"I'm sorry, Sister. I am weak and have brought shame upon our clan," Motoko said, having explained what happened. "I seek your guidance in where honor lies in this situation."
Tsuruko knelt impassively in proper seiza position across from the two teens. Both sat in the same position with their heads bowed in shame. The elder Aoyama thoughtfully assessed the young man that had claimed her sister's virtue.
"And what do you have to say for yourself, Saotome-san?" Tsuruko inquired.
"I feel responsible for what happened," Ranma spoke somberly. "I should'a been strong enough to resist the drug. I don't know...I just saw Motoko-san and I wanted her more than anything I've ever wanted in my life. I didn't even think to resist so I must'a wanted this to happen somewhere inside me. I know there isn't anything I can do to make this right, but I've sworn my life to your sister and I'll do whatever she decides—whether it be seppuku or turning myself in to the police for rape."
"Do you still want her, Saotome-san?" Tsuruko asked.
"What difference does that make?" Ranma gaped in shock. "Your sister is really beautiful. A man would have to be blind and retarded not to want her, but I got no right to."
"Answer the question, please," Tsuruko insisted as she noted Motoko's cheeks turning pink. "Do you still desire my sister?"
"I won't," Ranma denied. "I soiled her honor—took her virtue against her will—regardless of how enthusiastic she was about it at the time."
"Baka," Motoko muttered as her blush darkened several shades.
Tsuruko looked at the two teens and then stunned them to the core when she began laughing hysterically.
"Sister..." Motoko protested. "Sister, this isn't funny!"
"Oh, but it is," Tsuruko gasped between guffaws. "You two are both so melodramatic. Better to throw your lives away than admit your attraction to each other."
"But—" Motoko started to protest again while Ranma just blinked in confusion.
"Oh, my dear Motoko," Tsuruko said, smiling as she reined her laughter in. "You're such a treasure. You have no idea what an incredible achievement you've managed, do you?" Motoko's headshake caused Tsuruko to break out in giggles once more. "You've managed to land the Godslayer, Motoko! You've corralled the Wild Horse. And to top it off, you've secured an unbreakable claim on his honor! I'm so proud of you! You have no idea how many of the old warrior clans have wanted this young man brought into their fold. You've given the Aoyama Clan great honor!"
"Godslayer?" Motoko blinked.
"It was just a demi-god and I didn't actually kill him," Ranma muttered self-consciously.
"Be that as it may, many of the old clans have kept an eye on you, Saotome-san," Tsuruko informed him cheerfully. "Had it not been for your father's questionable arrangements, efforts would have been made to marry you into one of them. And to think, my dear little sister pulled off such a coup right out from under everyone, your father included. I'm so proud. Sister, you have only one choice: you must marry Saotome-san at once to restore your honor."
"WHAT?" both teens exclaimed.
"No!" Ranma negated. "I won't let Motoko be forced to marry her rapist. I'll die first."
"Silly boy," Tsuruko said, fixing Ranma with a serious look. "First off, you hardly raped my sister. She is as capable as you in detecting mind-altering influences. She is just responsible for what occurred as you are, so stop trying to play the tragic hero. If we must call it rape, then you were both victims and the person that threw that powder is the true rapist. Second, you have sworn your life to my little sister. It's her decision whether you die or marry her."
"It's still not right," Ranma said, deflating. "She shouldn't have to be punished by marryin' someone she hates."
"That's for Motoko to decide," Tsuruko smirked. "I highly doubt she hates you or you wouldn't be here. Isn't that right, my dear Motoko?"
"But...but...I..." Motoko stammered, her blush now at incandescent levels.
Motoko felt overwhelmed by the situation. She had realized during the trip from Nerima that it was a possibility that her sister would say she had to marry Ranma, but now she realized that she hadn't been fully prepared for the actuality.
On the one hand, she didn't want to get married. She had only realized in the last year that maybe men weren't so bad—at least some of them—and that being strong and independent wasn't everything it was cracked up to be. Yet, she hadn't even considered marriage as a possibility for a long time to come.
On the other hand, fate had certainly picked someone that seemed ideal for her. He was gorgeous, he was an incredible fighter—he had even defeated her in his sleep after all—and, try as she might, she couldn't deny that what they had done was unquestionably the most amazing pleasure she had had ever experienced in her life. If what her sister said about him was true, Motoko doubted that she could find a better man for a husband.
"Do you wish to be my husband, Ranma-san?" Motoko asked in a small voice, not looking up.
"You can't be serious!" Ranma protested. "I won't let you be forced into marrying me."
"That's not what I asked, idiot," Motoko growled in frustration. "I want to know: if I wanted to try to make this work, is that something you would want?"
"Why would ya wanna be with someone like me?" Ranma asked in bewilderment. "Not only did I take advantage of ya, but my life is hell. I've got a weird curse that changes me into a girl. I got more violently insane fiancées than I know what to do with. Even if we did agree to be married, I doubt it'd be that simple. And that's all beside the weird challengers that are likely to show up at any moment of the day or night."
"Cursed to turn into a girl?" Motoko blinked. "You were certainly completely male during our...encounter."
Ranma sighed and began explaining the curse. Of course, he then had to demonstrate it, but, much to his surprise, the Aoyama women took the curse in stride. They didn't even ridicule him for it.
"So do ya still wanna marry me?" Ranma asked smugly.
"I will admit that ordinarily I would probably be put off," Motoko said carefully. "However, in this case, it changes nothing and, actually, it explains a lot."
"About what?" Tsuruko asked.
"About how Ranma knew just how to touch..." Motoko blushed crimson as she realized what she had been about to admit to.
Tsuruko giggled and gave Motoko a look that said she would get all the details later...or else. Ranma just matched Motoko's blush.
"So stop trying to evade the question, Saotome-san," Tsuruko spoke, pinning Ranma with a look the brooked no further delays and caused Ranma to squirm in his place like a worm on a hook.
"I think I'd be a fool not to want to marry her," Ranma admitted finally. "She's beautiful, skilled, and she seems like a great person. I meant what I said. My life is hers. I don't know why she'd want to, but if she wants to deal with all the crap the idiots back home throw at me, then I'll do my best to be a good husband to her."
"Motoko?" Tsuruko prompted.
"I..." Motoko began.
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(Posted Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:03)
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