Disclaimer: Ranma 1/2 belongs to Rumiko Takahashi.

Shit.

She's hurt and I can't get over to her. The blood is running down the length of her body, the torn school dress littered the ground around her, and I can't reach her. My ear drums are thumping erratically now, my vision skewed as I have only one thing on my mind: get to Akane.

In the Midst of Battle

Dammit!

He got me while I momentairly distracted by the soft rise and fall of Akane's chest - she's breathing. She's okay. I have to go to her, but -my arms went up to shield the next blow- I have to take care of this problem first. Blood is dripping down my brow, it's hindering my vision but that doesn't matter.

I throw a punch, several followed as I crouched low and swung my legs. My opponent hadn't expected that, and fell for it - he's getting down for the count, but all I want to do is hurt him.

Hurt him because he put Akane in danger.

And he'd pay.

Just as I was on the verge of taking his life, my hands there and my eyes boring dangerously into his as I watched his eyes pleading me to stop but rage overcame me. But then I heard it, a soft plea, my name.

"Ranma..."

I threw another hard jab before throwing my opponent down and went to Akane. I cradled her in my arms, holding her against me and the tears that I fought so hard to hide began to fall. She meekly moved, tears running down her dirty cheeks as she held onto my shirt, her grip was weak, but she held on. I leaned my forehead against hers, whispering, "It's going ti be okay, 'kane, I'm here now."

"It hurts," she repeated over and over. My heart lurched at her confession and I held her tighter. The shell of what once a monster began their slow breathing, and all I could think was it was lucky to escape a more painful, a more cruel, death than what he is going through now.

"It's h-hurts," Akane whimpered as I felt her grip lax and I began to freak out, catching hold of her limp arms and held them around my neck. I supported her back as I lifted us and I didn't even cast a second look at the monster taking his last breath.

I had to save Akane.

I have to get to her.

I promised I'd protect her.

Author's Note

Ooh, here's a darker theme than what my readers are used to expect from me. I had this idea inspired by another picture I saw on my blog, too bad I can't link out, otherwise you'd get to see it too. PM and I can send you a way to view it though. I hope you enjoyed, tell me what you think and what sort of themes you'd want me to write in future one-shots!