Heya PPL,
I am reposting this because of a request ^^
If you have read it, just delete it ^^
Arigato ^^

Sage-chan

PS : comments are all good ^^

*********************
AWAKENINGS
*********************
Part One : Ja ne Japan, Nihao China

Ranma stood before Shampoo, wearing a black and white tuxedo and holding a bouquet of crimson roses.  Shampoo unconsciously touched her hair as she waited for Ranma to say the words which she longed for.  Soft music floated out of nowhere as Ranma stepped closer and closer to Shampoo.....

RANMA : I ...... I........ILOVEYOUAKANE!

Shampoo watched in stunned silence as Ranma swept past her to embrace
Akane, who stood behind Shampoo........

"SHAMPOO!!!!!"

Shampoo jerked up from her bed at the call from Cologne.  Shaking her
head slightly, Shampoo got dressed and slowly walked down to the
restaurant.

COLOGNE : You are up late, great-granddaughter.  Please assist Mousse in
	the kitchen.  I don't feel quite safe when I leave him there alone.

SHAMPOO : Yes, great-grandmother.

Shampoo began busily preparing the afternoon menu and occasionally
slapping Mousse on the head for not paying attention to what he was
putting in where.  Though she was working efficiently, the food was the
farthest thing from her mind.

<What am I doing here?> Shampoo muttered softly in Mandarin, <Am I not a
beautiful accomplished Amazon warrior, one of the best in my village?  Yet
here I am in Japan, chasing after a man like a cheap harlot.  Not to
mention, a man who obviously prefers another.>

The lunch crowd came and left.  Shampoo could no longer concentrate on
her work.  She needed to get out, to calm her thoughts.

SHAMPOO : <Great-grandmother, may I take a break for a while?>
COLOGNE : <Lunch for Ranma?>
SHAMPOO : <No great-grandmother, just a walk.>
COLOGNE : <Be sure to be back before the dinner crowd.>

Shampoo wandered aimlessly through the streets of Nerima, trying hard to
control her thoughts.  More than once, Shampoo had watched Ranma put
everything on the line for Akane and it had only made her more sure of
her decision to make Ranma her husband.  Yet for some unknown reason,
last night's dream, or more appropriately, last night's nightmare,
disturbed her.  Her wanderings brought her to the entrance
of Ucchan's.  Shampoo debated for a moment on whether to go in or
not, but the lack of a better place swayed her mind.

Ukyou tensed as Shampoo appeared inside.  She gripped two little spatulas,
one in each hand, and intently watched Shampoo's every movement.  Shampoo immediately recognized Ukyou's alertness.  She looked into Ukyou's eyes and held up both hands in the universal sign of peace.

SHAMPOO : Shampoo not here to fight, maybe ........ (hesitantly) talk....

Though Ukyou was not quite convinced with Shampoo's admission of a
peaceful visit, she loosened her grip on her spatulas.  Shampoo appeared
to be devoid of weapons, but Ukyou had lived in Nerima long enough to
realize, martial artists don't normally go around displaying their weapons
for the world to see, not to mention, Shampoo was as good a martial
artist without her sword or bonboris as she was with them.

UKYOU : hmmmm, well ok, (grudgingly) I guess you can have a sit.  So what
	brings you to my restaurant, Ranma isn't here you know.
SHAMPOO : Shampoo not here to see Ranma.
UKYOU : really? (surprised)

Shampoo began to toy with a pair of chopsticks as she wondered if she
should tell Ukyou about her dream.  Shampoo had little practice with
confiding to other people.  She never had many friends.  Martial Arts
training had been her main focus in life.  There was an uncomfortable silence as even Ukyou wasn't sure what to think.  The Shampoo before her was not the Shampoo she was used to seeing.

SHAMPOO : What Ukyou think of life here?
UKYOU : huh?....wh-what? (thinking) *whoa, where did that come from?*
	What do you mean?
SHAMPOO : Ukyou good martial artist, good cook, and business women.  Not
	better than Shampoo, but good.   Why you waste life here fighting
	for man?
UKYOU : Whoa, wait a sec, I hope you didn't come here hoping to convince
	me into leaving Nerima and poor Ranchan cause it isn't going to
	happen.  No way that I am letting you have him.  *I* love
	Ranchan and he is *MY* fiancee.
SHAMPOO : (shaking her head) Shampoo not here to make Ukyou leave.
	Shampoo only little confused, only little (looking at Ukyou with a
	slight glare)
UKYOU : (looking at Shampoo strangely) so what's your point?
SHAMPOO : Shampoo had bad dream last night.  Dream about Ranma and
	Shampoo.......
UKYOU : oh?....and that's bad? (lifting her eyebrows)
SHAMPOO : and.............Akane.
UKYOU : ah.....there's the stinger.....but so what? I mean you see Akane
	and Ranma together all the time anyway.  Never stopped you before.
SHAMPOO : Shampoo know that.  That reason why Shampoo so confused.
	Shampoo no longer know what to do.
UKYOU : huh?....you'll do what you have been doing, chase after Ranma even
	though you have no real legitimate claim on him. (looking slyly at
	Shampoo) Perhaps, you should leave Nerima.

Ukyou waited for the sharp retort that she knew would be coming, but
instead, Shampoo fell silent.

SHAMPOO : leave Nerima?......leave Japan?.....leave Ranma?

The last statement baffled Shampoo.  She could barely comprehend what that would mean.

SHAMPOO : (muttering quickly in Mandrin) <could this be the answer?  But
	can I give up on Ranma after all this time?  I suppose I could go
	back to China and even find the cure for my curse.  There are
	other men and maybe one of them would be a worthier husband>

With that last thought, Shampoo came to a decision.  She would leave
Japan.  As she stood up to leave, she turned to Ukyou.

SHAMPOO : Shampoo no longer confused.  Arigato Ukyou.
UKYOU : huh? what?.......what are you going to do?
SHAMPOO : Shampoo going to leave Japan, return to China.  Going to
	learn more martial arts and find cure for curse.  Maybe even find
	new husband.

Shampoo quickly turned to leave.  She was feeling alive again, and in
control.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Ranma was starving.  Akane had insisted on cooking him lunch so he was forced to try more of her fatal cuisine.  Fortunately, this time he was able to convince Akane to take the first bite.

RANMA : Whew!  At least I was able to get out of the house before she woke up from the effects of her cooking.  If I do marry that uncute violent tomboy, I have got to teach her to taste her cooking BEFORE serving it to others.  But for the time being, maybe I can get a meal out of Shampoo.

Ranma stood in front of the Neko Hanten in amazement.  It was closed.  Ranma could hardly remember the last time the Neko Haten wasnÕt open and full of customers.  Suddenly a racket of duck quacking emitted from the side of the building.  Ranma traced the sound to a duck imprisoned in metal cage.

RANMA :  Hey Mousse, that you?  So whatÕd you do to Shampoo this time?
I should probably just leave you here, after all you are bound to get out sooner or later, but I suppose you couldnÕt tell me where Shampoo is in that form.

Big tears of joy rolled out of the poor MousseÕs eyes as he watched Ranma bring a kettle full of hot water.

RANMA : So Mousse, why were you locked up and where is Shampoo and Cologne? (glancing cautiously) DonÕt try anything either.  You are talking to a very hungry person and roast duck sounds awfully good right now.
MOUSSE : Cologne is still in the restaurant, packing.  SheÕs...
RANMA : (interrupting) Packing? (grinning) you mean sheÕs leaving?
MOUSSE : You shouldnÕt be so quick to laugh Saotome, Cologne isnÕt packing 	for herself.  She is getting things together to send to Shampoo.  This 	morning.....
RANMA : (interrupting) to Shampoo?......whereÕs Shampoo?
MOUSSE : WILL YOU STOP INTERRUPTING ME SAOTOME?  Perhaps you would like a little taste of my super technique, HAKUCH^O-KEN!
RANMA : (waving his hands in front of him) Hey, take it easy Mousse.  Enough with the duck already.  Go on.  WhatÕs this about Shampoo?
MOUSSE : [bursting out in sobs] Early this morning Shampoo left for China.  She has given up on you Saotome.  She left Japan for good and is on a search for a cure for her curse and a new husband.  And to think, she didnÕt even look at me!  Whaaaaaaaa!!!!!
RANMA : (looking slightly stunned) huh?.....Shampoo is gone forever?  (looking thoughtful) *hmmm.....weird.  How come I'm not bursting with joy?  IsnÕt this what I have been wishing for?  To be free of the annoyance that comes with an ardent fiancee?  Shampoo was always the most aggressive and one of the most destructive, a toss-up between her and Akane, but at least she could cook.  (stomach growling) I can hardly think when my stomach is making so much noise.  IÕll first get some okonomiyaki from Ucchan.*
MOUSSE : (sniff) Well, I guess IÕll go back to following Shampoo, once I 		find her again.  Farewell Saotome, may we meet only after Shampoo 		is my wife.

Before Ranma could utter a word, Mousse was already bounding from roof to roof and occasionally crashing into a lamp post.  As Ranma turned around to walk to UcchanÕs, he felt a not-so-light tap on his head.

RANMA : [turning around] Hey!  WhatÕd ya do that for?

Cologne stood in front of Ranma, balanced on top of her multipurpose cane.

COLOGNE : You need to be more vigilant son-in-law. (leeringly) How can you consider yourself a worthy husband for Shampoo if you cannot anticipate an old womanÕs moves.
RANMA : (bewildered) Whoa, hold on a sec.  ShampooÕs husband?  I thought the whole deal was off.  You know, as in I am no longer your son-in-law.
COLOGNE : (cackling) Ah, son-in-law, it is not over yet.  Shampoo is still obliged to marry you until she finds a worthier mate with the ability to defeat her.  While she does that, I am staying in Japan to make sure nothing happens to you.  hehehehehehehehe...
RANMA : (defiantly) Well then, I wish her all the luck.

Ranma could still hear CologneÕs cackles as he neared UcchanÕs.  Ukyou let out an enthusiastic welcome as Ranma entered.

UKYOU : (smiling) Konichiwa Ranchan!  Care for some okonomiyaki?
RANMA : [sitting down] uh, sure.  Thanks Ukyou.

Ukyou placed a plate full of okonomiyakis on the counter.

RANMA : [while stuffing his face] so Ukyou, have you heard about Shampoo? 	(munch, munch)
UKYOU : (distastefully) Shampoo?  What about her?
RANMA : (munch, gulp)  It seems sheÕs left Japan.  Maybe for good.
UKYOU : (suddenly very interested) really?  Well, I have to say, Shampoo is one very decisive person, not to mention obstinant.  I didnÕt think she had the guts to actually to it.  [leaning closer to Ranma] So feeling any freer Ranchan?
RANMA : [pushing the empty plate away] ThatÕs the funny thing.  To tell you the truth, IÕm not entirely sure how I feel.  I mean, I know Shampoo was annoying at times and all the surprise public displays of affection embarrasses me and put me in a dangerous spot when Akane was around ... but I have to admit she was a great martial artist and helped me out in some sticky situations.  On the other hand, a lot of them were her fault.
UKYOU : hmmmmm.....I would love to tell you to just forget her, boy would I love to, but I suppose that wouldnÕt make me a very good friend.  So IÕll speak to you as a friend and not as your fiancee.  Take some time 	to think about this.  Maybe all you need is time to adjust, I mean even the sudden lack of pain can be sorta shocking, or, oh I hate to say this, maybe Shampoomeansalotmoretoyouthanyouthink.
RANMA : Jeez!  Never thought IÕd hear that and take it seriously.  Thanks Ukyou, for the okonomiyakis and 	the advice.  Matane!
UKYOU : [watching Ranma leave] oh jeez, what did I do that for.  Now if that had been Shampoo, she would have gone for the kill as he was confused and married him by sundown.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Shampoo pushed back her long lavender hair and sifted her pack.  She was glad she had packed lightly - just a couple of potions, weapons, and spare clothing.  She was determined to make it to the Jusenkyo Springs before nightfall.  She wasnÕt sure how much longer the weather would hold and she had forgotten her umbrella.  Finally, the Springs came into her view.  Shampoo was wiser now than she was during her last visit.  She first sought out the Guide.

SHAMPOO : <You over there, Guide!  Would you kindly directly me to the 		Nyanniichuan?>
GUIDE : <The Nyanniichuan would be the third pool to you right, Miss.>

Shampoo could hardly wait to be rid of her curse.  In her excitement, she took a running leap into the pool.

***CRASH***

SHAMPOO : <ow! oW! OW!!!  WHERE IS THE WATER?!?!?!?! >

Upon hearing ShampooÕs screams, the Guide rushed over to give Shampoo a hand.

GUIDE : <You should be more careful Miss.  Have you not heard of the wise saying, ÒLook before you leapÓ?>
SHAMPOO : (glaring at the Guide) <You said THAT was the Nyanniichuan!!!>
GUIDE : <And so it is, just happens to be empty right now.>
SHAMPOO : (near hysteria) <empty!  EMPTY!!!  HOW CAN A SPRING BE EMPTY!>
GUIDE : (grimacing as ShampooÕs cries cut through his ear drums) <No need
to worry, the pool will replenish itself in time.  Come back in a couple months or in about a year.>
SHAMPOO : <A COUPLE OF MONTHS!  A YEAR!  WHAT HAPPENED TO THE WATER IN THE POOL?!?!?!?>
GUIDE : (chuckling nervously while sneaking glances at the very angry Shampoo with her very sharp sword) <The pool was drained by a nearby Amazon Tribe.  They may have some extra if you are desperately in need of it.>
SHAMPOO : (in a menacing tone) <Which way.>
GUIDE : (pointing towards the setting sun) <Their village is some ways
west.  Would you care to spend the night here?>

Before he could finish his sentance, Shampoo was already making herself comfortable in the GuideÕs house.

In the morning Shampoo was up early, packed and ready for her trek to the *other* Amazon villiage.  The guide offered to make her some breakfast, but she really didnÕt feel like staying near the Springs longer than she had to.  Bad memories, and she had the feeling that many of the wild inhabitants of the Springs were not quite what they seemed to be.  Shampoo spent the whole morning and most of the afternoon, walking westward.  By late afternoon, she came to the entrance of the village.