Disclaimer: Ranma ½ and its characters and settings belong to Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan, Kitty, and Viz Video. The song Hikari no Naka e (Into the Light) is from the soundtrack of Vision of Escaflowne, and was sung by Maya Sakamoto. The lyrics were written by Yuuho Iwasato, and the music was composed and arranged by Yoko Kanno.

"What do you mean it's over?" she asked me, as tears threatened to fall from her eyes. I couldn't respond. I turned around to leave, but she held fast to my arm, hugging it to her.

"I don't understand. Why are you leaving me?" she asked, her voice trembling.

I shook my head and asked her, "Why are you forcing yourself to do this? It's not working out. We're only going to hurt each other if we keep this up." I pulled free from her grip and ran toward the door and leaned against it. Only then, away from her presence, did I let the tears that I'd been holding back fall.

I'd seen her with him. I'd seen her smile for him like she never did for me. I wanted her to be happy, even if it meant being with him. But damn, it still hurt so much. I had to get away from there, away from her.

I opened my closet and took out my backpack, already filled with my stuff. I'd decided on this course even before that day. My heart was breaking, but I loved her too much to remain there. I heard her pounding on the door, begging me to come out.

I opened the door and she rushed into my arms, begging me to stay. I caressed her soft hair as I whispered, "Don't cry, not for me…" I almost broke, but I had to let her go, for her sake, for her happiness.

I tried to smile as I gave an empty promise, telling her I'd be back someday. But she just buried her head deeper into my shirt, her falling tears soaking the fabric, but not enough to trigger the curse.

"I can't let you do this… I still love you, don't leave me, not like this…" she murmured, her words muffled by my shirt. Her grip tightened around me, holding me close to her. My will wavered… It hurt so much, and I still loved her. My feelings for her were higher than the sky, stronger than dreams. I loved her more than anyone else, even more than I used to feel for Akane.

I held her, rocking her sobbing frame, kissing the top of her head. I wanted to let her know that even if I left, even if she loved someone else, I'd still love her. But I couldn't speak; I couldn't even utter a single word, so I just stood there holding her, giving her comfort. She still had feelings for me, but I know she'd be happier.

I cupped her chin and made her lift her tear-streaked face. "I love you. Even if we are apart, I'll still love you. Thank you for loving me, Akari." For the last time, I brought myself closer and kissed her lips. "Please be happy." I turned around to leave, but she held on, hugging my back.

"I can't…" she sobbed, "…not without you, Ryouga-sama." She hugged me tighter, as if intending to anchor me to the house using her body.

"I don't deserve you, Akari. You're more than what I ought to have, and every bit of happiness you've given me is a stolen blessing," I whispered as I removed her hands from around me.

"No! You're my happiness, my love. I can't live without you, Ryouga-sama!" she wailed as she hugged me even tighter.

She was stubborn, but I had to do this for her happiness and the life she deserved. "I saw you yesterday with that man. I saw you smiling at him. I know you love him."

She smiled then, an unexpected smile. "Baka," she whispered, and then she began to laugh.

I was confused; I expected shock, dissembling… anything but laughter.

"Ryouga-sama, that was my gynecologist. I visited him to make sure. I'm pregnant, dear… so please don't leave me. Don't leave us… okay?"

I was shocked, to say the least. So shocked that I fainted right there and then.

Webmaster: Larry F
Last revision: May 21, 2007