Thanks for writing!
My original reason for toughening up Akane while weakening Ranma was
simply to allow Akane to take the spotlight for a change. However, when I
expanded the series from a one-shot to a ongoing fic, I needed to address
Ranma's weakness.
I'm sorry you don't agree with my treatment of Ranchan, but maybe I can
convince you of my reasoning.
First off, as far as I know, Ranma's never really dealt with any kind of
psychological trauma before (Nekoken training aside), so who knows how he'd
react to seeing two of the people he respects most in the world (The old
ghoul and Kasumi) killed in front of him? Not to mention losing three
quarters of his friends to rampaging undead monsterhood? As I see it, so
much of Ranma's identity rests on the fact that he's the best, that he's
unbeatable. If that were to change, he'd certainly be a wreck. Until he
learned some new techniques, of course.... (Hint, hint). As for being unable
to handle a lowly street-punk, what makes you say that? Happi-Xander's a LOT
tougher than any street-punk, and as you'll recall, Ranma has a hard time
with Happi on a GOOD day. Ranma managed to overcome his cat-phobia to defeat
Vampire Xian-Pu in chapter 2, something he could never do before. He's going
through some character changes, true. But he's well on his way to becoming
someone who has more to him than simply martial arts, that's all.
As for Akane's remarkable composure, there's a reason for that, but
telling you would involve a spoiler or two, so I can't tell you yet.. You'll
just have to wait for the next chapters.
TKS!
-----Original Message-----
From: Eric McGinnis <jmc341@airmail.net>
To: catthouse@lweb.net <catthouse@lweb.net>
Date: December 8, 1999 10:30 AM
Subject: ATVS C&Cish
First off the writtting is pretty good. However I have a few problems
with the story so far. Turning Ranma into a snivelling coward, who
can't fight save to train the Slayers isn't good for the story, though
that might change next chapter from what I saw from the end blurb. Also
I think You had Akane handle everything far to welll, especialy
learning all her techniques. Same with Buffy(I am a Fan of BTVS)
learning Ki techniques shouldd take some time even for a slayer. From
what I saw in Chapter 3, Ranma has been relegated to the role of angst
ridden whipping boy, a delievery boy and little else. What's the point
of having had him survive if he can't fight of even the least street
punk ecause of self-pity and guilt, while Akane is nearly perfectly fine
and only a little upset about the death of her sister.
EM