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A continuation! I'm shocked. Thank you, sir!
It appears my options were less clear than I intended. They were all supposed to be spoken by Soun as reactions to learning of the engagement...*but* you made it work all the same. Kudos for that! And yeah, I totally see why it seemed like that one would have been spoken by Kasumi (or Bell). Probably makes more sense that way, huh? So now I've decided retroactively that each of those options was said by a different member of the household. ^_^
I really liked what you did with this. You hit all the necessary points quite well. I especially like Bell's scene in Akane's room. That was a great touch. And Ranma angst is always compelling angst. I tried to keep the timing vague, so as to allow any author (i.e. you) latitude, but I conceived of it as happening fairly early. That's why I only referenced things that happen to Akane through Shampoo's arrival.
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I wrote it that way mostly so that it'd be possible to make the new engagement not as painful for Ranma (and Akane) as if it were later in the series. I feel guilty if I make them too unhappy! But yeah, he'd obviously be upset about it to some degree any time after the first few chapters/episodes.
Because as far as I'm concerned, Bell-chan ("Beru-chan"?) and Akane-chan have definitely got the red string of fate tied between them now. So it's really just a matter of time. Obviously it could go other ways too. For example, it could become a chance for Akane to grow emotionally - thereby allowing her to become closer to Ranma. But as I imagined it, this is the first step toward love between them. (Lust would certainly take longer for those two, but I thought Urd and/or the Amazons could eventually assist on that front.)
I hadn't thought of Urd, Skuld or Mara appearing immediately, but that could definitely work.
Anyway, thanks again for contributing to it!
Oh, yeah. Actually, I think your single best touch was probably Soun being distraught over "his dead wife and the lengths she went to ensure one of their daughters would be happy." Well said, indeed!
Thanks for all the replies. I am glad you liked it. My thoughts as to Urd appearing were perhaps Ranma was already being granted a wish from a second-class goddess for the good things he has done, like take responsibility for Ryoga's situation and always keeping to an honor code. They just couldn't get him alone, as is the prerequisit before visiting him.
As for Skuld, well she's a young jealous sister who would have read that Bell was going to be marrying a mortal and probably tried to get to Nerima to find out what the heck happened.
I also agree this could help both Ranma and Akane develop as teenagers. I imagine Bell might be able to help Akane cook so it isn't toxic. And perhaps Urd or Skuld will get Ranma to be honest with his feelings. Skuld might even try to get Akane together with Ranma so Belldandy could come back to Heaven.
Agreed, agreed. And that's pretty much exactly what I envisioned for Skuld. As far as character growth, I would hope that Bell would be able to help Akane let go of some of her anger and insecurities. It would also be nice if, in turn, a little bit of Akane's assertiveness rubbed off on Bell.
I had thought about the idea of Ranma getting a wish, but I felt like if it were to happen, it should probably come later. You know, after the story tremors from Akane's wish settled down. Otherwise, wouldn't it distract from the one big plot bomb that's already been detonated? Plus, it might be more satisfying for the narrative if it built up to that event, no?
But that's probably just me thinking too conventionally and not episodically enough.
Though if Ranma did get a wish and somehow ended up with Urd (would have to do something different from the "girl like you" approach), Ranma and Akane would eventually be in-laws. More or less. That's kind of like joining the schools, right?
And lest I forget, happy new year!
Hmm, well if Urd isn't too pushy on Ranma, he might be open with his feelings and say how he wanted to be with Akane but wasn't assertive enough to press the matter. Especially now with who her fiance is.
Urd, being knowledgeable about the laws of Heaven could know if poligamy was permissible or not. And if it was, could inform Ranma of this and then he would wish he could have someone help him be more honest with himself and his feelings. He also would want the strength to help protect not just Akane now but Belldandy as she is someone who is important to Akane.
Impressed by that mentality and knowing none of the current fiances of his could help him be more honest with Akane as they want him for her personal self and none are even strong enough to help with the second part, she picks herself to be this "someone" and so names herself as a fiance but doesn't have any intention of marrying him. It is just the easiest way to stay close and maybe even take him on a trip to train him to be stronger.
Yeah, I could see that working out pretty well and offering a number of interesting branch possibilities. A three-way relationship could be a lot of fun, especially if Akane were the "centerpiece" rather than Ranma.
Great ideas!