Chapter Six

"aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAA…… OOOFF"
"OOOFFFF"
"OOOOFFF, OW"
"OOOFFF, OW, HEY, OOOFFFF"
"OW, AAAIIIEEEE, OW, OOOOFFFF"
"AAAAHHHHH, OW, OOOFFF"
"OUCH! OOFFFF, OOO, OOOFFFF, OW"
…
…
…
"ouch"
It was pitch dark, not a ribbon or seam of light to be seen. The unsuspecting attendees of Nabiki's mysterious gathering lay quiet fro a moment waiting for something to happen. Nothing did and slowly did they begin to shift about in the darkness.
"Hey! Whose hand was that"
"Somebody better get their foot out of my back"
"Akarrriii"
"HOLD UP A MINUTE"
Everyone froze in place.
"Ukyo, is that you"
"Yes it's me, Ranma! Now everyone just lie still"
"What"
"Are you crazy, Kuonji? We need to figure out what is going on and where we are"
"In the dark? Worse thing that could happen is somebody getting really hurt like a finger poking an eye out, or a kick to the face"
"Shampoo not like having face pressed into unknown part of people. I want out"
"OW, hey whoever that is stop moving your legs, will'ya"
"Now everyone just settle down"
"Akarrriii"
"EVERYONE STOP"
They stopped moving seeing how futile it was unable to see which way was up or down. After a moment, Mousse's voice broke the silence.
"Hey, did we land on something soft"
"Yeah… kind of like a giant pillow"
"Akari"
"Ryoga, will you stop screaming your wife's name"
"But she hasn't answered me yet! AKARI"
"mmzzzmmphhh"
"Whawasthat"
"Sounded like a bee"
"mmmmzzzppphheeee"
"Hoh, hoh, hoh, hoh… sounds like your wife at the bottom of this all, Ryoga"
"OH no! She'll suffocate. Get up everybody"
"Get up where? We don't even know which way up is"
"AH! Ono, somebody's bending my leg the wrong way"
"Oops, that's probably me, dear. I'm trying to sit up I think"
"(Crack!) OW, that was my nose! Who just kicked me"
"Will you guys stop"
A light snapped on above the tangled group blinding them for a second. As their vision returned they could see they were lying on a giant red round pillow in a large room. A door opened and Nabiki Tendo appeared.
"You can get up now," she told them.
They did, untangling themselves crawling off to stand up stretching out the kinks and pain in their limbs. Once Ryoga peeled Akari from the center of the cushion, they stood arrayed before Nabiki and from the looks, not very happy to see her.
She smiled. "Hello, everyone. Sorry about the mix up, uh, the light was supposed to come on by itself once you landed. Guess I wired it wrong, huh"
The dark looks remained; Nabiki gulping fearfully. Doctor Tofu took a few steps towards her and planted his fist on his hips.
"Why?" was the only thing he said.
Pressing her lips together, Nabiki's eyes cut innocently from side to side. She knew she better tell them something quick or friends or not, they would all lynch her.
"I'll explain everything, but not here. F-Follow me"
Nabiki left leaving them still quite angry. There was no sense staying there, and everyone followed the middle Tendo Sister down a short corridor into another room. The smell of freshly prepared food filled the air and in the center was a long table filled with all sorts of dishes ready to be devoured.
"You will all find your names where you will be sitting," said Nabiki. "I hope everything is to your liking"
"Right now, I could eat anything," commented Ranma, barely able to contain his hunger.
Nabiki took her place at the head of the table; Akane, Ranma, Ryoga, Akari, Mousse and Shampoo on her left; Kasumi, Ono, Tatewaki, Kodachi, Tsubasa, Konatsu, Gosunkugi the right. Ukyo found herself seated at the far end and they waited for Nabiki to begin.
"Don't let me stop you," she said gesturing towards the banquet.
They dived in, fixing up their plates with the delicious entrées. Nabiki allowed everyone a chance to begin eating before starting in on her own plate. Quietly she made several glances around the table secretly hoping that what she was about to propose would go over well with them. If it didn't then she just made a big mistake and it might cost her life in the process.
"So… I'll bet you all are wondering why Nabiki has called you here?" she said.
There came a pause all eyes cutting over at her.
"Yeah, that thought has crossed our minds," Ranma replied.
"Especially down here," added Ukyo. "Where are we, Nabiki"
Nabiki finished chewing the food in her mouth before answering. "We're about six meters below Furinkan High School"
Several coughs echoed through the room.
"Six meters!" exclaimed Mousse.
"Below Furinkan, yes. This used to be part of an underground factory during the Second World War"
"Six meters! We dropped six meters?" shouted Akane.
"That's why the big pillow. You would've made a big mess with regular ones"
"The last time we dropped through that floor, it couldn't have been more than three meters max!" said Ranma.
"And full of cats too," Hikaru reminded him.
Ranma shuddered, looking frantically around. He placed a threatening stare on Gosunkugi and asked, "You did return that Tiger, right"
"Three meters, four meters, what does it matter," said Nabiki. "The main thing is why I brought you all here"
"Don't keep us in suspense, Nabiki," Tatewaki said after a pause. "I'm sure this will prove to be quite interesting"
"It's kidnapping, brother! You should be alerting the police right now," Kodachi fumed, glaring at Nabiki. "Oh never mind, I'll do it"
Tatewaki snatched the cell phone from Kodachi's hand throwing it across the room. Nabiki thanked him and continued with her explanation.
"It's like this, guys… gosh I hate having to humble myself, but after the things I've already gone through this is nothing"
That perked Ukyo's ears sitting her up straight. "Ooo hoo hoo, this is beginning to sound good," she said.
"Only for you, Ukyo"
Nabiki paused again, rubbing her face a few times and then sighed. She took in a few more breaths and spoke in a more humble tone.
"Uhm… well I… I kind of need—." She stopped, closing her eyes tight; fist clinched tight shaking from her frustration. Akane, seeing her sister in distress, reached out patting her on one arm.
"Its okay, Nabiki. You can tell us," she told her.
Nabiki appreciated the sympathy, giving her a brief smile. Expectant eyes stared at her and Nabiki steeled her nerves.
"—I, I need your heh-heh-help. There I said it"
Akane's hand shot back like a spring leaning back against Ranma stunned. He himself could barely keep himself upright, and then the clatter of chopsticks hitting the table marked Tatewaki's stunned reaction to Nabiki's statement. His expression was mimicked by all except for Ono and Kasumi; who sat calmly continuing to eat their meals.
"What is that, three times she's said something astounding to us, dear?" Ono asked Kasumi.
"About that. (Giggle) I guess there's nothing else she could do to shock us now"
"No, nothing at all"
Kodachi suddenly burst out in titters, holding her stomach unable to control her laughs. "HOH, HOH, HOH, HOH! I've died, that fall killed me and I'm in heaven, right"
"Wrong, you!—." Nabiki sneered at Kodachi and then turned back to Ranma and Ryoga. "You guys remember that day I was picked up off the street by Okura Maeda's thugs"
Ranma and Ryoga sat still speechless.
"GUYS, SNAP OUT OF IT!" Nabiki shouted, clapping her hands at them.
Ranma blinked, starting a bit. "Oh… uh… what was that"
"I said remember that day I was picked up off the street"
"Yeah"
"You guys were right; I shouldn't have gone with them"
Shampoo let out a cry pulling at her hair. "AAAIEEEEE… Shampoo's brain not able to take more of Nabiki's confessions! Is too many miracles to handle"
Nabiki slammed her fist down on the table. "Will you guys stop! I am in a lot of trouble and I need your assistance to get me out of it"
"Hey she actually avoided saying 'help' again," noted Tsubasa.
"WILL YOU STOP"
Both Ono and Kasumi had ceased eating and were staring with some concern at Nabiki. They looked at each other, and then Ono leaned towards her.
"So I take it the conditions of your employment were not advantageous to you?" he asked. Nabiki nodded and Ono sat back. "Why didn't you tell us this, Nabiki"
"I-I couldn't"
"You couldn't?" Tatewaki suddenly said. "Nabiki, I would have assisted you immediately if you had only asked"
"If I could have, Tatewaki I would have, but"
"But nothing, Nabiki," said Ranma, "Ryoga and I could have called out the riot squad on this jerk if you needed to get away from him"
"No, no you don't understand"
"Hey we can still do that, Ranma," suggested Ryoga, "The boss is looking for an exercise target too use this quarter"
"NO!" cried Nabiki, startling them.
She appeared tired, shoulders sagging slightly with dread. From beneath the table Nabiki produced a large manila folder, placing it on the table.
"This… this is the reason why I couldn't tell anyone," she sadly said.
Ukyo could not believe what was developing. Casually resting her chin on her hands, she gazed upon the Czarina of Nerima somewhat shocked and humored by her situation. "Let me guess," she said. "You're being blackmailed, right"
Kodachi again burst out in laughter, falling onto her back with delight.
"And I wouldn't have been except for a leak in your organization!" answered Nabiki glaring hard at Tatewaki.
"My organization?" he questioned.
"Yes your organization. The Kuno Industries, my link to the economics world. My current employer managed to get several choice copies of my personal transactions files in his grimy hands"
Tatewaki let out a hum, rubbing his chin. "Sooo, that's how Maeda managed to abscond you from my services. Very cleaver, very clever"
"That can't be it," Mousse said. "You're an accountant like me, Nabiki. I'm sure you could easily work your way out of such damning documentation"
"You're right, Mousse, I could. It would be easy for me to shutdown any trace of my links to the Kuno Industry databanks, but Maeda is poised ready to send what he has to the police, government, and every newspaper in Japan… but that's not the worst of it"
She opened the folder setting aside the papers reviling a small sample of overturned photographs. "Please don't look until I tell you, okay?" she said as she passed them out.
"Nabiki, what's this?" asked Ukyo as Nabiki handed her one.
"You'll see," answered Nabiki.
Giving the last picture to Ranma, Nabiki retook her spot at the table and glanced nervously around at them. "Kasumi, I think you should be the first to look"
"Why thank you, Nabiki," replied Kasumi. She turned the picture over. "This can't be much of anything if I get toOOOOOOOAAHHHHHHH"
The rest of her voice died away with her gasp, hair standing straight up and back as she stared down at the photograph clutched tight in her hands. Ono had to pry it from her rigid fingers just to take a look himself.
"WOW!" he cried, the loudest anyone had every heard him speak. "Forget what I said about not shocking us any further"
The response from the Tofu's made the other exchange brief looks of surprise and they eagerly turned their photos over. Pandemonium suddenly filled the room.
"HOLY COW"
"I DON'T BELIEVE THIS"
"HOW IN THE HELL"
"OOOYYYYIIIIEEEEE"
"HOHHOOHOOHOOHOHOHOHOH"
"AH, MY EYES"
Ukyo sat gripping the sides of the table, twisting her body from one side to the other staring down at the picture in her lap. "Oh Nabiki, this is rrrreally serious, and I mean rrreally serious," she said.
"Tell me something I don't know, Ukyo"
"Wait a minute," Tatewaki suddenly said. He held the picture in his hand up, turning it around a few times. "Yes… I remember this night"
Ono turned appearing aghast at Tatewaki's declaration. "You do?" he exclaimed.
"Why yes." He laughed a bit reflecting on his memories of that moment. "And it turned out to be a grand night"
Kodachi let out a scream, clutching her heart as she backed away from Tatewaki. "NOOOOooooo!" she cried, sobbing on all fours like a wounded animal.
"Tatewaki Kuno, are you telling me this is your ass I'm staring at here?" shouted Ranma.
"It depends upon what angle, but yes it is probably mine"
"Ahhhhh! It makes the blindness that much worse!" moaned Tsubasa, writhing around on the floor.
Ranma's jaw hit the table. "You animal"
"No, but I think I recall two or three somewhere in the room that night"
"He's kidding, Ranma," Nabiki cut in, cutting Tatewaki looks of death.
"So Nabiki Tendo is evil demon too!" Shampoo said.
"What makes you think that, Shampoo," asked Mousse, still trying to reshape the melted metal frames of his glasses.
"No human capable of such positions! Just look"
"You know, Shampoo does have a point there," remarked Konatsu, eyeing the picture she held up with close interest.
"She Snake-girl!" finished Shampoo.
"Okay, I'm limber and I practice, alright!" shouted Nabiki.
Akari dropped the bloody napkin she held against Ryoga's nose, fishing around his shirt pockets until she found a pen. She snatched up a clean napkin and hurried over to Nabiki, dropping to her knees with pen poised.
"What?" asked Nabiki.
"I'm ready to take notes," replied Akari.
"Ryoga will you come and get your over-sexed wife away from me"
Ryoga gently pulled Akari back to her spot and Nabiki let out a huff in frustration. "Now do you see why I am desperately in need of assistance," she said to the others.
"Desperately is not the word I would use, Nabiki," Ono said, fanning Kasumi's still shocked features with a napkin.
Tatewaki called to her. "I do not recall any camera's in that room? How did Maeda get these"
"The leak in our security is the only way I can think of, Kuno-Ba… I mean Tatewaki. Somehow he found out about our weekend and had his minions set a trap for us"
"Indeed… yes… yikes"
"So now can we get back on to what I need from all of you"
"We better," said Ranma. He pushed the photograph in his hands up under the placemat, only to have Akane pull it back out. She sat staring not in shock, but with excitement and curiosity. Her eyes drifted up at him and Ranma smirked taking the picture away from her.
"Back to you, Nabiki before my wife starts getting strange thoughts," he said, sliding it back under the placemat.
"So how can we help you, Nabiki?" Ukyo asked.
Finally, a person thinking straight, thought Nabiki. "Maeda is hosting a banquet this coming Friday and I have volunteered my services for that"
"Your services or 'our' services?" said Konatsu.
"I am hoping I could count on you all too…'help'… me"
"Just like that," said Ranma. He appeared annoyed, thumbing though some of the papers Nabiki had set aside. "Nabiki, sister-in-law or not, Ryoga and I should be arresting you right now"
"Ranma!" exclaimed Akane, hitting him on the arm.
"We should be. There is more than enough stuff here to make a case against her"
Kodachi suddenly pounced on her brother from behind. "You hear Ranma-darling, brother-dear! Nabiki is dragging us down into the dark path of crime. Let me get you to a doctor who can exorcise her taint from your blood and rid you of her evil spells"
Tatewaki smirked, shrugging her off him. "Nabiki is doing no such thing, Kodachi. Because of her we are better off than many companies now"
But Kodachi was not about too let up. "She deserves what she's getting!" she said to the others. "We must avoid her foulness and leave before it consumes us all"
"Okay, Kodachi," said Nabiki, "let me paint you a rosy picture about what the future of the Kuno Industries would be if I can't get enough help. You see, Maeda has ulterior motives behind this party of his. First he wants a piece of the Kuno Industries"
"Never!" shouted Tatewaki, slamming a fist down on the table. "I'll see him in hell before I allow such a thing"
"You might not have a choice. Think a minute, what if those documents about me just happen to leak out into the press or worse the authorities, hmm"
Tatewaki cringed balling a fist before him. "Curses!" he snarled.
"So what's stopping him from doing that now?" asked Mousse.
"Two things. He wants Tatewaki on his side, and secondly if he tried to blackmail him outright, nobody wins. The Kunos could very well go bankrupt, and Maeda might not get enough of the scraps to ensure control over what is left. No, this way gives him clean access to control Tatewaki"
"Control him how?" asked Akane.
Nabiki hesitated, a troubling look coming to her face. She gazed down at the table, nervously chewing on her bottom lip.
"Through me," she finally said.
"You"
"One of the agreements I made with Maeda was if I could deliver Tatewaki to him… he would give me my freedom and all of the evidence he has"
"You sold Tatewaki out," said Ryoga.
"Do you really think Maeda is going to keep a promise like that, Ryoga, huh?" snapped Nabiki. "Once he's got a meat hook into Tatewaki, I'm gone and I don't mean that figuratively either. He's going to tuck me away to some remote villa of his as insurance to keep Tatewaki in line"
"But that's kidnapping!" said Akari.
"And who's going to report it? You? The Kunos"
"Humph, certainly not me," muttered Kodachi, gaining a sharp elbow from her brother.
"Nobody can dare to say anything to help me then." Sadly, Nabiki looked over at her man. "You wouldn't let them do that to me, would you, Tatewaki"
Kodachi moved up close to him. "Let her go, brother," she said. "I can get you a new girl, better than her. I promise"
Angrily, Tatewaki snatched the picture off the table. "And can she do any of this, sister?" he asked, holding it up.
"Ah… heh, heh, probably not, but with a little work"
"Be silent, Kodachi!" He looked back at Nabiki. "No, I would not let anyone harm you, Nabiki," he said.
"That's a heck of a reason to be having there, Kuno," said Ukyo.
"There is more to it than just this photograph, Kuonji," he replied.
Nabiki felt relieved knowing that Tatewaki valued her more than just as an accountant. She gave him a smile and then turned to Ranma. "Don't go thinking this will not affect you either, brother-in-law," she told him.
"It might sting a little if the news got out"
"It will ruin you! Not to mention probably kill any further employment with the police. Your relation to me, not to mention you have had knowledge of my past operations will guarantee your dismissal"
Ranma could not argue with her, holding his comments back.
"And that goes for you too, Ryoga Hibiki," continued Nabiki.
"Me"
"Yes, you! You were Ranma's best man, and you are his partner. You also have prior knowledge about some of my earlier activities"
Ryoga sat speechless for a second. "Ranma!" he exclaimed, swatting him on the shoulder. "Will you listen to her"
"I am," replied Ranma in a level tone.
"She's blackmailing us"
"I am not! I'm simply pointing out what the effects could be if this potential disaster gets publicized"
"Sounds much like blackmail to me," Kodachi said. "And I know blackmail"
Tatewaki reached around, taking a fist full of her collar and pulled Kodachi up close. "Let me lay out to you, dear sister what happens once we have met with financial disaster. We get nothing, we have nothing, and with a tarnished reputation we probably will not find enough work to even rent out a stall for shelter. That means you will have to work. Selling those accursed Black Roses of yours… most likely something else"
Kodachi gasped, her eyes widening with the dark images Tatewaki's words conjured up. He pulled her closer and said," Are we clear now about the situation, hmm"
She gulped, looking at Nabiki. "Uh, I'm all ears, Nabiki-darling"
"I am truly sorry this has happened," said Nabiki. "Even too you, Kodachi, but that is the situation we're in. So can I count on all of you"
Mousse tossed aside the irreparable pair of glasses in his hands, pulling out a spare set from a sleeve. He glanced back at Shampoo; still engrossed by Nabiki's photo trying to mimic one of the positions. She had her left leg pulled to her chest, one arm wrapped around it for support and the other gripping the ankle trying to twist her head down in between the small gap they formed.
"Nabiki!" she said, bringing her other leg up, "How you get… (grrrrr) leg… back behind… head… then up under chin? It impossible"
Her right foot caught itself between her arm and left calf locking Shampoo into a semi-pretzel position. She let out a strained grunt before flopping flat on her back, barley able to manage a wriggle as she fought to get free.
Mousse paused and then faced Nabiki again.
"It's not going to be that easy," he said to her as Shampoo's free left hand slapped him on the arm. "I've learned a few things from you since becoming an accountant"
Nabiki was not expecting much resistance, but this wrinkle might hamper her efforts. She sat back crossing her arms and eyed Mousse with a commanding stare.
"I take it you want something?" she said.
Mousse smiled deviously. "Oh yes, we sure do," he replied. A tap from Ukyo drew him around.
"Uh, Mousse. Your woman is kind of turning blue here," she told him, pointing down at Shampoo. "Don't you think you want to help her"
He glanced down at Shampoo. "Nah, she's squirmed free out of tighter positions than that," he replied, returning to Nabiki.
"So what do you want, Mousse?" she asked.
"There's a little matter of some debt we owe you? I'd like to see that it gets… 'Removed"
"You mean like 'forgotten"
"Exactly"
A stare down ensued, Nabiki and Mousse's eyes locked on each other waiting for the other to concede. It went on for several minutes before Nabiki let out a sigh placing a hand to her forehead.
"You Clutch-Pig, I cannot believe I'm actually negotiating with you," she muttered low. "Alright! I'll… I'll clear the Nekohatten of all debts to me"
"Immediately," added Mousse.
"Gahh! You fiend... all right consider it gone"
"Yes!" shouted Mousse, making a triumphant pulling move down before him.
Ukyo, delighted with his success, eagerly raised her hand. "Ooo, Ooo, my turn, my turn!" she said.
"And what do you want"
Chuckling like a deviant mad scientist, Ukyo rubbed her hands together thinking up ways to take advantage of this situation. "Sit up, Tsubasa. You're about to get that raise you've been pining about"
Nabiki started taken aback by Ukyo's remark. "Wha— another Clutch-Pig! Ukyo, you bitch, this is not the time to be wringing me dry"
"Yes it is, and that crack will cost you extra, Tendo. (NeHeh-heh heh-heh heh) Do you know how long it will be before a chance like this happens again"
"As a guess, I would say another millennium," said Tatewaki.
"Hush, you! You're supposed to be on my side!" Nabiki's pleading eyes begged for mercy from Ukyo, but she was unresponsive.
"Ukyo, you're supposed to be my friend"
"I am, and I need to expand Ucchans too. No, no, no, Nabiki Tendo. Our services will not be cheap. I won't set a price right now, but expect a bill at the end of all this. Deal"
Tension surrounded the table as Nabiki deliberated her options. To go with Ukyo's assistance or not… time was short and she need her and her staff.
Ryoga laughed. "How's it feel to have the shoe on the other foot now?" he asked.
"Feels more like it's in my ass," she replied. One last try, Nabiki put on her best pleading look but Ukyo was having none of it arching a brow high. "Okay… I'll"
"GAIIIYIIEEEE"
SPRONG!
Shampoo's body hopped into the air, flipping around as her arms and legs popped loose from the constricting position. She spun around belly-flopping to the floor with a thump and was still. Nobody moved wondering if the girl had finally killed herself, but a low moan rose up followed by a hand then her head as she looked up over the table edge.
Ignoring the surprised stares, Shampoo pulled herself up retaking her spot at the table. "(heh-heh) Shampoo sorry," she said in a meek voice.
"Like I was saying," continued Nabiki. "As per your 'demands' Ukyo"
"Oh, more interest to tack on to that bill"
The corner of Nabiki's eyes twitched. "—as per your 'generous' offer, Kuonji… I will gladly pay it if it gets Okura Maeda off of my back for good"
"Finally, I can afford a better apartment," said Konatsu, causing Nabiki to wince sharply in pain.
As it passed, she gazed around at the rest of the group to see if anyone else planned to grind her further into the dirt. A beckoning look covered Akari's face and Nabiki frowned.
"And what do you want"
"Notes!" she call out, gripping one of the damning photos in her hands. "I-I-I want notes"
Nabiki threw up her hands rolling her eyes with disbelief. Her gaze finally came to Ranma and she paused noticing the stern look he gave her.
"I take it you are not happy with me, Ranma"
Ranma narrowed one eye, snatching the photograph that Akane leered over from her hands before answering. "Ignoring your odd personal behaviors," he said while tearing it up, "Ryoga and I are still police officers"
"And this is a problem"
"You better believe this is a problem. For you! First off, you have a considerable list of charges pending here, Nabiki. Enough to get you sent away for at least ten years minimum"
Akane rounded on Ranma. "Ranma Saotome, you aren't planning to send my sister to the big-house"
"Hold on, Akane. I didn't say I was sending anybody anywhere… yet"
"Ranma… she's your blood-kin now"
He told her to relax, gently turning her back around. Ranma regarded Nabiki pondering if his next decision would be the best too take. "Nabiki, it would be our duty to arrest you right now, but I'm going to stick my neck out and try to correct this situation you're in"
Nabiki breathed a sigh of relief.
"But!" continued Ranma, "You are going to do something for me"
She swallowed the lump in her throat dreading to hear what Ranma had in mind.
"You, Nabiki Tendo, are going straight"
A bolt of lightening pierced the sky in Nabiki's mind, dark clouds rumbling as the thought of her relinquishing every advantage she had gnawed its way through her brain. She was like a stone statue staring out into space, a lost expression on her face. Ukyo's insidious laughter filled the air, and Nabiki blinked looking back over at Ranma.
"Are you insane?" she asked him.
"No money making deals, no more street insurance arrangements, and no more of this insider trading or back-dooring of stock-market reports. You go clean all the way and work at a legitimate profession for a change"
"WORK!" Nabiki gasped, holding her sides. "Does everyone have to curse at me like this?" Ukyo's chuckles picked up, drawing her anger. "Will you stop that, Ukyo? You sound like Reinfield"
"You better worry about your future instead of that," said Ranma, drawing her back to his proposal.
Oh he's good, she thought. Putting the screws on me. Nabiki weighed the odds again, deliberating which was worse; slaving as Okura Maeda's accountant and ace-in-the-hole, or prison where she surely might end up if she refused Ranma's demands. And he was such a nice brother-in-law too. Shame he's a goody-goody do-gooder.
"With my freedom in jeopardy, I guess I have no other choice but to agree with you, do I Ranma?" she finally said.
Ranma leaned back crossing his arms. "I'm going to hold you to that Nabiki. Don't try anything to get out of it"
"I won't, I won't!" She stared down at the floor, pouting. "I'll… I'll go clean"
"Impressive, Saotome," said Tatewaki with a nod. "I've never been able to get her to commit to anything like that"
"Living in her household for a few years give you some insight about Nabiki's make-up," replied Ranma. He leaned over, snatching another photo from Akane's hands holding it up out of her reach. "Now as for these pictures, Tatewaki Kuno"
Tatewaki produced a pen. "You would like an autograph"
While Ranma fought to keep Akane at bay, Ukyo asked Nabiki what she had in mind.
"I need some of you to serve while the rest work on getting into Maeda's safe"
That put a halt to everything.
"Nabiki, you want us to break into Maeda's home?" asked Konatsu.
"Not everyone… just Ryoga and Akane"
"WHO"
"Ryoga and Akane"
Ryoga drew away from the table gaping at Nabiki. "I'm a cop, Nabiki! I don't go around breaking and entering homes for a living! I'm supposed to stop things like that"
"But you have Marital skills and Akane is going to need somebody to watch her back"
"Speaking of Akane," interrupted Ranma, "Why is she breaking in with Ryoga in the first place"
Nabiki frowned at him. "Come on, Ranma. You have got to be kidding me," she said.
"No. Is there something I should know here"
Akane knew where this was going, letting out a nervous grunt. "Nabiki," she said.
"Oh, he's going to find out eventually, little sister"
"What, find out what"
"Ranma, your wife is the best lock-pick and safe-cracker this side of Tokyo"
"Sh-She's what"
"Nabikiiii… why are you telling him my secrets"
"Because it's true. Ranma, Akane can open anything that has a lock or tumbler on it, no sweat"
"Boy I am so glad I came!" declared Ukyo. "Guys, aren't you glad I brought you along"
"The secrets pouring out around us," said Tsubasa. "We could write a bestseller"
"Hey, there'll be no book writing!" snapped Nabiki.
"AKANE!" shouted Ranma. "How are you… why are you... what the"
"She's been doing this ever since cracking the locks on your journals"
"YOU'VE BEEN DOING WHAT"
Akane dipped her head, drawing back to avoid her husband's angry yell. She timidly smiled at him, fluttering her eyes feigning innocence.
"And how long have you been reading my journals?" asked Ranma.
She peered up at the ceiling thinking back. "Hmm, when did Happosai show up at the dojo?" she said.
"What's that old goat got to do with this?" said Mousse.
"C'mon! You didn't think I learned this all by myself, did you"
Ranma could not believe it. His wife perusing what he considered sacred like it was a Sunday paper. After all these years, she'd know all of his deepest desires, all of the secret things he'd hoped to keep private.
"You, you read everything?" he asked.
Akane's smile drew wider and she cuddled up close to him with a light purr. "Mmmmmeverything," came her playful reply.
"Everything… even the"
"Everything, husband dear. It was cheap to. All I had to do was give Happosai some of my undies and he showed me everything I needed to know"
"That rat"
Nabiki hid her laughs behind her hand, waiting until she could gain a breath before continuing on with her plan. "So Ryoga and Akane are going to break in once this little party of Maeda's begins. Kasumi will be fixing the meals"
"Not if she's dead," Doctor Tofu said. He held Kasumi up in his arms trying to revive her from the shock received earlier. Kasumi remained rigid like a board, her mouth locked open and eyes wide staring straight out into space. Another pat on a cheek drew no response.
"You've killed my wife, Nabiki," declared Ono.
"I thought Kasumi was a Buddhist?" wondered Kurenai. "Gee, who would have thought she was a Puritan"
"You take that back, Tsubasa!" growled Akane; Ranma holding her back from leaping at him.
"Hey, my wife is not a Puritan," said Ono. "She's just, ah… 'Traditional' when it comes to that sort of activity"
Nabiki reached over and touched Kasumi's wrist. "I still feel a pulse so she's just having one of her episodes," she told them. "Now, as for the rest of you, we're going to be doing several things. Ranma, I'm going to need Ranko"
"Aw come'on! You give Ryoga a neat job and I get to be a girl"
"Stop whining! I need girls for hostesses. That means you, Akari, Tsubasa, Konatsu, and Shampoo will be serving drinks and snacks"
"What am I going to be doing?" asked Ukyo.
"You are the Head Hostess, so that means you will be managing things while I am not around"
"Ooo… thank you, Nabiki"
"What a minute!" said Shampoo. "Why Ukyo head girl? Shampoo manage staff too you know"
"Yep, but she's more level headed than you are Shampoo, no offense"
Mousse agreed with Nabiki. "Oh yeah, she got you there, Shampoo. If you get mad about anything I could see the mayhem that could follow"
"That not true"
"You just fired our entire evening staff"
Shampoo glared at Mousse, and then smirked quietly looking down, knowing he was right.
"Now then," continued Nabiki. "Kodachi, you will be handling the bar"
That perked Kodachi's ears. "Like mixing drinks?" she excitedly said.
"Yes, but I don't want anyone killed or put to sleep"
"So where's the fun in that"
Nabiki covered her face with a hand, shaking her head. "No, Kodachi! I just want you to make everyone happy, you know what I mean"
"Happy?" replied Kodachi, rubbing her chin. "Does that me like able to stand on their own, or just barely able to see where they are going"
"Gahhhh! Kodachi Kuno you better not blow this for me! If Maeda get even the slightest hint something's wrong, we are all cooked. Clear"
"Wellllll… I supposed I could cut back on my concoctions"
"Sister, will you just do as instructed!" Tatewaki shouted at her. "You forget what is at stake here"
"This is going to be really something," said Ranma, shaking his head with doubt.
Nabiki considered changing Kodachi's assignment, but thought better of it, moving on. "Now here comes the hardest part. Hikaru, you've got the most important part of the whole job. I really need your best foot forward on this"
Ukyo burst out in laughter once more. "I can't believe it! Nabiki Tendo is begging Hikaru Gosunkugi for help. After all of the things she's extorted from him"
She took a handful each of her hair, twirling it around forming two flat spirals pressed to either side of her head and turned to Hikaru. "Help me Obi-wan Gosunkugi, you're my only hope," she said gaining a laugh from the others.
However, Hikaru did not respond staring down at the photograph clutched tight in his hands. All this time nobody noticed his silence, typical of Hikaru when it came to being seen, and Ukyo let her hair fall free staring close into his face. "Hikaru?" she called but he remained silent.
Ukyo cut the others a confused look and shrugged. She called Gosunkugi's name again and then tapped him lightly on his forehead.
Hikaru flopped back to the floor.
"Oh, another Puritan," commented Konatsu, staring down at the unconscious man.
"We all know now who the virgin is at this table," added Ukyo.
Nabiki started to get impatient. "Ukyo, could you guys just please wake him up"
Konatsu scratched the side of his head, frowning down at Hikaru before answering. "I don't know, Nabiki. Gosunkugi's doing a very good imitation of Kasumi here"
Nabiki gripped the edge of the table, forcing a smile at them. "Please try, please," she told them through grit teeth.
Konatsu tapped Hikaru on the side. No response and he turned to Kurenai with a slow shake of his head. Kurenai glanced back and agreed looking at Ukyo. She sat thinking for a second then her face brightened as an idea came to mind. Crawling to Gosunkugi's side, Ukyo gave Akane a brief look, giggled and leaned down close to one ear.
"Hikaru. Hikaru, Akane's taking off her dress," she whispered to him.
Hikaru popped upright eyes blinking rapidly as he looked over at Akane.
"Knew that would get a rise out of him," said Ukyo. She cut her eyes down at his lap and laughed. "Literally"
"Grief," muttered Nabiki. "Hikaru, I need your brilliant mind to work the computers when Akane gets Maeda's access codes out of his safe"
"What computers?" asked Tatewaki.
"The ones out in our getaway van that you are going to provide us"
"I am?" A stern look from Nabiki pushed aside any objections from Tatewaki. "Ah yes, that van. I completely forgot about it"
"Don't forget too much more. Now then, Hikaru not only will you be"
"NO she's not!" Gosunkugi suddenly said, turning to Ukyo.
"GOSUNKUGI!" shouted Nabiki, slamming a fist down on the table, startling him. He turned to her stammering fearfully. "Close you mouth, shut-up and pay attention"
Hikaru closed his mouth, swallowing hard.
"Okay," continued Nabiki, "Hikaru is going to be monitoring our communications along with Doctor Tofu and Mousse"
"Alright, I get to do something safe for a change," said Mousse.
"But how are they going to monitor us?" asked Akari.
A good question too which Nabiki had an answer. "Hikaru, you still have those earpieces we had from that time at the Diet Building"
Several shocked looks fell upon Gosunkugi.
"Hikaru! You still have those damn things?" shouted Ranma.
"Well, I kind'a do"
"I thought we told you to get rid of them?" said Ukyo, her face a mask of anger.
Gosunkugi inched back from them, rubbing the back of his head. "I, uhm… I uhm… well we're sort of working on them"
"We?" asked Ryoga.
"Yes. The Kuno Industries," Tatewaki said. "I have Gosunkugi researching the micro-technology that was being used in them. It is quite intricate"
"I don't care if they are worth billions of Yen!" shouted Akane, "Hikaru you need to get rid of them"
"No way," replied Tatewaki. "We have several millions already invested in future products now. Hikaru has made invaluable contributions to our success"
"But you know what they represent?" asked Tsubasa.
"Every one here knows what they represent," said Nabiki. "It is fortunate that he held on to them because now we have a need for their use again. So let's all get over it, okay"
Begrudging stares passed upon Hikaru, reluctant to ignore the dark episode in their past, but Nabiki was right and they let the issue die.
"Now then, Hikaru," she continued, "How many of those things do you have left"
Hikaru made a mental count. "Four, if I'm not mistaken"
"Four"
He shrugged. "I had to take the others apart to complete my research"
Not enough for what she had planned, nevertheless it would have to do. "Okay then. We'll go with it. Tomorrow, I want everyone down at Umatsu Uniform Shop at Nine O'clock, understand. Don't be late, and please don't tell anyone what you are doing or where you are going"
"Not even your father?" Ono said.
"Especially my father, or Mister Saotome for that matter"
"Hmm, well it was a nice thought," said Ranma, "But you have a problem already, Nabiki"
"I do"
"Yep. Ryoga and I are on duty tomorrow so we can't participate"
Nabiki chuckled sinisterly. "I didn't want to tip my hand so soon, but I've already taken care of that"
"You have"
"Yep. I checked both of your records and found you two have close to 60 days each of free time on the books"
They do?" both wives exclaimed, turning to their suddenly uncomfortable husbands.
"So I, through the Nabiki Tendo connections, made arrangement for you to have the rest of the week off"
"Ooo, Ranma Saotome you are going to get so pounded when we get home!" said Akane. "Talking about no time when you had that much"
"Ryoga Hibiki, shame on you for lying too me!" snapped Akari.
"Akari, it's just not… well it looks bad to take excess days off from the job," Ryoga tried to explain, but Akari was hearing none of it, turning her back. He frowned, glaring at Nabiki. "You are so going to pay for this, Nabiki Tendo"
"By dismantling that 'Network' of hers for starters," added Ranma, just as upset.
Nabiki ignored them. "So, is everyone clear about what's going on tomorrow"
"No questions here," said Mousse. "Shampoo and I will be there"
Nabiki nodded, looking to Ukyo and her two assistants.
"You've got us," said Ukyo. "Boy is this going to be good"
"As long as we don't get caught," added Konatsu. "I certainly don't feel like a one-way romp in the woods"
"Yeah, could be detrimental to our health," said Tsubasa.
"You guys can handle anything Maeda throws at you," said Nabiki. She looked at Hikaru.
"Uh, where am supposed to be?" he asked.
"Grief!" exclaimed Nabiki, rolling her eyes.
"We'll bring him with us," said Tatewaki. "Incidentally, you did not say what my role was in this scheme"
"That's easy. You're the bait"
"Bait"
"Now don't fret, dear. Nothing drastic is going to happen, so relax. You trust your love-doll, don't you"
Ukyo laughed. "Love-doll," she said, looking at the photograph in her hand, laughing again.
"If I can thaw out Kasumi, we too will be there," Ono told Nabiki.
"Great!" replied Nabiki. "I don't think I have to worry about my other In-Law or his partner, so it's a date. Once this is over, there's going to be a new Queen running things around here"
Ranma's sharp glare made Nabiki flinch. "I mean, I'll be free of this curse and on the straight and righteous path as a good decent law abiding citizen"
"And you better stay on it too, Nabiki," he said.
"Oh I will, I will," replied Nabiki, a pair of fingers crossed out of view under the table.
"Hey, this is almost like one of those spy movies I've seen," Ryoga suddenly said. "Dhant-dant Dah-dahnt, Dhant-dant Dah-dunt"
Akari popped him upside the head. "Don't you go starting that stuff again," she scolded him. She let out a huff, shaking her head. "All day long, the theme to Mission Impossible. Dant-Dant this and Dant-Dant that. Enough to drive you up the walls," she told the others.
"At least you don't have to listen to the theme from 'COPS' all day," said Ranma.
"Ryoga!" said Akari.
"What? This is so cool… and, and I get to be Tom Cruise too! Nabiki, does Maeda's estate have a skylight"
Nabiki leaned on the table running her fingers through her hair in frustration. "Oh, I might have to make some changes to this plan after all," she said.
"Don't let it bother you, Nabiki," said Ukyo. "But I'm so glad you asked me to come along"
Nabiki looked at her and then let out another sigh, praying that nothing bad would befall her in the next few days.