-AN

Admittedly I haven't considered myself all that great at comedy or humor, this is my absolute first attempt at it. Gotta get the practice in if I ever wanna publish a full length book after all. Welp. The spore is here, was chaos can she bring to present day scouts?

-Story Start-

Sweating, panting, gasping for air. It had been a long time since Ranma had done anything as strenuous as this. All of it centered around a little kid he didn't even know he had, or would have, maybe? He didn't know, but running for his life over the rooftops of Juban with a waif of a pink haired scout hanging from his neck was not how he thought his night was going to go. As he artfully dodged another scarily accurate rose that pierced the very concrete he had passed, he had to at least give it to that tuxedo wearing freak, he had some skills.

"Stop running you home wrecker and die like a man!" Roses held between all the fingers of his left hand, Mamoru was seeing red and wasn't listening to anyone at the moment. Behind him was a screaming Usagi and a group of both bemused and exasperated Senshi bringing up the rear.

Jumping into a flip so he could adjust the girl on his back who still hadn't stopped giggling, Ranma sighed and made eye contact with her for a moment before focusing on running some more, "This is all very funny to you isn't it?"

"Absolutely! Mom used to tell me stories all the time about the crazy chases you used to get into when you were younger. I always thought she was kidding though." Usa tightened her grip around his neck while he rebounded off of the next sloped roof, turned a full one-eighty and vaulting over a surprised Mamoru who couldn't changed direction as fast.

"Well if my life wasn't on line I guess this someone could find it funny. Are you absolutely sure you're my kid? Cause no offense, my life is a little to crazy to consider having a kid at the moment." Watching as the girl used a bright pink heart tipped wand to wordlessly slice a vacuum blade behind them, Ranma's gut dropped like a stone. It had a slight pinkish tint to it, but her aim was good and a section of roof came free that Mamoru was just about to land on. He plummeted into an alleyway not to be seen while they kept running. Well that put a lot towards settling anymore arguments from Ranma. "Great, I have a kid. What else is gonna come out tonight?"

Sighing and coming to a stop on a flat section of a building, Usagi and most of the scouts soon caught up to them. Usagi was the first to walk up and pluck the pink themed mini senshi from Ranma's back, a fairly uncharacteristic frown on her face, "Alright who are you really, there's no way you're my daughter from the future. One of you is playing tricks on me." Usagi's gaze switched between the innocent looking girl held in her grip and a smiling Setsuna who was looking quite pleased with herself.

"Oh that's the look you give me every time I try to sneak off with the silver crystal! Also also, look." Wiggling free and dropping to her own feet Usa held her hands up to display her own senshi artifact, a bright pink scepter with a familiar jewel set in it's top.

"That's the silver crystal isn't it?" Makoto and Ami were looking over Usagi's shoulders as the now distraught girl was again sinking to her knees.

Scanner out and nodding Ami sighed, "It's the crystal alright, or at least a part of it. Slightly different too, like it has been changed."

Usa nodded with a smile, "Mom had to change it to fit me better and she no longer needed it. Something about her and dad combining her star seed with massive amounts of her own magical power to create a new crystal. I wasn't paying much attention." Grinning and holding onto the hand of a shell shocked Ranma, Usa was very pleased with herself at the moment.

"It's not fair! How can I can a kid but not do the fun kid making things! I'm a virgin! I can't be a virgin mommy! I can't! I can't!" Wailing like a toddler, the girls were edging away from a clearing losing it Usagi.

"Well, as fun as this is, I think it's time we all call it a night." Stepping forward with a pleased expression on her face, Setsuna was looking pointedly at Ranma.

"What's with the look? I haven't done anything?" Looking at the smiling girl with bright eyes and a nose that looked exactly like Usagi's, he grimaced, "Not yet anyway."

"Well something tells me your family might be a little more excepting of this than say, Usagi's." Tossing a knowing look to the pouting leader of their group, the eldest senshi turned to the martial artist again, "Could you please look after the young princess?"

Scrubbing a frustrated head through his hair, Ranma relented if at least so he could get home and sleep. "Alright alright, no need to give me puppy dog eyes or nothin'." He absolutely refused to look down at the younger girl right now. "Just, could you swing by tomorrow and we can actually sit down and talk about all this, please?" Seeing Setsuna's nod, Usa de-transformed and hopped on Ranma's back again. "Hey!"

"Off to grandma's!" Giggling and wrapping her small legs around her apparent father's waist, Usa was all happiness and smiles.

Standing and walking up to them Usagi now had an odd look on her face as she grabbed Ranma by the collar, "We will be having words tomorrow."

Ranma shakily nodded his head, some how knowing anything short of acceptance might lead to him being nothing more than a crater in that moment. He was still nodding as the rest of the girls all gave their own goodbyes and left the area, Haruka and Michiru holding a knocked out Mamaru between them. Both father and daughter stood there in silence for some time before Ranma finally released the breath he was holding and looked back at the girl who had once again settled herself on his back. "I'm to young for this." Taking off his hat and mask, he stashed them away from the night.

"Maybe, but older you said this would be good for you."

Grumbling that not even his future self could apparently give him a break. Ranma started roof hopping his way home. "Well, I'd like to think nothing else can go off the rails tonight."

"Oh ho ho ho ho! Is this my lucky day? I spy my Ranma-sama!"

Not even looking as he started dashing away in a random direction away from the crazed voice, Ranma grumbled even more as the little girl giggled in his ear, "That wasn't a challenge damnit!"

"This is just like mama's stories! And you said a bad word, you owe me lessons!"

-b-

Grumbling and complaining about crazed gymnasts and even worse wannabe samurai, Ranma was happy to finally be home. Though the little time traveling girl was still holding his hand, he had hope the things would somehow still work out.

"You're not jinxing yourself again are you papa?" Pink hair done up much like her mother's, a cute cat themed backpack no saddled on her shoulders, Usa looked for all purposes a cute grade schooler.

"Probably, but that's pretty normal for me." Hanging his head as he walked through the gate and then through the front door, he resigned himself to whatever was coming next, "Tadaima!"

"Oh Ranma, it's so late, welcome home…" Nodoka was all of two steps out of the kitchen before pausing at seeing the little girl next to her son. Questions, so many questions flew in and out of her head, "Who's this darling?" Get answers first, then possibly celebrate.

"Well uh, you see, things kinda went nuts tonight and uh." Someone close splashed him with water, triggering his curse. "Now what was that for?"

Holding up her hair and mimicking a grumpy face, Usa leaned into a now female Ranma, "I'm your granddaughter from the future!"

It was like looking into a mirror Nodoka decided, especially with how well the little girl copied Ranma's disgruntled look when wet. The shade of hair was all off, but maybe whoever the mother was…. "The blonde from the newscast!" Eyes now going wide as she connected dots faster than Ranma would have liked, Nodoka was across the entryway and spinning the little girl around and laughing, "I have a grand daughter! Oh I knew my manly son would do me proud." Nuzzling the little girl's cheek to her own, Nodoka was all smiles.

Ignored from where he had been tossed into the wall, Ranma pulled himself up and crossed his arms, "Oh yeah sure, glad to you see believed her right away. I feel so loved right now." Standing and heading into the house as Nodoka smothered the little girl behind him, he could at least be happy that the kid would be taken care of.

"Oh don't be grumpy sochi. It's a grandparents duty to spoil grandchildren after all." And she'd definitely be gloating to that Ikari woman down the street. First grandbaby went to her!

"Is Ukyo or Shampoo here? Guess I should let them know too." Not feeling Shampoo's chi signature at all but Ukyo's was in her room, so that answered his question before his mother could.

"Shampoo had to work later today but promised she would come see you tomorrow during classes. And Ukyo is getting cleaned up." Finally letting the young girl down and leading her into the living room, Nodoka sat her down and waved around the room, "You are welcome to stay for as long as you need to. And what can you tell me about yourself? I want to learn everything I can."

Shaking his head, but smiling as he watched both his mother and apparently future daughter bond, he only barely flinched as Ukyo sidled up to his side. "Who's the squirt?"

Sighing and hoping for the best, Ranma pointed to himself, "Apparently she's my daughter from the future. Also, apparently time travel is a thing." Ranma really really hoped this didn't lead to either extreme violence or more tears from his adopted sister. But he had already jinxed himself enough for one night.

Shaking her head and poking the worm out boy, Ukyo moved away from him and towards the others, "Only you would somehow get mixed up with time travel." Of course, she wanted to be angry as she could already tell this girl definitely wasn't hers. But if she was telling the truth and she was from the future, there apparently wasn't much she could do. Plus, couldn't blame the kid for what the parents did, Ranma dealt with enough of the through Genma after all. And Ukyo wouldn't wish all that drama on anyone. "Hey there girlie. What's your name?"

Looking up at the ponytailed girl, Usa allowed a soft smile to come free, "Aunty!"

"Wuh?"

Getting up and hugging the teenager, Usa took a step back and nodded, "Dad had tons of stories about you! You were always so cool and super awesome. Plus dad said you made the best okonomiyaki ever." Happy that she got to meet another family member, Usa was only half prepared for the smothering hug she received.

"You are just darling! Okay I'm with mom, tell me everything."

Ignoring the women who would be gabbing well into the night, Ranma disappeared out into the backyard before hopping up onto the rooftop. He made himself comfortable on the tiles so he could do something he hadn't done in a while since leaving Nerima. Gaze at the stars. Though as he frowned at all the neighborhood lights and the cities own light pollution, there weren't as many as he hoped. But he could pick out some of the big constellations, some of his earliest friends from his time on the road. And after a hassle of a day like his, he needed a bit of relaxation right now. So that was what he did, he relaxed, floated somewhere between awake and asleep. Zoned out in almost a meditative trance as the world turned along without him for a while. He could feel the others in the house slowly settling in for the night, as well as the peace the eventually settled around the entire neighborhood as midnight eventually came and went, but he just didn't have the energy to move. He was a dad, or would be. But he could only imagine why his older self would send back his child like this. Current him also couldn't really understand the motivations of him as a parent, not entirely. It wasn't something he was ready for, or had even really thought of yet. Marriage wasn't even on the table yet. But here he was with a time travelling daughter, who was currently settling in next to him on the roof tiles.

"You always did find the highest places to go to relax." Her voice was calmer, much more mature than her face would allow. This was a young princess.

"I'm surprised you aren't asleep. Time traveling, meeting your younger parents, running across half the city. You should be tuckered out." Ranma hadn't turned to look at her yet, eyes still firmly on the sky and a waning moon.

"I…wanted to apologize. I know today has been a lot." Usa was playing with her tool slash toy cat while avoiding looking at her younger father as well.

"Eh don't worry about it. I'm sure there's a real reason you're here, besides your 'help prevent a tragedy' excuse." Shrugging Ranma sat up finally, an arm up on one raised knee. "Wanna talk about it? What you can tell me at least?"

Nodding, Usa took a deep breath. "Sometimes, sometimes I run away. From my tutors, from all the various suitors, from my responsibilities." Looking down at herself, she splayed her hands open on her thighs, "Mama is always so busy, and so were you papa. I just, never had much time with you. So I took one of the time door keys from Setsuna and traveled back to this time. I figured, if I couldn't spend time with you then, maybe I could meet you now. Of course, it wasn't till I got here that I realized Set-chan actually let me take the key, on my papa's permission. And I thought I was being sneaky."

Chuckling Ranma reached over and tussled the little girls hair, earning him an indignant cry, "Well you're mine, somehow the thought of you getting one over on me just doesn't sit well." Going quiet for a minute, and thinking about all of the people he knew that were stuck between obligations and honor contracts and the like, he could kind of get where she was coming from. "It's good, sometimes, to leave responsibilities behind and just be yourself for a while. Be a kid, not a princess."

Nodding slowly, that was what Usa wanted, "I understand if I can't stay for long, but, can you at least, indulge me for a few days?" She was hopeful as that was the actual core reason she had come to the past after all.

Pulling the girl into his side Ranma nodded, "Like mom said, you're welcome here as long as you need." Grinning he looked down at her, "You get to learn first hand just how chaotic a Saotome's life really is. Which also means you'll be joining me in the dojo tomorrow. Though maybe we should tell everyone else not in the known you're my little cousin, not my daughter."

Eyes shining and nodding quickly, Usa gave thanks to the goddess, "Alright! This is gonna be the best vacation ever." A grin growing on her face, a poloroid picture appeared in her hand, "Well, to make it worth your while, I can show you what mom looks like in the future. Show you what you're getting into?"

Chopping the cheeky brat on the head, Ranma grabbed her in a princess carry and hopped down into the backyard, "I think it's time for bed, and then tomorrow we can figure everything else out. Sound like a plan?" At the girls nod and snuggling into his chest, Ranma at least figured that he could never complain that his life was dull. Though now he had to figure how he was going to explain this fully to Shampoo. Or Akane. The cold shiver that worked down his spine told him all he needed to know about what tomorrow would bring.

-b-

"Remember everyone, all motion starts with your breath! Breath deeply, then exhale, breath deeply, then exhale. Focus on your core!" Ranma led his morning class through their usual yoga stretches and positions. Though today had the addition of little lady Usa in training wear going through the motions next to him. The morning had been full of cooing from the older women and more than a few bemused looks from the older men as Ranma introduced the girl as his cousin visiting from out of town. Of course, if the giggling from some of the women was to be noticed, Ranma was sure even more odd rumors would be spreading about him soon. "Okay, now from downward into a cobra, try to keep it smooth and remember to breath." Changing position himself as well, he watched the class as everyone followed along. Doing his best however to ignore that the entire front row seemed to be filled with women, most of whom had decided the weather was warm enough for just sports bras for some reason, he sighed as he wasn't even going to pretend to be that naive. So holding the position for another minute, Ranma called for an end to the class. "That's it everyone." Giving an artful flip up onto his feet to some appreciative claps, the young instructor bowed to everyone, "Thank you all for coming today, remember to hydrate and stretch plenty at home, and I'll see you tomorrow." Again ignoring all the sweaty and heavy breathing before him, he instead turned to his newest addition to the class. "Well squirt, what do ya think so far."

"I never knew you did slow stuff like this too. I always thought it was mega fights and taking down gods and stuff like that." Usa wasn't really sweating, the stretches and poses not all that strenuous for her. But she had fun all the same.

Ranma exchanged a few words with some of the older adults as they all slowly left the dojo before turning back to the younger girl, "It's all part of the basics. Stretches, core work, breathing, balance. Without any of those you might as well forget the rest of martial arts, granted any decent school or teacher is going to include stuff like this in their training." Beginning to walk around the dojo and idling kicking yoga mats into the corner, Ranma motioned to the girl, "Your….mom….could use some yoga instruction along with some other things. But it's slow going. Her problem is more, magical, than physical I think." Popping another red mat off the floor and through the air, Usa cheering as it settled in with its brethren.

"So what's next?"

"Next is some time for clean, maybe a quick lunch, and then afternoon martial arts classes." Hearing however a chime from the door, Ranma groaned, "Or more likely, time for someone to come and throw that out the window. Good afternoon!" Turning and raising his voice, he relaxed as at least it was someone he knew. "Hey Shampoo, here to visit or on work?"

"Both Airen, visit and deliver food. Figured you hadn't eaten yet." Spying the little girl hiding slightly behind Ranma's legs, Shampoo raised a delicate eyebrow, "Who this?"

"Usa, meet Shampoo, a friend of mine, Shampoo, meet Usa. She's well…." Looking at the door and not seeing anyone else coming, Ranma fessed up, "She's from the future, and my daughter, so play nice."

Stars in her eyes, Shampoo was across the room and was fawning over the young girl while tossing Ranma his food. "You no amazon yet, but we fix. We make you into big strong warrior." Reaching into her stuff space, Shampoo produced more food in travel containers, "First, you skinny, need to eat. Hearty warriors must have a hearty diet."

Praying to every god he knew Ranma balanced his food load in one hand before dragging a protesting Shampoo towards the back. "Com'on Usa, let's eat and you can get to know Shampoo without her crowding you." Usa followed more sedately, but was soon seated at the small break room table while Shampoo explained the ins and outs of her village.

"You know auntie, I didn't know you were so bubbly in this time period."

"What you mean?" Shampoo was going along with the time travel bit, this was Ranma after all, but since he hadn't mentioned who the mother was she was going to keep her spirits up.

"Well in the future you've always got this super scary aura about you, like you could kill someone if you just look at them hard enough. You're not around much, but dad goes and visits you often. Said you don't like the palace much."

"A palace sounds confining, not something I would like." Shampoo liked to be able to move about freely. Part of why she didn't mind doing delivery for her grandmother. Also part of why she liked staying in Japan for now, no amazon business.

"That makes sense. About the only time we could get you to stay was uh….Set-chan called it, cookie time. I don't know what kind of cookies were so special they got you to stay for a week, but dad always seemed so busy around then. Also, papa, do you know how to bake in this time, or do you think you learn how to do it later?" Setsuna never explained exactly what type of cookies they were, but they must have been good with all the moaning going on.

Snorting and giving Ranma a leer, Shampoo smiled, "Your father is a good cook, I'm sure his baking is, superb."

Blushing and look away, Ranma worked through his own food, "Uh, I can bake now if I try….maybe I try making cookies or something in the future. Who knows." He just knew Shampoo was thinking of all sorts of ways to make martial arts baking some new sort of challenge, and he wasn't going to dive into it today.

Happily enjoying a short daydream involving her, Ranma, and a bowl of vanilla cake frosting, Shampoo had a smile on her face as she leaned forward, "So what bring you here to see Ranma?"

"Well, I didn't have a lot of free time in the future. So, this is me kind of running away so I can spend time with my papa. Though…I'm sure I'll get in some trouble later." Seeing the unsure look in the girls eyes, Shampoo reached over the table and tussled her hair.

"Nonsense. Us princesses need time off too ya know? You no worry, I show you the ropes of handling life with Ranma here." Now Shampoo could see a kindred spirit in the younger girl. She herself knew enough about wanting to run away from duty and obligation. "So, first things first, let's eat, and then I'll show you some moves that Ranma probably hasn't taught you yet."

Finishing his food as he let the two princesses chat and bond, Ranma smiled at the for once, quiet moment in his life. Sure he had no clue what being a father meant, but he was willing to try for the tired kid. Standing and leaving to the main room and watching people greet him while others starting filing in from outside, he shifting back into teacher mode and started giving instructions. It didn't take long to get his more basic students going through drills, while allowing some of the more advanced people to set up spars in the back. He walked along the lines, correcting forms and giving advice where he felt needed. No one yet seemed ready for any aerial moves just yet and completely not ready for chi manipulation. But a few were getting there. Though mainly those few belonged to the sailor senshi group. Pointedly he watched Haruka and Makoto pick up the pace on their sparring while not far away from them Ami, Rei, Minako, and Usagi all ran through basic drills. Usagi was boring a hole in is head with her eyes as he walked by, but he did his best to ignore it and keep moving along. He hadn't noticed at first when Shampoo and Usa had come back out to the main room, the elder girl walking Usa through some drills, before learning the younger girl had some skill and moving on to a light spar. Watching them, Ranma could tell that Shampoo was having fun with Usa, leading her through a basic routine while explaining and teaching on the fly. It wasn't his training, but he recognized some moves that he had picked up from Shampoo and Cologne along the way. So with a shake of his head he moved on to other students, vowing to add his own flair to Usa's training after sending everyone else home.

Of course, his day couldn't end without someone interrupting things. "Foul Sorcerer! I've finally found you, you knave!" There in his doorway holding a gleaming curved katana and garbed in his typical blue and white kendo wear, Tatewaki Kuno looked angry enough to spit fire.

Sighing and clapping his hands to gain everyone's attention, Ranma raised his voice above the din of excited muttering. "Alright everyone. I warned you I might have challengers. Let's line up along the back wall and give plenty of room!" Quick to see their master show off, everyone rushed to do as they were told.

"What foul magic have you done now Saotome? Enthralling even more fair maidens to your wicked ways? After I defeat you today I shall free everyone from your clutches and-" Kuno would have finished had a dainty foot not connected with his shin.

Walking away from the hopping and fuming mentally unstable samurai, Usa looked quite pleased with herself, 'No one get's the bad mouth my papa.' Taking a seat between Usagi and Rei, Usa cheered for her secret father.

Shaking his head Ranma waiting for the scion of the Kuno house to get himself under control. Before he had a chance to raise his sword and rush at him, Ranma raised a hand. "Hold it! You're in my dojo, so you have some rules to follow."

"You dare to give me, the scion of the house of Kuno, orders? You-" Mouth snapping shut as suddenly Ranma was directly in his face with a very dark aura around him, something primal told Tatewaki to keep his mouth shut.

"You are in MY dojo. If you damage anything here, you will be paying for it. If you involve any of my students, I will break both your legs, and your arms." Somehow getting even closer, his eyes like glaciers, his tone dropped to nearly a whisper, "If by some chance, any of your actions hurt that little girl or the woman next to her, I will end you. Understand?" Seeing Kuno nod quickly, Ranma backed away and pulled forth his family's blade. "We'll make this simple, first blood and that's it. No interference, no crazy techniques."

"That is agreeable! Finally a fair match between us." Raising his blade into his normal starting position, Tatewaki readied himself.

Turning to look around Ranma pointed at Shampoo, "Could ya count us off Shampoo?" Getting the girls nod as she stood and moved to a middle point between the two young men, she raised a hand with a smile. Ranma himself held his blade low and to his right, one hand tight and high on the handle, the other loose palm down on the pommel.

Seeing both men ready, Shampoo brought a hand down and bounced away, "Begin!"

Tatewaki Kuno had been training in kendo for years. For all his bluster and poetry spouting, he did have the talent. And since Ranma had shown up in Nerima those skills had been pushed harder than he had ever thought possible, though he was loathed to admit it. That said, as forward motion and sword strike came down, it was through all of those self improvements that allowed him to appreciate what was about to happen.

Ranma had come forward to meet Kuno's rush, sword arching up and to his left. Using the spine of the blade to block and redirect Kuno's strike off to his left, he used the added leverage of his left hand to then twist and reverse his blade, stopping only a moment away from cleaving Kuno from his collarbone down to his hip. Even with this pause the tip of his sword's edge was rest on his opponents collar, a small bead of blood present, but no more than a scratch. Back away to a respectable distance, Ranma flourished his blade before returning it to his side, "Well Kuno, that enough for ya today?"

There wasn't much that could honestly reach through the odd mental haze that Tatewaki had built around himself. Facing reality wasn't what he wanted most days. That said, seeing actual skill in a field he had trained so hard in being used forced him to see things as they truthfully were. He had lost, badly, to an opponent that he couldn't claim had cheated or used tricks in order to win. Sighing and sheathing his blade as he backed away, Kuno gave a deep bow. "I have wronged you on this day, Saotome. You have bested me this once with fair skill. But heed me!" Kuno stood and pointed at the pig tailed martial artist who wasn't really sure what to make of this suddenly serious Tatewaki, "I will training harder, and will return for a rematch. Though, maybe next time more fairly, without live steel." Feeling truly chastised for once, Kuno sighed, "I acknowledge your skill, if not your love for the pig tailed girl and my tigress Akane Tendo."

Sighing but figuring that was possibly the best he was going to get for now, Ranma stashed away his blade once more, "Just, if you're gonna come by, respect my dojo got it? And knock it off with the sorcerer nonsense. You know I'm not." Ranma however did return Kuno's respectful bow with one of his own, just a deep.

Turning and making for the door, Kuno waved Ranma off, "Do I? How many people do you know that can level mountains? Till next time, Saotome-san." And as unexpectedly as he came, he was gone and out the door, a contemplative look on his face.

Class erupting into cheers, Ranma for once was fine putting up with Shampoo glomping onto his side, "Strong Airen win like always. We celebrate yes?"

Rolling his eyes Ranma tentatively gave the girl a half hug before untangling her from him. "Alright alright. Fun's over. Any questions before we get back to training?"

Ami raised a hand, "Wait, he mentioned something about you leveling a mountain? What was that about?"

Thinking about it for a bit, Ranma decided maybe a lecture would be good for today. They all were already seated and attentive anyway. "Well, I guess it's a story I can tell ya. Alright, remain seated and I'll tell you about the hardest fight of my life up till now. And man who called himself a god, Saffron." And he did just that. Explaining his friend's kidnapping that led to all of the crazy hi-jinks of the Saffron incident. Including up until then, the strongest use of his Hiryuu shoten ha yet, and the subsequent leveling of a mountain and obliteration of an opponent.

Through the story, though listening with rapt attention, it was Usagi that saw the dimming in Ranma's eyes as he described fighting Saffron. Something deeper had happened beyond just the story. Though, as he held a his usual demonstration of a ball of condensed chi and led that into a lecture about life energy and it's uses, she herself made a mental note to have him alone later. And as the afternoon moved on into the evening and class eventually ended for the day. She stayed behind while Ranma waved everyone else goodbye.

Turning back to the group he knew would be waiting for him, Ranma still wasn't sure he was ready to face the music so to speak, "Alright. How badly and I getting pounded today?"

Snorting at Ranma's word choice, Shampoo shook her head and she walked to the door, she herself needing to get back home, "Someday Airen, that mouth of yours is going to get you in some real trouble." Lightly trailing a hand along his upper arm, she gave the confused looking boy a smile before bouncing away and up onto the rooftops.

The rest of the senshi seemed to be of the same mind and it was Minako who walked up to him with a grin, "We're actually going to patrol without Usagi tonight. The outers will be on the roof though, just in case lover boy." Winking and walking out followed by the others, that soon left a now thoroughly confused martial artist with a time traveler and a moon princess.

Sighing before nodding, Ranma motioned to the back room, now becoming a popular place, "Well go ahead and relax for a minute and start some tea, I'll lock up and dim the lights so we can talk uninterrupted."

Both the older and younger Usagi nodded before walking away, taking note that the martial arts teacher seemed to be in an off mood. Usa led Usagi by the hand, striking up a conversation about her day and some of the things Shampoo taught her. Usagi eventually just smiled and nodded through the story. Not yet really sure how she was supposed to act with the girl, and not having the benefit of spending the whole day with her. But it was easy to kind of treat her like a little sister.

Ranma walked in to Usa somehow having wormed her way into Usagi's lap while telling about training with Shampoo and apparently wanting to become an amazon warrior. Chuckling and closing the door behind him, he locked eyes with the older bunny, "Well, ready to pound me flat?"

Smiling Usagi shook her head, "Not yet. But I did have a question for you." Seeing Ranma take a seat and nod for her to continue, Usagi went on, "Saffron. I know you've explained it, but, are you okay about it?"

Setting and thinking about it for a while, Ranma almost wanted to shrug and say yes. But, he knew the answer wasn't really that simple. The defender of love and justice(her words) could probably understand where he was coming from however. "It was either defeat him, or watch people I cared about die. There really wasn't a choice in the matter. Yeah, I had to break my oath in order to do so. But I'd do it again. I'm getting over it now that I've had some time, and I'll know not to hesitate like that again in the future. At least, I hope I don't. I always want to give people a chance is all."

Understanding the thought, Usagi agreed with him, "Sometimes evil has to be put down, and sometimes that taints us in the process. But like a pretty smart teacher told me, we have to find balance in what we do." Throwing his own words back at him, Usagi reached over and lightly ran a dainty had over his rough knuckles. Feeling the ridges of callouses and scars, the young woman could only marvel at the dedication he had put into not just himself, but the art that he so obviously loved. She could only imagine what he could do if he put that kind of energy towards anything else.

Smiling at the reassurance from the woman, Ranma nodded, "Yeah well, my life is full of crazy tales and regrets both. I've had a lot of experience to learn from." They sat in silence for a moment, looking for the right thing to say for each other but failing, it was Usa that chimed in,

"Sooooo, instead of kissy eyes can we maybe go on a patrol together?"

Pulling away from Ranma as if she was burned, Usagi blush and stammered out an apology, which Ranma wasn't having, "Don't stress. It's nice to have a friend." Standing and stretching Ranma then hooked a thumb over his shoulder, "I'm down for some youma thrashing. How 'bout you?"

Agreeing as she had her own frustrations to deal with, Usagi nodded and stood up along with him, Usa still in her arms. "Some monster thrashing sounds good." Giggling and finally letting Usa down, it wasn't long before the three closed up and were transformed and hopping along the rooftops, 4 silent guardians bringing up the rear. It wasn't long before coming up to one of the popular parks, they found a small group of a dozen youma. Turning pleading eyes to them both, Usa bounced on her toes, "Can I take em out, can I?"

Looking over to Usagi who shrugged, Ranma nodded, "Stick with the outers, but have at it. I wanna see what you can do." Barely finishing his sentence, Usa was off and causing destruction. Turning to the woman next to him, Ranma nudged her with a shoulder, "You and that tuxedo dude, everything okay?"

Sighing at being reminded the other reason why her life was a being upended right now, Usagi shook her head, "Not really. He's been real distant lately. Said he wanted to figure things out for himself. He's been back from college over seas for this summer, but we haven't spent much time together. And now with Usa here and that bombshell, he's acting, I don't know, jealous. And it's stupid cause he's the one that wanted space. And it's not like you and I are doing anything in the first place. We're friends." Crossing her arms under her modest bust, Usagi turned to the pig tailed warrior currently sporting an opera mask and black cap. "Any advice about jealous lovers?"

Laughing while watching Usa ride a demon's shoulders down into the dirt before blasting it's head into dust, Ranma wished he had some advice for himself, "Maybe do the opposite of everything I've done up till now. I don't know. Being honest seems to be working well, and with all my fiancee problems, I'd hate to get you involved with that." Unsaid was that from the last two months Ranma had grown closer to all the scouts, Usagi most of all. But he still had feelings for Akane, and who couldn't lie and say Shampoo and Ukyo also had portions of his heart, though differently in each case. "Like you said, I value you as a dear friend. You've giving me more slack and listened to my side of things in a way no one else has. I appreciate you."

Something warm fluttering in her chest, Usagi looked away and watched the carnage with him, "I appreciate you too. You've taught us a lot, and given some pretty good advice along with helped us out with the local monsters." Feeling like teasing him Usagi stretched out her back slightly, pressing her chest out and making the not so clueless boy blush, "What this I hear about cookie time?"

Groaning about loud mouth kids and bratty blondes, Ranma shook his head, "I'll bake you a set of cookies if you don't tease me about apparently our future selves antics."

"Deal, as long as you don't tease me as well."

"Done. Though I get the feeling we're on our own with everyone else." Ranma and Usagi shared a laugh and turned back to see a smiling and waving Usa standing in the middle of a circle of demon dust and slightly horrified outer senshi. "Our future selves raised a monster."

"Somehow I just know that's not my fault."

"How would you know, maybe your personality takes a turn in the future."

"I'd have to be influenced by someone else. Maybe a bed jumper of a husband?"

"That's not fair, most of my fiancees had nothing to do with me!"

Watching the pair bicker and tease each other, Usa looked up to Setsuna with a pout, "Is this where you lead me away while telling me mommy is due for her own cookie? Cause I'm still having fun."

Ignoring Haruka's snort Setsuna shook her head and walked with the others to join up with Usagi and Ranma, "No little lady, I don't think there will be any cookies tonight."

-AN

Alrigth ya'll, hope yall enjoyed a slightly longer chapter. Though I've had fun updating nearly daily since I first put this story out, I think I'm going to slow down to my originally planned twice a week. Maybe. Hyperfixations are a thing still.