The End of it All

Note: Panda Signs-() Chinese-"" Ranma- Boy Ranma-chan- Girl Unless stated other wise, Music Lyrics

Sorry for the delay everyone, but this chapter has been really kicking my….. urm…… so anyway please enjoy.

Sorry don't own Ranma ½, wish I could though.

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Chapter 3: A Fight to Remember and a Will to Forget

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Ranma and Akane soon found themselves just out of Tokyo and heading towards the start of the mountain side. None of them had really spoken ever since they left Nermia. They both made great time since it was still dark and they were near the start of the mountain side.

They pulled of to the side to start setting camp when they reached the mountain side. Ranma had already started setting up the tent while Akane was working with the food and other stuff they brought along with them. Ranma was nearly done when he noticed that Akane was starting to make what would be their soon to be morning breakfast.

"Um…. are we going to eat that?" Ranma pointed to the food that Akane was making. The food in question was in a pot that looked almost normal, if it weren't for the little green smoke.

"Yes…..why do you ask?" Akane questioned.

"I don't think it's very safe…"

Akane huffed a little before responding, "Well to let you know that I have been practicing very hard these last few months on my cooking and it has gotten better."

Akane then picked up the spoon, "Here I'll show you."

Akane raised the spoon showing Ranma the soup chunk pieces. She then moved the spoon towards her mouth before clamped her mouth over the spoon and chewed the soup chunks. She made a little face before swallowing.

"I could've made it a little different. Now you try some."

Ranma for one was shocked. Here was the girl that he had known for over a year that could hardly have made a simple recipe work. Now here she made a soup that not only she made all by herself but tasted as well.

Ranma soon found himself in familiar and unfamiliar territory as he scooped the spoon of soup out of the pot and into his waiting mouth. He waited for the pain that he felt every time as took the spoon full of soup and started chewing. He soon then swallowed and waited for the stomach pain, which never came.

Ranma blinked a few times before smiling and nodding, "Not bad Akane, this is real good."

With that Ranma grabbed a bowl and started eating away. Akane felt herself blush at the compliment as she grabbed a bowl as well.

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Soon both Ranma and Akane finished their dinner and set off towards the tent area. Ranma stopped a few feet away from the tent as Akane went inside. She stopped as she noticed that Ranma wasn't following. Akane then turned around to face him.

"Ranma, you're not coming in?" Akane suggested to him.

Ranma shook his head, "I thought that you should have some privacy an' I don't want you to think of me as a pervert or somethin'."

Akane felt like a knife had just stabbed into her heart, "No Ranma, I wouldn't think of you as a pervert. I'm just suggesting that since it will be cold tonight and seeing that there's hardly any other means of shelter that you would need a better place to stay tonight."

Ranma for one was really moved. Akane had just said something that he had hoped with all his heart to be true, that she didn't think of him as a pervert. He suddenly felt a little hope.

"Ok, Akane. I'll take upon your offer."

They both then walked into the tent together as the moon shined through the cloudless night sky.

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Morning soon came, the sun shining in the sky. Beams of light shone through the tent flaps as a gentle breeze lifted them. The wind flowed over and between the two figures that laid inside.

Akane slowly opened her eyes, which came in contact with the bright morning light. She shot strait up while partially covering her eyes with her left hand. After adjusting to the brightness she glanced around. The tent flap was gentle being blown open along with the pale sunlight.

Akane nearly jumped when she heard a loud noise next to her. She turned and felt herself relax when she saw that it was just Ranma, snoring a little loudly. She found herself gazing at him as he continued to sleep.

From his head to his feet, Ranma's body expressed off signs of life. His black hair almost glistened as the sun light shined on him, his red Chinese shirt went up and down as he breathed, and lastly his face appearance as he laid there sleeping.

Akane felt her heart beating a little fast as she continued to glance at him. Her mind was once again going through the argument.

'Just look at him, sleeping there. It almost makes me want to…….'

"Stop it!" Akane shouted accidentally out loud.

Akane covered her mouth as she heard Ranma stir a little, as if he was going to wake up. Then after a few moments he finally settled down. Akane let out a sigh of relief as she found herself relaxing after nearly waking him up.

'Way to go Akane, you nearly woke him up. All though…… '

Akane slowly crawled towards Ranma's figure, until she was near his face.

'He is really cute when he's sleeping.'

Akane then let out another sigh.

'I don't know what to do anymore. Sure we both have gotten a lot better at the fights between us, but…… I'm not really sure what he really feels about me. I was so sure that he said that he loved me, but he completely denied it. Can it be that he doesn't love me that way?'

A tear then started to roll down off her cheek and fell right near Ranma's head.

'I know it will hurt, but I will stand by what ever he chooses, even if it's not marring or loving me.'

Akane then started to get up to head outside, when once again the unexpected happened. Ranma just happened to roll himself around and ended up having one of his arms sticking out, which caught Akane's foot.

Akane soon found herself falling down right on top of Ranma.

Ranma found himself awake to something crashing down on him. He reacted quickly as he was ready to throw his opponent threw the tent wall when he noticed that his face was right next to Akane's.

Ranma felt himself tense up as he felt the Akane's breath against his face and the body heat coming off from her.

"S-s-s-sorry Akane! I didn't mean… well that….um……." Ranma tried to say, but was lost for words.

Akane then pulled back. "Don't worry Ranma, it was my fault. I was just going out to make breakfast."

With that Akane got up and walked right out side the tents flaps. If one looked real close, they would've seen a few tear drops falling down.

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As the morning sun came up, both Ranma and Akane were done with breakfast and was packing things up for the journey. They both then set off to climb the mountain side.

It was a rough hike. Some of the areas were so steep that they had to make a rope just about of anything they could find in the surrounding area. Especially with the amounts of snow in the area. After what seamed like forever, both Ranma and Akane reached the area of the temple.

The temple was in a valley area deep in between the mountain peaks, so as to help prevent it from being seen. The temple was around two stories high and at least 42 feet wide. It was very old and run down. There was rotten wood all over the place indicating that no one had been up here for many years.

"Wow, I never really thought there would be old temple up here." Akane exclaimed as both her and Ranma made there way down the cliff side.

Akane and Ranma then made there way through what appeared to be a very old graveyard site. The stone and rock piles barely poked through the snow as they went by. Soon they both reached the temple doorway. Akane felt a shiver as the wind blew some of the snow off the ground and into the wind.

"Ranma, be careful." Akane said with concern as started to shiver.

Ranma smiled. "I always am."

With that they opened up the twin doors and entered inside. The room was very dark with barely any light. Akane was close behind Ranma as he pushed forward.

"Ok, so where's this challenger?" Ranma said out loud.

"That would be me." A voice called out from the darkness.

Lights come into view as candles were lit. Soon the room was lit enough that Ranma was stunned at who was his challenger.

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"Herb!?!" Ranma shouted in surprise, "You're the one who challenged me?"

Herb's face grew a smirk, "Yes Satome, I was the one who sent you the challenge letter. I sent it as an anonymous challenger that wanted to fight you. I knew you couldn't pass up the opportunity to fight some one since it might consider costing your honor and pride."

Herb then stood up as he continued.

"I have come back Ranma, to challenge you again after you defeated me on Horaisan's Mountain. If it weren't for the kettle of Liberation you wouldn't have had changed back into a man and have had the strength to fight me off. Which reminds me…" Herb stated as he pulled out a barrel and a black ladle from a closet before continuing, "I have also brought along a few things to make the fight a little more interesting."

Herb spoke as he pointed to the barrel, "Inside this is some of the legendary spring of Naniichuan, if you win you may take it. How ever…"

Herb then held up the black ladle.

"If you lose, you will be locked in your cursed form, remaining as a women forever and you can never challenge me again on your honor."

Ranma at this point was shocked. Here was Herb challenging him to fight where there is no rematch, but also a chance at getting a real cure. Ranma soon felt himself smiling.

"You shouldn't have challenged me Herb, and I'm going to finally get my cure." Ranma exclaimed as he got into a fighting stance.

"Akane, stand aside and please don't come for me, no matter what happens." Ranma said as he took a few steps forward.

Akane felt a little of her pride rise as she felt it was like an insult. "Hey, I can fight as well."

Ranma's face showed a bit of worry as he turned to face Akane, "I know, but this is a fight between me an' Herb. And I won't somethin' bad to happen' to you." Ranma then turned back towards Herb, "I'll accept your conditions."

Herb smirk just turned into an evil grin, "Fine, I'll enjoy killing you."

Before any one could blink, Herb was right behind Ranma within seconds.

For once Ranma was so shocked he barely responded to the attack. He kept blocking as punch after punch came at him. Herb was moving so well that Ranma didn't have a chance to counter.

Ranma practically cursed as he continued to block each attack.

'What the hell?! How is Herb not only keepin' up with me, but blockin' every attack that I'm trying?!'

Herb kept coming right at him as he was forced backwards and he flew outside the doorway as the fight continued on. Both of the fighters engaged each other in the deep snow, along with Akane not far behind. Soon one Herb's punch's made it through and hit him squarely on the right shoulder.

Border line,
Dead inside.

'What just happened!?! How did Herb just made a direct hit to me on the shoulder!?'

Ranma was sent backward from the force of the impact. His whole body rolled rapidly through the snow about a hundred feet away. A small scream was heard from Akane. Ranma tried to get up but, only just slipped back down, along with a trickle of blood flowing down from his shoulder. Ranma grabbed his shoulder as he felt a new type of pain hit him.

"Hurts doesn't it, Ranma Satome."

I don't mind,
Falling to pieces.

Ranma glanced up as Herb towered over him.

"You see Ranma Satome, I finally have mastered my ki abilities completely. I have condensed the huge amount of ki that spills from me and made it to where it's not only smaller, but much deadlier."

Count me in, violent
Let's begin, feeding the sickness.

Ranma felt like his shoulder was burning, just like the time when he was stuck with the cat's tongue. He hissed in pain as he finally managed to stand up.

"I see you're starting to feel the after affect of my new chi blast punch attack."

Herb then started to step forward.

How do I simplify,
Dislocate - the enemy's on the way.

Ranma fought over the pain as he got out of the way just in time to avoid Herb's next attack. He felt the pain some what increased as Herb pressed forward. Ranma continued to block with his left as the burn from his right shoulder was scorching, which was making it harder to block with his right.

"When it comes within contact with the skin it tends to burn as flesh is exposed to just about any amount of heat. Luck for you we are high in the mountains where it's a lot colder or other wise, you would be in a lot more pain."

Show me what it's like
To dream in black and white,
So I can leave this world tonight.

Ranma mentally cursed as he heard the words come from Herb explaining why he was in so much pain along his right shoulder. He had never really felt this type of pain before, sure he had taken on many different foes but he always recovered not long after. Something was very wrong here.

Full of fear,
Ever clear.

Akane couldn't believe what see was seeing. Here Ranma was fighting some one she only heard about, in which he won against. She was sure he could stand up to him like he did before. Now seeing him in pain, she wanted to rush forward and help him.

'Akane, stand aside and please don't come for me, no matter what happens.'

Akane felt Ranma's words came back to her as was about to step forward, as they had been spoken by him.

'I know he wants me to stay out of the fight to protect me….. but what about himself?'

I'll be here,
Fighting forever.

Herb kept Ranma pressed backwards through the cold snow as the intense heat from his hands seamed to flare up once in a while. Ranma started to run instead of blocking as it seamed to only make things worse for himself.

Unknown to the fighters the snow around the battle field was starting to melt.

Curious,
Venomous,
You'll find me
Climbing to heaven.

Ranma kept running, making sure that he was at least several feet away from Herb's hands as he tried to come up with a counter attack.

'Crap. Every time I come near his body the pain just seams to get worse. How can I attack him with out touching or getting near….. wait I know!'

Ranma bent down to pick up a little bit of snow and gathered it into his arms. He then turned around and faced Herb.

"Kachū Tenshin Amaguriken!"

As Ranma's attack went, some snow balls came off his hands and headed towards Herb.

Never mind,
Turn back time.
You'll be fine - I will get left behind.

Herb smirked.

"Nice try Satome, but your tact is useless." Herb stated as he raised his hands forward.

"Hito Ryu-Zan Ha!"

Show me what it's like
To dream in black and white,
So I can leave this world tonight.

Ranma found himself dodging as blades of chi came at him. The blades seamed to twirl and split as they came at and past him. Ranma managed to dodge them when one of the blades managed to cut just under his left armpit.

A horrendous scream was heard as it echoed through out the valley.

Holding on too tight.
Breathe the breath of life,
So I can leave this world behind.

Akane watch in horror as Herb's attack came at Ranma, one by one each of them barely missing him by several inches. The last one then managed to connect and Akane felt herself scream just as Ranma did.

It only hurts just once.

Ranma's screams soon died down as he nearly fell forward while blood slowly poured from under his arm. He held out his right hand, which came in contact with blood and something really cold.

He glanced down and noticed that his hands were some what smaller. Her curse was once again triggered.

They're only broken bones.

Herb stopped as he watched Ranma fell forward into her own blood and melted snow. He took note of Ranma-chan as she held her left arm to her body to try to stop the wound from bleeding. He chuckled as he watched the scene before him.

"So this is the so called famous Ranma Satome. What I heard was right, you have become weak." Herb sneered, "So weak that you have become weaker than a woman."


Hide the hate inside.

Akane couldn't believe her eyes and ears. Here was a man, no, a killer that was watching Ranma in pain and enjoying it. She felt rage and fear come to her as she started to rush forward.

'Sorry, Ranma. I know you told me to stay out of this fight, but I have no choice.'

Show me what it's like
To dream in black and white,
So I can leave this world tonight.

Ranma felt anger over riding her senses as she got up and ran at Herb. With out thinking clearly, she let go of her open wound and attacked at will.

"Kachū Tenshin Amaguriken!"

Ranma attack in furry as she came at Herb. She ignored the on coming pain as she continued. Herb blocked all of her attacks as he stepped backwards.

Then out from no where, Herb managed a direct kick to Ranma's stomach. Ranma stopped as she groaned in pain, in which she then fell face forward in the snowy ground.

Holding on too tight.
Breathe the breath of life,
So I can leave this world behind.

Akane ran as fast as she could to Ranma's fallen form. Herb had already stepped away from Ranma's body and was heading into the temple. She wrapped her hands around Ranma as she called out his name over and over.

"Ranma! Ranma, please wake up! Please!" Akane shouted as tears fell down her face and chin. The tears seamed to stick to her face as they started to freeze. She stopped when she noticed someone behind her. Before she could act she was hit by something really wet. She turned around and saw Herb standing there with the black ladle.

"It is finished. Ranma Satome will forever remain as a woman." Herb declared.

He then turned away carrying the ladle and walked away into the on coming blizzard storm.

Akane once again glanced upon Ranma's fallen form, gripping her body closer to her as felt her tears continued to flow down her face.

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Ok, finally this chapter is finished. Sorry for the delay, I was really stuck at a few parts of this chapter. I just couldn't really think of some of the parts here and there.

Oh, by the way, the song is Unknown Soldier by Breaking Benjamin. I found the song kind of fitting for this particular scene as I worked on it. Please review and tell me what you think.