(REPOSTED BECAUSE THE OLD ONE GOT KILLED BY THE NEW FORMATTING)
A Ranma 1/2 Fanfic Trilogy:
"The True Meaning of Love"
By: s16thunderjet
Story 1
"The Search for Atlantis"
Chapter 3:
Ancient Royalty and Heritage
"Huh?" was all the people of Nerima could say when they heard a scream. People were walking out of their houses and offices looking for the source of the cry that seemed to have echoed through the whole of the Nerima ward.
Shampoo was helping Mousse in nursing his wounds in the kitchen when they heard the scream. They both looked at the door, and then to each other.
"What was that?" asked Mousse as he winced a little with Shampoo applying the herbal medicine.
"It sounded like... like..." he drifted, not really knowing where the scream came from or who did it.
"...Ranma." Shampoo filled in for him. Mousse looked at Shampoo in confusion, wanting to ask how she knew it was Ranma. Before he could ask, Shampoo had spoken.
"Why he scream so, so loud?" she asked, sounding a bit worried.
Mousse looked at Shampoo in defeat, already having forgotten to ask her how she knew. Just the sight of Shampoo getting worried over Ranma tore at his heart.
"What do you think is his reason to scream that loud?" he asked instead, trying to sound not too hurt. Emotionally hurt, not physically. Shampoo put the last bandages on Mousse and returned the medicine box to the cabinet.
"Shampoo no know reason for shout. All Shampoo know, Ranma in bad mood today." she said as she walked back towards him.
Mousse turned to her and said, "Thanks for helping me." He smiled the best he could as a form of thanks.
Shampoo took off the apron she had been wearing and said, "Mousse welcome. Next time, try stay good side of Shampoo." Then, she motioned for the door. Mousse steadily rose from his seat, walking a bit awkwardly to the door to block Shampoo's way.
"Where are you going Shampoo?" he asked her. Shampoo gave him the snobbish stare and then said, "Shampoo go see Ranma. He maybe need help." Mousse took of his apron and said, "I shall go with you."
Shampoo looked around the restaurant. "Fine, restaurant clean, you can go." she said, giving in to the inevitable.
"What the heck was that?" Ukyo asked as the scream tore through the streets of Nerima and into her restaurant. The restaurant was quite clean and quiet at the time Ranma screamed.
"Who could that be?" she asked no one in particular. She shrugged then started to clean the stove. In her mind, she wondered if Ranma was the one who screamed.
As if on cue, Shampoo came into the restaurant, followed by Mousse. "That scream Ranma's." said a familiar soprano voice which was obviously in broken Japanese. She turned to the door and saw Shampoo and Mousse standing by the door.
"Hi Shampoo, Hi Mousse. What's up?" she greeted them, surprised at herself for being civil with Shampoo and vice versa.
"Good afternoon Ukyo." said Mousse in his baritone voice. They approached the counter and sat down in front of Ukyo.
Ukyo took off the apron and asked, "What can I do for you?"
Mousse pushed his glasses up his nose with the middle finger of his right hand. "I assume that you've heard Ranma's cry." he said. Ukyo stared at him, looking surprised.
"That was Ranchan. But why?" she said, still a little shocked. Mousse shrugged, signaling that he didn't know. Ukyo then looked at Shampoo with suspicion. Shampoo in turn glared back at her.
"Why you look at Shampoo like that? Shampoo know nothing." she said, defensively, anger in her voice. There was already a blue aura forming around her. Ukyo put out her hands in front of her warding off Shampoo's anger.
"I'm not blaming you. I just thought maybe you have met him before the scream or something." she said. The blue aura around Shampoo anger slowly died out.
"Shampoo meet Ranma earlier in morning. He was in bad mood." she said as she recalled the incident that morning.
"Yeah, he was also here a little over an hour ago. He asked me what he could give Akane as a present." she told them as she remembered Ranma being at her restaurant during lunch hour.
Mousse was just silent as he listened to the girls' conversation. Ukyo scratched her chin and said, "He was looking better when I suggested to give Akane a piece of jewelry, like a ring."
Shampoo looked confused with what she said. So did Mousse. "Why Ranma give Akane present. Is her birthday, no?" she asked Ukyo.
Ukyo looked a little pale at her question. She was about to pop remembering Ranma's enthusiastic face when he said he wanted to cheer Akane up with a gift.
"Ukyo, what's wrong?" asked a concerned Mousse. He stood from his seat and walked over to her, comforting her.
Ukyo was surprised at his sudden care, but didn't mind at all. Mousse himself was shocked with what he was doing, especially in front of Shampoo. But he didn't really mind at that point. Something in his system told him to comfort Ukyo.
Ukyo looked up at the tall and handsome fellow standing in front of her. She could see his beautiful eyes hidden behind his thick ( and I mean thick ) glasses. She smiled, appreciating his effort to comfort her.
Shampoo noticed how Mousse was acting and how Ukyo was looking at him. She was feeling something, but couldn't figure it out. Could it be anger and frustration that she doesn't know why Ranma screamed, or could it be jealousy?
Either way, she couldn't stand the events she was witnessing unfold in front of her. She stood up and slammed her hands on the table.
"Mousse!" she screamed into his face. Her cry destroyed what could have been a tender, or maybe romantic moment between the two. ( Which I think is quite hard to believe, but possible. ) Ukyo's eyes twitched.
"Huh? I... I just remembered something." she said, still a little sadness in her voice. Mousse wanted to hug her or something, but knew that Shampoo was there. He couldn't possibly do something that would destroy his chances with Shampoo.
"I'm fine." Ukyo continued. Shampoo finally sat down.
"Good. Now, you know where Ranma go after here, yes?" Shampoo asked.
Mousse sat back down on his seat, beside Shampoo. Ukyo looked out the door, trying to recall what Ranma may have said. She looked at the two again. Shampoo was anxiously awaiting her answer.
"I think he said he was going to look for a jewelry shop." Ukyo answered, but not quite very sure. Then she raised an eyebrow.
"And I think he said that Akane was sick or not feeling well." she finished.
Shampoo sat back down on her chair, disappointed, she couldn't quite understand. What could have made Ranma angry or irritated enough to scream like that? She was still thinking about what Ukyo told them when Mousse suddenly stood up.
"I think I know where we may find Saotome. To Dr. Tofu, let us go Shampoo." he said. He looked pretty sure about what he just said.
For some reason, Shampoo didn't have the urge to argue with him. Something inside her was saying that he might be right. Shampoo didn't argue about it and stood up to go. They both turned to walk out of the restaurant.
"Wait!" called Ukyo. They both turned to look back at her.
"I'm going with you." she announced, with determination in her face. She ran up the stairs and changed her shirt and ran back down in a blur. She closed the door and locked it. Then put a sign saying "CLOSED FOR THE DAY".
"Let's go."
Akane slowly drifted out of sleep and drowsily opened her eyes. There was a cool breeze inside the room she was in. There was light, but coming only from a lamp placed on top of a side cabinet beside her bed. She sat up on the bed and yawned.
"Where am I?" she asked no one in particular.
"Why, you are inside your chamber, My Lady." said someone who had just entered her room.
Akane was surprised when she saw the room she was in. It wasn't hers. It was filled with fine furniture, some made out of brass and some made from wood.
The walls were painted with different designs, ranging from beautiful landscape, to people, to the Greek Gods. *Greek Gods? What on earth!* she thought.
She looked at the person in front of her. It was a woman, somewhat in her late twenties or early thirties.
"Good morning your highness. How was sleep last night?" she asked, as she bowed down to Akane. *Your highness? What is she talking about?* Akane frantically thought.
"Who... who are you?" Akane asked cautiously. The woman looked at Akane with confusion, but answered nonetheless.
"I am Merian, your servant." she answered.
*Servant? Since when did I have servants?* The woman sat beside her bed. She held Akane's hand in hers, concern in her eyes.
"Did you have that nightmare again, My Lady?" she asked, a little worried.
*Nightmare? What nightmare?* she thought. She pulled her hand away from her and pulled the sheets to her chest. The woman stood up, seeing her lady in distress.
"I shall call his majesty. Please wait for him." she said as she went out the door.
Back in the clinic, Ranma was kneeling hopelessly on the floor. He looked as if life had just been sucked out of him. As a matter of fact, he felt half - dead, for Akane was his life.
Ryoga was still in a bit of shock because of Ranma's scream. Nabiki was now lying on the bed after being carried by Ryoga. Dr. Tofu was still a little dizzy, drowsily walking to regain full consciousness.
Finally, Ryoga was able to stand, though a bit shaky and dizzy. He approached Ranma and put his hand on his shoulder. He wanted to pound him for screaming so loud, but something in Ranma's crumpled form made him disagree with his own thoughts.
"What was that for?" he asked, trying to sound irritated but almost sounding too concerned.
Ranma looked up at him and said, "They got her. I shouldn't have left her here. I... I..." he was cut when Ryoga shook him. He helped Ranma stand up and sit down on a chair. Dr. Tofu was now completely up.
"Who got who?" Ryoga asked him. Ranma looked down at the floor, cursing himself for his inability to protect Akane. He then grabbed Ryoga's shoulder in desperation. He looked up at him, still mad at himself.
"Akane..." was all he could say. At the mention of her name, Ryoga's blood began to boil. He too was starting to panic.
"What do you mean they got Akane? And who are they?" he asked almost impatiently.
"Men wearing white clothes with emblems like this." said Dr. Tofu, showing them the emblem as he joined the conversation of the two. Ryoga looked at the emblem, uncomprehending of its meaning nor it's worth.
Before Dr. Tofu could continue, Ukyo, Shampoo and Mousse arrived at the scene and were shocked with what they saw.
"What happened here?" Mousse asked, utter surprise on his face.
"Ranchan, what happened?" Ukyo asked as she ran to Ranma.
"Ranma! Is OK, yes?" asked Shampoo, she too running to Ranma.
Shampoo and Ukyo stood in front of Ranma, both wanting nothing more than to comfort the guilt wrecked Saotome.
"I'll get you a glass of water." Ukyo offered as she started to walk to the kitchen. Ranma clasped her hand and pulled her down so hard that she almost hit the floor.
"They got her Ucchan. I... I failed her." he said, tears rolling down his cheeks. Save for Ukyo, they were all shocked at the display in front of them, especially Ryoga.
Ranma crying, that was a first. Maybe to most people, but not to Ukyo. Ranma always seemed to cry when they are together. When they talk about all of his problems at school, his frustrations of becoming a girl and his engagement to Akane.
Remembering those moments made Ukyo happy and sad at the same time. Happy because Ranma spends a lot of time with her, sad because most of the things that bothers Ranma is about Akane. Akane, her rival for Ranma's heart.
Ukyo knelt beside him and embraced him. Ranma leaned into her like a helpless little boy, wanting nothing more than someone to ease his pain. Ukyo held him like a mother to a son, not taking advantage of Ranma's state to claim him as her fiancé.
Shampoo was burning with the desire to strangle Ukyo there and then. She wanted to bash her on the head and throw her off of Ranma. But as she glanced at Ranma, she realized that he didn't need any fighting right now. She realized that what he needed was support.
"Shampoo get water." she said instead, contradicting Amazon instinct and walked into the kitchen. After a while, she went back out carrying glasses of water.
She handed Ryoga one and then another to Dr. Tofu. She left one glass to them for Nabiki, who was just starting to come around. Then she took the last glass for Ranma.
Shampoo walked up to Ukyo and Ranma, the two still hugging. Ukyo was doing her best to comfort Ranma who was definitely out of sorts. Mousse and Ryoga were studying the clinic for clues, and Dr. Tofu was examining Nabiki.
"I let her down, Ucchan. It's all my fault." Ranma continued to murmur to Ukyo, tears still streaming down his cheeks.
"Shhh, it's gonna be fine. You better calm down a little." she said as she massaged Ranma's back and neck to ease the tension, laying his head on her shoulder while still embracing him.
Shampoo closed her eyes, trying to ignore the scene in front of her. She didn't want her Amazon instincts to drive her to do something she would regret. Shampoo gently patted Ukyo on the shoulder.
"Is water." she said as she smiled, giving Ukyo the glass of water.
"Thanks Shampoo." Ukyo responded and smiled at her.
She loosened her embrace on Ranma and with one hand, reached up to accept the water from Shampoo. She softly patted Ranma on the back of his head. He leaned back, still in Ukyo's embrace and saw the glass of water she held.
"Here, drink this." she said as she assisted him in drinking. Ranma shakily took the glass in both hands as he slowly leaned away from Ukyo. He handed back the glass to Shampoo and smiled at her.
Shampoo went back inside the kitchen and returned the rest of the glasses. She saw them gather around Ranma and Ukyo as she went back out to the clinic.
"I think we should bring Nabiki and Ranma back to the dojo. That way, they won't be traumatized even more..." he drifted as he looked at Ranma, who kept on staring into nothingness.
"...at least I hope so." said Dr. Tofu.
He got a coat and put it around Nabiki. Ryoga carried Nabiki in his arms while Dr. Tofu carried some of his things. Ukyo supported Ranma as he stood. He smiled wanly at her and she smiled back.
Shampoo just walked away from them, with Mousse closely following her. For once in her life, Shampoo felt as if she was helpless. She wanted to be the one to comfort Ranma in his time of need, but decided against it, feeling that Ukyo already had an advantage.
Ukyo is Ranma's best friend.
*I am not his best friend, maybe not even his friend.* she thought sadly, a single tear slipping past.
Mousse felt like he was being torn into pieces at the sight of Shampoo. She had never looked this depressed before. She looked as if she had lost everything at that moment. His view suddenly shifted and realized where Shampoo had been looking.
Ukyo still had Ranma leaning in her arms as they walked slowly to the dojo. Ranma was looking alive now, some color racing back into his cheeks. Ukyo kept on telling him jokes and funny stories to try and cheer him up, succeeding a bit as Ranma gave out a weak giggle.
Mousse put his arm around Shampoo, not minding if she will strike him down or whatever. He just wanted to comfort her. To his surprise, Shampoo leaned on his shoulder and started to cry softly.
Mousse embraced her gently and said, "I know how you feel Shampoo. It's gonna be fine." Mousse looked up at the sky, which was starting to become dark in the late afternoon.
*Believe me Shampoo, I know.* he thought.
Akane looked around the room once more. Beautiful furniture and magnificent paintings decorated the room. But something was missing. She couldn't quite put her finger on it.
She heard rumbling noises just outside her door. She pulled the sheets close to her chest and embraced the pillow beside her. She heard the door knob twist. She closed her eyes, scared of who or what might enter the room.
"Here, sire." said Merian. A man walked in and sat on the right side of Akane's bed. She could feel the bed move slightly downwards towards him.
She opened her eyes and saw Merian bowing on her left, two girls kneeling down in front of her by the foot of the bed. She turned to her right to see a man, who looked like he was about two or three years older than her.
He was wearing a totally white outfit. ( Just like what all the others were wearing ) But he was the only one wearing some sort of crown with green leaves connected to each other sticking out of it.
"Are you alright, My Queen?" he asked worriedly.
*Queen? What the hell is he talking about?* Akane thought, confused, almost angrily. It was the same story of her life since Ranma came. *Kirin already has Lychee, and I was able to talk Toma out of marrying me, maybe I can do the same to him.* she thought.
Then Akane saw, from the corner of her eye, a crown laying beside the lamp that was on placed on top of the side cabinet beside her bed. It looked exactly like the man's crown, except that it was a little smaller.
*Could it be, that I am really a queen or something?* She thought of the possibility and then looked at the man, who, she had to admit, was very, very handsome.
"Why are you calling me, your Queen?" Akane asked, a little irritated of what she was called. The man knelt before her and bowed down. He then looked up at her.
"Forgive me fair one. I forgot that we aren't married yet. Forgive me my princess, it shall never happen again." the man said to her.
Akane grew more confused. *OK, so I'm not yet his queen, just his princess... as if it would make any difference!* Akane thought angrily.
The man saw the confusion in her face and stood up. He looked at the two girls kneeling by the bed and said, "Leave us. You shall be called when needed." The two girls respectfully bowed to him.
"Yes, your majesty." they said as they walked out the door. Then he looked at Merian who was awaiting his orders.
"Merian, please call Astevaes. Tell him I need to speak with him." he commanded the woman.
"As you wish, your highness." she bowed down and walked out of the room. Closing the door behind her, Merian was a bit happy of Atlas's actions.
*Maybe finding the princess will gave him back his vigor and will to live.* she thought happily as she searched for Astevaes.
Akane looked more dazed than confused. The man moved closer to her and touched her hand. The warmth of his hands flowed through hers. He looked at her nervous and scared face.
"What is the matter? Please speak to me." he said so soft, Akane wasn't almost able to hear it.
"Who... who are you?" was all Akane could say. The man looked surprised but answered anyway.
"I am Atlas, the King of Atlantis, and your husband to be." he told her.
*Husband to be? Fiancé? When did we become engaged? Ranma is my fiancé not him! Wait a minute... Atlantis? What in the world is going on?* questions filled her mind as she sat there, dumbfounded.
"I see that My Lady is not of the best moods today." said a man who just came in, wearing the same white clothes. But this time, he had an emblem pinned on his clothes just below his left shoulder and above his chest.
The man stood a few feet from them and folded his right hand into a fist. He moved it to cross his chest and lay his fist above the emblem. He slammed his fist on his chest and bowed to them.
"Good morning, My Lord. Good morning, My Lady." he said as he lowered his fist. He studied Akane, noticing that she was a bit bewildered.
Atlas turned to him and said, "Good morning Astevaes. Please take a look at her. She's been having nightmares again."
Astevaes moved closer to Akane and touched her hand. She felt an icy cold breeze as he touched her, as opposed to Atlas's warm and soft hands. There was fear in Akane's eyes and Astevaes could see it.
*I have to take control of her.* he thought.
"Hush now. What seems to be the problem?" he asked her as if he were talking to a child.
Akane couldn't take it anymore. She wasn't used to being taken cared off like a princess or something. She hated it when she was being treated like a helpless little girl or danzel in distress.
Then she thought of Ranma, how he always managed to save her and become her knight in shining armor, a man among men...
Somehow, the kind of protection she receives from him wasn't that unacceptable to her, sometimes she even liked it when he would fight to the death to protect her from harm or save her from some prince who kidnapped her.
She let out a big sigh. "Ranma..." she whispered.
Atlas wasn't able to hear it, but Astevaes did.
"Nightmares of that sorcerer Ranma again, huh?" he managed to get out. He looked at Akane who shot him an angry look. She was about to retort when he spoke.
"Well, I think a little rest and some breakfast would get her out of it." Astevaes finally said, trying to ward off Akane's growing anger. He looked at Atlas, who nodded in approval.
"Inform the cooks to prepare a special breakfast for her." he ordered.
"Consider it done, your highness." said Astevaes as he stood up and started to walk out of the room.
Atlas looked at Akane again, his eyes showing concern as deep as that of the seven seas. He again reached up to hold her hand, this time she did not pull away. But the look she gave him sent chills down his spine. She looked at him as if he were a ghost.
"Why are thine eyes looking at me that way?" he asked her in a way that doesn't sound angry.
"Can you please tell me what is going on?" she asked him in response.
"You really do not know where you are, who I am or who you are for that matter. That Ranma may have done to something really powerful on you this time." he said.
"What do you mean Ranma?" she asked, raising her right eyebrow in confusion.
"You see, from what Astevaes has told me, Ranma is a powerful sorcerer. Ever since he got hold of his new magic, he has been searching for you. For you are to be the next Queen of Atlantis." he paused for a while.
"Wait just a minute." Akane said before he could continue, a little anger in her voice.
"Ranma is not a sorcerer, he is just a guy same as my age." she said defending Ranma.
"And what exactly do you mean by 'the next Queen of Atlantis'?" she continued, anger still in her voice. Atlas released her hand and raised both of his own in front of him, showing a sign of defense.
"Please do not get angry at me. You really do not remember anything, do you?" he asked her. Something in his eyes made Akane's anger slowly die out. She moved her head from left to right indicating 'no' for her answer.
"OK then, I shall explain to you everything after breakfast." he said.
He went to her bathroom and took a piece of clothing, something like a bathrobe. But it didn't look like it because it was covered with golden lace all over. He held it up in front of her, as if beckoning her to come to him and wear it.
"You can wear this for the moment." Akane just looked at him.
"You expect me to wear some kind of bathrobe to breakfast." she asked but not really sounding like a question. Irritation started building inside her once more.
"But this is your robe. It was made only for the Queen of Atlantis to wear." he said before she could say something more.
Then she realized, the robe didn't actually look like an ordinary bathrobe, golden lace and all. So she stood up and walked towards him. She bowed her head in apology.
Atlas rested the robe on his left arm as he used his right hand to raise her head. "No need to apologize." he said to her, smiling warmly.
He again raised the robe as Akane slowly wore it. Atlas offered his hand. She took it, still a little hesitation on her face.
"Do not worry. I shall lead you to the dining area." he said as they left the room.
"What! Akane!" cried a distraught Soun, his hands clasping his head at the mention of his missing daughter. He saw the look on everyone's face and cried even more. They all seemed to be depressed over something.
Actually, Mousse was worried about Shampoo more than anything else, while Shampoo was jealous like hell of Ukyo.
Ukyo was terribly worried of Ranma who was depressed like there was no tomorrow over the loss of Akane.
Ryoga, who was also dead worried about Akane, was carrying Nabiki. Dr. Tofu was the most calm, or at least, not disturbed of them all.
"Calm down, Mr. Tendo. I shall explain it to you, detail by detail." said Dr. Tofu as he tried to calm down the shocked Soun.
"Kasumi, please show Ryoga the way to Nabiki's room so he can put her down. She needs the rest." said Dr. Tofu to Kasumi.
Interestingly, he wasn't mumbling and trembling at the sight of Kasumi. Maybe all of the things that had happened made him calm enough not to go wild at the sight of her. Kasumi nodded and then led Ryoga down the hall towards Nabiki's room.
Ukyo settled Ranma beside Dr. Tofu and sat beside him, still cradling her fiancé in her arms. Ranma leaned on Ukyo's shoulder as he started to feel a little sleepy, his mind in a terrible state. She smiled at him and brushed some of the bangs covering his eyes.
Shampoo sat across them, still looking dangerously jealous. She looked as if she were ready to beat Ukyo to a pulp any minute. Mousse sat beside her, trying everything he could to make her feel better, but wasn't working at all. Shampoo didn't even notice he was there. She was too focused on Ranma and Ukyo that she didn't even mind him.
"Shampoo, would you make some tea for us." Dr. Tofu asked the fuming Amazon. She slowly stood up from where she sat, not taking her eyes off Ukyo and Ranma.
"Come Mousse. We need make tea." she told Mousse, her eyes still fixed on Ranma and Ukyo. Mousse just stood up and followed her as she entered the kitchen. He walked after her just looking at the floor. Ukyo looked as the two of them turned for the kitchen.
"Poor Mousse." she whispered, looking at him pitifully. Then she looked over to Ranma, who's head was starting to become heavier on her shoulder.
*As if I'm not as pathetic as him.* she thought, sighing heavily, pity at herself. *I'm always trying so hard for Ranchan. I cook for him, I support him in what he wants, of course if I think it's right. I give him advice. I've even become a mother to him. But somehow, I'm always cut short. I'm always stuck on being his best friend. Just his best friend, nothing more. He likes me just the way I am. I know he cares for me, but only as a friend. At least I'm his best friend, unlike Shampoo and Kodachi.* Ukyo contemplated on her situation with her own love.
"Hai..." she let out at the thought. She looked down at Ranma again, touched his face with her hand, and then reached out to squeeze his hand.
"I just hope that... eventually... someday... we will be together. Not just friends, but something more..." she was broken of by Ranma's sudden shudder.
"Uh, sorry Ucchan. Didn't mean to burst your bubble." he said apologetically. She smiled at him, or at least tried to, and released his hand.
"It's alright, Ranchan. It's not like I'm thinking of something important." she said, lying. She motioned him to sit as she slowly stood up.
"I'm just gonna wash up. Be right back." she said without even looking at him as the tears threatened to flow. She ran towards the hallway and into the path towards the bathroom.
Ryoga and Kasumi were coming back from Nabiki's room, when Ukyo passed them by, her head bowed a bit. "Oh, Hi Ukyo." said Kasumi, a little startled at her sudden appearance, but nevertheless cheerful.
"Hi, Kasumi, Ryoga. I'm just gonna go to the bathroom." she said, still not raising her head to prevent them from noticing.
"OK." said Kasumi, as she continued her walk to the dining area, oblivious to the torment the young girl was feeling at that moment.
Ryoga knew depression when he saw one. And that's what he saw in Ukyo's face. Kasumi may have not noticed her, but he didn't miss the look on her face.
He couldn't stand it, he had to help her in somehow. He thought first that it was Ranma's fault why she is depressed, so he took a look in the dining area from where he stood.
He could see that Ranma was leaning against the wall, thinking of something. Ranma closed his eyes, a single tear escaping him as he clenched his fists. "Akane?" he whispered to himself.
Ryoga obviously didn't hear him, but he could read his lips. *I don't think this is Ranma's fault. But why is she so sad?* he thought of a possible answer.
He wanted to help her so badly, feeling the need to comfort her and get her out of despair. He caught a glimpse of her hair moving into a room. He concluded that it was the bathroom, and followed before she completely vanished from his line of sight.
Ryoga stood by the door, thinking if he was doing the right thing. He let out a big sigh, then knocked. Ukyo heard his knock, but did not even bother to answer. He knocked again and opened the door.
Ryoga looked around to see where she was, and found her. She was sitting down on the tub, knees pressed against her chest with her arms around them, and her head tucked in. He walked in and gently closed the door behind him.
Ukyo still didn't move, crying too much to even notice him being there. He walked closer to her and pulled one of his bandannas. He was only a few steps from her when she noticed him, standing there, offering his bandanna with a smile on his face.
It took all of Ukyo's willpower to smile, it turning out to be a very weak and forced one. He stepped forward as she took the bandanna from him, wiping the tears off her face.
"What happened, Ukyo?" he asked, trying not to sound too concerned, as he put his hand on her shoulder and gave it a comforting squeeze.
Ukyo looked at Ryoga, who was now squatting next to her in the tub. She tried to smile at him again, but it obviously looked like a forced one. She looked straight ahead avoiding him even though he was just in front of her.
"Nothing really. Just wasn't feeling good." she responded, not so much a signal of life. Ryoga took his hand from her shoulder and shook his head. He leaned against the edge of the tub.
"C'mon Ukyo, it's not like you can hide it from me. I can feel your depression. It's kind of my specialty you know." he said, trying to make her feel better.
"Why should you care about how I feel?" she asked him with a questioning look. She was surprised that he had followed her to check on her, but talking to her like this was... unexpected.
"We may not be the best of friends, but I know when someone needs help." he said, sounding a bit hurt, then and gave her a concerned look that made her look away from him, slightly blushing. She giggled softly, and then turned to look at him.
"You know, you and Ranchan have a lot in common. Besides being good martial artists, you two are both softies." she commented, slowly getting out of the dumps. This time, he gave her the questioning look.
"Well, I guess it won't hurt to talk about it." she said as she turned to face him. Ryoga blushed at the sight of her, being awfully close to him. Though she had just cried, she looked pretty.
*She's cute.* he thought, with a smile.
Atlas led Akane out of the room and into the hallway. Everywhere they went, people greeted them with respect, some were even bowing to them in reverence.
Akane was already getting a little conscious. They walked along beautiful corridors, paintings about nature hanging on the walls. The floors were finely polished, no dust can be found.
But still, she knew that there was something missing. She still couldn't put her finger on it. She was getting frustrated every second that passed by. She didn't even notice Atlas just stop and look at her.
"What?" she asked him as she saw his face.
"Nothing. Can I ask you a question fair one?" he asked her.
Akane giggled softly. "You already have..." she responded as she continued to giggle. Atlas giggled a little himself.
Akane stopped and asked, "No, seriously. What is it?" Atlas also stopped laughing and looked at her.
"Do you remember anything yet? I mean, doesn't this hallway remind you of something?" he asked, hoping that Akane would remember something. Recalling even that painful 'event' would be enough for Atlas to know that Akane remembers something.
Akane looked around the beautiful and wide hallway. Atlas looked a little hopeful and at the same time bothered when he saw her frown. *Maybe she does remember.* he thought.
"No, not really. Why? Am I supposed to remember something?" she asked. His face became a little saddened at what she asked. *She doesn't remember anything. At least she doesn't remember...* his thoughts drifted as he formed a response.
"No... not at all. Just wondered if you remember anything." he said, trying to change their topic of conversation.
"Let us continue our walk to the dining area. Then I'll give you a little tour around the palace and maybe the city. Maybe it can help you regain your memory." he continued.
"OK." replied Akane as she took the arm he offered. Akane saw the depressed but still hopeful look on his face. She wanted ask him about it but couldn't bring herself to do it. *I hope he'll be fine.* she thought as they made their way to breakfast.
They walked down a carpeted stairway which was facing a big door. It was almost as big as a cinema screen. She looked around to see servants and other people bowing to them as they passed by.
"What is that door?" she asked him, pointing to the huge door in front of them.
"That is the main passage way. It leads to the palace gardens and the palace gate." he answered.
"Oh." she replied in amazement, still staring. *What would they need a big door for? It only leads to the gardens and the gate. It's not like it covers a treasury or something.* she thought curiously.
"I see that you are curious of what this door holds." he commented as he noticed her face. Akane nodded at what he said, slowly taking her eyes off the giant door.
"Very well, that would be our first destination after breakfast. Now, shall we go?" he asked, tugging gently at her arm. Akane followed his lead and then, they reached the dining area.
She was totally amazed with the room. There were many paintings like the ones in her room. There was a rectangular table in the middle, and a chandelier hanging on top of it. Actually, there were about three to five chandeliers in the whole room.
There were also lots of servants who were, of course, bowing to them. Atlas pulled the seat at one end of the table. The seats were made of solid wood and had a nice design like all the paintings. *What is it with nature and Greek gods?* she thought to herself.
The biggest chair, which was obviously for the king, is made of solid wood, but it had gold design all over it, making it unique. Atlas slowly made his way across from Akane, who sat on the second biggest chair.
"Do you like the dining area?" Atlas asked as he sat down.
"Yeah, it's very beautiful." she responded. But there was still something missing and she still couldn't figure it out. Akane looked down at the food set before them.
They were the only two eating, but there was so much food it could feed an army. She looked around the room to see the servants go out, leaving only two guards standing at the door.
"Aren't we going to wait for the others before we eat?" she asked him, not used to eating with so little company. He looked at her and just blinked.
"Fair one, I am the King of Atlantis. And you are my, um..., future queen. It is a custom that we follow here." he said. Akane looked baffled.
"What do you mean, a custom?" she asked.
"Actually, it's more of a heritage. You see, the royal family of the city is not allowed to eat with the other people. It has been a custom ever since the beginning of the city. We cannot break that." he continued. Akane looked a little sad and pitiful for the royalty of the city.
"But isn't that sad. I mean, what if there is only one ruler. I mean, only a king, or queen. Then he or she would be lonely while eating." she asked again. It was Atlas's turn to frown a bit.
"Yes, it could be very lonely at times." he let out a sigh, a frown settling on his face.
"But now, I have you Akane. We have each other." he finished and smiled. Akane just looked away from him. Both were oblivious to each other.
*But what about Ranma.* she thought sadly.
*You are engaged to him, technically yes.* said a part of her.
*But you love him Akane, you always have, and that makes the engagement valid.* said another part of her.
*But does Ranma love her?* challenged the other.
*It doesn't matter if he loves her, what matters is that she loves him.* replied the other.
Akane's mind was talking to her, and she was getting very confused and very dizzy.
Two sides, one side where Ranma is always at fault, the side where she is violent. The other side where she knows that she loves him, and will always love him.
How is she gonna tell Atlas that she is already engaged to Ranma? He has been so nice to her that she could not tell him something that might break his heart. She just frowned at the thought.
She looked at him and felt herself blush a little. Atlas had been staring at her for a while now. She could see the disappointment in his face when she turned away. She tried to encourage him again.
"Let's eat. We don't want to keep the food waiting." she said as she smiled. He smiled back and started eating.
Ryoga finally understood. Ukyo had gone from weeping to crying and eventually her cries turned into sobs.
Now having known everything she has been through, Ryoga felt sorry for her. He did not really know what to say to make everything better, because he knew that it was not in his hands.
"So you really have been looking for him ever since." he said, and instantly felt stupid for even asking something that was obvious.
"Uh huh." replied Ukyo. "And now that I've found him, it seems that he's even farther from my reach." she continued as she started to get dewy - eyed again.
Ryoga held out another bandanna for her. She smiled but didn't take it. "Don't worry. I'm not gonna cry again." she said, smiling a bit at his gesture.
She just looked at him, the same look she always gives Ranma, and was surprised to have found out that Ryoga was very much like Ranma deep inside.
Ryoga blushed a little, noticing her staring at him. "W...What?" he asked, a bit nervous.
"Nothing." she said while giggling at his reaction. *Yeah, just like Ranchan.* she thought. Suddenly, she got serious again.
"Thank you Ryoga, for everything." she said with a smile as she embraced him, his warmth spreading all over he body as she held him.
Ryoga slowly put his arms around her, not wanting her to think that he was taking advantage of her vulnerability and trust. His slowly ran his hands up and down Ukyo's back to help ease her pain.
Ukyo smiled to herself as she felt Ryoga's arms around her, a feeling of comfort and peace filled her mind, body, heart and soul. She had never felt so whole in her entire life.
She pulled back a little from his embrace, him loosening it, and kissed him on the cheek. Ryoga blushed a little, but maintained his composure so as not to splatter blood all over Ukyo. His nose has been known for such incidents.
"You're welcome, Ukyo." he said as they broke the embrace.
"Just don't tell Ranma what happened between us." she said, this coming with a little laughter.
"Don't worry, I know how he sometimes gets over protective of his fiancés." he said with a grin. She looked at him in confusion.
"I meant what we talked about. I don't think he wants everyone to know of the past." she said.
"Oh..." said Ryoga, a flash of disappointment in his face.
"What were you thinking?" she asked, leaning towards him.
"Nothing." he said as he scratched the back of his head and blushed furiously. *What am I thinking?* he asked himself the very question Ukyo had just asked.
They went out of the bathroom and started walking towards the dining area. Ranma was still asleep, this time, his head was laying on Shampoo's shoulder.
As usual, Mousse sat beside Shampoo, who didn't seem to notice him because her attention was mainly on the slumbering Ranma.
Soun was already lying down on a futon and had a towel placed on his forehead. Apparently, Dr. Tofu had already told them what happened, as tears kept streaming down his cheeks.
Nabiki was already awake and oblivious to the happenings and was watching TV. Though she would not admit it, she's definitely worried about Akane. But she did notice the awful closeness of Ukyo and Ryoga as she saw their reflection on the TV screen as she turned it off.
"About time. What were you two doing back there?" she asked, raising her eyebrow and showing a wicked grin.
Ranma stirred to wakefulness when he heard Nabiki speak, and looked sleepily at them. Shampoo and Mousse also looked at the two who now stood a meter apart. Their faces were filled with embarrassment.
"I just washed up." Ukyo naturally, but sounded very defensive.
"What was Ryoga doing there?" Nabiki asked them again, pressing on. She just couldn't resist the opportunity to tease them.
"I... I... I was just passing by when I saw her. We just talked about some stuff." he said as beads of sweat was rolling down his temples.
Both Ukyo and Ryoga hoped that Nabiki would stop asking them questions about what had happened. They did not want to look at each other, not wanting to show that they were blushing hard.
"Hmmm... well I was just asking." Nabiki finally let up, a smile on her face as she stood up and headed for the bathroom.
"Haaaiii..." Ukyo and Ryoga looked at each other when they realized they had said it simultaneously. They walked away from each other, Ryoga sitting on the veranda, while Ukyo walked towards Ranma.
*Something must be up with them.* thought Ranma as he saw the look on both their faces. Ukyo sat down on his right side, for Shampoo was already on the left. He looked at her, so did Mousse and Shampoo.
"What was that about?" asked Ranma. Ukyo just stared at the floor as she thought of what had just happened. She didn't hear him ask, her mind too occupied by some other things.
"Why spatula girl stare at floor?" Shampoo asked no one in particular. Both Ranma and Shampoo looked at Ukyo and waited for a response, but she seemed to be thinking deeply at the moment.
Mousse could see it, Ukyo was confused. *She loves Ranma, but what about Ryoga?* he thought as he analyzed the situation. He kept his thoughts to himself and remained silent.
"Earth to Ucchan. Hello..." said Ranma as he waved his hand in front of her face.
"Huh? What were you saying Ranchan?" she asked as she returned to reality.
"Wow! You've got it bad." said Mousse, who just could not keep himself from commenting.
"What spatula girl have bad?" Shampoo asked, confusion eating at her.
"Have you eaten already Ucchan? I think you need to eat first. You're like on cloud nine or something." Ranma said as he saw Ukyo's reaction.
"What do you mean I'm on cloud nine thinking of Ryoga. I'm not..." she didn't finish. They were already laughing because she was really defensive about the topic. No one even mentioned something about Ryoga.
"Defensive, aren't we Ucchan?" teased Ranma. They were all laughing their guts out when Ryoga came back. It was a miracle that he didn't get lost.
"Hey, I think I'll be going right now." Ukyo said to everyone.
"Shampoo and Mousse go, too. Great grandmother sure is looking for us." said Shampoo as she stood up. Mousse followed her.
"Hey, I... I wanna thank you guys for the help. You're gonna come back right." said Ranma as they started to leave.
"I'll be back tomorrow morning, Ranchan." she said, strapping her spatula behind her back.
"We only try. Great grandmother hard to ask." said Shampoo, happy that Ranma was asking her to return.
"Good bye Saotome, Hibiki." said Mousse as he bowed to them.
"I'd better be going, too." said Ryoga as they walked out the house. He slipped on his shoes and picked up his pack along with his umbrella.
"Where are you going?" Ranma asked him as he picked up his pack. Ukyo came back in and said, "He's staying with me at Ucchan's. He's gonna be working there. Right Ryoga." and winked at him. Ryoga was surprised with what she said, but kind of liked the idea.
"Yeah... My house is kind of far... and I... I... wanted to stay around the vicinity until we can find Akane." he said, nervously. Ranma gave him the questioning look. Then he looked at Ukyo, a little worried.
"Don't worry Ranchan, I'll take care of him." assured Ukyo. *Wow, where did that come from?* she immediately thought just as she had spoken.
"I don't want you getting lost Ryoga. I need your help to find Akane." said Ranma.
"Don't worry, I'll try not to." he said, determination on his face. He wanted to find Akane almost as much as Ranma does.
"OK, take care. Bye." farewells were given to each other as the four visitors walked out of the dojo.
Ranma stood by the gate, a smile of appreciation on his face. *Thank you, all of you. Thank you for being... a friend.* he thought as he carefully closed the gate.
Shampoo and Mousse left Ryoga and Ukyo because they really needed to get back to the Nekohanten. They ran past and was gone in the next intersection. This was Ryoga's chance to thank Ukyo.
"Hey... thanks for saving me back there. I know Ranma wouldn't let me leave in a time like this." he said, his hands behind his neck.
"That's alright, sugar. Wait a sec, where are you gonna stay?" she asked him out of the blue.
"I really don't have a place to stay, maybe I'll camp out on an empty lot somewhere." he said. Ukyo looked at him, actually, stared at him. He swallowed a lump past his throat as he saw it coming.
"Why don't you stay at my place. You can stay in the other room on the second floor. I do need help in the restaurant." she offered. Ryoga looked at her, still feeling a bit uncomfortable.
"Are you sure about this, Ukyo?" he asked again, needing assurance.
"After what you did for me in the bathroom, this is my way of thanking you." she said and then smiled.
"Thanks Ukyo." he said.
"No problem. You're just gonna have to work to pay for the food but the lodging is free." she said. He nodded in agreement.
"All I have to do is to clean your room first." she said as the rounded the corner.
"I'll help." said Ryoga and smiled. They walked together, an indescribable feeling surrounding them. Both felt complacency and comfort, trusting each other almost completely now.
Neither would have predicted things to become like this. They have been at each other's throats in the past, protecting their respective loves, or conniving for some plan to get what they want.
Both wondered where this situation came from, or what it has given them. Happiness and trust, yes. Love? Who knows? All they know is that they've found something in each other that neither would admit.
They found a friend in each other. A friendship just starting to form, a friendship that both really needed. A friendship, that may lead to love.
Breakfast was well and peaceful, pure, sweet music filled the dining area of the palace of Atlantis. The food had been delicious as expected and the dessert was great.
Atlas had been finished for quite some time now, but hadn't gone out of the room. He sat on his seat, watching Akane as she ate. He did not mind his ministers waiting outside, for he wanted to be with Akane. Astevaes walked in and approached Atlas.
"Good morning my king, your ministers await you." he said as he did that fist slamming thing on his chest. He waited for a response, but Atlas acted as if he was not even there.
"Should I call them in?" he asked as he put his hand down to his side. Atlas just sat there and thought for a moment. Then he looked at Akane who had just finished breakfast.
"No." he finally responded. Astevaes was about to go out and call the king's ministers when his mind registered Atlas's statement. He stared in surprise.
"But your majesty, you have a meeting with the ministers today. It is impor..." he wasn't able to finish.
"I said no. Tell my ministers to re - schedule the meetings." he insisted and stood up. He walked past the still mumbling Astevaes and walked up to Akane.
"I have more important things to do." he said as he assisted her in standing, a happy smile on his face.
"B.. but what should I tell them, sire?" asked Astevaes carefully so as not to upset Atlas. He shot Astevaes a blank look which made him bow down.
"I have already made my decision. Now, leave us." he finished, his eyes not leaving his most trusted adviser. Akane tugged on his arm as she looked towards him.
"What is it, fair one?" he asked. Akane looked him straight in the eyes, a soft smile spreading across her face.
"Please, go to your meeting. Don't worry about me. I'm gonna be fine." she told him sincerely. Atlas looked at her, puzzled.
"But what about the tour?" he asked, his hand slowly reaching to envelop hers.
"It's OK. I can walk around by myself. Go." she was insistent, taking his hand into hers and giving it a light squeeze. She leaned over and whispered something in his ear. He smiled at this and looked at Astevaes.
He was looking a little pale, obviously not wanting to tell the ministers of the state that the meeting was canceled. Atlas put his hand on his shoulder, his face bearing a smile.
"Tell my ministers that I will meet with them in twenty minutes." he said. Astevaes bowed to him for reconsidering the meeting.
"Thank you, your highness." he said.
"Do not thank me. Thank Lady Akane." he said as he presented her to him.
"Thank you, My Lady." said Astevaes as he bowed once more in gratitude. Atlas and Akane both laughed as Astevaes hurried out of the room.
"Thank you fair one. Your kindness will never be forgotten." he said as he kissed her hand. Akane smiled at him.
"Just call me Akane. I'm more comfortable with it." she said. Actually, she'd been called Akane from the moment she entered the world, why change it now? Atlas looked at her, slightly confused.
"Please, just call me Akane." she continued.
"Such humbleness. Very well, Akane you shall be called upon your request." he said as he called a servant. The servant wrote down what he said and passed it to another servant.
"I have told him to tell everyone to call you Akane." he confirmed to her.
"But you didn't have to do that." she said.
"You are my future bride and the future queen of Atlantis. You should be treated with respect." he said in a low and serious voice, but gentle enough to be music to one's ears.
"Merian, your lady awaits." he said. "I shall go about my business. But if you need anything, Merian will know where to find me." he finished as he walked out of the room. Merian bowed to him as he passed, then approached Akane.
"How was breakfast, My La... er... Akane?" she asked nervously as she remembered what the king had just said. She was just standing in front of her. Akane laughed at the sight of her.
"C'mon, it's not like I'm gonna die if you call me Lady Akane, though that really sounds too formal." she said trying to calm her.
"But you are the future queen of our land and I agree with the king that you must be treated with respect. His majesty is very kind, the kindest of all the kings. But he can be very strict where it concerns you." she said.
"Oh, let's forget about that. Why don't you give me a tour of the palace." she suggested. Merian's face lit up.
"That's nice. But we must first prepare you." she said as she pointed at what Akane was wearing. She giggled a little.
"I guess I'm out of fashion." she said, looking down on her green sweater and red skirt.
"Then let's go. You are going to have a wonderful time with me touring you around." said Merian as she turned in circles around the room. She seemed to like touring the palace.
Then her facial expression changed into an embarrassed. Akane approached her, noting the sudden change in expression.
"Why? What's wrong?" asked Akane.
"Uh... nothing. I'm just not used to acting like this in the palace." she managed to get out. Akane put her hands on Merian's shoulders.
"Don't worry. I like it that way. I just hate it when people around me are like servants. I want them to be my friends." she said, comforting her. Her expression changed again into a happier one.
"Thank you Lady Akane. I... I... mean Akane." she said, overjoyed at her new found friend.
"You are as kind as all the princesses of our kingdom. You are fit to be the next queen of Atlantis. I am proud to be of service." she said as she and Akane walked out of the dining room.
Akane was troubled with what she said.
*I'm fit to be the next queen? But what about my family, my friends. I miss them already, what more if I get married... what about... what about... Ranma?* she thought as they made their way out the hall.
"HACHOO!" sneezed Ukyo as she dusted Ryoga's new room. Ryoga was outside, putting all of the old boxes and other stuff, which had previously occupied the room, in the trash can. Ukyo had already finished dusting and started sweeping the floor.
"Where the heck is that Ryoga?" she complained. "It's been twenty minutes since he brought all those trash out." she said.
She put down her broom and started going down the stairs. She found the trash outside in the trash can, but no sign of Ryoga. She looked for him in and out the restaurant.
"Where in the world is he?" she asked as she scratched her head in frustration. Then she heard someone talking. She followed where the sound was coming from. She reached an abandoned alley, about ten meters from Ucchans.
She had finally found him, there, talking to the chickens. Ukyo couldn't help but laugh at the sight.
"Um... er... does any of you know the way back to Ucchan's?" Ryoga asked the chickens. Ukyo couldn't hold it much longer and burst out, laughing like there was no tomorrow.
"R... Ryoga you idiot." she managed to say while laughing. Ryoga turned to her and was relieved to see her and irritated at the same time when she had called him an idiot.
"Do you actually think that these chickens can tell you where my shop is?" she asked him, still laughing a little.
"Make fun of me, why don't you." he said, in an irritated but sad voice. Ukyo realized that she has been laughing too much that she's already hurting Ryoga's feelings. She stopped laughing and approached him.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..." she trailed off.
"I understand." he said. Ukyo put her hand on his shoulder and gave it a comforting squeeze.
"C'mon, I think we should get back to the store now." she said. Ryoga didn't respond to what she had said. But he did smile somewhat.
"Why don't you tell me what happened when you went down." she suggested, still trying to cheer him up. Ryoga just nodded and started to tell her about his so - called 'journey' as they walked back to Ukyo's restaurant.
"Where do we go next?" asked an enthusiastic Akane. Merian has been touring her around the palace for two hours now, but Akane still has the energy to continue. Merian sat on the bench, already breathless.
"Akane, I think we should rest first." she said as she rested on a bench, catching her breath. Akane just looked at her, and giggled. She sat beside her and started to count all the places they have been.
"Let's see. We've been to the East and West wings of the palace." she said as she raised two of her fingers. Then she looked up at the sky trying to remember the other places they've gone to.
"No, don't tell me." she said as she waved her hand in front of Merian's face, shutting her mouth before she could say something.
"Yeah! We've also gone to the aviary ( where all the bird species, even the extinct ones like the dodo and elephant bird, in the surface world, live harmoniously), the botanical gardens ( where all those scientists try breeding different and sophisticated plants ), and to the library. ( where the room was filled with books lining the walls from top to bottom, not to mention the hundreds of rows of books in the middle of the room ) OK! Where do we go next?" she asked Merian, full of energy.
Merian looked like she had been running for hours. She was a bit sweaty and obviously tired. But she remembered her promise to Akane that she will have a great tour.
"Let's just rest for a few more minutes, OK." she answered, still trying to catch her breath. Akane stared at her and wondered.
"I was thinking, how can you understand me if I speak in Japanese? And how can I understand you if you're not speaking in Japanese?" she asked her curiously. Merian was surprised with her question.
"You don't understand. Even if you speak any language, we can still understand each other. That is one of the special skills of our people." she said, placing her hands on Akane's shoulders, trying to make her understand.
"You belong here Akane." she finished. Akane seemed to understand and nodded, smiling softly at Merian.
"Make way for his majesty, King Atlas!" shouted someone in the background.
Akane and Merian turned around to see a battalion of soldiers standing on the side edges of the pathway towards them. In the middle was Atlas, who was walking towards their direction.
He stood in front of them and bowed in greeting. Merian quickly stood up and moved away to leave them in each others' company. Atlas took Akane's hand in his and kissed the top of her hand.
"How's your tour of the palace? I hope that you're enjoying it." he said with a very handsome smile. Akane smiled and blushed a little.
"I'm really having fun. Merian has showed me the beautiful places in the palace." Then she turned her head to the direction of the city.
She had been meaning to get out of the palace and wander in the city, but Merian was not given permission to take her out. Apparently for Akane's own security.
"I just wish I could go to the city." she said, pulling a fast out one. Atlas sensed that it was coming. She had been wanting to go out and explore the city. And the only way for her to do so is to have Atlas come with her.
He laughed a little and called one of his soldiers. He said something to him and he turned to do his master's biding. Then he returned his attention to Akane, who gave him a confused looked.
"What was that about?" she asked him, raising an eyebrow not in suspicion but more in confusion.
"Fear not, Akane. I told him to cancel all of my works for the day. For I wish to be with you." he replied as he again reached to touch her hand.
"Come, I will show you something of your liking." he said as he gestured to the balcony above. They walked past the soldiers, one by one bowing in respect, with Merian following close by.
As they reached the second floor, Atlas put a blindfold over her eyes, trying to surprise her. Then he opened the door which leads to the balcony. He led her a few feet from the edge then removed the blindfold.
Akane was more amazed than surprised with what she saw. There were mountains, green fields, rivers flowing from the mountains and breaking off into streams, farms filled with different domestic animals, and there was the city.
She could see the market place filled with a lot of people, the unique households much different from the houses back in Japan. She also noticed the town square where a group of people were gathered while watching a drama festival.
She couldn't see this before since the palace was covered by big, solid gates. She was so happy that she didn't know what to say. She desperately wanted to go out and join the people in their merrymaking.
But there was something other than those which shocked her. Something that she never thought possible. Something that could have only existed in ones dreams and imaginations.
It was Atlantis itself.
She found herself in a place under the oceans, covered and protected by a transparent dome. Everywhere around them were fishes, sea landscapes and other sea creatures.
Atlantis is under water, having been submerged centuries ago during the time of the gods. Though kept far from life at the surface, Atlantis has grown to be one of, if not the most powerful nation, in the world.
It has endured the ravages of nature, surviving the plagues of humanity and able to surpass the existence of any other civilization that has inhabited the earth.
The city itself was majestic and beautiful. But more so were the people. Having been humbled all those centuries ago by the gods, the people of Atlantis have learned to cope with life's struggles without causing another's suffering.
Even though Atlantis can be considered paradise, Akane thought otherwise. Something was still nagging at her, something that was quite very essential but missing.
*Paradise is a place filled not only with beauty but with love as well. Without love, there is no beauty, no... nothing.* thought Akane as she looked up at the ceiling.
"Now I know what was missing." she whispered to herself.
*There were no windows in my room, none in the corridors, and none in the other places we've been. There is no sunlight.* she thought as she finally figured it out.
It was the first time she got to see over the gate of the palace, or to see the beautiful surroundings. The library, aviary and botanical garden were all covered with some sort of translucent dome.
All of those buildings were connected to the palace by some sort of passageway having solid rock as it's roof. Each part of the palace was shielded by a translucent dome.
"Everything that you see is ours, Akane. The mountains, the rivers, the city, everything." he said, taking a step towards her. He was already accustomed to seeing such property.
"Ever since I was born, I was told that I would rule all of Atlantis. I was brought to this balcony almost everyday by my father, to show me all the wealth that I could possess." he said as he drew breath to speak.
"I never really wanted any of this, just like you I hated to be treated like a prince or something. But it is my destiny, so I had to follow it." he paused as he looked over the balcony.
"But when my father told me about having a fiancée, a future wife, my view in life changed. Sure I was a bit young, about two to three years I think, but I had understood him completely." he paused once more as he turned to face her.
"With great power comes great responsibility, that's what my father used to tell me. He said he got it from a monk of some sort. When I ascended to the throne at a young age, all the responsibilities left by my father became mine." he paused yet again, walking towards Akane.
"Most were the meetings with the ministers and paperwork. Those responsibilities became my life. They were the only things I had to do." he stopped, looking down at Akane. She looked up to him and nodded, urging him to go on.
"My greatest responsibility was protecting you and taking care of you. Since I was only a child when you were taken away, I was unable to protect you. I vowed on my life that I would find you... and now, I have." he drifted off as he held Akane's hand in his.
Atlas turned her to face him and he looked into Akane's eyes. She could see the longing in his eyes. He was hoping that she would give in to him, hoping for a response. But it never came.
*Responsibility to be the next queen of Atlantis?* she thought. *I have my own responsibilities back home, the most important one concerning a certain fiancé of mine.* she thought sadly as she was torn between two choices, but favoring the latter more.
Akane pulled her hand away from his, a little sadness crept in her face as she looked up to the ocean above her. Atlas noticed the sudden change in her expression and started to worry.
She was happy when she came to the balcony, when she saw the beautiful surroundings. What could have he said, or maybe have done to her for her expression to change suddenly?
"What is it?" he asked worriedly. Akane didn't answer.
"What has troubled thee?" he asked her again. Akane began to smile again, but it was a weak and obviously forced one.
"Nothing... I just miss my family." she said ending with a sigh.
*Actually, I miss everyone. My family, my friends and classmates. I even miss Kuno's poetry and Kodachi's attempts to manipulate Ranma. I miss even Shampoo, Ukyo, Ryoga, and... poor Mousse, always being rejected by Shampoo. Then my little P - Chan. I... I... I even miss Ranma.* she finally admitted to herself.
She definitely could not talk to Atlas about it, since he knows Ranma as an evil sorcerer. He would only think that she was ill and would call Astevaes to check on her. Astevaes did make her feel creepy.
"I'm fine. I'm just home sick, I guess." she said, smiling as she turned to walk back inside the palace.
*I just hope that I have my family with me here or that I'll be there with them.* she thought.
Atlas just looked at her as she walked away from him, seeing his chances slowly slipping away, but more importantly feeling torn apart at Akane's reaction.
It was as if she did not want to become the next queen.
*Maybe she really doesn't.* he thought sadly, trying to smile but failing miserably.
"This is yours, Akane. This is your heritage." he whispered softly as his words seemed to echo though the whole city as it joined the wind that blew gently across the land.
End of Chapter 3
From the Author:
The words in UNDERLINE are spoken or thought in Chinese in this chapter.
Why is Shampoo acting a bit strange?
Like I said in the introduction to the whole series, most of the characters would be a bit different form their usual Takahashi selves. I need to change their attitudes and views in life for the fanfic to fit in. Besides, even though Shampoo and most of the Ranma 1/2 characters act a tad too strange to be normal, I still think that there's more to them than bonbourri, flying shurikens ( Ukyo's mini spatulas ), really sharp bandannas and almost any kind of weapon. I think that deep down, these people wish to have a normal life and away from all the laws, engagements and fights that surround their lives.
Since when did Ranma become a sorcerer?
He really isn't a sorcerer. Astevaes just said so. If ever Artemis finds help from Ranma and his friends, he just made sure that Atlas would see Ranma as an enemy.
What painful 'event'?
This 'event' will be explained in the next chapters, maybe somewhere along chapter 8 or 9. This 'event' is one of the major happenings in the fanfic. It kinda gives a history or basis for the story, too.
About Atlantis being ruled by Greeks, I got the idea from an unproved theory in an encyclopedia combined with my wild imagination. I don't exactly base everything on facts, especially fanfics.
And sorry about the bundled leaves thing, I still don't know what it's called.
All comments, suggestions, criticisms and the like, please click the link below.
All Ranma 1/2 characters copyright to Rumiko Takahashi. They are used without permission. Please do not sue me, I don't have money.
©1998 Shirley Joy Gadia, all other characters mentioned above and the story, all rights reserved.
Thank you!