"Uh, yeah..." Asrial grumbled. She was starting to feel upset. The Salusian Princess did love Ranma, and it made her feel a pang of jealousy everytime he had to Tame one of the Pokegirls. Dammit, she should have been in the Taming session too!
Nodoka blinked. "You don't sound too excited. Are you all right, daughter-in-law?"
Asrial blinked. "Did you just call me, 'daughter-in'law', Mrs. Saotome?"
Smiling, Nodoka said, "Yes. And please, call me 'Mother'."
"Uh... Okay, Mother..." Asrial said, unsure about that.
Her smile widening, Nodoka said, "Now don't worry. While I know my son will take care of his Pokegirls, I know it is you, and only you who has his heart."
Hearing that caused Asrial to smile. "Yeah. I mean, I know Ranma and I have taken care of the Pokegirls, and we do care for them as family, but... I know there is something more between me and Ranma, I just know it."
Nodoka nodded her head. "Ah, such a dutiful, understand, loving wife you are. My son and you are very lucky to have found each other."
Asrial began blushing deeply. "Uh, Mrs. Saotome, I mean, Mom; Ranma and I aren't married yet."
Still smiling, Nodoka said, "But I'm sure you will be."
Smiling slightly, Asrial nodded her head and spoke softly. "I am glad you think so. I hope Ranma gets the courage to ask me soon enough."
"I'm sure he will." Nodoka said. "And right now, I have a gift to give to you daughter."
"Oh?" Asrial asked, slightly nervous of what Nodoka would give her. She watched as Nodoka reached into the sleeves of her kimono and pulled out a small square box. Opening it, Nodoka revealed a gold ring with the shape of two hearts entwined on it. "Oh, that is so pretty."
Smiling, Nodoka spoke, "It's an engagement ring. It has been given to the bride of a Saotome for the past six generations. It was my ring once, and I have been keeping it until I could give it to the girl who was worthy of my son. And now, I would like to pass it onto you, daughter."
Asrial was speechless. After a moment, Asrial managed to find her voice. "You really want me to have this?"
Nodding her head, Nodoka said, "Go on, daughter. You may have it. It is rightfully yours."
Asrial looked at it for a moment. Finally she managed to speak again. "Uh, Mother, may I ask a request?"
"What si it, daughter?" Nodoka said, still smiling like Cheshire cat.
"Well, if it's not too much," Asrial began, "Could you talk to Ranma about it? I mean, yes, I do want to accept it, but I just don't want to do this behind his back. Couldn't you give it to him and have him propose to me?"
Nodoka nodded her head. "I understand. You want a more 'proper' engagement."
Blushing, Asrial said, "Yeah. I want to hear Ranma ask me himself, not have the decision made for him."
Nodoka smiled, a happy sparkle to her eyes. "Ah, such a caring woman. I know ANY of those hussies after my little boy would gladly just accept the engagement ring, and then run off to consummate the relationship. However, you, you want there to be a romantic aspect. That I can respect."
Asrial let out the breath she was holding. She was afraid she would offend the Saotome Matriarch by asking that request, but apparently, it just made her 'mother' more proud of her. "Thank you, Mother."
Nodoka and Asrial then shared a hug for a moment. It was then that Genma waddled back into the area. "Uh, Nodoka..."
Breaking the hug with Asrial, Nodoka turned back to face her husband. "What is it, Husband?"
"I got a small problem..." Genma said as he held up the PokeBall.
Asrial gagged. God damn, did she ever feel sorry for THAT Pokegirl.
See other episodes by Red Priest of the 17th Order
(Posted Wed, 12 Feb 2003 02:12)
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