Tentatively titled "Shampoo vs. Akane" by Don Wang

Note: <> are thought.  Shampoo thinks in fluent Chinese.  I know the title is not original, but I can't think of anything else right now.  Please.  Any idea for this would help!

	Shampoo's had a rough day.  Cologne had given her extra chores to do around the Nekohanten.  She's been working even since she got up, and now she finally got a small brake.  As Shampoo casually stalked around the corner of the street, she thought, <Ranma and Akane would be here soon.>
	"Come back here, Ranma!" shouted Akane as she chased Ranma down the street.  Actually, their day has been going rather well.  Ranma only insulted Akane a few times in school today and even complimented her cooking.  They got into their usual fights and exchange of insults, but it was really one of those rare days when Akane and Ranma get along together well.  Of course, it just wouldn't be normal for them to get through a day without some chasing, wouldn't it?  Akane was chasing Ranma for some minor insult but wasn't really making any serious efforts to catch him.  Just as Ranma was rounding the corner, Shampoo leapt from her hiding place and shouted, "AI-YA!  Ranma!"
	Ranma, as always, can't get Shampoo off him.  "Um.. Shampoo... get off me!" he said.  <Ranma and I for once actually got along pretty well, and now Shampoo ruined it!> thought Akane.  Of course, the normal thing for her to do was elbowing Ranma and prying Shampoo off him.  "Don't you ever get tired of this, Ranma?" asked Akane.  Turning to Shampoo, she continued, "Shampoo, just leave us along!  We have enough problems without your interference!"
	Normally Shampoo would just shrug and probably go home.  However, today she was in a really bad mood.  <Akane always ruin my moments with Ranma,> thought Shampoo, <That does it.  I got to give her a warning.>  Shampoo pulled out her (weapon) and hurled it at Akane.  However, what Shampoo thought to be a warning attack turned out not to be much of a warning after all.  Akane, being much slower and weaker than Shampoo, wasn't able to dodge and was knocked into a wall.
	<Weakling,> thought Shampoo, <I didn't even throw it that hard.  I don't understand why Ranma even put up with such a lousy weakling as Akane.>
	Ranma, however, was rather concerned.  He knew just how much better Shampoo was than Akane.  He quickly rushed to Akane's side and asked, "Akane, are you all right?" 
	"Oh... sure, you jerk!  Why shouldn't I be!" answered Akane, trying to hide her pain.
	Akane didn't do a good job trying hide her injury.  "You sure, Akane?" continued Ranma as he hold her to check, "You don't look so well."
	Akane was embarrassed by Ranma holding her and tried to punch her.  However, still weak from the attack and couldn't summon enough power to punch hard.  Ranma saw this and was furious, <Oh my gosh!  Akane's hurt so bad that she cannot get enough strength to punch me?  She may be uncute and violent, but she's still my fiancée!  I can't just let this happen to her!
	Turning around to face Shampoo, Ranma scolded her, "Shampoo, why did you do that!"
	Shampoo answered, "Shampoo sorry, but also Akane's own fault.  She weak."
	"Shampoo, you got to stop doing this!" shouted Ranma, "Gosh, Akane's violent, but you're 10 times more dangerous!  At least when she hits people it doesn't hurt them!"
	"Ranma," questioned Shampoo, "You mean you love weak Akane more than Shampoo?"
	Ranma hesitated at that question.  <It is so hard to say this,> he thought, <especially when Akane is around!>  He decided to evade the question, "Shampoo, I don't like you going around and almost killing people like that, you understand?  Even if it is that kawaiikune tomboy, you can't go around doing this!  If you don't learn, I won't like you anymore!"
	With that, Ranma sprinted off with Akane to take her to somewhere that she can get some rest.  Although Ranma didn't actually answer Shampoo's question, what he did say left Shampoo in shock.
	<Why doesn't Ranma like me?> she thought, <That Akane isn't even nice to him.  But he always defends for her.  Ranma would never do this for me.  Why Akane?  Why?  I'm much better than she is.  I'm prettier, cuter, and stronger!  Even though he didn't say it, I'm sure he would have answered yes.  Why does Ranma choose her over me?>
	Shampoo, depressed, slowly ride her bicycle back to the Nekohanten.  On her way home, she was stopped by a vendor calling, "Hey, Miss.  You seem to be trouble by love.  I guaranteed that I'll solve you problem.  How about it, only 100 yens!"
	<Why not,> thought Shampoo, <Maybe this person knows something.>
	Shampoo paid the 100 yens and told the vendor the whole story between her and Ranma and Akane.  "So," asked the vendor, "You're saying that you're better than this Akane girl in just about every way, but your boyfriend Ranma still likes her over you?"
	"You understand!" said Shampoo, "Akane can't cook, I can.  She is violent, I'm not.  I'm more pretty than she.  Yet Ranma no understand!  You know why Ranma likes Akane?"
	"Hmmm." muttered the vendor, deep in thought, "Okay, so you're basically saying that you're better than this Akane girl in just about anything yet this guy name Ranma still likes her?"
	"Yes, yes!" nodded Shampoo, "Do you know?  Do you know?"
	"I think this can only mean," answered the vendor, "That Ranma must like Akane for who she is.  According what you say, they fight all the time, right?"
	"Yes!" said Shampoo, "They fight everyday!"
	"Then," concluded the vendor, "It is probably just love.  They fight, but they don't brake up, right?"
	"That's true," agreed Shampoo.
	"See, it is love, miss.  Even though you may be more talented physically, they're in love and therefore you can't get this Ranma.  Also it could be that Ranma doesn't like your personality and therefore chose Akane over you."
	Shampoo was shocked.  She had always convinced herself that the only reason why Ranma hasn't broke up with Akane was because Akane had put some kind of spell on Ranma.  Certainly she didn't want to believe otherwise.  Now, abruptly, this vendor just simply told her that Ranma likes Akane.  The truth was too much for Shampoo.   Shampoo stormed out of the vendor's shop and ran home as fast as her bike can.  "It is not true!" she shouted, "Ranma only likes Shampoo, not Akane!"

(Later that evening, in Shampoo's room)
	Shampoo eventually recovered from her brief outburst of emotion.  <That man's probably right,> she thought as she recalled the times Ranma defended for Akane, <Ranma never treat me as nice as Akane.  Ranma was really worried when Akane lost her memory.  Ranma will never do that for me.  Still, I'll never give up.  Certainly Ranma don't hate me, but for some reason I do not understand he likes Akane more.  I envy you, Akane.  If I was her, I would certainly have married Ranma by now.  Stupid and stubborn girl , that Akane.  Good thing she is stupid, though.  If she is smart, Ranma might have already marry her!>

(Next day at Nekohanten)
	"Shampoo, go sort my stuff in the back room," ordered Cologne.
	"Yes, great-grandmother." answered Shampoo.
	Shampoo went to the back room in Nekohanten and sorted various miscellaneous items her great-grandmother had.  She picked up a little broach and it triggered some memories.  <This is the reversal broach,> she thought, <I was so close from getting Ranma that time, and Akane had to interfere.  I knew Ranma was only doing it for his pride now, but still, it felt very good..  Maybe I should use this again?  No, Ranma's not going to fall for the same thing again.>
	Then she also remembered what happen when Akane put in on the right way.  <That's right!  What if Akane put it on the right way again!  She was so affectionate while she had it on the right way,> thought Shampoo, <And Ranma.  Ranma was totally mesmerized by Akane that time.  He completely ignored me!  He was supposed to say he loved me, not to fall in love with Akane!  I guess Ranma does like Akane more.  Good thing Akane only acts like that once in a long while.  Most of the time, that Akane is just a uncute tomboy.>
	With a sigh, Shampoo put down the broach and continued to sort other items.  Most of the items she was familiar.  In fact, she tried a lot of Cologne's magical items to try to get Ranma, but none of them ever worked.  She continued to sort the miscellaneous junks and artifacts until something caught her attention.  <What's this?  I've never seen this before!> she thought as she picked up a little ordinary looking stick.  "Let's see," she murmured to herself, "Legendary Amazon artifact.  Use stick and hit other person in a certain way and switch body with that person."
	She put it down.  <Why would I ever need this?> she thought, then abruptly she got an idea, <I know!  I'll switch with Akane!  That means I'll be in the same house as Ranma everyday!>
	Normally, Shampoo would have put her plan into action right away.  However, after all the failures she had before, Shampoo decided that this time she will plan her action more carefully.  She went to her room to think about this some more.
	<Now let's see,> she thought, <Ai-ya!  I can't speak Japanese as well as Akane!  Ranma will find out I'm not her right away!  Also, Akane would still be able to come back and tell Ranma the truth!  Somehow, I got to make sure that Ranma doesn't suspect anything.  This means that I must act like her!>
	For the next 2 weeks, Shampoo went to take a crash course on the Japanese language.  During her free time, she carefully spied on Akane so that she would know how she should act.  After two weeks, Shampoo's Japanese is now passable.  Now she's ready for part 2 of her plan.
	<I must somehow get close to Akane,> she thought, <Probably best to challenge her in a duel, but I must make sure Ranma doesn't know about this.>

(Later that night, at Akane's room)
	Akane was just sitting her room, doing nothing in particular, when she noticed a knock in her windows.  <That Ranma,> she thought, <Doesn't he ever give up!>  Akane opened was about to hit the intruder when she noticed that it was not Ranma, but Shampoo.
	Akane quickly got into a fighting stance, "Okay, Shampoo," she challenged, "You want to fight again?"
	Shampoo, however, doesn't want to fight Akane, not yet.  "Akane, you're lucky last time Ranma was there to help you," taunted Shampoo, "Do you dare to fight me tomorrow?"
	"Of course!" Akane quickly answered, "Anytime, Shampoo."
	"Then," concluded Shampoo, "Tomorrow at Nekohanten at 3 p.m..  Oh, don't ask for Ranma's help this time, okay?  Just you and me!"
	With that, Shampoo disappeared into the darkness.  If Akane wasn't so furious at Shampoo's words, she would have notice how much Shampoo's Japanese improved.  However, Akane's too furious to think rationally.  <Shampoo, I'll defeat you tomorrow,> she thought, <Who needs that jerk's help anyway!>

(Next day, at Nekohanten)
	"So you didn't run away after all, Akane," said Shampoo, "Let's settle this once and for all!"
	"Shut up and fight me!" shouted Akane as she lunged at Shampoo.

(Meanwhile, back in the Tendo's home)
	"Kasumi," asked Ranma, "Have you seem Akane today?  I can't seem to find her anywhere."
	"Akane said she is going to Nekohanten to settle some business with Shampoo." replied Kasumi, "I think she left about 10 minutes ago."
	"WHAT!" yelled Ranma.  <Not again,> he thought, <Stupid Akane, hasn't she figure out that she is not as good as Shampoo by now?  I got to go help her!>

(Back to Nekohanten)
	Shampoo easily dodged Akane's attacks.  Several times, she was tempted to just kill Akane now.  <No,> Shampoo told herself, <It is not that easy.  Killing Akane wouldn't work.  Ranma would probably hate me forever.  That would not be good.>
	Akane lunged at Shampoo again.  Shampoo easily somersaulted over Akane and finally prepared to make her move.  As Shampoo descended from the air, she considered that maybe she should just erase Akane's memory again.  <No, that wouldn't work either.  I tried that already,> thought Shampoo.  She pulled the artifact she found and prepared to use it.  Prior to hitting Akane, though, Shampoo hit herself with enough force to knock herself unconscious.  <I hope this works,> she thought as she drifted into unconsciousness and also hitting Akane at the same time.
	Shampoo's plan worked.  Shampoo knew that right away from the fact that she was still unconscious.  Even though she had planned this for 2 weeks, she still can't believe that it actually worked.  Looking at her shorter dark-bluish hair, she confirmed that she had indeed switch body with Akane.  Looking at Akane, who is now in Shampoo's body, Shampoo can't help but to smile.  She knew exactly why Akane's now unconscious.  Shampoo knew she must somehow keep Akane unconscious long enough.  She practiced this several times.  Just one little mistake and Shampoo would have find herself humiliating defeated by Akane.  <Well, it worked,> thought Shampoo, <Now I'll just go back and pretend to be Akane!>
	As Shampoo prepared to go to the Tendo's home, she seemed to hear a faint cry.  She listened again.  <No doubt about it,> she thought, <Ranma's coming.  Got to get rid of Akane, fast.  Otherwise I'll have a lot trouble trying to explain how I beat "Shampoo">

Note:	From now on, the names refer to the mind actually in them.  So, when I mention Akane it would really be Akane in Shampoo's body, and vice-versa.  By the way, no one else knows this except Akane, Shampoo, and Cologne.

	Shampoo decided to put Akane into her room so that she'll be out-of-sight for a while.  After that's done, Shampoo thought, <Now, what should I do?  Ranma's almost here!  Um... I'll just pretend I'm unconscious and said that "Shampoo" knocked me unconscious.>
	Shampoo barely made it.  She lied on the ground and pretended to be unconscious just as Ranma arrived.  Ranma, seeing that Akane's unconscious, was worried.  "Stupid," he sighed, "I told you not to fight Shampoo!  Are you okay, Akane?"
	Shampoo slowly opened her eyes, pretending to recover from unconsciousness, answered, "Ai-ya!  Ranma, you come to save me?  I'm so happy!"
	Ranma was surprised to see Akane recover this fast and asked, "Yeah... are you okay, Akane?  What is it that you said earlier?  Are you sure you're feeling okay?"
	<Oh, no!> thought Shampoo, <That's right, Akane would never say what I just said!>  Shampoo quickly thought of an Akane style response, "Uh... I mean, who needs your help anyway, jerk!"
	Shampoo's acting was good enough, at least, good enough to fool Ranma.  "Hey, look, tomboy," he said, "I told you don't try to something stupid like this!"
	Shampoo quickly reviewed her mental notes.  <Okay, now what would Akane say? She usually would hit back Ranma, but once a while she is nice.  Besides, I'm suppose to be hurt very seriously.  I think I should just faint.>
	Shampoo pretended to faint and Ranma was worried.  "Oh, it is all my fault," he told himself, "I should have watch her more carefully.  Better take her home now, I guess."
	So Ranma picked up Shampoo and sprinted home.  Since Ranma thought Shampoo was unconscious, Ranma held her tightly and cursed himself for being such an idiot.  Meanwhile, Shampoo was ecstatic.  <This is so great!  I always wish Ranma would hold me like this!  Of course, it would be better if it was my body, but this is good enough!  So that man was right!  Ranma does like Akane!  Now that I'm her, I'll make sure Ranma stays this way forever!>
	
(Meanwhile, at Nekohanten)
	"Um... where am I?" mumbled Akane as she recovered from unconscious.  It took a moment for her to comprehend what has happened to her.  <I... I'm in Shampoo's body now!> she thought, <Well, should I expect anything less from Shampoo?  No, I guess that.  So this time she's going to impostor as me!  Well, Shampoo, you're not going to take Ranma away from me this easily!>
	Akane leapt and started to go to the Tendo dojo also.  <Let's check on what Shampoo's doing first,> thought Akane.  She quickly got to her house and saw Ranma and Shampoo in her room.  <Nice acting, Shampoo,> she thought, <Let's see how well you can keep this up!>
	Meanwhile, Ranma and Shampoo didn't know Akane was spying on them.  By now, Shampoo had "recovered" from her fainting.  Ranma put Shampoo on Akane's bed and apologized, "Sorry, Akane.  I should haven't say that."
	Shampoo answered with just the right mix of shyness, "Um... oh... it's okay, you jerk." grabbing Ranma's hands, Shampoo continued, "I... I'm all right now.  Just... let me hold you like this."
	Ranma thought Akane's acting rather strangely, but he didn't give that much thought.  <She's probably just hurt,> he thought, <Well, I'm just glad Shampoo didn't kill her!  Hm... she is actually kind of cute, now that I think about it.>
	Meanwhile, Akane was fuming outside.  <That baka!> she thought, <Can't he tell that that wasn't me!  I can't believe he can be so stupid.  Well, fine!  Ranma, you just go with Shampoo.  See if I care about you!>

(Next day)
	Cologne knew about Shampoo's plans all along because she helped Shampoo in her plan.  Obviously, Cologne didn't want to upset Akane so that she'll tell Ranma the truth.  Therefore, Akane's been doing minimal work and sitting in the Nekohanten when Shampoo came in.  "Hi, Akane," she smiled, "How do you like to be me?  Don't you want Ranma back yet?"
	"Go ahead and keep your Ranma," she retorted, "I don't like him, anyway.  This is great.  I'm not bother by idiots and I have an easy work to do!"
	"Sure, sure, Akane," taunted Shampoo, "I must tell you.  Ranma's so nice and gentle.  You know, if you're half as good as me, Ranma would have fallen in love for you by now.  Well, now you lost your chance.  Ranma's going to be mine!  Very soon we will get married!  There's no way Ranma will ever find out about this!"
	Akane apparently had enough of Shampoo and lunged at her.  Akane was surprised to find that Shampoo wasn't able to dodge her attack and was sent flying back against the wall.  <Of course,> Akane realized, <When we switch bodies, I now have Shampoo's fighting ability, and vice versa!   Yes!  I finally beat Shampoo!>
	Shampoo was shocked, but then understanding came.  "So, Shampoo," asked Akane, "What are you going to do now?  Give a kiss of death to yourself?"
	"ARRGHH!  I hate being this weak," complained Shampoo, "No matter, Akane.  Ranma's still mine.  Well, I do wish I can be as strong as I used to be.  Even though I'm weaker now, it is worth it.  You'll never get Ranma away from me again!  Never!  You don't have a chance, Akane!"
	With that, Shampoo left and went home.  Akane slumped back into a chair.  <She's right,> she thought, <She is probably happier than I am.  Ranma, you baka!  Can't you even figure out that Akane isn't me!?>
	For the next 2 weeks, Akane spied on Shampoo and Ranma.  Akane was very disappointed and dismayed by what she saw.  Apparently, Ranma never realize that Shampoo was Akane.  Shampoo was smart, all right, Akane had to admit that.  She was being nice to Ranma, and hit him just often enough so Ranma didn't suspect anything.  While for Akane it was very hard to be nice and smile at Ranma, for Shampoo that was no problem whatsoever.  The only problem, in fact, was that Shampoo needed to restrain herself from being too open to Ranma so that he wouldn't suspect her.  <That Shampoo, such a good actor,> thought Akane, <She is almost acting like the real me!  The only difference is that she is nicer and gentler.  I know I can be like that also, if only Ranma wasn't such a jerk!  Of course, for Shampoo that's no problem for her to tolerate and be nice to that jerk!  Ranma, this is all your fault!  You can't even recognize that your kawaiikune fiancee is no longer the same person?  No way I'll get you out of this mess!>
	
(A couple weeks later, at Tendo dojo)
	Ranma still haven't gotten any idea what was going on.  He realized that he enjoyed just talking to Akane.  Of course, he still doesn't know that Akane is really now Shampoo.    "Well, Ranma," smiled Shampoo, "It is nice talking to you."
	"Akane?" questioned Ranma, "Why do you... um... smile so much lately?  I thought you're just a tomboy... OUCH!"
	Shampoo by now had figure out had to play as Akane very well.  "You jerk!," she replied while elbowing Ranma, "So what if I like to smile!  I thought you would... um... never mind!"
	Shampoo's excellent acting had convinced Ranma.  "I... I'm sorry, Akane" he apologized, "Um... you're actually... kind of cute when you smile."
	Shampoo decided that now would probably be the best time to make her move, "Oh... Ranma," she pretended to be very emotional, "Thanks... don't you know that I... I love you?"
	<She said what?> he thought, <If she hasn't been changing so much lately, I would have swear that she was possessed.>  "Oh, Akane, I... I...." Ranma was dazed and speechless.
	"It's true, Ranma," continued Shampoo, easily confessing her love with no problem at all, "I love you the first day I saw you.  I said I hated you but I always loved you.  I love you more than anyone else in this world.  I love you and only you, Ranma."
	Everything was still happening too fast for poor Ranma.  All he could do was sitting there, dazed, muttering, "Akane... Akane..."
	Meanwhile, Shampoo continued to confess her love to Ranma.  "Ranma, I love you.  Don't you ever forget that," concluded Shampoo, "Please, let's get married right away!"
	Normally Ranma would have noticed that inconsistency in Shampoo's actions, but he was still shock from hearing these words and couldn't think straight.  <Akane loves me?> he thought, <Do I love her?  Yes, I do love her.  Akane, thanks for saying that first.  Now I know what to do.>
	Therefore, Ranma questioned, "Akane, do you really mean it when you said all these things!"
	"Of course!" answered Shampoo, "How many times do I have to say I love you!  Oh, I see, so you don't love me!  Well... just... go..."
	"Akane, you are right," interrupted Ranma, "Sorry that I've been such a jerk all along.  Thanks, Akane.  I now know what to do.  Yes, let's get married right away."
	"Ranma..." said Shampoo and she slumped her head on Ranma's shoulders.  <I'm going to get married to Ranma!  I can't believe this!  Sigh... I never knew he loved Akane that much.  Akane, seems like you lose this time.  There is no way I'll let you get Ranma away from me!>
	Unbeknownst to Ranma and Shampoo, Akane saw the whole thing.  Although Akane tried to convince herself that this was all Ranma's fault, she still cannot just give him up.  Everyday, she has been spying on Shampoo and Ranma to see what was happening.  This was too much for her.  Shampoo has gone too far this time!  Akane was furious, furious, furious!  She ran back to Shampoo's room in Nekohanten and started to trash random items in Shampoo's room.  <Shampoo, Ranma may be a jerk, but you can't just impostor me and take him away!  He is my fiancee!> thought Akane.  Akane has never hated anyone else so much before.  She was the type who usually forget and forgive.  <Do I hate Ranma, or Kuno, or anyone else?> Akane asked herself, <No, not really.  Kuno, he's just a nuisance.  Ranma, well, I say I hate him, but I don't.  Now, though, I'm going to get you for this, Shampoo!>
	For the first time in her life, Akane felt what was like to really hate someone.  She calmed herself down and began to plot her revenge.  Somehow, she had to get back to herself again.  To say the least, she cannot let Shampoo marry Ranma!  Akane gazed absent-mindedly in Shampoo's room until some old manuscript caught her attention.  "Let's see," she said out loud as she read it, "It is in Chinese, but there's a Japanese translation next to it.  Hm... legendary Amazon technique.  Let me see, there's Hiryu Shoten Ha, Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken, (Ryoga's technique that blows up rocks).  Hmm... they're all interesting, but I don't think they'll do me much good.  Wait!  What is this!  (The technique Shampoo used to erase Akane's memory)?  I know I heard this somewhere before!"
	Akane thought about it for a moment.  <Now I remember!  It was that technique Shampoo used to erase my memory!> That thought made Akane very, very furious.  <I hate her!  I've never hated anyone else so much!  That's it!  I'm tired of being just a nice girl!  Besides, I'm Shampoo now.  I can afford to be evil and nasty!  Anyway, I HATE SHAMPOO!  She is going to pay for this!  I got it.  I'll just use her own methods on herself.  Shampoo, you gone too far this time.  You're going to regret the day you even think about trying to impostor me!>

(Next day)
	"Okay, Shampoo, what do you want?" asked Nabiki.
	Akane silently smiled to herself.  <If anyone would know Shampoo and Ranma's plan, it would be Nabiki.  With this money I stole from the Nekohanten it should be enough to pay her off.  Nabiki, your craze for money for once actually help!>
	"I heard about it, Nabiki.  Tell me, when are they going to get married."  asked Akane.
	"Sorry, I can't tell you that," said Nabiki, "How can I betray my sister so that you can ruin their wedding?  Sorry, I care for my sister also, Shampoo."
	Akane knew better than to try to convince Nabiki.  Silently, she pulled out 10000 yen and tossed them to Nabiki, "Don't give me that, Nabiki!  You think I don't know you?  Now tell me, what are their plans?"
	Nabiki looked at the money and answered, "Well, I guess I'm not exactly betraying them.  Ranma and Akane are going to get married three days from now."
	<That fast?> thought Akane.  "Okay, Nabiki," said Akane, "Can you get Akane along just for a few moments so I can... um... talk to her.  I'll pay you any amount you ask."
	"Sorry, Shampoo," replied Nabiki, getting the wrong idea, "I love money, all right.  But no amount of money you can pay will let me help you on that.  You just want to kill Akane, don't you?  I won't betray my sister's life on money.  Just this once I can't take your money."
	Akane pulled out another 50000 yen.  "Not even this much?" she asked.
	Nabiki was tempted to take the money, but still she refused.  "Give it up, Shampoo," she replied at last, "Anything else would be okay, but I simply can't let you kill Akane.  If Ranma ever find out, I'm dead meat.  Personally, I would tend to want to stay alive so that I can have a use for the money I'm getting."
	Akane still doesn't give up, "Okay, what about this.  Suppose I don't kill Akane?  Will you do it then?  I'll still give you the 50000 yen."
	Nabiki was intrigued by that proposal, "You are not lying, are you?  Well, if you're not going to try to kill my sister, I guess that'll be all right." she asked.
	"I promise you, Nabiki.  I give you my word." promised Akane.
	"Okay, then Shampoo, it is a deal!" Nabiki took the 50000 yen and shook Akane's hands, "Okay, please sign here on the dotted line stating that whatever you did to Akane it is not my fault.  After that, fill out these papers stating that I'm not hold responsible for anything that happen, okay?"
	"Okay, Nabiki," obeyed Akane as she signed the papers, "Now.  Tomorrow, just get Akane alone for a few minutes.  That's all I need."

(Next day)
	"Hey Ranma," called Nabiki, "I'm taking Akane to a store to see what to get for the wedding.  We'll be back soon, okay?"
	"Right," answered Ranma, "Be back soon, Akane.  I love you."
	"I love you too, Ranma," waved Shampoo as Nabiki dragged her out.
	<This should be enough,> thought Nabiki, <Whatever happens to Akane is not my responsibility.  After all, Shampoo did sign those papers.>
	Halfway to the store, Nabiki said, "Akane, I forgot something at home.  I'll go back and get it.  Just go ahead without me."
	Shampoo didn't suspect Nabiki and shrugged, "Okay, Nabiki.  Be back soon!"
	Nabiki ran home and left Shampoo alone.  Shampoo was going to continue to go the store when she saw Akane.  "So, Shampoo," said Akane, "I see Ranma's just crazy with you.  Today, let's settle this once and for all!"
	Shampoo wasn't afraid.  She got into a fighting stance also.  <She wouldn't dare to kill me,> she thought, <I was her.  If killing Akane would have solved my problems, then I would have done that a long time ago.>  "Akane," she warned before fighting, "Just let me tell you one thing.  If you kill me you'll never be able to get yourself back.  And, Ranma will never like you again!"
	<Shampoo, you'll be in for a surprise,> thought Akane, <It won't be as simple as killing you.  It's pay back time for what you did!>
	
(Meanwhile, back at the Tendo home)
	Nabiki walked back to her home and pretended as if nothing happened.  However, Ranma was suspicious.  "Nabiki," he asked, "I thought you were suppose to go to the store with Akane?"
	"Oh, yeah," replied Nabiki, "Akane... um... she had some business she had to settle first with someone else."
	Ranma was puzzled.  <Nabiki's hiding something,> he thought.  Knowing Nabiki, he decided that the fastest way to give her money.  Ranma pulled out his wallet and give Nabiki 5000 yen.  "Okay, Nabiki," he demanded, "Now tell me why Akane's not with you."
	"Shampoo stopped her on our way to the store.  I had to run home first but I think Akane can handle her.  Shampoo say she had some business to resolve with Akane." answered Nabiki.
	<Shampoo, you wouldn't dare!> he thought, <That this again!>
	"Where are they, Nabiki?"
	"About halfway from here to the store.  You might be..."  Nabiki stopped, realizing Ranma's already gone.  <It is not my fault,> she thought, <It can't be.  Hm... I already made 65000 yen.  This must be one of my more profitable weeks.>

(Back to the fight)
	Akane enjoyed beating up Shampoo so effortlessly.  With their fighting ability reversed, Akane is now much better than Shampoo.  Shampoo, badly beaten and bruised, still wasn't concerned.  Akane punched her another time and Shampoo can't get up anymore.  She is defeated, and losing conscious, but she wasn't in the least bit concerned.  "I dare you, Akane," challenged Shampoo just before she lost her consciousness, "Kill me, and Ranma will hate you for the rest of your life."
	Akane watched as Shampoo slipped into unconsciousness.  <I guess Ranma does care about me.  This could explain why Shampoo hasn't try to kill me for a while.> thought Akane, <Anyway, right now the most important thing is to at least stop her.  Maybe Shampoo still carries that thing that caused me and her to switch with her.>
	Akane quickly searched Shampoo and found what she was looking for.  <This is it!> she thought as she read the instruction (with Japanese translation, of course), <I can finally get myself back!>
	However, Akane hesitated in that decision.  <Wait one second,> she thought, <If I get myself back, I'll have to marry Ranma.  Not that I don't like him or anything.  I could continue to play Shampoo's role.  I knew I can do it.  But... it is not right!  I can't just let Shampoo develop our relationship for us!  If I'm going to marry Ranma, it is going to be my decision and my will.  I don't want to pick up where Shampoo left off.  It is my relationship, not hers!>
	Since switching back wouldn't work, Akane decided that she must at least stop Shampoo.  <You deserved this, Shampoo,> thought Akane as she approached the unconscious Shampoo, <You erased my memory of Ranma once.  This time, I won't erase just your memory of Ranma.  I'll take all your memory.  All of it.  How dare you try to impostor me and marry Ranma!>

(Moments later)
	By the time Ranma had arrived, Akane was already gone.  Ranma only find  Shampoo unconsciously lying on the ground.  <Please be all right, Akane!> thought Ranma as he went to check on Shampoo.  <Good, she's all right,> Ranma was relieved.  <Got to take her home and give her some rest.>

(Back at Tendo's house)
	"Akane, you are awake!" smiled Ranma, "You shouldn't have done it, stupid."
	Shampoo looked at Ranma absent-mindedly and asked, "Who are you?"

Note:	I know if Shampoo really lost her memory she probably can't speak right again.  However, if Shampoo starts to talk in broken Japanese again Ranma might notice.  So, I'll leave her talking in fluent Japanese.

	"Akane, I'm Ranma, of course," replied Ranma.
	"Do I know you?" questioned Shampoo, "Why are you calling me Akane?  Is that... my name?"
	Ranma was shocked, but only for a moment.  Looking at Shampoo's glistening hair, he immediately knew what had happened.  <I remember this!  Of course!  Shampoo must have tried to erase her memory again.>
	Meanwhile, Shampoo continued to ask, "Do I live here something?"
	Ranma, however, continued to ponder, <Now how did I get her memory back last time?  All yeah, it was the insults and stuff.  Sorry, Akane, but I have to do this.>
	Ranma then insulted Shampoo in all the ways he could think off.  However, Shampoo simply blinked at him and asked, "Um... did I do something to make you mad?  I'm sorry if I did."
	<It didn't work?> thought Ranma.  Of course, Ranma didn't realize that this was Shampoo he was talking to.  Of course insulting Shampoo wouldn't remind her of her past memories.  "Never mind that, Akane," he told her, "Wait here.  I'll make sure you get your memory back."
	Ranma dashed off, leaving Shampoo in bewilderment.  "Who was he?" she asked herself, "I can't remember anything!"
	
(At Nekohanten, Shampoo's room)
	<Can't blame me for what I did to Shampoo,> Akane told herself, <After all, what else could I have done?  I certainly don't want to end up marrying Ranma because of Shampoo's actions!  It is my relationship!  Okay, so I do love Ranma!  But it will be me who develops our relationship, not Shampoo!>
	Akane's thought was interrupted by a soft knock on her window.  <So he came after all,> thought Akane.  She didn't know whether she should be happy or not.  For Ranma to come, it showed that he cared for her.  However, Akane still cannot forgive Ranma for being such an idiot.  Sighing, she opened her window and there he was, Ranma.
	"Come on in, Ranma," she said, not bothering to pretend to be Shampoo.  "I knew you would come."
	Ranma immediately noticed Akane's different attitude and speaking skill, but right now he was too concerned with other matters to seriously consider that.  "SHAMPOO!" he yelled, "You give Akane her memory back!"
	"No," Akane answered defiantly.
	"If you don't, I'll, I'll," threatened Ranma.
	"What?" challenged Akane.
	Ranma tried his best to be intimidating.  However, it didn't fool Akane one bit.  From all her experiences with Ranma, she knew that Ranma would never be able to hurt a girl.  She stared at him for a long moment.  Finally, Ranma backed down, "Okay," he sighed, "Why did you do it, Shampoo?"
	"You're marrying Akane, right?" asked Akane.
	"How did you..." puzzled Ranma, "Never mind.  Yes, Shampoo.  I'm going to marry Akane.  Is this why you did it?"
	"Why did you change your mind?  I thought you don't like her."
	"Well, she's been changing a lot lately.  She is nicer now..." begin Ranma.
	"So if she was like before," interrupted Akane, "Then you wouldn't marry her?"
	"What do you mean?" questioned Ranma.
	"If she is always so... uncute and violent... do you still love her?" asked Akane.
	"That's a tough question," said Ranma, "Akane was very violent and uncute.  She can't even cook and hit me when she's not happy.  She is so uncute.  I don't know why I still put up with her sometimes, Shampoo..."
	Akane appeared unconcerned, and inside she was fuming.  <So is this it, Ranma?> she thought, <I'm just a burden for you, isn't it?   I guess I'm just not as nice and cute as Shampoo!>
	Ranma continued, "However, Shampoo.  Even if she is always this uncute and violent.  I would still choose her.  Sorry, Shampoo, but you'll never be more than just a friend to me.  Sorry, Shampoo, but no matter what Akane turns out to be, I will still choose her over you.  I hope you understand."
	"So you love Akane, even if she is always that uncute tomboy?" asked Akane.
	"Yes, Shampoo.  Sorry." answered Ranma.
	Akane was crying, but her tears were tears of joy, not sadness.  <Ranma, I was going to leave you with your Shampoo.  But for once you actually said something right.>
	Meanwhile, Ranma misinterpreted Akane's tears for something else.  "Come on, Shampoo," chided Ranma, "Please, just give Akane her memory back.  I'll do anything.  Well, anything except for marrying you or killing Akane, that is."
	Akane recovered from her crying and was thinking fast.  <I could fix Shampoo's memory by just switching back with Shampoo.  After all, her great-grandmother must know how to reverse the effect.  But... do I want to do that?  No, I don't need Shampoo to set up my relationship with Ranma.  If I'm going to marry him, it is going to be my decision and my will.  No, I got to start my relationship with Ranma again.>
	"Ranma," began Akane, "I'll give Akane her memory back on one basis.  You cancel the wedding.  Also, you got to start over again with Akane.  You can't just have another wedding unless both of you wanted to.  If you agree, I'll give Akane her memory back."
	Ranma, meanwhile, got the wrong idea.  <She still hasn't give up,> thought Ranma, <Why not?  It was actually getting kind of boring now that Akane's this nice.  I guess Shampoo will be happy just to see our wedding delayed.  Poor Shampoo.  She probably thinks that she still has a chance to get me.  No matter.  I can wait for Akane.  I could wait for her forever.>  Therefore, he quickly nodded and accepted Akane's proposal.

(Back at Tendo's house)
	"Okay, Shampoo," said Ranma, "Now you do your part.  Give Akane her memory back."
	"Okay, fine," nodded Akane, "But you must leave us alone.  It wouldn't take more than a few minutes.  But you mustn't interrupt or else it might not work."
	The thought of Akane never getting her memory back forced Ranma to cooperate.  He waited outside while Akane was alone with Shampoo.  "Who are you?" asked Shampoo, "Do I know you?"
	Akane felt a bit guilty for erasing Shampoo's memory.  <Maybe I shouldn't have done that.  Well, Shampoo, you got what you wished for, didn't you?  Wouldn't you give up anything to be so close to Ranma?  You are not the only one that can be evil and nasty, remember that.>
	Akane used Shampoo's artifact and switched back with Shampoo.  Akane blinked and looked at herself several times, just to make sure that it did work.  <Whew,> she sighed, <It is good to be myself again.  I do miss Ranma.  I guess I never realized how important he was until I almost lost him.>
	Akane then quickly splashed cold water on Shampoo, turning her into her cat form.  She opened the window and hurled Shampoo-neko into the direction of Nekohanten.  <Hope you learn your lesson, Shampoo,> thought Akane as Shampoo-neko disappeared into the sky, <I hope you know now that you're not the only that can be evil.  I'm sure your great-grandmother will know how to reverse the effect.  I certainly don't know how.  Hey, at least I let you have your memory back.  I'm still not like you, Shampoo.  You would have just leave me the way I was, but not me.>
	Akane then remembered that Ranma was still waiting.  "Ranma," she called, "You can come in now."
	Ranma quickly come in.  Just one glance at Akane's eyes and he knew she was back to normal again.  "Akane!  You... you remembered me!"
	"Who would ever forget a jerk like you!" Akane pretended to be angry.
	"You're normal again!" exclaimed Ranma.
	Akane was sure that Ranma would keep his promises to her.  <Let's start over again, Ranma,> she thought, <I won't give my heart to you that easily, Ranma!  You have to work for my love.  But... this time, I won't lose you, never again.>  Smiling, Akane hugged Ranma and continued, "Yes, Ranma.  I'm the tomboy you know again.  Let's just say that it nice to be myself again."