SEQUENCE
by Scott K. Jamison
{Ranma 1/2 and its associated characters were created by Rumiko
Takahashi and NA rights are held by Viz Communications. No infringement
is intended.}
Part One
(We open on a sunny day in Nerima's business district. The
camera pans from one busy shop to the next. The sharp-eyed can catch
several minor recurring characters in the store windows. But the picture
soon centers on Ranma, who seems lost in thought.)
RANMA: I just know I forgot something. Lessee...yep, I'm wearing pants,
I brushed my teeth this morning, homework (yech) in my
backpack...wallet...that's it! Akane's birthday is tomorrow and I
haven't gotten a present yet!
(Relieved to have actually thought of this, Ranma looks around
for a suitable gift.)
RANMA: Lingerie's too--ah--personal, she's on a diet so no candy,
nothing good at the movies this week...(spots a jewelry stand) junk
jewelry! Girls love that stuff! And thanks to Mr. Tendou, I know
Akane's ring size by heart.
(Looks over the selection. The shopkeeper, an elderly man, moves
into the picture.)
SHOPKEEPER: Welcome, young man. Looking for anything in particular?
RANMA: Yeah, something, um, affordable.
SHOPKEEPER: I believe I can accomodate you.
(He hauls out a small tray. Most of it is pretty tacky, but one
piece stands out.)
RANMA: Hmm, this one is nice. Right size, and...just enough money to
cover it with sales tax! (Suddenly suspicious) Say, this ring isn't
cursed or anything, is it? It doesn't grant wishes?
SHOPKEEPER: Er, no, b--
RANMA: I'll take it! (Slaps down money) Gotta run! Thanks!
(The shopkeeper sighs as Ranma rushes off.)
(Ranma runs around a corner and runs straight into Kunou, who was
running the other way.)
RANMA: Ow! Oh, hi Kunou.
KUNOU: Upperclassman Kunou to you. Would that I had the time to
chastise you properly, but I have just learned that my beloved (but
slightly wonky) sister is having lunch with the Artist formerly known as
Prince, and I must prevent a musical tragedy!
(Kunou rushes off, but his scabbard catches a ladder, which tips
over onto a dog, which runs on to a board, the other end of which has a
pail that flies into the air, releasing its cold water contents onto Ranma.)
RANMA: Kunou you *sploosh* never mind, just don't look back...
(Female Ranma falls to her knees and searches the ground.)
RANMA-chan: Found it! (Picks up ring.) Don't want to lose this baby.
I'll just slip it on to a finger until I get home. (Does so.)
(Ranma walks down the street, and holds her hand out to admire
the ring.)
RANMA-chan: Yessir, Akane's going to be real happy when she sees this!
(Akane walks out of a store and sees Ranma, and more importantly
the ring.)
AKANE: Ranma! Why are you wearing that ring?
RANMA-chan: Well, y'see, Kunou--
AKANE: You accepted an engagement ring from Kunou!?!
(Too late, Ranma realizes the ring is on *that* finger.)
AKANE: Ranma, you JERK! (Boot to the head) You're engaged to me,
however little I like it! (Slap)
RANMA-chan: Jeez! I kinda wish weren't engaged. In fact I wish I
wasn't engaged to any girls at all!
(The ring begins to glow.)
RANMA-chan: Wait a minute! It isn't supposed to do t--
(TO BE CONTINUED)
SKJAM!
"Say the name, feel the power!"
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