Chapter 10: The Welcoming Committee
General Hikaru Moroto stared through the observation window into Biolab 2. Its occupants, a Protoss Healer named Ka'Dalanis, and the Protoss-Human hybrid Akane Tendo, once called Phoenix, seemed to be in an animated discussion. They gesticulated to each other, but made no sounds, communicating with thought alone. Every so often, Akane would pause, and stare at nothing for several minutes, then jerk out of her trance and continue talking to Ka'Dalanis. Damned Tendo clan! They lived to make his life difficult. First Nabiki, then Kasumi, and now Akane. The General rubbed his temples and wondered what on Earth was he going to do.
Akane paced nervously around the tiny room. She had expected to be welcomed with open arms, but to her chagrin, they had been put here and had been waiting for almost an hour. Not only that, but the door was locked and they were surrounded by some sort of shield that blocked all attempts to explore the complex with her mind. [I don't understand!] she flared. Turning to Ka'Dalanis, she glared at her Healer. [They should be welcoming us, begging us for help. My body alone possesses genetic knowledge that they could not duplicate for hundreds of years, not to mention your knowledge of healing and Protoss technology. Yet they treat us like prisoners!] Ka'Dalanis was not worried. True, she did not like waiting any more than Akane did, but her years gave her the patience that Akane lacked. [They are afraid. Afraid and suspicious,] replied Ka'Dalanis. [They know what we have, but are afraid that this is 'too good to be true'. And they are suspicious of me. 'Why would a Protoss betray her people to the humans? Can we trust someone who would betray their own kind?'] [How can we allay their suspicions if they won't talk to us?] [We must wait until they come.] [We can't wait forever.] Ka'Dalanis pondered Akane's statement. [You are correct, Akane. Every minute that passes is a minute that you go without the technology needed to keep you alive. 'Invite' them in.] Akane nodded in satisfaction and moved to the large mirror one of the walls. [And use as little energy as possible. The more you use, the sooner your body will burn itself out.]
General Moroto, Lieutenant Harper, Doctor Ibisha Yoshiro, a xenobiologist, and Henry Collins, Moroto's most powerful telepath currently available, now that Darryl and Jessica were in the hospital, backed away from the mirror. "She can't break it, can she?" asked Henry with a whisper. Doctor Yoshiro shook her head. "No," replied, her dark hair waving with her movement. "Not even Captain Saotome could break it." They watched as Akane placed on finger on a point near the center of the mirror. "See she probably saw something and-" She gasped as a lattice of cracks spread out from Akane's finger through the glass. The mirror shattered, showering the startled foursome with tiny silver shards. Akane leaned through the opening, past the thin psychic barrier surrounding the containment cell. [We wish to talk to you.] Then Akane moved back into the room. General Moroto stared at the two...well, he could hardly call them 'prisoners' anymore, since it had become apparent that they had enough power to break out of just about any cell they had. Shaking himself like a wet dog, silvery pieces of glass fell from his clothes and hair. Turning to his other three cohorts, he motioned to them to get moving. "Shall we?" he said ruefully.
Akane glared at the four humans seated across from the table from her, while Ka'Dalanis looked at them from her position on the bed, no human- sized chair being large enough to contain her. The foursome stared back at them, each waiting for the other to begin. Finally, General Moroto cleared his throat. "I suppose introductions are in order. My name is General Hikaru Moroto, this is my aide, Lieutenant Deanna Harper, that is Doctor Ibisha Yoshiro, and Henry Collins." [En Taro Adun,] replied Ka'Dalanis, lightly touching a fist to her chest. Akane did likewise. [My name is Healer Ka'Dalanis, and this is my charge, Akane Tendo. I believe you knew her as Phoenix.] "Yes, we did," said the General. "What happened to change that?" [I will answer your questions later when I have the luxury of time, but now I must speak of more important concerns.] "And those are-?" [Akane's life.] The foursome blinked. "I assure you, Healer Ka'Dalanis, no one wants to harm her-" [You do not understand, and I don't have time to explain in detail except to say that Akane is slowly dying and I need your help to keep her alive.] "What do you mean?" asked Doctor Yoshiro. Pulling out a small case she opened it, revealing a set of data- crystals. [These data-crystals contain information about Akane's biology, as well as blueprints for a Regeneration Tank that is needed to repair her body. It will take time for you to research and implement such designs, so I must insist that you start as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the greater the chance of Akane dying before you are done.] Doctor Yoshiro stared at the crystals with undisguised avarice. General Moroto, however, was less eager. His suspicious were confirmed by Ka'Dalanis's next statement. [I do have some demands.] "What?" exclamined the General. "You beg us to save her life, but have demands? You're in no position to negotiate." [Akane was a slave to our people. I gave her back her life so that she may live it freely. I will not let her become another slave, this time to her own. I am her Healer. If I say that she cannot do something, then she cannot, and I will not be overruled by anyone. Her safety is of paramount importance to me. If you cannot accept this, then we shall leave. I would rather she die free, than live as a slave.] "Why should we trust you? You've betrayed your own people. What makes you think we should believe you?" Ka'Dalanis shook her head. [Could anything I say convince you? I can only tell you what we have to offer. It is up to you to accept or decline.] There was a long pause. Finally, he nodded. "All right." Ibisha grabbed the case and bolted out of the room, with Henry close behind. [Thank you. This was my biggest fear; that you would refuse to help. My second most powerful fear is now that you will be unable to build a Regeneration Tank in time. But now, at least, we have a chance. Now what will you do to us?] "Actually, Healer, that's the crux of my dilemma. It's rude to keep you in a holding cell, but I don't want you among the general populace." He winced as he realized how suspicious that sounded. "The Protoss aren't exactly on our 'Favorite Aliens' list. I don't want to cause any...incidents." The Healer nodded. [I understand.] She tensed. [If I may offer a suggestion...] "What?" [Would it be possible for us to stay with Akane's family? Being around familiar surroundings and people would facilitate the return of her memories, as well as being a therapeutic psychological influence.] The General stared at the two of them, wondering if they were some part of a conspiracy to make his life a living Hell. Ranma, Nabiki, Genma and, Akane all under one roof. He shuddered, contemplating the disasters that could...no, would occur. Finally, he sighed. At least they'll all be in once place, he thought. I'll know where they are. And, they'd be under guard. "All right. Lieutenant, could you arrange an escort for them?" "Sir."
Akane and Ka'Dalanis got out of the jeep and stood in front of the large wooden gates that served as the entrance to the Saotome School of Anything Goes Martial Arts. [I don't understand,] said the Healer after running the Japanese text through a translator program. [Your clan name is Tendo. Why would they bring you here?] [Nodoka seemed to think of Nabiki as her daughter. Perhaps Nabiki was adopted into the Saotome clan. She was the only known survivor of our family.] [True, true.] Akane walked up and put one hand on the wooden gate. Ignoring the guards the General had assigned as a show of the Saotome's arrest, she hesitated, and stared at the wood for several moments. [Akane, what's wrong?] [I...I don't know. I feel...] Akane put one hand on her chest. [My chest feels tight and I'm having trouble breathing...] Ka'Dalanis nodded. [You are afraid, Akane. Afraid of what will happen to you when you go through these doors, afraid that they might reject you. You are even afraid of what will happen if they do not reject you. What you must understand is that you have nothing to fear. *I* will never reject you, and I will always be here for you.] Akane closed her eyes and leaned her head against the wood, feeling its warm texture. She smiled slightly. [You know me so well, Healer.] [Well, I did practically rebuild you from scratch.] Akane's smile became a full fledged grin. She turned her head and looked back at her caretaker. [Thank you, Dala.] Pushing open the gate, she entered.
Nodoka turned at the sound of someone knocking at the door. Putting down the dishtowel, she went to answer it. Odd, she though. We're not expecting anyone. She opened the front door, and felt her jaw drop as she saw who was there. "Phoenix! What a pleasant surprise! Please, come in. I'm so glad to see you well after what happened. And who's you're...oh my!" Nodoka gaped as the Protoss Healer maneuvered her large body through the relatively small door. "W-welcome to my home," Nodoka managed. She bowed awkwardly, overwhelmed by the alien visitor. [En Taro Adun, Matriarch,] she replied, giving the ritual greeting. [My name is Ka'Dalanis.] "P-pleased to meet you." She turned to Akane. "Phoenix, would you and...Ka'Dalanis like some tea?" [Actually, my name is-] Akane was interrupted by Genma, who walked in from the main room. "I heard someone at the door, Nodoka. Who-" His expression brightened when he saw Phoenix. "Ah, Phoenix! It's good to see you again." His smile faltered. "And who's your...friend?" [Please, don't call me-] Once again, Akane was interrupted again, this time by a voice that caused a fluttery feeling in her chest. "Hey Pop, get back here and make your move!" Ranma poked his head into the room and saw Akane. "Hey, Phoenix, you're back!" He spied the large Protoss behind her. "With company, I see," he said warily. [You have nothing to fear human,] Ka'Dalanis replied. [I am no warrior. I am a Healer.] "So you take care of Phoenix?" [But I'm not-] [Yes. I helped make her, and took care of her while she was a slave of my people.] "Then we should thank you for taking such good care of her," said Nodoka. "If you call turning her into a crazed killing machine 'taking good care of her,'" muttered Ranma. [My name isn't-] "Ranma! I taught you better manners than that!" bellowed Genma. "You should be grateful that Phoenix is alive at all, no matter what she is!" "Yeah, except the first time I met her, she tried to kill me!" [I'm not-] [You cannot blame her for her past,] said Ka'Dalanis. [It is as much my fault as anyone, for making her what she is.] "You heard her! If you're going to get angry at anyone about what Phoenix did to you, get angry at the Healer!" bellowed Genma "Husband, it's not polite to talk about someone like they aren't here," admonished Nodoka. "Don't tell me who I should get mad at, old man! If Phoenix-," started Ranma. [WOULD YOU ALL SHUT UP AND LISTEN!?] The power of Akane's telepathic yell caused everyone there to wince in pain. [My name is Akane! Not Phoenix! Everyone got that? Akane!] Akane was breathing heavily, and red clouded her vision. [Calm down, Akane,] admonished Ka'Dalanis. With a deep breath, Akane expelled the rage inside her. [Sorry.] Meanwhile, the humans were staring at Akane like she had grown horns. "Akane?" faltered Nodoka. Akane nodded. "Then that means-" started Genma. "-you remember who you are?" finished Ranma. Akane smiled nervously. [A little.] [Her memories are returning bit by bit. It is my hope that by spending time with people she knew she will remember more quickly.] The humans gaped at the Healer for a moment, until the news finally sank in. Ranma gave a whoop of joy, grabbed Akane around the waist, armor and all, and spun her around. Throwing her up into the air, he caught her and hugged her tightly. "You're back," he whispered. He tried to hold back the tears, but failed. Grinning like a maniac he ran out of the house and, ignoring the protests of the guards at the gate, began jumping from roof to roof, yelling in exultation at the top of his lungs. Genma, while no less happy, was less outgoing. "Soun, my old friend, if you could see you're daughter now. You would be so proud." Genma also fought tears, and failed miserably. Nodoka enfolded Akane in a gentle embrace. "Oh, Akane-," she started to say, but her voice broke. She began to stroke Akane's hair. "Oh, Akane, we're so happy to know you've come back to us..." Nodoka could not hold back any longer, and began to cry into Akane's shoulder. Akane looked at the weeping couple, then looked back at Ka'Dalanis, confused. [This wasn't the emotional response I expected. Why are they crying?] Ka'Dalanis shook her head. [I don't know. But there is one thing I do know.] [What?] Ka'Dalanis laid a hand on Akane's other shoulder. [You are home.]
Afternoon became evening as the foursome sat around the table, talking about what had happened to Akane, her transformation into Phoenix, and Akane's subsequent return. Akane, now in her skinsuit, having removed her armor, sipped another cup of tea. Ka'Dalanis sat beside her, also in a skinsuit designed as an interface for Zealots and their armor. [Kuno was what?!] exclaimed Akane. "The pervert was in love with my girl side! I don't know how many times I changed right in front of the idiot, but he just never figured it out." Akane's shoulders shook with silent laughter. [I can see how that could cause problems.] "You got that right! I thought eventually Nabiki might get him out of my hair by marrying him, but the Zerg happened and..." His voice trailed off. Akane suddenly remembered her real reason for coming here. [Where is Nabiki? I want to talk to her.] "Aw man, I can't believe we forgot that. Nabiki's in the hospital. She was hit by a Photon Cannon while trying to escape from your base." Akane felt her blood turn to ice. [Is she all right?] she asked anxiously. Ranma nodded. "Don't worry about it. She's being released the day after tomorrow." "We should call her and tell her the good news," said Nodoka. "Or better yet, we should all go and visit her." "An excellent idea, Nodoka," replied Genma. Sudden inspiration caused Ranma to speak up. "Wait a sec, I've got an idea!" "What is it, dear?" asked Nodoka. "Let me think about it some more. But don't anyone tell Nabiki, anything, okay?" They all nodded hesitantly, not sure what he was planning. "Well, speaking of family," said Nodoka, "I know of one way to meet some of them again." [How?] asked Akane. "Follow me."
Nodoka led them all into a small room near the back of the house. Inside the room was a shrine with four pictures on it. The room was thick with the smell of incense. [What's this?] asked Akane. "It's your family shrine." On the shrine was a picture of a man with long dark hair and a mustache, and another of an older woman with short brown hair. The third one was of a young woman with long brown hair, and fourth picture was one of a younger Akane, before she became Phoenix. "Oh dear," said Nodoka in embarrassment. "We don't need to have your picture there anymore." Nodoka removed the picture and incense. [Wait,] said Akane. [Let me see it.] Taking the picture she saw her old self staring back. She had a sunny smile on her tan colored face, and her black hair...
Akane stared up at the ceiling of her room, contemplating the words Ranma had spoken less than an hour before. "You're cute when you smile." Getting up off her bed, she moved over to her desk and picked up a small mirror. Did he mean that? she wondered. She smiled brightly, and her reflection smiled back at her.
Akane snapped out of the brief hallucination and handed back the picture. She could feel her face darken as blood rushed through her skin. [Sorry,] she said, embarrassed. "What happened?" [She is reliving her memories,] said Ka'Dalanis. [She will probably be having hallucinations for several years, as her memories return.] "I see." Nodoka knelt before the shrine, and Akane followed suit. Ka'Dalanis, Ranma and Genma stayed back. Nodoka pointed to the young woman with the long brown hair. "That's your eldest sister, Kasumi. She died when the Zerg invaded the Earth." Akane stared at the picture of the smiling girl, trying to...
Akane fingered the towel and scissors nervously. Taking a breath she stepped into the kitchen. Kasumi, busy cooking dinner, turned to greet her youngest sibling. "Oh, hello Akane. And how was your-" With a shriek of surprise, Kasumi tossed the food she had been cooking up into the air. Ranma-chan bolted into the room, catching the frying pan and the food as it fell. Akane groaned. "Do you have to overreact to everything, Kasumi?" "But...but...but...your hair!" Ranma-chan tried to get two cents in, and ended up with change. "I'm afraid it's my f-" "I just felt like a change, that's all," interrupted Akane. Holding up the scissors, she fingered her hair. "Can you...fix it up for me?"
Akane woke up to a smiling Nodoka. "Ready?" Akane nodded. "That's your father Soun Tendo," said Nodoka, pointing at the dark-haired mustached man.
Akane gaped across at her father. He had just made the most horrible announcement. She did not know whether to run, cry, or beat him to a pulp. Instead, she ended up doing exactly what her sisters did. "Fiance?!" the three Tendo sisters exclaimed in disbelief. Soun nodded solemnly. "Yes, the son of a very good friend of mine. His name is Ranma Saotome. If one of you three were to marry him and carry on this training center, then the Tendo family legacy would be secure." "Wait a minute," Akane exclaimed. "Don't *we* have some say in who we're going to marry?" "Akane's right Daddy," Kasumi put in. "We've never even met Ranma." "That's easily fixed," replied Soun. "He'll be here soon. Ranma and his father have been on a voyage of training. Recently, it seems, they crossed into China." "Wow!" exclaimed Nabiki. "China!" "What's so great about walking to China?" asked Akane indifferently. "Is he cute?" asked Nabiki. "How old is he?" asked Kasumi. "Younger men bore me." "What kind of a guy is this Ranma?" asked Kasumi and Nabiki in unison. There was a pause. "I have no idea," Soun finally answered. The three sisters blinked. "'No idea'?" demanded Nabiki. "I've never met him."
Nodoka waited until Akane was released from her hallucination. "Only one more to go," she said. She could not keep a note of nervousness from her voice. Akane's flashbacks would take some getting use to. She indicated the last picture. "That's your mother, Kimiko." Akane stared at the picture waiting for the now familiar hallucination to reveal more about her mother. Several seconds passed, and nothing happened. A cold, sick feeling began to grow in the pit of her stomach. She began to reach for the picture, but stopped and waited for Nodoka's approval. Nodoka nodded, and Akane picked up the photo. She stared down at it, trying with all her will to remember something, anything about her mother. Nothing. Akane did not know she was crying until a teardrop fell onto the old picture. "Akane?" asked Nodoka softly. Ka'Dalanis, sensing her charge's distress moved forward, followed by Ranma. [Akane, what's wrong?] asked the Healer. [I...I...I can't remember her.] Her shoulders started to shake, and more tears fell. She turned and looked up at Ka'Dalanis, her expression filled with anguish and loss. [I can't remember her! She's my mother and I can't remember anything about her!] Ka'Dalanis gathered up the weeping girl and held her in a comforting embrace. Her face was etched into an expression of sadness and guilt. [Oh, Akane,] she said softly. [I'm so sorry. It's all my fault...] Ranma stood back away from the grieving pair. A part of him wanted to take her in his arms, make all her worries disappear, but there was one complication. Nabiki. So instead of grieving with her, he grieved for her. He stood back, away from the two of them. "Akane."
Later that evening, Ka'Dalanis put Akane to bed. She hoped that rest and food would slow the process of decay Akane's body was undergoing. [You are sure you don't mind?] asked Ka'Dalanis. "Nah," answered Ranma. "You two can stay in Nabiki's and my room tonight. I'll sleep in the dojo." [Thank you for your hospitality.] "No," said Nodoka. "We should thank you for bringing Akane back to us." She turned to Ranma. "Now, Ranma dear, what was that idea that you had before?"
"There you go, sir." Nabiki looked at the wet-behind-the-ears private in the drivers seat. She considered saying a disparaging comment, but decided to forego the pleasure. Her situation was not his fault; he was just following orders. She got out of the vehicle. "Thanks." He saluted, and then drove away. Turning back to the house, she limped to the gates. I wonder where they are? she wondered. Being under house arrest, they could not pick her up from the hospital, but she thought that they would be waiting at the gate for her. Unless, of course, they were preparing a 'surprise' party for her. She hated surprises. Bracing herself, she pushed open the gate. "Welcome home!" chorused the Saotome clan. Nabiki groaned. In front of her were the three members of her adopted family, with expressions of barely contained glee on their faces. Above the entrance was a large white banner with the words 'Welcome Home' printed in blue. She stepped past the trio, ignoring them. "Nabiki?" asked Ranma in confusion. "Oh, come on, Ranma. You didn't really think you'd surprise me, did you?" She turned back to the three Saotomes. "Besides, you know I hate surprises." Ranma smiled slyly. "Oh, I think you'll like this surprise." Ranma looked past Nabiki and into the front door, which was open, and nodded slightly. Nabiki saw his signal and snorted. "I doubt it." She turned to see what Ranma was planning, promising herself not to react. She failed completely. Standing in the door was Akane. She wore a light pink sweater and blue jeans. The sweater brightened her complexion considerably. Her hair was done up in a much looser ponytail, which made her look softer and more vulnerable. Akane walked forward to Nabiki, who looked like she had been hit on the back of the head. Her eyes were wide, and her face was pale. "Ph-Ph-Phoenix?" asked Nabiki weakly. Akane shook her head. She pressed something into her sister's hand.
Nabiki tore her eyes away from Akane's face and looked at the object. It was the picture of Akane that use to be on the family shrine. She looked back up. Ranma, Genma, and Nodoka had moved up beside Akane. Ranma was smiling from ear to ear. Genma was so puffed up with pride that it looked like he might explode any second. Nodoka was smiling at Nabiki, fighting back tears. "I don't understand," Nabiki whispered. Akane licked her lips nervously, and then slowly said something she practiced for hours. "Ahh-em yooor sist-her, Ahhh-kan-hey-ee." Nabiki gaped at her younger sister, and her hands began to shake. She looked at Ranma for confirmation, and he nodded. Her lower lip trembled as she tried to contain herself. She failed, and, with a wail, burst into tears. Wrapping her arms around her sister, she wept freely, without shame. Nodoka quickly followed suit, clinging to her husband. Ranma put an arm around his wife and whispered, "Welcome home." Ka'Dalanis, who had slipped outside through the front door without anyone noticing, sent a private thought to her charge. [Welcome home.]
End Chapter 10
General Hikaru Moroto stared through the observation window into Biolab 2. Its occupants, a Protoss Healer named Ka'Dalanis, and the Protoss-Human hybrid Akane Tendo, once called Phoenix, seemed to be in an animated discussion. They gesticulated to each other, but made no sounds, communicating with thought alone. Every so often, Akane would pause, and stare at nothing for several minutes, then jerk out of her trance and continue talking to Ka'Dalanis. Damned Tendo clan! They lived to make his life difficult. First Nabiki, then Kasumi, and now Akane. The General rubbed his temples and wondered what on Earth was he going to do.
Akane paced nervously around the tiny room. She had expected to be welcomed with open arms, but to her chagrin, they had been put here and had been waiting for almost an hour. Not only that, but the door was locked and they were surrounded by some sort of shield that blocked all attempts to explore the complex with her mind. [I don't understand!] she flared. Turning to Ka'Dalanis, she glared at her Healer. [They should be welcoming us, begging us for help. My body alone possesses genetic knowledge that they could not duplicate for hundreds of years, not to mention your knowledge of healing and Protoss technology. Yet they treat us like prisoners!] Ka'Dalanis was not worried. True, she did not like waiting any more than Akane did, but her years gave her the patience that Akane lacked. [They are afraid. Afraid and suspicious,] replied Ka'Dalanis. [They know what we have, but are afraid that this is 'too good to be true'. And they are suspicious of me. 'Why would a Protoss betray her people to the humans? Can we trust someone who would betray their own kind?'] [How can we allay their suspicions if they won't talk to us?] [We must wait until they come.] [We can't wait forever.] Ka'Dalanis pondered Akane's statement. [You are correct, Akane. Every minute that passes is a minute that you go without the technology needed to keep you alive. 'Invite' them in.] Akane nodded in satisfaction and moved to the large mirror one of the walls. [And use as little energy as possible. The more you use, the sooner your body will burn itself out.]
General Moroto, Lieutenant Harper, Doctor Ibisha Yoshiro, a xenobiologist, and Henry Collins, Moroto's most powerful telepath currently available, now that Darryl and Jessica were in the hospital, backed away from the mirror. "She can't break it, can she?" asked Henry with a whisper. Doctor Yoshiro shook her head. "No," replied, her dark hair waving with her movement. "Not even Captain Saotome could break it." They watched as Akane placed on finger on a point near the center of the mirror. "See she probably saw something and-" She gasped as a lattice of cracks spread out from Akane's finger through the glass. The mirror shattered, showering the startled foursome with tiny silver shards. Akane leaned through the opening, past the thin psychic barrier surrounding the containment cell. [We wish to talk to you.] Then Akane moved back into the room. General Moroto stared at the two...well, he could hardly call them 'prisoners' anymore, since it had become apparent that they had enough power to break out of just about any cell they had. Shaking himself like a wet dog, silvery pieces of glass fell from his clothes and hair. Turning to his other three cohorts, he motioned to them to get moving. "Shall we?" he said ruefully.
Akane glared at the four humans seated across from the table from her, while Ka'Dalanis looked at them from her position on the bed, no human- sized chair being large enough to contain her. The foursome stared back at them, each waiting for the other to begin. Finally, General Moroto cleared his throat. "I suppose introductions are in order. My name is General Hikaru Moroto, this is my aide, Lieutenant Deanna Harper, that is Doctor Ibisha Yoshiro, and Henry Collins." [En Taro Adun,] replied Ka'Dalanis, lightly touching a fist to her chest. Akane did likewise. [My name is Healer Ka'Dalanis, and this is my charge, Akane Tendo. I believe you knew her as Phoenix.] "Yes, we did," said the General. "What happened to change that?" [I will answer your questions later when I have the luxury of time, but now I must speak of more important concerns.] "And those are-?" [Akane's life.] The foursome blinked. "I assure you, Healer Ka'Dalanis, no one wants to harm her-" [You do not understand, and I don't have time to explain in detail except to say that Akane is slowly dying and I need your help to keep her alive.] "What do you mean?" asked Doctor Yoshiro. Pulling out a small case she opened it, revealing a set of data- crystals. [These data-crystals contain information about Akane's biology, as well as blueprints for a Regeneration Tank that is needed to repair her body. It will take time for you to research and implement such designs, so I must insist that you start as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the greater the chance of Akane dying before you are done.] Doctor Yoshiro stared at the crystals with undisguised avarice. General Moroto, however, was less eager. His suspicious were confirmed by Ka'Dalanis's next statement. [I do have some demands.] "What?" exclamined the General. "You beg us to save her life, but have demands? You're in no position to negotiate." [Akane was a slave to our people. I gave her back her life so that she may live it freely. I will not let her become another slave, this time to her own. I am her Healer. If I say that she cannot do something, then she cannot, and I will not be overruled by anyone. Her safety is of paramount importance to me. If you cannot accept this, then we shall leave. I would rather she die free, than live as a slave.] "Why should we trust you? You've betrayed your own people. What makes you think we should believe you?" Ka'Dalanis shook her head. [Could anything I say convince you? I can only tell you what we have to offer. It is up to you to accept or decline.] There was a long pause. Finally, he nodded. "All right." Ibisha grabbed the case and bolted out of the room, with Henry close behind. [Thank you. This was my biggest fear; that you would refuse to help. My second most powerful fear is now that you will be unable to build a Regeneration Tank in time. But now, at least, we have a chance. Now what will you do to us?] "Actually, Healer, that's the crux of my dilemma. It's rude to keep you in a holding cell, but I don't want you among the general populace." He winced as he realized how suspicious that sounded. "The Protoss aren't exactly on our 'Favorite Aliens' list. I don't want to cause any...incidents." The Healer nodded. [I understand.] She tensed. [If I may offer a suggestion...] "What?" [Would it be possible for us to stay with Akane's family? Being around familiar surroundings and people would facilitate the return of her memories, as well as being a therapeutic psychological influence.] The General stared at the two of them, wondering if they were some part of a conspiracy to make his life a living Hell. Ranma, Nabiki, Genma and, Akane all under one roof. He shuddered, contemplating the disasters that could...no, would occur. Finally, he sighed. At least they'll all be in once place, he thought. I'll know where they are. And, they'd be under guard. "All right. Lieutenant, could you arrange an escort for them?" "Sir."
Akane and Ka'Dalanis got out of the jeep and stood in front of the large wooden gates that served as the entrance to the Saotome School of Anything Goes Martial Arts. [I don't understand,] said the Healer after running the Japanese text through a translator program. [Your clan name is Tendo. Why would they bring you here?] [Nodoka seemed to think of Nabiki as her daughter. Perhaps Nabiki was adopted into the Saotome clan. She was the only known survivor of our family.] [True, true.] Akane walked up and put one hand on the wooden gate. Ignoring the guards the General had assigned as a show of the Saotome's arrest, she hesitated, and stared at the wood for several moments. [Akane, what's wrong?] [I...I don't know. I feel...] Akane put one hand on her chest. [My chest feels tight and I'm having trouble breathing...] Ka'Dalanis nodded. [You are afraid, Akane. Afraid of what will happen to you when you go through these doors, afraid that they might reject you. You are even afraid of what will happen if they do not reject you. What you must understand is that you have nothing to fear. *I* will never reject you, and I will always be here for you.] Akane closed her eyes and leaned her head against the wood, feeling its warm texture. She smiled slightly. [You know me so well, Healer.] [Well, I did practically rebuild you from scratch.] Akane's smile became a full fledged grin. She turned her head and looked back at her caretaker. [Thank you, Dala.] Pushing open the gate, she entered.
Nodoka turned at the sound of someone knocking at the door. Putting down the dishtowel, she went to answer it. Odd, she though. We're not expecting anyone. She opened the front door, and felt her jaw drop as she saw who was there. "Phoenix! What a pleasant surprise! Please, come in. I'm so glad to see you well after what happened. And who's you're...oh my!" Nodoka gaped as the Protoss Healer maneuvered her large body through the relatively small door. "W-welcome to my home," Nodoka managed. She bowed awkwardly, overwhelmed by the alien visitor. [En Taro Adun, Matriarch,] she replied, giving the ritual greeting. [My name is Ka'Dalanis.] "P-pleased to meet you." She turned to Akane. "Phoenix, would you and...Ka'Dalanis like some tea?" [Actually, my name is-] Akane was interrupted by Genma, who walked in from the main room. "I heard someone at the door, Nodoka. Who-" His expression brightened when he saw Phoenix. "Ah, Phoenix! It's good to see you again." His smile faltered. "And who's your...friend?" [Please, don't call me-] Once again, Akane was interrupted again, this time by a voice that caused a fluttery feeling in her chest. "Hey Pop, get back here and make your move!" Ranma poked his head into the room and saw Akane. "Hey, Phoenix, you're back!" He spied the large Protoss behind her. "With company, I see," he said warily. [You have nothing to fear human,] Ka'Dalanis replied. [I am no warrior. I am a Healer.] "So you take care of Phoenix?" [But I'm not-] [Yes. I helped make her, and took care of her while she was a slave of my people.] "Then we should thank you for taking such good care of her," said Nodoka. "If you call turning her into a crazed killing machine 'taking good care of her,'" muttered Ranma. [My name isn't-] "Ranma! I taught you better manners than that!" bellowed Genma. "You should be grateful that Phoenix is alive at all, no matter what she is!" "Yeah, except the first time I met her, she tried to kill me!" [I'm not-] [You cannot blame her for her past,] said Ka'Dalanis. [It is as much my fault as anyone, for making her what she is.] "You heard her! If you're going to get angry at anyone about what Phoenix did to you, get angry at the Healer!" bellowed Genma "Husband, it's not polite to talk about someone like they aren't here," admonished Nodoka. "Don't tell me who I should get mad at, old man! If Phoenix-," started Ranma. [WOULD YOU ALL SHUT UP AND LISTEN!?] The power of Akane's telepathic yell caused everyone there to wince in pain. [My name is Akane! Not Phoenix! Everyone got that? Akane!] Akane was breathing heavily, and red clouded her vision. [Calm down, Akane,] admonished Ka'Dalanis. With a deep breath, Akane expelled the rage inside her. [Sorry.] Meanwhile, the humans were staring at Akane like she had grown horns. "Akane?" faltered Nodoka. Akane nodded. "Then that means-" started Genma. "-you remember who you are?" finished Ranma. Akane smiled nervously. [A little.] [Her memories are returning bit by bit. It is my hope that by spending time with people she knew she will remember more quickly.] The humans gaped at the Healer for a moment, until the news finally sank in. Ranma gave a whoop of joy, grabbed Akane around the waist, armor and all, and spun her around. Throwing her up into the air, he caught her and hugged her tightly. "You're back," he whispered. He tried to hold back the tears, but failed. Grinning like a maniac he ran out of the house and, ignoring the protests of the guards at the gate, began jumping from roof to roof, yelling in exultation at the top of his lungs. Genma, while no less happy, was less outgoing. "Soun, my old friend, if you could see you're daughter now. You would be so proud." Genma also fought tears, and failed miserably. Nodoka enfolded Akane in a gentle embrace. "Oh, Akane-," she started to say, but her voice broke. She began to stroke Akane's hair. "Oh, Akane, we're so happy to know you've come back to us..." Nodoka could not hold back any longer, and began to cry into Akane's shoulder. Akane looked at the weeping couple, then looked back at Ka'Dalanis, confused. [This wasn't the emotional response I expected. Why are they crying?] Ka'Dalanis shook her head. [I don't know. But there is one thing I do know.] [What?] Ka'Dalanis laid a hand on Akane's other shoulder. [You are home.]
Afternoon became evening as the foursome sat around the table, talking about what had happened to Akane, her transformation into Phoenix, and Akane's subsequent return. Akane, now in her skinsuit, having removed her armor, sipped another cup of tea. Ka'Dalanis sat beside her, also in a skinsuit designed as an interface for Zealots and their armor. [Kuno was what?!] exclaimed Akane. "The pervert was in love with my girl side! I don't know how many times I changed right in front of the idiot, but he just never figured it out." Akane's shoulders shook with silent laughter. [I can see how that could cause problems.] "You got that right! I thought eventually Nabiki might get him out of my hair by marrying him, but the Zerg happened and..." His voice trailed off. Akane suddenly remembered her real reason for coming here. [Where is Nabiki? I want to talk to her.] "Aw man, I can't believe we forgot that. Nabiki's in the hospital. She was hit by a Photon Cannon while trying to escape from your base." Akane felt her blood turn to ice. [Is she all right?] she asked anxiously. Ranma nodded. "Don't worry about it. She's being released the day after tomorrow." "We should call her and tell her the good news," said Nodoka. "Or better yet, we should all go and visit her." "An excellent idea, Nodoka," replied Genma. Sudden inspiration caused Ranma to speak up. "Wait a sec, I've got an idea!" "What is it, dear?" asked Nodoka. "Let me think about it some more. But don't anyone tell Nabiki, anything, okay?" They all nodded hesitantly, not sure what he was planning. "Well, speaking of family," said Nodoka, "I know of one way to meet some of them again." [How?] asked Akane. "Follow me."
Nodoka led them all into a small room near the back of the house. Inside the room was a shrine with four pictures on it. The room was thick with the smell of incense. [What's this?] asked Akane. "It's your family shrine." On the shrine was a picture of a man with long dark hair and a mustache, and another of an older woman with short brown hair. The third one was of a young woman with long brown hair, and fourth picture was one of a younger Akane, before she became Phoenix. "Oh dear," said Nodoka in embarrassment. "We don't need to have your picture there anymore." Nodoka removed the picture and incense. [Wait,] said Akane. [Let me see it.] Taking the picture she saw her old self staring back. She had a sunny smile on her tan colored face, and her black hair...
Akane stared up at the ceiling of her room, contemplating the words Ranma had spoken less than an hour before. "You're cute when you smile." Getting up off her bed, she moved over to her desk and picked up a small mirror. Did he mean that? she wondered. She smiled brightly, and her reflection smiled back at her.
Akane snapped out of the brief hallucination and handed back the picture. She could feel her face darken as blood rushed through her skin. [Sorry,] she said, embarrassed. "What happened?" [She is reliving her memories,] said Ka'Dalanis. [She will probably be having hallucinations for several years, as her memories return.] "I see." Nodoka knelt before the shrine, and Akane followed suit. Ka'Dalanis, Ranma and Genma stayed back. Nodoka pointed to the young woman with the long brown hair. "That's your eldest sister, Kasumi. She died when the Zerg invaded the Earth." Akane stared at the picture of the smiling girl, trying to...
Akane fingered the towel and scissors nervously. Taking a breath she stepped into the kitchen. Kasumi, busy cooking dinner, turned to greet her youngest sibling. "Oh, hello Akane. And how was your-" With a shriek of surprise, Kasumi tossed the food she had been cooking up into the air. Ranma-chan bolted into the room, catching the frying pan and the food as it fell. Akane groaned. "Do you have to overreact to everything, Kasumi?" "But...but...but...your hair!" Ranma-chan tried to get two cents in, and ended up with change. "I'm afraid it's my f-" "I just felt like a change, that's all," interrupted Akane. Holding up the scissors, she fingered her hair. "Can you...fix it up for me?"
Akane woke up to a smiling Nodoka. "Ready?" Akane nodded. "That's your father Soun Tendo," said Nodoka, pointing at the dark-haired mustached man.
Akane gaped across at her father. He had just made the most horrible announcement. She did not know whether to run, cry, or beat him to a pulp. Instead, she ended up doing exactly what her sisters did. "Fiance?!" the three Tendo sisters exclaimed in disbelief. Soun nodded solemnly. "Yes, the son of a very good friend of mine. His name is Ranma Saotome. If one of you three were to marry him and carry on this training center, then the Tendo family legacy would be secure." "Wait a minute," Akane exclaimed. "Don't *we* have some say in who we're going to marry?" "Akane's right Daddy," Kasumi put in. "We've never even met Ranma." "That's easily fixed," replied Soun. "He'll be here soon. Ranma and his father have been on a voyage of training. Recently, it seems, they crossed into China." "Wow!" exclaimed Nabiki. "China!" "What's so great about walking to China?" asked Akane indifferently. "Is he cute?" asked Nabiki. "How old is he?" asked Kasumi. "Younger men bore me." "What kind of a guy is this Ranma?" asked Kasumi and Nabiki in unison. There was a pause. "I have no idea," Soun finally answered. The three sisters blinked. "'No idea'?" demanded Nabiki. "I've never met him."
Nodoka waited until Akane was released from her hallucination. "Only one more to go," she said. She could not keep a note of nervousness from her voice. Akane's flashbacks would take some getting use to. She indicated the last picture. "That's your mother, Kimiko." Akane stared at the picture waiting for the now familiar hallucination to reveal more about her mother. Several seconds passed, and nothing happened. A cold, sick feeling began to grow in the pit of her stomach. She began to reach for the picture, but stopped and waited for Nodoka's approval. Nodoka nodded, and Akane picked up the photo. She stared down at it, trying with all her will to remember something, anything about her mother. Nothing. Akane did not know she was crying until a teardrop fell onto the old picture. "Akane?" asked Nodoka softly. Ka'Dalanis, sensing her charge's distress moved forward, followed by Ranma. [Akane, what's wrong?] asked the Healer. [I...I...I can't remember her.] Her shoulders started to shake, and more tears fell. She turned and looked up at Ka'Dalanis, her expression filled with anguish and loss. [I can't remember her! She's my mother and I can't remember anything about her!] Ka'Dalanis gathered up the weeping girl and held her in a comforting embrace. Her face was etched into an expression of sadness and guilt. [Oh, Akane,] she said softly. [I'm so sorry. It's all my fault...] Ranma stood back away from the grieving pair. A part of him wanted to take her in his arms, make all her worries disappear, but there was one complication. Nabiki. So instead of grieving with her, he grieved for her. He stood back, away from the two of them. "Akane."
Later that evening, Ka'Dalanis put Akane to bed. She hoped that rest and food would slow the process of decay Akane's body was undergoing. [You are sure you don't mind?] asked Ka'Dalanis. "Nah," answered Ranma. "You two can stay in Nabiki's and my room tonight. I'll sleep in the dojo." [Thank you for your hospitality.] "No," said Nodoka. "We should thank you for bringing Akane back to us." She turned to Ranma. "Now, Ranma dear, what was that idea that you had before?"
"There you go, sir." Nabiki looked at the wet-behind-the-ears private in the drivers seat. She considered saying a disparaging comment, but decided to forego the pleasure. Her situation was not his fault; he was just following orders. She got out of the vehicle. "Thanks." He saluted, and then drove away. Turning back to the house, she limped to the gates. I wonder where they are? she wondered. Being under house arrest, they could not pick her up from the hospital, but she thought that they would be waiting at the gate for her. Unless, of course, they were preparing a 'surprise' party for her. She hated surprises. Bracing herself, she pushed open the gate. "Welcome home!" chorused the Saotome clan. Nabiki groaned. In front of her were the three members of her adopted family, with expressions of barely contained glee on their faces. Above the entrance was a large white banner with the words 'Welcome Home' printed in blue. She stepped past the trio, ignoring them. "Nabiki?" asked Ranma in confusion. "Oh, come on, Ranma. You didn't really think you'd surprise me, did you?" She turned back to the three Saotomes. "Besides, you know I hate surprises." Ranma smiled slyly. "Oh, I think you'll like this surprise." Ranma looked past Nabiki and into the front door, which was open, and nodded slightly. Nabiki saw his signal and snorted. "I doubt it." She turned to see what Ranma was planning, promising herself not to react. She failed completely. Standing in the door was Akane. She wore a light pink sweater and blue jeans. The sweater brightened her complexion considerably. Her hair was done up in a much looser ponytail, which made her look softer and more vulnerable. Akane walked forward to Nabiki, who looked like she had been hit on the back of the head. Her eyes were wide, and her face was pale. "Ph-Ph-Phoenix?" asked Nabiki weakly. Akane shook her head. She pressed something into her sister's hand.
Nabiki tore her eyes away from Akane's face and looked at the object. It was the picture of Akane that use to be on the family shrine. She looked back up. Ranma, Genma, and Nodoka had moved up beside Akane. Ranma was smiling from ear to ear. Genma was so puffed up with pride that it looked like he might explode any second. Nodoka was smiling at Nabiki, fighting back tears. "I don't understand," Nabiki whispered. Akane licked her lips nervously, and then slowly said something she practiced for hours. "Ahh-em yooor sist-her, Ahhh-kan-hey-ee." Nabiki gaped at her younger sister, and her hands began to shake. She looked at Ranma for confirmation, and he nodded. Her lower lip trembled as she tried to contain herself. She failed, and, with a wail, burst into tears. Wrapping her arms around her sister, she wept freely, without shame. Nodoka quickly followed suit, clinging to her husband. Ranma put an arm around his wife and whispered, "Welcome home." Ka'Dalanis, who had slipped outside through the front door without anyone noticing, sent a private thought to her charge. [Welcome home.]
End Chapter 10