Note: To my kind readers, I will keep coming back as long as you do . . . my only hope is that I can increase the pace of these updates and finish the story soon.

Charlottel's Sequel
Chapter Fourteen
Roller Coaster Rejects!

It'd been a week since Nabiki's injury, and she was finally coming home from the hospital.

Actually she'd been good enough to come home for two days now but apparently the doctor hadn't wanted to discharge her because two of his nurses had quit so he needed some kind of sosle, or S.O.S. Lay, he'd said.

He'd given up when Nabiki started talking about the kids she had at home and how much they'd love to have a new daddy.

Ryoga shifted uneasily, "Uh, hey Ranma." He said, leaning against the pigtailed boy's door.

"Yeah?" Ranma asked.

"I wanted to talk . . . about before. What I said—"

"Don't worry." Ranma said with a grin, "I know you meant it so don't try to act like you didn't. But I'll forgive ya . . . that was a weird night. Scary."

Ryoga shrugged. "It was definitely weird." He said. He hadn't told anyone that he'd heard voices.

"Just uh . . . don't ever tell me to shut up again, okay?" Ranma asked. "I cant stand it when people say that!"

"What, like the sound of your voice too much to listen?" Ryoga jeered. Ranma glared at him and he held up his hands, "Uh I mean yeah, no problem."


Nabiki had been home for just a few minutes when she felt she might need to return to the hospital! Everyone hugged her, it hurt. Her injury wasn't fully healed and that was her excuse for having Akane do all her chores, and the violent youngest sister was surprisingly eager to help her injured sister.

Kasumi was sitting across from her at the table, her face grave which was downright unusual. "Have you given any thought to college?"

"Yes actually," Nabiki said, "Kuno-baby visited me in the hospital and talked about the place he's going to. Says it's still not too late for me."

"Are you going to go there?" Kasumi asked.

"I don't know." Nabiki said.

"You should." Kasumi said, you don't have any other options short of just not going for a year."

"What's wrong with that one?" Nabiki asked.

"Nothing, aside from the fact that you'd waste a year of your life, give in to your malicious intents and not go at all." Kasumi shrugged, "But then, I didn't go at all."

"Well you had an excuse, you were watching me and Akane. If you weren't such good big sister and parent figure who knows how we could've turned out Kasumi?

"You'd have gotten pregnant at sixteen." Kasmi said. "Akane at fifteen, same orgy you get knocked up at. I'd have married into wealth and asked my husband to pay your way only to be rewarded with malice later when you stole him for yourself."

Nabiki blinked. "You've thought this up."

"I saw a movie like it." Kasumi shrugged.

"No more TV for you." Nabiki yawned.

"I need to get out of the house." Kasumi said finally.

"Uh . . . okay." Nabiki said. "I was just going to call you pasty, but yeah I guess your self insult works too."

"It wasn't an insult, it was a statement of fact. I would enjoy some fresh air, I think we all would. Lets go to a theme park. You know the one I mean, the one with the mouse."

"Ugh!" Nabiki groaned, "I hate that place, how can anyone honestly like that place? No way big sister, that's one trend I will not get into."

"Oh please . . . for me?"

Nabiki frowned. She guessed an amusement park wouldn't be such a bad idea, true almost every employee who worked there was a superior minded jerk, the lines were grossly long and everything was overpriced . . . then there was that darn mouse . . . but Kasumi always asked so little . . . would Nabiki really be such a cruel younger sister and refuse to go with her?

"Fine. But I will not like it." Nabiki said honestly.

"Oh yes you will, everyone does." Kasumi said with a relieved smile.

"They say that because they'd feel pretty stupid paying close to two hundred thousand yen for something they hate. They lie so that their friends will go, you know mysery loves company. That's the foundation of my relationship with Ryoga, his misery makes him more willing to accept my . . . company, if you know what I mean."

"I don't think I want do know, but I do." Kasumi smiled.

"So I take it we're taking the whole clan then?" Nabiki asked.

"Well yes, everyone who was part of that fiasco with the Nek—uh . . . with those people will be stressed, we should all relax together."

"Fine. I take it you'll be asking Dr. Tofu?" Nabiki asked, her tone suggestive.

It'd be a great chance for Kasumi to—

"No. No I don't think I will." Kasumi admitted. "I . . . have nothing to say to him right now really."

"Oh!" Nabiki said, taken aback by the venomous undertone of Kasumi's voice. So . . . what was the—

"You should not ask Kuno." Kasumi pointed out.

"What do you mean? He helped." Nabiki said.

"Yes. But . . . this is time better spent with Ryoga and Ryoga alone."

"Oh Kasumi," Nabiki laughed, "Are you trying to hint at something?" Nabiki was perfectly aware of the fact, or at least held a strong suspicion that Kasumi had seen her kissing Kuno at some time.

Kasumi's eyes betrayed nothing, "I just think it is a good opportunity for you to spend time with the man you agreed to marry. Will you still marry him?"

Nabiki thought for a moment, "Yeah, he's all right." She said, even though what she'd thought was quite different. That's just what came out, and she could tell by the unconvinced look on Kasumi's face that it had not been accepted in the same spirit as her intended "yes I love him with all my heart"


He watched the assembly of warriors, they could almost start their own guild with that number!

How he hated the guilds. How he hated any secret organization with evil designs.

These ones did not seem evil though, just like a very large gathering of friends with varying degrees of enthusiasm for this amusement park they planned to visit.

He crept along, this could get tricky. Saotome and Hibiki had not really separated since he first began to watch them, they had remained within a certain distance of one another—whether they knew it or not—and it was sufficient for him to watch them both, but covering the entire park was completely out of the question, he could only hope that the two boys decided to stay together.


Nabiki leaned against a wall as the guy at the ticket booth eyed their party warily.

"Anybody got dough?" Ranma asked suddenly.

"Oh don't tell me you didn't bring any money Ranma . . . because I've only got . . . wow, that's all I've got?" Ukyo gasped.

"I have some money." Konatsu said.

"Now, now, now children, I am wealthy and I will pay for everyone!" Nabiki's father said, but Genma tapped him on the shoulder and whispered something.

Soun Tendo blinked and shouted "What? You have to be joking! It was a million American dollars, do you have any idea how much yen that is? How did you—well I know I spent a portion of it, but—uh . . . well never mind children. Who's up for the less expensive school playground down the road?"

"Oh you're kidding!" Ukyo gasped.

"Fear not!" Tatewaki Kuno said, snapping his finger, his ninja butler appeared with a sack of cash, "I, Tatewaki "Blue Thunder" Kuno will pay for everyone, a special gift."

"Aren't you glad I brought him along?" Nabiki whispered to Kasumi, who just shook her head.

"You needn't pay for everyone!" Yoshimi said, appearing with a pink ninja and her own sack of money, "I will pay for myself and my darling Ryoga! Oh, and . . . this half of the group." Yoshimi said, selecting a portion of the clan at random.

"Then it is agreed." Kuno said.

"Most assuredly so." Yoshimi nodded.

The guy in the ticketbooth became suddenly more cheerful, and far more polite, this look was no longer disdainful but now quite pleasant, it was easy to see how people might be fooled by that face. Nabiki decided she might have a future working in a place like this.

"All right, lets separate into groups," Kasumi said.

"I will go with Kuno-kun!" Yoshimi sqealed right away.

This drew some odd stares from everyone, some were merely surprised, like Ranma and Kasumi, some were hopeful like Ryoga and, Nabiki realized to her surprise hers was annoyed and jealous. "Fine. I'll take Ryoga."

There was a tension in the air between Nabiki and Yoshimi. Think this minor injury is going to let you steal one of my men you cow? Don't count on it, they're mine until I'm through with them . . . you can have what's left after that.

She was sure Yoshimi was thinking something similar, but both girls smiled sickly fake smiles until everyone's attention was stolen by Ukyo and Akane who were arguing over which of them would team up with Ranma.

In the end Ranma went with Akane, but Ukyo and Konatsu, as well as Shampoo and Mousse would all be going "in that same direction".

Nabiki and Ryoga would be on their own, Yoshimi and Kuno planned to search gift shops and buy things for poor children—all of whom were likely poor because their parents had come to this rat hole—Kasumi and Nodoka would go off together while Nabiki's father and Mr. Saotome looked for a bar.

The Koruda fighters had not come along since Ushio had said they had plans for the day, and nobody had seen hide nor hair of Lotion since the battle, Nabiki sort of hoped she was dead.

Mousse's moose was not invited, nor was Mercedes the giant dog as animals were not allowed into the park.

Nabiki cleared Kuno from her mind and smiled at Ryoga. Yes he would do, she did love him after all.

"Where should we go first?" She asked.

Ryoga raised an eyebrow, "You're asking me?"

Nabiki laughed, "Good point. Okay, I'll lead."

"As usual." Ryoga nodded.

"That's the way you like it, baby." Nabiki grinned, leading him off.

"Whatever you say." Ryoga shrugged.

"Darn right whatever I say." Nabiki grinned, "Remember that I'm the boss."

"Like I could forget." Ryoga said.


"Uh . . . if it is not too much trouble . . ." Tatewaki said as Yoshimi dragged him towards a gift shop, "Why did you give up your pursuit of fanged wanderer for me?"

"I didn't!" Yoshimi said, "I have a plan!"

"Uh . . . what?" Tatewaki asked as he examined an item that would cost half as much if he bought it in the outside world and probably last twice as long.

"Lovely Nabiki and you have a perfect opportunity to be alone here, Tatewaki-kun, I will distract my Ryoga, you will speak to Nabiki."

"Yes . . ." Tatewaki said.

"Remember to press her about the college, and lay on the charm if you have to."

"Of course, women cannot resist my charms."

"Of course not, so spare no pick up line and bat those eye lashes like there's no tomorrow! Go, in the name of LOVE!"

Tatewaki nodded. "I will get Nabiki Tendo to attend this college, of that you can be sure. And she will be mine . . .one of mine . . . uh . . .well I'll probably sleep with her."

"As it should be." Yoshimi nodded, waving Tatewaki away.

He knew, he had to convince Nabiki for the sake of her future in life if not her future with him, she needed to go to college, or risk wasting her talents and her life. For her sake more than his, he would convince her.


He groaned audibly when they split up. Who would he follow, Hibiki or Saotome?

Saotome was leaving with a larger group, it left the young man certain that he would be well protected, and also seemed as if he were working rather hard to seem important while Hibiki was alone save for a young woman who seemed to be very interested in him.

The young man knew who he'd be following, he knew who he'd assume was the more important target if he were an assassin.

Hibiki.


Ryoga was beginning to fear that he was abnormal, he'd always heard this place was great but he was really bored.

"Say, d'you want to—" Nabiki began but she was interrupted by Yoshimi who dashed in and grabbed Ryoga by the arm, leading him away before Nabiki had time to so much as blink.

Ryoga groaned as Yoshimi dragged him a sufficient distance away from Nabiki that he could no longer hear her.

Yoshimi then said, "Sorry my love," and left him there.

Ryoga stood there, alone and already lost for a moment, then shook his head. "W.T.F.?" He shouted the acronym because he guessed the real thing would get him in trouble in this brat infested place.

This was so not good.


Tatewaki was pleased to find Nabiki Tendo alone and clearly vulnerable. He slid up next to her and said, "How are you, dear Nabiki Tendo?"

"What? Fine. Have you seen Ryoga?"

"No. But never mind, what does he matter?" Tatewaki asked, "You and I have things to talk about."

"Excuse me? And what might those things be? Oh, and while you talk try to find Ryoga, I don't want to lose him here . . . this place sucks."

"Yes it truly would be cruel," Tatewaki said, reaching out and taking Nabiki's hand.

"Stop that!" Nabiki warned, Tatwaki laughed softly.

"Is my touch so repellant?"

"I'm with Ryoga." Nabiki said firmly.

"Not at the moment." Kuno said, pulling her closer.

"True . . ." Nabiki admitted, "But I don't want him to get lost."

"Forget him. Think about yourself. The college offer is slipping, will you come with me, will you go to college and fight for your future?"

Nabiki frowned, "Well . . . I don't know. I don't really know anything about this college—"

"It is a college for the obscenely wealthy, I will be there and in a year so will Yoshimi."

"That doesn't make me want to go there more." Nabiki said darkly.

"Oh but it should, you'd be an upperclassmen, to her and she would have to treat you with the respect and difference that that position deserves."

Nabiki smiled faintly, "Well . . . some things I could do to her . . . all right . . . yeah, I'll do it."

Kuno grinned, "Excellent," He said, pulling her in close and kissing her on the lips.

It was a deep and passionate kiss, people stared but who cared?

Tatewaki opened his eyes slowly and grinned at Nabiki, her cheeks were red. "D-don't do that again." She warned, so he did.

She sighed after the second kiss, "This park is supposed to be G rated, Kuno-baby."

"Let them censor us." Tatewaki shrugged.

Nabiki smiled and they went off, she'd forgotten all about Ryoga.


He scowled as Hibiki's lover accepted the kiss of another man. The young man fought back an urge to vomit, how could she do that to her fiancé?

Well it was none of his business, if that was what made them happy then more power to them . . . they weren't any use to him anyway and he'd keep his nose out of it.

Too bad for them he wasn't the only one who'd seen their kiss.


Ryoga was lost, that must was obvious, and he wanted to find Nabiki.

Maro had been arrested, but Jun hadn't been killed, for all Ryoga knew that son of a gun was out there this very instant coming after him or worse kidnapping Nabiki again.

Just because cartoon villains never tired the same trick twice didn't mean real life villains wouldn't!

He scowled as he continued to fail to find her, or notice anything that seemed like it could be used as a landmark.

Yoshimi . . . oh he was beginning to hate her more than fear her,.he'd make her pay and make her hurt and make her—oh, hey free hot dogs? Well okay then . . .

Where was he?

Oh yeah! He'd make her plead and then when she'd done all of that make her leave and never come back.

He would annihilate—darn were there any free drinks?

No . . . not even a fountain.

Okay, so where was he? Screw it, he just wanted to wander around the park and enjoy the free things in life. Being with Nabiki would be preferable but—

No! For crying out loud he'd lost tract of what he was supposed to be doing, and that was finding Nabiki! She could be in danger he couldn't wait around any more!

He ran now, ran towards anywhere, if he found a wall he'd know he'd gone too far, if he found a parking lot he was right out of the park, literally he'd find Nabiki or die trying!

And fortunately, or unfortunately he did.

Perhaps it was because he wasn't trying to find Kuno, and that's who he saw first, he thought to hail the older boy and ask for his help but before he could say anything he saw Nabiki.

He was holding her in his arms, they stared intently at one another, Nabiki sighed, "This park is supposed to be G rated, Kuno-baby."

"Let them censor us." Kuno shrugged and the bastard kissed Nabiki!

She didn't seem to mind either, Ryoga felt his fists clench at his sides.

"Fine." He said darkly. Here he'd been worried about her and she was with another man?

For all he knew Nabiki had engineered his getting lost! Had arranged with Yoshimi to get him good and lost, like she cared about how worried he'd get about her.

"Fine." Ryoga said again, not really sure what else to say. One last "fine" and he turned around and stormed off, fists clenched at his side.

Let Jun come back and kidnap Nabiki. And let Kuno be the one to defeat the assassin this time. Let Ranma be the hero, it was what he was good at. Ryoga didn't want to be part of the story any more.


Ukyo and Konastu had split with Ranma and Akane after the two had given them the slip, Ukyo had every intention of finding them and helping Akane lose herself so that she could get close to Ranma honey.

She'd sent Konatsu off to search, but noticed him on a roller coaster. It annoyed her but she wouldn't punish him . . . not today anyway, he didn't really do things like this that often, if anything he was probably the only one enjoying himself, Ukyo knew she certainly wasn't.

That was about to change.

She noticed a familiar face, and thought for a moment that it was Ranma!

No, Ryoga. Funny how alike those two could look sometimes. Ukyo noticed the headband and the fact that his cloths weren't anything like Ranma's, but what really gave Ryoga away was his surliness. For crying out loud did the boy know how to hide his emotions at all?

She sped over to him, he was making rather good time towards . . . wherever it was that Ryoga was trying to but probably traveling in the opposite direction of.

"Ryoga, what're you—" She silenced herself seeing the look on his face. "Wha-whtat's wrong?"

"What d'you mean?" Ryoga scoffed. "I'm f-fine."

"No, you look terrible. Like Ranma honey just stole your lunch."

"Well something was stolen." Ryoga said darkly. Then his expression changed from anger to mournful thoughtfulness, "Or maybe it was something I never really had."

Ukyo frowned, "I'll bet you don't want to talk t'me about it . . . but if I'm wrong I'd be willing to hear what you've got to say."

Ryoga frowned deeply, Ukyo pinched his cheek as hard as she could, knowing he'd feel no pain from it.

"What's that for?" He demanded.

"I thought it'd help you to stop frowning." Ukyo said, "Makes Konatsu wear whatever face I want him too . . . just thought I'd try to help."

Ryoga forced a weak smile for about two seconds, then said "If you want to help, help me get away from Nerima."

"Why?" Ukyo frowned, she needed Ryoga to be in Nerima for him to help her with her last ditch effort to win Ranma honey's love!

"I . . ." Ryoga looked at the ground, "I just don't want to be here, I don't want to see this place for a long time."

Ukyo shook her head, "Why don't I help you find a place to sit down, you can tell big sister all about it."

"Don't call yourself that, you're not my sister." Ryoga grunted.

"True, but the way I look out for you, might as well adopt ya." Ukyo smiled weakly. Ryoga managed another forced half grin.


"C'mon Ranma, you cant beat that!" Akane said, looking proudly at her score on the Test your Strength mallet game.

She'd gone all the way up to the bell, it'd been easy she just imagined the little target was Ranma's head!

"Don't really wanna." Ranma said with a shrug.

"Give it a try!" Akane demanded.

Ranma sighed, and rolled up his sleeves. He took the mallet and hit the target, the effect was below the average of a five year old boy.

Akane's eye twitched, "You didn't even try!"

"True that." Ranma grinned.

"Oh c'mon Ranma, try! Give it your all and—" Akane was saying until Kasumi came over.

"Oh enough already, I'll do it!" Kasumi said, she took the mallet and slammed it down with such force that Akane would almost swear the ground shook! The meter went up and slammed into the bell, came back down and bounced up again about half way.

Akane blinked at her eldest sister. "Okay, this game is fixed!" She declared.

"Nuh-no, it's broken now actually!" The attendant said in surprise, "Whoa! She's like, stronger than ten thousand housewives!"

"She's not even married yet." Akane said.

"That's right I'm not! Hmph!" Kasumi said, and she stormed off.

"Hey, wasn't my mom with her?"

"She's in the men's bathroom!" Kasumi called over her shoulder.

Ranma sighed. "I hate my life."

"I hate your life too. "Akane said. She scoffed, "Anyway that wasn't fair because Kasumi isn't stronger than me so this game tells lies. Let's go somewhere else."

"I wonder what's got Kasumi's panties in a bind." Ranma said.

Akane frowned, now that she thought of it, Kasumi did seem to be a little . . . upset. "We should follow her . . . and find out what it is." Akane said.

"Y'mean like when we followed Ryoga and Nabiki because you thought they were in love and they weren't?"

"Yes they were!" Akane protested.

"Not back then they weren't." Ranma said wearily. "What I really wanna know is will this cut into my Saturday? I'd planned to spar with Ryoga and—"

"Oh just c'mon!" Akane said disdainfully.


Ukyo patted Ryoga's hand consolingly as they sat together at a table with a large umbrella sticking out of it. It was pleasantly shady but a little dorky, she thought.

"Look Ryoga, I'm your friend. Whatever's bothering you, you can share it with me."

"No, I'd rather not."

"Okay." Ukyo nodded. "Can I guess?"

"Go for it." Ryoga snorted.

"Is it because you feel bad about not helping me win Ranma honey's affections?"

Ryoga raised an eyebrow at her, "No . . . not at all."

Ukyo grinned, "Well that's what it should be."

Ryoga rolled his eyes and put his head down on the table, Ukyo shook hers and said "I was only joking hon. Honestly I take it you're upset because you got separated from Nabiki?"

Ryoga scoffed and mumbled something dark to himself, Ukyo frowned at him.

He became quite interested in a bottle of soy sauce on the table, or at least he pretended he was interested in it, Ukyo waited patiently for him to speak and he didn't.

She took a deep breath and said, "Ryoga honey, why don't you just tell me? If you do I promise to stop asking."

Ryoga scoffed again, but this time it was followed by audible words spoken in a language Ukyo understood. "It's none of your business, okay? It's not like I need your help, all I want is to be left alone."

"If that were true you wouldn't have come here with me." Ukyo pointed out, and Ryoga shrugged. "You said something got stolen from you . . . did Ranma honey make trouble?"

"No." Ryoga scowled. "Ranma I can handle."

Ukyo chose not to say 'yeah right' for Ryoga didn't seem to be in the mood for that. She just nodded slowly and said, "Maybe you don't think I care, but I do. You're my friend, I care, tell me what's wrong and I'll try to fix it."

Ryoga shook his head, "It's . . . it's probably nothing."

Ukyo smiled slyly, "Okay, I tell you what. You tell me what got stolen, and I'll get you a new one, a better one. And, just to sweeten the deal I'll find out who stole it and hold them down while you beat them up, how's that?"

Ryoga looked at her for a long moment and then shook his head. "D'you want to know what's wrong or do you want me to cry on your shoulder just so you can make it seem like you care?"

"You look too upset for me to trick you like that." Ukyo lied. The fact was if his problem could be turned to her benefit she'd do just that. She needed him to help her get Ranma.

"Okay fine. The fact is that I don't need you to find out who stole from me, I know who it was. You can't get me a new one because what he took is irreplaceable. Worse I don't know how long I've been duped, how long this . . . thief has had his prize, how long I've been lied to. Has it been moments? I doubt it. But . . ." Ryoga looked down. "I don't know what to do . . ."

Ukyo frowned, "Well what did Ranma take from you that's such a big deal?"

Ryoga shook his head, "It wasn't Ranma."

"Then tell me who." Ukyo said.

Ryoga sighed and put his head down on the table. "Nabiki."

"Nabiki stole from you?" Ukyo scoffed, "That can't be new. She swindles everybody, I mean outright theft would be a new game for her but—"

"No, no, no, she didn't steal from me . . . though I don't think I can trust her anyway. . ."

Ukyo frowned, "Then wht's she got to do with anything?"

"She's the thing that was stolen." Ryoga said pitifully.

"What? So you got lost?" Ukyo reasoned.

"She was kissing Kuno." Ryoga said, the mournful tone of his voice suddenly taking a darker one. "We'd been separated for a minute or two . . . I'd been worried about her, thought maybe those assassins had come back . . . and she was off having a really good time with Kuno." Ryoga's eyes grew hard, "And how long have they been together? How long have I been their little joke?" He stood up, his fists clenched, then he collapsed and put his head on the table again. "Why didn't she just tell me she wanted to end it?"

Ukyo frowned now, this was a lot to absorb. "You're saying Nabiki is cheating on you?" Ukyo said slowly, the gears in her head moving.

"Seems that way."

"With Kuno, whom she hates?" Ukyo reasoned.

"Seems that way."

"But they hate each other."

"Didn't seem that way." Ryoga scoffed.

Ukyo's brain throbbed as her plan took shape.

Looking at how sad poor Ryoga was she knew it'd be wrong to take advantage of him like this . . . but then again . . . she'd waited years to be with Ranma, and this heart broken mass of muscle might just be her ticket to happiness. She'd make it up to him later, she promised herself.

"You can always try to make her jealous, show her what it feels like to be cheated on Ryoga honey." And if you just happen to help me get together with Ranma in the process . . . Ukyo thought with glee to herself.

"What? Start dating Yoshimi because Nabiki might be cheating? I mean . . . well maybe I was wrong, maybe—"

"Shut up! You weren't wrong, what're you going to believe? Your eyes and your heart, or your second thoughts? Nabiki kissed Kuno, you said it yourself, they're playing you and now its time to cut the game to its end. If she wants to kiss Kuno, let her. Its over between you two, that's how its gotta be."

"But I—"

"Am going to find a new girl, one who'll take care of you, look out for you, help you find your way when you're lost. You need a girl who'll be . . ." Ukyo trailed off, testing the waters. If they were good she'd make her move!

"Like you?" Ryoga raised an eyebrow.

Heck yes. She was better than Nabiki anyway!

"W-well," Ukyo said, stammering on purpose and batting her eyelashes furiously, committing all the feminine acts she wasn't used to committing, "I-I mean a girl who'll t-t-take care of you and l-love you for who you are." She began to fidget around until Ryoga's hand took hers.

Success! She thought. Until she saw Ryoga's face.

He wasn't enraged, which was a good sign, but he wasn't happy either. "Stop that. I know what you're trying to do. You think this is some joke? I just told you I caught my fiancée kissing another man and you're making fun of me!"

"What? N-no I wasn't, I didn't meant it like that I—" Ukyo wasn't stammering on purpose now.

Ryoga shook his head, "All that talk about being my friend, and when I need one you just make it a big joke. Well 'ha', 'ha' and an extra 'ha' for you. I'm going to find Nabiki, or another country, whichever I get to first, if it's the former I'll tell her we're through, I don't want to hear any lies because I know they'll be too darn good! If it's the latter I'll send you a post card and hope never to see any of you guys again! Some great friends I've made her, let me tell you!" He got up to leave.

Ukyo grabbed his wrist, "Hey, don't get mad at me just because your girl is no good, sugar. I am your friend, I'd dare to say your best friend too, I don't steal from you or pick on you like Ranma does, and maybe I'm not your girl friend like Nabiki is—or was, but I've still been there for you, and we have more fun together than you and that annoying assassin, and you and Mousse barely even get along as it is, so I think . . . I think . . ." Ukyo struggled to find something else to say, but decided nothing would work as well as simply grabbing Ryoga and kissing him on the lips.

Which she did.

It was really rather nice . . .


Yoshimi giggled to herself, how sneaky she was, how clever she was, now it was just time to go in for the kill and take her beloved Ryoga for her own, time to claim the life that was hers by right, the lover she had desired since age five or so.

She knew Ryoga was with his friend Ukyo, her ninja had tracked them to this location, she'd go over to Ryoga and comfort him in his time of need, be a sining pillar of loving light and force him to love her instead of that traitorous Nabiki!

"What? N-no I wasn't, I didn't meant it like that I—" She heard Ukyo saying, ah Ukyo, Yoshimi had almost forgiven her for hitting her in the face.

Ryoga sounded irate at least when he said "All that talk about being my friend, and when I need one you just make it a big joke. Well 'ha', 'ha' and an extra 'ha' for you. I'm going to find Nabiki, or another country, whichever I get to first. If it's the former I'll tell her we're through, I don't want to hear any lies because I know they'll be too darn good!"

Yoshimi jumped up and down with glee, he was mad at Nabiki, finally! He was really upset with her, this was too good!

Ryoga continued, "If it's the latter I'll send you a post card and hope never to see any of you guys again! Some great friends I've made here, let me tell you!" Yoshimi heard Ryoga's chair scrape the ground, he was going to leave, run away and she'd make sure he ended up right where she wanted him!

Ukyo didn't seem done arguing with him though, troublesome girl, "Hey, don't get mad at me just because your girl is no good, sugar. I am your friend, I'd dare to say your best friend too, I don't steal from you or pick on you like Ranma does, and maybe I'm not your girl friend like Nabiki is—or was, but I've still been there for you, and we have more fun together than you and that annoying assassin, and you and Mousse barely even get along as it is, so I think . . . I think . . ." Ukyo trailed off and there was a momentary silence, Yoshimi bounced up and down with glee and didn't even think to turn around and peer through the bushes to investigate the silence.

Suddenly she heard Ryoga again, "What the—"

"Don't say anything! I can't believe I did that!" Ukyo groaned, "Don't tell anyone I—ugh! I just . . . I guess we're better friends than I thought. And you didn't have to shove me like that." The girl added.

What? What did that mean? What were they doing? Yoshimi peered through the bushes, Ukyo was blushing furiously, Ryoga was too. He turned away from her and said, "After Nabiki I've got to deal with this? I'm as bad as she is!"

"N-no you're not, because you didn't want it and you stopped it." Ukyo said, "There's the difference Ryoga, you're a good person and she's not, you two were never meant for each other in the first place, you need someone better! I'm your fried, listen to your friend!"

Yes, yes, listen to your friend and dump the girl! Yoshimi thought, she didn't wonder what it was Ryoga didn't want, she didn't care because once he was with her the only things he'd want would be what she wanted him to want, she'd forge him into the perfect husband!

"I . . . I don't know who to trust."

"That's what your first break up will do to you," Ukyo said though Yoshimi had no idea how she'd know since her information told her that all of Ukyo's relationships had been one sided, with no affection flowing either from her, or her beloved.

She'd had no breakups, but Yoshimi giggled furiously to herself because she knew that Ukyo was doing her bidding without even realizing it!

"Is there a mouse somewhere around here?" Ukyo asked, Yoshimi slapped her hands over her mouth.

Okay, she was getting carried away, she quickly snuck off, she'd get back to Ryoga later, she'd waited years to make him hers, she could wait a few more hours, for the next chance they had to be alone she'd win him at long last!


The young man who stood atop a building watching the scene below was amazed at how like a poor soap opera this group's love lives were!

It was none of his business, and he was glad for that! But if this kept up he might not be able to shadow them for very long, he wasn't sure how long he could stand all this human drama.

Hibiki's lover was currently with her second boyfriend, Hibiki had seen them, that was okay, he could handle that. It was unfortunate for Hibiki, but normal at least.

Now there was another girl making a move on Hibiki, and now he'd been kissed, unlike his lover he'd rejected the kiss but now there was a third girl watching him and the youth would bet dollars to yen that that girl was after Hibiki too!

Amazing what being a candidate for the much sought after position of "chosen one" could do for one's love life. Here these people were free it seemed to trade lovers according to their taste, whilst he would give anything just to see his beloved again, did they have any idea how lucky they were?

The young man's attention slipped however when he noticed the five figures leaping from rooftop to rooftop and headed straight for the last known location of Saotome!

He recognized them right off the bat as Koruda fighters, dressed in their dorky red uniforms.

Koruda was known to have ties with Jun, and it didn't take much for the young man to figure out what this might mean. He grinned, if he could capture one of those K-Fighters and interrogate them he might learn the whereabouts of Jun, he wouldn't have to follow these annoying chosen ones anymore!


Ranma felt a tingle go up his spine, he leapt into the air and out of the way of the attack!

It was Koruda! Tomoko's boomerang cut through the air and hit the ground just where Ranma had been standing. He sneered at her, "Isnt it supposed to come back?"

"Not this kind, pal!" The armored K-Fighter laughed, drawing another one out, "These type are one way, lethal little buggers! Here, see for yourself!" She threw it and Ranma leapt into the air to avoid it.

As he did, Anzu slammed into him and pinned him on the ground, "She's joking, we wouldn't try to kill you after you helped us out and all, but dad wants us to beat down on you guys so . . . y'know, business."

"Right!" Akane said, kicking Anzu in the head, sending her flying off of Ranma and right into a third K-Fighter. "And P.S. don't get so close to my fiancé!"

"Ah! Snaps, this helmet doesn't help at all!" Anzu said, taking off the dented helmet and throwing it away, "That really hurt! I might have a concussion! Do you know how much I hate going to the hospital? The doctor keeps feeling me up! I don't need this kind'a crap!"

"I kinda like it, the doctor's cute." Tomoko said.

"He's like thirty!"

"Older guys are great, they know what they're doin'." Tomoko shrugged.

"Are we not supposed to be fighting them?" A fourth Koruda fighter asked.

"What? Oh—oh yeah!" Anzu said, she drew a katana and said, "Get 'em!"

Ranma leapt back, "You want a party? Let's party!" He ran now and leapt into the air, the Koruda fighters followed him. He leapt onto a building top and turned to face them, a stranger came down first and Ranma kicked him aside, Tomoko was next and Ranma threw himself over the side of the building, she followed.

Ranma however grabbed the roof as he fell, latching on and avoiding doom, Tomoko did not.

She spun midair, saw Ranma holding on, scoffed "Son of a bi—" before splashing into a pond full of swans.

Ranma pulled himself up and stood proud and defiant on top of the building, three K-Fighters came at him, led by Anzu.

Anzu leapt high into the air and came down hard where Ranma had been standing, but the young martial arts master threw himself backwards and landed on the next building. The other two Koruda fighters leapt after him, Ranma turned and sped off towards a battleground more to his liking.

"Ranma, stop being obnoxious!" Akane screamed up at him.

"Come down here and tell your friends you can't play right now!" His mother shouted.

"Kill them all!" Akane's father shouted, "Avenge my family on our hated enemies, destroy the Koruda School of Combat!"

Ranma decided he'd go with that last one. He leapt and did an acrobatic flip that would make most gymnasts jealous, and landed atop a giant tea cup.

What the snap?

The tea cup began to spin, Ranma groaned, the two Koruda fighters—who'd each landed in a cup began to spin.

Anzu and Tomoko who'd caught up with them stupidly leapt onto the ride, Tomoko ending up with a family of four, the father of said family jumping up and shouting "First I lose my remote, then I fall out the window, now some bad cos-play geek is stepping on my drink.

Tomoko's response was "What you want a piece o' me old man?"

The man stood up and tried to take a swing, Tomoko dodged that, and diverted his next blow, she ducked to avoid his roundhouse kick, then he got dizzy and vomited all over his wife.

"Tomoko, stop terrorizing the innocent!" Anzu shouted.

"Aww . . ."

Ranma had leapt onto the rim of his tea-cup (which he now saw was also inhabited by a pair of dizzy lovebirds) and ran along to compensate for the spinning, the Koruda fighters—with the exception of one Ranma didn't know—all followed suit. The one he didn't know stuck his hands in the air and shouted, "Yeehaw!"

"We've come to destroy you Ranma Saotome, because we can, and because my dad has no consideration for other people's day plans!" Anzu said.

"So take your beating like a man and hurry up and die!" One of the nobody fighters said.

"No, now come make this theme park worth the money Kuno spent!" Ranma cried.

The ride came to an abrupt halt, and so did the fight as all four cupbalancing martial artists were thrown from the ride and slammed into the gate that kept the lines back, destroying it. People rushed through to the now free ride, trampling them.

Ranma however managed to climb to his feet first, he stomped on a recovering Anzu and said "Hah, I win!"

"This time Saotome . . . this time." Anzu groaned. "Can you please stop stepping on my head? It hurts."

"Eh? Oh sorry." Ranma said, letter her go.

The Koruda fighter who'd enjoyed the ride instead of fighting came staggering towards them, "Yay! I think I'm gonna be sick!" There was a sound that definitely sounded like a bucket of water being splashed against a wall, and then he said, "Whoa, it's all over my helmet!"

"Gross!" His comrade said.

"Hey, weren't there five of us?" Tomoko asked.

"One, two, three . . . oh darn we lost somebody. Okay we'll go look and meet back in twenty minutes." Anzu said.

"I wont be here in twenty minutes." Ranma warned.

"It isn't always about you!" Anzu said.

"Yeah, Anzu an' I're gonna come back here and do that tea cup thing again!" Tomoko said.

Ranma tilted his head to the side. "Are you two like a couple 'er somethin'? Cause if you are you ought t'kiss."

"We're straight." Anzu said irritably.

"You are?" One of their comrades said in surprise, "But what about that time—"

"Ah-ah-ah, remember? What happens in Vegas . . ." Tomoko said, trailing off.

"Oh yeah . . ." First guy said.

"Right, right, I remember now." Second guy nodded.

"Wait, wait, wait . . . what the heck is Vegas?" Ranma asked.

But Akane ran up to him and bopped him on the head, "The only girls you're going to kiss or lecherously watching performing the act of kissing will be me!" Akane said.

Ranma scowled, but accepted this and the K-Fighters departed.


He shook his head, these people were ridiculous.

He knelt down over the unconscious Koruda fighter. The Koruda family and their martial arts school had ties to Jun, and the young man was determined to find Jun. "When you wake up, you'll be answering some questions." He said to the Koruda fighter. Perhaps interrogating this young man would be a waste of time, but the youth was willing to risk it, the odds that it would lead to information about Jun were good.

He glanced over his shoulder at Ranma and the Koruda fighters. He managed the briefest flash of a half grin, Ridiculous, but entertaining, he decided.

To Be Continued . . .


Next Time: Just why is Kasumi so upset? Nabiki announces that she'll be going to college after all, but will Ryoga confront her about kissing of Kuno or stay quiet and ashamed because of Ukyo? Ukyo suggest Ryoga attend High School to better assist her in seducing Ranma—er because she really wants to be with him, and Yoshimi believes she must now set her sights on destroying Ukyo!