Tainted Gestalt: Ranma 1/2

There is little that will clear a street than the sight of a damp bearlike shape charging down it at breakneck speed. Even when it is a panda in pursuit of a cute girl, there is little that any given onlooker may do than stare with slackened jaws at the bizarre events unfolding before their very eyes. The two figures splashed through puddles with a determination that would set the world ablaze. One with the intent to escape. The other with the intent to capture. Given the present circumstance, it was anyone’s race.

In a blinding show of surprising agility, the panda leaped forward, prompting the pigtailed cutie to leap aside and adopt an effortless defensive posture that left those surrounding them even more baffled. Did she truly intend to engage in combat with a wild animal? What madness was this?

None of them could hope to keep up with it. They moved so quickly and so fluidly that this was simply impossible. However, they did see that a thunderous kick sent the panda reeling and the girl - shockingly - was left standing there triumphant.

“Screw you, old man! Engaging me against my will! I’m heading back to China to find a cure!”

The girl turned around, hefting her bag over her shoulder… and then patted at the top of her head for reasons that made no sense to any of the onlookers. After a moment she stopped to pick something up, something gleaming and square - and then she was struck about the back of the head by the panda wielding a street sign.

“Did- did you see that? Amazing…”

“Shouldn’t we help her?”

The panda growled, and they all backed away. The poor girl. Whatever this panda wanted to do with her, it was out of their hands.

Unnoticed by all was the small cube still clutched tightly within Ranma Saotome’s **** grip….

• written by Lumitiel