Ranma’s mind was a mess. Though he was one of the supreme Martial Artists of his generation, the years on the road with Genma had not been with out a price. Psychologically he was scared severely. The Neko-ken was perhaps the most severe scar, which was thankfully erased in the transformation. Another scar, though he would never admit it to anyone, was a deep-seated fear of being along. So much so that he, unconsciously, latched onto anyone he could call a friend, even an enemy. He had the barest of education, with a total of about 5 year, total, in his lifetime. This understandably, hampered him in school. He had been taught the social etiquette of barbarian hoards that have long since cease to be. On top of that Genma had made sure that if it did not pertain to Martial Arts then Ranma would not be interested, not because he wanted to cripple his son. Heavens no. He just wanted the boy to be the best Martial Artist around. The rest was not important. As most people already know, Genma was an idiot. Which is why Bast had her work cut out for her. She did not want to change the core personally. After all Ranma was an honorable, kind and devoted person, in his own way. Doing so would also go against the code set by Kami-sama and more than likely get her in trouble. This was a challenge and she loved challenges.
Bast smirked as she kneeled behind his head and placed it on her lap. She then placed her hands on either side of his head and closed her eyes as her Goddess marks glowed. A little change here, a snip there, a brush here and so on.
A few minutes later she was done and spent some time admiring her handy work. ‘Damn I’m good,’ she thought. Let it be known that Bast was a romantic and greatly admired the dashing, roguish heroes, such as Zorro from her favorite manga. She was also an admirer of the noble, silent hero concept, like Himura Kenshin, the lead in the latest Samurai Drama she was infatuated with. So she shifted Ranma’s personality ever so slightly to a combination of the two. Not much mind, just a nudge… sorta. The biggest change she had made was to give him a standard education and social skills. She did not want her champion to be known as an uncultured, ignorant barbarian. That would not do at all. She removed Ranma’s fear of loneliness, females (mainly due to Akane and the numerous poundings by her) and the need to prove his ‘manliness’. She smoothed out his ego and confidence, increased his sex drive and gave him partial knowledge of the Karma Sutra. She did want lots of kittens after all. She also removed the stupid programming Iczeron had placed. He had more important things to do than go killing were-rats, like make lots of kittens.
As she looked at her handiwork, she saw Ranma’s mind adapt to the changes quickly and smoothly. “The force is strong in this one,” she mumbled. Did I mention she was a huge Star Wars fan?
She could feel Ranma awakening and got her little speech ready.
++++++++++
As he came awake, Ranma felt strangely refreshed. His mind felt wonderfully clear. It was like waking from a dream…. wait he was waking up from a dream. A dream where he changed into a humanoid cat and something about were-rats. He opened his eyes and looked in the to face of an extremely beautiful cat-woman, whose lap his head was resting on.
Normally he would have leaped up and away in a flash. But this was a different Ranma. He just looked up in confusion, while noting she had a nice set of breasts. Besides her lap was comfortable and he had a pleasant view. That though made him pause. Since when had he become a pervert? Best think about that later, right now he’s got more important things to do.
“Hi. My name is Ranma Saotome. May I ask who you are and why I resting on your lap?” What the…. Slight change in speech patters, something else to think about.
Bast smiled. “I know who you are warrior. As for myself I am a Bast, Goddess of Pleasure, Children and Pregnant woman and Patron deity of Cats. You are resting on my lap because I put you to sleep to end your berserk rage.” It wasn’t exactly a lie. “As to why you are here, well, I wish to make you my Champion.” ‘And make lots of were-kittens,’ she mentally added.
Ranma blinked a few times but did not get up. He really was comfortable. “Why me? I’m sure there are others more qualified than I.” What the hey??? Did he just say that???
“Not so warrior. You have gained Iczeron’s gift and are now a Shifter, meaning you can become whichever were-cat you wish. On top of that you are a warrior. These make you ideal to be my Champion. After all I am the Patron deity of cats and that included were-cats.”
Ranma reluctantly got up and sat down before the Goddess. “What would being a Champion entail?” He paused before asking, “and why am I speaking so differently?”
“The duties of a Champion vary. Mostly I shall ask you to complete missions of a certain nature. You will be compensated for this of course. I do not believe in not rewarding those under me.”
“I’d be paid for this?”
“Of course. As for the second, that would be my doing. I err fixed a few problems that you had. Nothing major,” she hastily added seeing Ranma frown a little. “Mostly engrain some education and social skill into you. I do not wish my champion to be known as a barbarian, should you accept the position. Even if you don’t, you have to admit those skills are useful.”
Though a little put off by, what he though of as, Bast’s mind meddling he also understood her reasoning. Not like she did anything really bad. “May I take some time to consider this or do you require me to make my decision this instant?”
“You may take your time. I will contact you in one week from today and then you can tell me your decision. If you do wish to become my Champion however, I will insist that you resolve all problems is Nerima beforehand. Consider it a test.”
“Thanks you,” he bowed.
Bast nodded before saying, “in that case I shall be off. Take care Ranma Saotome and try not to cause too much trouble.”
Ranma chuckled before looked at her in mock seriousness. “I shall endeavor to do so, my lady.”
Bast laughed as she faded.
Ranma got up and looked around. He wasn’t far from the Tendo’s, but he did not want to face them just yet. *Growl* Besides, he was hungry and there was that seafood buffet nearby. Hmmm fish….. And so he strode off to stuff his face partake in a little fish. ‘Egad, I’m starting to sound like Kuno,’ he winced.
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(Posted Mon, 19 Apr 2004 04:21)
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