Archon wrapped her arms over her chest. "You heard me. It seems you Salusians have a tendanct to set-up insanely stupid arranged marriages with one of the party, if not BOTH unaware until they're dragged to the alter!"
Asrial narrowed her eyes. "Listen you, they are not stupid! They are part of Salusian tradition and used only when needed! Like in this case. My older brother isn't part of the Royal family anymore, having given up his position. Protocal dictates that Father cannot use him to negotiate a peace treaty with Earth! And in this case, since he has me, he has to marry me off to an Earther who will be chosen to represent the planet." Smiling at Ranma, Asrial said, "And Ranma here has been chosen to be my husband."
Archon shook her head. "Are you an idiot, or are your people's laws idiotic? What is so important about marrying off the King's daughter to a person of Earth? You want peace, then why don't YOU write up a treaty! A Princess of Salusia can SURELY do the same task that a Salusian Prince can!"
Now Asrial stared at Archon. "Are you daft? It is these laws that have kept Salusia as strong as it has for the past millenia! Just up and changing them is hypocritical on our parts! We only change them if they are unfair to thousands of people and/or are inhumane."
Now Archon glared harder at Asrial. "And don't you think that you're people are being unfair to Ranma here? Forcing him into a loveless marriage like this. How disgraceful!"
"HEY!" Asrial yelled. "It WON'T be loveless! I know Ranma well. It's because of Ranma that's I'm alive today! When Benji was using Ki attacks as if he were just throwing punches, I was almost incinerated! But I was lucky. Ranma took a hit for me, wounding himself in the process of saving my life."
Ranma just looked over the Salusian Princess. "Asrial..."
Asrial continued, "That wasn't the only time. When the Dragonblade was found and released, Dragons were EVERYWHERE! While Jeremy was running for cover, Ranma saved my butt again. Uriel stole the blade from me and pushed me into the path of a dragon. Ranma saved me from become smoked skunk."
Looking over at Ranma, Asrial let out a sigh. "I'll be honest. Usually in this situation, I would be upset that father was just using me and act 'bratty'. But damn it... Ranma saved me. I'll never be able to pay him back. I owe him my life TWICE over. At least by marrying him... I can at least begin to try and repay all his kindness and chivalry."
Blushing a bit, Ranma scratched the back of his head. "Really, Asrial. It's all right. I would have done that for anyone. It's a martial artist's code to help those in need. I was only-"
Ranma blinked, as he realized Asrial had glomped onto him. "Uh... Asrial?"
Smiling, Asrial looked into his eyes. "But Ranma... You also saved me a third time! Just now, I was falling and would have been hurt, had you not caught me. Ranma. I promise you I'll be a dutiful wife for you!"
Ranma was now really blushing as he looked into the Salusian's eyes. He had to admit... She was rather cute...
Sighing, Jalliele'Brea shook her head. "Asrial, think about it. Is what you feel love, or is it an obsession?"
"What do you mean?" Asrial said, as she still held onto Ranma.
"Some people have a tendancy to look up to those that have had a significant impact in their life." Archon began. "Do you want to marry Ranma because you love him as a man loves a woman? Or is guilt pushing you on, wanting you to make it up to Ranma, possibly repay him for all he's done. As you said before, you 'owe' him. And that makes me think. Do you want to be with Ranma because you WANT to? Or is because you think you HAVE to?"
Asrial blinked her eyes. She did LIKE Ranma. He was a good friend. Was she doing this because she felt guilty asbout not being a help to him before? Or did she feel something more? "Well... You see..."
"Excuse me..." Julia interrupted. "As interesting as this all is, I DO have a more important question that needs attending to."
"What is it, Mrs. Diggers?" Asrial asked.
Sighing, Julia just pointed to the remains of the Dojo and the damaged Pyramid. "Just WHO is going to fix THAT!?"
Asrial chuckled nervously. "Do you accept checks? Eh heh heh..."
"Oh, quiet Empress, and pass me another brick. Ranma dear, please mix that plaster better, there's too many bubbles..."
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(Posted Wed, 16 Apr 2003 23:03)
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