On Thu, 24 Jun 1999, allyn yonge wrote:

Hi,

Hello!

I agree with you on the most part, but Akane? 

There are so many fics with

have Akane as the person with 'the potential to

become the bestest martial  artist in the universe,

yessiree!' or 'Akane  suddenly gets mega super-powers,
and kicks her competitor's ass', that it's almost
become  cliche. 
##ummm. Could I have links to these stories? I've
asked around and I can't find anyone who's familar
with stories like this. I'd like to see them though.

Actually, I saw most of these over a year ago when I took the time to read
the whole Ranma section of the RAAC archives (something I won't be doing
again.  WAY too much work).  So, I don't remember the titles.  Maybe there
have been some posted on the list, but since I've gotten in the habit of
deleting fics unfinished when the characterization becomes too skewed, I'd
be sure to delete any fic that contained such a reference before I'd ever
get up to that point. 

If you want to look for them yourself, I might suggest
www.tass.org/fanfic, since they don't have to be unzipped, and can be read
straight off of the browser.

Usually it's Ranma or Ryouga that get powered up. 
I've also seen Nabiki, Kasumi, Ukyou and Shampoo get
power.
However even then, nothing like you describe. 

Nabiki?  I'd like to see this.  I've only know of a few, A Very Scary
Thought, and Quantum Destinies.

Really?  You haven't read any fics with some badly written villan looking
at a fiancee brawl, and remarking 'These fighters are all bad.  However,
there is one in there with untapped potential to become the best fighter
in the world!  I shall kidnap Akane, and use some sort of evil
mind-control/ancient rite/release her past life's spirit.'

And of course, there's always the obligatory scene where she beats the tar
out of Shampoo and/or Ukyou with her left pinky.

There is HoI, but Akane has five years of constant
fighting in addition to training under a Tengu.

HOI's a different kettle of fish.  Akane actually works for her skills,
and works hard.  She isn't just granted them on some whim by a two
dimensional character.

Cliche? I'm willing to be corrected. In fact I'd LOVE
to read a few fanfics like that. Please send links or
story titles/authors. ^_^

Well, as I said, you might want to check out some of the older RAAC
stories.  And if I happen to see any more (I hope I don't, but that's one
wish that's unlikely to come true) I'll mail you and point them out.

-Natsume Ranma Ranma
-------
The sardines weren't worth the trouble.  A few more shots, then 
Ryoga-san would overheat and explode.  Ducking around a corner, 
I managed to lose him as I entered the ramshackle residence of 
my Anime supplier.

One look at his face and I knew that I was betrayed.  "Tell me."
I insisted.  He refused, so I slammed him against the wall.
"Last chance.  Where can Ranma-Ranma find good fanfics?"
"Try Jason Liao." he whispered, before he slumped to the floor.
I heard the sounds of a door splintering as I left through the 
window, one step ahead of Tendo Heavy Industries...