Meanwhile, back in Nerima, the usual players in Ranma Saotome's life were pondering over the subtle changes in his demeanor and habits. Since the pig-tailed martial artist had used the Great Will to cure his Jusenkyo curse (the 'official' story he told them), things had definitely taken a new turn.
The fathers despaired. It was one thing for their twisted minds to see spark and repressed feelings in Ranma and Akane's fights but even their ability to see only what suited them could not put a positive spin on Indifference. It was as if Ranma had given up on Akane altogether. He didn't speak to her unless she was the one beginning a conversation and even then, he kept his answers short and to the point. When she cooked for him, he only said "I'm not hungry" and left. When she insulted him, he didn't respond and left. Akane would have gone ballistic if he hadn't treated the other fiancees the same way. Not wanting to be the one to make the first move (why should she ? it's Ranma's fault !), Akane decided to ignore him as well, confident that he would soon crack and beg for her forgiveness.
Genma and Soun had tried to discipline their wayward children to no avail. Soun couldn't stay stern to Akane more than a few seconds and his teary begging got him nowhere. Genma was still recuperating from a morning spar with Ranma turned serious when he attempted to reason (i.e. bully and manipulate) his foolish son. The Cradle of Hell had been defeated and Ranma didn't take the insults to his manliness so seriously anymore.
Ranma was often out of the house nowadays but nothing could be done about it. He wasn't going to see the other fiancees and no one was able to follow him, no matter how good they were.
Nabiki was seething. She had lost a good part of her income when Ranma-chan disappeared for good. She couldn't blackmail Ranma if he wasn't home to get caught in the usual chaos. Worse, since he was cured, she found that there was something about Ranma... She caught herself fantasying over him several times (the enhanced sex-appeal Bast gave Ranma was strongest in hybrid form but his human form was looking much better than before).
Kasumi, on the other hand, was grateful for the peace and quiet. She had also found a new hobby : follow this new cheetah-man superhero's career and collect everything she could put her hands on. Since he saved her from being run over by a truck at the market, she had a gigantic crush on him. Her father and sisters would be horrified to know that her thoughts of gratitude were taking a definite turn to the naughty.
She wasn't the only one. All over Tokyo, females of all ages had formed a huge fan-club. Ranma had replaced Tuxedo Kamen as number one male hero in the public opinion. He was just so damn powerful and sexy !
Shampoo, Ukyo and Kodachi didn't know what to do. Ranma, as soon as he saw them coming, disappeared. Even when they went to the Tendo dojo, he wasn't there. It was frustrating ! They were sure he had found another girl but couldn't track him down.
Ranma's rivals kept attacking him regularly but they were painfully and wordlessly put down in record time. Another thing that nabiki reproached to Ranma, how could you make money with bets in these conditions !?
Something had to give and the protagonists in the mess that was Ranma Saotome's life prepared to strike and re-establish the former status quo.
*****
Back in Jade...
See other episodes by Jamil Nate
(Posted Tue, 07 Jan 2003 18:26)
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