“It’s always the one you least expect.” Rumors that appealed to that sentiment were always the most virulent, and this situation would be particularly subject to it. People would see Kasumi displaying emotional closeness to a woman, and they would assume she was a lesbian, simple as that. That Ranma was really a man would not matter in the slightest—some would maintain the rumor to feed their fantasies, while others would do it simply for the malicious thrill of annihilating the eldest Tendo daughter’s “perfect homemaker” image. As Soun continued to listen to the boy-turned-girl, all of this revolved in his head, and he knew that it had to be solved immediately.
“Well, Ranma,” he said once the pigtailed girl had finished her narrative, “your curse certainly makes things more complicated. Quite frankly, I’m wondering whether this marriage is a good idea at all.”
“Father, how can you say that?” interjected Kasumi.
Soun was a bit surprised by his daughter’s reaction to that statement. He’d expected Genma to be upset at the idea, and perhaps his son, but Kasumi? One would think she’d be grateful to escape the gossip that would be started up by her relationship. Maybe she really is… no, that’s just ludicrous. Perhaps she’s simply too focused on family honor to realize the delicacy of the situation—that was the reason she volunteered to be Ranma’s bride in the first place, after all.
“Kasumi, I know you’re concerned about honor, but you must remember how vicious the rumor mill is around here. I won’t risk your reputation or that of your sisters unless it is absolutely necessary. Therefore, before we actually go through with your marriage, I’ll have to insist that Ranma find a cure. That seems reasonable, doesn’t it Saotome?”
The portly martial artist grumbled a bit, but he agreed—it would be better if the Combined School of Anything Goes begin without any potential stains.
“In fact, I would recommend that Ranma not stay here for the time being, for that same reason.”
Kasumi was stunned. She had waited three months for her husband to return, and now her father was trying to keep her from spending time with him, from comforting him when he needed her the most—it went against all of her instincts as a caretaker. “But, Father…”
“Kasumi, I will not risk your personal honor over this matter. While we may be able to appreciate your choice to stay home and take care of the household, many consider you to be something of a recluse. There are a lot of people who think that you are harboring some sort of secret, and if they saw you regularly with a woman…”
Kasumi blanched as she realized what her father was implying—and he was right. She’d never been attracted to women, but people would assume that she was “that way” when Ranma’s curse became well known, and in all likelihood, any protests to the contrary would be interpreted as confessions. She briefly considered leaving Ranma—but then she looked at her still-female husband. Her body may have been different but her eyes—his eyes—were the same. And those eyes spoke one thing loud and clear—her husband needed her. He needed her acceptance, her understanding, her care, and her love. If Kasumi rejected Ranma because of his curse, she’d never be able to forgive herself, because he was Ranma—even when he was a she. She might not necessarily be attracted to Ranma chan, but she was the same person as Ranma-kun, and Kasumi loved that person with every fiber of her being.
Trying her best to maintain a respectful tone of voice, she let her father know of her decision. “I’m sorry, Father, but I won’t abandon Ranma.” The pigtailed martial artist’s eyes lit up even as she said it.
Soun was flabbergasted. He’d never known Kasumi to be this contrary before. “But—Kasumi—why?” he managed to splutter out.
Kasumi took a deep breath before answering. “Because…
Read the comments on this episode
See other episodes by Kwakerjak
(Posted Thu, 08 Dec 2005 02:37)
Questions? Problems? Suggestions?
Send a mail to addventure@bast-enterprises.de
or use the contact form.
らんま1/2 © Rumiko Takahashi
All other series and their characters are © by their respective creators or owners. No claims of ownership of these characters are implied by the authors of this Addventure, or should be inferred.
The Anime Addventure is a non-profit site.