Word wrap so this sentence fits one line for optimum viewing pleasure==
Ranma 1/2 is copyrighted 1997 by Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan Inc. and anyone else who rightfully owns the copyrights. This fanfic is solely for entertainment purposes and NOT for monetary benefit. Please don't sue me. Any similarities with other fanfics are purely coincidential unless stated otherwise.
This fanfic was inspired by Wade Tritschler's Altered Destinies series, and he has given me permission to use the title. Questions, comments, ideas, suggestions, and constructive criticism are always welcome.
This is my first written fanfic, so please be lenient with the criticism.
() Depicts character actions, emotions, sounds "" Denotes changes in the voice [] Translates thoughts Chinese dialogue
%Prologue (07/11/97 last revised)
SCENE: Nerima, afternoon. Ranma is running through the streets being chased by the usual gang. He jumps from rooftop to rooftop trying to avoid them, but they seem to keep gaining.
Akane: Come back here and eat your lunch!
Ryouga: PREPARE TO DIE, RANMA!
Ukyou: Ranchan, I made you lunch!
Kunou: Coward! I shall smite thee and remove the curse from the beautious Akane!
Kodachi: OHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHO!
Shampoo: Ranma, why you run from Shampoo?
Mousse: Ranma! Give me back my bride!
Ranma: Aw man!
SCENE: Ranma jumps down onto the street and starts leaping over passersby. The mob behind him plows into the people, but at least they're slowing down. Ranma turns a corner and runs into a nearby shop. Noises can be heard outside the shop, then gradually fade away. Ranma peeks outside, expecting to be clobbered. Nothing. Drawing back in and breathing a sigh of relief, Ranma takes in his surroundings. Necklaces, amulets and other pieces of jewelery line the brazen shelves. Ranma holds his breath for a moment, then examines the various trinkets.
Voice: May I help you sir?
Ranma: Huh?
SCENE: Ranma turns around to see a middle-aged woman walk up from behind him.
Woman: Is there anything particular in which you are interested in?
Ranma: (confused) Wha?
Woman: (patiently) Is there anything you like?
Ranma: (realization dawning) Oh. (looking around) They're all very nice, but I don't think I have that much money.
Woman: Don't worry. If there's anything for anybody, the price will never matter.
SCENE: Ranma spends a few more minutes examining pieces of jewelery until a particular one catches his eye. He hesitantly pulls a pendant out from its hiding place. The lady peers at it from behind.
Woman: 2000 yen.
Ranma: (whirling on the lady with a surprised expression) What the? I thought it'd cost more than that!
Woman: You do have 2000 yen?
Ranma: Yeah, let me check. (muttering) Nabiki will have a fit if I spend her "compensation" money, but I guess she'll have to wait. (hands money to the lady)
Woman: Thank you. Now, let me tell you a little secret about that pendant.
Ranma: Huh?
Woman: If you were to make a wish while wearing that before you go to bed, and you believe hard enough, the wish will come true.
Ranma: (disbelieving) Yeesss, well er, thank you.
SCENE: Ranma bows to the lady before hastily exiting the shop. The woman nods before slowly fading away, the wares in her store disappearing as well.
Woman: Sweet dreams, Saotome Ranma.
SCENE: It is night time at the Tendou dojo. Ranma slowly walks out of the bathroom, a large bump on his head from a certain fiancee.
Ranma: Stupid tomboy. (rubs his head) Why doesn't she try her own cooking for a change?
SCENE: Ranma opens the door to his room. Genma-panda is already asleep on his futon. Ranma rolls Genma off the futon onto the floor. Genma still continues to sleep soundly.
Ranma: [We're always arguing over the stupidest things. Sometimes it's my fault I know, but when I try to explain things to her, she always either takes it the wrong way and calls me a pervert, or she doesn't listen! I've tried to make the stupid engagement work, but things keep turning worse!]
SCENE: Ranma lays down on his futon, staring at the ceiling.
Ranma: [I hate this engagement. Pop always says its for the family honour, but according to that I'd have to marry every single girl he's engaged me to! He's "always" engaging me for food. And thanks to him everything keeps getting worse. Mom should have stopped him from taking me on that stupid training trip.]
SCENE: Ranma thinks for a moment, then pulls his pendant out from his pocket.
Ranma: [Worth a try. Now, gotta think of the right way to say it... the last time I wished not to be cursed ended up with me being all female. Let's see... I wish I wasn't engaged? No, I'd probably be roped into it somehow. Think of the cause.]
SCENE: A grunt directs Ranma's head to look at Genma-panda, sleeping soundly.
Ranma: [POP. It's all his fault! And this stupid curse is his fault too! If HE didn't take me on the trip, I wouldn't have this stupid curse!] (concentrating) ...I wish mom took me on that training trip instead of pop! [That's it, I'm sure MOM wouldn't do something like that.]
SCENE: Ranma puts on the pendant, and stares out the window for a few minutes before sleep engulfs him. Later that night, to the lull of Ranma's breathing, the pendant starts to glow brightly, filling the entire room with a pale greenish hue.
/ An Altered Destiny
%Chapter One (05/11/97 last revised)
SCENE: Tendou dojo, morning. Soun is checking the mail when a colourful postcard catches his eye. It has a panda eating bamboo on the front. Reading the inscription on the back, Soun bursts into tears.
Soun: (crying) Ranma, coming here! How I've waited for this day! (runs inside) Kasumi! Nabiki! Akane!
Kasumi: (walking out of the kitchen) Yes, father?
Nabiki: (on the staircase) Hmm?
Soun: (looking around) Where's Akane?
SCENE: Akane comes home from jogging. She runs into the dojo and puts on a karate gi. Setting up a stack of blocks, Akane concentrates, then yells and smashs the blocks into little pieces.
Akane: (wiping brow) Ahh! That felt so good.
Nabiki: There you go again. No wonder boys think you're so weird.
Akane: (turning to see her sister in the doorway) Why would I care? Not everyone thinks the world revolves around boys, Nabiki.
Nabiki: (walking out) Oh? Then I guess this wouldn't interest you at all, Akane.
SCENE: The Tendou sisters Kasumi, Nabiki and Akane are sitting in the living room. Soun is trying to explain everything at once. The sisters manage to catch some pieces of the speech.
Akane: Fiance?
Soun: (calming down) Yes. A very good friend of mine's wife will be bringing her son here today. His name is Saotome Ranma. If one of you were to marry him, then the Tendou legacy would continue.
Akane: (angry) Wait a minute! Don't we get to decide who we marry?
Kasumi: (more calmly) Akane's right. We haven't even met this Ranma.
Soun: (smiling) That's easily fixed.
SCENE: It has finished raining elsewhere in Tokyo. Two figures are walking down the busy street. The one neatly avoiding the puddles is a handsome boy, early teens, long black hair tied back in a tight pigtail, and wearing exotic Chinese clothing. The other is a middle aged woman, brown hair tied in a bun, wearing a blue kimono and holding a sheathed katana in her arms. Both are carrying enormous backpacks.
Ranma: (turning to the woman) Where're we going again?
Nodoka: To a place called the Tendou dojo. Your father said to drop by there sometime. Apparently your father was a good friend of the owner.
Ranma: How good?
Nodoka: They trained under the same master, if that's any help.
Ranma: (whistling) Pretty long, I guess. (pause) What "was" dad like?
Nodoka: ...
Ranma: (appologetic) Sorry mom.
Nodoka: No, it's all right. You have a right to be curious. Your father was a kind and righteous man. [Although he DID have his bad points.] His last wish was for you to grow up as a "man amongst men", and for me to teach you all about the Saotome style of anything-goes martial arts.
Ranma: Man amongst men, huh?
Nodoka: Yes.
Ranma: Well, there goes that. (changing the subject) So, how's the owner?
Nodoka: Of the Tendou dojo? He's very nice, but he's kind of... emotional.
SCENE: We are back at the Tendou dojo. Soun is talking about Ranma and his mother's exploits. Nabiki is hanging onto every word, Kasumi is well...Kasumi, and Akane looks very bored.
Soun: Just recently, they had crossed into China.
Nabiki: (excited) Ooo! China!
Akane: (looking out into the pond) Who cares! What's so hot about going to China?
Kasumi: How old is he?
Nabiki: Is he cute?
Kasumi: Younger men bore me.
Nabiki: (surprised) That's weird coming from you, Kasumi.
Akane: Just what kind of a man is Ranma?
Soun: (nervously laughing) No idea.
Nabiki: "No idea"?
Soun: I've never met him.
SCENE: The sisters look at their father in shock.
Nabiki: You expect us to marry a guy not only we've never met before, but YOU'VE never met before?
Soun: Well...
SCENE: Ranma and Nodoka round the corner to the dojo. Ranma is looking at all the houses, taking in what he missed in ten years. Nodoka is humming a mindless tune, oblivious to her surroundings.
Ranma: So... how long are we going to stay at this Tendou place?
Nodoka: (turns to Ranma) Not very long. A week, at the most.
Ranma: You're sure about this? Remember the last time you said that?
Nodoka: (amused) You said you enjoyed it, dear.
Ranma: (remembering with a far-off smile on his face) Well, yeah. (turning serious again) Do I have to tell them about the curse?
Nodoka: Can you stay away from water for that long?
Ranma: I guess not.
SCENE: Ranma turns his attention to the sidewalk. Suddenly, a motorist whizzes by and splashes Ranma, turning him into a girl.
Ranma-chan: (pissed) Damn driver!
Nodoka: (sternly) Ranma, your language!
Ranma-chan: (deflating) Sorry mom.
Nodoka: Remember what I taught you?
Ranma-chan: (using the tone of the truly memorized) "Never use your anger as a force. It weakens the spirit and the mind."
Nodoka: Good boy. (sighing) Well, here's some hot water. (pulls out a thermos from her bag and pours the contents over Ranma, turning him male again) Honestly, sometimes I think you're a water magnet. We need some more water. (pause) Now that I think about it, we also need some groceries. You go on ahead to the Tendous. (gently pushes Ranma through the gates)
Ranma: Oh, all right.
SCENE: The gate opening outside can be heard in the living room. Everyone turns to the sound.
Kasumi: We have guests.
Nabiki: (running to the door followed by the others) It must be Ranma! Let's see what he looks like!
Kasumi: [I do hope he's older.]
Akane: [How depressing. Boys.]
SCENE: Nabiki opens the door to reveil Ranma-chan, sopping wet.
Ranma-chan: (muttering) Why don't they watch where they're throwing the water?!
Soun: You wouldn't be...?
Ranma-chan: Saotome Ranma. (tugging at her collar) Sorry about this.
Soun: (hugging Ranma) At last! You're here.
Nabiki: He's cute!
SCENE: Soun stops hugging as soon as he feels something that shouldn't be there. He pulls Ranma out. Nabiki takes a better look at him.
Nabiki: (poking Ranma in the breast) He's a girl.
SCENE: Soun is laying on his futon, staring at the ceiling. The Tendou sisters are seated beside him, Ranma-chan among them.
Kasumi: Poor father, he must be so disappointed.
Ranma: (confused) About what?
Nabiki: HE'S DISAPPOINTED?! SOME FIANCE THIS IS!
Ranma: Wha?
Nabiki: It's all your fault dad! You should have made sure!
Ranma: Hey?
Soun: (still staring at the ceiling) Genma told me he was blessed with a son!
Akane: Stop it! He, she is our guest!
Ranma: HELLO!
Nabiki: (ignoring Ranma but squeezing her breast again) Do you see a son here?! Do you? Huh?
Ranma: ...I'd really wish you'd stop that.
Akane: [I gotta get her away from them.] (to Ranma) Hey, come and join me in the practice hall. (smiling) I'm Akane. Do you want to be friends?
Ranma: What was that all about?
Akane: What do you mean?
Ranma: All that talk about a "fiance"...
Akane: (surprised) You don't know?
Ranma: Know what?
Akane: (sighing) Apparently my dad and your dad arranged a marriage between you and one of us.
Ranma: ... [Oh, great...that's just what I need right now.]
SCENE: The two walk into the dojo with an uneasy silence.
Akane: ... You do study kenpou, don't you?
Ranma: (shrugging) A little.
Akane: [Too modest.] Okay then, let's have a little match.
Ranma: (startled) Er...okay.
Akane: [Maybe not.] Don't worry, I won't hurt you.
Ranma: If you say so.
SCENE: Akane adopts a karate stance. Ranma at the other end seems to just stand there. A whole minute goes by before Akane runs up to punch Ranma. However, the punch never connects as Ranma jumps over it. Akane switches to a roundhouse kick which Ranma also neatly avoids. Five more minutes of Akane attacking and Ranma dodging go by.
Akane: What's wrong? Swing at me! [Is she reading my moves?]
SCENE: Ten more minutes of the pointless fight continues. Akane is very winded while Ranma doesn't look at all affected.
Akane: [Okay, this time's for real!]
SCENE: Akane lashes at Ranma with a full-strength punch. Ranma leaps over the punch which destroys the wall behind her. Akane looks up to see Ranma tapping her on the shoulder.
Ranma: Hehhehheh.
Akane: (caught in Ranma's infectionous laugh) Hahahahahahahaha! (ahem) You're pretty good. (pause) Well, I'm glad you're a girl.
Ranma: Huh?
Akane: Now there won't be an engagement. Besides, I'd really hate to lose to a boy!
SCENE: Ranma-chan is sitting on a cement ornament in the yard. She is looking at the koi pond, lost in thought.
Ranma: [Mom ain't going to like this. Better leave really soon before she comes and finds out. She'll throw a fit!]
Kasumi: Ranma!
Ranma: (turning to look at Kasumi) Huh?
Kasumi: (walking up to her) There you are! (hands Ranma-chan a towel) Wouldn't you like to take a bath?
Ranma: Um, no thanks. I mean, it's okay.
Kasumi: (sternly) No it's not! You must be sweaty after your workout.
Ranma: (picking up the towel) Er, alright. [Guess I'll have to leave after the bath.]
SCENE: In the living room, Nabiki is reading the financial section of the newspaper when Akane walks in, still in her gi.
Nabiki: (looking up) Bath's ready, Akane.
Akane: Thanks!
SCENE: The Tendou bathroom. Ranma-chan is filling a bucket of water. When the bucket is full, she sits on a stool, soaps herself up and pours the contents of the bucket on her head.
Ranma: (shivering) Ooh, cold! (Noticing the hot bath) Ahh! Now what am I going to do?!
SCENE: Akane has stepped into the room separating the bathroom and the hallway. She takes off her ribbon and throws it into the hamper where she notices Ranma's clothes.
Akane: Ranma must be in here. Well, at least I'll have company.
Ranma: (in the bath) What to do, what to do?
SCENE: Akane is about to enter the bathroom when she hears a male voice. Narrowing her eyes, she puts back on her gi and slowly opens the door.
Kasumi: (at the door) Hello, may I help you?
Nodoka: Hi! I'm Ranma's mother, Saotome Nodoka.
Kasumi: Oh hello, Mrs. Saotome!
Nodoka: I trust my son arrived safely?
Kasumi: Son?
Nodoka: Yes, Ranma.
Kasumi: Er, I'm afraid she's a girl.
Nodoka: (sighing) I guess my son hasn't told you about the curse yet.
Akane: (from upstairs) AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Nodoka: I thought so.
SCENE: Nodoka is the only one without a surprised expression as Akane runs downstairs and into the yard.
Akane: (hefting one of the boulders in the garden) I'LL KILL HIM! DROWN HIM IN THE BATHTUB!
Nabiki: Akane, what is it? What's the rock for?
Akane: THERE'S A PERVERT IN THE BATHROOM!
Nabiki: [Didn't think there'd be anybody brave enough to peek on AKANE.] Why didn't you just kill him with your bare hands?
Akane: Because I was afraid!
Kasumi: That's odd. Ranma was in the bath just now.
Nodoka: Please put the rock down, Akane is it? That won't be necessary.
Akane: (whirling on Nodoka) I think it's VERY necessary!
SCENE: Everyone (including Soun, who came to see what all the fuss is about) turns to see the 'bathroom pervert'. He has a sheepish grin on his face, hand behind his head.
Kasumi: W-who are you?
Ranma: Saotome Ranma. (pause) Sorry about this.
Soun: I guess I should start with the introductions again. (gesturing to the Saotomes) This is my departed friend's wife...
Nodoka: Saotome Nodoka, and my son...
Ranma: Ranma.
SCENE: Silence ensues the Tendou living room. Akane continues to give Ranma dirty looks. Ranma's face is expressionless.
Nodoka: It is time I demonstrate my son's curse.
Kasumi: Curse?
Nodoka: Yes. (pulls out a bucket of water and empties the contents on Ranma's head)
Ranma-chan: (slightly pissed) What was that for!?
SCENE: The Tendous are staring at Ranma in astonishment. Ranma is staring at the ground sullenly.
Kasumi: Now he's a girl!
Akane: You have a real knack of stating the obvious, Kasumi.
Nabiki: Daddy, why are you friends with them?
Soun: They weren't like this before. Not before they went to China, and undertook that terrifying training exercise!
SCENE: Mt. Quanjing, Bayankala Range, Qinghai Province, China. We see three figures... what the hell. We all know that the three figures are Ranma, Nodoka, and the infamous tour guide! Anyone not know that? (the Editor timidly puts up a hand) Shutup! (WHACK! The author clubs the Editor into submission) Anyone else? Thank you! Now on with the story...
Guide: Here sirs, is legendary training ground Jhusenkyou. More than 100 spring here, with each own tragic legend.
Ranma: (yawning) This place isn't so impressive.
Nodoka: (jumping onto a bamboo pole) You're the one who wanted to train here.
Ranma: (jumping onto an opposite pole) Yeah, well the guidebook said this place is where all the hot martial artists train. You even pointed it out to me!
Guide: Ah sirs, what you doing?!
Nodoka: (taking a stance) You should apply yourself a little more into your studies than your martial arts. I wouldn't have to point it out to you if you studied your Chinese.
Ranma: (taking a similar stance) Hey, martial arts is my life!
SCENE: Both combatants leap at each other, exchange blows and land on different poles, only to do the same thing over again. This happens for ten minutes, neither gaining any advantage, while the guide frantically tries to catch up with them. Having enough, Nodoka whips out the katana.
Guide: (huff, puff) Sirs!
Nodoka: That's enough of the Saotome style of unarmed combat. I won't hold back now.
Ranma: I know. [But that's the way I like it.]
SCENE: Nodoka jumps into the air, twirling her sword. She then dives down at Ranma who leaps up to block her attack. There is the sound of metal against... wood? Ranma sets down again, reveiling his wooden version of Nodoka's katana.
Nodoka: You're getting better. You "almost" had me fooled.
Guide: Sirs!
Ranma: Right. (pause) Mom, why do we have to fight with weapons? I'm a lot better without them, and besides, they're such a pain!
Nodoka: If you're fighting against an unhonourable opponent or an opponent who uses a weapon as their natural style, you'll be defenseless against sharp pointy bits. Also, weapons give you an added reach.
Guide: Sirs!
Ranma: But if you remove the pointy bit, the opponent's crippled!
Nodoka: There are times when I wonder about your confidence. Now, try to stop this!
Guide: Ah sirs, very bad if fall in spring!
SCENE: Nodoka seems to dash in the air at Ranma, sword drawn and pointed at him. Ranma braces for Nodoka's attack, expecting her to collide into his weapon. However, Nodoka alters her direction and slices Ranma's bamboo pole. Ranma tumbles into the spring below, a shocked expression on his face.
Guide: Aiya! Not "Spring of Drowned Girl"!
SCENE: The surface of the water calms for a moment, then erupts as a figure rockets out. The figure, now determined as a girl, lands upon an undamaged pole. Nodoka looks at the girl with a dumbfounded expression.
Guide: There tragic story of girl who drown in spring 1500 year ago! Now whoever fall in spring...
Ranma-chan: Are we done already?
Nodoka: (in shock) L...lo...
Ranma: Huh?
Nodoka: lo-lo-LOOK AT YOURSELF!
Guide: ...take body of girl!
Ranma: (noticing for the first time he's female) ... (in shock) ...
Nodoka: (calming down. After all, she's like Kasumi) Is there any way to reverse it?
Ranma: ...
Guide: No, but if pour hot water on curse victim, victim turn back to normal. But if touch cold water, return to curse body!
Nodoka: (sighing) Well, I guess we'll have to find some hot water...
SCENE: Kasumi and Nabiki are looking at Ranma in various degrees of shock. Akane has lost her angry expression.
Soun: Jhusenkyou, the lengendary training grounds. It's location has always been shrouded in mystery. But now...
Ranma-chan: A mystery? It's listed in Mom's guidebook as a tourist attraction!
Soun: (pouring the contents of a boiling kettle on poor Ranma) So, hot water turns you back to normal.
Ranma: Hot, not BOILING!
Soun: (patting Ranma on the back) Okay, your problem isn't so bad after all!
Ranma: (confused) Huh?
Soun: My daughters. Kasumi, age 19. Nabiki, age 17. Akane, age 16. Pick one and she's your fiancee.
Nodoka: What?
Soun: Genma and I agreed a long time ago that Ranma would marry one of my daughters!
Nodoka: WHAT!? He never told me anything about that!
Ranma: (joining in) You expect me to be engaged to one of them on the basis that I've only known them for four hours?!
Soun: Er, well...yes?
Nodoka: I'm sorry Soun, but an arranged marriage is too old-fashioned for my son.
Soun: (bursting into tears) But its for the family honour!
Akane: Why should we have to marry that pervert?
SCENE: Silence engulfs the room. Akane looks a little disturbed.
Ranma: Did you just call me a pervert?
Akane: Yes!
Ranma: Why am "I" a pervert pray tell?
Akane: You were in my bathroom, pervert!
Ranma: Lemme get this straight. "I" am a pervert because Kasumi let me take a bath in your bathroom and "you" walked in on "ME"?
Akane: Er...
Nabiki: He's got a point, sis.
Akane: Fine, take HIS side why don't you!
Soun: (still wailing) The Tendou legacy will never continue! WAAHH!
Nodoka: Why don't you start acting like a man of your age. Then you'd realize your daughters can marry whomever they choose.
Soun: WWAAAAHHHHHHHH!
Nabiki: Actually, I've got a way so everyone's sort of happy.
Ranma: Spill it out!
Nabiki: Nope, it'll cost you.
Ranma: You know, your "life" is on the line here, and you simply have to make money?
Akane: (mimicing her sister) "He's got a point there, Nabiki."
Ranma: Why don't "you" act like your age, Akane is it?
SCENE: Akane starts to fume, much to Ranma's attentive eye. But before he could react, Akane lifts up the table and smacks him with it. Ranma, needless to say, goes down.
Ranma: Violent... tomboy! (collapses)
Kasumi: Oh my! I'll get the first aid kit.
Nodoka: I don't know if even staying here is a good idea, if my son continues to need medical attention.
Nabiki: Don't worry, if you pay me 20,000 yen, I'll tell you my solution.
Akane: Nabiki!
Nodoka: Well...
SCENE: Nodoka pulls from the recesses of her robe a LOT of money. Nabiki's eyes bulge for a fraction of a second before returning to their neutral calm. Nodoka counts the money needed and passes it to Nabiki's outstretched hand.
Nodoka: (catching Nabiki's slight change) We use the money for travelling expenses.
Nabiki: [Hmm, I guess having them here will be good to my wallet. Got to think of a way to take advantage of this.]
Akane: So, what's your idea?
Nabiki: There won't be an engagement.
Soun: (bursting into another round of tears) WWAAHHHH!
Nabiki: I'M NOT FINISHED! (Soun quiets down) Ranma is right, engaging one of us in less than a day is kind of pushing it.
Soun: (STILL sobbing) But I've engaged one of you before you were born!
Nabiki: Stop interrupting! (realizing something) Did you just say before I was born?
Soun: Before any of you three were born!
Nabiki: Then how did you know your friend would get a son?
Soun: Um, well...
Nabiki: Anyway, because we don't want to upset you anymore, the Saotomes will stay here to see if he's compatible with one of us. BUT, if there will be any engagement, it'll be between HIM and one of US, got it?
Soun: Oh, my daughter is trying to ruin me!
Nodoka: That seems reasonable, Nabiki.
Nabiki: Thank you, Mrs. Saotome.
Nodoka: Please Aunt Nodoka will do, to humour your father.
Ranma: (regaining consiousness) What happened?
Nabiki: You were knocked out by my sister here.
Akane: And you deserved it, too!
Ranma: What, because you can't handle the truth? Have to resort to your fists to settle something because you're too afraid to use your brain?
SCENE: Akane hefts the table again and smashes it onto Ranma's head. The table breaks under the force, and Ranma goes down again.
Ranma: Ha, told you... argh...
%End Chapter One
%Afterword Well, the first installment of "A Little Motherly Love" is finished! Do you think any of the characters other than Ranma are OOC? Send in your comments, etc. to [nshampoo ]
When I was first introduced to fanfiction, I thought "Hey, what a neat idea!" I continued to monitor the RAAC [ . ] for Ranma fanfics (and there's a lot of 'em) and read most of the poems and stories that emerged from the newsgroup. When I found Wade Tritschler's website [ . /~tritscwa] and read his "Altered Destinies" series, I thought to myself "Yes, that's how it should be done." I always thought that fanfiction is a means to explore with made characters in different situations. Even if the prose "sucked" (I use this term loosely), I found myself reading and enjoying stories where Ranma DIDN'T suddenly decide to marry Akane! Oh no, say it isn't so! I believe fanfiction should be used to put characters in situations that "would have" or "could have been". Sadly, not very many people share my view, and all the "good" (this term is also used loosely, mainly because my views are different from other people) writers write Ranma + Akane stories. I know Takahashi-san said herself that "Ranma and Akane are the only real couple" but that shouldn't stop from making fanfics of a different perspective! There are plenty of them, I realize, but usually they deal with "What would happen if in the manga/anime the character said this instead of this" or "What if I completely changed the characters" and they create an entire series after it. Tritschler's "Altered Destinies" actually change just the setting, putting our lovable Ranma characters (some with majorly refined personalities, I'll admit) in positions not many people dare to go.
If you've stayed this long, thank you for reading my opinion, and may you live in interesting times.