Chapter 3  Rematch

(One week after the match)

	"Ranma!  You are awake!" exclaimed Akane, "For a while I thought you would never wake up!  You should be ashamed of yourself for being defeated so easily!"
	
	"Uh..., I feel terrible," replied Ranma, "Gosh... how long have I been unconscious?"

	"For a week." 

	"What!  They must have cheated!  How in the world can my Hiryu Shoten Ha fail?  It is impossible!  Oh... Akane!  What are you doing here?  What do you mean 'for a while' anyway?  Have you been... watching me?"

	"Me?  I... I was just... passing by and thought I would take a look," answered Akane nervously, "You don't think I would do anything stupid like... um... watch day and night over a jerk like you, right?"

	"I guess even you're not that stupid," replied Ranma absent-mindedly, "I still don't understand how they did it!  My attack... it is invincible!  It never failed before!"
	
	"Well, no matter how they won, they won," stated Akane, too tired to hit Ranma back for that insult.  She hadn't been getting much sleep for the last week.  Okay, so she didn't watch Ranma day and night non-stop, but it was close enough.  The first few days she didn't worry, but eventually she became very nervous.  What if Ranma doesn't wake up?  Ever since the fourth day Akane checked on him every hour and hoped that he would wake up soon.  The fatigue and the lack of sleep finally caught up to her now.  Akane continued, rather sleepily, "Oh, that girl, Marle, says she's sorry.  They'll be coming back tomorrow, so if you want a rematch they'll be there."

	"Just you watch, Akane!" Ranma said determinedly, "I will defeat these people.  They will not beat me again!  Oh... by the way, I was thinking... could you be our 7th person for the fight tomorrow?  Seems like those people are... you know... pretty good... I guess.  I think they will not use all their people unless we have an equal number.  Of course, it is not like I need your help, but, you know, got to fight fair, so..."
	
	Akane, a bit angry and amused at Ranma's persistence, reluctantly agreed, "They're pretty good, Ranma?  Oh well, I will come, but only so that your opponents will take you seriously."  Despite the uncaring appearance Akane put on, she was really happy.  <It was probably worth it, spending all that time watching Ranma.  At least he shows that he cares!  Now that he is all right again I can finally get some sleep!  This feels so good!  Ranma is actually... nice!> thought Akane.  Just before drifting off to sleep, she added, "Just remember, Ranma, I'm not doing this because I like you or anything like that so don't be getting any funny ideas!"

	Ranma watched as Akane drifted to sleep.  <What's wrong with her today?> thought Ranma, <She agreed to my request so easily.  She missed my insult completely.  Finally, just why is she doing sleeping at NOON?  Did something happened while I was unconscious?>

(Next day at Tendo Dojo)

	"Okay everyone," ordered Ranma, "These people we fought last week were indeed strong, so this time we will have to work together as a team to beat them.  Everyone understand?"

	"Yes!" replied everyone.

	Unbeknownst to Ranma, everyone had different thoughts toward the fight today...

	Akane:  <One thing I'll make sure I do is that I won't help Ranma!  It is already enough that I spend all that time watching him.  I don't want him to start thinking that I'm in love with him or anything.  He needs to take care of himself!  Besides, if I continue to act nice, people will start thinking I'm weird!>

	Ryouga:  <Akane, I will protect you in this fight.  Oh, I won't ruin Ranma's plans, but I certainly wouldn't help him by fighting together with his lousy friends!  I still haven't forgive what you done to me, Ranma Saotome!>

	Kunou:  <If Saotome was dispatched by those people, then I would be able to date the pig-tailed girl and Akane!>

	Shampoo:  <(She thinks in Chinese) I fought them first-hand, and I know they're much stronger than me.  I will only pretend to fight them.  When they attack Akane, I will help them and finish Akane.  Then Ranma will finally be mine.  Ranma will never suspect me because I'll just say they were too powerful and accidentally killed Akane.>

	Ukyou:  <Let's see now.  Akane's the weakest out of all of us.  She is most likely to get seriously injured in this fight.  I'll make sure I don't help her.  I won't go so low as to ambush her, but no reason to help her.>

	Mousse:  <The confusion of a group battle would give me a good chance to get rid of Saotome, and then Shampoo will be mine!>

(Meanwhile, aboard the Epoch, somewhere in time)

	"Marle," called Lucca, "I just thought of something.  You know that interesting technique we learned, the Poyozo Dance?"

	"Yeah," replied Marle, "It was an interesting technique, but that was all.  It has no practical use.  By the time we learned it, the confusion-type technique no longer affect our enemies anymore."

	"I know," remarked Lucca, "Well, I got a great idea.  Why don't we try the Poyozo Dance on these people we will be fighting shortly.  It would be interesting to see they hit themselves in confusion.  Besides, that way we won't have to fight too hard and risk killing them."

	"Always looking for fun, right?  You really think it'll work?" sighed Marle, "All right, then.  Let's try it.  I suppose the worse can happen is just that it will fail.  I've yet to see it backfired on us before.  Actually, I don't see how it can backfire at us at all.  The worse can happen is that it doesn't work, I suppose.  So, I guess we might as well have some fun this time.  After all, that's why we chose to fight them in the first place.  Remember, though, don't be so mischievous and condescending.  I'm your friend, so I know you don't mean all the things you say.  However, for other people they can't understand that easily.  I know you just want to have fun, but you got think about other people too.  I know you're thinking for them by using this technique to avoid injury, but don't say something like 'we're doing this so you won't accidentally get killed' in front of their face.  It's true, I know, but you don't say things like that to other people.  It's too much for anyone's pride to swallow easily.  I don't know, but I had a feeling that there is a reason why we're doing all this.  I think it was more than a coincidence that we landed on the Tendo Dojo.  I think these people need our help, even though I don't know what's wrong yet.  So, don't be too obnoxious, okay?  Remember that we're here to make friends, not enemies.  Anyway, I'll go look for the white rock and you can ask Ayla to help us."

	"I understand," answered Lucca, "Well, you can't blame me for telling the truth!  Okay, I say they are pretty good, but still I doubt if they'll be able to stop Lavos from destroying the world like we did.  I'm only trying to be helpful, that's all."

	Marle gave up, "All right already!  Just don't do anything stupid, okay?  So you're the best, Lucca, is that okay?"  Turning around, she sighed, <I suppose there are more people that still needs help in this world, starting with Lucca.  Lucca is such a klutz sometimes, though.  Always saying things she didn't mean to say.  She can fix time machines and create wondrous invention, but she doesn't know much about other important aspects of life, like love!  I wonder if anyone could be more clumsy at these kind of things than her?>

(About an hour later)

	The Epoch arrived at the Tendo dojo on time.  However, Ranma noticed that Magus and Frog weren't there.

	"Hey, where's that Frog person and the person with the blue hair?" asked Ranma.

	"Oh, Frog challenged Magus to a duel and they're in Magus's castle in 600 AD.  Don't worry, though.  Crono, Marle, and I will be enough for handle all of you.  Do you know how well we fight together?  Our teamwork more than enough compensates for the lack of manpower," replied Lucca, "Oh, we need Ayla for our first attack, but that'll be all.  So get ready.  Here we come!"

	Ranma was still mad at the condescending attitude he was being treated with, but he ignored it.  <There they go again, underestimating our strength,> thought Ranma, <So they say they're invincible.  Well, better get ready for this fight.  They probably have better teamwork then my friends and me, anyway.  I'll be lucky if I'm only ambushed once in this battle!  At any rate, we probably do need the extra man advantage to beat them.  Well, they can laugh all they want right now, but they will be sorry when they are defeated!>

	Marle sighed also.  <At least she didn't say anything too offending or stupid,> she thought.  Realizing it was time to begin, Marle pulled out a shining white rock and held it high and announced, "Special triple technique, POYOZO DANCE!"  Ranma saw that Ayla, Lucca, and Marle circled around him and the others at great speed.  He instinctually jumped out of their circular formation.  After a few seconds, they stopped and Lucca flashed a mischievous smile, "Okay, now Crono, Marle, and I will take it over from here."

	<What was the point of that first attack?> puzzled Ranma, <It sure didn't deal any damage.  As far as he could tell, no one was hurt.  They simply went around us in circles, without evening attempting to attack!  Oh well, I can worry about that later.>

	As the battle raged on, Ranma noticed that everyone was fighting together quite well, contrary to his belief.  <That's odd,> thought Ranma, <There's no way we can work this well.  After all, Ryouga and Mousse always wanted to kill me.  Shampoo and Ukyou always wanted to kill Akane.  Speaking of Akane, she hasn't got in my way yet.  Could it be my speech on the importance of teamwork?  No, it couldn't be.  Don't kid yourself, Ranma.  You know that people like Akane and Ryouga and Kunou will never listen to a word you said.  Then... how can they work together so well? >

	Akane was feeling rather strange.  She had this buzzing on her head, but she ignored it.  <Must be getting tired because I haven't been working out lately or maybe it is just the lack of sleep,> she thought, <Strange.  I'm almost sure I was thinking of not helping Ranma just a moment ago, but now I want to everything I can for him.  Strange... oh well.>  Akane dismissed her thoughts and went back to concentrate on the battle.  While Ranma was pondering the course of the events, Marle sent an ice blast toward Ranma's way.  Ranma, lost in thought, was unable to dodge the blast.  However, Akane grabbed him and dived to safety.  Embarrassed by both being so close to Akane and being saved by her, Ranma instinctually yelled, "I don't need your help, Akane!  You're just getting in the way!"

	Realizing what a stupid mistake he just made, Ranma braced himself to the impending hammering.  Somewhere in Akane's head a little voice told her that Ranma deserved to get slap for this rude and insensitive remark, but Akane ignored it.  Instead, she simply smiled, "Why don't you ever appreciate my help?  I know your proud... but, can't you be more gentle sometime, Ranma?"  These words seemed so unreal and they startled even Akane herself.  <I wonder why I said that?> thought Akane, <I know I'm suppose to... but... I don't know!  I'm so confused!  Why am I acting like this today?>

	<What's wrong with Akane?!> thought Ranma, <She took an insult from me without getting mad.  Something is definitely wrong here!>

(Meanwhile, at Crono's side)
	
	"That's weird.  I'm sure that the Poyozo Dance worked on everyone.  That Ranma person managed to get out of the way, but it should have worked on everyone else.  I don't believe these normal human beings are capable of resisting our magical powers." remarked Lucca, "However, they don't seem to be suffering from the effect of confusion.  They are fighting quite well as a team!"

	"I told you the Poyozo Dance would never work," replied Marle while dodging another punch from Ranma, "It doesn't really take much to block out its effects, I suppose.  I think you just have to concentrate and that's all.  Anyway, that is besides the point.  It really doesn't matter, we will beat them anyway.  Better be careful, however, that guy with the pigtail actually hit me last time.  It hurt, too.  Remember that we're not that invincible, Lucca.  Best not take chances.  Let's proceed with our agreed plan.  You and me will concentrate on one person at a time while Crono covers us.  Let's get rid of Ranma first because he hurt me last time.  Best not to take chances.  Ready?"

	"It is as good an idea as any," agreed Lucca, "Okay, here we go, ANTIPODE!"

	Ranma saw that Marle and Lucca simultaneously fired an ice and fire blast, respectively, and they joined halfway and created a powerful blast of energy.  Just then, he heard Ryouga yelling, "Get out of the way!"  Ranma dived to the left and then Ryouga used his complete Shishi Hokodan attack and nullify the power of antipode.  <Of course,> thought Ranma, <Let me see.  For some reason unknown to me Akane saved me from an attack and was actually being nice to me.  That is more than enough to get Ryouga to be depressed enough use his complete Shishi Hokodan.>

	"That was impressive," remarked Marle.

	"I believe that was done by focusing something known as chi," remarked Robo, who has been busy doing calculations, "That attack is quite formidable.  You might want to attack him as he is preparing to use that technique again.  He seems to be vulnerable to any attack while using this technique."

	"Okay, let's make sure we finish that person in yellow cloth next time," answered Lucca, "Let's use antipode 2 and make sure we don't mess up."
	
	"Getting serious a little bit, aren't we?" smiled Marle, "Robo, it'll be safe right?"

	Robo nodded.

	"Okay, then, let's do it!" commanded Marle.

	Ryouga continued to use his complete version of Shishi Hokodan.  <There is no meaning of life for me anymore,> he thought, <Akane is being nice to Ranma and she is ignoring me!  It is all these people's fault!  I'll take you to the netherworld with me!>   Ryouga might have pulled it off but unfortunately Robo quickly pinpointed his weakness.  There was only a very short opening while he was charging up for the Shishi Hokodan, and even Ranma didn't have a chance to attack it without taking the full blunt of the Shishi Hokodan.  Somehow, Marle and Lucca weren't afraid of a direct head-on clash.  Marle and Lucca followed Robo's advice and blast him with an antipode 2.  They hit Ryouga, and Ryouga scored a direct hit with his Shishi Hokodan as well.  The power of antipode 2 knocked Ryouga out for the fight, but Marle and Lucca suffered much from the complete Shishi Hokodan.  <Akane-san.  At least I...> thought Ryouga as he lost his consciousness.

	Ranma was surprised to see Ryouga whom he knew to be quite formidable to be defeated so easily.  However, he did noticed that Lucca and Marle are beginning to show signs of fatigue.  "Girls are not supposed to fight, you know.  That especially applies to you, Akane." remarked Ranma.  Half-expecting to get hammered by Akane for this insult, Ranma again was surprise to see no visible outburst of rage from her.  Akane knew she was supposed to hit Ranma for saying that, but somehow she couldn't act normal today.  For the time being, she just wanted to be nice and help Ranma in anyway she can.  Not even Akane herself understood her change, but she felt that this must be right.  She didn't know why, but it seemed right.  Even if she was being controlled by some arcane force, Akane still felt that this was the right way, that she should have been nice to Ranma all along.

	"That was... more powerful than I thought," remarked Marle as she began to slow down, "The plan isn't exactly working too well."

	"Marle and Lucca," pointed Robo, "You must never forget that you're human also, and you can only take so much damage.  All that training must have helped, but without the proper equipment not even you two can take damage like this non-stop!"

	Ranma was happy to hear that.  At first Marle and the others appeared invincible, but now Ranma realized that they were just as human as he was.  <Training?> thought Ranma, <These girls must have trained very hard... must be harder than my training.  Wonder what they do for their life?  Still... I can wear them down,>

	Despite the reasonable cooperation among Ranma and his friends, Ranma realized that their teamwork and leadership were easily outclassed by their enemies.  Crono, Marle, and Lucca obviously worked together in the past and knew how to cover each other's weaknesses.  Crono hasn't even attack yet.  Rather, he wields his wooden sword defensively, covering Lucca and Marle.  Lucca and Marle in turn attacked whoever they considered to be the most dangerous.  First it was Ranma, then they changed to attacking Ryouga when he seemed to be more of a threat.  Ranma also couldn't help but to admit that this plan was working, too.  Crono, obviously the best of the three, had no problem holding Ranma and everyone else back with his sword.  Marle and Lucca's attacks were quite effective.  They would have had a 100% success rate if Akane didn't save Ranma from their initial attack.  Simply put, the battle wasn't looking good.  "Everyone, stay together!" warned Ranma, "They're trying to pick us off one by one!  Don't let them do that!"

	Marle noticed the change in Ranma's strategy and couldn't help but to smile.  She wanted them to stay close together.  "Crono, they're regrouping into more tightly defensible positions, right?  You're supposed to be the one planning this, not me!  Anyway, let's end this right now.  Lucca, Crono, on my mark cast Delta Force!" ordered Marle.

	Ranma overheard Marle and thought, <They anticipated that?  They want us to be close?  Must be a trap of some sort!>  He saw that Crono, Marle, and Lucca moved into a triangular formation and surrounded he and the others.  Now it was clear.  They're going to hit everyone simultaneously and try to end this in one swift blow.  Not anxious to find out first hand what exactly Marle had in mind, he grabbed Akane and prepared to escape from their entrapment formation.  Despite all his claims that he never cared for the kawaikunai tomboy, Ranma still wanted her to be safe.

	"Someone noticed our plan," pointed Marle as Ranma was escaping from their entrapment formation, "Your friends aren't going anywhere, though.  Ready Crono?  Ready Lucca?  DELTA FORCE!"

	Ranma escaped just in time.  He saw that Crono kid used some kind of lighting attack and it was joined by the fire and ice from Lucca and Marle.  The triad of energy joined each other and became a tangible triangular prism .  The triangular prism surrounding everyone else and it flashed from white to red to blue and to black.  After that, with an iridescent flash, the prism was gone.  All was left was the unconscious bodies of Kunou, Shampoo, Ukyou, and Mousse.

	Ranma and Akane gasped at the incredible power of the Delta Force.  "Ranma," said Akane, "Thanks for saving me.  See, you do care about me after all."

	"Oh... it was... uhh... nothing, Akane." replied Ranma.  <Why is she so open today? > thought Ranma, <She is so... nice!  That's not the tomboy I remember.  I wonder why she is like that?  Something must have happened.  I just know it, but I don't know what.  There is no way that Akane would just one day decide to be nice for no reason whatsoever.  It isn't possible!>

	"Good reaction there, Ranma." Marle spoke again, "So you realized our plan, too?  Try to dodge this again!  DELTA FORCE!"

	<How can they cast these whatever-you-call-it so fast?> thought Ranma.  Again, Crono, Marle, and Lucca simultaneously fired their respective magic toward Ranma and Akane.  Ranma prepared to embrace himself for the impact.  Just then, he noticed that Akane was no longer with him.  Searching around the area, he noticed that Akane was running toward Crono.

	"Akane!  What do you think you are doing!" shouted Ranma and he immediately went to save her.  But it was too late, Akane had been electrocuted by the lightning that Crono sent toward where Ranma used to be.  Taking a quick glance, Ranma noticed that the ice and fire had canceled each other out and no triangular prism was formed this time.  He quickly rushed to Akane's side and asked, "Why did you do that, Akane?"

	"Ranma... let me protect you for once.  It is always you... that protects me.  Now it is my turn.  I... I figured that without the lightning they cannot complete their attack.  I didn't get in your way this time, right?  See, I can be nice and thoughtful if I want to be.  I did it for you, Ranma," muttered Akane, barely conscious, "I was right, see.  The fire and the ice canceled each other out without the lightning.  Just for once I'm the one saving you."

	"Akane, you stupid girl, you didn't have to do that.  I could have blocked by myself."  replied Ranma.

	"Oh... what a surprise." smiled Akane, "I should have known you would have said something like that.  How do you expect our relationship to go anywhere if you're always such a jerk?  I saved you twice today already, mind you.  You would never... never say you love me, wouldn't you?  Can't you... at least say a little thank you after what I done for you?  Still... I know you love me.  Why... why can't you be more gentle sometime, Ranma.  Even though you are such a jerk sometimes, I... I still love you, Ranma," finished Akane as she slipped into unconscious.

	Ranma just stood for a moment, stunned to hear these words.  <No!  It better not be...> he thought.  He quickly checked her again.  <She is all right, so those couldn't have been her last words,> thought Ranma, <But then.. Akane?  Is that really you?  Maybe... maybe she was hurt worse than I thought.  Okay, Akane is not dying or anything, so this can't be her last words.  Most likely the lightning half-shocked her brain and therefore she is talking such nonsense.  Akane would never say these things, whether she actually feels that way or not.  Still, I won't let them getting away for hurting Akane like that!>

	"How did she know that we need all three elements to complete the Delta Force?" commented Marle, "Good thinking there.  I should have thought of that too...  Still, Crono's lighting attack must have fried her.  Those lightning must have hurt.  Oh, don't worry.  She is still alive.  We don't kill people, otherwise we would be just as evil as the evil we've vanquished before.  Well, enough is enough.  Ranma, let's end this right now!"

	Turning around, Ranma noticed that Crono once again had leapt into the air with his wooden sword drawn.  <Oh no, it is that what-you-call-it sword attack again!> thought Ranma, a sense of hopeless and failure in him.  He remembered that attack too well.  Just then, he heard Marle saying, "Hey Lucca, why don't you have the honor today?"

	Just then, Ranma finally realized why his Hiryu Shoten Ha failed.  Even though there was a lot of heat and energy from Crono's direct attack, when Crono caught the ice the heat was gone and replaced by coldness.  He should known; it was called the Icesword.  Of course Hiryu Shoten Ha wouldn't work on anything that was based on ice.  <But, this time it seems like Lucca will add the finishing touch, that can only mean that it is going to be a... fire attack!> thought Ranma.  

	"Okay Crono, here we go.  FIRESWORD!"  as Lucca cast her flame spell and Crono caught the flame, similarly to the last battle.

	The fact that the attack was called the firesword also confirmed Ranma's beliefs.  "This time I won't fail," shouted Ranma, "Take this, HIRYU SHOTEN HA!"

	Just as Ranma thought, the intense difference of heat between the firesword and his attack caused a great tornado and blew Crono away.  "I did it!" rejoiced Ranma, "This is for Akane!"

	"Wow!" remarked Robo, "Hmmm... wind elemental attack that hits everything within a certain radius.  Appears to be a counterattack of some sort... probably 100 hit points plus of damage from the initial blast, I'll say.  Watch out the fall... I suspect that is where the damage really comes in, Crono."

	Crono drifted inside the tornado and he too was momentarily surprised.  <I've never seen this kind of attack,> he thought, <Looks like some kind of counter-attack with tornado energy.  Well, I can handle that.>  Just as Ranma rejoiced for what appeared to be a victory, Crono slashed his wooden sword against the tornado.  The sword wave created by the power of Crono's slash cut through the tornado like a knife through butter.  With the tornado sliced in half, Crono easily escaped from the tornado.  Meanwhile, the sword wave continued its path and was heading straight for Ranma.  <It's a little trick call Slash,> thought Crono as he landed, <That's my counter to your tornado attack.  Hmmm... countered my firesword... interesting... he is better than I thought...>

	"Oh yeah, I almost forgot," remarked Marle, "While Crono's slash attack is one of his weakest attacks, it has a knock to neutralize tornado energy.  That technique was very helpful when we fought Masa & Mune so long ago...  I would watch out for the sword wave if I were you."

	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 was 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 can't be much more powerful than your attack, and you shouldn't be able to kill yourself with your own attack and I thought...  Oh!  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.  Marle and the others 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.  After all, lightning is supposed to stun its recipients.  Somehow, she managed to get up and saved you from the sword wave.  She must have really loved you... yes... this is love.  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 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 feel 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 was easier to continue the story if Akane couldn't remember what happened.  Otherwise she would be too embarrassed.  I also believe Akane should never have to know that she unconsciously say 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 got 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 I love 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 love you!  Dream on, Ranma!"