Author note: This chapter I guess has been ready for a while, however, I was so busy between work and also deciding on adding more content but I suppose you the readers have waited long enough and without further ramblings from an old author here is chapter: 14 -Zeltronica
U.M. Chapter: 14
The following morning Hiroto, Rei, Neji, and Ryou all were awake and in the process of folding up their futons.
Rei once finished crossed the distance looking into her mother's room observing she was still asleep lying on her side upon her bed facing the wall.
"Mom awake yet Sis'?" Hiroto inquired observing his sibling peering into the room to which she shook her head negatively saying, "She's still out like a light want me to wake her?"
"Best to let her sleep." Ryou simply said walking over to a window to look outside observing the sun was out and quite bright.
Hiroto thought on his sibling's words as he considered his grandfather momentarily saying, "Yeah she will likely have a hangover and be moody if we try to wake her up."
Once finished tidying up her futon and putting it away Neji walked over to check her cellphone observing several texts from her friends even some from her grandmother and father opening her grandmother's text which read similarly one reading: Honey please reply let me know you and your siblings are okay?
She considered momentarily ignoring the message for the time being and decided to simply reply: We are okay we are with our Mom; before turning the screen to her phone off for the time being pocketing it.
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After some time had passed Ryoko finally stirred from her slumber slowly sitting up and briefly glancing around the room her vision hazy but slowly clearing up.
Fighting a bout of nausea she pushed the covers off herself slowly swinging her legs over the edge of the bed before slowly standing up and starting to walk towards the window before darting for her bedroom bathroom unloading the contents of her stomach into the toilet.
Past her main bedroom door, Ryoko could hear her younger son, "You really shouldn't go in there she might be moody."
She then heard Lin saying, "Yes yes I am sure she will be nothing I am not used to." then she heard three knocks on her bedroom door as it was opened up as she heard Lin call, "Mistress you awake yet?"
"Standing up walking over to the sink turning the cold water nob on Ryoko proceeded to grab a cup she used to gargle proceeded to fill it bringing it to her lips taking the water in before spitting it into the sink and shutting the faucet off.
Reaching over she flushed the toilet calling, "Yea I feel like shit."
"I bet you do you drank too much last night," Lin called as she waited outside the bathroom door holding a towel out for her mistress.
Taking the proffered towel Ryoko wiped her lips and tossed the towel into the nearby hamper proceeding to exit the bathroom finding Lin to her left.
Walking further into the room she proceeded to open her wardrobe closet eyeing the assortment of clothing she had on hand saying, "Thanks for looking out for me last night are my children still asleep?"
"No, they woke up before you did." Lin replies softly as she watches Ryoko looking through her things with a thoughtful expression on her features she simply replies, "Is that so."
Lin proceeded to retrieve a small black notebook from her purse proceeding to leaf through its contents saying, "I took the initiative and got the ball rolling for our fallen comrade she will receive a proper funeral and all the girls would like the night off to pay their respects properly I do hope you are fine with closing the establishment for one day and a night?"
"Yes that is fine by me I owe Chidori that much to give her a proper send-off." Ryoko simply stated with only minor thought somewhat proud that Lin came up with that all on her own.
She then went on to say, "Also in the top drawer of my desk I wrote a letter specifically addressed to Chidori's real family anonymously written of course but they should know their daughter's fate and where her urn will be located should they wish to move their daughter's remains which should provide them with some closure at the very least."
"That was very thoughtful of you Mistress," Lin observed, as she proceeded to make her mistress's bed as said Mistress started going through her clothing taking out some items walking over placing them on the bed giving them a scrutinizing gaze.
"Oh, Black-n-white again?" Lin inquired. To which Ryoko shook her head negatively saying, "Maybe or I may go with something in red-n-white 'er maybe a forest green?"
Lin pondering over the colors mentioned saying, "Well whatever you choose you will look good in it like always I mean if I didn't know your real age I would assume you were in your early twenties."
"Flattery will get you nowhere Lin but thanks all the same." Ryoko lightly called as she chose a purple-n-black silk Kimono with a red obi sash proceeding to strip off her nightwear before heading into the bath and turning on the shower.
Time passed and eventually her shower complete she re-entered the room and went about drying her hair eventually putting on the clothes she picked out for herself with the help of Lin who liked helping even though her mistress could do it all on her own.
Then came the process of styling her hair up in a messy but puffy bun with elegant silver sin bun needles with silver beads dangling from them with long side bangs that hung down just at her shoulders on both sides.
She wore silver dangle earrings with black-n-white feathers, and a silver pendant now dawned her neck which was a black-n-crimson dragon.
Once finished with her hair she went about applying makeup since she had to maintain an image as a Madam of the establishment though she went with a Goth pallet as she proffered to keep a somber almost otherworldly appearance to match her mood.
As a last touch, she retrieved a small black box opening it revealing a set of various contact lenses glancing over them.
Retrieving one that had the appearance of a cat's eye pupil proceeding prep and then putting the lens in place on her only eye before closing the case and putting it away.
A few moments later Ryoko stood in front of the mirror seeming to eye her reflection seemingly satisfied she then turned her attention from the Mirror,
Reaching over she retrieved an ornate golden object flicking it open revealing it to be a purple-n-black decorative fan with her right hand seemingly as if to fan herself striking a pose before closing it and tapping it against the palm of her left hand twice in quick succession.
Inwardly thinking to herself, 'I definitely resemble mother though she would wear happier and more bright colors no doubt.' she pondered momentarily moving closer to the mirror observing her roots were starting to turn crimson meaning it was nearing the time she would routinely redye her hair.
Turning her attention to the room's other occupant saying, "Well Lin I think you should go get ready I will leave the running of the establishment to you while I attend to my munchkins for the time being."
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The girls of the Yellow Orchid ushered all customers out the door proceeding to close the establishment down for the day at Lin's behest and proceeded to both clean and prep it for the funeral presentation they were planning.
Meanwhile, upstairs Ryoko was considering getting her children some dinner ordered via takeout since she did not have a proper kitchen in place now she was seriously thinking about getting one put in but doing so would take planning as the Yellow Orchid had limited space.
That and she would need to get a permit to have one built and make sure the building codes for her area would allow for it.
Hiroto and Ryou both of them were male and currently dressed in similar blue trouser pants though the latter wore a black Chinese style shirt that was sleeveless, while the earlier wore an orange sleeveless muscle shirt.
Rei wore no makeup her hair done up in a ponytail tied back by red thread currently wearing a pair of denim shorts and a plain white hoodie that came down to the point it almost appeared to be a dress.
Whereas her sister Neji similarly wore no makeup her hair done up similarly wearing black shorts and a plain black hoodie that was quite long like a dress.
Ryoko seemed to gaze at her children scrutinizing their appearance and gaining a content expression to her features inwardly thinking, 'Interesting styles they have all adopted I wonder if they have a more elaborate appearance at home since they only brought a limited pallet with them?'
Though with her discerning eye, she could tell all of them were nervous unsure what to really do in such an unfamiliar land than what they are used to.
Then there was the fact she had been away from them so long she was sure they didn't know much about her other than third-party stories and they most likely didn't want to disappoint her.
"Relax guys I won't bite much I promise." she lightly called to them.
Ryou spoke up addressing her, "You look really nice today Mom."
"Thank you, son." Ryoko quickly responded.
Rei nodded her head saying, "Yes you look wonderful." to which Hiroto and Neji gave agreeing nods to their sister's words.
Ryoko taking all this in decided on a plan of action, "Are you all hungry perhaps?"
"Actually we already had food Lilian brought us some food while you were still asleep Mom." Rei nonchalantly replies as she walks over sitting down on the couch.
Ryoko giving a slight nod turned to Lin, "Ensure Lilian is properly compensated."
"As you wish though I highly doubt she wants it I'll talk with her but she may wish it put towards her debt is that alright with you?" Lin inquired sparing a glance to her mistress.
Giving a nod of her head Ryoko replies, "Absolutely whatever she wishes."
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Elsewhere a plane made landfall at a nearby airport on board was Genma and Ryoga the latter asleep his head tilted to the left.
Genma glanced through the window observing the plane had slowed down heading for where it would park and allow passengers to disembark meanwhile the PA system an announcement of their arrival was conveyed.
"Well boy looks like we have arrived," he called.
Ryoga almost on Que woke from his slumber peering outside the window, "Awesome I really hate planes so let's get off." he relayed.
"First we need to come to a stop and be ushered to the exits until then it will be just a bit longer but we are no longer in the air at least there is that," Genma replies.
Several minutes went by as the plane taxied to its designated terminal to let its passengers disembark at which they did so eventually heading off in different directions to lead them out of the airport.
Eventually, the duo caught a bus ride that would take them to the outskirts of Roanapur since the driver refused to directly enter the city which meant both Ryoga and Genma would have to huff it the rest of the way in.
In time the duo finally made good time entering the city which the duo paused in their journey as glanced around at their surroundings.
Somewhere in the background, they could make out the sounds of what sounded like firecrackers going off in the distance.
They then observed a dull red nineteen sixty-eight Plymouth Road Runner cruising down the road the driver unbeknownst to them was none other than Dutch, and in the passenger seat was Revy, in the back seat sat Benny, Eda, and Rock.
The duo continued further into the city as Ryoga seemed to glance at several structures observing run-down businesses and old-time Ma and Pop shops inquiring. "Where was that place she is staying again?"
"It is called the Yellow Orchid so we probably could ask directions from one of the towns folk." Genma simply stated.
Ryoga frowned gaining a slight tint to his nose and cheeks saying, "They might think we are perverts or something for wanting to know."
"Ah pish-posh boy listen our end goal is at that house of debauchery and in the end once we are gone we will never see any of these people again so who cares what others think," Genma responded as he continued his way forward.
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After a few more embarrassing inquiries from the fang-toothed martial artist the duo finally arrived at the entrance to the Yellow Orchid observing the place was rather quiet almost as if closed.
The duo closed the distance to the main entrance of the structure.
Ryoga reached up pulling on the left door handle observing it moved meaning the place wasn't locked so he and Genma stepped inside soft music played over the PA though it wasn't the type they expected for such an establishment.
The Dance cages were empty, the bar was unmanned though they both observed on the far right of the establishment were several women all dressed in black apparel.
Before them was a small alter with what appeared to be an Urn and a Reverend standing to its left reading from a bible, unnoticed by the Duo was Ryoko who sat on the steps of the staircase mid-way up leaning against a post that was a part of the railing.
She tilted her head back raising a flask taking a drink listening to the Reverend speak though his words did nothing for her since she herself wasn't religious.
Genma looked up spotting her and watching as she stood up not seeming to have noticed them as she walked up the stairs and disappeared from view down a hall he assumed.
"I think I spotted her." he simply whispered not wanting to interrupt the services.
Ryoga glanced at him, "Spotted who?"
"That monster my grandchildren call a mother she is upstairs," he replies.
To which Ryoga gained a frown saying, "She isn't a monster just misunderstood and her name is currently Ryoko but she is Ranma I know he is still in there."
Eventually, the service came to an end the Reverend left, as four women proceeded to pick up and carry the alter to the back of the establishment securing it in a store room until the remains could be sent back to the deceased family assuming she had any.
One of the women peered over observing an older chubby man wearing a white gi with a faded bandanna, and a man who appeared handsome and well toned and chiseled body.
She crossed the distance calling to the duo, "I am dreadfully sorry for the inconvenience it would appear we forgot to lock the doors we are currently closed until tomorrow so I must ask you to leave."
"We are not looking to be customers I am currently looking for my children and well their Mother Ranma I was told she would be here," Ryoga explained in hopes the woman could get them in contact.
"I am sorry we don't keep children here and there is no one named Ranma at this establishment but there is an orphanage out back perhaps they can help you?" she offered.
Nearby at the bar, Lin poured herself a drink and proceeded to down it overhearing voices she looked over observing one of her co-workers talking to two men.
Downing her drink she crossed the distance inquiring, "Why are these men in here we are closed."
"This man is looking for his children and some woman named Ranma." the co-worker explained.
Lin observed the fang-toothed martial artist and the balding older man gaining a thoughtful expression thinking, 'Oh the younger one is quite the catch appearance-wise anyways.'
"I see I'll take it from here go help them finish up so you all can enjoy the rest of your evening," she says to her co-worker before turning to address the fang-toothed martial artist.
She then went on to say, "The Madam of the establishment is upstairs with the children you seek follow me I'll take you to them."
Upstairs Ryoko plopped herself down behind her desk proceeding to take another nip from her flask before closing it up and opening a drawer dropping it inside before closing said drawer.
She wasn't drunk but she was relaxed she felt troubled over the recent death of one of her workers raising her right-hand palm up and looking at it imagining it covered in the blood of her workers and those she sent to their maker.
'I am a cold-blooded contract assassin why does this bother me I deal with death as a constant companion' She inwardly wondered.
Her better half abandoned her long ago leaving her to live the life he had put before her with very few cards to play.
The more time that went by she found herself troubled by the course her life had taken her.
She had become used to taking life when a contact had been given to her yet she felt something deep within an emotion she couldn't quite comprehend but the closest thing she could describe the feeling was regret and a pang of guilt.
However, something inside was broken and led her to drink and some nights she couldn't help but cry in secret as she couldn't let anyone see her weakness since she had an image to keep.
She even on occasion thought of ending her life though no matter how much she wished for death something inside of her worried about her charges and what would happen to them if ever she chose to do so which helped keep her still clinging to life.
So she did her best to put on a brave face for those she cared for, and now her children were under the same roof as her she peered through the doorway observing on the couch her children sat seeming engrossed in watching a show of some kind munching on popcorn.
She then heard the steps of multiple people coming up the stairs and down the hall, one sounded light, another had heavy steps and another had light but heavy steps
She hit a red button on the inside of her desk as shutters and a metal door slid shut which meant her children would be safe. She then retrieved a MOSSBERG five-ninety shock-wave which was a twelve gauge cocking it.
"Who's there? You better answer me!" she called taking a firm aim at the wall since she wasn't expecting visitors since two sets of footsteps didn't sound like any of her girls.
"It's me Boss there are two men looking for you they say they are related to you and the children," Lin called out which made Ryoko relax as setting the safety of her shotgun and lay it down on the desk.
Lin then walked out from around the corner, followed by two men she hadn't seen up close in a very long time outside of photographs.
Ryoga looked at the eye-patched beauty the woman's features a mix of emotions her one good eye also showed a mix of emotions, "Long time no see." he called as he couldn't find anything better to say.
"Eh, y-yes it-its has been a while," Ryoko uttered a reply not having at all expected this man to be standing in her presence so soon after her children showed up.
Genma looked to the desk observing the shotgun he had heard being racked as they neared the top of the stairs, "Do you always greet guests with the pump of a shotgun boy?"
"Only when I have uninvited guests I hadn't a clue were coming I have many potential enemies." Ryoko simply replies.
Genma started to speak once more, "No surprise from a Mons-" he quickly found himself interrupted by Ryoga, "Stop I keep telling you she isn't a monster."
Lin feeling the tension in the air stepped back saying, "I'll leave you three to catch up." she then quickly left heading back down the hall and the stairs.
"Are our children here?" Ryoga inquired to which Ryoko nodded her head pointing to the steel door that sealed the nearby room closed.
Ryoko reached down pushing the release button the shutters going back up and the steel door sliding open the Children were no longer on the couch instead were looking out the now open doorway observing their father, grandfather, and Mom.
"Dad!" Hiroto called, and Neji gave a wave.
Rei called out, "Papa Grandpa!" she exclaimed, as Ryou stayed silent as he hadn't been properly introduced to either man as of yet.
"Has she been taking care of you all boy?" Genma questioned turning his gaze to his grandson.
Hiroto gave a nod of his head replying, "Yes Mom has been taking good care of us she is really nice."
"Yes brother is right she even apparently opened up an orphanage out back that takes care of orphans of war so she is a good person," Rei added to which Neji gave an agreeing nod of her head.
Genma having heard their claims peered back at his son-turned-daughter, "Hmm you got them fooled don't you but you're just a heartless contract killer have you told them?"
"Wasn't anything to tell they already knew so I didn't see a point of denying that fact since I can never truly atone for these sins but I cannot change the past." Ryoko somberly replied though she sounded strained.
Ryoga spoke up, "I don't care what you did in the past I want you to come home Ranma you are the mother of my children they need you and I need you."
"The Ranma you knew is gone Ryoga my name is Ryoko and Father is right I am a monster you should take the children and go I love you and them dearly but he made me agree to that promise for a reason I was planning to return them to your home the following week but since you are here you can take them home," Ryoko replies a single tear dripped from her eye rolling down her cheek so please take them and get out.
"Mom that isn't fair please come home!" Hiroto exclaimed looking at his mother with a hopeful expression.
Ryoga feeling both angered and hurt says, "I don't care what name you go by. Nor what you have done I know you didn't choose this life and that promise Ranma made you swear to is unreasonable. I swore I would drag you home kicking and screaming for their sake please come home."
"She doesn't want to return leave her here and let's take the children home," Genma stated glaring at his son-turned-daughter.
Ryoga sneered back, "Shut up!" he then turned his attention to his love interest, "Dammit all Please come home Ryoko."
"You hardly know anything about me Ryoga you should take our children home and leave me be I am not mother material anyways and have no right to raise them." Ryoko offered, turning to look out the window.
Crossing the distance Ryoga stood at her side saying in an offer, "If that is the problem then let me get to know the person standing in Ranma's place and let me decide if you are mother material or not?"
"I 'eh well," Ryoko uttered taken aback not knowing what to say as it would appear her fang-toothed lover wasn't giving up so easily.
The children all looked to their mother with hope, Ryou also hoping that his father-turned-mother would agree to the fang-toothed martial artist's request.
Letting a sigh escape her lips Ryoko tilted her head down looking to the left at the floor finally speaking up, "Fine I'll have a couple of rooms prepared for you both."
"Arigato," Ryoga replies.
Ryoko then turned from the window leaving the room the children rushed past her to their father, meanwhile, Ryou put his hand on his Father's currently 'mother's' right shoulder causing her to pause she peered at him briefly as he lifted his hand as she returned her gaze forward walking away.
Ryou walked further into the room just as Hiroto gestured to him saying, "Dad this is Ryou he is my half-brother who helped me get home that day I got lost he's Mom's eldest child."
"I see well thank you for helping your brother get home," Ryoga called, giving a thankful bow.
Ryou shrugged saying, "Don't mention it I wanted to help... Half-brother or not he is still my sibling since we are connected by blood."
"Are you any good at martial arts?" Genma inquired out of curiosity.
Ryou looked to the older man, "I like to think I am. I have been learning from my Great-great-great grandmother and Mom and my stepfather they have all taught me a great many things and one day I would like to learn the Saotome style assuming my father will train me that is."
"I could train you I am your grandfather after all." Genma offered to which Ryou shook his head negatively replying, "While the offer is kind I rather learn from Father your methods are questionable from all I have learned I rather not be wrapped in fish sausage from head to toe."
It was then Rei, Hiroto and their father started to laugh, even Neji raised a hand covering her mouth seeming to have a laugh at her grandfather's expense.
"I wasn't the best parent to your father but I did help make him into the martial artist he turned out to be before she came along I can teach you stuff if you will let me boy." Genma returned despite the laughter.
Ryoga then gave a nod saying, "Yes this is true he could help you if you let him."
"I'll think about it." Ryou simply offered.
Outside in the hall, Ryoko leaned against the wall having returned from giving some orders to Lin she listened to their conversation reaching up she placed her hands together clapping them together lightly twice.
She then turned walked to the doorway and proceeded to enter the room glancing around her office and setting her gaze on her father and baby's daddy saying, "I've made arrangements for your room Pops will be on the second floor Lin will take you there shortly."
pausing briefly she then turned her attention to the latter stating, "As for you I have made arrangements on this floor the room down the hall at the very end on the right."
"Why does he get to be on this floor and I have to be on the second floor?" Genma inquired of his son turned daughter who glanced over at him.
Ryoko shrugged replying, "It is the best I can do this is a brothel, not a bed and breakfast your lucky I spared you a room at all Pops. Fewer customers if a room is taken."
"You are starting to sound like Nabiki boy," Genma noted aloud in observation.
Ryoko sighed at his words shrugging her shoulders and replying with a heavy heart "This Nabiki person is nothing like me nor am I like her." she paused briefly looking as if she wanted to say more but bit her bottom lip instead.
She then looked to the children saying, "Please go back to the other room."
Rei and Hiroto, Neji, and Ryou all left the room the last sibling closing the door across the hall behind them.
Then she turned her attention back to her father stating, "Don't call me boy in front of my girls or you will regret it,"
"And if I do what will you do-o" Genma cried out as his son-turned-daughter vanished from view and was behind him pulling his arm up behind his back causing him great pain and causing him to fall to one knee.
She then replies, "I'll do something like this but I'll make it hurt more." with that she lets her father go and he stands back up rubbing his sore shoulder as he looks at his child he towered over.
'He's unbelievably fast I didn't even see him move have I truly fallen that far behind in the art as he truly surpassed me completely?' Genma wondered to himself.
He hated to admit it but he realized Ryoko very well was far beyond him since unlike him she faces constant life and death situations. With this in mind, he then responds, "Fine I get it."
"Good," Ryoko replies crossing her arms just under her chest.
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Later that same evening Genma had gotten squared away in the room he had been given, meanwhile, upstairs Ryoga was sitting in his room considering his options.
Eventually, he got up and made his way to the room's only exit sliding the door open and then closing it proceeding to walk past both the children's room and Ryoko's noting the door was open she appeared to be typing on a laptop.
He continued on past walking downstairs observing the establishment was devoid of life with the exception of a lone figure sitting at the bar being Lin.
Lin turned hearing footsteps observing him before turning her gaze forward lifting a mug to her lips partaking of its contents swallowing then speaking, "So you couldn't sleep either Ryoga-san was it?"
"Something like that," he replies sniffing the air he could tell coffee had been brewed.
He then inquired, "I don't suppose you have two cups worth left?"
"Yes, I have enough for four go ahead I am sure she could use the pick me up she stays up late doing the books assuming you wish to bring her a cup." Lin offered reaching up with her left hand and gesturing to the pot behind the counter.
Moments later after climbing the stairs, Ryoga peered in observing Ryoko using a calculator while jotting more information down on the computer before letting out a dainty yawn leaning back in her chair, and looking up at the ceiling.
She then looked towards the door hearing a couple of knocks observing Ryoga who was holding two mugs both of which had steaming contents.
"I saw you were still up and thought you could use a pick me up I can only imagine doing paperwork is exhausting for you," Ryoga called as he crossed the distance holding out one of the mugs.
Reaching up Ryoko took the proffered mug, "Arigato most appreciated Ryoga."
She then lifted the cup to her lips sipping from its contents before placing the mug on her desk giving a slight nod of her head and saying, "Yes paperwork sucks but I gotta get it done to ensure each of my girls get what is owed to them and the orphanage can stay in operation."
"So all of your girls as you call them owe a debt to you?" Ryoga inquired to which his love interest shook her head negatively explaining, "No not me many of them were either sold into slavery by debt-ridden parents or incurred debts on their own I just give them a safe place to work and when I can I take a contract to help them knock the debt down."
"Has any of your girls achieved true freedom?" Ryoga inquired before sipping from his mug's contents.
Ryoko nodded her head saying, "Well four of them one being Lin but she is so stubborn she chooses to stay here she thinks of me like her own Mom I suppose."
"So the other three are free and with their family now?" Ryoga inquired to which the woman behind the desk gained a sad expression shaking her head negatively.
She then closed her eye saying, "Two managed to go back, and the third she's in the store room she passed recently it is just the way things go some make it out and some will never leave this graveyard of a city."
She took a breath and opened her eye saying, "Her debt was two of my contracts from being paid but she became ill we do our best to screen the customers but one bad apple got through and infected her its sadly one of the cons of this line of work."
Slamming her first down on the desk she continued, "Chidori prayed and prayed and no amount of prayer saved her if Kami-sama exists he can go fuck himself if wasn't for her beliefs I wouldn't have allowed that reverend in here earlier."
"I can't imagine how you feel but I doubt Chidori would want to curse her beliefs." Ryoga offered to which Ryoko nodded her head, "You right I would probably get an earful if she was standing here right now."
Ryoga gained a thoughtful expression stating in observation, "Oh the scary boss who gets chewed out by her own workers, and she lets them get away with it?"
"Yeah, so what they are like a family to me I just wish I could do better for them." Ryoko simply replies picking up her mug partaking of its contents.
Ryoko paused briefly before saying more, "After I managed to take out that Mafia group I was pretty banged up I was even certain I was going to die." she paused momentarily closing her eye.
She then continued, "Well after getting rid of Shinji's Boss I found out the place was surrounded by the Russian Mafia Hotel Moscow I was planning to kill as many as I could fully well knowing they would finish me off in the process."
"Then what happened?" Ryoga inquired curiosity peaked.
Ryoko lifted her cup finishing off its contents and replying, "Well I guess their Boss took a liking to me cause I blacked out and woke up on a cargo ship the doctor onboard took good care of me but he couldn't save my eye."
Reaching up and touching the eye patch she then continued, "Took awhile for me to get used to being blind with only one eye to see out of." She paused for breath before exhaling,
"You never know how important depth perception is until you lose sight in one eye though it only remained a hindrance for me for a short time but during that time I was sent here to the Yellow Orchid since there were some in Hotel Moscow that were afraid of me and wanted me at arms reach but not at the dinner table so to speak."
"They didn't send you here to work did they?" Ryoga inquired with concern to which she shook her head negatively.
Ryoko then went on to explain, "No I was just there as a secretary if you will doing paperwork the previous madam I guess was never told I was the red reaper which would later be her undoing since while here I witnessed a lot of abuse the women that worked here were going through..." she paused for breath.
"Well, one night I guess one of the girls really angered her the girl couldn't have been more than fourteen if that I tell you that sickened me that girls that young were being forced to work at a place like this, but I digress she had the girl drug out into the courtyard that used to be out back and she took out a pistol preparing to end the girl's life for nothing more than not being willing to perform certain acts on a high ranking official of the government." she paused gaining a far away expression as she seemed to relive the night in question.
Ryoga waited having an idea what was coming next, she then continued, "Well I couldn't allow it to go on so I drew the Saotome honor blade and ended her miserable existence and became the new madam of the establishment."
"Jeez I can't think killing her went well with your bosses at Hotel Moscow?" he observed to which the woman across from him shook her head negatively.
Ryoko then replies, "No just the opposite in fact since apparently the Boss she had got wind of the previous madam's offenses and wasn't happy but didn't want to dirty her hands since the woman wasn't worth her time." she went on to think to herself before continuing.
"Well the Boss has been good to me she never gives me jobs unless I ask for an assignment. Also, she leaves me to my own devices and allows me to run the establishment any way I see fit provided I ensure the girls pay the debts they owe. That and instead of like other establishments we have a zero underage policy all those below the age of eighteen either get sent to the orphanage out back or I try to get them home if they have one to go to." she finished.
"The girl the previous Madam was going to execute what happened to her?" Ryoga inquired hopeful for a happy ending.
Ryoko tapped her empty mug, "She is still alive after she turned eighteen she left the orphanage I had set up and got herself into trouble with Hotel Moscow and well she got sent back here to work off a debt which is all paid off but she refuses to leave like a pest that is hard to get rid of."
"Wait Lin is that girl?" Ryoga inquired remembering the women from earlier.
Ryoko gave a nod with a slim smile saying, "Yeah she looks after me a lot because she views me like a Mother she never had and well I kinda adopted her just not officially."
Seeming to think Ryoga then went on to say, "From what I've heard thus far tells me you are a good person despite you saying otherwise."
Ryoko looked at him as she swiveled her chair to look out the window a thoughtful expression on her features before saying wistfully, "Maybe your right but doesn't change the fact I've killed people. I am called Red Queen, Red Reaper, and Lady Death you don't get such nicknames for no reason."
"Ranma brought you into this world but I bet it eats you up inside cause you wish you could do something other than being a killing machine that is why you help these women and those children in the orphanage Ryoko. Maybe there is another option away from killing and violence." Ryoga offered in an attempt at reasoning.
Ryoko rolled his words around inside her head replying, "Without the contracts, it would be unlikely these girls would ever be free of their debts."
"Maybe in the world of violence that is true. However, you and Ranma share something in common you have a friend who might be able to help if you should reach out to her." Ryoga countered.
Ryoko swiveled in her chair just enough to give a sideways puzzled gaze over her right shoulder at the fang-toothed martial artist.
She pondered before speaking, "Whom would that be I don't know anyone other than Kasumi-san and she is hardly rich."
"How about Nabiki?" Ryoga offered since he was sure both would gladly help.
Ryoko gained a thoughtful expression, "I-I can't simply accept help from a person I don't know maybe my better half knew her well but I don't know her that well and she doesn't know me at all." she stated pausing taking an intake of breath before releasing it a thoughtful expression to her features.
She then continued, "I guess if you want to invite her here perhaps I can meet with Nab's and go from there."
Ryoga gained a thoughtful expression to his features rolling what she just said around in his head before thinking, 'Maybe Ranma isn't so gone after all but walled away somewhere inside Ryoko which means she hasn't taken over completely she called Nabiki Nab's after all.'
The duo then went into small talk well into the night before Ryoga finally decided to call it a night and head for bed Ryoko went back to finishing up her paperwork and eventually calling it a night herself.
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The following morning the Yellow Orchid's employees were preparing to open the doors whilst upstairs Ryoko was also preparing for her day as she stood behind her desk opening one of the drawers and looking at her flask.
She reached down picked it up preparing to open it but seemed to gain a thoughtful expression taking a slight intake of breath before letting it out finally replacing it inside the desk and sliding the drawer closed having decided to forgo her demon drink.
Instead, she walked over opened up her wardrobe reached in grabbed up a silk purple-n-black Kimono with various flower designs with butterflies and proceeded to lay it out on the bed, she then walked back to the wardrobe opening the drawer.
She then glanced at the contents observing various undergarments and giving them a scrutinizing gaze finally deciding on what she felt would be best.
She then went about stripping off her night clothing tossing them into a hamper before heading to a nearby door proceeding to shower and then bath.
As she did so she heard one of her kids she recognized to be Rei saying, "Mom?"
"I am in the bath is there something you need?" Ryoko inquired.
Rei from her spot near the door called, "When is breakfast?"
Flicking the bath water Ryoko clicked her tongue before replying, "Let me finish my bath and get dressed and we will figure it out, honey?"
"Okay..." Rei trailed as her gaze drifted to the bed observing an outfit was laid upon it she crossed the distance touching the fabric, 'So soft.' she inwardly thought her gaze shifting to a hand fan observing it which looked decorative, reaching over she picked it up opening it observing the colors and patterns matched the outfit that had been laid out.
She also observed a duel shoulder holster with matching silver nineteen-eleven pistols, the hand grips made of white pearl each inlay with a golden grim reaper though this only made her frown since she did not like such things.
With her curiosity sated she laid the fan back down turning and leaving sliding the door closed behind her leaving her mother to finish her bath.
A few minutes later Ryoko having finished proceeded to grab up a towel padding her body dry going about getting herself ready for the day getting dressed and doing her hair and makeup to ensure she was presentable.
Once she was sure she was ready she then headed out of her bed chambers.
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Eventually, she stood in the doorway of the room her children were staying in observing they including their father were playing a board game together which required you to buy properties and in turn make your fellow players broke while you get richer.
Reaching up she knocked on the door frame gathering all their attention to her, "Is there anything particular you wish for breakfast I'll make the necessary arrangements?"
"You don't have to do that Mom Lin has already made the arrangements," Rei called to which her mother just gave a slight nod.
Ryoko then spoke softly, "I see..."
"Did you sleep well?" Ryoga inquired.
Ryoko nodded her head replying, "Yes I did thanks for asking, and you?"
"Slept rather well." Ryoga casually replies as he proceeds to roll the dice only to frown realizing his shoe was going to jail.
Ryoko observes the amount of money her love interest has in front of him, "I take it the kids are taking you for all you got?"
"Yeah, Neji is practically running the board on all of us." Ryoga sheepishly replies.
Hiroto observing his mother called, "I like the goth yet traditional style its nice."
"You think so?" Ryoko inquired instinctively scratching the back of her neck not being used to compliments.
Neji glanced over at her mother giving a nod of her head, Rei chiming in, "I agree with Hiroto."
"I agree as well you look great." Ryou called though he himself probably wouldn't go goth he felt it complimented his female father's current life and her dark past.
Hiroto then inquired wishing he could see her look a bit like the pictures she had seen, "I noticed you always wear black have you thought of warmer colors?"
"Brother that is rude," Rei replies turning to look to her mother.
Hiroto then defensively, "No I wasn't trying to be rude Sis' I think Mom would look great in warmer colors like those pictures in the family album book.
Ryoko gave a slim smile stating, "On occasion I do I just usually use what compliments my mood Hiroto but that is makeup-wise as for clothing I doubt I'll wear warmer colors for a while."
She then left the doorway walking over and sitting next to Ryoga to watch the game progress which totally wasn't going in the fang-toothed martial artist's favor.
As time progressed eventually he went broke to which Ryoko reached up patting him on the shoulder as she stood walking away calling over her shoulder, "Let us go find some coffee downstairs at least until our food arrives?"
"Eh, sure," Ryoga called standing up to follow her out of the room.
The children continued playing as he slid the door shut following Ryoko down the hall and to the stairs at which the duo made their way down and into the main bar which was now almost in full swing.
Lin observing them called, "The food hasn't arrived yet but I assume you came for your morning coffee?"
"Yes, two cups please I'll take it black as for him two cubes of sugar and a smidgen of creamer," Ryoko replies as she approaches.
Ryoga couldn't help but observe all the women in the place, of course, there were bouncers at the door that appeared Russian in origin, though his gaze settled on one woman to which he got a sharp elbow from his love interest.
"Eh what was that for." he inquired.
Ryoko tilted her head saying, "My girls are off limits to you so don't be getting any ideas MR. P."
"Now now I don't have any interest in any of them." Ryoga quickly defended.
Ryoko then replies teasingly, "Oh are you saying my girls aren't good enough for you?"
"No-No that isn't what I am saying!" Ryoga exclaimed holding his hands up in warding.
Ryoko turned to face him teasing, "Oh then what are you trying to say? Lin, doesn't it sound like he is saying none of my girls are worth his time?"
"I am not getting mixed up in this." Lin simply replies as she continues prepping their coffee.
Ryoga grits his teeth feeling slightly flustered finally exclaiming, "I only have eyes for one woman and she is standing right in front of me!"
Everyone in the bar stopped what they were doing looking over towards the bar Lin having finished the cups, and Ryoko gained a tint to her nose raising her right hand up clutched near her chest.
"You-you really mean that? I mean did you have to say it in front of the entire bar you baka!" she exclaimed feeling slightly embarrassed.
Ryoga feeling sheepish tilted his head to the side countering, "You're calling me an idiot but you put me on the spot."
"He's got a point Boss you did do just that," Lin noted in observation.
Ryoko let a sigh escape her lips as she grabbed up both coffee and proceeded to head back to the stairs, "Let's go." she called over her shoulder.
Ryoga followed after her the bar returning to its normal routine, Lin continuing to act as the current bartender at least until the main one arrived.
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Ryoga found himself sitting on a sofa in one of the many rooms at the Yellow Orchid accompanying him was Ryoko who gingerly sipped her coffee and for the longest while silence reigned over the duo as the earlier glanced from one point of the room to the next.
The paint scheme was one would want for a Romantic getaway though he speculated the room was borrowed from one of the latter's girls the scent of cheap perfume was everywhere almost intoxicating if one loved lavender and or Rose scents.
"This is a nice room and the view is quite a nice touch." Ryoga broke the silence gesturing to the balcony though Ryoko said nothing just taking another sip and giving a slight nod.
"This was Chidori's room she painted it herself with my permission of course. I even helped her gather the supplies to give the room its color scheme." Ryoko somberly replies a small tear rolling down her left cheek.
Ryoga took a drink of his own mug contents reflecting on her words swallowing, "You really care for all of them don't you?"
"Yes, they are all dear to me none of them wanted to live this life... I never wanted to live this life but I didn't get much of a choice either in that regard." Ryoko replies as she takes another sip of her coffee.
Ryoga pondered but a moment inquiring, "If you care then why not reach out for help to free them of this place?"
"It doesn't work like that Ryoga. I can't wave a magic wand and set them free after all the only thing that can do that is cold hard cash and I am not rich by any means after all most of my money goes out back or towards the girl's debts and to get that money I have to take on contracts and to do those I have to kill people." Ryoko replies bitterly as she hates the current path before her.
Ryoga finished off his coffee sitting it on the end table nearby, before turning his sole focus on his love interest saying, "You don't need to kill anyone you have someone that will help if you reach out I won't lie she may want something from you but its better than this right?"
"Nab's again... It is a lot of money I dunno?" Ryoko inquired as she finally finished the last of her coffee sitting it on the end table beside her before turning to face the fang-toothed-martial artist bringing her legs up and her knees facing her left her feet crossed.
Ryoga gave an assuring nod saying, "I am sure she will help if you talk to her she has connections almost everywhere these days." He paused a moment.
Deciding on a change of subject he then inquired of her, "So learned any new techniques lately?"
Perking a brow Ryoko tilted her head, "U'm what context we talkin' Pal?"
Ryoga then gained warning klaxons inside his head shaking it before saying, "I meant martial arts I didn't mean it in a perverted sense."
"Oh? Well, not a lot I pretty much mastered the Saotome Arts and I took some lessons with the sword to improve my abilities to help with the many jobs I take many are suicide missions but I come back unscathed contrary to the belief of those who hire me trying to get me killed." Ryoko explained nonchalantly as if it were the norm.
She then went on to elaborate, "That and well I've become an expert with the tools of my trade including my nineteen-eleven I ain't going to lie it was hard to get used to having a depth perception problem having one of my eyes blown out but when life gives you lemons you make lemonade."
She then gained a self-conscious feeling pointing to her right eye's eye patch, "Sorry I ruined my better half's good looks."
Ryoga shook his head negatively at her, "One eye is better than none and it is still vibrant as ever You are still quite beautiful and the life you brought to your better half's form as you like to call it is quite warm so don't cut yourself short."
"I am a cold-blooded contract killer and you think I bring warmth?" Ryoko inquired feeling conflicted and confused.
Ryoga gave a nod of his head countering, "Cold-blooded you are not Ryoko if you were you wouldn't care for anyone and you wouldn't hate killing either. You don't have to kill if you don't want to I mean is there anyone forcing you to do these things?"
"No... I guess not." Ryoko replies shaking her head negatively as she realizes there is truth to the fang-toothed martial artist's words.
She then moved closer to him leaning against him as she closed her eyes, Ryoga gained a wide-eyed expression as he felt her weight against him, "Wh-what are you doing?" he inquired.
"Just let me enjoy this please I took an oath to uphold an honor-bound promise from my better half doesn't mean I didn't love or care for you it has been painful to be away from you and all I hold dear." she paused for breath.
She then continued, "So please let me enjoy this moment while it lasts." Ryoko requested at which the lost young man relaxed as he allowed her to lean against him.
Slowly he wrapped his arms around her as a stray tear fell down Ryoko's eye as she thought on the promise she had made once more realizing just how selfish it had been.
Inwardly thinking. 'Damn me for such a dumb promise what about my happiness don't I deserve some?'
"So..." Ryoga trailed off as Ryoko shook her head saying, "Don't say anything please let's not spoil the moment."
Then silence fell over the room as Ryoko proceeded to nap against her fang-toothed love interest who just sat there peering down at her realizing she had went to sleep.
'Even if she now calls herself Ryoko Ranma is still in there that much is certain.' He concluded to himself.