(REPOSTED BECAUSE THE OLD ONE GOT KILLED BY THE NEW FORMATTING)
A Ranma 1/2 Fanfic Trilogy:
"The True Meaning of Love"
By: s16thunderjet
Story 1
"The Search for Atlantis"
Chapter 1:
Nightmares
"Hai, what a boring day." said Akane as she and Ranma walked home from the school.
"Actually, I feel kinda warm, Akane." replied Ranma. It was a very hot day at Nerima and it's not even their summer season.
"At least we're not fighting." Ranma whispered to himself.
Upon reaching Ranma's favorite bridge, the same bridge where he, as a she, practiced for a rematch with Akane's supposed sisters; a group of men, wearing ancient white clothes suddenly attacked them.
Ranma was able to dodge the first few attacks and defend Akane. But he was already starting to lose energy so none of his attacks worked. A kick here, a punch there and even a kachuu tenshin amaguriken. But nothing worked, their enemies were invincible.
And it seemed that their main target was Akane.
Ranma was able to hold them off long enough for Ryoga and Ukyo to come and help him. Moments later, Mousse and Shampoo arrived and helped Ranma.
Akane couldn't understand it. They were all helping each other. Something was very wrong. Everyone was fighting. The thing was, they were fighting side by side and not against each other.
Suddenly, a spear blew past Akane, almost cutting off her hair and was moving towards Ukyo.
"Ukyo, behind you!" cried Ryoga as he desperately tried to save his friend. But he was a split second too late, the spear had already hit Ukyo just above her shoulder.
"NOOOOOOOO!" Ryoga's scream echoed through the abandoned street. Ukyo slowly fell to the ground, clutching her gravely wounded shoulder.
"You'll pay for that!" cried Ryoga, not needing to summon his depression.
"SHI SHI HOKOUDAN!" he roared, and in a second, the street was filled with bodies of dead men.
Or so it seemed.
The so - called dead bodies slowly started to rise, not even looking like they had been affected by the ki - blast.
Ryoga, using much of his strength, only had enough to reach an unconscious Ukyo and lay down beside her.
Shampoo was still fighting when she heard the sound of glass being broken. She turned to see Mousse, who was out cold, and lying on the floor. Standing behind him was a man, holding his crushed glasses and laughing.
"Mousse!" she cried at the sight of Mousse's seemingly lifeless form.
"Big man make Shampoo mad. You die!" she roared in fury, her voice promising havoc and destruction.
"Shampoo, NO!" said Ranma as he tried to stop a furious Shampoo. She attacked the big man, but the Amazon warrior was no match for her enemy. Shampoo was slammed into the wall. Now, like Mousse, lying unconscious on the ground.
"Oh no. Akane, get out of here. Run, now!" said Ranma before he got slammed onto an electric post. Coughing and blood coming out of his mouth, "Hurry Akane, run while you still can." he added.
Akane, seeing the injured Ranma, was crushed at the sight. She was torn between running to his aid and following what he said. He was only a couple of feet away from her, so near yet so far away.
She looked into his eyes as tears started to form in hers. His eyes were pleading, begging for her to run away. It was begging for her to save herself and leave him to die.
She couldn't do anything and just ran. She berated herself for running away from the site instead of helping Ranma. But the look on his face made her run, for he was asking her to. She wiped her cheeks as the tears flowed.
*Damn you Ranma. Why won't you let me help you?* she thought as she ran.
One of their enemies saw Akane running and ran after her. Ranma, who is now having a hard time to even stand on his own, let alone breathe, still managed to generate enough energy to throw a mokou takabishya.
"Run, as fast as you can." he called out, making Akane run even faster.
"MOKOU TAKABISHYA!" he cried with the last of his strength, begging the gods to make his ki - blast enough to defeat them.
Just as he threw the ki - blast, he was hit from behind by another strong ki - blast. It burned his back and caused him to spit out more blood.
"Ahck! Shit!" he spat as he dropped to the ground.
Akane looked back upon hearing his scream. She saw him on the ground, blood covering him. Her heart was crushed with the sight of him almost dead and soaked in his own blood.
She began to cry, thinking that Ranma wouldn't make it. She ran back to him, forgetting the fact that if she ran, she would be safe.
She slumped down beside him and hugged his bloody body. She lay his head gently on her lap and turned his face to her. It took all of his remaining energy to open his eyes.
He saw her grief stricken face and tried his best to smile. Though it hurt a lot, he smiled at her, feeling relief when she saw her face lighten up a bit. She smiled back, taking his hand into hers.
Ranma thanked the gods for giving him just enough energy to reach out and touch Akane's face with his other hand. His bloody hand bore a mark on Akane's cheek as he caressed it. He twitched, knowing he doesn't have much time.
Squeezing Akane's hand one last time, he spoke, his voice muffled and barely audible.
"Akane, remember that I... I..." and he was gone. Ranma's grip on Akane's hand slowly ceased and it fell to the ground.
Akane slowly felt him slipping away in her arms, and cried in agony. She lost him forever, and there's nothing she could do about it.
"RANMA! NOOOOOOOOOOO!" she cried with the last of her strength as everything faded into darkness.
"NOOOOOOOOOOO!" Akane suddenly found herself in her room, sitting down on her bed. Her hair was damp with sweat along with the rest of her body.
"It was only a dream." she said, trying to make herself relax. It was a dream, yet it felt so real, as if it was really going to happen.
Akane's door suddenly slammed open, and then the lights were on. Kasumi ran to her shocked sister and tried to comfort her. Akane started to cry as Kasumi cradled her little sister in her motherly arms.
Then, everyone was up. Soun and Genma came bursting into the room, Soun almost to tears at the sight of a distressed Akane. Nabiki followed after them, yawning groggily as she stepped into her sister's room.
Akane raised her head, realizing that someone was missing. Someone who should be there, the same one she dreamt about.
*Ranma!* she cried mentally.
She turned her head frantically and started to look for Ranma. But he wasn't in her room, maybe not even in the house.
*Is he dead?* she thought, then immediately cursed herself for thinking such a thing.
"Ranma, where is Ranma?" she got out of her bed and asked nervously.
"I'm here, I'm here." Akane heard him answer. She sighed in relief, happy that her suspicions remained suspicions.
"What's all the fuss about? I'm trying to get some sleep and then..." Ranma was cut off by Akane's embrace.
"You're alive! Thank goodness." she said.
"Whaaa? Akane, are you all right?" Ranma said, a little surprised of Akane's sudden move.
So was everyone else.
Soun and Genma were almost leaping with joy at the thought that their children would finally be together.
Nabiki's eyebrow was raised, wondering to herself why Akane was acting this way and silently screaming at herself for her inability to bring a camera.
Kasumi blinked. She wasn't expecting Akane to suddenly fling herself at Ranma. But she didn't object. As long as they were both happy...
Akane looked up at the shocked Ranma and smiled. She was so happy to see him alive and well. Suddenly, memories of the dream made its way back into her mind.
"I... I thought that you... I... I..." she began to cry again.
Ranma was already getting conscious with the looks they were getting. He had to admit that he loved where he was at that moment. At first he was surprised, but now he cherished the feel of Akane's arms wrapped around him.
Though it was against himself, Ranma slowly removed Akane's arms around him. He held Akane's hand in his and helped her to her bed. He tried not to show his nervousness as he held her hand, obviously because he's not used to hold Akane so close, especially with all those people around.
"I'll go get a glass of water." said Kasumi and broke the silence in the room. Ranma silently thanked the oldest Tendo daughter for doing such a thing as it broke the increasing nervousness in him and the tension in everyone else.
"So what did happen to you Akane?" Nabiki asked curiously, not minding the fact that what Akane could have just gone through was a hell of a dream. Only a fool would not notice the fear in Akane's voice.
"Nabiki, I don't think this is such a good time to ask her about what happened a while ago." said Ranma, comforting Akane and trying not to act so worried. He didn't want all of them to notice his closeness to Akane and how his hands held hers.
*They can't find out yet. Akane herself doesn't even know that I truly care for her. That I... I...* he left that thought hanging in his mind as Soun spoke.
"He's right Nabiki." said Soun, who was on the verge of wailing.
"Here's the water, Akane." said Kasumi as she handed her the water. "Thanks Kasumi." replied Akane who was still trying to catch her breath from all her crying.
"Ranma and father are right, Nabiki. I think we should let Akane have some rest now. We'll talk about it in the morning." Kasumi added.
Nabiki and Genma were the first to leave and return to their sleep, Nabiki muttering something along the lines of 'fine, tomorrow, yes, blah, blah, blah'.
Ranma was about to leave Akane when she abruptly pulled him towards her. He fell into the bed, and almost on top of her.
"Hey, what did you do that for?" cried Ranma as he desperately tried to stand up.
"I'm sorry Ranma. It's just that, in my dream, I... you..." Akane looked at Ranma with watery eyes. Ranma stared back in confusion.
"... Please, oh please Ranma. Stay with me tonight. Please, sleep here in my room." she pleaded with hands clasped in front of her. Ranma's face turned from confusion to disbelief.
"Are you alright Akane? Or are you still shocked from... from whatever shocked you." Ranma replied, his confusion doubling.
"Ranma, Ranma please. Please stay with me." Akane's eyes were glowing as she begged him like there was no tomorrow. Everyone in the room was shocked with her, as if she wasn't the Akane they knew.
Akane hates boys, especially those who think they're better than girls in everything. Here he was, Ranma Saotome, the epitome of all Akane hated about men. And she was asking, no, begging him to stay with her and sleep in her room for the night. Something is very odd here.
*What's going on here? Usually she would call me a pervert for holding her hands and I would be orbiting Mars by now.* he thought forcefully. Suddenly, his eyes traveled back to her face.
"Arrgghh! She's so cute!" Ranma said to himself, not minding the fact that if he agrees with what she was asking, their fathers would have another chance at getting them married immediately. But he didn't mind that.
*As long as she's happy.* he thought.
Ranma looked at Akane, then at her father, sort of waiting for an approval.
"Sure Akane. Ranma can stay in your room. If that's what you want." said Soun, secretly forming a plan to get his daughter and future son - in - law together.
"Father?" Kasumi asked, troubled as she saw the look on her father's face. Soun saw his plans go down the drain as Kasumi scolded him.
"Now father, please do not continue with your plan." she said, sweetly, not really sounding like scolding. Soun bowed in defeat and did not even try to deny it.
"Thanks dad. C'mon Ranma, please." her eyes were glowing again. Ranma leaned a bit backwards as he tried to avoid putting himself in such a dangerous predicament.
Soun may have backed down for now, but who knows what the Tendo father had up his sleeve. He wanted to back out and run away but suppressed it.
"Arrgghh! She's so damn cute!" he again said to himself. He couldn't let her down now, he wouldn't let her down ever. After that mess with Saffron where Akane almost died, Ranma vowed that he wouldn't let Akane be in that situation ever again.
"Alright, alright. I'll stay in your room." he said, finally granting the poor young girl her wish.
"Oh thank you Ranma. Thank you very much." Akane replied in happiness.
"I'll just get my stuff, OK?" Ranma said as he and the others left the room. Akane thanked the gods for making Ranma agree with her.
Minutes later, Ranma came back with his futon and some pillows and started laying them beside Akane's bed.
"Good night, Akane." he said, before turning off the lights.
"Good night, Ranma." Akane said in reply, now smiling as she closed her eyes.
The next morning, Akane woke up a little earlier than usual. She slowly opened her eyes and turned to the digital clock on her night table. The clock was reading 6:00 AM.
Yawning groggily, she turned to the left side of her bed to see if Ranma was still there. He was, still snoring and obviously enjoying his sleep.
"He's so handsome, even when he's sleeping." whispered Akane. She smiled at the sight.
"Hey, I'm early today. Better wake up Ranma. I don't want to have to explain everything to him again." she said as she got out of her bed and sat beside Ranma.
She gently brushed his bangs with her hand and moved them away from his eyes.
"Ranma, wake up Ranma." whispered Akane. Ranma just turned to her and smiled, eyes were still closed. Akane giggled a little.
"Hey! Ranma, wake up." she said, this time a lot louder.
"Whaaa! What happened? Where am I?" cried a startled Ranma as he sat up. Akane started laughing. Seeing Ranma startled like that, hair standing on end, she just couldn't believe it.
"What's so funny?" asked Ranma, noticing Akane's sudden burst of laughter.
"Nothing." replied Akane. "It's just that, I didn't expect you to react that way." she continued, still giggling a bit.
"And you think startling someone is funny, huh!" said a very embarrassed Ranma.
"Oh, I'm sorry Ranma. I just can't help it." Akane said before she started laughing again. Ranma snorted and started stretching his arms a bit.
"Yeah right! What time is it anyway?" Ranma asked her. Still laughing, Akane pointed to the clock.
"It's 6:10. We're pretty early today, aren't we." Akane nodded, as she slowly shifted her mood to that of silence.
"I'm just gonna fix my bedding, you go on ahead for breakfast." said Ranma. But there was no response from Akane. She just stared at Ranma.
"What? What's wrong Akane? Did I say something bad?" Still no response from Akane.
There was only silence.
Memories of her dream flowed through her mind. "I'm sorry." Akane finally said. "It's all my fault. I didn't mean to... to..." she began to cry again.
Ranma hates seeing girls cry, especially if he doesn't know why, and especially this particular girl. He moved closer to Akane and embraced her.
Even he was surprised with what he did. He prayed to the gods that Akane would see that he only wanted to comfort her, and not consider it an act of perversion. He started to move his hands up and down Akane's back.
"Shhh. It's alright Akane." he said, trying really hard to comfort her. Akane was surprised with how Ranma was acting.
He seemed so understanding and caring. A side of him he doesn't show that much. She wouldn't have believed that the insensitive jerk cared, until that moment.
She's always seen that kind and caring side of him when he comes to her rescue. She just hopes that she could see more of it in the future without her being in another 'rescue Akane' situation.
Akane moved in closer to Ranma in his embrace. She felt the warmth of his body flow through her. There, she felt calm again and was able to regain her composure. She pulled back from him and sat there facing him.
"Akane, why are you crying?" the concern in his voice and the look on his face, that of worry, made her feel better.
"I'm sorry Ranma. I just remembered what had happened last night. It was so scary, there were lots of dead bodies." she stopped for breath.
"Ukyo, Ryoga, Mousse and Shampoo were also there. They get really injured. And then, and then. There was..." she threw herself back into Ranma's arms and began to cry hard again. At least Ranma was there to comfort her.
"Look, Akane, we'll go to the dining room right now. I'll fix my bedding later." he suggested, and as Akane nodded Ranma slowly released her as she tried to sit.
Ranma wiped the tears off her face and assisted her in standing up. They both walked out of Akane's room, Ranma guiding her. She was still a little out of focus from all her crying, it being shown by her drowsiness.
They walked slowly until they reached the dining area, Ranma guiding her every step of the way. Akane smiled, thinking it was a good way of thanking him. Ranma blushed a bit, noting how cute she was.
Everyone was staring at them with curiosity. Genma - Panda and Soun were there, and so was Nabiki, who peeked from the newspaper she was reading. It felt like the whole world was watching them.
Ranma gently let Akane down beside the table and then sat down beside her. Akane was still a little silent and was just staring at the wall.
"Akane, what happened. What did you do Ranma?" said an angry and at the same time, concerned Soun.
"Hey! I didn't do anything. She just... just... became silent all of a sudden." Ranma said in his defense with his hands up in front of him.
"Akane, are you alright." asked a very disturbed Kasumi. The look of blankness in Akane's face sent chills down her spine.
"I'm fine, I think." answered Akane, trying to smile. She reached for her tea and sipped.
"So what did happen to you last night, Akane?" asked a very, very curious Nabiki. Everyone looked at Akane as she looked down at the cup of tea in her hands. She took in a couple of deep breaths before putting the tea cup down.
"OK. Here's what happened. I... we... Ranma and I were walking home from school when..." she told them what happened. There were some moans and groans as she stated the story.
A few minutes of trying to understand the story passed, as silence filled the dojo.
"You mean Ukyo, Ryoga, Mousse and Shampoo died?" Nabiki asked again, trying to clear out some facts.
"Not really. They were just unconscious and were a little bloody." Akane said as she closed her eyes, hoping against hope that they wouldn't notice.
"I get the feeling you're not you're not filling us in on the whole story." Nabiki said looking at Akane with eagerness. Akane didn't say anything, but just let out a long breath.
"Come now Nabiki. Let us not pressure Akane." said Genma now in man form. Ranma looked at his old man in confusion.
*He really does make sense sometimes.* he admitted mentally.
"He's right Nabiki. Besides, I don't think there's anything that happened after that." added Soun, hoping that he could convince Nabiki to stop interrogating Akane.
"Then why did you scream so hard last night." Nabiki insisted on receiving an answer. Akane just closed her eyes, praying that Nabiki would stop asking her questions that would make her remember.
Seeing Akane look like that made Kasumi's heart break. "Akane, I think you should just eat first before you strain yourself again." said a comforting Kasumi.
Nabiki looked at Kasumi and then back at Akane. She was about to press her for details even more, not noticing her state.
"Quit it Nabiki!" snapped an annoyed and irritated Ranma.
They were all talking amongst themselves, and no one even noticed that Akane began to get teary eyed again. Akane bowed her head and clenched her fists lying on her lap.
Ranma then noticed her and signaled everyone to stop talking.
"Now look what you did Nabiki." said Ranma obviously blaming Nabiki for making Akane cry.
"And since when did you start caring about my sister, Mr. Ranma Saotome." replied an insulted Nabiki.
Ranma was stuck between wanting to retaliate and denying that he even cared about Akane. He decided to go with the former, knowing that doing the latter would be a big lie to everyone, especially to himself.
Ranma and Nabiki were still biting at each other when Akane interrupted.
"That's enough!" she yelled.
Everyone stopped talking and just stared at her. She took in another deep breath before lifting her head up to reveal watery eyes.
"Nabiki is right, there's still something that came after that." she finished.
Nabiki gave Ranma a stiff look and a small smile, implying that she was correct. Ranma just turned his head and looked at Akane, concern written all over his face.
Akane's body began to quiver, she using up all of her might to prevent herself from completely breaking down.
"So what did happen, Akane?" asked Soun, cautiously.
He didn't want to force his youngest daughter to recall and tell what seemed to be a very bad part of her dream, but felt that he, and the rest of the family, needed to know what had been causing Akane to cry uncontrollably since last night.
Before Akane could start, the clock rang saying 7:00 AM. Ranma stood up, then immediately tried to sit back down, not wanting to leave Akane at her time of need.
She looked up at him and felt her heart leap at the sight. The handsome Ranma was looking down at her with a great deal of concern, something she never thought he was capable of showing. She smiled at him, assuring him she would be fine.
Ranma felt relief wash over him as Akane smiled softly. He managed a small smile himself and said, "I'm gonna go to the bath and get ready. You finish your story Akane." Akane nodded, and Ranma ran to the bath.
"I hope she's gonna be fine. I really, really hope so." he said to himself as he entered the bathroom, still a bit upset at himself for leaving her. He carefully put his clothes on the bin, so as not to wet them as he started the shower.
It didn't take him long to take a bath. It didn't take Akane long to finish her story either. She was still sobbing somewhat when Ranma came out of the bathroom.
"Akane, I'm finished. You can get in it now." said Ranma.
Akane passed him by, head bowed and went straight for her room. She got her bathing stuff and went inside the bath, gently closing the door, not even glancing at him.
Ranma walked back into the dining area with his back pack and sat down to drink a cup of tea, still worried about Akane. Then, he noticed it, everyone was staring at him like he's a monster or a stranger in the house. He almost melted with all those people staring at him.
Genma came from behind him, putting his hand on his son's shoulder and said "Son, please be careful."
Of course it didn't make any sense to Ranma. He just looked at his father and then back to the cup of tea he was drinking.
"Ranma, take care of yourself and Akane." said a distraught Soun. That made Ranma even more confused.
"OK, what's goin' on?" he asked, almost slamming down the teacup on the table in irritation. He waited for an answer, but nothing came.
They all went back to what they were doing just before he came in. Silence filled the dojo. Something has got to be wrong.
*Why is everyone acting so weird, I can't understand them.* he thought.
But before he could complain, Akane came out and called him. "I'll be there Akane." he replied, slowly standing up and grabbing his bag.
As he walked out of the dining area, silence still filling the dojo, he started to think.
*What could have Akane told them that made them act that way.* He was scanning the dining area for some answers when he caught a glance of Nabiki. Even Nabiki was speechless.
"Hey Nabiki, aren't you gonna go to school?" asked Ranma. Nabiki was still staring at him in silence. Ranma waved his hands and she finally blinked.
"Hey! Are you OK?" Ranma asked her again.
"Huh?" she finally broke the silence in the dojo. "Yeah, I'll be there in a minute." she continued. She didn't even answer Ranma's question. She got her back pack and ran to Akane.
*What could have happened? Everyone acted like they saw a ghost or something.* He thought over and over as he made his way to them.
It just wasn't right. Especially Nabiki, it was the first time he ever saw Nabiki staring at nothing and speechless. Something must have really happened, something bad that could cause this silence.
He continued this thought while he, Akane and Nabiki walked to school. It's even a miracle for Nabiki to walk with them to school.
Usually, Nabiki was already in school while Ranma and Akane are still fighting for the bathroom or breakfast. Or is it that Ranma and Akane were just early that day. Who knows.
He wanted to ask Nabiki, but he doesn't have enough money to pay for that kind of information. He'll just end up broke.
As they came upon an intersection, Nabiki's friends came along. Nabiki left Ranma and Akane to walk to school without any word. She just looked at Akane, and then at Ranma, and then left.
Ranma was really getting confused. Something was definitely wrong. Usually, by that time, Akane would be throwing stuff at him or yelling at him. But no, they were just walking peacefully, no fights, no screaming.
But that wasn't a problem, he actually liked the peace and quite. The thing bothering him is that Akane wasn't saying anything. She can't even look at Ranma.
He's been so nice to her the whole morning. No teasing, no taunting, nothing. What was wrong with her? All these thoughts came back and forth through his mind until they reached the school.
Entering the school gates, a familiar cry from Tatewaki Kuno echoed. Kuno noticed Akane's sadness and started attacking Ranma.
"Saotome, what have you done to my beauteous Akane Tendo. Prepare yourself, YAAAHHH!" And in a blink of an eye, Ranma dodged his attack, which sent Kuno flying towards the school building.
He chuckled a little and said, "Some things never change." Then he looked at Akane, who was still staring at nothingness. Akane then looked up at him, then back to the ground.
She whispered, "Let's go Ranma." And then she started walking again. Ranma just watched her walk into the school building.
He still couldn't think of a reason for her to be acting this way, let alone everyone else in the dojo. Akane stopped just as she reached the door.
She turned her head a little bit to Ranma's direction, as if urging him to come on. Ranma saw her and he immediately followed. They walked side by side to their room, which everyone seemed to notice.
As usual, they were the topic of discussion for the whole class. Akane walked slowly to her chair and sat down, still silent and staring down at the ground.
Ranma sat down on his own chair, not minding all the murmurs around him, and just looked at Akane. She put her arms on top of her desk and leaned her forehead on top of it.
"Are you alright, Akane?" asked one of her classmates, concern apparent in her voice.
But there was no answer. The girls turned around and gave Ranma a hard look. Ranma didn't mind their stares and still looked at Akane with great concern.
"It's not his fault." Akane whispered as she slowly lifted up her head.
"Nothing happened. It's just me that's the problem." she continued. Some of the boys circled around Ranma and started asking him some questions.
"Hey, Ranma, what did you do this time?" asked one of them.
"Where have you gotten with Akane so far?" asked another.
"Or did you go too far with your actions. You know like having se..." but he wasn't able to finish.
"Please, why should I do something like that with a... a..." Ranma broke off as he looked at Akane's sad face.
He just turned away from his interrogating classmates and looked out the window, muttering something along the lines of 'perverts...not minding their own business...'
Akane was a bit surprised when Ranma didn't continue his regular insult. Apparently, so was the whole class. He's been acting different since last night.
*Could it be that Ranma's death in the dream meant that his insensitive, perverted, jerkiest ways will be gone and replaced by his kindness and care?* That Akane thought as she looked at Ranma.
He felt something deep inside him. Two different voices were talking to him. 'Why didn't you continue what you were going to say Ranma, since when did you become a chicken, one said. Oh, shut up you, that was a good thing you did Ranma... keep it up.' Ranma just massaged his temples and let out a big sigh as he found himself staring at Akane.
Ranma was still staring at a dazed Akane when Ukyo arrived. She was surprised to see Ranma and Akane at school already. But when she saw their faces, she knew something was wrong. She was about to ask Ranma when the bell rang.
Both Ranma and Akane prayed silently to themselves, begging for the day to be alright. To their surprise, their prayers seemed to have been answered. The morning went by like a blur, and before they knew it, it was already their recess period.
Everyone went out of the room except Ranma, who was very thankful with what had gone on. Aside from the fact that none of their classmates tried to interrogate him again, he felt relieved when he saw Akane.
*At least she's smiling. I really hope she'll be fine.* he thought as he recalled Akane. She was kind of back to normal, already smiling. Even Nabiki, who just passed by, was back to her old ( manipulative ) ways.
But he still couldn't get it out of his head. Seeing Akane sad was almost normal, well, mostly it was his fault she becomes sad. But seeing everyone else in the dojo act that was just... unbelievable.
"Haiii." said Ranma letting out a big sigh, glad that no one else was in the room. Or so he thought.
"So what's up Ranchan?" said Ukyo as she reentered the room. Ranma raised his head and saw Ukyo, standing in front of the door. He silently thanked whoever was listening that he wasn't speaking out his thoughts.
"Oh, hi Ucchan. Nothing, just the usual." he said with confidence. Ukyo gave him a cold stare. She could see it in his eyes that he was hiding something. Ranma again looked outside, trying to avoid Ukyo's intense stare.
"C'mon Ranchan, I know you're hiding something." she said, prying a bit. She knew that he could never truly hide something from her.
"I'm not hiding anything. Really Ucchan, I'm fine." he said, nervousness could be sensed from his voice. Ukyo can really see it, he's troubled, very, very troubled.
Ranma just stared out at the school grounds, looking at Akane as she walked under the trees. A small smile came to him, noticing that Akane was somehow easing up on things.
Ukyo realized then that Ranma wasn't paying attention to her. She decided on what to do, then walked up to him.
"I didn't ask if you were fine Ranchan, now tell me what's wrong. I know you're hiding something from me, and you're not good with lies." she said, this time, raising her voice a little on Ranma.
"Really, there's no problem, Ucchan." Ranma said again.
But when he saw Ukyo's "if you don't tell me I'll hit you with my spatula" look on her face, he knew he couldn't keep anything from his best friend. Ranma let out another big sigh.
"I guess I'm not good at lying, huh?" he asked, but not really sounding like a question.
"It figures, you're one of the most honest people I know. Now, tell me what's wrong." she said, assuring him.
He hopped down from the window to a chair and let Ukyo sit on another chair beside him. Seeing him sad and depressed made Ukyo really uncomfortable. But she needed to find out, so she reached out and patted him on the shoulder, willing him to start.
"Hmmm... OK. It all started with Akane's dream last night. She had this weird nightmare that had her screaming and..." he looked at Ukyo. She nodded urging him to go on.
"Then she asked me to sleep in her room last night and I did." he finished.
"She what?" screamed Ukyo, shocked with what Ranma had just told her. She almost fell off her chair. Her hands were on her mouth and her eyes were opened wide.
Ranma put his hands on her shoulder and started shaking her. Ukyo was in a state of shock. After a few minutes of having been frozen, she finally got a word out.
"You... and... Akane... sleeping... together..." she managed to say, though unbelieving. Ranma shook her a bit more, trying to shock her back to reality.
"No! I did sleep in her room, but not with her. I slept on the floor!" he said, praying silently that Ukyo would believe him and not give him a hit with her spatula. He was lucky that Ukyo listened to reason first.
"Oh... well, I thought that you... and Akane were..." she broke off as Ranma softened his grip on her shoulders.
"That's not what were supposed to talk about right now, Ucchan. Get a hold of yourself." he said.
Ukyo, now calming down a little and breathing regularly, urged Ranma to continue his story. They talked about his situation the whole recess time that they didn't even notice some of their classmates coming in.
When Ranma saw one of Akane's recess mates come in, he was sure that Akane would follow. He ran back to his seat and sat down, Ukyo following him.
"We'll talk later, eh Ucchan." he said.
"OK Ranchan." she replied.
Then, he held Ukyo's hand and said, "Ucchan, thanks for listening to me. I really needed someone to talk to." Ukyo blushed a little with what he said, along with his hand holding hers.
"You're welcome, Ranchan. You know you can always count on me." she replied. They slowly let go of each other's hand. With that, she went back to her own chair.
As Ranma let Ukyo's hand go, Akane came in after her recess mate.
He sighed in relief that she didn't catch him and Ukyo together. Akane can be... shall we say... jealous sometimes. Actually, most of the time.
*At least she's smiling.* he thought as a smile fell on his face as well. There was still a few minutes before recess ended so Ranma walked up to Akane.
"Hey, how are you?" he asked. Akane turned around to see Ranma behind her, smiling as he asked. She couldn't help but smile at the sight.
"Oh! Hi Ranma. Yeah, I'm feeling much better now." she answered, with a bit of surprise.
*Wow, he is being so nice and caring to me, and he's so handsome.* she thought. She just stared at him for a while, his handsome face, and his blue green eyes. He too was staring at Akane.
*She's so cute.* he thought. They were just staring at each other. It felt like they were the only people in the world.
KRRIINNGG...
The bell suddenly rang. It broke the moment between Ranma and Akane.
"That's good." Ranma said. Then he walked back to his own chair, relief flowing all over his body. He couldn't help but smile as he sat.
The rest of the afternoon went fine, no fights, no screams. He thanked whoever was listening for not making any other fiancée or such 'acquaintances' like Ryoga appear that day. It was almost perfect.
Still, it made Ranma feel a little uncomfortable. He still thought that there was something wrong. But seeing Akane happy was enough for him to throw that thought away. Before he knew it, it was already dismissal time, and everyone was walking out of the school.
Ranma and Akane were now walking home from school.
"Hai, what a boring day." Akane said, not really noticing what she had just said.
"Actually, I'm feeling hot Akane." replied Ranma.
A realization suddenly popped into her head. She abruptly stopped walking and looked forward, pure terror on her face. She saw that they were coming near the bridge, Ranma's favorite bridge. The same bridge in her dream.
Ranma came up in front of her, waved his hand to get her attention but failing nonetheless. He put his hands on her shoulders, much like what he did with Ukyo earlier and began to shake her.
"Akane, what's wrong?" he asked with much concern. Akane looked up at Ranma and said, "Ranma, let's go to the ice cream shop, I think I need some ice cream."
Ranma was a little surprised and at the same time confused with what she said.
*What seems to be the problem? There has to be something wrong.* He looked at her one more time and finally agreed. She pulled Ranma immediately away from the bridge.
Inside the ice cream shop, Ranma was just staring at Akane while she was eating a Dutch chocolate. He noted the sudden change in her expression, from being totally terrified to being calm and collected once more.
*She's really, really cute.* he thought. He was staring at her when he popped the question, "So, Akane... would you mind if you continue your story. You know, about the dream."
Akane suddenly froze. She was silent for a few moments and then she put down her spoon. She looked at Ranma and saw in his eyes that he was anxious to hear the continuation. She swallowed hard, not wanting to give in to the inevitable, but knowing it was impossible to avoid.
"So, what happened, if you don't mind my asking?" Ranma asked her again, but this time, his voice carrying a tone of kindness and care. Akane looked at his face again, and somehow made herself tell him.
*He needs to know.* she thought.
"Well, um. This is not gonna sound nice Ranma. Are you sure you want to know?" she asked him, hoping it would throw him off. She smiled secretly to herself when she saw his face go into the unsure-confused stage. What she said made him even more confused.
*Akane was sad because of something that may have happened to me in her dream, that's new. It shows that she's really concerned about me. She's been acting that way because of me. Maybe she lov... likes me. Hello, reality check, Akane liking you would be a dream come true Ranma.* He was talking to himself in his mind.
"I think I can take it Akane. But if you don't wanna talk about it, I understand." he finally responded with a smile. Then he thought,
*Are you nuts Ranma. You've been wanting to know what's up with everyone in the dojo and now you're backing out, how stupid.* He wanted to hit himself for calling himself stupid, but suppressed it.
"OK, I'll tell you." Akane said. Ranma looked at her and noticed that she wasn't very comfortable with telling him what had happened. But he had to know, it's now or never. He just sat down and looked at the nervous Akane.
She started to talk about the dream, opting to start from the beginning. Starting from the first scene that flashed in her mind to the part where hurt, pain and despair dominated.
She was still a little calm and not yet crying. Then, it came to the part that he had missed earlier that morning. He noticed that Akane was starting to cry. He put out his hands and touched her shoulders.
"Akane, you have to control yourself. Please." he said. She nodded and took in a few deep breaths. Then she started to tell him.
"Everyone was unconscious. You told me to run so I did. One of them ran after me. You stood up and... then... then... you threw a mokou takabishya..." she stopped to sniff a couple of times and wiped the tears off her face. She looked down on her lap and tears fell again.
Ranma's heart was torn at the sight of Akane crying once more. He placed his right hand just below Akane's chin and used it to raise her head. He wiped her tears with the tissue and held her hands in his. He gave it a comforting squeeze.
"It's alright Akane. Please, stop crying. You don't have to tell me the rest of the story." he said smiling at her, almost making her heart melt. She shook her head and continued her story.
"I kept on running, like you said, and didn't turn back. But when I heard you scream, I just had to turn back. Then I saw you, lying on the ground, all bloody. I ran back to you, only in time to hear your last words. I can... I can still remember them. 'Akane, remember that I... I...' and then you were gone. You died Ranma..." she stopped and started to cry hard again before she could continue.
She threw herself in Ranma's arms, not caring what other people would think. Ranma, surprised with her sudden move, slowly but gently put his arms around her, around his fiancée and held her tight, comforting her, making her feel warm. He stroked his hands up and down her back and kissed Akane on the top of her head.
"Shhh... It's gonna be fine Akane. I'm here ain't I. I'm alive and you're with me." he said, in soothing tones.
Akane looked up at Ranma, still crying, and said, "But... but it's my fault that everyone got hurt. That you... you..." she broke off, tears threatening to break free again.
"Shhh... Everything's gonna be fine. I'm alive Akane. It's only a dream, and dreams as horrible as that don't come true. It's even kind of weird." he said assuring her, though something in the back of his mind was screaming at him the total opposite of what he'd said.
She began to calm down again. She was really, really surprised of Ranma's actions. He was so caring, he didn't tease her even once during the day. He was so understanding.
Characteristics she wouldn't expect from an insensitive jerk like him. But then again, it made her feel happy because for once, she felt something different. No taunting, pain, nor insults.
He was just there, acting like a normal, or a real fiancé.
"C'mon Akane. Let's go home. I think you need some rest, we all need some rest." he said. Akane just nodded and moved away from Ranma. She picked up her school stuff and fixed herself.
Then they were ready to leave. They walked back to the dojo, quietly, neither wanting to speak, both still surprised at the other's actions back in the shop.
Ranma was careful enough not to say anything stupid to make Akane mad. Or was he too careful. Could there be something more than just plain old care.
Could there be... could there be... love...
Thoughts about this subject were floating in Akane's mind.
She just couldn't believe it. Ranma, from being the arrogant, insensitive and perverted jerk, into the caring, understanding and kind gentleman he is right now. She looked up at Ranma and watched him closely. She could see in his face that he was thinking of something.
*Could we be thinking of just the same thing?* they thought.
Actually, they were. Even Ranma himself couldn't believe how much he has changed. Maybe he finally convinced himself that he... well... loves Akane.
He did love her.
The uncute, unsexy tomboy who is, well, his fiancée. He couldn't get those thoughts out of his mind. He was getting confused. He tried his best not to show it, but he looked even more confused the more he tried to hide it.
Then he realized, maybe Akane cares for him, too. She's been depressed and crying the whole morning and most parts of the day.
*Was she crying because I died, or because she only felt guilty?* he thought curiously.
With that last thought, he felt like he was just stabbed in the heart by a knife. He relinquished the thought and just kept on walking. He stole a glance at Akane and saw that she was looking better now.
Finally, they reached the Tendo dojo. Life was back to normal, or at least Ranma thought it was. Except for their non - battle day ( Ranma and Akane ), everything seemed to be back to normal.
Genma and Soun were playing their usual game of shogi while drinking sake. Nabiki was reading a manga while drinking tea and Kasumi was in the kitchen, cooking dinner.
Even Akane noticed it. It seemed so peaceful. Akane went inside the house first while Ranma closed the gate.
"You're home late Akane. Where have you been?" asked a concerned Kasumi, but with her usual cheery smile.
"Hi. Sorry I'm late. Ranma and I just stopped by an ice cream shop." replied Akane, slowly taking her shoes off.
"Oh. And where's Ranma now?" she asked again.
"I'm here Kasumi." he said just as he entered the front door.
"Hey, what's for dinner?" he asked, feeling his stomach grumble a bit as he asked.
While Ranma and Kasumi talked, Akane walked up to her room and changed her clothes. Ranma followed shortly after talking to Kasumi and entered his room to change his clothes.
She and Ranma came home just in time for dinner. Fifteen minutes later, Akane was still in her room. Everyone was starting to get really hungry.
"Ranma, could you please call Akane." asked Kasumi as she placed some rice on Akane's bowl.
"Yeah! It's taking her a long, long time to change." said Nabiki, trying to sound pissed, but knew she couldn't, not at her own sister.
"Hey, lighten up Nabiki. She's been through a lot you know. The least you could do is to be nice to her." replied Ranma who was starting to get a bit over his head.
*When did he become Mr. Nice Guy to my sister?* Nabiki thought to herself.
*Maybe I could be wrong about Ranma, he could be a softy after all.* At that thought she gave Ranma a curious look and wicked grin. Ranma didn't mind Nabiki and went up to call Akane.
He knocked on her door and went in. Her desk lamp was still open but she was already sleeping, or at least having a nap. She was already in her sleeping clothes and was sleeping soundly.
She looked beautiful. Ranma walked up to Akane in her bed and sat beside her. He stroked her hair and cupped her cheek.
"She's so beautiful," he said to himself.
He didn't want to wake her up, so he pulled up her comforter and covered her gently up to her chest. He closed her desk lamp and was moving out of the room when he heard Akane speak.
"Ranma, please, please stay here with me tonight. Please sleep here again." she said. Ranma turned to face her and walked to her desk. He opened the lamp and then moved closer to Akane.
"I thought that you were already sleeping." he immediately said, trying to change the subject. He sat down beside her on her bed.
"Ranma please stay here with me." she said again.
There was no escape for Ranma. He couldn't turn her down, she was asking him nicely, maybe even begging him. He's always been there for her, always. Now is not the time to not be there for her.
Ranma just stared at the floor as memories, the painful ones of almost losing Akane ran through his mind.
Memories of Kirin, the guy with pickles, and Toma, the illusion kid. Both were princes who wanted to take Akane away from him. Then, there was Shinnosuke. He came too close to making Akane love him back. Akane had actually liked him.
But Ranma couldn't accept it. He just couldn't accept the fact that he will lose Akane. He will lose her, without a fight. He almost did lose her, when she almost got killed at Mount Phoenix, during the Saffron encounter.
Life was drained out of her as she got turned into a little, lifeless doll. But her small doll image was what kept Ranma fighting in the end, fighting not just to defeat Saffron, but to save Akane as well.
He then realized, as he held her lifeless form in his arms, that he did love Akane.
He thought that he would never have the chance to ever tell her how he really felt towards her. He couldn't believe that he cried so hard, even harder when he thought he lost her to Shinnosuke.
But destiny gave him another chance, a chance he was now willing to take. He was only thinking of the perfect time and what words to say.
Akane could see the pain, hurt and confusion in Ranma's eyes. She placed her hand on top of Ranma's and gave it a comforting squeeze. With that, all those painful memories were out of Ranma's mind.
He turned to Akane and said, "OK, I'll stay here with you." He squeezed her hand back and smiled. Akane sat up on her bed and asked him for assurance.
"Promise?" she asked with much enthusiasm and happiness.
"Yes, I promise Akane. I'll stay here with you as long as you want." Akane smiled at him in response.
"Thank you, Ranma, for everything." she said and embraced him. She felt his arms go around her and smiled. He tightened his arms around her, not wanting to ever let her go.
Then it occurred to him. He just did the first step in telling Akane the truth, the truth that he loves her. They slowly pulled back and smiled at each other.
"C'mon, we have to eat dinner." he said, encouraging her. Akane nodded and got out of the bed. They both went out of the room, having small smiles on each other's faces.
"What took you so long?" asked a starving Genma.
"Nice going Ranma, a lot of help!" Nabiki snapped at him. Ranma glared at Nabiki, but decided to let that one slide. He just kept his attention one Akane.
"Sorry dad, I fell asleep. Let's eat." answered Akane.
"That's alright Akane." said Soun and noticed that she finally had a smile on her face.
Dinner went well and fast. Maybe everyone was really starving. It was already 9:00 PM. Kasumi just finished washing the dishes and everyone was up in their own rooms, sleeping.
Ranma laid his futon beside the left side of Akane's bed. She sat down on her bed, watching Ranma lay down his bedding. He was laying it neatly on the floor. He noticed that Akane was staring at him.
"What? Why are you looking at me like that?" Ranma asked cautiously.
"Nothing. You know, you're acting like a girl. You've been fixing your futon for the last ten minutes. I haven't met a guy that takes that long to lay his bedding." she answered, teasing him a bit.
She giggled following her answer. Ranma just stared at her with his eyes having a different glow.
"Hey. Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked, still giggling somewhat.
"Nothing. I'm just glad to see you happy and smiling Akane." he said. Akane was again caught surprised by his response.
They just stared at each other for a while, silence all over Akane's room. Ranma was the first to snap out of their somewhat romantic scene.
"Good night Akane." he said.
"Good night Ranma." she replied. With that, he went to sleep.
The next few hours were a lot better, Akane didn't have a nightmare. But she still couldn't help but think how Ranma became nice to her. There was still this nagging feeling in the back of her mind.
*Maybe that itself is a dream.* She thought as she lay down on her bed. She looked down at Ranma who was already snoring and embracing his pillow. She chuckled and pulled the sheets. In a while, she was asleep.
End of Chapter 1
From the Author:
Just so you guys know, this fanfic is full of dreams. One dream for each power and many other dreams. These dreams would serve as visions of some sort...
Ever heard of "Fatal Fury: The Motion Picture," the one with Terry and Andy Bogard, and the irresistable Mai Shiranui? If you have, then you definitely should've noticed one of the lines I sort of borrowed from the said anime. Please don't sue me for borrowing those lines... I don't have any money...
I would also like to say that I skipped the part where Ukyo, Shampoo and even Kodachi sort of apologizes to Ranma for what happened during the wedding. Let's just say that it took all of Ranma's patience and Akane's for that matter to not strangle the culprits. After all, forgiveness is what saved us from eternal punishment. Um... I'm talking about God's forgiveness, OK?
Yes, I made Ranma a bit nicer in this fanfic. I just made him realize some stuff like him not wanting to lose Akane in anyway ever again after that Saffron incident. Having your fiancée almost die in your arms, you not being able to do anything about it, can make someone think of a lot of stuff: like telling your fiancée how much you love her.
Akane seems to be the subdued type in this fanfic. Actually, I needed to make her act a bit if not very subdued for at least the first few chapters to set a part of the mood. Akane's usually not afraid, not even threatened of something like a nightmare. I just figured that the final fight they had between Saffron would have such an effect on Akane, who, as we all know, almost died while trying to save Ranma from dying... um... get the picture?
I know that you've noticed that most of the characters are definitely nicer in this fanfic. Well, I need all of them to realize how foolish they've been living for the past year. Fight here, fight there. It's just so tiring. I believe making them friends is much better then leaving them trying to kill each other.
Of course, such a process would take very long. The friendship/comrade thing may be easy but being able to trust someone fully, let alone love that person is something that happens gradually. That's why I decided to make this a trilogy.
All comments, suggestions, criticisms and the like, please click the link below.
All Ranma 1/2 characters copyright to Rumiko Takahashi. They are used without permission. Please do not sue me, I don't have money.
©1998 Shirley Joy Gadia, all other characters mentioned above and the story, all rights reserved.
Thank you!