This is my first try at fanfiction.  I wrote it last week on
sunday and tried to post it to rec.arts.anime.creative for half a
week (Grrrr, damn newsserver!)
When it finally worked I was told that I should put it on the
Fanfic Mailing List, too, so here I am.  :)

This piece is meant to take place within regular Ranma continuity
and doesn't change much (there are too many alternative timelines
flying around as it is).

I wrote it in a kind of "script-like" style, because that helps me
to visualize it as a manga or anime.  I haven't seen much of that,
so I figure that it isn't a very popular style.  Feedback would be
appreciated (and corrections of spelling and grammar as well).

I put a HTML'ed version on my homepages that might be easier to
read.  You might want to check out that one instead.

All right, no more excuses!  Here goes...

        ------------------------------------------------

Fade in opening shot of the Tendo Dojo from above at an angle.

Voice: Ranma no BAKA!

<SLAP!!>

Cut to the inside.  We see Ranma walking down the hall with a red
palmprint on his left cheek.  He tries (but utterly fails) to
look completely unfazed by what just happened offscreen.  Calmly
he strolls into his room and closes the door before letting his
anger out - a rather futile exercise, considering the doors and
walls of the dojo.

Ranma:  All RIGHT!  Then *don't* listen to my side!  See if I
  care! [thinks] It's not as if it was *my* fault...
  Well, maybe it was, but that's no reason...
  Well, maybe it is; but still...
  She's always so... so...

He doesn't finish his thoughts as he sees a package lying on his
and Genma's futon.

Ranma:  Hmm, what's this?  Pop's?  [thinks] Heh, if it *is* pop's,
  it's probably something to eat.

He opens the package and looks inside.

Ranma:  Huh?  Roses?  Bla-  Hey, waitaminnit.

He has a flashback thought-balloon of Kunou Kodachi with one of
her poisoned rose bouquets.

Ranma:  Aaahh!

He throws the package in the direction of the window, but it is
too late - The bouquet in the package explodes, enveloping the
room (and Ranma) in a yellowish cloud of gas.  Maniacal laughter
can be heard from outside.

Voice:  Ohohohohohohooo...

Cue Title music and opening credits:

RANMA 1/2 Fanfic:  "Ranma in Love!  Can Akane Cope?"
----------------------------------------------------

   Love hits you when you least expect it.
   Love hurts you where you cannot guard.
   Love obeys no rules or reasons.
   Except: It always strikes your heart.

(keeping with the rhythm of the percussion, we see:  Akane
slapping Ranma because of Shampoo, slapping him because of Ukyou,
Slapping him because of Kodachi and slapping him just on general
terms)