Shampoo (AST)

## Appearance

Shampoo is effectively indistinguishable from her canon counterpart in this universe with no particular oddities to her appearance.

## Personality

While Shampoo retains many of her basic characteristics from her canon counterpart there are definite changes. Foremost is her love interest in Kasumi. Although she has modestly entertained other relationships, her primary and overriding interest is in Kasumi. Since Kasumi has accepted their relationship, it has been a source of great happiness and trouble for Shampoo.

Most particular of recent note was the fall out of the Hotel La Bac incident that made Shampoo realize she was far too vulnerable for her liking and that she was potentially putting Kasumi in danger due to this. She has gone to great length to improve her ability to compensate, strengthening herself so that she will no longer be a burden. She has also taken a dislike to Kasumi's habit of apologizing to her.

While before she maintained a mostly standoffish or outright hostile relationship with most others, of late this has begun to change. She has trained with Herb and Ranma both, and is more friendly with the likes of Ranko and Makoto. While her relationship with Frost was initially quite good, it did become strained after the latter was tricked into attacking Kasumi. However, it appears that Shampoo has largely forgiven the Amazon magus.

## Biography

As per her canon counterpart, Shampoo was participating in the Joketsuzoku tournament when Kasumi and Genma arrived at the village, both in their respective cursed forms. While Kasumi avoided the prize food, Genma as usual partook in such leading to the conflict with Shampoo. Kasumi attempted to negotiate a settlement but was forced to challenge Shampoo for the prize when that failed. Through a combination of skill and deception, Kasumi defeated Shampoo and as per Joketsuzoku law was to be wed to Shampoo, although Kasumi was not made aware of this, believing the festivities that resulted were simply for his victory.

Over the course of these festivities, the villagers tested Kasumi in various ways, while at the same time getting him hopelessly drunk. Kasumi did manage to pass these tests and was formally married to Shampoo under the watch of So Pu. Over the course of this all, Shampoo came to accept and even deeply appreciate her new husband. Kasumi would pass out, however, before they could consummate their marriage.

The next morning, now recovered, Kasumi quickly realized he had gotten himself into a situation and transformed back to normal, revealing her curse to Shampoo. Although Kasumi made no attempt to defeat herself from Shampoo's wrath, Shampoo ultimately could not attack Kasumi, and telling her of the law to do with female defeats, prompted Kasumi to leave the village in secret.

Sometime after, Kasumi's departure would be discovered, and Cologne would draw out the truth of the circumstances from Shampoo. Shampoo would then be sent out to retrieve Kasumi, with Cologne to follow afterwards. While Shampoo did track Kasumi successfully to Nerima and the Tendo home, she could not confront the girl, so instead took a job as a waitress elsewhere in town. She would continue to work here until the night of a visit by Haruka, Michiru and Hotaru. While they did not interact with Shampoo at the restaurant, they did witness an altercation where Shampoo was grabbed and responded by quickly dispatching the parties responsible, then promptly being fired.

On their way home, the trio saw her and decided to give her a ride, taking her to a nearby tea shop, and on viewing the relationship between Michiru and Haruka, Shampoo was given some hope the situation could work out with Kasumi and decided to return to the Tendo home. There she encountered Cologne who had arrived shortly before and the pair came to speak with the Tendos and Saotomes, revealing that she was married to Kasumi.

Ranma, Akane, Kasumi (currently trapped in male form) and Shampoo would leave the adults to talk about this while heading off to rescue Ryouko (Ukyo in her wolf form) from Azusa. Along the way, she would learn that Ranma was Kasumi's fiance, souring her mood greatly. They were, however, successful in the rescue, Shampoo easily knocking the skater out when she attempted to get in the way.

Back at the Tendos, the tale of the tournament and marriage was given, and with the situation not easily resolvable, it was decided Shampoo would stay with the Tendos in Akane's room. There Shampoo would meet C-chan, feeling an odd familiarity from the cat but unable to discern why.

The next day, Shampoo would accompany Nodoka shopping and discuss matters, revealing some details of Joketsuzoku to Nodoka. Later, slightly frustrated with everything, Shampoo would be invited to spar with Ranma. Frustrated by not being able to defeat the boy, Shampoo nearly used the Dragon Fang Fist on him, but Kasumi intervened.

That night, Kodachi would sneak into the Tendo home and into Kasumi's bedroom. After being ejected, she would casually come to stay the night with Akane. However, Shampoo, unfamiliar with her, would quickly subdue her in the darkness, demanding her identity at knife point. Akane would quickly explain that Kodachi was not a threat, prompting Shampoo to release her, but Shampoo would deduce that Kodachi had been very likely with Kasumi, and this further soured her mood.

A few days later, Cologne met with Shampoo and Shampoo made clear her frustration with the situation, although Cologne tried to calm her. Shortly after, Kasumi would meet with her and ask her to move in together with Kasumi into a restaurant Kasumi was to be taking care of. This greatly improved Shampoo's mood and she happily agreed.

However, not long after the move in, while cleaning, Makoto arrived, saying she was to be leaving there too, much to Shampoo's surprise and annoyance. This further annoyed her when it became clear Makoto had an interest in Kasumi's male side, and Kasumi asked Shampoo to keep their marriage a secret.

Those at the restaurant would decide to take a break at a skating rink nearby. Shampoo began sulking at the rink despite Kasumi's attempts to reason with her. Kasumi would ultimate leave her to the side to go skate at Akane's insistence. However, Kasumi was continually distracted by seeing Shampoo in a fowl mood so Akane convinced Shampoo to try skating as well to break the tension of the situation.

Shortly after going onto the ice, Shampoo showed a complete lack of skill at skating and was soon picked up by Mikado who was also at the rink. However, before he could do much, Azusa showed up and confronted Shampoo over their previous encounter. Kasumi interposed himself between the two, giving Mikado the opportunity to snatch up Shampoo once again. However, once more Azusa cut in. This gave Shampoo the opportunity to knock Mikado out and confront Azusa, but she was quickly interrupted with the unexpected arrival of Ukyo who attacked Azusa first.

Azusa, panicked by Ukyo's particularly forceful assault, hid behind a recovered Mikado, prompting a negotiation between the parties. Mikado proposed a formal paired skating duel. In her rush to get to Azusa, Ukyo agreed, inadvertently selecting Kasumi as her partner, believing Ranma was still behind her at the time. Shampoo, meanwhile, had stormed off.

Some days later, while Akane and Kodachi were walking together, Shampoo attack Kodachi, demanding she leave Kasumi alone. Akane would intervene, ending the conflict for the moment, although Kodachi had been injured enough to warrant a visit to the doctor.

Later Akane would tell Kasumi of the incident and they would get into a conflict with Shampoo who argued it was her right to defend her honor as these other women were attempt to get close to her husband. Kasumi disagreed, however, and insisted Shampoo stop. Shampoo reluctantly agreed.

Some days later, with Shampoo keeping to her word, Kasumi took her along as she went to practice for the skating match, convincing her to skate with her, with the promise that Kasumi would stay with her. After some basic lessons, Shampoo was proficient enough to skate on her own. After some time, Ranma would join Kasumi and take over, as Kasumi went to practice with Ukyo. Shampoo would use this opportunity to question Ranma's relationship with Kasumi. Getting uncertain responses from him, Shampoo tired of the conversation and left for home.

When the day of the tournament arrived, Shampoo was in attendance. After an early betrayal by Ukyo, Kasumi found himself in trouble, prompting Shampoo to go to ring side and shout a command to jump at an opportune moment. This worked, but quickly put Shampoo into Mikado's sights who would steal a kiss from her. This infuriated Kasumi, causing him to knock out Mikado front tooth. Shampoo would, meanwhile, run out of the arena, embarrassed. She was only drawn back in as the tide of a the battle had once more turned and Kasumi was at the mercy of Mikado. She was present to witness Mousse's appearance, as he distracted Mikado giving Kasumi the chance to recover.

The match would soon come to a close with Kasumi and Ukyo's victory, allowing Shampoo to question Mousse. Finding out he and Kasumi knew each other, Shampoo quickly denied any relationship with the boy. Later, Shampoo keep her distance from Kasumi, brooding.

The next day, with Ukyo now in possession of the phoenix pill, the only known cure for Kasumi current condition, Kasumi was forced to challenge Ukyo for it. However, during the skating match it had been revealed that Ukyo knew the Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken, meaning Kasumi did not like his odds of victory. Akane would suggest Shampoo teach Kasumi the ki technique she was going to use on Ranma, the Dragon Fan Fist, but Shampoo refused. This lead to an argument between the two, and soon revealed to Makoto, who was also present, that Shampoo and Kasumi were married, prompting the girl to run off, heart broken.

With Kasumi chasing after Makoto, Akane followed Shampoo to her room to continue the argument, but Shampoo would no budge on the issue. After Akane departed, Kasumi would enter, and initially mistaking her for Akane, Shampoo went on the offensive, but was quickly stopped and admonished by Kasumi for this. Kasumi let the matter go, and admitted he had been listen into the argument and asked Shampoo to explain her side of things which Shampoo did.

Kasumi, after hearing the details, agreed that the situation was serious for Shampoo, but that he would not allow her to come to harm, even if it meant agreeing to the marriage ultimately. Reassured by this, Shampoo agreed to teach Kasumi the technique. Outside, Shampoo would demonstrate the technique and Kasumi would pick it up remarkably fast, surprising Shampoo, but Kasumi she was very familiar with ki techniques so it was fairly natural for her.

Shampoo would then join those watching the duel between Ukyo and Kasumi. Ukyo and Kasumi would ultimately fight to a standstill, with Ukyo eventually standing down and giving over the pill willingly. However, it was discovered to be a fake and that the real one was still in China.

Some days later in the evening with Kasumi depressed about the seeming hopelessness of his situation, Shampoo would talk to Kasumi briefly before he headed out for a walk. After Kasumi's departure, she cautioned Makoto against keeping a cat at the restaurant, revealing she knew about Artemis.

The few days later, it was decided that everyone would accompany Kasumi on a trip to a mountain ski resort to clear his head, Shampoo among these. At the resort, Shampoo showed little knowledge of skiing, much like most the others, but would otherwise remain civil while being instructed in the basics. They would later rest at a lodge where Cologne appeared, feeling something amiss. Dr. Tofu also soon arrived and explained he had brought Frost to the mountains. Shampoo and Cologne both recognized the name, although Dr. Tofu was surprised they had not known she was in Nerima. They quickly explained that Frost was likely a danger to Kasumi and everyone split up to find Kasumi before Frost could.

They would ultimately fail, although did managed to keep Kasumi away from Frost long enough for Shampoo to arrive and explain matters to Frost properly. Frost would then use her magic to cancel out the effects of the cat tongue point, curing Kasumi. Later, Kasumi would celebrate the return to her natural form with a bath at a hotspring nearby, shared with the other girls, including Shampoo.

The next day, Kasumi met with Makoto and Shampoo. When Makoto mentioned that the training she was receiving in martial arts was too low level for her liking, Kasumi proposed that Makoto join in on her and Genma's training sessions to which Makoto agree, quickly volunteering Shampoo as well when it came up. Kasumi would head off to school giving Shampoo the opportunity to voice her displeasure at being roped into this, but Makoto dismissed this.

After Makoto departed for school as well, Cologne arrived to Shampoo's surprise, announcing she had purchased the business and started immediately making plans for improvements. Shampoo was worried about this, but Cologne assured her she'd work things out with Kasumi as Mousse was soon to make a move.

Later, with Kasumi arriving home, she confirmed that she had encountered Mousse. Cologne went upstairs with Kasumi to explain matters while Makoto, Shampoo and the others discussed possible names for the restaurant. Kasumi would return and the name would be decided to be the San Cheng Huang. Kasumi would ask Shampoo if she wished to go with Mousse's option, but she flatly rejected such.

Shampoo would accompany Kasumi to the school where Kasumi was to talk with Mousse and watch as a brief duel resulted with Kasumi winning. Afterwards, she would talk with Frost, thanking her for her aid and learning Frost would be staying for now.

Some days later, Shampoo and Kasumi were at the Tendos for dinner where the matter of Kasumi's engagement to Ranma came up. Annoyed, Shampoo repeatedly interrupted the conversation by breaks cups. When Kasumi and Shampoo were about to leave, Kasumi asked Shampoo to apologize, but she refused and left. Later that evening, Kasumi would request that Shampoo go to school, an idea given to her by Nodoka. On finding out that she would not be in Kasumi's class Shampoo was further angered and she got into a heated argument with Kasumi, only ended when Cologne intervened.

The next day, Kasumi, on Cologne's advice, would revise the request to have Shampoo but attend school but in her class which appeared to cheer Shampoo up, particularly once she explained why she had made the request originally. Shortly after arriving, Shampoo would encounter Saki. Later she would speak with Saki, curious at her unusual hair color, suggesting that Saki may be related to the Joketsuzoku. Not long after she would find Happosai up to his usual antics with Kasumi and attacked him.

Shampoo would accompany Kasumi back to the Tendos with Happosai and the others. During the meeting, due to having his manliness questioned, Nodoka insisted on a date between Kasumi and Ranma, much to Shampoo's displeasure.

With the time of the date approaching, Shampoo would be at the restaurant, breaking dishes due to her anger. Kasumi asked to take a rest. Left to her thoughts, Shampoo would quickly become depressed at the situation and leave, ending up at Dr. Tofu's to speak with Frost. Frost would attempt to sow doubt in Shampoo about the marriage, but Shampoo dismissed such, causing Frost to alter tactics and arrange for them to go out to the same restaurant Kasumi and Ranma were set to have their date at, unknown to Shampoo.

On arriving at the restaurant, Frost convinced Shampoo to stay to keep on eye on things, but unexpectedly Shampoo would eventually admit despite everything she loved Kasumi. With the arrival of Mousse and Ukyo, the date broke down and Shampoo entered the fray on Kasumi's side. In an effort to stop the fighting, Frost cast a fear spell, but inadvertently hit only Shampoo. Shampoo would panic and run off, which did end up having the result of ending the fight, although not in the intended way.

Those at the restaurant would split up to find Shampoo, Ukyo eventually discovering her in an alley, hiding. Kasumi, in male form, managed to coax her out and Frost cast a sleeping spell on her meant to remove nightmares, calming her. Kasumi would take Shampoo back to the San Cheng Huang, but soon found the sleeping spell alone was not sufficient to keep Shampoo calm and was forced to stay with Shampoo.

Some hours later, Shampoo would awaken, free of the fear spell, confused as to why she was sleeping with Kasumi. Kasumi would also awaken, and on confirming Shampoo was recovered, would transform back to normal, assuming Shampoo would return to her room, but Shampoo remained. On further questioning her, Shampoo quickly latched onto Kasumi, confessing her love for Kasumi and asking to be allowed to stay. Kasumi, remember a conversation she had with Frost while they were searching for Shampoo where Frost pointed out Kasumi had made a promise to Shampoo, but one without any deadline, conceded and allowed Shampoo to stay.

Many days later, Kasumi got wrapped up in event with the arrival of Herb. On her return to Nerima, Shampoo would greet Kasumi happily, questioning her, along with Makoto and Cologne, as to where she went, but Kasumi largely dodged answering. Kasumi would introduce Herb to Shampoo before going for a bath. Shampoo would join her, unexpectedly, finally convincing Kasumi to divulge the secret of Ukyo's curse. While this improved Shampoo's mood, Nodoka would discover the pair together, and Kasumi's evasiveness about their relationship once more angered Shampoo.

Later, after Herb departed with Nodoka, Kasumi would speak with Shampoo in their shared bedroom, Shampoo trying to further things along, but Kasumi dodged out when a call came about trouble at the Tendos. Shampoo would accompany Kasumi to the Tendos where Kuno, Ranma, Herb, and Mousse were all arguing over Kasumi. With their arrival Mousse attempted to convince her to choose him, but she once more refused. Herb would dismiss Shampoo as meaningless, which served to only anger the Amazon.

The next morning, during sparring, Shampoo was sparring Makoto and dominating the match with her superior strength and speed. After school that day, Shampoo would rush into the restaurant ahead of Makoto, and eject her when she attempted to enter, setting up a private dinner between herself and Kasumi. Kasumi would arrive later, surprised at the dinner, but entertained it nonetheless, conversing with Shampoo, learning of her reasons for ceasing serious training due to a troubled friendship with Par Phume. Their privacy was ended when Herb appeared and asked Kasumi for suggestions for a job. Herb's skill set being of little use for most high level positions, Shampoo would suggest Herb become a waitress, teasing the prince as being too lazy when Herb initially rebuffed this. This ultimately got Herb to agree.

Some days later, Haruka, Michiru and the other Senshi girls arrived at the restaurant where Kasumi, in male form, had a harsh encounter with Haruka, ejecting her physically from the premises. Afterward, she would explain to those remaining, including Shampoo, that Haruka and her had history, although given that Kasumi had no knowledge of Haruka's true gender, everyone choose to not correct her. Shampoo in particular, who did not initially recognize Haruka, was quite angry with her, but was soon clued in by Makoto. To change subjects, Cologne told everyone about a beach location that she had just acquired which the girls quickly wished to visit for access to said beach.

The next day, at the beach, Shampoo was fawning over Kasumi until Happosai interrupted things. In an attempt to get rid of him, Ranma suggested he meet with a girl he knew, and Shampoo ended up accompanying them back to the beach restaurant while Kasumi stayed behind to talk with Michiru.

At the restaurant, Happosai, carrying the love pill bracelet as a gift, was introduced to Cologne and they quickly recognized and became hostile to each other. Happosai quickly left, but Shampoo and Ranma stayed to get an explanation from Cologne. She explained the nature of the pills, but Happosai had lingered long enough to hear this and set off to make use of them. Shampoo and Ranma would go off in pursuit while Cologne contacted Frost.

Back at the beach, Shampoo and Ranma filled Kasumi in, and everyone tried to restrain Happosai but failed. In the fighting, Nabiki ended up swallowing the daytime pill and fell in love with Kasumi's male half. Happosai then ran off, and everyone split up in an attempt to find him while Kasumi and Michiru headed back to the restaurant with Nabiki.

Shampoo, in the meantime, laid a trap for Happosai, using herself as bait, and successfully caught the old master. However, she was only able to acquire one pill. Thinking of using the pill on Kasumi, Shampoo soon ran into Haruka, and gave her a cold reception. By this time, Happosai had freed himself and apparently reacquired the 3rd pill and was trying to make use of it. Having caught sight of Usagi, he was chasing her when Shampoo and Haruka tried to intervene. During the encounter, Happosai discovered Haruka was a woman and used the pill on her, but was quickly disabled before it too effect. Only when Kasumi, still in male form, showed up did the effect finally take hold, prompting Haruka to kiss Kasumi. Embarrassed by this, and still frustrated by the previous evening's encounter, Haruka got into a fight with Kasumi.

While all this was happening, Mousse revealed he had taken the pill off of Shampoo, but was quickly intercepted by Frost and had it taken from him. With the fight's conclusion, Haruka learning Kasumi's true identity, and Kasumi learning Haruka's true gender, Shampoo would return home with Kasumi who was confused. That night, Shampoo would be present when Nabiki, still under the effects of the pill, sneaked into Kasumi's room and attempted to seduce him.

Some days later, while bathing together with Kasumi, Kasumi proposed a training trip to the mountains which Shampoo agreed to. Unexpectedly, they would hear Herb scream out and rush to her only to find that she had been shocked by the fact she was having her period.

The next day at school Mousse would approach Shampoo and attempt to get her to agree to the marriage, but would be rebuffed. When he refused to drop the issue, Takeshi Ayagami stepped in and quickly defeated him. Shampoo found the boy's particular style interesting, but ultimately left, leaving Mousse defeated on the ground.

A few days later, while sleeping together with Kasumi, Kasumi was called into the school early, leaving Shampoo to sleep. She would awaken later, already well past her normal waking time, and was forced into a rush to get to school. She arrived just in time to witness the arrival of the Headmaster, Kocho Kuno, along with Akane and Ranma. Ranma would warn Shampoo that he was trouble. After the Kuno patriarch had a brief confrontation with the others, he would approach Shampoo and trick her into joining him by saying Kasumi wanted to talk with her. Distracted, the others did not notice this, and would only later take notice of her absence at class.

Later, while confronting Kocho in his office, Kasumi would learn he had kidnapped Shampoo and had her unconscious in a cage, rigged with a giant pair of clipper threatening to cut her hair. He would use this to black mail Kasumi into helping him with his scheme.

As the day progressed, Saki would realize this from Shampoo's absence and Kasumi's turning against them. Kasumi's class would redirect their efforts into finding Shampoo. Takeshi, Minako and Usagi would be successful, finding her in the gym, guarded by Ms. Hinako, another unwilling participant in the events. Their encounter with their instructor didn't go well, and Minako was forced to run for aid, bringing the others. Kasumi, now in male form, would successfully outmaneuver Ms. Hinako and take away the Fighting Fish tank she was using to maintain her power, and once she used up the remaining energy she switched sides and joined Kasumi.

With everyone now working together, they confronted Kocho, but he continued to hold Shampoo hostage with a remote. However, Kasumi managed to trick him, and knock the remote from his hands, leaving him to be dealt with by the others while he rescued Shampoo. On rescuing her, Kasumi was overcome by the impulse to kiss her. Shampoo would later joke that if she was going to get kissed like this every time she would be sure to get kidnapped lots.

With the school in need of repair from damage sustained in the incident, everyone was given free time. In the early day, Kasumi would return home and request to see Shampoo who was taking a bath. While Shampoo would tease Kasumi some, asking her to join Shampoo, Kasumi's casual response surprised Shampoo and she quickly rushed out to see what Kasumi wanted. Kasumi presented her with tickets to a dinner theater, and a bundle of flowers, greatly exciting Shampoo. The pair planned a date that evening. Kasumi also showed off some new attire she had acquired that better suited both her forms thanks to some creative tailoring by Pierre, a tailor Michiru introduced Kasumi to.

After the dinner and theater that night, on their way home, Shampoo and Kasumi would talk about potentially having a Japanese or Western style wedding ceremony to more formally cement their marriage. The topic would turn to more private matter which Kasumi quickly diverted by bringing up the potential for children which Shampoo admitted she really didn't want at this time, thus forcing her to seek out some kind of birth control, giving Kasumi a reprieve.

At the mountains, Shampoo assisted Kasumi in training for the Hiryuu Shouten Ha, being present when Kasumi unexpectedly activated the technique with no accompanying hot ki. When Herb arrived with the others to check out what happened, Kasumi requested he train her in his hover technique which Shampoo likewise asked to learn.

Shampoo was able to gain some use in the hovering technique, her control was limited. While training in it, Cologne arrived and they informed the elder of Ukyo's apparent attempt to learn her family's forbidden techniques. She in turn informed them that Ukyo was already on the hunt for Kasumi and would likely soon appear.

Sure enough, not long after, Ukyo would arrive and challenge Kasumi. Shampoo, along with the other their, would gather to observe the duel, and Kasumi's eventual defeat. Afterwards, she would get into a heated discussion with Kasumi, Nodoka and Cologne which would ultimately conclude with Shampoo stomping off, before Kasumi was forced to declare Ukyo her new wife.

The following day, back in Nerima, Kasumi would awaken finding Shampoo showing some displeasure in the situation by sleeping on her own side of the bed for a change. When Shampoo awoke she spoke with Cologne, further venting her annoyance with the situation, but Cologne simply told her Kasumi had accepted what was unavoidable at this point, forcing Shampoo to reluctantly agree. She would then ask Cologne about a contraceptive and receive one, but be told it would take a month to take full effect, much to her displeasure. When Cologne began a lecture on the topic, she slipped out and found Kasumi, apparently convincing her to head out.

Later, the pair would be at Pierre's business shopping for more clothing where Kasumi unexpectedly felt a prick on her neck and after nearly being overwhelmed from a strange effect, fell unconscious. Kasumi would quickly recover, but the episode worried Shampoo. However, due to this, the pair would meet Ranko for the first time, Kasumi feeling some familiarity to her but not able to place it. Then would soon after return home.

Back at the restaurant, Cologne would assure Shampoo that Kasumi was in good health, but Shampoo was still worried. Once more the topic of marrying Ukyo came up, Cologne noting that the marriage was little more than a title and would likely no impact Shampoo's relationship with Kasumi. A phone call would come in with an insistent girl asking for a delivery order. Shampoo would attempt to refuse, but Cologne told her to take it, before heading out herself.

At Dr. Tofu's, a short while later, Shampoo would apparently show up, crying. Selene, Mousse in his cursed form, would witness Frost and this Shampoo speak, but be unable to hear the details. Finally Frost would enter a fury and prepare to head out, saying that Shampoo had accused Kasumi of raping her.

However, in truth, the real Shampoo was across town, outside a darkened building where the take out order had been requested to deliver to, unaware of this whole situation, and assuming it was merely a prank call. On her return, she would find the restaurant already in flames, greatly worrying Shampoo until Ranko showed up and told her Kasumi was okay and at the doctors. Shampoo would rush over and talk with Kasumi, relieved to see her indeed okay despite being attacked by Frost, and would confirm she made no such accusation against Kasumi.

With the restaurant effectively destroyed, its Kasumi, Shampoo and Cologne were forced to stay at the Tendos for a time, while Makoto stayed at the dorms. Later that day, Tatewaki would offer for them to stay at his home, to which they accepted as the Tendos was too full with Herb and Cologne also staying there. Shortly after, Kasumi would part ways with Shampoo to speak with Ranko alone.

Days later, Shampoo was still staying with the Kunos with the others, although there was still some friction. At school, Shampoo would get to talking with Ranko who was now attending and would say that she and Akane did not get along. Ranko would inquire about the fallout of the situation and Shampoo said she had forgave Frost, but was not speaking with her. Cologne would then show up and request Shampoo fetch Kasumi and meet her at the water way for some training.

At the water way, Shampoo would fawn over Kasumi until Cologne arrived and asked her to attack her as means of a demonstration. Shampoo obliged and Cologne demonstrated the particulate control technique, using sand under her control to block Shampoo's attacks, eventually disarming her ending the demonstration. On seeing Kasumi attempt the technique herself, Shampoo got excited as Kasumi appeared to be doing well, but ultimately Kasumi's control was insufficient. Cologne would leave Kasumi to practice while instructing Shampoo to continue practicing the hover technique.

Some time later, Shampoo would cease her practice to observe Kasumi, feeling she wasn't into practice that day. She would note that Kasumi was truly exceptional, already coming along quickly with the technique, making her feeling conflicted: happy that Kasumi was so good, but also inferior to her at the same time. This appeared to motivate her once more to practice until Ranko arrived to warn Kasumi about the presence of Copycat Ken in the area. However, Kasumi was so involved in her training, her eyes at started to glow, which Kasumi explained was a first stage of finding her center.

With Ranko explaining about Copycat Ken, Shampoo would quickly conclude he must have been the one to trick Frost, but Kasumi cautioned against this. Realizing Ukyo would be a target, they split up to find and warn her.

The next day, at the beach, Shampoo would arrive to once more train along side Kasumi. After briefly teasing Herb, unsuccessfully, she would join Kasumi and Kasumi would demonstrate how far she had gotten with her particle control technique by creating a sand replica of Shampoo. At that time, Ranma appeared, although Kasumi found it odd he was not with Kuno. However, when he stole a kiss from Kasumi, everyone quickly realized this was in fact Ken in Ranma's guise.

Shampoo would quickly accuse him of deceiving Frost, but he denied it, and instead he would challenge Kasumi to a fight, which she accepted. Despite Ken's ability to copy both various people's techniques, including Kasumi and Ukyo, Kasumi proved too much for the boy, having too great a mastery of her own techniques for him to match, and exploiting the water to prevent him from engaging her properly when in Ukyo's form. However, unexpectly, Ken would become enraged and in his frustration attack Shampoo in an attempt to force Kasumi to engage him directly, twisting Shampoo's wrist in the process. Kasumi too would become enraged unnaturally by this and, utilizing the dark ha do, attacked Ken brutally to the point those gathered had to physically intervene to stop her.

On getting her off, Kasumi would collapse unconscious as she had done at Pierre's. The others were about to take both to the clinic when they were attacked by invisible foes. They would reveal themselves, being oddly dark skinned figures who's skin coloring did not match their apparent ancestry. One would attempt to take Shampoo, while the other successfully grabbed Kasumi and escaped. With the help of the others, Shampoo managed to escape capture. Being a target herself, Shampoo was forced to remain behind while Ranma and Herb gave chase to the attacker taking Kasumi. Eventually the other attacker would leave, giving up on capturing Shampoo for the moment.

Afterwards, at the clinic, it was learned Shampoo's wrist had a minor fracture and she would require a brace for a few days. Cologne also learned from speaking with Shampoo that Ken was unlikely to be the shape changer who tricked Frost as he required a cloth to change and the other one did not.

Three days later, at the Kunos, under the guard of Kodachi, Kuno, Sasuke and Makoto, Shampoo would talk to Makoto. Makoto would note that one the first day, Shampoo was very confident Kasumi would escape on her own, and the second day Shampoo had turned more to anger and was speaking about getting vengence. However, now on the third, Shampoo asked if she was in the way, noting how Ken had used her to get to Kasumi. Makoto would refute this, but the conversation came to a quick end when a mysterious attacker came to the mansion.

All guards were quickly dispatched, and Shampoo quickly captured despite all involved best efforts. Makoto, however, would recognize the attacker as Sailor Moon. Makoto would quickly recover and transform into Sailor Jupiter. Soon after she would join up with Ranko who recognized her despite the transformation and the pair would pursue Sailor Moon who was carrying an unconscious Shampoo. Despite their effort, they were unable to retrieve her, as Sailor Moon delivered Shampoo to a waiting van and overcame the pair.

Some time later, inside the Hotel La Bac, Kasumi would be awoken and shown that Shampoo was also now at the hotel in a separate location. Kasumi's captor, simply referred to as the Doctor, would ask Kasumi to reveal to him the Dark Ha Do, and was now intent on using threat to Shampoo to force her to do so.

The doctor likewise explained his intents to Shampoo before setting the building against her. With her power suppressed, and still nursing her injured wrist, Shampoo had a rough time of it, but she did manage to survive until Kasumi nearly reached her. However, this appeared to be the doctor's intent all along as he separated the two, trapping Shampoo within a room slowly filling with poison gas while all Kasumi could do was watch helpless from the other side of a glass wall. Shampoo seemingly succumb to the poison prompting Kasumi to finally submit to the Dark Ha Do.

Shortly after, when those from the outside penetrated the building an reached Kasumi, they found Kasumi possessed and Shampoo unmoving. The others were unable to assist her, however, as the possessed Kasumi quickly attacked them. Only after the sudden outburst of energy in the building, caused by Usagi shattering her crystal to escape the nanobots control, was Kasumi finally stopped as her true personality started to fight that possessing her. This gave Ranko and the others the opportunity to aid those fallen, including Shampoo, finding her barely breathing.

However, after Kasumi cast out the possessing mind, Rose enter the picture, revealing she was the one doing the possession, although believing herself to be Bison. She would attack them, nearly finishing them off, even threatening Shampoo, but Kasumi recovered and faced off with her, allowing the others to escape. Ranko would carry Shampoo most the way, although handing her off to Akane near the end to return to get Kasumi. However, a barrier stopped Ranko from doing so and she too was forced to exit with the others. Utilizing a slide created by Frost, they escaped the building before it was consumed in a strange field.

As the events came to a close, and Sailor Uranus brought out Kasumi from the field, Kasumi awoke and was informed by Dr. Tofu that Shampoo was alive and apparently stable.

The next day, Shampoo had apparently already recovered enough to go to Kasumi's room at the hospital and wait for her to awaken. Tofu would note that her recovery was in fact quite remarkable, Soun suggesting it was due to the strange light they witnessed, that caused by Usagi's crystal shattering.

When Kasumi did finally awake, Shampoo found her nearly helpless, her strength completely gone due to the after effects of the Light Ha Do she used the previous night to combat Rose. Kasumi asked about Shampoo condition and Shampoo assured her she was fine. However, when Kasumi apologized for getting Shampoo involved, Shampoo suddenly grew distant. Shampoo quickly excused herself to Kasumi's puzzlement.

Ranko caught sight of her in the hallway, and noticed her quickly head off to the stairwell, and her odd behavior caused Ranko to follow. She realized Shampoo had gone to the roof, and was about to purse but stopped short on hearing Shampoo crying. When she was about to resume, Herb appeared and warned her off, believing Shampoo needed to be alone right now, to which Ranko abliged.

Later, recovered somewhat, Shampoo thought on how it was her fault and Kasumi shouldn't have apologized. Cologne would find her there, and unexpected Siren would join her to examine Shampoo. Siren would find nothing amiss that needed mention at the time, and headed off, leaving Shampoo the opportunity to talk to Cologne and after being pressed by Cologne, she would admit she was feeling inadequate. Shampoo would ask if there was something she could be taught to no longer be a burden to Cologne but Cologne would say no single technique would allow that and even if such a thing existed, she would have already taught it to Kasumi, adding there was no quick fixes for this issue. Hearing this, Shampoo vowed to train harder.

The next morning, Shampoo awoke early and headed out to train. Kasumi, still recovering, went out to observe, witnessing Shampoo attempt to improve her handling of the Dragon Fang Fist. However, despite her efforts she was making no progress. Kasumi would suggest an alternate approach. She analyzed that Shampoo was having a fundamental issue with her chi control and suggested a different training technique to help hone such. She placed some of her own ki in Shampoo's hand, instructing Shampoo to keep that ki there as long as she could, further explaining that properly ki control needs generation, isolation and redirection, and this taught isolation, and could later be adapted to teach redirection as well.

After this Kasumi would invite Shampoo along to something she had been putting off to which Shampoo agreed. After breakfast they would set out to a graveyard where Kasumi would guide them to her mother's grave to pay her respects. Kasumi would introduce Shampoo as her wife, pleasing Shampoo, although also puzzling her some. Afterward, they would discuss their particular understanding of the significance of talking to the headstone. As they were departing, however, Shampoo sensed something, and saw a wisp of a figure. Thinking it another invisible attacker, she attacked, but hit nothing, much to Kasumi puzzlement as she saw nothing. Shampoo would dismiss the matter as being her nerves, but could not seem to banish the sensation.

They next arrived at the rebuilt San Cheng Huang. While the basic structure had been completed, the interior was still having some work done for appliances. Makoto, who had already arrived, showed them around, eventually taking them to the third floor where Karin was waiting for them. Karin thanked them for intervening in regards to Shadowloo and said the furniture was her extra gift for such as the group had been a thorn in her company's side for some time.

After Karin departed, Shampoo would note how large it was and wondered if they had enough to run it, and Cologne conceded they would have to hire additional staff. After settling that the place was good to move back into, Kasumi would suggest getting Sasuke to bring over their luggage, and that later she and Shampoo could go to a movie which Shampoo happily agreed to.

Shortly after, Shampoo alone in the kitchen examining it, and marveling at the size, Lemon would come in. Lemon would entrance Shampoo, instructing her to agree to go out with anyone that asked her unless she hated the person. Lemon would quickly depart, leaving Shampoo with no memory of the encounter. Makoto would find Shampoo still in the lingering trance and snap her out of it.

Later, still at the restaurant, Shampoo would realize she had lost control of the chi, although unable to remember why. She would try to regain it, but the chi was hopeless lost by that point, fouling her mood some. At this time, Kuno would enter and propose a date. Shampoo would impulsively respond yes, apparently due to the previous enchantment, shocking herself at her own response. Even Kuno was momentarily surprised, but confirmed her response, which once more puzzled Shampoo as she could only response with yes again. Kuno set the time for that evening and headed off, and Kasumi would come in. Shampoo would explain she had agreed to a date, still wondering why, and Kasumi would remind her they planned to go to the movies. Shampoo, confused and defensive, said they could go to the movies another time, to which Kasumi agreed, but was clearly disappointed by. Kasumi would weakly offer that they should have a good time. After Kasumi departed, Shampoo would continue her state of confusion but then go off to prepare.

That evening, Shampoo would join Kuno, but her mood now very foul. She would note mentally how Kasumi had been avoiding her ever since, complaining to herself that Kasumi had encouraged her to entertain the male in their life and now she seemed to be against it. However, under her anger was a feeling of guilt. She would attempt to banish these thoughts by busying herself with the date, noting Kuno had taken them for dance lessons, which Shampoo found surprisingly smart of the boy.

Within the dance hall, Shampoo unexpectedly found herself enjoying herself, and rapidly learned the various danced being taught along with Kuno. However, at the lull in the event, Shampoo's thoughts once more turned elsewhere. When questioned by Kuno, Shampoo would deny any issue and say she was enjoying herself. At this point Rippa and Kitsui Buyou were introduced as guests to lead them through the final dance of the evening. Kuno and Shampoo would join the dance, and get competitive with the pair, impressing both. Afterwards they would talk briefly where Rippa would note he was also a martial artist.

The evening done, Shampoo and Kuno prepared to leave, but while Shampoo had been in a good mood, it suddenly soured with the appearance of Mikado Sanzenin. Mikado would argue a bit with Rippa before heading out, but noticing Shampoo's shifted mood, and realizing who Mikado was to Shampoo, Kuno would challenge him.

Outside the pair would face off, much to Shampoo's annoyance, Kuno quickly being defeated. Mikado, after winning, talked with Shampoo. Realizing she was with Kuno and note Kasumi's male side, Mikado asked about this, but Shampoo refused to elaborate. He would tend unexpectedly apologize for his earlier behavior to her during the skating match. Shampoo was skeptical however. Mikado would depart, apologizing as well for the state of her date.

Later, having dropped off Kuno, Shampoo returned to the restaurant, depressed, pondering how old tales had contradictory messages when it came to love. She would join Kasumi in their shared room, still finding Kasumi very quiet. Finally Shampoo would confront her on this, and Kasumi would admit she was feeling jealous. She would attempt to apologize, but Shampoo quickly rebuffed this, Shampoo explaining she didn't want to hear that from Kasumi anymore, but couldn't really explain why. Kasumi would change topics to the date, but Shampoo said it was a mess. Kasumi would tend ask her to talk it out and finally Shampoo would admit she felt like she should be sorry instead, which Kasumi thought meant about the movie, but Shampoo did not elaborate so Kasumi dropped the matter.

The following day, Mikado came to the San Cheng Haung looking for Kasumi. Still, only familiar with Kasumi's male side, Kasumi chose to meet him as such with Shampoo, Makoto and Ranma likewise present. Mikado would unexpectedly ask for Kasumi aid with Rippa, revealing he had supposedly kept to a promise he made to Kasumi to stop his womanizing way, but after losing to Rippa in a ice dance battle, now was honorably required to date the boy. Fearing that his reputation would be lost dating another man, he wished for Kasumi to challenge Rippa and have him drop the date. Kasumi, however, still recovering, had no choice but to refuse, but Shampoo would unexpectedly vow to do so in Kasumi's place, and quickly head off to deliver the challenge.

Kasumi would pursue her and ask her to explain, and after initially being evasive Shampoo explained she believed herself to be a burden to Kasumi and wished to challenge herself to help herself improve. Kasumi would reluctantly accept this and let her continue on. Shampoo would linger a moment, feeling a presence once again like at the grave yard, but this time more familiar. She dismissed this and continued on her way, unaware Ranma was lurking nearby.

At the dance hall where Rippa and Kitsui were practicing, Shampoo would promptly challenge the boy after confirming he was indeed the one to challenge Mikado. However, Rippa refused the challenge, much to Shampoo's confusion. Shampoo accused him of being a coward, but Rippa did not rise to the bait. Kitsui tried to offer herself as an opponent, but Rippa rebuffed this as Mikado's debt was to him. Shampoo then tried forcing the matter by attacking him, but he did not defend himself and let her hit him, frustrating her.

It is then that Ranma appeared, talking with Rippa in a familiar way to Shampoo's surprise. The two would banter some, until Ranma proposed a paired duel, using "pride" as a term. This intrigued Rippa and got him to accept with several extra conditions. The date for the duel was set one week from the day and Ranma left with Shampoo following, having agreed to the terms as well.

On their way to the Tendos, Ranma explained that he and Rippa had history. Although Ranma noted he had previously bested Rippa one on one, he could only do so by denying Rippa music, and Rippa, during their brief talk, demonstrated that was no longer a limitation he possessed. Ranma said he'd lead Shampoo through the basics of martial arts dance so they had a fighting chance against the pair.

At the Tendo Dojo, Ranma would explain the basis of martial arts Dance as the basis of martial arts while doing a set of prep. After he had Shampoo attempt to attack him briefly, demonstrating the beat reading technique by dodging all her attacks easily. When asked why he hadn't used the technique before he explained he still needed prep time and music to accomplish it, and thus it wasn't very practical, but also explained by challenging Rippa to a dance match they would have music so this would not be a disadvantage. He then explained the rules of the match before deciding to change venues for further instruction.

Shampoo would go with him to a local night club, currently packed to the point that she found it a bit intimidating to enter. After ordering drinks for both of them, Ranma told her this was practice and they would have to navigate the crowd without losing their drinks.

Some hours later, the pair regrouped, Shampoo feeling frustrated due to her slow progress. Ranma, however, reminded her that they didn't need to beat their opponents at martial arts dance, just merely beat them any way possible, and becoming competent was all that really required. However, while Ranma knew Rippa fairly well, he was rather clueless on Kitsui and the way Mikado described his and Azusa's fight with the pair had him worried so he advised Shampoo to question Azusa, noting that they were likely to end up one on one, despite the battle being technically a paired battle.

Ranma would change subjects, asking if Shampoo liked him, and Shampoo acknowledged she liked him well enough, but she only wanted to be with Kasumi. Shampoo would turn the question around asking if Ranma wanted to be with them both and he weakly said he did. Shampoo then informed him she believed Kasumi would choose him if forced, but she would choose Herb. This confused Ranma, prompting Shampoo to explain she understood Herb, but did not understand him. Ranma would counter he had more complications in his life, like Ukyo, but Shampoo dismissed this, saying Ukyo had little choice in the matter.

They ended the night's training there, Shampoo accompanying Ranma back to the Tendos intent on staying with him at the Tendos until their training period was complete.

Three days later, Shampoo and Ranma's training was interrupted by having to return to school. Ranma would unexpectedly rush off, leaving Shampoo on her own at the end of the day. Shampoo was annoyed by this, but more puzzled by something else. Makoto would join her and Shampoo would ask if she too heard the singing she was hearing, but Makoto could not. Shampoo also said she could feel something, but could not describe it.

Makoto initially assumed Shampoo may be hallucinating, perhaps as a consequence of her near death experience, but while walking with her they soon found themselves in a disused part of the school. The pair would locate the second school store, a run down place run by and older man who seemed oblivious to the nature of his shop. While Makoto was distracted questioning him, Shampoo was drawn to a notebook and picked it up. When Makoto prompted Shampoo to leave in frustration with the old man, she found Shampoo now apparently entranced and reciting a poem.

Makoto, alarmed by this, took Shampoo by the shoulder to snap her out of it, but instead Shampoo's eyes seemed dead and ghostly blue flames appeared around her. The old man quickly left, apparently fearful, leaving Makoto to figure things out. The possessed Shampoo revealed her name was Kogane and apologized for possessing Shampoo as she had never done that before. When asked to remove herself, she initially didn't know how, but thought to run into a wall, resulting in the two being split apart.

Outside and leaving the school, Kogane now accompanied Makoto and Shampoo, trying to apologize to Shampoo. Their brief connection apparently had given Shampoo improved mastery of Japanese although it was steadily slipping as time went on. While discussing this, Makoto concluded Shampoo must have a sense for spirits. Makoto would be forced to depart as Shampoo headed off to question Azusa, while Kogane continued on with Shampoo.

With Makoto gone, Shampoo questioned Kogane on how she died, but Kogane said she didn't remember, and didn't really care. Kogane did, however, note Shampoo had been touched by death and seemed fuzzy to her. The two arrived at Azusa's, but the skater refused to talk with Shampoo about Kitsui. Rebuffed Kogane got an idea.

Later, after having apparently possessed Azusa, then Shampoo, Shampoo used the link to try and recall Azusa's fight with Kitsui, but could only recall a seeming nightmare where Ukyo was stalking Azusa with hedge clippers. However, after thinking on it, Shampoo realized this wasn't a nightmare, but actually what Azusa experienced during the fight, a form of mental illusion. This frustrated Shampoo as it was a form of attack she had no answer for.

Herb, in female form, came upon them and on having the nature of the attack described had an idea for a counter. Herb offered to help her in exchange for Shampoo telling her why she loved Kasumi, to which Shampoo agreed. Kogane would also note it was unfortunately that Shampoo was not a ghost as ghosts don't dream.

That night, Ranma and Shampoo continued their training at the night club. After having a conversation with Rippa, Ranma decided to increase the difficulty, but Shampoo unexpectedly asked for even more as she was finding it too easy, saying being with Kogane had changed things somehow and she had a far superior sense of those around her. Shampoo concluded she was sensing not just ghosts, but everyone's spirit. This prompted Ranma to not that people are just ghosts with bodies in a way, giving Shampoo an idea.

On the day of the challenge, Kasumi would come to the Dojo and present Shampoo and Ranma with matching costumes for the contest fashioned by Pierre. Shampoo would note she was disappointed that Kasumi had not visited sooner, but Kasumi said she did not want to interfere with Shampoo's training, which Shampoo disputed as necessary, but accepted regardless.

Everyone would head to the dance hall where they met Rippa who asked them to select a judge for their side. Ranma left the decision to Shampoo, although noting all were probably fine. Shampoo chose her judge and rejoined Ranma and the match soon began after Rippa explained the rules for everyone.

As the match began, Shampoo and Ranma quickly rushed in and faced off against Kitsui and Rippa respectively as expected in one on one battles. Very quickly, Kitsui caught Shampoo in a simple illusion of a open field. Shampoo said she would not be fooled by the illusion, but Kitsui countered she had no means of escape or means to judge where the dance floor was and could be losing points right that moment. She even suggested the illusion could be deeper and Shampoo might not be moving at all. As Kitsui circled, continuing to taunt Shampoo, Shampoo unexpectedly figured out where Kitsui was and attacked. Although she failed to connect due to Kitsui's caution, Kitsui quickly realized Shampoo was somehow seeing through the illusion. As Shampoo continued to prove she could do just that, Kitsui finally gave up on it with a smile.

As the match progressed, Kitsui's defense was proving more than a match for Shampoo's offense. She would note Shampoo was off her inherent beat and thus could not beat her. This angered Shampoo, but Kitsui remained calm. At this point, Rippa would unexpectedly threaten to engage Shampoo as well as he was at a stalemate with Ranma. However, rather than having the desired effect, Kitsui took exception to this and stopped her battle to tell off her brother, stopping her dance while doing so. Rippa was forced to admit it was a bluff although this did lose them several points in the fight before Kitsui resumed.

Shampoo would accuse Kitsui of not taking things seriously, to which Kitsui reluctantly decided to prove otherwise by using her Nightmare waltz. This forced Shampoo to relive the final moments of her poisoning within the La Bac, and nearly succumb to despair, but a void told her she was dreaming.

Kitsui nearly assumed the technique had worked when Shampoo suddenly regained her composure. However she would notice that for the 2nd time during the match, Shampoo looked to a very specific corner of the dance floor with nothing apparently there. Now very angry, Shampoo went on the attack, forcing Kitsui to drop the illusion again, impressing Kitsui.

As the fight progressed, Shampoo seemingly gained the upper hand and started finally landing blows on Kitsui until she knocked her out. The battle over, Kasumi came in to congratulate her and asked her how she had seen through the illusions, to which Shampoo explained that Kogane was here standing at the corner of the dance floor, and that together with her new spirit sense let her sense through the illusions. However, this quickly lead Shampoo to realize Kogane was puzzled as to Shampoo's behavior and she realized she had been tricked. It was in fact Kitsui, not Kasumi, with her and the match was still on, Kitsui having created a devious illusion based on reality.

Knowing now her illusions were effectively useless, Kitsui switched strategies and took control of Shampoo's body, making her and Kitsui perform the same actions. While initially this seemed a stalemate, Kitsui used the technique to force Shampoo off the dance floor. Drawing on Herb's teaching, Shampoo briefly broke free, but Kitsui's master proved too much and she quickly override Shampoo's counter. This forced Shampoo to reveal her trump card by accessing her extra energy center and using the added chi to overwhelm Kitsui's connection, and in fact reverse the control. This quickly force Kitsui to drop the technique.

At this point, Ranma and Rippa's part of the battle took a turn and Rippa was knocked out. Shampoo was disappointed, having wanted to be the one to turn the tide of the battle, but did press her attack on Kitsui using Dragon Fang Strikes in quick succession. However, Kitsui unexpected salvaged the situation by puppeting her brother and having him fight even while unconscious. This threw off Shampoo and Ranma long enough for Rippa to be revived and both pairs teamed back up.

Rippa and Kitsui would then attempt a new tactic, bathing the dance floor in a fire of chi in hopes of forcing their opponents off. However, Shampoo quickly devised a counter, and using their hover technique, she and Ranma began dancing on the ceiling above the dance floor. This frustrated Rippa would contested the action to the judges, but was rebuffed and lost his team 25 points. Forced to concede this strategy a failure, Kitsui and Rippa released the technique and once more were forced into one on one engagements.

Shampoo attacked Kitsui, but could not land any blows no matter how hard she tried or how much energy she pushed into her system. Kitsui remained totally defensive throughout. Confused, Shampoo tried to demand Kitsui go on the attack but she refused, making Shampoo realize that she could not as she had somehow made her beat so passive that it felt like Kasumi's. A few experiments later, Shampoo realized Kitsui's motions were just a disguise for the fact that the technique was preventing Shampoo herself from connecting with her own intents.

Realizing she could not defeat a defense that prevent any hostile intent from targetting her, Shampoo was forced to turn attention to Rippa who just finished an attack and knocked Ranma clear of the dance floor. Ranma, unable to recover quickly, could not get back to the dance floor in time, so Shampoo attacked Rippa. Shampoo would successfully eject him from the dance floor in his weakened state, but using his flicker step he bypassed her to return to the center, collapsing due to his weakness. Shampoo rushed at him desperately, but had no hope of covering the distance in time. Just as Ranma managed to roll back into the dance floor, a pair of buzzers sounded nearly simultaneously notifying everyone that both teams were now at 0 points. This confused everyone until it was realized that Rippa was actually being lifted off the floor, apparently by Shampoo via telekinesis.

After the match, the judges declared a tie as they were unable to discern who had in fact run out of points first. Ranma and Rippa declared they would continue the match outside, but Akane quickly stopped them, proving neither was in any shape to continue. They would call off the battle for another day, and Kitsui likewise declared she was done.

Shortly after, Shampoo would try to repeat her telekinesis feat unsuccessfully, to which Kitsui would suggest that it was a matter of feeling, and Cologne would concur saying it was a matter of desire. Ranma would return to them, recovered thanks to a empowered dumpling provided by Ukyo. Kitsui and Shampoo would exchange praise before Kitsui asked about Shampoo's relationship with Kasumi and on finding out she was her wife would become upset. Rippa would note that Kitsui preferred 'newbies' and being married implied Shampoo was not. This made Kasumi nervous.

Rippa would offer an exchange in teachings with Shampoo, the same offer he had made with Ranma while they were recovering. Shampoo said she would think on it.

Sometime after the match, Herb would call in his debt from Shampoo, but she would say simply it was the law that made her love Kasumi, but Herb quickly dismissed this as a lie as it was inconsistent with her other behavior. After the two argued a bit, Herb dropped the matter.

That night, back in their shared bedroom at the rebuilt San Cheng Huang, Shampoo would note her disappointment as ultimately she could not land a single blow on Kitsui. Kasumi would remind her it was a team battle and she did very well considering the short time she had to adapt. Still, Shampoo continued her disappointment. While in the bathroom, Kasumi would note to herself that the one month reprieve had passed, and that she had been expecting a more interesting night. However, with Shampoo distracted she could get more time. However, Kasumi found herself conflicted, contemplating the cold water knob.

Some days later, the enchantment was discovered on Shampoo when a boy at school asked her out. When she answered yes, others likewise did so, resulting in the conflicting requirements forcing Shampoo to fall unconscious. Thanks to Ranko this was temporarily dealt with, but Frost determined it too dangerous to remove the unknown enchantment herself, forcing them to wait for Siren's reappearance. In the meantime, Ranko was accompanying Shampoo everywhere to ensure the enchantment wasn't further exploited.

Some days after this, Ranko arrived at the San Cheng Haung to begin her escort for the day prompting Makoto to using the intercom phone to inform Shampoo as she had yet to appear. Kasumi answered such, and apparently was involved with Shampoo at the time. The pair did shortly after though appear downstairs and Shampoo headed off with Ranko to train with Kitsui.

While Shampoo attempted to meditate to find a proper calm state, Kitsui bantered with Ranko, noting Shampoo seemed different and concluded she was 'getting some'. The topic quickly turning to Kitsui hitting on Ranko, prompting her to become frustrated with this and wait outside. Shampoo complained that she was not here for Kitsui to find a new girlfriend, getting Kitsui to refocus on teaching by asking the true motivation for Shampoo's challenge. Shampoo explained how she had been used as a hostage to get to Kasumi. Kitsui correctly concluded from this that defeating them was seen as a way to prove that wouldn't happen again, and decided to let Shampoo have another fight, but after considering Shampoo declined, admitting that no matter what, she could not ensure it wouldn't happen again. Despite this though, while it was depressing, Shampoo admitted she felt better.

Kitsui gave an analogy to her own life where she tried to deny her sexuality, and only when she accepted it did she feel better, explaining "it isn't an answer you like, but it's the truth, and it's a truth you can work with. You can't work with the impossible." She then motivated Shampoo by saying they could make it less likely.

Later, Kasumi would meet up with Ranko and Shampoo at the dance hall, and return to the restaurant with them. On their arrival they found the restaurant crowded with many Amazons. Siren soon approached them explaining that it was a gathering and Cologne was currently meeting with the other elders. The Amazons so gathered were in fact Amazons sent to observe Kasumi but this had now been deemed unnecessary, so they were to be recalled. She also informed them that Frost was now in the final process of fixing the Kaisuifu. She also asked Kasumi if it was okay for the magi who would be gathering to observe such use the restaurant as a hub to which she agreed. Siren then examined Shampoo finding the spell was safe to remove, but decided not to as it was cast by a natural magic user and without knowing the culprit removing such would be pointless as it could just be reapplied again. Since she didn't recognize the pattern they had no real clues to go on, but Siren assured her that since so many magi would be appearing, one would undoubtedly know the pattern and give them an idea as to the culprit. After telling her this, Shampoo noticed the approach of two new spirits and Siren said Shampoo parents had come to Nerima as well.

Shampoo introduced her parents, Comb and Brush, to Kasumi and almost immediately Comb became very critical of Kasumi to Shampoo's annoyance. Shampoo was quickly prompted to pull her mother aside and get into a private argument with her about this while Kasumi spoke with Brush. After the rejoined, the parents were taken on a tour, but this mother and daughter continued to butt heads repeatedly.

With the arrival of the Grand Magus Jasmine and her two aid Grenda and Devlin, Shampoo was called over to be examined by Jasmine to identify the enchantment. Jasmine quickly concluded it was kitsune in original. She would conclude the kitsune was young, likely not even one tail, and that tail was an enchantment one. This was enough info for Herb to have a thought and head off while Shampoo concluded the kitsune was likely responsible for tricking Frost, although Kasumi would advise caution against once again jumping to conclusions. Soun would arrive at this point and join the tour.

Later, after having completed the tour Shampoo would complain to Kasumi about her mother, noting her mother was currently talking with Kasumi's father. Ranma would arrive at this point and confirm Kasumi and Shampoo were available for a shared outing with Ukyo and him and they confirmed they were. After he departed, Shampoo asked Siren what was Cologne discussing with the other elders as it had been going on a long time by this point and Siren could not say. After being told about the nature of the enchantment, Siren would get to work removing it. Afterwards she would provide Shampoo a ward against further enchantment.

At this point Cologne would finally show up and would introduce her fellow eldgers, Cao Yun, Be Dea, Guan Li and So Pu. So Pu in particular would speak to Shampoo about her new abilities, but this was quickly interrupted as Herb returned with an incapacitated Lemon who had drained all her energy attempting to escape him and was now unconscious in her fox form. Herb would explain Lemon was his fiancee and Jasmine would reappear to inspect the fox, quickly directing her to be taken elsewhere for treatment. With further explanation of the events around Lemon most everyone concluded she was indeed the culprit in tricking Frost, with only Kasumi holding out some. Jasmine would soon return saying the Lemon was in serious condition but stable and should recover, and was now under her protection.

Shampoo would angry at Herb for not mentioning Lemon sooner, but Herb countered she was not officially his fiancee. Kasumi would suggest Ukyo would know more about her as Lemon had helped her train. Shampoo would ask Kasumi why she was defending Lemon, but Kasumi had no real answer, and Shampoo in annoyance headed off to check on her mother.

Later Kasumi would rejoin Shampoo who was trying to control her mother who had begun to insinuate to Soun that he was having an affair with Nodoka. Shampoo would tell Soun not to mind her mother as she was crazy. After Soun dismissed the matter and praised the restaurant Kasumi and Shampoo would resume their discussion about Lemon, Shampoo saying she would give Lemon a chance.

That night Shampoo turned in to bed after Kasumi, finding her already fast asleep. Shampoo soon joined her, although her spirit, as usual, was now aware during sleep. Unexpectedly, So Pu spoke to her, asking her to come out and talk. Without realizing it, Shampoo began to spirit walk in response to this meeting the spirit projection of So Pu and the two would go about the town as So Pu explained the basics of spiritual power to Shampoo. She would also reveal that Shampoo's spirit would eventually depart this world and nothing could stop this. As Shampoo assumed this was something to happen soon, So Pu soon corrected her, telling her that So Pu was in fact the oldest living Amazon despite her young appearance, and although exercising her power would shorten her time, she had a long time ahead of her.

After the training session, Shampoo would return to the restaurant and continue using her spirit form to talk with the other still awake in the restaurant, finding Gosunkugi and Kogane talking with Devlin about Gosunkugi's potential magic and the possibility of giving Kogane a new living body. When the subject of Lemon came up, Shampoo openly thought about going to 'haunt' her, but was discouraged by Jasmine who critiqued her by comparing Lemon's method to the Amazons' own to which Shampoo had no counter.

The next day, while once more training with Kitsui, Shampoo found Kitsui had little interest in such. Shampoo complained, but Kitsui said that Shampoo's rhythm was muddled and they would make no progress today because of that, while at the same time learning where to find Ranko. They would briefly discuss the cause of this and Shampoo eventually revealed although she had been together with Kasumi, she had only been with her exclusively in Kasumi's male form, which Kitsui warned her could become a wedge that may separate them. Kitsui would also encourage her to have fun on the date that was scheduled that day.

After school, Shampoo would join Ukyo, Kasumi and Ranma to watch Frost world briefly in the field. Siren spoke to them, telling them she had put a barrier in place so people wouldn't interfere or notice. She also advised them not to mention the consequence of Frost completing the spell, namely being raised to the rank of Archmage. Siren also removed the magic from Ukyo allowing her to remember an encounter with Lemon the kitsune had told her to forget. They would then setting out on their date.

On their way, Ukyo would explain what she knew of Lemon's situation, that she would run the risk of being cursed to be a male and married off and that kitsune were cursed to never love other women. Kasumi would also mention that other may be hunting Lemon as well as kitsunes were considered valuable. After this they would decide to head to Pierre's to get some clothes for Ukyo.

During their travel, Shampoo would ponder the similarity between her own situation and Lemon's. Ukyo also said that she believed Lemon did not likely intend to hurt Shampoo or Frost, although the same could not be said of Kasumi. However, just as Shampoo was considering this, Shampoo noticed they were suddenly very alone in a park. After noticing this, four red haired women started approaching them from various directions, Kasumi noting this was likely a 'situation'.

Shampoo quickly advised the others that if they thought they should prevent their opponents from speaking any spells. Ukyo even suggested they may already be under a spell as they may have been lead to this location. Kasumi attempted to negotiate with the women, but there was little to negotiate as they simply demanded the group surrender and come along. Ukyo refused flatly and their opponents soon started a fight to subdue them.

Each member of the group was quickly isolated and engaged one on one, and was unable to gain any real advantage despite using some of their most advanced skills. Shampoo in particular realized that even at this their opponents seemed to be holding back which was very frustrating to her. At the moment, Ranma would pursue his opponent into the water and was dragged under. He would soon reappear, but this caused Shampoo confusion. As Ranma tried to recover, he was once more dragged under prompting Kasumi to go to his aid and be likewise dragged under unexpectedly. Shampoo would rush to her aid, but as Kasumi reemerged, Shampoo pulled up short in shock. Ukyo then moved to aid Ranma, but Shampoo warned her off, saying they had to go. When Ukyo protested, Shampoo pointed to Kasumi and Ukyo understood, and after confirming it was both, Ukyo ran off with Shampoo, despite Ranma calling for aid.

Their run was brief, however, and Kasumi and Ranma caught up to them on a side street, finding Shampoo and Ukyo immediately defensive. After some confusion, Ukyo and Shampoo called them out, noting how Kasumi was cursed yet still female despite her dip in the water, and Shampoo knew Ranma wasn't who he appeared either. 'Ranma' and 'Kasumi' dropped their act, revealing they were indeed shapeshifted kitsune, and with the reappearance of the original 4, Shampoo and Ukyo found themselves in a bad situation. Just then, Cologne appeared, giving the girls an avenue of escape. While Cologne remained behind to engage the kitsunes, Ukyo and Shampoo fled for the restaurant.

Back at the restaurant the Amazon elders questioned Shampoo and Ukyo about the events, Shampoo wondering if Cologne had been captured. Herb showed up and learned of the events, and shortly after it was confirmed Cologne had escaped as he rejoined them, now in her youthful form, So Pu and Shampoo confirming her identity. Cologne explained she had been forced to get serious, but had overcome them, and further explained as shapeshifters, physical attacks were of little use against them. Herb would also note that the fox clan, likely all kitsunes, were rumored to be the Black Ops of the Musk. Jasmine then joined them, asking them to not further escalate the situation and ensured them she would bring any remaining Amazons outside safely within the barrier currently erected at the restaurant. Cologne also ensured them the kitsune did not seem to mean serious harm.

Sometime later, the restaurant would be surrounded by a large group of kitsunes which both Shampoo and So Pu sense, Shampoo noting many were powerful, very old spirits. Devlin, who had been left in charge as Jasmine departed suddenly, went out and met Peach, the leader of the group of Kitsunes, and Peach asked to see Lemon. Devlin would allow it. Peach apologized for the earlier incident and freed Ranma and Kasumi. Ukyo unexpectedly outdid Shampoo in enthusiasm for their return, rushing to Ranma's side, sending Shampoo into a spin, but Kasumi did quickly join her. Peach then asked to see Lemon who Devlin escorted her to. With the kitsune gone, Kasumi warned them that this was no longer about Lemon, and that Eyebright, Lemon's father, had forced them to reveal Herb's curse and that he was now the target. Cologne explained to the others that being trapped in female form, Musk law did allow Herb to be forced into a marriage which would give the husband Herb's position as heir to the throne.

Peach returned and unexpectedly confirmed for everyone that it was indeed Lemon who had tricked Frost. Peach further apologized, disavowed any participation in Lemon's actions, and gave the life of Lemon to Kasumi as way of compensation. This confused Kasumi, thinking she meant for Kasumi to kill Lemon, but she clarified that Lemon's fate was for Kasumi to decide now, and Cologne further clarified that effectively Lemon was now Kasumi's slave. Peach confirmed this resolved the conflict between them and the Amazons and Cologne was forced to confirm it was. Then as earlier warned the topic turned to Herb and Peach requested they had over the princess. Naturally this was refused by Herb herself who finally appeared. Peach put on a false sense of disappointment and said they would be taking Herb, and departed to rejoin the other kitsunes.

Devlin quickly started making directions, confirming Jasmine was engaged with Eyebright at that moment, and the barrier would not hold indefinitely so they had only about an hour. As he went off to seek reinforcements for the coming battle, the others discussed what to do. The Amazon elders had little choice but to remain out of it. Herb also confirmed his father, while he could intervene, likely wouldn't, and would instead find it amusing. Kasumi vowed to help Herb, and Ranma, Shampoo and Ukyo all did likewise. Ranma would also suggest Ranko was an ace in the hole, to which Shampoo agreed as kitsunes are magical.

Later, Kasumi discussed an option with Shampoo which did not please her but she consented to. With the arrival of Rippa as back up, Shampoo, Kasumi, Ukyo, Ranma, Rippa, and Herb convened in the pocket dimension to do the last bit of strategy. They would make a break for Siren's barrier by Frost, and with the repair of the kettle could restore Herb's male form preventing any forced marriage. Since Siren was an Amazon, the kitsune's could not attack Siren's barrier without provoking a response from the Amazons.

Devlin gave each a magic potion to drink which would allow them some added protection from the kitsunes as well as allow them to at least hurt them in physical combat for the duration of the effect. Teesha, another mage present who was helping, used her power to create numerous homunculi duplicates of each to act as distractions, and the group divided into pairs to accompany some of the duplicates to make the deception more convincing. Shampoo ended up paired with Rippa. Along the way they would meet with Ranko who was waiting for them.

With various mages acting as a barrier for the stronger kitsunes, Kasumi and company made their attempted escape. As they did, various weaker kitsunes engaged them. Shampoo and Rippa's group was so engaged and Shampoo ended up magically pinned to a wall, forcing Rippa to free her. They decided to rejoin the others but then a skeletal bird flew up and started speaking to them in Devlin's voice. Devlin informed that they had been tricked and in fact Peach had snuck on small portal onto Herb, and had used it to catch up to him. Peach, being perhaps the strongest kitsune present, made this particularly bad. Rippa noted they couldn't beat her, even all together, but Shampoo noted that Ranko potentially could.

After having met with Ranko, they explained the situation and Rippa and Shampoo entered the area where the others were now trapped to distract Peach long enough for Ranko to approach. Inside the looped space area, Shampoo's spirit sense allowed her to sense the true path out, but Peach quickly prevented their escape. Despite the best efforts of the other, Peach did indeed prove insurmountable, humiliating them by immobilizing them in the air and destroying their clothing. Shampoo, along with Herb remained defiant despite this. Kasumi, who had fooled Peach with a soul illusion, managed to sneak in an attack, but it too failed. As Peach asked if that was all she had, Kasumi use a flash of ki to blind her long enough for Ranko to make her final approach and grab her.

The effect of contact with the kitsune was dramatic, quickly defeating her. Kasumi decided to take her with them as she appeared injured by the contact and they raced off the remaining distance to Siren's barrier. Along the way, they managed to cobble together some clothing. Just short of the barrier, Eyebright suddenly appeared and confronted them, effortlessly defeating Ranko. However, before he could move on the rest, Jasmine appeared as well and blocked him. This gave the others the chance to enter the barrier.

Kasumi moved to help Ranko, laying the incapacitated Peach down. Eyebright, frustrated with the situation, declared he was committed and that although he would not attack further, there was only two ways this would be allowed to end, Herb surrendering or dying. He explained that he could not let Herb return to the Musk alive given all that had happened, and sooner or later they would kill him before he could return. Kasumi, currently in male form, realizing the situation was otherwise intractable, confirmed with a look to Shampoo and then declared his intent to take Herb as his wife by Amazon law.

Eyebright was confused by this, no knowing the law, but So Pu arrived and explained it to him, that while Kasumi was in fact a woman, by Amazon law her legal gender was still undecided so Kasumi could exercise the male marriage right. With Herb a provisional Amazon until declared otherwise, the kitsunes could not attack him without provoking an Amazon response. Eyebright was angry with this, but So Pu quickly diverted his anger by making a proposal that caught Kasumi of guard. So Pu correctly analyzed that Eyebright was intending a coup against Herb's father, and offered Amazon assistance in such, declaring herself to be the soon to be Matriarch of the Amazons. This was even more a shock to the others, but Cologne confirmed it. Eyebright stood down and agreed to talk, calling off further hostilities for the day. Shampoo attempted to speak with Cologne, but she said they would have to discuss such later, directing them to stay within the barrier, and telling Siren to get them some clothes before departing to be part of the talk with Eyebright.

An hour later Cologne returned and explained that they had come. First she explained that she had been voted out of the Matriarch position due, in part, to the situation with Kasumi and Shampoo. The council members believed Kasumi was trying to seize power in the village by exploiting the marriage law, despite evidence to the contrary. Since Cologne ended up taking a rather passive response to Kasumi, instead of continuing with her original aggressive one, she had lost support.

In regards to Herb, they had reached a provisional agreement. The Amazons would aid in the coup, and in exchange Kasumi would take the official title of Dragon Lord, although the true power would remain with Eyebright. This all angered Shampoo who felt she had been tricked, although Cologne said she had asked So Pu not to mention the situation. The final approval for the agreement remained with Kasumi and Herb, but with the alternative being Herb's likely death, there was little alternative.

Later, with hostilities at an end, Kasumi visited Ranko then returned to the waiting room where Shampoo was. However, So Pu arrived at that moment too, in spirit form, and Shampoo demanded to know why So Pu did it. So Pu noted that Shampoo seemed to have little interest in the Matriarchy, but when this was insufficient for Shampoo, So Pu suddenly swung a spirit blade at her, prompting Shampoo to retreat. So Pu did not press on, simply introducing the weapon then asking what Shampoo's initial thoughts were, but answered for her, saying Shampoo's thoughts were likely of a passive form, rather than aggressive, and saying that is why. She also said this was likely due to Kasumi's influence, not only on her but Cologne as well.

Shampoo tried to deny it by pointing out she could not defeat So Pu, but So Pu countered it was about initial thought, not ultimate reasoning, reinforcing that Shampoo now likely filtered all her actions through how she believed Kasumi would react and it was having a fundamental affect on her thinking. So Pu would add, though, that she wasn't against this in general, but that it was a trait that was inappropriate for their leader. Kasumi added that her being the leader of the Musk would expose them to the same thing, and So Pu said this was a side benefit. She would then leave Kasumi with one last consideration, that as leader of the Musk, even only as a figurehead, she would be far better placed to make a big difference in the world, then departed. Shampoo was frustrated, which Kasumi sympathized with, and Shampoo suggested just running away, but ultimately Kasumi concluded it just wasn't that easy. Herb would join them at that moment and they would head off together.

They reconvened at Siren's barrier to witness Frost's enchantment, but the magus was having a panic attack when informed of all those who would be watching. Shampoo joined her and promptly slapped her, telling her she was being stupid, and that it was also far Kasumi, but declared that Frost had been tricked and that was the end of it. Shampoo then assured her she as a great Magus, and she should show everyone what she could do. While this wasn't enough to get Frost to continue, Tofu added his own encouragement and together this calmed encouraged Frost enough to continue.

The next morning did not awaken with Kasumi, Cologne later explaining that Shampoo was likely suffering from spiritual exhaustion due to all that happened. When Shampoo did finally awaken, she listened into a conversion between Cologne and Kasumi where Cologne admonished Kasumi for her arrogance in thinking she controlled Shampoo's thoughts. Cologne pointed out Kasumi had only offered her an option and that So Pu's conclusions shouldn't be so easily accepted in that while taking the harsh approach may be easier, to train oneself you must often take the hard path. Realizing Cologne knew she was listening in, Shampoo joined them and Cologne noted that Shampoo was likely to find herself with some new power as her dormant genes had been awakened. Shampoo said she felt no different, but Cologne she probably would notice and simply to be on the lookout for something and not let it get to her, making her over confident. Cologne asked what their decision was and both said they had agreed to the arrangement, reluctantly. With that, they decided to head off to meet with the others.

At the meeting, Herb would unexpectedly make several demands to get his agreement. First he demanded that Shampoo and the others in the marriage have full honors restored. Second that Kasumi could marry a male of her choosing and was not limited to him. Third that neither So Pu nor Eyebright would use Kasumi to support their actions while she ruled. And finally that should any fallout come their way due to the coup, both parties would make every effort to protect Kasumi and those around her. Eyebright and So Pu agreed to the conditions and Jasmine guided them into a magical pact to seal the agreement. Afterwards, Kasumi and Shampoo would thank Herb, but he dismissed this.

Later still, Cologne and the other Amazons were gather and about to depart. Cologne asked Shampoo to keep up her training which Shampoo said she would. With a few more last words, they collectively departed, leaving both Kasumi and Shampoo feeling the building very empty suddenly. Herb would reappear, suggesting he move in to keep an eye on Lemon. Shampoo admitted she still didn't like Lemon, but would leave her be so long as she behaved.

The next day, with Herb moving in, Shampoo helped with the process, along with Akane and Nabiki. While Herb was escorting the others back out, Shampoo was left alone and allowed to consider the change in the situation. Shampoo found Herb's remaining packets of instant Nannichuan and began considering them, but was interrupted by Herb who warned her against even considering them an option. Shampoo denied any thought of such and left to join Kasumi, meeting with Makoto and being invited to a talk with her and her friends which they agreed to. Shampoo also agreed to notify Ranko, Frost and Selene, although she did not initially know who Selene was. Kasumi also talked to Shampoo about ending things with Ryoga and Tatewaki, and Shampoo agreed to speak with Tatewaki.

On visiting Ranko at the doctor's, still recovering from injuries from the encounter with Eyebright, Ranko asked Shampoo about her memory erasing shampoo. In particular she wanted to know if such could be used on yourself, which Shampoo thought on and said it was at least in theory possible, but warned Ranko off from such, but Ranko said she had zero intention of doing such.

That night, Shampoo joined Herb, Kasumi, Ranko, Frost and Selene with the Senshi where the Senshi finally revealed their true identities to them. After the reveal, Shampoo would approach Usagi, pledging herself to her in thanks for saving them at the La Bac. Usagi said this was unneeded, as she partly blamed herself for the incident, and Kasumi intervened to say they would simply be available should Usagi ever need help. Afterwards, she would note to Kasumi that she believed Cologne knew of their identities, and was told by Kasumi about a stone Cologne left behind for them. She would also request from Makoto a proper demonstration of her full power which she agreed to.

The next day, after school, Shampoo was walking home to the restaurant with Ami, Usagi and Makoto, and related her thoughts on the situation with Herb, and how it greatly complicated her preferred arrangement, that being having Ukyo go with Ranma and having Kasumi to herself. Once at the restaurant, they would gather in the pocket dimension where she taunted Makoto who was somewhat reluctant about showing off her Senshi powers.

Later, when Kasumi and Usagi had finished their talk, Shampoo was apparently exhausted, with Makoto as Sailor Jupiter currently having her durability tested by Herb. They noted how Shampoo was unable to do any real damage despite her best efforts, although noting Shampoo's physical attacks were at least somewhat effective.

Afterward, she along with the others would learn of Lemon's disappearance, and aid in the search. They would eventually find signs that Lemon had been kidnapped, and with no way to trace her, Frost would suggest a broad spell to find any kitsune in the area. Led by Grenda, they would follow this spell to a apartment that turned out to be the residence of Copycat Ken, who turned out to be in fact a kitsune to some degree. After initial confusion and disappointment, Ken learned of their search, and showed them to a building he knew of.

They found the building in question to be very suspicious due to both Ken's history with it, and the many magics around it. Grenda put Shampoo to sleep for her to use her spirit walk ability to scout the place. Shampoo returned quickly, finding Lemon was indeed within along with about fifty people, including someone very spiritually powerful. After Herb brought up the potential to ask the Senshi for assistance, they headed back to the restaurant to plan and prepare for an attack to recover Lemon.

Shampoo was present during the strategy meeting, giving a few details of the layout within and disbursement of the people within. During said meeting Grenda emphasized how they wanted to be quick and non-lethal as their enemy could hold a grudge. However, as they group headed out, she along with Herb attempted to warn Kasumi that perhaps this was a battle they should stay out of. Kasumi, slightly misunderstanding their warnings, decided to proceed, and both continued to accompany her.

Once the fight began, Kasumi, Shampoo, Herb and Jupiter pushed through fairly quickly to the 2nd floor, with Shampoo and Kasumi in the lead. Shampoo's particularly brutal attack on two men, however, initially drew Kasumi's concerned attention, until Kasumi's own opponent unexpected recovered and attacked them from behind with a gun. Fortunately, Jupiter and Herb, not far behind, caught up at this point and disabled the man. The group would then discover another man who begged for mercy, but would soon be drained of all life and then have his corpse explode. While they were recovering from evading this, the previous men were likewise drained, and exploded, but Jupiter managed to shield them from much of this blast. As they once more starter to recover, and Grenda joined them, Shampoo called out a warning and another individual attacked them using an automatic weapon. Grenda quickly ended this threat, and the group was informed all who had been subdued were similarly being drained and exploding. Shampoo would also confirm the 2nd floor was now empty, and only a few were left on the first, much to Kasumi's shock. They would proceed ahead, Shampoo having to prompt Kasumi to continue.

Once in the pocket dimension within, they found a woman finishing off Ken, who was battered and broken. After the woman tossed aside Ken to confront their group, particularly Jupiter, Kasumi and Shampoo circled around to tend to Ken. The woman turned out to be a Dark Kingdom Youma and quickly proved more than a match for Jupiter, Grenda and Herb. Grenda and Herb in particular were bound in her jelly like appendages and being drained, so Kasumi and Shampoo went in to free them. They managed to separate the two from the Youma, stopping the drain. As Kasumi spoke to Grenda, Shampoo attempted to press the attack to free Jupiter who was likewise snared, but the Youma quickly retaliated and violently smashed Shampoo into the ceiling, knocking her unconscious.

After the battle had come to an end, Herb would discover her recovering and apparently far better off than expected, although still weakened. She, along with the others, would reconvene at the San Cheng Huang to deal with a new situation, that of Kasumi now demonstrating a new personality, that of 'Tex'. The group would humor Tex for a few hours, apparently informing Ranma of the situation as well, who fetched Genma. Genma informed them that he has seen Tex briefly before, but he only ever came out for a few minutes. As they pondered what to do, Rose arrived at the restaurant and after some initial distrust, they allowed her to speak with Kasumi-Tex. As Rose considered the situation, a new personality displayed itself, and Rose put Kasumi asleep, directing them to take her to her room.

There, after examining her, Rose said she could not locate Kasumi's normal personality, much to everyone's alarm. She suggested Kasumi might be hiding and offered to send them into Kasumi's mind to locate her. After some discussion, they decided to go ahead, and Shampoo, along with Herb, Makoto, Ukyo, Genma and Ranma all went in.

Once in the shared dreamscape, Shampoo quickly sensed something odd, although had difficulty describing it. She was directed to seek out the oddity while the others searched for Kasumi. The others had varying success finding Kasumi's other personalities, but not Kasumi, when Shampoo at last found a strange marble like structure, like a door, situated within a dream version of the Amazon village. On touching it, Shampoo was taken away to a new place, one where she found herself in possession of a body, and surrounded by a real, not dream like, environment. She found Kasumi within, along with Kimiko Tendo, and alarmed at this, urged Kasumi to leave with her. Kasumi reluctantly agreed, departing using the same structure. Before Shampoo followed, Kimiko urged Shampoo to take care of Kasumi.

Back in the dreamscape, now with Kasumi, the two set off to take control of Kasumi main body once again, but the situation within quickly went out of control. Genma ran into a second cat persona, and it quickly went on a rampage, consuming the other personalities as it did, growing monstrously huge. Kasumi, on seeing the creature, panicked and ran off, forcing Shampoo to follow. Shampoo caught up to Kasumi, but despite her every attempt to convince Kasumi to go with her, Kasumi was too scared to act. With the cat persona having consumed all the others, Shampoo, in a desperate gambit, rushed to confront it. This had the desired effect as Kasumi, now likewise gigantic, rescued her and held the cat persona at bay.

Unfortunately, this was little more than a stalemate, as Kasumi was still too frightened to attack. Herb, however, noticed a peculiarity to the cat's actions and after conferring with Ranma for confirmation, spoke with Shampoo about a new plan. Shampoo would then abandon Kasumi to once more confront the cat herself, swatting it across the nose and declaring she loved Kasumi, not it. This had the desired effect as the cat quickly demoralized and shrunk. Kasumi, on seeing this, realized the true nature of the beast, and approached it to talk, finally merging with it and awakening.

Later, Shampoo would stand by as Kasumi said her thanks and goodbye to Rose, and would discuss the matter of the mysterious door in Kasumi. She apparently also notified Herb and Ranma. The next morning, with the arrival of Grenda, she along with Makoto, Herb and Ranma would attempt to take out their frustrations on Genma for how Kasumi acquired the Nekoken and her other personalities, but after Kasumi spoke up in his defense, and he groveled, they lost their appetite for such.

After Grenda briefed them on the fallout from their attack, Shampoo would then discuss with Grenda the doorway, puzzling the magus. Devlin and Frost would arrive during the discussion and likewise find the whole thing puzzling, until Frost suggested she found the image of the door familiar. Realizing it was likely linked to the Moon Kingdom, Frost was tasking with looking into that while Grenda promised to decode documentation on the site that might mention it. They would also discuss what to do with this version of Kimiko Tendo, Devlin and Grenda agreeing she couldn't be the real version, and most likely some kind of copy although unknowing what type. They would suggest Shampoo attempt to visit her again and learn more, but only after getting some questions to ask her to prove her identity.

Much later, as Shampoo was in the kitchen familiarizing herself with its operation, Kasumi would approach her with some tickets for Disneyland, which Shampoo unexpectedly found very excited and quickly headed off with Crystal to plan out their visit the next day. Kasumi and Shampoo had a gratefully uneventful day at the park, which Kasumi was glad was end. Since as surprisingly enjoyable as it was it was exhausting. As they walked home Shampoo told her how Hairbrush had taken her to see all of the Disney movies. Kasumi had only ever seen Sleeping Beauty which caused the briefest odd convergence of memories.

The pair walked on in silence for a moment as Kasumi considered this before Shampoo suddenly switched topics, by asking to take care of Lemon. Stating that she both needed a break and was to soft, which Kasumi conceded. Kasumi and Shampoo returned to find Ranma, Herb and Makoto in the TV room. Shampoo placed a pair mouse ears on a thoroughly unamused Herb's head while Kasumi asked if they’d missed anything. After glancing at each other they told her no.

Ranma, Kasumi, Shampoo, and Makoto were surprised the next day when they were greeted by Sororo who told them that she was a relative who has been advising Herb. Everyone’s attention was attention was shifted to Herb when he arrived who was shocked to see Sororo there as it had only been a day since he saw her. She explained that something unexpected had come up so her opportunities for an introduction anytime soon narrowed considerably. Saying her goodbyes she left Herb explain who she was.

Ranma was the first to speak causing Herb to frown upon being asked where he was hiding her. He told them nowhere and demanded to know what she told them when Ranma then asked if there were any others. When Kasumi answered Herb explained Sorora’s nature as a Celestial Dragon as well as went into the history and nature of the Dragon Clan and the Musk. Throughout it all Shampoo and Ranma asked various questions. Herb was shocked when Kasumi asked him about how the Dragon clan maintains their... purity as he never thought about her becoming the Dragon Lord.

Kasumi suddenly switched demeanor and brightened with a smile and showed everyone a strange stone given to her by Cologne. While Herb realized it was a magical he didn’t recognize the symbol on it. Shampoo told then that it was the mark of the Matriarch. They decided to ask Frost about it who explained that it was a speaking stone which is kinda like a mental photograph. Frost activated it using some o her blood.

While the holographic version of Cologne was annoyed to see the others there she had expected it so explained that the original Cologne may have discovered the location of the spirit of Queen Tranquility. Reaction to this was varied. Many were simply puzzled, the name lost on them, but Frost, Shampoo and even Makoto all went wide eyed in shock at the name. Kasumi recognized it as the last queen of the village. Holo-Cologne went on explain the true nature of Queen Tranquility. She told then that the reason she hasn’t awoken was because she resurrected as a non-amazon. Ranma was the first to realize the significant of that. It seemed that Cologne’s plan was to find this woman and adopt her into the tribe as a loophole. Though she wasn’t sure if this would work as there were a lot of variable from the council to the woman herself not agreeing. Halo-Cologne warned Kasumi that the magic in the stone was limited so she should only use it again if she is ready to proceed.

Genma expressed his excitement of trying out the new menu only for Ranma to call him out for looking for handouts, before taking him home. With their exit, the others broke up, Makoto lingering behind the group with Kasumi. While they didn’t say it they knew Usagi’s mother was the resurrected Queen Tranquility. With all that she was dealing with Kasumi felt that it was best not to tell her yet. Makoto agreed and went off to tell the other senshi.

Meeting Ken at a karaoke bar they found her talking to Grenda and a woman introduced as Yui from the Japanese Kitsune clan. She was there for Ken as they had been looking for her unaware that she was in Tokyo. Yui admitted that she wasn’t hopeful of fixing Ken’s condition. She did encourage Ken to apply herself to adapt her ki abilities to her normal form. Kasumi asked if they had the same policy against breeding as the Musk Clan. Knowing what she was implying Yui cut her off stating that Lemon accompanying them was impossible since she was dishonored. None of the other clans would touch her.

She told Kasumi that she could always send her back to the musk but she was against it. She couldn’t help but cringe slightly when Yui elaborated more on Lemon’s situation. Since they wanted to wait until Ken was better to leave Kasumi said she’d ask Ukyo for help as she had experience in this. When Kasumi offered Yui a place to stay Shampoo opted not to follow her when she left and instead went to talk with the hiding Lemon. Lemon followed behind Shampoo, already mentally preparing herself for the worst. Shampoo came to a stop in front of the main door and turned back to Lemon. Gesturing to the door, she spoke in her native tongue, telling Lemon that she was free to go, however no one would be coming to save her if she got into trouble again.

Seeing Lemon’s puzzled look Shampoo went further stating that they would even arrange for her to go back to her clan, but after that they would wash their hands of her. though still puzzled Lemon said she understood. Kasumi told Kasumi that she could deal with Lemon and that was her decision. If Lemon wanted to stay she couldn’t leave without permission and given what happened he’d need an escort. She also informed Lemon that her stay wouldn’t be free and she’d be sent packing if she became a nuisance. Finally Shampoo asked Lemon to help her out in training her resistance to enchantments. Lemon promised she wouldn’t abuse Shampoo’s trust and even stated that Herb should probably monitor them. With that Shampoo beckoned Lemon to follow once more.

Makoto ended up getting hurt after asking Shampoo to get more serious with her. Kasumi was quick to chastise her as healed Makoto’s ribs causing her to come to her aid. Ami and Usagi who likewise hovered, observing still praised Makoto for her improvement. This caused Makoto to once again bring up how they should start training. While Ami saw the benefits, she was worried about Usagi.

From there the group began discussing the senshi’s power why it couldn’t be sensed how they control it, and thus tried to theorize ways that Usagi could control her new powers. Ami’s research only found vague mention of meditation though this got Usagi to start thinking of the time she talked to Queen Serenity. Kasumi suggested that it might not be limited to speaking to your direct predecessor. Much to everyone’s surprised Usagi felt she was on to something and believed she might have talked to Cosmos. She told them the dream she had when was being controlled by Shadaloo.

She was reluctant to try again, but Ami stressed that she might not have a choice. Kasumi offered to teach her some meditation techniques. With that the conversation ended and the girls headed off. Ranma’s training ended as well. Kasumi asked him and Shampoo if they would like to learn some healing techniques. Shampoo was enthusiastic, surprising Ranma who thought her mom would have taught her. Shampoo reminded him that the two don’t get along. While interested given everything that was happening Ranma gave Kasumi a rain check. He reminded Kasumi about her talk with Kuno and Ryoga. She had been putting it off but felt it was time especially with this new arrangement. She would speak with Ryoga today, while Shampoo would speak with Kuno.

Later that day, during the school lunch period, Shampoo approached Kuno and the pair heading off. She returned upon sensing C-chan and was shocked to learn that she’d just missed Mousse. Telling her everything was find they told the other that they had finished talking with Ryoga and Kuno, agreeing that it was for the best. Shampoo quickly put two and two together and went to Tofu’s clinic and demanded that she set him free. Frost nervously told her that she was just keeping him out of trouble. Shampoo flatly told her that that wasn’t her decision. Mousse arrived and before he could ask how she knew she reminded him about her spirit sense.

Frost finally relented in freeing Mousse. Still in a bit of shock over the whole situation, Mousse was rather surprised as Frost walked over to him and touched his forehead. A quick incantation and he felt suddenly lighter, as if a weight he did not even know was there had been removed from him. He was still technically her familiar as she couldn’t change that without removing the eye magic, but the enchantment was gone.

Shampoo gave one last look at Frost, sighed and left without further word. Mousse left a putting Frost and headed after Shampoo. He thanked her and when he asked her why she helped his she told him that she had, had enough of such magic. She then asked him if Akane knew. While she knew that C-chan could talk and take human form she didn’t know she was Mousse. Seeing Shampoo frown Mousse informed her about his memory lose and that he didn’t deliberately try to take advantage of Akane.

She asked him what he would do now but he didn’t know, seeing her leveled glare he told her that she didn’t have to worry about him. He had a lot of time to think about foolish he’d been in the past. Shampoo asked him if he liked Akane causing him to realize that he did. However she liked Tofu and he’d rather help her with that, than try to make something work that has no realistic chance. Seeing that he had indeed matured Shampoo offered him a place to stay at the restaurant. Mousse declined thinking it was best to stay elsewhere.

When Ranma and Herb returned Kasumi took it as a good time to teach Shampoo the basics. Kasumi and Shampoo told Nodoka about the Kimiko they met in Kasumi’s mind hoping that she could give them some questions to ask her that only the real Kimiko would know. Since Shampoo would be the one to ask her Kasumi left the two alone. Nodoka told Shampoo that her first question should be what the first thing Kimiko said to her when they met. She had more difficulty thinking of other questions sho she asked how things were going between Shampoo and Kasumi, given the whole Musk business.

Nodoka brushed off all of Kasumi’s other suitors for being men, she didn’t do so with Herb because of his curse, but her mentioning him not interested in assuming the form of a woman caused Shampoo to start thinking. Did Kasumi have little interest in being a man with her. Shampoo's thought was pushed aside as Nodoka brightened as another question came to her.

As the day came to a close, Kasumi was preparing for the evening with very mixed feelings. She even suggested that she should stay awake, but Shampoo assured her that everything would be fine. Shampoo pulled Kasumi from the bathroom seductively telling her that they were going to try something different. Sometime later, Shampoo, now spirit walking, overlooked Kasumi sleeping peacefully next to herself

After smiling as she thought of the evening's activity Shampoo tried to find the door. Eventually she attempt to imitate what Rose had done and visualized the gateway seemingly standing in front of her. Once satisfied with the result she reached out. In an instant she found herself surrounded by a grassy field in front of Kimiko. While there was nothing to her looks that was out of place Shampoo knew she could not be real. So with a grim look, she approached. As she reached the edge of the picnic blanket, Kimiko gestured for her to sit.

Such to Shampoo’s surprise Kimiko asked her what she was. It turns out she knew from the moment she awoke in that place that she wasn’t real. Of course since that was what Shampoo was going to ask her they were both at a loss. Kimiko explained that her last memory before meeting Kasumi was being in the hospital. Shampoo confirmed that the original had died. There was also the fact that she instantly knew who Kasumi was, and her body was not only younger then it should be, it felt great.

Kimiko decided to switch over to mandarin to make it easier to talk to Shampoo, something she shouldn’t know, or even know that Shampoo knew it. Time in Kasumi’s mental world also moved differently she know she and Shampoo had been gone for awhile, but to her only a few moments had passed. After contemplating her thoughts alittle more Kimiko asked Shampoo if she had any theories. Shampoo had three in fact, this Kimiko was a demon, or another being disguised as the original, she was a homunculus, or she was a Kimiko from another dimension. However with her ability to sense spirits neither theory really held up to evidence.

With a sigh Kimiko told Shampoo that unless she knew for sure that she wasn’t some form of the original it was best to treat her as some sort of imposter. Shampoo decided it was time to ask her questions. Kimiko warned that she could just read her mind, but Nodoka never told her the answers. Kimiko burst out laughing when Shampoo asked her first question and told her about how she and Nodoka didn’t hit off do to her getting completely wrong impression from Soun about Nodoka. She also asked Shampoo to apologize for her something she never did.

Shampoo asked her two more question and when she told her that the engagement had been moved to Kasumi, Kimiko became upset as that meant the entire switch was for nothing. She was less upset upon finding out about the training trip given that she saw that it had worked out. With that over Kimiko had some questions of her on such as what was her and Kasumi’s relationship. When told that Shampoo was Kasumi’s wife she seemed more confused then upset. Shampoo collected her thoughts for a moment, and began explaining everything to Kimiko. Naturally as the story continued, Kimiko became increasingly shocked but remained largely quiet, simply listening.

Kimiko took some time to get her thought is order about the chaos that was her daughters life, and after she did she asked Shampoo why she didn’t stop Kasumi from going into the hotel. Hanging her head Shampoo didn’t really have an asnswer other them meekly saying that Herb didn’t stop her either. Kimiko stressed that she gave up to easy and needed to assert herself more in situations like that. While she didn’t know Amazonian customs she did give Shampoo some marriage tips.

Once she was done she stressed that it probably wasn’t a good idea to trust the advice of a thing like her, but by this point Shampoo didn’t see her as a thing. Kimiko thanked her, but still told her to tell Kasumi to treat her as untrustworthy at the least until she was sure what she was. With a final exchange of goodbyes, Shampoo returned to the door and exited, leaving Kimiko alone to consider.

Nodoka confirmed that all of the answers Kimiko gave were correct. Later when Grenda Shampoo and Frost were gathered in a room within the castle for one last briefing Grenda was left even more confused after Shampoo recounted the events of her encounter. They also gave up on her being a homunculi as given the work it takes the create one there would be no point with her openly admitting that she was a fake. As for the door Frost was only able to confirm that it was Moon Kingdom in origin. However this only made things more complicated since they did not know why it reacted to Kasumi. The only advice Grenda could give was to just be careful. With that Frost finished packing for her trip.

The trio headed to the ground floor, arriving at the front door where Frost's other bags were currently stored. There they found Ranma and Herb, the two having apparently been in a conversation of their own. They greeted them and at that moment, a thought hit Grenda. It turns out that Happosai had been trying to steal her underwear while she was in the shower and she wasn’t wearing her glasses she ended up turning him to stone when she caught him. After a few seconds of silence, Ranma was the first to ask if he was alive. It turns out that he was just in a sort of suspended animation and reading the room gave them a vial that would turn him back when they were ready. Stating that he could use a vacation Kasumi picked up the statue, while Shampoo grabbing up the vial and the two headed off together.

It was pretty quiet while Frost was gone with nothing much of interest happening. Shampoo’s Japanese came along to the point where she no longer refered to herself in the first person, though she still hadn’t fully mastered the language. What excitement there was was dealt with easily enough. Tatewaki took Kasumi, Shampoo, Ranma, Herb, Kodachi, Ryoga, Akane, Ranko, Mousse, Lemon, Nabiki and Tsubasa on a boat trip and were lost at sea when a storm hit. They ended up shipwrecked on a remote island, and after making shelter they started to make repairs only to discover that the ships radio equipment got knocked out in the storm. As they were trying to figure out what to do the girls started disappearing.

First Kodachi, then Lemon and Nabiki, and then Akane getting the sense that something else was on the island, but unable to trace what it was, they ended up setting a trap. Kasumi volunteered to be bait, and it wasn't long before the kidnappers made themselves known. Prince Toma and his chief retainers Sarutoru, Torristan, and Wonton, using various illusionary magics to hide themselves. Seeing that they already had several of their number, Kasumi suggested simply letting them take them and follow. The plan nearly went awry as they proved capable of flight, but fortunately the next morning Togenkyo Island had appeared and they made their way over.

It seems the former ruler of their island, Toma's father, recently passed away in an untimely fashion. He requires a bride to ascend fully to the throne so they were rushing a bridal ceremony. It is an old tradition where they were kidnapping a bunch of girls from all the neighboring islands to be candidates for his bride. Much to their surprised however when they tracked the girls down they found them treated as queens. Which is why the other islands usually willingly have their younger maids cooperate as it is a very pampered atmosphere.

They were actually enjoying themselves Toma had them compete to be his bride in strange contests which are designed to amuse him. Kasumi and Shampoo were exempt since they were already married. He ends up choosing Akane Tendo, because she reprimands him about his treatment of the girls. After this his men take their own picks of the other women. After dealing with the retainers and checking to ensure all the other girls were safe they began looking for Akane who was taken by Prince Toma. Herb got to her and Toma first, and they had it out.

While Toma believed that they were fighting for Akane’s affection Herb simply wanted his gourd of mystic water as he wished to test if it would cure his curse. Ranko and Mousse both arrived shortly after Herb and Toma was forced to stand down as his illusions were useless on two of them and while he was a formidable fighter, he was no match for all 3 of them at once. Akane stepped in to cool things off, and after that they all came to a bit of an understanding. They were allowed to stay on the island until they ventured close enough to Japan to be taken ashore.

Kasumi was resting against the Great Tree watching over Shampoo who was attempting to talk to it, when she sensed Frost’s presence. Herb who had sensed the same thing approached and sure enough Frost showed up a short while later along with Tofu. Frost paused when Kasumi kindly greeted her, calling the girl out for being so casual since she had been missing without a trace. Kasumi admitted that after everything that had happened she hadn’t had the time to consider that. Herb informed them that everyone was fine they were just down that way enjoying the sun, Soon Shampoo opened her eyes, stretched quickly and jumped to her feet with a smile hugging her fellow amazon. Kasumi asked how Frost was able to find them, Herb gave her a slight frown when she admitted that that she had traced her but everyone else seemed to let the matter go by without question.

After only a moment they arrived at another clearing where the rest of Kasumi's group were situated. On seeing the newcomers, everyone took notice and moved to greet them. With everyone together they explained what had happened since they were gone. Learning about Toma Frost called him a degenerate, coincidentally Toma and his men showed up just as she said it. Herb told her to hold her tongue and let them handle it. Kasumi managed to calm him down and since she vouch for Frost and Tofu he decided to let the matter of his men drop. Though seeing as they had away to leave he told Akane she could give him her answer before promptly turning to leave, his men bowing slightly and quickly following.

Akane hung her head and explained to Frost that Toma wanted to marry her and how she had been stalling for time. She initially took Ranma’s sawing how weird Toma was for liking assertive woman, but really couldn’t argue when he reminded her that it was only after she slapped him that he chose her. Kasumi remembered Ranko’s anti magic ability, but after some experimentation Frost determined that she could be flown back, though she wouldn’t be affected by the momentum canceling magic.

Akane asked if they could just leave, Kodachi called her out for trying to ghost the prince and Herb mentioned that there was no telling what trouble that may be caused down the line if she just disappeared on him. Unable to argue Akane realized it was best to get it over with and headed off, the others soon following suit.

Dinner was an interesting yet uneventful affair. The whole group gathered around a huge dining table with abundant food served of various varieties. Only Toma from the island's people sat at the table, at its head naturally, as his retainers served and observed everything. The topic of the proposal had been avoided as the rest of the group did what they could to keep small talk going so Akane had time to strategize.

When Tofu asked Toma about the island he told him that no one knew why only males were born on the island, not even Shampoo could get anything from the Great Tree. Hearing about the water Tofu asked Herb if he tried it. Frost flipped out when Herb answered yes calling him out for mixing curses. He just rolled his eyes and told her he just analyzed the twos potential interactions without actual experimentation. The result was fairly obvious.

Kasumi commented on her regret that Genma would receive a cure; Ranma commented that he most likely would have just turned into a pandaman. No one saw Kasumi amused smile at this thought. As the table went quiet for a moment, Toma finally took this as the opportunity to speak on the main topic on his mind. Akane told him that she couldn’t marry as she had other plans. When he asked her what they were she impulsively told him that she was in love with Ranko. Akane slightly cringed as everyone else at the table, save the person named, all looked surprised. Ranko, by contrast, who had only been half paying attention, suddenly became aware.

Toma, to no one's surprise, was quite confused by this revelation and stared at Ranko for several seconds as he tried to process what he had just heard. Akane whispered to her begging her to go along so she confirmed to Toma that they were dating. Toma responded by challenging Ranko to a fight to determine her worthiness. Akane tried to interject, but Toma already sharply rose to his feet telling his men to prepare the main hall.

In a panic Akane asked Ranko why she did that, however she wasn’t worried since Toma almost exclusively used magic. Herb cautioned her about being so over confident, pointing out that Toma wasn’t stupid and while he could say what it was obvious that the prince had an angle. Ranko however still dismissed it. It was only a short while before the main hall within the tree was prepared with a simple open circle where Ranko and Toma could have their duel. Kasumi's group sat themselves at the perimeter on one side, while Toma's retainers and some other guards and islanders took a similar position opposite them. Ranko jumped down onto the battle floor confidently as Toma floated down onto his side.

The duel soon began and the two exchanged various attacks to test the other's defenses and abilities. Kicks and punches were exchanged and likewise deflected. In the early going, neither was pushing themselves, but neither was making significant progress either. Ranma wondered why Toma wasn’t using his sword; Herb told him that he uses it as a focus of his magic, so it would largely be useless. However from what he’s seen of his skills, Ranko should still have an edge. This made him worried as Toma might simply be underestimating Ranko, but he seemed too confident even now for that. As Herb gave his analysis, Ranko started to amp things up, and although she was fending off all of Toma's attacks, she was slowly pushing him back. Yet, despite this, Toma seemed unshaken. Just as the fight started to seem as if it would be a slow but inevitable victory for Ranko there was a flash and Ranko flew back, tumbling across the floor as she hit it.

The others could just watch in shock having no idea what happened. Ranko got up painfully as Toma slowly advanced on her. Again she went on the attack and just as before their exchange was close, but Ranko seemed just that bit better and was pushing the prince onto the defense. However, just as before there was a flash and Ranko was sent flying. Herb was the able to figure it out, he explained that Toma was using raw mana and since that should do basically nothing he realized the prince was using a technique called Kankaho.

Ranko's latest knock back had taken its toll and she was struggling to get up. Figuring it was time to change strategy so pondered the situation as Toma approached. Toma asked her if she gave up, but she just brushed him off and more rushed onto the attack, in what seemed to be a repeat of the last round. Everyone was puzzled as that is indeed exactly what happened, as Ranko was once more blasted away by the flash. This time Ranko struggled up, wiping away a bit of blood from her lips but smiled and once more went on the attack. Those observing were tense, but many were also sitting back slightly to study the exchange. Akane took note of this, turning away just a moment before another flash came, and she sharply looked back. However, to her surprise while Ranko had been knocked back, she landed easily on her feet.

This time it was Kasumi who figured it out Ranko had figured out the timing of Toma’s attack. Hearing this Akane watched intently as Ranko and Toma's exchange started and then there was another flash. However, this time Akane saw it, Ranko pre-emptively moving to shield herself from the attack, blunting its force with her ki shield. Still, she was forced back, and Toma now looked a bit worried. Toma also appeared not to have fully mastered Kankaho and Ranko was trying to find his lower limit.

Two more blunted exchanges passed with Ranko becoming more aggressive each time and recovering that much faster. Finally though, Ranko seemed to have her answer as she slipped through several punches before Toma could blast her away, but even this was blunted and Ranko was quickly back on the attack. Now the exchanges shifted, Ranko pressing hard initially but as soon as Toma's window of opportunity to use the blast arrived, she gave herself more room while still keeping up the pressure. While Toma could delay his attack, he could not speed it up any more, so steadily he was now taking blows, and his trump card was doing little but giving him a small gap that Ranko quickly closed to only dial up the offense once again.

It wasn't long before Toma finally abandoned the technique and simply tried to fight conventionally, but this was too little too late, as Ranko had him figured out thoroughly by that point and was consistently bypassing his guard until it was his turn to be dropped to the floor, much to his retainer's shock and dismay. There positions reversed Ranko asked Toma if he gave up and angered Toma was able to calm himself down and admit his defeat.

Ranko smiled triumphantly and likewise returned to his own group. However as she reached them, Kasumi asked about her broken ribs which Ranko thought she had hid. Though freaked Akane managed to keep herself from screaming, causing Ranko to assure her that she was fine. They still needed to be healed so they group helped her into the seating area. Shortly later, the group was gathered at the dragon and already boarding as Frost was modifying the interior. Toma and his retainers were seeing them off and Kasumi took the initiative to thank him and wish him well for their group. She rejoined them just as Frost was assuring Ranko that it was safe.

An annoyed Shampoo went with Siren the see Frost the next day to tell her about Shampoo’s new regenerative factor. While they felt that it was best for Shampoo to tell her people had been hinting to Frost all day about what was wrong so she quickly figured it out. Though she didn’t understand why this was a bad thing. Her healing factor not only purges foreign substances like poison, alcohol, but beneficial drugs like a certain daily regiment of pills that she's been using.

Frost took a second to get the clue, but finally did. After getting over the fact that Shampoo and Kasumi had been sleeping with each other Frost was about to ask if she was pregnant, but Siren headed off the question. Shampoo wasn’t pregnant, but she was annoyed since Cologne didn’t inform her that her wedding night contraceptive was still in effect. In fact the reason here was so she could reinforce its magic, even that wouldn’t last much longer however. The original spell is both difficult and expensive to perform so Siren asked Frost leverage something specific to Shampoo's new condition. This would still be hard so Frost asked about more conventional means. Unfortunately Shampoo’s body interprets even that stuff as foreign.

Peach returned to Japan gathering Kasumi, Herb, Shampoo, Makoto, Ranma, Genma, Lemon and Akane at the San Cheng Huang pocket dimension to warn them that Lemon’s mother had slipped away from the Fox Clan and was likely looking for trouble. They were interrupted by Frost exiting her pocket dimension. Kasumi was forced to assure Peach that the door didn’t bypass the barrier before they could get things on track. Herb asked if Palm planned on taking Lemon, however Peach honestly didn’t know. While it was a possibility it wasn’t likely as no clan would take them if Palm just forcibly took Lemon back. Kasumi suggested that Palm would just take Lemon and live on her own. Though she didn’t explain why Peach knew that was just as unlikely. Her theory was that Palm was coming after Kasumi which is why she was there. Peach would act as Kasumi’s bodyguard while Kasumi stayed in the barrier until they get things sorted out.

After telling explaining Palm’s ability to them Peach called them out for not confirming she was who she said she was before letting her in. Shampoo would be the key to detecting Palm. Sadly, all they could really do now was wait for Palm to do something, either give up and go home or gets fed up and confronts Peach. Peach’s final instruction was to make sure that Ranko came nowhere near her. With that she left to prowl the neighborhood. Frost asked why they didn’t just let hand Lemon over, but they had asked that before she arrived. Given the circumstances the Fox clan wouldn’t respect the choice and consider it coerced.

A short time later, Shampoo had started her shift at the restaurant. She was just finishing up with a table when a pair of customers came in that gave her a weird feeling. She initially believed one of them was Palm in disguise, but quickly realized that her spirit didn’t match that of a kitsune. She decided to head over and greet them. Shampoo asked the two if they were ready to order only to be informed that they were still looking over the menu. When she told Kasumi about them who told her that there wasn’t a problem and to leave everything to her.

Later Kasumi came to Shampoo to inform her that the two women were actually counterparts of her and Akane from another universe. She also revealed that Ranko was a counterpart of Ranma’s. They met the three in the pocket dimension; her counterpart was going by Shan while Akane’s was going by Kane. Shan advised her counterpart not to think about it after seeing the look she gave her. Shampoo wondered why her spirit sense didn’t allow her to realize that Ranko and Ranma were the same person. Kasumi had wondered the name thing herself, they figured that it revolved around how spirits work across dimensions. Ranko knowing what Shan and Kane were about to do after they asked if the restaurant was empty told Shampoo to give them some space. This was unnecessary as Kane and Shan had become better at using unification.

Much to the other's shock, practically the instant the two held hands and joined into Shamne who an impressed Ranko introduced Kasumi and Shampoo to Shamne could only last for fifteen minutes a day it was time to get things underway. It was Ranko’s turn to be shocked when she explained that she was going to perform aura surgery. Before Ranko could even protest Shamne flashed forward and seemed to dematerialize and surround Ranko. Ranko tensed but seemed otherwise fine as several seconds went by before Shamne withdrew and rematerialized. She then changed back into Shan and Kane. Shamne didn’t turn off Ranko’s immunity she just tweaked it so that Ranko could control it allowing her to suppress or expand it now. They tested it using the amulets Kane and Shan were wearing to disguise their appearance. The two believed they might even be able to cure Ranko one day, though it wasn’t a guarantee.

They asked Shampoo if she knew where Soon Li was, revealing that she was an avatar of the spirit of the planet itself. All she could tell them was that Soon Li left the village ten years ago. Changing the topic Ranko asked Shan if she could spot a kitsune. After considering it Shan thought it was possible, but she’s never actually encountered one. Luckily Kane could help as well, meaning there were two other people to help in finding Palm. They were advised by their Soon Li to keep the fact they could use each others styles a secret specifically from their Cologne. Not wanting Shampoo to know that she had been disowned Shan was deliberately vague as to why. With that done they started talking about sleep arrangements, and then Kane remembered that they had to report in to the others. Shan did that while Kasumi led Kane to their room. Shampoo lingered behind, curious as Shan took off the necklace, fully revealing her true form, pressed the jewel at its center and placed it on the ground.

Shan noticed the close examination her counterpart was giving her as they waited for Tae-il to pick up causing her to rub her neck self-consciously. An image of Tae-il finally appeared before any version could say anything. Shan told that they had found Ranko, but before he could really say anything Soun rushed into view demanding to know if she and Kane were okay. Shan assured Soun that they were fine telling him that they were staying with that world’s Kasumi. Soun started talking about telling everyone what they’d been up to when they got back, and asking how long they’d be when an irritated Tae-il pulled him off screen. It turns out that the pocket dimension was interfering with the signal and Tae-il asked if they could set up at the dojo. Ranko didn’t see why not but suggested it was best to do so after dark.

Shampoo returned to her examination of Shan after the image disappeared, once more making her counterpart nervous. She commented about how concerned that version of Soun seemed to be of her. Much to her surprise when Shan told her that he was her adopted father. Ranko intervened saying that it was a long story and Shampoo shrugged it off just as Kasumi and Kane returned. Kasumi asked if everything was fine and Shan explained how they needed to set up an anchor at the dojo. Kane volunteered to do that wanting to meet her own counterpart. Reminding her that that they were trying to avoid that Ranko decided to go as well in order to run interference. After a brief run down of who was staying at the restaurant Ranko warned Kane not to treat this Ukyo the same as the one she knew.

During the lull of morning training Kasumi waved Frost over upon seeing her come into the San Cheng Huang. It seemed she had spent most of the night deploying sentry spells, Kasumi tried to console her that they might find something, but Frost wasn’t counting on it given the nature of Palm’s abilities. She asked Shampoo to talk in private so that she could analyze her body. Kasumi rushed over to the others for a quick talk as Shampoo and Frost started walking off telling them she’d join in a minute. She asked Shampoo how things were going with Mindscape Kimiko. Shampoo told her that everything was fine, but seeing Frost’s skeptical look she admitted how annoyed she’s become that Kasumi keeps wanting her to check up on her. Frost began her examination when Kasumi rejoined them.

Shampoo stood within a small magic circle within one of the rooms of the castle, sighing with boredom as a ring slowly cycled, rising and falling around her. She herself was naked, although she showed no signs of this bothering her. In fact, Frost, who was standing nearby taking notes was probably more disturbed by the situation than her fellow Amazon, her eyes occasionally stealing a glance at Kasumi who was simply sitting nearby patiently, apparently unconcerned. The scan continued for a moment longer before Shampoo decided to make small talk by asked Frost what it was like to be a twin. The scan showed that Shampoo’s regenerative abilities made contraception impossible. Though Frost had some ideas of how to get around that, however they were all either complicated or very expensive. They ended up going with the least difficult one.

With that out of the way Frost asked Kasumi about the situation with the artifact. When Kasumi casually called Mindscape Kimiko mother an annoyed Frost called her out for getting too attached. She also made Kasumi confirm that she makes Shampoo check up on MK once or twice a week. While she understood what Kasumi was going through Frost still stressed that it had to stop. She suggested that they think up a new name for Mindscape Kimiko to better distinguish her from the original. Kasumi considered it but couldn’t bring herself to just give Mindscape Kimiko a name so the sent Shampoo to ask her for one. While Frost meant the next time they check up on MK she was surprised that Shampoo could do it then and there using spirit walk. So as they waited Kasumi gave Frost access to the pocket dimension to check on the hot water situation.

Shampoo said that MK wanted to be referred to as Guardian much to both Kasumi and Frost’s surprise. While an odd name it worked as Kasumi wasn’t going to confuse that. Frost was surprised to find out that Kasumi hadn’t actually talked to Guardian since that first time. She suggested that now that they had a name Kasumi could ask to enter the artifact. In an instant, Kasumi found herself once more on the grass field with single lone tree as was quickly greeted by Guardian. Kasumi almost called her mother but the woman quickly caught her off with a raised finger.

Shampoo joined them shortly afterwards. She assured Kasumi that everything was fine and that she was in a trance. Not wanting to keep them, Guardian told Kasumi to stop checking up on her every week, saying that she didn’t want to see either her or Shampoo unless it is important. Reluctantly Kasumi returned to the artifact door and touched it, finding herself instantaneously back in the room within the castle, Frost examining her. When Kasumi came to Frost was reasonably confident the artifact is not harmful, but playing with it was still risky. With that Kasumi and Shampoo rejoined the other while Frost went back to work.

Palm ended up attacking Akane, Kodachi and Ranko luckily they were rescued by Kane and Shan. The whole group was now at the restaurant within the pocket dimension, along with Kasumi, Shampoo, Herb, Ranma, Frost and even Lemon. Peach told them they were lucky as she neared the completion of her treatment of Akane. Kodachi was sitting nearby, recovered but looking unamused while Kane was doing her own treatment of Ranko who was still struggling to breath without coughing. This is far more troubling than Peach was expecting. Granted this was not directly that serious, they all would have recovered in time, but it was dangerous regardless, and Palm may have been intending to kidnap the three.

Ranma was the first to ask what they do next. It’s obvious that Palm wasn’t just going after Kasumi, Peach can't protect everyone all at once, and they can't all hold up in here indefinitely. Herb pointed out that this was most likely Palm’s goal when she attacked. Ranma suggested that they call the Fox clan, but was disgusted when told that since one of their own isn’t at threat they wouldn’t be here instantly like last time. For now all they could do was continue to wait. There was also the fact that they needed to bring the others to the pocket dimension so that they wouldn’t be in any danger. Ranma went off to call the dojo with Herb telling him to wait for Peach she could escort them. Akane left to go get some cloths. Kodachi decided to take her chances at home. If Palm chooses to attack her again at least they would know the extent to which she would stoop, the others nodded and started to break up into smaller groups to talk.

Lemon wanted to confront her mother and asked Ranma and Herb to escort her. Kane wondered if they should follow the three as the group broke from breakfast. Kasumi pointed out that since they wanted to encourage contact their presence might be counter intuitive to that. Shan also pointed that they had no idea how to even fight a kitsune. Kasumi and Shampoo explained a little about the nature of kitsune. After everyone agreed about how bored they were Kane and Shan offered to spar with Kasumi, but her heart wasn’t in it. Much to her surprise Shampoo was quick to agree. Shampoo had always dreamed of fighting Soon Li and saw sparing with her students as the next best thing. She asked Kasumi to watch, and while she was curious how she might fare against the pair, she was simply too distracted with worry to focus properly so decided to just go outside and relax for a while. With that the trio headed off back to the pocket dimension while Kasumi headed upstairs and out onto the deck.

The matches went as well as can be expected with Shampoo being outmatched every time. Still, each match had shown her something new and knowing that Shan was another version of her made Shampoo particularly excited. Shan complemented Shampoo on her skill stating that she was far stronger then her other self. Shampoo was confused at first before realizing that she was talking about the Shampoo from Ranko’s world. When Shampoo asked Shan why she didn’t use any of Cologne’s techniques she did not miss the nervousness on the pair as the subject came up. Realizing their was a something dealing with her Great grandmother that they were dodging she decided that it was not worth prying.

Changing the subject she expressed her curiosity about the elemental fury styles only to be warned about how dangerous the knowledge was. As Shampoo considered this she noticed the door to the dimension open and Kasumi enter. Kasumi quickly noticed them and walked over. When she asked how it went Shampoo balled her fist in front of her excitedly and told her that the two were very strong. She perked up even more Shan complemented her on her strength. The group was interrupted from discussing their martial knowledge by the arrival of Peach having finished escorting everyone back. No one noticed Kasumi tensing upon seeing her. Peach noticed something was wrong when she asked if there was anything to report, but shrugged it off. Kasumi finally overcame her reluctance and asked Peach about their earlier conversation when she was about to go check up on Lemon and the others.

The kitsune had no idea what Kasumi was talking about and quickly realized that it was Palm who Kasumi was talking to. The initial panic led to confusion as Peach wondered why Palm didn’t attack Kasumi when she had the chance. Kasumi confirmed that she didn’t sense any hostility from Palm when they talked. After asking Kasumi to about what the two talked about and Palm’s response, Peach came to the conclusion that she was trying to provoke her. However Kasumi pointed out that Palm didn’t seem mad at her response in fact Kasumi was more upset at Palm for what she was insinuating. After going over it some more Palm concluded that Kasumi wasn’t the target. Kasumi tried to get Peach to elaborate but she just told everyone to stay there and rushed off out of the dimension. Shampoo wondered if Ranma was in trouble but Kasumi realized that the only one Palm could be after was Herb.

## Ability

Beyond her normal Amazon fighting techniques and abilities, Shampoo has learned a few new skills.

* **Hovering -** A technique used by Herb which allows the user to manipulate their ki, creating effective invisible stilt that the user can use to hover over the ground. Shampoo has also adapted the technique to stick to a ceiling, although only with undivided concentration on the task.
* **Dragon Fang Fist/Strike** **-** A technique that Shampoo actually had been learning from before encountering Kasumi but had stopped advancing. She has recently, however, completed the training allowing her to freely use the technique to both encharge her punches with powerful ki blasts, or to fire ki blasts at an opponent.
* **Energy Tap -** Another technique from Herb, although this one was developed by the Prince to compensate for his female body's lower Ki. Herb discovered that unlike males, females have two energy sources, one protected, and learned to tab into the second. Cologne explained the 2nd is reserved normally for child rearing but can be tapped into safely under normal circumstances. Doing so greatly amplifies Shampoo's available ki allowing far greater use of it in all forms.
* **Martial Arts Dance -** Learned from Ranma, this general form allows the user advantages when music is present. Primary among these is being able to read the beat of an opponent allowing them far greater predictive ability of that opponents strategies and tactics.
* **Ki Control Resistance -** Also taught by Herb, this technique was a simple counter to Kitsui's ki control technique, allowing Shampoo limited resistance to such. However, it proved ultimately ineffective against Kitsui's mastery of her form.
* **Spirit Sense -** Not truly a technique, but a consequence of Shampoo's spiritual awakening. This allows Shampoo enhanced perception of her environment and all spirits around her. It is unaffected by dreams or mental illusions, allowing Shampoo to combat such so long as she realizes she is in such. She's also been able to use this to penetrate into areas of magically looped space, and detect shapeshifters disguising themselves as people she knows.
* **Telekinesis -** Another consequence of Shampoo's spiritual awakening, if Shampoo's desire becomes strong enough she has show herself to be able to manipulate objects and people at a distance. However, as of now she can only use this at her highest levels of intent.
* **Spirit Walk -** Yet another spiritual ability. With this, while sleeping, Shampoo may separate a potion of her spirit and move around in spiritual form. The spirit form is essential invisible unless Shampoo wills it to be visible, and can travel at great speeds, unimpeded by physical obstacles. Lacking any physical body, Shampoo is completely dependent on her spirit sense in this form, and essential invulnerable to physical harm, although she currently lacks the ability to manipulate objects in this form, likely as her Telekinesis is still not strong enough to allow such. It should be noted that this is a split of her spirit, as she is still fully aware of her body and what is occurring with it.
* **Moon Kingdom Physiology**: Shampoo’s old moon kingdom blood has been reactivated, and while normally it wouldn't be that important, her blood is an even more potent older version, something from Cosmos's time.
	+ **Regenerative Healing Factor**: Shampoo’s body naturally regenerates most damaged or destroyed tissues and organs at a rate which exceeds that of any normal human. The rate of regeneration is proportional to the damage caused. Her natural healing also affords her virtual immunity to poisons, viruses, diseases, and most drugs. Her healing was discovered when Usagi accidentally got everyone drunk only for the alcohol to be purged from her system. She purges pretty much anything remotely toxic or foreign from her body in a matter of minutes. However this also meant that Shampoo can only use magical contraception as her body interprets even more conventional means other then the pill as foreign.