~ Seventeen years ago

Akane was sitting by herself on a bench outside the university library. She watched the students pass by with an expectant look on her face. Then she checked her watch. I'll wait for him for five more minutes. Five minutes, and that's it! I'm going. Five minutes passed, and Akane's visitor still hadn't arrived. Finally, Akane stood up and grabbed her books. Just as she was about to leave, however, she heard someone call her.

"Akane!"

Akane turned and saw Kouhei Sato running towards her. She waved at him and smiled.

When Kouhei caught up to her, he paused to catch his breath. Then he smiled. "It's a good thing I managed to get here before you left."

"I was just about to leave," she told him. "I thought you said you wanted to meet me here at three o'clock, and it' s almost three-thirty."

" I know. I apologize, but I had no idea that the meeting was going to take that long."

Akane looked at him. He seemed sincere enough. Then again, since when was Kouhei Sato never sincere? Akane met him last year when she was just a freshman while he was a junior. She had just moved into the apartment where Kouhei had been living. He was her neighbor, and the two became very good friends. Akane liked Kouhei because he was the only guy who never harassed her. To Akane, he was like the big brother she never had. He had always been there for her whenever she had problems. Now it looked liked the tables were about to be turned.

"So, what's up?" asked Akane.

Kouhei looked around and then told her, "Let's not talk here where there's a lot of people."

"How about if we walk home?"

He nodded in agreement. The two of them started to walk. Once they were outside the campus, Kouhei spoke up. "Akane, I've got a problem."

Concerned, she turned to him. "Kouhei, what is it?"

He took a deep breath and replied in a low voice, "Someone's been blackmailing me."

"What? Who?"

"I don't know, but I have been getting these notes.

"What do they say?"

"That they know the truth. And if I keep paying them, the truth won't be revealed."

"That's horrible. But who would do such a thing?"

"I have no idea. Someone who really hates me, I guess."

"But who? I can't imagine someone hating you."

Kouhei stopped walking and so did Akane. He turned to her and smiled. "You're a sweet girl, Akane. I do wonder how you put up with me."

Akane smiled back at him. "You're a good friend, Kouhei. That's all that matters to me."

"Thanks, Akane. The thing is I don't know what to do. I am president of the student government. I have a job to do and a reputation to maintain, but with my problems, it's hard."

"Kouhei, I don't know what to say, except I wish I could help you."

"You already have, Akane, by listening." Then he glanced at his watch. "I have to go. I still have class. Do you think you can get home by yourself okay?"

"Of course. Look, if you want to talk, you can just drop by at my place tonight, okay?"

"Sure. Thank you, Akane." He turned around and ran back towards the campus.

Akane watched him leave. Then she turned around and continued her way home. I hope Kouhei will be alright. He's the one of the nicest people I've ever known. He doesn't deserve this.

Akane suddenly felt a water drop hit her head. Then another drop came, followed by another. Before Akane realized it, the skies opened up and rain poured out. Rats! I forgot to bring my umbrella!

Akane ran all the way to her apartment. By the time, she arrived at her door she was soaking wet. Reaching down in her pocket, she found her keys. As soon as she inserted the keys, she suddenly realized that her door was already open.

Akane entered. Puzzled, she called out, "Hello?"

There was no answer except for the water running in the bathroom. Akane walked to the bathroom and found the door ajar. She pushed it open and saw a redheaded female dressed in a red Chinese shirt that came past her upper thighs. The girl was standing by the sink wringing her pants.

"Ranma?" Akane called out.

The girl turned around. "Oh, hey, Akane. Sorry about this. If it hadn't rained..."

"I know. You would still be a boy. What are you doing here?"

"I thought I would come and visit."

They slowly smiled at each other. It had been two days since Ranma visited her. For Ranma, being away from Akane was plain torture. Ranma was drawn to her like a moth to a flame. At first, they thought what they felt was just plain physical. They spent the week before Ranma's departure day as if there was no tomorrow. However, that week turned into a month, and it was clear what they felt for each other.

Akane slowly approached onna-Ranma and leaned over to kiss her.

Ranma's eyes closed and there was some hesitation when she felt Akane's lips on hers. Akane slowly drew away from her.

She gave her a questioning look. "Ranma?"

"I just don't feel right kissing you when I'm like this."

Akane was suddenly hurt. "Oh."

"But it's not you, Akane! Really! It's me."

She looked at him again. "That curse of yours doesn't matter to me. It's a part of you that I am willing to accept not because I have to, but because it's you."

"I know, Akane. I guess it's just all in my head."

"Oh, Ranma. No matter what, I'll always love you."

Akane was about to hug her, but suddenly she let out a sneeze. Afterwards, she was about to put her arms around her again, but a series of sneezes interrupted her. The two of them giggled.

"I guess I'm going to need a hot shower," she said.

Ranma smiled. "That's a good idea. I'll turn on the water, but let me step in first, okay?"

Akane's eyes followed her as Ranma turned the shower knobs.

"Ranma..."

The girl quickly stripped off her shirt and stepped into the shower as she closed the curtains. The water ran for awhile until a male voice spoke up.

"Come on, Akane! What are you waiting for?"

Akane shook her head to herself. This was going to take some time. Without waiting for another second, she stepped out of clothes and joined him in the shower.

***

An hour later, Akane stirred awake in her bed. She turned to her left, hoping to snuggle next to Ranma's warm body. However, she discovered that side was empty.

Wide-eyed, Akane sat up and found herself alone. "Ranma?"

Moments later, Ranma appeared at the doorway. "Oh, hi! You're awake. Are you hungry?"

"Starving." She gave him a sly smile. "You wore me out."

"I'd say that was the other way around. To think I used to call you a tomboy." Then he smiled. "Tomboy."

Akane stuck her tongue out at him. "Baka!" She got up and put on her robe. She was about to leave her room when Ranma blocked her way.

"Oh, no!" He held up his hands. "Don't go out yet!"

"Ranma, don't be stupid. You don't tell me what to do in my apartment."

"Yeah, but I've gotta surprise for you and it's not ready yet. If you go out there, you're gonna ruin it."

"Are you confining me in my own room?"

"Stop complaining and get dressed. I'll call you when it's ready."

Finally, Akane agreed, and Ranma left as he closed the door behind him. Akane put on some clothes. Several minutes later, Ranma opened the door.

"You can come out now."

Akane marched past him. "This better be good."

She went to the living room and let out a gasp. Her living room was transformed into a mini restaurant. In the middle of the room was a table just for two. A candlelight dinner had been prepared. The lights were turned dim, and Akane heard a faint classical music in the background.

Hands clasped before her, she turned to Ranma. "Oh! Ranma, you did this for me!"

Ranma blushed as he explained, "Well, I ain't rich, and I can't afford to take you out to some fancy restaurant. This is the best thing I could come up with."

Her eyes glowed with warmth. "It's beautiful." She kissed his cheek. "Thank you."

Ranma looked at her. Your welcome."

Akane gazed into his blue eyes and nearly melted. He loves me. I know he loves me.

He smiled at her as he put one arm around her. "Come on. Sit down."

"What's for dinner?"

"Would ya believe? Chinese food?"

They both sat down and started to eat. During the meal, Akane asked how he managed to pull this off. He explained that while she was asleep, he bought the candles, flowers, and took some Chinese food out. He had a heck of a time trying to prepare everything, but told her that it was worth it.

Then he asked, "Akane, who's Kouhei?"

"My neighbor." She was puzzled. "Why? Was he here?"

"Yeah, he dropped by while you were asleep. He said that he just wanted to talk but he'll see you at school tomorrow. Then he took off." Ranma looked at her carefully. "Akane , he ain't...well...you know..."

"Kouhei?" Akane's eyes widened. She knew what Ranma was trying to say. The thought of Kouhei having feelings for her suddenly seemed funny.

Letting out a small giggle, she told Ranma, "He's just a friend. I seriously doubt that he's interested in me."

The subject of Kouhei never came up again. They continued to eat their dinner. When it was over, Ranma asked her to close her eyes.

Akane gave him a suspicious look. "What's this all about now?"

"Your other surprise. Come on, Akane. Be a good sport here."

Akane gave in. She closed her eyes. She heard some movement and felt Ranma's hand holding hers. Then he told her to open her eyes. When she did, she found Ranma kneeling on one knee as he held out a small box before her.

He looked up at her. "Will you marry me?"

She stared at him in shock.

"Oh...Ranma! I don't know what to say."

He pretended to look like he was thinking. "Well, yes would be nice."

Akane had to laugh. "Yes! Yes, Ranma Saotome, I will marry you!"

Ranma reached out to hug her. Then he opened the box and put the ring on her finger. Akane stared at it for a long time. "It's so beautiful."

"You're beautiful."

They hugged each other and kissed.

***

On the following morning, Ranma and Akane woke up in each other's arms. Smiling, Akane turned to him. "Good morning, my fiancée."

He smiled back at her. "I never thought I'd be happy to hear you say that."

"Me too." She sighed.

"I thought it was all just a dream."

"Believe me, this is no dream." Ranma turned to kiss her as he wrapped his arms around her. They shared a series of kisses until he drew away and said, "I've got a great idea, Akane. Let's elope."

Akane shook her head at him. "Ranma."

"I'm serious, Akane."

"Well, so am I. If we eloped, it wouldn't be fair to our parents. Knowing my father, he would want a wedding."

"And what? So the others can ruin it again?"

Akane kissed him. "That won't happen. Trust me."

He finally agreed. "Okay, but when do you want the wedding?"

"I think you should decide on that one. You're the one who has to back to America."

"Yeah, you're right. Maybe it's a good idea to wait until I come home again. Besides, I've only got three months of school left."

Slowly, she nodded. "Yeah."

Ranma felt some hesitation in her voice. "Akane?"

Akane looked at him again. "Ranma, will you be seeing Michiko?"

"Yeah."

"Oh."

Ranma placed his arms on her shoulders and made her face him. "Akane, I'm not going to marry Michiko. I'm going to marry you, alright?"

"Well, a month ago, you said otherwise."

"I know, but that was a month ago," he pointed out. "When I saw you, I fell in love with you all over again. I knew that there was no way I could ever turn back."

He took her hands into his. "Tell you what. Why don't we get married before I leave?"

Akane was surprised. "Ranma?"

"Come on, Akane. You and I know that we want to get married sooner than three months."

"If I could, I'd marry you right now, but because of our parents..."

"I've got an idea. Why don't you come home this weekend and we'll tell our parents together. I'm sure they'll go for it. I mean they've been waiting for this to happen."

Akane nodded. "Alright." Then she hugged him. "Oh, Ranma, I hope everything is going to work out so well."

"It will and it'll even get better when we get married," promised Ranma.

***

With high spirits, Ranma returned to Nerima. He could feel the excitement in the air. He and Akane might be married by the end of the week! The thought of it thrilled him. Life can't get any better than this! He thought with a smile. Instead of going home, Ranma went to see Ryoga. He knew just where to find him. Ucchan's.

Ryoga had been heartbroken since Akane left for college. He decided to go back home, but found that he could not leave Nerima. (Actually, he couldn't find his way home.) Ukyou eventually found him and took pity on the lost boy. She asked him to stay and help her run her restaurant. Ryoga, who seemed to like the idea of making a living, agreed. Thus for a small wage, food, room and board, he stayed at Ucchan's.

Ranma stepped into the okonomiyaki restaurant. As usual, the place was packed. He looked to the counter and found neither Ukyou nor Ryoga. Carefully walking past the wet floor sign, Ranma went straight for the kitchen at the back. In the kitchen, he found Ukyou standing over a black piglet as she held a kettle in her hand. She poured hot water over him, and Ryoga instantly appeared.

"Honestly, Ryoga," Ukyo was saying, "can' t you just steer clear out of the cold water?"

"Was it my fault that she threw her water into my face?" Ryoga retorted.

"Yes! You gave her the wrong order...for the FIFTH time! Besides, you were taking so long."

"I'm sorry. I got lost along the way."

Ukyou looked up at the ceiling and rolled her eyes. "At this rate, I'm going to go out of business."

With an amused look on his face, Ranma watched them. When he heard that Ryoga was working for Ukyou, he was surprised. Both Ukyou and Ryoga had been writing to Ranma and their letters were constantly full of complaints of each other yet Ukyou never fired him, and Ryoga never quit. Ranma sensed that there's more than meets the eye between them.

Ranma cleared his throat. "Am I interrupting anything?"

"Ranchan!" Ukyou forgot all about Ryoga and went to hug him.

He gave her a small hug. "How you guys doing?"

"Great!" Ukyou exclaimed.

Ryoga demanded, "Where have you been?"

Surprised, Ranma looked at him. He had never seen Ryoga so concerned about his whereabouts. "Is there something a matter?"

"Oh, yeah."

Ranma nodded. "Uh...Ukyou, can you give me and Ryoga a minute?"

"Sure," she agreed. "I got customers anyway."

As soon as Ukyou was gone, Ranma asked, "What's up?"

"Your father's been looking for you, Ranma. I wish you would tell me when or where you are going. That way I won't get so rattled when he drops by unexpectedly!" Ryoga shouted.

Ranma held up his hands. "Hey, Ryoga calm down."

Ryoga took a deep breath and then said, "I don't know why the hell I put up with you."

"Face it. I'm your pal."

"Pal." Ryoga snorted. "If I'm your pal, then why won't you tell me where you've been going?"

Ranma rolled his eyes. "Okay. You wanna know where I've been. I'll tell ya. I've been going to Akane's."

Ryoga was taken by surprise. "A- Akane' s?"

"Yeah, Ryoga. I've been visiting her. Last night we got engaged again and we decided that we are going to get married this week. There. You happy?"

His eyes widened. "Ranma! You' re kidding, right?"

"Do I look like I'm kidding?"

"You are serious." Ryoga sighed as his shoulders dropped. "I...I guess she really loves you, huh?"

Ranma suddenly felt sorry for him. He knew that Ryoga had trouble getting over his major crush on Akane. "Ryoga..."

He looked at Ranma and managed a weak smile. "Well, I guess you won, but that's alright. She loves you. I'm happy for you, Ranma. I mean it."

Ranma smiled back. "Thanks, Ryoga."

"I'm glad that things are finally working out between you, but what about Michiko?"

Ranma sighed. "I had to break it off, man. I mean I thought I loved her. I mean I did, but then I saw Akane all over again. I'm like...man, I just can't forget her. When I saw her, I don't know. I just had this feeling. I can't describe it, but whatever it is, it got me hooked on her."

Ryoga stared at him. He had never really heard Ranma talk like that before. He knew that this was a man in love.

He gazed back at his friend again. "So why was Pop looking for me?"

"Oh, yeah, that. Ranma, he came here demanding where you were. He said he wanted to talk to you. It was really urgent."

"Why? What's up?"

"Ranma, he came here with a businessman who claims to be Mr. Tanaka."

His eyes widened with disbelief. "What? Mr. Tanaka you said?"

"Yeah, and they invited me to your house for dinner tonight. I really have no idea why, but you know I'm always game for free food."

However, Ranma was no longer listening. "He's here...and he's with my father! Oh, shit!"

Ryoga watched his friend leave. "Hey! Ranma!"

He turned back to him. "Man., I gotta go, Ryoga. I'm suddenly having flashbacks of my childhood!"

Ryoga was puzzled. "What? I don't understand. Who's this Mr. Tanaka anyway?"

"Michiko's father!"

Then Ranma was out the door as Ryoga whispered to himself.

"Damn!" Then he realized something and called out, "Oh, wait, Ranma, watch out for that- ''

CRASH!

Ryoga went out of the kitchen and saw girltype Ranma on the sitting on the floor with a bucket on her head.

"Wet floor," finished Ryoga.

Ranma took the bucket off and threw it aside. "AAUUGGHHH! I hate my life!"

***

Onna-Ranma ran all the way home. His father wasn't there, but he found Nodoka chopping vegetables in the kitchen.

"Where is he?" Onna-Ranma demanded. "Where's Pop?"

Nodoka looked at him, shocked. "He's with Mr. Tanaka. And, Ranma where have you been?"

"Ryoga's," he replied with a straight face.

She went back to what she was doing. "No, you weren't, dear."

"I was. I just came from there."

Nodoka stopped again. "Why did you break your engagement off with Michiko?"

"Because...because I love someone else."

His mother raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Yes, I love Akane."

Nodoka was surprised. "Oh, Ranma."

He went on." I asked her to marry me last night. She said yes."

She gasped in delight. "Oh, Ranma, that's wonderful. Oh, your father and Mr. Tendo will be so pleased now that you and Akane will be able to carry on the Anything Goes School of Martial Arts." She hugged him. "Oh, my son. You finally became man enough to admit your feelings for Akane. I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks, Mom, but I'm afraid that we'll have to postpone the celebration later now that Mr. Tanaka is here."

"Yes, he said he wasn't too pleased when he found out that you broke things off with Michiko."

"Yeah, and now that he's here with Pop, I don't like it."

***

~Later that evening at the Saotome residence~

"Ranma, could you get the door?" Nodoka called out from the kitchen.

Ranma went to front door and answered it. To his amazement, he saw Ryoga, Mousse, and Shampoo. "Hey, guys," he tried to keep the surprise out of his voice.

"Ryoga, nice to see you again. Mousse, Shampoo, what are you guys doing here?"

Before any of them could reply, Nodoka came. "Ranma, let them in. Mr. Tanaka invited them."

Shampoo smiled at Ranma.

"Nihao, Ranma! You glad to see Shampoo?"

"Yeah, sure, whatever," he replied as he let the guests in.

Nodoka greeted them all and later excused herself to prepare dinner.

"It was nice of Mr. Tanaka, a man we barely met, and Mr. Saotome to invite us," said Mousse. "But I would like to know why."

Ranma rolled his eyes. "Humph! Don't we all?"

Shampoo turned to him. "Ranma don't know either?"

"I wish I did, you guys."

Later Genma and Yuuta Tanaka arrived together. Mr. Tanaka was a tall, middle-aged man wearing a suit. He was carrying a large bag with him. Ranma and Tanaka approached each other.

"Mr. Tanaka."

"Ranma. I hope that you don't mind me dropping by. I was in the neighborhood."

Oh, I bet! Ranma stared at him. "No problem."

Nodoka came. "Mr. Tanaka! How are you tonight?"

"Just fine, Nodoka. How are you?"

"Alright. Well, dinner is ready. Why don't we all sit down?"

The Saotomes and their guests sat down and began to eat. Mr. Tanaka dominated the conversation. He spoke mostly of business.

"Real estate is a tough game. You have to play hard ball. Genma, have you ever thought of expanding your school?"

"Well, the thought has crossed my mind," Genma admitted. "Soun Tendo and I have always dreamed of establishing schools at other places, but it's just mostly talk. We think it is risky. After all, we don't want to waste good money only to find out that it won't be a success."

"Ah, Genma! The key to that is finding a good location! I know some people who have very good properties. You, your partner, and I will have to sit down and talk about this."

Genma nodded. "I'll talk to Soun."

"Splendid! Now that we're talking along the sides of business, why don't we discuss the real reason why I'm here."

Ranma spoke up, "Well, that's a good idea. We would all like to know what's going on here."

"Well, then, I won't beat around the bush!" Mr. Tanaka paused and looked at everyone to make sure he had their attention. "In this room, all of us, save for Nodoka and I, have one thing in common. You are all cursed. You have fallen into the cursed Springs of Jusenkyo. I have to say that I sympathize with all of you having to live with this day by day. It has not only caused embarrassment, but also hindrance. My friends, that is about to end."

Mr. Tanaka reached down for his bag and took out a large jar. He placed it on the table. "Behold! In this jar is water that I took from Nannichuan."

Everyone else in the room gasped. They all stared at the jar long and hard.

Ranma was the first to recover. "Nannichuan? You mean the Spring of Drowned Man."

"Exactly."

"But...how..." Ryoga trailed off.

Mr. Tanaka smiled." It's easy when you have money."

"Hold it!" Mousse held up a hand. "How do we know that you're not bluffing."

Tanaka nodded. "Very well. You want proof. I shall give you proof." He drew out a small container from his pocket. "In here, I have a grasshopper." He took it out and let it rest on his palm. "You see that this is very real. Now I shall obtain some water from this jar." He took a glassful of water. Then Tanaka stood up and placed the insect on the floor. Slowly, he poured the water. As he did so, the insect grew and transformed into a manlike creature.

Ranma couldn't believe his eyes. "Wow."

The grasshopper man looked at them, confused. Tanaka took some hot tea and poured it over him. Immediately, the creature became an insect again. Tanaka turned to them.

"Now does it look like I'm bluffing?"

Shampoo spoke up, "If that Spring of Drowned Man, Shampoo not care. Shampoo not need Spring of Drowned Man. Shampoo need Spring of Drowned Girl."

"I am way ahead of you, Shampoo." He took out another jar. "I have the Spring of Drowned Girl. You, my dear, will no longer become a cat. You will stay as the beautiful Shampoo." He took a deep breath. "I am willing to give both jars in order for you to be cured. However, being a businessman I must ask for something in return."

Ryoga said, "You're selling it to us."

"It's not for sale. I don't need money from you. I already have lots of that."

"Then what do you want?"

"I want Ranma to marry my daughter." Tanaka looked at Ranma. "I'm aware that you broke things off with her."

He nodded. "Yes."

"My poor daughter. She was so excited about the wedding. In fact, she was already making plans when you sent her a letter breaking off the engagement. Now she sits brokenhearted in America."

Ranma said, "Look, Mr. Tanaka, I don't love your daughter enough to marry her. She's a beautiful girl. I'm sure she'll find someone else."

"Then I take it that you don't want to be cured. You don't want your friends and your father to be cured."

All eyes were on Ranma who stared back at Tanaka without even blinking as he replied, "Sorry. I can't be easily bought."

Genma's face went dark. He took a deep breath and said, "I think my son and I have something to discuss. Excuse us." He stood up. "Let's go, Ranma."

Ranma scowled as he stood up and followed his father in the kitchen. As soon as they were alone, Genma turned to him angrily.

"Have you gone crazy, boy?"

He crossed his arms." Nope."

Genma took a hold of him by his shirt." You foolish boy! Do you realize that you've just thrown away our chance to be normal again?"

Ranma pushed his father away. "Oh, easy for you to say. You're not the one who's going to get married!"

"Haven't you learned anything I taught you? A true martial artist must always be ready to sacrifice his life for the others. He must be willing to take risks."

"That's a good one, Pop. You always were willing to accept risks as long as they're not your own."

At that moment, Nodoka joined them. "I just had to get in here. Genma, are you trying to get our son to change his decision?"

"Damn right, Nodoka," replied her husband.

"He can't marry her, Genma."

His eyes narrowed. "Why not?"

"Because he's engaged to Akane Tendo."

"That is no longer valid! He broke the engagement."

Ranma shook his head. "But I asked her to marry her last night, Pop. She said yes. I'm marrying her. I love her. There's no way that I'm going to change my mind."

The door opened and Ryoga, Mousse, and Shampoo marched in. They looked at Ranma with their faces firm.

Genma told his son, "Try telling that to them."

***

Akane was glad that Friday finally came. The weekend was almost here, and she could not wait to get home and tell her family the news. As she entered her apartment, she saw Ranma sitting on the couch.

"Ranma!"

Slowly, he stood up. "Hi, Akane."

She ran up to him and hugged him. Ranma put his arms around her. How do I tell her? Damn it!

Akane drew away from him. "I'm so glad that you're here. I missed you." She was about to lean forward to kiss him, but he quickly turned his head away. "Ranma?"

He put some distance between them, careful not to see the hurt look she had in her eyes.

"Ranma, what's wrong?"

Come on, Saotome. Just do it and get it over with. "Akane, I have to tell you something."

Akane nodded. "Okay. What?"

"You know that things have been great. We've had fun, but I don't think we should get married."

"You want to wait, is that it? We can do that."

He shook his head. "No. No. You don't understand. I don't want to marry you."

Akane stared at him with a shocked look. She could not believe that this was happening. "Why?" She could barely speak out the word.

"I don't love you."

She shook her head. "No, that's not true. After what we went through, there's no way that you could not love me."

"Well, I don't love you!" Ranma shouted. "I felt nothing at all for you these past few weeks. It was just...routine."

"Routine? How could you say that? After we made love..."

He smirked. "To you, we made love. But I'm just a guy who missed his fiancée and wanted a good lay."

Akane slowly went up to him. She reached out and slapped him as hard as she could. A tear ran down her cheek as she gave him a cold glassy stare. "You bastard. Get out."

When he didn't move, she shoved him. "I said get out! Damn you!"

Ranma turned and started to leave quietly as Akane continued to yell behind him. "You're a liar and a cheat! I hate you! I wish I never met you! Don't you come back here ever again! Do you hear me? And take this with you!"

Ranma suddenly felt something hit his back. Then it bounced off and fell on the floor. He turned around to see what it was. It was her engagement ring. With trembling hands, he bent down and picked it up. When he stood up again, he saw Akane standing before him.

"Get out," she said in an icy voice. "Get out of my life."

Without a word, he walked out. Akane slammed the door behind him. Then she turned around and leaned her back against the door. She slid down to the floor as she covered her face with her hands. Sobbing, she called out, "Oh, Ranma...Ranma..."

Standing outside, Ranma stared at the door. Then he opened his palm and looked at the ring. Akane's ring. He closed his eyes as if he was trying to shut out the image of Akane's face. He opened them again and a single tear came down his cheek.

End of Part 1

Author's notes:
Well, that concludes the first part of my fanfic. There's more to come, of course. But before I could go on and leave you all hanging again, I'd like to say thanks to Rumiko Takahashi. Without her, I never really would have met Ranma and Akane, and I never would have become a Ranma fanatic. I also want to thank the writers who are big Ranma and Akane fans. You guys have really inspired me to write this fanfic. Then there are also those who wrote to me about their comments. There were not a lot of you, but hey! Thanks anyway. At least I have somehow sparked your interest. Finally, I want to say thank you to Remi for giving me a chance to have my fanfic posted. I'm only a novice in this field yet she gave me a break! And she works hard, folks, so give her a hand. That's it! See you in the next chapter!