A/N: Yes, this is somewhat related to the Mask of Zorro, but not by much. Just using the image of the masked man, nothing else! Also, insane Kuno? I don't see Kuno as insane, more like arrogant, eccentric and incredibly dense when it comes to his favorite pig-tailed girl. Onto the story!
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Chapter Two ~
Arriving at the Tendo shrine, Kuno sent his men to search the area while he surveyed the Tendo grounds. He viewed the Tendo shrine with a hint of sadness. If only the war did not come, the Tendos would have prospered. However, Kuno had to do it if he wanted Akane as his wife. He bowed apologetically toward the shrine. "I'm sorry this had to happen. But when she is mine, I will restore you to your original splendor."
*Besides, the means justified the ends.* He reasoned. When Tendo Akane became Kuno Akane, he would freely lend money to his new father-in-law to fix the shrine. It would simply not do for the bride of Kuno and her family to be seen as paupers.
His men returned; Saotome was found. Dismissing them, with the exception of the well-hidden Sasuke, Kuno proclaimed, "Saotome! I know you're in there! I demand we finish our fight over Akane."
"What do you want Kuno?" A soft irritated voice from behind startled him. Kuno spun around to find the masked man, now unmasked, behind him with the same self-confident smirk.
"I simply wish to finish the fight we started yesterday. As a martial artist, I would have expected you too would want to finish the fight. If you will not fight for the beautiful Akane, then fight for honor."
"Honor, huh. Sure, why not. But a warning Kuno, don't start what you can't finish." Saotome started circling Kuno who did the same; both waiting for the other to strike first.
Without warning, Kuno launched himself into the air with one swift move. He drew out his sword and aimed it directly at the other's head. He executed a swift and hard stroke at the spot where Saotome's head was a moment ago, but found the other had merely tilted his head slightly to avoid the blow.
"Are you mocking me?" Kuno screamed as he sent a tirade of strikes expertly aimed at Ranma who dodged them easily.
Kuno leaped into the air again and threw a heavy over chop at Ranma's head again. And again, he missed. Failing to strike the offensive man, Kuno twisted his body expertly to launch another attack. However, he was far too slow as Saotome dealt him a crushing blow in his exposed side.
"You never learn, do you."
Kuno landed on the ground heavily, his head swam with the pain penetrating deeply into his mind. A normal human would have been knocked out by the pain alone from that blow, but then again, when was Kuno Tatewaki ever call a normal human?
He rose again slowly, leaning on his sword. Slightly stumbling he pointed it at Saotome, "A man like you should not even be allowed to fight against a man like me! How did someone so lowly ever have the nerve to challenge the great Kuno? Akane will be mine!"
"Wait! When did I ever say that I was fighting over this Akane?" Ranma raised his hands, shaking them for emphasis.
"What? You do not engage in honorable battle with me over the fair and beauteous Tendo Akane?"
"I'm only fighting for the food!"
"You lie! What sort of man would you be if you did not fight for Akane? Silence wretch, let us finish our fight!"
"Fine."
Kuno did not bother for Saotome to finish before he started running at him at break-neck speed with his sword continually striking the spot were Saotome stood. The man dodged his attacks with less ease than before. Ranma's mind started to lose focus as the lack of food finally made an impact. He could barely concentrate on Kuno's quickening speed. If he didn't finish Kuno off soon, he would lack the strength to do so later.
****
"Akane?" Kasumi's head peaked into her sister's room.
"What Kasumi?"
"There's been some disturbances over at the shrine. I saw two men there when I was bringing over the food offerings…I think they're robbers." Concern shown in her open eyes.
"Robbers? I'll go see!" Akane rushed off to the shrine. Her blood grew hot at the thought of anyone daring to steal from her family.
****
Ranma stopped retreating from Kuno's torrent of attacks and switched to offensive. He leaped into the air, his leg extended. As he neared Kuno his vision completely blacked out. Thrown off balance, he started to plunge toward the nearing ground.
Kuno watched this with a smirk on his face, *At last, an opening!* he thought as he advanced toward the unconscious body. He was about to finish off Ranma with a quick blow when a small groan escaped from the man's lips. He watched in fascination as Ranma awoke and struggled to get back on his feet. He would not strike a man from behind. Even that would be too low for Kuno.
"Are you ready to fight?" Kuno asked in a mocking tone.
"Always," Ranma replied, wiping away a dribble of blood oozing from his mouth.
A sudden lightning bolt streaked against the blacken skies, illuminating the two still figures. Thunder boomed loudly, once again announcing the coming of rain. Ranma looked up in disgust as the rain started dripping on his face, "What is with this place and rain?"
The sudden outpour of rain left Kuno's vision temporarily hindered as he could only make out a blurry figure in the distance. Kuno stared as the pouring rains quickly changed into a soft drizzle, leaving a lovely fiery red haired maiden in the place of the offensive Saotome.
"I mean it's already rained twice and I've been here only one day!" The female continued her complaint. She huffed and looked at Kuno's wide-eyed stare, "What are you looking at? What, never seen a girl who looks as good as me?"
Kuno stood silently as he felt his heart flutter. Such a beautiful girl! She would make a fine bride indeed. Kuno contemplated on running up to this girl and embracing her. *I must know who this bewitching vixen is!* He thought as all dreams of Akane evaporated, momentarily. His legs started to have feeling again as he ran awkwardly toward the cherry-haired beauty. "Come to me my pig-tailed beauty!" He cried happily before his mind went black.
****
"Stupid Kuno," Akane muttered at the prone body of her fallen prey. Imagine, letting down his guard to gawk as some girl who appeared by magic. Still, Kuno was defeated and she was free once more. She glanced at the girl who was a boy moments ago before the rains came, or at least she thought the intruder was a boy. "Hey you! What do you think you're doing here? You're trespassing."
The girl took a few steps toward the blue haired Akane. Even though she was weak from hunger she could still tell this was Tendo Akane. She stumbled and fell to the muddy ground as her hunger consumed her mind.
Akane watched as the girl tumbled and fell. She rushed over to the girl, "Geez, she fainted. I guess that fight with Kuno took a lot out of her. A girl? I swear I saw a boy before that rain started. Was it magic or was it just something wrong with my eyes? I guess I better bring her in." Akane half thought, half muttered as she lifted the prone body and started towards home.
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A/N- So here's a new chapter for anyone to enjoy! Ranma and Akane finally meet and the pig-tailed girl has made her entrance, into Kuno's heart. Whatever will happen next? I'm sorry that I'm not a daily updater (I love authors who are- thank you!), but I wanted to get this out before I go on my trip. I'm trying the best I can. Comments and especially criticism is welcome.
