Pigs and Blankets Chapter 10, a ranma fanfic

Hey, I'm back with more Pigs and Blankets, and I hope you all are excited about the next installment! Last time, the Three-Way Gymnast Battle had Ukyo as the winner, but Auntie Saotome had appeared just as the games declared their winner. What our her plans, and what will become of the fiancées competing for Ranma's place as his wife? Where's Ranma and Akane in all of this?!

Sit back, relax and enjoy this new chapter!

About a week later~

"Thanks for coming to Ucchan's!" Momo called out to the departing customers. She hummed while cleaning the now empty booth, grabbing the glass cups and dirty dishes before dumping them in the dirty dish bucket. The pig-girl turned to the chef, watching Ukyo hard with concentration at the five orders sizzling on the hot grill.

When the very pretty lady came into the school gym, declaring the games void, Ukyo had become a huge pot of boiling emotions. Momo was almost scared to approach Ukyo. Poor Ryoga and Konatsu had to suffer some of the brunt of her fury too! A few days working behind the grill helped Ukyo calmed down a bit, but Momo knew she was still pretty upset about the competition not counting as a victory! "And Ucchan worked so hard for that day too." Momo sighed sadly for her mistress. Momo had to keep smiling for Ucchan, because Ucchan always laughed when Momo tried cheering her up.

The piglet just hoped nothing else would make her feel any worse!

With quick precision, the new orders were ready for the customers seated at the counter, a few exclaimed at Ukyo's speed.

"Please enjoy your meal!" Ukyo moved on to the next order just as Momo walked up to deliver the next order from two booths down.

"We need more tea Ucchan. Table... 1, 2, 3, 5!" Momo tried to count quickly but fumbled at her numbers.

"Booth 4 Momo. After delivering the tea, go ahead and take a break. I'll make your favorite vegetable cake!" the piglet waitress beamed at the sound of lunch and bounced back to work along side Konatsu. Ukyo had to count her blessings when it came to her first waitress. She didn't think that the kunoichi would take to working together with Momo well and sharing the leg room in the shop, but Konatsu took the situation with a smile. He even helped Momo with her orders when she was overwhelmed, but the little piglet was still getting used to having Konatsu around.

Maybe the two could play a little in the back or help her with her math. That might help the two bound better.

Ukyo smiled at the thought before flipping five veggie okonomiyakis onto separate plates. "Booth 2's orders ready." the kunoichi was wrapped snugged inside a yellow kimono with a soft pink petal design speckled throughout the robe. Momo bounced on her seat at the grill, excited to see her lunch so close to her fingers! "Momo, here you go!~" Momo went into her plate head-first and began scarfing her food. A few of the customers blinked in shock from this barbaric behavior!"*gasp* MOMO!" Immediately the piglet seized movement. Slowly she released her cake from her mouth and looked up sadly at Ukyo. "Use, the chopsticks." Ukyo hissed softly looking very disappointed. Momo looked down at her food before shaking her head.

"I can't..." she spoke, barely a whisper but Ukyo caught it. The chef sighed loudly, not really wanting to argue in front of customers, who some were still gawking at them. Momo looked to be on the verge of tears...

"Use, your hands and tear it first." Ukyo spoke slowly so the piglet could hear that she wasn't too upset now. Momo sighed and slowly reached for her food. Gripping the cake gently, she slowly levitated the cake to her mouth.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa..." Momo opened her mouth wide ready to take a bite, not noticing the wondering eyes of the male customers watching the mysterious waitress' every move. Two shoves into her mouth and the cake was gone, her big blue eyes excited for her next cake. "More please?" Momo asked with hope, that the chef was still not upset. Ukyo blinked at her look-alike before a laugh took over.

It's no use. She could never stay mad at Momo.

"Welcome to Ucchan! Ah, Ranma-kun!" the chef jolted from her spot to see it was Ranma walking in with a big smile on his face. He took his usual spot up front and waved to Ukyo.

"Hey Ucchan." said chef smiled big before flipping a fresh squid okonomiyaki for him.

"Hai, fresh squid just how you like it!" Ukyo giggled while creating new cakes for the new orders yet to be made. With her Ranchan at her restaurant, enjoying her cooked snack gave Ukyo a big boost in energy and flipped six okonomiyaki in ten seconds!

"Good as always! Thanks Ucchan!" Ranma smiled, which brought a small blush to the chef's face. Ukyo was twice as happy now than she was for the past few weeks, she didn't even noticed the sad look the kunoichi waitress had on his face as Ukyo passed the new orders to Konatsu. Or the curious eyes of Momo as she looked between her Ukyo and the new guy at the counter. As soon as Ranma polished the first cake, a fresh hot one replaced it's spot.

"Here you go! It's on the house!" Ukyo beamed at Ranma before turning back to her cooking.

"Ucchan! Where's my veggie pancake?!" Momo whined at the counter, eyes close to tears seeing everyone get served.

"Oh Momo, I'm sorry pumpkin! Here you go!" In no time at all, a fresh veggie okonomiyaki was sitting on top of Momo's plate. Happy again, Momo clapped her hands together!

"Idadadadaniiiisuuu!" Momo exclaimed thankful for her food. Ukyo snorted at the silly piglet-girl.

"No Momo, it's, 'Itadakimasu!'" Momo titled her head at the correct way and tried again.

"Idadadatakisuuu" Momo fumbled over her hiragana terribly that Ukyo turned her attention over to Momo, correcting her speech. Momo tried a few more times before she said 'Itadakimasu' correctly. Even a few of the customers clapped for her. Momo beamed at the attention and smiled brightly at Ukyo, feeling proud of herself.

"Thanks for the snack Ucchan!" the chef jolted again, now seeing Ranma leaving! She had to act quick or she would never get a date with him!

"Ah-Ranc-"

"Ranma! Have you forgotten something?" an angry voice called out from the back of the restaurant. Ranma looked over his shoulder to see Ryoga with arms crossed over his chest and giving the pigtail boy his usual glare.

"Oh right! Can't believe I forgot about that" Ranma rubbed his head sheepishly. He took out a blue envelope with Ukyo's name handwritten on the front. "From my mom. Don't forget to read it tonight." he placed the envelop down on the table before making his way-

"Aaand?!" Ryoga called out again, making Ranma flinch in his step. He turned to frown at Ryoga, but it didn't stay long for he dug inside his pockets and fished money and change for his meal.

Ukyo was, bewildered! No other word explained her shock to see Ranma putting money down onto the counter after a free meal! What was he doing?! "Rancchan, the meal is free! You don't-"

"Catch ya later Ucchan!" and then he was gone.

Ukyo gawked at the door Ranma just walked out of. Ranma paid for a free meal. Ranma paid! He never did, sure in the beginning but they were kids and that was in the past! He never had to! She cooked for him for free, and he gave her money, willingly!

"What- BU- Why would he do that? I never asked him to pay me for hi-" the chef realized something, and quickly looked over at the lost boy still at the entrance of her back kitchen. "Ryoga, you idiot! Why did you butt in? Ranchan doesn't have to pay for his meal because I never ask him to. I cook for him because I want to!"

"Uh Miss Uk-"

"Stay out of this! Pig-boy and I are talking here!" the chef cut off the kunoichi, tongue quick like a whip before glaring back at the lost boy who leveled her with a hard glare of his own. The crowd watched in fright, almost afraid the chef would attack any moment.

"I'm the idiot?! You need to look in the mirror chef, because you are the fool here! Cooking for a guy who doesn't even give you the time of the day unless it's only for himself!" Ryoga barked back pointing an accusing finger at Ukyo. Her battle spatula was quick in her hands ready to spring into action.

"Don't speak of my Ranchan like that, especially when you are no better! Going pig when your sweet Akane~ comes hoping' along-"

"Leave Akane out of this! Is that the only thing you can do when you feel cornered? Point out on other people when you can't admit defeat-"

"I could say the same for you! You are no better than me!" Ukyo gripped her spatula almost too hard, bending the sides and twisting the metal. "You better be careful pig-boy, you're asking for it." Ukyo hissed, just itching to jump over the counter and lash out.

"Now please, no fighting in the restaurant-" Momo tried to speak, wanting the two to get along again but the two were lock on to each other, hot with anger.

"You and I both know you can't beat me-"

CRACK!

"Do not push it concrete for brains, or I'll have to prove you wrong!" Ukyo quickly pulled out her mini spatulas, ready for combat.

SPLAT!

CRASH!

Ukyo flinched at the sound of a plate shattering to the floor. The whole store was quickly silenced, no one dare move for standing next to the shattered plate and spilled food on the floor was the new waitress. Momo clinched her carrying tray tight against her chest, her body shaking and her bangs hiding her face. Ukyo's previous anger simmered down enough to notice Momo looked, upset. What just happened?

"Momo? What happened? Did you hurt yourself?" the chef jumped over the stove to get a closer look, but just as she reach over to push her bangs-

"I cut my hand." Momo held out her cut palm with tears already pouring down her cheeks. Konatsu jumped into the back kitchen to retrieve the first aid kit. Ukyo coaxed Momo to sit so they could patch up the pig-girl. Some peroxide, a band aid and some wrap later, Momo was good as new!

"There you go! All patched up!" Konatsu tighten the wrap extra snugged before smiling up at the sniffling Momo. Momo flexed her injured hand and smiled to feel no pain.

"Thank you Konatsu. Now I can work again! Who wants lunch?" Momo's quick enthusiasm and bright smile hyped up the customers and some new ones appeared from outside.

"Alright! Back in business!" Ukyo flipped her spatulas, excited her growing business, and the team continued their work like nothing happened minutes ago...

On the outside Ukyo hummed a tune, crafting new okonomiyakis for new orders, but on the inside, her previous anger had boiled down to a slow simmer now resting on the back burner.

If Ryoga thinks that our argument was over, he was sadly mistaken!

XxxxX
If Ukyo thinks that our early argument was over, she was sadly mistaken!

Ryoga grumbled lowly to himself, scrubbing his body clean after a long days work. After the lunch crowd, Ryoga stormed off to the backyard, only after walking around the house three times. Kata after kata, he ran over the argument that transpired between him and the chef in his head. What he said to her was the truth, the majority of what he said. Not every time Ranma came to Ukyo was to use her. From some past times he has help her out when asked, and hearing that in his head made him almost sick!

From the time Ryoga met Ranma it was a competition of who was the best, and the rare times Ryoga stood on top of Ranma, somehow Ranma would find a way to beat him and his foes. Ryoga growled almost crushing the waterbowl in his hand. Seeing the small cracks on the plastic bowl, Ryoga sighed and relaxed up top the wooden stool. Tossing it aside, he submerged into the hot bath and allowed the water to release the tension in his muscles.

Overtime Ranma and himself had, matured into reasonable young adults. Ryoga snickered at the word choice. More like growing up. None the less they were still rivals in strength and speed, technique and skills, but as much as he didn't want to say or think it, Ranma would always be one step ahead of him. No matter how many challenges came his way he would find some move or technique and become victorious. His memory serves him well when it came to the Arts, and then again he was no better.

Maybe it's time for him to go out and learn something new.

SPLASH!

"AAAH!" Ryoga jumped up from his spot, taken out of his thoughts when hearing the splash. Some bubbles later, and a pink happy piglet appeared. She squealed and splashed water, doggy paddling around. Looks like it was Ryoga's turn to clean Momo. Leaving the tub, he scooped up the piglet and grabbed the the bar of soap.

"Momo, you in there? I'm coming in!" hearing Ukyo's voice surprised the lost boy enough to turn over the bucket of water onto himself instead of the piglet in hand. Ryoga knew Ukyo didn't want to talk to him just yet unless another yelling match commence, so he shook the cold water off his black skin and ran off to hide just as the doors opened. "Ah ha! Trying to wash yourself huh?" Ukyo smiled down at the bouncing piglet before she scooped her up. While Ukyo scrubbed Momo's skin her mind however was back to how her day went. From opening the shop for lunch, teaching Momo more hiragana, then feeding the dinner crowd-then Ranma appeared, and Ryoga-

"Grrrr, stupid pig-boy. He just doesn't understand! I make food out of love. Ranchan will understand soon, I'm sure of it! I'm the cute fiancee!" Ukyo growled to herself, absentmindedly squeezing Momo in the process. Her painful squeals woke Ukyo up from her musing. "Ah, Momo! I'm so sorry pumpkin!" Ukyo coaxed her with gentle rubs to the belly. Hugging her close, the girls took a soak in the hot water. Relaxing against the tiles, Ukyo watched Momo splash around, enjoying the water. The chef smiled at her excited nature, who was probably happy to be back in a body she was use to. Momo so content with life, so why couldn't she?! Ukyo banged the back of her head on the tile wall. It wasn't fair! She had a booming business, a martial artist in her own Art and, she was confident that she was attractive, but why was the one thing she wanted not hers yet? Even forgiving him after all these years, and two more years added to that! The chef growled then, ...

Momo heard the growl coming from behind and usually she would panic, thinking it was trouble so when she turned around she expected Ukyo to be in the same spot. And she was, but- Momo paddled closer to see Ukyo's head bowed down to the water, bangs hiding her face. Now getting a good look, she could see... water sliding down her cheeks from her eyes. She looked so miserable. Momo squeaked to get her attention, but she only leaked more water.

"Oh Momo." the chef sniffled, scooping up the pink piglet to her chest. "What- what if Ranchan doesn't... Stupid Ranchan, stupid Ryoga, stupid arrangement- of course! Mr. Saotome!" her new epiphany launched Ukyo from her sitting position to now stand in the tub with water splashing off and around her body. "Not only did he get me and Ranchman engaged but he still owes me my stolen dowry! I can get him to push the wedding. That way I can be on my way to Ranma's side." this new feeling of triumph pushed away her previous feeling of sadness like it never happened. Ukyo would keep pushing and working hard, and soon she would find a way!

RIING! RIIING!

"Well, who could that be?" Ukyo left the tub before quickly drying herself off and Momo. Deeming the piglet dry she walked out of the bathroom to grabbed the phone, which Konatsu had already retrieved. The kunoichi turned to stare softly at his boss' face and a big smile greeted her arrival.

"Ukyo-sama, it's your father."

...Eh?

XxxxxxxX

"Ah, Ranma, welcome back! How unusual for you to be this late. We just started setting up for dinner dear." Nodoka smiled at the return of her son, but when she saw his clothes dirtied and tattered, hair disheveled and a few scratches across his face she wondered what could have caused her son so much trouble today. Said pig-tailed boy grumbled amongst himself leaving the family room to wash up. Just as Kasumi set the rice cooker next to Akane, the table was set with dinner on the table with Ranma walking in, looking good as new and a small towel around his neck.

"I hope everyone doesn't mind that I tried a new dish today. Mapo Tofu for tonight with rice. Akane-chan, can you start passing the rice please?" said girl nodded before passing out the small bowls of rice amongst her family. Cucumber salad was the side dish along with the usual miso soup and today's special main dish.

"Kasumi-chan, it's delicious as always!" Genma smiled big before chowing down again.

"Yes, yes, Kasumi-chan, this is really good!" her father smiled as well and Kasumi smiled at the compliments around the family table.

"Thanks for the meal sis, but I do need to get going to my hotel room." Nabiki placed her chopsticks up top her empty bowl, patting her lips clean from food.

"Ah Nabiki, please stay for dessert! We have something new today!" Kasumi left quickly and came back with something fresh out of the oven. A plate of thin strip cookies, stacked somewhat neatly on top of each other. "Almond and Butter Cookies, please do enjoy!" Everyone immediately reached for one, and happy murmurs came over the table.

"Very tasty!" Nodoka commented, and everyone else agreed. Kasumi shook her head.

"I appreciate the comments, but the compliments go to Akane-chan!" Kasumi smiled encouragingly to her baby sister, who bowed her head in embarrassment. Genma and Soun gaped at the youngest girl, even Nabiki's face lit up.

"Really?" Nabiki ate another cookie and nodded her head. "Good job sis." Akane smiled, and everyone else agreed. She turned to her right where Ranma and his mother were seated. Noodle smiled brightly, equally happy for her achievement. Ranma though...

He stared at his half eaten cookie, a hard frown on his face before taking another bite. Swallowing the last on it, he grabbed another from the plate, the last one but someone wanted the last one too!

"Ack! Hey!" the slippery master snatched the cookie away before running off, and Ranma was hot on his heels! "Give that back! That was mine!" Echoes of their chase bounced over the house but he rest of the family sighed at the usual commotion of Ranma chasing after the little imp.

"Should I tell him that Akane made another small batch in the kitchen?" Kasumi appeared from the kitchen with the exact plate. Nabiki just shook her head before gabbing another one.

"Nah. He'll figure it out on his own."

"Nabiki, mind if I walk you to the door. Akane, can you help Auntie clean up the table?" As the family dispersed, the two eldest sisters walked towards the front door and Nabiki's bags were waiting at the door. "Nabiki, I'm so glad you came for a little visit. I hope school is everything you've wanted." Kasumi smiled as Nabiki munched on the last cookie in hand.

"Minus the usual craziness here at Nerima, school is just... normal. Overall, studies are good, mother." Nabiki slightly frowned at Kasumi who simply smiled big at the report given. "Holding up on your end here?"

"Nothing I haven't dealt with for the past two years now-"

SPLASH!

The sisters heard the splash of water, followed by the same soprano screeching and crazy laughter from the Happosai coming from the backyard. Seconds later, hard stomps came into the foyer and a wet female Ranma passed by the sisters, grumbling his way upstairs. Nabiki shook her head while Kasumi giggled to herself.

"By the way, thanks again for the candles and tea. It really has been helping out." Nabiki smiled, and it grew when a small blush formed on her cheeks.

"Helping you or helping him?" Nabiki smirked at her older sister's pink cheeks. Kasumi didn't frown much unless she was upset or worried about her family, but the pout on her face was priceless and Nabiki only wished she had a camera to capture this rare sight.

"You will be there for the competition?" the eldest changed the subject quick, but Nabiki humored her with a nod.

"Of course, this might just be the last I ever see a big competition, and make some extra money on the side."

"Besides the other helpers you have still here?" Kasumi smile grew bigger when Nabiki arched her eyebrow at her. Sometimes Kasumi could be sneaky if she tried. "Don't forget to show up an hour early, I need your help with a few things before the competition starts."

"Taste tester?"

"No. Champagne choice."

XxxxxxxxX

Akane sighed, dropping her pencil down. Finishing the last of tomorrow's homework she stretched her arms above her head and prepared for bed. Taking the rim of her sweater, she pulled the green cotton shirt over her head just as a knock came behind her door.

"Akane-chan, it's Auntie!"

"Please come in." Sitting on her bed, she watched Auntie peep her head inside.

"Sorry to bother you before bed."

"Please, it's nothing. How can I help you?" Nodoka sighed.

"Akane-chan, I'm sure you are wondering about the competition coming up soon," said teen nodded for Nodoka to continue. "I've sent Ranma earlier to send off the rules for this competition, but I told him to give it to the others girls, but you." Akane blinked at the remark. Noodle reached into her kimono sleeve pulling a small white envelop with Akane neatly written on the front.

"I personally wanted to hand you this challange, and wish you the best of luck, Akane-chan." Akane gaped in surprise before it morphed into happiness. She took the offered paper before she was surrounded by purple and green cotton sleeves. "I know you can do it Akane-chan. You are Ranma's iinauzuke." Akane quickly squeezed Nodoka back before the women broke apart. "Now I'll see you tomorrow morning in the dojo okay?"

"Mmh, yes. Good night Auntie."

"Good night Akane-chan." and Akane was left alone in her room. Akane tried not to cry when Nodoka hugged her, but her words of encouragement meant so much to her, along with her patience in helping her get better at cooking. Remembering the envelop in her hands Akane changed into her floral yellow pjs and sat on her bed staring at the white piece of paper.

"This is it! The challenge to determine the winner. You can do this Akane! Here it goes!" Quickly, she tore open the envelop and began to read the content inside:

Grand Food Martial Arts Rush:

The mission for this match is to prepare a full course meal, for breakfast, lunch, appetizers, dinner and desserts. Find your favorite dishes and prepare to wow the judges with your culinary skills. The game is not just for taste. Don't have the judges go hungry if you can't finish on time. You are allowed two helpers to help you prepare your meals and all ingredients are supplied at the contest. Have a meal planned by the end of next week so the ingredients can be supplied and ready for the match. An all out match, and the one with the most favors from the judges will be the victor.

Best of luck ladies,

Soatome Nodoka, your possible future mother-in-law

Akane gaped at the well written challenge in surprise. Cooking contest? But, she will lose! She knew that her food was not even subpar with Kasumi, and as much as she hated to say it, Shampoo, Ukyo, and Kodachi could out-cook her even on their worst days! Akane began to pace her floor thinking all this inside her head. Was, was Auntie trying to get her to fail? "I'm doomed! I don't have that much time before the tournament date arrives! I- I feel like I can't breathe..." Akane could feel the tears bubble up in the corners of her eyes. She bit her lip before she started to sniffle. "Don't cry, don't, cry..."

"It's okay Akane," said girl gasped, but was too late to stop the arms from wrapping around her chest. Akane quickly lashed out at the intruder, but said intruder grabbed the fist coming to his face- Akane squeaked when her knuckles were brushed by tan lips.

"R-R-Ranm-" said intruder quickly but gently clamped her mouth before she attracted any attention from the other side of her door. When they heard no feet moving about, the big hand moved away and Akane pushed herself away from the warm body behind her. "Ranma, what are you-" Akane hissed, but couldn't finish before she was cut off by his hand.

"Saw the envelop huh?" Akane nodded, pushing the hand away. She crossed her arms and frowned down at a spot on her carpet floor. A minute pasted but no word from the short bluenette. Ranma was worried about her silence, and he snuck out of his room so he could see her too! He did not like seeing her face in such distress and wanted to cheer her up somehow, without getting smacked by her wooden sword. "Hey, um..." Akane peaked up at the pig-tail boy and saw his face pink, scratching his neck in embarrassment. "Thanks for making dinner... Dessert was even better..." Ranma looked off to the side after that last comment. Silence swept over the two teens and Ranma began to fidget with his hands, growing impatient with Akane's silence. He chanced a glance at his little fiancee' and a warm smile greeted him. He blinked at her face, making sure this wasn't in his head and she giggled back.

"Thank you." Akane smiled wistfully, feeling happy all over again at Ranma's compliment. Hearing everyone enjoy her cooking almost made Akane jumped out of her seat in jubilee, and no one was throwing up her dishes or crying at how horrible it made their tastebuds scream. Sh was so ready to tell everyone, but... she promised-

"So, um, are you, um..." Akane peaked up at her pig-tail fiancé and he fiddled with his fingers before taking a step closer. His face was pink and his grey eyes stared off in a random corner of her room. Akane gently placed a hand on top of his so he could look at her soft smile.

"I'm ready for bed." and she embraced him with a soft hug, which Ranma return with gentle arms.

Akane was at peace at this time; no stress about school or fathers, no fiancee's crashing into the house, not even Happosai being a pervert and stealing from her drawers again. It was just Ranma and her, safe in his arms and Akane would soak up his warmth as much as she could before anymore chaos decided to barge in. They lived in Nerima, you never knew when something or someone would invade their home's peace. Akane pressed closer to Ranma's chest, slowly inhaling his masculine scent and citrus body wash. Fresh and a spicy musk he carried naturally that sometimes brought a hard blush to envy a strawberry. To think the other girls who fought for Ranma's attention all the time, throwing their bodies on top of him like their actions would win his favor, would never experience this peace and warmth like she was feeling now. She didn't have to try, she earned this, to be in his space willingly.

She felt calloused fingertips brush up against her short blue locks and a few scraped against her scalp, and she sighed at the loving touch.

"Before we turn in, um can- can you-" she smiled up at his flushed face, eyes milk chocolate and honey before patting his chest. Sometimes Ranma is so easy to read, it was cute!

"Yes, have a seat and I'll get the brush."

XxxxxxxX

The Ucchan shop was eerie quiet the next day after school. The shop was closed early and stayed closed for the rest of the day, for the owner was pre-occupied with a very important guest.

Sitting on a booth chair in front of the grill was Ukyo herself, and her father.

Ukyo was thankful for Konatsu, for taking responsibility and watching over the free-loading guests of her small apartment. It's bad enough having one boy under the same roof, she didn't want her father upset with the thought of two!

"Ukyo." said chef was brought back from her musing to look up at the burly man in front of her. The years have touched up on her fathers features, the rich dark brown he once had when she was a kid, now was speckled lightly with salt and pepper, and his hair grew longer in the back for a very small ponytail poked from behind his back.

"I suppose you are still wondering what bring your old man to come and see you so suddenly-"

"You got that right." Ukyo grumbled, and crossed her arms when her father glared a hard one at her remark. The man sighed deeply.

"I guess I deserved that-"

"You deserve a whole lot more than that-"

"Ukyo, you can play the blame game all night, but I came hear to talk to you and it won't do us any good if you keep cutting me off." the chef knew he was right, so she steadied herself with a deep breath taking a big gulp of water. Her father did the same before letting out some air. Feeling ready he faced his daughter and looked her straight in her eyes.

"Ukyo, I'm so sorry."

Ukyo blinked at her father, thinking she was hearing things-

"I know what I said, and you heard right. I'm sorry for putting you through the trouble of Genma and Ranma Saotome." her father rubbed his face, massaging his eyebrows free of worry lines. "When I came to Nerima last week and found out what happened I was appalled, mortified that he left you behind. With your dowry as well." the grip on the ceramic cup chipped from the force of his strong fist. Ukyo watched her father relax and continue his story. "With a lot of persuading I have retrieved the family cart and restored it to it's full glory!" The burly name relaxed against the counter with a big smile and turned to his daughter. "Ukyo, I also want us to reconnect again. I know one or a hundred 'I'm sorry's won't make up for the trouble I've put you through, but I'm hoping that you would like to rekindle our ties and be a family again." when he reached for her hand, she snatched it away and stood abruptly.

"So that's it? That's all you have to say for yourself?"

"Of-of course I want to know about how you are, and how you are holding your restaurant. I wouldn't have wasted your time now if I didn't want to see you Ukyo. I wouldn't even wasted a phone call. Ukyo, I meant what I said about renewing our bonds. You are all I have besides the okonomiyaki business." Ukyo stared hard at her father who she had not seen in more than ten years, and for him to show up suddenly in her life... it was so quick, and just before the competition-

"How did you find out?" her father wore a puzzled look, and Ukyo's agitation sparked. "The battle against the fiancee's! How did you know about the completion?! Have, have you been keeping tabs on me?!" Ukyo almost took a step forward.

"Whoa, whoa this is just from the Saotomes Ukyo, Genma had updated me on a lot of what's been going on here in Nerima." Ukyo took her anger down two notches, but she wasn't done grilling her father!

"If you were keeping such good tabs on me, why haven't you come to see me huh?! If you had been here for a while on, then why haven't you contacted me sooner?" her father fell silent, not able to face his daughter for a moment, but he didn't stay defeated for long.

"I understand I have some bridges I need to rebuild with you, but I have tried after a few attempts to find you, and you were gone by the time I reach that all-boys school and your trail would get cold. I would have to start back at square one again." Ukyo froze at that comment. All the way back since she attended the all boys school he has been trying to find her again? "Abandoning you with Genma was the worst decision I could have ever made. I regret that, and I'm reminded of that every time I didnt get to see you or hear you. No memories of you growing up, working together, playing together like a family should have. I-I have tried to rebuild from the start. I was so passionate for the Arts of making okonomiyaki, pushing back the pain of losing your mother, and had grilled that so deep into your head... I, I didn't know what I've done to you until a few years after you were gone."

Seeing her father beat himself up like this was definitely not what she had envisioned when having a talk with your flesh and blood. Ukyo was hoping and waiting for her old man to bow on the ground and beg for her forgiveness, hopefully understand what he put her through, but now this victory over her old man-almost in tears shook Ukyo to the core. Ukyo didn't know much about her mother besides what her father had shared with her as a kid. It must have been hard for her old mad to had to take care of his little girl all by himself, with no help but doing what he could and thought was best.

Deep down she did want to restore her bond with her only family, and she always wanted to make him proud of his only child too. Ukyo loosened her tight shoulders, not feeling any better about this, but if they both wanted to rekindle what they lost, then someone had to take the first step.

"Dad?" the soft voice almost startled them both, but Ukyo had her game face on. Despite seeing how sincere his talk was, Ukyo had to let her father know how she felt. "I ..., appreciate that you want to rekindle what we've lost and I do want that, but I still won't forgive after twelve years of nothing from you. You will have to earn that back." her old man nodded, and Ukyo could see tears leaking from his eyes. Ukyo couldn't cry now, even if her eyes felt like leaking just one.

"Thank you Ukyo. It really does mean a lot." Her father chugged the last of his water, breathing in sweet air to his lungs. Ukyo sighed heavily, relieved that she and her father have started off on the right path, and hopefully heal the bonds between them.

"So, how are you holding up on your shop?" Now that was something Ukyo could talk easily about. For the next fifteen minutes, father and daughter traded stories about their work, and slowly Ukyo relaxed feeling great having this moment with her father until, "Oh yeah, that reminds me of something. When I gave you a call yesterday someone else had picked up the phone."

"Yeah, that was Konatsu. He's just a server dad." Ukyo swallowed some water, but feeling more for some tea. "I'll make some tea. Want some?" her father gave a confused look at his daughter.

"Just a server? What do you mean by that?" Ukyo raised an eyebrow.

"Konatsu is just an employee dad, who happens to be staying here as well."

"What?!" her father had a look of panic written all over him, and she would have laughed had the situation not turned weird. "You are letting your boyfriend stay underneath the same roof-"

"Whoa whoa, whoa whoa whoa whoa stop! Konatsu is not my boyfriend! He is just an employee who basically works for free here. His family kicked him out so he stays here and works. It's better than having to pay an actual employee. Besides I'm still engaged to Ranma you know." Ukyo frowned at her father, but to suddenly see him laugh after her engaged comment made her frown deeper.

"Oh Ukyo, you are not engaged to Ranma. Not anymore." Ukyo held her cup of hot tea to her mouth, but the hot liquid never made it to her lips. She stared blankly at the man sitting at the booth in disbelief.

"What?"

"I said you are not engaged to Ranma Saotome anymore. His father has payed off your dowry as of yesterday. You are now a free young lady."

CRACK!

The hot tea didn't even faze Ukyo as the now broken cup and spilled liquid was splattered all over her feet. The surprising news did a good job of numbing her whole body to a standstill. Ukyo couldn't breathe. She had to be dreaming- her father did not just come out of no way and cancel the engagement on her? Why would he do that? So that's it? Engagement is over, done and Ukyo just goes back to flipping pancakes, all for nothing?!

"Ukyo?" her father could see her mouth twitching, trying to form words but short soft intakes of breath were all the old man could hear. Her fist clenched hard, her eyes finally had some light, for a fire was stroked alive and she blasted them straight at the man at the counter!

"You can't do this!" Ukyo shouted, her body trembling to fight this intruder who dares to try and control her life.

"Ukyo, you don't have to worry about it anymore. I made the engagement so you could have someone support you, but you are doing quiet well for yourself. The Saotomes told me about repaying me for the stolen dowry, and that the parents on both families are still going through their previous agreement to have their children wed."

"And what about my engagement with Ranma?! All of a sudden it's been swept under the rug and forgotten?" Ukyo was almost seeing red. Once again, her feelings were being pushed aside and no one would be there for her. Akane this, Akane that, Everyone loved Akane! "Why didn't you fight for our engagement?" her father huffed, and Ukyo looked ready to jump.

"Ukyo, when I found out that Genma abandoned you to fend for yourself, I was so close to lashing out at the man, but with restraint we agreed to double the dowry and break the engagement. Now you can be free to love whomever you choose!" her father couldn't understand why she was fighting this.

"But I love Ranchan! It's not fair for you to come show up all of a sudden and make your demands like I will roll over. I'm not a chid anymore! My engagement still stays with Ranma!" Ukyo stubbornly stood her ground against her father who looked shellshocked at the determination in his daughter's eyes. For a while they stared down at each other before her father sighed sadly.

"I'm sorry Ukyo, but it's too late."

... Ukyo felt her lungs give out, sputtering out of function like the rest of her body. She dripped the stove top, luckily it wasn't on at the time, but the blow to her gut would have block any other pain inflicting her body. No, it can't be true. Ukyo kept shaking her head, not believing what her father had done.

"Lies, lies... lies, lies LIES! Why?! Why now?" Ukyo shook her head in frustration, hot tears ready to fall at any second.

"Ukyo-" said chef slammed her fists against the grill, almost cracking the metal table with a force of anger, fury and pain.

"How dare you do this to me! After all these years you show and start dictating my life. You ruined it in the beginning engaging me, and now you want to call it off! Have you once wondered how I was feeling about al of this?! You and Genma had ruined my chance of happiness!" Tears pelted the cold metal next to her trembling hands. She clamped her jaws shut as to not sob, especially in front of her old man. She would not be seen as weak, and she did not want anyone's sympathy. She brushed away her tears and glared with hate down at her father. "You can not and will not cancel the engagement-"

Takeru had a feeling this would happen, and he had to stop her. "Ukyo-"

"I'm still his fiancee', and I will take on this challenge and win my rightful spot as his wife! Ranchan will see that I'm the perfect one-"

"And just how long will you keep up this false charade Ukyo?!" Takers barked, stomping out his seat to glare down at his headstrong daughter. She got the stubbornness from him, but it was time for his little girl to wake up into reality. "How long will you wait for the signs to see that Ranma does not care the same way you do? Why are you tormenting yourself-"

"You wouldn't know a damn thing about what's going on here-"

"You do best to watch your mouth young lady! I'm still your father, and I can still smack your teeth out faster than you fixing batter." Ukyo glared hard, but say nothing and her father continued his onslaught, "I don't want you to get hurt because of your pride and stubbornness."

"Ranchan will come around. I'm his Ucchan-"

"And you will always be his Ucchan." Takeru's voice became gentler than before, seeing the tears began to fall again down her face. The old man sighed at his daughter's face, and the turmoil that still storming inside her eyes. What he wanted a quiet and happy reunion, he should have known he would have to help his daughter with the confusion in her head that was still Saotome Ranma. If Ukyo was to see who Ranma truly chose, then both of the young adults had to honest with each other. There was only one thing left to do.

"The competition coming up, you still won't change your mind about it?" Ukyo brushed her tears away, now glaring hard sapphires.

"No. I will win this fight like I did the last time." Takeru hummed, seeing as there was nothing for him to do to change Ukyo's mind. He reached into his duffle bag and pulled out a pale blue book. The outside pages looked faded with age, and colorful tabs stuck out from the top of the hard cover book.

"This book used to be your grandmother's. She pasted it down to your mother and now, it's yours Ukyo." Takeru handed the thick book over to the young chef watching Ukyo take in the weathered book. A cookbook? Ukyo looked at her father with a raised eyebrow which he returned on of his own.

"Your grandma's recipes. I thought you would like to look through and see some of the families favorite dishes- wait, you don't know about the challenge yet do you?" Takers was at first confused at the lack of response when it occurred that Ukyo might not have read the envelop yet.

"Challenge, what do you mean-" Ukyo thought about the white envelop that ranchman had given her. She snatched said envelop from her pocket and looked at the Ukyo written in clean calligraphy. She had forgotten to read it before bed. The news of her father coming over had messed up her usual night schedule. Father and daughter looked at one another before Ukyo ripped open the paper and pulled the blue paper folded inside.

Quickly, she tore open the envelop and began to read the content inside:

Grand Food Martial Arts Rush:

Best of luck ladies,

Soatome Nodoka, your possible future mother-in-law

Ukyo scanned the words over again, reading to make sure she didn't miss anything. A cooking contest? Ukyo cough a chuckle, and a big smile stretched crossed her face. A real smile after this stressful morning. Auntie Saotome was practically handing the position as Ranma's wife straight into her arms wrapped in bright ribbons!

"Yes! Yes, yes yes! I've got this competition down like egg on a grill! This time, I'll blow my competition out of the water!" Ukyo exclaimed, almost wanting to dance around feeling the sudden burst of jubilee flowing through her body. Takeru watched his daughter in her little world, finally happy after the long morning they both endured.

The old chef master smiled sadly, for this competition could backfire on his daughter, but in order for Ukyo to move on in her life she would have to brave through the challenges if she was to be the best okonomiyaki chef in all Japan.

"Alright, after I finish homework, I can work on my menu and start practicing my new menu. Maybe Momo can help me pick a tasty meal plan. She loves vegetables!" the chef laughed now thinking about her little pink piglet.

"Momo?" her father questioned, and Ukyo smiled at him.

"She my little pet piglet I found about a month ago at school and she's been following me around ever since, so she stays here with me. She so adorable, but I hope she hasn't caused Konatsu any trouble today. She still hasn't warmed up to him just yet." The doors to the shop burst open, and soon the pitter patter of feet came stomping from the back kitchen. "And they're back! Welcome back ever-"

"UCCHAAAAAN!" a cheerful Momo jumped into the air and tackled Ukyo, luckily for her sixth sense she was able to catch her quickly, - but when did Momo feel this small, so light?! And when did she look like her own carbon copy of herself when she was six?!

"Momo?!" Such was the shock that Ukyo fell back onto the floor with Momo giggling up top her stomach. The dress she wore early morning was sagging badly off her shoulders, and Ukyo didn't want to even know where the undergarments were.

"This, is Momo... Ukyo?" her father's voice broke through her train of thought and looked up at her father with the same if not worse look of disbelief. Walking in from the kitchen was the kunoichi and Ryoga looking confused and guilty at the same time. Takeru looked back between the small girl on his daughter to the two new comers behind him. "Ukyo, what is going on?" said chef looked at her father with slight shrug before she zoned in on the two boys who were in deep trouble.

"I don't know, but I am going to find out."

Bam! Another chapter for you all! I would of had more, but I think this was a good stopping point. You all excited to see what happens in the final competition?! I know I am!

Takeru was a name I pick out of a hat for Ukyo's father since he was nameless in both show and book.

Like how this story is going?! I would love to heard what you all are thinking!

Until next time,

~Shiza