Chapter 6 A Wish (One month later) "Ranma," asked Akane, "Did you know where Marle went? I wanted to talk to her but she is nowhere to be found. She said she would let me ride on the Epoch." "Oh, I think Ryouga took them on a little tour of Japan," replied Ranma, "Akane, I don't think they'll be back anytime soon." "Stop making fun of Ryouga-kun, Ranma!" scolded Akane. Despite her attempts to sound angry, an edge of sadness was easily detectable in her voice. "Oh well, I always wanted to ride on the thing. I guess I'll just have to wait for another day. Wouldn't it be cool to just ride on that thing?" continued Akane dreamily. Ranma couldn't recall too many instances where Akane was depressed, but this seemed to be one of them. He decided to do something intelligent by trying to cheer her up. "Akane, what don't we take their Epoch for ourselves. They'll understand. Besides, I always want to fly that thing too!" suggested Ranma. "You sure about this, Ranma?" questioned Akane, "From what we heard from them, this is supposed to be a time machine. What if we got sent into some unknown time period? How will be get back?" "Akane, you've been reading too much science-fiction lately. I think they just made up all those time travel stuff just to scare us. I bet you the mighty 'Epoch' is just some kind of fancy private helicopter or something like that. Anyway, since when did you became the type that don't take risks?" teased Ranma, "Come on. I know what I'm doing. Trust me." Ranma dragged Akane along to the Epoch. Akane didn't like the idea of Ranma piloting the Epoch, but she didn't reject Ranma's idea. thought Akane, Ranma hopped into the pilot seat and Akane sat in the back seat. "Now, let's see," mumbled Ranma, "I'll just turn on these switches, fiddle with these, turn off those... there!" The Epoch engines came alive and took off. However, what Ranma didn't know was that he enabled the time travel as well. With a flash of iridescent light the Epoch vanished from Ranma's time period, taking Ranma and Akane into another time. thought Akane. "Uh... Ranma," asked Akane, "I think you just enabled the time travel function on the Epoch. Idiot! Why do you always get into such a mess!" "Okay, let's not panic," Ranma tried to calm Akane down, "We should get out of this craft first and find out where are we. Trust me, Akane." Akane decided not to argue. The last thing they would need to do was to quarrel amongst themselves while trapped in an unknown time period. Ranma and Akane got out of the Epoch and took a look around. They landed in a secluded area and an old man was waiting for them. "Ah... it is been a long time since I have new visitors," the old man welcomed them, "Tell me, my young friends, how did you get here?" "That's something we would like to know," answered Ranma and Akane spontaneously. "Well, you're at The End of Time," explained the old man. "I'm Gaspar, the Guru of Time. Please, feel free to stay around until you find a way home." "The End of Time?" questioned Ranma, "When is that?" "It is..." Gaspar stopped. "No, it couldn't be," he muttered, "Someone is attempting to breach the sealed time gates! Could it be... Lavos? Who else would have enough power to penetrate the seal?" Akane and Ranma had no idea what this Lavos character was, but the urgency of Gaspar's voice made them realize that trouble was coming. Suddenly, Akane recalled her conversation with Robo, "Let's just say Earth would have been destroyed had it not been prevented." Akane shivered in fear. Obviously Lavos was directly responsible for the Day of Lavos. How could Ranma and she handle it? They were very good martial artists, but Akane doubted that even Ranma wouldn't be able to stop the thing that almost destroyed the planet. Akane hid behind Ranma as a portal materialized. And just who should stepped out of that portal was... Lucca? Lucca dashed out immediately, followed by Marle. thought Akane as she let go a sigh of relief. Lucca was extremely worried and tense. She didn't even see Ranma and Akane as she grabbed Gaspar, "Gaspar, some of our friends took the Epoch and is lost somewhere in time! We got to find them! We can't just lose the Epoch like that!" "Lucca, why did you break the seal! The promise was that you keep your Epoch and leave the gates sealed for good!" scolded Gaspar. "Well, Epoch is lost somewhere in time, and we can't get it back without some other form of time travel!" pointed out Lucca. "A time machine fallen in the wrong hands can be very dangerous. Sorry, but I had to look for my Epoch. I figure you would know. I left the default time warp to The End of Time. Have you seem anybody dropping by lately?" "Sure," answered Gaspar, "In fact, I just have two visitors at this moment. They're over there and you should've see them already if you weren't in such a rush." Lucca looked and noticed Ranma and Akane. She immediately understood how they got here. "Whew," she sighed, "So you two took the Epoch for a little ride, didn't you! It is a good thing I found you. Otherwise you might have been lost in time forever!" "Sorry," replied Ranma, "It is all Akane's fault. She wanted to go on it first. Oh, Akane! Why are you hiding behind me? Are you scared?" Akane was furious and embarrassed. She was embarrassed because she was hiding behind Ranma, and she was furious because Ranma was being a complete jerk again. She could be frightened easily, and she wanted Ranma to protect her. However, Ranma never realized that she needed protection and always made fun of her when she needed him the most. She searched around the area and found a bucket of water. She splashed cold water on Ranma and booted him into the air. "My fault!" she screamed, "You said you got everything under control!" Ranma-chan landed and Lucca and Marle stared at him in amazement. "You're... a girl?" asked Lucca. "Oh yeah," replied Ranma-chan, "It is just that it seems to me everyone knows it that I guess I never explain my... my curse. I guess it is about time I told you my little secret." (Ranma told Lucca and Marle everything about his curse) Ranma, now a boy again thanks to the hot water heated by Lucca's magic, finished his long story, "So, that's my story. You must this is some kind of crazy story, don't you?" Lucca and Marle exchanged a quick glance and they both thought of Frog. "No, we've seem far more stranger things," they answered. "Whatever," sighed Ranma, "Oh, what I wouldn't do to be normal again!" "Wait the second," questioned Lucca, "Ranma, you fall in the cursed spring, right?" "Yeah," replied Ranma, "But I don't see any significance in falling the cursed spring. Not much I can do get rid of this curse now, since Jusenkyo has overflowed." "Wait here, Ranma," said Lucca, "I need to talk to Marle for something." Lucca dragged Marle into a small room. "Okay, Lucca," asked Marle, "Now tell me what this is all about." "I think I've the perfect plan to put them together," smiled Lucca, "It seems like you can't do it by yourself, so I'm offering my help." "Okay, let's here it, genius," agreed Marle. Lucca was right, of course. Marle tried all she could during the past month but to no avail. No matter what she tried, Akane was always too shy to admit anything in front of Ranma. For Akane, even thinking nice about Ranma was hard. Marle decided that she could use some help after all. "I'm been thinking, Marle," began Lucca, "Ranma seems to willing to do anything to get rid of his curse." "Right. You would naturally assume that he would," agreed Marle sarcastically. "Well. Suppose we can somewhat get Akane to get rid of his curse for him? Wouldn't they finally admit that they love each other after that?" suggested Lucca. "I thought you didn't think they were in love?" puzzled Marle. "Well, even a genius doesn't know everything. I guess you know more about this than me so I'll just take your words for it. Anyway, don't you think it is going to work? I bet Ranma is willing to do anything to get rid of that curse!" continued Lucca. "You are going to threaten him?" asked Marle, "I don't think that will work. He seems to me as the type that will never give in to threats. Also, think of what Akane will feel if she found out that Ranma say that he loved her only to get rid of his curse!" "Of course not," answered Lucca, "I'm not going to threaten him. In fact, I will make him want Akane to love him. I'm going to make him realize how important it is for Akane to love him and that he will appreciate her. After that, everything should fall in to place nicely. I'm sure if they can get past that I-hate-you barrier they surrounds themselves with everything will work." "That sounds like a good idea," agreed Marle, "But I don't see how it will work. You're describing a miracle here, Lucca. These two will never admit anything to each other. Not right now, anyway. I don't think Ranma will realize how important Akane is unless she is dead. You see, they take each other for granted so that they never appreciate how important they are to each other. Frankly, I think pulling one of those fake death stunts you tried earlier will not be a good idea either. It is not that they don't love each other, but they're so persistent and stubborn! We're human, not gods. It will be nice if I can just wave my hand and that they fall in love instantly, but that is not how the real world works." "Well, I'm describing a miracle... a miracle that worked for you before, actually," smiled Lucca, "See, I'm positive that Gaspar has another Chrono Trigger." "I see what you mean by miracle now. But... even if Gaspar had another Chrono Trigger, how will that help? All it did with letting us put a clone Crono to die in place of the real Crono! I mean, it is a miracle that we revived him, but this has nothing to do with..." then abruptly Marle got the idea as well, "Of course! We get a clone Ranma to fall in the spring so that the real Ranma wouldn't!" Author's note: the clone is an inanimate object, kind of like a doll. It is not alive, unlike the Sci-fi movies. The Chrono Trigger is an egg shaped magical artifact that can let you fix the past. "That's right," smiled Lucca, "And you know that the Chrono Trigger has to be powered by pure love. See, if Ranma wants to get rid of his curse he will have to have Akane loving him. After he got his curse fixed, he will realize how much Akane loves him and everything will be going all right!" "I see... in order for the magic to work Akane has to wish for him! I remember the likelihood of the wish to succeed is directly related to how much a person loved for the person he wished for. Yes! It will work! Akane loves Ranma as much as I love Crono, so her wish has to work! Lucca, you're a genius! Sometimes I don't understand you!" remarked Marle, "Okay, let's go see Gaspar right away." After long hours of begging, Marle and Lucca convinced Gaspar to give them another Chrono Trigger. Lucca then approached Ranma and Akane and announced, "Sorry to keep you waiting. Ranma, we think we may have found a way to fix your curse." "Is it true?" asked Ranma, his hands trembling, "Tell me how!" Lucca pulled out the Chrono Trigger, "We got this thing called the Chrono Trigger. It is kind of hard to explain how it works and what is does. So, for the sakes of simplification let's just say it can grant a wish when used properly." Ranma immediately snatched the Chrono Trigger from Lucca and prayed, "I wish I was never cursed!" Then, Ranma splashed cold water on himself. Looking at his reflection, he realized that he was still cursed. "You lie to me," yelled Ranma-chan, "It didn't work!" "Well, if you just calm down for a second, Ranma," sighed Lucca, "You have to use it correctly. It must be used on top of Death Peak in 2300 AD. Also, you cannot wish for yourself. Someone else have to wish for you, and that person has to REALLY love you. Otherwise, the wish will fail." Ranma instantly looked at Akane, "Akane... please... uh... would you... do this... um... you know..." thought Akane, "Very well," sighed Akane as she tried to hide her tears, "Since this is so important for you, I will do it." "Thank you, Akane," replied Ranma. Ranma was ecstatic. A cure was finally in sight. Somehow, something was wrong. Akane... yes, she was sad. Akane could barely hold her tears. thought Ranma, Ranma thought for a moment. It was a hard decision, but Ranma decided that Akane had lost something far more important than he. He took Akane's hand and gave the Chrono Trigger to Akane. "Akane," he began, "I want you to have this. You want to bring your mother back, right?" "Ranma..." she trembled, "You knew? I... I... I thank you, Ranma. You don't know how much this means to me." "Wait," interrupted Lucca, "Akane, how did your mother died?" "She died due to sickness," replied Akane. Lucca quickly thought about this. Lucca thought, "Akane," Lucca began, "I don't know how to say this... but... I'm afraid the Chrono Trigger cannot bring her back. It can only bring back those who weren't suppose to die. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying your mother deserved to die, but it has to be a very premature death. For example, we were able to bring back Crono because he wasn't suppose to die this young." Akane froze at those words. Ranma expected her to cry, but she didn't. "Ranma, I guess you should have this then," said Akane flatly as she gave the Chrono Trigger back to Ranma, "Well... let's fix your curse, then. I should have known it wouldn't be possible..." Ranma lightly grabbed Akane's hand and spoke in his gentlest voice, "Akane, please, don't try to hide your emotions. A good cry will make you feel better. Just let it out. It is better this way." Hearing Ranma's gentle words, Akane finally couldn't hold her tears anymore. She was shocked to find her hopes shattered, but she was happy from Ranma's words. she thought, Ranma gently hold her hands and comforted her. thought Ranma, Meanwhile, Marle whispered to Lucca, "Wow! Your plan is actually working!" "Of course," answered Lucca, "How can I, Lucca the genius, ever fail?" "Your genius only applies to machines and technology, not love," retorted Marle, "But I'm beginning to think otherwise. Are you just pretending to be a love klutz all along? Maybe for once you're right, Lucca! Oh, by the way, how are we going to get a clone Ranma?" "It won't be too much trouble. I have built a cloning machine during my spare times. See! You do need my brains after all! Once we get to the top of the death peak, we'll get an instant clone," replied Lucca. (Several hours later. Marle, Lucca, Ranma, and Akane arrived at Death Peak. Ranma had already give the Chrono Trigger to Akane earlier since she must be the one who wishes for him.) "Watch your steps there," cautioned Marle, "Hey you two! Stop talking and don't be so slow! It is very slippery. Good thing my friends and I already cleaned out the monsters during our first visit!" Ranma could only wonder what kind of life Marle and Lucca led before he met them. Akane now finally understand why Marle was smiling when she told her people accused her of being a tomboy. Marle was definitely far more adventurous and out-going than Akane would ever be. After three hours of long and arduous walk upon this incredibly tall mountain, Marle and Lucca still seemed that they could go on forever. Ranma was getting a little bit tired, and he knew Akane must be really tired. He was adventurous and wild, that was true. Still, taking a look at the endless ravine and the howling winds, Ranma couldn't help but to be a little scared. thought Ranma, Akane silently trailed behind as she tried her best to keep up. "Akane," stopped Ranma as he waited for her to catch up, "Can you keep this up? If it is really tiring just let me..." "I can do it, Ranma," smiled Akane, "I'm not that out of shape. Just a little tired. I can keep up." Akane continued her slow pace, keeping about a distance of 10-20 meters between herself and the others. As she absent-mindedly continued the journey, she thought happily, Akane was still thinking when she heard a swoosh sound. Looking up, Akane saw many razor sharp needles aiming at Ranma, Lucca, and Marle. Ranma and the others were cheerfully socializing that none of them noticed the impending danger. Akane sprinted faster than she had ever before and without even thinking, Akane grabbed Ranma and tried to dive out of the way. She saved Ranma, but she couldn't dodge the needles herself. The needles pierced through Akane easily, leaving her fatally wounded. Strangely, Akane didn't feel pain. She was glad... glad that she was able to save Ranma. Meanwhile, Lucca and Marle somehow sensed the needle before it hit them. "That's a Lavos Spawn needle," remarked Marle in disbelief, "I thought we got all of them already!" Lucca saw Akane already bleeding profusely from the wound. She turned around and shouted, "We somehow missed one of them the first time! Lavos! Even after your death your evil lives on! Why? Is it that you still hope that your children can sometime reclaim Earth? We will make sure this never comes true! Take this, FLARE!" Marle turned to Ranma and commanded, "Ranma, you stay out of this. Not to look down on you, but you're likely to get kill in the crossfire. We're looking at a very dangerous creature here and we must kill it quickly. You just go and take care of Akane. I must help Lucca. After all, this is the child of the Lavos, the creature that almost destroyed Earth." Ranma obeyed and stole a quick glance at the Lavos Spawn. It was a strange creature with a small eye and a shell consisting of thousands of razor-sharp needles. Lucca and Marle evidently decided not to give Lavos Spawn another chance to attack. The sky above Death Peak flared brilliantly with their magical energy. After everything was visible again, there was no trace of Lavos Spawn left. It was completely obliterated and destroyed. It would not harm another living soul again. After Lavos Spawn was defeated, Lucca and Marle rushed to check on Akane. "Ranma..." called Akane, fighting hard to stay alive, "I... I'm not going to... make it." "No, Akane!" cried Ranma, "You can't just die on me like that!" "I... I don't want... to... but seems like I... can't go on," she struggled and took out the Chrono Trigger, "Ranma... I bless all my love for you... in this Chrono Trigger... Promise me, no matter... what happens... that you will change... back to normal... okay?" "No, Akane!" screamed Ranma, "Don't say that!" Turning around, Ranma saw Marle coming, "Marle, can you help Akane! Please!" Marle took a look at Akane and her expression made Ranma froze. "Sorry," she said sadly, "She is beyond cure. Way too much damage by these needles, Ranma. Take a look for yourself, Ranma. I can heal people, but I cannot raise dead. Those wounds are simply too serious to be healed. Heck, those needles could very easily killed anyone of us since no one was prepared for it." thought Ranma. Marle continued, "However, I can try to let her live a little longer. It is least I can do. CURE 2!" Ranma noticed that Akane seemed to be slightly better. Marle evidently tried to extend her life as much as she could. Akane continued to speak, "Ranma... will you... promise me that?" "Of course, Akane!" Ranma cried, "Anything you ask! Please don't die!" "Good..." she smiled, "It is ironic. The future... it is changeable after all. I failed... You will survive, but I will not. It is not supposed.... to be that way. Ranma... if you love me... promise to take... care of yourself... and I want you... to be cured. I only wish... I can... tell you... how much... I... I..." She never got to confess her love. With a smile still on her face, Akane was gone. No one understood the part about the future was changeable, but everyone clearly understood her love. It was too late now, though. "Akane! Answer me! Say something!" Ranma still refused to give up. "Ranma..." said Lucca, "You can't help her now. She is dead." Ranma couldn't believe that Akane was dead. He refused to accept it. He held her body in his hands and replied, "Akane? Please... say something!" "Um, Ranma," interrupted Lucca, "These things happen, you know. It happens to all of us. We all have memories we regret, but these things happen." Ranma didn't hear a word of what Lucca was saying and continued to talk to Akane, "Akane! Please say something! I promise I will do everything I can to make you happy! Don't you know how much I love you? You can't just leave me!" "Listen! Ranma!" shouted Lucca. "I'm sorry for all I've done to make you angry, Akane. Please... just say anything!" Ranma ignored Lucca and continued to desperately hope that Akane was still alive. Lucca tried to hit Ranma on the head with her tools, but still there was no response. "Akane! Please come back to me!" Ranma continued, "I'm begging you! You can't just leave me like this! It is not fair! Akane! I will always protect you and love you! You'll see! I'm going to change and never insult you again! Why aren't you saying anything, Akane? Don't you know that I love you, Akane?" "That does it," shouted Lucca, "FIRE!" Ranma sensed the fire just before it hit him. "HIRYU SHOTEN HA!" Ranma countered the fire attack. As he watch Lucca going up in his whirlwind, he shouted, "Leave Akane along! You touch her, and I'll KILL you!" Lucca plummeted from the sky and was injured. She didn't really expect Ranma to fight back, and that caught her off guard. Yes, she knew exactly how to prevent Ranma from using the Hiryu Shoten Ha. However, she didn't think Ranma was even paying attention to anything at all. No... he was only paying attention to Akane. When the fire threatened to torch her Ranma immediately countered it. Lucca didn't blame Ranma for doing that because she knew she was rash on her idea. It was probably a good thing that Ranma stopped her. Otherwise, she might have torched Akane's body. Given the current circumstances, Ranma would probably kill her for doing that. she thought, Lucca made up her mind and declared, "Okay, let's try this then. HYPNO WAVE!" Note: In case you didn't figure it out, Hypno Wave causes the victim(s) to fell asleep. A green glowed surrounded Ranma and eventually he calm down and fell asleep. Even though he was asleep, his hands still was tightly holding Akane. "At least he's calmed down," sighed Marle, "This must be very hard on him. I know how he feels. I know too well." Lucca knew that Marle was thinking of the times she thought Crono was dead. "It is all my fault," sobbed Lucca, "I shouldn't have take them to such a dangerous place as this." "It is all right, Lucca," cajoled Marle, "Your intention was good. We should have been more careful. It is all Lavos's fault! Who would have known that one of its offspring survived?" "No! It is my fault!" shouted Lucca, "I should have dismantled the Epoch a long time ago. Time traveling is too dangerous, Marle. I will dismantle the Epoch as soon as we get Ranma back to his time period." "Come on, Lucca," urged Marle, "You don't have to do that. Besides, the Epoch allowed us to save the world. Don't give up yet. With your genius you might still think of something." "My genius?" questioned Lucca, "Yes, it is my genius that brought the Epoch to us. It is my genius that got them into this mess. Besides, what can we do, Marle?" "Maybe there's some way to bring Akane back," suggested Marle. "How?" questioned Lucca, "You know perfectly well that we can't do that without a Chrono Trigger!" "THAT'S IT!" Marle leapt in joy, "Lucca, you did it again. We do have another Chrono Trigger!" (One hour later) Ranma woke up slowly. First thing he noticed was that he was sleeping in snow. he thought reflexively. He quickly noticed that he was holding Akane in his hand, and then he remembered everything. "Ranma..." began Marle, "She is dead. You have to accept that fact. However..." "Yes, I understand," interrupted Ranma, "It is all clear to me now. I have just one favor to ask from you, Marle." "You know... it might be..." Marle tried again. "I've failed and insulted Akane all my life, but I won't fail her this time. She wanted me to take care of myself, and I won't fail her on that. I will do exactly what she wants. I will get my curse cured and take care of myself. I also need a favor from you, Marle," continued Ranma, "After we reached the summit and fulfilled Akane's last wish, I want you to encase Akane in ice. I want to preserve her beauty. That way, I will always have something to remember her by. She will always be my beautiful tomboy, and no one will ever replace her part in my heart. She'll be proud of me. I will take care of myself so that she will not have to worry about me anymore." "You see..." said Marle. "Just tell me yes or no!" yelled Ranma. "Uh..." replied Marle, taken aback by Ranma's determination, "I guess it is okay." "Thank you," replied Ranma. Turning to Akane, he gave her another long, gentle kiss. "You hear that, Akane," he began, "Did you hear that, Akane? I won't fail you again. I will make you proud of me, Akane. You're so beautiful, Akane..." "RANMA!" screamed Marle, "Just listen to me for a second!" Marle finally got Ranma's attention. "Okay, what is it?" he asked. "There might still be a way to bring her back..." began Marle. "Stop lying to me. It is impossible. I understand. She is dead." rebuked Ranma defiantly. "No," said Marle, "Remember what we said about the Chrono Trigger when Akane wanted to bring her mother back?" "Yeah, you said it wouldn't work for Akane's mother. You said that it can only bring back those that died a very premature death..." Ranma grabbed Marle, "You don't say? Can it work?" "It is our best chance," stated Marle, "It worked for Crono before. Maybe it will work again." thought Ranma. He then slapped himself hard, "Well, Ranma, " asked Marle, "You going to do it or not?" "I have nothing to lose now," replied Ranma, "The worst that can happen is that it doesn't work. I might not get my curse fixed, but I don't mind anymore. I'm willing to make any sacrifice to get her back. If it doesn't work, though, that is okay... I guess. Akane didn't want me to do anything stupid after she died, and I intend to honor her request. Just remember that I want you to preserve Akane's beauty should this fail, okay?" Marle silently nodded her head. (At the summit of Death Peak) Ranma, Lucca, and Marle managed to scale the rest of the Death Peak without further interruption. "Well, we're almost there," announced Lucca, "Oh yeah, Ranma, let me see Akane for a second, okay?" Ranma was very hesitant to let anyone else to touch Akane. "Why?" he questioned. "Don't ask me why now! If you refuse, all we done thus far will be in vain!" replied Lucca. Reluctantly, Ranma handed Akane to Lucca. Lucca then pulled out her portable cloning machine and made an instant Akane doll. "What's the meaning of that! You think you can give me that to replace my beautiful Akane should the wish fail?" demanded Ranma. "No! You'll see soon." answered Lucca, "Without this Akane doll, the Chrono Trigger cannot work." Ranma decided not to question Lucca's actions and continued walking. At last, they arrived at the summit. "Okay, Ranma," instructed Marle, "Now, you go to the top of the summit and hold the Chrono Trigger in your hands. Think about Akane and how much your loved her. Wish for her to come back with all your love. It is the only way the Chrono Trigger can work." Ranma obediently followed Marle's directions and do as he was told. he thought, The Chrono Trigger shimmered lightly and floated in the air. It then shattered into a million little pieces. Ranma was emotionless. "I should've known it wouldn't be possible. Still... I will not fail Akane again. It will be hard... but I will learn to live without her. Akane will be proud..." he muttered. "Ooops, Ranma," said Marle, "I forgot to tell you that the Chrono Trigger is suppose to shatter into a million pieces. Really, that is how it works! Look!" Ranma looked the direction Marle was saw a black portal slowly materializing in the sky. "What... what's that!" he pointed. "We'll explain later," said Lucca, "Right now, just follow me!" Ranma followed Marle and Lucca into the portal. Then, he saw something he never believed to be possible. He saw Akane, himself, Marle, and Lucca. All as if they're frozen in time. "This is..." he said incredulously. "Yes," nodded Marle, "This is a time freeze." Ranma saw those needles coming to Akane. They were only 1 centimeter from hitting her. He tried to break them so that they wouldn't hurt Akane, but try as he might, the needles would not budge. "Ranma, we can only move Akane right now. You only have power to change the one you wished for, which would be Akane in this case. Hurry, this won't last forever." said Marle, "Here, take this doll and hurry!" thought Ranma, Ranma quickly placed the Akane doll in place of the real Akane and put the real Akane somewhere else aside. He then quickly got out of the time freeze and returned to the summit. Ranma then quickly looked at where Akane's body used to be, and now it was indeed the doll he had placed just a moment ago. sighed Ranma. Without saying a word, Ranma dashed down the Death Peak to see whether Akane was indeed where he had left her. He ran with a reckless speed and finally reached where he thought Akane had died. Sure enough, Akane was lying down on the snow, just as Ranma had put her during the time freeze. Ranma quickly touched her. She felt warm to his touch, and she was breathing steadily. All his troubles and problems seemed nothing now. The curse, his multiple fiancees, his sworn enemies, and everything else didn't worry him anymore. Akane was alive. That was all it mattered. Marle and Lucca caught up to Ranma. "Why isn't she conscious?" asked Ranma, "If I got this time travel stuff right, she should have been unhurt completely! Why is she not conscious!" "Ranma, time travel is not as easy as you think," commented Lucca, "It may not be so obvious, but coming back from the dead does do serious damage to one's health. Crono was like that too when we brought him back, and Crono's a lot stronger than your Akane. She is just weak from just returning from the dead. We'll leave you two alone, so good-bye!" Ranma wasn't too sure but he still kept his hopes high. He knew Akane was alive, and that motivated him to wait for anything. He silently waited and watched Akane for many minutes. Finally, Ranma saw her lips move and heard the words, "Ranma... Ranma..." "Akane, you're alive!" gasped Ranma. Akane slowly opened her eyes, "Ranma... is that you? Gosh... I must have been hurt by those needles pretty bad. I... I'm so tired. I can't remember too well. I had a nightmare. I was in this really dark place all by myself. I... I'm so scared!" Ranma held her hands gently and let Akane lean on his shoulders, "It is all right now, Akane." he soothed her. Meanwhile, Akane had no idea that she just returned from the dead. As far as she was concerned, she only knew that she was in this very terrible and dark place and she was tired beyond belief. "Thank you, Ranma," she said, blushing, "Um... you can stop holding me like that now, Ranma. I'm really okay, just scared and tired. I guess I got hurt more than I thought." thought Ranma, Ranma tightened his grip on Akane and Akane was getting very uneasy. "Ranma... why are you holding me like that?" she asked, "Is there something wrong?" Ranma didn't answer but continue to tighten his grip. Akane, still weak from recovering her death, tried to shake Ranma off but couldn't. Besides, in her heart, she always wanted Ranma to hold her like this. she thought, "Ranma," she tried again, "Please, would you mind telling me why you're acting this way?" Ranma drew closer to Akane. "Ranma, what do you think you're doing!" shouted Akane. Ranma drew even closer and replied, "I didn't get to kiss you last time, but it doesn't matter. Akane, I'm going to make it up to you. First, I'll kiss you and then we can start our relationship anew." thought Akane, With a sudden burst of energy, Akane managed to shove Ranma back. Not too far, but just enough so that he wouldn't be able to kiss her. Ranma was devastated, "You... you hate me this much, Akane?" he asked, depressed. "Ranma, it is not like I hate you," replied Akane, exhausted, "But... but would you mind telling me why you're doing this? I thought we're here to fix your curse! What is with all the affection all the sudden? I believe I was trying to save you from getting hit by those needles, but nothing after that! Shouldn't we try to fix your curse now?" Author's note of clarification - Akane is not suffering from a memory loss. She tried to save Ranma from the needles. Prior to the impact, she was placed somewhere safe via the Chrono Trigger. In her mind, she naturally assumed that the needles hurt her and knocked her out for a while. Ranma was relieved. he thought, "It... is something I don't want to talk about," Ranma attempted to avoid the subject. "Please," begged Akane, "Let me know what happened!" Ranma softened and he knew he could not refuse Akane anything when she was like this. "All right," he sighed, "It is a long story..." Ranma told Akane everything. He told her about how she was killed, how he felt after her death, and about how they managed to bring her back. Akane was dumbfounded, "You're not telling me..." she muttered, "That I was dead?" "Yes, Akane. I'm sorry. You may not believe a word of this, but it is all true. It is my fault. I should never have dragged you along with me," apologized Ranma. "It sounds impossible, but I believe you," answered Akane, "So that's why you're so nice. You don't want to... lose me again? Do you really mean that, Ranma?" "Yes, Akane. Sorry I was so stupid as to trying to kiss you without even letting you know what happened. I... I don't want to lose you again, so... um... you know... I feel that we should have something to remember in case... in case someday something happened to one of us. Can I... can I kiss you know? Please?" "Don't say that, Ranma," answered Akane as this reminded her of Ranma's foretold death, "And... Ranma, I don't think I'm ready for this, not yet... neither are you." "But..." replied Ranma. "Ranma, please," she interrupted him as she hugged Ranma fiercely, "Right now, just don't say anything. That's all I ask." thought Ranma, He replied, "Of course, Akane." For a long moment, Akane and Ranma simply hugged each other in tight embrace. Ranma felt so happy that he thought he would faint. They were so deep in thought that neither of them noticed the gentle green light surrounding them... Finally Akane broke the hug and the silence, "Ranma, I'm sleepy." Ranma too was feeling the fatigue, but he ignored it and told Akane, "Akane, that's enough for one day. You do need some rest." "Okay, Ranma," Akane replied sleepily. Ranma watched her carefully as Akane prepared to sleep. "Won't you get cold in the snow?" asked Ranma. "That's okay," smiled Akane, "I'm not that fragile, Ranma." "Sorry... I guess I'm worrying too much," answered Ranma. thought Ranma, Ranma walked about 15 meters away from Akane and prepared to get some sleep. "Ranma, why are you staying away from me?" called Akane. So she hadn't fell asleep, not yet. "Um... stay close to me, okay?" pleaded Akane. "Are you sure about this?" questioned Ranma as he walked back to Akane, "I mean..." Ranma paused, realizing that Akane was already fast asleep. Ranma silently left a sigh of relief as he prepared to go to sleep as well. thought Ranma reflexively, Just as Ranma prepared to leave, however, Akane screamed, "HELP! I'm scared, Ranma... Don't leave me!" he thought, Ranma decided to whisper in Akane's ears, "I'm here, Akane. Everything will be all right." Akane somehow heard Ranma and calm down. "Thank you... Ranma," she muttered in her sleep. Ranma didn't believe it. He never realized how much he meant to Akane. Just his few words was able to calm the highly tomboyish and hyperactive Akane down. Ranma never realized that Akane needed his protection that much. Ranma was still thinking about this when Akane suddenly got a hold of him. "You're here, Ranma... I'm so happy..." Akane spoke unconsciously and was hugging Ranma fiercely. Ranma was scarlet and didn't know what to do. Wake her up? Not a good idea. Try to break free? He seemed to lose all his strength the moment Akane hugged him. Wait till she lets go? He might lose control of himself by then. The closer to Akane, the more irresistible she became. once again Ranma thought reflexively, Ranma's heart and mind continued to race as Akane continued her hug. "Don't leave... stay here... I'm so happy," Ranma make the barely intelligent words. What should he do? Taking a look at Akane, he never saw her more calm and beautiful. She was happy, finally at peace with the world. Her tranquil smile seemed to tell Ranma that everything was going to be all right. Ranma felt his heart skipped a beat as the moonlight shone brilliantly on Akane. She was happy that Ranma was here to protect her. It was that smile that made Ranma felt ashamed. Akane needed him because she was scared. She needed someone to protect her, and that was all. Ranma should be there to comfort and guard her. Instead, he was having these hentai thoughts about Akane. he thought, After what seemed like an eternity Akane finally let go. "Ranma..." Akane muttered happily. Ranma was glad that he didn't do anything stupid. He thought again about leaving and sleeping somewhere else tonight, but changed his mind. Akane needed him to protect her, and that was all. He would not degrade her with his hentai thoughts. That can wait until they're married. As he lie down on the snow and prepared to sleep, he gave Akane one final loving glance. "Good night, Akane," he whispered, "I'll be here for you always. I love you." Ranma finally fell asleep. Moments later, Marle and Lucca emerged from their hiding place. "Do you think it was a good idea?" asked Lucca. "Yes, Lucca," assured Marle, "They do need some rest. That's enough for them in one day. Hmmm... Ranma was awake for a really long time, but I suppose it is possible. Anyone who concentrates hard can easily overcome the sleep-inducing effect of your Hypno Wave! Hmmm... that means he must have let his guards down at the end... a good sign. By the way, Lucca, are you still going to dismantle the Epoch?" "No way!" laughed Lucca, "Now I have faith in myself again. See, it was my genius that save Akane. Thanks to Lucca the Great, it seems like these 2 quarreling couples are finally at peace! See, my plan did work after all!"