TAG

by
Wayne Sung

based on characters by Rumiko Takahashi and Richard Lawson

Hi! Here's a glimpse at what's waiting for you once I finish this story. In this part, Kikuko (Kasumi's daughter) is trying to avoid Nouma (Ranma's son) in a martial arts exercise version of the game we call TAG. But Nouma is not all she has to worry about...

From tree to tree, Kikuko launched her lithe body through the forest canopy. Knowing that Nouma wasn't much of a climber, Kikuko hoped that by taking the high ground, Nouma would not catch up with her so easily. Also, staying in the trees should cover any tracks if Nouma were to look for her on the ground.

The crisp morning air invigorated Kikuko and brought new energy with each leap. It was such freedom to sail through the air so. Kikuko wished that she could fly forever. But with each trip, gravity would take hold of her again and bring her back down.

A rustle below caught Kikuko's ear.

Nouma?

No. Nouma wouldn't be that clumsy. And she was sure he couldn't have caught up to her yet.

She jumped to the next tree.

A loud thud resounded from behind her. And the tree Kikuko just left toppled to the ground.

Kikuko looked back in horror. Who or what could do that?!

She didn't have much time to wonder, for another thud sounded from below and the tree Kikuko stood on also began to topple.

Kikuko jumped for the next tree.

Thud!

The next.

Thud!

Something wanted her badly. But Kikuko was not going to go down that easily.

If the thing wanted to bring trees down, she might as well help it.

After jumping to another tree, Kikuko waited on a branch, listening for the telltale rustle that she heard before that first strike.

There! To her left!

Thud!

Her tree began to fall.

Concentrating on where the rustle and thud came from, Kikuko vaulted to the side of the tree opposite the sound. Crouched. And, focusing all her chi into her legs, launched herself into the air, kicking the tree in the direction of the sound.

The tree toppled with a crash.

Kikuko heard a long mewling cry of agony and smiled in smug satisfaction. And then she gave her own strangled cry.

Kikuko had launched herself into a wide rocky clearing. She had no landing spot for hundreds of feet around her and, below, awaited a hard bed of granite.

More than anything now, Kikuko wished she had wings, but to no avail.

Kikuko fell.

And gravity brought her the rest of the way down.

More!

Comments?

wayens@oocities.com

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