"Akane!" Ranma yelled, his cry echoing off the walls. "Don't leave me!" he sobbed, cradling her in his arms.
"Ranma?" Ryoga took a step forward but was held back by Mousse.
"You tried your best, Ranma," Mousse bowed his head in silence.
"It's all my fault…" Ranma murmured, letting his tears flow freely.
"Ranma, you know that's not true!" Ryoga insisted.
"No, Ryoga! It is my fault!" Ranma watched as his tears dripped onto Akane's face.
"Come, Ryoga. Let's give him some space- he needs it," Mousse ushered Ryoga toward the cave entrance. Ryoga protested but was quickly silenced by Mousse's intensive gaze.
"Akane…I…I don't want to be alone…" Ranma whispered once his companions had exited the cave. With nothing more to say, he closed his eyes in grief. I don't want to be lonely- again.
Ranma stiffened as something touched his cheek. "A…A…Akane?" he asked hopefully, hugging her close.
"Ran…ma," Akane whispered, resting her head on Ranma's shoulder.
"Akane? Is it…for real?" Ranma asked in disbelief. She's alive!
"Ranma," Akane pulled away from him. Her eyes were brimmed with tears, but she was smiling. "Ranma, you saved my life!" she looked up at Ranma, beaming.
"You're alive!" Ranma exclaimed, wiping away Akane's tears.