My Life's Stranger Than Yours

Dawn of the Final Day; The Final Preparations Are Set

(A/N: I SWEAR TO THE KAIS, BEERUS, AND ZENO, THIS IS NOT AN APRIL FOOLS DAY PRANK!)

[A Few Days Later]

"Haaaagh!"

THWACK

"Hyaah!"

Spak!

In the Tendo Dojo, Akane and Videl could be seen throwing back to back punches and kicks at each other, both of them blocking and countering whenever they could. With a fierce grunt, Videl launched a high kick that Akane ducked under before the latter countered with a sweeping low kick. Videl was knocked off balance, but was able to flip back onto solid ground.

The two girls stood defensively at each other before they both dropped their guards and exhaled.

"Think it's time for a break," suggested Akane.

"Agreed."

The two fell to the mats and dried themselves off. As the two girls recovered, a third female voice chimed in between them.

"Well, haven't seen you in a while." Leaning against the doorframe was Ranma with his arms crossed in female form.

"Oh, hey Ranma." Videl greeted back. "Feels like it has been a while, hasn't it?"

"What do you want?" deadpanned Akane.

"Cool it Akane. I was just watching your guys' match and I gotta say, Videl's kinda stepped up a bit."

"Why thank you," Videl said, her face beaming with pride.

"I think at the very least, you'll be able to survive your match with Ryoga, but I still doubt you can actually win," Ranma added.

Videl narrowed her eyes but kept a determined smile. "Just you wait. I've been working on something with Gohan and Akane these past few days, and I think I'm ready to use it for real."

"Ohhh, now you've got me all curious. Would you be willing to try it out on me?" Ranma challenged dropping into a defensive stance.

"Ask again in like, fifteen minutes," Videl declined. "Right now, I think I could use some water."

"Wait here, I'll go grab a couple of bottles."

As Akane exited, Ranma took a seat by Videl as the latter stretched her arm out.

"You've been prepping for this fight for quite a long time now haven't you?" Ranma started.

"Have I? How long has it been?" Videl asked.

"Hmmm…I think around 10, maybe 11 days," Ranma answered.

"Eleven days!?" Videl exclaimed darting to her feet. "But…that means…our fight was supposed to be four days ago!?"

"Relax." A calm Ranma said pulling Videl back to the floor. "We already told you about Ryoga's piss poor sense of direction, right? Well something we haven't told you yet is said crappy direction sense causes Ryoga to ALWAYS be late to our scheduled fights, so you're fine."

"Wait…seriously?"

"Yeah. The first time we scheduled a match together, I had to wait 4 days at a lot behind Ryoga's house, and according to him, I was gone by the 5th and he vowed to hunt me down and finish our fight, but that's water under the bridge," she dismissed. "Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if it took that moron a full two weeks to get back to Nerima."

"P-CHAN!"

"Huh?"

A gleeful Akane darted back into the dojo with the familiar black piglet cradled in her arms. "Look it you guys, P-Chan's back!"

'Does every author ever just love proving me wrong?' Ranma inwardly blanked.

"Oh hey!" Videl said reaching out to pet the small piglet. "I haven't seen the little guy at all since I started coming here regularly. I forgot you even had a pet piglet."

"Yeah, he gets out all the time, but he always finds his way back home, doesn't he?" Akane gleamed, snuggling the now blushing mammal against her chest.

Ranma's eye twitched with irritation, but soon snickered as a mischievous smile rose to her face. "Easy Akane, who knows where the little guy's been all this time. It looks like he could use a ba-!"

Before she could finish, the black piglet proceeded to barrage Ranma with his tiny hooves. "Knock it off you little pest!" she cried swatting him away.

"Ranma leave P-Chan alone!" Akane snapped, chasing after her pet.

"Why that little…!"

"Geeze Ranma, what's your problem with Akane's piglet?" asked Videl.

"Well it's…"

'Squeee!'

The tiny animal returned to its duel with Ranma as did Akane who was, rather forcefully trying to split the two up.

*DING-DONG!

"Uhhhm…is anyone gonna get that?"

Taking a second look at the scene in front of her, Videl sighed and exited the room in order to answer the door herself. Upon opening the front door, Videl was met with a girl around her age with long dark hair, not unlike she used to have (only not tied up).

"Umm…Hello?" she bashfully greeted.

"Hi. Um…by any chance have you seen either a small black piglet or a tall boy with a yellow headband come through here?"

"Wait, why-?"

"SQUEEEAL!"

"What in…!?" Dismissng the new guest, Videl quickly exclaimed, "Excuse me a second!" as she ran back to the dojo. Empty. Heading out the back door, her eyes widened as she found Ranma and Akane…petting a giant pig?

"Guys…?"

"Oh hey Videl," Akane replied.

"By any chance, was there a girl at the door?" asked Ranma.

"Katsunishiki!"

The girl from the front door dashed past a confused Videl and the large pig instantly bounded away from the Tendo residents and snuggled up beside her.

"Hey Akari!" said the two.

'Didn't think she'd show up too,' Ranma inwardly added.

"Wait…you all know each other?" asked Videl.

"Kinda. She is Ryoga's girlfriend after all."

"Ryoga's WHAT!?"

A few moments later, the four girls were all sat down in the dojo accompanied with snacks and water following a few brief introductions.

"So you and Ryoga are really a thing, huh?" asked Videl.

"Well…" Akari could only put her hands up to her reddening face as Ranma let out an impish snicker.

"Yeah, and they're welcome." Ranma added.

"For what?"

"Well…not to toot my own horn, but it was thanks in part to me that they actually got together in the first place," Ranma bragged.

"Seriously?" Videl turned to Akane.

"I…actually can't confirm or deny," she shrugged.

"It's true. If it weren't for Ranma…why…I'd still be searching aimlessly for a good, strong man," Akari melodramatically proclaimed.

Videl raised an eyebrow. "No offense Akari but…what exactly do you see in him? Ryoga's strong, I'll give him that, but I'd hesitate to call him a 'good' strong man…" 'Though to be fair, he doesn't really seem like a bad guy either.' She added taking a sip of water.

"It's hard to explain, but there's no doubt that Ryoga is the perfect man for me, because…he's just like a pig!"

Not unlike Gohan before her, Videl spat out her sip of water in a moment of pure shock, coughing as she recovered.

"Excuse me!?"

"Yes, he's just as strong and energetic as a pig. If he weren't, he'd never have been able to defeat Katsunishiki."

"Uhhhhh…"

Ranma leaned over and whispered, "Long story, but the main takeaway is she really loves pigs."

"That probably explains why she asked if I'd seen P-Chan around," Videl failed to notice Ranma flinch at her statement. "But…she does realize what 'men are pigs' means right?" Videl asks.

"Probably not, but do you really want to upset her like that?" added Akane.

"Could it be…your opinion of Ryoga is skewed because you're having a match with him?"

Videl turned to Akari but held her tongue.

"I don't think so. I don't have anything against him personally, but he does still need to pay for trashing my father's dojo.

Akari sighed. "I understand, just please don't hold it against him. Even if he did destroy your dojo, I'm positive it couldn't have been intentional."

"I think we've already had this discussion before, but Akari's right Videl. Ryoga's an odd bird, but he's generally not a bad guy all things considered," Akane added.

Videl sat with her arms crossed, mulling over the two's words. Ryoga was an enigma, not helped by the various mixed signals she'd been receiving, based on both input from others and her own experience with him.

"Hmph, odd-bird. 'Strange-swine' is more like-!"

Her words being cut off, Ranma was met with a foot to the back of the head accompanied by a loud yell of, "Who you callin' a swine!?"

Low and behold, the eternal lost boy joined the girls in the dojo, standing faux triumphantly on Ranma's head.

"Ryoga?"

"Ryoga!"

The bulky boy was immediately embraced by the pig-obsessed girl and in a delightful haze removed his foot from Ranma.

"A-Akari! Glad I found you here! I was afraid I'd gotten lost again." Ryoga chuckled.

"Nope, I'd say you're right on time," interjected Videl.

Ryoga turned to face the lite Z-Warrior and his expression became sterner. "Oh, you're here too. I assume your friend hasn't forgotten about our match?"

"What friend?" asked Akari. "I thought Videl was the one you were having a match against."

"Allow me to break it down for you Akari," Ranma chimed in, whilst pulling out a crudely drawn diagram.

"Videl wants to fight Ryoga because he wrecked her father's dojo, Ryoga on the other hand wants to fight Videl's boyfriend Gohan because of…an accident that involved him and Akane that Ryoga's too thickheaded to let go, even though Akane herself already has. So, the deal is, if Ryoga wants to fight Gohan, he'll have to get through Videl first."

"Wait wha…?" Videl paused before realizing what Ranma was setting up and she decided to go along. "I mean…that's right. You haven't forgotten have you Ryoga?" Videl taunted.

Ryoga hung his head. "Forgive me, but I believe I may have. I don't recall ever agreeing to fight with you," Ryoga replied.

"Sorry buddy, but you heard Ranma. You wanna fight Gohan, you have to get through me first." Videl emphasized.

"How pitiful, sending a woman in his place for a man to man fight. Truly unadmirable."

"Hey! Don't you dare talk about Gohan like that!" Videl snapped.

"Why not. If he's so cowardly that he intends to send the woman he apparently loves headfirst into a hopeless fight just to save his own skin, then I fail to see what you could possibly see in such a man."

"Ryoga!" Akari gasped.

Both Ranma and Akane took a step backwards as a visible vein ticked on Videl's forehead and she stomped towards the yellow clad fighter. "Ohhhh, them's fightin' words," the former muttered. Akane nodded in agreement.

"Listen here pal," Videl snapped pointing a finger in Ryoga's face. "You don't know a single thing about Gohan, so I'll enlighten you; Son Gohan is the kindest most admirable person I know, and he's the last person who'd need someone else to fight a battle for him, especially against someone like you! He's way stronger than you could ever hope to be, but despite that, Gohan hates fighting pointless battles and he has no reason to fight you. I on the other hand, have plenty! Our fight's not just for my Dad's sake anymore, this is for Gohan!"

As Videl wound down her monologue, Ranma gave an impressed whistle while Akane and Akari could only glance at her with similarly impressed expressions. Ryoga on the other hand merely chuckled.

"I guess it'd be rude of me to decline your challenge now but make no mistake. Even though I've accepted, my true goal remains that man. We'll have our battle tomorrow, but make sure he's there."

"Don't worry, he will be." Videl confirmed.

"Hmph, then until we meet again." Throwing his umbrella up on his shoulder, Ryoga exited the dojo…and headed into the Tendo's kitchen.

"Uhhhhh…excuse us."

Grabbing Akari by the wrist, Ranma darted into the kitchen after Ryoga. Following a pair of splashes as well as the sound of various thumping, a now male Ranma returned to the dojo sans Akari and Ryoga.

"Ranma, what did you do?" asked Akane.

"Nothin' much but Videl, I think it's best if you come back to our town for the match instead of the other way around," Ranma replied.

"Why?"

"I just set Akari up with some stuff so she and Ryoga can camp for the night. Akane knows as well as me that we can't leave him alone and expect him to be back tomorrow, let alone find your place again. Also, I think the readers have waited long enough for this fight to happen."

"That's true," Akane nodded.

[Meanwhile, at a vacant lot in the city]

Akari could be seen snuggled up against Katsunishiki beside a tent while cradling a familiar, blushing black piglet against her chest.

"Honestly Ryoga, did you have to be so harsh?" she lightly scolded.

The black piglet let out a stubborn squeal as he laid his head down on Akari's lap. As the three drifted off to sleep, a single thought played in pig-Ryoga's mind. 'She's right about one thing, I really don't know anything about that guy.'

[Back at the dojo]

Ranma and Akane were seeing off a newly determined Videl who was hovering just above them in the backyard.

"Sorry to welch on our spar Ranma but…"

"No, no, I understand. You gotta rest up for tomorrow." He dismissed.

"Do you really think you can win?" Added Akane.

"I don't know, but I'm gonna give him everything I've got and then some!" Videl proclaimed.

"Well don't worry, even if you and/or Gohan lose, I'll be more than happy to slug him for ya a few times," Ranma added with a thumbs up.

"Thanks for the offer Ranma but trust me, even if I lose Gohan won't."

"You have a lot of faith in him, don't you?" asked Akane.

Videl's face flashed pink. "You have no idea. I'll see you guys tomorrow!"

Videl ascended as the two waved their goodbyes. Unbeknownst to them, another of the dojo's patrons had returned with a mischievous glimmer in their eye.

"I need to get a bigger memory card."

[Later that evening]

Videl arrived home in a flash, darting past her father who was feeding Bee.

"Whoa Videl, what's all the rushin' for?" Mr. Satan asked.

"Dad, remember that guy I told you about that trashed the dojo? Well tomorrow's the day of our fight, and I want to be ready for it."

Mr. Satan let out a signature hearty laugh whilst beaming with pride. "That's my girl!" Placing both hands on her shoulders, Mr. Satan continued in a sterner tone, "Rest up while you can sweety and give em' all kinds of hell!"

"Will do Dad," Videl chuckled. As she darted to her room, she was once again paused by her father. "Wait, don't you think you should eat something?"

"Later. I gotta shower and make a phone call!"

As soon as Videl made it to her room, she activated her Comm Watch and was shortly face to face with Gohan…from behind a screen at least.

"Oh, good evening Videl."

"Gohan, do I have news for you."

[The Next Day]

Once the Final Bell rang at Furinkan High, the entire student body was assembled into the sports field, many of them sitting with friends in anticipation.

"What's with the crowd?" asked Ranma.

"Didn't you hear?" Ranma and Akane turned to find Daisuke and Hiroshi. "Mr. Satan's daughter is coming to town for a match!"

"Say wha-?"

The startled boys yelped as Akane grabbed both bystanders by the collar and demanded, "How did you know about that!?"

"Your sister!" they said simultaneously.

Releasing them, AKane clenched her fist in irritation. "Naaabikiiiii…!"

"Yes?"

"Wah!"

Startling the pair, the middle Tendo sister appeared beside them without warning. "Nabiki, this fight was supposed to be a private matter, why'd you tell everyone!?" exclaimed Akane. "Actually, how'd you even know about it, we never said anything about it to anyone."

'Sans the Amazons,' Ranma added.

"Sorry little sister, but my sources remain anonymous," Nabiki snarked. "Still, how could you not mention that your old 'childhood hero' was coming back to town to have a fight with one of our 'hometown favorites'?"

"Because again, it was supposed to be a private matter," Akane emphasized.

"Is that so? Well if you would've told me, I wouldn't have set this whole thing up," Nabiki smarmed.

"Like Hell you wouldn't have!" Akane pointed accusingly at her sister

"Oh well, what's done is done. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a pot to raise." Nabiki left the two as Akane let out a distressed groan.

"I can't believe this!" Akane angrily exclaimed.

"Are you really surprised though?"

"No…", she sighed.

"Given how things get around at school, someone was bound to find out sooner or later, right?"

"I guess…I just have a feeling that Videl isn't going to be happy about this."

[Meanwhile]

In the skies, the ever-familiar yellow aircraft could be seen with not only its familiar pilot, but also her father. Flying beside them was Satan City's resident superhero.

"You know Dad, you didn't have to come along," Videl informed.

"Nonsense. If my girl is gonna throw down with the punk who wrecked my property, then you better believe I'm gonna be there to watch her give him a beating!"

"It's not that I don't appreciate the support Dad, I just don't want you to draw too much attention. You may live for the spotlight, but I'd prefer not to draw a crowd." Videl replied.

"That…might be a problem," added Gohan.

"How come?"

"I can feel Ranma's energy, but it feels like he's already in a crowd," Gohan replied.

"Figures," Videl sighed. "School must have just let out for them, so it makes sense there'd still be a ton of people around him. Oh well, let's just do this already!"

"Hold on…" Gohan closed his eyes and let his senses flow. Of all the ki he could sense in the area, there were two that stood out compared to the rest. He recognized Ranma's as the one that was still, but he could sense another one moving quickly in Ranma's direction.

"I can feel another power level heading towards Ranma. It's got to be Ryoga."

"Perfect," Videl smirked.

"Well don't just float there boy, go after him already!" Hercule ordered.

"Y-yes sir!" In a burst, Gohan zoomed after Ryoga's energy, leaving the father and daughter pair behind.

"Hey, wait up Gohan!"

At full throttle, the champion duo took off after The Great Saiyaman.

[Back at Furinkan High]

The anxious students were all gathered in the fields waiting for either of the combatants to show up when suddenly, a loud squeal filled the air.

"What was that?" asked a Random boy.

"It sounded like a-."

"Squeee!"

"Pig!"

Sure enough Katsunishiki burst through the gates and into the field, mounted by none other than Akari and Ryoga. The large swine slowed itself down and halted abruptly, allowing Ryoga to dismount. As Ranma and Akane approached the odd couple, they could make out Ryoga saying his 'goodbyes' to Akari. "Thanks for the lift you two."

"We'll be rooting for you, but try not to be to cruel to that girl."

Ryoga sighed, but nodded his agreement.

"Yo, Ryoga!" As Ranma and Akane approached, Akari and Katsunishiki dashed off to find a seat for the fight.

"You're actually here before your opponent for once. That's gotta be like a record or somethin'," Ranma teased and greeted.

"They're not here yet? That girl seemed pretty determined to have this fight. It'd be a shame if her boyfriend's cowardness had rubbed off on her," Ryoga crossed his arms.

"Watch it Ryoga," Akane said dangerously. "You're my friend, but don't think I won't hurt you if you keep talking bad about Videl or Gohan," she warned.

"I wouldn't have so many harsh words if they'd had the courtesy to show up on time," Ryoga countered.

"Pot, meet kettle." Deadpanned Ranma.

In the next instance, a humming and whooshing sound filled the area.

"What's that?" asked Ryoga.

"Sounds like an airplane or something,'"Ranma added.

At Ranma's proclamation, everyone turned upwards and began scanning the skies. A few seconds later, a random girl called out "Up there!" and pointed skyward.

All eyes turned to see a yellow aircraft with the name "SATAN" emblazoned on it in all caps.

'She's here!' Akane's face was beaming.

[In the Jet]

Videl glanced out the side of the aircraft and after some searching, spotted Ranma, Akane, and Ryoga altogether. A determined smile on her face, she quickly called out, "I'm taking us down!"

"Wait!" Mr. Satan objected. "You can't just land the plane like that! I know you said you didn't want me to draw a crowd, but since one's already drawn up, you gotta make an impression to let them and that bastard your fightin' know that you mean business!"

Videl hovered the jet over the school thinking over her father's words. Her determined smile growing wider, she replied, "You're right. Dad, take the controls!"

"Wait, what are you doin'?" Mr. Satan asked as he complied.

Turning to her father, Videl winked and replied, "Making a dramatic entrance."

"Hold on-!"

Before Mr. Satan could object, Videl leapt out of the aircraft and swan-dived to the ground. Many spectating students gasped as she clearly had no parachute or equipment. Flipping in midair, Videl slowed her fall via flight and landed gently on her feet before turning to face her would be opponent.

The students looked in awe at Videl's skydive and many broke out into applause. Shaking off the flattered grin that grew onto her face, Videl's expression turned serious as she approached the trio.

"So, you're finally here," Ryoga said.

"You think I'd miss this?" Videl smarmed.

"Is he with you too?" Ryoga ignored her question

"He has a name, and don't worry. He should be here right about…" Videl checked her watch. "…Now."

The onlookers all had confusion on their faces. Weren't Ryoga and Videl the oes fighting? In that instance, a low 'FSSSH' sound caught the attention of the martial artist group. Turning towards the gate was the figure of what looked like a man in a cape. As he came into view, the cape seemed to disappear as the figure revealed himself as a kid around their age in a white shirt, black vest, and red pants.

"So, he did show up," Ryoga growled raising his fist.

"Who's that?"

"Is he the guy Ryoga's fighting?"

"No, Ryoga's fighting Mr. Satan's daughter...right?"

"He's kinda cute actually."

The speculative murmurs continued as Gohan stood by Videl's side. "Sorry I'm late, but I figured since this was your fight, you should take the spotlight."

"Well aren't you a gentleman," Videl gleamed.

"Hmph, and here I thought your being here meant that you had the guts to face me head on, but it appears I was wrong. You still intend to hide behind that girl after all!" Ryoga exclaimed accusingly.

Gohan opened his mouth to respond but was hushed by Videl. "Don't waste time trying to explain yourself Gohan. At this point, nothing's gonna sway either of us."

"It better not!" came a loud booming voice. All eyes turned towards the roof of the school where the champ stood, arms crossed, his cape flapping in the breeze.

"Is that Mr. Satan!?"

"No freakin' way!"

"For real!?"

"It really is him!"

"That miscreant has dishonored the name of Satan, and I SHALL NOT forgive him, and it seems Videl feels the same. As much as I'd like to hop down there and give that vandalizing punk what for, my more than capable daughter should be more than enough to teach him a lesson. You hear me Videl!? Give. Him. HELL! DAHAHAHAHA!"

Videl buried her face into Gohan's shoulder as she desperately tried to not die of embarrassment. "Goddammit Dad…"

"Hmph, such a shame that you have to suffer this humiliation for your partner's indignity, but don't worry yourself. I'll make this quick." Ryoga took a defensive stance as Ranma and Akane stood aside.

"Be careful Videl," Gohan whispered. Before he could clear the battlefield, Videl grabbed his arm. "What, no good luck kiss?"

Gohan's face flushed cherry red. "I…uhhhh…"

"Kidding, but I am expecting a victory kiss once this is over."

"Deal," Gohan nodded. Clearing the battlefield, Gohan went to join Ranma and Akane as the two combatants stared each other down.

"Glad you could make it buddy," greeted Ranma.

"There's no way I'd miss one of Videl's fights," Gohan affirmed.

"You think she can win?" asked Akane.

"I can't say for sure. We'll just have to wait and see." 'I just hope she's not in way over her head.'

[On the field]

Videl took a defensive stance as Ryoga nonchalantly walked towards her. "Allow me to apologize ahead of time. I really don't want to hurt someone who's a friend of Akane's, but if you still insist on going through with this battle, then I will fight with all my strength."

"Good, that'll just make it that much sweeter when I kick your ass!" Videl replied.

"Very well," Ryoga sighed. "You asked for this!"

Ryoga's slow walk accelerated into a mad dash. Instinctively, Videl leapt backwards as Ryoga pulled his umbrella out of seemingly nowhere and thrust it towards Videl.

'Hmph, no problem.'

Recalling her previous bought with Kuno, Videl stood firm and prepped herself to defend against Ryoga's weapon, intending to counterattack afterwards. Too her surprise, when Ryoga's attack hit, she found herself thrown to the ground as the weight of Ryoga's weapon as well as the incredible force behind it broke through her guard.

'The hell…!?'

As Videl shook off the after effects from the attack, Ryoga held his umbrella over his shoulder looking unimpressed.

Her eyes narrowed, Videl quickly rolled onto her feet before darting back at Ryoga. Flipping forward, she launched a fierce kick to his midsection. Unfazed by Videl's attack, Ryoga counterattacked with a side swipe from his umbrella. Videl was once again thrown aside as she failed to block the strike.

As Videl moved to pick herself uo, she was halted by Ryoga pointing his umbrella down at her, seemingly pinning her to the ground.

"If you know what's good for you, stay down."

Channeling energy into her hand, Videl swatted the heavy umbrella aside and caused Ryoga to stumble, giving herself time to slip out of the lost boy's range. Getting back to her feet, Videl stood defensively and proclaimed, "Not a chance!"

(A/N: Long time no see, and again, this is NOT an April Fool's Day joke. I've been meaning to update this story ever since February, but various situations in life kept me away from writing…and I don't mean the infamous virus epidemic [Although that does play SOME part since it's made my job a LOT more stressful this past month and a half]. Don't wanna go into detail, but just know that it was something of a family situation. I'll try and get the next chapter done quickly cause we're at the part everyone's been waiting for, and making you wait too much longer would just be mean (Also, 30 chapters! DAMN!). I wanted to write the whole thing here, but I figured a fight like that deserved a chapter all to itself, so I hope y'all enjoyed the appetizer. To contradict myself, a little, I know I just said I'd get the next chapter out faster, but I'm gonna be busy with some other works in the coming week or so. Specifically, a commission as well as submissions for the first annual HanVi week [Shameless plug is shameless]. That's right, now EVERY canon DBZ couple has their own fandom week (GoChi Week actually just ended don't ya know). If you're interested in participating or just seeing what everyone else is cooking up, follow HanViWeek on Twitter, run by the great cc6512eng Who's the lovely artist who made the cover for this story. Stay tuned as this is sure to be a blast! Next time, Videl vs. Ryoga; It's finally happening)

PS: Fun Fact: The whole 10-11 days thing with Ryoga was actually unplanned. I just pulled a number out of nowhere that sounded like a feasible amount of time to have passed, but when I went back to check how long I'd written each time skip, it actually DID add up to about 10 days. I guess that's what happens when multiple chapters take place in the span of a single day.