Feedback is important, people!   This is an idea, and
if I don't get enough good feedback, I'll
discontinue....  so if you want the rest, lemme know!
PS- I'm in vacation mode, so if I'm to see any of the
feedback, you'll have to send it off-list...

Up Like a Kite, Down like a Lead Balloon
by: Quicksilver
standard disclaimers
Author�s Note: This fic was done is response to an
idea on Red Death�s Wish List: (Alt.) Ranma the
manic-depressive. I don't mean the
Ranma-kills-him/herself oneshots. A divergence or a
full alterverse with the pig-tailed warrior suffering
from this condition. 

**Prologue**

	Ranma sat on the rooftop, as was his habit.   He
tried to concentrate on the gorgeous sunset, but had
far too much nervous energy racing through his system.
  He tried to keep his feet still, but the nervous
tapping of his toes betrayed him.  He felt like
someone had poured an extra hundred pounds of energy
in him.   He felt the excess vibrating through his
body, heightening his awareness of himself.  Has his
heart beat always been so loud? he wondered
fleetingly.    The sun was setting far too slowly for
his liking.
	He leapt of the roof, landing in the back yard of the
dojo, where he and his father often practiced.   He
felt bouncy, and decided that he could work on
improving his katas.   If he worked hard enough, he
was positive he could dunk the old man three times in
the morning, rather then his usual one.   
	He warmed up with a simple kata, then decided to
immediately launch into the most complex one he knew
without any further preparation.   His body strained
as he pushed it to its limits, yet he didn�t feel any
pain.   The next move was THERE, and he could reach
it, if only he could reach it.... just a little
farther....
	He didn�t hear Kasumi�s voice as she called to him,
inviting him to come into dinner.    He didn�t hear
his father threatening -no, promising- that he would
eat everything by himself if Ranma didn�t come in.  
He didn�t even hear Akane move up behind him.   He was
too focused on the next move.... just a little
more....
	Akane tapped him on the shoulder, and he turned
around, stunned that she had been able to do so
without him being aware of her presence.    Then he
remembered how intense he had been while training, and
decided that it really wasn�t important.  �Whaddya
want?� he asked crankily.  He didn�t want anything to
interrupt this practice.
	Akane looked at him, concerned.   It wasn�t like
Ranma to ignore dinner.   �It�s supper time,� she
informed him sweetly.    �Aren�t you going to eat the
meal Kasumi worked so hard on?�
	He frowned.  �Dinner?  Well....�  he trailed off as
Akane hauled him into the house and sat him down in
his usual chair.
	The Tendos and Genma watched as Ranma ate.  Usually
he ate more rapidly then anyone they had ever met, but
this time, something was different.   It was as though
he�d gained another two seconds in speed.   He quickly
gobbled down his dinner, and then half of his father�s
as well.
	He sprang to his feet as soon as he was finished.  
He started to head out into the yard, but Akane
stopped him.    �Hey, Ranma!� she called.   �Aren�t
you going to do your homework?� she demanded.
	Ranma flashed his winning smile at her.   �It�s
already done,� he shot back at her.   
	The Tendos stared at him, wondering what was wrong.  
This wasn�t going to be the last time, either.
	Ranma stayed up all night, managing to learn three
new moves on his own.   Sure enough, he dunked Genma a
good one.   Kasumi watched, worried.   Of the entire
household, perhaps she was the only one with the
slightest inkling of the roller-coaster ride they were
about to embark on.

****

Author�s Closing Remarks: Well- is it worth
continuing?  Feedback Encouraged!
For those of you not exactly sure about bi-polar
disorder (as manic depression is now known) please
feel free to follow this Link:
http://www.windsofchange.com
It�s a site created by a lay person- none of the
information is too technical.

****

The Diamond
P. Graham

In silent dark the diamond lies
No hint of light, no song it cries
Yet once the sight can set it free
Then all they ask is what they see
Enraptured in its brilliant glow
A song to sing, a seed to sing
A tune that only they will know
Cause different light bring different shades
When light is gone the colour fades
Yet many lights can bring forth one
Refracting flames reflect the sun
The diamond shines bright forth its light
To drive the demons from its sight
Too bright a light to filter fright
They flee in fear to seek the night
And left alone the diamond glows
The inner light slows down and shows
All the colours that it knows
And stable on a steady glow
It shines its light for all to know
No more to hide the pride inside
To venture forth and taste the air
And stay the demons in their lair
The light is steady, white and bright
To shield the weaker from the night
And on the path that lies ahead
The diamond shines its light instead
The bright, white, light can wax and wane
Refraction colours window pane
Missing spectrums shine with shame
Blinding memories burn with flame
The past seems distant mountain height
Apon the shadows of the night
The diamonds light can gain the sight
Behind the shining caring light
****

===
Quicksilver
Lady of the Labyrinth
Full time student and part-time writer
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Capsule/3342/
"Rage, rage against the dying of the light."
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