A short figure made its way through the markets. Every now and then it would pause at a stall or slip inside a store. Every time it left with some small treat in hand, and never did money come into the process.
The figure in question was one Ranma Saotome, and despite what one might assume not one of the assorted goodies had been stolen. There was no need, when the redhead could simply wear an oversized cap and a set of baggy clothes that just barely hide her curvaceous figure, allowing hints of it to be suggested as she put on her best cute and innocent act. In no time at all her arms would be full of enough free food to qualify as a full meal.
Selecting a pork bun from the pile, Ranma took a bite from it with an all too pleased expression on her face. “Said it ‘fore an’ I’ll say it ‘gain: when it comes to cruisin’ for eats, this girl form can’t be beat.” She mused to herself under her breath, idly eating as she walked.
“You there, young lady with all the food!” A light voice called out, causing Ranma to pause mid-step. The source was a saleswoman of some kind, utterly forgettable save that she was standing besides a large, capsule filled machine.
Pivoting on her heel, Ranma stuffed the remains of the pork bun in her mouth before walking over. Pointing at her own face, she asked in a slightly wary tone. “Ya need me for somethin’?”
The saleswoman gave a good natured laugh, giving the capsule machine a pat with one hand while gesturing down at the colorful and cartoony sign stuck to the front. “No, no, but for a mere five hundred yen you could be the lucky winner of a magic charm from this here 'Gotcha'pon machine!”
Ranma’s expression made it clear she wasn’t especially enticed, and she was about to simply say so and be on her way when the saleswoman quickly spoke up once more. “Authentic, I promise! Though it is a gamble, and who knows which you will get, each capsule here contains one of many charms designed to ward off malicious spirits, provide a blessing of good luck and fortune, or protect against and dispel curses!” As she spoke, the saleswoman brought her hands together and leaned forward, almost as if she was a moment away from outright begging.
For a moment the redhead looked taken aback and conflicted, before simply giving a light shrug of her shoulders and shifting her grip on the pile of food in her arms to fish through one pocket. “Sure, why not?” She gave a light laugh of her own, before retrieving the needed yen and shifting to feed it into the machine.
As Ranma’s slender fingers gripped the crank on the front of the machine to twist it, it made a light grinding sound that caught sharply in the middle. Then a capsule dropped down into the small collection tray at the bottom, one side solid white and the other a dull gold. Which must have been lucky, as the saleswoman promptly clapped her hands together and looked quite pleased.
“Ah, you got a gold one!” She explained as Ranma carefully popped the capsule open one-handed to reveal polished gold metal and smooth brown leather. Holding one finger up, the saleswoman clarified. “The charms all come in three tiers: bronze, silver, and gold.”
Fumbling the capsule halves slightly, the contents nearly tumbled to the ground. Luckily, Ranma managed to hook the leather cord with a pinky. Holding it up in front of her face, the redhead squinted her blue eyes slightly as the gold amulet slowly rotated around to first show the image of a smiling pig on one side and writing on the other. Glancing quizzically at the saleswoman, Ranma read out loud: “Excess is the ultimate expression of freedom? What’s that supposed to mean?”
The saleswoman took a moment to tilt her head slightly to get a better look, making a thoughtful humming sound. “That one is… Smiling Pig charm, so it’s a symbol of prosperity, generosity, sincerity and good fortune.” The saleswoman bopped the bottom of her fist against her palm as she concluded. “So, to be free of your worldly troubles you should be open and honest and live life to the fullest!”
The saleswoman seemed pleased with explanation, but the redhead merely regarded the amulet with a dubious expression before shrugging once more. “Worth a shot, right?” Ranma mused out loud, slipping her hand through the leather cord and wrapping the amulet around her wrist.
She would have put it on properly, but her hands were still rather full still. Remembering that she had been in the middle of her free midday meal, Ranma took a red bean bun from the pile. With a slight nod towards the saleswoman, she turned away and resumed eating as she walked.
The saleswoman watched the short young woman depart, and the golden charm glinting in the sunlight as it dangled out from under the girl’s baggy sleeves. "Tell your friends and family!" She called out, smiling as she added barely audible whisper. "Gotcha."
Sun Jan 12 12:46:50 2020
3 comments Last updated: Fri Jan 24 00:13:01 2020