Disclaimer: I do not own any of the anime's appearing in this fic.

Author's Notes: Interestingly enough people seem to like the omakes I make. Should I keep doing them? Anyways, you'll have to excuse me if I forget to post dates on when I posted and when they were updated. Someone asked me to do that once and I believe I forgot to do that on quite a few. That and it's been a while since I've posted anything. Poor Ranma, going from one set of troubles to the next. Don't think that this is the end of the fiancée brigade either.

Published: 2/22/04

Updated: 3/12/04, 3/13/04, 3/22/04

'Thoughts' "/Mandarin/" *Flashback*

Soul's Destiny, Blood's Inheritance Chapter 12

Ranma shrunk away from the looks he was getting from Ryoko and Ayeka. They looked rather hungry, as Tenchi explained everything to them. Ranma was actually quite surprised how Tenchi handled them when they tackled him. There was one still attached to him, and showed no signs of letting go. Sasami looked as if she was going to stay attached to him until she was sure he wasn't going anywhere.

Ranma looked to his twin and Trunks, who were getting interviewed by Washu. Trunks looked rather uncomfortable and Ranko appeared to be seething. 'I don't want to know,' Ranma thought as they both turned red at a question of Washu's.

Ranma then turned to his mother and father, to find his father being grilled by Katsuhiko, while his mother and Luna stood off to the side, sweatdropping. Ranma decided it was best to ask where they were going to stay before things got to out of hand.

"Ano........."

Everyone turned to Ranma, as if expecting some profound announcement. Ranma rolled his eyes and continued, "If you don't mind, I'd like to know where we'll be sleeping. It's been a really long day."

Everyone exchanged glances, some glances thankful and some rather confused. Washu then clapped her hands, "You, Ranko, Trunks, and Luna will spend the night in my lab doing experiments!"

Ranma sweat dropped as Ranko and Luna's eyes twitched. Tenchi decided to try and diffuse the situation. "C'mon Washu-chan, it shouldn't be too hard for you to make three extra rooms. You are the most scientific genius in the universe."

"Well when you put it that way," Washu said with a lot of pride, "I'd be happy to make three more rooms. Or would you rather three small cabins out here in the yard?"

Nodoka sweatdropped, "No Washu-chan, three rooms would be fine. Maybe an attached bathroom also."

"Right! One honeymoon suite, a boys' room and a girls' room with a shared bathroom. That should be easy."

Washu quickly got to work and Tenchi finally convinced Sasami that he wasn't going to be harmed, kidnapped or anything else of the sort. She gave him a concerned look, but then ran into the kitchen, "Dinner will be ready soon. I'll fix lots extra cause I know that all of you must be really hungry."

Trunks brightened at the mention of food, as did Ranma. Ranko rolled her eyes and went to talk to Luna, "What is it with guys and food?"

Luna shrugged, "I know it's not just a guy thing else Lina wouldn't eat as much as she does."

Ranko just gave her a wry grin and started to say something else when Ayeka and Ryoko started to fight again. "Look Ayeka! It was your fault in the first place!"

Ayeka humphed, "You're the one that threw the energy bolt! I was just defending myself!"

Ryoko snarled as everyone backed away, "Well prepare to defend yourself once more then!"

Washu turned from her floating keyboard, eye twitching, "IF YOU TWO START ANOTHER FIGHT OVER TENCHI OR ANY OTHER STUPID THING THEN I'M GOING TO USE YOU TO TEST MY DEATHRAY!!!!"

Ryoko automatically stopped her power up, frightened of her mother. Ayeka, however, paid no heed to the scientist and continued her power up. Washu was about to summon the death ray when Ranko pulled out her bonbori and knocked Ayeka unconscious with them.

Ranko growled slightly, "Bitch."

"Thank you Ranko," Washu said, before turning back to her computer. Soon, three add-ons to the house were visible and Washu looked rather proud of herself. Ranma studied them and sweat dropped, "Washu-chan, they don't look big enough for two people, let alone one."

"Hmph! They're bigger inside than outside," Washu replied.

Ranma thought about it and shrugged, 'Things like this have happened before.'

Tenchi motioned for Ranma to pick up what luggage they had and to follow him. As Ranma did so, Ryoko began to laugh hard at Ayeka, who was still unconscious.

Once inside, Ranma followed Tenchi to where three doors lined up in a row were. They were each labeled for their guests and Ranma sighed as he opened up the room for him and Trunks. Tenchi followed him in and stared at the suite Washu had prepared for them. "Maybe I should have Washu redo my room also," he muttered, staring in awe at the splendor Washu had put in the room.

"It'll cost ya!" Washu said from behind him, "Just a bit of sperm!"

Tenchi nearly facefaulted and shook his head. "No thanks Washu-chan. I think I like my room the way it is."

"Spoilsport," Washu muttered.

Ranma sweatdropped, and hoped that she wouldn't ask for his. Just as he thought of that, Washu turned to him with an evil grin. He backed up and hid behind Tenchi. "Ifit'salrightwithyoutwoI'mgoingtobed!" he said, quickly shoving the two out the door.

"Ingrate," Washu muttered, "Cute ingrate though."

Tenchi rolled his eyes and continued down the hall, whistling.

**************************************

When breakfast time came around the next day, Ranko, Ranma, and Trunks wowed their audience with their impressions of vacuums. Ranko's impression of a dust buster, Ranma's of a dirt devil and Trunks' of an overpowered shop vac. Nodoka shook her head, "We're going to have our work cut out for us."

Ranko burped daintily and put her chopsticks down after her third helping. Ayeka had barely finished off her miso soup by that time. Sasami looked delighted that so many people were enjoying her food and quickly went to the kitchen to get more.

There was little conversation at the breakfast table. Sasami would ask every once in a while how they were doing, but other than that, early morning conversation was limited to slurps and chomps. Ranma finally sat back, full, and looked back and forth between Trunks and Ranko. "Trunks, you're going to need an ID for while you're here."

Nodoka gave Ranma a sharp look. Ranma returned it with a look that said he would explain everything later. Nodoka nodded and stood, "I'll help with the dishes."

Sasami blushed and gave the older woman a grin, "Thank you."

Nodoka smiled at the small girl, "I would say call me Auntie but as you're my father's youngest sister I'm not sure what I can say."

Sasami giggled as she started clearing plates, "Its ok, Auntie."

Ranma rolled his eyes as he stood and motioned for Trunks and Ranko to follow him. Lee followed them out, and Ranma gave him a questioning look.

"Mind if I come with you? I have a feeling I'll need to know the area a bit better," he said.

Ranma gave him a smile and nodded, knowing that he wanted to get to know his children. They walked silently, Ranma wondering if he should call a taxi instead of roof hopping like he normally did. As he thought, he absentmindedly jumped atop the fence not thinking about the strange look he would get doing so. He didn't notice until Ranko called him down. "Ranma, people are only used to seeing that in Nerima."

Ranma paused and looked around, noticing Trunks chuckling a bit and his father watching him with a surprised look on his face. Ranma quickly jumped down as he noticed other people walking along the street staring openly. He scowled, "It's not that strange."

Ranko giggled, "Sure, if you were trying to impress someone. You do it as though it helps you think and that's not natural."

Ranma rolled his eyes, "You should've jumped up with me then."

Ranko snorted and looked down at what she was wearing and shrugged, "I like it better on the ground."

Ranma just shrugged and hailed a taxi from the outskirts of the district they were in.

*******************

Ranma was able to refrain from jumping on fences again as they reached the Juuban police station. Instead he maintained a steady conversation with his biological father on the way, getting to know the man better. Unfortunately, chaos has a way of sneaking up on Ranma. He froze as a meow was heard, not noticing that Ranko had paled considerably.

"Uh oh," Ranko whispered as she spotted the black cat with the crescent moon. The cat leaped onto Ranma, who was trying his hardest to maintain control.

Ranko dashed forward to grab the cat, and the cat dodged, hissing, which unfortunately for everyone nearby, was the wrong thing to do. An inhuman growl erupted from Ranma's throat as he dropped onto all fours and leaped to the nearby fence. Ranko leapt to the fence a good distance away and gulped as she saw the ferocity in her brother's eyes.

"I hope this works," she muttered, kneeling, "Here kitty, kitty, kitty. Nice kitty. You know me. I'm your sister Ranko. C'mon kitty, kitty. Please kitty."

Ranma's eyes narrowed at her and he snorted, using his enhanced senses and quickly finding an escape. 'Must get away,' Ranma's feral mind thought. The creators of neko-ken forgot one important detail when using cats. Cats do not fight unless cornered, or another unwanted cat encroaches on their territory, or is hungry. Ranma knew he was not in his territory, was not hungry, and knew that he had an escape, so escape he did.

Lee paled as his now feline son ran off. "What happened to my son?"

Ranko sighed, "Genma-baka decided to teach Ranma neko-ken. Unfortunately, it's more of a berserker state than an actual art. Ranma's been trying his hardest to desensitize himself to cats but it hasn't been going to well as the fear takes him over. So now that he's in a feral state, he's going to have to find him and find some catnip, or something to snap him out of it."

"Catnip works?" Trunks asked, amused.

"No," Ranko said shaking his head, "Catnip will get him to trust me and see me as non-threatening."

Lee paled, "We'd better hurry then, so that he's not cornered and forced to fight."

Ranko nodded, "Dad, you go that way. Trunks, take to the roofs. I'll head in the direction he bounded off in, though he's probably changed direction several times by now. I don't think he'll hurt anyone but better safe than sorry."

Luna-c frowned, 'Neko-ken is forbidden to be taught to anyone. Why do they think they'll be able to snap him out of it? It's never been done!!! I had better alert the scouts to this. They may have to kill him if he starts to hurt innocents. Don't know why Usagi wanted me to investigate him anyways and I wouldn't have if Ami hadn't thought it such a good idea.'

****************************

Ranko, finding some catnip, followed the quickly disappearing traces of ki her brother had left. As she suspected, he had changed all different directions in an attempt to throw them off his trail. "Honestly," she muttered, "We're not dogs."

She soon found him by a stream, lapping up water. His head swiveled to her soft cry and he tensed. Ranko was glad to see he had a little bit less ferocity in his eyes than before. Now he was merely curious. She threw the catnip, and he jumped at it. Soon, he was in her lap, purring contentedly, as Ranko looked on sadly. "I'm sorry, brother dearest."

*Meanwhile, in Ranma's head*

Ranma once again found himself thrust into the void of his mind, but this time, instead of one huge tiger, there were two slightly smaller tigers. One quickly pounced upon him as the other went to the gate, making 'Ranma' go feral.

"Lemme up!" Ranma roared as he 'saw' himself face off Ranko, "Dammit she's not an enemy! LEMME GO AND GIVE ME BACK MY BODY!!!!!"

"NOT UNTIL YOU LISTEN TO US!" roared the tiger pinning him down.

"Look boy," the tiger snarled, "I've been saving you for a long time and you can't accept us. I can analyze the threat better than you can. I am you whether you like or not and I hate it that you hate me. Why can't you accept me?"

"What would I do with a technique like that?" Ranma asked the tiger softly, "Kill people? It's bad enough I lose control of my body when a cat's around. The technique was sealed for a reason."

The tiger growled as he got off of Ranma, "That is because it's not a technique. It's the fusion of a cat and man's soul. I am that manifestation of your soul. You've accepted a great many of your personalities so why not me?"

Ranma saw 'himself' curl up in Ranko's lap and sighed in relief, but it seemed the tiger would not let him go as it merged into one again, the gate closing in Ranma's slumber.

"What would change?" Ranma asked.

"You're fear of cats," the tiger said, as if beginning a long list, "Your speed, ki adaptability, physical adaptability, healing would speed up. There are a lot of benefits. I only ask that you use the neko-ken every once in a while. Those youma make great pray when the others aren't around. It would be beneficial to you in your present identity and your past identity."

Ranma laughed, a cold bitter laugh, "Yeah, I owe those youma some pay back for my last life."

The tiger looked at him solemnly, "You're appearance will change a bit, so I say we wait until we can sense that we're alone. There is little chance of you really berserking on any of your friends and family as long as you control your temper a bit better."

Ranma scowled, "There's nothing wrong............ oh never mind. I guess there is."

Ranma sighed as his senses gave the all clear, "Let's get this over with."

*****************************

Sailor Moon watched with satisfaction as Ranko took care of her brother, getting a guy with violet hair to help her move him to a safer place. "I don't see what the problem is Luna."

Luna-c stared, astonished, "How did she snap him out of that?"

Sailor Moon sighed and picked up her cat, "It's ok Luna, let's just go home. Mom baked a pie for us."

Luna grumbled at her charge's insatiable appetite and jumped from Usagi's arms to follow Ranko and the boy she had seen with her.

Trunks picked up Ranma and quickly moved him to the shade of a weeping willow, concealing the guy somewhat. He then stepped out from underneath to hug Ranko, who looked ready to cry.

"Do you want to stay with him or get your father?"

Ranko gulped, "I'll stay here. You go get daddy. You'll be able to find him faster."

Trunks nodded, giving her a kiss on the forehead and then running off. Ranko sat outside the willow branches, preparing herself for a full explanation of the neko-ken.

Shampoo grinned as she saw her target, her mind quickly returning to how she would be showered with glory upon returning to the tribe with Mei Lin's head on a platter. 'Girl was traitor, and traitors must stay DEAD! Why does grandmother not see that? Since Ranma harbored her, he must die. That and for hurting me.'

She prepared herself for the lunge, not noticing the senshi of fire watching her carefully. Sailor Mars reacted quickly when Shampoo lunged and Ranko opened her eyes to see one oddly pissed sailor scout beating the stuffing out of Shampoo.

"Nice moves," she said, the girl earning a bit of her respect.

Sailor Mars just beamed at her and left Ranko to deal with the unconscious, cursed Amazon.

Minutes later, as Ranko was contemplating just what to do, Trunks and her father ran up, panting.

"Where's............ Ranma.........?" Lee wheezed.

Trunks just rolled his eyes, amazed at how out of shape the man seemed. He had possibly been a competent martial artist, but something changed when his wife and daughters disappeared.

Ranko pointed to the tree, and Lee moved the branches to make a quick check on his son, and froze.

"Daddy? What's wrong?" Ranko asked as he noticed Lee tense.

Lee turned, his eyes wide, "Is there another side effect you're not telling me about? His appearance is changing."

Luna frowned from her place in the tree, watching as pieces of Ranma's hair began to turn white in a stripe-like fashion. 'There is something definitely going on here, and I intend to find out what it is. No normal human can fully bond with neko-ken.'

Luna hoped against hope that this boy that Usagi liked was not a youma, but her thoughts and view of things were showing otherwise. She quickly ran off to find Ami, hoping she would have a clearer head against the boy.

Ranko stared at Ranma's hair, and slowly transforming appearance. "Amazing," she whispered, staring as Ranma's appearance finished shifting.

His ears ended up slightly pointed, but not outside human limitations, while his hair became tiger striped with white stripes within his black hair. She knelt next to him as he flinched slightly, and opened his eyes.

Ranko gasped as she realized his eyes were slit, similar to a cat's eye, and blue with a tint of green and yellow. "Ran...... ma?"

"Nani?" Ranma said, rubbing his eyes slightly, his fist curled more like a child's imitation of a cat's paw.

He then paused a moment, "Why am I only seeing in black and white? And what is wrong with my teeth?"

Ranko quickly pulled a mirror out of her subspace pocket and handed it to him. Ranma stared at his new appearance and checked his teeth to find elongated k-nines. He released his mouth and stared at his eyes.

"I'm human, dammit," he said with an inhuman growl. Suddenly his eyes changed and his k-nines shrank slightly. Ranma then noticed he was seeing in color again, and his eyes had become fairly normal. His hair, however, hadn't changed.

"Didn't think the merging would do that," he muttered, "But I guess I'm stuck with it."

Ranko smacked him on the shoulder, "Care to explain, brother dearest?"

Ranma nearly choked, and then realized they were far from the police station. "I'll explain on the way back to the station."

As they walked, Ranma explained the strange encounter with his feline side. His father looked unbelieving, and saying Trunks looked a little skeptical was being polite. Ranko, however, looked as if it was just another thing that she expected to happen to Ranma.

Lee stared incredulously at his daughter, "You mean you believe this?"

Ranko shrugged, "Stranger things have happened. I'm surprised you don't believe it Trunks."

Trunks shrugged as he thought about it, and then another thought occurred to him, "Shouldn't Luna be here with us?"

Lee shook his head, "We can update her identity anytime. Creating a new one for you and Ranko will be harder than that. Luna's already a legal citizen since she was born here."

Ranma urked, "Ma told you then?"

Lee nodded, "You've lived a very interesting life son."

"I'd say it was some sort of curse but it's been fun," Ranma admitted, strangely amused by how well his biological father was taking this.

Lee chuckled, "My childhood was blessed and cursed with interesting times also, thought not nearly as interesting as yours."

"You'll have to tell us then," Ranma said, opening the door to the police station.

They were bombarded with a cry of Happy Birthday Ranma and Ranko from the entire police force. Ranma turned bright red as Ranko grinned. There was stuff everywhere. The chief then walked, up. "I told everyone that you managed to get cured and were coming back soon so they decided they should buy gifts for both of you."

Ranma groaned slightly but grinned and bore it as the entire force, with the exception of those on patrol, gathered around the two, staring. Ranko, wanting to break the silence quickly introduced herself. "Hi!!! I'm Ranko!!!" she all but shouted.

Everyone chuckled. One of the guys quickly dragged the twins over to a couple of chairs and sat them down. He then sat down at the computer screen and began typing while the rest of the police force began handing them little gifts. "Since I had already started a type of identity for Ranma's female side, it's going to be easy to just complete. I'll just need a few bits of information for the records I'm sending in."

Ranko quickly waved Trunks over as she opened one of the gifts she had received. She pulled out a pretty dress that looked like it was from old England.

"Awesome," Ranko said, "But when would I wear it?"

"We were hoping you would wear them at the police man's ball this Saturday. It's more of a theme ball and the theme is old England," the chief said as Ranma opened up his gift, which looked like a knight's tunic and breeches.

Ranma gave the chief a look, "Fantasy England? We gonna have a dragon also?"

The chief glared at Ranma, "They did wear that stuff you know. There's no dragon."

Ranma just grinned, and ducked as his sister threw something over his head. He straightened and looked up to see Trunks glaring at someone. The sound of something wooden hitting flesh and then returning made Ranma duck once more as Ranko caught her boomerang and stowed it to the amazement of the entire room with the exception of Ranma and Trunks. Ranma then looked over his shoulder to see Ranko had hit a criminal Ranma had brought in weeks ago, yet had found a way to escape and avoid detection until apparently recently.

Ranma raised an eyebrow at him but decided not to ask. Soon the IDs were printed out for Ranko and a new couple for Ranma.

Ranko paused as she looked at the ID, something harboring at the back of her mind. She snapped, "We left Shampoo in the park."

The cops looked at her oddly, "Can't you just buy more at the store?"

Ranko shook her head, "No, the Amazon."

Shannon sighed, "We've got to find a way to deport them."

"Haven't we beaten that option to death already?" Ranma asked.

Ranko sweat dropped and turned to where the chief was talking to Lee. People had finally noticed their old man and Trunks, and both were getting asked a lot of questions. Ranko was supporting Trunks as best she could without letting known his real origins. Ranma went over to support his father, who was getting questioned by the chief.

Ranma spared his father of the questioning after the chief asked about the events leading to Lee's and Nodoka's separation. "Chief, I hate to stop the party but we need to get moving. We still have a lot to do today and we're expected back by dinner. I'll still be on standby if you need me."

The chief nodded and watched, amazed as Ranko began storing gifts within her clothing. "I'm ready to go!" she said cheerfully.

Ranma shook his head, "You've got to teach me how to do that."

Ranko just grinned, "Later, kay? You wanted to see your girlfriend right?"

Ranma nodded, with a slight smile, and Ranko gave him a look, "Well get going! Trunks, dad and I will do the rest of the errands."

Lee looked confused as Ranma took off, "Girlfriend? Didn't he just get done with three fiancées?"

The chief looked like he wanted an explanation also, and the force leaned in to hear, only to be startled by an alert. The chief sighed as the rest sprang into action, two officers finally picking up the criminal Ranko knocked out and the rest getting ready for duty. Ranko, Trunks, and Lee left with a promise they'd be back later to get the rest of Trunks' IDs.

Lee glared at his daughter as they stopped at the grocery store, "I still want an explanation."

Ranko sighed, "I'll give the abridged version. You know about Hikari's duties right?"

At her father's nod, she continued, "She and Ranma were soul mates that never strengthened the connection in a past life, that of soldiers. Ranma wants to make sure that connection is strengthened and holds through the years. He loved her then, and he loves her now, which was why he would have never of been happy with any of his other fiancées."

Trunks sighed, not really understanding, and decided to try to figure it out. "You mean they made a pseudo-connection in their past life and Ranma means to complete the connection now?"

Ranko nodded, "That was complicated by first their past, and now by her having amnesia."

"How was it complicated by their past?" Lee asked, very curious about that one.

Ranko shrugged, "I think it would have complicated things. What if they couldn't decide if they were living the past again? What if they had doubts that their love was strong enough now in this age?"

Trunks suddenly cursed, causing Ranko to glare at him. "Have you warned Ranma about that?"

Ranko paled as she realized what Trunks meant.

**********************************

Ranma slowed down from his rooftop journey trying to compose himself as he thought about getting Hikari to remember. 'What do I need to do to make her remember? Come to think about it, I don't remember all that much myself. Do I still love her?'

Ranma frowned at that thought, he had felt more comfortable yes, and really liked her a lot, but they didn't know each other in this time. He paused, watching as a happy, modern, couple walked by, and realized he didn't even know how to court someone. Sure they were soul mates, but they never officially fixed the bond. The bond couldn't be broken, but it could always be turned to hate. Ranma sighed as he looked at the sky. 'Looks like it's down to square one: Physical Attraction. We can't pick up where we left off. We need to let love grow on its own. Damn but I sound like one of those sappy freaks.'

Ranma continued at a slow pace until he saw the house he was looking for. Straightening his silk shirt, he jumped down after making sure no one was watching. Quickly traveling up to the house, he gave himself one final preening before knocking on the door. It took a while for someone to answer, but finally Trista was there, glaring at him.

He gave her a sheepish grin, "Did I interrupt something?"

Her eyes narrowed but she shook her head. "No. She'll be glad to see you, I think."

Ranma frowned, "I didn't want her to lose her memory any more than you did."

Trista sighed, "I know. Blaming you for it isn't going to help her anyways. Let's go."

Ranma walked in to find Hikari playing video games, upside down. As he walked so she could see him but not get in her way, he did a hand stand, so that they were looking at each other properly. "Why are you playing this upside down?"

Hikari paused her game and turned to look at him, a strange expression on her red face. "Makes things more interesting this way, though with the blood rushing to my head I think I need to stop."

Trista bent over slightly and nodded, "You look like a tomato."

"I dunno," Ranma said, "She looks more plum-ish to me."

Trista laughed out loud as Hikari gave him an indignant look as she sat upright. Ranma likewise got on his feet. He grinned at her as she glared. After a moment of glaring, she gave up and smiled. Turning off her game, Hikari stood and greeted Ranma properly.

"How have you been?" she asked.

Ranma shrugged, "Things have gotten better, though they're still pretty insane. Care to go out?"

Trista rolled her eyes, "Don't forget, you have work tonight."

Hikari bit her lip and nodded. She then smiled at Ranma, "I have to be back before three."

Ranma nodded, "I just figured lunch."

Trista sighed exasperatedly, "Go you two, I've gotta get some stuff done. I'm amazed I got out of my job this long."

Ranma looked startled, "You were waiting for me?"

Trista nodded, "Who knows what she would do with no one to watch her. I've explained a few things to her boss, but that doesn't get her out of work. We've got to build back up what we spent on the kids."

Hikari looked confused for a second, but then nodded, "Don't worry. I'll get to my job ok."

Trista gave her a look and then rushed for the front door, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"

Hikari turned redder, and gave Ranma a shy look. Ranma just grinned naively down at her, "C'mon, let's go."

Hikari gave him an impish grin and walked towards the door. Ranma followed, quickly planning the short date in his head. After making sure the door was locked, Hikari walked up to Ranma, hands in her pockets. "So where to?"

Ranma grinned, "Surprise."

"Is it a good surprise?"

Ranma laughed, "Guess you'll just have to find out won't you?"

Hikari pouted a moment, but looked pleased. Ranma offered his arm, blushing a bit, and a little unsure of how to act.

'Well she brightened at that, so I must be doing something right,' Ranma thought as Hikari took the offered arm. They walked off, hand in hand towards a small café Ranma had seen earlier.

They made it just before the lunch rush, and quickly ordered, wanting to have a real conversation with no interruptions. As they waited for their order, Hikari began to ask questions about what she couldn't remember.

Ranma sighed, "They say it's better for the person with amnesia to remember on their own."

Hikari pouted, and Ranma smiled a bit. "To tell the truth we really didn't meet all that long ago. We were still starting from square one."

Hikari did not look appeased and Ranma sighed, "It's the truth."

She gave him a look, "You acted way more troubled than that of someone I had just met."

Ranma shrugged, "It's complicated."

"Granted," Hikari said, "So where do we start off?"

"I ask you a question then you ask me?"

Hikari giggled, and they began their game.

**************************

*Feudal Era*

Sesshomaru once more recalled the battle that had happened only days before. Rin looked up at him with worried eyes. Jaken snorted, "My lord, you really ought to forget the bitch. She was working with your brother."

Rin gave Jaken a reproachful look, but then crawled into Shesshomaru's lap. Shesshomaru looked down at the girl that had melted a small part of his heart, and studied her. After a few moments, he got up, holding Rin in his arm.

Jaken gave his lord a startled look, "Where are you going?"

Shesshomaru didn't answer, and Jaken followed him to Rin's rooms. Shesshomaru began humming a tuneless song that always put Rin to sleep for a long time. He then turned to his servant. "Watch over her while I am gone. I do not plan on being away for too long."

Jaken looked to protest but Shesshomaru glared at him. After a moment, he left, Jaken still too shocked to follow.

'Some research here is needed,' Shesshomaru thought as he went to spy on his brother and his friends. 'She obviously came from the same area that Kagome bitch came from. I must know where.'

*************************

*Present time*

Kagome sighed as she thought about what had recently happened. 'Good thing Inu-Yasha isn't here, or I wouldn't be able to think on it. I wonder if we should ask his help again. Tenchi was so nice and not a bad fighter either. We could really use his help. Inu-Yasha didn't seem to mind him either.'

She quickly looked down at her half finished homework and blanched, 'First things first, homework.'

Inu-Yasha watched her through the window, wondering what was so important.

He then caught a familiar scent, and looked down to see Trista below him. He dropped, "What are ya doin here?"

Trista studied him, her green blue eyes flashing. "Can you tell me what you've been told of Cerberus?"

Inu-Yasha snorted, "I said all I know explainin things to Kagome and the other dunder heads."

Trista frowned, "What about your brother or your father? Did they know him?"

Inu-Yasha shook his head, raising an eyebrow, "I ain't gonna ask my brother and I can't ask my father either. Why do you want to know?"

"I've seen my father maybe once or twice my whole life," Trista said, "I need to find out if he left me something on earth worth having, or if he left something unfinished that's gonna come back and get us. Hikari found me when she had an accident and ended up in the past. I was hoping someone knew."

Inu-Yasha shrugged, "Why's it so important to you?"

"Didn't your father leave you something of his legacy? I'd like that same honor. It doesn't matter whether he was evil or good, I'd like something of his to be passed on to me, so that I can pass it on."

Inu-Yasha cocked his head, not fully understanding, and not wanting to. "Care to fight? Not for real cause ya helped us but gauge our strength."

Trista snickered, looking down at her work clothes, "It's called sparring. Let me change and I'll show you to a place where we can spar without interruptions and no worries."

Moments later, Trista opened up a special door in the home she shared with Hikari. She allowed Inu-Yasha in and locked the door behind her. Facing him, she found he had placed his sword and scabbard on the ground. He saw her staring and snorted, "Wouldn be fair to ya if I had a weapon and you didn't."

Trista shrugged, and moved to the opposite side of the formless room. Inu- Yasha whistled in appreciation. "Infinite space huh? What happened to the door?"

"It'll come when I call it, and can open from any door with the key I hold."

Inu-Yasha smirked and lunged at her, not giving any warning. Trista met his attack, catching his wrist in her hand, avoiding the claws and grasping his other hand. She then slid her foot forward and twisted her body, throwing Inu-Yasha over her shoulder. He righted himself and dug his claws into the ground as he landed, effectively stopping himself.

He grinned, "Not bad, onna."

He didn't get a chance to say another word as she used her full demon speed to rush up to him and sock him. Inu-Yasha caught the punch straight to his nose and flew back a bit before regaining his senses and returning the attack. Inu-Yasha leapt up with a savage growl, scoring a hit across Trista's midsection with his claws. He smirked until he saw Trista's claws enter the wound. The wound glowed and became nonexistent as she drew her claws back out, not a drop of blood on them.

"Wha-?" he asked intelligently.

Trista didn't answer, but attacked, knowing she wouldn't get him stunned with that again. Inu-Yasha stood stock still as Trista rammed him, throwing a flurry of punches and kicks before he could recover. It didn't take long. Furious with himself, Inu-Yasha quickly returned the assault, turning the tide with his claws. Soon, Trista could only keep herself together by keeping one claw in one of her wounds, constantly healing herself.

Finally, she threw her hands up in surrender, quickly returning one to a heavily bleeding wound.

Inu-Yasha checked himself for any lacerations but found he would only be bruised for a short time. He gave Trista a look, "Is this what you meant when you said Shesshomaru was winning?"

Trista nodded as her body finally healed, "It's a curse on my family since my father's time. Depending on the amount of death created in a battle, that much life must be created within the next few. I think I've pretty much cleared it from that other battle, but there were a lot of demons. Otherwise we die and I'm enjoying my life presently."

Inu-Yasha sat on the floor, "So that's why you wanted a fight."

Trista nodded, "I had reached my limit before, and couldn't attack your brother directly."

Inu-Yasha growled a bit at the brother comment, but let it slide. "Ya think ya could help us hunt for Shikon shards?"

Trista gave him a puzzled look and Inu-Yasha sighed as he started to explain their dilemma.

***************************

Hikari got home, and yawned. 'It's been a really long day,' she thought to herself as she let herself in. She glanced at the clock and blanched, "I hope there was no homework for school tomorrow."

"There wasn't," said Trista from the doorway.

Hikari smiled at her friend and yawned once more. Trista moved into the room, a teenager a bit younger than them following her. Hikari didn't register the dog ears.

"How was work?" Trista asked.

"Okay, but coulda been better. I didn't need to be babied."

Inu-Yasha snorted as he walked out the door, promising to be back later for another fight.

Hikari shrugged as she watched her friend wave to him. Trista then turned to her once more. "How was your date?"

Hikari grinned, "He took me to a small café for lunch and we had a nice, long talk. Basically we got to know each other. He said it was ok that I didn't remember much and treated it like a first date. It was really sweet."

Trista snorted, "You look bushed."

Hikari nodded, "We have plans for this Saturday after our half day of school."

Trista smiled, deciding this was for the best.

******************************

Ranko and Nodoka found Ranma in his room, talking to Tenchi, Lee, and Trunks, or rather Tenchi was doing a lot of the talking while Trunks, Lee and Ranma shot questions in every once in a while. Trunks was apparently fascinated by the fact that the Juraians bonded with their trees, and Lee wanted to know what effect Nodoka's Juraian blood would have on their relationship.

Tenchi sighed as Lee asked the question once more. "When she bonds with a tree, that tree's life force will keep both of you young until you die. My Great-grandmother is an earthling and she is somewhere over, well, she's got to be over 900 or so and still young cause grandpa's at least 800."

Lee sighed, trying to ease his troubled mind. Ranma gave him a half smile and looked out the door to see Ranko and Nodoka standing there. "You two gonna come in or stand there all night?"

Ranko walked in and plopped herself next to Trunks. Nodoka sat between her husband and son, putting her arms around her husband. Ranma looked at the two and then out the door again, "Where's Luna?"

"Poor dear was tired and went to bed early," Nodoka said, "Now I want to know about your date."

Ranma groaned, "Mom."

Nodoka glared at her son, and he cringed, "I separated from Dad, Ranko, and Trunks around eleven thirty and went to see Hikari. I took her to a small café for lunch and we talked. That's it. I walked her home afterwards."

Nodoka looked slightly disappointed, but refrained from saying so and Ranma sighed. "We've got plans to go to the festival that's open this Saturday after school. Not to mention the policeman's ball at 8."

Nodoka brightened, clasping her hands together. She then frowned, "We need to transfer you from Furinken. Otherwise you'll never graduate."

Ranma scowled as Ranko giggled, "You only got about as much education as me Ranko."

Ranko lifted her nose in the air and Ranma scowled, standing and walking over to the window. He frowned as a man's head appeared over the city. Something clicked in his mind as the guy spoke. 'I know him............... he's from the.................. something's not right.'

A few moments later, his watch went off and Ranma answered the chief, voice hard.

"Ranma did you see that?" asked the chief frizzled voice.

"Yeah, I saw it. What do you need me to do?"

The communicator fizzled a moment more and Chief Kino answered, "Come to the office tomorrow. I'm going to need you at the airport tomorrow night."

Ranma frowned, "Tomorrow's the first day of my last year of school. I'm not going to miss it."

"Be here as soon as you can after school then," the chief said, "Everyone is going to be on duty tomorrow night. Half the force will be under your command at the airport. The rest of us, including me, will be out on the streets. You know there's someone going to be trying something."

Ranma nodded, "Understood. Over and out."

Nodoka frowned at her son, "Ranma, I don't want..............."

"I'm needed mom. This way I'm doing some good with the skills I have. Besides, you know my duties."

Nodoka fell silent, tears in her eyes and Ranma sighed, "I'll call you when it's over with."

Nodoka looked up to see a brief symbol flash on her son's forehead. "I'd appreciate that," she said softly.

Ranma nodded, and shooed everyone out the door. "I still have school tomorrow."

*Next Morning*

Ranma woke to an alarm. A really annoying alarm. A really annoying alarm that suddenly crunched under the force of Trunks' blow.

Ranma sighed, 'Looks like it's time to go.'

Quickly getting dressed in the dark, Ranma left the room and ran down the stairs to where Sasami had a breakfast and bento ready. Speed eating, Ranma quickly ran out the door as Tenchi was sleepily walking down the stairs.

Ranma made it to school in record time, finding himself as early as Nabiki for once. He landed in front of the girl, thoroughly surprising her. "What kind of reward did you get for the panda?"

"Enough to help considerably with my college fund," Nabiki said, "Why are you here?"

Ranma shrugged, "We haven't had time to transfer my thing yet. Why are you here? You've graduated."

Nabiki shrugged, "I need to collect from a few people. My first day of college went off rather well but I find I need the money with the rising tuition."

"Good luck," Ranma said, heading into the building.

Nabiki put a hand on his shoulder, "That includes you Inverse."

Ranma looked over his shoulder, "I should get you for extortion and kiddy porn charges you know."

Nabiki scowled at him, "You wouldn't dare!"

Ranma sighed as he took out his wallet, "Look for something better than what you've been doing Nabiki. There's always a better way."

Nabiki was surprised when Ranma paid her in full and decided it was time to try a new line of work while in college. "Maybe only a few betting pools at college," she muttered.

Ranma quickly made his way to his classroom and sat down at one of the desks. Only a few students were there, more following him in. Soon, everyone was in the classroom except for the face Ranma most expected to see.

Sounds of battle came from the outside and twenty minutes later Akane walked in, her face red with effort.

Ranma sighed as she glared at him, and was startled when her expression turned to pain.

Akane took her seat just as the teacher walked in, and class began.

Lunch time rolled around and Ranma took his normal route out the window to his favorite tree. He wasn't surprised when Akane called up to him.

He dropped to the ground and Akane gave him a look, "What happened to your hair?"

Ranma remembered that his hair was striped now and blushed, "Nothin really. Just an accident."

"You weren't really kidnapped by aliens were you?"

Ranma shook his head, "I don't think you'd understand either. You've never listened to me."

Akane looked at her feet, "I'm sorry."

Ranma was taken aback by the statement and put a hand on her shoulder. "No hard feelings."

Akane gave him a hopeful look, "Can we start over?"

Ranma shook his head, "I'm putting it all behind me Akane. I need to start anew. All the chaos here was just too much."

Akane bit her lip, and then nodded in acceptance. Her aura flickered to life around her, but she tried hard to rein it in. She slowly turned and walked away, leaving Ranma standing there.

Ranma sighed, and leaned against the trunk of the tree. Unfortunately, that's when Kuno spotted him. "Foul sorcerer! So you have returned to lay claim upon the pig-tailed girl and the beauteous Tendo Akane?! Have at thee."

Ranma growled, absentmindedly shredding Kuno's bokken with ki claws. Ranma then realized he was seeing in black and white again, though everything was clearer.

Kuno whipped out another bokken and Ranma growled once more. With inhuman speed, Ranma gave Kuno three quick punches to the gut. He then dropped, dodging Kuno's wild blow with his bokken and used a leg sweep, knocking Kuno's legs out from under him. Ranma noticed Kuno was still conscious and stepped on Kuno's wind pipe, applying a bit of pressure. "Do you yield now? I don't want Akane and the pig-tailed girl is my twin!"

Kuno started to turn blue as he refused to yield. Ranma applied a bit more pressure and Kuno nodded. Ranma stepped away from the delusional kendoist. "Didn't you graduate, sempai?"

Kuno then started going on about how he couldn't leave the school while his deranged father was there.

Ranma sweatdropped, 'He flunked.'

Ukyo giggled from behind him, "He flunked. Here Ran-chan. I made you some okinomiyaki. Can we start over?"

Ranma looked at his friend's delicious food and refused it, knowing he was going to hurt her in a moment. "I can't Ukyo. I can't live a normal life like you want."

Ukyo's face darkened, and she reached for her battle spatula before stopping herself. "Why not Ran-chan? We were best friends. Why can't you choose me?"

Ranma frowned at the distraught girl. "Can you really live with all the chaos? I've found someone who can. Someone who doesn't treat me like a prize like you all have of late. Even Shampoo still did when she had no legitimate claim on me anymore."

Ukyo looked up at him, unshed tears glistening in her eyes. "Can you at least imagine what our future would have been like?"

Ranma sighed, "I have Ukyo. I couldn't have lived like that. I can't be controlled, and no one seems to understand that, save one or two people."

Ukyo looked ready to protest again and Ranma shushed her, "I wouldn't mind being friends again, but I can't be your lover. I'm sorry."

Ukyo bit back a sob, "You've really changed Ranma. This girl must be something else."

She then turned on her heal and marched away, determined not to let Ranma see her cry.

Ranma sighed as he leapt to his classroom window again, ready to whittle away the hours and learn something that would hopefully be useful.

*******************************

Hikari stared at the chalkboard in utter boredom. After a few moments, she began to doodle again, thinking about her blossoming new relationship with Ranma. Her thoughts then wandered to her apparent amnesia. It didn't seem that she was missing any memories though. She mentally shrugged as she finished her picture of Ranma in armor.

As she admired it, it struck a chord in her memory, and hung there like a tune waiting to be played, but not coming to fruit. She then wrote something underneath it, not thinking about it. 'Never reveal it's location to all but those most trusted to barter with other dimensions. Some dimensions are not compatible.'

She sighed as she closed the notebook, and got out the one for the next class, not even thinking about what she just wrote.

*******************************

*Feudal Era*

Inu-Yasha knew Shesshomaru was watching him and his group. He had scented Shesshomaru as they got on the trail of another shikon shard. They had successfully retrieved the shard, and Shesshomaru did not attack.

'It seems,' Inu-Yasha thought, 'that Trista shook him up more than he knows. I wish he'd get over it though.'

Later that night, he confronted his brother, leaving Shippo, Miroku, and Sango behind.

"What do ya want, Sesshomaru?" he growled, quickly finding his brother.

Shesshomaru sniffed, and caught a scent that Inu-Yasha was sure would have disappeared by then. Shesshomaru growled, "Where is the bitch?"

Inu-Yasha was taken aback slightly, but then smirked, "Where you can't get at her. She'll be back later."

Inu-Yasha drew his sword. "Why do you want to know, brother?"

Shesshomaru eyed the sword and quietly disappeared into the forest.

Inu-Yasha frowned, and quickly made his way back to his friends.

*******************************

*Juuban*

Usagi stared out the window until Naru interrupted her. "Ne, Usagi! Don't you think it would be cool to go to the airport tonight?!"

"Yeah!" said another one of her friends.

Umino then stepped up, "A lot of us are going to go see if it was a hoax tonight. Do you want to join us?"

Usagi's pigtails went higher and higher until Miss Haruna interrupted them, "You most certainly should not go!"

Usagi nearly sighed in relief, "Miss Haruna's right! Its way to dangerous. If you have that much time on your hands you should stay home and study!"

"Oh Usagi!" Miss Haruna started, "Are you ill? You don't have a temperature."

Usagi then threw a tantrum that she was so well known for.

'At least they're not going anymore,' Usagi thought as the tantrum went on, 'I just wish they would take me seriously once in a while.'

Unfortunately with Usagi's past record, taking her serious was not a thought in their minds at the moment.

****************************

Ranma quickly made his way to Juuban and ran into the police office. The officers inside waved him over to the chief, who was giving out directions.

He brought Ranma over, "No heroics if they're not needed, Inverse. I will not lose one of my best men, regular police or not. We will be getting you into the academy."

Ranma nodded, and the chief continued, "You and Shannon will be in charge. Make sure you both agree with the plan before executing it. Make sure the men cover all possible angles. We don't want this prankster getting away with that stunt."

'Especially if it's an actual threat to the city,' Ranma thought as he reviewed the list of officers going with him. "I'll be acting as a civilian officer then?"

Kino nodded, "Be careful and lay low. You're our secret weapon if he does show."

Ranma nodded, and picked up the books he had dropped, "We should get started now then. We need to make sure everyone knows the plan."

Shannon was soon beside him, "That's the spirit! Let's go."

Ranma nodded and those who had to go with him left for the airport, where the man told the scouts to go.

*********************************

*Crown Arcade*

Usagi whined once more about her day and Motoki began to laugh. "Come on Usagi, it's funny. Serious and you don't always mix. I like you just the way you are!"

Usagi brightened and offered him a thousand watt smile. Motoki returned it and saw Usagi out after a game of Sailor V.

Usagi made her way down the street not realizing that her shoe strap was loosening until it flew off her foot.

"Jeez odango atama, first test papers and now shoes! Do I look like a target to you?"

Usagi stopped apologizing as she recognized the voice. "Do you think you could keep your things to yourself for just one day odango atama?"

Usagi began to cry at the mean things Mamoru said and he quickly backed away after handing her back her shoe. Moments later, Usagi stopped crying, and put her shoe back on. She walked home in deep thought, wondering why he was meaner now after the trip they had met on.

*********************************

Ranma sighed as the sky turned dark, wondering what 'Jadeite' was going to do. He made sure everyone was at their post, and aware of their surroundings.

"Any changes?" he asked the officer on lookout.

The man shook his head, and Ranma signaled the question to the others. Each returned the negative. Ranma nodded and turned to Shannon, "Keep everyone at their posts. I'm going to check topside."

Shannon nodded and Ranma left, checking the roof. It was near midnight when something finally happened. Ranma felt a strange energy permeating the ground and quickly went to check on his men, who were all asleep, and disappearing from sight.

'This isn't good,' Ranma thought, quickly returning outside, fighting off the spell. The effects soon decreased on him and Ranma made his way back onto the roof, quickly transforming.

He looked down from his vantage point to see a bunch of police officers chasing Usagi, Rei, and Ami down the runway. After a moment, the three transformed and Mercury scanned the police officers, which were returned to dirt by Mars' flames.

Ranma gave a slight grin, and looked for Jadeite, then spotting the general not too far below him. The girls were then chased by jets, and Ranma got ready to make his appearance.

A rose struck Jadeite, just as Ranma got ready to jump in. Tuxedo Mask appeared, much to the delight of Moon and Mars. Ranma sweatdropped as Tuxedo Mask made another small speech and Jadeite seemed to stand there dumbfounded. He then jumped to their level as they got ready to attack each other.

"Hold it Jad," Nemesis said in a taunting voice. It was the same voice he used to taunt Ryoga all the times he blamed Ranma for his problems.

Jadeite turned around, seemingly recognizing his voice. Jadeite paled as he saw the scout of Nemesis standing there. "I know you," Jadeite hissed, backing up a pace towards Tuxedo Mask.

Nemesis nodded, "And I you. I do not tolerate traitors."

'Jadeite' laughed, "Yes it would seem the earth general Jadeite was a traitor, but that really isn't the case. What I am is a mix of your father's chaos beings, Queen Beryl's prized youma, and the earth generals."

Ranma kept his anger inside, glad he had thought up a mask to keep his identity hidden. "I knew something was off," he said in a mild voice, "Looks like I'll just have to separate you from yourself."

'Jadeite' sneered, "And just how do you plan on doing that King of Storms? You should have joined us instead of the Silver Queen. Beauty is only found in darkness."

Ranma growled and launched an attack with neko-ken's ki claws, slicing Jadeite's chest.

Jadeite leapt into the air, cradling his chest and Nemesis followed, not bothering with speeches or grandeur, mind focused on the fight. Jadeite released energy, trying to distract his opponent, but Ranma was not an opponent to be easily distracted. Not this time.

Cutting through the energy with a short wind storm, Nemesis grabbed Jadeite and focused all his energy into his bracers, hoping they would act like the Silver Crystal.

Focusing on what he wanted, Nemesis, poured as much energy as he could into the bracers, and verily, into Jadeite. Wind and fire surrounded them, and the bracers shot off a bright shower of light, and suddenly the light dissipated. Nemesis landed on the ground, cape billowing behind him in tatters. He held what appeared to be a man with red, bird like wings, and long, fiery hair. He had a strange marking on his face, like a red mask over his eyes. There were flames resting on his cheeks and he looked beaten, with four deep gouges across his chest.

A stone dropped at Sailor Mars' feet, and she picked it up, marveling at it. "It's so pretty," she murmured, surprised at its appearance.

Just then, a hideous looking youma jumped down right in front of her, and grabbed for the stone. Mars jumped back, startled, and Moon threw her tiara, destroying the monstrous thing.

Nemesis smirked as Tuxedo Mask faded into the shadows, the danger gone. 'I should do the same,' Nemesis thought to himself, quickly turning and running to the place he exited the airport from. Entering the building, he quickly stowed his injured companion in a place where no one would see him, and detransformed.

He saw all the sleeping police officers begin to awaken and made like he had been asleep also. The sailor scouts then popped in to say everything had been taken care of, staying towards the shadows.

Ranma shook his head at how stupid everything seemed, and quickly made sure his crew was alright. He then called the chief. "Fun's over here," he muttered as the police left, with the exception of those who were meant to stay on guard.

The chief sighed, "Good. Surprisingly, there haven't been a whole lot of break-ins or robberies. Get home, you're still expected to go to school tomorrow."

Ranma cursed his bad luck as the chief chuckled and said goodnight.

Ranma went back to where the chaos being was. He searched his memory of the Silver Millennium and sighed. "Chaos being is fairly accurate with the exception you were supposed to help us work for peace," Ranma muttered, remembering their creation.

*His father stood in front of him, chaos energy from the storm he created floating in front of him. "Remember son, chaos is meant to be in the hearts of people. Some have an aptitude for controlling it better than others. We have a larger aptitude than nearly all people. If chaos is ever sealed, then life cannot exist. Let me show you what I mean."

Fire, earth, water, and air condensed in the formless energy and suddenly there was a bright flash of light. Four beings then kneeled in front of them. One had long red hair, and another had light brown. The third with what appeared to be light blue, and the last with platinum, each controlling a specific element.*

Ranma sighed as he picked up his wounded servant. 'Queen Serenity never found out about them because I was two at the time. That was only a few months before Beryl attacked. I never found out what had happened to them. Guess I know now.'

"What am I going to do with you?" Ranma muttered as he carried the man home.

*Omake*

Inu-Yasha knew Shesshomaru was watching him and his group. He had scented Shesshomaru as they got on the trail of another shikon shard. They had successfully retrieved the shard, and Shesshomaru did not attack.

'It seems,' Inu-Yasha thought, 'that Trista shook him up more than he knows. I wish he'd get over it though.'

Later that night, he confronted his brother, leaving Shippo, Miroku, and Sango behind.

"What do ya want, Sesshomaru?" he growled, quickly finding his brother.

Sesshomaru stepped out of the bushes, bouncing a child's ball. He smiled as Inu-Yasha's eyes followed it. "You will tell me where Trista is right little bro?"

Inu-Yasha nodded vigorously, "Sure, sure, just throw the ball. Please throw the ball."

"First tell me where..............."

"Future, through the well. Throw the damn ball."

Shesshomaru threw the ball and Inu-Yasha went chasing after it, on all fours.

Shesshomaru sighed, "Young pups are so easy to manipulate. It saddens me that we're related. Playing with him is so much fun though."

Shesshomaru smiled at his brother as he brought the ball back in his mouth. Inu-Yasha dropped it into Shesshomaru's hand and went off after it as soon as it was thrown again.

*************************

AN: Thought I'd do a cute omake this time ^^ reviews are good! OH! And in relation to Ranma's servants, I figured that someone that controls a lot of chaos shouldn't only be able to bring destruction. Saturn has death and rebirth after all. Chaos is not always a bad thing, it just gets bad rep.