Ranma 1/2 is copyrighted by Rumiko Takahashi. I take no responsibility in the events portrayed in this story. But I take all guilt in all the agony I put this story. But the romance should make up for it. Caution, this is the first romance fic I’ve done so don’t hit me with the nukes. The Date is January 17, 1999 AD. Nerima is a darker place ever since... the incident. Exactly a year ago to this date, a funeral was held for one, Saotome Ranma. The fiancee’s were all heartbroken and furious at the speeding car driver who nearly hit Akane as well. No one was questioning the man’s stupidity or Ranma’s unfortunate encounter. But sometimes, just when things leave you, they hold a promise. Because sometimes...love is held in the footnotes of life. * * * Theme song : As Long As You Love Me By the Backstreet Boys Although loneliness has always been a friend of mine I’m leaving my life in your hands People say I’m crazy and that I am blind Risking it all in advance (a scene where it shows Ranma pushing Akane away from a speeding car and getting hit in the process) How you got me blind is still a mystery I can’t get you out of my head Don’t what is written in your history As long as you’re here with me (Ranma is rushed to the hospital in critical condition with Akane riding beside him) Chorus: I don’t care who you are where you’re from What you did As long as you love me Who you are Where you’re from Don’t care what you did As long as you love me (Akane is sitting beside Ranma’s bed as he holds his hand to her face, quite with a lot of effort) Every little thing that you have said and done Feels like it’s deep within me Doesn’t really matter if you’re on the run It seems like we’re meant to be (A final kiss from the two after admitting they love each other but before Akane can respond, Ranma goes into cardiac arrest. As he gaspes for air, he whispers “I’ll be back Akane, I promise, I’ll be back.”) Chorus: I don’t care who you are Where you’re from What you did As long as you love me Who you are Where you’re from Don’t care what you did As long as you love me (The waiting room is filled with both Ranma’s adversaries and fiancee’s) Bridge: I’ve tried to hide it so that no one knows But I guess it shows When you look into my eyes What you did and where you’re comin’ from I don’t care, as long as you love me, baby (The doctor comes in. He sadly shakes his head. Akane starts to cry as Kuno puts his arm around her shoulder to comfort her.) Chorus: I don’t care who you are Where you’re from What you did As long as you love me Who you are Where you’re from Don’t care what you did As long as you love me (A final memory of Ranma which had him softly saying, “I’ll be back, Akane. I’ll be back, I promise.”) * * * The Return By Shaun Garin * * * A lone girl stood at the top of a cemetery hill, looking at the grave of Ranma Saotome. The friends and family had spared no expense at the grave site as the monument was marble, and gold laced the tall stone tablet. On the front was a inscription. “Saotome Ranma. Born, March 12, 1981, Died January 17, 1998. He said he’ll be back, he promised the one he loved he would.” A faint sigh escaped her lips as she softly whispered the inscription and a tear trailed down her cheek. ‘I really don’t know about this...but...they told me to do this. Besides, I made a promise.’ She then smiled a sad smile as she turned around to face the dimming sunlight. “I guess I should meet my destiny.” she then chuckled, shaking her head ruefully. “Of all the bodies I was going to get, I had to be a total female with a love for Akane. Stupid Urd.” * * * “Are you even going to eat something Akane-san?” Kuno was sitting across from Akane at the Tendo’s living room, a plate of untouched food sitting in front of Akane. Akane wore a forlorn facial expression of total dismay. Kuno sighed heavily. After Ranma had died, he and Akane had changed radically. He was no longer a strutting peacock who spouted inane poetry and glomped Akane at every chance. Akane needed a friend and he was one of the closest, even though many didn’t admit it. But Akane, Akane had become incredibly depressed after the funeral. * * * “There’s going to be a dance tomorrow night and I want everyone to go there and have a good time! And get a date if you can.” Hinako-sensei had an incredible lack of tact as everyone mumbled and groaned. Akane lay in her desk, her head pooled in her arms. A dance. She wanted to go to it with Ranma but... Fresh tears flowed down her face as she cried softly. * * * The dance was spectacular even by Furinkian’s standards. The dance was an interschool event, bringing kids from Tomobiki, Sasharashi, and even Juuban. Akane entered the hall, Kuno at her side. Kuno was dressed in a formal tuxedo, minus bokken, he didn’t have much use for it since he had given up Kendo for a while, and Akane was resplendent in a beautiful dress of silk. It was free to be able to move in but just enough to leave something to the imagination. A song was starting and Kuno looked at his companion. “Do you want to dance Akane? It’ll make you feel better.” She smiled sadly. “I guess.” The two moved to the dance floor. The song that was playing was : Quit Playing Games(With My Heart). Akane thought it was most appropriate for her mood. The two started to dance to the music. Quit Playing Games With My Heart By the Backstreet Boys Even in my heart I see You’re not being true to me Deep within my soul I feel Nothing’s like it used to be Sometimes I wish I could turn back time Impossible as it may seem But I wish I could so bad baby Quit playin’ games with my heart Quit playin’ games with my heart Before you tear us apart I should’ve known from the start Before you got into my heart “Kuno-sempai? Thanks for bringing me out here tonight. I guess I need it.” Akane said while doing a elegant spin. “Think nothing of it. You’ve been through a lot and you need to be cheered up.” He then smiled ruefully, “Besides, the other guys were taking out Shampoo and Akari tonight to the dance. I guess I was the only one left.” “Thanks sempai.” I live my life the way To keep you comin’ back to me Everything I do is for you So what is it that can’t see Sometimes I wish I could Turn back time, impossible as it may seem But I wish I could so bad You better quit playing games with my heart Chorus A lone girl of tall build, long silky brown hair and blue-gray eyes stood behind a group of students, watching the pair dance. She smiled and sighed softly. She smoothed her over the shoulder dress and walked out to the front of the group. * * * “Hey Hiroshi, isn’t that a new girl?” “You’re right Daikuse. But wait a minute. Something’s familiar about her.” Daikuse stared at him. “You admit she’s new but she looks familiar? How’s that possible?” Hiroshi shook his head. “I dunno but its in the way she walks. Somewhat with a cat-like grace.” “You’re imagining things. The only one who walked like that was Ranma-chan. And he’s dead, remember?” Hiroshi drooped. “I guess. I still miss him.” “Me too.” * * * Quit playing games Baby, baby, the love that we had was so strong Don’t leave me hangin’ here forever Oh, baby, baby, this is not a lie, let’s stop This tonight Baby, quit playin’ games Sometimes I wish I could Turn back time, impossible as it may seem But I wish I could so bad, baby Quit playin’ games with my heart Chorus Kuno and Akane slowed down to a stop as the song ended. Akane smiled a genuinely happy smile. “That was wonderful. Thanks Sempai.” “You know me better enough to call me Tatewaki, Akane. Come on, the food is served.” * * * “This is the last song of the night Akane. Want to dance?” Kuno asked his companion. “I guess. But can I have the last dance with someone else if its possible?” “Sure, go ahead. You need to have fun.” “Thanks Tatewaki.” Akane turned around and headed to the crowd. ‘Now I have to find someone to dance with me.’ “Excuse me, Tendo Akane, isn’t it?” A soft female voice brought Akane’s attention to the owner. “I’m Ayeka. I’d like to dance with you. Do you mind?” “I..um, but you’re a girl.” ‘Why am I flustered? Is it because I’m somewhat being hit on by a girl? Is it attraction? Great, I hope I’m not going insane.’ “Well, I guess it’s all right.” Akane stammered out. The girl bobbed both her eyebrows in an expression of surprise. “You’d really dance?” “I-I guess. Ayeka, is it? You...” Then she stopped and stared at her. ‘What’s she staring at? Wait a minute, I have the same eyes.’ “Are you...you look strangely familiar. Have we met a while ago?” “I’m not sure. I seem to recall a girl like you but she was a macho violent tomboy. I guess you’re nothing like her.” “Oh. It’s just that you’re eyes hold something I used to never see in a guy I once knew.” “Really? Well...Oh, the music is starting. Care to join me?” “I guess. You lead.” “Kay.” The two strolled out of the crowd, into the dance area. Ayeka stopped her partner and went over to the DJ. “Can you play this?” “Sure. Do you want to dedicate it?” Ayeka thought for a minute. “Say it’s dedicated to Akane Tendo from a old friend.” “Sure.” Ayeka strolled back to the waiting girl. “What did you tell him?” “Just a dedication song. For you.” Akane blushed. “Thanks.” “A SONG DEDICATED FOR AKANE TENDO, FROM A OLD FRIEND. IT’S “ALL I HAVE TO GIVE” BY THE BACKSTREET BOYS.” Dancing music slowly started up as the two girls went into a slow dance motion, appropriate for the song. Besides, It’s perfect for the mood. I don’t know what he does to make you cry But I’ll be there to make you smile “Ranma loved this song. He thought it was one of the better American songs produced.” Akane noted. “I know.” Ayeka softly whispered. “You said something?” “Uh? Oh, nothing.” I don’t have a fancy car To get to you I’d walk a thousand miles I don’t care if he buys nice things Does his gifts come from the heart - I don’t know.... But if you were my girl.... I’d make it so that we’d never be apart At this point, Akane was starting to loosen up. Somehow, she knew she could trust this girl, even though she didn’t know her. Something about her was peaceful, with years of experience behind her eyes. The eyes looked youthful while at the same time, older and wiser. Chorus But my love is all I have to give Without you I don’t think I could live I wish I could give the world to you....but Love is all I have to give When you talk - does it seem like he’s not Even listening to a word you say? That’s okay babe, just tell me you problems I’ll try to kiss them all away.... Does he leave when you need him the most Does his friends get all your time? Baby please....I’m on my knees Praying for the day that you’ll be mine (Chorus) “Do you know Ranma?” Ayeka asked. Akane blinked. “I-I did,. He died in a car accident. He saved me and...” Streams of tears flowed down her cheeks. “Here. I’m delivering something Ranma said for me to give to the one he loves.” Ayeka leaned forward and kissed her lightly on her lips, brushing Akane’s hair away from her face. Akane stiffened but then relaxed. When the two drew away, Akane looked at her intently. “You do look awfully familiar. And you kiss...just like I thought Ranma would.” Bridge : To you....hey girl, I don’t want you to cry no more - inside All the money in the world could never add up to all the love I have inside....I love you During the drum break and chorus, Ayeka looked at Akane, her blue-gray eyes boring into Akane’s brown ones. “Ranma...said that he loved you., didn’t he?” Akane nodded. “Before he went into cardiac arrest, he told me he loved me.” “Did you love him?” “Hai. I did. But he went into shock before I could tell him.” “Why don’t you tell me.” Akane looked up, shocked. “What?” “I have a secret. Lean in.” But my love is all I have to give Without you I don’t think I can live “The spirit of Saotome Ranma resides within me.” Ayeka whispered into Akane’s ear. Akane’s eyes widened. I wish I could give to world to you....but Love is all I have to give....to you. “You mean...” “I am Saotome Ranma reborn. I said I would be back Akane. Remember, I love you.” Akane started to cry tears of utter joy as she kissed Ayeka/Ranma fiercely. She kissed back as fierce as Akane did. * * * “What’s going on Kuno? Has Miss Tendo finally gone off the deep end?” Miss Hinako was standing beside Kuno in her Adult form. A argument had broken out in the Sasharashi attendees and she was forced to zap them. “I don’t have a clue. I can find out if you want.” “Please do. I’d hate for Miss Tendo to be branded a lesbian.” * * * “Akane.” Akane broke the kiss with her reincarnated love. “Yes?” “People are staring. And Kuno-sempai is calling us to the table.” “Oh. Come on Ranma.” “Call me Ayeka now. It’s my new name.” * * * “Akane, what’s gotten into you?” Kuno asked gently. “Kuno...It’s hard to explain but meet Ayeka. She’s Ranma reborn.” ‘I think she’s lost it.’ “Are you sure?” “What’s the matter Kuno-sempai? You can’t believe that you’re old foe is back?” Kuno looked at Ayeka. He decided to test her. “Okay, if you’re really Ranma reborn, then tell us you’re history.” “Have a seat. This will take a while.” * * * “...and my last memory on the motal plane was going into cardiac arrest.” Kuno, Shampoo, Akane, Mousse, Ukyou and Konatsu stared at her, “You know everything. Even up to you’re own demise?” Konatsu asked. “Yeah. Want me to tell you what happened when I died?” “Ayeka/Ranma remember more?” Shampoo said in disbelief. Ayeka nodded. “Yeah. I began when my body finally gave up on me. I found myself hovering over my prone body. I heard everything. The doctors saying that I was too young to go and it was a senseless death. Natually, I was inclined to freak out but I couldn’t actually voice my frustrations. a rustle came behind me and a blue green haired young girl in a kimono appeared, riding a oar shaped transport of sorts..... * * * “Hi! I’m Botan, spirit guide. I came to pick you up to go to the Reikai to see Enma Diao. What’s you’re name?” “Ranma. Saotome Ranma. I’m really dead, aren’t I?” “Yeah, at least I think so. Lemme check the book of the dead.” She opened a small book and started to flip through it. “Lets see...Ranma, Ranma, Ranma, ah! Here it is. Saotome Ranma...uh oh.” “Whadda mean uh oh?” I didn’t like the sound of that particular phrase. “It means that you are a special case.” She slapped the book shut. “Okay, first we go to see Konema, then we got to Heaven and talk to Belldandy and then the Almighty, then we see Urd about you’re new body and then...” “Hold it! What’s this all about?” “You remember the promise you made to the Akane girl? Well, the head honchos are holding it to you. You’ve been permanently locked in Perpetual Reincarnation.” “What? You mean every time I die, I get reincarnated?” “At the rate you’re going, you’ll reach Crystal Tokyo and then some.” Botan admitted. I sighed heavily. “Okay, okay, lets go. To Konema.” * * * I was surprised to see, to say the least, that the guy in charge of all the souls was a little kid sucking on a pacifier. But then again, I had learned by then to not underestimate the people I meet. “So...after the formalities get cleared up, I go and get a new status?” “Yes. I’ve been able to lock you in you’re new status. I was allowed to do that since the Almighty asked me to do that. Seems you have a great big purpose in the Human world. And not to mention, since you promised to return to the girl Akane, then we all decided to let you be reincarnated into a body which was physically 17.” “Well, I guess I should be thanking you.” “Don’t thank me, thank Urd. She has been working on your case for over two years now and she whined so much, all three of us decided to give you a infinite amount of chances.” “Oh.” “Don’t look so downcast m’boy! You’re getting another chance at life! Besides, you don’t live forever.” Ranma looked pained. “Don’t remind me, I just died.” “Sorry,” Konema looked through the file, “well, you’re approved for reincarnation. Botan can take you up to Asgard to speak with the Almighty.” “Thanks, I really appreciate it.” * * * The Almighty was a true loving god. He approved of my dedication to come back to earth within one year. For a year, I spent training in the lifestyle of a demi goddess, learning how to work at the Yggdrasil stations until two days ago when father said that I could go down. “And that’s when you came back down here to be with Akane?” Ryoga asked.