Even in the little time that Ranma'd had with the book, he'd already made (in his not so humble opinion) excellent progress. He'd already managed to cast half of the "apprentice" spells from the section at the front of the book and had been able to properly cast the "Endure Elements" spell twice in a single day. He was, admittedly, a little miffed regarding that last accomplishment. The description had 'seemed' to indicate that it would protect him from weak fire based attacks such as Happosai often used, yet when he'd cast the thing it only seemed to keep him from feeling particularly hot or cold. Not a good thing for someone whose most powerful attack was based on controlled alterations of chi temperature. He'd have considered the thing a complete waste of time if it weren't for Kasumi. When she had made an offhand comment during yesterday's breakfast on how unpleasant the day's weather was liable to be, he'd impulsively cast the spell while getting his school books and subsequently 'tagged' her with it when she'd handed him his bento. The extra pleasant smile on her face at dinner that night had told him that it had been worth it.
Despite that, Ranma spent only half as much time studying that spell tonight. While he had no personal use for the spell, given the current temperature he figured the coming day would be just as bad as the last and Kasumi would probably appreciate the help; especially as it was laundry day and she'd be spending most of it outside. And with the extra time that this freed up Ranma set about teaching himself the "Mage Armor" spell. Now THAT would certainly come in handy in a ....
"AHEM."
...
Ranma looked up to see a somewhat peeved looking guy dressed like something out of a swashbuckler movie glaring at him from behind the railing above. Layers of crimson fabric warred with thigh high leather boots and enough lace to outfit a wedding party. Tiny rose colored glasses were barely visible past a shoulder length wash of curly brown hair; all topped by the most absurd feathered headpiece that Ranma had seen since the time Kuno ran around with a phoenix on his head. Perched on the railing at his side was an almost smug looking owl.
Ranma stood momentarily nonplussed at the bizarre (even for Nerima) sight while the stranger, seeing that he'd gained Ranma's attention, laconically drawled, "I believe you have something of mine."
"Huh?"
"The book," he said, looking simultaneously amused and impatient while nodding towards the fragile tome Ranma still held in his hands. "I believe that it is mine."
"Oh," Ranma said in surprise turning to disappointment. "Sorry. I didn't know it belonged to someone."
"Don't worry about it. I'm just glad to get it back. If Arturus here hadn't spotted you with it I don't know what I'd have done," he exclaimed ruefully while nodding towards the bird, which preened at the compliment. "I'll gladly reward you for finding it. Considering that you doubtlessly couldn't read it anyway, I figure you'll come out of the deal quite well."
Ranma's face turned down in confusion as he called back up to the guy, "Why shouldn't I be able to read it? Some of the words are a bit wierd but I ain't dumb or nothing. An with the way everything is listed from easiest to hardest it ain't that hard to figure out the simple stuff."
The sudden shock on the stranger's face was evident as he stammered out, "Are you telling me that you've looked at the book and actually understood it?"
"Um, yeah. At least some of it. Reading the ones in the apprentice section wasn't very hard, though I only tried half of them so far. I can sorta understand the next few if I try hard. After that I can only read the titles for the next couple of dozen pages," Ranma said, growing slightly sullen as he continued by saying, "The rest don't make any sense yet, but I figure that's just 'cause I ain't had time to read it real thorough."
"I see," muttered the stunned man. He was about to say more when an odd look crossed his face and he quickly spoke a cascade of crystal words while performing a simple yet elegant series of gestures and stareing intently down at the pigtailed youth for several long moments.
Somewhat discomforted by the intensity of the gaze Ranma tried to fill the silence with a question. "Was that the magic detecting spell? I tried it yesterday and what you did looked kinda the same from here..uh, hey I don't know what ta call ya. You told me your pet's name but ya ain't told me yours yet."
"Hmm," he replied, not breaking his stare. "Yes it is and Robin Scrivenvale."
"Huh?"
"The answers to your questions, both asked and implied. You asked if I cast the "Detect Magic" spell and I replied in the affirmitive. You also implied that you wished to know my name and I provided it; Robin Scrivenvale," said the now identified gentleman.
Seeing that Ranma's confusion had been mostly alleviated, Robin added, "Now I have two questions of my own for you. The "Detect Magic" spell has allowed me to sense the waning effects of a weak abjuration upon you, I assume that it is a spell which you read in my book. Given that we have now been speaking for several minutes and that Arturus did not notice you casting any spells before I arrived, I am certain that it must be the "Endure Elements" spell."
Seeing Ranma's unconscious nod, Robin smiled slightly before assuming a somewhat more stern visage and continuing with, "What I do not recognise is the moderately powerful transmutative spell on you. Thus my first question is to know the nature of that spell." Noticing the pigtailed youth's embarrassed discomfort at the question Robin quickly and wryly added, "As for my second question, having now provided you with my own name I feel it only fair that you introduce yourself as well."
His tension somewhat relieved by the sudden change of mood, Ranma's mouth curved into his own half-smile as he said, "Well I'm Ranma Saotome and the other spell is kinda why I was so interested in your book. It's a curse I got a while ago and I was hoping I could use one of the spells in your book for a cure."
"Oh? Well, given that there's a full moon tonight I'll assume it's not some form of cursed lycanthropy; not that I'd have expected such a condition to register in that manner anyway," Robin said. "If you don't mind my asking, what is the nature of this curse and why was it cast on you?"
"Well, it wasn't really 'cast' on me. I kinda got it at a set of cursed springs in China. And it kinda happens that every time I touch cold water I sorta...turn...into...a...girl."
...
"Well, I suppose that could be a bit embarrassing."
"Yeah, sorta." A diffident look followed by a sudden flash of excitement. "HEY! If this is your book then you can cure me, right?!?"
"At the moment, no. I haven't studied the correct spell recently." Seeing dejection setting in Robin continued, "But given my book and a few hours of rest I could certainly try. I can put off leaving Nerima for another day or so and it's the least I can do to thank you for finding my book. Perhaps afterwards we can talk more about your apparent talent for magic."
"Really?" Ranma asked in delight while bounding out from under the bridge and onto the fence in a single leap, bringing a startled gasp from Robin and sending his owl flying in alarm. Shoving the old book into the stunned man's hands Ranma exclaimed, "That'd be great. Here's your book. Thanks a lot I...uh...gah, it's almost mornin'. I gotta get back before pops knows I've been gone. I'll be back after...Argh!! No! I gotta go to school after that... Um, I'll meet you back here after school. Igottagonowbye!"
And Robin, who'd though that he'd seen near everything across the planes, was treated to the sight of a hyperkinetic teen vaulting across the Nerima skyline at speeds that would do a charging warhorse proud.
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(Posted Wed, 27 Aug 2003 01:48)
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