Author note: Looks like my other story is helping a bit in getting the juices flowing again. Still don't expect frequent updates as it's a busy period for me, both privately as professionally.
Chapter 7 - And the beat goes on
Hitomi sat quietly in the dojo as she tried to concentrated on her meditation techniques. She kept being distracted by the sparring her daddy did with auntie Akane and the memories of the last few weeks that kept popping into her head.
Hitomi clearly remembered her first day of school. She had felt very nervous at being apart from her daddy or auntie Kasumi. Just walking into the classroom had taken a lot of her courage to do. Her daddy did help by holding her hand as she softly introduced herself. Forced to leave for his own school, her daddy had whispered a few comforting words before leaving. Hitomi suspected auntie Kasumi had helped with the words. The day was dripping by slowly as Hitomi listened to the teacher drone about math. She had found a quiet spot during lunch, where she could sit away from the other kids and peacefully eat lunch. Hitomi had been glad that the day was over as she exited the school and sighted auntie Kasumi. Her daddy had asked about her day as he got home, but she still hadn't fully processed the experience. After some prodding from auntie Kasumi and Granny Nody, her daddy tried to persuade her to tell him what troubled her. After several failed attempts, as Hitomi was embarrassed by her fear of school, her daddy thought for a moment. Ignoring the silent snickers of the rest of the family at his obvious thought pose, her daddy started telling how his first day at a school went and how he had travelled to different parts of Japan and had to repeat the experience again and again. Hitomi was amazed that her daddy had gone through the same fear as she did. Feeling a bit better, Hitomi softly spoke of her day as her daddy listened.
Hitomi thought about her first kata as auntie Akane completed a complex series of punches, driving her daddy back and forcing him to block a few punches. After Hitomi had gotten the approval of doctor Tofu, her daddy slowly started with stretches to loosen Hitomi's muscles. Once the stiffness had gone after several sessions, Hitomi performed her first kata as she slowly followed her daddy in a Tai Chi kata. Carefully flowing through the kata several more times, Hitomi's technique was refined as her daddy softly guided her movements. It had taken a week of constant practice before her daddy decided to show her a second kata, but instructed Hitomi that she would have to start with the first kata before the second kata. Her meditations were also continued to lay an early foundation for her future kata's which use ki.
Hitomi stifled a giggle as she remembered several photo shoots with that weird photographer. Soshiro had made several attempts to gain the 'attention' of her daddy in her mommy form. He had restrained himself from touching her daddy to move him into the right pose after the first time as her daddy used a nearby table to threaten Soshiro about wandering hands. Soshiro got the message almost immediately. Another time he tried to approach Hitomi to gain her daddy's trust. Nabiki stopped that by sending Hitomi to Ranma as she had a little chat with Soshiro and Kengo. The third attempt had gone a little different.
"So, Nabiki. What would you say if I got a nice evening planned for Ranko? Dinner in a private four star restaurant, romantic movie and a discreet hotel. All on my cost, of course. Might do her some good to be treated like a woman again." Soshiro ventured as he directed Ranma through a photo shoot for sports equipment.
"I would say, got your will and testament in order?" Nabiki replied with a smirk.
"Ouch, that smarts." Soshiro returned with a grin.
"No, what Ranko will do to you will hurt." Nabiki stated.
"What's wrong with treating a woman on a nice evening?" Soshiro asked, taking the next set of photo's.
"Talking about me?" a girls voice said.
"Mina!! What a pleasant surprise. Why, yes. We were talking about you. I was hoping you would be available today to spent the evening with me, you know dinner, movie, etc, etc." Soshiro replied, wagging his eyebrows at the end.
Giggling the girl agreed to make some time to spent with Soshiro and stayed to make some small talk during the shoot.
"Let me guess. Her last name is Hakuba." Nabiki dryly commented in a soft tone.
"Yep." Kengo deadpanned as they watched things develop.
The social service had also paid the dojo a visit in response to the adoption of Hitomi. Several long talks between her daddy and the social worker, with help from Nabiki, had followed as Hitomi had quietly read in her book. The discussion had touched several topics such as jobs and school. Several other visits had occurred afterwards to discuss the complex dynamics of her daddy's relationship within Nerima. A contract had been signed by her daddy with several conditions regarding the adoption, before he was granted permission.
Hitomi joined her daddy and auntie Akane as they went through the cooling down process. Auntie Kasumi had appeared at the door, waving excitedly with some papers.
"They're here. They have finally been approved." Kasumi joyfully stated, handing the papers to Ranma.
"Looks like the Saotome clan has gained a member." Ranma grinned as he looked through the papers.
"I suggest you give them to Nabiki so she can enter them in the administration." Akane interjected.
"Right. Hear that Hitomi? You are now my official daughter." Ranma said as he picked Hitomi up.
"So I can really call you daddy now?" Hitomi asked and smiled as Ranma nodded.
"And what are ya giggling at?" Ranma asked as Akane did just that.
"Just remembering the look on Shampoo's face, the first time she heard that." Akane giggled.
"Right, laugh all you want. I remember a different reaction as Kodachi found out." Ranma returned as he moved to the house.
"That was a mess." Akane agreed as she followed.
After Tatewaki Kuno's recovery from his beating in front of the bookstore, which took a week and several days as Nodoka had done her best to be as thorough as possible without killing him, he kept rambling about defeating the evil sorcerer and his spawn to avenge the defilement of his pig-tailed goddess. It took Kodachi some time to take note of her brothers rambling and interpret the information in her own unique view. Gathering her choice weapons, she took off to the Tendo dojo with her trademark laugh.
"Where is this unspeakable abomination that comes from that vile creature that has enslaved my darling Ranma?" Kodachi shrieked as she barged into the living room, ribbon at the ready.
Ranma and Akane had already moved in front of Hitomi as Kodachi barged into the room, forwarned by her laugh. Taking defensive stances, they were about to retort as a loud bong sounded. Blinking they watch as Kodachi drops as a sack of potatoes and Kasumi checking her pan for any damages.
"Oh my, I hope I didn't cause any permanent damage. This is one of my favourite pans." Kasumi stated, going meticulously over the pan.
Recovering from their face-fault, Ranma and Akane quickly tied Kodachi with her own ribbon. Kasumi simply asked them to place her at the front gate as she made a phone call. Shrugging, they did as told and stood guard. As Kasumi joined them, Kodachi had recovered and was shouting profanities at her guards. Making a quick trip to the bathroom, Kasumi returned with a washcloth and washed Kodachi's mouth with soap.
A small van approached the front gate after a short wait. Two large men exited the van with a straight jacked and forced Kodachi to wear it. Smiling, Kasumi thanked the two men for their swift response and gently pushed the others back to the house.
"You meet the most interesting people as you shop." Kasumi said in response to questions from Akane and Ranma.
In comparison, the meeting of Hitomi and Shampoo was more of a let down for spectacles seekers. Shampoo had finally paid the dojo a visit with some ramen. Shampoo had already eased a bit in her pursuit of Ranma at the urging of her great-grandmother. Her new plan was simple, but trying on her patience. All she had to do was support Ranma and show, without being over-affectionate, that she was a better choice then the Violent Kitchen Destroyer.
"Nihoa, Shampoo bring delicious ramen." Shampoo shouted as she entered the dojo.
"Hello Xian Pu. How are you today?" Kasumi asked politely as she sat beside Hitomi.
"Shampoo fine. Where is airen and who is this?" Shampoo asked, indicating Hitomi, as she sat down at the table.
"This is Ranma's daughter, Hitomi." Kasumi stated, wincing slightly as Shampoo destroyed the take-out box with a sharp crack.
"Could you please tell Shampoo complete story." Shampoo politely asked, after reining her temper in with the mantra of 'remember plan'.
Nodding her thanks, Shampoo considered this new information and some old ones. Blinking, she noted the mess she made as she destroyed the take-out box and apologized, before cleaning the mess.
"I, Shampoo. It be, no is, a pleasure to meet you." Shampoo said politely to Hitomi, giving a small bow.
Shyly, Hitomi returned the bow before hiding partially behind Kasumi again. Since the introduction, Shampoo treated Hitomi in a polite manner, never threatening her. She did make it a point to ensure everyone understood that a child would never have anything to fear from her. Cologne was certainly pleased with Shampoo's initiative after being told of Hitomi and Shampoo's reaction. Mousse, wisely, stayed away as he tried to find a way to get to Ranma without involving Hitomi.
Setting Hitomi down, Ranma went looking for Nabiki with the papers as Akane went to soak in the furo.
"Hitomi, would you like to join me as I go for some shopping?" Kasumi asked as she took the shopping bags out of the cabinet.
Nodding her consent, Hitomi put her shoes on and followed Kasumi to the market. Kasumi took her time as she tried to select some ingredients with a better quality for a dish she wanted to try. She did have to answer a few curious questions about Hitomi as she went from store to store, but overall she felt confident that Hitomi was slowly becoming more used to strangers.
Hitomi for her part stayed close to Kasumi as she took in the sights and smells. She did enjoy the outing, but remained somewhat shy at meeting new people. The small comments from Kasumi about the things they bought gave Hitomi something to distract her mind with.
The figure moved swift and silent towards its destination. His swift mind examining possible tactics and responses to achieve his goal.
Akane and Nabiki had been browsing through several clothes shops, when they met up with Kasumi and Hitomi. Relieving Kasumi of some of her bags, Akane and Nabiki convinced their sister to join them. Hitomi didn't mind spending some more time with her aunts (the promised ice-cream did play a rol) as the grocery trip turned into a real shopping trip.
Nabiki was secretly pleased that she was successful in getting Akane to join her and catch up with Kasumi and Hitomi. She hadn't forgotten the attack several weeks ago and did her best to look out for trouble.
Rubbing his hands together in anticipation, the person continued to the place where a pretty prize could be claimed. He had to resist bursting out in cackling, so as to not alert his unwary prey.
The attack on the group wasn't as through as the previous attempt as Nabiki demonstrated by slipping away, yelling that she was going to get help. Kasumi and Hitomi stood with their back to the wall as Akane did her best to persuade the attackers to go away.
The adventures, of the past year, had left their mark on Akane as she methodically disabled one attacker at a time without much difficulty. She was, however, outnumbered and couldn't be everywhere at the same time. The thugs had realized this early on and tried to make use of this, but Akane's counter tactic of 'throw a thug at a thug' disrupted their efforts some. The support fire in the form of thrown food and cheap souvenirs, courtesy of several bystanders, didn't help in that regard. Neither did the 'Speed Woodcarving' martial artist, whom ran interference.
Nabiki's voice, heralding her return to the fight, didn't do much to ease the worries of the thugs as they saw their chances to success fall even further.
"There they are." Nabiki shouted and pointed at the thugs.
"How dare you young ingrates threaten poor sweet Kasumi." Happosai roared as he entered the fray, pipe at the ready.
Truth be told, the thugs did do their utmost best, both in trying to kidnapping Hitomi and getting away from an enraged Happosai. Their best wasn't nearly enough for both endeavours. Happosai made short work of the thugs as he used his pipe to send them flying, along with a Happo Daikarin as a goodbye present. Finally cackling with glee, he made a quick check to see if he had missed any thug.
"Well, my good deed has been done for this year. Onward to liberate my pretties." Happosai declared and briefly placed himself in Akane's bosom, before streaking off with her bra to his original destination.
"You just had to stumble upon him, didn't you." Akane calmly remarked as she looked in the direction Happosai took off in.
"Nope, he usually takes a route near here today. I knew he wouldn't allow anything to happen to Kasumi, so I enlisted his aid." Nabiki dryly commented.
"Guess we can't be picky." Akane sighed.
Checking on Kasumi and Hitomi, the group quickly picked up their bags and made a bee line to the dojo. Nabiki had picked up the distraught Hitomi and did her best to comfort her. They kept a constant vigil as they walked, pausing only to place a call to the dojo requesting some reinforcements. Ranma found them shortly after that and joined Akane in a guard position as they travelled. No other attempt was made that day as they returned to the dojo. The remainder of the day passed slowly and only one incident happened, in the form of a visit.
"Hello." Ukyo said as she entered the living room.
"You just had to ask what else could go wrong." Nabiki grouched at Genma.
"Something wrong?" Ukyo asked, frowning a bit at Nabiki's comment.
"Hectic day." Nabiki vaguely answered.
"And how is my little girl doing today?" Ukyo asked Hitomi in a sweet voice.
"You tell me, since your little girl isn't here." Nabiki responded as Hitomi moved a bit back from Ukyo.
"Where's Ran-chan?" Ukyo asked, ignoring Nabiki and moving closer to Hitomi.
"He's training Akane." Nabiki curtly said as she moved in between Ukyo and Hitomi.
"Look Ukyo, today isn't a good day for your little attempt. Hitomi is Ranma's daughter, but HE doesn't have a wife, at least not yet." Nabiki continued, stressing the wife part of the sentence.
"That has been decided when I was six." Ukyo sniffed.
"I strongly recommend that you cut back on your efforts, Ukyo. If you keep bothering Hitomi, then I will get involved and you will lose." Nabiki said coldly.
Snorting, Ukyo restrained from biting out a retort and left grumbling about interfering mercenaries. Sighing, Nabiki filled her and Hitomi's teacup as she waited for Ranma to finish. Dinner was a quiet affair with a short account of the attack. Nabiki also mentioned Ukyo's visit. As Kasumi and Nodoka cleared the table, Hitomi got up and moved to Nabiki. Hitomi surprised everyone as she shyly hugged Nabiki in thanks.
Morning came with the usual sparring match between Ranma and Genma. Genma, uncharacteristically, woke Ranma up with a gentle shake and softly told him to join him outside for training. In response, Ranma withheld to deliver a blow to the bandaged head of his father.
Finishing after ten minutes, Ranma picked up the yawning Hitomi and went to the furo preparing for a normal Monday at school. Breakfast was consumed with the usual flair and Ranma, Akane and Nabiki left to school. Kuno, while recovered enough from his beating at the hands of Nodoka to leave the hospital, still had his head covered in bandages.
"Hmpf dehf tf flf fuforer." Kuno proclaimed in a dignified manner, raising his bokken to the sky and causing a cracking sound to be heard.
"Did you get what he was mumbling about?" Ranma asked Akane as they walk past the statuesque like Kuno.
"Probably the same old thing. I'll defeat the foul sorcerer, etc." Akane replied as they entered the school.
"You never learn do you, Kuno-baby?" Nabiki remarked amused as she gave Kuno a small push, causing him to land on his back with a smack.
A small whimper could be heard as Kuno was dragged by Nabiki to the infirmary.
Back at the dojo, the mail had been delivered. Humming a simple tune, Kasumi went through the mail. Setting aside the bills and commercial folders, Kasumi went to find Nodoka to deliver a stylised letter.
"Here you are, auntie." Kasumi said and handed the letter to Nodoka.
"Thank you, dear." Nodoka replied and opened the letter.
As Nodoka read the letter, a frown appear and deepened as she read more. Noticing the frown almost immediately, Genma slowly, and as stealthily as he could, moved to the open door to the backyard. Soun noted the slow withdrawal that Genma was executing with some suspicion as he had noted the letter earlier, which didn't stop him from moving a few pieces on the shogi board.
"Is there a problem, auntie?" Kasumi asked concerned.
"Hmm? Nothing for you to be concerned with, Kasumi." Nodoka absently stated in answer.
"So this isn't anything my old friend here has caused?" Soun asked, slightly relieved.
"Well, he did contribute." Nodoka considered offhand as she reread some passages of the letter.
"GENMA!!" Soun's demon-head roared at the afterimage of Genma.
"Oh hush. This has nothing to do with the agreement between our families, Soun." Nodoka snapped irritated, causing the demon-head to pop out of existence.
"Oh, my apologies. I get carried away at times." Soun said sheepishly.
"Apology accepted. Please excuse me for a moment." Nodoka replied and left.
It was a relative normal day at school, with the regular visit from Shampoo. She did continue her new routine of maintaining a respectful demeanour to Ranma. Kuno was still in the infirmary, waiting for a professional therapist for his back. Ukyo seemed to have put the conversation with Nabiki out of her head and was doing her utmost best to convince Ranma to allow her to teach Hitomi her Art. Ranma wasn't very receptive of the offer and kept declining. After school, Ranma and Nabiki went to pick-up Hitomi from her school. They continued on to the planned photo shoot. Ask they walked, they made some small talk about how their separate day went.
Frowning, Ranma released Hitomi's hand and moved her closer to Nabiki.
"Something wrong?" Nabiki asked nervously.
"Maybe. We're being followed." Ranma stated.
"Great." Nabiki deadpanned.
"Seems to be just one person." Ranma added after a few moments.
"A spotter perhaps? It looks like they're getting smarter." Nabiki mused.
"You mean they are waiting for the right moment to strike?" Ranma asked with an intense look.
"That would be what I would do. Strike when they are weak or alone. A direct confrontation wouldn't work with a Nerima martial artist around." Nabiki answered confidently.
"Ain't gonna happen." Ranma replied decisively.
"And how are you going to handle this then? Stay with her all the time?" Nabiki asked curious.
"Nah, that would be impractical. All I have to do is make sure that either me, Akane or both our pops are with Hitomi outside of the dojo. Mom would probably want to help too." Ranma explained.
"Wow, you actually used your head. For a change." Nabiki smirked.
"Haha, funny." Ranma remarked as he kept an eye on their follower.
The trip to the studio was uneventful. Nabiki did take the precaution of mentioning the follower to Kengo, whom informed security and a private investigation agency working for Hakuba Productions. Soshiro tried his tricks again, but unfortunately for him the follower had put Ranma on edge and Ranma responded a bit dramatic to the proposal of Soshiro of private tutoring in a private location. Kengo informed Soshiro that today was a bad day for his usual antics as Soshiro was carefully lowered from the ceiling, where he had been hung by Ranma with his shoelaces. The photo shoot was swiftly concluded in silence after that event.
Ranma, Nabiki and Hitomi had taken some ice-cream to relieve some of the stress they were feeling. As they continued on to the bus stop, they could see Nodoka through the entrance of a park. Nodoka appeared to be arguing with an elderly woman. Blinking at the sight of a less then calm Nodoka, they started walking to the pair. Nodoka abruptly raised her hand, ending the argument and walked off in a dignified huff. The elderly woman looked at the retreating Nodoka, sadly shaking her head and also left.
Looking at each other, Ranma and Nabiki shrugged at the scene and walked to the bus stop. As they rode on the bus, Ranma asked Hitomi what she thought about the photo shoot as Nabiki silently sat and thought. As the bus ride ended for the trio, Ranma thought hard (just remember, practice makes perfect) about the stretched silence. Shrugging, Ranma decided to start telling about his travels to entertain the others. Ranma succeeded in making his companions laugh at some of the more foolish stunts from his youth.
A slightly brighter group entered the dojo and sat down to eat their late meal. Saying their thanks to Kasumi for saving some food, they quietly ate their dinner. Taking a moment to relax and let the food settle, Nabiki noticed that Genma wasn't present.
"He, Kasumi? Where's uncle Genma?" Nabiki asked.
"He left after auntie received a letter earlier today in regards to something uncle did. Auntie says that it doesn't affect the agreement between our families." Kasumi answered, glancing at Nodoka from the corner of her eye.
"Okay." Nabiki drawled.
"So, what has uncle done this time? Did it have anything to do with that old woman you met today." Nabiki asked Nodoka.
"That, young lady, is none of your business." Nodoka curtly responded.
"But it is mine, mom. And most of the trouble that happens to me, happens to the Tendo's 'cause we live here." Ranma interjected in the conversation.
"It has before." Nabiki confirmed.
"It is a family matter." Nodoka stated, waving further questions away.
"So I ain't family?" Ranma responded sullenly at the remark.
"You are, but this is not something discussed in these surroundings." Nodoka said.
"Are you saying you don't trust us, auntie?" Kasumi questioned.
"There will be a meeting next week in regards with this matter. All questions will be answered then." Nodoka answered after a few moments of thought.
Nothing more came forth from Nodoka and the subject was dropped in favour of the normal activities. Still, some went to bed that day with questions on their minds.