Shampoo (Odd Outcome)

## History

### Background

Shampoo always led an isolated existence, apart from the other villagers. She never realized it until being defeated by Ranma’s male half just how much she wanted a companion. Not one like Mousse, he’s so annoying most the time she just can’t feel comfortable. No, what she needed was someone more reserved, and with a different outlook on life. With Ranma Shampoo thought she had found it. Of course, it came as quite the blow to find he was a she, or at least Shampoo was lead to believe that. Worst still, the she was someone she hated, or at least I believed that for a short time.

Shampoo felt like a total fool, embarrassed beyond measure, and to her it seemed that red-haired girl was laughing at her. That feeling was fleeting though, and soon gave way to despair as an open wound was torn in my heart. Shampoo left with full intentions of never coming back. In fact, Shampoo considered many times ending her life. What was the point of an existence in eternal loneliness? She had lost her will to live. Ending up at the village was practically a miracle. Shampoo wasn’t yet ready to do the deed herself, so would let the village law do it for her. She didn’t even bother defending her actions or herself, and was simply ready to accept her fate.

Cologne saved her, not only from the law, but also from that pit of despair she was in.  She drove Shampoo all the way back to the top. She gave Shampoo a cause to fight for, a hope of victory, and even her own guidance and assistance. Basically, she rebuilt her shattered spirit.

### Part One

Ranma along with Genma, Ryoga, and Mousse were going off on another attempt at a cure for their curse. So Shampoo went to the dojo to say good bye before he left, this naturally led to an argument with Ukyo who had come to do the same thing. The two were so engrossed in there argument that they didn’t even notice everyone else leaving. Given that this was their umpteenth time Akane didn’t care much and was more annoyed at the fact that everyone making such a big deal about it.

This caused Shampoo to challenge Akane for the right to Ranma. When she refused Shampoo called her a coward. Akane managed to control her anger and not be goaded. Ukyo decided to step in to deescalate things causing Shampoo to smile smugly and leave. The next day Akane went to the Nekohanten to challenge her. Shampoo was alone since Cologne had decided to return to China for more supplies, so was happy to accept. The smug smile quickly left her fact when Akane told her that the challenge was to see who the better love maker was.

She initially took it as a joke, but when Akane made it clear that she was serious the words shot into her like a bullet. Finally Shampoo bowed her head, then looked up at her defiantly and accepted. It was decided that the first to make the other orgasm would win. Shampoo lead the way to her room where the two quickly undressed. Akane took the initiative and took one of Shampoo’s breasts into her hand. Shampoo mirrored her. It kept going on like that, one of them would push the boundary and the other followed. Before long they had both moved past mere fondling to more intimate contact. The two gave into the contest utterly and with no quarter given. It was a pitched battle, but somehow Akanee came out on top, both literally and figuratively. She beat Shampoo by just a few seconds and when it was over all she could do was roll over and lay there, immobile from exhaustion.

Shampoo followed Akane into the bathroom and demanded a rematch stating that just ambushing her like that wasn’t fair. Akane agreed to meet her in two days. Shampoo was ready this time and didn’t show the least bit of hesitation when Akane returned to the Nekohanten. "The challenge" or "the contest" as they referred to it was fierce, even to the very end. While Shampoo won all it did was make them even so the two scheduled another challenge to determine once and for all who the better was. They planned on having it at Akane’s house in a week since Cologne would be back by then. It would be on Saturday, Kasumi was going with Soun to visit a friend, meaning everyone would be scarce since she was in charge of cooking.

Shampoo went back to her regular routine when Ranma returned. Making it a point to seek out Ranma on every occasion he and Akane were together. Shampoo snuck in through Akane’s window. This challenge started much like the last. Realizing this Akane attempted to upset Shampoo’s strategy by kissing her. It wasn't much of a kiss, just a small peck on the cheek, but it had the desired effect. Her strategy worked Shampoo was thrown off balance, leaving herself wide open. Before Akane had a chance to take advantage of this though she recovered and countered with a quick kiss of her own.

Akane wasn't about to be outdone so she kissed her back, this time directly on the lips. Before she could withdraw Shampoo wrapped her arms around Akane and returned the kiss. It turned into a battle after that. Who could keep this up the longest? The real contest was forgotten as we fought to gain advantage in the kiss. Soon instead of the fierce, defiant kiss that had begun this little struggle the two began engaging in a passionate kiss. Only the necessity to take in air finally forced them apart and the magnitude of what just happened hit them both. They had passed the threshold from meaningless sex to passionate lovemaking. Neither could bring up the courage to acknowledge this. Eventually Shampoo came up with the excuse that she wasn’t feeling well, so they called it a tie.

Shampoo came across Akane a week later while out on delivery. Both could barely look at the other so she just blurted out that they still needed to determine the winner. Akane was furious that Shampoo was still thinking about that contest, but when Shampoo asked if she conceded she refused. They agreed to meet that night at the Nekohanten. When Akane arrived there was a brief show of fear on Shampoo’s face that she nearly missed before it was replaced by her usual arrogance. That night was far different from the last ones. The fierceness was completely gone, only pure emotion remained. In the end they were both so exhausted they fell asleep after the act. Shampoo awoke to the sound of Akane getting dressed, she kissed her and told her to go back to sleep.

Two days later Shampoo yanked Akane into an allyway and started making out. Neither of them cared about the risk they were putting themselves in they were just wanted the relationship to continue. Shampoo took her to Tofu’s clinic. Despite the risk of being caught the two made love, in fact it just seemed to add to the excitement of the moment. After they were done Akane and Shampoo told the other that they loved them. Shampoo and Akane’s encounters continued for many weeks in secret. Both of them were consummate actors so no one could tell that thay were any different, at least in public. They had a number of ways of communicating that sounded totally innocent, including the euphemism of "the contest" to refer to what they were doing, but victory in said contest was long since forgotten.

Being together posed a slight problem but that was soon solved. They came up with a little strategy to avert suspicion. They would get into some bogus fight over something (it was surprisingly easy to come up with excuses) and take the fight on the road. After they ditched any onlookers, particularly Ranma, they'd go somewhere. It also wasn't all just sexual anymore. Many times they'd just go off and have some fun together. Of course, after a while it became difficult to find places that were private. It became necessary to risk meeting at night at either Akane’s or Shampoo’s house. Fortunately, a little testing on their parts soon showed that a little noise wouldn't get them discovered.

They were nearly caught one morning when Kasumi came in to check up on Akane. Luckily Shampoo had some water so was able to hide under the blanket. A couple weeks later P-chan finally returned. Shampoo snuck over for a brief little chat that night. They talked for a short time then kissed each other and said our goodbyes until tomorrow. This led to Ranma finding out, but despite this things didn't seem to change at all. Akane and Shampoo couldn’t stop fighting over him. Sure, they didn't come to blows anymore but they still held something for him in their hearts. Eventually the two were caught after their usual pleasantries they awoke to the sight of Cologne and Soun. Cologne was so livid she nearly dragged Shampoo out of the house before she could get dressed.

### Part Two

The two headed home in silence and once there Cologne sent Shampoo immediately to my room. It must have been about two hours later when she was finally called back out to talk. Having calmed down Cologne demanded to know everything. So Shampoo told her everything she knew. Shampoo was very unnerved by the fact that Cologne never spoke a word through the whole tale, and her expression never broke. When she finished Cologne turned away from Shampoo to think. The minutes passed in silence forcing Shampoo to finally realize how much trouble she was in. Finally Cologne spoke laying out all that Shampoo had done to destroy her chances of regaining face in the village. From getting involved with an outsider female, and a weak one at that. Failing to kill the outsider, failing to acquire your husband, and now giving herself to Akane. Throughout it all Cologne never even mentioned her name and merely referred to her as that Tendo girl.

Shampoo could only meekly nod her head when Cologne demanded to know if she realized the full consequences of her actions. With that she told her that the relationship needed to be ended immediately and that she was not to see Akane again. Of course, it was the obvious thing, but to Shampoo it felt like Cologne had just ordered her to cut off her own arm. Seeing this Cologne told her that she was being exceedingly lenient, fortunately Ranma provides an ideal escape for this situation. For the first time Shampoo spoke stating that it wasn’t that way with Ranma. Cologne told Shampoo to go back to her room, quickly reminding her not to see Akane as well as what would happen if Mousse found out. This wasn’t a threat Cologne had no intention of telling Mousse this was just another crisis Shampoo had caused.

Shampoo didn’t get much sleep that night. Being stuck in your room all day gives you nothing but time to think. Mostly Shampoo laid on her bed mulling over the idea of never being with Akane again. The one other thing that dominated her thoughts was her relationship to Ranma. Despite my relationship with Akane, she wasn’t just keeping up the motions of trying to get Ranma. By all appearances the next day was as typical as any that had come before it. Mousse, as was usual, decided to wake Shampoo up personally. As was usual, she had already been up for ten minutes, so told him to get lost and stop bothering her. Mousse decided that he should come in and try to explain himself, which of course lead to him being promptly thrown back out in the hallway.

Throughout the day Shampoo would repeatedly look at the clock troubled by the fact that Akane, or at the very least Ranma never came to see her. When night finally fell and she had still neither seen or heard from them she could barely contain the urge to just run out and check what was happening. Every time the phone rang Shampoo snatched it before anyone else, but they never called. Even once the restaurant was locked up and she was sitting in my room Shampoo wanted Akane to come to my window. She didn’t though. Shampoo awoke to Mousse leaning over her and shaking her awake. Still sleepy she jumped to the conclusion he had been sleeping with her and gave him a good slap.

After giving Mousse a long lecture on how if she found him in my room again without her permission she’d introduce his face to his colon, which promptly went in one ear and out the other no doubt, Shampoo went to Cologne. Who immediately told her no before she could say anything, knowing she was going to ask to see Akane. Cologne wasn’t angry. In fact, she seemed almost sympathetic. She told Shampoo that this was for her own good child. Her tone making it clear that if Shampoo did not obey the consequences would be severe. There was still the matter of Ranma however, and noticing Shampoo’s excited look she told her that while she may see him, if she find her with Akane or if she is delayed without good reason, leaving the rest up to Shampoo’s imagination.

A few hours passed before she got my chance to leave. Ranma and Akane were at school, so Shampoo waited till lunchtime then sought them out. They were in the field, engaged in a quarrel over something. Ranma had somehow ended up in his female form. To her great relief they both appeared to be well enough. For a brief time Shampoo forgot about all the recent troubles, and just felt like rushing over and grabbing Akane up in a hug. Kuno beat her to it however. He had somehow come to the conclusion it was Ranma-chan and Akane who had been found together. Listening to Kuno proclaim how he would set the twos wayward hearts back on the path by allowing them both to date with Shampoo couldn’t take it anymore and ended there misery and knocked Kuno out.

Seeing Akane up close and well after two days of worry was enough to trigger a bit of giddiness in Shampoo. She told the unconscious Kuno that she would date them both not him. She was joking around of course. It helped relieve some of the tension usually, especially now. However, She think Ranma took it literally. Akane caught on and returned Shampoo’s embrace, and before either of them knew what was happening they were locked together in a kiss. It’s like a warmth that is so consuming and so comforting you never want to leave it. It is what Shampoo has always wanted in a relationship, someone she can care for and who truly cares for me. Unfortunately, under the circumstances she was forced to cut the kiss disappointingly short.

Akane of course noticed the shift and asked what was wrong. As Shampoo prepared herself for what she had to say, Akane came to the conclusion that it was worried about being found out and stated that Nabiki had already blabbed. When Akane expressed her frustration at this, Ranma jokingly pointed out that they offered her quite a bit. Sometime during their kiss Ranma must have slipped away and was now sitting by a tree. Akane started yelling at Ranma saying that nobody would have known anything had happened if she hadn’t of said anything. She called Ranma out for getting a huge laugh out of this. Ranma crossed her arms and looked away. Saying that Akane couldn’t take being called the pervert. Had Shampoo not being holding Akane a fight would have broken out right there. Instead she only sneered at Ranma in anger for a moment then walked off to the side with Shampoo to talk.

Not yet prepared for what had to come Shampoo asked Akane why Kuno thought that about her and Ranma. She explained that Nabiki was at least vague in what she revealed so Kuno must have got his wires crossed. However since the rumor had spread everyone else had pretty much figured it out. Akane explained everything that had happened since they had last seen each other as she paced before letting out a frustrated growl. Having calmed down she asked Shampoo what happened with her.

The concern that immediately jumped onto her face informed Shampoo that she had already partially given it away in my own looks. She told Akane about how Cologne had forbid her from seeing her. Akane started protested loudly asking what gave her the right to butt into Shampoo’s life. Shampoo reminded Akane that Cologne was not only the leader of Shampoo’s family, but the leader of village. She also pointed out that she was right causing Akane yelled out in shock. She told Akane about how much there relationship dishonored not only herself, but Cologne, her family, her whole village.

Akane suggested that she stay in Japan, but her whole life was in the village. She was raised to be the leader of the tribe that wasn’t something she could just cast aside. Then there was the matter of Mousse. Akane didn’t understand while this was important. She told Akane that Ranma wasn’t the first man who got near her that Mousse attacked; he has done so for her entire life. Akane tried to rationalize that she wasn’t a man only to drop that argument and stated that she wasn’t afraid of him.

The only reason Shampoo wasn’t worried for Ranma’s safety was because he was good enough beat Mousse, Akane wasn’t. Akane didn’t back down from her defiance, but she didn’t respond. Shampoo told Akane that they couldn’t see each other; she had to tell the other students that Nabiki was wrong, make sure that Mousse didn’t find out. Akane mumbled about the unfairness of it, Shampoo could only nod in agreement. Cologne was expecting her back so Shampoo hugged Akane for what she thought would be the last time and said her goodbye. We’d see each other again, but it would not be as it was.

The rest of the day was general depressing. Shampoo very quickly became aware of the unwanted attention Akane was receiving, as now a lot of it was directed at her. She shrugged it off though, not caring what others thought. Once back at the Nekohanten Mousse immediately went into his usual tirade on how Ranma is all wrong for her and she should marry him instead. As he babbled on Shampoo could just think about how he has been a constant thorn in her side all her life, and came within one second of knocking him through the nearest wall.

Days crept by, leaving Shampoo with much to consider. Would she just let things go back to the way they were? She had finally found the love she’d wanted and to just leave it was unthinkable. Yet, if she didn’t she’d be a great deal of trouble with the village and Akane would be at severe risk. Then there was Ranma. What was she to do about him? She still had love for him, but having him engaged to Akane, the other person she loved, complicated everything. She was also aware that Akane still loved him as well. It seemed so wrong to steal him away from her, but if she didn’t she’d have nothing. About a week after She and Akane had being discovered, she was surprised to receive an order from Ukyo.

Under the circumstances her instincts set Shampoo immediately on the defensive. Her first conclusion was that Ukyo had laid a trap for me, but nothing happened. Ukyo merely smiled and invited Shampoo inside to talk. It turned out it was a friend’s house. Ukyo had realized that the rumors were true and not wanting to be seen ordering from another restaurant lured Shampoo there. Shampoo wasn’t about to admit anything so Ukyo decided to be blunt. She offered her place up for her and Akane to meet. Shampoo called Ukyo out for trying to get her and Akane out of the way.

Ukyo in turn called Shampoo out for trying to keep both of them, fully admitting that is what she was doing. That deflated Shampoo rather quickly. Ukyo went on to explain how this was in both there best interest she wanted Ranma, and that’s a lot easier with Shampoo and Akane out of the picture. She had already talked to Akane about this, who seemed agreeable. Shampoo was irritated by the fact that Ukyo had an advantage over her. However, while it was an appealing offer, it didn’t save solve anything. She told Ukyo about how Cologne was keeping a close eye on her. After a while Ukyo told Shampoo to give her some time to think of something. The best answer Shampoo could think of was that when Ukyo solves the problem they’d talk.

The next day Shampoo headed off to the school for her usual attempt at getting Ranma on a date. Wondering why she fell for such a stubborn idiot, Shampoo grew frustrated at the fact that Ranma had to fight her on everything and wouldn’t give her a decent chance. She expressed her frustration about him complaining when she’s forced to use more drastic measures to get some attention from him. Heedless of the irony considering her frustration with Mousse’s actions Shampoo wished Ranma’d get it through that thick head of his that she had no choice, and that if he was a little more co-operative she wouldn’t have to go to these extremes.

In any case, that day was much like the others. Shampoo came, intercepted him as he was leaving, and got the usual indeterminate welcome. Also as usual she didn’t let it get to her. What wasn’t usual was being pulled aside by Ukyo who wanted a moment of her time. She took Shampoo to one of the gym’s equipment rooms. An eager Akane was there when they arrived. Ukyo came up with the idea of inviting Shampoo to a weekly poker game she had set up. This would give Akane and Shampoo cover. Since Ranma was invited as well they would just be there to try to get together with Ranma. Akane also felt that she could get some people around the school to come. When Shampoo asked about Ranma Akane replied that while he was being a bit annoying, she thought they could get him to go along with it, not really caring how he felt in the matter.

The only real problem Shampoo had with the plan was that Ukyo had come up with it. They’d have to admit to the relationship and she might just gain something out of it. That didn’t matter to Shampoo much at that point though. Being separated from Akane as long as she had without the option of getting back together was getting agonizing. Now that the option was open once again, the feeling it filled her with practically forced her answer.

So it was. The day came and Shampoo set out for Ukyo’s under the guise of having heard about this game and intending to crash it. For safety sake she only mentioned that Ranma would be there. She suspected Cologne was suspicious of something, but she still allowed her to go. Mousse didn’t suspect a thing more that what the cover story implied. He gave his usual rant on how she should forget about Ranma and all that, and as usual I ignored him. Once again not seeing the similarities between how he treated her and how she treated Ranma

Shampoo arrived at Ucchan’s and the game was already in progress. Someone appeared to have gotten one of Ranma’s male friends to join in to make it that much more believable. For his sake, she and Ukyo got into a fight over my crashing a private party, until Ranma supposedly settled that matter by asking Ukyo to let her stay. They played for most the night. Ranma’s friend finally went broke... well rather he lost all his chips since no money was actually involved, and he left for home. By that time they were all fairly involved in the game so they continued on. Apparently Ranma had been working on his poker face, or maybe he was just distracted by what this was really about. In the end though he got eliminated as well. He watched the girls play for a time, but then dosed off on a sleeping bag Ukyo had provided.

It was around 5am when Akane got eliminated, leaving it between Shampoo and Ukyo, but we decided to end it there. Shampoo would have gone on actually. It was fun. Besides, she was winning, but she hadn’t come here for that. So, Ukyo showed her and Akane to the room and left them alone as promised. While more of a storage room then any place romantic, the two didn’t care. Akane and Shampoo didn’t start off right away. Being in Ukyo’s place was enough to keep them low key for a while. They talked a little, joked about the poker game and Ranma, and caught up on what had been happening to the other. The small talk didn’t last long though. All the tension built up over their brief but tormenting separation suddenly was let out and the inevitable occurred.

Akane and Shampoo slept away what was left of the night, and for that brief time Shampoo thought it might all come out alright. The morning came and Ukyo woke them up with a knock on the door. It was clear that Ukyo wasn’t a morning person. Ranma was rather gloomy himself actually. He was obviously not very comfortable with this. They stayed long enough to have breakfast then left on their separate ways. Shampoo got to the Nekohanten in time for the breakfast rush and was immediately put to work. Besides a few quick inquiries about what happened, which she answered rather honestly, leaving out only the final key bit, Cologne didn’t act like she suspected anything. The feeling that this wasn’t the case kept Shampoo’s attention most the day. She was so focused on her Great grandmother that she never even noticed the odd way Mousse was acting.

The next morning Shampoo awoke and started the day as usual. The first thing that made her exceedingly uneasy was that Mousse didn’t knock on her door as usual. Since he had never missed a day, unless he was laid up, and even then he’d try, nervousness began to Shampoo causing her to check on him. Only to find him gone. Of course, there was countless possible reasons why he wasn’t there, but only one occurred to her. Shampoo barely had time to consider that when she heard the main door crash open and Ranma questioning Cologne urgently. The implication that he didn’t know where Akane was threw Shampoo into a panic.

She rushed down the stairs and joined Ranma. The situation was quickly revealed. Akane had left for her morning jog as usual, but she had not returned. Ranma had searched her whole route and found no sign of her. Mousse was also nowhere to be found. Cologne had not seen him leave, but he clearly wasn’t there. As soon as Ranma heard that he was running for the door, having come to the same conclusion Shampoo had. Mousse had found out somehow and confronted Akane. At the best he kidnapped her. At the worst... she was already dead. Neither of them was willing to accept the worst.

Shampoo ran after Ranma, not even waiting to gain Cologne’s permission, and found him a short distance away. He hadn’t given much thought to where Mousse would be, at the time Shampoo was equally at a loss. There was no time to waste though so they agreed to split up and search. Shampoo looked at various places she thought Mousse just might go. They were all long shots and as expected turned up nothing. Several hours had passed when Shampoo was reaching the point of hopelessness. Finally an idea occurred to her.

Assuming Mousse had kidnapped Akane he’d need someplace to hold her that was secluded. Shampoo had been looking in town, but out in the countryside there were several caves, a few of which had been used by enemies for the very purpose of holding someone. She tried to find Ranma briefly, but he was busy on his own search somewhere. Shampoo couldn’t risk wasting time hunting for him so she left a note at the Tendos’ and headed off for the countryside.

The first place Shampoo searched was where Taro had taken Akane months earlier. The next place she tried was where the Jusenkyo destroyer had kept them. Shampoo entered the cave and found the cages inside empty. It was a disappointment, but she didn’t get much of a chance to have the feeling. The cave was rigged with small explosives. As soon as she realized that she had fallen into a trap Shampoo ran for the entrance, but wasn’t quick enough.

Shampoo regained consciousness only to find herself in a new cave her hands and feet bound in chains. Whether it was the explosions themselves, or the resulting cave in, she felt like a car had run over her. No matter what she tried she couldn’t break free of the chains. Mousse wasn’t himself when he came in. He looked solemn, consigned to what he was doing. While scared at this development Shampoo still demanded to know where Akane was. Mousse asked Shampoo why she was with Akane, her only answer was to ask him again where she was. Again he ignored her question and told her that he loved her, that he’d always been there for her demanding to know why he wouldn’t return his feeling. This set Shampoo off.

She was angry and scared at this point. She needed answers, and if he wanted his answers first, then she’d give them to him. she told him that he was a menace. Despite his claims of love and care about her all he cared about was himself. Shampoo continued telling him to shut up before he could say anything. He never cared about what she wanted. Something even her enemies did. Being married to Mousse would be the end of her. Shampoo shouted it all with all my anger behind it, and again the irony of their similar circumstances never occurred to her. For once it finally seemed to hit home. Mousse looked broken, almost in tears at her words. He turned away, hanging his head, and mumbled quietly to himself. She asked him again where Akane was nly to be told that she was dead.

In a single second Shampoo’s life seemed to burn away to nothing. Filled with grief and anger she teared desperately at her chains in an attempt to get at Mousse, promising him that she’d hunt him to the ends of the Earth and she meant it more than any kiss of death. Finally after a minute or so of failed attempts to break free she gave up, and let her grief consume me. Suddenly a key landed in her lap. Shampoo came back to the world long enough to look up at Mousse and hear his last words to me. He told her that Akane was alive in the other room. With that he left after one final goodbye.

Shampoo was in shock for quite a while before quickly unlocked her bindings then rushed into the other chamber to confirm what he had said. Sure enough she was there, unconscious, but otherwise unharmed. Taking Akane home he returned to the Nekohanten to find that Mousse had came by and picked up his stuff before and left for a hotel. Now that she had calmed down Shampoo realized that with Mousse out of the way the situation is changed. She was giving up everything for Akane her life, her family for a relationship that was still in its infancy. Yes there were many traditions, and rules of the Amazons that she bent to their limits and even beyond, but to simply throw aside her obligations to her family is one thing Shampoo was not fond of doing.