An uncharted island in the middle of a great sea, north of Japan.
Seemingly insignificant, it has a millennium long history of demons and spirits.
The wreckage of a downed plane lies in its small lake.
That plane ferried some of Japan's most incredible teens into the most unusual terror.
It galvanised some of the mortal world's most powerful beings into action.
Now, it ends with a mountain rimming the western edge of the island.
Deep within the catacombs of the mountain, is a hive of dark, festering activity.
Within that activity lies the heart of the story.
And at that heart, comes this last chapter.
Akane Tendou, heir to the Tendou Dojo and currently a young-demoness on the side of good, a
resurrected creation of one known as Sekki.
Sekki, succubus-demoness sister to Lina, reigning Queen of the Demon World, where all
hellspawn come from. The one who brought Akane back from the dead - a demoness.
The two have come together for one last fight to the end.
To determine one's humanity, and the other's dark wish for continuity.
So begins the end.
{The Final Chapters : Part 20 - The Beginning of the End.}
Akane watches as the Priest, Kuriimu and Lina hover above three of the four points about the
Trial Arena. Behind each of them, the column of rocks glow a base black or pure white. Sekki
stands besides Akane, apparently waiting for something.
Priest : "We shall need a representative from the mortals to represent the mortal's standing in the
Trial."
Lina : "Very well. Let the chosen one be taken from those that are here now."
Kuriimu : "Let that chosen one be freed from their prison."
Akane turns around and watches anxiously as to who it will be.
Deep in her heart, she feverently prays for Ranma.
Voice : "Aiyah!"
*thud*
Shampoo falls and lands face first in the dirt floor of the cavern as the wall of maroon light she
was leaning on dissipates. Picking herself up from the floor, she stares dumbfoundedly at those
who are looking at her.
Priest : "She has been chosen. Let her come forwards now to take her rightful place in the panel
of judges."
Shampoo : "Monkey man talking about Shampoo?"
The priest bursts a vein as he hears Shampoo's irreverent reference to his lineage.
Priest : "For Goodness' sakes! I am a SIMIAN!"
But, calming down and shaking his head, he beckons to Shampoo.
Priest : "I can see she will not suffice. There is..... prejudice in her heart."
Akane breathes an invisible sigh of relief as the column of light encases an indignant Shampoo
once again, and this time.....
This time, Ranma watches as the column disappears around him.
Ranma : "Hey!"
Priest : "Waste not our time now, Saotome Ranma. Step forwards."
Ranma stares for a moment at the scene before him, the takes a step forwards.
Akane doesn't realize she's holding her breath.
However, as soon as Ranma puts his foot forwards, he feels something strange. He immediately
withdraws his foot and the feeling disappears. He knows that feeling.
Priest : "Saotome Ranma, step forwards."
But Ranma crosses his arms and shakes his head.
Ranma : "No. Not yet."
Kuriimu : "Hm? Why? It's not me is it?"
The three around the circle chuckle. Even Akane has to do so despite the tense mood in the air.
Ranma : "I know that feeling when I stepped forwards. Why's my curse taking effect now?"
Akane blinks once and finally draws breath, noisily. The priest smiles.
Priest : "Why, look at the circle. We are only one woman and two men of opposing forces. Surely
we need one more female to balance the circle."
Ranma : "Why me? Why not Ucchan?"
Akane nearly pops a vein at this statement, but stops herself from losing valuable blood at this
point. The priest sighs.
Priest : "Kami-sama has ordained you to be the representative. And after all, she's your fiancee.
Now, will you honour your Holy Father and take your place or do we postpone this indefinitely?"
Ranma looks at Akane as he tries to come to terms with himself and this great responsibility.
Akane nods. Ranma grins at her and gives her a thumbs up sign. Akane wonders what he meant
earlier on by having Ukyo around.
Ranma : "Well then..."
This time, Ranma takes a brave step towards his appointed spot in the circle's rim, and as if
stepping through an invisible curtain of water, changes form in mid step. A redheaded pigtailed
girl finishes her journey with a short hop into the circle's rim, with legs crossed, in her place. Like
the other three, she hovers slightly over her place, in front of a column, this one glowing a
throbbing black AND white.
Ranma (C) : "Now we're balanced."
Priest : "Very good. Now, we shall begin."
The four figures at the corners of the compass points close their eyes and begin to meditate.
Akane suddenly feels the compulsion to move into the circle as a pillar of blue energy bursts forth
from it with a massive shockwave. Sekki moves past her quickly, almost eagerly, and disappears
as a silhouette into the pillar of energy. Akane follows soon after.
As soon as she steps in, her world fades into white around her and she opens her mouth to gasp,
but nothing comes out.
Outside, Ranma has her eyes closed and is focusing her mind into the column of energy, almost as
if she'd known what to do from the start.
Ranma (C) :
-=-=-=-=-
{The First Trial - Essence}
Purifying white light.
Putrefying blackness.
What are you?
Who am I? What do you mean, who am I? I'm Akane Tendou, of course! Who are YOU?
What do you mean? I don't understand.
Not my name? What I AM?
I guess I'm a succubus now.... funny though, I don't feel like one. Don't know what one's
supposed to feel though.
Evil? No, I'm not evil. At least, I don't think I am.
I am? Evil? What..... I see. I am evil simply because of what I am?
Is that the natural order of things? That something is evil simply because it's supposed to be?
Maybe that's what you say, but I know I'm not evil. Not in the sense we all say I am. Not in way
we think evil should be.
I believe we're all evil.
But only evil to those who hate us. To those who fear us. Who refuse to understand us. To those
who have no reason to do so.
Are we only evil if we do something defined as evil?
We may actually be helping those without their knowledge. I understand that now. We all have
our reasons, but only the truly selfish may be considered evil.
Those who have no reason to help others for their sakes are called evil.
I am not.
-=-=-=-=-
Back in the cavern, the column of light changes from a brilliant bluish-white into a softer hue of
purplish-white.
Ranma smiles as she senses a change.
The people in their prisons of lights watch as small orbs of coloured lights dance about their
heads.
-=-=-=-=-
{The Second Trial - Truth}
Now what's happening?
A tunnel.
Space.
Everything's going by so fast. I can't stop. Where're my wings?
No.... I don't need them. I've lived long enough without them, why should I grow dependent on
them so suddenly?
But.... they've helped me a lot. Haven't they?
I need to stop. I'm getting dizzy. I feel sick.
Maybe if I close my eyes and concentrate.....
Ah. Much better.
You again? Who ARE you?
No, I wouldn't believe you if you said you weren't anyone I should know.
I want to know!
I will know only what I need to know? Fine. Be that way.
What am I seeing now?
My childhood...... mom!
So sweet.... warm.... oh, I miss mother!
What do you mean I don't need her!?
Of course I do! Everyone needs a mother!
Oh? Give me one example.
Right...... point taken.
But..... I've survived long enough without her....
Just like my..... demonesshood? I've lived long enough in it to accept it like I accepted the fact
I'd never get mother back, haven't I?
I guess so, I might have to get used.... to this.
But I want to be like Kasumi one-san! I want to cook and clean and sew! I don't want to be a
klutz for the rest of my life! What'll Ranma....
What do you mean!?
The set conditions..... what are they?
I would probably never become human again? You're lying!
But.....
Then what is this I'm taking?
No..... I don't believe I will stay like this forever! I will be with Ranma! Nothing can stop me!
Do I believe that? Of course I do!
The spell.... that priest did it. Of course they've been trying to find a way to fix my problem!
Lies! They'll find a way! I know it!
Never! Ranma would never leave me like this!
No! I won't listen! I'll become human again! I know it!
Ah....? I've enjoyed my freedom?
Yes..... I.... did enjoy the abilities I had....
But..... no. I have confidence in myself! I can do these by myself without help!
I... I can do it!
I...... no. You're right. I can't do it by myself. Not like last time....
But.....
No, you're probably right. I can't...... I can't.
-=-=-=-=-
The column quivers slightly and turns a slightly angry red. Ranma's brow creases in a frown as she
strains to keep her concentration.
Ranma (C) :
The imprisoned group in the prisons of light start to look nervous as strange sounds start up in
their prisons.
-=-=-=-=-
{The Third Trial - Love}
So cold......
I feel.... so cold.
Where's the warmth gone to?
Fire? Warmth....
Mother!? What are you doing here?!
Yes..... I.... I missed you. Can I hug you?
Mother! What do you mean!?
No! I still miss you! Come back!
What I said earlier on....? No, mother! That.. that wasn't true....
No.... mother.....
So cold.... mother.....
Who are you?
Sekki?
Why are you here?
Mmm..... yes, that feels good.... warm.....
Protection.... I wish I never have to feel so cold.... protection from the cold....
You'll protect me? You lied to me last time!
But.... true. I.... don't mind this form.... except I miss home.... and Ranma....
No! Stay away! You're not giving me warmth and protection!
You started this in the first place! Stay away!
Ranma! Help!
Huh? Where are you!? Sekki! Come back here!
Shampoo....? Ukyo? Ryouga? Why's everyone here?
You're all here..... why?
No! Don't leave! I didn't mean that! I just.... thought you were all trapped?
Ranma? He helped you all?
See me?
He did this for me? Ranma....
Of course you're all my friends! Yes.... I do. Of course I do.
Of course we have our rivalries! But.... yes....
I understand. You'd all do the same for me, I know. Even though we.... have our differences.
Why? I guess that's because we can't ever imagine life without each other once we met?
Shampoo.... I know. Life'd be boring, huh?
Ryouga.... I know you like me.... more than that.... yes, you understand, don't you? Thank you....
Ukyo? Don't get angry.... yes.... I know you love him, but.....
Not love, is that it? True... you can see yourself.... you'd rather think of him as best
soul-friend...?
Naturally. I can't think of him and me in any other way. Who?
I.... I don't hate Sekki. I can't.
Not because I owe her my life..... not just that.
She's just so.... sad..... lonely.
I know. I feel like that sometimes.
But why?
The same reasons, however differently phrased.
Sekki.... I understand now.....
But I just wish to return home.... I'm lonely too.
Yes.... but we all have someone we loved once we lose..... I know.
Thank you for understanding, Sekki. You're giving up a lot for me.
You love me?
I do too.
I don't want to leave, but yet I do.
Of course I will.
-=-=-=-=-
The column's red-white hue softens into a light translucent pink as the aura surrounding each of
the "judges" strengthen. The cavern is bathed in a suffuse pink-red, mixed with the natural brown
of the rock and rippled with dark shadows with no true source.
Ranma (C) :
The group of prisoners watch as their prison walls start changing into a light, transparent white.
-=-=-=-=-
{The Fourth Trial - Acceptance}
Why am I talking?
Where am I still?
What am I doing here?
Oh, yeah.... a Trial.
But what's going on here? I thought I'd fight?
You again? Now what?
Mm..... no, I didn't say I wanted to fight.
Surely! If I can become normal again.....
Whatever my idea is, anyway. You're entitled to your opinion.
Why must I listen to you? What's your idea of normal?
What am I? I'm a succubus now, aren't I?
Of course I want to be human again! What-
You asked me this before, and now you're asking it again. I do not want this.... form!
How can I? I'm not supposed to be this! I have a life!
Yes.... I am pretty used to it though, strangely enough. Wonder why?
I was made for this form?! Don't make me laugh!
No way! I'm human!
Clutzy! Me! Well... yes, that's true.
Yeah, well, I AM doing much better in this-
Wait a minute, what are you trying to tell me?
I want to return home....
I'll find a way home even if it kills me! I've died once, I can die again!
I know that.... but isn't it worse if both of us are alive yet we're separated forever? Isn't it easier
if we just forget the other somehow? I know how Ranma felt when we were separated-
Yes... I am afraid of dying. We all are.
You're right. I don't want to die. But.....
Yes, I understand. But that means I'll be like.... *this* for the rest of my life, and that's a long
time.
I know.... it'll be painful. But... yes, you have a point. Ranma can still visit. He'd be heartbroken
if he found out.....
I don't want that.
Yes, of course I'd take a way off this island if I could.
But.... I know. I know I can't die just because I can't stand it.... I still have Ranma to live for....
no matter how I live.
No matter what.
-=-=-=-=-
The column of light shudders. The four figures sitting at its corners open their eyes and stare at
the quivering column as it changes from a translucent pink into a clear blue. At the very center are
the silhouettes of the two figures who stepped in, their bodies arched backwards, backs facing
each other. Ranma focuses intently on Akane's form and watches as the column slowly begins its
final phase of transformation.
All around the circle, dirt and small pebbles are caught up in an etheric force which swirls around
the central column of light. Slowly, the mini-whirlwind takes form and a white glow appears
around the circle and its inhabitants.
Ranma (C) :
The prisons of light at the far end of the cavern shatter, freeing their captive humans. Ryouga,
previously leaning on the wall of light waiting for something to happen, falls flat on his back as it
suddenly shatters into a thousand fragments of light, each of which begin to head towards the now
swirling tornado of energy and take their places around the rim of the tornado.
Picking himself off the floor, Ryouga stares at the phenomenon taking place before him.
Ryouga : "Akane.... what is going on in there!?"
Ukyo shades her eyes as the glare from the tornado stings her eyes. She mutters under her breath.
Ukyo : "Come back safe, Akane-sugar.... I don't want to miss you."
Cologne and Shampoo are also shading their eyes, their hair whipping in the unnatural wind
stirring in the cavern. Shampoo yells in cantonese to Cologne.
Shampoo : (translated) "Oh-ba-ba! What's going on!?"
Cologne : "It's the final phase of the trial! The final decision!"
Mousse.... well, all Mousse can see is a white blur, which he takes to be something really bad
because he can feel a strong wind and hear lots of depressive moaning in the air, mixed with
angelic voices singing. He blinks once, and shields his face with his massive robe.
Mousse : "What's going on!?"
Shampoo yells to him.
Shampoo : "Big storm coming!"
Mousse takes out an umbrella, and is immediately carried off into the nearest stone wall as the
wind picks it up and slams him to the wall behind him. Shampoo stares dumbfoundedly at
Mousse's naivet‚ and stupidity. She shrugs and continues watching the event.
-=-=-=-=-
{The Final Trial - There will only be one.}
What's going on now!?!? I feel sick... the world's spinning!
Ahhhh..... I... my mind's cleared. Phew, my head's stopped spinning too.
Where and I?
WHOA!
***
*crash*
The column of energy formerly dominating the cavern's center dissipates as suddenly as lightning,
and the previously petrified forms of Akane and Sekki fall to the floor, unconscious. The circle of
runes surrounding them now glows a soft grey. The four representatives of Heaven, Hell and
Earth open their eyes and look at them.
Ranma (C) : "Akane....."
Priest : "It is time for the final challenge."
Lina : "Combat."
Kuriimu : "To the death."
Priest : "Let them awaken now, the battle of wills is over. Let the battle of the flesh decide the
final score."
Ranma watches with concern as Akane's body shivers a little, then moves.
Akane opens her eyes and looks up. Her vision adjusts quickly and the blur mass in front of her
quickly resolves into the familiar form of the simian priest. She groans and rubs her head, then
picks herself off the ground.
Akane : "Urgh... what hit me?"
Priest : "You have done well, Tendou Akane. You have passed all but one of the trials you've
been put through."
Akane looks at the priest for a while, then at herself. Her clothes and form still hasn't changed.
Looking back up at him, Akane asks in an unsteady voice.
Akane : "I've failed?"
The priest shakes his head.
Priest : "Nobody's perfect. Except Kami-sama. But, you have proven yourself worthy to take on
the final trial."
Lina : "The trial of blood. The oldest trial in all civilizations."
Kuriimu : "Sekki has likewise survived to take part in the trial against you. Now, the two of you
must do battle to the death."
Akane looks at Sekki, now getting up and dusting herself off, while she digests the information.
Akane : "Kill.... her?"
The three nod. Ranma simply looks on, her face passive. Akane looks at Ranma, who nods once.
Ranma (C) : "Go for it."
Akane nods.
Sekki walks over to one side of the circle without a word, then turns around and looks at Akane.
Sekki : "You've done well, child. Now it's time to see who'll leave this arena alive."
Akane takes her place in front of Ranma and clenches her fists.
Akane : "We'll see."
-=-=-=-=-
The group of would-be rescuers consisting of Ryouga, Ukyo, Shampoo, Cologne and Mousse
have assembled outside the circular arena as they watch the upcoming battle. Crushing a rock in
his hand to a fine powder, Ryouga spits his words out between his clenched teeth.
Ryouga : "All this while, I'm helpless to do anything for Akane-san! What am I here for?! I don't
deserve to live if I can't-"
Ukyo puts a reassuring hand on Ryouga's shoulder and Ryouga turns around.
Ukyo : "There now, Ryouga... you know you can't take on Sekki by yourself."
Ryouga nods, but then shakes his head.
Ryouga : "But...."
Besides the two, Cologne looks up. She prods her staff in Ryouga's nose. (No special skills this
time, fortunately.)
Cologne : "You there, Ryouga! You don't understand the rules of this Trial. Ordained by heaven,
complimented by hell, this is the ultimate challenge of one's own self. Even if you could help
Akane, you'd be destroyed for your effort and her along with you."
Cologne turns back to look at Akane and the ring, shaking her head and sighing.
Cologne : "No.... this is a battle of the soul. It's the true test of your own self. She'll succeed or
die trying, by her own efforts. Nobody can help her now, not even Kami-sama.... not even Him."
Ryouga stares at Cologne for a moment as he absorbs this along with the rest of the group around
her. The weight of the situation finally hits them as they realize what Cologne is saying.
Ryouga : "No.... wonder she.... wouldn't learn. Not from us. By herself."
Ukyo : "Even her cooking."
-=-=-=-=-
Akane studies her opponent. The two combatants watch each other cautiously, rival cats waiting
for the other to make the first move.
Akane notes the fluid movement of her enemy, the unwavering concentration of the eyes upon
her. Her mind is totally on her enemy and no one else in the room.
Sekki watches Akane, notices her flex her fingers unconsciously while she watches Akane as a
whole, while evaluating Akane's fighting abilities.
Akane suddenly drops into a crouch, and Sekki's nerves scream a reflex. Faster than light can
catch up with her, Sekki leaps into the air, leaving a shadow image behind her. But she realizes
that Akane is up and fast approaching her, and curses herself for falling for such a simple feint.
Immediately she flips in mid air and, her head facing downwards now, reaches out to grab Akane
as she comes into attack range.
Akane watches as Sekki flips in the air, and prepares herself for her own flip to put a foot into
Sekki's face. However, Sekki reaches out for her and grabs her by the shoulder, her nails digging
deep into Akane's flesh. Akane winces as Sekki then spins a complete 360 in the air and ends it by
throwing Akane to the ground using the accumulated force of the spin.
As soon as she hits the ground, Akane forces herself to roll aside, and just in time as Sekki comes
crashing down, heel first, into the floor. Getting up, Akane grips the wounded shoulder and looks
at Sekki. Sekki smiles coyly at Akane as she shows Akane her blood stained fingers, and slowly,
luciously licks them clean.
Sekki : "First blood."
Akane nods. She flings the hand she used to grip her shoulder and the unusually large amount of
blood on it splatters around the arena.
Akane : "But not last."
A somersault sends Akane into the air again, and as Sekki watches, Akane streamlines her wings
into a needle like shape as she comes down at an angle with her own heel extended. Sekki smiles
again, and leaps a small distance into the air near the spot where Akane is aiming for. However, as
soon as Akane gets near the floor, she extends the other foot and lands lightly on the ground.
Immediately, she does a mid-air circle kick with her right foot, followed by a second left. Sekki is
caught unprepared for the sudden move and recieves a kick in the ribs, followed by one to her
pretty face.
She flies a small distance, propelled by the force of the kicks, but stops and steadies herself at the
arena's edge. She smiles as she licks the blood trickling out the side of her mouth with a similarly
reddish tongue.
Sekki : "Very good. You've improved."
Akane doesn't respond. Sekki floats in a slight curve, watching her. Akane takes a high leap.
Sekki follows. The two clash in mid air, Akane coming in with a fist which Sekki deflects using a
tap with two of her fingers. She counters with a quick jab at Akane's throat, which Akane deftly
avoids by throwing her head back and somersaulting in the air. Sekki gains a little more altitude as
Akane comes out of her mid-air spin with a split kick aimed at her chin.
Backing off quickly, Akane matches Sekki's height at the roof of the cavern and the two watch
each other again.
Sekki : "Not bad, you've been practicing haven't you?"
Akane : "A little. Am I enough fight?"
Sekki : "Oh my, yes you are. But I'll have your ungrateful heart still beating in my hand at the end
of this fight."
Akane shrugs nonchalantly. Sekki suddenly feels a flare of hot, bitter anger flash through her at
this dismissal of her very real threat. She chuckles slightly to cover it though.
Sekki : "Impudent girl, aren't you? Flash Flare!"
Akane drops quickly as soon as Sekki spits out the 'Fla' syllable, and a crackling yellow beam of
lightning misses her head by inches. While Sekki recovers from the blast, Akane comes up from
under her and appears almost literally in her face.
Akane : "Bad move."
She gives Sekki an uppercut, followed by a 180 degree backhand punch with her other fist,
completing the remaining 180 degrees with a circle kick, all to her face. Partially stunned by the
assault, Sekki hits the floor with a loud crack. Akane lands a moderate distance away from her,
and watches as Sekki picks herself partially off the floor and wipes her cheek clean of blood.
Sekki : "Ungrateful wench. I give you life and you repay me with pain."
Akane : "It's the rule here. If I could, I would never want to fight you."
Sekki : "And I, with you."
Akane : "!?"
But before Akane can ponder this, Sekki dashes off from the floor in a straight winged charge at
Akane. Ramming into her midsection, Sekki keeps going until she smashes Akane against the
invisible barrier at the edge of the circle. Dazed and winded, Akane is incapicitated temporarily.
Sekki uses this chance to batter Akane with an assault of wing slashes and nail jabs. Akane tries to
ward off the attacks with her wings and arms, but too many of them get by and nick her painfully.
Finally, in a desperate attempt, Akane simply lashes out with her wings and catches Sekki in the
shoulder, off guard. She spins a little off to one side and staggers a little, to which Akane quickly
escapes and finds some open space to catch her breath.
Akane :
Recovering quickly, Sekki turns around to face Akane. Looking at her sorry state, Sekki nearly
laughs. Nearly.
Sekki : "Ahhh.... how are you feeling now, my dear child? It's not easy fighting a succubus such as
me, no?"
Akane takes a deep, but painful breath and coughs slightly. She spits out some blood. It lands in
front of Ranma. Ranma stares at the dark splotch amazedly.
Akane : "Not over yet."
She charges at Sekki. The two collide, and become a blur of action as they parry, dodge, punch,
kick and perform both acrobatics and aerobatics that would put Ranma to shame on his best day.
Akane uses a hand to parry Sekki's kick, and pushing Sekki's leg up, she does a 360 degree
somersault flip kick, which Sekki deftly avoids by taking to the air as soon as Akane's hand isn't
obstructing her leg anymore. Landing, Akane sidesteps several energy shots from Sekki before
taking her on in the air.
Suspended in the air, Sekki watches Akane, and vice versa. Sekki is smiling.
Sekki : "I haven't shown you everything yet, girl."
Crossing her arms across her body, Sekki suddenly splits into three copies of herself. Akane
watches as they surround her, remembering her "training" spars against Kodachi, Shampoo and
Ukyo. She smiles confidently.
Akane :
Without warning, the three suddenly close in simultaneously. Akane doesn't move, but watches
them closely. A flicker of movement, Akane sees it and reacts immediately. A palm to ward off
the first kick, the length of her other arm the other, a lightning-speed roundhouse kick to end the
third attack. With a slight effort, Akane forces the three away from her by simply pushing, and the
three of them evaluate Akane. Smiling, the three of them speak at the same time.
Sekki : "Not bad. You can take on my Shadow Doubles."
Akane : "I'll get better."
Sekki : "No more play."
Akane doesn't even see it this time. In a wink, the three surround her again and Akane catches a
fist to her stomach, rib and back at the same time. She gasps in pain, but the attack is immediately
followed up by a powerful barrage of sweeps, flips, kicks and uppercuts.
A minute later, Akane falls, bleeding, to the floor after Sekki's expended all the energy she dares
to spend on her split forms and returns into a single being. She hits the floor very painfully and is
barely conscious as Sekki hovers above her, arms crossed.
Akane : "Not.... yet..."
Sekki : "Give it up, girl. You're dead anyway."
Akane watches her with slightly reddened vision as blood enters her eyes. She ignores the slight
trickle going down her cheek and clenches her fist as she considers the sentence. She slowly
closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, willing her lungs to work even more forcefully. Then her
eyes snap open and she shouts.
Akane : "NO!"
Sekki laughs.
Sekki : "My, what strong defiance."
Ranma, in her place watching the fight, helpless to do anything, stares in amazement as Akane,
cut, bruised, bleeding and probably suffering from broken bones in a dozen places after the
assault, gets up and wipes the blood off her cheek.
Akane : "More than that. I've had worse knocks."
Sekki watches in amusement, then nods.
Sekki : "If you wish to die fighting, then I'll gladly help you!"
Sekki flickers slightly, then appears in front of Akane. Akane doesn't seem fazed at all. She simply
stares Sekki down, and the two back off.
Akane : "You don't know what I've been through, Sekki."
Sekki : "Don't I? I suppose losing a love isn't enough?"
Akane : "I know your lie. You use people a lot, don't you? I'd love to learn from you how you
play with people, but that's dishonest."
Sekki : "You've been dishonest all your life with Ranma, girl. Why stop now?"
Akane's eyes widen slightly, but she knows Sekki's ploy. She smiles.
Akane : "Well, I've never had the courage to admit it to him in front of so many people who'd bug
me.... but well..."
Akane shrugs slightly, almost playfully.
Akane : "There's a first time for everything."
Turning suddenly, back to Sekki, Akane smiles at Ranma. Ranma smiles weakly back, half her
mind on what the [insert profanity here] Akane thinks she's doing, and the other half wanting to
tell Akane to stop concentrate on living and get those wounds tended to soon.
Akane : "Ranma.... when we get back, I'm gonna make sure we get married. I'm gonna wear the
whitest dress I can find, and you'll wear the best suit you can find or I'm gonna make you sew
your own. And I'm gonna make sure nobody ruins our wedding.... oh, and one last thing. I'm
gonna make sure we have lots of babies together!"
Ranma (C) : "..............!"
Ranma can feel her own jaw drop through the floor, followed by those of Ukyo's, Shampoo's,
Cologne's (yes, the old crone *bonk!* "Who's an old crone!?" "You are!"), and Ryouga's.
Especially Ryouga's. Even Sekki can feel her own jaw just straining to get off its hinges.
Akane just laughs.
Akane : "Don't you all look so shocked at once."
Ryouga : "A......A...ka...."
Akane looks at Ryouga emphatically.
Akane : "Ryouga?"
Ryouga : "Nothing..."
But as Ranma watches Akane, she notices something.
Sekki isn't there.
Ranma (C) : "Akane! Watch-"
Ranma watches as Sekki suddenly comes down, wings shapeshifted into blades, cutting Akane
into half.
Ranma (C) : "No....!"
The image if Akane fades.
Sekki : "!?"
Akane : "Watch out behind you next time, Sekki!"
Ranma and Sekki both look for the source of the voice. Behind Sekki, a small distance away,
Akane is sitting in mid-air, hovering, legs crossed.
Akane : "I didn't mention I picked up a little something too, did I?"
Dropping to the floor suddenly, Akane smashes a fist into the ground and watches as a huge crack
winds its way from her fist towards the center of the arena. Almost lazily, Sekki leaps into the sky
to avoid the sudden implosive depression created in the ground with a sonic boom. What she
didn't expect was Akane's second guessing that Sekki would do exactly such a thing. Looking
downwards amidst the dust for a shadowed form of Akane pursuing her in the sky, Sekki never
expected that Akane would also leap in the second she herself leaped.
Looking at the ground, Sekki searches futilely for Akane.
Above her, without sound, without anger, simply a cold calmness, Akane streamlines her wings
again.
And she dives at Sekki's head.
Akane :
Without warning, only a whistling sound informs Sekki of the inevitable surprise strike.
Everything to Sekki, in that second, seems as slow as a snail on a dry, hot day.
She turns up to find the source of the sound.
She has no time to react, no time to scream, she can't even widen her eyes.
Sekki :
Akane's heel, dark-blue and glistening, comes down like an arrow of darkness to pierce her.
Sekki twists her head to one side, but recieves a spine cracking blow to the side of her head
instead of being pierced through the forehead. The sound is disgusting, the sight worse.
She streaks towards the ground and hits it, face first, with a force so strong it causes a visibly
concentric shockwave to appear. Akane lands a second later besides her, and watches as Sekki
struggles to stay conscious. Rolling onto her face, Sekki looks up at Akane, blood streaming from
her nose and mouth in a steady stream. Blood also streams freely from the massive wound on her
head, matting her hair into thick clumps. Sekki smiles weakly at Akane, coughing.
Sekki : "D...amn.....ed.... good.... girl." *cough*
Akane : "I'm sorry it had to come to this, Sekki."
Sekki : "I.... know."
Sekki smiles slightly, her vision already blurring. She struggles for breath to speak.
Sekki : "First....time... I was outsmar...ted."
Akane feels a twinge of sadness welling up in her now, as she watches Sekki on the floor, dying.
Tears form at the corners of her eyes, and she can see that Sekki is also feeling the same way.
Sekki : "But.... A...ka...ne...."
Akane : "Sekki?"
Sekki : "I.....'m sorry.... I... did love you.... like a daughter... but..."
Akane : "I... should be the one saying that.... you helped me a lot."
But Sekki shakes her head, painfully and barely, smiling weakly.
Sekki : "No... your life force.... mine."
Akane's eyes widen in shock as she realizes what Sekki is trying to tell her.
Akane : "No-"
And in the final second, Sekki closes her eyes and dies with a slight, but troubled, smile on her
lips. Akane suddenly feels her world go black around her and she crumples to the ground with the
word "No" dying on her lips.
In that instant, Ranma realizes the same thing.
The circle of power shatters in a blaze of fire as the Final Trials end.
-=-=-=-=-
{The End.}
White light.
A tunnel.
Again?
When will it end?
I'm dead again.
Has to be.
I'm sorry, Ranma.
I can't be there.
Don't be sad.
I'm here.
I'll watch you.
Huh?
A white mist parts in front of Akane. She expects to see something like maybe a Heaven with
clouds everywhere, or her own funeral procession with Ranma in the lead.
Nothing like that.
Another white room, with white light streaming through some indeterminable sources.
Some specks of colour dot the room, a gunmetal grey bed frame with someone in it.
Who is it?
Hold on, isn't that me? Where's this place?
Tofu sensei? What's he doing here?
That IS me! And Ranma.... and Nabiki one-san... and Ryouga, and Shampoo.... they're all there!
Even Kuno!
Who's that silver haired... Lina!?
What happened!? Why am I watching myself lie in bed with all of them?
What are they saying....?
***
Tofu : "She's in a very bad state, Ranma."
Ranma looks at Akane, lying in bed, hooked up to several monitoring units. Their readings all
look very depressing.
Ranma : "What's going to happen to her, Doctor!?"
Tofu adjusts his spectacles.
Tofu : "I'm afraid that if she doesn't recover soon, she'll either suffer irrepairable brain damage,
her brain will die completely, or she'll stay in a coma forever."
Ranma : "No! Isn't there anything I can do!?"
With that, Ryouga and the rest all turn towards Tofu. They nod in agreement at Ranma's question.
Tofu looks at them solemnly.
Tofu : "Well, perhaps if you talk to her daily, play her favorite music or read her favorite books,
anything that might be familiar with her, she'll wake up. But I wouldn't hold much hope..... it
looks too severe, both physically and in her chi."
Lina, now in a human form dressed unusually conservatively, looks at Akane's comatose form
sadly. She shakes her head.
Lina : "I'm sorry.... I did all I can to save you without linking you to me."
Tofu looks at Lina, then nods.
Tofu : "I'll..... be off tending to the others. Inform me if there're any.... changes."
Ranma : "Alright....."
When Tofu leaves, Ranma turns to face Akane.
*beep* *beep* *beep*
The sounds of the EKG meter, pulse rate meter, even a brainwaves measuring device all bleep
mechanically in the suddenly quiet room.
Ranma sniffles a little. Everyone turns to look at him. He smiles slightly and nods at them.
Ranma : "I'll be alright. You guys can go...."
As the rest nod and shuffle out of the ward quietly, Nabiki steps up to Ranma.
Nabiki : "I'll get Kasumi to send some packed lunches over later. You don't want to starve waiting
for her to wake up."
Ranma nods.
Ranma : "Sure. Make some for her too...."
Nabiki turns her head to look at Akane, then back at Ranma and gives him a thumbs up signal.
Nabiki : "Got you."
Nabiki steps out the door and closes it quietly behind her. As soon as the door *clicks*, Ranma
takes a seat and sits besides Akane's unconscious body.
Ranma : "It was all my fault...... I should never have agreed to Kuno's stupid plan.... Akane....
please wake up..."
*sniffle*
***
Ranma? Don't cry, Ranma! I'm here! I'm here......
Oh, Kami! I want to return home now!
Where am I!? Why am I seeing this!? What's it supposed to mean!?
Someone.... please..... answer me.....
The clouds... covering me...
Dissapating.
Where am I now? A river....
Where the lands of the dead and living are divided by?
(Author : Remember those manga chapters where Ryouga always ended up there somehow?)
*thud* *thud*
???
*thud* *thud*
That sound.... mother's heartbeat?
A baby.... I remember listening to her heartbeat.... my head against her warm, protective chest.
Mother!
Akane-chan.... I've been waiting for you.
Mother?
Akane, listen to me. You aren't dead. Not yet.
I hope not!
But it will be difficult for you to return.
Anything!
You must be willing to love, child.
But.... mother.... I...
No, you must love your life.
I... I do!
And Ranma.
Erm....
Do you?
Yes, of course.
Akane, who are you?
Me? Why, I'm your daughter of course!
WHO are you, Akane? Tell me everything.
Me? I... oh, that... I'm Akane Tendou, youngest daughter of the Tendous and the le..le...
Least capable? Akane, you know you aren't.
But....
Akane, listen to me. I know you want to be the best in what you do. But there's no shame in
taking lessons for them from those willing to teach. I was like you once.... a long time ago.... but
I learned. Slowly, I could do things for myself without help. Kasumi knew this, she was just
waiting for you to know this too.
Yes, mother... I will learn.
Good. I love you Akane. Go now, follow your heart and you will awaken.
Yes... mother.... I love you too.
Don't worry about me. I'll be waiting here.... I have forever to wait. But don't come back too
soon!
I won't, mother! I'll make you proud!
I know. And one more thing...
Yes?
Stop sending Ranma here in your fits of anger.
-=-=-=-=-
Ranma looks at Akane's passive face, unmoving, unfeeling. He strokes it gently.
Ranma : "Damn it, Akane.... you always did love to show off.... but I can't blame you...."
He smiles at the times Akane always tried to show him something she managed to learn after
some effort, all the times she failed.
Ranma : "But there were the successes...."
Sweet moments, but for bitter times. It doesn't make it less painful.
Ranma stares at Akane, then at the monitors. He holds Akane's hand and squeezes it gently.
Ranma : "Baka.... baka..... otembe no ko!" (Otembe = tomboy!)
Ranma chuckles a little.
Ranma : "Still calling her that now? Ranma, you're a big fool... but..."
He wipes his eyes but is still smiling.
Ranma : "I can't help it. I just have to call you uncute, with arms built like bricks and shapeless
legs that kick like a mule and....... and....."
He closes his eyes and sniffs as he tries to stop himself from crying.
Ranma :
The island... yes....
-=-=-=-=-
{Flashback}
After the circle is dispelled, Ranma-chan immediately starts dashing towards Akane's form. Lifting
her body off the floor, Ranma feels for a pulse.
There is a pulse. But weak.
Ranma (C) : "Thank goodness.... she's still alive..."
The rest of the group immediately rush over to Ranma's side. Lina and Kuriimu walk over as well,
but they tend to Sekki's body. Lina watches Ranma and the group as she lifts her sister's body in
her arms.
Lina : "You should be grateful for Sekki, Ranma."
Ranma turns to look at Lina, then at Sekki's body.
Ranma (C) : "Why?"
Lina : "She gave up her fleeting life force to Akane."
Ranma considers this for a moment, then gasps.
Ranma (C) : "Won't Akane stay like this then!?"
Lina : "Don't worry. We'll help her.... after.... this."
Ranma nods at Lina's point, and lifts Akane up.
Lina : "Feel free to go back to your... room... I'll tend to you shortly."
***
Another glowing circle, this time white. In their accomodations, Ranma, Lina and the still
unconscious Akane are undergoing a small magic ritual. Outside, the Priest and the rest are
waiting. Kuriimu is having a talk with the Priest.
Priest : "I always wondered what you demons were up to all the time."
Kuriimu : "None of your monkey business."
Priest : "Monkey!? Please, I'm-"
Kuriimu : "Yeah, yeah, I'm Simian. Whatever. That's what I find disgusting about you 'beings of
Heaven'. You're so demanding."
Priest : "And what about you? You've had as many name changes as there've been human
religions. And you used to be Kami-sama's right hand man? You're too fickle, if you ask me."
Kuriimu : "You wanna take me on on that?"
Priest : "I've got better things to dirty my hands on."
*schiiiiink*
Ryouga and the rest of the humans stare at the two as they begin a cat and monkey
(SIMIAAAAAAAAAAN!!!!) fight. They shrug.
Shampoo : "Shampoo think cat and monkey stupid."
Ukyo : "My vote there, Shampoo dear."
Ryouga : "That's right."
Mousse : "What's going on?"
***
In the room, Ranma is sitting in a meditative position, eyes closed, inside the circle with Akane.
Sitting opposite Ranma in front of the comatose Akane, Lina looks at Ranma, eyes and hair
literally glowing silver with reflections.
Lina : "As Akane's female, she'll need your female side to work this. You don't mind?"
Ranma shakes her head.
Ranma (C) : "Be my guest."
Lina : "I'm going transfer the life force of Sekki out of Akane into myself, but I'll also be
siphoning your life force off into Akane. It's a delicate operation, so I hope your friends can keep
quiet out there."
Ranma (C) : "A moment."
***
Outside, the door creaks open a crack. Ranma pops her red-head out.
Ranma (C) : "HEY! YOU TWO MIND SHUTTING UP FOR A WHILE!?"
*creek* *creek*
Ranma (C) : "Thank you."
***
The ritual is being performed.
Lina : "Dances of fire, burn like life; Desires so strong, gather like lust; Make your presence
known, and whip around us now like the wind; All things free and wild, tame yourselves and help
us gather energy; I call upon the essences to grant life into that of the being before me and make
her one mine! Gather.... NOW!"
A few minutes later, Ranma wakes up with one hell of a headache. The room is a total wreck, and
the circle is gone, and when Ranma looks, Lina is gasping for breath and sweating.
Ranma (C) : "You all right?"
Lina : *pant* "Yeah.... that just took... a lot out of me." *wheeze*
Ranma looks down at Akane. Her wings are gone and her clothes are finally normal again. Ranma
notes with a twinge of guilty hentainess that her figure's also kind of toned down again.
Ranma (C) :
But Akane doesn't respond when Ranma shakes her and calls her name.
An examination by the Priest later, it seems her soul has fled the body.
-=-=-=-=-
Yes.... the island. What happened after I.... passed out?
Nevermind that.... return to Ranma now.
Where do I go......? Ranma....?
"Baka..... baka..... otembe no ko!"
Ranma!?
"....uncute, with arms built like bricks and shape...."
Ranma!
I'm here! I'm coming back for you, you..... jerk!
-=-=-=-=-
*cough* *cough*
Looking out the window of Tofu's clinic, Ranma thought he heard something.
Ranma : ".....?"
*cough* *cough*
Ranma : "Not me...."
Turning to look, he sees Akane spasming a little as she coughs.
Ranma : "!"
Running over to her side, Ranma grips her hand in his left hand and shakes her by the shoulder
with the other.
Ranma : "Akane! Wake up! Come on, you're there right?!"
Nothing. No reaction. Ranma drops her hand limply. He sighs.
Ranma : "Just a reflex."
Turning around, Ranma thinks about going back to the window.
But he can't. He still can't stop thinking of Akane. He clenches his fists and looks down, trying to
get a grip.
He loses.
Spinning around, he starts shouting at Akane's limp form with tears rolling down his cheeks.
Ranma : "BAKA! OTEMBE! Why can't you wake up?!! You were always built like a brick wall!
Now's not the time for you to crumble! I always said you were tougher than nails, show me girl!
SHOW ME!"
Still nothing. Ranma feels desperately hopeless and just slumps tiredly into the chair, waiting his
indeterminable wait.
Ranma : "Baka...."
Akane : "Ran....ma...?"
Ranma : "!"
His head shooting up, Ranma stares at Akane as he sees her smiling weakly at him. Her skin's a
horrible pallor, and she looks like a corpse.
But she's awake, and alive.
Akane : "Your insults could wake the dead, you know."
Ranma : "Just did."
Akane : "Baka."
Ranma : "You too."
Holding her cold hand, Ranma and Akane look at each other for a moment.
Ranma : "You look cold."
Akane : "Mind warming me up a little?"
Ranma : "Lips first."
Akane : "Mmm...."
Closer.... closer....
*knock* *knock* *knock*
Ranma looks irritatedly back at the door and backs off from Akane.
Ranma : "Come in!"
The door opens a crack, and Nabiki pokes her head in holding out a cloth-wrapped lunchbox.
Nabiki : "Hi, Ranma. Kasumi just thought...."
Nabiki stares at the bed, with Akane struggling to sit up.
Nabiki : "Akane!?"
Akane smiles and waves at Nabiki.
Akane : "Hi.... Nabiki one-san. Nice timing."
-=-=-=-=-
The End
Thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed Darkness Fall!
~ The RanMaFan
-=-=-=-=-
Why are you still reading this?
This is really the end!
I mean it!
Oh, all right. I'll finish it. (Geez.)
-=-=-=-=-=-
{The true End (To this fic anyway!)}
A week later.....
Ranma is putting on a black satin tuxedo, complete with red bowtie and impeccably creased
lapels. Genma is busy tidying it up for him.
Ranma : "You sure this thing fits me right? I mean, I don't want the stupid thing to go all baggy if
I get wet."
Genma : "Don't worry, son. I got you the best suit money can buy! It's waterproof, stainproof,
fireproof, Happo-daikarinproof... even Akane's food proof!"
Ranma : "You didn't sell me off to some manga and anime investors for this, did you?"
Genma : "Erm..... nope. Cross my heart."
Ranma : "I can see your crossed fingers. OYAJII!"
*kapow*
Ranma yells out the hole in the roof to his rapidly diminishing father.
Ranma : "Tell them I'm not for sale and thanks for paying for my suit, oyajii!!"
Soun comes trotting up to Ranma's room and opening the door.
Soun : "What was that rack.... oh."
Shrugging at the hole in his house, Soun looks at Ranma.
Soun : "You look marvellous, Ranma. You ready yet?"
Ranma : "Do I HAVE to wear this? I mean, couldn't I just...."
Soun : "No no, it's your big day. You're NOT disappointing Akane again!"
Ranma : (muttering under his breath) "Wasn't it Nabiki who did that, twice?"
Soun hustles Ranma out of the room.
***
Akane : "You sure this thing fits me, Nabiki one-san?"
Nabiki : "Yes, I'm sure it does. Even Kasumi says so, right?"
Kasumi : "Hai. Akane, you look so sweet in it!"
Akane is looking at herself in the mirror wearing a barebacked golden-white dress with a flowing
skirt layered with several thin silk skirts that swirl even in the slightest wind. Lacy and knitted
flowing floral designs adorn the dress, and the tight sleeves reach to her wrists, ending with gold
and silver bracelets and lady's cuffs. She practically dazzles in the light.
Nabiki : "Now don't get the dress ruined by taking too big steps, that dress cost Genma a
fortune...." I wonder where from?
Kasumi : "Yes, it was nice of Uncle Saotome to provide us with such a large sum for the tailored
dress, wasn't it?"
Akane : "Sure.... but.... does this really look good on me? I mean, really good?"
Nabiki and Kasumi : "Cross my heart, Akane-chan."
Akane nods, then looks out the window.
Akane : "Oh! It's almost time... the sun's in place."
Kasumi : "Then you'd better go down, Akane-chan. Come on."
Akane is led out of the room by Kasumi. In the room, Nabiki is smiling.
Nabiki : "Enjoy it, Akane. It wasn't easy getting these preparations ready."
-=-=-=-=-
Down at the dojo proper, Ranma is pacing back and forth impatiently.
Ranma : "Where is she!? She's late!"
Soun watches as Ranma's spit-shined shoes click impatiently on the newly polished wood floor of
the dojo.
Soun : "Don't worry. Kasumi and Nabiki should be done with her about...."
Akane : "Ranma!"
Soun : "Now."
Turning to look at Akane, Ranma feels a rush of blood in his cheeks as Akane walks, delicately,
through the dojo door, accompanied by Kasumi.
Ranma : "Wow."
Akane steps up to Ranma and smiles shyly.
Akane : "Well.... how do I look?"
Ranma : "A whole lot better than that day."
Akane looks at him dryly, and replies in something close to a dehydrated tone.
Akane : "Thanks."
Ranma : "Just joking! You're... well.... you know, great!"
Akane smiles now, the dryness in her tone disappearing.
Akane : "Thanks!"
Then, gesturing to the rest of the dojo, complete with decorations and disco ball, she smiles.
Akane : "Dance? Practicing all week."
Ranma : "Poor practice dummy."
*knuckle*
Ranma : "Ouch! Ok, just kidding!"
Cute Voice : "Aiyah! Ranma!"
Ranma and Akane both turn towards the dojo entrance's door. Stepping through it is Shampoo,
decked out in her finest (and that is a LOT of finery), followed by Ryouga, Ukyo and Mousse.
Ranma & Akane : "...."
Nabiki comes stepping through the door, a wad of bills in her hand.
Nabiki : "Of course I'd earn a little money on the side too.... don't worry, they've sworn not to
cause any trouble whatsoever."
A big panda DJ in the corner, wearing shades, *bwoarks* once and starts up the music, a
soothing ballad. Everyone starts dancing, Ranma with Akane, Ryouga with Ukyo (Ryouga's still
unsure about where to hold her) and well.... Mousse gets one dance with Shampoo, but that's
because he promised to wash dishes for a whole year.
At the end of the dance, which went beautifully, and Akane and Ranma have seen off the last of
their guests, Akane turns to ask Ranma.
Akane : "By the way, Ranma.... what happened to me on the island after I blacked out?"
Ranma looks at Akane and winks at her.
Ranma : "Tell you in my room. Privately."
-=-=-=-=-
Now THIS is the REAL end.
Seemingly insignificant, it has a millennium long history of demons and spirits.
The wreckage of a downed plane lies in its small lake.
That plane ferried some of Japan's most incredible teens into the most unusual terror.
It galvanised some of the mortal world's most powerful beings into action.
Now, it ends with a mountain rimming the western edge of the island.
Deep within the catacombs of the mountain, is a hive of dark, festering activity.
Within that activity lies the heart of the story.
And at that heart, comes this last chapter.
Akane Tendou, heir to the Tendou Dojo and currently a young-demoness on the side of good, a
resurrected creation of one known as Sekki.
Sekki, succubus-demoness sister to Lina, reigning Queen of the Demon World, where all
hellspawn come from. The one who brought Akane back from the dead - a demoness.
The two have come together for one last fight to the end.
To determine one's humanity, and the other's dark wish for continuity.
So begins the end.
{The Final Chapters : Part 20 - The Beginning of the End.}
Akane watches as the Priest, Kuriimu and Lina hover above three of the four points about the
Trial Arena. Behind each of them, the column of rocks glow a base black or pure white. Sekki
stands besides Akane, apparently waiting for something.
Priest : "We shall need a representative from the mortals to represent the mortal's standing in the
Trial."
Lina : "Very well. Let the chosen one be taken from those that are here now."
Kuriimu : "Let that chosen one be freed from their prison."
Akane turns around and watches anxiously as to who it will be.
Deep in her heart, she feverently prays for Ranma.
Voice : "Aiyah!"
*thud*
Shampoo falls and lands face first in the dirt floor of the cavern as the wall of maroon light she
was leaning on dissipates. Picking herself up from the floor, she stares dumbfoundedly at those
who are looking at her.
Priest : "She has been chosen. Let her come forwards now to take her rightful place in the panel
of judges."
Shampoo : "Monkey man talking about Shampoo?"
The priest bursts a vein as he hears Shampoo's irreverent reference to his lineage.
Priest : "For Goodness' sakes! I am a SIMIAN!"
But, calming down and shaking his head, he beckons to Shampoo.
Priest : "I can see she will not suffice. There is..... prejudice in her heart."
Akane breathes an invisible sigh of relief as the column of light encases an indignant Shampoo
once again, and this time.....
This time, Ranma watches as the column disappears around him.
Ranma : "Hey!"
Priest : "Waste not our time now, Saotome Ranma. Step forwards."
Ranma stares for a moment at the scene before him, the takes a step forwards.
Akane doesn't realize she's holding her breath.
However, as soon as Ranma puts his foot forwards, he feels something strange. He immediately
withdraws his foot and the feeling disappears. He knows that feeling.
Priest : "Saotome Ranma, step forwards."
But Ranma crosses his arms and shakes his head.
Ranma : "No. Not yet."
Kuriimu : "Hm? Why? It's not me is it?"
The three around the circle chuckle. Even Akane has to do so despite the tense mood in the air.
Ranma : "I know that feeling when I stepped forwards. Why's my curse taking effect now?"
Akane blinks once and finally draws breath, noisily. The priest smiles.
Priest : "Why, look at the circle. We are only one woman and two men of opposing forces. Surely
we need one more female to balance the circle."
Ranma : "Why me? Why not Ucchan?"
Akane nearly pops a vein at this statement, but stops herself from losing valuable blood at this
point. The priest sighs.
Priest : "Kami-sama has ordained you to be the representative. And after all, she's your fiancee.
Now, will you honour your Holy Father and take your place or do we postpone this indefinitely?"
Ranma looks at Akane as he tries to come to terms with himself and this great responsibility.
Akane nods. Ranma grins at her and gives her a thumbs up sign. Akane wonders what he meant
earlier on by having Ukyo around.
Ranma : "Well then..."
This time, Ranma takes a brave step towards his appointed spot in the circle's rim, and as if
stepping through an invisible curtain of water, changes form in mid step. A redheaded pigtailed
girl finishes her journey with a short hop into the circle's rim, with legs crossed, in her place. Like
the other three, she hovers slightly over her place, in front of a column, this one glowing a
throbbing black AND white.
Ranma (C) : "Now we're balanced."
Priest : "Very good. Now, we shall begin."
The four figures at the corners of the compass points close their eyes and begin to meditate.
Akane suddenly feels the compulsion to move into the circle as a pillar of blue energy bursts forth
from it with a massive shockwave. Sekki moves past her quickly, almost eagerly, and disappears
as a silhouette into the pillar of energy. Akane follows soon after.
As soon as she steps in, her world fades into white around her and she opens her mouth to gasp,
but nothing comes out.
Outside, Ranma has her eyes closed and is focusing her mind into the column of energy, almost as
if she'd known what to do from the start.
Ranma (C) :
-=-=-=-=-
{The First Trial - Essence}
Purifying white light.
Putrefying blackness.
What are you?
Who am I? What do you mean, who am I? I'm Akane Tendou, of course! Who are YOU?
What do you mean? I don't understand.
Not my name? What I AM?
I guess I'm a succubus now.... funny though, I don't feel like one. Don't know what one's
supposed to feel though.
Evil? No, I'm not evil. At least, I don't think I am.
I am? Evil? What..... I see. I am evil simply because of what I am?
Is that the natural order of things? That something is evil simply because it's supposed to be?
Maybe that's what you say, but I know I'm not evil. Not in the sense we all say I am. Not in way
we think evil should be.
I believe we're all evil.
But only evil to those who hate us. To those who fear us. Who refuse to understand us. To those
who have no reason to do so.
Are we only evil if we do something defined as evil?
We may actually be helping those without their knowledge. I understand that now. We all have
our reasons, but only the truly selfish may be considered evil.
Those who have no reason to help others for their sakes are called evil.
I am not.
-=-=-=-=-
Back in the cavern, the column of light changes from a brilliant bluish-white into a softer hue of
purplish-white.
Ranma smiles as she senses a change.
The people in their prisons of lights watch as small orbs of coloured lights dance about their
heads.
-=-=-=-=-
{The Second Trial - Truth}
Now what's happening?
A tunnel.
Space.
Everything's going by so fast. I can't stop. Where're my wings?
No.... I don't need them. I've lived long enough without them, why should I grow dependent on
them so suddenly?
But.... they've helped me a lot. Haven't they?
I need to stop. I'm getting dizzy. I feel sick.
Maybe if I close my eyes and concentrate.....
Ah. Much better.
You again? Who ARE you?
No, I wouldn't believe you if you said you weren't anyone I should know.
I want to know!
I will know only what I need to know? Fine. Be that way.
What am I seeing now?
My childhood...... mom!
So sweet.... warm.... oh, I miss mother!
What do you mean I don't need her!?
Of course I do! Everyone needs a mother!
Oh? Give me one example.
Right...... point taken.
But..... I've survived long enough without her....
Just like my..... demonesshood? I've lived long enough in it to accept it like I accepted the fact
I'd never get mother back, haven't I?
I guess so, I might have to get used.... to this.
But I want to be like Kasumi one-san! I want to cook and clean and sew! I don't want to be a
klutz for the rest of my life! What'll Ranma....
What do you mean!?
The set conditions..... what are they?
I would probably never become human again? You're lying!
But.....
Then what is this I'm taking?
No..... I don't believe I will stay like this forever! I will be with Ranma! Nothing can stop me!
Do I believe that? Of course I do!
The spell.... that priest did it. Of course they've been trying to find a way to fix my problem!
Lies! They'll find a way! I know it!
Never! Ranma would never leave me like this!
No! I won't listen! I'll become human again! I know it!
Ah....? I've enjoyed my freedom?
Yes..... I.... did enjoy the abilities I had....
But..... no. I have confidence in myself! I can do these by myself without help!
I... I can do it!
I...... no. You're right. I can't do it by myself. Not like last time....
But.....
No, you're probably right. I can't...... I can't.
-=-=-=-=-
The column quivers slightly and turns a slightly angry red. Ranma's brow creases in a frown as she
strains to keep her concentration.
Ranma (C) :
The imprisoned group in the prisons of light start to look nervous as strange sounds start up in
their prisons.
-=-=-=-=-
{The Third Trial - Love}
So cold......
I feel.... so cold.
Where's the warmth gone to?
Fire? Warmth....
Mother!? What are you doing here?!
Yes..... I.... I missed you. Can I hug you?
Mother! What do you mean!?
No! I still miss you! Come back!
What I said earlier on....? No, mother! That.. that wasn't true....
No.... mother.....
So cold.... mother.....
Who are you?
Sekki?
Why are you here?
Mmm..... yes, that feels good.... warm.....
Protection.... I wish I never have to feel so cold.... protection from the cold....
You'll protect me? You lied to me last time!
But.... true. I.... don't mind this form.... except I miss home.... and Ranma....
No! Stay away! You're not giving me warmth and protection!
You started this in the first place! Stay away!
Ranma! Help!
Huh? Where are you!? Sekki! Come back here!
Shampoo....? Ukyo? Ryouga? Why's everyone here?
You're all here..... why?
No! Don't leave! I didn't mean that! I just.... thought you were all trapped?
Ranma? He helped you all?
See me?
He did this for me? Ranma....
Of course you're all my friends! Yes.... I do. Of course I do.
Of course we have our rivalries! But.... yes....
I understand. You'd all do the same for me, I know. Even though we.... have our differences.
Why? I guess that's because we can't ever imagine life without each other once we met?
Shampoo.... I know. Life'd be boring, huh?
Ryouga.... I know you like me.... more than that.... yes, you understand, don't you? Thank you....
Ukyo? Don't get angry.... yes.... I know you love him, but.....
Not love, is that it? True... you can see yourself.... you'd rather think of him as best
soul-friend...?
Naturally. I can't think of him and me in any other way. Who?
I.... I don't hate Sekki. I can't.
Not because I owe her my life..... not just that.
She's just so.... sad..... lonely.
I know. I feel like that sometimes.
But why?
The same reasons, however differently phrased.
Sekki.... I understand now.....
But I just wish to return home.... I'm lonely too.
Yes.... but we all have someone we loved once we lose..... I know.
Thank you for understanding, Sekki. You're giving up a lot for me.
You love me?
I do too.
I don't want to leave, but yet I do.
Of course I will.
-=-=-=-=-
The column's red-white hue softens into a light translucent pink as the aura surrounding each of
the "judges" strengthen. The cavern is bathed in a suffuse pink-red, mixed with the natural brown
of the rock and rippled with dark shadows with no true source.
Ranma (C) :
The group of prisoners watch as their prison walls start changing into a light, transparent white.
-=-=-=-=-
{The Fourth Trial - Acceptance}
Why am I talking?
Where am I still?
What am I doing here?
Oh, yeah.... a Trial.
But what's going on here? I thought I'd fight?
You again? Now what?
Mm..... no, I didn't say I wanted to fight.
Surely! If I can become normal again.....
Whatever my idea is, anyway. You're entitled to your opinion.
Why must I listen to you? What's your idea of normal?
What am I? I'm a succubus now, aren't I?
Of course I want to be human again! What-
You asked me this before, and now you're asking it again. I do not want this.... form!
How can I? I'm not supposed to be this! I have a life!
Yes.... I am pretty used to it though, strangely enough. Wonder why?
I was made for this form?! Don't make me laugh!
No way! I'm human!
Clutzy! Me! Well... yes, that's true.
Yeah, well, I AM doing much better in this-
Wait a minute, what are you trying to tell me?
I want to return home....
I'll find a way home even if it kills me! I've died once, I can die again!
I know that.... but isn't it worse if both of us are alive yet we're separated forever? Isn't it easier
if we just forget the other somehow? I know how Ranma felt when we were separated-
Yes... I am afraid of dying. We all are.
You're right. I don't want to die. But.....
Yes, I understand. But that means I'll be like.... *this* for the rest of my life, and that's a long
time.
I know.... it'll be painful. But... yes, you have a point. Ranma can still visit. He'd be heartbroken
if he found out.....
I don't want that.
Yes, of course I'd take a way off this island if I could.
But.... I know. I know I can't die just because I can't stand it.... I still have Ranma to live for....
no matter how I live.
No matter what.
-=-=-=-=-
The column of light shudders. The four figures sitting at its corners open their eyes and stare at
the quivering column as it changes from a translucent pink into a clear blue. At the very center are
the silhouettes of the two figures who stepped in, their bodies arched backwards, backs facing
each other. Ranma focuses intently on Akane's form and watches as the column slowly begins its
final phase of transformation.
All around the circle, dirt and small pebbles are caught up in an etheric force which swirls around
the central column of light. Slowly, the mini-whirlwind takes form and a white glow appears
around the circle and its inhabitants.
Ranma (C) :
The prisons of light at the far end of the cavern shatter, freeing their captive humans. Ryouga,
previously leaning on the wall of light waiting for something to happen, falls flat on his back as it
suddenly shatters into a thousand fragments of light, each of which begin to head towards the now
swirling tornado of energy and take their places around the rim of the tornado.
Picking himself off the floor, Ryouga stares at the phenomenon taking place before him.
Ryouga : "Akane.... what is going on in there!?"
Ukyo shades her eyes as the glare from the tornado stings her eyes. She mutters under her breath.
Ukyo : "Come back safe, Akane-sugar.... I don't want to miss you."
Cologne and Shampoo are also shading their eyes, their hair whipping in the unnatural wind
stirring in the cavern. Shampoo yells in cantonese to Cologne.
Shampoo : (translated) "Oh-ba-ba! What's going on!?"
Cologne : "It's the final phase of the trial! The final decision!"
Mousse.... well, all Mousse can see is a white blur, which he takes to be something really bad
because he can feel a strong wind and hear lots of depressive moaning in the air, mixed with
angelic voices singing. He blinks once, and shields his face with his massive robe.
Mousse : "What's going on!?"
Shampoo yells to him.
Shampoo : "Big storm coming!"
Mousse takes out an umbrella, and is immediately carried off into the nearest stone wall as the
wind picks it up and slams him to the wall behind him. Shampoo stares dumbfoundedly at
Mousse's naivet‚ and stupidity. She shrugs and continues watching the event.
-=-=-=-=-
{The Final Trial - There will only be one.}
What's going on now!?!? I feel sick... the world's spinning!
Ahhhh..... I... my mind's cleared. Phew, my head's stopped spinning too.
Where and I?
WHOA!
***
*crash*
The column of energy formerly dominating the cavern's center dissipates as suddenly as lightning,
and the previously petrified forms of Akane and Sekki fall to the floor, unconscious. The circle of
runes surrounding them now glows a soft grey. The four representatives of Heaven, Hell and
Earth open their eyes and look at them.
Ranma (C) : "Akane....."
Priest : "It is time for the final challenge."
Lina : "Combat."
Kuriimu : "To the death."
Priest : "Let them awaken now, the battle of wills is over. Let the battle of the flesh decide the
final score."
Ranma watches with concern as Akane's body shivers a little, then moves.
Akane opens her eyes and looks up. Her vision adjusts quickly and the blur mass in front of her
quickly resolves into the familiar form of the simian priest. She groans and rubs her head, then
picks herself off the ground.
Akane : "Urgh... what hit me?"
Priest : "You have done well, Tendou Akane. You have passed all but one of the trials you've
been put through."
Akane looks at the priest for a while, then at herself. Her clothes and form still hasn't changed.
Looking back up at him, Akane asks in an unsteady voice.
Akane : "I've failed?"
The priest shakes his head.
Priest : "Nobody's perfect. Except Kami-sama. But, you have proven yourself worthy to take on
the final trial."
Lina : "The trial of blood. The oldest trial in all civilizations."
Kuriimu : "Sekki has likewise survived to take part in the trial against you. Now, the two of you
must do battle to the death."
Akane looks at Sekki, now getting up and dusting herself off, while she digests the information.
Akane : "Kill.... her?"
The three nod. Ranma simply looks on, her face passive. Akane looks at Ranma, who nods once.
Ranma (C) : "Go for it."
Akane nods.
Sekki walks over to one side of the circle without a word, then turns around and looks at Akane.
Sekki : "You've done well, child. Now it's time to see who'll leave this arena alive."
Akane takes her place in front of Ranma and clenches her fists.
Akane : "We'll see."
-=-=-=-=-
The group of would-be rescuers consisting of Ryouga, Ukyo, Shampoo, Cologne and Mousse
have assembled outside the circular arena as they watch the upcoming battle. Crushing a rock in
his hand to a fine powder, Ryouga spits his words out between his clenched teeth.
Ryouga : "All this while, I'm helpless to do anything for Akane-san! What am I here for?! I don't
deserve to live if I can't-"
Ukyo puts a reassuring hand on Ryouga's shoulder and Ryouga turns around.
Ukyo : "There now, Ryouga... you know you can't take on Sekki by yourself."
Ryouga nods, but then shakes his head.
Ryouga : "But...."
Besides the two, Cologne looks up. She prods her staff in Ryouga's nose. (No special skills this
time, fortunately.)
Cologne : "You there, Ryouga! You don't understand the rules of this Trial. Ordained by heaven,
complimented by hell, this is the ultimate challenge of one's own self. Even if you could help
Akane, you'd be destroyed for your effort and her along with you."
Cologne turns back to look at Akane and the ring, shaking her head and sighing.
Cologne : "No.... this is a battle of the soul. It's the true test of your own self. She'll succeed or
die trying, by her own efforts. Nobody can help her now, not even Kami-sama.... not even Him."
Ryouga stares at Cologne for a moment as he absorbs this along with the rest of the group around
her. The weight of the situation finally hits them as they realize what Cologne is saying.
Ryouga : "No.... wonder she.... wouldn't learn. Not from us. By herself."
Ukyo : "Even her cooking."
-=-=-=-=-
Akane studies her opponent. The two combatants watch each other cautiously, rival cats waiting
for the other to make the first move.
Akane notes the fluid movement of her enemy, the unwavering concentration of the eyes upon
her. Her mind is totally on her enemy and no one else in the room.
Sekki watches Akane, notices her flex her fingers unconsciously while she watches Akane as a
whole, while evaluating Akane's fighting abilities.
Akane suddenly drops into a crouch, and Sekki's nerves scream a reflex. Faster than light can
catch up with her, Sekki leaps into the air, leaving a shadow image behind her. But she realizes
that Akane is up and fast approaching her, and curses herself for falling for such a simple feint.
Immediately she flips in mid air and, her head facing downwards now, reaches out to grab Akane
as she comes into attack range.
Akane watches as Sekki flips in the air, and prepares herself for her own flip to put a foot into
Sekki's face. However, Sekki reaches out for her and grabs her by the shoulder, her nails digging
deep into Akane's flesh. Akane winces as Sekki then spins a complete 360 in the air and ends it by
throwing Akane to the ground using the accumulated force of the spin.
As soon as she hits the ground, Akane forces herself to roll aside, and just in time as Sekki comes
crashing down, heel first, into the floor. Getting up, Akane grips the wounded shoulder and looks
at Sekki. Sekki smiles coyly at Akane as she shows Akane her blood stained fingers, and slowly,
luciously licks them clean.
Sekki : "First blood."
Akane nods. She flings the hand she used to grip her shoulder and the unusually large amount of
blood on it splatters around the arena.
Akane : "But not last."
A somersault sends Akane into the air again, and as Sekki watches, Akane streamlines her wings
into a needle like shape as she comes down at an angle with her own heel extended. Sekki smiles
again, and leaps a small distance into the air near the spot where Akane is aiming for. However, as
soon as Akane gets near the floor, she extends the other foot and lands lightly on the ground.
Immediately, she does a mid-air circle kick with her right foot, followed by a second left. Sekki is
caught unprepared for the sudden move and recieves a kick in the ribs, followed by one to her
pretty face.
She flies a small distance, propelled by the force of the kicks, but stops and steadies herself at the
arena's edge. She smiles as she licks the blood trickling out the side of her mouth with a similarly
reddish tongue.
Sekki : "Very good. You've improved."
Akane doesn't respond. Sekki floats in a slight curve, watching her. Akane takes a high leap.
Sekki follows. The two clash in mid air, Akane coming in with a fist which Sekki deflects using a
tap with two of her fingers. She counters with a quick jab at Akane's throat, which Akane deftly
avoids by throwing her head back and somersaulting in the air. Sekki gains a little more altitude as
Akane comes out of her mid-air spin with a split kick aimed at her chin.
Backing off quickly, Akane matches Sekki's height at the roof of the cavern and the two watch
each other again.
Sekki : "Not bad, you've been practicing haven't you?"
Akane : "A little. Am I enough fight?"
Sekki : "Oh my, yes you are. But I'll have your ungrateful heart still beating in my hand at the end
of this fight."
Akane shrugs nonchalantly. Sekki suddenly feels a flare of hot, bitter anger flash through her at
this dismissal of her very real threat. She chuckles slightly to cover it though.
Sekki : "Impudent girl, aren't you? Flash Flare!"
Akane drops quickly as soon as Sekki spits out the 'Fla' syllable, and a crackling yellow beam of
lightning misses her head by inches. While Sekki recovers from the blast, Akane comes up from
under her and appears almost literally in her face.
Akane : "Bad move."
She gives Sekki an uppercut, followed by a 180 degree backhand punch with her other fist,
completing the remaining 180 degrees with a circle kick, all to her face. Partially stunned by the
assault, Sekki hits the floor with a loud crack. Akane lands a moderate distance away from her,
and watches as Sekki picks herself partially off the floor and wipes her cheek clean of blood.
Sekki : "Ungrateful wench. I give you life and you repay me with pain."
Akane : "It's the rule here. If I could, I would never want to fight you."
Sekki : "And I, with you."
Akane : "!?"
But before Akane can ponder this, Sekki dashes off from the floor in a straight winged charge at
Akane. Ramming into her midsection, Sekki keeps going until she smashes Akane against the
invisible barrier at the edge of the circle. Dazed and winded, Akane is incapicitated temporarily.
Sekki uses this chance to batter Akane with an assault of wing slashes and nail jabs. Akane tries to
ward off the attacks with her wings and arms, but too many of them get by and nick her painfully.
Finally, in a desperate attempt, Akane simply lashes out with her wings and catches Sekki in the
shoulder, off guard. She spins a little off to one side and staggers a little, to which Akane quickly
escapes and finds some open space to catch her breath.
Akane :
Recovering quickly, Sekki turns around to face Akane. Looking at her sorry state, Sekki nearly
laughs. Nearly.
Sekki : "Ahhh.... how are you feeling now, my dear child? It's not easy fighting a succubus such as
me, no?"
Akane takes a deep, but painful breath and coughs slightly. She spits out some blood. It lands in
front of Ranma. Ranma stares at the dark splotch amazedly.
Akane : "Not over yet."
She charges at Sekki. The two collide, and become a blur of action as they parry, dodge, punch,
kick and perform both acrobatics and aerobatics that would put Ranma to shame on his best day.
Akane uses a hand to parry Sekki's kick, and pushing Sekki's leg up, she does a 360 degree
somersault flip kick, which Sekki deftly avoids by taking to the air as soon as Akane's hand isn't
obstructing her leg anymore. Landing, Akane sidesteps several energy shots from Sekki before
taking her on in the air.
Suspended in the air, Sekki watches Akane, and vice versa. Sekki is smiling.
Sekki : "I haven't shown you everything yet, girl."
Crossing her arms across her body, Sekki suddenly splits into three copies of herself. Akane
watches as they surround her, remembering her "training" spars against Kodachi, Shampoo and
Ukyo. She smiles confidently.
Akane :
Without warning, the three suddenly close in simultaneously. Akane doesn't move, but watches
them closely. A flicker of movement, Akane sees it and reacts immediately. A palm to ward off
the first kick, the length of her other arm the other, a lightning-speed roundhouse kick to end the
third attack. With a slight effort, Akane forces the three away from her by simply pushing, and the
three of them evaluate Akane. Smiling, the three of them speak at the same time.
Sekki : "Not bad. You can take on my Shadow Doubles."
Akane : "I'll get better."
Sekki : "No more play."
Akane doesn't even see it this time. In a wink, the three surround her again and Akane catches a
fist to her stomach, rib and back at the same time. She gasps in pain, but the attack is immediately
followed up by a powerful barrage of sweeps, flips, kicks and uppercuts.
A minute later, Akane falls, bleeding, to the floor after Sekki's expended all the energy she dares
to spend on her split forms and returns into a single being. She hits the floor very painfully and is
barely conscious as Sekki hovers above her, arms crossed.
Akane : "Not.... yet..."
Sekki : "Give it up, girl. You're dead anyway."
Akane watches her with slightly reddened vision as blood enters her eyes. She ignores the slight
trickle going down her cheek and clenches her fist as she considers the sentence. She slowly
closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, willing her lungs to work even more forcefully. Then her
eyes snap open and she shouts.
Akane : "NO!"
Sekki laughs.
Sekki : "My, what strong defiance."
Ranma, in her place watching the fight, helpless to do anything, stares in amazement as Akane,
cut, bruised, bleeding and probably suffering from broken bones in a dozen places after the
assault, gets up and wipes the blood off her cheek.
Akane : "More than that. I've had worse knocks."
Sekki watches in amusement, then nods.
Sekki : "If you wish to die fighting, then I'll gladly help you!"
Sekki flickers slightly, then appears in front of Akane. Akane doesn't seem fazed at all. She simply
stares Sekki down, and the two back off.
Akane : "You don't know what I've been through, Sekki."
Sekki : "Don't I? I suppose losing a love isn't enough?"
Akane : "I know your lie. You use people a lot, don't you? I'd love to learn from you how you
play with people, but that's dishonest."
Sekki : "You've been dishonest all your life with Ranma, girl. Why stop now?"
Akane's eyes widen slightly, but she knows Sekki's ploy. She smiles.
Akane : "Well, I've never had the courage to admit it to him in front of so many people who'd bug
me.... but well..."
Akane shrugs slightly, almost playfully.
Akane : "There's a first time for everything."
Turning suddenly, back to Sekki, Akane smiles at Ranma. Ranma smiles weakly back, half her
mind on what the [insert profanity here] Akane thinks she's doing, and the other half wanting to
tell Akane to stop concentrate on living and get those wounds tended to soon.
Akane : "Ranma.... when we get back, I'm gonna make sure we get married. I'm gonna wear the
whitest dress I can find, and you'll wear the best suit you can find or I'm gonna make you sew
your own. And I'm gonna make sure nobody ruins our wedding.... oh, and one last thing. I'm
gonna make sure we have lots of babies together!"
Ranma (C) : "..............!"
Ranma can feel her own jaw drop through the floor, followed by those of Ukyo's, Shampoo's,
Cologne's (yes, the old crone *bonk!* "Who's an old crone!?" "You are!"), and Ryouga's.
Especially Ryouga's. Even Sekki can feel her own jaw just straining to get off its hinges.
Akane just laughs.
Akane : "Don't you all look so shocked at once."
Ryouga : "A......A...ka...."
Akane looks at Ryouga emphatically.
Akane : "Ryouga?"
Ryouga : "Nothing..."
But as Ranma watches Akane, she notices something.
Sekki isn't there.
Ranma (C) : "Akane! Watch-"
Ranma watches as Sekki suddenly comes down, wings shapeshifted into blades, cutting Akane
into half.
Ranma (C) : "No....!"
The image if Akane fades.
Sekki : "!?"
Akane : "Watch out behind you next time, Sekki!"
Ranma and Sekki both look for the source of the voice. Behind Sekki, a small distance away,
Akane is sitting in mid-air, hovering, legs crossed.
Akane : "I didn't mention I picked up a little something too, did I?"
Dropping to the floor suddenly, Akane smashes a fist into the ground and watches as a huge crack
winds its way from her fist towards the center of the arena. Almost lazily, Sekki leaps into the sky
to avoid the sudden implosive depression created in the ground with a sonic boom. What she
didn't expect was Akane's second guessing that Sekki would do exactly such a thing. Looking
downwards amidst the dust for a shadowed form of Akane pursuing her in the sky, Sekki never
expected that Akane would also leap in the second she herself leaped.
Looking at the ground, Sekki searches futilely for Akane.
Above her, without sound, without anger, simply a cold calmness, Akane streamlines her wings
again.
And she dives at Sekki's head.
Akane :
Without warning, only a whistling sound informs Sekki of the inevitable surprise strike.
Everything to Sekki, in that second, seems as slow as a snail on a dry, hot day.
She turns up to find the source of the sound.
She has no time to react, no time to scream, she can't even widen her eyes.
Sekki :
Akane's heel, dark-blue and glistening, comes down like an arrow of darkness to pierce her.
Sekki twists her head to one side, but recieves a spine cracking blow to the side of her head
instead of being pierced through the forehead. The sound is disgusting, the sight worse.
She streaks towards the ground and hits it, face first, with a force so strong it causes a visibly
concentric shockwave to appear. Akane lands a second later besides her, and watches as Sekki
struggles to stay conscious. Rolling onto her face, Sekki looks up at Akane, blood streaming from
her nose and mouth in a steady stream. Blood also streams freely from the massive wound on her
head, matting her hair into thick clumps. Sekki smiles weakly at Akane, coughing.
Sekki : "D...amn.....ed.... good.... girl." *cough*
Akane : "I'm sorry it had to come to this, Sekki."
Sekki : "I.... know."
Sekki smiles slightly, her vision already blurring. She struggles for breath to speak.
Sekki : "First....time... I was outsmar...ted."
Akane feels a twinge of sadness welling up in her now, as she watches Sekki on the floor, dying.
Tears form at the corners of her eyes, and she can see that Sekki is also feeling the same way.
Sekki : "But.... A...ka...ne...."
Akane : "Sekki?"
Sekki : "I.....'m sorry.... I... did love you.... like a daughter... but..."
Akane : "I... should be the one saying that.... you helped me a lot."
But Sekki shakes her head, painfully and barely, smiling weakly.
Sekki : "No... your life force.... mine."
Akane's eyes widen in shock as she realizes what Sekki is trying to tell her.
Akane : "No-"
And in the final second, Sekki closes her eyes and dies with a slight, but troubled, smile on her
lips. Akane suddenly feels her world go black around her and she crumples to the ground with the
word "No" dying on her lips.
In that instant, Ranma realizes the same thing.
The circle of power shatters in a blaze of fire as the Final Trials end.
-=-=-=-=-
{The End.}
White light.
A tunnel.
Again?
When will it end?
I'm dead again.
Has to be.
I'm sorry, Ranma.
I can't be there.
Don't be sad.
I'm here.
I'll watch you.
Huh?
A white mist parts in front of Akane. She expects to see something like maybe a Heaven with
clouds everywhere, or her own funeral procession with Ranma in the lead.
Nothing like that.
Another white room, with white light streaming through some indeterminable sources.
Some specks of colour dot the room, a gunmetal grey bed frame with someone in it.
Who is it?
Hold on, isn't that me? Where's this place?
Tofu sensei? What's he doing here?
That IS me! And Ranma.... and Nabiki one-san... and Ryouga, and Shampoo.... they're all there!
Even Kuno!
Who's that silver haired... Lina!?
What happened!? Why am I watching myself lie in bed with all of them?
What are they saying....?
***
Tofu : "She's in a very bad state, Ranma."
Ranma looks at Akane, lying in bed, hooked up to several monitoring units. Their readings all
look very depressing.
Ranma : "What's going to happen to her, Doctor!?"
Tofu adjusts his spectacles.
Tofu : "I'm afraid that if she doesn't recover soon, she'll either suffer irrepairable brain damage,
her brain will die completely, or she'll stay in a coma forever."
Ranma : "No! Isn't there anything I can do!?"
With that, Ryouga and the rest all turn towards Tofu. They nod in agreement at Ranma's question.
Tofu looks at them solemnly.
Tofu : "Well, perhaps if you talk to her daily, play her favorite music or read her favorite books,
anything that might be familiar with her, she'll wake up. But I wouldn't hold much hope..... it
looks too severe, both physically and in her chi."
Lina, now in a human form dressed unusually conservatively, looks at Akane's comatose form
sadly. She shakes her head.
Lina : "I'm sorry.... I did all I can to save you without linking you to me."
Tofu looks at Lina, then nods.
Tofu : "I'll..... be off tending to the others. Inform me if there're any.... changes."
Ranma : "Alright....."
When Tofu leaves, Ranma turns to face Akane.
*beep* *beep* *beep*
The sounds of the EKG meter, pulse rate meter, even a brainwaves measuring device all bleep
mechanically in the suddenly quiet room.
Ranma sniffles a little. Everyone turns to look at him. He smiles slightly and nods at them.
Ranma : "I'll be alright. You guys can go...."
As the rest nod and shuffle out of the ward quietly, Nabiki steps up to Ranma.
Nabiki : "I'll get Kasumi to send some packed lunches over later. You don't want to starve waiting
for her to wake up."
Ranma nods.
Ranma : "Sure. Make some for her too...."
Nabiki turns her head to look at Akane, then back at Ranma and gives him a thumbs up signal.
Nabiki : "Got you."
Nabiki steps out the door and closes it quietly behind her. As soon as the door *clicks*, Ranma
takes a seat and sits besides Akane's unconscious body.
Ranma : "It was all my fault...... I should never have agreed to Kuno's stupid plan.... Akane....
please wake up..."
*sniffle*
***
Ranma? Don't cry, Ranma! I'm here! I'm here......
Oh, Kami! I want to return home now!
Where am I!? Why am I seeing this!? What's it supposed to mean!?
Someone.... please..... answer me.....
The clouds... covering me...
Dissapating.
Where am I now? A river....
Where the lands of the dead and living are divided by?
(Author : Remember those manga chapters where Ryouga always ended up there somehow?)
*thud* *thud*
???
*thud* *thud*
That sound.... mother's heartbeat?
A baby.... I remember listening to her heartbeat.... my head against her warm, protective chest.
Mother!
Akane-chan.... I've been waiting for you.
Mother?
Akane, listen to me. You aren't dead. Not yet.
I hope not!
But it will be difficult for you to return.
Anything!
You must be willing to love, child.
But.... mother.... I...
No, you must love your life.
I... I do!
And Ranma.
Erm....
Do you?
Yes, of course.
Akane, who are you?
Me? Why, I'm your daughter of course!
WHO are you, Akane? Tell me everything.
Me? I... oh, that... I'm Akane Tendou, youngest daughter of the Tendous and the le..le...
Least capable? Akane, you know you aren't.
But....
Akane, listen to me. I know you want to be the best in what you do. But there's no shame in
taking lessons for them from those willing to teach. I was like you once.... a long time ago.... but
I learned. Slowly, I could do things for myself without help. Kasumi knew this, she was just
waiting for you to know this too.
Yes, mother... I will learn.
Good. I love you Akane. Go now, follow your heart and you will awaken.
Yes... mother.... I love you too.
Don't worry about me. I'll be waiting here.... I have forever to wait. But don't come back too
soon!
I won't, mother! I'll make you proud!
I know. And one more thing...
Yes?
Stop sending Ranma here in your fits of anger.
-=-=-=-=-
Ranma looks at Akane's passive face, unmoving, unfeeling. He strokes it gently.
Ranma : "Damn it, Akane.... you always did love to show off.... but I can't blame you...."
He smiles at the times Akane always tried to show him something she managed to learn after
some effort, all the times she failed.
Ranma : "But there were the successes...."
Sweet moments, but for bitter times. It doesn't make it less painful.
Ranma stares at Akane, then at the monitors. He holds Akane's hand and squeezes it gently.
Ranma : "Baka.... baka..... otembe no ko!" (Otembe = tomboy!)
Ranma chuckles a little.
Ranma : "Still calling her that now? Ranma, you're a big fool... but..."
He wipes his eyes but is still smiling.
Ranma : "I can't help it. I just have to call you uncute, with arms built like bricks and shapeless
legs that kick like a mule and....... and....."
He closes his eyes and sniffs as he tries to stop himself from crying.
Ranma :
The island... yes....
-=-=-=-=-
{Flashback}
After the circle is dispelled, Ranma-chan immediately starts dashing towards Akane's form. Lifting
her body off the floor, Ranma feels for a pulse.
There is a pulse. But weak.
Ranma (C) : "Thank goodness.... she's still alive..."
The rest of the group immediately rush over to Ranma's side. Lina and Kuriimu walk over as well,
but they tend to Sekki's body. Lina watches Ranma and the group as she lifts her sister's body in
her arms.
Lina : "You should be grateful for Sekki, Ranma."
Ranma turns to look at Lina, then at Sekki's body.
Ranma (C) : "Why?"
Lina : "She gave up her fleeting life force to Akane."
Ranma considers this for a moment, then gasps.
Ranma (C) : "Won't Akane stay like this then!?"
Lina : "Don't worry. We'll help her.... after.... this."
Ranma nods at Lina's point, and lifts Akane up.
Lina : "Feel free to go back to your... room... I'll tend to you shortly."
***
Another glowing circle, this time white. In their accomodations, Ranma, Lina and the still
unconscious Akane are undergoing a small magic ritual. Outside, the Priest and the rest are
waiting. Kuriimu is having a talk with the Priest.
Priest : "I always wondered what you demons were up to all the time."
Kuriimu : "None of your monkey business."
Priest : "Monkey!? Please, I'm-"
Kuriimu : "Yeah, yeah, I'm Simian. Whatever. That's what I find disgusting about you 'beings of
Heaven'. You're so demanding."
Priest : "And what about you? You've had as many name changes as there've been human
religions. And you used to be Kami-sama's right hand man? You're too fickle, if you ask me."
Kuriimu : "You wanna take me on on that?"
Priest : "I've got better things to dirty my hands on."
*schiiiiink*
Ryouga and the rest of the humans stare at the two as they begin a cat and monkey
(SIMIAAAAAAAAAAN!!!!) fight. They shrug.
Shampoo : "Shampoo think cat and monkey stupid."
Ukyo : "My vote there, Shampoo dear."
Ryouga : "That's right."
Mousse : "What's going on?"
***
In the room, Ranma is sitting in a meditative position, eyes closed, inside the circle with Akane.
Sitting opposite Ranma in front of the comatose Akane, Lina looks at Ranma, eyes and hair
literally glowing silver with reflections.
Lina : "As Akane's female, she'll need your female side to work this. You don't mind?"
Ranma shakes her head.
Ranma (C) : "Be my guest."
Lina : "I'm going transfer the life force of Sekki out of Akane into myself, but I'll also be
siphoning your life force off into Akane. It's a delicate operation, so I hope your friends can keep
quiet out there."
Ranma (C) : "A moment."
***
Outside, the door creaks open a crack. Ranma pops her red-head out.
Ranma (C) : "HEY! YOU TWO MIND SHUTTING UP FOR A WHILE!?"
*creek* *creek*
Ranma (C) : "Thank you."
***
The ritual is being performed.
Lina : "Dances of fire, burn like life; Desires so strong, gather like lust; Make your presence
known, and whip around us now like the wind; All things free and wild, tame yourselves and help
us gather energy; I call upon the essences to grant life into that of the being before me and make
her one mine! Gather.... NOW!"
A few minutes later, Ranma wakes up with one hell of a headache. The room is a total wreck, and
the circle is gone, and when Ranma looks, Lina is gasping for breath and sweating.
Ranma (C) : "You all right?"
Lina : *pant* "Yeah.... that just took... a lot out of me." *wheeze*
Ranma looks down at Akane. Her wings are gone and her clothes are finally normal again. Ranma
notes with a twinge of guilty hentainess that her figure's also kind of toned down again.
Ranma (C) :
But Akane doesn't respond when Ranma shakes her and calls her name.
An examination by the Priest later, it seems her soul has fled the body.
-=-=-=-=-
Yes.... the island. What happened after I.... passed out?
Nevermind that.... return to Ranma now.
Where do I go......? Ranma....?
"Baka..... baka..... otembe no ko!"
Ranma!?
"....uncute, with arms built like bricks and shape...."
Ranma!
I'm here! I'm coming back for you, you..... jerk!
-=-=-=-=-
*cough* *cough*
Looking out the window of Tofu's clinic, Ranma thought he heard something.
Ranma : ".....?"
*cough* *cough*
Ranma : "Not me...."
Turning to look, he sees Akane spasming a little as she coughs.
Ranma : "!"
Running over to her side, Ranma grips her hand in his left hand and shakes her by the shoulder
with the other.
Ranma : "Akane! Wake up! Come on, you're there right?!"
Nothing. No reaction. Ranma drops her hand limply. He sighs.
Ranma : "Just a reflex."
Turning around, Ranma thinks about going back to the window.
But he can't. He still can't stop thinking of Akane. He clenches his fists and looks down, trying to
get a grip.
He loses.
Spinning around, he starts shouting at Akane's limp form with tears rolling down his cheeks.
Ranma : "BAKA! OTEMBE! Why can't you wake up?!! You were always built like a brick wall!
Now's not the time for you to crumble! I always said you were tougher than nails, show me girl!
SHOW ME!"
Still nothing. Ranma feels desperately hopeless and just slumps tiredly into the chair, waiting his
indeterminable wait.
Ranma : "Baka...."
Akane : "Ran....ma...?"
Ranma : "!"
His head shooting up, Ranma stares at Akane as he sees her smiling weakly at him. Her skin's a
horrible pallor, and she looks like a corpse.
But she's awake, and alive.
Akane : "Your insults could wake the dead, you know."
Ranma : "Just did."
Akane : "Baka."
Ranma : "You too."
Holding her cold hand, Ranma and Akane look at each other for a moment.
Ranma : "You look cold."
Akane : "Mind warming me up a little?"
Ranma : "Lips first."
Akane : "Mmm...."
Closer.... closer....
*knock* *knock* *knock*
Ranma looks irritatedly back at the door and backs off from Akane.
Ranma : "Come in!"
The door opens a crack, and Nabiki pokes her head in holding out a cloth-wrapped lunchbox.
Nabiki : "Hi, Ranma. Kasumi just thought...."
Nabiki stares at the bed, with Akane struggling to sit up.
Nabiki : "Akane!?"
Akane smiles and waves at Nabiki.
Akane : "Hi.... Nabiki one-san. Nice timing."
-=-=-=-=-
The End
Thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed Darkness Fall!
~ The RanMaFan
-=-=-=-=-
Why are you still reading this?
This is really the end!
I mean it!
Oh, all right. I'll finish it. (Geez.)
-=-=-=-=-=-
{The true End (To this fic anyway!)}
A week later.....
Ranma is putting on a black satin tuxedo, complete with red bowtie and impeccably creased
lapels. Genma is busy tidying it up for him.
Ranma : "You sure this thing fits me right? I mean, I don't want the stupid thing to go all baggy if
I get wet."
Genma : "Don't worry, son. I got you the best suit money can buy! It's waterproof, stainproof,
fireproof, Happo-daikarinproof... even Akane's food proof!"
Ranma : "You didn't sell me off to some manga and anime investors for this, did you?"
Genma : "Erm..... nope. Cross my heart."
Ranma : "I can see your crossed fingers. OYAJII!"
*kapow*
Ranma yells out the hole in the roof to his rapidly diminishing father.
Ranma : "Tell them I'm not for sale and thanks for paying for my suit, oyajii!!"
Soun comes trotting up to Ranma's room and opening the door.
Soun : "What was that rack.... oh."
Shrugging at the hole in his house, Soun looks at Ranma.
Soun : "You look marvellous, Ranma. You ready yet?"
Ranma : "Do I HAVE to wear this? I mean, couldn't I just...."
Soun : "No no, it's your big day. You're NOT disappointing Akane again!"
Ranma : (muttering under his breath) "Wasn't it Nabiki who did that, twice?"
Soun hustles Ranma out of the room.
***
Akane : "You sure this thing fits me, Nabiki one-san?"
Nabiki : "Yes, I'm sure it does. Even Kasumi says so, right?"
Kasumi : "Hai. Akane, you look so sweet in it!"
Akane is looking at herself in the mirror wearing a barebacked golden-white dress with a flowing
skirt layered with several thin silk skirts that swirl even in the slightest wind. Lacy and knitted
flowing floral designs adorn the dress, and the tight sleeves reach to her wrists, ending with gold
and silver bracelets and lady's cuffs. She practically dazzles in the light.
Nabiki : "Now don't get the dress ruined by taking too big steps, that dress cost Genma a
fortune...." I wonder where from?
Kasumi : "Yes, it was nice of Uncle Saotome to provide us with such a large sum for the tailored
dress, wasn't it?"
Akane : "Sure.... but.... does this really look good on me? I mean, really good?"
Nabiki and Kasumi : "Cross my heart, Akane-chan."
Akane nods, then looks out the window.
Akane : "Oh! It's almost time... the sun's in place."
Kasumi : "Then you'd better go down, Akane-chan. Come on."
Akane is led out of the room by Kasumi. In the room, Nabiki is smiling.
Nabiki : "Enjoy it, Akane. It wasn't easy getting these preparations ready."
-=-=-=-=-
Down at the dojo proper, Ranma is pacing back and forth impatiently.
Ranma : "Where is she!? She's late!"
Soun watches as Ranma's spit-shined shoes click impatiently on the newly polished wood floor of
the dojo.
Soun : "Don't worry. Kasumi and Nabiki should be done with her about...."
Akane : "Ranma!"
Soun : "Now."
Turning to look at Akane, Ranma feels a rush of blood in his cheeks as Akane walks, delicately,
through the dojo door, accompanied by Kasumi.
Ranma : "Wow."
Akane steps up to Ranma and smiles shyly.
Akane : "Well.... how do I look?"
Ranma : "A whole lot better than that day."
Akane looks at him dryly, and replies in something close to a dehydrated tone.
Akane : "Thanks."
Ranma : "Just joking! You're... well.... you know, great!"
Akane smiles now, the dryness in her tone disappearing.
Akane : "Thanks!"
Then, gesturing to the rest of the dojo, complete with decorations and disco ball, she smiles.
Akane : "Dance? Practicing all week."
Ranma : "Poor practice dummy."
*knuckle*
Ranma : "Ouch! Ok, just kidding!"
Cute Voice : "Aiyah! Ranma!"
Ranma and Akane both turn towards the dojo entrance's door. Stepping through it is Shampoo,
decked out in her finest (and that is a LOT of finery), followed by Ryouga, Ukyo and Mousse.
Ranma & Akane : "...."
Nabiki comes stepping through the door, a wad of bills in her hand.
Nabiki : "Of course I'd earn a little money on the side too.... don't worry, they've sworn not to
cause any trouble whatsoever."
A big panda DJ in the corner, wearing shades, *bwoarks* once and starts up the music, a
soothing ballad. Everyone starts dancing, Ranma with Akane, Ryouga with Ukyo (Ryouga's still
unsure about where to hold her) and well.... Mousse gets one dance with Shampoo, but that's
because he promised to wash dishes for a whole year.
At the end of the dance, which went beautifully, and Akane and Ranma have seen off the last of
their guests, Akane turns to ask Ranma.
Akane : "By the way, Ranma.... what happened to me on the island after I blacked out?"
Ranma looks at Akane and winks at her.
Ranma : "Tell you in my room. Privately."
-=-=-=-=-
Now THIS is the REAL end.