out our guest better.
She was pretty, but rough around the edges. Her eyes were almond shaped and framed with thick lashes. A light pink scar ran down her darkened skin from her right eye to her ear where it looked like someone had cut a small tringle out of the lobe.
Her eyes caught mine and she slyly grinned. I turned away quickly and blushed into my bowl.
I turned back to my food, feeling Akane fume next to me.
The meal finished quickly and quietly. Kasumi told us about her time in the market and that Mom was staying with a friend. Nabiki complained about looking at colleges. Akane mumbled about home-ec and failing to make a simple omelet.
Pop and Tendo-san retreated to play their game, Kasumi and Nabiki cleared the table and, we sat with Alona waiting to see what happened next.
Kasumi brought a fresh pot of tea and set out some fruit and disappeared into the house, while Alona carefully studied our faces.
She poured herself a cup and breathed deeply before she began.
"Tell me what you know about amazons."
"Uh… there's a small group of Chinese amazons living in town. We have a weird relationship" I offered.
"They were fierce female warriors in Greece. Half fiction, half-truth." Akane answered.
Alona nodded and sipped at her steaming tea.
"The half-truth is more of the origin story. No one is quite sure where the first tribe lived, but I was taught to believe I am from that tribe which originated in Scythia. I am of the Sai tribe but we have become nomadic in the past few decades. The Greeks speak of a magnificent warrior who never became an amazon but was a great friend of theirs. A raven haired beauty from ancient Thrace who then became the Goddess of War. But these are just stories. I have seen paintings of her and her blonde best friend who was an amazon queen. But I digress.
It is said that anyone born of amazon blood wears a mark, above her heart in the shape of a crescent moon. Many tribes have proven this to be mostly true. Males seem to be overlooked in this regard as legend tells that they are not worthy of the Moon Goddess's gift, but most accept males as equals."
Akane looked down her shirt and frowned.
"I don't see any marks."
"It's based on soul more than body. An aura that can be brought forth so Amazons from all over the world can identify each other. There's quite a bit of magic in our bloodlines and overtime our brightest discovered this gem that helps pull that aura forth."
Alona reached into her pocket and pulled out a pale blue and white stone. It was a perfect sphere which made the blue look like it was a liquid moving inside a semi-opaque ball.
"If your sisters would like to join us?"
Akane grabbed Kasumi and Nabiki from the kitchen. They looked confused but sat down with us around the table.
Alona pulled a weird looking flower from her pocket. A blood-red core with yellow-tendrils falling from the center. She crushed the flower against the stone and it looked as if the stone has absorbed the red, which was now swirling with the blue. The stone glowed slightly, giving off a warm aura.
"If you wouldn't mind, lowering your collar slightly."
Akane blushed and glared at me, but did as asked and there it was. A coral crescent moon was now below her left collarbone.
She seemed shocked at the discovery, but delicately brushed a finger over it.
Kasumi and Nabiki also lowered their collars but there was nothing.
"Your mother is a Japanese amazon."
"Was. She's been dead for years."
"Life and death are so close together it doesn't mean much. She is just as alive in spirit as she was in flesh."
"Why don't my sisters have the mark?" Akane asked.
"Probably because you got all the macho-chick genes!" I laughed.
Akane frowned and punched me across the room.
"He's actually sort of right, though not the words I would have used. In families with multiple girls, sometimes only one receives the gift of the amazons. You do seem to carry the most of your mother, Akane."
"Mother was a simple housewife." Kasumi interjected.
And this chick can't cook for nothing, I thought.
Nabiki nodded in agreement.
Akane lowered her head. I'd forgotten how little she knew her mom and I couldn't help but let anguish take me for a moment, knowing I missed that time with my mom as well. But my mom was alive and living with me. Akane would never have that again.
"Maybe when you knew her, but when I did, she was a fierce opponent. No one could shoot with a bow like she could. Ranma, your mother is also an amazon. But as a male, you wouldn't have the mark."
To be sure, I lowered my shirt and my bare flesh glared at me.
I was disappointed. A genetic line of ass-kicking warriors was something I would love to wear like a badge.
"Wait…" I quickly stood and threw myself into the pond.
I emerged female and tore my shirt down revealing a matching moon mark.
"A Jusenkyo curse… interesting. I don't think I've heard of anyone who switched from male to female and had the mark. The Assembly will be interested to learn of this."
"You…?" I returned to the porch, wringing water from my braid and clothes.
"Know of the curse? Yes. I've seen it in one of our Chinese members. She turns into a red panda. Very cute. You mentioned a group living in town, and they give you problems? I hope they aren't too much of a handful, some tribes can be a bit trapped in the past with their laws on outsiders."
"The girl, who followed Ranma all the way from China, wanted to kill his girl side but marry his boy side. She also gave me the kiss of death, but is so preoccupied with Ranma, she doesn't seem to care about me anymore." Akane explained.
Alona's eyes lit up and she burst into laughter.
"That's a new one. Very good. If you wish I can probably clear some of that up. I might not be able to do much. Depends how trapped in the past this group is, but I'd be glad to try and help."
"Sure. Thanks." I said, dumping hot tea on my head.
"So, we're both amazons. You knew our mothers. And anything else you wish to share…?" Akane probed.
Our guest shrugged her shoulder, looking to outside for answers.
"Not tonight. Ranma, I'm sure needs a bath. Koi pond water and green tea don't make for a fragrance I'd care to wear, and there is plenty of time to go over it all on the road. We will take care of some things here tomorrow and then head out at first light the day after." She stood, pocketing the stone and stretching. "Goodnight you two, and sleep well. Tomorrow will come fast enough."
She gave one last nod to us both and disappeared down the hall.
"Well I do need a bath. See you tomorrow?"
Akane didn't answer, she just stared out into the darkness a wistful look on her face.
"Akane?" I paused at the archway headed towards the baths.
"Yeah. See you tomorrow. Goodnight Ranma."
I nodded and went to get cleaned up.
When I came out I wasn't really tired yet so I hopped to the roof to watch the stars. Within moments Akane pulled herself out of her bedroom window and sat next to me.
"Why isn't she here?" She murmured, pulling her knees to her chest.
"You mean why IS she here?"
"No, not Alona. Mom. Why isn't she here to make this easier? Why didn't she tell me? Did Father know? I just feel like something big is coming and my head is full of secrets that I don't even know yet. Like this," she pulled her nightshirt down just slightly and her mark shone in the moonlight, "does this really mean my ancestors were amazons? I feel like I remember getting it, but it's like the memory is running away from me. And, why aren't I better?" A soft sob escaped and she buried her face into her arms and knees.
I gulped. I never could handle a crying girl. Least of all Akane. I tentatively put an arm around her shoulder and pulled her close, knowing I was risking being hit. I was relieved when she relaxed into my side.
"I don't know. I don't have any answers. Alona seems to have secrets too, but hopefully she can lead you to answers. Maybe my mom can help. Hell, even that old crone might be able to shed some light on this. I..." I stuttered on what to say next. I knew Akane wanted to be better. I knew she could be, she proved that against Saffron, but she just jumped into everything so fast and rash. I couldn't stand to say the wrong thing right now, so I said nothing.
Akane cried quietly against my chest for a bit before lifting her head to the sky. Her face, streaked in tears she sighed loudly.
"I will be better. I will learn. I will grow. I will make Mom proud." She exhaled again and cocked her head to the side to look at me.
"Thanks Ranma." She stood, my arm falling off her back. She started towards her window, paused and I thought she'd say more, but she shook her head and vanished back into her room.
I was exhausted now. The air was cool but I considered sleeping on the roof. Maybe one night where I wouldn't wake up in the pond. Akane was right. Something big was coming. She seemed to find hope in it, but all I felt was dread.
I scrambled to my room and quickly fell into a deep sleep.
It was dark. Beyond dark. I couldn't see my hand in front of my face. A pale light wavered in the distance and I couldn't tell if it was moving towards or away from me.
"Ranma" a voice called.
"Hello?"
"Ranma" the voice called again. It was soft. Calming. Like when Akane was pledging to the moon.
A figure came from the light. She was a pale woman with midnight black hair and pale grey eyes. She wore a tattered kimono, the same color of the stone with different shades of blue moving across the fabric. Twin katana, rested on her back, the blade glinting off her light.
"Who are you?"
"I am Jingu Kogo."
I looked at her skeptically. "Should that mean something?"
"For now let's call me your guardian angel and I have come to warn you Akane is in grave danger."
This got my attention quickly. The dread in my stomach grew and I felt as if the darkness would swallow me whole.
"But you can save her. Just like you have so many times before. It is your job to protect Akane on her mission, but you cannot interfere. Her mother failed, you cannot let it happen again. The curse must be broken. With that I leave you." She raised her arms and started to fade away.
"Wait! How will I protect her?"
"Love her. More than anyone on this earth. I know you're on your way, but you need to open your heart. Accept that sometimes actions are better than words. That just being near her is enough. You don't always have to be the hero. And sometimes heroes need to be saved themselves. Goodbye my child."
She faded into the black, a warm wind rushed against me and the dread disappeared.
I snapped awake, the sun starting to peak into the sky. Pop was still asleep, so I quietly leapt through the window to the yard.
I sat on the porch and watched the sun rise and the house wake to the new day.
I watched Akane and her sisters talk about the latest episode of whatever silly show they watched. Something about a horse-man and cow-lady.
I kept wanting to bring up the night before but immediately shut down thinking what everyone would say. Nabiki would sell the information to the highest bidder, Kasumi would give us that look like we were too young to be alone after dark. Tendo-san would cry. Pop would hug him. I clammed down and ate my food in silence.
We finished and this time we all helped clean up. Kasumi and Nabiki went into town and Tendo-san and Pop returned to their place to play.
Alona led us into the dojo and threw us each a staff.
I caught mine easily, while Akane fumbled hers almost dropping it, she gained her composure and held tightly onto it.
She was trying harder.
Alona said nothing but turned away from us and started a simple staff kata.
Each move she made was fluid and precise. She didn't move with any speed and it was easy to catch on.
One hand to the right. Over the head, left hand joins the staff. To the middle, turn, staff in front. We continued this, slowly gaining speed till she stopped suddenly.
Akane and I also stopped, glancing at each other. Alona threw her staff to the side, it clattering on the floor and we followed suit.
She jerked her head to follow and broke into a jog heading outside. I shrugged and followed, moving to catch up. Akane quickly joined us.
"Lead me to the Chinese tribe." Alona ordered, and pointed to the roofs.
I sped up and turned right, before leaping to the roof.
Alona was quickly by my side but Akane had come to a stop.
Alona held a finger for me to wait and jumped back to the ground.
I watched her talk to Akane, pointing to where I was on the roof, and gesturing the jump.
Akane was strong enough to make the jump, fast enough to jump from roof to roof, and even agile enough to change direction quickly, but something held her back.
Akane shook her head and pointed to the road towards Cat Café, but Alona grabbed her hand and they leapt up to join me.
Akane giggled with glee and we were off again.
With each jump she grew less and less hesitant, and her landings became softer. I felt stupid for not teaching this to her months ago. With no one to teach her, of course she wouldn't learn new things, and then I was always coming in to save the day so she never really got a chance.
When we got to the last roof, Akane looked hesitant again. This time I took lead, and showed her how to bend her knees just right so the impact on the ground wouldn't do any damage.
She nodded but still looked nervous, so I delicately took her hand, which she took strongly in hers and we leapt down together. I couldn't help but remember when she held my hand after Ryugenawa. I blushed lightly, trying to put away the fear and jealousy that trip caused.
She winced on the land, but gave my hand a squeeze before letting go.
"Akane, you okay?"
"Yeah, I... owwww" She limped a few steps away.
"Here, let me" I offered.
She pulled herself away, gritting her teeth.
"I've got it." She said her jaw tightly clenched.
I rolled my eyes and felt frustration growing. Why did she have to be so stubborn?
"Akane, stop." Alona's soft voice called.
She stopped and hung her head.
"You'll make it worse if we don't take a look. It's probably just a twisted ankle, but should you do nothing, your balance can be thrown off. Let Ranma help."
Akane sighed, waiting for me to offer my arm for her to take some weight off her ankle.
I wrapped an arm behind her and she threw hers over my shoulder letting me take the burden. I ducked my head and smiled. She really was pretty cute.
We moved slowly into the Cat Café, Shampoo rushing out when the doorbell chimed.
"Aiya! Ranma come visit Shampoo. He bring madder girl and stranger, but who care?"
Shampoo tried to glomp me, but with Akane needing me, I deftly stepped to the side and lowered Akane to a chair.
"I need to see your tribe leader." Alona announced.
Shampoo huffed, fluffing her hair and called out, "Great-grandmother! Dark skinned girl to see you."
Cologne came bouncing in on her staff, shouting at Mousse in the other room.
"And clean up that mess, you fool!" She turned to face us. "Ah, son-in-law, you brought the Tendo girl. And who is this?"
"Greetings sister. I am Alona of the Sai tribe. I merely wished to meet you and see if there was anything I could do."
"Sai you say? I thought they died out centuries ago" Cologne responded.
Alona chuckled, "We have not been a true tribe for a while, yet we are still very much real."
Cologne nodded but didn't look like she believed her.
Alona pulled the smooth stone from her pocket and presented it to the old ghoul who delicately took it and examined it closely, glancing suspiciously at her.
"Anyone can find a moonstone if you know where to look. Do you actually know how it works or are you just some charlatan?" Cologne pressed.
Alona smirked and brought another one of the weird flowers out and crushed it over the stone. It shone brightly for a second and I felt my chest warm. Akane gasped and brought her hand to her chest as did Shampoo, and Cologne's eyes softened.
"Greetings sister. You must understand, I have not seen another bloodline in many years. How may we help you?"
"I only wanted to meet you. But I believe my compatriots wished to say something." Alona stepped to the side and gestured to me and Akane.
I gulped and looked nervously at the three women before me. I wasn't even sure what to say as I fiddled with my collar.
Alona widened her eyes and nodded her head at Shampoo and cleared her throat.
She gestured with her hands slowly speaking, "Kiss of…"
"Kiss of marriage! And death. I would like to not have them on us anymore..." I fumbled.
Shampoo looked confused.
"You want me to dissolve the rules of my tribe?" Cologne asked.
"Aiya! No one take Ranma from me. He future husband." Shampoo glomped onto me, squeezing me fiercely.
I squirmed uncomfortably, Akane's eyes glowering at me. I carefully tried to pull away from the purple haired amazon, her fingers interlocking and making it difficult without hurting her.
"Child," Alona boomed, grabbing Shampoo's arm and ripping her from me, "Do you not know to respect those above you?" She raised Shampoo's arm up, pulling her high enough that the young woman had to stand on her toes to not be in pain.
Cologne flew into action, bringing her staff up to strike Alona.
"You dare?!" She began, swinging the staff towards our guest.
Alona's head snapped to the old ghoul and her other hand came up, catching the staff midair.
"Your grandchild shows great disrespect. She cannot leave her lands if she cannot learn to live with outsiders."
"My restaurant, my rules. I care not if you're from the Sai tribe or that you're an amazon, this is my domain and our laws apply here."
Alona smirked, dropping Shampoo, and pulling the staff and the mummy towards her. She leaned in close and in a harsh whisper, "You leave this land now, or face Assembly judgment. Do you think I am joking? Xuannü will hear of your actions and your tribe will be punished if you push me further."
Shampoo whimpered and crawled behind her great-grandmother.
Cologne seemed to consider these words carefully, taking in her injured grandchild and the much taller woman glaring down on her.
I stepped in front of Akane should things get messy.
"I call a sudar. Should you defeat me, girl" Cologne chided, "I will void the kiss of marriage."
"And death!" I added. Shampoo always seemed too preoccupied with me to really bother Akane but better safe than sorry. Should this not work, I needed to train Akane, fast.
Cologne sneered, "And death. Don't worry son-in-law, should this fool lose, we will leave for China now and I'll void the kiss of death."
Alona eerily smiled, "I'm sure that won't be necessary. But by all means, make promises you can't keep. Shall we take this outside?"
"By all means child, let's see what you can do."
Alona gestured to the door and whispered back to me, "Bring hot water. Add this." She stealthily threw me a flower and followed the Chinese amazon outside.
I did as I was told and helped Akane outside where a storm was brewing.
The air had turned cold, the sky greyed, and the world had gone quiet. The bustling street only moments ago when we arrived, was void of any life.
The two amazons stared each other down. Cologne standing with her staff and Alona, bouncing on the balls of her feet, an excited grin across her face.
"Last chance, old woman. Stand down now, void the laws and I will spare you and your spawn."
Cologne shook her head and flew into action. Alona once again caught the staff in both hands and shoved it and its wielder backwards.
Cologne flew back, using her staff on the ground to slow down. Spinning her staff in a counterclockwise motion, a gust of air wrapped around the staff and shot like a missile at Alona. She jumped to the side, but her leg got caught in the wind missile. There was a sickening crunch as Alona fell to the ground clutching her leg.
Cologne shouted in triumph and walked towards her fallen foe.
"Ranma! Now!" Alona called to me.
I ran forward and flung the hot water dousing Alona in a wall of steam.
Alona stood, her thick brown hair, now a dull silver, the scar from her eye to her ear was faded and sagged slightly on her wrinkled skin. Her deep chocolate eyes dimmed with time.
Akane and I looked at each other incredulously. Was this another Rakkyosai? And how many secrets did this woman hold?
She rotated her knee and it snapped back into place.
"You…!" Cologne stammered. "It can't be!"
"Hello, Xiǎo bǎoshí. Any way to treat your Lǎoshī?"
"I didn't know, I didn't mean to…" Cologne sputtered out.
"Don't worry, child," Alona threw back at her, "show me what you've learned in the past century."
Cologne straightened her back and sped towards her teacher in full force, throwing punches, both physical and ki-based. Alona dodged most, caught a few, but never threw any of her own, yet her battle aura started to grow. Cologne noticed this and started to cool off.
They moved in a spiral and I started seeing the beginning swirl of the Hiryū Shōten Ha.
"Does Alona not know how dangerous this is becoming?" Akane asked. There was worry in her eyes.
I tried to figure out what Alona was doing. If she was as old as she appeared to be, she should at least be familiar with the move if not the one who taught it to the old crone back in the day.
As Alona started to heat up, Cologne cooled down even more. She wasn't known for being cocky, but I had a feeling Cologne didn't know what was coming next. I wasn't sure myself.
Just as Cologne was about to strike the final blow, Alona dropped her battle aura. It completely vanished. I'd never seen anyone drop an aura so quickly. I would love to learn how to do that.
The spiral tightened to the middle and then crashed in on itself. No tornado. No blast.
As the ki dissipated, a tall figure, Alona walked out, cradling Cologne.
"Oh Xiǎo bǎoshí, for it to come to this."
Shampoo rushed out and took her great-grandmother from Alona's arms.
Alona spoke to the purple haired girl for a moment who nodded enthusiastically and rushed back in the restaurant.
Alona gestured to me and Akane, who rushed to her side.
"Akane, mind your ankle." Alona gasped and collapsed to the ground.
We fell beside her, each pulling her up on one arm.
"Let's go see your mother Ranma."
"Are you sure? Shouldn't you rest?" Akane asked, worry across her face.
"No, let's see her so I can switch back. I'll regain my strength quicker in that form."
"Why don't we stop at Doctor Tofu's office? He'll have water and we can get my ankle looked at." Akane offered.
Alona inhaled sharply and nodded. Moving as quickly as we could we made it to Doctor Tofu's office as dusk started to settle in.
Alona rested on an exam table, and Doctor Tofu examined Akane's ankle, while I grabbed some water.
She looked so frail in this form. When she first changed in front of Cologne she was fierce, but now she looked exhausted.
She smiled gratefully and dumped the water over her head. The dull grey was replaced with rich brown. Her eyes brightened and her skin firmed. The scar grew pinker and tightened along her cheek.
She shook her locks out and stood, stretching and bouncing on her feet.
"Much better" she announced.
While she stretched I stood in the doorway and watched Doctor Tofu work.
I couldn't help but reminded of the last time Tofu looked over Akane's ankle. That first fight with Ryoga was nothing compared to what our fights became and that first real fight with Akane unfortunately became the corner stone of all interactions to follow. Me and my big mouth. She really did look cute with short hair.
I couldn't help but watch the delicate precise movements of Doctor Tofu's hands on Akane. Her hair was a bit longer now, even a little shaggy after the roof hoping and the chaos of the battle. Her face flushed watching a man she admired and respected tell her to be more careful. I wished she would look at me that way.
Akane joined us, a bandage around her ankle.
"Doctor Tofu says I should try to stay off it for a few hours and apply some heat before bed, but I should be right as rain by the time we leave tomorrow."
"Excellent news." Alona replied. "Let's get back and eat. I'm starving."
Akane and I agreed enthusiastically and slowly made our way home.
We were greeted by my mom who was all too happy I had Akane and a "dashing exotic lady" at my side.
"Oh, my son is so manly!" She cried pulling on me.
"Mom, mom, please stop. This is Alona. She says she knows you."
Mom stopped and looked over the young form and cocked to her head to the side in confusion.
"No… I'm afraid I don't dear."
"Nodoka, it's me, Zahra." Alona, stepped forward, extending a hand to my mom who carefully reached and took the hand.
"But, you're so young." She whispered, delicately tracing the scar on Alona's face.
"Only when I need to be. Akane, please bring me some hot and cold water."
Akane nodded and shuffled into the kitchen.
Pop and Tendo-san joined us on the front porch as Akane came back in with the two cups.
Alona took the hot water and added a flower and before our eyes; Alona aged, returned to being Zahra, I guess, and everyone gasped.
Mom cried out and fiercely hugged her past friend, who was now panting and grimacing in pain.
"Mom," I touched her shoulder and gently pulled her away.
She let out a whimper and pulled away. "Zahra, what…?"
"Water…" she panted.
Akane handed her the cold water cup, and Zahra poured it over her head and returned to Alona.
She took a sharp inhale and shook herself out again.
"Harder every time, The Switch isn't so easy on my soul." she murmured. "Let's eat and we can talk."
We all stuffed ourselves around the table and quietly began our meal.
"Zahra, er, Alona. Where did you go? Kariko and I woke up and you were gone. She didn't make it after…"
At the name of his deceased wife, Tendo-san burst into tears and ran from the room crying. Pop eyed the abandoned plate and quickly shoveled the food in before joining his friend. Kasumi's eyes watered, Nabiki stiffened, and Akane hung her head.
"I… I heard. I can't explain the past, but I need you for the future. Or rather I need your son and Akane. She's back and I believe these two are the only ones who can take care of her for good."
Mom stood suddenly, banging into the table, her hand already wrapped around the hilt of the family sword.
"You will not take away these children. They are much too young, they don't have enough training. Kariko would not allow it and neither will I!" She yelled.
"I will train them. I learned from my mistakes and I will do better. We have to. All is lost if she completes the ritual." Alona retorted.
"Auntie," Akane's soft voice cut through the tension in the room, "I know you're scared. Honestly, I am too. But I know, I can feel that my mom would want us to do this. I trust Alona and I trust Ranma. Please trust us, believe in us. We can't do this if you don't."
Mom hung her head, tears falling down her face and she nodded.
"Of course I believe in you. I love you both so much. Do good deeds. Come back to me."
She pulled us both into a hug and squeezed tightly.
Akane squeezed back and started to cry too. I just held onto the two most important people in my life and couldn't help but think we all might not make it back.
Nothing more was said afterwards. It was decided, whatever we were to do, whoever 'she' was, we were going to take care of it.
We all went to bed, dread thick in the house.
When I woke it was as if I had no sleep. Everyone else wore the same downcast face.
Kasumi tried to cheer everyone up. Said we should only think good, positive things.
We all nodded in agreement but none of us could muster the energy.
After packing for sleeping outdoors, training, and a few days of travel we were ready to go.
Tendo-san sobbed that his little girl was growing up, Pop snarked that he'd finally be able to sleep without my snoring, Kasumi wished us luck and Nabiki asked us to bring her back something expensive.
Mom hugged us both tightly telling us we would come home.
"Ranma, you are a man among men, take care of yourself and take care of Akane. She loves you too." She whispered in my ear. I pulled away and gave a little smile.
We hiked our packs higher, waved goodbye, and headed south to the unknown.
Flower: Hazel Flower (for reference)
[Chinese] Xiǎo bǎoshí: Little gem
[Chinese] Lǎoshī: teacher
