Chapter 3 A new dawn, a new day and one rather large headache
Dawn came and awoke the Saotome youth with a hungry growl. Blinking groggy, Ranma realized a few things. She wasn't at the Tendo's and she was sharing her bed with someone, probably a girl considering her luck.
Wha's going on again? Lets see, Gordo wanted ta talk to em and … Hitomi! Ranma thought, jump starting her brain as she checked the girl in her arms.
Smiling Ranma softly shaked Hitomi. "Come on Hitomi, time for breakfast."
Yawning cutely, Hitomi rubbed the sleep from her eyes as she looked around the room. She stiffened for a moment as she noticed Ranma, but quickly relaxed as recognition flashed in her eyes. Smiling Hitomi snuggled closer to Ranma.
"Uhm, I really need to start on breakfast." Ranma said, slightly embarrassed by the affectionate display of Hitomi.
Yawning again Hitomi nodded and got off the sofa. Ranma showed Hitomi the furo and made clear she was to clean herself before breakfast. Entering the kitchen, Ranma quickly prepared breakfast. Taking care to fix Hitomi another meal with herbal spices and to limit her own breakfast to a smaller portion (on the account of the lack of supplies to add to her portion).
Blinking Ranma noticed Hitomi standing partially hidden in the doorway, looking still like she just got out of bed. "Done washing?" Ranma asked, frowning at the negative shake of Hitomi.
"Something wrong?" Ranma questioned with slight concern.
Hitomi silently closed the distance and tugged at Ranma's pants. "Ya want me ta wash with ya?" Ranma asked with a nervous tic in her left eye.
Nodding Hitomi hugged the leg she had tugged, looking up at Ranma with pleading eyes. Sighing as she tries to control the tic and calm her nerves, Ranma made sure breakfast was shimmering and wouldn't burn in her absence. Picking Hitomi up, Ranma entered the furo and undressed Hitomi, taking care with the bandages. After a short pause of indecision, Ranma also undressed and took two towels to wrap around themselves. Ranma dumped a bucket of cold water over Hitomi and started to wash her back. Grabbing some shampoo, Ranma washed Hitomi's hair. Finishing with another bucket of cold water, Ranma carefully placed Hitomi in the bath, avoiding the hot water. Repeating the action she took with Hitomi, Ranma washed herself while keeping an eye on Hitomi.
Humming a soft tune, Ranma used her towel to dry Hitomi's hair. Startled Ranma turned her head, in concert with Hitomi, towards the door. Standing in the doorway, doctor Tofu checked for the occupied sign with an embarrassed look on his face.
"Sorry, I thought you were preparing breakfast, considering the smells from the kitchen." Tofu explained as he closed the door.
"Why do I keep getting into these situations?" Ranma mused bitterly as she finished drying Hitomi's hair.
Still slightly grumbling about her bad luck, Ranma placed Hitomi on a chair at the dining table in the kitchen. Turning her attention on breakfast again as doctor Tofu went to wash, Ranma prepared the herbal tea.
Shaken from her thoughts, Ranma looked down at the girl tugging her pants again. Displaying a comb, Hitomi used the dreaded puppies tearful eyes attack (scientist are still debating if this attack is genetic to only females or just some instinct all females have). Ignoring the tic in her left eye in the hope it would stop on its own, Ranma silently repeated the mantra 'I'm a guy' as she led Hitomi back to the chair. Gently brushing Hitomi's hair, Ranma took care to untangle the knots without causing pain to Hitomi.
Glaring at doctor Tofu, daring him to say a word, Ranma directed him to handle breakfast with a nod of the head. Smirking slightly, doctor Tofu did as instructed and finished breakfast. The three ate in silence.
"Well Ranma, have you considered adopting the girl?" Tofu asked, opting for a direct route to start the discussion.
"I wouldn't mind, I mean if it helps her like ya said it would. Would be her choice." Ranma answered, looking at Hitomi.
Hitomi seemed to considerate for a moment. She slide off her chair and crawled onto the lap of Ranma, placing her arms around her neck. Hiding her face, Hitomi gave a small nod.
"Guess I'm gonna be a dad and part-time mom." Ranma mirthless chuckled.
Shoveling a bit in his chair, doctor Tofu gathered his courage to prepare for a delicate subject. "Ranma , we have had this talk before when you staid here, some time ago. I strongly recommend that you have yourself declared an emancipated minor. In fact it is necessary if you are to adopt her."
"Look doc, I got no problems with getting away from tha panda. It's mom that I'm reluctant ta leave, even with her manly quirks. I ain't seen her in a long time." Ranma countered in a soft tone.
"I think you misunderstood me, when I explained what it means to be an emancipated minor. Just because you leave the caretaking your parents provide, how little it may be, does not mean you have to stop living in the same house or ward. Nor does it mean you have to stop seeing your mother, as the visit of my mother may remind you." Tofu said, waving his finger at Ranma.
"Okay, doc. Could ya tell me what to expect as a parent? I ain't got really good examples to follow, ya know." Ranma asked with a grateful smile.
"You are responsible for the welfare and growth of the child. When I said growth, I mean both the emotional growth as the intellectual growth. You ensure she had a roof over her head, food to eat and education to increase her knowledge." Tofu lectured.
"I would like it if you also considered that other request I made." Tofu continued tentatively.
" Ya mean an identity for me girl half." Ranma started to protest, to be halted by a raided hand of doctor Tofu.
"All I ask is that you consider it, in light of your duties to the girl." Tofu carefully formulated.
"Right." Ranma commented with a slight tic in her left eye.
They sat in a few moments of silence. Ranma looked at Hitomi as she took small sips from her tea. Sighing, Ranma considered her options.
"Doc, why ya want me ta be a girl? Apart from keeping the police off my back?" Ranma questioned.
"Aside from the legal issues, I think it would be best if you adjusted to your girl form. Answer me this, have you ever found a cure?" Tofu countered.
"No, but when the springs are back, I'll jump in the right spring and I'll be cured." Ranma answered, curiously noting a slight flinch of doctor Tofu.
"I am afraid that the springs would only make things worse. I did some research as you asked of me. Taro is a big clue as to my findings." Tofu stated in return.
"Whada ya mean worse? And what does Taro… got… no. Mix, they mix." Ranma replied, devastated as she shook her head in denial.
"Exactly, every record I have seen points to this. Every mention of a cure is referring to a temporary measure or a fake cure. There is some mentioned of being able to control the curse in a few of the older scrolls, but acceptance of the curse is paramount to the aforesaid mentioned control. Your girl side is most likely going to stay with you for the remainder of your life. The only way for you to find some measure of peace is to accept your girl side." Tofu pressed, trying to convince Ranma of the importance of this.
"It's not like I hate the curse these days. Rather the reactions of 'other' people. Not to mention getting wet all the time." Ranma whined, pouting cutely.
"I can not do anything about the opinions of other people. The water magnet part of the curse should lessen with acceptance of your condition. It might have something to do with you ki-paths and emotions. If you are able to gain control, then the magnet part should be completely removed according to the scrolls." Tofu replied calmly, pouring fresh tea into the cups.
Nodding her thanks, Ranma sipped her tea thinking about what doctor Tofu said. "Ya mentioned a link between the curse and my ki-paths. Do ya think tha has something to do with getting control?"
"The scrolls seem to hint in this direction, al do they do mention a warning about ki-techniques using emotions. As I recall it was something about polluting the mental connection." Tofu explained.
"Hold tha thought for a moment, doc." Ranma said, as she lifted the squirming Hitomi off her lap. Recognizing the stance Hitomi was in, Ranma led Hitomi out of the kitchen.
Doctor Tofu picked up the plates and cleaned them as he waited. Checking the clock, doctor Tofu picked up a notepad. Scribbling down a few notes, doctor Tofu ran through a mental checklist. Nodding to himself, doctor Tofu added a few lines.
"Sorry about that, doc. Hitomi needed to go to the little girls room." Ranma said, slightly flustered.
Raising an eyebrow, doctor Tofu decided to put Ranma more at ease. "It is only natural that a child wants his or her parent to be close. Especially in an unknown setting."
"Have you thought about hat we had talked about? My clinic will open in about 30 minutes. Do you have any free time this week to finish the adoption process?" Tofu questioned.
"Hehe, since the school was kinda damaged I'm free for a few days 'till they rebuild the damaged sections. It wasn't entirely my fault, I mean how was I to know the chemistry club was developing a new explosive? I just tried to avoid getting my hair cut from tha crazy principle. He was tha one lobbing those exploding coconuts around." Ranma chuckled nervously, pulling her braid.
"I see. Then I suggest you start the process when you leave here. These things take some time to get completed. It does offer you the chance to start on those other matters, if you want." Tofu stated.
Absently stroking Hitomi's hair, Ranma considered her course. Looking in Hitomi's eyes and nodding her head, Ranma chose her path. "Okay, doc. Ya ain't steered me wrong so far. I'll go to City Hall to adopt Hitomi and get emanci… something. I'll also get papers for me girl side. If only to annoy the panda."
Nodding, doctor Tofu handed Ranma the piece of paper with his notes. Informing Ranma about each name on the paper, doctor Tofu also handed Ranma a letter of recommendation in which he states his support in Ranma's adoption of Hitomi. Giving Hitomi a final check-up and changing the bandages, doctor Tofu led them to the door. Bidding the doctor goodbye, Ranma and Hitomi left doctor Tofu's clinic for Ciy Hall.
Sighing, Ranma waited patiently for permission to approach the desk (so basically she was bored out of her mind and tried to keep herself occupied with mental kata's). She did look at Hitomi several times to remind herself why she was doing this. She also silently promised herself, several times, to repay doctor Tofu for his help. The list of names had cut the time Ranma had to waste looking for the correct people.
"So, miss Saotome was it? You need a new identification paper. I trust you have filed in the appropriate forms, namely authentication form 84 and legislation sub form A." The bureaucrat said, looking expectantly at Ranma, whom developed a sweat drop.
Nervously swallowing, Ranma opened her mouth to answer as she send a silent prayer for a miracle. A Kami had apparently been listening as the miracle save in the form of a greeting.
"Good day to ya, mr Ichikawa." Ranma respectfully returned the greeting.
"How have you been, young lad? Haven't heard about any new thing happening to yo for some time, just the same old routine. Last I heard Furikan high needs some work again." Mr Ichikawa jovially said.
"Chuckling nervously Ranma went into an explanation of that event. As part of city planning, mr Ichikawa had met Ranma on several occasions as he supervised several construction efforts in Nerima. For some reason, mr Ichikawa hadn't believed the stories his subordinates had told him about super martial artists, capable of leveling entire buildings. At least he didn't believe until he had witnessed Ranma and cohorts undo several days worth of work on fixing walls and roads. After that particular episode (and treating the workers on a stiff drink), mr Ichikawa sought Ranma out for a talk. Getting to know the youth a bit better, mr Ichikawa started treating Ranma as a nephew, taking pity on the troubled youth.
"I'm trying to get an id for me girl side." Ranma answered mr Ichikawa's question as the bureaucrat behind the desk listened in.
"About time you started to straighten some of your bad traits. Might be difficult to get rid of your 'bad boy' reputation, but following the law is always the right thing to do." Mr Ichikawa sagely noted.
"And I don't believe we were properly introduced, young lady." Mr Ichikawa said to Hitomi, smiling.
Squirming a bit under the attention, Hitomi looked up at Ranma. "Her name is Hitomi. She got only me and doc Tofu, so I'm gonna adopt her. Need to do something called eman..., eman…, I don't know what the word is for getting adult status as a minor."
"Emancipated would be the word you're trying to say. Adoption, ne? That's a big responsibility." Mr Ichikawa pondered.
"Doc thinks I can handle it with some help from Kasumi." Ranma softly interjected as she smiled at Hitomi.
"Hmm, still I better help with all the papers and formalities around here. Don't want a challenger come bursting in here and demolish the place." Mr Ichikawa grinned.
"With my luck tha isn't unlikely." Ranma deadpanned.
Mr Ichikawa turned serious and nodded. Quickly setting to work, mr Ichikawa helped Ranma with 'her' and Hitomi's papers. Knowing the ins and outs of the system and the people involved, mr Ichikawa quickly had the ground work for the id's done. Leaving instruction to deliver the id's to Ranma's home, mr Ichikawa led Ranma to their next objective. Grim faced, mr Ichikawa presented doctor Tofu's letter and mentioned Genma Saotome as parent. Mr Ichikawa also offered his recommendation with a suggestion whispered at the end. The name 'Genma Saotome' was enough to elect a frown and the recommendation a approving nod. The suggestion received a more negative response. Pulling up the Saotome Register on the computer screen, the man pointed out several names and relevant facts.
Nodding his consent, mr Ichikawa asked the man to contact the mentioned persons for a meeting. After reassurances that a response about Ranma's status as an adult would arrive in a few days, they left to finally start the adoption process.
"You do realize this is the hardest part to get done? There are a few buckets load of laws, when it comes to adoption. Comes from the multitude of organizations involved." Mr Ichikawa stated.
"You will have to pass several inspections to prove you are capable of taking care of Hitomi. You will need a job to prove you can provide for Hitomi's baic needs, food and clothing. If the inspector sees the situation at the Tendo Dojo, without you having a job, Hitomi will most likely be taken from you and placed in a foster home. You will also have to cut back on the fighting. A child needs a stable environment and the chaos around you isn't that." Mr Ichikawa lectured.
"Aw, man. That's gonna take some doing. It ain't like I got much to say when someone attacks me. School ain't gonna let me get a job either." Ranma pouted.
"I can't help with that. I am confident that you'll find a way. After all Ranma Saotome doesn't loose." Mr Ichikawa boasted, smirking.
Laughing a bit they started on getting Hitomi adopted. After filling in a large stack of forms, a growl was heard. Ranma swear dropped and shrugged at the others, smirking. A softer growl sounded a few moments later.
"If I didn't know any better, I would say you two are related. Come, lets go eat some lunch." Mr Ichikawa smirked as he led the other two to a cantina.
Waving goodbye and yelling her thanks, Ranma took Hitomi into her arms and jumped to the rooftops. Shifting Hitomi to her hips, Ranma smiled encouragingly at Hitomi. Hitomi gazed in amazement at the method of transportation Ranma used. After a few minutes of roof hopping, Hitomi started to smile as she looked at the scenery. Smirking, Ranma noted the smile.
Frowning, Ranma swiftly jumped to the side to avoid the barrage of daggers.
"Ranma Saotome. For stealing my Shampoo, prepare to die." Mousse shouted wih a gleeful smile on his face.
"Mousse." Ranma returned in a low growl as she tried to sooth the shaking Hitomi.
"Ranma? Is something wrong? Ah, crap." Mousse commented as he put his glasses on to see an angry Ranma carrying a small girl.
Paling, Mousse started muttering a prayer for save passage into the afterlife. Ranma tried to set Hitomi down on the rood so she could properly pound Mousse, but settled for a hug as Hitomi maintained a strong grip. Glaring at Mousse, Ranma raised her hand and fired a large ki-blast at him. Mousse stoically faced the ki-blast, accepting what he deemed rightful punishment. A large explosion later and Mousse was flying away without being a duck.
Cooing soothing words Ranma tried to sooth Hitomi. Seeing less than spectacular results, Ranma looked around and spied a ice-cream parlor. Smiling Ranma jumped down to the street and entered the parlor. Quickly scamming a few extra scoops of ice, Ranma looked for a place to sit. Seeing Gordo and another gang leader by the name of Daishatzu waving at her, she moved to join them.
"Hi guys, what's up?" Ranma asked as she sat down and moved Hitomi onto her lap.
"We were just discussing a deal regarding that girl. I'm glad she's doing better than yesterday." Gordo replied.
"The deal is to keep an eye out for anyone looking for the girl. If there si such a person, we approach and misdirect that person, for a minor fee from the person, of course." Daishatzu answered to Ranma's enquiring look.
Talking some small talk with the two boys, Ranma slowly coaxed Hitomi to eat the ice-cream. After a few spoons of the treat, Hitomi became a bit more active and used her own spoon. Smiling, Ranma nodded satisfied at seeing Hitomi more active. Finishing the ice-cream together, in short notice, Ranma cleaned the face of Hitomi and said goodbye to the two boys.
"Looks like she's taken the girl under her wing. Mother Goose got nothing on her." Daishatzu commented as Gordo nodded his consent with a smile.
The remainder of the trip back to the dojo was uneventful. Hitomi quickly enjoyed the scenery again. Sighing wearily, Ranma walked down the street to the dojo and did a last minute planning to deal with the inevitable chaos. Taking a deep breath, Ranma entered and announced herself. She did not have to wait long.
"BOY, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? Slacking off again? Oh, why am I cursed with such a dishonorable son." Genma wailed, assuming what he thought was a dramatic pose.
"Son, you should spent more time with you true fiance instead of frolicking around town." Soun bellowed with his demon-head technique.
"RANMA, were you entertaining some hussy again!" Akane shouted, before seeing Hitomi.
"Oh. Sorry Ranma, force of habit." Akane sheepishly amended.
Soun's demon-head popped out of existence and Genma paled at the sight of his currently girlish offspring. Ranma was using her version of the demon-head technique as she stroked Hitomi's back, whom was softly whimpering and hiding her face in Ranma's shoulder. Ranma's technique didn't involve an enlarged head or even an visible aura. The demon-aura, if it could be called such, was more of a invisible feeling of impending doom and eternal suffering. Combined with the soft glowing red eyes, it was sufficient to create an terrifying feeling in both men (or spineless coward and greedy panda, whichever you prefer).
Growling in warning at the fathers, Ranma acknowledged Akane's apology and stepped into the house. After exchanging polite greetings with Akane, Ranma used her demon-aura again to quiet the fathers, whom were rambling about the joining of the schools. Smiling at the cowed fathers Akane fell into step with Ranma as she tried to question Ranma about the girl in her arms.
After the failed wedding Akane had treated Ranma progressively worse as a month went by. The increased efforts of the other fiancees, after a weeks worth of relative peace, didn't help in this regard. Finally tired of being used as a punch bag and at the urging of miss Hinako, Ranma confronted Akane.
Tying up and gagging Akane to ensure her attention, Ranma vented his displeasure about how she treated him. In the heat of the moment, Ranma even confessed that he had been in love with her. Her senseless beatings had slowly killed that love. Extracting a reluctant promise to behave from Akane, Ranma removed her gag and asked her about her feelings on the matter as miss Hinako had advised.
Akane stated how her behavior came from her confusing and conflicting emotions. Anger at Kuno and boys in general, surprise of the curse, shame of falsely accusing Ranma of perversion, the hat and love towards Ranma and finally the realization of her true feelings towards Ranma. The love of siblings. Not knowing how else to respond, Akane had clobbered Ranma at every embarrassing event.
Shedding several tear together after pouring their hearts out, Ranma and Akane agreed to consider the other a sibling. Akane still lost her temper and malleted Ranma from time to time, but she did make an effort to curb her temper. Ranma did his best to help and train Akane. The fathers saw the improved relationship and started plotting a second wedding. After 'discussing' this with their respective fathers, Ranma and Akane convinced them not to go through with the bad idea. The support from Nabiki about lacking funds also helped. Still the fathers plotting continued.
Saying a general greeting as she entered the living room, Ranma apologized to Kasumi for missing lunch and sat down at the table with Hitomi on her lap. Smiling fondly, Nodoka attempted take the cute little girl to dot on and was rebuffed by Hitomi whom snuggled closer to Ranma as she sneaked glances at the other people in the room.
Waiting for everyone to sit down, Ranma stood and walked toward the back-garden. "Everyone, I've got something of an announcement. I would like to introduce my adopted daughter Hitomi Saotome."
After a brief moment of silence, pandemonium ensued and questions were flung around. Hitomi hid behind Ranma hugging Ranma's leg. Growling, Ranma employed her demon-aura again and silenced the group.
"I ain't asking for ya opinion, I'm telling ta what is. Hitomi is my daughter, end of story." Ranma growled, turning around and headed to the dojo with Hitomi.
Placing Hitomi near her stuff, Ranma smiled and patted Hitomi on the head. Moving toward the center of the dojo, Ranma started practicing her kata's. Hitomi watched enthralled at the graceful movement. Entering the dojo, Nodoka paused a moment before clearing her throat. Ranma stopped and Hitomi moved to hide behind Ranma again, al do she started to peek around Ranma at the new arrival.
"My son, while I applaud your manly ways and your virility, I disapprove of your inability of discretion. Your future wife should not be trouble by seeing your other offspring from your mistresses." Nodoka sternly stated, griping her wrapped bundle of silk.
"Mom, didn't ya listen ta wha I said? Hitomi is my 'adopted' daughter." Ranma replied, frowning.
"Well, we will discuss this at another time. I am going to speak with Hitomi in private." Nodoka demanded.
"I ain't leaving her alone, mom. Especially in the next few days. So if ya wanna talk to her, ya talk to her and me." Ranma responded, frown deepening.
Sighing at the stubbornness of her son, Nodoka nodded her consent. "Hitomi, could you tell me about your mother? … Or about yourself? … She can speak, can she not?"
"Yeah, she can talk, but it looks like she ain't trusting ya. She don't talk with people she don't trust, I think." Ranma answered.
"Look mom, why don't ya go and see if Kasumi needs some help. Hitomi ain't don't wanna talk right now and I would like to spend some time along with my daughter." Ranma continued, walking her mother to the exit.
Frowning, Nodoka accepted her son's wishes and left looking for Kasumi. Ranma took a deep breath to calm her irritation. Ever since the wedding Nodoka had been pushing harder and harder at Ranma to behave manly (one word, grandchildren). Not as stupid as her husband, Nodoka had noticed what kind of relationship existed between Ranma and Akane. Not losing a moment, Nodoka tried pushing Ranma and one of the other sisters together.
Shaking her head, Ranma went back to practice her kata's After an hour of watching Hitomi slowly tried to follow one of the slower kata's and winced slightly as she moved. Picking this up instantly, Ranma walked over to Hitomi's side. Taking her blouse off, Ranma checked Hitomi's bandages.
"Remember, ya been through a tough experience and have to take it easy for a few days." Ranma gently scolded.
"But I wanna learn to dance like you, momma." Hitomi replied softly, startling Ranma with her response.
"If ya want I'll teach ya my martial arts. Remember this, it ain't easy and requires a lot of hard work. But first ya gotta heal." Ranma said after recovering from her surprise, smiling.
Moving Hitomi to her stuff again, Ranma redid a few of the bandages and explained to Hitomi how it was done.
"Would ya like to learn a few meditation techniques? It would give ya a head start on the training and ya don't have to move much." Ranma suggested, smirking as Hitomi nodded her consent.
"Oh my." Kasumi softly muttered from where she was standing as she looked at the bandages on Hitomi.
"Hi, Kasumi. Mind taking a look at these bandages and tel me if I redid them okay?" Ranma asked, waving Kasumi over.
Softly explaining how she had met Hitomi and why Hitomi was adopted, Ranma asked Kasumi to help. Despite fidgeting nervously, Hitomi didn't try to hide from Kasumi. Kasumi noted on several occasions during the talk, that Hitomi was staring at her.
"Al right, Ranma. I will help you, but now I should get started on diner. I must say, I am proud of you." Kasumi softly said and left.
Smiling Ranma showed Hitomi a meditation technique to increase her ki-reserves. Taking some old clothes, Ranma mended them quickly into clothes for Hitomi and returned her attention back to Hitomi. Smiling Ranma joined Hitomi and gave a few hints as her senses told her how Hitomi was doing. Nodding to Akane as she entered the dojo, Ranma again told Hitomi's story. Upon hearing several death threats to anyone endangering her 'niece', Ranma stopped Akane and had her use a meditation technique to calm down until dinner.
After eating diner in a more subdued pace than normal, Ranma helped Kasumi with clearing the table. Hitomi helped by carrying her own plate into the kitchen. After taking a bath again with Hitomi, Ranma admired Hitomi in her new pajama's. Black pants with a stroke of red at the side and a red top with black cuffs (Ranma had decided that a endurance training of cold water was a good idea, before entering the furo).
Bidding everyone goodnight, Ranma and Hitomi retired into the dojo. As Genma and Nodoka shared the guest room, Ranma had opted to stay in the more peaceful dojo. Rolling out her futon, Ranma gently snuggled with Hitomi and made sure the blanket covered them both. After a few moment they fell asleep.