[FFML] [Ranma 1/2] Three final writing exercises, and: Goodbye, FFML

[Elin B]

Goodbye, FFML! It's a melancholy feeling. Although I first found Ranma fanfiction via individual webpages and then via the Usenet archive, I eventually discovered the list and realized so many fics had started here. Hanging out on the list, lurking and reading old entries but occasionally also taking part in discussions and sending in my own contributions and concrit, has taught me a lot not just about writing in general and writing fanfiction in particular. But also about looking at writing, how to suggest ways to improve a work, and being able to take useful criticism and disregard criticism that doesn't work for you, without taking it personally. And comparing different ways of seeing characters and discussing those at length from individual fics as springboards. 

Out in the wider internet, I've sometimes been able to find similar discussions and perspectives since, though rarely with such strong connections directly to fic writing in particular rather than general -- and with a constructive mindset at bottom rather than a destructive one. (I'm speaking here of general tenor of the list, not occasional instances of more negative kinds (although those have been instructive, too!) I have found prereaders/betas that work for me, and who I've hopefully been able to help with their own writing in turn. The experiences of taking part in this list have been invaluable for me in this regard, and I've often found that I wished a bit more of the attitude here could be transplanted into the wider current animanga fandoms I know of. 

Ever since we got that sad final announcement months ago I've wanted to send in something new to the list, but looking at the drafts I had the ideas either didn't seem quite right for the list, or they were still too unformed and vague. 

So yesterday I sat down and  decided to try to do some writing exercises for a few Ranma 1/2 characters. At first I was thinking of pure drabbles - only 100 words long - but that has never been easy for me to do and I couldn't quite keep it that short. Instead what I managed to do is two short-short ficlets of 150 words each and one 300-word ficlet. They're all set after the end of manga, but the first one with Ranma and Akane are several years later, while the last one with Mousse and Ryogaa is pretty soon after the final chapter.
[150-word ficlet I: Setting Out To Jusenkyo] 

Ranma locked the apartment door and adjusted his backpack, then turned to Akane. “Well, guess that’s it. Third time’s the charm, maybe.”

Akane nodded, also carrying a backpack. “Maybe after seven years, Jusenkyo will finally let you go.”
 
They left their apartment building behind, walking briskly. She said quietly, “Still, I wonder if the curse will only leave you when you no longer want it to.”

Ranma shrugged. “I ain’t even sure what I want anymore. But once we’re there, figure things will be clearer.” He glanced at her. “It’s dangerous, though.”

She laughed. “I’m safer with you than left behind. And don’t worry, Ranma. I know that whatever happens, you won’t ever be a regular ordinary person. *That* would be weird!”

He exhaled. “Yeah. Not aimin’ to be ‘normal’ anymore. Or even ‘manly’, really.  Just want to be more of _me_.” Pause. “Whatever that means.”

“Let’s go find out.”

***
[150-word ficlet II: Mutual training] 

Konatsu attacked with no warning, sending a flurry of shuriken towards Akane, who managed to leap out of the way in the nick of time. Konatsu, anticipating this, met her mid-air, kicking hard. Akane took the impact with a grunt, grabbing hold of Konatsu’s leg; but before she could counter-attack a giant spatula came flying from below, and they both turned to focus on Ukyo in their three-way sparring. 

Minutes later, they all took a break to catch their breath. Akane was panting the hardest, but looked happy when Konatsu admitted it was getting harder to beat her while still holding back.

“All right!” announced Ukyo, cracking her knuckles. “Time for Round Two! Akane-chan, there’s the grill – now start cookin’!”

“Yes!!” Akane clenched a fist determinedly, then ran for ingredients. Ukyo took a heroic-looking fighting stance, ready to deal with whatever monstrosity would result. Konatsu nodded with admiration. Good training.

***

[300-word ficlet: Mushy Men’s Talk] 

“So you have a girlfriend now, and you gave up on Akane Tendo.” Mousse sounded skeptical, even somewhat disdainful, crossing his eyes and giving Ryoga, or more accurately a small tree, a quizzical look.

“I’m over here, put your damn glasses on! Yes, and she’s very nice. Why, what is it to you?” said Ryoga testily. 
Mousse sniffed, polished his glasses and put them on. “Well, I’m not against it. I’m just surprised. You were such a smitten fool with her.”

Ryoga gave him an elbow jab. “Look who’s talking.” 

“It’s not the same! I’ve loved Shampoo all my life!” 

“And I still love Akane! But I won’t pursue her anymore.” Ryoga paused, then said, quietly, not looking at Mousse, “But you’re right, it’s not the same, but not for that reason. It was easier for me to give up. I just had to stop denying that he’s worthy of her.” His cheeks were warm now; it was hard to talk about this. Something in his chest still hurt as he did.

“You…” Mousse fell silent for a moment, then slowly went on, “But that’s just… reasons. The brain can say something, but the heart will keep doing its thing.” Almost as if to himself, he added quietly, “I thought that meant my heart must be one of the strongest out there…” 

Ryoga shrugged uneasily. “Sometimes the reasons are so strong even the heart gets persuaded,” he mumbled. “She almost _died_.” Then he looked back at Mousse. “But you freed Shampoo from the egg curse back then. So I think you know, too. Your heart knows.”

Mousse looked perplexed, then actually blushed a little. “That’s…” 

“Not the same?”

“No!”

“Well, if you say so. But maybe you’re stronger than you think.” 

Mousse pushed up his glasses and huffed, saying nothing.


*** 


Be well, everyone!
And ***thank you***.
Best regards,
Elin

To think that realistic fiction is by definition superior to imaginative fiction is to think imitation is superior to invention. - Ursula K. Le Guin

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