A Ranma 1/2 Fanfic Trilogy:
"The True Meaning of Love"
By: s16thunderjet

Story 1
"The Search for Atlantis"

Chapter 8:
The Cave of the Winds

Part 1:
The Greatest Treasure

	After Shampoo had woken up, they ate dinner and prepared for
teleportation. 

	Not minding the time, which was almost 11:00 P. M. in the evening
of the same day, they immediately left for Nepal, to the small mountain
town of Chautara to be precise. 

	Arriving there, they immediately noticed or felt the cold
temperature. Not the freezing type, but definitely colder than Africa
and Saudi Arabia. 

	You can't really find any hotel in those mountains, so they asked
one of the townsfolk who owned a barn, the ethnic ones made up of red
rocks ( not really bricks ) if they could stay in there only until noon
of the next day. 

	The owner agreed even without accepting payment. He just told them
that they must provide their own food and heat for their stay. Artemis
thanked the man and directed the others into the barn. 

	Yes, the type with horses, chickens and hay all over the place.
Ranma - chan and the others placed their things in one place, and
started laying their futons. 

	It was 11:00 in the evening. Mousse made Shampoo a bed, or
something that looks like a bed. He placed her futon atop some hay. She
lay down on the futon and smiled at him. 

	"Thank you Mousse." she said, and slowly drifted off to sleep. He
placed some of the hay around her as she was now again asleep, hoping
that it and the blankets would help keep her warm. 

	"Sleep well." he whispered and kissed her on the forehead. He does
that whenever Shampoo was asleep. 

	Back in Japan, he couldn't even get close enough to touch Shampoo
because, as a great Amazon warrior, Shampoo could sense his presence.
And that was when she was asleep. 

	Usually, he would end up watching and guarding her from her
dresser, about a foot and a half from her bed. Now, it looks as if she
doesn't even feel his presence. 

	Or maybe because she doesn't mind him doing that at all. Whatever
the reason, he didn't care. As long as things stay the way they are. He
pulled the blanket up to her chest and stood up. 

	When he made his way to their packs, he suddenly realized
something. He gave all the blankets to Shampoo, leaving him only with
his futon. 

	It was definitely bound to be a cold night, a very, very cold
night. Mousse shivered. He looked back at Shampoo's sleeping form. 

	*She looks so angelic, so innocent, so vulnerable... and so
comfortable, too.* he thought, then sighed. 

	He couldn't take the blankets from her, so he needed to find
something that would keep him warm. He decided to look around for
something. 

	The barn wasn't really that big, well, it does contain six horses,
so it would be easier for him to find something. At the other side of
the barn, a few good meters from where he was, Ukyo was tucking Ryoga
in. 

	"You don't hafta do this." he said, a little sleepy - eyed
already. Ukyo smiled as she pulled the blanket over him. 

	"I know I don't. I want to, OK." she said. Ryoga wanted to argue
his point but he was too sleepy to do so. He just smiled and slowly
drifted into sleep. 

	"Thank you..." he managed to whisper just before his eyes closed. 

	"You're welcome." said Ukyo. Seeing Ryoga in a comfortable state, 

	Ukyo shifted her weight from her left foot to her right and turned
to check on Ranma - chan. She felt satisfied seeing him sleeping
soundly. She smiled to herself and stood up. 

	"Good night." he said to both the sleeping forms of Ranma - chan
and Ryoga. She was brushing the hay off her shirt when a hand fell on
her shoulder. 

	Startled, her right hand reflexively grabbed her battle spatula.
As she turned to swing, she saw from her peripheral vision Mousse
frantically trying to wave her off. 

	"Hey... it's... just... me." he said in between waving and trying
to move away. Ukyo slipped her battle spatula back and gave Mousse a
hard look. 

	"What's the big idea?" she asked. 

	"Uh, sorry. I just wanted to ask if you had an extra blanket." he
said, blushing a bit with embarrassment. 

	Ukyo's expression changed back to normal and she sighed. She
rummaged through her pack and took out a blanket. 

	"Here." she gave him. 

	"Thanks." Mousse gladly accepted. 

	"Just why do you need a blanket, don't you have yours?" she asked
as she started laying her futon beside Shampoo. Then she saw Shampoo,
covered with four layers of blanket. 

	"Oh..." said Ukyo as she turned back to Mousse. 

	"I understand." she said and started to lay down. 

	"Good night." she said. 

	"You, too. Thanks again." said Mousse as he walked back to the
guys' side of the barn. 

	*Finally.* he thought. 

	Mousse lay down in his futon and tried to sleep. But just as his
eyes were starting to get heavy, the thought of the power came to him.
He'd been doing a good job the whole day, keeping it out of his system. 

	He sat up, frustrated and disappointed with his foiled attempt at
sleep. He looked beside him where Ranma - chan and Ryoga were sleeping
and felt even more frustrated. 

	"Having trouble sleeping?" said someone from behind him. He turned
to see Artemis sitting on a stack of hay, drinking what he assumed was
tea. He was about to ask where she had been but she read his mind. 

	"I had a talk with the owner." she answered his unspoken question.
Mousse threw the blankets aside and stood up to walk over to her. He sat
beside her on the stack of hay and looked down at her cup. 

	*Yup, it is tea.* he confirmed his earlier thought. 

	"Would you like some?" she asked, pouring him a cup of tea. 

	"Thanks." he said, accepting the offer. 

	"Tomorrow, as soon as Shampoo and Ryoga are well rested, we will
go to the mountains." she told him. Mousse sipped from the cup, not
looking at her but listening attentively. 

	"The owner said he can have a guide ready by then." she continued.
Mousse stared down at the cup, still not looking at her. Artemis had a
small smile on her face. 

	"Don't worry about tomorrow." she said. Mousse turned his head to
look at her, questioningly. 

	"How did you know?" he asked. 

	"Oh, I have my ways." she said, refilling her cup. Mousse put down
his cup and stared straight, actually, in the direction of Shampoo. 

	"I'm scared of what's gonna happen. What if I have to go through
it again." he said, his voice becoming louder. Artemis finished her cup
and put it down beside her. 

	She placed her hand on Mousse's shoulder and spoke, "Like I said,
do not worry. I know you'll do what is right." 

	Artemis smiled and made her way to where Shampoo and Ukyo were.
Mousse gave her a wan smile and looked on as she walked. He looked down
at his cup again, and drank it dry. 

	He sighed and went down to sleep. Unlike before, sleep found him
and gave him well needed rest.

*****

	The ten men Herion sent out have returned with their reports. 

	"No sign of them, Lord." reported the pair from Egypt. And same
goes for the ones from Turkey, Iran and Iraq. Herion looked at the last
pair, the one from Saudi, with irritation. 

	"You better have something." he demanded. One of them stepped
forward. 

	"We didn't find them Lord, but we may have information on where
they might be headed." he answered. Herion raised an eyebrow at him. 

	"Proceed." he said. The man's partner stepped forward, beside him.
He held out a piece of paper which looked like a chart. 

	"What is that?" asked Herion. 

	"An energy reading taken about five minutes ago." he said. Herion
took the paper from him and examined it. 

	"Hmm..., heading east." he observed, his hand pressed against his
chin. He threw the paper back to the man and sat. 

	"Analysis?" he asked. One of the men sitting by the computer stood
from his chair and turned to him. 

	"Judging by the first data we collected, there are only two
possible destinations, Nepal and China." he said. 

	The man showed the a map of the world, and their data, the first
and the recent one, into the big screen, placing them beside the other
for comparison. 

	"The distance they covered from Africa to Saudi Arabia was about
45 degrees." he said, pointing at the map. 

	"If our calculations are correct, another 45 degrees into the east
will bring them to Nepal or southern China." he concluded by pointing at
the map again. Herion fell silent in his seat, thinking of what to do. 

	"The three of you go to Nepal, all the others to China." he
instructed. One of the ten men stepped forward. 

	"What is it?" asked Herion. 

	"Lord, why three to Nepal and seven to China?" he asked carefully,
so as not to anger Herion for questioning his decision. Lucky for him,
it had the desired effect. 

	"China is bigger then Nepal." answered Herion. The warrior stepped
back into the line. 

	"Go." he commanded. All of them bowed and said simultaneously, 

	"Yes, Lord." then vanished.

*****

	"We're off." announced Ranma ( now a boy ) as they started their
journey to the mountains. 

	It was about 12:00 noon when Shampoo and Ryoga woke up from their
rest. Not wanting to hold the others back on the journey, they agreed to
leave thirty minutes later, after eating lunch that is. 

	They are to travel to the town of Kodari in the north, to buy some
more supplies and then continue in heading east, to the mountain Gauri
Sankar. 

	From there, they can teleport to Mount Everest without using up so
much energy. After two hours of walking, Ranma and co. were starting to
get tired. 

	"Can't we stop for a drink?" asked Ranma. 

	Without getting any response, he stopped his tracks and sat on a
the path. Ryoga and Ukyo, the ones behind him, stopped as well. Artemis
and the others ahead looked back at their tired comrades. 

	"OK." she surrendered and put down her pack. Shampoo and Mousse
followed her example and placed down their packs beside hers. 

	"Thirty minutes, then we go." she said and talked with Kari, their
guide. Ukyo handed out the sandwiches while Shampoo handed out the
water. 

	"How far do you think is Mount Everest from here?" asked Ryoga.
Ukyo gave him a sandwich and continued with the others, but didn't
answer. 

	"We really don't know. We only need to make it to Gauri Sankar and
then teleport from there." said Mousse. 

	"Oh." said Ryoga. 

	"Won't that use up energy?" asked Ukyo as she sat down beside
Ryoga. 

	"It will. But only little." answered Shampoo. After another twenty
minutes, break was over. 

	"Everyone get up." said Artemis. 

	Everyone, except Ranma, stood up slowly, as if not wanting to
continue the journey. Ranma tried not to look irritated at his friends.
He knew that they also wanted to save Akane, just as much as he does. 

	Besides, he was the one to call a break. 

	"Let's go." he said, full of enthusiasm unlike the very tired and
thirsty Ranma thirty minutes ago. 

	After another two hours, they reached the foot of Mount Gauri
Sankar. Kari, their guide told them not to continue their journey now
that it's getting dark, but they wanted to continue anyway. 

	Kari bid them farewell and started on his way back to Chautara.
They took another thirty minute break before teleportation, preparing
both mind and body for the task at hand. They put on their coats and
formed a circle. 

	"Everyone ready?" asked Artemis. 

	"Remember, don't let go. It is too dangerous to get lost in the
mountains, especially at night." she reminded them. 

	"Ryoga, Shampoo, do your stuff." she said. 

	They held onto each other as the teleportation process started.
Just as they completed teleportation, another group started to
materialize near them. 

	"We just missed them." said one. 

	"Hurry, contact lord Herion and the others." said another, who
appeared to be their group leader. The third one appeared to be
calculating something. 

	"Destination, Mount Everest." he said.

*****

	Inside the chamber, Herion was most satisfied with his team's
performance. 

	"Very well. You will all proceed to Mount Everest at once." he
commanded both group leaders. 

	"Make sure that the next time you contact us is when you bring us
news of victory." he demanded. 

	The screen faded out and he sat back on his chair. He started
laughing, maniacally. Because of his loud and crazed laughing, no one
noticed the clicking sound of the door opening and closing again.

*****

	"... sent his ten men to Mt. Everest." finished the warrior - spy. 

	"That imbecile!" shouted Astevaes. 

	"Letting his men do the work for him. Even Bismont was more
useful." he said, crushing a wine glass in his hand. He looked at his
hand, his blood now mixing with the wine as it dripped down to the newly
washed carpet. 

	"Damn!" he said again, throwing the remains of the crushed glass. 

	"Go back to your post." he commanded the warrior - spy. 

	"Yes, Lord." he said, slowly getting up. 

	"Tell the servants to clean this again." added Astevaes. The
warrior - spy bowed in front of him and then left the room.

*****

	Ukyo looked around and saw their surroundings filled with snow.
She blew into her hands and rubbed them, trying to keep them warm. 

	"It's really cold out here." she commented. 

	They have just materialized from their teleportation and were
pretty surprised with the welcoming committee, a snow storm. Ryoga held
his hand out to her, calling her before she got left behind. 

	"Come on Ukyo." he said. Ukyo looked at him, and just realized
that she had stopped walking. 

	"Oh, sorry." she said and took his hand. 

	The two trudged as quickly as they could through the snow, and
caught up with the others. Ranma turned to them, hearing them panting
behind him. 

	"Are you guys OK?" he asked. They both looked at him and nodded. 

	"Where are we?" asked Ukyo. Ranma jerked his thumb towards Mousse.
His eyes were closed while he was walking. Him using his other senses
and not his eyes. 

	"Why are his eyes closed?" asked Ryoga. 

	"Because I can feel the power better." he answered. 

	Shampoo and Artemis just looked on as Mousse directed them to the
power. After a few more meters of trudging through the snow, he stopped.
And they stopped with him. 

	"Why you stop?" asked Shampoo. He lifted his hand to shush her. 

	"It is near." he said. 

	"Where?" asked Artemis. 

	"Here." said a different voice from behind them. 

	They all turned to see another group of Atlantis warriors. Mousse
put on his glasses, ready to attack when Ranma stopped him. 

	"Go. You need to find the power." he said. 

	"Don't worry, we can take care of them." said Ryoga. But deep
inside, he knows it's not going to be that easy. 

	"Shampoo, Artemis, please go with Mousse." Ranma asked. They
nodded. Mousse was about to argue when Ranma shout. 

	"GO! NOW!" Mousse nodded and they turned to go. 

	*Don't worry Ranma, I will find the power.* he thought, as if he
were making a vow. 

	"Not again." said Ukyo. She studied them, and noticed that one of
them looked familiar. The same one who she fought with in the ruins. 

	"Aren't you..." she trailed off as he answered. 

	"Why yes. That was me sweetie." he said with a malicious and
wicked grin on his face. Then Ranma and Ryoga also noticed some familiar
faces. 

	"But I thought we already finished you." wondered Ryoga. They all
laughed at his comment. 

	"We aren't that easy to kill. Ask Artemis about it, if you ever
get the chance." one of them said and attacked. 

	The battle started. 

	Their group leader instructed four of his men to follow Mousse and
the others. Ranma, Ryoga and Ukyo saw the men and wanted to go after
them. But they already had company. 

	"Where to?" asked Shampoo. Mousse stopped again and looked for
that strong feeling. 

	"There." he said, pointing to a small cavern a few meters towards
the west. There was a boulder in its center, and a white falcon perched
on top of it. 

	"Let's go." said Shampoo. 

	But before she was even able to take a step, a small energy ball
came flying by her, giving her a ki - burn on her cheek. She was lucky
it was all it did. 

	They turned to see four men flying in their direction, and
approaching fast. Shampoo pulled out a pair of bonbouri from out of
nowhere and just stood there, waiting for them to come. 

	"Go Mousse." she said. 

	"But Shampoo..." he started to argue but she cut him off. 

	"For the last time, I can take care of myself. Go." she said, her
back to him. 

	For this reason, he didn't see the tears starting to well up in
her eyes. Even with the power of nature in her possession, she knew it
would be hard to fight four men at the same time. 

	Mousse raised his hand to touch her, but decided against it. He
knew that when Shampoo set her mind onto something, it would be hard to
convince her to do otherwise. 

	"OK." he said and turned. After walking for a few moments, Shampoo
turned to him. 

	"Mousse..." he heard Shampoo call. 

	"Get the power, and then help me. Please be careful." she said. 

	Then she turned her back on him again. Because of the snow, he was
still not able to see the tears in her eyes, knowing she might not
survive this battle. 

	Mousse knew then, from the tone of Shampoo's voice, that even the
Amazon princess, strong and brave, fears something. Not only for
herself, but for him as well. He knew then, that she somehow cared. 

	"I will." he said. Just as he said that, the wind started to pick
up, howling like wolves during the full moon.

*****

	"Damn." said Ranma, wiping blood off his lips. 

	Their group leader was definitely different from his first
opponent. For one, he was elusive, almost as good as that Bismont guy in
the ruins. But not as strong. 

	It had taken him at least two ki blasts, and a kachuu tenshin
amaguriken to knock out his first opponent. And that wasn't even their
leader. What would it take to just knock this guy off his feet, let
alone knock him out completely. 

	"Have you had enough?" asked the leader in a tone that made
Ranma's blood boil. 

	"Enough???" growled Ranma, enraged. 

	"I'll give you enough." he said and charged. He started another
barrage of punches and kicks, not one connecting. 

	"BAKUSAI TENKETSU!" screamed Ryoga, creating another shock that
led to a huge avalanche. 

	It buried his two opponents under about four feet of snow. Ukyo
saw the avalanche coming her way and quickly evaded. One of her
opponents got buried in the snow while the other evaded with her. 

	"Ryoga, you idiot!" she shouted, glaring at him before kicking her
opponent down. 

	"Uh... sorry." he managed, blushing with embarrassment. 

	She started to walk towards him, eager to hit him with her spatula
and shout at him, when the three buried opponents suddenly rose. 

	"Ukyo behind you." warned Ryoga. Ukyo was ranting and yelling and
didn't hear or understand Ryoga's words. 

	The three were quickly approaching Ukyo so Ryoga summoned all of
his depression to fire a ki blast. When Ukyo was near enough to hear
him, he shouted. 

	"Ukyo, get out of the way." 

	Ukyo, seeing Ryoga's aura burning brightly, knew what was going to
happen next. She had the common sense to get out of the way of his
blast. Their opponents were still at least thirty feet away but he
continued. 

	"SHI SHI HOKOUDAN REVISED: SHOOKU NAMI!" he shouted. He bowed his
head, his aura started to vanish into thin air. 

	Their opponents have seen, actually, they have felt the shi shi
hokoudan before and braced for impact. The three waited for the blow but
nothing came. Ukyo was as surprised as them. The three started laughing. 

	"Ouch! That hurt." said one, insulting Ryoga. 

	"Was that all?" sarcastically asked another. Ukyo came up behind
Ryoga, who's head was still bowed. 

	"What happened?" she asked. 

	"Ukyo hold on." he said and put his arm around her waist. 

	Ryoga created a ball of light that surrounded them, like a force
field. Ukyo was about to hit him for the act of 'perversion' when she
saw the effects of the blast. 

	The ground beneath their three opponents started to shake
uncontrollably. Then it opened up to swallow the three along with the
other one Ukyo knocked out. 

	Because of the snow, they didn't even have a chance to fly out of
the crack or scream for help. After a while, the ground closed up, as if
it didn't open at all. 

	Ukyo, who was now holding on to Ryoga for her life, was
speechless. Their force field was now gone and Ryoga dropped down to one
knee, panting. Seeing Ryoga fall, Ukyo dropped down beside him and
regained her voice. 

	"Are you alright?" she asked, full of concern. Ryoga looked at her
and flashed the best smile he could. 

	"Yeah, just used up a lot of energy." he said, still panting. 

	Ukyo had a lot of questions in mind, but suppressed them for the
moment. Ryoga had just been through what she can call an 'energy
draining technique' and needed her ministrations. Then she heard a
scream. 

	"Woah." said Ranma, dodging a punch and trying to maintain his
balance at the same time. 

	Their battle had been temporarily interrupted by an earthquake
that came out of nowhere. Both he and the group leader were relieved
that it was over. 

	But then came an avalanche that was apparently caused by the
quake. Both of them tried to escape the avalanche but were both caught
in it. 

	"Aaaaah!" was all Ranma could say before he got buried. 

	"Ranchan!" said Ukyo, turning to the source of the scream. She
wanted to go and help him, but remembered Ryoga.
	
*****

	CRACK! 

	Akane looked up from what she was doing and stared in fear. Her
bedroom mirror had a crack that split it into half. 

	Yesterday, she had been thinking if Ranma would like what she had
just cooked when the large mirror cracked. She had been thinking about
Ranma, all the things they've done in the past. And now, this. 

	It was too scary to be a coincidence, and Akane badly wanted to
find out for herself. She stood up and dropped the book she was reading
about the ancient gods and goddesses. She opened the door and almost ran
into Merian. 

	"Sorry. I'm in a hurry." she called as she ran towards Atlas's
room. 

	"Lady....." Merian drifted as she saw Akane's retreating figure.

*****

	Ryoga felt Ukyo's body shift. He had also heard the scream and
tried to turn, but his body wasn't up to it. He collapsed completely
onto the ground, but was still half - conscious. 

	Ukyo looked down at him, full of concern and maybe... something
more. Ryoga smiled and slowly lifted his hand to touch hers, knowing
that the okonomiyaki chef was torn between two. 

	 "Go, help him." he said before going into a series of coughing.
She squeezed his hand and smiled. 

	"Thank you." she said. 

	Ukyo heedlessly took off her jacket and folded it into a makeshift
pillow. She put it under Ryoga's head, making him as comfortable as
possible. 

	"Ukyo, don't..." he drifted, his throat starting to dry up. 

	"Don't worry. I still have four layers of shirts and a sweater."
she said, showing him. 

	"I'll be back." she said and kissed hi forehead. 

	Giving his hand one last squeeze, she set off to look for her
Ranchan. Ryoga lay there, frozen. But not because of the cold. It was
because Ukyo had kissed him. He decided it was a good time to faint. 

	Ukyo left Ryoga after making sure he was warm enough. She made her
way to where she thought she saw Ranma got buried. 

	"Ranchan! Ranchan, where are you?" she called. Then she slapped
her forehead, frustrated at herself. 

	*As if he could hear me!* she thought. 

	After another five minutes of looking, Ukyo began to worry. She
sat, frustrated at her inability to find Ranma and help him. 

	Sure, this was the Great Ranma Saotome. The man who defeated
monsters, princes and just about everyone else. But none of those count
now. 

	Ranma will never be able to stand the cold, freezing climate, let
alone getting buried by an avalanche which was, mind you, caused by
another of Ryoga's actions. 

	Well, it did save them from their foes, even bury their group
leader. But it also managed to get Ranma. You'd think he planned it or
something. These thoughts floated in Ukyo's mind as she sat there. 

	Suddenly, she felt something beneath her. A force, trying to move
up. Pushing, its way up. Trying desperately to break free from the snow
that seemed to seize it. 

	Ukyo was instantly on her feet, hand on her battle spatula. Her
grip on the handle tightened in anticipation. And then, with a cry of
triumph, a figure came from underneath the snow. 

	Ukyo was about to slice its head off when she noticed and very
familiar pigtail. She dropped the spatula and ran to him, to Ranma, to
her Ranchan. 

	"Ranchan!" she cried and hugged him like there was no tomorrow. 

	Ranma, for starters, was surprise to have Ukyo hug him, hug him
hard that is. He wouldn't have minded it, especially since it's a big
help in keeping him warm. 

	But the fact that half his body was still buried in the snow, and
Ukyo's weight was starting to give him a hard time, he started to mind
it. 

	"Ah, Ucchan. It's so nice to see you, too. But as you can see, I'm
still half buried and freezing here." he said, a slight annoyance and
stuttering in his voice. 

	Ukyo released him, realizing just now his position and what she
had just been doing. 

	"Oh, sorry." she said and got her mega spatula. Just as she let
him go, Ranma started to shiver uncontrollably. 

	"Ranchan, take this." she said, handing him her sweater. Ranma
started, or, tried to argue. But he couldn't even control his mouth to
speak. 

	"Just take it." said Ukyo, a bit annoyed because his ego was still
accessible for him to try and resist her help. 

	"U... cha... cchan... Sh... Sha... Shampoo... Mu... Mousse." he
managed, having a lot of problems with his speech at the moment. Ukyo
had the common sense to understand what he stammered. 

	"But what about you?" she asked. 

	"I'll buh... be fa... fa... fine." he stuttered again. Ukyo's mind
was in panic. 

	She was torn between helping Mousse and Shampoo, and staying with
Ranma and, wait a minute... Ryoga! She completely forgot about him. She
was about to turn around and run to him when a hand touched her arm. 

	Ukyo turned to see Ryoga sitting beside Ranma's freezing form. He
brought his hands together and directed his palms at Ranma, giving just
enough heat and energy for him to be able to generate his own. 

	After a while, Ryoga fell to the snow. 

	"I thought you had used up all your energy?" she asked, now
finding herself shivering in the cold. Ryoga smiled and reached out to
her, his hands touching hers. Suddenly, she felt warm like before. 

	"I didn't say I used up everything, just a lot." he answered. 

	"Funny, you didn't get lost." she said, noting his sudden
appearance. 

	"You're right. I didn't get lost." he said, elated and trying to
sound as happy as he could though he was almost lifeless and drained of
energy. He was about to jump and dance for joy when Ranma suddenly
stood. 

	"Save the celebration for later, we still have a lot of things to
do." he said, brushing snow off of himself and handing Ukyo her sweater. 

	"Thanks." he said and smiled, the same smile that could melt even
the hardest of hearts. He pulled her and Ryoga up, and headed upward
towards the mountain peak.

*****

	"Aiyaa." said Shampoo, seeing another valuable pair of bonbouri
wrecked. Two of the men made a move to attack her while she was unarmed. 

	"Rose whip!" said Shampoo. 

	From out of nowhere came two whips made from vines and roses. She
was able to wrap two of her opponents with the whip, disabling them.
Seeing their two comrades down, the remaining two attacked her. 

	Shampoo was still focused on suffocating the two when the other
two attacked her. Two fireballs where suddenly coming at her with great
speed. 

	She tried to dodge but the two men she was holding were trying to
keep her from moving. She closed her eyes as she felt the fireball
approach. But the fireball never made it. 

	"Are you alright?" She opened her eyes to see Mousse standing in
front of her, apparently using his body to shield her from the blast. 

	"Never shall you touch nor harm her as long as I live." he said,
again risking his life, as he always did, for Shampoo. 

	"Big words for a little man." said one of the men. Mousse ignored
them and turned to Shampoo, who had just finished squeezing the life out
of the two. 

	"What are you doing here?" she asked, starting their familiar
lines. 

	"I can't let them hurt you." he said, as if talking to a helpless
little girl. But at that point, Shampoo did seem helpless. He bent down
and helped her up. Brushing at her clothes, she turned to him. 

	"Don't worry about me. Get the power." she said. Mousse was about
to start on his stubborn line again when Shampoo held his hands. 

	"Please, do it for me." she asked, giving him the sweetest of her
smiles. 

	Something he was only able to see from a far. Usually it would be
for Ranma, and now, it was for him. How could he resist such a smile,
especially coming from Shampoo. He nodded and squeezed her hand. 

	"Please be careful." he whispered into her ear and ran for the
cavern. 

	"He's getting away!" said one of the men, and tried to follow
Mousse. Suddenly, there was a rose vine wrapped around him like the
other two. 

	"You no get pass me." said Shampoo. 

	"We'll see about that." said the other one. 

	The rose whip was sliced and the other got free. Now Shampoo had
to take on two of them. Taking out another pair of bonbouri, she
defended herself. Knocking of them down, Shampoo heaved a huge sigh. 

	"You may have beaten him easily, but you can't beat me." said the
last one, boastful. Shampoo regained her stance, preparing as he
attacked. 

	"Where is it?" Mousse asked himself. 

	From where he and Shampoo were standing a while ago, the cavern
was just about 10 to 15 meters to the west. He has been walking for
almost five minutes, but he still couldn't find the cavern. 

	And now, the wind was blowing at an even stronger force, giving
Mousse a harder time. He was about to turn to another direction when he
heard something. 

	"Wise falcon..." a voice called. The same voice that called to him
in his dream. 

	"The greatest treasure..." it called again. He tried to follow the
sound of the voice through the snow. 

	After a few more minutes of trudging through snow, and traveling
in a grueling weather, he finally saw it. He saw the boulder under the
small cavern, with a falcon perched atop it. 

	"Finally." he said and sighed. He walked up to it, paused a few
feet away from it, admiring the way it was standing on the boulder. 

	It's wings were silvery - white and it was perched proudly. Then
he started to reach out and touch the falcon. Just as he did, the voice
spoke again. 

	"This is the power. Your greatest treasure." said the voice. 

	His arm stopped from moving and his hand froze. He couldn't help
but think about that greatest treasure. But before he could ponder on
that thought, a scream could be heard somewhere. 

	"AAAAHHH!" screamed the Atlantis warrior. Shampoo had managed to
throw him off of the cliff, but got herself hanging on a branch in the
process. 

	She tried to grow vines to pull herself up but she used too much
of her power to do so. She tried to pull at the branch but it was no
good. She need help, she needed it badly. 

	"Help." she cried, hoping that someone may hear her even in with
the wind howling. 

	Mousse turned to what he thought of as the source of a scream. It
sounded like someone falling off a cliff or something. The voice was low
enough for him to know that it wasn't Shampoo falling off. 

	He again turned to the falcon, and started to lean towards it when
he heard another scream A very different, and high pitched one at that. 

	"Shampoo..." he said, turning again to the source of the sound.
Mousse was again torn between getting the power to help save Akane, and
saving his one true love from falling off the cliff. 

	"Hurry wise falcon, there isn't much time." the voice said again.
He turned to see the falcon getting ready to launch itself into the
blizzard. He didn't know what to do. 

	"Somebody, please help me!" cried Shampoo. She was slowly slipping
away. 

	"Wise falcon, your greatest treasure is slipping away." said the
voice. 

	Mousse thought for a second, looking at the falcon. Suddenly, he
turned around and ran into the blizzard. Hoping against hope that he's
not too late. 

	"Shampoo!" he screamed and ran to her. He was immediately lost in
the storm, only trying to follow the sound of Shampoo's voice. 

	But he knew he didn't have much time. He took off his glasses and
closed his eyes, now using his heart and not his eyes to see. He
followed where his heart would lead him, and eventually found Shampoo. 

	Opening his eyes, he bent over the cliff and reached out. 

	"Grab my hand." he said. Shampoo gladly took his hand and smiled
at him. 

	"Hold on." he said as he hauled her over. He pulled her up with
all of his strength. Shampoo landed on top of Mousse. 

	"Are you alright?" he asked. Shampoo nodded and embraced him. 

	"Thank you." she said. It was the only thing she could say at
that moment. 

	For she was being flooded with emotions she never thought possible
with any other man than Ranma, and especially not Mousse. Suddenly, she
saw the white falcon, the power of wind, fly off into the sky. 

	"What about the power? The greatest treasure?" asked Shampoo,
still lying on top of Mousse and embracing him. She looked up to see
Mousse looking at her, seeing his beautiful eyes looking at her. 

	Shampoo never realized that they were the most beautiful pair of
eyes she has ever seen until now. Suddenly, there were tears in those
beautiful eyes of his. 

	"You are and will always be my greatest treasure." he said, and
smiled at her. His arms now went around her and held her tight. Hearing
those words, Shampoo felt like she was the luckiest girl in the world. 

	They held on to each other as the wind started to pick up once
more, drawing heat and warmth from the each other, sharing their body
heat. 

	"I love you Shampoo." whispered Mousse. Saying only what he felt,
not waiting for a response. To his surprise, Shampoo spoke, also in a
whisper. 

	"I love you, too." Mousse smiled as he held Shampoo in his arms. 

	He did find the greatest treasure, and, for the first time in his
life, he was able to keep it. Suddenly, the snow storm stopped. They
both tilted their heads to see the white falcon land beside them. 

	Mousse's eyes widen and he sits up suddenly, carrying her with him
and bringing her to him in another fierce hug. There was a bright light
as the falcon changed into its human form. 

	"I say no more. Proving that your love is stronger than any other
force is enough. Be warm and feel the power of the wind in your soul."
he said and touched Mousse's head. 

	He felt heat flow into his body, giving all the warmth he needs to
survive the storm. Hurrias, the spirit of the wind, moved back and spoke
again. 

	"Be well and always remember that there isn't a force, more
powerful than love in this world." he said and turned back into a
falcon. It fluttered its silvery - white wings as a sign of farewell and
flew into the now beautiful, sunny sky. 

	"Hey, the storm stopped." said Ranma, wondering why the blizzard
stopped all of a sudden. 

	"Well, that's good for us." said Ukyo. 

	After another ten minutes of walking, they managed to reach their
destination. They saw Mousse, head laying on Shampoo's lap, hands
clasped together. Apparently, he had fainted from exhaustion. 

	They also saw Artemis beside Shampoo. Approaching them, they can't
help but feel the heat radiating from Mousse and Shampoo, and the love
that kept it coming, the love that kept them alive and together. 

	"Will they be alright?" Ryoga asked Artemis. 

	"They have each other now. Nothing can come between them." she
answered. 

	"Um, this is touching. But I think we should go to a... warmer
place." said Ranma. They all looked at him, wanting to kill him for
spoiling the moment. 

	"What???" he asked. "But he's right, we have to go to a warmer
place." said Ukyo. They all nodded and teleported out of the mountains,
and back to the town of Chautara in Nepal.

Part 2:
The Wrong Assumptions

	Something was wrong. Akane could feel it; a twisting, nervous
sensation in her gut, a sixth sense almost. Since the broken mirror the
day before, she has not been feeling well. 

	Thinking about Ranma when the mirror broke was the start. Then her
own mirror in her room broke just as she was thinking of him again. A
mere coincidence, she doesn't think so. 

	And now, she is on her way to Atlas's room. Hoping that he will
grant her wish. Her wish to return to Japan to see her family and
friends. Her wish to see Ranma, and make sure that he's alright. 

	Finally reaching her destination, Akane knocked on Atlas's door.

*****

	"How are they?" asked Ukyo, seeing Artemis walk into their side of
the barn. Artemis wiped sweat off her forehead with a towel and turned
to her. 

	"They're gonna be alright. They just need a lot of rest." she
answered, referring to Mousse and Shampoo. 

	"You should get some rest, too." she said. Ukyo looked down at the
sleeping form of Ranma and Ryoga. She couldn't help but giggle at how
the two looked. 

	Just before they slept they were swearing that they won't sleep
anywhere near each other, and now they were almost embracing. Not only
that, they were snoring in harmony, too. 

	"With those two, I think I'll sleep near Shampoo and Mousse." she
said, picking up her futon. 

	"OK, sleep well." said Artemis as Ukyo took a turn. Then Artemis
frowned. 

	"She can sense that she will be the next." she told herself. She
sighed and finished wiping her face. 

	"I just hope she's as strong as the others." she said and went to
sleep. 

*****

	"Absolutely out of the question!" said Atlas, trying desperately
not to shout at Akane. He turned his back to her, but she maneuvered
herself to be in front of him once more. 

	"Please, Atlas. I just want to see how my family is doing." she
pleaded for the Nth time. 

	"No." he answered for the Nth time as well. 

	"I'll never let you out of my sight ever again." he added. Akane
sighed and sat on his bed, apparently giving up. 

	Her expression stays sad and lonely and as Atlas notices, he can't
help but give her permission. He squats in front of her and tilts her
face up with his hand. 

	"There might be another way for you to see them without needing to
be there." he said, giving her hope. Akane's face brightened. 

	"You mean...?" she asked in anticipation. 

	"I wouldn't let you if I didn't love you." he answered, giving her
the sweetest smile he could manage. Akane embraced him in happiness.
Atlas slowly placed his arms around her waist, still a bit shocked. 

	"Thank you, Atlas." she whispered and gave him a kiss on the
cheek. 

	"You're welcome." he said. They let go of each other, stand up. 

	"Shall we go?" offered Atlas. Akane nodded and they were off. 

	Atlas took Akane to a room where she hasn't seen before. It was a
room filled with all the electronic gadgets for communications and the
like. In short, it was some sort of computer room. 

	"Good afternoon, Lady Akane." greeted the men. 

	"Good afternoon. What is this place?" she asked. Atlas showed
Akane to their seat and they sat. 

	"This is our com room. This is where we keep track of what's
happening up there." Atlas finished, pointing towards the surface. Just
as he said that, Astevaes burst through the door. 

	"Forgive me your majesty." he apologized, bowing down to Atlas as
if his life depended on it. 

	"It is no matter, let us begin." he said calmly. Astevaes looked
up, surprised that the sometimes temperamental king didn't shout at him. 

	"Yes sire." he said as he stood. He made his way to the computer.
Atlas turned to Akane while Astevaes told the men to prepare. 

	"What would you like to see first?" asked Atlas. Akane turned to
him enthusiastically. 

	"My home, the Tendo dojo." she said happily. Atlas looked at
Astevaes and snapped his fingers. 

	Astevaes nodded and instructed his men. Akane closed her eyes in
anticipation. It has been almost two weeks since she last saw her home.
She really missed all of them. 

	*I hope that they're fine, I hope Ranma is fine.* she thought. 

	Atlas smiled, contented to see Akane's happy face. She was
enjoying, actually loving every moment. Seeing her happy was all that he
wanted. 

	Turning to the screen, he watched in delight. After a few more
seconds, the screen bore an image. It was Kasumi Tendo, the eldest of
the Tendo daughters. 

	"Kasumi!" she gaped in joy. Her eldest sister was still the same
as before. 

	The happy, cheerful and kind person she is. The angel, the goddess
on earth. Akane watched as Kasumi walked into the kitchen with a tray of
food in her hand. 

	There, the cheerfulness subsided. Akane looked in confusion. She
has seen Kasumi sad before, but not like this. 

	"What could've happened?" she asked herself. Astevaes turned up
the audio as Kasumi spoke. 



	"Oh my. This is the third meal they turned down today." she said
to herself. Akane noticed that Kasumi was slowly disposing some food. 

	"I hope the dogs would like this." she said in a gloomy voice. She
finished wrapping the food up and placed them beside the trash bin. 

	Moving to the kitchen sink, she took a basin and filled it with
water. She got two towels from their storage cabinet and left the
kitchen. 

	She walked down the hallway and stopped as she reached her
father's room. She opened the door and sighed at the sight that greeted
her. 

	"Still no change." she said, looking at Soun and Genma who were
lying on their futon, crying like there was no tomorrow. They paused
from crying, silence filling the room. 

	"Akane!" wailed Soun. 

	"Ranma!" cried Genma. Then both shifted back into their crying
state. Kasumi knelt down beside them and replaced the towels on their
foreheads. 

	"I hope Akane is alright. I hope Ranma is fine, wherever he may
be." she said and continued wiping Soun and Genma's foreheads. 



	"...wherever he may be?" Akane asked herself. 

	Before Kasumi could speak again, Akane asked that the screen be
shifted to the Nekohanten. 

	*What happened to Ranma? What did Kasumi mean by 'wherever he may
be'? Is he... is he dead?* 

	These questions floated in her mind as the image of the Nekohanten
started to appear.



	"Why do I have to wipe these tables... AWW!" cried Happosai as he
received another whack from Cologne's staff. 

	"I never asked you to do that. You volunteered, remember?" she
said and waited for his response. 

	*I'm doing this because I want to.* he admitted to himself. 

	Cologne's face suddenly shifted into her gloom filled one.
Happosai sighed and paused in his wiping. 

	"What do you think happened?" he asked. Cologne sighed and sat on
a stool. 

	"I don't know." she answered, hopelessness in her voice. 

	Happosai felt a bit sorry for Cologne. Seeing her look so
vulnerable and helpless, showing her emotions. This is not at all the
great Amazon matriarch of the Joketsuzoku. 

	This is not the skilled and seemingly unbeatable warrior whom he
has fought with time and again. This is not the strict and cold,
heartless Cologne that everyone came to know. 

	This is the grandmother concerned for her granddaughter and her
friends. This is the loving and caring Cologne that is hiding behind the
mask of coldness. 

	This is the Cologne he knows. The same Cologne he fell in love
with all those years ago. And the same Cologne he's loved all this time. 

	"Don't worry, they can take care of themselves." he said, trying
to comfort her in the best way he can. He sat beside her and placed a
hand on her shoulder. 

	Cologne smiled to herself, knowing that he is still there. The
kind, talented and gentleman he is. The caring and loving man hidden
behind a mask of perversion. 

	He is still there. The same Happosai she knew centuries ago. The
same one she fell in love with. And the same one she's loved all this
time. 

	They both smiled, thanking the gods for that moment. Suddenly,
Cologne fell back into the pit of sadness and helplessness. 

	"They've been gone searching for... for..." she choked as the
tears threatened to break free. Happosai strengthened his grip, trying
desperately to comfort her. 



	"How about the Ucchans okonomiyaki?" Akane asked. Astevaes
instructed his men to change the scene. 

	*Cologne on the verge of crying? Happosai working at the
Nekohanten? Shampoo and Mousse missing? Looking for... looking for who?*

	Questions. 

	Akane was filled with a lot of questions at the moment. 

	*Could they be looking for Ranma? But Kasumi said... what if he's
dead?* 

	Before she could asked more, the scene at the Ucchan's appeared. 



	"Two more orders of pork okonomiyaki." said one of the waiters.
Sasuke got the orders and handed it to one of his master's cooks. 

	"Hahahahaha! The sorcerer Ranma Saotome is now gone!" cried Kuno,
tears of joy and salvation streaming down his face. 

	"Well Kuno - baby, if you didn't know, Akane and the pigtailed
girl are gone, too." countered Nabiki as she stood by the counter,
apparently computing the day's profits. 

	"What!" he cried indignantly. 

	"Is Saotome's hold on my precious pigtailed goddess that
forceful?" he asked. Nabiki snorted, not knowing why Kuno hasn't figured
it out yet. 

	"Yes." she simply answered. 

	"I, Tatewaki Kuno, the Rising Star of the High School Kendo World,
the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High, shall free both Akane and the
pigtailed goddess from the wretched Saotome's hands." he vowed,
lightning flashing behind him while thunder could be heard from the
background. 

	Nabiki blinked twice, trying to figure out where that streak of
lightning came from. 

	"Whatever! You know Kuno - baby, this business is really
profitable." she said, a big smile on her face. 

	"It is only auspicious only to you, Nabiki Tendo. For you do not
compensate my paying for these expensive cooks." he retorted, pointing
towards three okonomiyaki chefs that he requested from one of their five
star hotels. 

	"Oh C'mon Kuno - baby. Once I get my share, I'll treat you to a
nice, luxurious dinner." she offered. 

	For the first time in his life, Tatewaki Kuno was speechless. 

	No Shakespearean poetry or wise - guy cracks. He was utterly
speechless. Not because he was insulted or hit or anything like that.

	But because Nabiki, the monopolizing, money - loving Tendo,
offered him a luxurious dinner. Kuno could only blink. 

	"Honestly, I'm touched by your reaction Kuno - baby. It's dinner,
OK." she said and left the counter. 

	"Sasuke..." she called. 

	"Yes Nabiki?" he asked. 

	"Please take care of the restaurant, and your frozen master over
there." she said, pointing at the still shocked state of Kuno. 

	"Yes." he answered. Before leaving the restaurant, she turned back
to Kuno and winked. 

	Blinking was all Kuno could do. Just as she closed the door, Kuno
found his voice. Is it possible that Nabiki Tendo is fond of thee? he
asked himself. 

	"Sasuke!" he called. 

	"Master?" he asked. 

	"Show some respect for Nabiki. Call her mistress." he ordered. 

	"Yes, master Kuno." he said and went back to his work. 

	Outside, Nabiki looked up at the sky and sighed, a tear escaping
her. One would have thought it impossible for the Ice Queen of Nerima to
cry. 

	*Dammit Saotome! Where the hell are you? Where's Akane?* she
thought angrily though worried, wiping the tears.

	"Ranma, wherever you are, I hope..." 



	"Stop it!" Akane shouted, covering her ears with her hands.
Everyone in the room looked at her in surprise. 

	"Akane! What's wrong?" asked Atlas, concerned. 

	"No, it can't be." she screamed again, shaking her head as she did
so, tears now streaming down her face. 

	Atlas looked distressed, he didn't know what to do. He turned to
Astevaes who immediately ordered his men to turn off the screen. 

	"I won't believe it." she cried, crumpling down to the floor like
a helpless little child. 

	"Akane!" cried Atlas. He knelt down beside her, wanting nothing
more than to comfort her, to ease her pain. Instead, he turned to one of
his men. 

	"You! Call Merian, now!" he ordered. The man bowed and immediately
left to look for Merian. Moments later, they returned. 

	"Lady Akane!" she cried. Atlas turned at the sound of her voice. 

	"Take her to her room at once." he said and assisted Akane as she
stood. 

	After they left, silence filled the room. No one, not even
Astevaes, dared to speak, knowing Atlas was not in the best of moods.

*****

	It was only 3:00 A. M., but Ukyo was already up. 

	She'd been planning for this trip for weeks, and now, the day has
finally come. They, meaning Ranma, Akane, Shampoo, Mousse and Ryoga,
planned a trip to Mt. Fuji, and to visit Ryoga's home. 

	It has been months since he was last there, now he invited his
friends to go visit his home with him. Closing the zipper of her bag,
she slung it over her shoulder and walked to Ryoga's room. She noticed
that the door was slightly open, so she peeked in. 

	"Ryoga, are you awake?" she asked in a whisper. After a few
moments without a response, Ukyo slowly opened his door. 

	"Hey Ryoga!" she called, but no one was there. Ukyo looked
confused. 

	*That's weird.* she thought. Suddenly, a thought crossed her mind. 

	"He might have gotten lost." he said and quickly ran down the
stairs. She opened the lights and looked around. He wasn't there. 

	She immediately opened the doors of Ucchan's and ran outside,
hoping that Ryoga would be somewhere near. She looked to her left, then
to her right. 

	"Damn! Where is he?" she asked herself again. 

	*Ah, he might be at the Tendos.* she thought. 

	Taking her coat, she closed the doors of the Ucchan's and ran
frantically down the street. Where Ryoga was, she didn't know. But she
needed to find him, and find him fast. 

	*I hope he's there, I hope he's there.* were thoughts running
through her head like a mantra. 

	Arriving at the dojo, she immediately knocked. No one answered so
she knocked again. She could hear a faint sound like someone walking
towards the gate. It was, as usual, Kasumi. 

	"Oh, good morning Ukyo." she greeted in her usual cheery voice. 

	"Good morning Kasumi. Um, is Ryoga there?" she asked. Kasumi
blinked twice and yawned a bit before she answered. 

	"Ryoga? He's not here." she answered, sleepily. 

	*What!?!?* Ukyo screamed in her mind. 

	*Where could he be?* she asked herself. 

	"Are Ranchan and Akane there?" she asked afterwards. 

	"You didn't know? They left last night for a trip." she supplied. 

	"A trip? Where'd they go?" she asked. 

	"They said they'd be going to a hot springs resort. It's Ranma's
gift to Akane for her birthday." she answered again, making her appear
like a market vendor spreading gossip. 

	*Birthday? Oh, his long delayed birthday gift.* she thought. 

	It had been a couple of months since Akane's birthday. And it had
taken him long enough just to set - up a birthday present. 

	*But I thought we were supposed to go to Ryoga's home today.*, she
thought again. Then she noticed that Kasumi was starting to fall asleep
while standing. 

	"I'm sorry I disturbed you, Kasumi. I'll be going now, thanks for
everything." she said and started to walk away. 

	"Alright." said Kasumi and closed the dojo gates. 

	Ukyo slowly walked away from the Tendo dojo with her head bowed
down. She didn't know what to do. She couldn't find Ryoga, and Ranma and
Akane were on a trip on the supposed date of their trip to Ryoga's home. 

	*Mousse and Shampoo are... wait a sec.* she thought. 

	"That's it! The Nekohanten!" she said and ran as fast as her legs
could carry her. Reaching the Nekohanten, she knocked heavily on the
door. She knocked again after a few moments without any response. 

	"Just a minute." said Cologne. She opened the door and let a
panting Ukyo in. 

	"Do you even know what time it is, girl?" Cologne asked, a bit
disturbed by her sudden appearance. 

	"I'm sorry Cologne. Is Ryoga here?" she asked, hoping that the
answer would be what she needed. 

	"I'm afraid he's not." she answered. 

	"How's about Mousse and Shampoo?" Ukyo asked. 

	"You just missed them. They left for China this morning." she
answered. 

	"Huh?" said Ukyo. 

	"Tomorrow is Shampoo's appointment as the Princess of the 
Joketsuzoku, heir - apparent to the throne." informed Cologne. Ukyo
looked dumbfounded. She was starting to have eye bugs already. 

	"Take my advice, get some rest." said Cologne. 

	"Thank you." said Ukyo and left immediately. Cologne closed the
door of the Nekohanten and slowly made her way back to her room. 

	"Poor girl." she whispered. 

	Ukyo didn't know whether to scream in anger or cry in frustration.
Today was supposed to be a special day for all of them. They were
supposed to go on a trip to Ryoga's home near Mt. Fuji. 

	But now, everything was ruined. Ranma and Akane would be having
their honey moon by now, Mousse and Shampoo were off to China for
Shampoo's proclamation, and Ryoga was nowhere to be found. 

	She felt angry, disappointed, and most of all, lonely. Even
lonelier than when she was left behind by Genma and Ranma almost eleven
years ago. 

	She wanted to look for Ryoga, but knew that the eternally lost boy
might be anywhere by now. And looking for him would take forever. 

	She just walked continuously into the night, not knowing where she
was going, not caring where the road would take her. 

	She just wanted to get away, away from all the hurt, the pain,
anger and anguish the past year has given her. So she just walked, and
walked, until there was no more road to walk on. 

	She continued, on and on, until she reached a lake. Surprised that
a lake would appear from out of nowhere, she looked up and was surprised
even more. 

	"Mt. Fuji?" she asked. 

	"How did I get here?" she asked again. 

	She walked around the forest, feeling the wind blowing at her
face. She felt relaxed and free, but still a bit lonely. Then she saw a
glimpse of what she thought was Ryoga. 

	"Ryoga?" she asked. She tried to follow him, or at least the sound
of his voice.

	 But she lost track of him as she approached a river. She turned
as she heard a voice. Ryoga's voice to be exact. She tried to follow the
sound of his voice, but lost him as she reached the lake once more. 

	She realized that she had been walking around in circles, not
really knowing where to go or what to do. Ranma and Akane had each
other, and so did Mousse and Shampoo. 

	She though, has no one. No one to share her dreams with, no one to
spend the rest of her life with. No one. Alone. That was how she felt at
that moment. Not having anyone to talk to, or at least to be with. 

	She truly was alone. She needed to find someone to talk to.
Someone who would acknowledge her presence and appreciate her. Someone
like Ryoga. Yes, she had been looking for him for the past hour. 

	Then she heard another voice. This time, she was sure that it was
Ryoga. She ran as fast as she could until she reached a clearing. 

	There was a house, a rather big house, compared to other country
homes in the surrounding area. She walked up to the door and saw a name
plate with 'Hibiki Residence Welcome' written on it. 

	She knocked immediately, having a bit of hope. But nobody
answered. She tried knocking again. Still no answer. Then she smelled a
scent of food. She followed it until she reached the backyard. 

	There was a table with two chairs opposite the other. It was
filled with different meals. She was about to walk into the yard when
she saw two people come out of the house. 

	Hope was drained out of Ukyo as she saw Ryoga and Akari together,
walking into the yard, holding the other's hands and smiling warmly at
the other. That was it. 

	She lost the only person she'd hope would understand her to
another girl. She turned around, her head hanging. Just as she was about
fifty meters away, from out of nowhere, came three Atlantis warriors. 

	The same ones whom they fought with before. The very same ones,
whom she thought they had defeated. By instinct, Ukyo had her battle
spatula ready in one hand, two shurikens in the other. 

	She tried to stay focused, but the thought of having three strong
warriors, looking maniacally at her, she was starting to feel an emotion
that has always been absent during her battles. 

	Fear. 

	She swallowed as one of them, the most maniac looking of them all,
licked his lips and started taking up position. Then they attacked. She
fought with all of her might, but was only able to hold them back for a
while. 

	The three warriors positioned themselves around her. Then they
attacked at the same time. Ukyo got a kick in the stomach and bent down,
feeling blood coming up. 

	She coughed the blood out twice before she received an elbow in
the back that took the air out of her lungs. 

	She fell to the ground, feeling helpless and scared as she saw the
three men slowly coming towards her. She tried to throw the remaining
shuriken she had but decided against it. 

	She couldn't even bring herself to breathe normally. 

	"Ryoga! Help me!" she cried for help. 

	But there was no response. She realized that she is too far from
his home. And even if he would hear her, he would be too busy with Akari
to even bother to help her. 

	She wanted to scream for help again, but she knew that nobody else
could hear her. 

	And even if somebody can hear her, that somebody wouldn't be able
to help her, to save her from the hands of three mischievous Atlantis
warriors. 

	Somewhere in the back of her mind, she could hear words that made
her lose hope even more. 

	"You are nothing. You will never be able to find the power. You
are not worthy of the legendary power of the phoenix. You are, and will
always be, alone." it said, filling Ukyo with hopelessness and anxiety. 

	She slipped into unconsciousness just as she felt her clothes
being ripped from her body. 

	"Ukyo! Ukyo, wake up!" cried Ryoga as he shook Ukyo. 

	She'd been screaming for a while now, apparently having the dream.
Yes, that horrible and terrible dream that Ryoga just had. He actually
woke up because of that dream, along with Ukyo's constant screaming. 

	"Dammit Ukyo! Wake up!" he screamed again. This time, it served
it's purpose. Ukyo opened her eyes to see a worried and concerned Ryoga. 

	"Ryoga!" she cried and threw herself at him. Ryoga was surprised
at first, trying desperately to suppress the up and coming nosebleed. 

	*I don't need this nosebleed right now. She needs me now more than
ever.* he thought. 

	Making sure that the nosebleed wouldn't come, he slowly wrapped
his arms around a trembling and frantic Ukyo, who was crying her eyes
out. Just then, he realized that she was freezing. 

	"Shh... Don't worry, it's gonna be OK." he whispered into her ear
as if he was talking to a child. He then got a blanket and placed it
around the two of them, mostly covering Ukyo. 

	"Ryoga... I..." she trailed off as the tears continued to stream
down her face. 

	"Don't worry Ukyo. I'm here..." he trailed off for a moment,
thinking of what he was going to say next. Then he stopped thinking and
started feeling. 

	*I'll always be here, Ukyo, now and forever.* he thought to
himself and embraced her tightly. 

	Ryoga wanted to tell her that, to tell her that he would never
leave her alone. But after what had transpired in the dream, he knew
this wasn't the appropriate time. 

	Akari is technically his fiancé. And he would have to deal with
that when the time comes. Ukyo couldn't understand what he said, but
knew how he felt by the embrace and comfort he was giving her. 

	Ryoga leaned back into the stack of hay behind him, with Ukyo
resting on top of him. He didn't mind Ukyo's weight bearing down on him.
He didn't mind his shirt soaking wet with her tears. 

	He didn't mind her arms wrapped so tightly around him. He didn't
mind any of it. He failed in keeping his promise in the dream, but that
was only a dream, wasn't it. 

	The answer, Ryoga did not know. But he made a promise to himself
that he'd always be there for her, and now, he's keeping that. From that
moment, Ukyo's cries turned into sobs. 

	She fell back into sleep in Ryoga's arms. Now she was relaxed once
more, thankful for the care that he was giving her. 

	Contented with the comfort and warmth she was sharing with him.
Because since that moment, she realized she wasn't alone. She'll never
be alone. 

	Because she never was.

*****

	Atlas turned at the sound of the door opening. Merian came out of
Akane's room, hopelessness in her eyes. 

	"What happened?" he asked, filled with concern. 

	"Lady Akane had another dream your highness." she answered. 

	"Never mind the dream!" he screamed, losing a bit of control. He
waved his hand slowly and said in a softer tone. 

	"How is she?" he asked. 

	"She's... she hasn't touched her food. She hasn't eaten anything
since yesterday." she answered. 

	"She won't look at me, she won't say a word. And when she does,
it's only 'Ranma' she says." she said in worry. 

	"I will just attend my meeting with the council. Until then, keep
watching her. Call me immediately if something happens." he ordered and
turned to leave. 

	Each guard that he passed bowed down to him more in fear than
respect at that moment, for Atlas was still in a touchy mood.

*****

	Ryoga slowly drifted out of sleep as he shifted Ukyo's weight a
bit. He was thankful that she'd slept peacefully for the rest of the
night. None of that horrible dream plaguing her. 

	Ryoga looks down at Ukyo and can't help but smile. She looked so
angelic and beautiful even in sleep. 

	Ukyo wakes up, snuggled up against a warm body, her head resting
in the hollow of someone's shoulder, the chest under her hand rising and
falling with the even rhythms of sleep. 

	She moves her head back a little and sees Ryoga smiling down at
her. 
	"How are you?" he asked. 

	"Better, I guess." she answered, slowly sitting up. 

	Ryoga followed her motion and sat up with her. 

	Ukyo sat in between Ryoga's legs, her arms wrapped around her
legs, knees pressed gently against her chest, while Ryoga's legs were a
bit spread to provide some space for Ukyo to sit. 

	He slowly leaned forward so that his head was just above her right
shoulder, almost touching. 

	"Would you like to eat something?" he asked, concerned. 

	"I'm sure the others already have something cooking." he
continued. He was hoping that the others did because he didn't want to
disappoint Ukyo. 

	He didn't want to say anything he couldn't keep ever again. She
didn't say a word, she just leaned back into him, savoring the feel of
his warmth. 

	"Thank you, for last night." she whispered. 

	"Don't mention it." he said, feeling a bit awkward just as he said
it. 

	"Ukyo, I'm sorry about..." he was cut by Ukyo. 

	"It was only a dream, Ryoga." she said, trying desperately to hide
the fear and shame she felt. She wanted to tell him how much he meant to
her, how much she needed him to always be there for her. 

	"I guess I'm just nervous about the power." she said instead. 

	"Are you sure?" asked Ryoga, wanting to be completely sure that
she was alright. 

	"Yeah, I'm fine. C'mon, let's get something to eat." she said,
trying to sound as enthusiastic as possible, tapping Ryoga's legs in the
process. 

	Ryoga just decided that if she said she was alright, who was he to
complain. So he stood up, taking her with him. He picked up the blanket
and placed it over his shoulder. 

	They started walking out of the barn and into the clearing where
the others were. 

	"The love birds are up." cheered Ranma as he saw Ryoga and Ukyo
approaching them. Ryoga and Ukyo then realized how close they were to
each other and began to blush. 

	"Artemis said that you guys should pack up a.s.a.p. We'll be going
to Mt. Fuji next." said Mousse as careful as possible, so as not to
remind Ukyo of what happened in the dream last night. 

	"OK." said Ukyo and started eating. Ryoga reached for his ramen
and started eating, too. After eating, Ukyo took the time to take a
quick bath as Ryoga packed. 

	"So, how is she?" asked Ranma as he can into the barn. Ryoga
turned in time to catch the blanket he left on the table. 

	"Thanks. She says she's alright." he answered, sounding a bit
unbelieving. Ranma noticed his unusual tone and became quite curious all
of a sudden. 

	"What do you think?" he asked. Ryoga paused in fixing his bag and
turned to him. 

	"I think she's afraid." he said and continued packing. 

	"Afraid of what?" asked Ranma. 

	"Being alone." he answered, closing the zipper of his bag. 

	Ranma didn't really understood what Ryoga meant by that, but he
didn't have the chance to ask again as Ukyo suddenly walked in from
around the corner, already wearing her usual clothes with a towel
forming a turban on her head. 

	"Ahh, am I interrupting something?" she asked, pausing in mid -
step. 

	"We were just talking about some new moves, right Ryoga." said
Ranma. 

	"Uh, yeah." added Ryoga. 

	"You guys hurry up. We'll wait for you guys outside." said Ranma
as he walked out of the barn. Ukyo shrugged. There was something odd
happening between those two. She just can't put a finger on it. 

	"I'll help you pack." offered Ryoga and started fixing Ukyo's
things. Ukyo smiled at him as a manner of thanking him. She took the
towel off and turned her back to him. 

	*Yup, there's something odd happening here.* she thought to
herself. 

	Ranma slowly walked out of the barn. He really was worried about
Ukyo, after having seen that terrible dream. He wanted to comfort her,
to be there for her. 

	But he knows that it's Ryoga's turn to do all of those. I've done
my part Ryoga. 

	*Now, you just have to do yours.* he thought. Just as he thought
that, he saw Shampoo under a tree and suddenly remembered something. 

	"Hey, Shampoo." he called and waved. Shampoo saw him coming and
waved back. 

	"Um, can I talk to you for a sec?" he asked. Shampoo nodded and
moved a bit to give him some space on the bench. 

	"I think I'll just stand." he said. Shampoo shrugged. 

	"What you want talk about?" she asked. 

	"Shampoo, about this fiancé thing... I think we should..." he
paused, thinking of how to break the so - called bad news to her. 

	More so, thinking of a way to ward her 'rage' off once she hears
about it. But an unexpected response came instead. 

	"You no need worry." she said with a smile on her face. 

	"You see... huh...?" he asked as her words came to him. 

	"You no need worry." she repeated. 

	"Buh... what in the..." he was cut by Mousse who just came into
the picture. 

	"Hi Shampoo." he greeted Shampoo. 

	"Nihao Mousse." Shampoo greeted back. 

	Mousse stood behind Shampoo, his arms going around her, his head
resting on top of hers. Ranma was in disarray, baffled, in a daze, in
disorder, flabbergasted. 

	To put it in simple terms, he was confused. He looked at Shampoo,
then at Mousse, and then back. 

	"You guys..." he said in a whisper. 

	"Yup!" they said in unison. 

	They looked at each other and laughed. Then Mousse landed a soft
kiss on Shampoo's head. This time, Ranma was at lost for words. 

	"Thanks anyway Ranma." said Mousse, appreciating Ranma's gesture. 

	"Yeah, no problem." he said in response, not really knowing what
he was responding to. 

	"Alright people, let's get ready to teleport." announced Artemis.
They gathered together behind the barn, Ukyo and Ryoga joining them a
bit later. Ranma ran to them as they got out. 

	"Did you know that Mousse and Shampoo are..." he paused, again,
looking for the right term. 

	"Yeah, we do." they answered. Ranma looked in surprised. 

	"You do?" he asked. 

	"Yup!" they answered again. 

	"You mean I'm the only one who doesn't know. Mousse!" he cried.
Mousse came running to him. 

	"What?" he asked, panting. 

	"How'd it happen? When?" he asked immediately. 

	"I'll tell you when we get to Japan." said Mousse and quickly ran
back to where Shampoo and Artemis were. 

	Ryoga and Ukyo walked beside each other, with Ranma following
close behind. He sighed to himself. Mousse and Shampoo had already
gotten together. 

	Ukyo and Ryoga are most likely to walk down the same path. He,
however, still has a long way to go. 

	First step would be to save her from these Atlantis beings, and
then to tell her how much she means to him. He doesn't know which was
harder. 

	But he was willing to do both, or anything even harder just to
save Akane. And maybe, just maybe, they'll be able to follow the others
down the same path.

*****

	Atlas gently closed Akane's door as he walked in. His heart was
torn at the sight of Akane. 

	She looked like she had gone through a storm, or got run over by a
couple of buses, or even got trampled by elephants. In short, she looked
like hell. 

	Or maybe even worse. She still sat in a corner, putting herself in
seclusion as much as she can. He also noticed that she hasn't touched
her food. He took the tray with him and sat beside her. 

	"Here, eat this." he said, trying to make her eat something. But
she didn't even look at him. She just kept staring into nothingness,
saying his name like a mantra. 

	"Ranma..." she said again and again. Finally giving up, he stood
up and brought the food outside to one of the servants. He called Merian
who quickly came. 

	"Cancel all my appointments from today until maybe next week." he
said. Merian looked at him in confusion. 

	"Do you understand me." he asked. Merian took a step forward and
spoke. 

	"How is Lady Akane?" she asked. 

	"Still no change." he answered, lowering his head for a moment. 

	"But if she won't eat, then I won't eat either." he said. 

	"Your highness... please consider..." she started. 

	"I have already made my decision." he said and walked back into
the room, again closing the door gently behind him. 

	Merian could only bow her head and contemplate in silence, for the
future of the City of Atlantis is at stake. 

End of Chapter 8

From the Author:
The original form of this fanfic ( the non - html ) has the speaking
lines in BOLD letters. 

The words in BOLD AND UNDERLINE are spoken or thought in Chinese in this
chapter.

SHI SHI HOKOUDAN REVISED: SHOOKU NAMI! literally means Breaking Point
Revised: Shock Wave. ( I think ) It is an invisible energy or ki blast
that takes effect beneath the surface of the earth. Here, it was used to
open up the earth and swallow whatever is atop it. Since they are in the
mountains, it didn't have the lava / magma effect, unlike the one the
Spirit of the Earth used in atlantis6. 

Why was Ranma able to survive a five - minute burial in the snow? 
Let's just say he used his ki to radiate enough energy and heat to help
him last for five minutes. After that, his shivering was completely
uncontrollable. 

About Kasumi.....
Well, her version of a sad face would look like a normal person when
that person was happy. Huh? Just watch the Ranma 1/2 OAV: Faster Kasumi
Kill! Kill!, episode "Hell Hath No Fury Like Kasumi Scorned!", you can
see her while she's being possessed by an evil oni. And I personally
don't think she looked possessed at all. 

About Soun and Genma.....
Well, Soun is about the only person who usually cries or weeps at any
crisis that presents itself concerning his daughters, especially Akane.
Why I decided to put Genma in the same predicament is because I still
believe that Genma loves Ranma as a father. While they all think that
Ranma is already dead, I think that the news of your dead son is enough
to make a father shed a tear. 

As usual, Akane Tendo jumped into conclusions. She just heard Kasumi and
the rest of them saying something like "Ranma, wherever you are, I
hope..." or "I hope Ranma is fine, wherever he may be." and she came to
a conclusion that Ranma is dead. Sorry if it makes Akane look impulsive
or whatever. Well, this is an essential part in the story because it
decides their future. Wait for it in the final chapter. 

About Mt. Fuji and Ryoga's home.....
Again, in the Ranma 1/2 OAV: Desperately Seeking Shampoo, episode "The
Tendo Family Christmas Scramble", you can see Ryoga and Kasumi walking
to the market with Mousse ( in duck form ) in tow. Kasumi asks Ryoga
where he lives and tells her that his house is where you can see Mt.
Fuji in the west wing. Hmmm..., quite a big house to have a wing. 

Apologies to all Ukyo fans for the dream. I never intended it to be like
that, I have nothing against the great Ukyo Kuonji. As you can see, I
didn't elaborate on it. I needed to do that to make her feel helpless,
lonely and vulnerable. I needed her to be like that so she and Ryoga
could get closer, you know. I also believe that Ukyo's greatest fear is
being alone. That is what I'm gonna elaborate on. Again, apologies. 

WOW! Ryoga grows a spine! Well, I believe that the main weakness the men
of the Ranma 1/2 universe have, save for Happosai and Kuno I guess,
would be the inability to act normal around a female. Mousse usually
goes around praising and glorifying Shampoo, Ryoga usually floods the
floor with his nosebleeds, Ranma tends to forget what he's supposed to
say, and we all know about Dr. Tofu. I just thought that it's time to
give these 'men' backbones and learn to deal with women and their
feelings and stuff like that. 

Things in between ..... are events that transpired while
Akane asked Atlas for her to view what was happening in Japan. Please
don't be confused. 

All comments, suggestions, criticisms and the like, please send to:
s16thunderjet@hotmail.com or you can 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.

©1999 Shirley Joy Gadia, all other characters mentioned above and the
story, all rights reserved. 

Thank you!