Awwww... I knew that promise I once made about C&Cing any
fic which used Blade of the Immortal in it would come back
to haunt me ^_^
I mean, just as I was about to do that thing for Al-- the
one I've been procrastinating on, I have this! Sorry, Al, but
hey-- this is something even older than that one, eh? :)
(btw, people-- new email account. Switched ISPs and all that)
At 04:31 PM 11/22/99 PST, Anand Rao wrote:
<buzzing, snipping, and a little off the sides, to boot>
"That it was," Ranma agreed.
"I mean, that Amazon girl obviously fell in love with you! The trip wasn't
a total loss, right?"
"I did have fun training with you, Genma. I always have." Ranma sighed.
"However, Shampoo's attraction for me didn't help matters at all."
"What? But-"
"The curse doesn't work that way. I have to fall in love with -them-. It
doesn't matter how many of them fall in love with me."
"I see. . . well, how many times have you fallen in love?"
"Five."
"Only five times in 200 years?" Genma exclaimed. "At this rate, you're
going to live forever!"
Don't tell me Ranma's got 1000 to go through as well, does he? :)
Leading up for a comeback with Shampoo as well, eh? I'm taking it
no Jusenkyo this time?
Also wondering: Cologne. Qould this have been Ranma's first time
in China, and even if not, has he ever met Cologne previously? Does
she know about the Kessen-chu (bloodworms) or not? Do they have a past
together or anything? Some possible storylines/plot points you may
wish to explore, or at least think about.
<Crew-cut? All I said was a little off the top!>
*********************************
"All right, that's it for today. Practice hard, remember, testing occurs in
a month." Ranma paused and looked meaningfully at the students in front
him. "I'd like all of you to be able to advance a rank. Class dismissed."
"Hai, Sensei!" the class chorused, and as one, bowed to him. Ranma
returned the bow and smiled as the students left the dojo, talking
animatedly amongst themselves. The Saotome dojo was surprisingly popular
considering the 'young' age of its master. The martial arts community
considered Ranma to be something of a prodigy. They could not understand
how someone not even out of his teens could possibly be a Grand Master in
Kempo.
As Ranma was about to start a kata, the dojo door slammed open and a young
woman in a kimono barged in. "Grandfather! I need the sword! Now!"
Ranma sighed. "Nodoka-chan, your mother would be very disappointed in your
lack of manners." He tried to keep the grin off his face. Nodoka looked
rather comically enraged in her kimono. It was an incongruous sight.
"But grandfather-"
"I know you don't care, but I'm the one who gets yelled at every time you
fail to act like a 'proper young woman'," Ranma explained. (I don't know
where her mother got such ideas. . . certainly not from me!)
"Grandfather, we found a couple of perverts trying to sneak into the women's
public baths," Nodoka protested. "I'm going to -kill- them."
"This bothers you that much?" Ranma's eyebrows rose. "I thought your
tastes were rather. . . progressive."
Nodoka flushed then glared at Ranma. "It's not what they did! It's what
one. . . one of them said," she admitted.
"Oh?"
"He called me a baboon and said that if he wanted to ogle someone as hideous
as me, he'd visit the zoo!" Nodoka was near tears as she ran to the dojo
shrine and picked up the sword of the Saotome Clan from its resting-place.
"I demand vengeance!" She quickly drew the sword in a single, fluid
movement. Unfortunately, it slipped out of her hands and embedded itself in
Ranma's stomach.
Ranma gasped in pain and fell to his knees. "Damn it, girl! Your obsession
with this blade is getting unhealthy." He grimaced in pain and pulled the
sword out his stomach. "Especially considering that you do not even know
how to use it!"
"I'm sorry, Grandfather," Nodoka replied contritely.
Thus giving lie to the oft-held yet erroneous belief that Nodoka is a whiz
with the katana and some kenjutsu master... er, mistress. I like this bit,
even if you could always excuse any skill she has by saying, "Alternate
universe!" That, and it's a good way to demonstrate the bloodworms and
why exactly Ranma has this problem with dying.
Ranma opened the front of his gi and inspected the wound. The bloodworms
had begun the process of sealing it and within a few moments, only a light
scar would remain. "It's okay, Nodoka-chan. No permanent damage done.
Let's go see these 'perverts' of yours."
Problem though: I thought the bloodworms left no scar, at least with Manji.
All his scars are from before he got them. I'm pretty sure he remarked upon
it once-- in the first issue, methinks.
Might want to have Ranma sigh when he speaks here. While having Nodoka not
freak out at the wound does show she knows about Ranma, and most likely
has probably seen it happen before (even if she knew intellectually, it
would most likely still come as a shock) gives the reader the impression
that this is not the first time it has happened, a sigh would increase this.
Make it a more common occurrence, and highlighting Nodoka's lack of skill
even more. Also would bring home Ranma's immortality even more, by making
such an act seem like something not really worth mentioning, except
possibly for the bloodstains (which you might want to mention, really. A
remark about who's going to clean the floor now, and what about the gi?)
<You can't seriously expect me to pay for this cut, do you?>
"That's the spirit!" Ranma clapped Genma on the back.
"What are you going to do while I'm off having kids?"
"I thought I'd go visit Soun. I haven't seen him since Sachiko's funeral,"
Ranma replied. "It's been too long between visits."
"Soun? Say, I'd like to-"
"Nothing doing! Babies first! Soun later."
Genma sighed. "So, I'll see you in a couple of days?"
"Right. I'll tell Soun that you've started working on that son he so
desperately wants." Ranma grinned at Genma's look of discomfort, and the
two men parted ways.
So apparently the agreement between Soun and Genma still stands, does it?
***************************
Ranma knocked on the front of door of the Tendo home and smiled at the
brown-haired girl who answered it.
"Hello, may I help you?" The girl, Ranma noticed, had an open and honest
smile. It was a smile he well remembered.
"Yes, I'd like to see Soun Tendo. Is he home?"
"Certainly! Please, come in." The girl stepped back, allowing Ranma to
enter the house.
"Thank you." Ranma removed his shoes and followed after the girl.
"Pardon me, but you seem very familiar. . . have we met somewhere before?"
"Your father is a good friend of mine, Kasumi-chan." Ranma smiled. "It's
been a while since I've seen you though."
"R-Ranma-oniichan?" Kasumi gasped in surprised as her hands went to her
cheeks.
"So, you remember me?"
Kasumi simply embraced him in response. Ranma gently ran his fingers
through her hair. "So, how have you been, Hime-chan?"
Kasumi giggled and pulled away. "No one has called me that in a long time."
She gazed fondly at Ranma and ran her hand down his face. "You haven't
changed a bit, have you?"
"I told you I wouldn't," Ranma replied, his tone a bit sad.
"I've missed you, Ranma-oniichan." Kasumi frowned. "Why did you wait so
long to come back?"
Ranma looked down at his feet, his face flushing guiltily. "Kasumi-chan,
when. . . when your mother died, I-"
You also have that 12 years isn't really that long a time to someone who's
over 200 years now, eh? Obviously something went down at/just after the
funeral (find out more later, perhaps?) which made Ranma stay away for a
while, but simple absentmindedness could account for a further lengthening
of the delay.
Kasumi placed the palm of her hand against Ranma's mouth. "I was angry,
then; a hurt and confused child who just lost her mother. I didn't
understand what you were," she paused, "I still don't. But, I do know, if
you could have saved her, you would have."
Obviously Kasumi is at least partially aware of Ranma's condition, then, but
exactly how much? Has she seen the bloodworms in action, for instance?
Ranma sighed. "Thank you, hime-chan. Your forgiveness means a great deal
to me."
"There was nothing to forgive, oniichan." Kasumi smiled then put her hands
on her hips in mock anger. "Except for waiting twelve years before deciding
to visit us!"
Ranma grinned and nodded appreciatively. "And the time has done wonders for
you, Kasumi-chan. You've grown in to a very beautiful woman. You're what?
Eighteen now?"
"Stop teasing me, Oniichan. And I'm nineteen." Kasumi ducked her head and
blushed bright red.
Oh dear-- a childhood crush? Will it blossom into something other? Who will
be #6? :)
<Why, no I don't think it's a good idea to argue with someone who's holding
a sharp blade in his hand and so close to my head, why do you ask?>
"I've missed you so much, my boy!" Soun cried. He finally released his
hold on Ranma.
" 'Boy'? I'm old enough to be considered your ancestor, Soun!" Ranma took
a deep breath and rubbed his right side where Soun had squeezed him
especially tight.
"Yes, well, you -look- young enough to be my son." Soun laughed then rubbed
his chin thoughtfully.
"Don't get any ideas," Ranma growled.
Man, Soun's just desperate to unload one of his daughters on someone, isn't
he? :)
Of course Soun, who knows about Ranma's condition, might not really
think that a good idea-- as she grows old and Ranma does not, after all.
Even Soun's gotta think twice, eh?
<Oh, okay, I see what you mean. Now, do you accept Visa?>
"This is Ranma Saotome. He's a very good, and very old friend of mine."
Soun put his hand on Ranma's shoulder. "He'll be staying here for awhile."
Nabiki sat down at the dining table across from Ranma. "You don't look that
old. In fact, I'd say you're about my age."
"I've aged really well, Nabiki-chan," Ranma replied easily.
Or, more truthfully, the years just pass him by instead of sticking around.
Nabiki blinked. "You already know my name?" She didn't react to his tone
of familiarity.
Ranma laughed then smiled at Nabiki fondly. "The last time I saw you, you
were a tiny little toddler. A chubby one, too."
Nabiki blushed and Ranma laughed once more. Akane stiffened at Ranma's
words while Kasumi chose that moment to come out of the kitchen carrying a
tray filled with cookies, a pot of tea, and five cups.
"Perfect timing, Hime-chan!"
"Nabiki and Akane always come home at this time, Oniichan," Kasumi
explained.
Akane boggled. ('Hime-chan'? 'Oniichan'? What's going on here?) She
slowly walked around the table and sat next Soun, her eyes never leaving
Ranma. "Daddy, he can't stay here!" she whispered fiercely into Soun's ear.
Soun frowned and turned towards his youngest daughter. "Why not?" he
whispered back.
"Because he. . . he. . . he's a boy!"
"I'm glad you noticed," Soun replied dryly.
"Daddy!"
"Akane, Ranma is not only a good friend, but a guest and I expect you to
treat him as such. He will stay here for as long as he wants."
Akane sighed and slumped down. Her father rarely ever took a hard stance
with her, but when he did, she knew he wouldn't back down. She could almost
feel pride in theses rare glimpses of his strength, if she wasn't so
frustrated at the results.
"So, Ranma, how long do you plan on staying here?" Nabiki nibbled on a
cookie and took the proffered cup of tea Kasumi held towards her.
"I'm not sure." Ranma thoughtfully rubbed his chin and gave Soun a sidelong
glance. "I guess it depends on how long it takes to whip Soun into shape."
Soun winced while Akane bolted up and glared at Ranma. "What's that
supposed to mean?"
"It came to my attention that Soun has been lax in his duties to the Art,"
Ranma replied evenly. "I'm going to put him back on track."
"You're going to what?" Akane screamed. "How. . . how dare you question my
father's honor and his commitment to the Art! In his own home no less!"
"Akane. . ." Soun barely managed to whisper her name as a gentle flow of
tears began to trickle down his face. The looks of disappointment, the
words of anger that made him flinch when spoken by his youngest child, were
completely forgotten. When it came right down to it, Akane defended her
own, and Soun couldn't have been more proud.
Ranma's eyes soften as he stared at Akane and after several minutes, he let
out a rueful sigh. "Akane-chan, you are so much like your mother."
Akane's rage lessened, but not by much. "My father taught me everything I
know of the Art. I challenge you to a fight. If I win, you apologize to my
father and leave our house."
"A challenge. . . and a bet, eh? Interesting." Ranma's smile became
slightly predatory. "And if I win, you become my student. Deal?"
Akane snorted. "Like I really need to learn anything from you!"
"So beat me and prove it," Ranma countered.
"I beat up boys like you every morning. There's no way I'm going to lose!"
Akane turned away and stalked towards the dojo.
Ranma shook his head. (I was wrong. She's not like Sachiko at all. She's
like. . . me.)
********************************************
"You have exceeded my expectations, Ranma-kun. Congratulations on your
victory."
"Thank you, Sensei." Ranma bowed. "The tournament was easy. I told you
I'd win it."
Tetsuo Saotome sighed disparagingly at the youth in front of him. "That you
did, my son. Although, a loss or two might have done wonders for your
humility."
"Come on, Father, I'm best." He paused and grinned cockily. "You trained
me to -be- the best."
"And at age sixteen, never stepping a foot outside of Tokyo, you already
know this?" Tetsuo's voice was gentle, but the criticism was clear.
Ranma flushed at the rebuke. "I'm the youngest to ever win the kempo
tournament in Tokyo," he replied defensively.
"Yes, you are, and I -am- proud of you." Tetsuo smiled. His son was indeed
better in the Art than he could have ever hoped for. "However, you must
realize that there will always be someone better, stronger, or faster than
you. The Art isn't about competition with others, it's about competing with
yourself."
Ranma frowned. "But father. . . I want to be the best. I want it more than
anything."
"I know you do, son. I know." Tetsuo put a hand on Ranma's shoulder and
leaned down. "Perhaps it is time for you to take a trip; a training journey
of sorts."
"A training journey?" Ranma failed to hide the excitement in his voice.
"Yes. Go to other dojos, travel all over Japan, learn what you can, and
open your mind. Perhaps you'll be the best, or perhaps you'll come to
realize that being the best isn't all that important."
Plans, dreams, and thoughts of adventure flowed through Ranma's mind.
(This'll be great, I can prove that I'm the best! I'll leave tomorrow and.
. . uh oh.) Ranma hung his head in realization. "Father, there's no way
that Aya is going to let me go."
"Don't worry about Aya. She's not your wife yet. You still have a -little-
time before becoming her indentured servant." Tetsuo chuckled warmly. "I'll
explain things to her, it will be fine." Ranma looked doubtful and his
father gently pushed him back. "Go on now, the others are waiting for you.
Tonight, the party is in your honor, my son. Go enjoy it."
Ranma finally smiled, and bowing to his father once more, left the dojo.
Quick guess is that while touring, a lot of de opposite sex fall for Ranma,
but for naught. When he comes back, Aya (somewhat of a motherly type? Of
course,
if her name were Maya that would all be an illusion, right?) dies in a very
tragic manner-- perhaps a jealous suitor or something. Pop in Yaobikuni and
Ranma makes a pledge (does he get the bloodworms before or after this?
Would make
more sense if it was somehow on his touring-- still, could use a reason why
they
would be necessary, yes?)
***********************************
"Okay, Akane-chan. You made the challenge, what are the terms?"
"First hit wins." Akane normally didn't think about terms in her fights.
When the boys stopped moving, she won. This was a formal one-on-one
challenge, however; the first one she'd ever made. "And stop being so
familiar!"
The pair stood in the center of the dojo, facing each other, while Soun,
Kasumi, and Nabiki sat against one of the dojo's walls. "First hit. Right.
. . Akane-chan." Ranma had such an annoying grin on his face. Akane was
looking forward to wiping it off, hard and fast.
Ranma held a relaxed stance with his arms loosely at his sides. Akane grew
more furious by the moment. (He's not even taking me seriously!) She
primed herself for a quick strike, eagerly awaiting her father to signal the
start of the fight. Akane relished in her anger. It made her strong, and
it never failed her.
"Ready? Fight!"
The words were barely out of Soun's mouth before Akane soared towards Ranma.
One strong punch, a quick jab was all it would take and -
Ranma leaned to left, completely dodging the punch. (Impossible,) Akane
thought, (even Kuno doesn't move that fast.) Another jab, a cross, an upper
cut, and a kick; Ranma dodged them all. His eyebrows were raised in
amusement, and he had an almost-bored look on his face. Another flurry of
punches and kicks, and Akane's breathing became somewhat labored.
(Can. . . can he be reading my moves?) The thought was appalling. She
couldn't begin to imagine that she was telegraphing her intentions that
openly. She took a step back and forced her arms into a guard position.
"So. . . it's my turn, is it?"
His voice was soft, and far too casual for Akane's liking. He acted as if
they were playing a game of chess in the park, instead of engaging in a duel
of honor. She clenched her fists, but forced herself to stand still. Her
attacks had been wasted, and all she could do was draw him closer. Instead,
Ranma put his hands on his hips and frowned. "One, two, three, four, fiv-"
"What are you doing?" Akane asked. Her growing irritation was now coupled
with confusion.
"I'm counting the holes in your defense. I mean, really Akane! With your
feet planted like that, how do you expect to dodge. . . this!" In the blink
of an eye, he appeared right in front of her, his fist cocked back, poised
to strike. Akane jerked back, completely losing her center-of-gravity.
Ranma's fist flew forward, and Akane -knew- she wouldn't be able to block
it.
(Damn!) Akane shut her eyes and flinched in expectation. A second later,
she felt a gentle but firm tap on her forehead and she fell backwards on to
the floor.
She opened her eyes and blinked at an arrogantly smiling Ranma. "I win."
One of the things I found interesting about Blade of the Immortal, and Manji,
was that here was this guy, and pretty much what he's got going for him are
his sword skills, and yet being immortal is taking these very skills away.
Why bother dodging that sword, after all, if it isn't going to kill you
or cause you any lasting damage, anyway? It was making him sloppy-- taking
a very large part of his identity away.
Ranma could be put in the same position, really. Touring with Genma
could be a realisation of this, and an attempt to get back to his previous
form (much like he's trying to get Soun to do-- perhaps why he is so
vehement about getting Soun back into fighting trim, because he doesn't want
Soun to go down the same road he himself is on and trying to get off).
Main point of this is that you might not want to make it so easy for
Ranma to win-- dodging probably isn't a huge part of his style anymore--it
doesn't need to be. Making sure he connects is more important, so if you
do want to show a large skill difference, you may wish to change the fight
so that Ranma taps Akane before she has a chance to do anything.
***************************************
Notes:
If you've never read any of Blade of the Immortal, you're probably a bit
confused by now. Well, all should be made clear in later chapters. Before
that, however, I need help. This fic just flew for me up to this point, but
I've been stuck for weeks. I've even resorted to alcohol-induced
stream-of-consciousness, but that didn't do much good. (You *REALLY* don't
want to see the results.) Anyway, if anyone out there has any ideas, pass
Awou-- Ahwoul-- I would jus' lahk to sayee thet I've noooo idea whut you
talkin' 'bout. Alcohol-induced stream of consciousness can help immensely!
The problem is that you can't drink yourself into oblivion.... Okay, so
it really can't help at all-- but it'll at least make ou forget you have
writer's block, and hey, that's good enough for some of us! ^_^
Matthew Lewis is:
a proud member of Lumpy Pot Productions:
http://www.lumpypot.com
in need of updating his webpage at:
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/9345/index.html
____________________________________________________
"The only people who see the whole picture are the
ones who step out of the frame."
-Sir Darius Xerxes Cama, The Ground Beneath Her Feet
by Salman Rushdie
____________________________________________________