Ranma felt like he was sweating as soon as were watching Brianna and him. Ranma felt as though he were a bug under a microscope, as they were attentively studying him. It was now Ranma wished that he and Brianna HAD succeeded in getting away by using the backdoor. He couldn't remember the last time someone glared at him, studying him for any miniscule flaw.
Brianna was pretty much in the same boat with how Ranma felt, but the feeling was somewhat multiplied by a 'guilty' conscience and Brianna knew she was in trouble. She hadn't told anyone she was leaving for the 'Sleeping Prince' affair, which had lead Brianna to the man she loved.
The others: Theo, Gina, Britanny, Stryyp, and Genn watched intently. This seemed to have diffused the small fight between the two mothers... But it could just as easily start a new one.
The hotel staff watched intently too. This whole event has been too entertaining for them, and they couldn't wait to see how it would turn out.
Three wererats, looking in from outside through a window watched intently. One was waiting for a good chance to steal Brianna's bag, while the others were scared shitless. They didn't want to get cut up into bloody pieces by skilled swordswomen!
The two mothers looked between each other, as if there was an understanding. Nodoka nodded her head, and Julia took this as a sign that Nodoka was allowing her to go first. Julia looked directly at her daughter. "Brianna. Would you first care to explain why you came to Japan behind our backs and risked your life in a near-fatal maze of monsters and traps?" Julia asked.
Brianna gluped. She somehow KNEW this was going to be the first question her mom would ask. She looked at Ranma for support. She could tell her pig-tailed fiance was just as nervous as she was. When he gave her a slight smile, Brianna felt as if the weight of the world was taken off from her shoulders. She could do this! She had Ranma with her. He would back her up all the way.
Finally, Brianna spoke. "Mom, I have my reasons for coming here. I mean, have you ever felt a need to felt as if you were wanted? As if someone needed you? Needed you because they loved you?" Sighing, Brianna said, "Well, I did. And all the while I was in that casle, I was nervous. I wasn't afraid of going in and risking my neck. I wasn't afraid to risk the dangers, because I felt I had a chance of actually attaining that goal. I felt I found someone that could need me to be there with them."
Silence followed for some time after. Brianna then looked over at Britanny and Stryyp. She sighed. "For the long while I felt I loved Stryyp, granted I inherited that from my sister Brit, but they were true feelings of love. Watching their wedding was a bitter-sweet moment for me. I felt like I had missed out on something incredible, but I was happy for both of them. It took me time, but I had finally gotten over my feelings for Stryyp. But even then, what could I do? Where could I find someone who wouldn't mind being around me, and appreciate me vbecause of who I am.1 When Dao told me about what was going on with Ranma, I felt as though it was my chance to find someone I could honestly love and could love me in return."
Ranma watched his fiancee in awe. What she had said was incredible. She had honestly told her reason for departing on a death-defying journey into the castle. And it touched Ranma's heart. She went because she felt they COULD have something together. She was like him. She was lonely. "Bri..." Ranma sighed. He leaned over and hugged his fiancee tightly. He did care for her, and more. He honestly wasn't sure if it was the magic or not, but Ranma knew he cared for Brianna. He loved the Lycanthropoid with all of his heart.
Julia and Nodoka sighed. They couldn't care less if they didn't like each other. They could see that their children loved one another. Nodoka looked at Julia, and Julia looked back at Nodoka. Both of them couldn't help but smirk.
"Would you be willing to give my 'macho playboy son' a chance?" Nodoka asked with a playful smile.
Julia smirked back at Nodoka. "Only if you're willing to give one to my 'street vixen daughter'."
Ranma and Brianna smilked as they hugged one another. Their mothers were willing to give them a chance. They might as well make the best of it.
See other episodes by Red Priest of the 17th Order
(Posted Wed, 11 Dec 2002 22:29)
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