The Bruise

“NO! You can’t make me!”

Heads turned as they watched a panda run growling after a sprinting young red-haired girl. As the pair careened down the street, they knocked numerous hapless carts in their way into splinters. The panda grabbed the girl, and whacked her over the head with a street sign. The girl instantly fell into a deep catatonic state. The panda growled, and all the watching pedestrians instantly found fascinating pieces of dirt on the ground.

Skip a scene...

The panda walked in the door followed by an extremely dejected looking young red-headed girl. This was not lost on the Tendos. Soun crept over carefully.

“And who might you be?”

The girl glared at him. “I’m Ranma Saotome. I’m not really a girl, so don’t get any ideas, got it?” Soun fell back, confused. “But I thought Ranma was the name of Genma’s son, not daughter.” A look of realization came across Soun’s face. “Oh, of course. You think because you look feminine, you might be mistaken for a girl. Don’t worry, young lad! We are happyto meet you!” Soun reached down and hugged Ranma but stood shock still when he realized that the young “boy” had breasts. Nabiki poked at one.

“Yep, a girl, all right.” With an enraged look, Ranma grabbed Nabiki’s hand and nearly twisted it as Ranma yanked Nabiki’s arm away.

Ranma glared at Nabiki. “Please don’t do that.”

Nabiki rubbed her sore wrist and looked down contemptuously at Ranma. “Don’t worry, Ranma. I wouldn’t dream of it.” Akane, relieved that their visitor was not a boy, gave a concerned look at the young girl.

“Hey, listen, Ranma, forget about her. We can be friends, if you want.”

Ranma looked at Akane, uncertainty warring across her features. “Well...”

Akane smiled. “If you want to, we can spar.”

A delighted look came across Ranma’s petite features. “I’d love to!” Akane led the girl to the dojo.

Akane glanced at Ranma as they both assumed fighting stances. “Don’t worry, Ranma, I won’t hurt you.”

Ranma grinned devilishly. “Ok, if you say so.”

Without warning, Akane leapt at Ranma with a flying kick, which Ranma easily dodged. As she spun, Ranma grabbed Akane’s outstretched foot and dropped, sending Akane careening into the wall.

Akane slowly got to her feet, now considerably more impressed. She shook herself. "Ok, no more games!"

Akane feinted to the left, to the right, then executed a perfect spinning kick then should have ended the match . . . if Ranma was still there. As Akane landed, Ranma kicked her with a blow square on the back that knocked her to the floor.

She grinned. "Had enough?"

To be continued...