Ryoga Reborn

by LigerZer0

A bored extra-dimensional being decides to improve one Ryoga Hibiki's life by stuffing his head with his future counterpart's memories and various anime shows to make Ryoga the Ultimate Rival to Ranma Saotome. Fem Ryoga story.

7. Chapter 7 Rock with the Dragon

Disclaimer: I don't own Ranma ½, it is owned by Rumiko Takahashi. I don't own anything. This is just for fun.

A/N: Happy Christmas everyone. Looks like I finally finished another chapter for my side fic. I hope you guys enjoy it. It could have been better but that's the best I got so enjoy the story.

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3rd POV:

Hibiki residence

In the Hibiki family room, the group is now seated. Ryoga, Karin, and Kazuma are sitting on the couch while both Nodoka and Ranko are sitting across each other on the floor seiza-style.

Ranko is panicking internally as she waits for her mother to say something but all her mother is doing is sharpening her sword right in front of her while she keeps smiling at her. 'This whole thing waiting for my end is freaking me out and seeing that evil little brats smug face who I found out is my sister if only by half isn't helping. I can tell she waiting to see my head roll the evil little twerp.'

Ryoga gets up from the couch after Kazuma whispers something to him. He gets a wet towel walks behind Ranko washing her neck. Ranko can't help but look in shock at what he is doing. 'Oh great if it isn't Ryoga my suppose best friend taking a new leaf. And wants this the traitorous bastard is taking a wet towel and washing my neck? The bastard is actually washing my neck so my mom can cleanly cut my head off! That pig! So this was his end game. I knew him acting all nice and vulnerable was too good to be true. All this time he was leading me here, for a moment I thought we really could be friends but it was all a ruse most likely for his bull shit revenge.'

Ranko starts to visibly tear up. 'It was his damn new curse form that got me wasn't it. He must have got it to get sympathy from me to drop my guard! And it worked Ryoko was actually the perfect friend I wanted she actually listened to me didn't try to hurt me. She even was willing to take unjust punishment from me just to make me happy. Of course, it was all lies just like everything else in my life. I was practically doomed to fail no matter what I did wasn't I.'

Ryoga notices this and uses the towel to wipe away her tears. This action causes Ranko to glare angrily at Ryoga whispering in his ear. "You bastard I hope you are satisfied. You finally got what you wanted. You finally got your revenge and ruined my life so laugh it up you traitor, you pretended to be my friend only to do this to me, huh well you finally got the last laugh."

Ryoga looks sadly at Ranko placing his hand on her face. "Ranma everything is going to be okay. If by any chance the worst comes to past and you die here I promise Ranma on my honor I will die along with you."

Ranko was shocked at Ryoga's declaration not quite believing it. "No, you're lying trying to give me false hope only to crush it."

Ryoga sadly smiles at Ranko before hugging her. "No Ranma I'm not lying. If you died then I have no reason to live anymore. I realized in all my time wandering alone you were always on my mind. I was so desperate to find you I made up a reason a silly as revenge to justify finding you; even fooling myself in believing it. Ranma you are my most precious friend who never abandoned me even though you had more than enough reason to. So Ranma my one true friend I will stay with you."

The rest of the group quietly watched the two interactions enjoying their touching moment. Karin who was watching the two was getting jealous of the two and wanted to say something but her father Kazuma kept her quiet not to interrupt.

The hug lasted about a minute before Ryoga then sat down seiza style next to Ranko while holding her hand smiling at her to let her know he is with her. Ranko couldn't help but smile back at her friend now knowing she was wrong about him and he would stick by her side even unto death. She squeezes his hand around hers like a security blanket knowing she wasn't alone anymore no longer caring how unmanly it is. She now faces her mother who is now standing with her sword at the ready with eyes full of determination.

Nodoka was watching their touching moment with a smile gracing her face. "Ranma you know what the contract entails and what now is about happening correct?"

Ranko nods her eyes still meeting her mother without a hint of fear. "I see then well prepare yourself." Nodoka gathers ki around her sword that makes it look like the wind is circling around her sword. As Nodoka raises her sword Ranko squeezes Ryoga's hand more tightly preparing for the evitable.

'I know I can still try to run away. I certain I could but I refuse to be like my Pops. He always runs away from trouble leaving me to clean up his mess. I refuse to be anything like him. I have done everything to prove I was the opposite of him that I was honorable. That's why I will face this even though it's his damn fault I'm in this situation and that he should be here to suffer the same fate. The only bright side is Ryoga is by my side at this moment. A friend my father tried to separate me from for that stupid man amongst man training bullshit! Shows what that stupid Panda knows; Ryoga here is more of a man than that stupid Panda will ever be and I'm honored will be at my side at the end. I just wished he wouldn't have to die along with me is all but I can't change his mind.' Thought Ranko.

Nodoka's sword starts to shine brightly obscuring their eyes but Ranko continues to stare directly ahead, Nodoka then slashes causing a blade of light to rush straight at Ranko and Ryoga. As Ranko sees the blade of light she closes her eyes and accepts her fate. A moment passes and Ranko notices she isn't dead yet but feels small pieces of something falling on her head. Opening her eyes she sees pieces of paper falling all around and her mother now sheathing her sword.

"What happened?" asked a confused Ranko.

Nodoka looks to her son turned daughter. "You passed my test is what happened."

"What test and what's with all the paper shreds." Asked the confused redhead.

Nodoka smiles. "I was testing you to see how much like Genma you truly were. If you would try to run away like a coward or face your fate with dignity. There was no right or wrong answer as I had no plans on killing you in the first place. But I must say I am proud you chose the honorable path. The fact Ryoga chose to stick by you, in the end, risking his own life shows how vastly different you are from your father as he would be cowering or running already."

Ranko gives out a sigh of relief now knowing she won't die. Ryoga does the same as he wasn't expecting this to happen when he got here. "I uh but then what about this paper?"

"That was the seppuku contract and before you ask the contract was null in void in the first place. Kids can't sign contracts they don't understand especially a 2yr old. It is highly illegal you think your father would know that but." Nodoka sighs. "Well, he wasn't always the brightest it why I agreed to it at the time hoping he would eventually come back home with you. Of course, he never did, did he." Said Nodoka.

Ranko was trying her best to come with grips with the fact the man amongst man seppuku contract hanging over her head was no longer valid. "Wait does this mean I don't have to be a man amongst man anymore?"

Nodoka places a hand on Ranko's shoulder. "Of course dear, you don't have to adhere to that ridiculous idea anymore dear. You are free to be anything you want. You shouldn't have to be shameful about doing anything unmanly. You are my son Ranma even if you choose to be a girl and marry a boy; I will still love you with all my heart." Nodoka then hugs the redhead.

Ranko couldn't help but cry tears of joy at her mother's embrace knowing her mother loves her no matter what. She no longer has to fear to be unmanly in her mother's eyes anymore now feeling a huge weight come off her shoulders.

Ryoga and the rest watched quietly as those two were having their moment. Kazuma thought it was best they had their moment in peace so he took Karin despite her reluctance and headed upstairs. The moment lasted a few more minutes then they separated with Nodoka wiping her daughter's tears away. Ranko still felt guilty for hiding who she was from her mother until now realizing it was something her father would do so she bows her head to her mother. "I'm sorry mom for lying to you earlier before when you came over to the Tendo's. I should have told you I was your son but Pops told me about the seppuku contract and well I'm sorry I was a coward."

Nodoka looks sadly at her son turned daughter. "No Ranma the one who should be sorry is me. I let your father take you from me for 14-15 yrs. By all means Ranma I lost all the rights I had been your mother. I understand this now after having Karin 6 years ago. I learned what it really means to be a mother raising Karin along with Kazuma. More importantly, I learned how to be a family."

Nodoka bows her head to Ranko. "Ranma even though I gave birth to you we are little more than strangers. So I ask of you would you please let me be your mother and try to be a real family."

Ranko tears fully burst out unable to control her emotions as she quickly hugged her mother. "Yes, please be my mother I want us to be a family mom!"

Nodoka smiles warmly while patting Ranko's head. "Thank you, Ranma I promise I won't disappoint you we will be the best family together." The two continue hugging one another for several minutes before finally separating.

Nodoka wipes away some tears from her face. "Oh my, we really spent all this time apologizing to each other most every else left except Ryoga. Sorry for keeping you waiting for dear."

"Oh don't worry about it I don't mind. You two were having a touching moment I didn't want to interrupt." Said Ryoga.

"You truly are a good friend to my son Ranma or I guess daughter Ranko. I'm was surprised you would put your life on the line like that I didn't tell you about this plan earlier so at most I suspected you would try to stop me. But still, its good Ranko has such a loyal friend." Said Nodoka.

"Well I'll head upstairs to get the other two I like to formally introduce them to you Ranko." Nodoka is about to make her way upstairs but leans down next to Ranko's ear. "Ryoga truly is a loyal friend Ranko, cherish him. A true friend like that is hard to come by." She then heads upstairs.

Ranko sighs after that tiring experience. Ryoga places a hand on her shoulder. "Hey, are you okay? Do you want me to get you some hot water?"

Ranko shakes her head before leaning into his chest. "No, after all that my emotions are all out of whack. I rather not cry in my male form so I'll just stay like this for a while; besides it's much easier to deal with all these emotions while in girl form. Oh and thanks for sticking by me, in the end, I actually thought she might kill us for a moment so it was nice to know you were willing to uh well you know."

Ryoga scratches his head before wrapping his arms around her. "Oh don't mention it. I was surprised myself when aunt Nodoka was doing. I didn't think she would actually try and kill you just talk but her act was so convincing I thought she would. I guess that's where you get your acting skills from Ranko; I say you still have a long ways to go before you surpass the master."

Ranko gives out a heartily laugh. "I say, I'm glad I got something from her. Hey wait minute I just noticed that the top of her hair is red like mine now."

"Yeah what about it?" asked Ryoga.

"Her hair was maroon when I first saw her. There was still some patches of maroon but still, most are red now." Said Ranko

Ryoga shrugs. "Maybe she dyes her hair I guess you'll just have to ask her."

"Guess I'll ask her later than. So Ryoga how long are you going to keep your arms wrapped around me this is kind of embarrassing." Asked Ranko,

"As long as I need to Ranko I can tell you really need this so don't worry about being embarrassed or anything." Said Ryoga.

Ranko merely sighs as she leans into his chest unwilling to admit she was enjoying being wrapped in his warm arms. The two remained liked that for a minute before they both heard a cough. Turning in the coughs direction they find that Nodoka had returned with the others and they were watching them. "Sorry to interrupt you two. If you want we can come back later so you two can have some alone time." Said a cheeky Kazuma.

The two immediately separate blushing trying to explain themselves. "There nothing to be ashamed about dears' you two were just comforting each other. Really good friends do that." Said Nodoka.

'Yeah, really good friends just like Ryuho and my sister were until she married him.' Thought Kazuma.

The five of them then sit down on the couches in the family room. Karin, of course, uses this opportunity to sit on Ryoga's lap to protect him from the evil redhead clutches.

Kazuma coughs into his hand getting everyone's attention. "Okay how about we formally introduce ourselves to Ranma or Ranko whichever you are going by. I am Kazuma Cougar I am currently engaged to your mother now. Nice to meet you."

Kazuma then points to Karin. "And this little ball of sunshine is my daughter Karin Cougar. Nodoka and I had her 6 yrs ago so she is 5yrs old almost 6 which means she is your half-sister."

Ranko looks to the other redhead who only glares at her with her doing the same. "Mom are you sure she isn't adopted?" asked Ranko hopefully.

Karin glare intensifies. "Momma, are you sure this is my sister? Are you certain that that Panda man hadn't just switched my real sister with someone else?"

Ranko just for a moment thought perhaps with her Pops always selling her off that perhaps with one of her earlier forgotten memories perhaps just maybe Pops switched her out with someone else but quickly throws that idea away remembering her girl-side looks like her mother.

Nodoka sigh. "Yes, you two are related I remember giving birth to both of you. It seems you two don't get along well. I'm certain once you both spend some time together you'll learn to like each other."

The two redheads continued glaring at each other already planning ways to get rid of the other. Nodoka shakes her head at her kid's antics. "Well moving on Ranko I like to know if you would like to start living with me? I really like us to get to know each other more."

Ranko looks to her mother confused. "You want me to live with you? But what about the Tendos and Pops?"

"I'll just tell them you are moving in with me. I know about your engagement but I think it will do you some good to get away from the Tendos a while. I know Soun and your father have been trying to get you and Akane to marry immediately but I'm certain you aren't ready for that yet." Said Nodoka.

Ranko looks away but nods. 'As much as I like Akane I'm just not sure about marrying her. Heck, I'm not sure about marriage in general. I have no clue what I'm supposed to do for marriage life. It sounded easy on paper when Pops told me I have to take over the dojo and teach anything goes but I not certain how to even do that.'

Nodoka notices Ranko was in deep thought. "It's good to know you are thinking about marriage but I like you to get a proper education first. You won't get anywhere in life with poor grades and yes while I was staying there I saw your report card hidden in the closet."

Ranko has a sheepish look on her face as she tries to laugh it off. Nodoka smiles ominously. "Don't worry dear I'll happily tutor you so you can catch up with your classmates. Though I hope you don't mind being homeschooled a while if you decide to come with us with Ryoga to find a cure for his family curse."

"Wait you plan to go with him?" asked a surprised redhead.

"Of course dear, we can't let Ryoga go on his own or else we might never see him again. Also, we are hoping to run into his parents along the way as it's been too long since I saw them last." Said Nodoka.

"Don't forget there is strength in numbers especially with these Dragon balls involved. There is no telling what kind of strong advisories we will have to come across that already have them." Said Kazuma.

"Wait does that mean the brat is coming too?" said Ranko as she points to the other redhead who in turns bites her finger. "Oww, why you little." Ranko tries to grab Karin but Ryoga intervenes. "Okay that's enough you two sisters shouldn't be fighting."

The two redheads refuse to look at each other. "Hey, I'm a guy remember that P-chan." Said Ranko.

"Not right now you aren't Ranko." Replied Ryoga.

Kazuma then intervenes. "Sibling issues aside what do want to do Ranko?"

Ranko thinks for several moments before she looks to both Kazuma and her mother. "I think I like to try living with your mom. I like to get to know you better and be a family (minus the brat) besides Pops already ran off somewhere so no problems on that front well besides the Tendos."

Nodoka smiles. "I happy to hear that then and don't worry about the Tendos I'll call them later about you moving in with me. Oh and Ranko don't worry too much about the arranged marriage with the Tendos. If by any chance you don't want to go through with it you don't have to. You don't have to worry about family honor as it was Genma who arranged it as long with all those other marriage contracts. As it stands that contract is null in void as well as puts our honor into question. It's the other reason I divorced him so his misdeeds don't have negative repercussions on us now that I have legal custody over you."

"Wait does that mean I don't have to marry any of my fiancés anymore?" asked Ranko.

"Yes, Ranko. I want you to choose who you want to be with and not feel pressure from everyone else into marrying. It is what happened to me the pressure from my parents arrange marriage I didn't want to cause me to rush into a relationship with Genma who seemed like a good choice as he acted like a good man until you were born then he started to act distance until 2 yrs later he took you from me." Nodoka sighs. "Ranko I just don't want you to regret ever marrying the wrong person as I did. You need to find someone who fundamentally understands you and will be by your side when you need them. But most importantly they have to be your friend first not just your fiancé to be or it won't work." Said Nodoka.

Ranko thinks on this. 'Hmm, I know Akane is supposed to be my fiancé but can I really say she is my friend? Well in some cases she has shown to be a friend but most of our interactions are always ending in a fight or an argument. She also doesn't like me hanging out with any girls always reminding me I'm supposed to be her fiancé. There also the fact that we had to live together so our personalities tend to clash a lot. And don't get me started on my curse as I know she really doesn't like it mainly because my girl-side is way better looking than all the other girls except shampoo on some level but I'm certain my girl-side is still hotter.'

'Maybe with us living apart will actually improve our relationship now especially if the marriage contract is out of the way. We might be able to actually truly be friends like how Ryoga and I are becoming now. Perhaps with the engagements out of the way maybe all the girls can be friends instead of fighting one another. Well, a guy could dream.' Thought Ranko.

Nodoka pats Ranko's head to get her attention. "Ranko if you don't mind can I dump this hot water over your head I really like to see my son for the first time in years."

Ranko looks to the hot pot of water in her mother's hand deciding she can't put this off anymore. "Of course mom you should see my male form."

Nodoka smiles then pours hot water on Ranko transform her into Ranma. Nodoka gets a good look at her son. "Oh my, you look so manly up close. Oh, I'm so proud to have such a manly son." She then hugs her son.

While they were hugging Karin was pouting turns to Ryoga. "Onii-chan why is mom giving baldy so many hugs? Where are my hugs?"

Ryoga gives a small laugh then picks her up hugging her. "Well here are your hugs, how do you like it?"

Karin snuggles into his chest. "Hmm Onee-chan breast is better but you are warm so its okay." Ryoga sighs at that but pats her head.

As the mother and son get out of their hug Ranma has to ask. "So where are we going to be staying at now?"

"For now we are staying at Ryoga's house before we go searching for those Dragon Balls. We should be staying here for another two to three weeks as I finish selling the old house we used to stay in when you were 2 yrs old Ranma. I had leased it before as I couldn't keep paying the bills anymore since your father left with you so now after all this time I'm just selling it as I don't feel at home there anymore. Don't worry Kazuma and I plan on buying a house close by to here." Said Nodoka.

Ranma's worries that he might have to change schools is laid to rest. "So where would I be sleeping then?"

"You can use the same guest room Nami used as she is now working at the Nekoten. I think she will be getting her stuff later as she is going to use the same apartments the Amazons are using." Said Kazuma.

"Wait Nami is working at the Nekoten? How did that happen?" asked Ryoga.

Kazuma shrugs. "I don't know? She'll be coming by later to get her things so ask her then."

"I see, then Ranma come on follow me to the guest room then." Ryoga makes way to the stairs but takes a wrong turn heading to the front door with Karin still wrapped around his chest. The others see this shaking their heads with Kazuma and Ranma snickering.

"Hey, P-chan you're going the wrong way." Ranma grabs Ryoga by the hand leading him upstairs.

"Man the kid really is a chip off the old block. He is just like his father. Aw, I'm starting to actually miss the bastard." Said Kazuma.

"It does bring back memories when all four of us were together. Well, when Ryuho wasn't lost of course. At least Krista was able to find him always." Said Nodoka.

"Yeah, a lot of good that did. I really hope these Dragon Balls are able to do what they are supposed to do. I like to see my sister again it's been too long." Said Kazuma solemnly.

"Yes, I like to see them both too. Well, at least we have Ryoga here as he is the spitting image of them both in both forms." Said Nodoka.

Upstairs Ranma was leading an embarrassed lost boy for making a wrong turn to Ryoga's room. As the three enter, they find Shirokuro with her last two puppies by the bed.

"Puppies!" Karin jumps off Ryoga rushing over to the dogs petting them. Ranma shakes his head then sits on the bed looking at all of Ryoga's souvenirs. "Hey, Ryoga you really have a lot of strange stuff here. There always something new when I come here."

Ryoga takes out his bag starts unpacking his extra things. "Yeah, I know. So why did you lead us to my room for the guest room isn't far from my room."

"I know I've been in there before when I was pretending to be your sister Yoiko. I just wanted to hang out with you for a bit." Said Ranma.

Ryoga's expression deflates a bit remembering when Ranma pretended to be his sister. A small desire to strangle the pigtail boy crosses his mind but he immediately dismisses it. "How about after I finish unpacking my things we head to the vacant lot to train." 'I think I need to relieve some stress on you Ranma.'

Ranma unaware of Ryoga's thoughts smiles. "All right that means you will teach me some of those new techniques right?"

"Sure Ranma I'll teach you a few ki techniques I learned." Replied Ryoga.

Ranma was practically giddy that he will learn a new technique. 'Man I can't wait. I love learning new techniques. Looks like I'm already getting to benefits from this renewed friendship already.'

As Ryoga is finishing up putting away his extra trinkets Karin is looking over his extra stuff asking questions on where he got it from with him giving the best description where he was at the time he got it. As Ryoga finishes putting away his extra stuff he changes into his alter Shaolin gi. (Goku's Gi) "Okay, I'm done. Ranma leads us to the vacant lot so we can train."

Ranma was immediately on his feet grabbing Ryoga rushing him out of the house into the vacant lot. Karin made to follow them but stopped at the guest room seeing Nami's bag. Curious what kind of trinkets she has she goes in looking into the bag. She mostly found spare Shaolin gi, girl clothes, playboy magazines, and some naughty photos. As she reaches the bottom of the bag she grabs out a fishing rod. She looks at the strange rod with a suction cup where the hook is supposed to be. As she was looking a small book falls out. Looking at it she reads "Fishing Rod of Love Manuel" She quickly reads over it as it tells her all about the rod.

'Hmm, this may come in handy to get baldy away from my Oneechan.' Karin then grabs the rod and Manuel to hide it in her shared room with Ryoga.

Outside Ranma drags Ryoga to the vacant lot completely excited like a kid on a sugar rush. "Okay Ryoga were here, so what kind of new move will you teach me?"

"Well, I guess I'll teach you a new ki technique but first how about I teach how to further enhance your strength and speed." Said Ryoga.

Ranma looks confused. "What do you mean by that?"

"I mean I'm going to teach you how to channel your ki into your arms and legs to increase their power. That way you can hit harder and run faster." Said Ryoga.

At the news of learning how to further increase his own strength, Ranma was giddy to learn. Ryoga started teaching Ranma how to channel his ki through his limbs. Luckily Ranma was a fast learner and quickly excelled. Unfortunately, Ranma lacked the reservoirs of ki Ryoga has so he learned he couldn't use this for long durations. Which is why Ryoga is now using his iron cloth technique to make Ranma's clothes heavier.

Ranma is currently performing his usual katas but is having a hard time now that his bracers weigh 50 pounds with his weights on his legs being the same. "Man this is torture. I do this katas every day and I don't break a sweat. Now I have these weights that weigh a ton and now I feel like I ran a marathon. P-chan are you sure this will increase my ki reserves or are you just torturing me for your amusement."

Ryoga laughs while continues his own katas. "Yes, Ranma this should help increase your reserves. It worked for Nam when I started his training so it should help you too. And yes I do enjoy watching your suffering it completes me." He finishes with a smile.

"Oh, why you dirty little pig come here so I can kick your ass!" Ranma then stars launching punches and kicks at Ryoga. Ryoga continues to laugh while he blocks Ranma's blows returning blows I in favor. The two continue their impromptu spar in good honesty as they eventually both start laughing as they spar having a good time.

About half an hour into their spar Karin arrives at the vacant lot to watch their spar. "Kick baldies butt Oniichan!" cheered Karin.

The two martial artists turn for a moment to the redhead before resuming their spar. "Ungrateful little brat. I suppose to be her brother but she is completely against me." Complained Ranma as he uses his Tenshin Amaguriken on the lost boy.

Ryoga gives a small chuckle as he dodges and blocks most of the hits. "I'm sure she'll come around Ranma. Just try to be nicer to her."

"Ha! Fat chance of that happening. Admit it the brat hates me." Exclaimed Ranma as he tries to sweep kick Ryoga.

Ryoga jumps over it and kicks Ranma who barely manages to block it. "You just have to try harder to be nicer and try to control your mouth. You tend to say things that tick a lot of people off Ranma that gets you into a lot of trouble. Trust me I dealt with your backhanded comments long enough to know it makes more enemies than friends."

Ranma backs up gaining some distance before charging a Moko Takabisha. "Hey, nothing is wrong with my mouth. All I'm doing is telling jokes but some people just take it the wrong way. It's not my fault some people just can't take a joke." He then fires it at Ryoga.

Ryoga in response unleashes his aura engulfing his body making it visible so to onlookers it looked like he was surrounded in yellowish green flames as he swats the ki blast flinging it into the sky. "Ranma to you it is joking, to others, you are insulting them, belittling them and demeaning them. I just wish you listen to yourself talk sometimes or maybe find some way to make you interact with a clone or doppelganger of you so you can learn how everyone feels having to deal with you."

Ranma is awestruck in how Ryoga is now engulfed in yellowish green aura making him look badass with his hair flowing slightly up dramatically. "How are you doing that? You have to-" Ranma didn't get to finish as Ryoga closed the distance between them in mere moments landing an overwhelming powerful punch straight to the face knocking him out.

Ryoga looks to his hands engulfed in his aura before canceling his aura off. "Wow, I can't believe that actually worked. My first time trying that after getting a better hang of controlling my ki; I wonder if it will be possible to learn how to fly now. Nah I better not until I fix my family curse I don't want to get even more lost."

Karin was absolutely giddy how her Oniichan beat Ranma she immediately rushed him jumping into his chest hugging him. "Oniichan you are so awesome! You beat baldy so easily." Happily said, Karin.

"Oh, it was nothing. I just surprised him with that last one so he didn't see it coming." 'Man I'm really enjoying beating Ranma again. It feels good to get back at him after all those humiliating defeats. Part of doesn't want to train him so I can keep on beating him but I know our friendship is based on our rivalry. Its why I was so determined to keep up with Ranma so he would always see me as his rival even if I didn't try to acknowledge it due to my own delusions. Truth is we really need each other more than we know as some of the fights we had like Herb and Saffron we would of not of had a chance of winning had neither Ranma and me met as nothing would have pushed us to get as strong as were at the time.' Thought Ryoga.

Karin looks to the unconscious pigtail boy smiling evilly jumping down taking out a marker and starts drawing on Ranma's face. "Karin what are you doing?" asked Ryoga.

"I'm only doing what you promised me to remember you said when you knock him out you let me draw on baldies stupid face." Said Karin.

"Oh, right I did say that. Well, Karin go ahead but when he comes to try to act a bit nicer he is your brother by blood." Said Ryoga.

Karin finishes drawing on Ranma's face then turns to Ryoga shaking her head. "No, you are my Oniichan. Baldy is bad he hurt you. He keeps on hurting you. I can tell when you smile at him it isn't completely real. I can feel it you are really sad inside. I don't want you to be sad Oniichan."

Ryoga is surprised at this. 'How can she know…could it be she can feel people's emotions? I believe the word was empathic. I guess there are some things I can't hide from my Imoto after all.' Ryoga bends down and hugs Karin. "I'm sorry for worrying imouto. But you need to understand that Ranma your brother is my oldest and only friend who hadn't abandoned me. I have been a complete jerk to him and I gave him more than enough reason to just give up with me and have nothing to do with me. But he never did. He still considered me an ungrateful bastard who blamed him for all my problems his best friend. Please try to understand Karin Ranma also had a rough life and when he needed someone there for him almost no one was there for him but he was there for me taking all the insults I threw at him. So please Karin try to get along with your brother please."

Karin looks up to Ryoga sensing how honest his emotions are concerning Ranma. She feels jealous that he feels that way for Ranma but his story really touched her. "Okay Oniichan for you I will try to get along with Baldi-I mean Ranma Oniichan."

Ryoga smiles patting the girl on her head. "That's all I'm asking for."

Karin then hands Ryoga a water bottle. "Here Oniichan."

Ryoga smiles at Karin accepting the drink. "Thanks, Karin." While Ryoga was replenishing his thirst Ranma stirs awake. "OW what happened?"

Karin turns to Ranma. "You got your butt kicked by Oniichan that's what."

Ranma eyes refocus as he looks to the smirking redhead. "Oh great the first thing I see is this little twerp; my day just gets better and better."

Karin eyes narrow at the pigtail boy. "Well, it's just going to get better than as soon as you look at your stupid face."

Ranma feels that something is wrong especially when the redhead hinted at his face. Worry spreads through Ranma as he grabs Ryoga's water bottle causing it to spill on himself turning into a girl but not caring as she looks at her reflection. Looking at her reflection she sees someone had drawn on her face giving her comical glasses, polka dots, the word "I'm bald" and a mustache. Ranko glares at the smirking redhead. "Okay, you little twerp now you are going to get it."

As Ranko makes to grab Karin Ryoga grabs her holding her in place. "Let go of me P-chan the brat had it coming for a long time. What she needs is a good old fashion spanking."

Ryoga refusing to budge holds her in place. "Now Ranko she was only playing around right Karin."

Karin puts on her cutest most adorable smile. "I'm sorry Oneechan I was only playing. I'm really sorry." She then hugs Ranko with her head underneath her bosoms.

Ranko stops struggling against Ryoga surprised the redhead actually apologized even called her sister. "Ah okay, as long as you understand you did wrong I guess I'll forgive you this time."

Ryoga seeing the two no longer fighting lets go of Ranko. "Okay, Ranko lets get back to training then but first lets clean up your face first."

Ryoga takes out one of his bandanna's splashes some water on it from the water bottle then proceeds to wash Ranko's face despite her protest. As he finishes cleaning her face he can't help but comment on how her pout makes her look cute. "Hey, Ranko you know pouting like that only makes you look cute."

Ranko blushes shyly turning away from him so he wouldn't look at her face. "I-I'm not cute and I wasn't pouting. Stupid pig saying stupid things like I'm cute who do you think you are."

Ryoga blinks then laughs. Ranko turns to Ryoga wondering why he was laughing. "Hey what the heck are you laughing for?"

Ryoga manages to control his laughing. "I'm sorry Ranko I just realized how much of a tsundere you are as a girl. It really makes you cute."

Ranko remembers Daisuke and Hiroshi talking about types of girls they like one being a tsundere didn't appeal to Ranko that she was being compared to that. "P-chan you take that back or I'll kick your ass!"

Ryoga sticks out his tongue out at Ranko. "Nah I think you trying to act tough is only making you cuter."

Ranko anger goes through the roof as she attacks Ryoga at reckless abandon. Ryoga easily blocks and dodges her attacks as her anger is making her sloppy. They continue fighting for another 10 minutes with Karin watching from the sidelines as Ryoga is still calling her cute which only angers her more.

Ryoga then ends the fight as he gets behind her holding her in place. "Get your hands off of me you dirty pig!" screamed Ranko.

"Not until you calm down Sheesh. All I did was call you cute and you go crazy. Man, you are such a tsundere." Said Ryoga.

"I'm not cute. And I'm not a tsundere you pervert!" screamed Ranko.

Ryoga merely sits down with Ranko on his lap as she desperately tries to struggle free from his grasp. Karin seeing that the fight is over goes over to the other sits on Ranko's lap using her bosoms as pillows to take a nap. Ryoga seeing this follows her lead as he leans his head on top of Ranko to rest his head to take a short nap while still holding her in place. Ranko notices how both of them now using her as a pillow of sorts as they nap but still can't escape. Eventually, her fatigue gets her too as she soon is lulled asleep.

15 minutes later Nam and Mousse arrive at the vacant lot. The two notice the three sleeping together. "Wow, Ryoga works fast. The redhead there is a real knockout. I didn't think Ryoga already had a girlfriend but with an insanely hot redhead like that I can't blame him."

Mousse narrows his eyes on the redhead. "That redhead is none other than that bastard Ranma Saotome."

"Wait that's Ranma? The one you two keep on talking about nonstop. Damn, she is hot." Said Nam.

Ranko who was asleep starts to waken. Seeing the two onlookers seeing her in such a compromising position Ranko tries again to get out of Ryoga grip only causing Karin to fall off head first into the ground.

This, of course, causes Karin to wake violently crying which causes Ryoga's big brother senses to go full alert as he wakens. He immediately pushes Ranko aside without a care in the world going to Karin's side picking her up hugging her trying to calm her down.

Mousse huffs. "How typical that Saotome would make a little girl cry just to save face."

Ranko tries to defend herself. "Hey, it's not my fault she chose to sleep on my lap."

Over with the other two, Ryoga was still trying to console crying, Karin. "(Sniff) Oniichan my head hurt!" said the sniffing redhead snot running down her nose.

Ryoga wipes her nose with his bandanna while using his ki to sooth the pain on her head. "Don't worry imouto your big brother is here I'll make the pain go away."

Karin's pain starts to disappear as she starts to calm down. "Thank you Oniichan. I knew you were my real Oniichan."

Ranko who heard that couldn't but feel a stab of pain how Karin considers Ryoga her real brother over her when they are related by blood. As well as guilt for how she caused this incident in the first place. As she watched Ryoga stand up and approach the other two he looks her way and instead of a face etched in righteous anger she expected it was just a face of disappointment directed at her. Somehow that hurt much worse than any enraged anger he had at her.

Ryoga approaches the other two and speaks in Chinese. "Hey, good afternoon guys. So what brings you guys here?"

"Well, Ryo I came here to get my bag as I am staying at one the apartments the Nekoten employees stay at. I actually got a part-time job there while Ma-Tsu teaches me Japanese." Said Nam.

"Okay Nam but what's the real reason you took a part-time job there of all places." Asked Ryoga.

Nam smiles lecherously. "Well, what can I say the women of the Nekoten are very beautiful women? Besides what's wrong with trying to pick up a few chicks while learning Japanese from my good buddy here who by the way has a date tomorrow."

Ryoga rubs his head. "Nam, you do realize they are Amazons right? You do know what that means right?"

Nam merely waves his hand in dismissal. "Oh relax Ryo. I know about the Amazons and don't worry about it. I've no plans to move to Joketsuzoku live the rest of my life in that place. Doesn't mean I can't have some fun with these Amazon girls."

Ryoga shakes his head. "Your choice Nam, but if things turn sour it's your ass on the fire. So Mousse you got a date? So how were the other girls' reactions to this news?"

"Well, the others were still in disbelief that I got a date and Shanpu merely dismissed it as the girl must be blinder than me. Other than that I'm not sure." Said Mousse.

Ryoga smiles. "Don't worry about it you just need to go on a couple of dates with a few girls so they can see you in a better light. Hey, guys right now I'm training care to join me?"

"We have some time to kill sure why not." Said Nam.

Ryoga then sets Karin down next to a wall checking her over to make sure she was okay calling Shirokuro to watch over her before heading back over two the other boys to do some training. Ryoga goes over the benefits of weighted training with Mousse then uses his iron cloth to make Mousses clothes heavier. Once the increased weight is done to their clothes they all start sparing together.

Ranko who was watching felt left out as they completely forgot about her. As well as annoyed they were talking in another language she didn't know. She immediately storms into the group interrupting their spar. "Hey, you haven't forgotten me P-chan? You were supposed to teach me some of those ki techniques remember?"

Mousse rolls his eyes. "Are sure you should even be here Saotome? This is training for Men not little girls."

This enrages the pigtail girl. "You take that back duck boy! I am Ranma Saotome and I am a Man! And I am more man than you will ever be duck boy! Just ask Shampoo." She smirks at the duck boy.

Ranko's insinuation enrages Mousse. "How dare you speak ill of Shampoo Saotome! Prepare to die!"

Before the two could commence their battle Ryoga stops them. "Enough you two, we are only training today so no fights. Now Mu-Tsu continues sparring with Nam while I take care of Ranma here."

Ryoga immediately grabs Ranko's hand despite her protest ensuring they were far enough away from the other two.

Ryoga then starts teaching Ranko both the Kameha wave and Hadouken. During the training, Ryoga teaches Ranko to mainly use regular ki instead of confidence ki. Of course, when it came time to use it Ranko learned fast that she ran out of ki fast using regular ki. So when it came to her new ki techniques her Hadouken was her go to as it didn't use too much ki and was faster.

As Ranko fires off her second Kameha wave before finally collapsing on the ground panting Ryoga gives Ranko one of his bandanna he enlarged to the size of a towel to wipe her face. "Damn it Ryoga. Firing those ki blasts is exhausting. Remind me again why I can't use confidence ki when it makes things easier?"

Ryoga looks at Ranko neutrally. "I told you we are trying to build up your ki reserve. You need to stop depending on emotional ki as it can be a crutch depending on what it is. There are times when you won't have confidence Ranko. And yes I know you are always confident but out there Ranko with the rest of the world, not Nerima there are places that can easily crush a mans confidence due to how bad some situations are out there that feeling confident just isn't an option even for you."

"But mainly I'm trying to get you used to fire them so you can learn to better use your ki so you don't use excessive amount like I normally did. I'm sure you'll get it done faster than me as you don't have nearly as much as me."

As Ranko finishes toweling herself off she notices that Ryoga has been somewhat distant after Karin hit her head. 'What wrong with Ryoga? He hasn't been acting his usual friendly self at all like he is with those other two idiots. He isn't still angry about the whole Karin thing, right? I mean come on it can't be my fault the brat fell-okay maybe it was my fault. Damn it why am I letting this bother me?' "Hey, Ryoga um about earlier uh sorry about making Karin hit her head I didn't mean to just you know… um Ryoga you there why aren't you responding?"

Ryoga stares blankly at Ranko. "Ranko I'm not the one you should be apologizing to. Karin is your sister so you need to be the one that looks out for her. So how about you try being an older sibling and apologize to your sister."

Ranko sees how resolute Ryoga is on this and looks to her half-sister sitting next to Shirokuro by the wall. Sighing Ranko tirelessly gets up walks over to Karin. Karin upon seeing the other redhead hugs Shirokuro while hiding behind her glaring daggers at Ranko. Ranko tries to apologize but still look nonchalant. "Hey brat-I mean Karin um I'm well you know sorry about earlier that caused you to hit your head okay."

Karin looks to her older half-sister not believing her words as she didn't even look her in the eye. She immediately gets up walks over to Ranko then kicks her in the shin then runs back to Shirokuro while blowing her a Raspberry.

Ranko jumps up and down holding her shin. "Why you little come back here!" She is enraged by the redhead and chases after her but Karin jumps back on Shirokuro points at Ranko. "Sic girl!" Shirokuro then narrows her eyes at Ranko then charges jumping in the air spinning turning into a cyclone heading straight for the pigtail girl. Ranko is surprised by the dog and reacts too late as the dog cyclone pummels into Ranko's gut knocking the wind out of her knocking her out on the ground. The dog and redhead girl stand victorious over the pigtail girl.

The other three stop what they were doing seeing this as Nam and Mousse are now next to Ryoga. "Um Ryoga what kind of dog is that?" asked Nam.

"Well, dad said it was a ninja dog which is why it's so smart. And no I have no idea where he got her from. After all, he got her when he was lost one day as usual when it comes to my family." Said Ryoga.

"Hmm, maybe I should have asked you to borrow your dog those times we were trying to get rid of Saotome. She could have made things much easier." Said Mousse.

Not long after Karin and Shirokuro then head back into the house as Karin is getting hungry. Ryoga goes over to Ranko dumping what's left of the water bottle on Ranko waking her up. "Uargh did anyone get the name of that tornado that hit me?"

"You got your butt kicked by the Shirokuro cyclone that's what happened. But you did apologize to your sister being the older responsible sibling. For that, I'm proud of you." Ryoga smiles heartwarmingly at Ranko with his hand out to help her up.

Ranko blushes upon seeing his face and shyly looks away while grabbing his hand getting back up. "Uh yeah, whatever you say."

"Well come on Ranko lets finish the rest of our training with one last spar with the other before we go get something for lunch. I think I smell aunt Nodoka making something." Said Ryoga.

At the mention of food, Ranko is more than happy to finish their training. The two of them joined Nam and Mousse sparring as they fought against one another. Ryoga also used the spar to show them how to use the Shoryuken to the others so they can learn how to use it; he as well as showed them how to use the solar flare but they hadn't got it down yet so they will continue working on it on their own time.

After about half an hour they finished their spar and headed inside. Nam got his bag said his goodbyes as he and Mousse need to get back as Cologne sent them on some errands and they forgot. They both promised to come by tomorrow for more training then left.

Afterward, Ranko and Ryoga sat down with the rest of the family in the dining room to eat some delicious lunch from Nodoka. As they were happily eating Nodoka had to tell Ranko something. "Oh dear, I need to tell you I already called the Tendos telling them I know about you being my son Ranma. I told them that you will be moving back in to live with me. I know you still have some of your things back there so when you go get them it will be the best time for you to tell them directly about this as I heard from their interactions that they were saddened that you were moving out."

"I see, I guess I'll have to tell them directly eventually but I think I'll hold off until the weekend is over." Said Ranko.

Ryoga looks confusedly at Ranko. "Hmm, why do you want to wait until the weekend is over? Wouldn't it be better to tell them as soon as possible like later today or maybe tomorrow?"

"Well yeah sure but I like to have some time to think on what I'm going to say to them. They have been the closes thing I had for a family for a long time and Pops doesn't count on account of everything he put me through. Aside from that, I like to try a weekend away from them to see how different it is you know. I like them but sometimes the craziness that goes on there can be overwhelming as well as Mr. Tendo's and Pops insistence I get married to Akane already." Said Ranko.

"Ah another words kid you need a break from your family the Tendos correct? I can understand that. My sister and I were the same way your age which is why we both met Ryoga's father and started traveling with him to get a break from our family and have an adventure of our own. Good time good times." Said Kazuma.

Ranko nods confirming his statement. "Well, it's okay dear if you still need time. Take as long as you need until you feel comfortable with it." Said Nodoka.

They then continued eating the rest of their lunch in relative quiet. When they finished lunch Ranko splashed herself with hot water turning back to Ranma then went with Ryoga to just stroll around town. They were mostly visiting stores or stalls for anything that may catch their eyes. They were mostly just going out to just spend time just being friends reconnecting. They eventually found a park to do some more sparring as Ranma was anxious to learn more. They continued sparring until the sun was starting to go down.

See that it was getting late the two boys head back home. "Hey Ryoga I forgot that you were supposed to be my maidservant today?" said Ranma."

"Hmm oh I guess you are right we got so sidetracked after that whole seppuku contract thing. I guess I fulfill the rest of the deal tomorrow then." Said Ryoga.

"Oh good, then that should give me enough time to get something nice, revealing and girly for you to wear. I can't wait." Said a happy Ranma.

Ryoga merely sighs as he continues to follow Ranma back home. The rest of the day goes by fast for the two as they quickly eat dinner before taking baths then going to bed.

The next day Ryoga get up from bed careful not to wake up Karin to use the bathroom. Shirokuro was of course up to help guide him as he did his morning ritual. After he was done he splashed himself with cold water. Ryoko then looks at herself in the mirror touching her hair still astonished how it grows shoulder length each time she transforms.

After looking herself over she goes over back to her room with the dog leading to waking up Karin. "Karin time to wake up your dad is making breakfast today."

Karin groggily wakes up to the pleasant sight of her big sister, "Oneechan I missed you!" the redhead missile launches itself into the blonde's chest snuggling into them.

Ryoko merely sighs. "I see someone missed their favorite pillows didn't they?" The redhead nods confirming this. "Well imouto hurry and get dressed breakfast should be ready. Don't forget your parents is taking you over to see an old friend of your dads today."

Karin pouts. "But I don't want to go I want to stay with you."

"I know but Ranma and I are training with Nam and Mousse later today. 'Not to mention Ranma plans on having me stroll around town in some revealing get up. But Karin doesn't need to know that.' Don't worry imouto when you come back today how about you and me take a bath together?" said Ryoko.

"Yay booby-I bath time with Oneechan! I can't wait." Said Karin.

"All right all right now let go wake up Ranma real quick." Ryoko quickly takes off her boxers putting on some panties now wearing only a thin tank top and panties she heads to Ranma's room.

Opening the door she sees Ranma is still sleeping peacefully albeit snoring. She walks over to him looking at his smiling face as he sleeps as he is most likely having a good dream. She genteelly rocks him awake. Seeing how it isn't working she leans down to his ear. "Ranma breakfasts is ready, there is lots of nice and juicy bacon."

Ranma immediately wakes up looking for some juicy bacon. "Hmm where that bacon at? Pops better not eat my bacon!" As his eyes focus he notices Ryoko is by his bedside in nothing but a thin tank top and panties that have little to the imagination. He looks away trying to hide his blush. "Ah, Ryoko what you doing in here?"

"I'm just waking you up sleepy head. Oh right, master. Do you want me to do anything else for you master?" said Ryoko in a seductive voice.

Ranma audibly gulps. "Oh nothing right now, how about you wait for me downstairs then." The blond nods bowing like a maid showing plenty of cleavage before following Shirokuro downstairs.

Ranma sighs in relief. "Man, I can't believe how easy it is she is pulling the whole maid routine. And damn if those bazookas aren't dangerous. I still intend to embarrass her today by showing her how bad it can be being a girl with guys always leering at her. Ha, now she'll finally know my pain and can never complain about how easy I have it."

Ranma gets up gets dressed and heads downstairs to eat some breakfasts. Not long the family happily eats some breakfast then Kazuma and Nodoka make ready to leave with Karin to see one of Kazuma's old friends. With them leaving it leaves only Ranma and Ryoko left. Ranma of course then gives the blond the outfit he wants her to wear. She puts it on now wearing a black Tankini, red mini skirt, and black leggings.

Ryoko looks herself over surprised how good she looked but embarrassed she was wearing them. Ranma secretly liked what he saw. He mainly picked it so she stands out in a crowd but even he has to admit she looks drop dead sexy. "So Ryoko how do you like your new outfit?"

Ryoko blushes shyly. "It's a bit tight but t fits well enough. It's just a bit embarrassing to wear is all Ran-I mean master." 'If Ranma thinks an embarrassing outfit is enough to make me think a girl curse is that bad he got another thing coming. Honestly, depending on the situation it can be worse than being turned into a pig but in Ranma's case, he is relevantly safe here in Nerima. If he was traveling the world like me in girl form he would meet some very unsavory people like that last scumbag drugging up women and selling them. Then it would be a different story but Nerima is pretty safe mostly.'

Ranma smirks. "It's supposed to be. Well come on I'm sure will have plenty of fun today before the afternoon spar."

Ranma then leads the Ryoko through the outskirts of town as to avoid his usual troubles and fiancé. As he leads her to various stalls buying some food to eat most of the passerby mainly the males couldn't stop gawking at the blond bombshell. Some of the men tripped over themselves, ran into a something like a pole or a wall and in some case for those in couples the women slapped their significant other for staring too long.

The women were either jealous of her beauty or tried their best to ignore her. So far the only thing Ranma can enjoy about this whole thing is how jealous some people are of him that he has a maid/girlfriend that hot. Other than that trying to embarrass her is proving harder than he expected.

As Ranma looks back to Ryoko behind him still sporting that smile despite everything. 'I can't believe how my plan is backfiring. I've been trying to embarrass her or try to make her lose her cool and start hitting things in rage like usual. I took her to food stalls making her pay as well as making her show off her body to the vendors to give us a discount. So far she only complained once when we started and now she simply does when I tell her to do. I even asked her to feed me some of the food we bought. She happily did it without complaint. Honestly, that last one wasn't so bad.'

'But never mind that I can tell behind her smile she is enjoying herself. At first, I liked her calling me master but going around town having her openly say that is extremely embarrassing to me. People we meet keep thinking I'm into some really kinky stuff with how subservient she was at times. Damn it she is taking everything I throw at her in spades.' Heck, some people accused me of taking advantage her only for Ryoko to stand up for me saying how much of a good person I was. Most of those people thought she was simply in love with me and thought I was simply stringing her along until I got tired of her and dumped her.' Thought Ranma.

While the two continued walking through town an old lady of a group of people who accused Ranma stringing the blond along and had eyes that scared the crap out of him the way they looked at him like she was seeing his soul. And again Ryoko defended Ranma by telling her "Ranma is my friend no he is more than that. He is the first and only friend who chose to not abandon due to my poor sense of direction. And it's not because of how I look but because he is Ranma Saotome a man who would never abandon his friends no matter how badly they treat him. Even when said friends like me don't deserve to be called such he still continues to call me his friend."

The old lady was quite surprised how much Ryoko defended Ranma, Ranma himself included. "Young lady from how sincere your words are you must really think highly of him. But I can tell from your eyes you are deeply hurting inside aren't you child." Ryoko head looks down,

The old lady stares at the blond. "Hmm, I see its not unrequited love that is ailing you but more like an absence of it. You don't truly believe you can find happiness, do you? I can tell from your both your body language and the feel of your disturbed ki."

That state especially catches their attention. "From your ki girl you are a Hibiki correct?" Ryoko nods. "I see how unfortunate for you girl. I once knew a Hibiki myself long ago. She was a good friend to me even if I hardly saw her. But she always appeared when I was at my worst to help me out. I was always grateful to that friend but I took her for granted never realizing how much pain she was constantly in due to her forced isolation. So it came to a surprise to me when I learned she one day killed herself. The sad part was I learned of it from her son when I came across him one day similar to the day I met her which is why I thought they were related besides the obvious fang sticking out. I guessing Ryuho is your father isn't he?"

Ryoko pales hearing the story especially on how similar things happened to her future self. 'My god dad suffered something like that. And I told him I hated him the last time I saw him. I need to find him and tell him how sorry I am. I don't want to lose him or mom not again.' "Yes, my dad name is Ryuho." Ryoko starts to tear up.

The old lady looks between the blond and pigtail boy. "I see, boy you consider this girl your friend correct?"

Ranma immediately snaps out of his stupor. "Uh yes, ma'am. She is my best friend."

"Good but boy don't take advantage of your friendship with this girl and break her heart. I can tell part of her pain comes from you. I can tell from your looks alone you are quite the ladies man don't try and deny it. I'm not asking you to marry the girl but I'm asking you don't forget her. Your actions have more effect on her than others. From her eyes, I can see they are exactly the same as my old friend's eyes the last time I saw her. Understand boy the women born into the Hibikis always lead tragic lives worst than their male counterparts due to the male were being ignored while the women attracting the worst kind of attention that always lead in tragedy. So I beg your boy don't do what I did be there for your friend or else one day she may not be there at your side anymore and you will be wondering what ifs like me." Said the old lady.

"Well, I believe I took up more than you twos times. I hope you two have a pleasant day. And girl your name please?" asked the old lady.

"Um, my name is Ryoko."

The old lady chuckles. "What a pretty name Ryoko. Well chin up Ryoko there is still hope for you. Things may look bleak at the time but don't give up hope child. And boy I better not learn anything bad happened to this girl because if I do I'm coming for you and I promise you will rue the day you left your mother's womb. " With that said the old lady left with the rest of the people in the group following her.

The two martial artists are then left alone on the street with the blond still tearing up after learning more about her family. Ranma seeing this did the only thing he could think of to console his friend. He pulled her into a hug letting her cry it all out. Ryoko cried for about a few minutes for her both her parent's death she remembered seeing in her dark future that she grew numb to breaking her spirit completely at the time. And from learning of her grandmother on her dad side who refused to talk about now understanding why.

Ranma knew to hug her in the middle of the street was attracting attention but none of that mattered at this moment. 'I can't believe how much emotions Ryoko has been holding back if it made her cry like this. I have seen her cry before many time before but they were never like this. I can practically feel the pain and sadness rolling right off of her from her cries.' When Ryoko starts to calm down a bit Ranma leads her to a more secluded place down an alley.

Ranma pats her head trying to help calm her down. "Hey, Ryoko are you okay. Do you need a few more minutes?"

Ryoko sniffles. "Y-yes I just need a moment…I sorry I don't know what came over me."

"Hey, it's okay you just have a lot on your plate take as much time as you need." Said Ranma.

After about a minute Ryoko calms down enough that Ranma stops holding her. "Thank you, Ranma for that. I guess I lost it there when I heard that story about my grandmother. The story just felt…very familiar is all."

"Did something like what happened in the story happen to you?" When Ranma asked that question he saw all color drain from her face as tears started to fall again. He hugged her again for several moments until color returned to her face. "I'm sorry Ryoko for asking. If you don't want to tell me I'm okay with it."

"Thanks, Ranma I just don't want to talk about it right now. Maybe one day if we cure my families curse but not right now. I promise to tell you one day you deserve as much." Said Ryoko.

'Man she really is broken up about this. I think I need to stop this trying to embarrass her thing. The old lady's words are echoing in my head so I don't want to feel like I'm taking advantage of her. I need to get her mind off this. I believe enough time has passed that the other two should be waiting for us for that spar.' "Hey, Ryoko how about we head back. I believe we have an appointment with that monk guy and duck boy later today. Besides, I think we both could use some exercise, after all, that food we ate earlier." Said Ranma.

Ryoko smiles at this agreeing. Ranma seeing that helped cracked a smile leads the both of them back to the vacant lot. With lots of roof hopping it take them long to get back with the other two already waiting. As they greeted each other the other two noticed Ryoko's eyes were a bit red. Mousse accused Ranma of making Ryoko cry and was about to attack him for hurting his friend but Ryoko intervenes telling them about the meeting with the old lady. With that, the other two boys calmed down.

The four of them then sparred for 45 minutes before Ryoko started them on some training exercise to help strength in their ki. During their training, Ryoko did teach Ranma how to fire a regular ki ball with no words. Their training went on for another hour before they called it a day. With the other two saying goodbyes Ranma and Ryoko simply hanged out doing various activities for a couple of hours before heading home.

When they get home everyone is already there as Karin immediately jumps into Ryoko's chest hugging her. While they waited for dinner to be served Karin recounted how her day was to them. Not long after dinner is served and they all enjoy a good meal together. When they were done Karin insisted Ryoko take a bath with her now. Ryoko of course agreed and then Nodoka said she will join them as well as they could use some girl time. Ranma couldn't help but blush as his mother and half-sister lead Ryoko upstairs to the furo.

After everyone had a turn in the furo everyone was turning in for bed. Ranma and Ryoko were in the hall about to go to their rooms. "Hey, Ranma thanks for today I had lots of fun; as well as um console me when I was crying."

"Hey don't mention it Ryo. You are my friend it was the least I could do." Said Ranma.

"Well thanks again goodnight Ranma."

"Yeah, goodnight Ryoko." The two head to their separate rooms to get some sleep for tomorrow.

The next day Ranma is getting his bag ready for school 'Man, school is back already. I really don't feel like dealing with the usual craziness at school today. And I still have to see the Tendos later today. Man, I just know Akane is going to grill me for not say anything or visiting this weekend. Mom already told me Akane was by the house yesterday when Ryo and were exploring the town. Good thing we came back late I didn't want to deal with her usual outburst. Well, the only good thing about me living here now is I don't have to eat her god-awful cooking.'

Ryoko comes downstairs to see him off. "Well have fun at school Ranma. I'm going to see Nam at the Neko-Hanten. Come on Shirokuro lead the way."

"Well, see you later Ryoko." The two then set off to their chosen destinations.

As Ryoko was walking with Shirokuro she decided to best stroll around a bit and enjoy the scenery. Ryoko had a busy day this weekend and was lost in thought as usual. So Shirokuro had to do a lot of course corrections for her young master/mistress. Because of this, it took them 2 hours longer to reach the Neko-Hanten not that Ryoko noticed.

As Ryoko entered the restaurant she was greeted by a green-haired Amazon.

"Nihao, welcome to Neko-Hanten, have a seat one of our waitresses will be with you shortly." Said the Green haired waitress.

"Actually I'm here to see Nam. I'm a friend of his as well as Mousse I'm Ryoga Hibiki."

"Oh, you are one of elder Cologne special guest then. She said just bring you around back if find you wandering around." Said the Green-haired Amazon.

The lost girl expression deflates hearing that the last one as the green-haired Amazon brings her into the kitchen. She is immediately greeted to the sight of Cologne giving out orders to both Nami and Mousse. "Hurry up part-timers the lunch rush is almost here. Screw up now and I'll cut your pay." Said Cologne.

"But you barely pay me already you old mummy oww!" said Mousse as he rubs his sore head after getting bonked by Cologne.

"Hey, guys I thought I check up on you guys." Said Ryoko making her presence known.

"Ryoko you came to save me from this evil sea hag thank goodn-oww!" said a happy Nami now nursing a bump on her head courtesy of Cologne.

"Ah, sunny boy I see you are here. Though I guess it is sunny girl now, my condolence on your new curse." Said Cologne.

Ryoko waves it off then gives a bow. "Good afternoon Granny Cologne. Oh don't worry about it I'm quite used to it by now."

"Hmm good to hear then child, honestly out of all these brats why is it only the one with a deliberating sense of direction that has any respect for their elders; so anyway what brings you here my child?" asked Cologne.

"Well, I came here to see how Nami is holding up here. I see she is doing quite fine. Ah if you don't mind can work with you today? I'm kind of out of things to do at least until Ranma comes back from school so I thought maybe I can stay here for a bit and hang out with my two friends here. I'll work for free if you like?" asked Ryoko.

Cologne smiles at this. "Hmm, a free worker then; now that is the kind of attitude I like to see from you youngsters. Now, where should I put you, hmm waitress is out of the question. Hmm, can you cook?"

"I'm not the best cook but I can cook something if I have proper directions." Said Ryoko.

"Good, then you will assist me and cooking for our customers then. I'm sure you'll make a good student. Ah, speaking of students I heard from Happi you became one of his students." Asked Cologne.

"Ah yes, it was kind of a spur of the moment. I don't regret my decision." Said Ryoko.

"Hmm, that's fine dear. I would prefer not sharing you with that man but who knows maybe you can make something decent out of his school. Now come along." Cologne then puts Ryoko to work in the kitchen.

Cologne sets Ryoko to work making some dishes by telling her step by step what to do. Cologne was pleasantly surprised that Ryoko was able to take instructions in cooking in fervor the same way she does when it comes to martial arts. It wasn't long that Ryoko got the hang of cooking the variety of dishes Cologne needed to be done; which is why she is taking a break smoking her pipe while Ryoko cooks. And it was just in time for the lunch rush.

After a couple hours of doing this, the lunch is over as thing are winding down. Cologne had disappeared for one reason or another but at least it gave the boys time to amicably talk with one another. But all good things come to an end when Cologne reentered the kitchen. "Okay, boys we are closing up early today. Just hurry up and clean up."

"Why are we closing up old-I mean elder Cologne?" asked Mousse.

Choosing to ignore his slip up Cologne continued. "I'm having some important guests coming over and I prefer if none of you were here to bother them. Hurry up I have some deliveries for you three to go along with Shampoo."

The three of them hurry up and clean up the kitchen as Cologne asked and she then gives them their delivery boxes as well as directions where to go. They meet up with Shampoo who wasn't happy to see Ryoko as she sees her as her new rival.

As the four them plus dog were walking on the street to make their deliveries Shampoo had no plans to do them with any of them. "Shampoo make deliveries on her own. You stupid boys can stay with pig girl." Shampoo shoots off one more glare at the blond before riding off on her bike.

Ryoko sighs. "Mousse go after her. We can make our deliveries faster if we split up into two groups. Oh and tell her I told you to babysit her because I don't believe she is competent enough to get the job done right. It will tick her off and make it easier for you to get closer to her; just make sure to act indifferent okay."

Mousse smiles at Ryoko's plan. "That pretty underhanded of you Ryoko; dare I say it is almost Ranma like of you. Well, then I'm off wish me luck." Mousse then runs after Shampoo.

"Wow, Ryoko that was actually a little underhanded not to mention evil. I like it when you act like a bad girl makes you hot." Said Nami.

Ryoko waves it off. "Sure sure I'm just helping Mousse now let's make these deliveries."

The two plus dog continue on making their deliveries. After about a couple of minutes they made 2 of their deliveries when they were walking down the street they spotted Akane ahead of them coming their way and by the looks of it, she was angry.

"Stupid Ranma always running off before he could answer me why he moved out so suddenly into Ryoga house no less. I knew something was up. He better be home like he said he would or else I'll pound his head in so hard" During her rant, Akane notices Ryoko and Nami. Akane was surprised to see Ryoko of all people as she was partly talking about her. Her glare, of course, causes both Ryoko and Nami to flinch.

Nami jumps behind Ryoko. "Ryo I don't know what that girl is saying but she scares me."

"Just don't look her in the eye she can smell your fear." Said Ryoko.

Akane immediately stomps over to Ryoko to give her a piece of her mind and grill her for everything that happened recently but before she could the wall beside them is blown apart with a bestial looking young man wearing animal furs steps out of the rubble. "You're a woman right?"

"Wha…What else could I be?" said Akane

Ryoko was surprised that the beast man before her is none other than the musk warrior Lime that almost killed her the last time she fought him. "Why is Lime here already. Has it been that long already; damn I thought I have some more time to train before they arrived but oh well guess I'll see how I stack up with Herb now. And I especially want payback against that dumb bastard Lime."

Lime starts weeping tears of joy. "This is the first time I ever conversed with a woman since I was born. Good, now I will try touching a woman now."

"What?" exclaimed Akane as she backs up from the creep.

Just as he was about to grab her Ryoko intervenes yet again punching him through the wall. 'Well guess I get a do-over this time. Well, this time I'm much stronger then I was back then and I intend to win.' "Hey don't lay one of your filthy fingers on Akane you creep!"

Akane hurriedly gets behind Ryoko along with Nami and order to keep her distance from the creep.

Lime comes out of the debris looking straight at Ryoko. "Are you a woman you look really pretty. You also smell good too."

Ryoko then has the need to vomit at that comment. "Yes I'm a woman now are you ready to fight?"

Lime chuckles. "Woman are weak should be easy. I'll defeat you and bring you with the other two to Herb-sama."

"Um, Ryo are you sure about this? That guy is huge." Said Nami.

"Don't worry about Nami I got it. Come on big guy come and get me if you win I'll even go out with you." Taunted Ryoko.

"Hehehe here I go then can't wait to go on date; can't wait to tell Mint." Lime then charges at Ryoko at incredible speed reading to punch her lights out like last time. But she empowers herself with her ki. Focusing more ki in her legs to dash to Lime in mere moments using one arm to push Lime attacking arm aside getting past his guard and uses her own variation of Yamcha's iconic Wolf Fang Fist.

"Lion Claw Fist!" the image of a Lion overlaps with Ryoko as she launches a flurry of ki enforced punches and kicks into Lime then finishing it off with a palm strike with ki wrap around her palm making it look like lion claws punching Lime through another wall debris falling on him.

Ryoko stands at the ready waiting for him to get up but a minute goes by with him still buried in the rubble. Ryoko getting tired of waiting digs him out only to find him passed out with a goofy expression on his face.

"Wow, Ryoko you beat him easy. I guess he wasn't so strong after all." Said Nami.

Ryoko shakes her head. "No, he wasn't taking me seriously. He let his guard down thinking I wouldn't be able to hurt him. He was mistaken. 'If I had been in guy form he wouldn't have dropped his guard as he would have fought much harder like last time. Though I did surprise him with my strength; he didn't expect to tight anyone as strong as him.'

"But you still won Ryoga, you did beat him so thank you for helping me you are a good friend." Said Akane.

"Yeah don't mention it. Come we are going back to the Neko-Hanten. This guy's boss is there so chances are Ranma won't be far along. He can't resist a good fight." Ryoko grabs Lime tossing him over her shoulders and heads to the Neko-Hanten with Shirokuro leading. Akane refusing to be left behind follows them especially if Ranma will be there. "Hey wait for me!"

It's not long after they run into Shampoo walking along with Mint. "So you are staying with us guest?" asked Shampoo.

"Why yes, my friends are…Like what happen to you?" Lime approaches Ryoko with his sword out ready to save his friend.

Ryoko thinking fast takes a page out of Ranma's book. "Oh, I just found this man after he was ambushed by a gang of ruffians. He fought valiantly but they overpowered him. When they left him beaten on the ground I decided to save him. If you are his friend will you help me save his life?" Ryoko bounced her breast up and down to distract the fox boy which worked as he dropped his guard as he shyly looks away believing her story.

Akane face-palms that Ryoko actually did something so Ranma likes. "Great now there are two of them."

"Hey Shampoo where is Mousse?" asked Nami.

"Shampoo don't know. Probably still stuck to the wall who cares?"

"Don't worry about Nami Mousse will catch up with Ranma lets go," The group then continues on until they finally reached the Neko-Hanten.

As they enter they see Cologne talking with a shrouded figure. Mint rushes over to his Prince. "Herb! Lime has been hurt we have to save him."

Herb walks over to Mint and looks to Lime be carried by a blond fanged girl. Ryoko deciding to drop the act grabs Lime and throws him at Herbs feet with Lime mumbling about soft women. This action, of course, enrages Herb. "What is the meaning of this? You blond girl you are of the musk the lion clan to be exact. What are you doing here outside of the Musk kingdom! I never ordered anyone else but these two to accompany me much less a woman. Speak now or be charged with treason!"

Not long after Ranma and Mousse arrive at the standoff. Ryoko scoffs. "I'm Ryoko Hibiki and I'm pretty sure I'm not a musk but you lackey here tried to take one of my friends Akane so I kicked his ass."

"Rogue musk then. Perhaps one of your ancestors was a Musk and ran from his home doesn't matter. You disrespected your Prince and for that, you will be punished." Said Herb.

Before he could take another step however Ranma jumped between them. "Hey, how about you take someone your own size. I heard your lackeys have been messing with my friends even tried to kidnap Akane for some stupid reason. Either way, I could use a good fight so I hope you don't mind letting me cut in Ryoko as you did already beat one so my turn its only fair."

"Ranma!" exclaimed Akane she was going to approach him but Mousse held her back gesturing her not to interfere.

Ryoko looks to Ranma deciding rather or not to let Ranma fight Herb knowing what will happen. She shrugs. "Go ahead Ranma but if you lose you owe me a foot massage."

"That again sure deal but dream on if you think I will lose." Said Ranma.

"Wait, Son-in-law! You mustn't lay a hand on that one!" yelled Cologne as she tried to warn him.

"You insect you dare challenge me? Begone from sight this is between me and the rogue lioness!" yelled Herb.

"Well too bad because now it is between you and me!" Ranma tries to jump kick Herb but he easily swats him away hitting the ceiling. Ranma gets back up launches a flurry of attacks which Herb easily dodges then returns with even faster blows that Ranma barely blocks.

As Herb is about to land the last strike Ranma disappears. Herm is confused by this until he is stuck in his chest by Ranma who appeared below him using a quick reverse strike. "You dare strike at me you insect!" Ranma dodges out of the way launching a "Hadouken!" at Herb blowing the shroud off revealing a beautiful female face with multicolor hair with one of her boobs sticking out of the torn shirt.

"Hey wait you're a girl?" exclaimed Ranma.

Herb quickly fixes her shirt covering up. "I didn't expect a ki blast from you insect. You'll pay for that now here let me repay the favor insect!" Herb fires a powerful ki blast at Ranma knocking him into the air. She then jumps above him. "Secret technique Ryu Sei Hansho!" (Dragon Spirit Flight) She glides down kicking Ranma multiple times as if she was flying.

Ranma is sent falling plowing into a table knocking over a bucket of water triggering his curse. Ranko struggles to get up.

"Herb he turned into a woman!" exclaimed Lime who is now fully awake.

"Heh, this should be amusing. Mint the Ladle!" Mint immediately gets the ladle giving it to Herb which he uses to splash Ranko with. "Be grateful I spared your life now rogue lioness it's your turn to face your prince."

"Wait we haven't finished our duel yet!" screamed Ranko as she collapses on the ground.

Ryoko stands in front of Ranko. "Sorry, Ranko but look like I get to fight her after all. Just rest, for now, I handle this." 'Sorry, Ranma but you'll thank me for this later as I know you need to experience this.' Ranko could do nothing but watch her friend about to fight the musk prince while Akane quickly rushes to her side.

Ryoko and Herb stand across from one another, "Heh I do hope you are a better challenge then that insect lioness."

"Don't worry I'll give you the fight of your life!" Ryoko's aura burst around her as she is enveloped in yellowish-green flames she charges at Herb closing the distance in mere moments punching her straight into her face surprising her how fast she was. Herb quickly recovers enraged that this rogue made her draw blood. She unleashes her aura charges at Ryoko with equal fervor as they both trade blows at unimaginative speeds matching blows from blows.

The rest of the groups were shocked at how the battle was turning out. Ryoga's friends couldn't believe she was actually this powerful. Cologne couldn't believe her eye that Ryoko actually possesses this much power and only this young. As Herb's men, they couldn't believe someone was actually matching him as no one did that before. As for Ranko she was shocked in disbelieve in how much stronger Ryoko had become. The gap between them was growing more into a chasm. As for Herb herself, she was both enraged that she was being matched but the other side her dragon side was excited at fighting a worthy opponent. Something she couldn't help but agree with.

As Herb and Ryoko backed away from each other Herm used "Hito Ryu-Zan Ha!" Flying Sword of the Dragon) She launches blades of ki at Ryoko who counter throwing multiple ki enhanced bandanna boomerangs at them canceling each other out.

Herb smiles at this then creates a ki sword to slice Ryoko in half. Ryoko then takes two bandannas turns them into ki infused swords and counters Herb blow by blow. As their battle continued Herb was getting more and more excited as her dragon blood was singing for more battle while Ryoko in the other hand was starting to tire out. She was still new to enveloping her body in ki.

Ryoko decided she needed to end this fast so she dashes toward Herb in incredible speed blocking Herb's sword strike jumping up hitting Herb in the face with her knee two times before raising her arm with red lighting crackling around it. "Dragon Fist!" a red dragon forms plowing into the surprised musk prince through a wall. Ryoko quickly flips up in the air before landing with her back to Herb she lifts her hand up as she gathers an immense amount of ki.

As Herb manages to pry her ragged body out of the wall enraged and curious at what happened. "What the hell was that? Are you a part dragon? How can someone else have the royal dragon's blood?" Before Herb could get an answer however her dragon sense are screaming at her to prepare for that build up ki from the blond lioness. Herb's dragon blood demanded she matches this power so she cupped her hands together as she started to build up power.

Both warriors attacks were just about done as Ryoko turn around facing Herb with a glowing ball of sparkling rainbow color ki in hand. Herb seeing the defiance in her eyes couldn't help but smirk in anticipation. Then both warriors unleashed their attacks. "Fire Dragon Blast/Spirit Ball Cannon!" they both yelled. Their attacks collided with one another vying for dominance refusing to give in to one another. The rest of the spectators were trying to hold onto something as to not be blown away. Their struggle ensued until both blast finally blew up blowing everyone back ruining the restaurant.

As the dust clear everyone picks themselves up from the rubble. Ranko tiredly picks herself out of the rubble refusing to simply rest as she feels she must watch the end of this fight. Ranko looks carefully and sees both combatants in ground zero of the crater they made staring at each other in the eye. Herb had a look of glee on her face. Ryoko, on the other hand, had her head down with one of her arms hanging as her legs were trembling. Ryoko was barely standing as is and was using all her willpower just to stand.

Herb starts to laugh in a bestial tone. "Is that it lioness. I know it can't be all I know you must have more. My dragon blood demands you show me your true POWER!"

Ryoko is panting hoarsely but knew Herb would be satisfied unless she showed him. She doubted it would last as she hadn't mastered it yet but she was betting everything on this. A red aura started to surround Ryoko as crimson lightning crackled all around her. Herbs smile grew as she felt the blond's power grow. Refusing to be outdone she unleashes her aura as her power lifts her into the air. The others were speechless at seeing this woman do another impossible feat. As Ryoko power reached her maxed she roared to the heavens "Kaioken!" A huge crimson aura engulfed the area blowing a hole in the ceiling. The two combatants stared each other off about to start their epic battle anew until Ryoko's power vanished as she immediately fell face first into the ground unable to continue.

Herb was shocked at the moment that the most powerful opponent she ever faced just collapsed but before she could think more on this Cologne made herself known. "I believe I had quite enough of you two destroying my restaurant. I thought a prince from the Musk kingdom would have better manners than that."

Herb looks around sees that the restaurant is destroyed. Full knowing it is unbecoming of a prince to destroy a mere restaurant for a fight no matter how good it is. "I'm am deeply sorry elder Cologne I don't know what came over me that I let this fight get this out of hand. I think it would be best to postpone my battle with the rogue lioness. She has proven to be a worthy opponent and I would like to see her master that last technique I saw. My dragon blood demands I face such power. As for your restaurant foot the bill to the Musk royal family we will pay the bill. We always pay our debts."

"Oh don't worry I will with interest." Said Cologne.

As Herb was about to leave a light shine from her ruined clothes and searching through it she grabs her 3-star Dragon Ball. "Hmm, why is the mystical ball glowing it never did that before."

Looking back to Ryoko she sees another orange Dragon Ball glowing rolling out of Ryoko's ruined gi that barely protects her modesty. Her approaches it seeing it had 5 stars and was about to grab it but Ryoko immediately grabbed a hold of it as soon as Herbed touched it. "Don't you dare take my Dragon Ball."

"Dragon Ball? Is this what its name is? Ah how appropriate for a dragon prince. Hmm, I wonder if its fate that leads me on this journey to not only find a worthy opponent but another person with a dragon ball. Perhaps this is destiny trying to pull us together young lioness." Said Herb.

"But at last I must complete my task first. Once I complete it we will meet again lioness no my sweet Ryoko Hibiki. Until we meet again farewell." Herb then puts on her tatter robe shroud then leaves with her Mint and Lime following close behind.

Now that the Musk warriors were gone Nami and Mousse were immediately at Ryoko's side checking her over while Ranko who had watched everything from start to finish finally succumbed to sleep. Cologne merely presided over the devastation of her restaurant as she looked over both martial artists. One being her son-in-law who is now in for a rude awakening and the other being her side student she didn't mind training from time to time never believing she actually reaches a level of power more closer to her when she was at her prime. She can't help but feel pride in her student.

'I didn't think that the sunny boy/girl could achieve such power this early. I suspected he reaches it in his mid-thirties. I can't help but feel proud of the girl. I just wish I could just welcome her into the Amazon tribe but the family curse is an issue I can't ignore no matter how much I want to. Besides she already is an Amazon if I'm correct if she is related to one of our most promising Amazons 3 or 4 generations ago married an outsider she lost to who she madly fell in love with, She happily brought him into the village but the man possesses an ancient family curse that affected him and anyone marrying into the family. Eventually, both he the Amazon and their children were lost to this family curse of poor direction. There was simply nothing we could do.'

Cologne smokes on her pipe give a big huff. "I guess for now I can only watch the wheels turn and help this youngster on their soon to be perilous path."

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A/N: Well I hoped you enjoyed the story. It has been a while since I updated this story. I mainly did so as there been only Ranma x Akane stories and those are getting quite boring so something different for a change.

I'm not sure which story I'll update next as the other one is getting more sexy time with my OC and this one is getting more story development, character development and the action is rising. Well, I'll decide later I have a backlog of games to play so Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years.