Disclaimer: Once again not mine, will never be mine, I'm going to go cry now...

Note: I really thought I'd finish that chapter of EPD&M before started on a new AM chap but oh well. Just can't stay away.

Chapter 11:Studying

"So you subtract the x?" Kari asked puzzled.

Across the room Taki snorted as he finished his own homework. "She won't get it. I don't know why you're even bothering."

"Shut up Taki" Kari yelled throwing a pillow at him. "Now explain the whole quadratic equation thing again?"

Mika glared at Taki as she sighed. "It's not really that hard, look this is the equation we're using right?"

"I still don't get it."

Taki sighed as he dropped his pencil and stood up. "I told you she's hopeless at Math. Look sis, I'll explain it to you tomorrow."

Mika slammed her hands down as she stood up. "She's doing fine! I can teach her just as well as you can!"

Taki smirked. "Sure that's why you two are still on the first problem."

Mika growled as she faced Taki across the table. "If your so good at explaining it to her, then why is she two years behind!"

Kari flipped her head back and forth watching the two of them glare at each other. "Wow, major tension here. HEY! Wait a minute Mika, I think you just insulted me!"

Taki glared at the brown haired girl. "No she just insulted me."

"Oh. Well that's fine. I guess I'll work on geography while you two have this out. Now where exactly was Portugal again?" Kari muttered to herself as she leafed through her books.

"Am I interrupting something?" Si Cwan asked, eyebrow raised as he entered the living room.

Kari looked up and glared. "Oh you. What do you want?"

Looking resigned and very put upon he raised his hand. "Food. Mother thought you might appreciate a snack."

Kari immediately brightened. "Ramen? Cool!" In no time she had the food spread out across the coffee table. "Mmm, oh Aunt Shampoo is a genius with ramen." Frowning she slapped Si Cwan's hand away from the pork buns. "Who said you could stay?"

Si Cwan rubbed his hand and glared at her. "You try going back and telling my mother that I didn't try and stay."

"Oh. Good point. I guess you haven't eaten yet either huh?"

SI Cwan rolled his eyes. "What do you think?"
"Alright, alright sorry here, you can have the small one."

"Thank you so much for your generosity." Si Cwan said sarcastically. "What's with them anyway?"

"Huh?" Kari asked mouth full. Si Cwan pointed behind him at the still unmoving combatant. "Oh the usual."

"Figures. How long do you think it will last this time?"

Kari grinned. "Don't know, but it should prove fun." Si Cwan grinned in agreement. The two swivelled around to hang over the back of the couch and watch.

"So where are Ranma and everyone?"

"Aw, Dad and Mom are visiting Pops and Nana. The demonic duo went with them."

At the nickname Si Cwan raised an eyebrow. "Demonic duo?"
Kari grinned. "Hey you've met Yui."

"Yes, but I've also met Kia, who is anything but Demonic."

Kari winced. "Then you really don't know my little brother very well. Sure he's an utter sweetie and cute as all get out but...still majorly creepy."

Si Cwan gave her an odd look. "I suppose."

Kari grinned. "Hey! I spotted movement." The two moved their focus back to the un-moving figures. "Hundred yen on Taki."

"If you wish to lose your money sure thing. Hundred on Mika."

"Humph, Taki's so taking her down." Kari said glaring at SI Cwan.
He smirked. "Ah, such misplaced loyalty. He will be going down, just look at Mika."

"Is not!"
"Is too!"

"IS NOT!"

"IS TOO!"

"Do you two mind? We're having our own agreement here." Mika asked annoyed. She and Taki stood with their arms crossed staring at the two on the couch.

"Yeah, really." Taki added. "Don't you two have anything better to do?"

Suddenly Tacchi came bursting into the room. "Hide me!" He said in a panic.

"Tacchi?" Taki asked concerned. "What's the matter?"

"Never mind, just hide me!" Hearing approaching feet he squealed and dove behind Kari and Si Cwan. "I was never here!"

A pretty girl poked her head into the doorway. "Hello! Have any of you see Kuno-sempai?" She had curly pink hair done up in bouncy pigtails.

"No. Now go away, they were in the middle of something." Si Cwan said frowning, making shooing motions at the girl.

"Si Cwan! I can't believe you two were actually betting on us!" Mika said glaring at him.

"Hey I bet on you." Si Cwan argued.

"That's true..." Mika reasoned.

"Hi Miwako." Kari said brightly ignoring the other two while she pushed Tacchi's head down further.

Taki moved toward the girl, trying to hide the couch. "Sorry, Tacchi hasn't been by. Um, why exactly are you looking for him this time?"

"Nabiki-sempai sent me. She really needs to speak to him. Are you SURE you haven't seen him?" Miwako asked her head cocked to the side.

The twins shared a look. "Hey Miwako! Have you met my fiance?" Kari asked loudly. She yanked Si Cwan's arm and turned him to face the doorway. "This is Si Cwan."

Miwako squealed. "How cute! Nabiki-sempai mentioned the engagement but I didn't realized your guy was such a cutie! I'm Miwako, it's a real pleasure to meet a future member of the great Tendo clan."

Kari tightened her hold on SI Cwan's arm when he opened his mouth to speak. "Miwako works for Aunt Nabiki, and she was one of Dad's first students."

Miwako smiled. "Actually I preferred your Mom's teaching." She glanced around the room peeking behind the shifting twins. "Well if your sure he's not here...I guess I'll check out the school. If you see him be sure to tell him I'm looking for him."

"Will do." Kari said smiling while she kicked back. Taki coughed to cover Tacchi's yelp. With another quick glance Miwako left the room. "I think it's safe, Tacchi."

"I'm not moving until she's truly gone." Tacchi said staying planted behind the couch.

Mika smirked at the cowering Tacchi. "What's this all about? A vicious fighter?"

Tacchi glared at the girl. "I see you're never been on the bad side of my mother."

Kari leaned over the couch above him, while Taki stood in front him. "Okay what did you do this time?"

Tacchi sighed and hunched over more. "Why do you assume I did something to deserve this?"

Kari smirked. "Because you usually do, and this is a lot more fun than homework."

Tacchi sat pouting with his arms crossed. "It's not always my fault."

Taki grinned. "Translated that means this time it is."

Tacchi sighed. "Fine. I used a little, just a little mind you! Of mom's funds to play the stock market."

Kari groaned, while Taki shuddered. "You're dead you know that right?"

"Hey I made money! It's not like I lost it. I hoped she wouldn't notice till after I'd replaced it."

Mika rolled her eyes and realizing that no more work was going to get done flopped back down in her chair. "Why didn't you just your money? I mean you've got quite the stash right?"

Tacchi frowned. "It's tied up in other investments. I needed it quickly, the tip I got was unexpected."

Si Cwan looked at the other occupants. "As fascinating as this conversation is, I believe that it will be cut short."

"Why do you say that?" Taki asked looking over at the Amazon, who'd moved over to the wall.

"Because," Si Cwan said in a bored tone. "That woman is back and she seems to be carrying a rather large boomerang."

Tacchi gulped and moaned. "I'm dead, I'm dead, I'm so dead. And I didn't never got to buy that small island I always wanted!"

Taki patted his cousin on his back. "You'll be missed."

Kari nodded as both she and Taki scooted backwards. "You were our favorite cousin. Be sure to tell Nabiki to send our regular repair men. They always give us a discount."

Just as they moved clear the window and a good portion of the wall were destroyed as the boomerang broke through and slammed Tacchi into the other wall, cracking it. Miwako bounded through after it. "Oh dear, such a mess. Tell your parents that I'll be sending them a company check to pay for it." Grabbing both the boomerang and the unconscious Kuno she smiled an waved bye as she bounded back out.

"Well that was fun." Mika grumbled as she brushed off the plaster on her clothes. "So I guess this means we're done studying today."

"Yay!" Kari cheered.

Taki looked around and groaned. "Hey SI Cwan, can I stay at your house tonight?"

Si Cwan raised an eyebrow. "What for?"

"I really don't want to be home when Moms sees this mess." Kari paused in the middle of her 'no more studying' dance.

"Aw, crap."Turning she grabbed MIka and wide-eyed pleaded. "You GOTTA let me stay over! You just gotta! I'm already in SOOO much trouble I can't take anymore early morning Ranma sessions!" She finished, whimpering.

Mika laughed and patted her head. "Sure thing Kiddo. I'm sure Mom won't mind."

"THANK YOU!" Kari cheered as she glomped MIka.

"K-ari, ca-an't breathe."

"Oops, sorry."

Taki chuckled. "Kiddo?"

Mika glared at him. "Shut it pretty boy. Didn't you know? I'm older by a month."

"Really?" Taki asked surprised. "Well, that does explain a lot." At her glared he grinned. "Nothing to worry about. So Si Cwan, how are you at geography?"
SI Cwan sighed, resigned to having company. "Quite good actually. Languages are my speciality but I'm also proficient in other areas."

"Good, then maybe you can help me out with this little..."
"Kari, Taki! We're home! Your grandparents send their regards."

All four teens froze. Then in a testament to their speed, gathered their things and were long gone by then time Akane made it into the living room.

"Damn it! How many times have I told them to go outside to fight!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tacchi woke up and groaned. 'I hate when she hits me with that thing, it always hurts so much.' Reaching up he rubbed at his head. "Damn! It still really hurts!"

"Well duck next time."

Tacchi whirled around to see his mother comfortable seated in a nearby chair. "Oh, uh hi Mom. Listen I'm REALLY sorry about the money, I was going to pay you back REALLY!" He kneeled down and bowed, chanting 'I'm sorry.'

Nabiki smirked for a moment before holding up her hand. "As gratifying as this little display is, I wasn't going to punish you."

Tacchi paused in his groveling. "You weren't?" Cautiously he moved back to the bed. "Not that I'm complaining but why?"

"Because it was a good tip. You made quite a little sum of money. Which of course is now mine, seeing as it was my money to begin with."

"But..."

"So," Nabiki interrupted. "Here's you cut." She held out a cashiers check. "It's for about half, which is fair."

Tacchi, bewildered took the check. "Mom?"

Nabiki rolled her eyes. "I'm not a complete monster you know." She walked over and ruffled his hair. "When you graduate, come see me, I'll have a place waiting for you at Tendo, Inc." Turning she walked toward the door.

Tacchi smiled. "Thanks mom."

At the doorway Nabiki paused. "Tacchi."

"Yes?"

"Do you still wish you grew up at your Uncle's house?"

Startled Tacchi looked over at her before grinning. "Does Dad know you have the house wired?"

Nabiki smiled over her shoulder, "Why do you assume I bugged it? Kodachi did, I just tapped her system. You never answered my question. Was life here so unbearable?"

"No." He answered truthfully. "Not really, it's just that, well it was always so much fun over there, with other people to play with, not...lonely."

Sighing, Nabiki turned back to the room and stood in front of her son. "I wanted more children you know. It just...wasn't possible. For a Varity of reasons. Despite how it looks I do love that idiot that masquerades as your father."

Smiling he looked up at her. "I know. It's a little hard not too. And truthfully as much as I wanted a sibling when I was younger I would have detested sharing with them, my personality is more suitable for what I am."

"True." Nabiki drawled. "Well now that we're had our tender moment, let's not speak of this ever again."

"Agreed." Tacchi said embarrassed. Nabiki leaned down and kissed the top of his head. "I'll be home for dinner tomorrow. Oh and Tacchi?"

"Yeah Mom?"
"You're grounded for a month. And next time you use any of my funds without permission I will schedule you as Miwako's sparing partner for a year. Do we understand one another?"

Tacchi gulped. "Yes, ma'am."

Nabiki smiled coldly. "Good. Night baby, remember to take something for that headache." With that she saunter out of the room.

Tacchi shuddered. "And people wonder why I'm scared of that woman." He flopped back on his bed and closed his eyes. At the knock he winced and called out. "Come in."

Miwako stood grinning in the doorway. "Well great recovery as always. The young miss and I brought you some aspirin."

Makoto poked her head around Miwako, biting her lip. "Tacchi? You okay?"

Shaking his head he grinned. "Fine, or I will be as soon as that aspirin kicks in, thanks Miwako. Could you just not come near me?"

Miwako grinned. "Still terrified of me are you? Guess I really scared you when you were younger."

Tacchi flinched as the pink-haired woman handed him a glass of water and the pills. "More than you know."

"Aw, poor Tacchi." Miwako crooned, mussing his hair. "In that case I'll leave you to the capable hands of Makoto." Makoto shyly walked over as Miwako passed by. "You know, if you just wouldn't screw up, I wouldn't have to come after you." Miwako grinned at him. "But since you're a man, it's impossible for you not to screw up. See ya later!"

Curious Makoto glanced at the doorway, before turning back to her cousin. "What did she do to you?"

Tacchi shook his head. "You don't want to know." Visions filled his head of a singing purple dinosaur and Miwako forcing him to watch as she hit endless play. He shuddered. 'The horror, the horror.' He thought as he swallowed the pills.

Makoto glanced at the doorway again in fear. "Do you think she'll ever come after me?"

Tacchi shook himself. "Of course not. Yu never interfere with mom, so don't worry. And she'd never hurt you." He scowled darkly. "Just damage you psychologically." He muttered.

"Did you say something Tacchi?" Makoto asked innocently.

"No, nothing. Say, since tomorrow's Sunday would you like to go out for some ice cream?"

"REALLY?" Makoto squealed. "You're not joking?"

"Nope, totally serious. I have to go to the bank downtown anyway. You can even invite Michelle."

Makoto jumped over to give him a big hug. "Thank you so much! I'll go call Michelle right now."

Smiling slightly Tacchi sighed. "Well as a surrogate kid sister, she works out pretty good." A malevolent grin crossed his face. "Now how best to spend all this lovely money."

Author's Notes: Well Chapter eleven all finished. I've been working on it and other things on and off for a while. For those scant few who actually read my other fics, I'm working on the next chapter of both 'Terra Hime' and EPD&M but it's slow going. Hopefully me finishing this means the muse is back from whenever it went and willing to work. I did post another chapter to that ridiculous Yugioh fic I posted. But I work on it for fun and as an outlet, it has little to no meaning and is very bad. A lot of fun to write though. Also to anyone whose confused, the 'sempai' added to Nabiki's name by Miwako is an honorific that denotes her high regard for her boss. I normally try to avoid using any Japanese terms in my stories as I don't really know what they mean not having studied the language, but occasionally the only way to convey what I want is through my limited knowledge of Japanese. Once again I want to thank everyone who's ever reviewed, and all those who've read this or any of my stories. Whether you've reviewed or not if you enjoyed them that's all I wanted. But please if you can, do review, I really enjoy hearing from you. It gives me, and any author on these site, I'm sure, a kick to know people are reading and enjoying their work. It doesn't take long and most authors really appreciate the encouragement.

Oh! Just so you know, I think Miwako might pop in now and then and as such deserves to be acknowledged. She's in her late teens, early twenties and has worked for Nabiki since she was in middle school. Trained by Ranma and Akane, she is a proficient martial artist and sometimes bodyguard to Nabiki. She was also Tacchi's babysitter when he was younger and as such commanded a deep respect from him, which is still ingrained in him to this day. She is also the one Nabiki uses as her 'collection' agent, and it's in this role that she always drags Tacchi back to face the music for any and all crimes committed. Her name was garnered from 'Paradise Kiss' from the pink-haired Lolita Goth. girl. If you've read Paradise Kiss, then take Miwako, give her martial arts prowess, and the big boomerang that Sango carry in Inu-Yasha, evolve her maturity level a tiny but, and that's what I wanted. Till next time.