Mousse (Love Note)

**Mousse** (ムース *Mūsu*) is a male Chinese Amazon who seeks the heart of his childhood friend, Shampoo. He is one of Ranma Saotome's persistent rivals.

## Appearance

Mousse has long, black hair which is either past shoulder length in the manga or waist length in the anime and teal eyes. He wears a long, white robe with a diamond pattern on the chest with black cuffs and voluminous sleeves from which he produces his arsenal of hidden weapons. Underneath this he wears black or dark blue pants.

## History

Mousse is desperately in love with Shampoo, and has been since they were both three.

Two years ago he decided to prove his strength and challenged Shampoo to a fight. Unfortunately after he defeated her she became furious and didn’t talk to him for nearly six months.

He was cursed at Jusenkyo to turn into a duck, having accidentally walked into the Spring of Drowned Duck due to his poor eyesight. According to the Jusenkyo Guide, he is the first person to ever fall into a spring after taking only one step. Even in the form of a duck Mousse can still make use of many of his projectile weapons, such as knives and bombs. Somehow he manages to hide the weapons in his feathers while in his duck form, making him one of the very few cursed characters who is not completely defenseless while in his cursed form.

## Plot

Kasumi used the Love Note on Shampoo so that she would fall in love with Mousse. However since the two were incompatible with each other it didn’t last long causing Shampoo to think he had put a love spell on her. For an amazon, to be taken advantage of by a male was utterly unforgivable, but since it only resulted in a kiss Mousse was just kicked out of the restaurant and not killed out right. Not helping cases was the fact that Akane suddenly developed feelings for him. Despite her warning he tried to go back to plead his innocence only for a furious Shampoo to almost stab him in the groin telling him she wouldn’t miss again if he ever came back. Mousse was left to walk through the streets considering his now utterly ruined chances with Shampoo, while trying to figure out away that it was Ranma’s fault. When he found Akane waiting for him he considered the best way to humor Akane while simultaneously not encouraging her new crush.

Shortly after being kicked to the curb by Shampoo, Akane took it upon herself to find Mousse some temporary residence and given his experience in the restaurant business, Ukyo had found herself on the short list. She had been very reluctant to take the Amazon in, but after much pleading from Akane, she agreed on a temporary basis.

Mousse proved to be surprisingly obedient and competent at his work. The only minor annoyance was his occasional fits of self pity over Shampoo's rejection, or his bouts of blind anger towards Ranma, both of which were easily and quickly corrected with a good swift battle spatula over the head. He also acted as decent bodyguard against Kodachi.

When Mousse had found out about Shampoo’s new affection for Dr Tofu, anger had overwhelmed him and he had confronted the doctor. His results were not much better than he had suffered at Ranma’s hands, although the doctor was kind enough to just temporarily paralyze him.

Mousse once again went back to the Nekohanten to beg to be let back. Luckily Shampoo was out on delivery for while she no longer believed he was Cupid she was still angry. Cologne asked him about his progress on finding Cupid but he still believed Ranma was involved somehow. Cologne agreed but not in the way Mousse thought. They were interrupted by the arrival of Maho who was there for the waitress position. On mention of the word, Mousse immediately tensed. However, whatever argument he was about to make was quickly silenced with a look from the elder. As if defeated, Mousse’s shoulders quickly sagged, and muttering something Maho could not quite catch, he left the restaurant.

As headed back to Ukyo’s in self-pity he noticed Akane he contemplated leaving but curiosity got the better him. She was frustrated by Ranma’s infatuation with Kasumi and wanted to be alone. Searching for a topic to fill the moment, and perhaps lighten Mousse’s mood she asked him why he never challenged Shampoo to a fight only be shocked to learn that not only had he, but he one. Comparing Shampoo’s reaction to Mousse defeating her to her reaction to Ranma caused Akane to wonder if he was right.

Hearing Ranma’s theory and the thought that he could reverse all this gave Mousse renewed energy. Unfortunately for him, it lasted only seconds before reality set back in. Not only did he not know who cupid was, but even if he did find him that didn’t mean he could fix anything, there was also the fact that the law was still in effect. He came to the conclusion that all he needed to do was get Akane and Ranma back together.

To that end he asked Akane out telling her that by exploiting Ranma’s jealousy he’ll come running. Not sure Akane suggested they try to find L as he might not know something about Cupid. Mousse agreed and finally getting into it AKane said they could try contacting the police. With that they agreed to see each other the next day.

Akane and Mousse went on their date the next day. Of course, Mousse was treating it as little more than a facade to trick Ranma, but for Akane it felt far more significant. Distracted she barely listened as Mousse talked about trying to find L. When Ranma and Shampoo walked in Akane and Mousse’s reaction to seeing them were predictably bad. Mousse and Ranma were soon exchanging barbs, and as usual Mousse was taking the worst of it. The ensuing fight was brief. As expected, Ranma laid Mousse out, but not before several tables and chairs became unfortunate victims of the battle.

The two headed back to Ukyo’s restaurant where Akane patched Mousse up. By then the boy’s anger had given way to remorse and he held his head low. Despite the nature of the circumstances, Akane could not help but see this as just a little amusing. Mousse apologized to Akane for letting Ranma get to him, but she waived it off, even reminding him that his plan worked.

This cheered Mousse up and he decided that they needed to keep up the pressure and told her that they should go out every weekend. Akane tried to protest only to be interrupted by Mousse who felt that Ranma would certainly challenge him for her.

He eventually noticed Akane’s inattention and worsening mood, Mousse asked her if she was okay, but she brushed it off. When he asked her if she thought his plan would work she told him it was. To changing topics she asked him about Shampoo. When Mousse became depressed at this Akane couldn’t find the will to try and cheer him up, as she could no longer see the two Amazons as a couple. As Akane considered this, she began to come to one conclusion. Get Mousse to see that there is something better out there for him.

As that through began to take hold, Ukyo came up the stairs in a rush. She entered the room, came to an abrupt stop, stepped back into the stairwell and out of sight. An annoyed Mousse was quick to tell her that they weren’t doing anything. Akane scowled when she asked them why not only for her to shake her head and tell them about the rumor that L was in the market. Akane and Mousse jumped to their feet hoping to find him so that they could strike back at Cupid.

Akane decided to take Mousse to get a new prescription for his glasses. On there way they cam across p-chan. It was as she picked him up that Ryoga noticed she was with Mousse. The Amazon boy eyed the piglet curiously. P-chan returned the look. Misinterpreting Mousse’s look, Akane chuckled and explained who P-chan was. Mousse told her that he had seen her pet before, and then turn back to the conversation they were having before Ryoga’s arrival. He asked her if she had seen Ranma and Akane answered no. P-chan caught an odd, almost nervous look from her that Mousse missed as she led him to the glasses store. Still in Akane’s arms, P-chan looked between Akane and Mousse in confusion.

As Akane looked through the display for a frame that might be good for Mousse, Mousse discreetly told Mousse that this was all Cupid’s fault. As Akane had Mousse try on various glasses his only thought was where was Ranma not knowing that Akane hadn’t told him. Behind them, P-chan continued to sit, puzzled by the whole situation. However, one thing was sure; he did not like how familiar the two were being. As he continued to watch them talk with the clerk, he grew ever more concerned as Akane continued to smile happily in Mousse’s direction.

Later when Ukyo told him that Shampoo was there Mousse rushed, then tumbling, down the stairs. Recovering quickly at the bottom he rushed over to Shampoo. As he asked her if she forgave him Shampoo chose her words carefully. She told him that she didn’t think he was cupid anymore and that he could come back to work at half pay. Excitedly Mousse rushed off to get his stuff. He was stopped by Ukyo who told him that Shampoo really didn’t want him back and it was most likely Cologne or Ranma who had convinced her. Mousse mood darkening as he thought on that, but decided that it was a good thing if it was Ranma.

And unconvinced Ukyo headed back downstairs to man the restaurant, and after thinking about it for a second Mousse realized that while this got him away from Akane he didn’t get Ranma and Akane back together. In revenge Mousse decided to go back but keep seeing Akane.

Since they all expressed a desire to aid in his investigation L invited Kuno, Kodachi, Ranma, Ryoga, Akane, Soun, Genma, Nabiki, Kasumi, Ukyo, Shampoo, Mousse, Cologne, and Tofu to a high rise building. He met with Cologne first figuring it was best to meet with her before the others.

Those first meeting the man paused in some wonderment, particularly noting his odd sitting posture. However, this lasted only a moment before they all began to take seats. Though he still had doubts Ranma confirmed to Nabiki the only one aware that Trista was there that he was the man he met. L introduced himself as Ryuzaki and Kuno was the first to express gis doubt that L was who he claimed he was. L confirmed who he was, but also eased there doubts stated that even if he wasn’t he was at least speaking on behalf of L.

L agreed to allow them to help him, but he didn’t sugar coat the fact that fact that they were all still suspects, though he didn’t reveal his exact suspects. Nabiki kept her face neutral at this revelation. With that he laid down what he had deduced so far noting. L eyed each member of the group in turn, pausing particularly on Kasumi who was all smiles and seemed absolutely riveted on the conversation.

The first was that there were Two Cupids. Many repeated in surprise. Nabiki in particular could not help but frown at this revelation. Much to Nabiki’s annoyance he explained how Kasumi clued him in on how Cupid needs a name and face to affect you. As he was talking the second Cupid revealed themselves on Cupid’s arrow. The others wanted to rush to put a stop to it, but L protested that it was to dangerous to intervene the others rushed. The second Cupid introduced themselves as the real Cupid telling L that they would offer him a gift of their benevolence.

When the people gathered at the station started trying to batter there way in L called to have all broadcasts cut realizing that Cupid was still affecting them. With nothing else to to Ranma, Ryoga, Mousse, Akane, Shampoo Ukyo, Kodachi and Tatewaki went to the building to do what they could. Even Soun elbowed Genma and the pair joined in as well. Before they left L told them to everything that Cupid provided. Kasumi called out to them to be careful while beside her, Nabiki simply crossed her arms, a frown firmly locked on her face.

When L received a letter from Cupid he once more gathered with the various residents of Nerima to tell them what had happened. He also informed them of his theory that the Cupid they knew from before was in fact two people. There were various degrees of surprise at hearing this.

Kasumi was the first to ask why the second Cupid never used such power until now. L figured that that there was some downside to it. Mousse was vehemently against agreeing as Cupid still needed reverse the damage the damage they had done. Upon being told that there was no evidence to date that Cupid can terminate love, only generate it he started banging his head on the table in frustration.

Kasumi got things back on track by asking L what he planned on doing. Given the seriousness of the situation L was inclined to agree so he told them to wait until he had more precise instruction on what to do. There was a variety of low key grumbles in response to this, but little else. When they returned he played for the others an audio of not only him denying Cupid’s request, but a recording of the second Cupid denying the new ones legitimacy. After hearing it several were shifting into various disquieted positions and expressions.

Later he played them an audio of not only him denying Cupid’s request, but a recording of the second Cupid denying the new ones legitimacy. After hearing it several were shifting into various disquieted positions and expressions. He asked them to stay at the building. They had come and gone numerous times and might be in danger as they could have been seen. The various Nerima residents looked at each other in consideration before Cologne took the initiative on behalf of herself, Shampoo and Mousse. This got the others to agree as well. He had Watari prepare them rooms as they waited for the official broadcast.

As expected it didn’t long for the worshipers of the third Cupid to find L’s building, with the more bold individuals shoving or otherwise attacking the other shutters in futility. Akane started to freak out a little when L told them they might be there for at least a week, which his assurance that it might be longer did nothing to calm her down. Nabiki just pulled out a book happy that she had brought reading material while Kasumi asked him if his divide would work.

When Watari told everyone that he laid refreshments in the cafeteria Mousse started asked Shampoo if she would like something only to be quickly told no before he could finish. This instantly caused Akane to glare at Shampoo from across the table. When Akane commented her relationship with Tofu Shampoo jumped to her feet furious at Akane accusing her of being unfaithful.

Akane jumped to her feet as well when Shampoo called her out on her numerous boyfriends. She started to deny it only for Shampoo to remind her of Kirin and Toma. Akane twitched at the mention of the two princes, pointing out that she had been kidnapped. Shampoo shot back, circling the table to confront Akane more directly and asked about Ryoga. Akane called Shampoo out stating that it was her who tricked Ryoga into dating her, only for her to to reply that the two seemed like lovers given how close the two were.

Akane practically started screaming and when Kuno tried to calm the two down they both clocked him sending him into the wall unconscious. Tofu and Mousse both took up the charge, quickly rushing in, Tofu to Shampoo, Mousse to Akane to separate the pair. Akane rushed to the bathroom to be by herself finding Mousse waiting for her when she came out. Seeing that she was going to be okay Mousse tried to go check up on Shampoo, Akane tried to stop him telling him that she wasn’t worth it. Akane begged Mousse to tell her why he was so obsessed with Shampoo.

Mousse explained that his mother what the one who initially brought up the topic of Mousse proposing to Shampoo. She doesn’t know about Shampoo’s rejections as he embellished things when he told her. Akane cut him off when he started talking about how would eventually accept his love she would people don’t change. this caused Mousse to call Akane a hypocrite given the fact she was still with Ranma. Akane stopped arguing. However Mousse decided that Shampoo would be fine for awhile so he could stay with Akane.

The protesters began bombing their way in. Cologne instructed the group to keep them from getting any further up as she dove into the fray, effortlessly disabling three men with but a touch. Shampoo and Mousse followed in just after. Ranma and the others were just finished dealing with those that slipped by when another explosion, further away, could be heard. Genma, Soun, Akane and Ryoga left to deal with that.

Mousse was waiting for Akane at the street corner but after finding out about Ryoga she wasn’t in the mood for their date. When he greeted her she just asked if he knew. His reply was mixed, stating he knew of Ryoga's curse but was unaware of their sleeping arrangement. He explained he had not given it deep thought as Ryoga was an ally against Ranma. He claimed he would have told her, but Akane had her doubts about such, and Mousse admitted in Ranma shoes he might not have, although claimed he would have done everything to stop Ryoga, something Akane believed as Mousse is very single minded in his pursuits. Mousse sensed she had no more words and simply escorted her home in silence.