Here's my second attempt at sending this.  (The first one bounced
back, I guess it'll teach me to try sending something out at 2 a.m.) It is an
idea that I've needed to exorcise ever since a certain thread popped up.   As
it is, it is little more than dialogue, but I hope it's not too bad for
something done on a whim.   It has been spell checked, but that is it.


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

                        No Respect, A Ranma 1/2 Spamfic


        It is a warm autumn afternoon, and the setting sun illuminates two
sitting figures, on opposite sides of a Shogi board.  One of them, a portly
man in a white gi, wearing glasses, turns towards the sun as he addresses the
other, a tall mustachioed man in a brown gi:

        "Tendo, It has become apparent to me that our children fail to respect
our authority.  It seems to me that we have a problem commanding their
respect." 

        "It is with some regret that I find myself admitting it, but you are
quite right, Saotome.  To think that my own daughter would glare at me so!  It
is enough to break a poor father's heart!"

        "As much as it pains me, I believe we may need to accept certain
realities of this 'modern' age, and make a few drastic changes, if we wish to
succeed in our original plan to unite our houses..."

        "What are you proposing we do, Saotome?"

        "Well, Tendo, I believe that if we can show our children that the
local community both respects and honors us, they would be forced to swallow
their pride.  Having done that, they would finally be able to admit their love
for each other, acknowledge our wisdom, and get married.  Once Ranma and Akane
are married, they will continue the School of Anything Goes Martial Arts, and
our legacy will be assured.  
	But in order for them to accept our authority, we need to regain their
respect. We no longer live in a society that respects traditional martial
artists.  
        Take the Kunos, for example.  The true descendants of an ancient line
of noble samurai, and yet, where is their family's honor and respect now?  The
father's an obsessive maniac, his son is a delusional idiot, and his daughter
is a deranged loon.  No one doubts their skills as martial artists, but they
are the subject of public ridicule and mockery as soon as their backs are
turned.  
        It is a sad fact that the traditional ways are dying, Tendo."

        "True enough.  But what exactly do you suggest?  If, as you say, our
prowess in the art alone does not seem to be sufficient anymore, how are we to
gain anyone's respect?"

        "Well Tendo, I have no doubt that our children respect our skills, but
the way we apply them does seem a bit outdated.  We will have to make some
changes to our lives, to reflect modern tastes and sensibilities.  We might
have to completely change our image and lives."

         "Saotome!  Are my ears deceiving me?  Am I to understand that you are
proposing we give up the school?  After all we've been through together, and
all the hardships you've endured with your son, you are giving up now?"

        "Of course not Tendo!  However, I am proposing a change in how we
demonstrate our role as martial artists.  Today's youth are too used to seeing
martial arts as mere historical figures.  
	Modern heroes do not wear gis or sandals!  They live normal lives among the
people, and only appear when needed.  They have mysterious code names and wear
polychrome Spandex and Lycra body suits and boots!  
	Superheroes, that is what today's youth has been taught to respect!  So that
is what we must become, in order to be seen as modern role models for our
children!"  

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


A few words about where this thing came from:

        A while back, there was talk of a Batman/R 1/2 x-over involving Mousse
and Ryoga.  (The curses would go a long way towards explaining the full body
rubber suits, but I digress.)  
        I kept considering other possible, yet  ludicrous, superhero teams in
a R 1/2 universe, and the thought of Genma & Soun, along with a possible
rationalization as to why they would consider this, popped up, and lead me to
write what you just read.   
	And while it is just a wee little spamfic, feedback and suggestions would be
appreciated, as I still feel the dialogue needs some polishing, specially at
the end, and it could have a bit more imagery and a better lead-in sequence.  


-- 
"There is nothing in this world of value...
 Nothing worth risking our lives for...
	 ...except 'erhaps... 
	...what little we can create ourselves."
		Daisuke Ido (Gunnm / Battle Angel)
          _______ ___      ___                   _______ 
 _______ |   _   |   |__  |   |      _____      |   _   |
|   _   \|   _   |   _   \|   |___ /   _   \    |   _   |
|  |_)   |__| |__|  |_ )  |_______|   (_)   |   |__| |__|
|    ___/        |________|        \_______/             []
|___|    http://userzweb.lightspeed.net/arev/