Ranko + Id Ranma + Pervert Ranma + Child Ranma + Neko-Ranma + the other fragments. The only point of agreement was that Glutton Ranma, the seeds of another Genma, must not be allowed to continue.
The cat fist training had been a blow to the psyche that had redefined Ranma. Before then he had asked where his mother was, had snuck manga, had questioned his father more. After that, he had been a very different child. Genma had approved of the changes, mainly because he didn't understand them.
Child Ranma had been easily duped, guiled, led about, lied to, and pushed around. Neko-Ranma the other persona that had come out regularly. The other splinters hadn't been as focussed or defined at first, only gradually developing.
"Saotome-san?"
Now there was a consensus. A coming together. Healing magic had started the process on a person whom a psychiatrist would have called "a career patient." There was one fragment who scared the crap out of some fragments, but who was ideally suited to put together the situation.
That fragment, chained and locked away except in those moments of apparent brilliance when Ranma would grasp a move instantly, was ideal to fit together the pieces and come to an understanding. Art Ranma, who had all those "useless" bits of martial arts philosophies that Genma had discounted over the years in search of the purely physical parts, was that section.
"Saotome-san!"
The Art Ranma was the one nominally in charge. The other parts were still around, the process could only be rushed so much at a time - even by magic.
"Happo fifty yen satsu!"
Ranma deigned to notice the attack. "Chi is life force. It is not solely a human thing though, we simply have stronger flows than the environment around us. If you understand the means though, you can shield yourself like so."
Hinako frowned as her drain of the delinquent was abruptly cut. Ranma Saotome was now giving out no energy himself - he'd wrapped himself wholly in a Soul Of Ice so profound that dew was condensing on the inside of the windows.
"The Soul Of Ice is cold chi, which is to say it is a chi that is order and heavily regulated. Your technique is of Happosai's making - chaos oriented. Yin and Yang if you prefer. Though you might want to check your English lesson, in this case the book is wrong. English is different whether its British, Australian, or American in origin - but the book was written by a Nigerian if you look at the name. There were a number of these texts written in the 70s and 80s by non-English proficient speakers, and the way the text is here is practiced by none of the mentioned English speaking groups."
Hinako blinked and stared. "Actually, I had heard of that. My question was to read the section on page 24."
Ranma inclined his head, effortlessly keeping his chi cooled and shielded. "Easily enough done, though it wouldn't make much sense to an English speaker. I'm sorry, teacher, I'm suffering some late effects of a martial arts battle yesterday evening and I'm a little... off my game."
Ranma was aware of the unbelieving stare from Akane. It was tempting to turn and say 'boo' but that wouldn't be effective. Besides, there was every possibility when the personalities finally stabilized that Child's affection or GenRanma's dependence on Akane would remain. To some degree at least.
Though Art Ranma was quite aware of something else as well. Of the girls who normally were around him, any might have realized that he had needed help. Any of them might have recognized the signs and symptoms. None had, or if they had - had ignored it. Ranma forgave easily enough, but forgetting was another thing and 'no hard feelings' didn't mean that greener pastures might not be... explored.
Now:
He had ducked Akane and Ukyo quickly enough. If they hadn't understood him then, they wouldn't understand him now - and frankly he could use the peace and quiet.
Such qualities had not been present in his life previously, but something that he was beginning to appreciate.
Nabiki frowned as the magic finished. Two cards down.
She was now a paladin. A defender of the good. Allying with those girls from the previous night was an ideal solution to the need now burning in her heart. They could use someone conversant with strategies and tactics, and perhaps she could find a decent longsword. She'd have to work on the purely physical skills of course.
It would be made a bit different by her new race. Which would certainly get its share of attention, as she made a rather attractive
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(Posted Wed, 24 Sep 2003 13:35)
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