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

Last time in Mousse's Flip Side . . . . .

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

Mousse enters the Nekohanten whistling a nice tune.  He's got a nice smile
on his face and seemingly doesn't notice Shampoo.  Shampoo lifts her head
to look at him and wipes the tears from her face with her sleeve.  She gets
up and walks in front of Mousse.  He looks down at her and says, "What is
it?"  He's so happy he doesn't speak with his usual spiteful voice. 
Instead he uses a calm, and even voice.  

"Mousse . . . Shampoo saw you today on date.  You look very happy." 
Shampoo says to him.  

"You spied on me!"  Mousse says trying to act surprised.  "By what right do
you have to spy on me Shampoo!  Why?"  

"Because Mousse . . . I am concerned for your happiness!"  Shampoo says. 

"Hah!  What a laugh!"  Mousse retorts.  "If you were concerned about my
happiness then you wouldn't have treated me the way you did.  But you
wanted to chase after that fool Saotome!  He doesn't even love you Shampoo!
 That law of the village is stupid and outdated!  This is the 90's sweetie!
 Get with it!"  Mousse says.  He is at least a bit curious as to why
Shampoo would go through all of this trouble and says.  "I bet you just
spied on me to make sure that I would have a good time on my date and not
interfere with your chasing after Saotome!"  Mousse's voice raises a bit. 
"Well don't worry Shampoo!  I could care less what an airheaded, dense, and
ice-blooded barbarian Amazon like you does anymore!  I should have done
this a long time ago!  I would appreciate it if you would leave me and
Naoshi-chan alone from now on!  Don't speak to me!  Don't interfere with me
life!  Just_leave_me_alone!!"  Mousse shouts. 

Shampoo is busy crying again at the hate-filled words uttered by Mousse. 
She never thought that all of the things she was doing to him had hurt so
badly until she felt it herself.  And even though she had been recieving
this treatment for only one day, she could just begin to imagine how Mousse
had felt all of the years she rejected him and beat him up.  It felt
horrible.  The pain she felt in her heart was unbearable, making her cry
all the more.  She was losing her best friend in the whole world, the man
who's always been there for her even when she didn't want it.  The man that
she . . . loved.  And she loved him more than she ever thought she did. 
But she wasn't going to give up on him, not after she realized just what he
does mean to her.  "No, Mousse . . . Shampoo never leave you alone."  She
says. to him through tears.

"Why not Shampoo?  Why would you continue to torment my life with your
presence?!"  Mousse says.

"Because Mousse . . . I love you!"  Shampoo says.  She walks up to him and
kisses him like she has never kissed any other man in her life.  It's
filled with such passion that she never knew she had.  She holds it for a
minute, then breaks it off and steps back.  Mousse is stunned, and she
takes the glasses off of his face.  His eyes are now blue like they used to
be.  

"Sh . . Shampoo.  I have waited for a long time for you say that to me." 
Mousse says softly.

Shampoo's eyes brighten with hope, "Mousse?"  Mousse looks directly at her.
 "Do you love Shampoo?"

Mousse had expected this question to come along.  It was all a part of his
plan.  But he hadn't counted on things happening the way they did.  He
looks at her with sincerity and opens his mouth to speak, "Shampoo . . . ."

************
And now . . . .

Mousse's Flip Side!! Part 3!  Mousse's Dilemma
		     by	
	           Toshiro Seiji
*************

"Shampoo . . ."  Mousse says as he looks at her.  "Shampoo . . .I don't
love you anymore."  He smirks at her and says, "That kiss was wonderful
though . . . thank you."  Mousse quietly walks on towards the stairs.  

"Mousse . . . please!"  Shampoo says.  "Mousse please love me again!  If
you don't love me then who will I have if Ranma doesn't . . . if he doesn't
want to . . ."  She trails off not wanting to realize what she was saying.

Mousse stops on the first step and says, " . . . If he doesn't want to
marry you?  Is that what you were going to say?"  

Shampoo looks away with a pained expression on her face.  Slowly her head
nods in agreement.  She starts to speak, "Shampoo . . . afraid.  She chase
Ranma for long time and still Ranma stay true to Akane.  Shampoo starting
to think that . . . he . . . that he no love Shampoo at all."

Mousse steps down off of the steps and goes over to Shampoo again. 
"Shampoo . . . you're starting to see the truth about things.  When Cologne
returns you should tell her how you feel.  It might make you see things
even clearer."  Mousse moves away from Shampoo towards the stairs again. 
He stops and looks back at her.  Shampoo hasn't moved an inch and it looks
as if she'll start to cry again at any minute.   Mousse frown and goes up
the stairs.  His inside were screaming at him for leaving Shampoo.  He
wanted to go to Shampoo, kiss her again, and tell her that deep down he
really does love her.  But his iron will and determination, squelches those
desires because he knows, that ultimately his plan WILL work out for the
best.  He goes into his room and lies on his futon, ready to sleep.  He
hears Shampoo coming up the stairs.  He can also hear her slightly muffled
cries through his door.  At hearing those sounds come out of Shampoo, his
heart nearly breaks into a million pieces.  "I'm sorry . . . my love.  This
is for the best."  He whispers before he drifts off to slumberland.
*******

Shampoo goes to her room and cries on her bed, not bothering to change into
her silk nightgown.  As she cries she tries to recall all of the mean
things that she had ever done to Mousse, but finds it too difficult to
remember even what she did to him last week.  Her mind had gotten so
adjusted to her constant abuse of Mousse that it had not even acknowledged
they ever happened.  Then she thinks about all of the times that Mousse
has, despite her constant abuse, continued to be there for her and say that
he loved her no matter what happened.  And she can remember every single
time that he did.  Then she realized that she would no longer care if Ranma
didn't want to love her, or to marry her.  She just wanted Mousse to say
that he'd always be there for her, that he would never leave her . . . . to
say that he loved her.  And she now knew that she wanted that to come out
of his lips more than anything in the world.  And if he would say that to
her just once more . . . she would give herself completely to him and no
other man . . . ever.  Her Great-Grandmother's laws be damned!  She knew
she loved him more than anyone in the world.  Shampoo spent the rest of the
night thinking about Mousse until she fell to sleep many hours later.
*******

The next morning Shampoo awoke very sad, sad because she had waited so long
to realize that Mousse really was the one that she loved, that it looked
like it was too late.  She told herself that today was the day to settle
things with Ranma and his other fiance's.  She slowly gets out of bed and
realizes that she slept in her clothes.  She starts to take off all of her
clothes when she catches a glimpse of herself in the mirror.  She couldn't
possibly see why Mousse wouldn't love her.  In fact she felt that her body
was the reason Mousse was in love with her in the first place.  The way
other men look at her, she figured that having a luscious body was the only
way to get a man.  She used her body as her main weapon to get Ranma.  That
and the occasional passion spiced Ramen and Thought inducing Mushroom.  But
lately she had been thinking that maybe . . . maybe having a great body
wasn't the real way to a man's heart.  Maybe it was sincerety, and
compassion for that other person that would win a man's love.  And
yesterday was the first time that she'd been truthful with herself about
her feelings.  She didn't really love Ranma . . . she loved her
Great-Grandmother, and wanted to obey her.  Inside Shampoo knew that she'd
never done or had something that was purely for herself.  She'd never been
the least bit selfish.  Shampoo swore to herself that Mousse's love would
be the first . . . The first thing that would be hers and hers alone! 
Which also meant that if that Naoshi girl tried to take Mousse away . . . .
she'd have to learn the error of her poor judgement!  

Later after her refreshing bath, Shampoo sat at her dresser and looked at
herself in the mirror.  Suddenly she realized that she'd been wearing her
hair the same way for many years, yet she had a jewelry box filled with
ornament and ribbons.  She decided that she wanted to change her hairstyle,
but didn't know what she wanted it to look like.  Her train of thought was
broken by a sudden knock at the door.  "Come in."  Shampoo says.  Then door
opens and reveals, "Mousse . . ."  

Mousse comes in and closes the door.  "Good Morning Shampoo . . . I just
came to tell you that I was on my way out.  I'll be back in a half hour." 
Mousse opens the door again and starts to go out.

"Mousse you wait."  Shampoo says.  That was another thing that annoyed her.
 She hadn't ever really mastered the Japanese language and the way she came
across like a bimbo really irked her.  "Shampoo . . . Shampoo need your
help with something."  She's only wearing a towel around her body, but
doesn't at all feel shy about covering herself up in front of him.  "Mousse
. . . Shampoo want to change hairstyle . . . but no know what to wear
like."

Mousse comes over and says, "Well Shampoo . . . what did you want me to do
about that?"

Shampoo looks up at him with sincerety and says, "Would you help Shampoo
style hair?"

Mousse looks at her and notices that there's something diffrent about
Shampoo.  In one night he feels that Shampoo has completely changed and is
finally treating him with just a little bit of respect.  *She's serious . .
. and why does she feel so different today?  Oh well . . . what could it
hurt to help her style her hair.*  He picks up a hairbrush from her dresser
and says, "Okay . . . I'll help you."  

Shampoo smiles and turns around to face the mirror and allow Mousse to
brush her hair.   Mousse starts with long gentle strokes through her hair. 
Time seems to get slower as Shampoo closes her eyes and loses herself in
Mousse's gentle touch.  It feels like pure heaven to her, for no one
besides herself has ever brushed her hair.  And Mousse is using a softer,
sweeter touch than she ever had.  Her heart starts to beat faster and
faster.  

Mousse can't believe what is happening to him.  Never had he ever thought
that Shampoo would allow him to brush her hair.  And never had he thought
that it would ever feel this good.  His heart also starts to beat faster as
he gently strokes Shampoo's hair.  He soon finishes with some regret and
places the brush back on the dresser.  Grabbing a hair ribbon from her
dresser, he strokes through Shampoo's silky purple hair.  Mousse can't
recall ever getting close enough to Shampoo to stroke through her hair. 
*It's so soft . . . I've never felt hair such as Shampoo's.  And she's so
quiet, almost serene.  I wonder . . . I wonder if what she said last night
is really true?*  He gathers up her hair and ties the hair ribbon into a
ponytail on top of her head.  Tying the ribbon into a bow, Mousse steps
back.  If he could see a bit clearer, he'd think Shampoo was the most
beautiful thing he'd ever seen in his life.  

Shampoo reluctantly comes out of her trance-like state and opens her eyes,
seeing her hair in a lovely ponytail, tied carefully with a pretty white
bow.  Other than the hair ribbon and ponytail her hair remains the same. 
She stands up and turns to face Mousse.  Her towel nearly unwraps itself
but she deftly grabs it and ties it back into place.  "How Shampoo look?" 
She says smiling.  

Mousse wishes that he actually could see better.  All he sees in a blurry
outline of Shampoo's face, with no definite outlines.  He curses his
genetic code for giving him poor eyesight.  If he could just see Shampoo
crystal clear, he'd probably die.  "I can't see all that great but, I think
you look lovely."  From his sleeves he produces a rose and gives it to
Shampoo. 

Shampoo's heart stops as Mousse hands her the flower.  She places it on the
dresser and looks sincerely at Mousse.  "Thank you, Mouse."  Shampoo steps
closer to Mousse and reaches up to touch his glasses.  "You should not wear
glasses so much, Shampoo think you more handsome that way."  She takes them
off with her left hand and rests them on the top of his head.  As she looks
into his eyes, she starts to get lost in the blueness of them, almost
finding herself returning to her trance-like state.  Slowly she brings
herself closer to Mousse and reaches her right hand up to caress Mousse's
face.  His skin feels so cool and soft to the touch that Shampoo gasps
slightly.  Shampoo can't take it anymore and moves her face up to Mousse to
kiss him passionately.

Mousse couldn't believe that his vision actually started to clear a bit as
Shampoo touched his cheek.  And her soft touch on his face was driving him
crazy.  His heart felt as it it would explode from his excitement.  As
Shampoo started to move closer to kiss him, he panicked.  This hadn't been
a part of his plan and he felt danger as his iron will started to lose
strength.  To kiss Shampoo at a moment like this would've turned him into a
blathering idiot.  And that just wouldn't do right now.   He steps away
from Shampoo and puts the glasses back over his eyes.  "I . . . I . uh . .
I have to go."  Mousse says and quickly steps out of the room. 

Shampoo becomes very disappointed as Mousse leaves the room.  She so much
wanted to kiss him. *It felt so right!  I could feel that he really did
love me.  It's not too late!  I can still make Mousse love me again.* 
Shampoo closes her door and removes her towel to get dressed.  She puts on
one of her short mini-skirt chinese outfits.  Admiring herself in the
mirror, she looks at the rose that Mousse had given her.  She picks it up
and smells it, taking in the airy fragerance.
********
Across town . . . .

Mousse quietly walks around town as he thinks about Shampoo's sudden change
in behavior.  *It's working!  It's actually working!  One of my plans isn't
going to blow up in my face!  Finally Shampoo's starting to really love
me!*  he thinks.  A smile creeps onto his face.  *All that money I paid for
those red colored contacts worked.  I'll have to see about getting the
clear one's too.*  Unknown to Mousse he was being followed.  As he rounds
the corner, he finally senses that he's being dogged and runs around
another corner to catch whoever would foolishly follow him.  As the person
rounds the corner Mousse grabs them from behind.  His first surprise was
that the person cried out in a female voice.  His second surprise was that
his hand had found it's way to something really soft.  Not knowing what it
was at first he squeezes a bit, producing a moan from the female.  Then
Mousse's third surprise was a sharp pain across his cheek and the resulting
words, "PERVERT!!"  Mousse quickly gets over his surprise and look at the
person who struck him receiving his fourth surprise.  "Naoshi!  What're you
doing here!"

Naoshi gets over her anger at Mousse's freshness but keeps a scowl on her
face.  "I saw you walking around so I wanted to surprise you, baka!  I
never wanted you to surprise me by caressing my breast!!"

Mousse becomes frantic after hearing that from Naoshi.  "I'm sorry
Naoshi-san.  I didn't mean to fondle you  . . . . I thought that you were
stalking me."

Naoshi loses the scowl and goes over to Mousse to touch his face.  "That's
okay Mousse, it didn't feel that bad y'know!"  She smirks at him.  Mousse
blushes a bit.  Naoshi touches the cheek she slapped.  "Are you okay?  Did
I slap you too hard?" 

Mousse chuckles and says, "Yeah I'm fine.  Nothing you do could POSSIBLY
compare to what Shampoo's put me through.  So what's up?"

Naoshi starts to walk out of the alley and Mousse follows.  "Well I was
wondering if you wanted to go out again.  I had so much fun with you last
night, and I think you felt the same way.  So what do you think?"

Mousse thinks it over.  *My plan with Shampoo isn't totally finished yet,
and I can pick up a few pointer as to how women work, so why not?* 
Mousse's warning bells are blaring loudly, but he doesn't pay any attention
to it.  "Sure . . . we can go out tonight.  I'll take you to dinner this
time and maybe a stroll in the park?"  

Naoshi smiles at him and says, "Yes!  I think that it would be great!"  She
goes on her tiptoes and kisses Mousse on his cheek.  "Ja ne Mousse-chan! 
I'll see you tonight at my place!" She goes running off leaving Mousse
feeling his cheek.  *Yes . . .  life is finally looking up!*  Mousse says. 
He starts to walk back to the Nekohanten.
*********

Shampoo on the other hand is in the kitchen cooking, when Cologne comes in.
 "Welcome back Great Grandmother!  How trip back to Amazon Village?"

Colonge hops into the kitchen on her staff and stands/balances next to
Shampoo.  She notices that Shampoo's hair is now in a ponytail and is tied
by a white ribbon in a bow.  She ignores this for the moment and says,
"Fruitful . . . the council has stepped up the training regement in the
village, making all of the girls into better fighters.  The only problem is
there aren't enough worthy male fighters to continue the bloodline. 
Speaking of which, have you managed to convince Ranma to marry you yet?"

Shampoo stiffens at the question.  She knew that it was only a matter of
time until Cologne asked but that didn't make her feel any better about
what she's about to say.  "Great-Grandmother . . . . Ranma is no getting
hint, and . . . Shampoo no think that she care if he doget hint."  Cologne
appears to be surprised by her statement and is about to ask what she means
when Shampoo continues.  "Shampoo no think she love Ranma anymore . . .
don't want him as husband.  He always treat Shampoo like dirt, and no pay
attention to Shampoo."  Shampoo looks up from her cooking and stares
dreamily at the ceiling.  Images of Mousse kneeling and kissing her hand
enter her head.  "Shampoo want to be treated like Queen.  Shampoo want
someone to respect her and not fear her."  She sighs as the images of
Mousse fade.  "Shampoo want love."

Cologne can't believe what she'd just heard.  The laws of the Amazon
Villiage of Joketsuzoku state that a female amazon must marry whichever
male bests her in combat.  What Shampoo is saying is DEFINATELY not what
the law is all about.  Sure every woman wanted to be loved, even Amazons,
but that took second place to strengthening the bloodline of the village. 
"Shampoo . . . you will be treated as a queen!  When you return to the
village you shall take over as head for you are the best warrior.  And as
for love and respect, you need neither from any MAN, for you are better
than any man.  You will receive enough respect from your Amazonian peers
when you become Queen of the village!  Now stop all this nonsense of not
wanting Ranma as your husband . . . that is unless you have perhaps found
an even better man?"

Shampoo sees this as a window of opportunity and says, "Yes great
grandmother!  A . . . *sigh* great man!"  She looks at Colonge and asks,
"How does one end a current engagement to a man?" 

Cologne was even more surprised at Shampoo's reaction to her question.  She
suspected that something was up here but would check it out later.  "All
one need do is announce that the engagement is over to the man in question.
 But Shampoo what . . ."  Cologne was cut off by Shampoo's speedy exit from
the restaurant.  "What has gotten into that girl?  And where is Mousse?" 
To answer her question Mousse enters the door to the Nekohanten.  "Mousse
come over here."  Mousse makes his way to the counter.  "Have you noticed
anything strange with Shampoo?"

Mousse snarls at the mention of Shampoo's name, trying to keep up
appearances.  "I could really care less what is wrong with Shampoo!  While
you were gone I've realized that Shampoo is not the one for me.  In fact I
despise her!  And she won't stop bothering me, it's really getting on my
nerves.  Do me a favor and tell her to stay away from me.  Before she gets
what happened to her two days ago happens again!!"  Mousse storms off
upstairs to his room. 

Cologne is even more confused about what Mousse has just said to her.  It
also amazed her that he seemed to be moving around a LOT better than usual.
 "What is going on here!  I must know what Mousse meant about two days ago,
and as to why Shampoo wants to end her engagement to Ranma!"  Cologne
quickly hops out of the restaurant and heads for the Tendo Dojo.  As she
leaves, the first two customers come into the restaurant.  "Umm excuse me? 
Is anyone here?  Hello!"  The two hear nothing put sizzling water as
Shampoo's ramen starts to boil over.
******
At the Tendo Dojo . . . .

Shampoo stands before the door of the Tendo Dojo.   Usually she wouldn't be
hesitating on how she would come in.  She would jump over the fence and
knock down any wall that produced sound out of it.  But this time is
different.  Shampoo wants to let the Tendos know that she's here for
business and not for . . . what she's usually here for.  

Calmly Shampoo raises her hand and knocks on the door.  In a few moments
the door is opened by Kasumi Tendo.  "Hello . . . what may I do."  Kasumi
stops when she realizes who's at the door.  "Oh my!  Shampoo . . . uhm 
hello!  If you're looking for Ranma . . . he's in the dojo with Akane."  

Shampoo walks in and says, "Thank you."  Then walks with an even pace
towards the dojo.

Kasumi stares with a surpised expression on her face as she goes by.  "My
goodness!  Shampoo hasn't caused any property damage yet!  It's amazing!" 
Kasumi then comes out of her surprised state and puts on her happy face and
walks back into the house.
*******

"Yaah!"  "Ha!"  "Heeyah!"  Shouts a female voice.  "Dammit Ranma!  Fight
back!"  shouts the female voice again.  

"But Akane . . . I don't want to hurt you."  a male voice says.  

"Shut up and fight me!"  the female says.  

At this time Shampoo walks through the door.  "Ni . . hao?"  She says to
them.  

Akane and Ranma are busy sparring and don't pay her any attention at first.
 Then Ranma turns his head and sees Shampoo.  "Hi Shampoo . . . what're
you."  Ranma is abruptly cut off by Akane's fist in his jaw.  

Akane smirks to herself and says, "Yes!  I finally hit you!  Hah hah!"  She
taunts to Ranma and smirks even more over her victory.  

Ranma however is not amused by this.  He turns his head towards the still
smirking Akane and feeds her an incredibly serious gaze.  The gaze turns
into a menacing stare towards Akane.  He doesn't say one word to her he
just stares at her.  He doesn't even feel the fist in his jaw any longer,
but continues to stare at Akane.

Akane flinches when Ranma fixes her with his cold stare.  *What . . . why
is he looking at me like that?  It a . . It almost scares me!*  Akane
thinks.  She immediately withdraws her hand from Ranma's jaw and finally
notices Shampoo.  "Shampoo!  What brings you here?"  Akane says.  Her mind
clicks in and realizes that Shampoo is using a man made door, instead of a
bonbori made door.  *She . .she's not causing any property damage!  What's
up here!  This must be serious!*  She thinks.  

Shampoo walks into the dojo and approaches Ranma.  Akane tenses up as
always and puts her hand behind her back, preparing to bring the Hammer of
Justice forth from it's hidden dimensional pocket.  Ranma's cold stare at
Akane leaves as Shampoo approaches him.  He notices the chinese girls new
hair-do and says, "Nice hair Shamp . . ."  He's cut off again.  But this
time it was a small slap from Shampoo that did it.  Not a fist from Akane. 
"Wha . . . Wha'd ja do that for?!!"  Ranma says shocked.  

Shampoo calmly places her hands in front of her and says, "We no longer
engaged Ranma . . . Shampoo . . . I . . realize that Shamp . . . I love
another."  Ranma can't belive what he's just heard and continues to stare
at the amazonian before him.  Akane herself is in shock over what just
happened.  Her grip on the Hammer of Justice wavers and she finally speaks.

"Shampoo . . . are you serious?  You're not going to be chasing after Ranma
anymore?"  Inside Akane was on her knees, begging for the story to be true.
 Ranma just stares at Shampoo in surprise, his hand still resting on the
cheek that Shampoo slapped.  

Shampoo faintly smiles at the two of them, "Yes.  Shampoo no longer want
Ranma as husband.  Want another."  She turns around planning to leave.  

Ranma interjects and says, "Wait Shampoo!  Who are you leaving me for?! 
Are you sure you want to do this?!"  Akane's anger starts to rise up again,
her hand automatically regripping the Hammer of Justice.  *Why that idiot! 
He wants Shampoo to stay attached to him!  And to think that I . . . that
he might've . . .  Ooh!  That jerk!*  She thinks.  Ranma, oblivious to
Akane's growing jealousy, says "It's Mousse isn't it."  

Shampoo's head turns back to them both.  "Mousse has finally captured
Shampoo's heart . . . but Shamp . . . I hope that he do still love . . .
Shamp . . m . .m . . Shampoo!"  *Arrgh!  I'm gonna go crazy if I don't
start talking right!  Maybe I should go to school*  she thinks to herself. 


Ranma walks forward and puts a hand on Shampoo's shoulder.  "I hope that he
does too Shampoo . . . I wish you happiness."  he says to her.  Shampoo
nods and leaves.

Ranma turns around to face a enormous blue aura.  Akane is nowhere visible
in it.  "A . . Akane?"  

"RANMA . . . NO  . . . BAKA!!!!!!"

As Shampoo walks away from the dojo, she turns around as she hears an
explosion, and a human sized object flying out of the yard.
********

Later on that night . . . 

Mousse is getting dressed for his date with Naoshi when a knock comes from
his door.  "Who is it?"  Says Mousse.

Shampoo clears her throat and rubs her hands nervously.  Her hair still in
the style that Mousse put it in this morning.  "Mousse it . . . it's
Shampoo.  May Sha . . . May I come in?"  she says softly.

Mousse's heart lept.  Shampoo normally stays away from his room unless it's
to pound on him for messing with Ranma.  Lately his little 'act' would not
allow Shampoo easy access but he decides to put the act away for now and
let her in.  "Yes you may enter."

Shampoo opens the door and takes in the site before her.  Mousse in a White
suit, wearing a black top underneath.  He's now tying a black tie with
white duck patterns in it.  Her normal mental blocks against Mousse being
the SLIGHTEST bit attractive fly out the window and she goes with what her
heart.  "Mousse . . . Mousse look so handsome.  May Shampoo help you tie
tie?"

Mousse looks at her strangely, taking a moment to try and understand what
she meant.  *Tie tie? What in the . . . OH! She wants to tie my tie!  She
should've just said so!*  Mousse thinks.  He turns his attention back to
the mirror, his 'act' still shining through.  "If you really wish to do
so."  he says a little harshly.

Shampoo sighs at the harsh tone but nevertheless moves in front of Mousse
and starts to tie his tie.  "Where Mousse . . . Where are you going
tonight?  On another date with Naoshi-girl?"

Mousse looks down at Shampoo's delicate motions in tying his tie.  He
notices that she's being extra soft with her motions and not jerking like
she would whenever he asked her to do it.  *Maybe she really is changing! 
Oh Kami-oh!  Please let it be!*  He looks up at her and finds that her eyes
are completely on him.  "Uh . . yes.  Yes I am.  And I don't want you to
follow me!  Leave Naoshi-chan and I alone!"

Shampoo takes her eyes off of Mousse and looks to her hands in shame. 
"Sham . . . I sorry Mousse.  Shampoo no do that again."  She finishes tying
the tie and straightens it out, putting it inside of his jacket.  Then she
brushes the dust off of his suit jacket then looks at him.  Looking into
his deep blue eyes she becomes lost.  Then shaking it off she says, "Mousse
why . . . is.  Is Naoshi girl nice?  Do you really like her lot?"

Mousse was NOT prepared for this question, so without a game plan to go
with he answers honestly.  "I uh . . .  yeah.  Yeah I do like her.  Why?" 
He says.

Shampoo reaches a hand up to his face and caresses it.  "It just that . .
Shampoo want chance.  Want chance to show . . ."  She moves closer to him. 
" . . . . Mousse . . ."  She starts to stand on her tiptoes.  " that
Shampoo . . . really love him."  After finishing her words Shampoo kisses
him passionately on the lips.  With the way he had been acting lately, she
expected Mousse to not return her kiss and push her away.  But Mousse
embraces her softly, pulling her closer to him.  And he kisses her back
with all of his being.  Shampoo sighs and opens her eyes slightly, and
finds that Mousse's eyes are closed with hers.  She too closes her eyes and
enjoys the best kiss she has ever recieved in her life.

Until . . .

"Shampoo!  Get away from him!"  a familiar voice sounds.

Shampoo jumps and looks in the direction the voice came from finding her
Great Grandmother there in front of her.  "O-baba!*  (Honorable
Grandmother.)

"Child, what did you think you were doing with that . . . that reject!" 
She says angrily.

Shampoo cringes before Colonge then stands up proudly.  "Shampoo in love
with Mousse!  Mousse love Shampoo!"

"Stop talking such nonsense!  Mousse is a reject from the village! He's not
good enough for you!  Let him chase his Japanese tramp and you can continue
your pursuit of Ranma!  It's not too late to get your engagement back!" 
Cologne says.

Shampoo's eyes bulge but then they calm down.  She isn't all that surprised
that her Great Grandmother knows about Ranma.  "Shampoo no stop.  Shampoo
can no stop heart!  Shampoo love Mousse!"

Cologne starts to get irratated.  Mousse steps away from Shampoo and heads
for the door.  As he passes Cologne whispers something to him.  Mousse's
head drops.  Then raises as he continues upon his way.

Shampoo comes over and asks Cologne.  "What you say to Mousse?!"

Cologne calmly says, "I have informed Mousse that his place in this
establishment is terminated.  As of now, he no longer lives here!  It is
for the best, Ranma is your husband.  Not . . . . THAT!"

Shampoo starts to become visibly angry, tears forming in her eyes.  "Ranma
no want Shampoo!  He love Akane . . . and no one else!  Shampoo no care for
Ranma anymore!  But Mousse love Shampoo!  And Sham . . . and I want Mousse!
 Shampoo find Mousse . . . and marry him!"  With that she dashes out of
Mousse's window hoping to find him.
**********

At Naoshi's . . . .

Mousse stands in front of the door to Naoshi's house.  His mind is not
totally on the date as he remembers the kiss he shared with Shampoo.  *It
was so heavenly to kiss my love!  But now . . . but now I'm forever
banished from the Nekohanten . . . I can't go there anymore.*  He starts to
look upset.  *Baka!  You should never have kissed her in the first place! 
Now your plan IS blowing up in your face.*  He doesn't notice the door
before him opening.

Naoshi steps out in front of Mousse, wearing a tight black one piece dress.
 Her long black hair is down, framing her face.  She looks at Mousse with a
worried expression on her face.  "Mousse?  Are you okay?"

Mousse angered expression fades as Naoshi speaks his name.  Looking up from
the ground he gazes into her face.  "Naoshi . . . Gomen.  My mind was
elsewhere."

Naoshi becomes concerned and puts one hand on his.  "Is there something
wrong?  Do you want to talk about it?"

Mousse shakes his head and says, "No . . . let's just go and have a good
time tonight."

Naoshi happily smiles at him.  "'kay!  Let's go!"  She says cheerily.

The two of them leave for the only restaurant BESIDES the Nekohanten that
Mousse knows . . . . Ucchan's Okonomiyaki-ya.
*********

At Ucchan's . . . .

Ukyo flips four Okonomiyaki Specials with her usual speed and superior
skill.  One of her customers calls out, "Hey Ukyo!  Over here!"  

Ukyo looks up and smiles, throwing a plate at the customers table, then
using her other hand to flip toss on of the specials on the grill to the
plate.  Amazingly the plate and the Okonomiyaki land at the same time,
perfectly in front of the awaiting customer.  "There ya go Sugar!  One
special!"

The crowd around her applauds loudly, cheering her display of skill.  Ukyo
just bows from behind the counter, giving her thanks to the cheering
patrons.  Then two others walk in . . . faces that she's seen but not as
patrons . . . Naoshi and Mousse.

*Mousse!  He's out with that other girl again!  I wonder where Shampoo is. 
No matter!  I've got to do everything I can to get him back together with
Shampoo!*  Ukyo thinks to herself.  Serving the last two specials she heads
from behind the grill and goes over to Mouse and Naoshi's table.  She
quickly switches into a bimboesque mode.  "Oh Mousse-chan!  I'm so happy to
see you!"  She jumps into Mousse's lap wrapping her arms around him and
nuzzling his neck.

"Wha . . . What are you doing Ukyo!  Get off of me!"  Mousse says.  He
tries to pry Ukyo off of him but she won't budge.  Naoshi looks slightly
upset as she asks Mousse, "Who is this girl Mousse?"

Mousse continues to try and pry Ukyo off as he answers her.  "She's  . . .
. ugh . . . an acquaintence . . . of mine . . . ack . . . and the
proprietor of this restuarant . . . agh . . . . Kuonji . . . UKYO!"  With
that he forcibly shoves Ukyo onto her butt on the ground.  

She's up in a second and says, "Oh Mousse-chan!  What are you doing with
that other girl there!  You should be dating me and only me!"

Mousse looks at her VERY bewildered.  "But we're not dating Ukyo!  We
barely speak to each other as it is!"

Ukyo giggles and says, "Baka!  How can you say that!  We do . . ."  She
whispers a few choice sayings in his ear, which make him blush fiercely.

He stands up putting his hands on the table angrily.  "Ukyo!  We never did
those things!"  Taking Naoshi's hand he takes them out of the restaurant
saying, "I'm really surprised at you Ukyo!"

A few minutes after they leave, Shampoo comes through the door.  "Spat . .
. Ukyo you . . . have you seen Mousse?" 

Ukyo walks over and says, "Yeah.  He and that Naoshi chick just left.  I
shook him up a bit, so Naoshi ought to be a little miffed at him now."  

Shampoo says her thanks and races out of the restaurant.
**********

In the park . . . . 

Mousse and Naoshi stroll along in the park.  Mousse tries to put everything
that happened at Ucchan's behind him.  And pays attention to Naoshi.  "I'm
sorry about what happened back there . . . Ukyo's not really like that.  I
have no idea what's gotten into her!"

Naoshi just smiles and says, "That's okay Mousse . . . I honestly can say
that I don't blame her for doing that."

Mousse looks confused and says, "Why?  It was totally out of character for
her!"

Naoshi stops walking and puts a hand on his face, taking off his glasses
and gazing into his deep blue eyes.  "Because . . . any girl would be
attracted to someone as incredibly handsome as you . . . Mousse-chan."

Mousse blushes in front of her and takes hold of the hand on his face. 
"Thank you Naoshi-chan.  I think you're very pretty."  Out of his sleeves
comes one white rose, the opposite of what he gave to Shampoo that morning.
 

Naoshi takes it and sniffs it, loving the wonderful fragerance in her nose.
 She smiles and says, "Mousse . . . thank you so much."  She steps closer
to him and says, "Mousse do you like me?"

Mousse looks at her seriously and answers her.  "Yes . . . I do like you
Naoshi-chan."

And with those last words out of her mouth . . . Naoshi kisses him full on
the lips.  Mousse is taken by surprise and doesn't know how to react, but
liking the feel of Naoshi's lips on his makes him pull her closer in an
embrace.  He slowly starts to kiss her back.  

Unseen to them both is Shampoo, who had just arrived to where they are. 
She was about to say something when Naoshi kissed him.  Becoming angry
Shampoo prepared to kill Naoshi quickly and effeciently, but stopped as she
watched Mousse respond and pull her into it.   "Mousse . . . . no."  She
says sadly.  Tears well up in her eyes.  Shampoo runs off before Mousse and
Naoshi finish heading for no particular direction.

Naoshi pulls away from the kiss with a wide smile on her face.  "Mousse
that was wonderful!  Thank you . . . I think that . . . I think that I am
in love with you!"

Mousse freezes in place.  He knew that something was wrong here.  He felt
in his heart that he was in love with Shampoo.  He always had been, but now
. . . now there was a growing affection for the young woman standing before
him.  And he couldn't really decide who he wanted more . . . .  His train
of thought is broken as Naoshi speaks again.  

"Mousse . . . I want you to be my boyfriend."  she says. 

At this Mousse tenses up even more . . . a dilemma had presented itself . .
. and from here on . . . it could only get worse!

To be continued . . .!
***********

Sorry it's taken me so long to write the next part guys!  I've had so many
demands from people asking me to continue the series!  And I can say that
I'm loving all of the attention!  Keep it coming!  I would also like to
advertise my new Series.  Sailor Moon: An Alternate Moon.  It's a LONG and
complex Series!  Unlike ANY other Sailor Moon fanfic EVER put together! 
It's a great one!  All who read the Pilot Movie love it!  I hope that you
all do too!  Below is the premotional commercial for the series!  Enjoy! 
And keep those C&C's coming!

Toshiro-san (kcross@bgnet.bgsu.edu)

In the Dark Kingdom Throne Room, Queen Beryl sits addressing Alexandrite,
Nephrite,  Chrysolite, and Zoicite.

Queen Beryl: It's time . . . time to put in motion plans to raise our great
Queen . . . Metallia!

Chrysolite bows before her and puts a hand to his chest.  "Leave it to me
my queen!  I will bring you nothing but glory!"

Alexandrite and Nephrite also bow.  "We shall also do our best Beryl-sama!"
***********

In Juuban Junior High . . .

Usagi sits in class.  Usagi: I want to go see that new ballet in town! 
Naru-chan lets go!

Naru-zoi smiles darkly.  Naru: Iie Usagi-chan.  I have tickets for you and
Ami though.

*********

Justin walks down the street wandering aimlessly.  A picture of Moon Ninja
flashes in front of the screen.  

Justin:  Who was that man?!

Sailor Pluto:  He is you . . . Prince Justinius.

Justin whirls around and doesn't believe his eyes.

********

Seiji ascends the steps of the Hikawa Jinja.

Seiji: I wonder what this temple is  *OOF*!!

Seiji is knocked back down the stairs by an unknown force.  A feminine hand
reaches down to help him up.  He looks at the hand, then the person it's
attached to.

Rei:  Gomen nasai, Daijo bu? (I'm sorry, are you alright?) My name is Hino
Rei!

Seiji stammers in front of her.  

Seiji:  To . . Tos-shiro Sei . . Seiji!  Nice to meet you!
*******

In the theater . . .

Number 237 dances mechanically across the stage, eyes glowing jade green. 
Then it's blown off of it's feet.  Jupiter Knight, Sailor Mars and Mercury
appear behind it.

Jupiter Knight:  Yamaro Bakemono! (Stop it Monster!)

Number 237 stands and changes into attack mode.  It starts to spin like a
top toward the three Senshi, when a voice calls out.

"Hold it!"

All of them look upward and see Sailor Moon standing on a backdrop.

	Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon - An Alternate Moon
			Knight Rise - Pilot Movie

         Coming soon to a newsreader near you!  Stay Tuned!