Those who are worried about me turning serious all of a sudden, don't
fear as this is probably only a phase.  God knows, I have to do a light
fluffy one after this sad one.  At least, it's sad to me.  Hope you
enjoy!

Disclaimer:  All characters portrayed in this story are the property of
Rumiko Takahashi and co.  I don't own any of them.  Please don't sue me.

This story draws ideas from both the anime and manga of Ranma.

C & C welcomed.  Flames not.

Fickleness

By

Donny Cheng

	Ranma watched with a bored expression as Shampoo began pummeling
Mousse.  He wouldn't even be here for this formal challenge if the old
ghoul hadn't threatened him.  Not that he was scared or anything.  He
just didn't want trouble liked that 'cat tongue' incident.  Akane was
there beside him watching the fight too.  She was still angry at Shampoo
because of that wedding incident.  Actually, everyone who was anyone was
there watching the fight.

	There wasn't really any surprise as to who would win.  Mousse would
never dare hurt Shampoo, while she had no such compunctions.  At least,
that was what Ranma thought.

	Mousse let out a sudden battle cry and closed his eyes as he released
ALL of his weapons out from every which way direction.  He kept his eyes
shut praying both for his beloved's safety and her downfall.

	<Whack>

	Shampoo suddenly flew backwards as she had apparently thought Mousse
was done for.  She lay dazed for a few stunning moments.  The crowd all
stared in shock at the impossible happening.  They all leaned forward as
Shampoo slowly awoke, eager to see what would happen.  "Shampoo lose,"
she said rhetorically.  She then looked at Mousse and lunged for him. 
"You I love!"

	The crowd facefaulted.

	Akane jumped up for joy.  "See, Ranma, I told you that she and Mousse
had feelings for each other.  Aren't you sorry you didn't give up that
fight to Mousse that time now."

	"Um... I guess," Ranma muttered.  Something felt wrong.  He chided
himself for feeling this way.  He still remembered the bruises during
that time with the Reversal Jewel.

	Cologne looked as if all remaining blood in her system had been
drained.  "Is... is there anyone else that would challenge Mousse his
claim?"  Though she asked the general populace, everyone knew that the
question was directed to Ranma.

	However, before he could reply, Akane stepped on his foot.  Hard!
"No..." Ranma whispered out.

	Cologne without even turning to look at him declared Mousse's claim as
valid.  It seemed she had heard Ranma soft answer.

	The next day, the Nekohanten was cleaned out and shut down.  The
Chinese trio left that day also.

	Akane went to see them off, while Ranma stayed back at the dojo.  He
meditated on his head as was his wont to do at times of great
confusion.  It took him awhile within him what was bothering him. 
Shampoo, it suddenly came to him in a flash.  She could have dodged
those projectiles at that distance even if she wasn't prepared.  He
himself could have done it, totally unprepared.

	Maybe she did love the blind idiot.

			* * * * *

	<Are you satisfied, my child?>  Cologne looked at Shampoo with a grave
expression.

	<Yes.> Shampoo said and stepped over the unconscious Mousse back to her
room aboard the ship.  Bie liao, airen.

			* * * * *

The End. (maybe)