Tokyo Archmage: Choosing a daughter (in law) [Episode 104613]

by Kestral

The thing about wizardry was that it had its limitations and requirements, and these limitations were keenly felt at the higher levels of power. As an archmage, Ranma had to spend time relearning spells and had to carry a number of odd material components. In order to access that power and cast a spell often required the use of spoken words with gestures and those odd materials being employed or invoked. Then the spell would be gone from his memory like firing off a single shot weapon. To reload the spell he had to go over the notes and mystic symbols that shaped the pattern that was the spell.

On the other hand, he had access to levels of raw power that were beyond his reach as a martial artist. As a martial artist he could fight, react instantly to a threat, and dodge attacks very very well. As a wizard, he could turn an opponent to stone, an ally, something small and inoffensive, or blow them away in a show of force that more resembled the sort of thing normally accomplished by intercontinental missiles. He could erect walls of nearly impenetrable force, send messages across time and space, summon allies of great power, or travel in the space of a heartbeat across continents.

So Ranma relearned his spells, yawning occasionally as the constant rain falling outside his tower caused him to feel sleepy, and was unaware of plans involving him being developed.

Nodoka genuinely liked Tajra and had heard much of Tarja. They were, however, fairly young and the dark-skinned white-haired elven girls were not exactly presentable in polite Japanese society. Any children Ranma fathered on them would be "ai no ko" - a deceptively poetic phrase when taken at literal meaning but a harsh insult within that society. Still, Nodoka thought Ranma having twin retainers of exotic beauty reflected his manliness quite nicely. And the ninja girl clearly thought the world(s) of her son.

There were other considerations weighing on the mind of Nodoka Saotome. Having visited his tower, though clearly disappointing in that he was always out when she arrived - she knew quite well that an average girl would quickly find herself unable to handle the break from a more typical existence. Or so at least she believed.

That left someone adaptable enough to handle the situation, or predisposed towards the more mystical, or someone whose martial arts knowledge might make for an interesting partnership. Someone that Nodoka felt would be able to handle having a dark elven ninja clan retainer popping up at odd moments.

There was also Ranma's age and position to consider. Though it was confusing to her, she understood from the photos and the ninja's recounting of Ranma's adventures, she understood that Ranma was now five years older than he had been before taking off on those adventures. He was also a teacher and licensed mage. Both of these last were respectable. Yet a younger fiancee, perhaps student age, was certainly possible and certainly not unheard of.

Finally she had managed to arrange such an engagement, having met with relevant authorities and discussing the matter, and was now to formally meet the potential fiancee for the first time in the neutral ground of a teahouse.

She smiled slightly as the girl entered, reflecting that the girl likely didn't know the reason for the meeting yet. Slightly late and looking out of breath, yet in good shape and certainly attractive enough.

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(Posted Sat, 12 Jun 2004 09:07)


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