Disclaimer: Rumiko Takahashi owns all rights to the wonderful world of Ranma 1/2. I just like borrowing her characters!

Wow... well, this is it! The final chapter at last! I can't even believe it myself. Sorry it took longer than usual. I kinda got sidetracked by Death Note. L is my hero! haha. But I finally managed to get back into Ranma mode, as I was inspired by Krista Perry finally finishing Hearts of Ice! Congrats Krista! It was well worth waiting for! So this epic finally comes to a close. I just wanted to thank all of you who stuck with it and encouraged me with your comments, they helped spur me on as always. This last chapter is for all of you.

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Things once again began to return to normal in the Nerima district. For once there were no sudden attacks from overzealous fiancées, angry rivals, or love struck suitors to mar the peacefulness of the day.

As promised Kuno had stayed true to his word and hadn't bothered Akane either at home or at school. As for Kodachi, they hadn't seen her since the potion incident at the Tendo home. She was steering clear as expected, much to Ranma's relief.

Things were a bit more difficult for Mousse. He was still dealing with Shampoo's betrayal, not to mention her death. Though he knew she had brought what had happened on herself, he couldn't help feeling it was because of Cologne's influence that she had acted in the way that she had.

He knew he had to accept what had happened, and to forgive himself for not being able to save her.

He had learned so much about himself from this experience. First and foremost being that he didn't need a woman to define him. That he had stature all on his own. He could be anything he wanted if he so chose it. That just left finding what it was that would make him happy.

He knew he couldn't do that in Nerima.

So he had decided to head off on his own, to set out on a journey of self discovery and try to find himself.

Everyone had been there to send him off—wishing him the best of luck, and making him promise to keep in touch. He thanked them as he said his goodbyes, making a point of extending his gratefulness to Nabiki for all she had done for him. She waved off the sentiment, but there were actual tears in her eyes as she watched him walk away, especially when he turned slightly and extended a final wave goodbye.

Silently she prayed he would find whatever he was looking for. He deserved at least that.

Ukyo had taken Kenji Nagano up on his offer and held a taste testing at Ucchan's for his partners. The affair had gone off without a hitch, with everyone impressed not only with her cooking, but in the fact that someone so young could handle such a successful business. It was enough to sell them, and she had come away with an instant offer to franchise her restaurant. The commission was to start with one in the busy Ginza district of Tokyo, with the option for another in the Gion district of Kyoto.

It was good to see Ukyo's dreams finally being realized, and even more important was her budding new relationship with Kenji Nagano. It had started out subtly, with them spending long hours together working out all the details on the franchise deal. Soon she was inviting him to stay for dinner, and not long after he had summoned up the courage to officially ask her out.

The spark Nabiki had noticed the first time she'd introduced them had grown substantially over the last few weeks. The depression Ukyo had felt at Ranma's decision now nothing but a distant memory.

They were all there when the new Ucchan's opened its doors to rave reviews and bustling crowds. Ranma was elated to see his friend so happy. He felt some of the guilt he'd been harboring lift away from him. This was what he had always wanted for her. What she so richly deserved. The future was now bright and it showed no signs of slowing.

----

As promised, Ryoga was released from Dr. Tofu's clinic the very next day. He took Akane and Ranma up on their invitation to stay awhile at the Tendo home, touched by their obvious care and the warm feeling it gave him.

He had been happy to see that their reconciliation had been more than just words—they really had meant it when they'd said they wanted to remain friends. Their generosity had been more than he could have ever asked for. Sometimes he wondered if he even deserved it, but either way he was grateful.

They had been sitting around having lunch when Kasumi announced that Akane had a visitor. Excusing herself, she disappeared into the kitchen while the boys looked on curiously. When she returned moments later she was followed by a lovely brown haired girl in a plaid skirt and white blouse.

Ryoga's eyes widened at the sight.

"Akari…"

Within moments he was on his feet, his heart hammering inside his chest. Until that instant he hadn't been aware of how much he'd missed her.

"Hello, Ryoga," she replied sweetly, almost shyly. For a long moment they simply stood staring, both lost in the wonder of seeing each other again.

Knowing it was his time to exit Ranma got to his feet and began to walk towards Akane. He stopped just long enough to lean over Ryoga's shoulder and whisper, "Good luck, man." If Ryoga heard him he didn't show it. He simply couldn't take his eyes off the vision before him.

Ranma smiled at the sight. He reached Akane, letting her take his hand and lead him from the room.

After another moment of awkwardness, Ryoga finally broke the silence by offering her a seat. She obliged instantly, settling gently down beside him.

"How did you know I was here?" he asked her, unable to keep the curiosity from his voice.

She smiled sweetly and he felt himself warm instantly at the sight.

"Akane called me," she answered. His eyes widened in surprise at the confession.

Akane called her? But how would she…? Then instantly it came to him.

Ranma...

Of course he would have been the one to tell Akane of their conversation. He thought back to that fateful night. Recalling the words his rival had spoken.

"Look man, don't blow this. Regret is a tough thing to live with Ryoga, if you care for Akari than hang on to her."

The words rang out inside his head, and for the first time he was able to truly understand them. Ranma had been right. No matter how he felt about Akane, he could never dismiss the fact that he had similar feelings for Akari. Now that he was no longer burdened with being torn between the two he finally had a chance for true happiness, if he'd just allow himself to take it.

"I was worried about you."

Her voice broke through his rampant thoughts, snapping him back to the present. He blushed at the sentiment, both in pleasure at the thought that she cared enough to worry about him and with guilt that he hadn't called to reassure her he was okay.

"Things kind of got a little crazy," he told her, "I didn't mean to worry you."

She nodded at his explanation. She was just relieved to see he was okay.

"I missed you."

He smiled as he saw her flush slightly at the sentiment. Carefully he reached over and placed his hand over hers.

"I missed you too."

Her voice suddenly dropped to almost a whisper, and her eyes fell away from his.

"Enough to come back home with me?" she asked. He watched as she once again met his gaze, her eyes full of hopeful wonder. It was as if she were suddenly holding her breath, waiting for his answer.

He smiled softly and could almost see her physically relax. He was glad for it. Glad that he garnered such high regard in a girl as wonderful as she. In that moment he felt truly blessed.

"Are you sure that's what you want?" he asked, his voice suddenly serious.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, I'm not exactly a catch. I have this horrible sense of direction, which usually only leads to more trouble. I often find myself in situations I never meant to be in, including this damn curse."

She smiled softly. "I happen to like your curse."

He had to laugh at that. She did have an unusual affinity for pigs. It practically bordered on obsession. Still, he didn't think it was fair for her to have to settle for only half a man.

"Even so," he told her. "Do you really want to burden yourself that way?"

She sighed deeply, reaching out to softly caress his handsome face. "Don't you realize that you could never be a burden to me?" He watched her eyes fill with what was without a doubt, complete and utter love. It made his heart ached to see it, its purity so stark it was almost overwhelming.

"When I thought I might never see you again…" She shook her head, tears forming in the corners of her eyes at the mere thought. "I knew I never wanted to be without you."

"Akari…"

"I love you, Ryoga."

Her voice echoed with sentiment, sending another wave of emotion coursing through him. He wanted to pull her into his arms then. To hold her and kiss her and tell her that he too never wanted to be without her. After another moment he gave into the impulse and did just that.

"Does this mean you'll come home with me?" she asked, giggling with happiness as she wrapped her arms around him.

He kissed her again, a long lingering kiss that took her breath away. When he finally pulled away he simply stared down at her, amazed that such a wonderful girl wanted him. Slowly he brought his hand up to caress her soft face lovingly.

"I'll go wherever you are," he told her, his eyes conveying the truth behind the words. She smiled at him then, snuggling further into his arms. They sat like that for several moments, each content to simply be in the other's presence.

From their place by the door Ranma and Akane began to smile.

----

It was a long trip back to China and they had convinced Jin to stay a few extra days to rest and recuperate. It hadn't been difficult. It was nice to be able to relax and enjoy their time together, without having the threat of battle looming over them.

Jin had come to truly value Ranma and Akane's friendship. After all they'd been through it was hard not to. He considered them friends, and was glad to realize that they felt the same, knowing it was the kind of friendship that would last a lifetime.

They had been enjoying a warm and sunny afternoon out in the yard. Akane and Akari were sitting on the porch watching their men spar for old times sake, with Jin acting as referee.

It was a friendly kind of sparring, no longer fueled by a long standing rivalry, just two martial artists pitting their skills against one another.

Akane watched in awe at the speed in which they fought. Both so focused, each dealing blows with pinpoint precision.

Out of all Ranma's rivals Ryoga was the only one who matched him in strength. He was also the only one to ever present a challenge and he did so now, igniting Ranma's inner fire.

In the end they finally settled on a draw, both dropping to the ground in sheer exhaustion and exhilaration.

"Jin," Kasumi's sudden call made all their heads turn in her direction. "You have a guest."

She stepped aside to reveal an older gentleman with long grey hair and a flowing beard to match.

"Grandfather?" Jin said with surprise. "What are you doing here?"

The older man merely smiled, "It is good to see you too."

Shaking off his surprise Jin walked to his grandfather, properly greeting him with a strong embrace before introducing him to his new friends.

"I assume since you found me you know why I came here?" Jin asked, bowing his head slightly.

Shen Lei of the Taka Kai clan smiled once again. "Don't look so ashamed," he said, his voice light, comforting. "Why do you think I sent Ranma those visions?"

"Visions?" Jin repeated, in obvious confusion.

"That was you?" Akane asked with stunned disbelief. Ranma merely frowned.

"Visions?" he spat angrily. "Is that what you call em'? 'Cause I'd call 'em nightmares!"

"Would someone please tell me what's going on?" Jin interjected in growing frustration.

"I only had to endure watching Akane die over and over again," Ranma growled, his anger growing with every word. "Why would you do something like that old man?" It was more of a demand than a question.

Shen's eyes regarded him with a calmness that Ranma found unnerving. "It was Mei-Lin," he explained as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "She was very persistent."

Now it was Ranma's turn to look confused. "What?"

Jin's eyes widened at the mention of her name. Ranma turned his gaze toward the Chinese boy as if looking for an explanation.

"What is he talking about?

"I haven't a clue," replied the Chinese boy, continuing to stare at his grandfather with dumbfounded fascination. "But I'm sure he'll explain."

Shen smiled softly at his grandson. "As my grandson is well aware I am a sensitive of sorts, I can channel energy both past and present and draw from it visions of the future. I can also send out that energy as a warning if I so choose."

Beside him Ranma heard Akane gasp in amazement. No doubt she was wondering if her new power would lend her such things in the future.

"Are you telling us that Mei-Lin used you to get her warning to me?" Ranma asked, picking up on the inference immediately.

"Yes," Shen replied simply. "She invaded my dreams several times, showing me not only what the Amazon's had planned for you and your fiancée, but also what had been between her and my grandson. She wanted me to see the parallels and to prevent a similar tragedy." He then turned his gaze to his grandson. "She knew what you planned to do, knew if she could somehow allow you to save Akane that it might also in turn save you as well. To bring you back from the edge. To not let the black hate you've harbored since her death swallow you whole."

Jin merely stared at his grandfather in disbelief. Out of all the people he could have bumped into that day in the school yard while looking for Shampoo, Akane had been the one. He hadn't thought anything of it at the time. He only saw how he might use it to his advantage. But to now know that Mei-Lin had somehow set up that meeting, knowing where it would eventually lead, the thought simply astounded him. Maybe there really was something to be said for fate. Maybe everything really did happen for a reason.

"You mean you knew the whole time?" he asked incredulously. "You knew I took the shaolin and you let me do it anyway?"

Shen reached out a hand and laid it on Jin's shoulders in a comforting gesture. "I knew there was no stopping you. In your grief you believed you had nothing to lose. You needed to find your own way back. If there was even the slightest chance you could do that by going through all this I had to let you."

Jin merely stared at him dumbfounded. "Then does this mean you forgive me?"

Shen simply smiled. "The only one who has to forgive is you."

In his mind Jin once again heard Mei-Lin's words.

I won't let you feel guilt for something that was not your fault. Let it go Jin. Please, for me.

He smiled softly at the memory and then at his grandfather. "I'll try."

"This is all well and good," Ranma interrupted, still a bit perturbed. "But if she was so insistent why couldn't she show me everything? Why torture me by letting me watch Akane die over and over again?"

Shen turned his attention toward the young martial artist, a patient smile crossing his wrinkled face. "Did it or did it not bring you closer to Akane?"

Ranma blinked in confusion. Seeing this, Shen began to explain.

"Mei-Lin knew what you felt for Akane. She could understand it because it was what she felt for my grandson. She also saw your difficulty in expressing it, your hesitation and fear."

Ranma bristled at the mention of him being afraid of anything, but had to concede the man had a point.

"It was this fear that was keeping you from breaching that barrier. Mei-Lin not only wanted to warn you, she knew if she could make you feel what it was like to lose Akane, then you would finally realize what you had, and that you'd do whatever it took to preserve it."

"…and I did…" Ranma whispered more to himself than to Shen.

He remembered that urgent feeling—of watching as time started running out and not wanting to waste a single moment. Watching her slip away on Mount Phoenix and his desperate need to call her back, to get another chance to tell her he loved her. Falling back into his old ways soon after only to have the threat of losing her return. Knowing this time might be his only chance and finally taking it with outright abandon.

Would he have done that had he not been forced to watch over and over as her life hung in the balance? He didn't know for sure, but he suspected had the dream only occurred once he would never have found the courage.

"I guess I owe Mei-Lin a debt of thanks," he finally said.

Akane slipped an arm through his, squeezing it tightly and giving him one of her breathtaking smiles.

"I guess this means I owe her one too."

­----

They invited Shen to have some lunch before he and Jin made the long trip back to China. He accepted instantly, pleased by their gracious hospitality.

Kasumi then began to prepare one of her delicious meals, and they all sat together outside, enjoying the peacefulness of the sunny afternoon.

It hadn't been long before Nabiki had gotten home and joined them, followed closely by Soun and a very hungry giant Panda. Once again, Ranma found himself in the usual position of keeping his father from stealing his lunch.

Jin and Shen watched it all with genuine fascination, finally getting the whole story from Akane of how Ranma and his father had gotten their curses.

Still, even with Genma's antics the day had settled into one of easy camaraderie, spent with good friends and family. It was one they would hold in their memories forever.

Then the time for Jin and Shen to leave finally came, all too soon everyone realized, and they reluctantly set about seeing them off.

After saying goodbye to the Tendos, and thanking them for their hospitality, Jin found himself reaching out to shake Ryoga's hand. The lost boy reciprocated without hesitation.

"Have a safe trip back."

Jin smiled and nodded, motioning to Akari. "Make sure you hold on to her."

"I definitely will," he replied, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her close. Jin watched as Akari blushed, the look of pure love in her eyes telling him she would do the same.

He then turned his attention to Ranma and Akane. His fight had become theirs, his loss their discovery. Mei-Lin had seen to that. They had helped him in more ways than they could ever know, and he would always consider himself in their debt.

"I guess this is it," he said, his voice tinged with a touch of sadness. Without hesitation Akane reached up and embraced him, pulling him close in a tight hug.

"Thank you," she whispered. And he closed his eyes as his heart warmed at the implication. For saving her life yes, but he knew it had been more than that. In some round about way he had also brought Ranma to her, and this, for her, was even more important than her own life. He could relate to that. He too would have gladly given his own for Mei-Lin.

He held her close for a moment, glad that something good had come out of all the tragedy.

She finally released him, and he stared now into Ranma's serious face, the look in his eyes reflecting the growing camaraderie that had developed between them. I'll always be here if you need anything, that look seemed to say. And Jin knew instantly that it was true. He would always be able to depend on his new found friend.

He reached out a firm hand, which Jin accepted instantly.

"Thanks for everything man," Ranma said. "I realize I never said that properly before. I owe you one. If you ever need anything…"

"I know," Jin told him, "But I believe it is I who owes you. I couldn't have defeated Cologne without you. So if there is ever anything you need I am here as well."

Ranma smiled. "Fair enough."

"I hope you'll invite me to the wedding."

Ranma merely blushed, leaving Akane to answer for him.

"You'll be the first on the list."

"Uh, yeah, what she said," Ranma blurted, rubbing the back of his head absently.

Jin had to smile at the look Akane was giving her fiancée. As if to say, what am I going to do with you Ranma? Jin wasn't sure, but he knew she would be doing it forever. That was all he needed.

"Take care of yourself man," Ranma finally said after returning Akane's look with a "what did I do now" one of his own. Jin, still smiling, returned the sentiment easily.

As they began to walk away Jin turned one last time to call over his shoulder.

"Be good to her Saotome," he told him. "I don't want to have to come back to Japan just to kick your ass."

The words were eerily familiar. Hadn't Ryoga said the very same thing just a few days ago? Ranma decided to respond with the same answer he had given the lost boy.

"You wish!" he called back, but he was already smiling. As he watched his friend disappear into the distance he absently reached out and pulled Akane to him, reveling in the feel of her beside him, knowing deep down it was the only place he ever wanted to be.

----

With all the obstacles now gone from their union, Ranma took it upon himself to court Akane like he always wanted to. They did the normal dating activities that most teens did, going to the movies, going out to dinner, and of course for Akane and Ranma the occasional sparring session. They even managed a few double dates, first with Ryoga and Akari and then with Ukyo and Kenji. Akane was glad to see the okonomiyaki chef doing so well. She and Kenji seemed so happy together. If anyone deserved that it was Ukyo.

The best part was she and Ranma were able to take the time to really get to know one another, to simply bask in the other's presence, a thing they rarely ever had the chance to do before.

Of course there were still the occasional arguments, but they now worked them out in a constructive way, which allowed Ranma to get much better at communicating his thoughts, and helped Akane work on her patience tenfold.

Time passed quickly, and soon it was the end of another school year. Akane made sure Ranma kept up with his studies, and he, not wanting to disappoint her, did his best and in the end managed to pass all of his classes. But just barely.

The summer had settled upon them soon after, and with it long and carefree days. The nights were just as beautiful, spent mostly on the roof admiring the stars.

It was on one of these nights that Akane went to meet Ranma. She climbed stealthily out her window, and with deft skill pulled herself up, moving swiftly to their usual spot.

Only to her surprise he wasn't there.

Confused, she was about to turn around and go back in to look for him, when she spotted the single white envelope taped solidly to one of the shingles. Quickly she made her way over to it. Written in simple bold script was her name, no doubt forged by her missing fiancé.

With eager fingers she snatched it up and tore it open unable to stop a sense of nervous excitement. As she suspected, it was from Ranma.

Dear Akane,

It's too crowded on the roof tonight. Meet me at our secret place.

Ranma

Too crowded? What did he mean by that? Then she knew, Happosai. The old freak had finally found his way home this morning. For Ranma this meant staying too close to home for too long would only end up with his being soaking wet and female. There would be no peace here tonight. The old letch simply wouldn't be able to help himself.

Our secret place he'd said. She knew of only one other such place, the bridge. Under it she was sure she would find her wayward fiancé.

Moving as quickly and silently as possible, making sure she wasn't being followed, Akane made her way down and out of the yard. As she walked toward her destination she couldn't help but admire how clear the night was, every star a shimmering diamond in the sky.

It didn't take her long to arrive at the bridge, and she came around to the underside swiftly, halting in her tracks at the sudden sight before her.

There sat Ranma, his handsome features lit softly by the flickering candlelight. Beneath him a large blanket was spread out, a picnic basket laying just off to his right. It was if she'd stepped backwards in time. Then he rose, smiled at her and reached out his hand, urging her to come to him.

Her reverie broken she came forward, taking his hand as he pulled her close to him.

"I thought you didn't want to be home because of Happoasai. I had no idea…" She said gesturing happily around them.

"For once that old freak picked the perfect time to come home," Ranma confessed. "This is the real reason, but I'm glad that because of him you didn't suspect anything. Come on."

Gently he guided her down to the water's edge. The moon shone bright tonight, casting its glow far and wide, playing off the canal in a glittering spectacle that was downright breathtaking.

"It's so beautiful here," he told her. "I knew this was the perfect place."

To Akane's stunned disbelief she watched as Ranma got down on one knee. She felt her heart speed up and her breath catch at the sight of him, his gray-blue eyes staring up at her with a love so deep it was enough to make her knees go weak. She could feel herself shaking with anticipation.

"Akane," he began, his voice surprisingly steady. She was simply beautiful standing there in the moonlight, if she smiled at him now he wasn't sure if his already racing heart could take it. "I know it took a lot for me to tell you how I feel. I had to almost lose you not once, but twice, and I finally realized I never want to feel that kind of emptiness again." He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I'm not perfect. I know I sometimes make you crazy with the stupid things I say, but I hope that I've shown you how much I really do care."

He reached up and took her slightly shaking hand in his.

"I love you Akane. I always have and I always will. I finally found what matters most in life, the only thing that matters. So, if you'll do me the honor…" She watched as he reached into the pocket of his black canvas pants, her heart so overwhelmed with emotion at his words she could barely remember to breathe. Slowly he pulled out a small black velvet box, and opened it to reveal a brilliant shinning diamond. She recognized the ring instantly. It had been her mothers.

"Will you marry me Akane?"

She stared down at him, drowning in the depths of his beautiful gray-blue eyes, seeing the love reflected there, knowing they matched her own as she choked back tears of pure happiness.

"Yes, Ranma."

She let out a surprised squeal as he shot up instantly, grabbing her about the waist and twirling her around, his handsome face lit up by the most incredible smile she had ever seen.

He set her down gently, removing the ring from its box and placing it on her left index finger. She was his, now and forever.

She stared down at the ring her mother once wore, a symbol of the special kind of love her parents had shared, the same kind of love she'd found with Ranma. It was amazing how fate worked. It was as if it were always meant to be.

She reached up and stroked his hair softly, her eyes searching his as his head slowly descended towards hers, his lips a soft caress at first, then slowly deepening as his passion built. She reciprocated instantly, losing herself in his warm embrace.

When they finally parted both were breathless.

He held her close, his forehead resting on hers, a contentment he had never felt before suddenly filling him.

They had done it. They had weathered the storm and managed to come out whole. Their future now lay ahead of them and they would see it through together. It was all Ranma had ever really wanted.

After all the strife and struggle, all the sacrifice and heartache, he finally found himself at the end of that long, winding tunnel. With Akane by his side he could now step out of the endless darkness…

…and walk fully into the light.

----

Well there you have it. Thanks to all of you again for your support and encouragement. I'll be interested to hear what you thought. Ja ne!