Chapter 25: A blaze

Shampoo had just finished serving a table their order as she spotted Ranma come into the restaurant. She glomped onto him promptly. "Aiya, airen! You come for some ramen, yes?" Ranma sweat dropped. " Well no but, I could." Shampoo giggled as she un latched herself from him. " I get you some ramen then." She went and told Cologne she was taking a break, before leading Ranma off to the living room, where she set him up with some ramen, which he gladly accepted. Shampoo smiled as she watched him. " You come to ask Shampoo on a date, yes?" He finished his ramen and sat the bowl down on the table. " No, I just wanted to talk. Mainly to say thanks for looking out for Ranka. While I'm glad you're not trying to kill her anymore.. what you and the old ghoul pulled wasn't fair." Shampoo glomped back onto him. " Is all fair in love and war." Ranma sighed. " You upset her by going and giving that damned girl the " the kiss of death." ya know." Shampoo had herself wrapped around his arm. "Is for one who interferes. Is Ranma mad at Shampoo for it too then?" She had big poutie eyed look going. Ranma rubbed at the back of his head flustered. " No, I hate that damned girl, so.." Shampoo's eyes shined. " Shampoo do good then?" Ranma sweat dropped. " Well I can't really say that either.. "

Back at the Tendo's, Akane came downstairs, taking note that Ranma wasn't around. Kasumi could tell that she was looking for him. "Oh Ranma went out earlier, he said he'd be back later." Akane looked annoyed at hearing that. " Did he say where?" Kasumi shook her head as she went back to what she was doing. Ranka had gotten up and come downstairs not much later than she had. After awhile, Ryouga had snapped out of his daze and ran out of the room before Ranka had woken up, also making his way outside.

Ranka yawned as she watched a fuming Akane, until she locked on her. Akane gave her a stern look. " Ranka, do you know where Ranma went?" Ranka shook her head giving her an annoyed look. " I just woke up from a nap, but even if I did know, it's none of your business okay. That'd be like him wanting to know where ever you go. Would you like that?" Akane grumbled at her cheeky ness. "He's probably off with Ukyou or Shampoo.." Ranka went and got a drink before sitting down at the ground table, before taking a sip. " Uhuh, so are you saying you want to go off with Ryouga or Kuno then?" Akane slammed her hands down on the table frustrated. " No, I'm not!" She then pouted as she clenched her hands in her lap. "I mean he's probably off eating one or the others or both of their food.. or on a date.." Ranka sighed as she leaned back some. "Instead of being angry at him, why don't you try to do something nice for him. Like I told you before, Ukyou's a lot a nicer to him than you are." Akane started to get mad at her. " Oh right, because I have a big mouth!" Ranka sweat dropped. " Hey I didn't say anything this time, it was all you." She took another sip of her drink. Akane looked all flustered at having that thrown at her, then went back to pouting. " So I can't make good enough food for him, so what!" Ranka gave her a dull look. " Again, you're the one that said it, not me." Akane sighed with her head down on the table. " I'd like to.. and not a salad.." Ranka hmmed as she thought about it. "Hold on I'll be right back." She got up and went upstairs for a minute.

Coming back she sat back down, putting a book down on the table. "You can have it." Akane blushed some as she took the book, a beginner's cook book, that she had been eyeing at the book store the other day, but was too embarrassed to get it. She realized that Ranka must've caught onto the fact. "I uh.. thank you Ranka. Did you and Ranma get paid for having to work at Shampoo's before?" Ranka nodded. " That and Nabiki owes us royalties for all her candid photo's she takes behind our backs.." Akane sweat dropped at how vicious Ranka could be, that she could get Nabiki to pay up. "How did you get her to agree to that?" Ranka sipped more of her drink. " It's simple, if she wants me to help her out, she has to pay a percentage. So pick a recipe and I'll help you make it." Akane started to get flustered as she looked thru some, making her eyes swirl. Ranka grabbed the book and flipped to a page. " How about this one? It's pretty easy." Akane shook her head about before looking. " Okay."

After getting everything that was needed for the recipe, Ranka guided Akane as well as showed her by example. "Remember what Kasumi says, you gotta taste test after you put stuff in." Akane blushed as she nodded. Kasumi stuck her head into the kitchen. "Oh my are you two making dinner then?" Akane got more flustered. " Um well.." Kasumi smiled. "I'll let you two finish what you're doing, before I start on dinner then."

Ranma was walking back from Shampoo's until he spotted a black pig wandering around looking confused, which made him bristle in anger as he disappeared and reappeared in a blur with a hot kettle he had borrowed from Shampoo's, as he chased after P-chan. P-chan at seeing Ranma started running. Ranma tore off after him. "Ryouga! " After running awhile, thinking he had lost him, he stopped to take a breather, only to be yanked up by his bandana. Ranma had an angry smile on his face as he went off into an alley, before putting P-chan down and dumping the hot water on him, turning him back into Ryouga. "So I heard you had lots of of fun at the sleep over." Ryouga hahed. " You sound jealous, Ranma." Ranma gave him a glare. " You better not have done anything to my sister." Ryouga started to get all flustered and fell into his zone like state, which showed Ranma he had done something. Ranma clenched his fist " Alright Ryouga, let's fight!" Both were forgetting that Ryouga was naked, but the fight would have to wait as it suddenly started to rain, turning them both into their cursed forms. P-chan darted off as fast as he could. Ranma-chan yelled after him as she ran after him.

Not noticing while in pursuit of him that she was near the Tendo's. She lost her train of thought as she smelled food. Kasumi greeted Ranma-chan as she came in the front door. Akane stuck her head out of the kitchen, getting flustered at seeing Ranma, but also excited as she held out the dish of food. " Here, I made this for you, it's hamburger steak." Ranma-chan looked pensive as she took the dish. "Ah..thanks.." She sat down, trying to tell herself how if it had smelled so good, that Ranka probably made sure it was decent. Taking a look there were two, one looked a little sloppy, while the other one didn't. Akane was sitting down near her with sparkling eyes. Ranma-chan tried a piece and found it decent. "It's not bad." Akane smiled. Ranma-chan tried a piece of the other one and found that one was a lot better, though the sloppier one wasn't horrible, just a little too salty and a bit crunchy. Akane fidgeted with her hands some. " I made one and Ranka made the other." She got up. " Well I better get back in there and help Kasumi and Ranka with dinner." She went back off into the kitchen.

After finishing Ranma-chan went off to take a hot bath. Soun and Genma came back in from their walk, both smelling the delicious aroma of dinner. Soon everyone was at the table, enjoying dinner. Happosai came out from his room, finally waking up as he came into the room with a girl with him, as he took his seat at the table, with her sitting next to him. Ranka tensed up looking shocked at seeing Ivory, that she was suddenly there. Akane and Ranma were both wide eyed. Kasumi put a hand to her mouth. " Oh my.." Soun cleared his throat. " Master, who is this girl, that you've brought into my house.." Happosai smiled as he chuckled. " She's my girlfriend Ivory." Ivory bowed her head respectively. " Thank you for having me." She gave a quick smirk to Ranka. Genma could feel the tension in the air all around, but what he was really focusing on was how upset this girl named Ivory, seemed to be making the "evil girl", Ranka. Soun was frazzled. " That's all very well and good master, but you can't just bring a girl home with you, to my house.." Happosai waved him off. Soun furrowed his brow. " I'm sorry master but please have your guest leave." Happosai tried to protest, but Genma jumped in. " Allow me to walk her out." Happosai huffed as he went off with Genma and Ivory to the entrance. Ranka excused herself saying she was going to bed early, as she went off to get ready for bed.

Happosa apologized to her for Soun's attitude. Ivory smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek. " It's okay Happy, it's not your fault, come see me later." Happosai nodded as he went back in, in a happy daze. Genma walked her out as he said he would.

Ranma glared at Happosai. "What's the big idea you old letch?!" Happosai finished the food on his plate, before responding. "Is it so wrong that I have a girlfriend? Besides she's not stingy like you and Ranka, she wears whatever I want her to." Akane furrowed her brow at him. " Grandfather Happosai, you can't just do that! Don't you know that girl is dangerous?!" Soun at hearing that, got a big demon head as he towered over Happosai. Kasumi fanned herself with her hand. "Oh my oh dear.." She got up and went off upstairs to check on Ranka.

Genma walked Ivory outside the gate, before he cleared his throat. "Sorry about that Ivory dear, but the master did not ask to have anyone over. You understand. " Ivory nodded. "Well Happy didn't tell me that he hadn't asked or how it wasn't his place." Genma nodded back. " So it seems like you and Ranka know each other? Are you two enemies perhaps?" Ivory smiled some. " Walk with me. It seems like you don't like Ranka either, do you?" Genma took her up on the invitation as they walked. "I see I was right, you are enemies aren't you?" Ivory smirked at him. "Correct and you don't like her either, right?" Genma nodded with a serious look. " She's a bad influence on my son and just plain trouble." Ivory smirked back. " Oh I agree, but she is a product of evil. So, it sounds like you'd like her to disappear, right?" Genma nodded sagely.

Ivory's smirk spread as they walked to the near by park, where they sat on a bench. "Would you help the devil then?" Genma nodded. "I would." Ivory smiles and pulls her purple gem necklace out from her shirt as it lights up. "He" would like to speak with you then." Satan's voice came from the gem. " Greetings Genma Saotome, as you have heard from my servant, I want my "evil girl "back and I heard you want her to disappear. Of course if you agree, I could reward you, say if you're willing to trade your soul for a reward." Genma's eyes sparkled as he rubbed his hands together. " Of course." Satan's voice thru the gem. " Name your price then."

Back at the Tendo's, Soun had calmed down some and Happosai had left the house. Ranma wanted to go talk with Ranka but Akane kept him from doing so, much to his annoyance. Akane frowned. "Kasumi's handling it." A few minutes later Kasumi came downstairs, going off to the kitchen. Akane poked her head in. "Is Ranka okay?" Kasumi smiled at her sister. "She is, she's just very tired." She went about to fixing up some hot cocoa, before going back upstairs.

Ranma grumbled and went off to go get ready for bed. If Happosai was still there, he would've told him off more and beat on him. Akane got ready for bed before she went off upstairs to relax before bed as well.

Soun picked up the phone as it rang and talked to Nodoka, letting her know what went on and why no one had called her and that it had been taken care of. Not that much later after he had gotten off the phone with her, was when Genma came back. Soun gave him a look. "I didn't know it took that long to walk someone out." Genma laughed some rubbing at his head sheepishly. " I ended up walking her home, since it was already dark out." Soun nodded in understanding.

Down in the depths of hell, sitting next to Satan in her chair was Ivory and Alley on the other side in hers, with his throne with him in the middle. "Well, while you did not get very far on the plan, it still ended up working to our advantage. Of course I would've liked it more if we could've had you be able to get in and out of the Tendo's , but now at least we have one on our side. So well done, my dear." He took his glass of wine and toasted it to her glass.

Morning came as most everyone was up. After getting up, Ranma made sure to change into a girl, knowing at any moment his mom might show up. Once breakfast was ready Kasumi made sure that everyone was up and at the table. Nodoka arrived not much later as she had been worried by what Soun had told her. Genma wasn't as prepared as he usual was, as he was talking with Soun, until he heard Nodoka's voice as she came in, making him make a mad dash off the porch outside.

Nodoka had greeted Kasumi and come over and greeted Soun and Akane as well, before she heard a loud splash come from the yard, prompting her to stick her head out on the porch. There was Mr. Panda sitting in the pond. She smiled some at him. " You really do love the water, don't you Mr. Panda?" She thought to herself though that she was sure she had just heard Genma talking with Soun a few seconds ago, and would be sure to take note of this. She wanted to get back home and discuss matters privately with her daughters, so she made it known that they had a lot to do and couldn't visit longer. After getting their things, they departed after saying their good byes.

Once back at the house, she had Ranko go take her bath first, so she could address things with Ranka. She had her sit down on the couch with her. "Ranka I was very concerned when you didn't call me." Ranka snapped out of her daze, looking flustered at realizing that fact. Nodoka put her hand up. " Soun told me what went on, so I will write this off, for this time. I am however un sure of further weekend visits at the Tendo's, seeing as that girl has infiltrated. That and the add on is complete." Ranka just nodded in agreement. Nodoka continued on. "Besides that, how was the karaoke and sleep over with Akane and her friend?" She caught on from her looks as she frowned. " That girl was there too, wasn't she?" Ranka tensed up some and nodded. Nodoka embraced her tightly. "Perhaps we should all just go on a nice little vacation, hmm?" Ranka looked away some with her head down. "I told you, my staying with you would be dangerous.. and Ivory won't ever go away either.. "he's" made sure of that.." Nodoka still had her in an embrace as she patted her on the head gently. " I will not be bullied and will not give you up Ranka, you are my daughter. "We" will fight back. Now, do we need to go to spa again to that lovely hydro treatment?" Ranka looked really frazzled as she snapped out of being down. " No, nope!" Nodoka had a stern smile on as she broke the embrace. "That's my girl, because we will if we need to." Ranka gulped and shuddered at the thought of the hydro room. Nodoka patted her on the head again. "After Ranko's done with her bath, you need to take one alright dear." Ranka nodded really fast.

After Ranko came downstairs dressed in the usual casual outfit, she went upstairs and did as she was told to. Nodoka at spotting Ranko patted a spot on the couch next to her to sit down next to her. "How about you Ranko dear, did you have a nice weekend, despite "that" girl showing up at the Tendos?" Ranma-chan nodded. Nodoka gave her a quick embrace. "So did you forget to call me as well?" Ranma-chan sweat dropped. " Ah yeah sorry mom, I was.. too upset." Nodoka patted her on the head. "Like I told your sister, I'll write it off this time, but also like I told her, I am weary about the Tendo's being safe now." Ranma-chan bit her lip some. "I get that, but uncle Soun stood up to Happosai for bringing her and told her she had to leave." Nodoka sighed " I will have to think about it, besides I'm done with the add ons." She noticed Ranko looked a bit sad at hearing that and reassured her. "That doesn't mean you can't still go and visit. We'll talk about it more later."

Once Ranka came back downstairs, Nodoka had her come into the kitchen to help with dinner. "Did you have a nice time with Akane, despite what went on?" Ranka tried to focus on her current task. "I helped her cook some hamburger steak." Nodoka beamed as she finished with her prep work. After getting it all done, Ranko set up the table, before they all sat down to have dinner. Shortly after having dessert, they watched some tv together for awhile, before going off and up to get ready for bed. Nodoka had noticed again how Ranka was while they were watching tv, but she wasn't going too press the matter seeing how she already put down a threat to keep her grounded, so she didn't fall too deep.

Upstairs in their room after having gotten ready for bed and finishing up their homework, Ranma-chan could tell since Ivory's appearance at the Tendo's, it was greatly affecting Ranka, and what she was sensing was upsetting her as she was sure to let her sister know. "I know I said it before but, I also said I wouldn't back off either." She had a stern look on her face. " Stop thinking about going back.." Ranka gave her a blank look, sighing. "And I told you I wouldn't go back and I haven't." Ranma-chan ended up breaking the tip off her pencil that she was using. " And yet you're still thinking about it.." She was trying to remain calm, but sorely failing. "So, quit it!" Ranka bit her lip some, looking annoyed. " I.. can't.." Ranma-chan looked more annoyed at her response. "Well I'm telling you to stop. Can't, or wont? Because you're constantly thinking about going back! Do you want to go back that badly?!" Ranka looked upset. "No.. but no one will get hurt anymore.. Ivory being at the Tendo's reinforces how bad it's gotten, no one will be safe..until "he" get's what he wants.. I'm not supposed to be here.."

Ranma-chan looked furious as she smacked her hands down on the table. "Don't! Don't you dare, I don't want to hear it.. Well too damn bad because you are, and you agreed to be! Do you think that if you disappeared that, that would make anyone happy to be out of danger? I'm not backing down and loosing you, so cut the crap, got it!"

Nodoka at hearing a lot of noise coming from upstairs, flew up the stairs and let herself into the girls room. She frowned at seeing Ranko putting Ranka in a head lock and tussling about. She put her hands on her hips as she raised her voice. "Ranko, what on earth?! What have I told you about "rough housing"?" Ranma-chan sweat dropped at hearing her mothers sterner tone as she let go of her sister, before pointing at her. " She started it.." Nodoka sighed as she shook her head at how un mannered Ranko was, but she had a feeling they were fighting about what her and Ranka had fought over earlier. "Ranka, come with me, while we let your sister calm down." She helped her up from the ground and pulled her off with her over to her room, leaving Ranma-chan to diffuse.

She had her sit down on her bed next to her. "I'm getting the feeling you and your sister discussed what we had and you obviously angered her. She's only angry because she cares about you, just as I do. " Ranka nodded in agreement and started to tear up some. " I.. just thought it'd be better.. I don't want anyone getting hurt because of me.. Like "he" hurt you before..or Ukyou.." Nodoka held her close and stroked her head gently. " and I said "we" will not be bullied or give in, understand? You are here and you are staying, you are my daughter Ranka." She then gave her a very stern look. " If you runaway, I will hunt you down and bring you back and we'll go to that lovely hydro treatment at the spa too. We do not break promises, now do we, dear?" Ranka gulped and hung her head. "Nope.." Nodoka sighed as she fixed her daughters hair, from all the rough play. "Oh honestly that girl.." She then looked sad for a moment. "I know, I have to remember she was raised like a boy.." She sighed before returning her attention to Ranka. "Now no more of "this" and try not to think about such. It's harder for Ranko to understand, but I do understand how hard this is on you dear, and how you're thinking of others, but that does not mean sacrificing yourself." Ranka nodded with her head down. Nodoka went back to a stern look. " You decided not to give in when you took a new name." Ranka sighed, knowing she wouldn't be allowed to leave now, no matter what. Nodoka rubbed her on the back. " Besides I'm sure that handsome boy who saved you would be very upset if you left as well, Ryouga was it?" Ranka got all flustered and eered. Nodoka continued on. "Oh yes and your amazon fiancee.." Ranka grew more red in the face, but her mother kept going. "Oh my and we can't forget the Kuno boy." Ranka groaned. "Okay.. I give up.. so please stop.." Nodoka smiled and angry smile, as she pat her on the head. " And tomorrow after school, all the way up till dinner we will train as your discipline, for running away, understand Ranka?" Ranka geh ed as she hung her head. " I understand, mother." Nodoka smiled as she pat her on the back. " That's my girl, now be sure to apologize to your sister and get to bed."

Ranka did so after going back to the room and getting into her bed. Ranma-chan sweat dropped seeing how flustered she was coming back from their mother's room, and she had also calmed down. " Ah yeah, so you're still alive?" She said jokingly, referring to how their mother is katana crazy. Ranka groaned from under her blankets. "Barely.." Ranma-chan rubbed at her head. "I didn't hear any yelling though." Ranka sighed. "Oh there was plenty of yelling, in other ways.." She then said good night to try to shut down any further conversation. Ranma-chan was too busy processing what was said, so she laid off and said good night as well.

On the way to school after the usual morning stop off at Doctor Tofu's, they made their way to school. Luckily Kuno was no where in sight, so getting off to the classroom wasn't a problem. Things between Ukyou and Ranka seemed a lot better than they had before, though not as lively either. Class started soon after and went by and eventually it was time for gym class once again.

Ranka sighed as she went off to the girl's locker room to get changed for class, which she figured she'd better attend. Looking up she the girl from the other day, just standing and starring at her locker with a pensive look, prompting her to ask. "Hey, is something wrong?" The girl looked sheepish. " I'm scared the pervert is in there again.." Ranka gave the locker a hit with her elbow, knocking it open and looking to make sure it was Happosai free. " It's pervert free." The girl smiled brightly. "Oh thank you Ranka." Ranka waved her hand, like don't mention it and went off to her own locker to get changed.

Once gym class started, Ranma made sure to note if his sister was over on the girls side or not. She was so he was able to go back to focusing on the activity. While the boys side of the gym, they were playing basketball, on the girls side they were playing volley ball.

Ranka had of course wanted to skip out, she really wasn't in the right frame of mind to be dealing with playing volley ball. That was shown not much later after they started playing and her focus wasn't there, as the ball hit her right in the face, knocking her off her feet. Ukyou and Akane raced over and helped bring her off to the nurse. The other girls were murmuring amongst themselves. The boys side had stopped their game at hearing all the commotion, until the gym teacher got on them to get back to the game. Ranma was worried but he knew Akane and Ukyou were taking care of it.

After making sure she was all set, they went back to gym class. Ranka sighed heavily with the ice pack on her face as she lay on the bed. Yep, she shouldn't have gone to gym class.. is what she was thinking to herself, as put her hand to her gem necklace, as it lit up and started healing her. The nurse wasn't around or anyone else, so the coast was clear, or was it? Thrista was sitting next to bed in a chair. "You probably should've skipped.." Ranka grumbled. "Thrista.." Thrista smiled. "That's me!" Ranka took the ice pack off her face as she was all healed up, giving her an annoyed look. " What do you want?" Thrista kept smiling. " I already told you, oh and you owe me a day out, remember? Since you ditched our outing before." Ranka sat up in the bed more annoyed. "I really don't.. Right and you tell me, how you were told to watch me.. That makes me really want to hang out with you.." She then glared at her and grabbed her up by her shirt. " Are you working with "him"?!" Thrista kept smiling. "No I'm not, like I told you, one of my parents is a demon and works for him, but my dad he's like a low employee that does paperwork, nothing like a main servant." Ranka gave her a dull look, releasing her hold on her. "And "that" makes me feel sooo much better."She scoffed at her. Thrista looked a little sad as she had a poutie looking face. "But i'm not spying, and I do really just want to be friends." Ranka sighed with her hand to her head. "I really can't deal with you right now.. I've been really busy. And before you ask about today after school, I'm busy.. being disciplined." Thrista got up from her seat with a small smile. "Okay maybe another day then." She then took her leave from the room.

Getting back in time to get changed out of her gym outfit, the other girls were crowding her after with concern. Ukyou voiced her concern as well. "It's not like you to be off your game." Akane left it alone for now as she would make sure that Ranma told her, though she had a feeling it might be because of that Ivory girl having shown up at the house.

Once lunch time came around she was still not focusing. Ukyou gave her a nudge. "Hey Ranka, did you hear me?" Ranka blinked at her. "Huh, oh yeah." Sayuri looked upset at seeing her so distant, as she talked with Akane. "Is Ranka okay? She's still upset about that girl, isn't she?" Akane sipped her drink. " I think so."

Hiroshi had taken notice since homeroom and on. "Hey Ranma, are you and your sister fighting?" Daisuke gasped and gave him a look. "Are you?" Ranma sweat dropped.

The day went on and soon it was the end of the school day and like she said, Akane had dragged Ranma off for answers. Akane fussed. "Ranma, what's wrong with your sister? Is she upset about that Ivory girl showing up at the house the other day?" Ranma rubbed at the back of his head some. "Ah yeah.." He was also starting to wonder if he had been a bit too harsh with her last night. "I guess we had a fight last night too." Akane gave him a look. " Wow, that's a first. What were you fighting about? That girl, Ivory?" He really didn't want to go further, but she wouldn't let up if he didn't. "I confronted her about thinking about.. still wanting to go back.." Akane's eyes widened some, then looking off some. "I had confronted her before about that.. and she said she didn't want to but it was complicated.." Ranma sighed as he leaned back against the tree. "It's because she thinks going back, would keep everyone out of danger from the bastard. So ah yeah I got really mad at her, and so did mom, so she's in a lot of trouble." Akane had thought about going off on her, until she heard him say she's already gotten in from two sides, so she definitely didn't need another. "You should try to apologize for fighting with her, Ranma."

While they had been talking, Ukyou was trying to talk to Ranka, but getting very short and simple replies. Finally Akane let Ranma go, and they left, going off to Doctor Tofu's. After changing back into a girl, walking back Ranma-chan stopped at a drink vending machine, getting two melon soda's. She held out the other one to Ranka, but after a few seconds seeing her mind was still elsewhere, to get her attention she put she touched the cold bottle to her face, making her snap out of her daze. She gave her a guilty look. "I'm uh sorry I got too mad at you last night." Ranka took the drink and thanked her. "Don't be, you had every right to be." Ranma-chan sweat dropped not sure what to say to that as she took a sip of her drink.

They both tensed up at hearing a familiar and loud, obnoxious as hell and ear grating laugh. A ribbon snaked it's way thru the air slapping both their hands, making them drop their drinks. Kodachi ohoho ed her hideous laugh again. "Because of YOU, I lost my allowance for a week and it's been cut! I will not stand for it, so I challenge both you evil girls, to a rhythmic gymnastic's battle! I'll allow two against one, because i'm so generous and victory will taste that much sweeter, bringing you both down!" Ranma-chan cursed at her spilled drink, glaring daggers at Kodachi. "Hey! What did I tell you?!" She was pissed off she hadn't listened to her "darling Ranma." when he had told her to leave his sister alone. Ranka gave her a dull look about her allowance. " Oh boo hoo hoo. Maybe YOU shouldn't poison people, ever think about that?." Ranma-chan fired back at her too." Yeah, don't poison people, you lunatic! And you owe me a new drink!" Kodachi hissed back at them. "Silence you vile evil twins!" She laughed her hideous laugh again. "The prize will be Ranma." Ranma-chan bristled. " I never agreed to anything!" Kodachi laughed again making them shudder. " Should you two win, I'll give up my current affection for my Ranma darling, and leave you two harlets alone as well, oh yes and replace your soda. Friday at 5, St Heberke, we'll have our match then. Until then!" She swirls her ribbon around like a twister with black roses falling all over, before jumping away in her leotard laughing.

Ranma-chan's furious. " Hey! I told you I didn't accept nothing!" She pfted as she spit a black rose petal out. Ranka sweat dropped as she brushed some off her head, before bending down and picking up her un opened drink, before handing it to Ranma-chan. " Here, you can have it." Ranma-chan looked flustered as she took it. " Ah but I got it for you." Ranka smiled a tad for a second. " I know but, then you lost yours, so that's not really fair." Ranma-chan grumbled looking frustrated. "No, what's not fair is "her" just doing whatever the hell she wants! Ugh I never thought I'd have to wear a damned leotard again.." She then looked over at Ranka. " Are you okay from gym class?" Ranka looked a bit flustered. " Ah yeah."

After getting back to the house and getting changed, they were having snack time at the table. Nodoka take a sip of her tea. "Ranko dear, if you'd like you can go visit with the Tendo's for a bit as we'll be busy for quite some time, won't we Ranka?" Ranka shrunk back in her seat. "Ah yeah.." Ranma-chan shook her head. "Nah i'll stay put." Nodoka nodded. "Alright dear, well if you need us we'll be outside." After cleaning up she ushered Ranka outside with her.

Ranma-chan went upstairs to take a nice hot bath, having the chance to. Sitting back in the tub of hot water as he relaxed, not paying attention to the window being open some or Shampoo kitty as she jumped off into the water, having come in thru it. Only paying attention at hearing and sensing something jump in. Shampoo popped up from the hot water as she surfaced naked, glomping onto him giggle. " Airen!" He looked really flustered as he tried to pry her off him. " Cmon Shampoo, you know better.." She just giggled in reply.

Outside in the yard Nodoka was clashing blades with Ranka, and making it really hard for her as she instructed her sternly. At times she'd give her a scenario and showed her through example how to deal with it. Also having her drill out the moves a few times.

Back upstairs in the bath, Ranma managed to get Shampoo to un latch. "Cmon that's enough, go home.." He was red in the face. Shampoo smirked. "Don't want to." Ranma grumbled. "Well, I want you to.." He grabbed a near by towel, covering himself before getting out and going to the main shower, letting the cold water change him back into a girl, and leaving the bathroom flustered as hell. After getting changed, she went and peeked in the bathroom after awhile, taking note that Shampoo wasn't there and sighed a breath of relief. Un like how Ranka could tell Shampoo off as well as turn cold water on her and deal with her in her cat form, Ranma couldn't really do that, or easily tell her off, especially when dealing with her in the tub.

Later on closer to dinner, they came back in from training and after deciding on what to get for take out for dinner, Nodoka sent Ranka upstairs to take a bath and relax. A few minutes later she was laying back in the tub, till she heard a splash, as Shampoo kitty jumped in thru the window, having waited around a bit. Shampoo surfaced and glomped onto her giggling. "Aiya, other airen." Ranka was too tired to pry her off as she groaned. "Really, Shampoo?" Shampoo smiled. " Is okay, you are "airen." Ranka gave her a tired look. "That" does not make it okay.." Shampoo giggled some. "Mother is okay with Shampoo now, so is okay." Ranka sighed. " Is NOT okay, she would not be okay with you letting yourself in, whenever you want.." Shampoo un latched herself from her. "Is you okay, other airen?" Ranka had her arms crossed. "I'm really tired from training okay." She got out from the bath, getting a towel and drying herself off, then taking the shower head off it's holder and turning the water to cold as she sprayed down Shampoo until she changed back into a cat, then grabbing her up by her scruff of her neck, putting her back outside on the roof and shutting the window shut behind her and locking it. " Go home, dammit.."

After changing she went off to the room, flopping down in her bed, her eyes shutting as soon as her head hit the pillow and not getting up until a little later, hearing her mother yell up about dinner.

Once dinner was done and the clean up, they were watching some tv together, until Nodoka heard the phone ring. She got up and went and answered it and listened mainly, some small talk before she hung up. "Ranka get ready, we've got a job offer." Ranka sighed as she got up from the couch and went off upstairs to get ready. Nodoka gave Ranko a concerned look. "You could come if you'd like Ranko dear, otherwise we'll be back as soon as possible." Ranma-chan sweat dropped, thinking about it but also knowing it was too much. "I'm good thanks." Nodoka gave her a quick smile before going upstairs. " Be sure to not to answer the door, alright dear."

Shortly after Nodoka and Ranka left the house as she made sure to lock up before leaving. She hated leaving Ranko alone but the poor thing was scared of katana's, so there wasn't too much choice. She left her thoughts as they approached the destination. At spotting a demon, she launched into attack, pulling out her katana from it's sheath and slashing at it, in her formal demon hunting attire hooded robe like outfit. Ranka was more casual wearing pants and a black zip up hoodie, as she guarded. Demon's spilled out from the near by wooden area in the park, surrounding and launching another part of the circle of them at Nodoka. Ranka went to get closer, only to be knocked back a ways, as she sensed the attack and blocked it enough that it only sent her back some in a sliding motion.

Ivory put her leg back down from the launched kick. " Damn, your no fun anymore. I mean just look at you, now you're fighting demons. Talk about being a traitor." Ranka gave her an annoyed look. " Says you, what happened to getting away from "the liar." huh?"

Back at the house the phone rang and Ranma-chan answered it staying quiet, like she had seen her mom do, being able to tell this was likely one of the clients. The voice on the other end sounded upset. " I'm sorry Nodoka the location has been compromised, abandon the job." Then the person hung up, making Ranma-chan really worried at what she had heard.

Back at the park the fighting continued. Ivory went to try to attack Ranka again. " Your the liar!" Ranka had her barrier up this time though as she blocked and tried to get closer to her mother, who was surrounded and still fighting off other demons. Ivory blocked her way. "At at focus on me and let that demon slayer get what she deserves!" She said thru gritted teeth in anger, seething about how she attacked her and had sliced her tail off. Ranka sighed deeply, trying to reach out to her and try to talk some sense into her. " Ivory you don't want to do this.." Ivory sneered at her. "But I really really do. Not only did "she" hurt me, she has corrupted you to the core." She then made her way through the crowd of demons who were trying to wear down Nodoka. She put her hand up, signaling them to stop, as she took a sword from one of them. " Now, it's my turn."

Nodoka and Ivory faced off against each other as Ivory launched at her running at full speed and their blades connecting with clashing noises, before she sliced into the arm of her kimono cackling. Ranka was fighting off a group of demons that were going after her, keeping her from getting closer to her mother. At seeing Ivory attack Nodoka, she hacked off a bunch off a bunch of their heads, and jumped up into the air, landing down into the inner circle, where they were, as she growled in anger at Ivory. All bets were off now, that she had attacked her mother, the fire was burning in her eyes, she was done. Her dark and colder side were out in full force as she threw away any feelings she had for her ex friend, they were both different from how they had used to be. Ivory looked a little scared for a second, before she glared back and their swords clashed into each others, as they attacked each other full force. "So what, you're just going to kill me like that, huh? I thought we were friends." Ranka had a blank look on her face as she slashed her katana at her. " We were, but you decided not to be! Shut up! Your already dead!"

Nodoka had been trying to tell Ranka that she wasn't hurt, but she was too deep down in anger to hear that, her focus was on fighting Ivory to the death. Ivory staggered back a she held her ground with the intense clashing, as she tried to block with her sword as she was being pushed back by a furious Ranka. The fear hit her as she felt herself being pierced thru with the katana, as she had lost her nerve for only a second and that was all it took as Ranka shoved her blade thru her, before pulling it back out with another blank look and deadly glare as she took the rest of her anger out on any demons bold enough to still be trying to block her from Nodoka. After finishing them off, she went over to the downed Ivory and ripped the necklace off from her neck, smashing the gem into the first demon's face, that dared to try to attack her, shattering it. Then she rushed thru any demons that stood in her path to where her mother was, whirling around in a circle with a long side sweep with her katana, slicing into the circle of them, making them all fall, as she stopped spinning. Nodoka beamed in pride at seeing her carry out her teachings so flawlessly, but snapped herself out of it as she tried again. " Ranka, I'm alright dear, she had just got my kimono sleeve, that's all." Ranka's anger dropped some as she finally heard her, she still was entirely done with Ivory though, regardless of if she hadn't hurt her, the fact was that her intent to cause harm was real and she would not tolerate that crap. No, not after going after Ukyou, enough was enough.

At the house Ranma-chan was pacing back and forth, thinking about leaving the house to try to go find them, but having a hard time with defying her mother's order to stay put. Her nerves were put to rest as she heard the lock on the front door un lock and the door open as her mother and sister came back in. Ranma-chan decided not to lie about the phone call. " You guys okay, this phone call said the area was compromised, and I got really worried.." Nodoka smiled as she embraced Ranko, finally breaking off. " As you can see, we are fine. I should've said not to answer the phone as well, but oh well. It was compromised, yes." She caught Ranka going off upstairs. " Ranka, be sure to change out of that and leave it in the sink." She then turned her attention back to Ranko as she patted her on the head. " I don't know about you but I'm going to have a nice cup of tea." She went off into the kitchen to put the kettle on the stove, before taking a seat at the table and motioning for Ranko to come sit with her.

Ranma-chan did so after getting a drink, taking note how Ranka wasn't included and how that didn't sit well with her. " How come you didn't ask Ranka if she wanted any?" Nodoka frowned a bit. " She's likely not in the mood." After the kettle went off whistling, she went and fixed herself up a cup of tea, setting it down on the table, before going off near the stairs and yelling up the stairs if Ranka wanted some tea, which she had responded with a "no thank you." She sat back down at the table. "She's had a rough night, had I known how bad the hunt would've turned out, I wouldn't have been so hard on her with training today." Ranma-chan sipped her drink. "What the heck happened out there?" Nodoka sighed as she blew on her hot tea some, trying to cool it down some. "It was the girl Ivory, so as I said, she's in a mood. So I don't want to hear any fighting, alright." Ranma-chan finished her drink, and nodded in reply before saying good night to her mom and going off upstairs.

Going into the room, seeing Ranka was already in bed, curled up under her blankets and she could sense the dark aura. She wanted to know what went down, but would also try not to fight with her as she went and laid down in her own bed, sitting up. "Mom told me that Ivory girl was there and how the place was compromised.. Was it an attack on her?" Ranka had her back facing her sister. "It was.. but I took care of it." Ranma-chan thought about it for a minute, as she remembered her sister had said she had killed Ivory before with Ryouga's help and figured from what was said, that she had likely killed her. " You killed her, then?" Ranka replied back. "I did, but she earned it by trying to hurt mom.." Ranma-chan could hear the dark tone in her sisters voice, causing some concern. " You okay?" Ranka replied back shortly. " I'm fine." Ranma-chan rubbed at her head. " You sure? You get all upset whenever that girl shows up." Ranka gritted her teeth and clenched her fist. " That was before, she's gone way too far now.." She said good night as she shut her eyes.

Morning came as Ranka heard her mother yell up to her, that it was time to get up. She stretched her legs out some, while lying there for a second, recalling what she had done last night, looking at her hand. She really was the biggest traitor to Satan now, Ivory hadn't been wrong about that, she found herself thinking, before pushing herself up and out of bed to go and get ready for school.

Nodoka smiled and greeted her other daughter as she sat down at the table to have some breakfast. Once everyone was finished, she made sure they had everything they needed for school as she sent them off.

They made the usual stop off at Doctor Tofu's before heading to school. Sadly this time Kuno was present, he however was solemn as he stood before them and bowed his head, before handing off a bouquet of roses to Ranka. " My sincerest apologies for my twisted sister's, heinous act towards you my goddess Ranka." He then took his leave, without another word. Ranma looked annoyed at the fact, but also confused how he didn't try to start anything. Oh well it was a good thing, as that meant getting to class wouldn't be a hassle today. Ranka sweat dropped at being handed off a big thing of flowers, which she wanted to get rid of immediately. Looking around she saw a girl and a guy arguing about something, with the girl walking off in a huff.

The guy sighed and rubbed at his head, feeling bad he had forgotten their anniversary and hadn't gotten his girlfriend anything. It felt windy for a minute, then it was gone and he suddenly was holding a huge bouquet of roses. Wow, it was a miracle, now he had something to give his girl. He caught up to her as he presented the roses to her, making her anger melt.

Ranka felt better that she was able to get rid of them, without wasting them as they went off to their classroom. Everyone greeted each other and chatted until the teacher came in and started class. Time went by and once again it was time for gym class.

This time she decided to cut out and go to the nurse's office, after last night she couldn't focus on dealing with gym class. As usual the nurse didn't stick around, if she was present, it didn't last too long if things were minor. Ranka stretched out on the bed , before shutting her eyes to take a nap, only to wake up in time to go off to her next class.

At lunch it was quite lively as everyone was chatting back and forth, with everyone in a good mood. The day went by in a blink of an eye, before school was done for the day and after saying their good bye's, took their leave as they started back on the walk back home, going off towards Doctor Tofu's. That is until Genma was standing in the way. Ranma furrowed his brow at him as he crossed his arms. " If you're trying to drag me off to runaway with you, you've not another thing coming." Genma had a crooked smile on his face. "Oh no I'm not going to do that. No, I just wanted to talk to Ranka." It was Ranka's turn to cross her arms. " Oh? How come you're not addressing me as " evil girl." anymore hmm?" Ranma gave him a questioning look. " Yeah.. why not?" Genma cleared his throat as he continued. " I've realized the error of my way, I was angry and I took it out on you. I'd like to try to be on better terms with you from now on, as that is what Nodoka wishes. So I'd like to start by apologizing." He held out a rose to her. Ranka scoffed at him. " Is that so? Then you won't mind telling her the truth then, instead of running away."

Genma bit his tongue as he was intent on playing thru, even if that meant doing things that he didn't want to do. It was important to fake it and gain her trust, and get closer to her as planned. He had his work cut out for him as the girl wouldn't bother to accept his gift. He really couldn't stand her, but kept his feet planted firmly as the prize was too great to give up on, instead falling back on retreating for now. " I need to think about that and get back to you." He said before running off. Ranma just shook his head at what just happened.

On his way back Genma went and met up with Ivory at her place. "I need to talk to go over a few things with "him." Ivory nodded and drew his attention to a mirror on the wall, as Satan's image appeared within it. " What do you wish to speak with me about, eh Genma?" Genma furrowed his brow as he wiped away the sweat from his forehead. " Well I just want to make sure that I won't get killed, trying to make this deal with her, because by sticking my neck out and telling my wife about my curse, that could mean death for me!" Satan stroked his goatee thoughtfully. " You have my guarantee that you will not fall, as long as you keep to our deal." Genma bowed his head to him and thanked him for his generosity and time, watching as the image of him disappeared. He thanked Ivory as well, before taking his leave.

Elsewhere walking back after stopping at Doctor Tofu's, they were stopped by Kodachi. Ranma-chan glared at her frustrated. " What the hell do YOU want now?" Kodachi laughed a bit, but not her horrid, horror filled one. "I just came to extend an olive branch to my competition. Please help yourselves, they are freshly baked." She held out a fancy box with fancy looking cookies, which made them both shudder. Figuring it was better to fake it then to reject the offer, which could cause more problems with her in the end. They both took a cookie and "faked" eating them, tossing them off behind them, un seen. Kodachi smiled and handed off the box to Ranma-chan. " Please enjoy them to your hearts content, I look forward to our match in few days time." She then let out her loud horror filled laugh as bounded off on random things, twirling her ribbon about.

After she was gone, Ranma-chan chucked the box of cookies off into a near by trash can. " The nerve of her.. trying to poison us before the match! "Olive branch" my ass!" Ranka sweat dropped as she rubbed at the back of her head. "It's a fancy way of saying something else.. Knowing how she is, then you should know what her next move will be." Ranma-chan clenched her fist. " This is ridiculous! It's not a match between schools like last time.." Ranka played with her hair while they walked. "No but she hates us both and she's crazy, so.." Ranma-chan ughed in frustration. " How dare she just go and sign US up for this, and me!" Ranka nodded in agreement. " That just says it all, on how it'd be if you did have to marry that whack job, she'd be calling ALL the shots." Ranma-chan shuddered at the thought. " Yeah well, that's not gonna happen.." Ranka sighed. " We should just tell mom about it." Ranma-chan got all flustered. " No, we don't need to tell her."

Ranka gave her twin a look. " But "we" do, if she finds out we didn't tell her.. and I can tell you that she WILL find out. She figured out how I can use magic, so.. you really can't hide things from her for too long."

Ranma-chan sighed deeply. " I was hoping.. we could get away with NOT saying anything about it.. but I get it." Ranka nodded. " That and how would we get off, going some where behind her back. I'd love to get around it too, by NOT having to tell her either, but going behind her back.. well, the punishment won't be pretty, I can tell you that.."

Nodoka finished up in the kitchen just as she heard the girls come in, going over to the front door to greet them. "Welcome back. Oh Ranka, you've got mail." She handed her off the envelope. Ranma-chan had already gone off upstairs to change out of the girl school uniform as soon as possible. Ranka blinked as she opened it, looking at what looked like a challenge letter from Ryouga, before she stuffed it off into a pocket of her book bag. Nodoka smiled at her. "Was it from a secret admirer dear?" Ranka looked flustered for a second. " Uh no, of course not." Nodoka just smiled back. " Of course not dear, how was your day at school?" Ranka nibbled on her lip some and shuffled her feet about. " It was okay, just that Kodachi challenged me and Ranko.. to a gymnastic match.." Nodoka looked annoyed. "She did, did she? It's too bad she's not a demon, because then I could justify cutting her down.." Ranka giggled a bit at her mothers out burst. Nodoka looked flustered as she caught herself. " No no I shouldn't say such.."

Ranma-chan came back downstairs dressed casual, as Ranka went upstairs next. Nodoka sighed heavily. " Ranko dear, Ranka tells me you two were challenged to a match by Kodachi, is this true?" Ranma-chan groaned. " Yeah it's true.." Ranka came down stairs after changing, and they all sat down at the table to have snack time.

After finishing, Nodoka sipped her tea thoughtfully. "Neither of you has a leotard, do you?" She noticed the twins both looked flustered, telling her they didn't. "Well it's important for this match, isn't it? So let's go to the clothing store and you two can pick out your outfits." They both groaned in reply as Nodoka sent them to go get ready.

After making their way down town to a clothing store, Nodoka had them browsing the correct section. Ranma-chan found one similar to the one she had worn before. Ranka looked really flustered at the whole selection and at having to show off so much skin. That is until she spotted a skirt attachment, making her eyes light up at the fact that she could cover up some with that at least. Since they were out and about, they had dinner out at a restaurant that wasn't Shampoo's or Ukyou's. Then they finally made their way back home with their purchases.

Once back she had them take turns, taking a bath. After that they watched some tv together, before it was time to go upstairs and get ready for bed. They were both working on their homework at the ground table. Ranka grumbled. " Now I own a stupid leotard.." Ranma-chan grumbled back. " You and me both.. not something I wanted to ever deal with again.." Ranka wrote while they talked. " You didn't want a skirt?" Ranma-chan shook her head. " No way, that's super girly.." Ranka didn't argue about it, but she was confused, as to her it seemed better than letting it all hang out, at least with a skirt, some modesty was restored.

Ranma-chan ruffled up her hair in frustration, until she heard noises near the window, before she could react to one noise, she heard another, like something just took a thud to the floor. She also took note that they had the dimmer light on and Ranka's gem was glowing faintly.

Kodachi had tried to move in from the roof top to get in thru the window, only to smack into some invisible force, making her fall back and fall off the roof, in the process making her wooden hammer fall to the ground with a thud as well. Nodoka thought she heard something, running off to the front door, opening it up while gripping her katana by it's sheath, ready to act.

Kodachi at hearing the front door open, scrambled up and bounded off as fast as she could. Nodoka at not seeing or hearing anything more, stuck her head back inside, shutting the door behind her. She could've sworn she had heard something..

Back upstairs Ranma-chan realized what had just happened, as she sweat dropped. "Kodachi just tried to attack us, didn't she?" Ranka nodded. " Mhmm." She finished up the last of her assignment. Ranma-chan gave her a look. " You had a barrier up didn't you?" Ranka started putting her stuff back into her book bag. " Uhuh, serves her right for trying to attack us, while she thinks we're sleeping. Access denied." She finished putting all her school supplies back. " But she'll likely keep attacking us all the way up to this match.. which she'll probably end up making really big.." Ranma-chan groaned as she finished her homework and started putting it away. "Ugh this was supposed to be a one on one match." Ranka reminded her twin of how it was with Kodachi. "Yes but when does she ever listen? And she's all about fancy and big and being the main attraction.

They both went off to their own beds, before continuing the conversation. "You could probably use your magic on her crazy ass." Ranka looked thoughtful for a minute. " I guess I could, but honestly it's not exactly "my" magic. Without a gem made with demon blood, I don't have any. It's more the demon's blood that has the powers."

Ranma-chan laid back against her pillow, before realization hit her that if her mom went to the match, how all stupid Kodachi's ranting about Ranma being her trophy, would be out in the open, causing her to ruffle up her hair in frustration. Ranka got the jest of it. " Calm down, "crazy-pants" doesn't know about the curse and her ranting, will end up destroying her reputation even more. Which is a good thing." Ranma-chan sighed as she leaned back, feeling a bit more calmer hearing the case. "Yeah it's just embarrassing though, having mom think I'm associated to her, like that.." Ranka mussed at what was said. " That's funny, because that's not the way that I see it, it'll be the other way around, Kodachi will be embarrassing herself in the end. She's already not made a good impression with mom. Honestly she might end up getting bit by the cobra, if you know what I mean." Ranma-chan couldn't help but giggle a tad, as she knew exactly what her twin was saying. " Yeah, you're right, she's just going to end up looking really stupid." Ranka nodded. " Stupider." Ranma-chan hahed as they settled down for the night, saying good night to each other.

After getting up and getting ready, they went thru the daily motions and routine as they headed off to school. Of course, first stopping off at Doctor Tofu, before making their way to school. They both groaned as Kuno made his appearance and spouted the usual crap. Though he was a bit more annoying this morning as he pointed his kendo sword at Ranma. " Ranma Saotome, where have you hidden the pigtailed girl, my lovely Ranko." Ranma groaned in response at his persistence about it. Ranka stepped in with her arms crossed as she rolled her eyes at Kuno. " Pretty sure we already told you, she runs off when she see's you." This made Ranma laugh some. Kuno just let it go in one ear and out the other and heard what he wanted to hear as he grasped Ranka by her hands with sparklie eyes. " Oh my dear sweet goddess Ranka, do not be jealous as I love you and the pigtailed goddess." She had a blank look on her face as she pulled her hands away from his. " Do I look jealous?" Kuno kept blathering on how he saw things, pissing her off, as she slammed her fist into his face, knocking him out and over. Ranma was ready to do the same, just that she had beaten him to it. Most everyone was clapping and talking about how Kuno just got "murdered" by Ranka.

Some random students were talking about it back and forth. Random guy talking to another. " He did kinda ask for, talking about another girl." Other guy nodded in agreement. " When doesn't he ask for it?" Ranma and Ranka made their escape off into the school building while Kuno was out cold.

Nabiki showed up with a bucket of cold water, which she dumped on Kuno, making him bolt up wide awake. Nabiki smirked at him. " You're welcome Kuno baby, you owe me 500 yen. You'd better hurry up or you'll be late for class." She said as she made her way back to the classroom. Kuno grumbled as he went off to his private quarters to change out of his wet clothes.

The school day went by and soon it was time to go back home. After taking their leave and heading towards Doctor Tofu's, until Genma showed up in the way again. Ranka put her hands on her hips at seeing him. " So, have you thought things over?" Genma had a stern look on his face. " I have, so if tell her the truth, will we be able to start over?" Ranka thought about it before replying back. " "If" you tell her, and you leave Ranma out it. No throwing him under the bus with you, got it? No more running away.." She said sternly. Ranma had his arms crossed, paying close to attention to his father and if he had needed to intervene. Genma agreed to the terms, before taking his leave.

Ranma was in awe that his old man had actually agreed to the terms, but would he actually honor them. As they got to doctor Tofu's clinic, Ranka insisted on waiting outside. Not wanting to argue, Ranma went off inside. Once he had gone off inside, Ranka went off to the meeting spot at a vacant lot, that wasn't too faraway, to go meet up with Ryouga over his challenge letter. Her intent was to keep it quick and if he didn't show up within a few minutes, she'd take her leave.

Since this meeting was so important to him, Ryouga had made sure to stay put. He lit up at seeing Ranka as she showed up. Ranka held up the note. " Are you trying to tell me, you want to fight?" Ryouga waved his hands about nervously. " What? No! I just wanted to talk." Ranka gave him an odd look. " Why'd you send me a challenge letter then?" Ryouga sweat dropped. " I did what now? A challenge, no.." He took the letter and looked at getting flustered as he had set it up like one. " No I swear I just wanted to talk?" Ranka crossed her arms. "Then make it quick.." She looked off some trying to not get flustered as the last time she had, had to kiss him on the cheek at the sleepover. Ryouga cleared his throat. " I uh.. well.. I keep getting splashed with cold water when I'm trying to.." He sensed the attack aimed at him, as he jumped away, as did Ranka as she eeped as a bunch of cold water splashed down from the sky. She looked up really fast as she spotted Shampoo, getting angry. " Shampoo!?" Shampoo who was up in a near by tree, eeped and leapt off in a blur.

Ryouga sweat dropped. " She's been attacking me whenever I.. try to say hi to you.." Ranka sighed as she rubbed at the back of her head, feeling some what bad for the situation that he was in. "Yeah I'm sorry but she's not going to stop, likely.. So if you don't want to get splashed, just stay away from me, okay. If that's all you had to say, we're done here." She didn't give him time to finish as she took her leave and got back over to the clinic, just in time as Ranma came out.

Once they got back to the house, their mother greeted them and talked them into going to train for their gymnastic match at the Tendo Dojo. After changing outfits and having a snack, they did just that. Nodoka had called ahead to talk to Soun.

Upon arriving and getting set up in the dojo, after greetings, Nodoka left for a bit. Akane had an annoyed look on her face and her hands on her hips. "So when were you going to tell me, you had a match against Kodachi, huh Ranko?!" She said in an angry tone. Ranma-chan gave her an annoyed look back. " It wasn't about you, so I didn't think I needed to." Ranka sighed as she rolled her eyes at Akane. "She's angry her big allowance got cut off and cut and she just hates us both, so she challenged us to a match. Happy now?" Akane got in her face annoyed. " Did you roll your eyes at me?" Ranka gave her a dull look. " I'm sorry I didn't know I couldn't be annoyed by you. Aren't you here to help?" Akane got all frustrated. " Right, I'm annoying and a big mouth, right!?" Ranma-chan sweat dropped watching them go back and forth and kept her mouth shut. Ranka shrugged her shoulders in response. Akane got all flustered at realizing she had just done herself in, as she cleared her throat. "Okay, so let's do this."

Nodoka came back in to see Akane tossing different gymnastic tools at them and the weapons being used. She let the girls know they'd be staying for dinner, as Soun and Kasumi had talked her into staying. She then said she'd be back to check in an hour, in the mean time she'd be helping Kasumi.

Akane had let her anger drop since she channeled it into throwing things at them. She noticed Ranka's cute little skirt. " That's a really good idea Ranka, since leotards do show off a lot.." She said getting flustered some. Ranma-chan blinked " Say what, now?" This time it was Akane's turn to roll her eyes, and she thought Ranka didn't have modesty. She had a lot more than Ranma did though and aware of how much it showed off. " It's nothing."

Nabiki's radar had led her to the dojo after hearing that Ranma and his sister were there to practice for a gymnastic match. She had a nice hiding spot from where she was taking pictures. Unlike the other time she had missed her opportunity as she wasn't home before. This time she wasn't going to miss out.

After awhile of training and finishing, Ranma-chan went off to take a shower. Ranka had changed out of her leotard, wearing her casual outfit. Akane was sitting next to her. "Don't tell me that Ranma's the prize.." Ranka nodded in reply. Akane grumbled as she tightened her fist. " Did she try to attack you two?" Ranka leaned back some from where they were sitting on the edge of the porch. " She tried to yeah. She's treating this like it's a huge match, when it's not but she's still likely going to blow it up to one." Akane hahed. " She really must be, seeing as how Ranma beat her before, or did she forget?" Ranka laughed some. " More like she'd like to try to forget and is crying "denial." This caused Akane to laugh this time. " So you know all of it, huh." Ranka looked flustered for a second. " I do.."

Akane decided to try to push further on something she had taken notice of for awhile now. "Are you purposely avoiding, looking too much like Ranma?" Ranka looked off the other way. " Wouldn't you?" She felt a little bad but pressed a little further. " So you'll never braid your hair again?" Ranka wrinkled up her nose annoyed. "I didn't say that, just.. not for a while." She tried to shut down any further conversation on the matter, getting up. " Well I'm gonna go help out." Akane got close up to her with a concerned look. " Does that mean you'd stop using martial arts too then?" Ranka bit her lip, looking guilty. " I can't.." The other things she could control, where as that wasn't something she could, it was instinct. She really shut down anything further by getting up and walking off.

Akane sighed to herself. She had done it again and gone too far with discussing upsetting matters with Ranka. It upset her to a point as well, as it was obvious that Ranka had trauma from the bad things she had done while being controlled. That now she wouldn't style her hair in a pigtail like Ranma's, or wear chinese outfits like him. She was keeping her hair up in a pony tail most of the time now, other wise she'd have it loose. She hoped what she said wouldn't depress her too badly and wondered if she should discuss the matter with Ranma or not. Likely not a good idea, he'd probably get mad with her for bringing such things up to his sister.

Soon dinner was ready and the table was set, as everyone was sitting down at the table. Nodoka caught Mr Panda trying to sit down at the table, prompting her to get up and grab him by the back of his fur, dragging him off outside to the porch. " Silly Mr Panda, panda's can't eat at the table." Ranka chided in with a smug smirk. " Yeah silly Mr. Panda, no animals allowed at the table." Ranma-chan snickered. Genma panda gave Ranka a glare for a second, before he jumped back on the porch as Nodoka slammed down a wok of burnt food. " There you go." She then went back off inside, taking her seat at the table, and everyone was enjoying the meal.

After helping clean up, they said their goodbye's and left the Tendo's, making their way back home. Once they got back, Ranka went off upstairs to take her bath as instructed by her mother. Not much later it was time for bed as they settled in for the night.

Ranma-chan was reading a manga and Ranka was doodling in her notebook, both stopped what they were doing as they heard something on the rooftop, followed by a clonk and after a few minutes a thud. Ranma-chan went back to her manga. "It was Kodachi again, wasn't it?" Ranka nodded. Ranma-chan ughed at the crazy girl's, persistent nature. " You'd think she'd have learned she can't get in.." Ranka shrugged her shoulders in reply. Ranma-chan turned the page of her manga. "Are you ready for this big match thing?" Ranka kept doing what she was doing. "As ready as I can be. Your obviously not worried about it, seeing as you already beat her before." Ranma-chan smiled a bit. "Well yeah I did, but she's really vicious and " crazy." Ranka nodded in agreement as she finished what she was doing, laying down. After awhile, so did Ranma-chan as they said good night before the lights went out.

Before they knew it, it was the day of the match, but first they had to get thru the school day. They days leading up to "they day", Kodachi had kept trying to take them both out, attacking out of now where and trying to deliver her poisonous cookies to them at every opportunity. To the siblings further annoyance, she had also advertised the match, setting flyers for the event all over, including at their school to their dismay.

After having sent her girls off for school, Nodoka sat on the couch in deep thought as today was also the day that Genma was supposed to talk to her. She also secretly hoped that she'd get to see her son, but knowing the recent trend, she wasn't too hopeful. While she still missed her son, she wasn't missing him as badly as she had been, with her two daughters. Also with Ranko, it was like Ranma was with her, since they were both very similar and that was because they were raised like siblings together.

Ranma-chan hadn't gotten on Ranka about going in to Doctor Tofu's with her, as her mind was more focused about the match in the evening. Ranka also didn't remind her sibling either, but was careful to have her defense barrier up around herself, while she was waiting outside. She was kept under such close watch between her sibling and mother, so any bit of freedom she could get, she'd take. Of course it came with danger as Ivory popped up, looking super pissed. She had a very upset look on her face. " YOU killed me!" She expected Ranka to feel bad about it, but that's not the reaction she received.

Ranka gave her a blank look. " And you're surprised? I was dead serious and still am, and I'll kill you as many times as I have to, you got it?" She had a very dark and serious look on her face as she glared daggers at her. Ivory backed away some with a shocked look on her face for a second, before she shook her head and pointed at her angrily. "Who the hell are you?! You're not the same girl I knew." Ranka just gave her a blank look. " And whose fault do you think that is! It was different when you were going at "just "me. I won't allow you to attack anyone else, got it.." Ivory felt panic at how dead serious and dark the girl was in front of her and tried to reason with her, by using her original name. " Cmon now Onna, I know you don't want to do this. So cut the crap, stop playing " demon hunter" and just come back to the master, and come and be on the right side, not the wrong side." Ranka glared back at her as she crossed her arms. "And I'm pretty sure that I told you, I didn't know better before and you know that I go by Ranka now. I'm not playing.. " She couldn't help but laugh at how brain washed Ivory was. "I'm not the one that's on the wrong side."

Ivory balled her fists in frustration. "Yes you are, you she-devil!" Ranka rolled her eyes at her. " I already told you, you're the one whose being lied to. I even offered to help you." Ivory growled at her. " Lies! You're the biggest liar of them all, Ranka.." She said spitefully as she took the chance to with draw.

Ranka sternly watched her as she left the area, thinking how obviously the devil had brain washed her further, since their last meeting,as she didn't seem to remember a lot of things, but she was done trying to reason with her anymore anyways. Soon after Ranma came back out from the clinic, quirking an eyebrow at his sister. "Did something go down out here?" He hadn't sensed any psychical fighting, but was sensing other things. Ranka smiled for a second at spotting him. " Nope." He wasn't going to get into it before school though.

Kuno was too busy to bother the siblings this morning as he was busy with Nabiki. He aah ed and ooh ed at seeing her newest photo's of the twin goddesses. His hands were shaking at holding the pictures of them in leotards. " I'll take them ALL!" Nabiki smirked as she tallied up the total. " I had a feeling you would." She wrote down a number on a piece of paper, to which Kuno set about writing out a check to her hastily.

Mean while at the classroom, after greeting their friends and taking their seats, it should've been a nice normal morning as there was no Kuno, but the boys were really swarming Ranka, as were the girls, chattering on about the martial arts rhythmic gymnastic match that was this evening. Ranma told off a bunch of the guys, getting them to take their leave. Of course then his friends were trying to do the same, much to his annoyance. Hiroshi was being annoying, till he got a good kick to his foot from Ranma and a stern look. The chatter stopped as the teacher came in and class started.

The chatter kept going thru the day on and off. Ranma was getting more and more annoyed by it, with gym class being really heated, with him telling off a bunch of the other guys in his class, as they were leering after his sister and talking about lewd things.

At lunch it was similar. Ranka was cursing Kodachi for announcing the simple show off and blowing it up so big. Thrista smiled at her. " I can't wait to see this big match tonight." Ranka looked really flustered. " Please don't.." Sayuri was also fawning over it. " I'm sure you'll win." Ranka laughed a bit nervously. To a point she thought to herself how Ranma was lucky he wasn't directly in the spotlight at the moment, like she was.

After school Kuno was at his private kendo quarters with his collection of pictures surrounding him on the wall. He was holding two pictures, one of the pigtailed girl and Ranka in leotards. " Aah my twin goddesss's, I will be cheering for you from the side line tonight. Though I will also have to cheer for my twisted sister, know that I will be cheering more for your victory. Ah the heaven's are cruel to exclude Akane Tendo from such a vision."