There were organizations that had developed over the centuries to assure the slave caste their rights, limited as they were, and their care. Some organizations were funded by companies who specialized in their care and maintenance, or who used large amounts of their labor, or whom had other ties in those regards.
The little pink kits were from one of the humanitarian organizations, and included a number to call if the new Master or Mistress actually violated those laws. It also had a small case to carry their legal identification and any licensures they acquired, a set of breath mints, three small tubes of salve (collar or cuffs tended to chaff the skin at least initially), and a small pill that nobody hardly ever talked about - other than it was the Final Resort for when a slave absolutely could not bear their burden. Other than that there was a small ladies' razor, a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and a nail file.
Included with the little pink kit was a small compact makeup kit, which was provided by a cosmetics company that specialized in the market.
Their clothing consisted of the collar, leash, a white sleeveless tunic that belted around their middle and hung down to mid-thigh, bracers that covered wrist to almost the elbow, and open-toed sandals.
Ranma had traveled extensively and eyed their clothing with something other than lust. The tunic was thin and cheap fabric. The sandals were likewise cheap. Within two days on the open road, neither sandals nor tunic would provide any protection. The small kits were mass produced, though some individual designs were on the makeup kits. Makoto had chosen roses, Usagi had chosen one with a rabbit, and Rei had apparently chosen one with some sort of old woodcut design.
So Ranma was dealing with the thought of having three attractive girls who would have to do whatever he said (certain exclusions, limitations, and restrictions may apply. offer void where prohibited, limited time offer) that he was responsible for - by focussing on other things that they were attractive girls.
While roughing it was perfectly fine for him, he doubted it would work for all of them. The tall one looked like she might have some pretty good strength but otherwise he doubted it.
Genma grunted as he looked the three over. "Any of you can cook?"
"I can!" the tall one was quick to raise her hand, looking particularly enthusiastic about this ability.
"Any of you camp out regularly?" Genma asked next, seeing their clothing and coming to the same conclusion as Ranma about its survivability.
Three heads shook, no enthusiasm at all showing.
Genma let out a deep breath. Three cute young girls, apparently nice girls - not unpredictable that an inexperienced boy like Ranma would choose them though he'd hoped the boy would have had more sense. Well, when they didn't work out, he could get Ranma to sell off the ones that couldn't cook. "Any other skills you've got?"
Usagi's eyes filled with tears, just knowing she'd end up back on the block if she couldn't find something to say. "Ahhhhh."
"I've studied some kung fu," said Makoto after a moment.
"Oh?" Both Ranma and Genma perked up at this. Ranma because he might be able to train Makoto to the point where she could be a credible sparring partner. Genma because Ranma could potentially take this girl as his first pupil, and thereby learn to be a sensei as well as a student.
"I'm trained as a miko, a shrine maiden, and I have some psychic gifts," volunteered Rei, really not wanting to go back to the auction block. Some of those people looking her way had "felt" greasy and disgusting to her.
Not that the father was much better in her eyes.
Ranma appraised the girl who identified herself as a miko. Weren't they contract slaves to begin with? Probably used to working hard, long hours, that sort of thing.
"Excuse me?" said an unfamiliar voice.
(Posted Wed, 18 Aug 2004 09:50)
Questions? Problems? Suggestions?
Send a mail to addventure@bast-enterprises.de
or use the contact form.
らんま1/2 © Rumiko Takahashi
All other series and their characters are © by their respective creators or owners. No claims of ownership of these characters are implied by the authors of this Addventure, or should be inferred.
The Anime Addventure is a non-profit site.