!Disclaimer!
I do not in any way, shape, or form own the rights to "Ranma 1/2" ((trust me, if I did, I'd make sure Shampoo got the lead female role...)) Now that that is out of the way, on with the story!

Italics are thoughts

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 1: "Code of a Man"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Shampoo, maybe you should stop hangin' on me...people are gonna start to stare..." The words were uttered by one Ranma Saotome to a very energetic, and happy, purple-haired girl who was currently cutting off circulation to him arm. Looking down at her as she pouted at his suggestion, he finally forced a smile and gave up.

"All right, just ease up a bit, ok?" At this, the Chinese girl just beamed and glomped him tighter. His mind drifted back to the similar dates he went on over the past week. The date with Kodachi had gone a lot worse than this one. She had chosen their date to take place at one of Nerima's finer restaurants and while the food was good, the atmosphere was effectively shattered once Ranma had dropped the purpose of the date on Kodachi. Once that was out of the way, he had actually loosened up. Of course, the only thing that made Ranma truly relax was practicing martial arts. After the news was out, Ranma sure got his practice in! Between dodging razor hoops and ducking under tables to dodge gymnastic ribbons, he'd effectively worked out any guilt he had from the revelation he left Kodachi with.

"I still don't remember how I got to doc Tofu's place to get patched-up. Who'd have thought Kodachi would actually tag me with a fork of all things..." As he muttered this, Ranma rubbed 3 identical puncture wounds on his neck.

"Did Airen say something?" Shampoo pulling at his arm snapped him out of his flashback.

"Errrr...nothing important. So, where do you wanna go Shampoo? It's your date you know." Saying this made him fell even more guilty about what he had asked her out for. Somehow, this date was different from the others he had the past week. Sure, he felt horrible when he had to tell Ukyo, but not to the extent he felt from this. He had saved Shampoo's date for last because of this feeling and the more he thought about it, the more aggravated he got about the fact that he was so guilty. Why was that? He hadn't had near this much trouble telling Ukyo, and she was his oldest friend! He stole another look down on the girl that was walking with him. The way she smiled, her eyes, her lips...these things kept swirling through his mind. Feeling Ranma staring, Shampoo looked up and gave him a smile that almost made him melt.

"What wrong Airen? You acting strange." She put it mildly to say the least. "First you tell Shampoo that you want to go on date, then you let me pick place? Shampoo not even see an angry Akane. Moose also kept his bill out of our business. " It was true, for the fist time she could remember there wasn't an angry fiancée' to be seen nor an angry duck attack to interrupt them.

"Well, I talked to duck boy before I asked you out, as for Akane...that's really the reason I wanted to talk to you." He took on a somber look. He had to tell her, it was only fair. He can't be like his good-for-nothing father, Genma, who ran from all his problems. No, he was Ranma Saotome! Heir to the "Anything Goes School of Martial Arts", the guy who could beat anything or anyone, the guy who... His confidence quickly evaporated as he saw the concerned look on his dates face.

"U...uh...let's talk about Akane later ok?" Damn you Ranma, grow a backbone! "Th...this date's about you right? So tell me where you want to go already." Crap, I am such a coward! He did an audible "gulp" as he saw Shampoo's face light up and her eyes sparkle. Holding his arm tighter(if that was possible), she rested her head on his shoulder.

"Aiyya! Shampoo just happy to be with Ranma, don't care where we go." I wonder what Airen is up to though... I haven't seen Ukyo or that crazy Kuno girl for a week. Even when I ran into Ranma on his way home from school a few days ago with Akane she didn't get mad at seeing me. It was weird, she didn't even hit Airen when I hugged him, she actually smirked at me... Before she could dwell on this line of thinking much, Ranma cut off her train of thought.

"Well, if you don't mind, we could go to this new cafe' that opened up by my high school. I heard they make a decent Miso Stew and I think we can get some privacy there too, we have a lot to talk about..." He said as he put on his best fake smile but his depression would be evident if one could see into his soul.

"Ok Airen, Shampoo go where you want." Somewhere private? Is Ranma finally going to confess his love for me! That would explain the other girls being missing, he had to let them down easy. Could that really be it? Could today finally be that day?

As the two walked into the corner cafe', neither really knew how to start a real conversation. Ranma was to busy trying to fight down a guilty conscience and Shampoo was trying to keep her imagination in check. Finally, latching onto the last bit of decency and nerve he had, Ranma cleared his throat.

"Listen Shampoo, you know about how my mom finally visited me an pops a few weeks ago right?" He asked while fidgeting with a napkin.

"Shampoo know. Mother still not know you have curse? Didn't stupid panda also make agreement with her that you would be 'man among men' when you grow up?" Shampoo visible winced at that thought as she remembered the conditions Genma had made up. Damn that panda, he could get Airen killed one day with that stupid contract.

"Yeah, it's about that...things have changed in the last week, that's what I wanted to talk to you about. See, my mom showed up kinda suddenly at the dojo a few weeks after I first met her as Ranko. She kinda saw dad and then...well, the gig was up. She managed to get the info out of that lazy throw-rug. She..." Ranma's voice trailed off as he recounted the events of the last week. Things had changed so suddenly that he hardly could keep up with them. Now, sitting her with Shampoo, it all hit him like a ton of bricks. "She found out I was cursed, Shampoo..."

Silence was the only thing heard at the table for the next few minutes. "Bu...but Airen still alive? What about insane seppuku contract? Mother not care about girl-type Ranma? She think Ranma man among men?"

"That's the thing Shampoo..." His voice almost was a whisper at this point. "Mom doesn't think I've become a true man, and she's holding me to the contract." Shampoo broke out into a cold sweat, her hands trembling. Any chance at Ranma being able to hold his emotions in check were gone with those spoken words, he simply closed his eyes to try to find the rest of words to describe the true reason he asked her out.

Shaken to her core, Shampoo ran through her thoughts. How can that crazy woman not think he's a man! Would she really kill him...? No! I can't let this happen! I won't let her take him away from me like this! Without giving a word of warning, Shampoo got up from the table and bolted out the door of the cafe'.

"Shampoo, there is something I have to tell you, it's about what I have to do..." Finally finding the words, Ranma snaps back to reality long enough to open his eyes to at least stare into her eyes one last time as he pulled the proverbial 'trigger'...well, that's what he would have done if he wasn't one Amazon short of a date.

"N...no! Shampoo! Come back!" Leaping over the table at a full sprint, the pig-tailed boy bolted after the purple-haired blur who was just then leaping to a nearby roof, taking out her trademark bonbori as she leaped. Damn it! I didn't get to warn her about what is going to happen! What is she thinking...no...she can't be heading to...the dojo! I've got to stop her before heads start to roll!

FLASHBACK
---------------------------------------------------------------------

1 Week Ago...

A typical day in a not-so-typical town. It's the kind a day that no one could ever predict that anything significant could possibly happen. Well, if you idea of typical is living in a place where martial arts matches are held hourly featuring such styles as "Martial Arts Tea Ceremony" or "Martial Arts Takeout". On one particularly empty street, a woman in a black kamino holding a wrapped katana slowly begins her trek to the front door of a humble Dojo. Not even bothering with knocking, the woman just walks in looking like a woman on a mission.

"Genma! It's been too long since I've seen you." Nodoka Saotome: loved mother, loyal wife, possible angel of death for two certain other Saotome's. She had just shown-up, completely out of the blue and had encountered one of the rare instances when Genma had not been in his furrier form. He was, of course, near drunk and playing Shogi with one Soun Tendo, owner of the Tendo Dojo. "Genma! Why are you here and not my son? I've come to see if he's lived up to our agreement."

"N...N...Nodaka! How in the hel...errrr, I mean, how are you!" Suddenly snapped into soberness, Genma shot up from the shogi board and was slowly backing further into the Tendo house. Why, of all times, is she here! Oh, I'm sure the boy will be thrilled, but he doesn't know how devoted his mother is to honor...hey, calm down Genma! All she knows is that me and Ranma are here, she doesn't know how long we've been here nor that we've been avoiding her...maybe I can weasel my way out of this yet... "Nodaka! My darling wife, how I've missed you! I would love to talk and catch up, but me and the boy have a...training trip to go off on!"

"Training trip? Weren't you on one of those during my last visit? That's what that sweet Ranko said last time...speaking of her, where is the little dear? I also noticed that Mr. Panda is missing too...Genma? Why are you on the floor...?" As if on cue, the eldest Tendo, Kasumi, helped a now unconscious Genma to the nearby couch. "Oh dear, it's like his soul has already left his body. I'll go get a cold compress." With that, Kasumi headed off to the kitchen to fetch a rag for Mr. Saotome. She returned shortly with a small basin of water and a piece of cloth.

"Oh, no need for that dear, Genma is a man among men! I'll just douse him with water and get him up." It was at that moment the precarious series of lies all started to unravel. Ranma came home later in the evening after getting out from Furinkan High School along with his fiancée, Akane.

"Hello boy!" Genma-panda managed to get out on of his trusty signs and, with a shaky hand, flash it to Ranma as he walked in the Tendo home. "Your mother's here."

"M...Mom! What are you doing here!" Still in shock over seeing Genma-panda blatantly show a sign in front of his mother, Ranma could do little more than stutter and stare.

"Oh Ranma! You've grown up so much! You're so hansom too! You've done a fine job in raising our son dear." Before running over to give her son a hug, Nodaka patted Genma-panda on the head. "I've been looking forward to this day for years Ranma!" Half-smothering the boy, Nodaka starts to pace around her son. "Well, you certainly look like a real man. I guess your father did that much." Nodaka sat down at the table to drink some tea Kasumi had prepared earlier. Finally able to have coherent thought, Ranma glared at his father who in turn started to play with a tire.

"Don't gimme that 'I'm an innocent panda' routine pops! Did you know that mom was coming! She knows that your cursed too huh?" Going into the kitchen to grab some hot water, Ranma douses his 'darling' father, smirking at his reaction and getting a small measure of payback for the shock.

"Ouch! Hey boy, you do know that luke-warm water will work too don't you!" Yelled Genma as he stowed-away his handy panda play thing. "And yes, your mother knows about my curse. She actually thinks it's kinda cute..." Looking over at his wife, Genma gave a nervous smile as his eyes still watched the family katana resting in Nodaka's lap. "Anyway, what's important is that you get to met your mother...WHOM YOU'VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE IN YOUR LIFE." Genma made sure to stress the last part of this to his son.

"Hey Ranma, I think I'll keep your mother company for awhile, why don't you and Mr. Saotome go wash up while Kasumi starts dinner? We can eat a little early today, right Kasumi?" Akane did her best to not get stressed out in this sort of situation, but that was proving difficult for a girl such as herself. Knowing that Kasumi was in the kitchen instead of her, was a good thing though. At least Mrs. Saotome wouldn't try to force her to learn how to cook again.

"That's a good idea, come on pops, we've got stuff to talk about...and it's good to see you mom..." Dragging a protesting Genma off to the bathroom, Nodoka could only chuckle. "My, they do seem to be attached to each other. I guess my Ranma is too manly to show affection to his dear mother, I'm so proud!" Turning to Akane, she could only smile. "And you must be happy as well. You live with such a manly fiancée' like my son, it must be hard on the other girls."

"Huh? You mean you know about Ranma's other fiancée e's too?" Akane managed to blurt out. Just how much did my dad and Mr. Saotome tell her? Are they trying to get Ranma killed by his mother?

"Uh...Akane, I don't think..." At this interruption, Akane shot her father a glance that made him stay more silent than he had before.

"Other...fiancée's? Akane dear..." With this, the Saotome family katana twitched in her hand. "...tell me more about this..."

"Oh, I'm sure my dad and Mr. Saotome told you all about it, how that pervert Ranma has two other fiancée's he won't let go of. One he leaches food off of and the other he lets glomp onto him all the time. There is even this other girl who is certain that they will 'be together forever'. Really, your son's just a typical perverted guy who MMMMHGH!" Akane had been saying all this matter-of-factly, not noticing the string of face faults her father was doing. Soun finally rushed over to cover his daughters mouth before she dug a grave too deep to get Ranma and Genma out of.

"Ah, Mrs. Saotome, you can't put too much faith in what the girl says. She's insane, gone crazy from the years of stress and testing her own cooking! OUCH!" Soun tried to explain the problem away but was cut short by Akane's teeth.

"WHAT WAS THAT FOR DAD? Really, she asked a honest question about Ranma's other fiancée's. It's not like you and Mr. Saotome didn't tell her about Kodachi, Ukyo, and Shampoo before me and Ranma showed up." In a huff, Akane looked away from her father with her arms crossed.

"Actually dear," Standing up, Nodaka made her way closer to the bathroom. "I was talking about your sisters. I was saying that it must be hard on them to see you with a man like Ranma when they have no one themselves. Oh dear, now me and Ranma must have a talk about this, he can't marry anyone but a Tendo." Nodaka ignored a dancing Soun and a stunned Akane, even ignored Nabiki who was just walking in. Strait to the bathroom she went. It sounded to her like a war was going on in there. Running water could clearly be heard the second she got close to the door. "Genma dear, we need to talk. Something about multiple fiancée's? Really, would you two stop playing a...rou...nd..." What greeted her in the bathroom when she opened the screen, was a sight not even the mountain of will that was Nodaka Saotome could stand.

Five Minuets Earlier: The Tendo Bathroom

------------------------------------------------------

"WHAT THE HELL OLD MAN! NOT ONLY DO YOU INVITE MOM OVER WITHOUT EVEN TELLING ME, YOU LET HER KNOW YOU'RE CURSED!" Seething with rage, Ranma now had Genma corned in the bathroom.

"N...now boy...ca...calm down! I had no idea she was going to be here, if I did I would be gone right now. She just barged in without even knocking and saw me. I tried to dance around the issue, but she...caught me off guard..." No way I'll admit to the boy she scared me unconscious... "Really Ranma, there was no way to avoid it. You did say you always wanted to meet your mother, what's the problem!" Standing defiantly, Genma mearly looked non-chilantly at his aggravated son and let out a snort. Too bad he didn't notice Ranma go for the wall shower.

In an instant, the once talking Genma was reduced to a rather mute panda. "Because pops...you're a panda! If mom knows about your curse, she'll eventually ask questions on how you got it and where was I at the time! Also, who was it that 'little Ranko' was always playing with? Don't you think anything through!" Getting that off his chest, Ranma then motioned to the tub. "Now run some hot water so we can talk."

Ranma was too busy cursing to himself about a 'worthless panda' to notice that Genma-panda pulled out a quick cold-water balloon. So, the boy thinks he can just shut his old man up long enough to vent and then talk to me like a human when he's ready? Ha, the boy's gone and forgotten who his father is. Good thing the old master taught me how he hides an near-infinite number of Fire Burst Bombs in his gi, with these Genma-Balloons the boy will never have a moment of rest. With a quick change to human form, Genma was again facing his still angry, if not cocky, son. "Well boy, seems you're right on all accounts. Can't argue with someone of your intelligence. After all, I'm just an old man." Putting on his best defeated look, Genma shuffled over to his son and put his hand on Ranma's shoulder. "All I have left to say is...DON'T GET COCKY LITTLE MISS 'RANKO!'"

Due to the close range, there was no chance to dodge the Genma balloon. As it would happen, just at that time the door to the bath was sliding open. Too late for either of the men to notice, the balloon crashed into Ranma who instantly turned into a very soggy Ranma-chan. For what seemed like hours, the three people just stared at one another. It was as if Genma and Ranma-chan could the nerves in Nodoka's brain firing.

"Ranko...and Mr. Panda...Ranma...and Genma-Panda..." Her eye started to twitch in a flash, out came the Saotome family sword. "Genma, darling. I think you and Ranma have a lot of explaining to do. Not the least of which being that you've been lying to me. Also, I hear something about our agreement with the Tendo's being threatened by other fiancée's? I'm afraid, this isn't very manly at all...and you know what that means..." Two loud gulps followed by two screams could then be heard through the better part of Nerima...

Several Hours Later(and several thousand yen later...)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Well Nabiki, you can tell a tail, I'll give you that." Nodoka had been listening the past hours about all the trials and tribulations that Ranma and Genma had gone through in China. "It seems that you two have been through a very rough journey." At this, both Ranma's and Genma's faces lit up at the prospect of being forgiven, maybe it had been a good idea to pay Nabiki to tell their tale of woe instead of them trying to stumble through it?

"However, you have been deceiving me for over a month now. Not only that, you seem too comfortable with your curse Ranma. My only son...reduced to this..." Nodoka looked as if she would cry at any moment.

"Don't worry Miss Saotome, I have the perfect idea on how to fix all of this." Everyone at the table turned to look at the speaker. From the top of the wall surrounding the dojo, a man in white robes hops down into the yard. Adjusting his glasses, he smirks at the family. "Really, it's not that difficult to save the Saotome honor."

"Moose...what the hell are you doing here?" Ranma had had enough for one day. Not only is his mother almost in tears over something that was completely out of his control, now duck boy had to stick his bill into it as well? No chance that Ranma Saotome would do that! Going into a loose combat stance, Ranma was ready for whatever Moose could level against him. In response, Moose brought out a hand-full of daggers. It seemed that the two were ready to kick things off when Genma got between them.

"Be quiet boy! If he thinks he can help with this situation then you'd better listen to him. " After silencing Ranma, Genma motioned for Moose to sit down. "Please, make yourself at home my boy! Kasumi, could you get our guest some tea?" Genma seemed pleased enough, although he was avoiding the death glare Ranma had leveled against him. "Now, what's this about a way to please everyone and still keep our heads?"

Taking his seat, Moose sips on the cup of tea Kasumi brought to him. I never said it'd please everyone... "Er...well, Miss Saotome, wouldn't you say the real measure of a man is the way he takes care of his family?" Genma went into one of his "sagely stances", contemplating the question.

Genma, however, was not the one Moose had to convince. "Well, I do believe that a strong family is key to being a great man, but I do not think that is the only thing." Nodoka cocked her head to one side, trying to figure out what the Chinese boy was getting at. Off to the side, Ranma still watched Moose closely. What is that duck up too? Sure I take care of my family, I mean, I only beat up pop when he really runs his mouth and I've loved mom even when I haven't seen her in 10 years...whatever you're up to Moose, I'll be watching you...

"Well, since Ranma has so many fiancée's, they can be considered his family right? Didn't you also say the number of girls Ranma chases is a problem?" At this, Ranma slammed his foot down on the table in front of Moose. From the shock of it, the Chinese boy fell back on his elbows.

"Now listen here Moose, I ain't chasin' any of those girls! All of them think their my fiancée, I never asked for any of them!" Shouted Ranma, getting more annoyed by the second.

A sparkle shined in the corner of Moose's eye. "Excellent! I knew you knew what I was talking about." Getting back up, Moose put his hand on Ranma's shoulder and turned back to Nodoka and Akane. "See Miss Saotome? Ranma understands what I'm saying completely."

"I...do?" All Ranma could do is give a confused look and blink. "What are you talking about Moose?"

"Don't be so modest Saotome! It's obvious that you know it all. Miss Saotome, allow me to explain: Ranma will prove he's a man by clearing up all these loose engagements and sticking with Akane alone so that they can work on their relationship. Only a real man could tie up all his loose ends and grow closer to his true love in the process. That would show you that Ranma is a man who can take responsibility!" Moose's flow of eloquence ended when Ranma pulled close to his ear, far to close for others to hear what he was saying, especially over the talking of the others in the room.

"No way Moose, I know what you're after. Just because you think you've won here, Shampoo will still never care for you. She can't stand your guts." Moose started to tense up, Ranma could see a small battle aura forming around him and watched him reach into his sleeve. "I wouldn't do that if I were you Moose, if you attack me now, my mom will never buy into your act." All Moose could do is grin and pray, pray that this would work and that he'd free Shampoo from the curse that was Ranma Saotome.

"Well, I've made my decision!" Nodoka Saotome rose from her place at the table and pulled out the family katana. "If Ranma denies all other engagements and instead focuses on a relationship with Akane, then I will overlook his curse and the past cowardliness he has shown relating to it." Genma simply jumped for joy, Soun started weeping into Kasumi's arms, Akane just looked stunned, and Moose simply snickered into Ranma's ear. "See Saotome? Everyone's happy. This is your only chance for a life with your family, I strongly suggest you take it. I'll be sure to tell Shampoo to expect a visit from you in the next few days, don't worry though, when you break off the engagement Shampoo will finally see that I'm the perfect guy for her! I win Saotome." Pulling away from a stunned and bewildered Ranma, Moose took a bow before heading out to the yard. "There you go Miss Saotome, I told you Ranma knew what he has to do, I'll just be going now..." Still with a smile on his face, Moose hopped back over the dojo's wall, heading in the direction of the Cat Cafe'.

Is this how my whole life is going to be? Always a puppet on someone's strings... Ranma didn't have time to contemplate this any further, as he was swept up in a hug by his mother. Finally, he had his mother back, he had some semblance of a family and stability, but...something was missing for him, he couldn't place it right then, but soon he would just see how much pain he caused himself by letting himself choose the easy path that day, one day the dam would finally break...

Over the Course of the Next Week...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

So that's how it happened. During that week he had talked to both Ukyo and Kodachi about what his mother had decided. Both objected furiously at the notion but Ranma had held firm. He actually wanted a family, some stability. That's what he told himself when he crushed Kodachi's notion that they ever had a chance together. When he dealt with Ukyo, it was different. By the time he talked to her, it was already around school about what happened with Kodachi. She actually took it rather well, not even a single spatula hit. She was just tired, that was the only way to describe it. It ended civil enough, one last okonomiyaki for the road, a hug between friends before she had set off with her okonomiyaki cart for parts unknown. That was three days before his date with Shampoo. He didn't know why he chose to tell her last, maybe it was because of all the Amazon's did for him over the course of the last year. All the special attacks, all the sound advice, and the free ramin wasn't that bad either. All these things whipped up into his mind as he found himself at the door of the Cat Cafe'. Of course, Moose opened the door and was oh-so-happy to go get Shampoo for her and Ranma's "date", if you could even call it that.

"Ha...the first actual date I take her on and my purpose for doing it is to tell her it's over. What a guy I am..." Ranma muttered under his breath as he stood in the main dinning area of the Cafe'. He found it strange that even in a situation like this, he could still see the irony in life.

"What did you say Saotome?" Moose had just gotten back from getting Shampoo. When she walked out from the back of the restaurant, Ranma was almost floored.

"Uh...I said, Shampoo...looks great..." The words were out before he could slap a hand to his mouth to stop them. It was true though, instead of her usual skin-tight clothes she normally wore, she had on a simple, but cute, purple shirt of Chinese design similar to his own. That, along with baggy pants that were a darker bluish color, made Shampoo an instant knockout, especially with the way she had her hair done, Ranma always did find that to be cute. Shampoo beamed him a smile and turned a little red, Moose nearly caught on fire from his rage, and Cologne could only chuckle, but Ranma was mentally kicking himself. Why oh why did I say that! Now it's only going to make cutting her off even more difficult...she does look cute though...

"Shampoo glad you like what I'm wearing. I make it so we match on date!" Doing a quick spin so Ranma could see the whole outfit, she glomped onto his arm. She was surprised when he didn't pull away and only gave a nervous chuckle as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Uh, we should be going Shampoo." Forcing himself to smile, he looked over at Cologne who was only smiling at the two. Granny's gonna hate me for this, but I have to do it. I only hope she can help Shampoo after all this is over... Getting more and more depressed as he thought about it, Cologne could tell something was wrong and turned to Shampoo.

"Shampoo, before you go could you bring the box of chopsticks up to the kitchen? They're in the stockroom now." She was going to complain but a look from Cologne abruptly shut her up. Frowning, Shampoo reluctantly let go of Ranma's arm and stomped off to get the utensils. When she was out of ear-shot, Cologne sighed and looked over at Ranma.

"Son-in-law, what's the matter? You're hardly acting like yourself today. You never ask my great-granddaughter out on a date, not that I'm complaining. You also seem to quite upset." Cologne hopped over to where Ranma was and stared into his eyes. "What exactly are you hiding?"

"N...nothing! Why would I be hiding anything?" He gulped, trying to keep a blank look on his face. This spectacle only made her lean in closer to his face in an attempt to read him. "Get away from me you old ghoul! I said nothin' was wrong so don't push it." He turned his back in a vain effort to hide his face from the Amazon.

Moose, who had wisely stayed silent during the exchange between Ranma and Cologne, now sow his plans threatened and decided to step in. "I know what it is Elder!" With an annoyed look in her eyes, Cologne stared a hole through Moose for the interruption. She's gonna kill me...but if I don't do something that bag of bones is going to ruin everything! Come on Moose, this is for Shampoo! "R...Ranma's just nervous. After all, it's his first date with Shampoo! That has to be it. He's a shy one you know." The words 'Ranma's date with Shampoo' were spit out of his mouth as if they were poison, but he reminded himself of why Ranma was taking her out in the first place. It was hard for him to suppress his abject glee over the successfulness of his plan. Cologne was just about to comment how well-behaved he was being when Shampoo finally stepped back into view.

"Shampoo finished moving boxes! Now we go on date, lets go Airen." Shampoo jogged over to the flustered Ranma and glomped onto him. Turning back to regard the old woman and young man, she glared at both of them daring them to say otherwise. Inwardly dancing, outwardly furious, Moose showed the pretence of being in a rage and stormed away to the back of the store, confident that he was out of anyone's ability to track him, he silently crept out of the Cafe', heading to off in the opposite direction. Both female Amazons were shocked that Moose didn't do anything to disrupt the date, but neither cared enough to look into it further. Ranma sighed and put on a fake smile, bowed to Cologne, and walked out of the Cat Cafe' with a very happy Shampoo still glomped onto his arm.

From the door of the Cafe', Cologne could only scratch her head. Something's up, I can tell. I know Ukyo left town a few days ago, and that Kuno girl has laid low for even longer...Ranma, if you hurt Shampoo you'll be facing more than a guilty conscience, I promise you that... Having resigned herself to simply let events unfold, she closed that Cat Cafe' early in preparation of the storm she suspected would soon come...

Back to Present

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The chase had begun for Ranma. Shampoo was weaving from building to building completely oblivious to anything around her. She was a woman with a purpose, to stop her husband from being killed over something as stupid as family honor. Ranma, you're too nice to your family. Sometimes you have to be firm with people too or they'll simply walk all over you. Thoughts of Akane and the way she treated Ranma only served to make her more upset. It was then she decided, be it hell or high-water she would save her beloved Airen. Her prized bonbori knocking through anything that got in her way. Her destination: The Tendo Dojo.

"Damn it! Where is she?" Ranma, who had left chasing Shampoo only moments after she had left, was now barely able to keep the purple-haired Amazon in his line of sight as he leapt from building to building. I've never seen Shampoo like this before. I had no idea that she could get this upset! I was at least hoping that she'd take out her anger on me after I told her I had to cancel our 'engagement', how could I know she'd take off as soon I mentioned that mom knew about my curse. Damn it, she cares so much yet I'll just end up hurting her no matter what happens. Why does my life have to be like this! Getting more annoyed by the minute as he thought to himself, he didn't notice the dagger that caught up to him. In mid-leap, Ranma's shoulder cried out in pain as steel met flesh and bone. Still in control of his movements, Ranma managed to shift his course in midair with his chi so that he'd land squarely facing the direction the knife had come from.

"Show yourself!" Ranma grunted as he pulled the dagger out of his left shoulder. It was bleeding profusely and his vision began to blur as his pulse quickened. "Just...great...some sort of drug..." Ranma barely had time to sift over things in his mind before he fell flat on his face.

"How do you like that? All these fights and the thing that works the best is a simple sleeping toxin." The figure of Moose loomed over Ranma on the roof. He had a slight smirk on his face as he gave the prone Ranma a swift kick to the stomach. "Don't worry, I'll let Shampoo find out the cold truth for herself from your mother. You won't be around to put a nice spin on it, Shampoo will see just how cold you are and then, then we can be happy!" Giving himself a moment to dwell in a fantasy conserved in his mind, he didn't hear Ranma say something from his state of near-coma.

"Sh...Sham...poo...I'm...sorry..." These were the last words he could mutter before his world went blank and the cold embrace of sleep take him...

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yay! Fist chapter is done! What do you guys think? I have alot of stuff planned for this fiction, so please put your ideas into the review! Chapter 2 should be done by this time next week so keep an eye out for it!