Erg... I didn't expect such a prompt reply.  I had thought to at least
complete Chapter One before having it critiqued.  However, thanks all
the same, as you've brought my attention to a number of things wrong
with the basics of the fic.  Mostly lying in the characterization,
especially Genma's.  Perhaps I've just not written enough of his
character... I usually don't. I'll have to revise, that's for certain.
How exactly was Ukyou flat (pun intended, just for you, Gary)?  I'll
have to re-read the fic, which I'll do anyway before continuing.  After
your hasty reply, the second half of the chapter should look a bit
different than the first, I'll have to go back and match the beginning
up with the end later.  Oh, and of course the spring was not "empty", so
to speak... that just wouldn't be any fun at all, would it?  As for too
much backstory, that was mostly for my own benefit... getting into the
plot and characters (it's been a while since I've written after all).
Hopefully, I will finish Chapter One tonight... if not, than tomorrow
night for certain.  Sorry to all those out there who couldn't read the
fic originally, but I can't post to the FFML at this time.
Thanks again, Gary,
PMasters    

"I'm only holding back the rain.  So many raindrops, so many pains.  I
want to find my train someday.  As seasons go past the station." - Tokyo
Babylon OVA 1
/ E-mail: PhilMasters@webtv.net /
"...has anyone ever used something alive for a coat of arms?" - The
Sailor Who Fell From Grace With The Sea (Mishima Yukio, 1965) / 
"You see, what you call a cat, we use as armor." - Rune (El-Hazard,
1994)