You know, as soon as I saw the subject line I had a sinking feeling about
this proposed crossover ... there've been several Matrix/anime fics so far,
none of them really impressive. However, I went ahead and read your post ...
Ranma and the Matrix: Thinking along the lines of a crossover rather
than a fusion. An advanced AI in what was once Japan discovered a
method for cultivating and utilizing Chi in the human subjects, which
could have boosted their power output dramatically. Ranma and the rest
were part of an experiment, their real bodies were genetically modified
for enhanced production of Chi, and Jusenkyo, and the forms of Magic
were actually parts of the Matrix inserted to let the computers affect
the matrix reality directly. Starting with that setup, here are a few
elements to move the story:
... and this idea struck me as an interesting possibility - *if* the AIs
accept the existence of chi. Of course, the existence of chi *has* been
subject to scientific study ... <pauses to search shelves for the book> ...
ah, here it is. Mentioned in _Spirit of Shaolin_ by David Carradine.
Recently, in Beijing, China, researchers have been applying the scientific
method to chi, in an effort to discover the nature of the phenomenon....
... These studies have determined that the chi is not psychic in nature, as
was previously believed, but actual, empirical energy that flows through the
body on pathways of extremely high electrical conductivity. Gigong [also
called Chi Kung] breathing and meditation increase the conductivity by
producing acetylcholine.
Acupuncture stimulates the channels by tapping directly into them. When the
pathways are clear and in good condition the chi flows smoothly, and health
and strength follow. (p. 120)
Hrm. Come to think of it, didn't Neo look like he was getting full-body
acupuncture (or something) just after Morpheus and co. separated him from the
Matrix?
I will also note that I *am* working on a Matrix crossover of my own. It's
not Ranma, it's not Sailor Moon, it's not Evangelion (wouldn't *THAT* be an
interesting concept? o.o) but it *is* - I'll admit it - a "classic" anime
series, and one which a lot of fans still like. Hopefully I can do both of my
sources justice when I start writing about them.
Tim Miller
trmiller@bcpl.net