Lunch was a much appreciated two hour break from the mind bending sexuality of the costume rack. A few people wondered why Ranma wasn't in school then, but apparently none of them reported him to the Truant Officer it seemed. Ranma considered himself lucky that he had enough money on hand to buy a decent lunch, of course if he'd known how long he had he might have gone home for lunch instead.
As it was though, Ranma bought a fair sized okonomiyaki from a mall vendor for his lunch. It wasn't as good as Ukyo's of course, but at least it was better than average, and large enough to justify the price they charged him for it. Unfortunately, halfway through Ranma's meal the bottom of his drink fell out, turning him into a girl as the cold soda drenched his lap. Thus Ranma spent most of her break in the women's bathroom holding her soaked pants up to the hot-air dispenser to dry them. The unlucky redhead had just gotten her pants passably dry when she suddenly found herself back at work, pants in hand.
"Oh, so that's why you took so long. My apologies, lass. I was hoping you'd come back under your own power despite my reassurances. I meant to test you to see if you were going to be a slacker or some such. Please forgive my ill assumptions of you, Ranma," Mr. Fetish apologized sincerely as Ranma hurriedly put her nearly dry pants back on with an ill concealed blush.
"Uh, yeah. The bottom of my drink fell out and I got drenched because of it. Stupid curse always picks the worst times to act up," Ranma complained self-consciously, studiously ignoring her boss's appreciative stare. Then she noticed something. "Um, boss. You kinda left my shoes in the bathroom," she complained hesitantly.
Mr. Fetish looked embarrassed for the first time since Ranma had met him, a sight that was hard to believe possible considering the kind of store he ran. "Oh my. So I did, so I did! Here, I'll make it up to you!" the old looking wizard promised in a rush, quickly mumbling something eery under his breath. An instant later Ranma's shoes appeared in her hands and then glowed briefly. Continuing his eery mutter, Mr. Fetish touched Ranma's shoulder, causing the rest of her clothes to glow for a moment as well.
When the muttering stopped Ranma's boss looked her in the eyes and smiled proudly. "There you go, I just touched your clothes up with a temporary version of the 'perfect fit' charm. They should fit very comfortably for the rest of this week at least, regardless of those transformations of yours. But it's only that one outfit mind you; I'm not in the habit of giving out freebies, you know," Mr. Fetish announced in a warm but stern tone of voice.
Ranma nodded in cautious understanding. "One week, just this outfit, don't expect freebies; got it boss," the martial artist parroted back, idly wondering if she should have saluted just then.
"No, no; saluting me won't be necessary, Ranma. I didn't mean to come across as being quite so strict just then. But at least you get the idea, lass," Mr. Fetish assured her, as if he had somehow read her mind just then.
Ranma sighed in relief at that, being trapped in a job, no matter how embarrassing, was one thing. But being trapped in the same embarrassing job with a stingy slavedriver would have been pure hell. Ranma was very glad that her new job wasn't as bad as all that.
"That's the spirit, girl. Now take this and get started on the gaming section. Same thing as last time, be sure to read the labels, you'll need to be able to recommend appropriate tittles and such if customers ask for recommendations," her boss commented jovially, nudging her in the right direction.
"Oh, I almost forgot to mention. As an employee, you're allowed to test or sample all of our merchandise, not that you'll get a chance to do any of that today, dear. But the policy's there so that you'll be able to make more heartfelt recommendations to anyone who asks. It also gives me some early feedback if an item isn't particularly pleasing; just remember to keep an open mind about things, lass," her boss added as Ranma got a few isles away from him.
"Er, yeah . . . open mind, I'll . . . try to do that," replied Ranma after she barely avoided tripping in reaction to hearing about this particular 'perk'. Recovering from her shock, Ranma-chan began reading tittles and mentally cataloging adult game after adult game as quickly as she could while repricing them.
Racing through her task with brutal efficiency, Ranma could not picture herself ever willingly buying or using any of the items she would be pricing today. Little did Ranma realize though that simple exposure alone would be enough to slowly erode her objections over time. Considering the 'terms' of her employment, 'time' was not on Ranma's side in this particular case either. Not even the negative reinforcement of her fiancé's would be enough to hold that development off forever.
Meanwhile Ranma inventoried games such as 'Twisted', which apparently was a cousin game to Jumanji according to the sticker. There was also a game called 'Twisting', which was like the non-magical game 'Twister', except that the game's spinner chose positions and conditions that the player's had no choice about until the last person 'climaxed' while playing. 'Twisting' Was listed as strictly bisexual in nature since gender modifications were frequent during play.
All counted there were fifty different board games, twenty different types of card games with sub variations on themes or sexuality, and about sixty different themes on a dice rolling game. The last was like a few of the card games where the cards, or dice, affected the player's mind or body; each one with bold print warnings stating that duration of the game was to be set BEFORE game play started. If a time limit wasn't verbally stated beforehand, the default time limit was a full YEAR before the players were released from the game in some cases.
Ranma finished her task in roughly an hour, mostly because she didn't have to worry about forcing herself to remember what she was reading. She just had to read all of it, it wouldn't matter how fast she did it.
After the gaming section, was finished Ranma proceeded to the jewelry and makeup section, followed by the TOY section. The latter of which had Ranma wishing that she hadn't been changed into her girl form during lunch. Mr. Fetish allowed Ranma a short break to recuperate from the shivers that section induced in the part time girl; besides, they were ahead of schedule anyway.
Once Ranma recovered from her, un-admitted fear and open revulsion, the martial artist moved on to the joke section, all of which were temporary effects. Next up was the second largest section behind the TOY section, 'miscellaneous artifacts' seemed to cover everything from lust potions to enchanted books and baubles.
The section was so large that Ranma kept encountering certain items with similar effects, like the 'minor' wishing items for example. Eventually Ranma hunted down her employer and suggested the section be subdivided and certain items given their own, smaller, sections.
Mr. Fetish was so receptive to the idea that Ranma got a ten percent pay raise on her first day. Of course her suggestion earned Ranma nearly two hours worth of extra work; but the fact that she'd impressed a seemingly omnipotent wizard with her observation skills made Ranma feel rather pleased with herself all the same.
By the time the last section was re-priced and memorized, it was seven in the evening. At which point Ranma was given a partial pay advance so that she could eat dinner. This time however Ranma returned promptly, and in male form.
The laboratory Ranma walked into instead of the store front was a bit of a surprise at first; but then it was just another reminder that this was no ordinary job he was working. The concussive wave of, something, that greeted Ranma shortly after entering the door was considerably more alarming though, despite a lack of visible effects.
"Um, boss . . . ? What the heck did you do with the shop? And what's with the weird explosions and stuff?" Ranma asked the room in general as he noticed that Mr. Fetish wasn't the only person present here.
"Oh! Welcome back lad, welcome back. I thought you'd be a little longer eating, so I decided to check up on my production staff. They had something of a new 'concept' line they wanted to try out; enchanted food items of all things. Quite the creative lot I've got here, and I'm proud of every one of them too!" boasted Ranma's boss as he gestured to include the room's other occupants.
Ranma nodded appropriately in feigned understanding, it simply wouldn't do to point out that Ranma barely had a clue about what was going on at the moment. Fortunately though, Mr. Fetish was too caught up in the moment to care apparently. "Everyone, I'd like you to meet Ranma. He'll be the sales person for the outlet you'll be supplying here," began Ranma's boss, introducing him to the assembled workers.
Once everyone had nodded in general greeting, Ranma's boss indicated a chocolate skinned woman with cream colored hair. "Ranma, this is the head of your branch's production staff, Mrs. Brewer. Or at least that's what we call her anyway; she was a quality control assistant at one of our other branches before I decided to open up business here. She was quite pleased to get the promotion you opened up for her today," he said, introducing her with a fond smile.
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ranma. I was very impressed that you passed the manager's test on your first day like this. I'm certain we'll get along wonderfully here!" greeted the woman, sounding just as pleased as described.
"Er, ah, it's nice to meet you too," Ranma replied a little off balance at the odd turn of events. "Um, boss? What's this about me being a manager now, I thought you only said you needed a sales clerk for the front desk?" Ranma asked the old wizard beside him, visibly confused.
"Oh, that? Well, you're mostly right, Ranma. All I needed was a sales clerk, but do you remember your little suggestion about breaking down the Miscellaneous section and making a few smaller ones out of all those like items in there?" Ranma nodded in response.
"Well, lad, that was something of a test for you. A test you passed with flying colors, and well ahead of schedule. So I picked out several production workers who were deserving of promotions and assigned them to you. I'll coach you into the job at first, but in the end you'll be responsible for the creativity, productivity, and sales of your branch of the store. But I doubt you'll have any troubles on the first two with this particular bunch, they're all quite eager to prove themselves." At this statement all ten lab coated individual's agreed vigorously and audibly.
"In fact," continued Mr. Fetish, "Mrs. Brewer has just completed and sampled one of her own prototypes, 'Chocolate seduction' from her 'Sweet Temptations' candy selection. Assuming it's been successful, she is now chocolate flavored and able to seduce her chosen targets pretty much at will, " he finished, sounding quite thrilled about the prospective success.
Ranma's incredulous response to these revelations were quickly detoured by a creamy, chocolate flavored finger brushing his lips. The sensually light caress dipped into and back out of Ranma's mouth as his tongue reflexively traced the phantom traces of chocolate those fingers left behind.
Ranma also felt his manhood quickly harden, then get displayed through his pants as the hand's owner grabbed hold of the hardened shaft. "See; a total success!" crowed the woman as she displayed Ranma's involuntary reaction for everyone there to see.
Even after she finally let go of him, Ranma was so embarrassed by his reaction that he almost missed what was said next. "Well, that's ten out of ten; with no unpleasant side effects to work out, either. Although that 'Whipped Cream Beguiler' was by far my favorite so far, Mrs Brewer! You have my full approval to begin the final production stage on these sweats of yours. After we've finished our introductions of course," Mr. Fetish announced enthusiastically.
"Next up is Mr. Highroller, he's partially responsible for the development of several of our fine games already in production. He has since expressed an interest in broadening the 'playing field' of our gaming section. 'Video games are the wave of the future', Mr. Highroller tells me. I told him you were of a better person to convince on that matter than myself; being an outgoing member of today's youth such as you are," Ranma's boss introduced the next closest person in the room.
"It's good to meet you, boss. I promise you won't regret it if you let me take a go at this," greeted Mr. Highroller, moving in to shake Ranma's hand.
Ranma wasn't sure if the man was trying to kiss up to him or not, but he earned a very dedicated worker through a simple reflexive response. "Ah, yeah. Good to meet you too. I happen to know a couple of guys who'd probably like that kinda stuff. Couldn't hurt to run it by them after you get all the bugs out of it first, so long as neither of their moms find out about the game's anyway," replied Ranma, more out of an attempt not to offend than because he cared either way.
"Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!" Mr. Highroller replied excitedly, just before racing off to parts unknown within the lab.
"Well, You've certainly made a good impression with Mr. Highroller, Ranma!" Commented Mr. Fetish with an amused laugh. "Well next we have Ms. Pixie. Ms. Pixie, like Mrs. Brewer, was promoted from one of our sewing lings to your head seamstress. She'll be in charge of your costume department. Also, since hearing about the effects of your Jusenkyo curse, Ms. Pixie has expressed an interest in gender-flexible costume designs."
The white haired, elfish looking woman gazed at Ranma with a broad smile that made him more than just slightly nervous for a moment. "I also find it a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ranma. I'm not sure how big of a seller a non-gender specific costume line would be at this point. But I am confident that if I can work out the spell matrixes for it, that alone should allow us to double our production rate. I'm sure it'll be worth our while to give it a shot," commented Ms. Pixie as she made her own greeting with a semi-formal bow.
"Well, that's the first thing anybody's said since I got through that door that's made any sense to me, so why not. Go for it, and if you could make me some everyday cloths that'll fit both my forms right in the process I'll definitely be interested!" enthused Ranma earning a chuckle from everyone still present.
"Not the best reason in the world for letting her try it, lad. But as long as you don't let it hurt your store, and by extension your staff, a little selfishness here and there can be over looked once in a while," laughed Mr. Fetish as he smacked Ranma affectionately on the back.
"Next up we have Mr. and Mrs. Ecstasy, they're in charge of toy production and testing," Ranma's boss told him, introducing an Egyptian looking couple. "Normally toy production and testing are two separate positions with one worker each. But Mr. and Mrs. Ecstasy have proven quite the formidable pair by sharing the responsibilities of both positions with each other. That's a large part of why we have so many more toys for men than our competition, both magical and non-magical," he finished with a nod.
"We are honored to meet you, young Ranma. The two of us are very much looking forward to a fresh start in a new location. My, wife and I have found that new inspiration can be found simply by mingling with new people in a new area," greeted Mr. Ecstasy.
"I am likewise honored, young Ranma. Yet what My husband fails to mention is that we are a little more 'experienced' in our chosen fields than much of your hastily assembled staff. This is both advantageous and disadvantageous for you. We are more experienced, thus needing less supervision in doing what we do. But we fear that we may have grown 'stagnant' in our creativity and have thus requested this transfer under your authority," added the woman, her manner a little hard for Ranma to decide what he thought of this couple.
"They're both a little formal at times, lad. But I'm certain you'll warm up to them once they've loosened back up a bit. They have a certain knack for muddling people's first impressions of them, try not to hold it against them,"
"Looks like we got something in common at least; I'm almost always making terrible first impressions with people," commented Ranma as he acknowledged the introductions.
"I suppose you do at that, lad. Anyway, moving right along we have the Erogenous sisters. Like Mr. and Mrs Ecstacy, these quintuplets collectively share the responsibilities of material acquisitions, enchanting, quality inspection, trouble shooting, and product evaluation.
"These fine young ladies do such a good job in fact they're hard to keep busy, so they do a good deal of general production as well. I'd introduce you to each of them specifically, but the girls seem to have made a little bit of a game out of it. I wouldn't worry too much if you take a while at getting to tell them apart, they find it very amusing. Right girls?" Mr. Fetish introduced Ranma to a group of five very attractive and identical looking brunets.
"Yes" "sir," "we" "most" "certainly" "do!" agreed the look alike sisters in seamless tandem. Ranma's eyes literally bugged out as the five of them managed to sound like a single speaker, a single speaker talking normally no less.
"He's" "so" "cute!" "We" "can't" "wait" "to" "see" "what" "he" "looks" "like" "as" "a" "girl!" the girls added, blending their voices into another seamless sentence. They caught Ranma in the center of a massive group hug as they spoke as well. His nerves already stretched taut by everything else up til now, Ranma promptly fainted at this forward show of afection.
"Hmmm," "I" "think" "we" "over" "did" "it." the girls commented as he passed out, incidentally exhausting the current list of rehearsed collaborations.
"Definitely still a virgin though." add one the girls near Ranma's right as they collectively kept him from falling to the ground.
"Well, break him in gently girls. He's got a few possessive, jealous types chasing him at the moment. I plan on dealing with them soon; but even if I fixed that problem directly, he'll still be a bit SHY about things for a while. Just remember to be patient, ladies." Mr. Fetish admonished the sisters jovially.
"We will!" chorused the quintuplets as they acknowledged the wizard's instructions.
"Now then, when Ranma wakes up I've got just a few more things to tell him before I send him back for the day. For now I'd better see you're coming along with Ranma's work uniform Ms. Pixie."
Read the comments on this episode
(Posted Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:36)
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.