Thoughtfully Hitomi drawed figures in the sand, trying to ignore the others. She idly wondered what she would get for lunch today. Hopefully something normal and not some super food, like the last few lunches. The last super food had driven several of the others up the wall, literally. Sighing, Hitomi continued to draw figures.
Glancing stealthily at several of the others, Hitomi shivered at the vacant and broken expressions on their faces. Hitomi really hoped she didn't need to go to the Building anytime soon, bad things happened in the Building. Sure, bad things had happened to Hitomi outside the Building, but the really bad things happened in the Building. Smart people avoided getting sent to the Building and Hitomi considered herself smarter than average. Still, she knew to be cautious and careful.
Seeing a shadow over the drawings, Hitomi looked up and smiled, slightly shaking. The person standing over her knelt and placed a hand on her shoulder. Rising to her feet, Hitomi allowed the person to lead her with rising dread as they passed the regular entrance to the courtyard. The few they passed swiftly moved out of their path as they walked. Seeing their destination Hitomi looked imploring at the person, tears forming in her eyes. Silently they entered the Building.
A scream sounded through the neighborhood as the sun started to rise above the roofs. In the dojo soft sobs were barely audible interspersed with whispered, soothing words. Ryouga stood in an alert stance as he bleary eyed looked around for the danger. Akari hid behind Ryouga, shifting nervously. Akane was quick to respond to the scream as she barged into the dojo, mallet at the ready, before the echo ended. Looking around she came to a perfectly normal question.
"What was that about?" Akane demanded, still looking around wearily and scowled suspiciously at Genma as he entered the rest of the family.
"Think it was a bad dream. Ain't like tha would be a surprise given, ya know." Ranma briefly answered as she continued to rock Hitomi back and forth.
"Right. Call if you need help." Akane stated as she ushered everyone out of the dojo, poking Genma with her mallet.
"It's okay, I won't let anyone hurt ya. Yer safe here." Ranma cooed.
"Let's give them some privacy." Akari stated to Ryouga, whom nodded and followed Akari, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
It took Ranma a little over a half hour to calm Hitomi sufficiently down. She spent a further fifteen minutes talking to Hitomi reassuring her. Ranma carried Hitomi into the house, informing the family that Hitomi was doing slightly better. Asking Kasumi tentatively if breakfast could be delayed for a bit as they cleaned up, Ranma continued to the furo. Upon their return, the family eats breakfast in silent contemplation.
"Well, Saotome, time to start working on the kimono if we want to be ready for the photo shoot today." Nabiki stated after breakfast, cutting into the introspective mood.
"I'll get the material, but don't expect me ta leave Hitomi behind. I ain't leaving her out of me sight just yet. " Ranma replied as she used a handkerchief to clean Hitomi's face.
"Didn't expect you to, Saotome. Just get ready for the shoot." Nabiki returned and left stating she would make a few phone calls.
"Lets make some more clothes for ya at the same time, ok?" Ranma said to Hitomi, whom nodded.
Splitting up the various groups went to do their separate things. The fathers started another game of shogi, Akane went to the dojo to work out, Ryouga and Akari talked about yesterday and the newest addition to the dojo and the rest gathered in the living room with the various implements of sewing. Ranma also grabbed a few blank papers and crayons for Hitomi's drawing. Settling in the ladies started discussing several design patterns, pitting a modern look against a more conservative look.
Ranma's left eye was developing a tic again as she listened to Kasumi and Nodoka arguing about the merits of tradition versus progress. Both agreed on a demure style instead of a more provocative style as they both felt demure was more fitting for image of a housewife. Signing, Ranma interjected that Nabiki might have some insight in what would be needed for the photo shoot. Nodding their consent, the two women turned their attention to Hitomi's wardrobe (or lack there of). Ranma immediately stated that if Hitomi needed a kimono, then the design and fabric would be as discussed during the shopping trip. Snorting softly, Ranma listened to Kasumi and Nodoka as they discussed dresses and skirts. Turning to Hitomi, Ranma asked what kind of clothes Hitomi would like better, dresses and skirts or pants. Nodding at Hitomi's decision Ranma interrupted the discussion again.
"Hitomi said she wants skirts and pants, no dresses. So we'll also make several blouses and t-shirts with a few variation in design." Ranma stated.
"I am going to insist on at least one dress." Nodoka countered.
"We can make one dress, I guess. But only one." Ranma conceded, narrowing her eyes.
Setting to work, the three discussed their daily events before Hitomi was found. When Nabiki finished her phone calls and entered the living room, she was immediately beset with questions about the photo shoot. Satisfied by the answers, the group decided to use a demure style with a modern design that respected the old traditions. They worked for a few hours with reasonable speed (Ranma sewing at Amaguriken speed) and were able to complete several blouses and skirts for Hitomi. The kimono for the photo shoot was also nearly completed.
A knock on the door sounded and Kasumi went to answer.
"Ranma, a mr Ichikawa for you." Kasumi announced as she lead mr Ichikawa into the room.
"Ah, Ranko Saotome. It is fortunate I found you and Hitomi here." Mr Ichikawa smiled.
"Huh?" Ranma replied uncertain.
"I have with me your new identification papers for yourself and little Hitomi. Your emancipation request has also been processed and tentatively approved." Mr Ichikawa answered, waving the papers around.
"Tentatively?" Ranma questioned as she accepted the papers and looked at them.
"The head of the Saotome clan has the option to protest this decision, but must be able to present his protest properly within a week." Mr Ichikawa stated formally.
"Uncle Genma has to prove you can't take care of yourself to undo the decision within a week." Nabiki said in response to Ranma's blank look.
"And given his reputation that will take some doing, if he was in a position to try." Mr Ichikawa added confidently.
"Emancipation? Identification? Is there something you want forgot to tell me, my son. And what do you mean it would be difficult for my husband to undo this?" Nodoka questioned, looking at Ranma and mr Ichikawa.
"Your husband has a reputation at the government of being less than honest, madam. He would have to have solid and tangible evidence to support his claims. Given what is known of his upbringing of Ranma, sorry Ranko here, there is little that he could use to persuade the judge to rule in his favor." Mr Ichikawa tried to explain as delicately as possible.
"After several talks with Doc Tofu, I decided that having a id for my female side would prevent several legal issues. Doc also says that there is no cure for the curse, so I might as well try to adapt to it. To adopt Hitomi, I needed to be emancipated. It also means Pops can't do stupid stuff to me anymore in my name." Ranma added.
"It's just disturbing that my little boy is trying to stand alone." Nodoka commented with a troubled look.
"Mom, I need to stand on my own feet. Pops caused so much trouble for me that it's nearly impossible for me to take care everything. Even if it ain't my responsibility to take care of." Ranma softly pointed out.
"It still is troubling to me, my son." Nodoka replied as softly.
"Seeing someone you took care of, trying to stand on their own feet is always difficult. But you must trust them and believe they can succeed. It took Nabiki a few tries before she got the hang of her little hobby." Kasumi interjected, smiling at Nabiki, whom shifted embarrassed.
"Indeed. Ranko, the adoption process will take some more time. You can expect a visit from Social Services later this week or at the beginning of next week. I trust you are working hard on finding a job?" Mr Ichikawa asked.
"Actually I already have a job. I'm gonna be a model, first shoot is later today. Been preparing the clothes, before ya came in." Ranma answered, showing the clothes.
"What can I expect from the Social Service visit?" Ranma questioned in return.
"Tough questions. They'll want to know if you are ready and capable to take care of Hitomi. Showing some of your work as a model would show them that you are really prepared to go the extra mile for Hitomi, even if you are still going to school. Most teenage mothers, whom get in trouble, have to meet similar standards. Basically you have to prove the following things. A stable home, which means good living conditions, support from the family and food on the table. A job to provide for all the monetary needs, such as food and clothes or a similar arrangement. An education for both, which is part of the law. A proper social situation, this will most likely cause you the greatest of difficulties. The social situation is a bit more complex as they tend to look at the complete picture and give a warning for one thing and a judicial order for another." Mr Ichikawa lectured.
"Obviously, the social side is made up of several items. Family and interaction with family is one. The neighborhood and friends in the neighborhood is another. The situation at school plays a part, social acceptance. Interaction between child and parent is the last big part. There is little advice I can give to help, other than mention to listen to what they say. They want what is best for the child." Mr Ichikawa continued.
"Well, guess that is going to take some doing." Nabiki drawled.
"Your 'acquaintances' might cause a problem." Mr Ichikawa interjected.
"I'll handle 'em." Ranma stated confidently.
"Right, Saotome. Like you have been handling the fiancées." Nabiki sarcastically replied with a snort.
"Me getting hurt is normal, but I ain't gonna let Hitomi get hurt or used as some tool to gain favor with me. I will take care of it." Ranma answered in a cold tone.
"If you say so, Saotome." Nabiki replied after a few moments of contemplation.
"Well, I wish you luck. I must be off." Mr Ichikawa said and bid them goodbye.
Exchanging pleasantries the group continued their work. Nabiki took the ID-papers for some small administrative matters. Finishing the kimono, Ranma took Hitomi with her to change into the kimono. As Ranma was modeling the kimono, Nodoka gave some advice for adjusting the kimono to fit properly. Making the modifications immediately, the group looked with contentment at a job well done.
Changing back, Ranma gently placed the kimono in a bag and went to draw with Hitomi. Nodoka and Kasumi went into the kitchen to start on lunch. The fathers kept trying to cheat at shogi as they stoically ignored the woman folk. Pulling out the book about drawing, Ranma tried a few exercises for drawing sceneries as Hitomi had drawn several similar figures. Comparing Ranma's drawings and the book, they smiled a bit.
They continued drawing using the book as a reference to improve. A knock at the door sounded, halting most activities as Kasumi went to answer the door. Signing, Ranma wondered what would fall into her lap this time. She hoped that it wasn't a fiancée, new or otherwise, as that would mean it would literally fall in her lap.
Sighing, Ranma moved a bit to stay in front of Hitomi as the fiancée entered the room with a big smile and a take-out box. The smile dropped a bit at seeing Hitomi and an eyebrow briefly twitched. After a moment of contemplation, she moved into the kitchen to offer her help and get some answers.
"Well, at least it's the least violent one." Ranma grouched softly as she rubbed her forehead.
Shrugging, Ranma continued drawing with Hitomi as they waited for lunch. Taking the setting of the table as the signal for lunch, the fathers sat at their usual places, while keeping a sharp eye on the shogi board. Ranma hesitated and decided to wait for the others as a plan sparked in her brain to deal with the fiancée. Taking Hitomi to the furo to wash the hands, Ranma fervently hoped to keep Hitomi out of the Fiancée Wars.
"Lunch." Kasumi called out.
"Coming." Ranma replied.
Entering the room again, Ranma look at how everyone was placed. Nodoka had taken her customary place at the side of Genma. Soun was sitting at the head of the table and Akane was displaced from her usual place by a smug Ukyo, whom was waiting for Ranma to sit by her side. Hiding her smirk, Ranma urged Akane to sit in her old place and sat with Hitomi in her lap next to Nabiki, leaving Kasumi's traditional place alone. Fidgeting, Ukyo looked at Ranma, but a frown from Nodoka kept her seated.
"So, Ranchan. I hear you are adopting this little sweetheart." Ukyo ventured.
"Yep." Ranma curtly answered as she waited for the food to arrive.
"Aren't you going to introduce us?" Ukyo questioned.
"Nope." Ranma curtly replied, earning a frown from Ukyo and Nodoka.
The arrival of the food prevented any further talk for the moment. Settling in everyone quietly started to eat, occasionally glancing around the table.
"So, what still needs to be done for our daughter, Ranchan? I know a school that's near my restaurant. Oh, we need to work out a schedule for teaching her to make okonomiyaki and getting her a uniform." Ukyo stated in a distracted voice as her eyes glazed over in a small daydream.
"I've been arranging things for my daughter just fine." Ranma replied, stressing the my in the sentence.
"I can ask Konatsu to watch her if she gets out of school before we do. I'm sure we'll get along fine and have fun." Ukyo giggled, ignoring Ranma.
Softly grumbling, Ranma tries her best to ignore Ukyo as she continued to make plans on how to raise Hitomi. Frowning Ranma wondered for the hundredth time about her decision to mention to Ukyo that his feelings towards Akane had changed and that marriage was far away. Ukyo took this as confirmation that she had the best chance to win Ranma. Sharp observation allowed Ukyo to determine that the relation between Ranma and Akane had indeed changed. Confident that she had the best papers, Ukyo slowly started treating Ranma as her husband as more time passes. This got on Ranma´s nerves as a smug Ukyo continued to ignore her attempted explanations of their own relation.
Having done some observations of her own, Ranma had seen that friends did not behave as Ukyo had behaved in the past few months. Attempted talks about the relationship between them had little effect as Ukyo either ignored the talk or was off in her own world. While not the most socially adapted person, but Ranma had done her best in the past few months to improve her skills (Amazing what a small frown on the face of Kasumi could accomplish). Kasumi had given her a few books about social relations and different interaction situations. Using these books, Ranma steadily worked on her skills and with help from Kasumi and her mother practiced. While Ranma recognized the debt his family owed Ukyo, Ranma was having serious doubts about his friendship with Ukyo. Learning more about relations and comparing her current relations with more normal people was slowly changing the perspective of Ranma.
Blinking, Ranma looked at the expectant face of Ukyo and took a quick glance around the table. Several questioning faces showed her that she had spaced out a bit too long.
"Uhm, can ya say that again?" Ranma asked cautiously.
"I asked if I could take her to my restaurant when I leave after lunch." Ukyo restated, slightly irritated. (Wouldn't you be if you're ignored?)
"Sorry, I'm gonna have something to do this afternoon and I ain't letting her out of my sight." Ranma answered curtly.
"I don't mind looking after her." Ukyo replied, smiling at Hitomi.
"Not gonna happen." Ranma muttered.
"Thanks for the offer, Ukyo. But I got it covered." Ranma sheepishly amended after a twin frown from Kasumi and Nodoka.
"Would you aid me in clearing the table, my son? Everyone seems to have finished lunch." Nodoka asked, hoping to ease the tension in the room.
Nodding her consent, Ranma helped her mother clear the table. Deciding now was a good time to introduce herself to Hitomi, Ukyo got up and started to go around the table. Hitomi noticed Ukyo coming towards her and started fidgeting and scooting back a bit. As Ukyo got closer, Hitomi swiftly stood and moved behind Kasumi. Standing, Kasumi smiled at Hitomi, whom was hiding in her skirt.
"It would appear that little Hitomi is a bit shy, Ukyo. I would suggest that you give her some space." Kasumi said as she moved in front of Hitomi.
"I just want to get to know her." Ukyo innocently said as she tried to get to Hitomi.
"Perhaps another time." Kasumi slightly stressed as she maneuvered Hitomi towards the kitchen.
"I second that." Akane added a bit more firmly, moving between Kasumi and Ukyo as an added buffer.
Frowning Ukyo considered the scene. "Fine. I can introduce myself properly later." Ukyo stated heatedly and left grumbling about her treatment.
Shaking her head, Kasumi entered the kitchen with Hitomi. Blinking she saw Nodoka and Ranma cleaning the dishes with set jaws. Seeing Ranma, Hitomi timidly stepped towards Ranma, leaving a hand in contact with Kasumi. Noticing Hitomi, Ranma gave her a smile and shot a questioning glance at Kasumi at seeing Hitomi's posture.
"I believe Hitomi was frightened a bit by Ukyo's … enthusiasm." Kasumi answered, escorting Hitomi to Ranma. Hitomi quickly latched onto Ranma's leg as she got into reach.
"Figures." Ranma grumbled as she stroked Hitomi's hair.
"I know tha I wasn't polite to Ukyo and I hated doing tha. But nobody is going ta use Hitomi like she's a object or a stepping stone to a goal." Ranma stated to her mother with a 'I told ya so' look.
"I may agree with the assumptions you made, but a more eloquently and sophisticated worded response might have had a better and fundamentally superior result." Nodoka replied, sagely nodding her head.
"A clear, firm, but polite stance might have more effect and it doesn't insult people, revealing the people who take offence as petty." Kasumi giggled in response to Ranma's nonplussed facial expression.
Nodding her understanding, Ranma gave her mother a small smile to show she appreciated the advice and support. Picking Hitomi up, Ranma moved to the furo to prepare for the photo shoot.
"Tell me, Kasumi. Why was Hitomi responding as she did today?" Nodoka asked quietly.
"I believe that the nightmare she had was about her past. This combined with the pressure of an interested stranger caused her to seek out people to be comforted by. Her touching is a clear sign she needed physical reassurance that the people she trusts are within reach. Her experiences caused her to develop a introvert attitude. Out of sight, out of mind." Kasumi answered.
"What can be done?" Nodoka questioned.
"Patience would be the most important thing, tenderness would be another. It will be a slow progress, filled with setbacks. I do believe that Ranma could be precisely the person to help Hitomi out of her depression. His fierce protectiveness and big heart will help a great deal. He does lack patience and still has problems with expressing his emotions, so we must be on guard and help prevent mishaps where we can." Kasumi lectured as she helped Nodoka finish with cleaning the dishes.
Ranma had finished cleaning up and had the bag with the kimono. Calling for Nabiki, Ranma waited at the bottom of the stairs. Signaling her readiness, Nabiki came down the stairs and led Ranma and Hitomi out the door. Talking about the photo shoot, Ranma asked about what was necessary to do a good job. Nabiki talked about the different stances to express or invoke emotions and spoke of the accessories used.
"I don't get it. How can a necklace have any effect on what people think?" Ranma questioned.
"If the necklace looks expensive, then average people will think the product or service belongs in the rich and exclusive people category, making them wonder what it would be like to have it. The necklace can also display a symbolic meaning, such as joy." Nabiki lectured.
"I don't get it." Ranma said again after several moments.
"You don't get it. I've explained this three times already and you still don't get it. You got the stances within the first explanation, so why can't you get this." Nabiki wondered exasperated.
"Oh, that's easy. The stances are like Martial Arts stances, this for defense and that for offence." Ranma simply noted and blinked as Nabiki stopped walking to stare at her.
"Was it something I said?" Ranma asked, innocently.
"Just that I can't believe that I would be so stupid to forget that as long as it's Martial Arts, you can do it." Nabiki responded.
"Let's try this again. The necklace is like a weapon. Different necklaces mean different weapons. The expensive necklace might be a staff and a necklace with a tao symbol would be a katana. Each is used for a certain purpose and to achieve a certain effect. The end result should be the same, people want to buy the product or service." Nabiki tentatively explained again.
"I think I got it, kinda. Ya would use the katana to strike swift on a single opponent, where as the staff would be used to strike against more opponents with greater reach." Ranma replied, struggling to find the right words.
"It's a bit more complex then that, but it comes close I suppose." Nabiki said and moved on to the next part by explaining the effect of combining stances with accessories.
They took the bus as they chatted to keep themselves occupied. As they got off the bus, another passenger pulled out a phone and started dialing as he watched the group walk away.
"Welcome to Hakuba Productions. I am Kengo Hama, project manager at this company. I've been told a model with a great potential would be coming in today and I can see why everything was rushed. That Matsumoto Electronics specifically asked for you would suggest that either you have a good agent or an inside man." Kengo said jokingly as he welcomed Ranma and Nabiki, giving Ranma a once-over.
"Both." Nabiki stated in reply and in warning.
"Well, shall we go to the studio? Soshiro should be ready. He is your photographer for this shoot." Kengo said as he entered the elevator.
"This is our interior studio. All scenes that happen within a building or room are done here. We use a system that allows us to quickly and easily change scenes. It's based upon plug and play, meaning we have different pieces that fit together to create a scene that are interchangeable." Kengo boasted.
"We'll be shooting an ad for a blender from Matsumoto Electronics. Dressing rooms and make-up are over there." Kengo concluded, pointing to a set of doors.
Nodding her thanks, Ranma led Hitomi to the dressing room and changed into her kimono. Blinking the female assistant returned the kimono she had picked to the rack and gave a smaller kimono to Ranma for Hitomi. Smiling, Ranma asked if Hitomi wanted to play dress up. Helping Hitomi into the kimono, Ranma followed the assistant to make-up.
"I don't think Hitomi should get make-up. She's … shy around strangers." Ranma stated as delicately as she could, while patting Hitomi reassuringly on the head.
Finishing swiftly with only a little make-up to accentuate Ranma's natural beauty, the make-up artist nodded to the assistant to escort Ranma and Hitomi to the photographer.
"Ah, you must be the new model. Splendid. I'm Soshiro Hokkai, your photographer." Soshiro introduced himself as he looked at Ranma, letting his eyes linger on certain parts of her body.
"I trust that we'll have a long en prosperous relationship. Working together. Please step this way." Soshiro smirked as he bowed to Ranma and directed her with a wave of his arm to the set.
"Is he always like this?" Nabiki softly questioned Kengo with a neutral expression.
"Yes, only the quality of his work is protecting him. That and his relationship with the vice-presidents daughter. He is very discreet and does not force the girls into anything. Quite the charmer." Kengo explained in equal soft tones as he expressed his disgust.
"I'm married, not blind." Kengo said in response to Nabiki's questioning gaze.
"I didn't ask." Nabiki smirked.
"Just wondering why you would tell me this." Nabiki continued.
"As a warning. Soshiro has seduced married women before and I would like to avoid any legal problems such as custody issues." Kengo hinted.
"Then I'm more than happy to inform you that Soshiro doesn't stand a chance of succeeding with Ranma." Nabiki stated with a mischievous smile.
"After what happened, I can say with certainty that Ranma only likes women." Nabiki explained.
Sharing a nasty grin between them, they turn to look as Soshiro started directing Ranma into the proper poses. They watched as Ranma went through the motions of using the blender to prepare food and drinks. Hitomi acted as a supporting element for milkshakes and family activities. They nodded their approval as they saw Ranma quickly adjust to her role.
"Just glad there ain't no lines to say." Ranma grumbled during a break to Nabiki.
"I'll say. We'll need to work on that." Nabiki laughed and pushed Ranma back to the set.
The photo shoot continued for another half hour with Ranma posing in several other outfits to make a portfolio for her. After talking with Kengo for a short moment, Nabiki showed Ranma the check for her first job, smiling. Smiling back, Ranma gathered the rest of her stuff with Hitomi and thanked the people involved for their aid. Ranma, with Hitomi and Nabiki, made their way back to the busstop.
"And what do ya want?" Ranma asked irritated at the thug blocking her way.
"Just the girl." The thug replied, taking a handheld stun gun out of his pocket and signaled his four companions.
"Ain't gonna happen." Ranma grouched as she checked out the five surrounding thugs.
Ranma didn't liked what she saw. The thugs had picked a good spot for an ambush as the small street didn't have any stores to hide in, making only two normal exit available. Ranma didn't fancy her chances of taking both Hitomi and Nabiki in her arms and onto the roof before any thug was in striking range. Two in front and three in the back, Ranma decided that an aggressive move would be the best choice. Dropping her bag, Ranma turned and sprinted towards the left most thug in their back. A swift side kick unarmed the thug and was followed by a spin kick knocking him into another thug taking both down for the moment.
Using the momentum of the spin kick, Ranma charged the two thug in front of her group as they responded to her sudden attack. Focusing her ki again, Ranma moved faster than the thug could follow before finding her in their faces. Grabbing the arm with the stun gun of the right thug, Ranma twisted and punch the hand. A crack and pained shout rang out as Ranma finished the thug by kicking him into the wall. His partner swiftly tried to jab Ranma with his stun gun as her back was turned. He got a foot in the face for his trouble that lifted him up in the air for several feet. A strong punch to the gut followed, sending him into the wall. A crack sounded again as Ranma turned her attention to the three remaining thugs.
As Ranma was dealing with four thugs, the remaining thug tried to take Nabiki out. All he got in return for his attempted stab with the stun gun was a dodge and mace in his eyes. Nabiki used the temporary distraction by kicking the thug in the groin as hard as she could. Doubling over the thug dropped his stun gun, which was pick up by Nabiki. Not wasting a moment as the two downed thug were untangling and getting up, Nabiki used the stun gun on her opponent. Dropping face down to the ground in spasms, the thug was out for the rest of the fight. Facing the remaining two thugs, Nabiki placed herself between them and Hitomi, holding the stun gun in a defensive position she remembered from her martial arts training.
Growling the two thug tried to rush Nabiki, but were interrupted by Ranma's countercharge. Flipping over the two thugs, Ranma banged their heads together and kicked them in the back. Crashing into the grounds the thugs stopped just before Nabiki, whom used her stun gun against them. Looking around they saw a man at the end of the street walking away, talking in a phone. Growling, Ranma started in the direction of the man, but was stopped by Nabiki.
"Not now." Nabiki cautioned, indication Hitomi.
Nodding her consent, Ranma took an guard position as Nabiki used her cell phone to call the police. Ranma picked up the dropped stun guns and with twin cracks destroyed them as he had with the previous stun guns. Nabiki pocketed her stun gun as she told Ranma to tie the thugs up.
Giving their statements to the police officers, Nabiki and Ranma were told the thugs were known for kidnappings and with them as witnesses at the trial it would be hard for the thugs to get away again. Questioning the police a bit further, Nabiki discovered the thugs had the aid of an experienced lawyer in several previous trails. Assuring the officers that little could cause them to withdraw their statements, the group went to the bus stop. Little was said as they waited for the bus, but Ranma did reassure Hitomi with hugs.
The trip home was equally quiet. Attempting to break the depressing mood, Ranma asked when the next job would be. Nabiki answered that she didn´t know and that she was still trying to find the next one. Nodding her head, Ranma asked Hitomi how she felt about the photo shoot. Hitomi just hid her head in the shoulder of Ranma. Signing, Ranma rubbed Hitomi´s back as she carried her home.
Entering subdued, they called out their entrance. Receiving a confusing request to join them, they marched on to the living room. Upon entering they saw a middle aged women sitting in the living room.
"Aha, Little one. So good to see you again." The woman smiled.
"And just how ya know Hitomi?" Ranma demanded as she got in a defensive stance.
"None of your concern." The woman replied.
"Guess again." Nabiki added with a frosty tone.
"Is it not customary to introduce oneself?" The woman questioned.
"If you are a guest then yes." Nabiki stated, looking pointedly at the woman.
"Very well. I am Emma Swarts." Emma answered, slightly exasperated.
"Ranma and this is Nabiki." Ranma responded, not dropping her guard.
"Really, you would think I mean you harm." Emma said smiling at Ranma's stance.
"Depends. IF those were YOUR goons that tried to attack Hitomi, then absolutely." Nabiki bit back with a frown.
"Why would I send goons after an obsolete project?" Emma replied.
That simple statement swiftly changed the atmosphere in the room as Ranma and Akane took more aggressive stances. Kasumi took Hitomi from Ranma and moved to behind Nodoka, whom had unwrapped her katana in response to the actions of Ranma and Akane.
"Would you two explain why you are threatening a guest." Nodoka interjected as she look from Emma to the duo.
"She's part of the group tha experimented on Hitomi." Ranma spat.
"Yes I am. As I already said I no longer want or need Hitomi, so why waste any effort?" Emma questioned amused.
"You experimented on a child?" Nodoka exclaimed horrified.
"I don't expect any of you to understand our work, so I won't bother with a defense." Emma calmly stated.
"I hope you never have any children. You would probably use them for your experiments too." Kasumi said with an uncharacteristically sharp tongue.
"My future children have nothing to do with this." Emma retorted with a frown.
"Abuse one child and you'll abuse another." Akane stated with conviction.
"I disagree. But enough of this meaningless babble. I merely came to check on Hitomi. Despite what you may think I did care for her." Emma said as she got to her feet.
"Probably the same care a pet would get." Akane snorted.
"More like a favorite possession or toy." Ranma corrected with a sniff.
"Believe what you want." Emma said in tight tones and left.
"You know, Ranma. Things are always busy when you around." Nabiki commented.