Well.  That was fun...

Let's see.  DB accuses me of bashing; moreover, he does so in such a way 
that I cannot honorably defend myself at first.  And people wonder why I 
get upset...

(sigh)  Oh, well.  I don't care anymore.  I've seen similar petty 
tactics used by Ukyouphiles and Akanephiles back in the days of Thy 
Inward Love, Bitter End, and Iris; it's just their form of little 
censorship, trying to get their versions of characters up regardless of 
canon.  I'm just saddened to see it from a group of fans that I'd held 
in some esteem for not stooping to the tactics used then. 

Just as an aside, the Knights of the Black Rose and the Church of Ranko 
and Ryouga still haven't found reason to be upset with me.  Give me a 
few weeks; I'll find something.  ^_^

Now, for those who demand explanation... I apologize if this comes in 
one letter; there's too much to answer everyone one letter at a time.  

Yes, it is canon.  The extremism of Amazon law comes glaring through 
from Shampoo's first appearance; Shampoo's potential for demolition 
comes through both at the beginning and at the end.  The idea that 
Cologne dunked Shampoo as punishment is simple: the ghoul had to have 
known about Jusenkyo's properties.  Sending her there for retraining 
could mean only one thing. As to whether Shampoo threatens Ranma in 38 
for her own purpose or on Kiima's orders is a matter of debate; 
personally, I don't care, as long as both possibilities are there. 
 Sure, the portrayal in this work isn't flattering to Shampoo; given 
what's gone before, could you ever see Akane seeing Shampoo in a totally 
favorable light?

The argument has come up from those who concede the canon argument that 
'wouldn't it be better if it wasn't in, or if J. Random Character did 
it?'  My answer is, simply, no.  Conflict happens; it what develops 
characters.  No conflict means shallow characters.  Besides, some sort 
of climax must be reached with the fiancees regardless.  That's the 
powderkeg the characters are dancing on; once Ranma makes up his mind, 
it's going to explode.  And, with the ingredients listed above, the 
possibility of Shampoo seeking Akane's life is quite possible.

One other thing: never tell me to pull my punches.  

As for it being bashing... DB knows my record; he should know better. 
 I'm generally known for giving flattering portrayals of the China Gang, 
especially Shampoo and Cologne.  For him to even insinuate that what I 
wrote is bashing is beyond ludicrous.  I should possibly ask for the 
removal of 'Borrowed Time' from the various archives out there; maybe 
then he can convince everyone that I'm actually out to slander Shampoo's 
name.

The possibility has come up from Nidoking that I should add some 
explanation in my work as to why Shampoo did it.  At the risk of 
sounding rude, there are times when this tactic is acceptable, and times 
when it's not.  This definitely falls in the latter, due both to 
elegance and to continuity of perspective.  This is a story where less 
is more; adding some bit talking about the whys of it would stick out 
like an I-beam welded to the side of a Chevy pickup.  

A couple of people came up with the criticism that Ranma should not get 
cancer, that he would have enough ki control to wipe it out or at least 
enough ki sense to detect it or the wherewithal to go searching for a 
mystical cure.  There's more than a little merit in this; in this case, 
it's a matter of opinion.  Ranma, as I see him, would never admit to 
being sick - until it was too late.  Ki control?  I guess Yoda's words 
spring to mind: "Strong am I in the Force... but not that strong."  As 
for the mystical cure option... well, I really didn't feel like getting 
involved in another Ranma-stule 'search for the cure'.  

Douglas: Thank you for your arguments.  Also, perhaps more importantly, 
thanks for helping me forget things for awhile tonight.  

Michael: Though I disagreed with some of it, good C&C.  I can't believe 
I missed the 'use' in there.  

Karaohki: Don't let the bastards silence you.  Write from the heart; 
it'll never steer you wrong.  

Brian: I will reply tomorrow; I'll need sleep after this.  Great C&C, 
from what I've seen.

Sean: A fair criticism, though a bit generalized.  There's one huge 
difference between this and "Justice", however.  This work isn't about 
Shampoo; it's about Akane and Ranma, and Shampoo has only a small, 
though important, role.  "Justice", by comparison, was Ukyou - All 
Ukyou, All the Time.  When the main character of a work is the one shown 
in an unfavorable light, the circumstances become majorly different.  

Kit:  Whoa.  Fascinating...

Lurker and Kleppe: My God, Hell HAS frozen over.  Who'da thunk we'd 
actually agree on something?  Thanks to you both, by the way.  

To the others: Thermo and Andrew (even if we disagree on the cancer 
bit), Sheya, Max, Kevin, Chad, TR, DefenderRanma, AJ, Chris.  Thank you. 
 I don't know how many I'll be able to respond to individually; if I 
don't, I apologize in advance.  

Now for sleep...

-- Nick


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