Subject: [FFML] [Ranma][lemon] ISO Friendship, Maybe More
From: "Caleb" <caleb_david@angelfire.com>
Date: 12/31/2002, 8:08 PM
To: ffml@anifics.com
Reply-to:
caleb_david@angelfire.com

 


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-- Attached file included as plaintext by Ecartis --
-- File: ISOF.txt

[Ranma][Fic][lemon][ISO Friendship, Maybe More]
Feedback may be sent to caleb_david@angelfire.com  This is my 
first fic so be sure to be extra merciless to help break me of any 
bad habits cramping my style. 
STANDARD DISCLAIMER:  This is a work of fanfic.  All 
characters are the creation and property of the great Rumiko 
Takahashi-sama and various other entities, none of whom happen 
to be me.  I'm just borrowing them without permission.  You 
could try and sue, but I'll just claim it was some other Kaleb.  This 
story contains lemon material which is illegal to read if you're 
under the age of 18 (if anyone asks I... um... originally wrote it 
with a blindfold on). 
PRETENTIOUS PRATTLE (also known as additional author 
notes):  This is a heavily revised version of "Drunken Insight", 
which I undertook to revise because I'm putting together a 
website, which I undertook because fanfiction.net cleansed itself 
of all "dirty" stories, which is at least a good thing in as far as it 
provided the whole impetus for what I should have done long ago, 
but probably would have been to lazy too bother without some 
prodding.  Anyway, IMNSHO, I  consider this version a vast 
improvement, especially over the original (shudder), and would 
recommended it even to those who've read a previous incarnation, 
and, if you really wish to indulge me, send some feedback.


ISO Friendship, Maybe More
By:  Kaleb

          
          Ukyo let out a sigh as she took down her sign, bringing the 
business day to an official close.  It wasn't the number of 
customers that was disappointing; (business had actually been 
picking up) but the lack of one particular customer.  All during the 
evening rush she'd been keeping an eye out for the little red head, 
but he hadn't shown up, even after she'd invited him over for some 
okonomiyaki on the house.  

          It'd been too long since she'd really seen him, what with that 
craziness over in China.  Unlike some people, she had a business 
to take care of, and couldn't be taking off on extended leave 
whenever she felt like it.  And just when Ranma got back, Soun 
and that miserable excuse for a father tried to force their children 
together using Nanniichuan as a bribe.  True, she'd seen Ranma at 
the 'wedding', but that didn't really count; he'd quickly been KO'd 
from all the explosives being flung about.

          [Ugh, should've sent Konatsu out to do this] thought Ukyo 
as she defiantly struggled against the howling wind to get back to 
her restaurant, one hand clutching her sign and the other raising 
her giant spatula to ward off the driving rain.  A sudden flash of 
lightening lit up the dark street, causing Ukyo to catch a glimpse 
of something small lying in the nearby gutter.  Hesitating only 
long enough to let out a sigh, Ukyo trudged over to investigate.  
Thunder rolled overhead as Ukyo's eyes widened in surprise at the 
sight of a familiar and unmoving feline.  "What's that stupid gaijin 
bimbo doing here?  It'd serve her right if I left her out here..." but 
Ukyo found herself wedging the cat in between her body and the 
sign carrying arm.  Bringing her face up close to check for 
injuries, Ukyo was assailed by the unmistakable stench of alcohol.          

          "God, you stink Shampoo!  How much did you have to 
drink?"  Ukyo's annoyance quickly changed to worry, then alarm, 
as she noted Shampoo's unnaturally clammy skin and lack of 
breath.  Just as Ukyo concluded that Shampoo was dead, the cat 
took in a shallow, ragged, breath of air.  "Jackass!  Don't scare me 
like that!" yelled Ukyo as she dashed toward her restaurant with 
the comatose cat.  She was thankful to see Konatsu holding the 
door as he waited for her.  

          "Is something wrong Ukyo-sama?" asked Konatsu as he 
noticed her breakneck speed and worried expression.  

          "This stupid gaijin bimbo gave herself alcohol poisoning I 
think," explained Ukyo as she tossed her sign and spatula aside 
while waving an intoxicated cat at a puzzled Konatsu.  The cat 
responded by puking on Ukyo.  "Shampoo you jackass!  I'm trying 
to help you here!" yelled Ukyo as she set the cat on a nearby table 
and started drying her off with napkins.  Konatsu was now very 
confused, until he remembered that Nerima had some weird 
people in it, some of whom were aquamorphs.  Using his ninja 
skills, Konatsu pulled a boiling teakettle out of nowhere and 
poured it on the cat, causing him to pass out from sudden blood 
loss.  

          Unfortunately for Ukyo, when Shampoo transformed she 
found her hand in an embarrassing spot (no, not there, that would 
be a _very_ embarrassing spot).  Before she could remove her 
hand, Shampoo instinctually grabbed it and gasped "Ah...Airen!"  
Ukyo blushed, then blushed furiously as she noticed the 
recovering Konatsu staring wide eyed at her and the now moaning 
amazon, who was doing interesting things with Ukyo's captured 
hand. "This isn't what it looks like!" yelled Ukyo as she franticly 
waved her free hand in denial, not that it did any good; Konatsu 
had fallen unconscious from blood loss again.

          "Ohh...Airen...AIYAHH!  You no Airen!  What pervert gi.. 
spatula girl doing to me!" screamed a now conscious Shampoo.  

          "Hey!  You're the one was holding my hand there!  All I 
was trying to do was save your drunk ass!  What the hell were you 
doing getting so wasted?!"    

          "Lying spatula girl!  Shampoo no drink that much!  Spatula 
girl knock out Shampoo to do perverted things.  Die!"  With that, 
Shampoo lunged at Ukyo.  Shampoo was faster and stronger than 
Ukyo, plus Ukyo wasn't trained in hand to hand combat, none of 
which made up for the fact that Shampoo was rather drunk.  Ukyo 
didn't even need to sidestep.  A moment later the naked amazon 
lay in an undignified heap amongst the remains of a table.  
Recovering quickly, she attempted to pull her trusty bonbori out 
of nowhere, but apparently she'd lost nowhere along with her 
clothes, or perhaps she was to drunk to access nowhere, either 
way, the only thing she accomplished was making Ukyo snicker.

          Ukyo's snicker died in her throat as Shampoo started 
growling and the restaurant filled with a menacing battle aura.  
"Uh oh," said the now sweating Ukyo.  While she wasn't too 
worried about herself (she could dodge Shampoo's drunken 
attacks all night), the thought of how much property damage a 
raging drunk amazon could do was appalling.  The restaurant had 
just made it back into the black after that incident where she'd 
foolishly let Akane, Ranchan, and Konatsu try and run the place.  

          Before Shampoo could launch another attack, her vision 
was obscured by something being pulled over her head.  
"KUNICHOI ULTIMATE NOSEBLEED DEFENSE 
TECHNIQUE:  SHIRT SWAP!"  yelled a close eyed Konatsu as 
he quickly dressed Shampoo in his ninja top.  "Gomen, Shan Pu-
san," apologized a now topless Konatsu as he surveyed his 
handiwork.  He quickly looked away, a new trickle of blood 
running from his nose.  His technique didn't quite live up to it's 
"ultimatness".  While he probably wouldn't pass out again, the 
ninja top was not a good fit.  Compared to the little ninja, 
Shampoo had a lot more mass in certain areas, resulting in a 
skintight fit that wasn't quite long enough for Konatsu's comfort.  

          "Please don't hurt Ukyo-sama," pleaded Konatsu.  "She 
really did bring you in as an unconscious cat.  I think when your 
body shrunk the alcohol became more concentrated, thus causing 
you to have a lethal amount in your bloodstream," explained 
Konatsu as he interposed himself between the glowing Shampoo 
and Ukyo.  

          There was a tense pause, then Shampoo's battle aura 
deflated.  Ukyo let out her breath  in a sigh of relief, then launched 
into an angry  tirade, "Thanks Shampoo.  I go and save your life 
and all you can do is call me a pervert and try and kill me!"   

          "Shampoo sorry Ukyo," mumbled a mollified amazon.  

          "Huh?" that was the last thing Ukyo expected to hear from 
her rival.  

          "Say Shampoo sorry.  Ukyo save life.  Shampoo try take 
Ukyo's.  That no right."  Shampoo's eyes began to tear up and she 
collapsed onto her knees.

          "Uh, hey, look...its not that big a deal Shampoo...just a little 
misunderstanding...I'd be pretty mad too if I woke up with some 
one, uh, you know... Hey, Shampoo, you hungry?  I'll cook us up 
some okonomiyaki."   

          Konatsu, convinced that Shampoo was no longer going to 
try and kill Ukyo-sama, decided to go take a cold shower and 
retire for the evening before he became anemic.  

          As Ukyo fired up the grill, Shampoo hesitantly took a seat 
by it and looked awkwardly at her lap.  Finally she blurted out, 
"Why Ukyo be so nice?!  Shampoo no ever nice to Ukyo, 
Shampoo always mean.  Shampoo no deserve nice!"

          "Yeah, you've been an ungrateful bitch, but whether you 
deserve it or not, I feel a little sorry for you.  You want to talk 
about what got you so upset that you nearly killed yourself?"

          "Thanks Ukyo," mumbled Shampoo.  "Thanks for saving 
Shampoo, and nice to Shampoo.  First thing love of Ranma was 
nice when Shampoo no deserve," at this, Shampoo eyes went into 
dreamy nostalgia mode, but the look was quickly replaced by one 
of regret. "Shampoo sorry so mean to Ukyo before, *sigh* 
Shampoo...sorry for lots now."  Slumping down on her stool, 
Shampoo rested her chin on the counter, and reached out for her 
glass, except she wasn't in the bar any more, so all her grasping 
hand found was the now fired up grill.  The amazon let loose her 
trademark AIYAH! and many other unprintable Chinese 
expletives (translation: the author is to lazy to go look any up).

          "Heh, thought only Ryogua was dumb enough to do that.  
Here's an icepack sugar," said Ukyo as she opened up the freezer 
and threw said icepack to the amazon.  Shampoo tried to catch it, 
but somehow the icepack slipped past her hand and knocked her 
upside the head.  Amid a shower of ice Shampoo toppled off her 
stool and crashed to the floor.  "Oops, sorry Shampoo.  Forgot 
your coordination's shot to hell right now."  

          "You do that on purpose."  Ukyo couldn't help but giggle as 
she looked down at Shampoo's pouting face and ill dressed form 
sprawled across the floor.  Soon Shampoo joined the chef in her 
fit of giggles.  As the two girls laughter died down, Shampoo 
accepted Ukyo's outstretched hand and unsteadily got back on her 
stool.    

          Ukyo placed a second icepack in Shampoo's hand and then 
returned her attention to the grill.  Shampoo watched the chef 
work her magic in amazement.  She worked so quickly, but not at 
the expense of quality noted Shampoo as the batter come down in 
two perfectly even circles.  The look of absolute focus on Ukyo's 
face was as captivating as the artistic precision of her handiwork 
upon the grill.  A flick of her spatula sent the okonomiyaki up in 
the air, then with a dramatic flourish and triumphant smile she 
applied the final strokes of sauce.  Shampoo gasped, fearing that 
Ukyo's masterpiece would be ruined on impact, but at the last 
moment the chef nonchalantly slid a plate down the counter.  It 
skidded to a halt just in time to catch the still sizzling 
okonomayaki in front of Shampoo.  She couldn't help but applaud 
the performance and smile at the graceful genki kanji Ukyo had 
drawn in the middle.  "Wow!  Ukyo love making yaki stuff, neh?"  

          "It's not just some noodle, it's o-ko-no-mi-ya-ki."

          "Whatever."

          "But yeah, I guess I really do get into it," said Ukyo as she 
wiped off a bead of sweat and flicked back a stray hair.  
Shampoo's lids lowered, surprised that such a little movement 
could make Ukyo seem to sparkle so.  "Whenever I start cooking, 
it's like the rest of the world and all my worries disappear.  I'm 
carefree, like when I was a little kid.  Okonomiyaki's always been 
a part of my life.  Every morning I'd wake up to that comforting 
heat from the grill and be greeted by the scent of father's cooking.  
Even before I could walk, I was learning how to cook."  

          "My earliest memory is of sitting on my dads lap and 
making these baby sized okonomiyaki with a set of miniature 
spatulas I'd got for my birthday.  They were the only present I'd 
got that day because my mom's medical expenses had put us in 
debt, but I felt like the luckiest kid in the world.  When I'd 
finished cooking, Mom insisted on getting up to see over Dad's 
objections that she should stay in bed.  She told me the pictures in 
the sauce were really cute and that she was so proud of me, that 
when I grew up she was sure I'd be a great chef or artist.  She 
asked if she could please have one and I remember being so proud 
when she said it was the best okonomayaki she'd ever tasted.  I 
asked her why she was crying and she said it was because she was 
happy, so happy that she'd got to have a wonderful child like me... 
Hey!  Whatcha lookin at!"  Ukyo nostalgia suddenly broke as she 
became aware of Shampoo gazing at her with chin resting in the 
palm of her hands.

          "N-nothing!  said a suddenly self conscious Shampoo, 
"Ukyo...voice just was much entrancing."  Ukyo gave Shampoo a 
queer look, so the blushing amazon quickly added, "Just 
surprising, Ukyo voice usually real annoying and whiny, like blah 
blah Jackass!  blah blah Ranma mine blah blah stupid gaijin 
bimbo blah blah blah.   Must be pretty memory make voice sound 
nice."   

          "At least I don't sound like some stupid little spoiled brat 
who can't even use pronouns correctly," huffed Ukyo.

          "...um, Shampoo always wonder, where Ukyo's parents 
now?  Unusual live lone."

          "...Mom didn't want to ruin my birthday.  S-she held out 
until I'd went to bed..."  An awkward silence descended as this 
new piece of Ukyo made Shampoo feel the bittersweetness of her 
precious memory. To her surprise, she found her eyes tearing up 
for someone else.  It was a strange sensation, somehow very 
different from crying for herself.  She couldn't remember ever 
feeling this way for someone, even Ranma.  Shampoo wanted to 
say something, but by the time she'd dried her eyes and looked up 
Ukyo's back was turned and it seemed too awkward.  

          "I grew up pretty fast.  I've always been independent.  Dad  
had built up a steady clientele down in Kyoto when I finally 
tracked down Ranma and his old man.  We didn't want him to lose 
another business to them, so I headed to Nerima alone.  I'd already 
learned everything I could from Dad anyway and we both felt I 
could take care of myself.  Now that my business is turning a 
respectable profit too, it just hasn't made sense for either of us to 
move in with the other."

          "But... don't Ukyo get lonely?"

          "Well, yeah, sometimes it gets a little lonely, but... hey!  
Why the hell are we talking about me anyway?!  Our okonomiyaki 
is going to get cold if we keep yapping.  Let's eat!"

          Shampoo hesitantly raised her chopsticks to her mouth and 
then slowly chewed the unfamiliar food.  "Is...is much good!" 
declared a surprised Shampoo after she swallowed the first bite.  
"Ukyo good cook...better than Shampoo."  

          Ukyo stared at Shampoo in shock, chopsticks frozen in mid 
descent.  The amazon didn't notice, as the first bite of food had 
awoken her hunger and she was now devouring her food 
ravenously, sans chopsticks.  All to quickly her food was gone and 
Shampoo noticed Ukyo staring at her now sauce stained face.  
Smiling evilly, the amazon's good hand lashed out toward Ukyo.  

          [Stupid!  Never should have let my guard down around 
her.] thought Ukyo as her eyes flinched shut and she braced for 
the blow, which never came.  Her eyes opened to the sight of 
Shampoo finishing off the remains of her okonomiyaki. 

          "You should seen face Ukyo," giggled Shampoo as she 
pointed at the flustered Chef.            

          "Why you little sneak, that was mine!" shouted Ukyo as she 
dove over the counter and tackled the still giggling amazon.  The 
two knocked chairs and tables over as they rolled across the 
restaurant floor.  Ukyo was surprised at how strong Shampoo was.  
True, she'd fought Shampoo a couple times, but it had always 
been with weapons, never hand to hand.  Soon Ukyo found herself 
pinned underneath the panting amazon warrior, their faces an inch 
apart.  "You're one to talk pig, you should get a look at your face."

          "All covered in food, yes?" said Shampoo with a 
mischievous glint in her eye.  "Ukyo want food, eat food off 
Sham.... ack!" Shampoo gasped as Ukyo drove her knee into her 
rival's gut.  

          "Um, no thanks, I'm not really that hungry anyway, could 
you um, get off me?" said a nervous Ukyo.  Ukyo's nervousness 
changed to desperation as she saw Shampoo's face get a sick 
expression on it.  "Oh fuck! Shampoo don't you dar....... ....."

          "Um, at least Ukyo get yucky. er. yaki stuff back?" 

          Ukyo's glowering eye began to twitch.  "Get...Off...Now."  

          "Sorry," whispered Shampoo as she meekly complied.  
Ukyo felt her anger melt as Shampoo once again started to tear 
up.  She was surprised that she wasn't getting any satisfaction at 
seeing her usually so cool and controlled rival break down.  

          "It's okay sugar, its not like you did it on purpose," said 
Ukyo as she took off her stinking shirt and headed over to the 
sink.  

          As she was washing it out Shampoo asked, "Ukyo have any 
sake?"

          "Not for you, you're wasted enough as it is sugar.  Besides, 
it won't make whatever's hurting you go away; just make you lose 
sight of it for a little while.  What kind of amazon are you anyway; 
running away to a bottle like some weak man instead of facing 
your problem?"

          Ukyo could feel Shampoo's battle aura start to flare up 
behind her, then just as quickly die down.  "Ukyo right, Shampoo 
coward, no want to see what in front of her whole time."

          "And that is..." prompted Ukyo over her shoulder as she 
finished washing off her face and shirt.  She had a feeling she 
knew why Shampoo was so upset, and a part of her was going to 
enjoy hearing the amazon admit it.  She felt a little guilty, but it 
was for the best that Shampoo finally got it through her thick head 
that...

          "R-ranma...no love Shampoo."

                                                                          *     *     *


          Earlier that day...

          "So, Shampoo, do you think your conduct at the wedding 
endeared you towards son-in-law?" asked Cologne in a 
deceptively casual tone as she entered the kitchen where Shampoo 
was washing dishes from the lunch customers.  

          Shampoo looked nervously at her grandmother and then 
turned back to the dishes.  "O-of course, me save him..."  
Shampoo stopped as Cologne hopped up in front of her and 
looked her in the eye.  Looking down at the sink, Shampoo 
finished weakly, "...from marry v-violent girl."  

          "Now, now Shampoo, those meek Japs may not look each 
other in the eye, but we are Amazons, we do not act in such a 
deceptive and shameful manner." 

          "Where Mouse been!  Clean dishes his stupid job!  Stupid 
lazy male!  Me go find and put in place!" shouted Shampoo as she 
tried to quickly leave.  She didn't get very far before she was 
tripped up by Cologne's staff.  

          "No need to do that.  I've been debriefing him about what 
happened over in China.  You two are the only Amazons who've 
seen the Phoenix mountain court and lived to tell about it in over a 
century.  Rather interesting, his version of a couple of events you 
both witnessed were much more detailed than yours.  I don't recall 
having asked you to skim over important details when I 
questioned you, or utterly fail to mention that Akane was even 
there.  If you aren't married to Ranma when we return to the 
village you'll be tried, you know.  We wouldn't want to add 
deceiving the matriarch to your list of offenses, now would we?"  
Despite the still casual tone, Shampoo shuddered. 

          [Please, no make me remember Jusendo] thought Shampoo 
as she looked pleadingly into her great grandmothers eyes.  
Ancient implacable eyes glared coolly back at her.  While 
Shampoo was afraid of what her matriarch could do to her for 
concealing certain events, those events themselves were much 
more terrifying.  She had been trying to forget them, and when 
that failed she told herself that they didn't mean anything.  But 
now, seeing her fearful face reflected in those penetrating eyes, 
Shampoo could no longer deny the horrible truth that those events 
represented.

          Ranma, losing all will to live after he thought Akane had 
died saving him.  His tenderness when he thought he had failed to 
revive her.  Shampoo couldn't remember what exactly he'd said, 
not that it mattered considering his aptitude with words.  But the 
emotion and intent behind them had been clear, he was trying to 
tell Akane how much he loved her.

          "NOOOOO!! NO!  NO!  NO!  NO!  It no true!  Damn it!  It 
no true!" shouted Shampoo desperately.  

          "Shampoo, cease this shameful display.  It is especially 
unbecoming for one of my blood and who was my heir," 
admonished Cologne.

          Shampoo looked at her grandmother with horror, "G-
grandmother... you no serious...!"

          "I certainly am child.  While you have the skills and 
craftiness, a matriarch can not allow emotions to cloud her 
objectivity.  Someone who will not face up to reality can not be 
entrusted to make decisions for the tribe.  I lost face in front of the 
elders when you failed to kill Ranma, and will lose face again if 
you fail to return with him, particularly considering the false 
claims you've been making in our publications.  My status in the 
tribe is fairly secure, but I'm sure you can see that it would be wise 
to distance myself from your failures."

          The implications of what Cologne was saying caused 
Shampoo to collapse from dread.  Her own grandmother wasn't 
going to stick by her once they returned.  Last time she'd gotten 
off easy because of Cologne's intervention.  There were many 
who'd grumbled about the special treatment she'd received and 
would love a chance to make up for the last punishments leniency.  
Certainly she'd be stripped of her property and status at the very 
least.  As if losing the one person she had ever loved wasn't 
enough, now she was going to lose everything else that had given 
her life meaning.  Clutching the hem of her elders dress, Shampoo 
whispered, "Please, Grandmother, no do this to Shampoo... you 
know Shampoo have many enemies back home." 

          "I know Shampoo, you can bet they will be cruel to you if 
the council strips you of your status.  It will be a hard time for 
you," said Cologne gently.  "Though it may seem unbearable, you 
must be strong and never forget of whose bloodline you are.  As 
long as your alive there is hope; I have not selected a replacement 
heir, if you redeem yourself in the eyes of the tribe, you could 
rebuild your status."

          Her Elder's sympathy felt like salt in Shampoo's wound.  
Outright rejection would be easier to endure than this useless pity.  
Shampoo's eyes went from soft to hard as a suspicion entered her 
mind.  "How long you know?"

          "Ever since my duel with Neko-Ranma.  It was fairly 
obvious from his behavior towards Akane when his inhibitions 
were removed by the cat fist.  Why do you think I gave him the 
Phoenix pill?  I probably could have defeated even his cat fist 
technique, [of course, there was a  chance I might have lost, and 
considering his lack of moral inhibitions and dislike of me at the 
time, that might have been fatal]  but when I realized how Ranma 
truly felt I decided that forcing him into marriage would be a bad 
idea.  He would bear us too much resentment.  So I tried some 
subtler approaches and left winning him over mostly in your 
hands, especially after the incident with the reversal jewel 
revealed that the feelings between them were mutual.  Even I am 
not powerful enough to overcome true love."  

          "You...know...all this time, and no tell?!  Make Shampoo 
waste time in stupid Japan chasing illusion?!" sputtered an angry 
Shampoo.  Then she did something she never would have done if 
she'd been thinking clearly instead of an emotional wreck.  She 
attacked Cologne.  With the predictable result of her flying out of 
the kitchen .42 seconds later.  

          "Shampoo!" cried a concerned Mousse as he rushed over to 
his beloved's side.  Upon seeing that she was sobbing he realized 
that now was his chance!  He would comfort her and let her cry on 
his shoulder, after which she would realize both that he'd always 
be there for her and her true feelings for him! 

          Shampoo stiffened as she suddenly found her face being 
forced into Mousse's shoulder, who for his part, was experiencing 
to much bliss from holding her to note the signs that should've 
warned him to get the hell away from her as quickly as possible.  
Such as the low growl in the back of her throat.  The cracking of 
her knuckles.  The tensing of her entire body.  Or even the battle 
aura which filled up the restaurant and made his sleeves catch on 
fire.  "Oh, I can feel the flame of your passion Sham..." Mouse 
never got any farther as Shampoo started slamming him back and 
forth like a rag doll and then dropped kicked him all the way into 
next week.  

          Cologne entered the dining room just in time to see 
Shampoo run out through the nearest exit, that being the one she 
made for herself in the wall.  *sigh* "I thought I'd finally taught 
her to use doors.  Oh well, I guess I'll overlook it this one time.  
Poor thing, tempering can be so painful, but it's for the best."  
Cologne had noted for awhile that Shampoo harbored a very 
unamazonion romanticism.  She could hardly have asked for a 
more perfect man than Ranma for shattering it.  Shampoo would 
learn to deal with losing and that things wouldn't always go her 
way, valuable lessons which she'd never experienced back in the 
village.  Of course, there was still the problem of how to serve the 
evening rush without two of her workers.  



          "Moshi!  Moshi!" said a relived voice on the other end of 
the line.

          "Don't think I can't see through you!  You always let 
someone else pick up the phone, you lazy baka.  Well, this stir fry 
I cooked for us isn't going anywhere!" this voice, in contrast, was 
quite irritated.

          "Greetings son-in-law, I've a favor to ask of you and 
Akane."

          "A favor?" replied a wary Ranma.  

          "Yes, Shampoo and Mouse have... suddenly become 
unavailable.  I was wondering if you two could temporarily fill 
in."

          "Sure," said Ranma quickly, as if he was grabbing onto a 
lifeline, "I'll be at the Cat Caf� right away."  KLONK!  Cologne 
flinched sympathetically from the sounds of a wok colliding with 
the back of a skull and the sizzle of hot oil on flesh.  "Stupid 
uncute tomboy, ya said the stir fry wasn't going anywhe..." 
Cologne could well imagine Akane's look of betrayal and rage 
that had made her foolish fiance fall silent.  

          "H-how could you!  After I worked so hard to make us a 
nice meal,  y-you go run off to that hussy's restaurant!"

          "W-wait Akane, it's not like that, ya see...um, wait, I guess 
it's sorta like that, cept for the "nice" part... um, what I mean is..." 
unfortunately for Ranma, his brain was short circuiting as it 
always did around crying females.  

          "I DON'T CARE WHAT ITS LIKE!  YOU CAN GO 
HAVE YOUR DATE OR WHATEVER WITH SHAMPOO FOR 
ALL I CARE.  AT LEAST SHE CAN COOK, RIGHT?!"  This 
was accompanied by the sound of someone being drop kicked 
through the roof.            

          Cologne hung up the phone with one hand and caught 
Ranma right before he hit the floor with the other.  "Well, that was 
quick son-in-law.  Your old uniform from when you used to wait 
tables is in back.  Go change."  Before Ranma could protest, 
Cologne added, "and I'll let Akane know what's going on and 
whip you both up something to eat before the evening rush hits."

          Ranma opened his mouth to say that he'd straighten that 
stupid tomboy out himself, but then realized that Akane would 
never listen to him and that he'd just make things worse.  "Agarito 
gazaimus," said Ranma sincerely as he bowed to the elder, and 
then with a mischief smirk added, "old ghoul."  

          "Who you calling old ghoul, son-in-law?!" said Cologne 
with mock annoyance as she took a swing at him with her staff.  
Ranma easily dodged with a backwards flip toward the kitchen.  

          "Ha!  Looks like your age is finally catching up to you 
granny.  That was so slow, I could have dodged it in my..." 
*SPLASH* *CRASH*  Ranma looked up in time to gulp as a mop 
handle thrust like lightning to within a millimeter of her throat.

          "As long as your knocking over soap buckets you might as 
well clean the floor.  Now go finish changing son-in-law."  
Cologne chuckled as Ranma grabbed the mop and stormed into 
the kitchen.  He was an impertinent young fool, but that's what 
Cologne liked about him.  It had been so refreshing to find 
someone who wasn't tactful around her and wouldn't be 
intimidated.  She was going to miss him.  Even if he wouldn't 
acknowledge it, he'd always be family to her.  Hopefully he cared 
enough for them that he'd at least help Shampoo fulfill the spirit of 
the law if not the letter.      

                                                                          *     *     *


          "R-ranma no love Shampoo."  

          "What took you so long?" said Ukyo derisively, forgetting 
tact in her moment of triumph.  Then she noticed Shampoo's silent 
tears and mentally slapped herself.  [Ukyo, you jerk.  How would 
you feel if you found out Ranchan didn't love you?]  Shuddering 
at the emptiness the thought brought, she quickly shoved it away.  
[Shampoo needs someone to console her, not rub her face in it.]    

          Shampoo took a good look at Ukyo and then threw back her 
head in a bitter laugh that made Ukyo's skin crawl.  "You think 
Ranma Ukyo's now, hehheh, you no get.  Ranma no love 
Shampoo, Ranma no love Ukyo, cause Ranma always violent girl 
loved."

          Ukyo let loose her own nervous laughter and folded her 
arms over her bandaged chest.  "You've gotta be kiddin sugar.  
You ever watched those two?  They're always arguing and hitting 
each other.  The only reason they're together is because of some 
promise Ranchan's lousy father made, as if those are worth 
anything.  Ranchan's old man only wants to mooch off the Tendo's 
and get the training hall.  That way his son can support him and he 
won't ever have to get off his fat ass and do any real work.  
Eventually the Tendo's will wise up and kick that worthless free 
loader out and end that farce engagement.  Then Ranchan will be 
all _mine_ ! Mwhahahaha!"

          "Shampoo seem remember Ukyo and me get mad at Ranma 
and hit too.  Not as much as violent girl; but she spend more time 
with Ranma, so get much annoyed by him more.  Of course, me 
only see times when we both with Ranma.  Shampoo much yell 
and hit Ranma when you no around."

          Ukyo had to admit, Shampoo had a point.  There _were_ 
numerous times she'd got annoyed with Ranma and smacked him 
when Shampoo wasn't around to witness it.  She really couldn't 
claim any high ground over Akane there.

          "Ukyo was no at Jusendo.  No see what Shampoo saw.  
Akane give life for save Ranma.   Ranma think Akane dead, give 
up living.  Then kill god for her.  Try tell how much love when 
think fail to save.  Shampoo no want admit, but no longer can 
deny.  Ranma love Akane,  Akane love Ranma."

          Shampoo's grave tone was beyond reproof, leaving Ukyo 
unable to deny her darkest fear.  She tried to tell herself it was 
some deception of Shampoo's, but the amazon wouldn't lie about 
something that meant Ranma didn't love her.  The haunted 
sincerity in Shampoo's apologetic gaze was the final nail in the 
coffin.  "No," whispered Ukyo with desperation, feeling the 
emptiness she had buried earlier resurface with a vengeance.   

          "Shampoo sorry Ukyo, wish not true, but is.  Know how 
feel, dreams all shatter, leave big empty hurt much place."              

          Ukyo's throat grew tight and a dull pain started in her chest.  
[No, I'm not going to cry over that jerk again] thought Ukyo.  But 
then a gentle hand touched her shoulders and Shampoo whispered, 
"Ukyo no have to hold in, is okay for cry."  Before she knew it she 
was sobbing into Shampoo's shoulder as the amazon enfolded her 
in a solacing embrace.  As Ukyo let loose her tears Shampoo 
stroked Ukyo's hair (undoing her ponytail in the process) and 
murmured "it okay," over and over.  

          Comforting Ukyo felt surprisingly good.  Shampoo 
remembered how horrible it had been when realization struck and 
there had been no one there for her (well okay, there was Mousse, 
but he didn't count), except the nearest bar.  Ukyo wouldn't have 
to face this pain alone.  And it felt nice being close to someone 
with out them trying to break free like Ranma always did.  In fact, 
this was the first time Shampoo could recall someone actually 
letting her hug them.  After a few minutes, Ukyo regained her 
composure and Shampoo reluctantly let her go.  

          "T-thanks Shampoo," said a puffy eyed Ukyo, "I'm sorry 
about going all to pieces like that."

          "No problem," said Shampoo, brushing it aside.  Then her 
tone become a conspiratorial whisper as she asked, "Ukyo get out 
sake now?"

          "Heh.  Sure, why the hell not."  


          
          Ukyo was feeling a bit better, now that she and Shampoo 
had passed the bottle back and forth a couple times.  She was 
finally ready to start talking about that jerk.  "Ya got it lucky 
sugar, you'll get over Ranma easy.  You were just in love with him 
cause that stupid law of yours."  

          Shampoo snorted and turned up her nose.  "Ukyo ish stupid 
one, not law.  Law make much sensh."  

          "Oh sure, Shampoo, if you're beat by a girl, kill her, but if 
it's a man, marry him.  That's so primitive."

          "Ukyo no dishrespect Amazon law!  Ukyo think me and 
ways shooo stupid, but Ukyo ish one make ignorant talk!" yelled 
Shampoo as she slammed her fist on the counter, causing it to 
crack.  "Yoush ever ish wonder why 'primtiv' Amajhons shurvive 
in fertile land when shurrounded by you nashty bad 
'shivi.*hic*.shivilizeds'?"

          "Uh, not really," said Ukyo, who was vowing to _never_ let 
Shampoo near alcohol again.  Her only hope was to finish off the 
bottle before the amazon realized it wasn't coming back her way.      

          "All twibes have land you 'shivilizeds' want ish 
masshacred. Hey!  Ish ma turn!"  growled Shampoo as she 
snatched the bottle from Ukyo and downed a long draught in 
quick successive gulps.  "Thersh, now we ish. *hic* .even," 
declared the tipsy amazon as she slammed the bottle back down 
and wiped her lips dry.  

          "Even?!  There's nothing left!" observed Ukyo in dismay.  

          "Oops," giggled the amazon, "but Shampoo know howsh ta 
fix dat.  Shee cubord o'er der?" asked Shampoo as she spun Ukyo 
around by her hips and pointed to where the chef had earlier 
retrieved the now empty bottle.  "Shampoo betcha there anudder 
boddle wif our names on."  Seeing that Ukyo was hesitating, 
Shampoo decided to get her moving with a sharp slap to the rear.  
"Move yo ass bawench!"

          Grimacing as she quickly moved away from the madly 
giggling amazon, Ukyo vowed that after this evening, she would 
never, _ever_, let Shampoo near alcohol again.  But it looked like 
it was too late to put this genie back in the bottle tonight.  
Shampoo would probably just help herself to more sake if Ukyo 
didn't retrieve it anyway.  At least if they were sharing a bottle, 
she'd have more control over how much the amazon drank.  And 
setting Shampoo aside, she wanted more to drink as she wasn't yet 
feeling very drunk.  [Still], thought Ukyo, as she bent over to get a 
new bottle, making Shampoo whistle appreciatingly and then 
giggle at the dark scowl Ukyo shot back at her, [it's time to draw a 
couple of lines here].

          Taking a swig from the bottle as she swaggered back to the 
counter, Ukyo lowered her lids and purred at Shampoo, "You 
wantin some of this sugar?"  

          The amazon gulped, starring at the chef who was casually 
holding the bottle in one hand, her cocked hip in the other.  
Turning  away slightly, Shampoo began to mumble, "W-whush 
Ukyo."

          [Hmph.  Like I thought] smirked Ukyo as she stopped 
Shampoo's fumbling speech with a light touch to her cheek.  
"Hmm.  I think you _do_ want some of this, don't ya sugar?" 
suggested Ukyo as she slipped her hand back and pulled down on 
Shampoo's hair, forcing the amazon's eyes and mouth back into 
close proximity with the proffered bottle and softly speaking lips 
of the chef.  

          "H-hai." Blushing, Shampoo closed her eyes, not quite 
certain what to expect.  Certainly not what happened next; which 
was Ukyo, after a suitably dramatic pause, slamming her face into 
the counter.

          "Okay, Shampoo.  There's a couple things we're going to set 
straight here.  1)  If you call me a 'bar wench' again, I'll personally 
rip your tongue out and serve it to you on okonomiyaki.  2)  
You're not to touch my ass again unless you want me to flay yours 
raw red with my spatulas, and 3)  This is the last bottle we're 
drinking tonight.  To make it last, we're going to drink it slooowly.  
I'm not having you throw up in my restaurant again."  Yanking 
roughly on Shampoo's hair, she forced the amazon to look back up 
at her.  "Do I make myself clear?"     
 
          "Y-yesh ma'am," said a surprised and somewhat sobered 
Shampoo, signaling her submission with a show of throat.  
Finding the display of slender neck strangely alluring, Ukyo took 
up the offer.  The sound Shampoo made at the first touch of the 
chef's teeth was almost as delectable as the rush Ukyo felt from 
having the amazon at her complete mercy; just a bit deeper she 
could feel the jugular pulsing away.  Holding the bite for a 
moment, Ukyo's tongue savored the taste of power seasoned by 
Shampoo's little whimpers.  But as she focused on that delicious 
sound, Ukyo detected a disturbingly sensual tang.  Deciding she'd 
gone far enough in demonstrating her dominance within her 
domain, Ukyo let go of the amazon's  neck, hair, and the nagging 
doubt that perhaps Shampoo had ended up the one in control.         
          
          "Ukyo ish strong," murmured Shampoo with admiration as 
she ran her fingers over the indentations left in her neck.  "No 
been chashtised like that sinch mama dishiplin little Shampoo.  
*heh*  If Ranma and amazons had much backbone ash Ukyo, 
Shampoo pwobably no be sutch spoiled brat.  Sorta feel good 
have shomeone shet limits."

          "Well, someone's gotta civilize the barbarian princessh," 
smirked Ukyo as she leaned back smugly on her stool, or at least 
she looked smug until she remembered, to late, that her stools 
didn't have any backing.  

          "Ukyo no git too cocky," taunted Shampoo as she stuck out 
her tongue at the fallen chef, "Shampoo hash no yet chashtised 
you for inshult twibal law.  Now, where I was?  Oh yah."  
Taking a sip from the bottle, Shampoo continued her argument, 
accenting her points with profuse gesticulations. 

          "All twibes have land you nashty bad 'shivilizeds' want ish 
masshacred, cept us," Shampoo proclaimed proudly, "cuz wize 
anshestors know we's needing be strong and defend land from 
gweeshy ones who gwowsh with no limits."

          "Hey!  I happen to be civilized, and I'm neither greasy nor 
grosh!" protested Ukyo as she mounted her stool once again.

          "Uh, Shampoo didn't. jush a shec."  Placing her left hand 
on her temple and her right hand on her abdomen, Shampoo then 
applied pressure.  Ukyo gasped as the amazon doubled over and 
clutched her head in pain.  "*gasp* No worry, ish just killer 
headache, they say always happen with shobriety shiatsu, and 
uh. *gulp*" 

          Ukyo still wasn't sure Shampoo was really okay.  The pain 
must have been spreading, because now her thighs were clenched 
together, and the panicked look on her face suggested this was 
turning into an emergency.  What if that idiot had hit the wrong 
points?  Sounded like this was her first time trying this technique, 
not to mention shiatsu should never be attempted while under the 
influence anyway!  "And um." tried Shampoo again desperately, 
"where. bathroom?!"       

          After recovering from her facefault, Ukyo quickly pointed 
to the back of the restaurant, which Shampoo took off for in a 
flash.  "Why that little. she could at leasht warn me before using 
a technique that looks like she's dying!" muttered Ukyo, who was 
surprised to find herself already missing the amazon.  

          Telling herself it was just because that crazy idiot's antics 
had helped her forget to feel sorry for herself over Ranma, Ukyo 
nursed at the bottle.  She toyed with the idea of downing it before 
Shampoo got back, but surely the amazon would cry foul.  
Besides, after seeing what being drunk did to Shampoo, Ukyo 
wasn't sure she wanted to go there.  Just as the loneliness of 
having only her melancholy thoughts for company was making 
Ukyo reconsider her moderation, Shampoo emerged from the 
restroom, looking much more relieved than when she'd dashed in.      

          Taking the sake from the chef as she sat back down, 
Shampoo resumed her pedantic lecture.  "Ukyo know survival of 
fittest?  Amazon law weed out weaker females.  Bring in new, 
stronger blood,  keep from stagnating.  Bring new ideas and 
fighting styles.  Mating with foreigners keep us from being 
decimate by Rome brought Plague of 161, unlike American 
Indians.  Laws do other useful things too, but if no for them 
Amazons no would have been strong enough to defeat all who try 
destroy us in past and all who try in future.  So how law stupid 
Ukyo?" asked Shampoo as she leaned over the counter and got 
right into Ukyo's face.

          Blink, blink.  "Uh, since when did you know so much 
Shampoo?"

          "What Ukyo think, Shampoo stupid jush cause no speak 
like you?"  Ukyo flinched at Shampoo's on target accusation.  
"Hhmph.  You not only one.  Overhear "stupid gaijing bimbo" all 
time.  Like see how well Ukyo speak Chinese after only there little 
while.  Shampoo ish... h-heir to matriarch, no can be stupid for 
that.  Shampoo know lots of things.  Since Ranma no ever good 
Airen, most evenings spend reading"

          "Well, I guesh I can't call you a _stupid_  gaijing bimbo 
anymore," smirked Ukyo.  

          "Oh, so Shampoo still ish bimbo?" asked Shampoo in a 
warning tone, which Ukyo chose to ignore.  

          "Come on Shampoo, don't try and deny it.  The way you 
dresh has 'slut' written all over, right now being a perfect case in 
point," accused Ukyo as she eyed Shampoo's current attire, which 
due to its small size only partially covered the amazon's bush of 
purple hair and pressed against her breasts in a rather lurid 
manner.  

          Blushing as Ukyo eyed her exposure with reproof, 
Shampoo tried to pull the ninja top further down, wincing as the 
coarse material  rubbed against the major impediments to such a 
task.  Becoming even more flushed as Ukyo began snickering, 
Shampoo tried flattening out said impediments with one hand 
while tugging on the hem with the other, finally resulting in some 
semblance of modesty.  But the means of that modesty contained 
the seeds of its wanton end.  Panting from her harried efforts, one 
hand still on her flattened chest, Shampoo's embarrassment 
reached it's peak as that hand began to feel the effect of all its 
efforts, and Ukyo burst out in raucous laughter as the amazons 
hemline ended up higher than it'd began.  "See?!  HAHAHA!  
Couldn't be modest even if ya tried, couldja bimbo!  
NYAHAHAHA!"

          "Shut up!  Ish not Shampoo fault Ukyo waitress flat-chested 
wisp!"

          "True, I suppose I shouldn't hold it against ya that your 
hipsh and waisht are so much bigger than my slender 
Konatsu's."

          "UKYO TRY IMPLY SOMETHING?!" shouted Shampoo 
as she slammed both palms on the counter and stood up, towering 
threateningly over the cheeky chef.      

          Unperturbed, Ukyo continued, "But that doesn't change the 
fact you are shooo a bimbo.  Let's not forget the times ya go 
flashing your naked body around.   And then there's all those 
times ya don't even bother wearing any bras, panties, or even 
pants, so everyone can see you bouncin around.  Ya might as well 
have "Slutty Bimbo" tattooed on ya forehead." 

          "Not all Shampoo fault!  Stupid pervert boys or pervert old 
man always ish stealing panties before Shampoo turn back from 
cat and get back!  Always ish running out." 

         "Hmm, ever tried not wearing such tempting lingerie?  Ya 
know, the shoft, shiny, shexy, or should I say, 'bimboy' type?" 

          "Hmmphh," sniffed Shampoo as she turned up her nose at 
the very thought of it.  "Shampoo like silk feel.  Asshets deserve 
worthy containers," stated Shampoo arrogantly as she arched her 
back and leisurely stretched her arms over her head.  It was with 
some satisfaction that she noted Ukyo staring.  "Amazons no 
"bimbos."  Jush different culture, different dresh standard, smart 
one like comfy and practical.  Which flat chest wispy waishtress 
girl top no is," snarled Shampoo with distaste as she ripped 
Konatsu's ninja top down the middle, turning it into a jacket and 
allowing her breasts to thankfully become free of the confining 
prison they'd been squashed into.  

          As Shampoo's breasts came to a stop Ukyo suddenly 
realized she'd be staring and quickly looked away blushing.  
"Since when where yours that big?" Ukyo muttered enviously, 
then blushed deeper as she realized Shampoo had heard her.  

          "Ranma and Akane no only ones 'maturing'," smirked 
Shampoo as she took another leisurely stretch, sighing at how 
pleasant it felt now that she wasn't so constrained.

          "Wouldja stop that!  I thought ya were shupposed to be 
convincing me ya _weren't_ some bimbo slut.  Just rub my face in 
it why dontcha?!"

          "Okay!," shouted Shampoo with enthusiastic playfulness.  
Ukyo suddenly founded her self embraced over the counter into 
Shampoo's ample cleavage.  "As long as Ukyo think Shampoo 
bimbo slut, should at leasht have fun act like one, neh?"  

          "Mmmphhhmmm,  mmmphhhmm, MPHM!" protested an 
indignant Ukyo, stopping as she realized that having her mouth 
open was making this awkward situation much worse as Shampoo 
made good on the chef's suggestion.  Ukyo attempted futilely to 
break free; for she stood no chance against the perfected art of 
Amazon glomping.  Once Shampoo felt it would be clear to Ukyo 
that it was only by her grace did she ease up and allow Ukyo to 
breathlessly break free, eyeing the red faced and panting chef with 
a sultry smirk.

          "Shampoo you...you... Jackass!" sputtered Ukyo, "What the 
hell do ya think your doing!"

          "Was Ukyo suggesh...," pointed out Shampoo before the 
top of her head became aquatinted with Ukyo's spatula.

          "HENTAI!" shouted Ukyo at a dazed Shampoo who was 
seeing stars on the floor.  

          "Hmpphh.  Ukyo one talk, what with inhaling Shampoo 
breasht like that..." retorted Shampoo with a little smile as she 
dusted herself off and got back on her feet

          And immediately was knocked back down as Ukyo snarled, 
"Shut up!  That was an acchident!"  

          "Hai, hai.  Shampoo shorry," said Shampoo to the floor she 
was imbedded in.  "Ukyo put away spatula now?"

          Ukyo's only response was a grunt, but as Shampoo peeked 
up she saw Ukyo slip the spatula under the counter.  Now that the 
coast was clear, Shampoo climbed unsteadily back onto her stool, 
the alcohol and ringing in her head making it a difficult task.  

          An awkward silence followed, in which the only sound to 
be heard was the girls taking swigs from the bottle.  Shampoo 
finally broke it, by saying quietly, "Shampoo no fall for Ranma 
cause of law anyway, law no applied."  

          Ukyo kept drinking, but then what Shampoo said registered 
and sake spluttered everywhere, "W-WHAT?!"

          "Ranma no defeat me.  Shampoo no attacking him, he no 
attacking Shampoo; jush try disarm.  Shampoo no even expecting 
people fight back; jush trying to apply preshure so Akane tell 
where female Ranma ish; used threatening show of force that 
leave flat footed, not type of strike use in real fight.  Plus Ranma 
attack from blind spot too.   Ish not like law make Amazon marry 
someone who knock out from behind.  And Shampoo only 
stunned moment; take lot to knock out Shampoo.  That kish of 
marriage would no stand up in court of Council.  If they knew, be 
dishpleased with Shampoo;  no knew then that Ranma great 
fighter."

          "I can't believe thish," Ukyo said darkly.  "All thish time 
you... Why would ya twist your law to try and entrap someone ya 
hardly knew at the time?  Actually. thish isn't the only time 
you've played fast and loose with your "vaunted" Amazon 
traditions, is it?  I seem to remember you giving Mrs. Hinako the 
kish of death back when we teamed up to deal with her.  Whatever 
happened to that, shugah?"

          Shampoo blushed and looked awkwardly at her lap, "Heh, 
ish not first time either.  Back before Ukyo here, Shampoo kish 
pervert girl.  Shampoo no really meant it, jush wanted to scare off 
so she stop getting in way.  Ranma then tell Shampoo he really 
girl for protect Akane, even though it meant that Shampoo mush 
then kill.  Airen always so selfless when matter mosht.  *sigh*"

          "Cept ya didn't kill Ranchan either; seems ya inconshistency 
with your law ish 100% conshistent.  You'll jush bring it out when 
it serves ya, and ignore it when it's an inconvience; sounds like ya 
got a good future as a politician in ya twibe.  Except.  ya could 
play fasht and loose with dat other stuff cause no one in ya tribe 
saw it, but that wasn't the case with Ranma.  Sho why didn't ya kill 
her?  I mean, what was holding ya to her?  You'd jush met thish 
guy who ya didn't know anything about and then he turns out to be 
the girl you've been hunting all across China and Japan.  That 
should have killed your groundlesh infatuation right dere."

          "Not infatuation!" shouted a suddenly angry Shampoo.

          "Oh come on Shampoo, you'd been there for jush a couple 
days.  Ish not like you'd been his child hood friend or anything.  
Ya didn't know him at all, sho what elsh could it be?"

          "Shampoo did love Ranma," insisted the amazon with a 
slow, soft ferocity.  "Ukyo realize that _everything_ in Shampoo 
life; all culture and teachings and upbringings shay must kill 
Ranma?  And Shampoo know if no kill, lose fayshe before twibe 
and punished by elders?!  UKYO THINK SHAMPOO IGNORE 
UPBRINGING, LOSE STATUS AND RESPECT IN TRIBE, 
AND GET CURSHED FOR SOMETHING AS DUMB AS 
INFATUATION?!!"  Shampoo's tone grew louder and louder as 
she leaned in closer and closer to a sweating Ukyo, who was 
beginning to realize how badly she'd underestimated the amazon.  
She'd always considered Shampoo real shallow, never imagining 
her capable of such depth and sincerity of feeling.  Unsure how to 
start  making amends for her offense given to the amazon, Ukyo 
was relieved when all on her own Shampoo slumped back onto 
her stool and finished as quietly as she'd began, "Shampoo may no 
have known him well, but knew her."   

          "W-wait, Shampoo. are you shaying... that... um..." 
stammered Ukyo.

          "Shampoo need spell out for Ukyo?" sneered Shampoo.  
"Fell love with Ranma before ever meet boy type."

          "..... . . . I-I'd always wondered about that.  You'd make 
pashes and glomp Ranma even if he was a girl and there were 
other people watching."

          "Ukyo sound jealoush," teased Shampoo.  

          "WHAT!  Why'd I be. j-jealoush!"  

          "Cuz Shampoo able expresh affections, no have stupid 
inhibitions," Shampoo said seriously.  Then taking on a leer, she 
added, "Glomp girl Ranma better than boy, neh?  Get rub breashts 
together."

          "Unlike shum perverts. *hic* I wouldn't know," sniffed 
Ukyo as she tried to suppress a slight blush; there was some 
infectious quality to Shampoo's simple earnesty that invited 
improper imaginings.       

          "Heh, Ukyo should try shum time.  Make Ranma blush 
much, she _shooo_ cute then.  Hhhmm, Ukyo get much cute when 
blush too," observed Shampoo, making the observed's condition 
worsen and the observer to then break into a fit of giggles.  It was 
a bright and bubbly sound, lacking in contempt.  Ukyo found it 
surprisingly infectious.  Soon she joined in laughing at herself.

          "Heh, yeah, she is real cute when she gits embarrashed.  I'll 
have to pay attention next time ya blush to see if it doesh anything 
for ya," suggested Ukyo, whom Shampoo rewarded with a  slight 
coloring of her cheeks.  [Huh, wouldja look at that; it doesh make 
her cuter].

          "Well," started Shampoo, her blush increasing, "Grandma 
once try cook P-chan fore I able to stop, sho Shampoo ish then 
sheeing naked Ryogua, and..." the amazon leaned in and 
whispered something to Ukyo, who's eyes got real big.

          "No way!  Ya gotta be exaggerating," said Ukyo in 
disbelief.

          "Ish true!  Shampoo what shee with own two eyes, no can 
forget thing like that!"

          "Tadaima!  Sorry I'm late Akari, got a little los..."  Ryogua 
looked around confused.  "Um, hello... Ukyo... Shampoo... what 
are you doing at Akari's farm... uh... is there something on my 
pants?" Ryogau asked as he looked down.  There was something 
about Ukyo's intense stare that was starting to make him nervous.  
"Oh, wait.... this is a restaurant, isn't it... I didn't know you'd... 
um... opened...a new...branch...in the country...*eep*" Suddenly 
Ryogau became aware of the girl's current state of attire.  A 
couple of weeks ago he would have passed out, but Akari had 
been helping him build up his endurance.  Not that he didn't get a 
nose bleed, but that wasn't the main place blood was rushing.

          "...we'llbesuretotryitoutsometime,cya!"  Ryogua got out of 
there as fast as he could.  The look Ukyo was giving him now was 
downright scary.  Something was up here, and he didn't want to 
get sucked into Ukyo's dark plot, no matter how badly it looked 
like she wanted him in it.  Ukyo would just have to be content 
partnering up with Shampoo, cause he'd made up his mind that 
Akari was the one for him.  He just prayed to find her soon, 
otherwise this was going to be a raging pain all evening.  

          "Man," whistled Ukyo, "Akari sure is luuck-ey, neh?"  said 
the chef as she turned toward Shampoo, who was holding her beet 
red face in her hands.

          "Ukyo no need be so obvioush!"

          "HAHAHAHAHA!  Well, well.  I guesh Mrs. Bimbo Slut 
with No Stupid Inhibitions doesh have _shum_ modesty after all.  
As if I could help checking it out after what ya shaid."  Ukyo had 
another swig of sake and then basked in her sense of evening up 
the score.  "Musht have been tough, loving someone ya had to 
kill."

          "Too true.  Only Shampoo could no admit at time.  Bury 
love deep down, pretend no there, but it deshperately want bursht 
free..."

          "Wait!  Don't tell me. I think I got it here!  Ya fell for 
Ranma sho quickly cuz your repressed love of girl Ranma 
subconsciously noted how shimilar boy Ranma was and 
transhferred your unacceptable love of the girl ya had to kill to the 
boy, using the. what's dat word. corollary!. using da 
corollary of the same law as an excuse!  Oh, ya ish so smart 
Ukyo!" congratulated the chef as she patted herself on the back 
for putting the pieces together on her own.  

          There was a lot more to the amazon than Ukyo had given 
her credit for, and she found herself genuinely wanting to know 
more about Shampoo.  In a way, it felt like making up for all the 
times she'd never bothered reaching out to Shampoo; just writing 
her off as a shallow man grabbing rival.  "But how did ya end up 
falling in love with a girl who ya had to kill?"

          Shampoo took a deep breath.  "Firsht, Ukyo need know 
what life like for Shampoo with Amajhons.  Back then Shampoo 
wuz...um..."  

          "A bitch?" suggested Ukyo, causing Shampoo to glare.  
"Well, you were, werentcha?  I can just imagine it."  Ukyo's voice 
then took on an exaggerated sing song tone; "Back then Shampoo 
big bitch.  Shampoo sexiest and toughest amazon, not to mention 
arrogantest, and make shure other amazons no forget.  Shampoo 
rub faces in it and rough up those who forget Shampoo superior 
everyone else."  

          Shampoo grumbled, "How Ukyo know?"

          "Jush guessed you acted pretty much like ya do around 
here."

          After Shampoo recovered from her face fault she sniffled 
out, "S-shampoo really s-such a... bitch?"

          "Hell yeah!  Urk!"  Ukyo suddenly bit her tongue as 
Shampoo's sniffles increased and she began to tear up.  [Damn 
that girls so emotional tonight.  Quick Ukyo you jerk, say 
something fast or you're going to have made her cry.]

          "Hey, Shampoo.  Cheer up," said Ukyo as she tilted 
Shampoo's chin and looked into her watery eyes, "I think you've 
changed.  In fact, ya haven't really been that bitchy tonight.  Hell, 
I've been a lot more bitchy than you.  And ya know what, ya are 
the sexiest and toughest, jush work on not being the arrogantest."  

          "U-ukyo really mean that?" said a starry eyed Shampoo.

          "Hell yeah!" affirmed a smiling Ukyo.

          "Ukyo think Shampoo shexy!"

          "Urk!  Um...objectively, not per...!" but Ukyo's objections 
fell on death ears as an exuberant Shampoo jumped the counter 
and threw herself around the stunned chef, snuggling against her 
as she let out a blissful sigh of absolution.

          "Ukyo more or lesh right.  Shampoo mother was heir to 
matriarch; very beautiful and greatesht warrior.  But cruel Musk 
sholdiers torture her, put scars on and injure bad.  Legs no then 
work, so no can fight; lose status.  Mother determined Shampoo 
become what mother should have been.  Make Shampoo train 
hard all time."  Ukyo wasn't sure she was comfortable with the 
intimacy of this situation, but she couldn't just push Shampoo 
away while she was barring her soul.  She was speaking so slowly 
and softly; Ukyo felt that Shampoo needed the strength and safety 
she was getting from the snuggling to go on.  
   
       "Shampoo washte little time playing with other kids; 
Shampoo must train and be best.  If no besht, then become like 
mother.  Shampoo see; other amajhons either give condescending 
pity or pick on mother cuz low status.  But if besht, no one can 
hurt or condeshended.  So Shampoo will be besht in tribe.  But ish 
hard, g-get so lonely, and then... mother try teach bakentetsu..." 
Ukyo let out a gasp, unable to imagine someone inflicting that 
training on a child, "S-shampoo try so hard pleash mother... but 
hurt so much... no can find breaking point... to afraid... hurt to 
much for conshentrate...something wrong inside, things broken... 
mother keepsh yelling at me... don't wanna try again... she mad a-
and hit me... pleash no make Shampoo do again..." suddenly 
Shampoo started sobbing and pleading desperately in 
unintelligible Chinese to a horrified Ukyo.

          "Shampoo," whispered Ukyo.  "Hey, Shampoo!  
SHAMPOO!  Snap out of it!  You're safe now, no one's going to 
hurt ya!"  Ukyo shouted as she shook the hysterical amazon, 
whom managed to stop her frantic pleadings, but not her gasping 
sobs.  "Hey, ya hear me?  It's ok.  No one's gonna hurt ya," 
repeated Ukyo as she pulled Shampoo into a fierce  hug.  "No 
one's gonna hurt ya anymore."  The two just stayed like that for 
awhile: Ukyo holding Shampoo close and whispering "It's ok.  No 
one's gonna hurt ya anymore," over and over as she rocked the 
sobbing amazon back and forth.



          This was just like so many of her fantasies with Ranma.  
"*sigh*  Ukyo sound sho manly, like knight who pwotect 
Shampoo."  

          "Kimi!  Bokuta shoujo!" protested Ukyo (in a statement that 
would lose all irony upon translation) as she quickly backed away 
from the amazon.   

          "Oh so?  Ukyo language no very convincing, nor ish dresh.  
Think tape is comfy bra or something?"  mocked Shampoo as she 
poked Ukyo's bandaged chest.  

          "That's.um. jush force of habit!" [why _do_ I still dress 
like this?}  "Heh, it sure ain't for comfort," joked Ukyo "But ya 
know, they're 100% Happosai proof, and when it comes to 
shupport they can't be beat.  I'll still be pert and firm long after 
your topless days catch up to ya and your boobs stop ignoring 
gravity."

          "So?  Better ish beauty free and enjoyed than confined in 
cage where no can be appweciated.  Such shame to;" tsked 
Shampoo as she closely examined the chef's cleavage, "Ukyo got 
nice pair o knockers."    

          "... Ya know bout my past with Ranma?"

          "Got good idea, ashked Akane when at hot springs after 
Ukyo win race."

          "Oh yeah, dat's where we firsht met, wasn't it?"

          "Yeah, we really hit off."

          "Leasht until Ranma ditched us, then we actually made a 
pwetty good team for getting even. .."

          "What Ukyo thinking?"

          ".. nothing. damn I'm getting drunk.  What wuz I 
trying to talk about?"

          "Shexual identity crisis that make you crossdreshing?" 
guessed Shampoo hopefully.

          "Dream on sugar, jush cuz I've spent two thirds of my life 
poshing as a guy duz not mean I got a shex.  ya know, that 
doesn't shound very convinching, doesh it?  Look, it's like this; 
when Ranma firsht rejected me, or so I thought at the time, I 
bashically locked away my femininity.  I got teashed about it a lot, 
all my clashmates said it was my fault for being such a tomboy.  
That I washn't cute or pretty enough for any boy to ever want to 
marry.  It washn't like this was the firsht time I'd been teashed 
about it, but it was the firsht time it actually hurt.  I started to 
believe all the taunts that no man could ever love me.  Sho my life 
ash a woman ended and I swore I'd never hurt myself by falling in 
love with a man again."

          "Heh, even if Ukyo no love men, bet no have shortage of 
girls," teased Shampoo.

          "What?!  That's not what I."

          "Don't tell me Ukyo *hic* no have girls after.  Ukyo like 
Ranma, real cute whether boy or girl."

          "Oh, well, yeah, that did happen shum," admitted Ukyo 
with embarrassment, quickly adding "But it's not like I 
encouraged em.  I'm not like that."  

          "Coarsh not, what with way you wetting wips over 'ouga's 
hunk a meat, Ukyo obviously have some apwreciation for men.  
And after Ranma's rejection ish to inshecure for encourage 
anyone, even if want to, neh?"

          "Shampoo, I don't think ya understand what I'm a sayin." 

          "Come on, Ukyo never ever wonder what like be with 
Ranma girl shide?"

          "..."

          "Akane seemed shuspicious when she tell how much Ukyo 
enjoy playing with Ranma cursh.  Keep changing only boxer 
Ranma back forth.  Must been fun watching jugsh fill in over and 
over, neh?" said Shampoo as she nudged a blushing Ukyo.

          "...well... shometimes I'd think about our married future, 
and well..."

          "No need for bashful euphemishms now that we ish 
knowing eachother; Ukyo can say fantashize, or even m." 

          "Hey!  Whosh telling this, me or you?" asked a now deeply 
blushing Ukyo.  "As I was saying, shometimes I'd _think_ about 
our married future, and well. if he wanted to... um...well, ya 
know how some guysh really get turned on by the idea. or 
knowing his luck...if he got splashed while...um... well, it'd be my 
duty as his wife to satishfy him." 

          "Oh, and Ukyo jush go along out of duty?  No enjoying it?"  
asked a grinning Shampoo as she leaned in closer towards her 
now completely crimson prey.  Ukyo's heartbeat began to pick up 
as the amazon leaned in even closer.  It felt like she was being 
cornered by a hungry wolf.    

          Suddenly Ukyo rose to her feet, knocking a surprised 
Shampoo off hers.  "Well, if I have to anyway, I might ash well 
enjoy it!  Right?!  There's nothing wrong with that, ish there?!  
Why shouldn't I enjoy it?!  So jush back off!" exploded a panting 
Ukyo.   

          "*tsk* *tsk* Shampoo think Ukyo protesht to to much," 
giggled Shampoo as she decided that getting back to her feet 
would be too much trouble.  So she just laid back on the floor 
with her hands behind her head and let out a sigh.  "No see what 
sho unhappy bout, Shampoo a little envioush, wish been as 
popular with girlsh."

          ". Ya really are a pervert instead of a playful platonic, 
arentcha?"  

          "Foolish Ukyo, what perverted ish all in head.  Not 
uncommon for Amazon girl firsht explore pleashure of body with 
friend.  Helpsh cement close friendshipsh and bind fighting forces 
together.  Like ancient Spartans.  They keep Phalanx strong and 
warrior moral up when away from wives by veteran mentor take 
twelve year boy as lover."

          "That's disgushting! And don't ya give me that 
cultural/moral relativity bullshit!  Shum things are jush shick and 
wrong!"

          "... Well, wrong or not, it worked;  Spartans toughest 
succesfullest warriors who kick much Athenian assh; Amajhon 
anshestors of Greece borrow shum traditions from.  And 
Amajhons purpose liberate woman, no need rely on man for 
pleashure.  Men jush for making babies.  There are lovelesh 
marriages for sake of tribe, but made bearable by tribe then 
tolerating the taking of female lover.  And eugenic law allowsh for 
strong man have ash many wives as can satishfy in one night and 
still up for work on time; but of coarsh work besht if man not only 
one doing satishfying, neh?" asked Shampoo as she sat back up 
and started sidling toward Ukyo, who for her part was nervously 
sidling away toward the edge of her seat.  Before she drove Ukyo 
completely off, Shampoo stopped her advances and looked out 
one of the rain streaked windows.  The amazon just stared out at 
the storm for awhile, then resumed speaking in a disconcertingly 
far off tone.  

          "When little Shampoo shocial skills no so good, heh, what I 
saying?  They still shuck.  No have much succesh making friends.  
Come to reshent others, see as not worth time to be with.  But at 
leasht know I better than them; pride and status shustain 
Shampoo.  But after Mother die, shumtimes, on stormy night like 
this, lie awake wondering if pride really enough, if anyone  care if 
I die, or if they be relieved.  Then Shampoo get very very cold."

          Unsure what to say to the now shivering amazon who was 
tightly hugging herself, Ukyo silently settled down next to 
Shampoo and draped her arm over the amazon's convulsing 
shoulders, soothing them.  It seemed the least she could do.  Just 
as wordlessly as it had been offered, Shampoo accepted Ukyo's 
comforting hand by placing her own over it and leaning back 
against the chef.  "Ish thish enuf?" asked Ukyo as she squeezed 
the amazon's hand reassuringly.   

          "For now," the amazon gratefully whispered.  "Shampoo 
think what make thoshe nights coldesht was knowing others have 
shumone for warming their bedsh.  That why envioush; at leasht 
Ukyo have _choice_ bout sleeping alone."

          "Hey, arentcha forgittin ol Mousse?  He's absolutely smitten 
with ya."

          "Geh, you try make Shampoo puke again?!  Moussh like 
annoying little brother who always try tag along, jush cuz once 
pity for being sho pathetic and save from bulliesh; biggesht 
mistake of life that was.  Moussh never be good enough for marry 
into Shampoo family.  .Told myshelf none of tribe good enough 
for Shampoo anyway.  And then she come."     

          "Firsht make fool of Shampoo in front of twibe.  Get very 
mad; she hurt statush; which all Shampoo have, sho try to kill in 
anger.  But anger wear off out of village.  Find no mish much.  
Start to thrill of hunt enjoy, and learn respect for prey; she first 
peer give shuch challenge.  And even though try kill, she no ish 
hating me like tribe mates.  She even rishk life for Shampoo 
once."

          "Find her taking bath in river.  We then ish fighting and I 
push back into river to keep from escape.  Deep water make 
manuvering and kicks much lesh fective; make Shampoo swords 
that much more advantage.  Shoon water ish running red with 
blood.  I ish about to finish off, but have never killed before, sho 
heshitating jusht one moment, but one moment all Ranma need.  
Deshperation musht give her great strength, knock me way out 
into middle of river, strike head on rock, nearly knock Shampoo 
out.   Current of rapidsh much strong and keep being dashed 
against rocksh; can't seem keep head out of water and water out of 
lungsh.  Think all is over, but then ish feeling small armsh wrap 
round waisht and pull above water.  Wonder why she doing thish, 
wonder where she get strength from; for Shampoo serioushly 
injure, yet she manage shomehow to safely bring ush to shore, 
though we both nearly drown several timesh."

          "Feel sho confused as she put mouth over mine and bring 
breath in and water out.  As she tear off Shampoo cold shoaked 
clothes think for  moment she going to forshe self on me.  From 
behind feel her naked body presh closely ginst mine.  Now ish 
having no trouble breathing and start get hot ash her adrenlated 
heat pash into clammy body, keep Shampoo from freeshing death.  
But she no further goesh, shredsh of clothing for bandaging 
bleeding head.  Then start up fire, all while keeping Shampoo 
body next to hers.  Then I pash out.  

          "Wake up and ish all dried off and blanket covers.  Warm 
and comfy feeling enjoy, until realize _she_ ish lying right next 
Shampoo!  We both dreshed now, but she still holding me, still 
giving me warmth.  Start to get very warm myself, then angry.  
Angry at Shampoo for be sho weak and her for make me sho 
weak.  Shove her off and try attack, but still no recovered fully 
from drowning.  Ranma eashily escapesh with only hurt look, but 
Shampoo even more hurt when shee that sad look in her eyes.  
Runsh off.  Try call to her, but voice to weak and she no hear."           

          "Watch that night as she train in moonlight;  Sho beautiful 
and graceful.  Start feeling shumthin strange; no realize it then, 
but falling in love.  Tear Shampoo apart.  Want tell Ranma, but if 
no kill will lose statush; all that ever give life value.  End up 
trying even  harder for kill Ranma; hate how her mere existence 
make Shampoo sho uncertain and weak.  Maybe if confeshed 
then, she would have returned love to Shampoo... but it too too 
late.  Ukyo know why Ranma love Akane?  Deep down, she good 
pershon, jusht like Ranma.  Always stand by others, even 
enemiesh.  Not like Shampoo.  Ranma hate Shampoo cause deep 
down Shampoo horrible shelfish bitch!   Shampoo still mean.  
Shampoo still petty.  Shampoo still cruel.  Shampoo still arrogant.  
No one ever be friendsh with girl like that!!"  Shampoo's voice, 
which had steadily been rising in pitch, now reached a piercing 
crescendo of self loathing that made Ukyo wince.

          "Snap out of it!" shouted Ukyo as she slapped the amazon 
to the ground.  Shampoo looked up in mute surprise at a fire-eyed 
Ukyo.  "Stop wallowing in the pasht!  Whatch important ish that 
ya realize where you've a screwed up start making up fur it.  
Which ya already are.  Your remorse ish your firsht step of 
atonement, now ya jush gotta keep movin.  If your unhappy with 
all those things, then change them.  If ya lonely, then make some 
friendsh.  And ya can start with me.  Whadda say we let bygones 
be bygones and be friendsh?" asked Ukyo as she extended her 
hand to Shampoo.

          Shampoo looked at Ukyo's offered hand and then stuttered 
in disbelief, "U-ukyo mean it, want be *hic* Shampoo friend?"  

          "Shure thing shugah."

          Shampoo hesitated only a moment longer and then 
enthusiastically grabbed Ukyo's hand in both of hers and nearly 
ripped  the limb out of its socket with her eager shaking.  "OKAY!  
SHAMPOO UKYO FRIENDSH!"

          As Ukyo tried to pry Shampoo's hands from her poor little 
crushed one, Shampoo suddenly asked, "Um... Shampoo never 
really have friend before, what do?"

          "Firsht..." said Ukyo through gritted teeth, "You let go of 
my hand."

          "What?  Oh, sorry!" gasped Shampoo as finally noticed 
Ukyo clutching her now purple hand.  "Here, let Shampoo shee."

          "Nooo thanks, I think you've done enough damage 
already...*gasp*"  Ukyo felt Shampoo take her hand in hers and 
lightly rub it as she looked into Ukyo's eyes.

          "Please?!  Shampoo shorry, make better."  The desire to 
please in Shampoo's eyes was captivating, and Ukyo could only 
wordlessly nod as she kept staring into those hopeful eyes.  
Shampoo maintained their eye contact as she slowly began to 
massage Ukyo's abused hand; lightly applying pressure here and 
there, restoring circulation and releasing endorphins that took 
away the pain.  "And kish to make better."  Ukyo shivered as 
Shampoo's lips brushed against her hand as lightly as a feather.

          Ukyo cleared her throat awkwardly as she stood up straight.  
"Um... well, friendsh do stuff together, howshabout we go shoppin 
at the mall soon?  After all, ya need some new bras."

          "Ok, but only if Ukyo get shum too.  Hmm, what shize 
Ukyo anyway?"  Before Ukyo could reply she let out a scream of 
pain and protest as Shampoo ripped off the taping over her 
breasts.  'Tsk, tsk.  Really should go clasps, much lesh pain take 
off.  Hmm.  C cup right?" observed Shampoo as she cupped the 
chefs breasts.  "And about thirty- no wait, they ish getting bigger, 
about thirty-..."

          "WE CAN FIGURE THAT OUT WHEN WE GET 
THERE!  HANDSH OFF!"

          "Jeesh, only try help... Ukyo think... Akane maybe come?"

          "After all you've done?!" said Ukyo with a raised eyebrow.

          Shampoo looked down ashamed, "S-shampoo wush 
hoping... maybe A-akane could be friend too.  ...Akane haf 
warrior spirit, Shampoo admire that.  Keep alwaysh fighting for 
help others.  Big heart.  But so inshecure, think plain, no pretty, 
but ish quite pretty.  Shampoo wish hadn't helped make so 
inshecure in pasht..."

          "Well then, *hic* ya need tuh apologize tuh her, but it can't 
be half-ashed conshidering all the history between you two.  I 
know! I'll make up with Akane firsht over that whole weddin thing 
(I think that's why she's been givin me the cold shoulder lately) 
and then give ya an opening likewise.  Then ya can sweeten the 
whole thing by treatin us to ice cream or sumthin.  Once Akane's 
forgiven ya we can invite her out with us to da mall."

          "How bout Shampoo make special bentos instead!"

          "Uh...I don't think that's shuch a good idea jusht yet...With 
reshtraunt ice cream there's no worry about sumthin having been 
slipped in..."

          "Uh... yeah, Shampoo guesh done that before," Shampoo 
admitted sheepishly, gazing in admiration at Ukyo.  [Even 
knowing how sneaky and selfish I is, Ukyo still seem like me.  
Otherwise why be my friend and even help make friend with 
Akane?  And good thing I have Ukyo help, doubt Akane would 
trust otherwise.  Aah, with Ukyo believing me and by side, feel 
can do anything; such as get back by her side. or perhaps time 
for even closer.]      

          "Heh, I remember Akane tellin me bout those drugged pork 
buns ya made.  She got real pished off and started yellin "ish not 
funny!" while I was a laughin my ass off. Hahahahaha!  Her stuck 
with a cold and Ranma... ACCHHOO!"

          "Hugging when sneeze," finished Shampoo as she did just 
that.  "Ukyo catch cold?  Need warm up," whispered Shampoo as 
she snuggled in closer to the topless chef and giggled.

          "This ain't funny Shampoo!  Would ya quit playing 
around?!"

          "Ukyo sheem think funny bit ago."

          "..."

          "But Shampoo stop playing round now. Airen," said the 
amazon in a serious tone, yet she didn't let go of the chef.   

          "....."  Ukyo looked down into Shampoo's now apprehensive 
eyes.  A gasp escaped her lips as she felt one of Shampoo's hands 
slide across her cheek and its fingers curl firmly around the back 
of her head.  Ukyo couldn't deny that she knew what was about to 
happen, and yet, as Shampoo closed her eyes, the chef found her 
self unable to even close her speechless mouth.  Time both 
seemed to go into slow motion and zip by, so that after a pause 
that seemed to last forever and before she knew it, Shampoo's 
mouth was over hers.  

          Ukyo's body tensed and her fists clenched as she felt 
Shampoo's tongue invade her mouth.  But moments later, its 
gentle, non threatening explorations made her body relax and her 
eyes close too.  Even in its gentleness, Ukyo could sense a deep 
underlying hunger that had never been satisfied.  It scared her, 
because she could feel something similar stirring inside of her.  

          Breaking the kiss, Ukyo was surprised by the instant sense 
of loss when Shampoo was no longer inside her.  "Shampoo... t-
thish ish a mishtake." 

          "Why?" said a disappointed Shampoo as she moved back 
toward Ukyo.  "Shampoo... Shampoo skiida anta!"

          "Are ya trying to say ya love me?!  Don't make me laugh!  
Your jush drunk and horny!" spat Ukyo as she held her ground 
defiantly, daring Shampoo to try and invade her personal space 
again.

          Taking the hint, Shampoo halted her physical advance, 
rechanneling all the passion which had been in it to a verbal one:  
"What?!  Ukyo think no one can love her?  Just caush Ranma no 
love?  There much for admiring bout Ukyo.  How many shixteen 
year old Japs make own living work for shelves?  Even mosht 
adults ish shumeone elshe slave doing things they no like.  Ukyo 
better than all them!  Airen love what do, watch pashionate verve 
put into oko...oko...um-_-; yaki stuff."  Shampoo, noting Ukyo's 
irritation (but also hopping that was a grudging affection she was 
sensing behind it) quickly added, "Musht make besht in world!  
Shampoo no can help falling for shuch independent spirit that 
devote self to own path," declared Shampoo as she risked taking 
one of Ukyo's hands in hers.  

          "Like how Airen ish rrough and tough, yet have good heart 
underneath," said Shampoo, lowering her voice as she raised her 
and Ukyo's interlocked hand to the chef's heart {Yatta!  First base 
again, and this time Airen no is stopping.  Able track reaction 
better too like this.  Seem she relaxing good. eh, now is 
speeding up?  Aah, how cute, she blushing.  Heh, must just realize 
where else hand is.  Better start talk again for she try remove]  
"Willing help Shampoo much despite ush rivals.  Shampoo wish 
be good person like that."

          "Heh, ya one bitch whosh bark ish worsh than her bite.  I 
mean, have ya ever actually been able to kill anyone?"

          "No..."

          "Shee, I resht my cashe.  Your more of an affectionate 
shofty underneath ya amazon skin than I am," said Ukyo as she 
took a blushing Shampoo's other hand and squeezed it 
encouragingly.  "Go on.  I believe ya were in the middle of tellin 
me how wonderful I am."

          "Heh, maybe we like each other much waysh.  Shampoo 
feel shame loneliness in Airen which in Shampoo.  Know hurts 
much, want take way from Ukyo.  And no hurt that Ukyo look sho 
good as either guy or girl," whispered Shampoo as she dropped 
Konatsu's top to the side and entwined herself around Ukyo.

          "Hmmphh.  Ya jush looking for a replacement Ranma," 
smirked Ukyo.  

          "No, Airen got much more than that *hic* little boy.  Like 
backbone.  No pushy foot waffling.  Have enough confidence for 
be aggreshive and dominate.  Once decide what want will make 
hers, neh?  That real turn on for ush amajhons, sho only question 
left ish:  what Airen want?" Shampoo whispered provocatively 
into the chef's ear.  

          Ukyo then gasped as Shampoo began to nibble said ear.  
She never imagined they could be this sensitive or stimulating.  
Shampoo, having accomplished her goal of creating an opening, 
swung around and kissed Ukyo again; this time with much more 
vigor.

          Shampoo's desperate hunger was no longer lurking under 
the surface; it was instead assaulting Ukyo's mouth full force.  
Ukyo's breathing grew ragged and shallow as she felt her own 
hunger rising inside of her.  Tentatively at first, she met 
Shampoo's assault, causing the amazon to instantly slow down as 
the chef first probed at her tongue, then picked up speed and 
entered into a dance with it.

          Gaining confidence, Ukyo began to push Shampoo back 
into her own territory.  As the amazon offered no resistance, Ukyo 
soon found herself assaulting Shampoo's mouth with a steadily 
increasing force,  mirroring her steadily increasing arousal.  The 
little noises that Shampoo started making only helped add fuel to 
the fire that the chef felt building between her legs.  

          Pleased with the sounds she was eliciting from Shampoo, 
Ukyo determined to find some ways of increasing them.  [Well, 
lets just see what Shampoo was going on about glomping girl 
Ranma].  First she backed Shampoo against a wall, allowing her 
to maintain pressure on the back of the amazon's head.  Then 
Ukyo moved her arms down and tightly embraced Shampoo, 
causing the amazon to let out an approving sigh as their breasts 
pressed against each other.  

          [Oh man] thought Ukyo, as she felt their breasts swelling up 
together, [Shampoo's right.  No way this could feel as good with a 
guy].  Shampoo started squirming.  Ukyo tightened her grasp to 
keep the amazon from slipping free, but then realized Shampoo's 
true intent as their tits rubbing together sent a jolt of pleasure 
through her.  Ukyo added in her own hip grinding to Shampoo's 
squirming to increase the friction and rubbing.  She was rewarded 
by the start of a low moan from Shampoo.  

          Encouraged, Ukyo sandwiched Shampoo's hip girdle; 
pressing her thigh between Shampoo's crotch in front and bringing 
one hand down to squeeze Shampoo's ass from behind, making 
the amazon's moaning instantly become more intense.  [Hmmm.  
She really likes how that feels, eh?  Well good, cause so do I.]  
Ukyo brought her second hand down to give attention to the other 
cheek while Shampoo started franticly rubbing her moist crotch 
against the chef's thigh. 

          Finally, the need for air forced Ukyo to break gasping away 
from the kiss.  She couldn't believe that she'd actually just done 
_that_.  But the chef couldn't deny her senses; the taste of 
Shampoo still lingering in her mouth.  Those pleasured moans 
echoing in her ears.  That hint of lavender shampoo from the 
amazon's glorious mane teasing her nostrils. Her hands still 
felling, and cupped in, the shape of Shampoo's round firm ass.  
Her erect and heaving breasts still tingling from their encounter 
with Shampoo's. 

          Ukyo clenched her eyes shut in an attempt to shut out the 
sensations that were overwhelming her, but burned upon her inner 
lids  was the image of herself forcing the naked and squirming 
amazon against the wall.  The present was no help either; as the 
musky scent of their mutual arousal broke into Ukyo's awareness 
and flamed the fire within  that she'd been trying to bring under 
control.       

          "Airen *pant* shorry if go to fasht *pant* jush have wanted 
*pant* for sho long."  For a brief moment, Ukyo thought she 
was saved, but then she opened her eyes and Shampoo gently 
cupped her cheek.  That touch, however innocently it may have 
been intended, combined with the sight of the glistening and 
panting amazon was to much.  [Damn you and your contagious 
lust, Shanchan] thought Ukyo with a smile.   

          "Airen?  ACK!"  Shampoo let out a shriek of girlish delight 
as Ukyo suddenly grabbed her and tossed her over her shoulders.  
"IEAAA!  Poor virgin Shampoo ish captured by pervert brute!  
What fate await  defenshelesh maiden in heantai's lair?  Oh help!" 
cried Shampoo in as melodramatic a tone as she could muster.  
"Put Shampoo down brute!" screamed the amazon with glee as 
she began pounding on Ukyo's backside. 

          "Who's da brute?!" snorted Ukyo as Shampoo ripped the 
chef's pants to pieces, revealing her white panties in the process.  
"And shince when were ya defenshlesh?!" grimaced Ukyo at a 
particularly stinging smack.  "Ouch!  Cut dat out Shanchan!  I 
thought I told ya to keep the your handsh off my ash.  Ow!  Hey, 
are ya listening?  OW!  Oh, ya think you're being funny, do ya?" 
growled Ukyo as she glared back at the giggling amazon, who was 
putting on an innocent looking face and shrugging up her hands as 
if to say she had no idea how those red hand prints had got on 
Ukyo's butt.  

          "Shyah right!  I ain't buying thish innoshent maiden crap for 
a second.  Ughh, God damnit Shanchan, how much do ya 
weight?!"  Ukyo was finding this to be a lot harder than she'd 
imagined.  The stairs up to her bedroom seemed a lot longer than 
she remembered.  And Shampoo wasn't making this any easier, 
what with her "helpless" flailing and lubrication of the shoulder 
Ukyo was trying to keep her balanced on.

          "Ukyo shaying Shampoo fat?!"  accused the insulted 
amazon as she began to "helplessly" flail even harder.

          "Well, pahaps ya tushy ish a bit on the cushy side," teased 
Ukyo as she pinched Shampoo's upturned ass.  "Sheems city life's 
making ya soft girl."

          Shampoo crossed her hands indignantly over her chest 
(much to Ukyo's relief)  "Hmphh!  Ash if.  Anyway, Ukyo sheem 
like fine.  Womanly have ample curvesh.  Show ready make 
baby." 

          "Heh.  Well, I'm not Ranma.  Being ready ain't gonna do ya 
a lick of good," said Ukyo as she tossed Shampoo roughly onto 
her futon.

          "Will settle for do Shampoo with good licking," declared 
the amazon, spreading her legs wide before Ukyo.

          This was even better than all Ukyo's fantasies with Ranma; 
in which she'd always been the dominant partner.  As the chef 
surveyed the seductively submissive and supine Shampoo, she had 
to admit that it was really turning her on; the temptation to dive 
right on top of the amazon was nearly overpowering, but she 
didn't let it show.  Ukyo knew Shampoo (and the nature other own 
gender in general) well enough to suspect such shows of 
submission would lead the unwary and weak down the slippery 
slopes of enslavement.  It was time to prove to Shampoo, and 
even more to herself, who was in control.    

          "Oh ho.  Ya gettin mighty presumptuoush, bitch.  Think all 
ya gotta do is flash shum pushy and I'll ravish ya like a weak 
willed guy who can't control his hormonesh?!  Ya far to full of ya 
self bitch."  Noting Shampoo's increasingly heavy breathing, 
Ukyo decided to step up her role and got right in the amazon's 
face.  "Sho ya want a good lickin, eh?  All right, I'll lick ya real 
good.  Time ya learn who wears the pants here!  On yo stomach 
bitch!"                

          "Hai, mistress!" gasped Shampoo between ragged breathes 
as she instantly flipped over.  This was even better than all her 
fantasies with Ranma; in which she'd made him the dominant 
partner, nearly killing them once when she'd made Pink and Link 
pretend they'd captured her with the submissive wife flower, all so 
she could turn a bit of her fantasy to reality by having Ranma play 
the knight to her helpless maiden.  But that paled in comparison to 
how much this turned her on.  As Ukyo began to spank her, 
Shampoo blushed in embarrassment at her reveling in the abuse. 

          "I told ya what would happen if ya touched my ash again," 
warned Ukyo as she slapped Shampoos'.  "But ya had to go and be 
a bad girl anyway, didntcha?"  
          
          "Yesh!  Yesh!  Shampoo bad girl!  Punish Shampoo!  
Shampoo desherve be punish!"  screamed Shampoo as she 
became more and more aroused with each blow struck.  Ukyo, 
who was also finding her arousal (and the force of her slaps) 
increasing, climbed onto the small of Shampoo's back and brought 
her left hand underneath Shampoo's ass to help push it up into the 
air.  Her rhythm momentarily faltered as she realized where this 
put her hand, but then increased with even more earnestness as 
she could feel her hand getting wetter with each strike.

          "Oh yeah, you can bet I'm gonna punish Shampoo.  
Shampoo's been a very bad girl.  And a naughty one.  Yuv tried 
tuh kill me.  Yuv tried tuh seduce me.  Not to mention what a 
selfish bitch yuv been in da past.  Ya got a whole lot to answer for 
bitch!"  Each offense that Ukyo now began to list in her savage 
excoriation was accompanied by an upward thrust against 
Shampoo's pussy; increasing the amount of impact her ass 
absorbed. 

          Getting into a groove, Ukyo found herself relishing the feel 
of her hand impacting Shampoo's bottom.  How it first accepted 
the slapping hand, letting it sink in slightly, immediately followed 
by a  satisfying *smack* and resistance as she made contact with 
the layer of firm, well toned glutes.  Next was the feel of heat 
underneath both her hands as Shampoo's creamy white skin turned 
a raw red, then faded to a rosy pink as Ukyo raised her hand back 
up, ready to began the whole motion again.

          As Ukyo continued to redden her ass, a great heat began to 
build up in Shampoo's lions.  She felt like she was about to 
explode, but then Ukyo started slowing down as she reached the 
end of offenses to accompany and justify her blows.  "No stop! I 
sho closhe" screamed Shampoo desperately, "Do more!  Do 
harder!  Shampoo still have much for pay!  Once, pretend like 
rescue Akane, but actually plan kill and frame Pantyhose boy!  
And nearly get Ranma and shelf killed by Pink and Link for 
selfish fantasy, but that not all, after they ish capturing ush try 
rape Ranma instead of escape."  Though the first revelations had 
been somewhat shocking, this last one caused something to snap 
in Ukyo.  ".and not only time, in Phoenix mountain blackmail 
Ranma into bed by threaten kill Akane."

          "YA LITTLE MURDEROUS SLUT!  I THOUGHT I 
WAS GOING TO BE YOUR FIRST!"  Shampoo gasped as she 
felt cold steel slap against her butt.  Ukyo allowed her twinges of 
jealousy to give full play to her sadism; mercilessly flaying 
Shampoo's already tender bottom with her spatulas.      

          "Ouch!  Airen being little exshessive, neh?" winced 
Shampoo with slight trepidation; she wasn't sure now whether the 
chef was RPing or genuinely disgusted with her.  But she certainly 
wasn't letting up on her.  So Shampoo continued to blurt out her 
sins as the severe spanking drove her closer and closer to the 
edge.  As she made her final confession the heat building within 
her finally exploded, consuming her entire body in convulsions 
and causing Ukyo to stop in surprise.        

         Lying naked, covered in her own cum and sin, Shampoo 
figured Ukyo must be pretty disgusted with her.  Hell, she was to 
ashamed with herself to look Ukyo in the face.  Or to afraid of 
what she might see there.  "Well, now know how hateful Shampoo 
really ish..."  Shampoo's resigned speech was stopped short by 
Ukyo cupping the side of her face.

          "I can't believe you... ya stupid little pervert."  To 
Shampoo's astonishment, Ukyo was smirking.  "Idiot," chided 
Ukyo as she poked Shampoo on the forehead, "Shure, you've 
done shum awful crap, and shum of it was pretty shocking, but 
that's all in the pasht.  What counts ish what ya decide to do now, 
Shanchan."

          All of the tension drained out of Shampoo, leaving her 
feeling lighter than she could ever remember.  Feeling her old 
confidence (which had been quite tarnished) recovering, Shampoo 
took Ukyo's words to heart and drew the chef in for a light kiss.  
"Mmmmhhh.  By way, thish _ish_  first time.  After got Ranma in 
bed he manage outfox Shampoo.  Inshidentally, thoshe spatula 
much _hurt_."

          "Oh, ya know you liked it sugah," teased Ukyo, until she 
noticed Shampoo's raised eyebrow.

          "Hmmm.  Maybe should show Airen what feel like."  Ukyo 
gulped as she noticed Shampoo had filched one of her spatulas 
with out her noticing, and was now whimsically twirling it in her 
figures as she assessed it's heft and grip.  "Sheriously, no think 
Shampoo be able sit down resht of week.  Airen touch me ish all 
good, but tools too impershonal cold.  Beshides, Airen no want 
her Shanchan's smooth butt become all blistered and callushed, 
neh?"          

          "All right, all right, maybe I got a little carried away there; 
thish ish my firsht time too, neh?  I'll go get some lotion for that 
cute butt of yours, okay?"  As she went into the bathroom and 
started looking through the cabinet, Ukyo called back "Ya 
shouldn't be getting down on yourself and thinkin your all hateful.  
Y-you've really got a lot of good pointsh."  Ukyo was glad 
Shampoo couldn't see her blushing.  "Beshides, it's not like I'm 
shum saint or anything.  I've had an underhanded plot againsht 
Ranma and Akane in my time."  

          Returning to the futon, Ukyo began to gingerly apply lotion 
to Shampoo's smarting bottom.  It did sting slightly, but Shampoo 
still found it very pleasurable, and sighed with approval.  "Hmmh, 
ya know, if Ranma's not gonna be mine I still owe that jerk for 
dishonoring my family and stealing our businesh."

          "Ukyo? you getting scary look on fayshe."

          "Well, the more I think about it, the more I'm getting pished 
off.  If he's loved Akane all thish time he should have been 
honesht about it instead of leading ush all on...  That jerk!  I bet he 
gets off on having ush all fight over him!"

          "Shampoo no think Ranma like that, could have slept with 
Shampoo, but didn't..."

          "That's cuz the wush got no balls.  Plush Akane would have 
killed him.  You've gotta admit though, he hash a huge ego, it 
must make him feel shooo manly, having ush all after him.  Hah, 
well now I'm more manly than that little boy, wouldn't you shay, 
Shanchan?"  asked Ukyo with a leer as she climbed on top of 
Shampoo and cupped her breasts.  

          "Mmhh.  Yesh, Airen much more manly than fem boy," 
murmured Shampoo as she ran her nails along Ukyo's back.  

          "That cads gonna pay for leading ush all on.  He's jusht like 
that lying father of hish.  Making me fall in love with him again, 
jusht to trick me out of my revenge!  Ooh, when I think about all 
that free okonomiyaki that glutton conned outta me!"  Shampoo 
gasped in pleasure as Ukyo began angrily squeezing her breasts.  
"Mark my words Satome, my vengeance will have you begging 
for mercy!  We'll show him that hell hath no fury like women's 
scorn, right Shanchan?!" said Ukyo as she pointed at her 
unexpected conspirator.  

          "M-me?  Uh, what Ukyo plan?" said a nervous Shampoo.  It 
looked like the relative calm that had settled over Nerima since 
the wedding fiasco was about to be shattered.      

          "Um, I'll figure that out later, all I can think of is ecchi stuff 
right now," laughed Ukyo as she began exploring all over her 
Shanchan with hands, mouth, and tongue.  She marveled at how 
responsive the amazon was.  Even the lightest lick or brushing of 
fingertips elicited some little noise from Shampoo.  It felt like 
playing an instrument, strumming here brought forth a deep moan, 
strumming lower caused it to increase in pitch.  [God, she's like 
one big erogenous zone] thought Ukyo as she ran her tongue 
along the underside of Shampoo's breast and used circular strokes 
on her stomach, causing the amazon to purr with delight.  

          "Mmmhhh, what wrong with ecchi revenge?  Shampoo 
show you ecchi revenge."   The amazon suddenly spun herself 
around 180 degrees and used Ukyo's thighs to pull herself toward, 
and then the white panties away from, the surprised chefs pussy.  
Before Ukyo could react, the amazon's powerful thighs had 
clamped down around her head and Ukyo found herself face down 
in Shampoo's crotch while her own was being probed by the 
amazon's energetic tongue.  To help her tongue thrust deeper, 
Shampoo grabbed Ukyo's ass and started squeezing downward on 
it.

          Ukyo was meanwhile grabbing at Shampoo's thighs and 
trying to break free, but the harder she struggled the more 
Shampoo ground Ukyo's face into her pussy.  "If Airen want 
breath again, Airen start licking. No ever beat Ranma if so slow 
and weak, Shampoo need train," taunted the amazon.  

          At first Ukyo refused to be humiliated further, but 
Shampoo's ruthless smothering eventually forced her to give in to 
the amazon's inviting pussy.  Shampoo struggled to hold her 
release back, wanting to cum at the same time as Ukyo.  
Fortunately, Ukyo's technique and knowledge of nerve clusters 
was much less refined than Shampoo's, who made sure to lap 
across the chefs clit with each stroke of her tongue and knead the 
most sensitive parts of her butt right where the nerve plexus came 
off the sacrum.  Still, it was a close race; just as Shampoo felt her 
resistance crumbling, Ukyo finally climaxed, and Shampoo joined 
her in ecstasy.  "A-AIREN!"   

          The two ended up in a pile of tangled limbs.  "That wuz 
dirty Shanchan.  I'd smack ya, except I'm not sure which one of 
these ish my arm.  I'll get you back, *yawn* but not tonight," 
warned Ukyo affectionately as she basked in the relaxing 
afterglow of their mutual orgasm, savoring the blurred feeling of 
not knowing where her body ended and Shampoo's began.  

          Sensing her partners tiredness, Shampoo leaned over and 
gave her a goodnight kiss on the forehead.  "Thanksh Ukyo, t-
thish mean lot to Shampoo," then slyly, "but me shee need work 
on Ukyo's endurance too."

          [Gah!  She's still rearing to go?!]  Aloud: "Ash if.  Some of 
ush still have to get up at the crack of dawn and prepare our 
restaurants for breakfasht.  Speaking of which, don't ya need to be 
getting back to the Cat Cafe?"

          "Um... bout that... can Shampoo work for Ukyo?   Have 
much experience waiting and cooking."  Shampoo didn't want to 
go back home and face Cologne after her shameful behavior this 
afternoon.  Worse case, her grandmother could announce 
Shampoo's mission a failure and try and force her back home.  
Shampoo didn't relish the thought of having to try and out 
maneuver her matriarch.  Hopefully, enough family sentiment 
remained that Cologne would look the other way, but this 
afternoon it seemed she was willing to sacrifice her granddaughter 
rather than lose face before the tribe again.  

          "Shure.  Don't expect to get special treatment jusht cuz ya 
slept with me though.  You'll get paid the shame as Konatsu," 
replied Ukyo, avarice burning in her eyes.  Just adding up how 
much extra business she'd get from guys by having a knockout 
waitress like Shanchan was making cash register sounds go off in 
her head.  Ohh, when they went shopping tomorrow, she'd have to 
keep her eyes out for something skimpy to force on Shanchan as a 
uniform.  It'd be the perfect contrast to Konatsu's formal kimono.

          Shampoo cuddled up to Ukyo and watched her face as she 
drifted off to sleep.  "Airen so cute," thought Shampoo fondly as 
she caressed her new beloved's face.  What a wonderful ending to 
a day which had looked so bleak and hopeless.  Everything had 
been lost to her in one horrible moment, but she'd ended finding a 
friend and someone who'd finally accept her love.  She wouldn't 
let anyone take that away from her, even her grandmother.  
Shampoo knew there was going to be lots of craziness and trouble 
ahead, but she wasn't going to let that overshadow her happiness 
now.  With a blissful sigh, she snuggled in closer to Ukyo and 
joined her in sleeps embrace.


THE END


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