It's a beautiful day. Kasumi decided as she smoothed a few wrinkles out of the blanket. The birds were singing, the sky was a clear robin's-egg blue, and the air itself held the light scent of wildflowers and fresh-cut grass. Not to mention the mouth-watering aromas her lovingly prepared picnic was giving off.

"Growf" A rather large panda held out an empty rice bowl which Kasumi promptly refilled.

She smiled as he dug in without so much as a grunt of a thank-you. Mr. Saotome's gluttonous habits didn't really offend her the way they did others. Quite the opposite, as she took his actions as compliments to her cooking. In fact, he wasn't the only one around with a healthy appetite.

"Hey, pops! Save some for the rest of us, will ya?"

Ranma, for instance, had a bottomless pit of a stomach that rivaled his fathers. And while that wasn't a very good thing when it came to buying groceries, Kasumi never had to worry about leftovers.

"Honestly, Ranma. Can't you think of anything better to do than fight over a bowl of rice with your father? I mean, lunch hasn't even started yet and you're already pigging out."

"And I suppose an uncute tomboy with thighs like yours would know a lot about eating. Too bad it doesn't apply to cooking as well."

"WHAT did you say?"

Akane and Ranma are getting along quite well today. Kasumi smiled at the engaged-by-force couple. After all, that had been their first bout of name-calling in nearly two hours.

"Come on, Ranchan. Why would you want a bowl of rice anyway, when you can have a fresh okonomiyaki?"

"Hiya! He eat special ramen, not spatula-girl food."

"Shampoo! I love you!"

"Get offa me, duck-boy!"

In fact, Kasumi decided all Ranma's friends are getting along well today. While overly optimistic, this statement wasn't entirely false. True, the groups antics would probably get them arrested in most major cities, this was Nerima. And its inhabitants were, if nothing else, well exposed to the antics of several impossibly talented martial artist rivals. Plus the fact that on this particular day it seemed that the usual attempts at severe bodily harm had been downgraded to attempts at non-hospitalizing injuries. Though it may not have seemed like much of an improvement, Kasumi was pleased.

ooOoo

Four stood, encircling two travelers.

"It ends tonight." One of the four said, his voice emotionless, hollow, dead.

"No." Came the response. "You will never have her."

ooOoo

Ryoga blinked. Something didn't seem quite right. Quickly, he scaned the surrounding area. Nothing out of the ordinary. He then looked at the others seated with him on the picnic blanket. They didn't seem to sense anything.

"Would you like some more, Ryoga?"

"Huh? Oh, sure Kasumi." He responded automatically, trying to shake himself out of the light daze he was slipping into.

ooOoo

A scream...

ooOoo

Ryoga dropped his chopsticks. He changed his strategy. Instead of trying to ignore what he was feeling, he focused on it. He picked up his cup and stared into the greenish liquid, blocking out everything else.

Nabiki watched him. Of all the people there, he would be the one most likely to say a simple thanks for the meal. In fact, he always acknowledged Kasumi when she handed him something to eat. Whether it be in the form of a smile, a compliment, at the very least a nod of the head to show his appreciation. His lack of response was unusual.

Ryoga was completely focused on his task. Something was wrong, and he had to find out what. He had to know... he had to hear...

ooOoo

The sickening sound of bone snapping...

ooOoo

Ryoga clenched his fist, shattering the ceramic cup he was holding.

The bickering at the table stopped as all eyes turned to him. Even Ranma and his father paused in their battle over the last pork-bun.

"Ryoga... are you all right?" Akane asked hesitantly, reaching out.

He just sat there, his glazed expression focused on the tea dripping off his fingers, mingling with drops of blood where the shards had pierced his skin, to fall soundlessly on to the soft cloth of the picnic blanket. His mind was focused on something else entirely.

ooOoo

A moist tearing sound as flesh was parted by steel...

ooOoo

Ryoga began pacing. But then again, it seemed to be more like a wild animal trapped in a cage than actual pacing. He would take a few steps in one direction, stop, then shift his head as if he was listening for something. No, searching for something was more like it. Then he would take a few steps in another direction and repeat the same actions, though he never left this one patch of ground.

"All right, Shampoo, fess up." Ukyo crossed her arms and glared at the young Amazon.

"What you mean?"

"I mean what drugs or weird spices or Chinese spells are you playing with today, what dish is it in, and how did Ryoga end up ingesting it?"

Shampoo stared back in shock, then in rage. "Why you blame Shampoo?

"Well, Ryoga certainly looks drugged. And since Kodachi's not around, you're the number one suspect."

"Shampoo innocent. Maybe lost boy get hit on head too too many times."

"Whatever the reason, I don't like this at all." Akane said, watching Ryoga closely.

"Yo pork-but!" Ranma called out. "The girls are wondering if you're high on something or just brain dead!" Akane wasted no time in clobbering him.

Ryoga didn't react at all.

Everyone stared. Ranma's taunts always affected Ryoga in some manner, usually provoking fights involving large amounts of property damage. This... nothing... was disturbing.

ooOoo

The soft thump of a body hitting the ground...

ooOoo

Ryoga knew what way he had to go. Quickly shouldering his pack he started out, only to find Akane blocking his way.

"Ryoga, what's wrong with you?" She asked, concern evident in her face and voice.

"I have to go." He started to walk around her, but she placed both hands on his chest and forcibly held him back.

"Please stay."

Now normally, a few words from Akane could make Ryoga do pretty much anything, her touch making him melt inside. But today, Ryoga reached up and held Akane's wrists, then pushed her hands away from him. Moving her to the side, he walked on.

To say everyone was shocked would be an understatement. Truthfully, they would have been less surprised to see Happosai suddenly jump out of the tea pot. Then again, the little pervert had done that before. Ryoga's actions were completely unprecedented.

"Oh, my." Kasumi said, breaking the silence. "Shouldn't someone make sure he's all right?"

"Well, I ain't goin' after him."

"Ranma, you're such a jerk, you know that?"

"Why don't you go then? I'm sure you'll want to feel up his chest again." Ranma stuck his tongue at Akane, who promptly flattened him with her ever-present mallet.

"I'll go." Ukyo sighed, walking after Ryoga. Anything to get away from these two. Honestly, I don't know how anyone can live in the same house as them without going completely insane. She sighed again. I love my Ranchan, but I've had my bickering quota for the day.

Noticing how far ahead of her Ryoga was, she increased her pace. It didn't help. In fact, after several minutes, it seemed like she was further behind. Determined not to loose him, she broke into a jog.

ooOoo

The sound of more bodies hitting the ground...

ooOoo

Ryoga began to run. Cursing silently, Ukyo matched his pace. She'd been contemplating whether or not to call out to him, asking him to stop and wait for her. A combination of curiosity and pride kept her mouth shut.

Besides, she thought to herself he'll probably end up going around in circles anyway.

ooOoo

"Kasumi? Do you think Ryoga's all right?"

"He'll be fine, Akane." She smiled at her younger sister. "After all, he has Ukyo with him."

ooOoo

Ukyo had been running for hours. Her feet hurt, her throat was dry, and it her lungs were starting to burn. And here I always thought I was in such great shape, too. She glanced ahead. Ryoga was still going strong, even with his backpack and a habit of going through trees instead of around them.

If I wasn't so tired I'd laugh at myself. Here I am, running through a forest God- knows- where, following a guy who can't even find his way to the bathroom.

She winced as she felt a leg cramp coming on. She was reaching her limit, and knew it. I really need a breather here. But if I stop that jackass Ryoga will disappear on me. Guess I have no choice...

"Ryoga!"

He stopped dead in his tracks.

Ukyo slowed to a stop beside him and bent over, bracing her hands on her knees as she tried to catch her breath.

"Ukyo?" He sounded worried. "What are you doing here?"

"I followed you, you jackass! What do you think I'm doing here!"

"Oh..." Ryoga sighed. "Good."

"Good?" She looked up at his face. "What's so 'good' about it, may I ask?"

"I was just afraid I had been going in circles or something." Ukyo grabbed his arm as he started to head off again.

"And just where do you think you're going?"

Ryoga just pointed deeper into the forest.

"Come on, sugar, be reasonable. It's too late to go any further. Why don't we just wait until morning and --"

"No."

"What?"

"I can't wait. I may be too late already." He looked into her eyes. "Don't you see? I have to go."

"What are you babbling about?" She shook her head, not letting go of his arm. "I'll tell you what makes sense to me right now. I can't run any more, and refuse to be abandoned in the middle of nowhere. You, on the other hand... hey!"

Ukyo was interrupted as a sharp tug on her wrist lifted her into the air. The moment she landed in Ryoga's arms, he started running again.

"Just what do you think you're doing, you stupid jackass?" Ukyo whapped him on the head. "Put me down this instant!"

"I'm not stopping." Ryoga replied, not even breaking stride. "It's either this or you're on your own. I'm not turning around. What's it going to be?"

Ukyo grumbled a bit, but didn't argue further.

ooOoo

Silence.

ooOoo

The darkest time was just before the dawn. Ryoga had long ago decided that whoever quoted that must have spent a fair amount of time outdoors, as it was certainly true. The current visibility proved it.

Noticing a tree in front of him, he remembered to go around it. Normally he wouldn't hesitate to plow through it, but tonight he had to consider other things. Like the sleeping girl in his arms.

Ukyo would most certainly NOT appreciate being slammed into a tree at the speed he was traveling. It would be a rude awakening, though he never expected her to fall asleep in the first place. He shifted his grip, blushing slightly as she snuggled against his chest in response. The breif distraction caused him to wander a bit off course, and it took a few minutes for Ryoga to slow down and correct himself.

I wonder how much farther I have to go.

He shook his head and resumed running. It didn't really matter. He would know when he got there.

I just hope I get there in time.

ooOoo

Dawn.

"Ranma, would you do something for me?" Kasumi called out as she cleared the breakfast dishes.

"Yeah?" He paused at the door, slipping on his shoes.

"Would you please ask Ukyo what happened with Ryoga when you see her? I'd like to know how he's doing."

"Sure thing!" After all, with Kasumi asking what else could he say? Besides, there were advantages to what she was asking of him. Ranma raced off to school, Ucchans and free okonomiyaki on his mind.

ooOoo

Ukyo awoke to the sun in her face and a pair of strong arms cradling her.

Strong arms? Wait just one minute... Snapping awake, she took stock of her situation. It was morning, she was in a forest, and Ryoga was carrying her. That didn't make any sense. The events of the previous night came back to her in a flash. Oh... right...

"Ryoga?"

"Morning."

She watched him for a while, noting the determined but fatigued expression on his face.

"Did... um... were you running all night?"

He didn't answer, but somehow she knew he had. Silently debating on the best way to make her next statement, she decided the best way would be to come right out and just say it.

"Ryoga, we have to stop for a bit, and I'm not taking 'no' for an answer."

"I already told you, stopping isn't an option right about now. Besides..." He glanced at her. "What do you want to stop for anyway? I'm the one who's been carrying you all night long."

"Well," She replied sheepishly, averting her eyes "I kinda have to go to the bathroom..."

"Oh..."

ooOoo

"Yo, Akane, you seen Ucchan anywhere?"

"What are you asking me for?" She glared at him. "Do you have so many girls on the line that you need me to help keep track of them?"

"As if you qualify as a girl at all. But it's really important, so have you seen her?"

A developing blue aura warned him that he should not have said that. Or that at the very least he should be running as fast as he could in the opposite direction, as most sane people would be doing. Unfortunately, this is Ranma we're talking about here.

"Oh, I'm sure some 'private' time with one of your other fiancees is 'very' important."

Ranma realized he was in trouble a bit too late, bringing up his hands in the traditional 'please don't kill me' fasion.

"Wait a sec, you're misunderstanding me –" Further words were cut off as Akane grabbed him by the throat and began throttling him.

"And just WHAT am I misunderstanding, RANMA?"

"Ka... su... mi... asked... me... to... find... out... how... Ry... o... ga... was... do... ing..."

"Oh... that's different then." She dropped him. "Come to think of it, I haven't seen her at school today. I'll ask around."

She walked off, leaving Ranma rubbing his neck.

"Uncute tomboy."

ooOoo

Ukyo was once again running, wondering how on earth Ryoga was able to keep going. It was nearly noon, and her body was starting to protest once again. Six or seven hours seems to be my limit. Though I could probably double it if I really had to. She frowned. Is that what's going on? Is something forcing him to push his body this far? And if so, what?

She watched Ryoga run, noting how his body seemed to be running on autopilot. One thing's for certain. She resolved. I won't have him use up what little strength he has by carrying me again. If he can keep moving, so can I.

ooOoo

"Ranma, Akane, welcome home. Did you two talk to Ukyo?"

Ranma shook his head.

"She didn't come to school today, and she wasn't at her restaurant either." Akane answered, slipping off her shoes at the door. "In fact, no one has seen her at all since last night."

"Oh, my."

ooOoo

It was late afternoon.

Ukyo was completely exhausted, both physically and mentally. Actually, she had passed exhaustion about an hour ago. Why do I keep running? She asked herself for the hundredth time. Why don't I just lay down and rest for a while?

And for the hundredth time, she glanced at Ryoga's back and got her answer. He seemed to be moving by force of will alone.

If I stop now, he's bound to carry me again. And there's no way on God's green earth he has the energy to do that again.

She stopped wondering where they were going, how long it would take to get there, where they were, and why they were going there at all. Instead she focused her mind on putting one foot in front of the other fast enough to keep up with the bandanna-clad boy in front of her.

Concentrating on her feet, she didn't notice Ryoga had stopped until she ran smack into him. Rebounding, she landed on her rear.

"Hey, sugar, warn me before you stop like... like... oh my God..." Ukyo's eyes widened at the sight in front of her.

They were standing near the base of a large pine, the forest opening into a small clearing. But what caught her eye was the sight of four dismembered corpses, scattered throughout the field.

Glancing at Ryoga, she found his attention was trained on the far side of the clearing. Following his gaze she spotted two more bodies beneath the shade of a large oak. They seemed... different than the others.

"Ryoga... what's going on..."

He ignored her, walking stiffly towards the oak tree. Ukyo followed, and as he sank to his knees nothing could have prepared her for his next words.

"Mom... dad... I'm here now..."

ooOoo

Author's notes: Just so you know, I'm not intending this to be a dark fic. It's just that I HAVE to be mean and do this to Ryoga, or other parts of the story won't work. If I could, I'd leave them safe and happy, but I just can't figure out any way to do that.