"Alright then, to put pertinent information upon the table Vrakarhesjing, also known as Ranma, or in your case Ranma Saotome was brought here by other powers." Riikano began, "All evidence points towards the Sidhe and to be more accurate one of their most potent lords known only as Oberon. A being possessing powers rivaled only by the gods themselves. These are the facts that are not to be disputed. Now, you Madam Saotome, you claim to be Ranma's birth mother from when he is human." He said cutting right to the heart of the matter. Even the thickest person present knew he wanted this over and done with.
"Yes I am." Nodoka said without the Truth field inhibiting her words.
"Have you coerced into coming here in search of your child? Or was it the bond you had with him that brought you?" Riikano asked.
"I-I just wanted my son back... and now he... he's..." Nodoka began but started to cry. Ranma for his part started to feel like heel for what he said earlier. This woman was on the edge of breaking down.
"Be at ease young one, he is not dead and you have a chance to reforge your bond to him anew. Few mother's get this where beings such as Oberon are involved." Riikano said kindly having a soft spot for mothers in distress. It was one reason why Aesthyr had so many adoptive children.
"Now Kuh-Lon of the Chinese Amazons, you state that by the laws of your tribe that you possess a claim upon Ranma as well. Care to elaborate?" Riikano continued.
"Thank you Elder I shall." Cologne began. "My people are a warrior race surrounded by enemies on every side. As such we have developed numerous powerful fighting techniques as well as rules that dictate tribal live. Two of these rules are in place so that potential threats are nipped in the bud and to ensure the tribe's survival. They are known as the Kiss of Death, and the Kiss of Marriage. The Kiss of Death is so that individual opponents that could prove to be a threat are hunted down by whomever they defeat so that they do not gain in strength and become a greater threat. Ranma was under the clause of the Kiss of Marriage which means that by our laws he is obligated to wed and bed my great granddaughter Xian-Pu here. This effect is also put into place by defeat in combat, the difference in how these are achieved though is based on gender. If the outsider is the same gender as the one they defeat it is the Kiss of Death. If it is the opposite then it is the Kiss of Marriage. These laws have been in place for over three thousand years and have kept my people strong." Cologne explained calmly but loud enough to be heard.
Riikano hummed thinking it over Nodoka had a shoe in for rights, as as distressed mother who had come for purely unselfish reasons things would work in her favour. But this Kuh-Lon or Cologne or whichever also had a compelling case, it appeared that the entire foundation of her people was at the risk of being whisked away if she did not come for Ranma. This showed responsibility and perseverance, admirable traits. "You, Miss Kuonji I believe. What is the nature of your claim to Ranma? Why did you seek him out?" Riikano asked noting in the corner of his eye that Aesthyr was comforting Nodoka. This was a relief.
"My original claim was that his father Genma engaged us. It was legal on paper and he had taken the dowry." Ukyo began and there was a bit of mumbling from some of the dragons.
"Silence please." Riikano said and there was silence. "Continue young one." he said gently so as not to startle the obviously very intimidated woman.
"I chased after them for years intent on getting b-back what was stolen from me and avenging the theft and dishonour but when it came down to it. When I had my chance... I couldn't... he... befriended me all over again and I... he... I never really wanted to be his fiance I just wanted to be with my friend. I came here because I wanted my best friend back. The only person that actually bothered to be with me just because of friendship instead of some misguided puppy love or stalker obsession." Ukyo admitted and most of the NWC were staring, they thought she was seriously chasing him.
"Alright then, I believe you two have differing reasons to come here so please. Enlighten us." Riikano said facing both Akane and Nabiki. Nabiki spoke first.
"My name is Nabiki Tendo. I came because..." she thought it over for a moment then sighed. "because quite frankly he left a huge mess behind and I thought he just skipped out. When he was with us his life was such a huge mess that even with every under the table deal and semi-legal activity I performed my family was steadily going broke and soon to lose our ancestral lands and be on the streets. With him with us he could quell most of the chaos and bring in enough income for us to break even but when he left the mess didn't go with him. But now I just don't know what to do." She said in a slightly sinking tone.
"I see, noble intentions. Now your sister." Riikano said stroking his whiskers.
"I'm Akane Tendo, I'm here because I'm also engaged to that baka." she said and Riikano raised an eyebrow.
"Is that all?" he asked after a few moments of silence.
"Yes. Why should I care? Ever since that jerk showed up in my life things went downhill!!" she shouted fully believed what she was saying and as such getting around the barrier of truth.
"I beg your pardon." Ranma said from the side. "Just how am I a jerk or a 'baka'?" he challenged.
"Ranma enough." Riikano said and he backed off. "Now young one, if you want nothing to do with him, why did you come here?"
"Because he's my Fiance! He belongs to me!" She blurted then clasped her hands over her mouth. Nodoka stared, Aesthyr was furious and most of the NWC was surprised at this. Several Dragons were growling obviously angry.
"I see..." Riikano said half snarling. "You, Miss Kuno. What is your connection to Ranma and why have you come here?" he said a little sharply somewhat annoyed.
"My name is Kodachi Kuno. Ranma was the first person to... to... he... hewastheonlyperson to seeme as a person!" she blurted out quickly but Riikano and almost all nearby dragons (Chlorine was the exception) caught it easily. "I came here because I love him!" she half shouted. "My family is insane! They'd banish me or try to kill me if I acted normal! He's the only person that ever treated me reasonably! He's the only person that made me feel like a woman but to stay alive I had to do almost everything in my power to scare him off!!!!" she screamed then tried to run off. The dragons a little stunned at this let her go.
"What the?" Nabiki said in shock.
"Aiyaa, didn't see that coming." Shampoo said softly.
"No kidding." Mousse said blinking a little.
"Well then, in light of all this, new information. My judgement as Io the Ninefold Dragon's servant is..."
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(Posted Fri, 18 Dec 2009 02:40)
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