Here's part 2 of chapter 3 of CT 1/2.  Again, they're not meant to be in 2 
parts.  I only did this so that I can send this in plain text form.  I hope I've 
fixed up everything so the characters no longer seem so obnoxious and evil.  
Lucca turned out much more evil and obnoxious than I intended to.  As always, 
things in <> are character thoughs and please send all C & C to 
<dwang@sprynet.com>.  

Part 2 of Chapter 3

	The sword wave was coming to Ranma at unbelievable speed.  Ranma barely 
had time to even think when he felt that he someone had pushed him aside and 
took the sword wave for him.  He turned around and saw that Akane was no longer 
at where she lied unconsciously just a few moments ago.  <No, it couldn't be...> 
thought Ranma and then as he looked at where the sword wave struck his fear came 
true:  Akane took the sword wave for him.

	"Why did you do that, Akane?  You're in no shape to block that attack!  
You were unconscious just 5 minutes ago.  Why did you have to get in my way 
again!" exclaimed Ranma.

	"Oh, Ranma... not again." smiled Akane, "Shouldn't I... get a... thank 
you... for this?  After... all I... done for you... shouldn't you... at least... 
be nice?  Well, it... doesn't... really... matter..." and then with a smile 
still on her radiant face, Akane shut her eyes.

	"No!  You stupid girl!" shouted Ranma, fearful that those words were 
Akane's last.  He quickly checked her again. He felt her heartbeat and was 
slightly relieved.  <Good, she is still alive,> thought Ranma, <But she is 
having such a hard time breathing.  Akane is dying!  It is all my fault!  I got 
to get her to the hospital fast!>

	"Sorry, I didn't know she was going to get hit," apologized Marle, 
"You're right, she is in no shape to take that attack.  Well, it'll take an 
equivalent amount of force to neutralize the tornado.  I don't really know how 
strong that tornado attack was, though.  I suppose you would know how strong it 
is since you used it."

	Ranma froze.  That energy wave was at least the equivalent of his Hiryu 
Shoten Ha?  No wonder Akane is hurt so bad.  Ranma only hoped that he could save 
her before it was too late.

	"Wait a second," panicked Marle, "She's dying, isn't she?  Why?  The 
slash would have only hurt you seriously and I thought...  Why did you let her 
fight if she is so far behind your level?  Don't you even care about her?  You 
should have let us know if she was that fragile!  Better heal her wounds right 
away.  Let me see her, I will take care of her.  CURE 2!"

	Ranma realized that she was right.  She must have assumed that Akane 
would be somewhere close to Ranma's level and planned their attack accordingly. 
 It was not really her fault, too.  Ranma knew that people often have the 
misconception that Akane was better than he.  The only person at fault was 
himself.  He shouldn't have dragged Akane into this fight.  Not fully sure what 
Marle is going to do, Ranma watched in silence.  "There, that should do it," 
smiled Marle, "Now, you take care of her, Ranma."

	Marle handed Akane back to Ranma and Ranma noted with disbelief that 
Akane was much better.  Even though she was still unconscious, Ranma noticed 
that Akane was breathing steadily and her life was no longer in danger.

	"I'm amazed at that girl's determination and her love for you," 
commented Marle, "She blocked Crono's lightning and slash for you, Ranma.  She 
is very determined, I'll tell you that.  She should have been stunned for a 
couple of hours when she got zapped by the lightning.  Somehow, she managed to 
get up and saved you from the sword wave.  She must have really loved you.  
Here, take this elixir and it will help her to recover.  Just let her drink this 
and should be back to normal in no time.  Her sacrifice for you reminded me the 
time when Crono sacrificed himself for save us from Lavos... such painful 
memories.  At any rate, it looks like we won't be getting much fighting done 
tonight.  I respect your strength but especially that girl, Akane, and her love 
for you.  Oh, Robo, why don't you heal Ranma's other friends.  We shall meet 
again."

	Just then, Nabiki came out of the house and screamed, "You can't just 
leave!  You wrecked the entire dojo.  You must pay for your damage to our 
property!"

	"Sorry about that, here, I hope this is enough," said Marle and she 
tossed a bag to Nabiki, "This is 10,000 GP.  If it isn't enough, we will pay for 
the damage when we come back."

	The Epoch took off again, and in seconds it vanished, leaving only the 
elixir and the bag of gold coins.

	Nabiki opened the bag and screamed in disbelief, "This is solid GOLD!  
Don't tell me when she said 10,000 GP she meant ten thousand solid gold coins!  
Ranma, since when did you know such rich friends as these!  Make sure you be 
nice to them next time!"  

	Nabiki began to happily brainstorm new ways to extort or get money from 
Ranma's new 'friends'.   Ranma, however, wasn't listening.  He took a sip of the 
elixir, just to make sure it wasn't poison or anything, and instantly he felt 
totally refreshed.  "This elixir potion is really powerful stuff," Ranma 
muttered to himself.  He quickly gave the rest of the elixir to Akane and 
watched her carefully.

	Moments later, Akane began to stir.  "Uhh...  what happened, Ranma?" 
muttered Akane as she slowly got up, "Why do I feel so terrible, and why am I 
lying in your arms like that?!"

	"You're all right, Akane!" exclaimed Ranma.

	"Yeah, why shouldn't I be?" questioned Akane.

	"I...I don't know what to say, Akane," said Ranma, "Uh..., I guess I 
ought to thank you for all you done for me.  I never knew you cared about me 
that much."

	Akane looked at Ranma in bewilderment, "What!?  Are you all right Ranma? 
 By the way, where did the people that you're supposed to fight go?  I remember 
something about their first attack, but nothing after that.  And what do you 
mean I helped you!  We haven't attack them yet!  Ah!  I can't remember 
anything!"

Author's note:  The elixir canceled out the confusion effect of the Poyozo 
Dance.  I felt it is easier to continue the story if Akane couldn't remember 
what happened.  Otherwise she'll be too embarrassed.  I also believe Akane 
should never have to know that she unconsciously said that she loved Ranma.

	Ranma was amazed.  "Oh, don't try to hide it.  You saved me several 
times today and you even said that you loved me.  I'm sorry for being rude.  
Please forgive me."

	"I WHAT!" shouted Akane, "Ranma, are you making this up to make fun of 
me?  How in the world would I love someone like you?!  And what do you mean I 
saved you?  Just exactly where are those people you're supposed to fight!"

	"You can't remember what happened?" questioned a puzzled Ranma.

	"WHAT HAPPENED?" replied an equally puzzled Akane.

	"You got in my way, as always.  So what else is new.  You know, you 
should never jump in a fight between man and man like that.  You could have 
gotten yourself killed.  I could have handled them by myself without your help. 
 Why do you have get in my way all the time?  I don't need your help!  You're 
too clumsy and will just get in my way..."  answered Ranma.

	Before Ranma can finish the last sentence, he heard the familiar "Ranma 
no baka!" and was hammered by Akane.  <Well, she seems to be the Akane I knew 
again.  Yes, and she is still uncute.  Maybe she was just pretending to be nice 
all alone.  I knew it was too good to be true.  If only Akane was like that all 
the time, I would have told her that I loved her already...> thought Ranma as he 
slowly drifted into unconsciousness.

	"That's what you get for making fun of me!" shouted Akane, "So what if 
I'm uncute, hentai!  So what if I'm clumsy and always get in your way!  And you 
think I'm going to say I loved you!  Dream on, Ranma!"

********************************************************************************
"RANMA NO BAKA!" Akane Tendo, Ranma 1/2

"Power only breeds war ... I wish I'd never been born." Celes Chere, Final 
Fantasy 3

Don Wang <dwang@sprynet.com>
RPG, strategy game, and Ranma 1/2 fan.