The End of a Dream By Eathan Michaud Prologue: Aftermath Disclaimer: I don't own the Ranma 1/2 characters. They belong to Rumiko Takahashi. If I tried to claim them, Ryoga would beat the crap outta me. Along with Akane, Ranma, Taro, Ukyo, etc. It was during the battle at Jusendo. This is where everything was shot to hell. During the battle to save Akane, Ranma had been knocked into a corrupted spring. When Ranma-chan emerged, she didn’t feel any different, so she continued her fight with Saffron. Ranma-chan defeated Saffron with a Hiryu Shoten Ha and then rushed towards Akane’s still form. Akane didn’t move, not even the rising and falling of her chest to indicate she was breathing. “Akane…” Tears started welling up in Ranma-chan’s eyes. “No… I, I never got to tell you…” Ryoga, Mousse, and Shampoo were standing near Ranma-chan and Akane. “That I love you.” Silence. Then darkness claimed Ranma-chan. Ryoga, Mousse, and Shampoo were trekking through the wilderness toward a coastal village. Shampoo’s expression was grim as she lead the way, Mousse was carrying a cloth wrapped bundle, and Ryoga was carrying Ranma-chan, and managing not getting lost. They’ve been silent since Ranma-chan professes her love for Akane, and were nearing the village. Ranma-chan stirred slightly in Ryoga’s arms, who gently placed her down. Shampoo and Mousse had stopped as well and they watched Ranma-chan awaken. Her eyes fluttered open as she tried to remember what happened. “Akane…” she said weakly, tears threatening to come forth. She took in the others’ faces. Shampoo, she didn’t look happy that the ‘obstacle’ had been removed. Her expression was grim and she was avoiding eye contact with Ranma-chan. Mousse, his expression was neutral, probably mourning in his own way. Ryoga, he was depressed. Even though he has Akari, it didn’t make Akane’s death hurt any less. Ranma-chan thought of how Akane’s death would affect everyone else in their lives. Kasumi would be crushed, Nabiki would retreat into her shell again, Soun would cry for days on end, Ukyo would mourn, then chase after her again, as would Shampoo, Kodachi wouldn’t care, Kuno would attack her guy side and chase her girl side with a renewed vigor, Happosai and Cologne would mourn in their own ways, and her parents, she didn’t know how her parents would react. She just hoped it wouldn’t involve a certain family katana. “Guys,” Ranma-chan said, “let’s set up camp for tonight.” The others nodded and they all started to set up camp. When they finished, they started dinner, Ranma-chan deciding to change back after she ate. They ate in silence, until Ranma-chan finished, saying, “Arigato Shampoo, it was delicious.” Shampoo replied, “You is welcome, Ranma.” Ranma-chan then took the kettle they were heating while they were eating and emptied it on her head. She didn’t change. “You guys, you guys knew, didn’t you?” The others nodded. “First Akane dies, and now I’m stuck as a girl.” Ranma-chan said, unnervingly calm. “Tell them all, I died at Jusendo, with Akane. As to why you don’t have my body, tell them it was incinerated when Saffron and I exchange our final attacks. Tell them all, except Kasumi, Nabiki, and my mother. Tell Nabiki to meet me in the woods outside Furinken. As of this moment, Saotome Ranma is dead.” The others just stared, flabbergasted. The, tentatively, they nodded. Ryoga said, “We’ll do this for you, Ranma.” “Arigato. When my new life is in order, I will send you a letter. It will be to Kasumi, from a Don Joe. Goodnight.” Ranma-chan went to sleep, the others doing so as well. Then, when everyone had fallen asleep, Ranma-chan said softly, “I’m sorry Akane.” They returned to Japan, Ranma-chan using the Umisenken as soon as possible. Ryoga, Mousse, and Shampoo delivered the news of Akane and Ranma’s deaths. Everyone, except the six that knew, mourned. A few weeks later, everyone who knew Ranma and Akane, be it friend or foe, attended Ranma and Akane’s funeral. After her meeting with Nabiki, Ranma-chan’s new life was created. Then she left Nerima, for what she thought would be the last time. (Author’s note: From now on, the primary language is English.) Months later, at a high school in a small city called New Bedford, a young girl entered a junior homeroom. She had long, flowing blue hair and soft, innocent green eyes. She wore a green tee shirt and a jean miniskirt. The teacher spoke, “Class, we have a new student. Miss, please introduce yourself.” The young girl stepped forward and performed a small bow. She shyly said, “Hello, I am Ranko Sendo. End Prologue Author’s notes: Well, here’s the beginning of a new story. As you can see, I killed off Akane. Don’t get me wrong, she’s one of my favorite characters, along with Kuno and Happosai… , but she needed to die for this story. I will try to get chapters of this, and the other stories done as soon as possible. And as always, comment and constructive criticism is welcome. Flames will be used to power my flame-fueled ion cannon and I could use proof readers. Sayonara!