Cologne had instructed the friends to allow Mousse a chance to regain some strength before telling him the details of how they saved his life. It would be a lot to take in, and the poor man had hardly any energy to absorb the gravity of it. For the time being, they simply allowed him to rest, but Shampoo never left his side even while he slept. After a long rest and a good meal, it was time to let Mousse know what had happened. Ranma and the others told Mousse the story of their journey to retrieve the treasure to restore his life - the treasure that had saved him because of his act of self-sacrifice for Shampoo. Mousse listened in sheer awe at the tale of unbelievable turmoil and courage his friends had endured to restore his life to him.

"I don't know how to thank all of you for what you've done for me..." whispered Mousse. "But I'll never forget it."

"Don't mention it, buddy," winked Ranma. "The world would be a lot less of a fun place without a guy like you in it."

"Not to mention, we all grew a little along the way..." said Ukyo, entwining her hand with Ryoga's. "I'm glad we were able to take the journey to help you. I'd do it again if I had to."

"Well, let's just hope it doesn't come to that!" chuckled Ryoga, and they all laughed together.

"It's good to see you, Mousse. Really, it is. How are your wounds?" asked Akane

"Well, they do hurt a bit...but Cologne thinks I'll be alright. The elixir helped speed up the healing process. She even thinks I'll be able to see out of this eye again," Mousse gestured to the eye that had been slashed in the battle. "Although I'll need a new pair of glasses to be sure!"

The friends all laughed together. How wonderful it felt to be together again. Mousse could have never imagined his greatest rivals would have risked their lives to save him. He didn't know how he could possibly repay them for all they had done, but he vowed that some way, somehow, he'd find a way to do it. For now, sharing good company would have to do.

It was in that moment that Mousse realized Shampoo was missing. Finally feeling the strength to move again, Mousse swung his legs over the bed and pulled his robe over him.

"I think I'm going to take a step outside and get some air. Do you know where Shampoo went?" Mousse asked.

"She's over at the koi pond," said Akane, pointing out the door. "I think it would make her really happy to see you up and around."

Mousse nodded and tied his robe before heading out the door. It felt strange to stand at first, and for a brief moment Mousse thought he might tumble over. It didn't help either that the only pair of glasses he had were considerably broken, but they'd have to do for now. Mousse smiled at his friends as he made his way out the door where a delightful, fresh breeze greeted him. Mousse had never had the realization before of how good it felt to be alive. Perhaps he would continue to feel this way about even the smallest of things, for he had almost lost his life.

Mousse saw Shampoo sitting by the pond, staring blankly into the water. She appeared to be deep in thought as she stared at the fish bobbing at the surface. Mousse softly walked up to where she sat, as to not startle her. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Mind if I join you, Shampoo?" asked Mousse gently.

"Oh, Mousse..." Shampoo replied in her native tongue. "Of course, I'd be more than happy for you too." Mousse was a little taken aback...Shampoo hardly ever spoke in Mandarin anymore. It was strange to hear her do so now, even for him.

Mousse sat next to Shampoo and took a deep breath of the fresh, mountain air. He noticed the fireflies as they danced around the pond, the soft breeze as it tickled his skin, savoring the tender scents of the redbuds, pawpaws, and dogwoods. He caressed the cool bark of the sycamore tree he and Shampoo sat under. All of these simple things he had never noticed before. And it was all because Shampoo had saved his life.

Mousse turned to Shampoo, gently touching her hand. He was glad she didn't flinch at his touch. "I wanted to thank you, Shampoo...for giving me back my life," said Mousse. "I know all of you did it together...but Cologne told me it was you who started the journey alone."

"I had to try, Mousse," said Shampoo tenderly. "Mousse...you gave your life for me. I couldn't call myself an Amazon warrior if I didn't try to save you," said Shampoo, and she paused for a moment. "Mousse...that was a brave thing you did. You followed me when you found out I was going back to China alone. I don't know how you even found me. When the devil cat attacked me...when you threw yourself between him and me. You saved my life, and gave your own."

"I had to, Shampoo..." whispered Mousse as he stared out to the horizon. "I..." Mousse paused, almost afraid he would push Shampoo away if he said those words. "I couldn't let him hurt you, Shampoo. I love you."

Yet Shampoo didn't flinch. She didn't even smack him. She stared right into his eyes, and it struck Mousse to his very soul. "You've always been a true friend to me, Mousse," Shampoo said, choking on her words. "Mousse...I wasn't there for you. Not just back in Japan, but every day you've been my friend. I'm sorry. I mean it."

"It's alright, Shampoo..." whispered Mousse. "You didn't do anything wrong. You don't have to apologize to me. Not now, not ever."

"No, Mousse," Shampoo replied, trying her best to hold back the tears that were determined to come out. "Mousse, you always have looked out for me. You always put my needs before your own, and you never took no for an answer. All the things you've done for me, Mousse! Whenever I needed a friend, or wanted to give up, you stuck by me. No matter how badly I treated you. But Mousse, I didn't stick by you. When I thought...when I thought you were gone, Mousse...you were all I thought about." Shampoo began to sob as she brought a trembling hand to her face.

Mousse wrapped a reassuring arm around Shampoo as she cried. Shampoo felt safe and protected with Mousse's strong arm around her.

"I didn't know if you were ever coming back, Mousse..." Shampoo softly cried. "I was so confused...I didn't know what to do. I was so scared to live a life without you, Mousse. I took you for granted. I never deserved to have had a friend like you, and I'm sorry it took me going through all this to finally see it."

"It's okay, Shampoo..." Mousse softly whispered. "I'm here now. And I will be always."

"When I had to think about a life without you, Mousse...I just couldn't face it. Even though it was dangerous, I promised you that I'd never forget the way you saved me. Giving back your life was the only way to pay back what I owed." said Shampoo as she wiped her eyes.

"It's alright, Shampoo. I'll always be here, even if you don't need me to be. I'm not going anywhere. Not unless you want me to," Mousse smiled kindly at her. "Even when you leave, I'll always be here, and I'll always love you."

"Aiyah?" exclaimed Shampoo in confusion.

"I know you love Ranma, Shampoo. And I love you. I want you to be happy, Shampoo, no matter what that means for me," said Mousse sadly. "So when you go back to Japan to marry him, I won't try to stop you this time. As long as you're happy, I can keep on living my life in peace. I promise I won't interfere anymore."

"But...but Mousse..." stumbled Shampoo, unable to form the words she desperately wanted to say.

"I mean it, Shampoo. It's alright. As long as you're happy, that's all that matters to-" but he was cut off. Before Mousse had a chance to react, he felt a pair of small, but incredibly strong arms around his torso, and a pair of soft, warm lips against his. He was in complete and utter shock in that moment, unable to comprehend what was happening. Shampoo...Shampoo was kissing him!

Not only was Mousse shocked that Shampoo was kissing him, but by the sheer passion she was pouring into it. Mousse gave himself into that moment, and cupped her face in his hands, returning the kiss with his own fervor, releasing all his longing into this tender moment between them. Shampoo swooned at the feeling of Mousse's warm lips against her, and ran her hands along his chest as she gave in to her longing for him. These were the kisses of a man, a very, very in love man, and Shampoo had never felt more content in her entire life.

Shampoo's breath was heavy as she pulled from the kiss, Mousse's cheeks as red as vine tomatoes. The man looked as if he had been hit by lightning. He was grinning stupidly in addition to appearing completely shocked. He stumbled trying to speak, but words failed him. So Shampoo acted instead, entwining her fingers with his as she pressed her soft body against him.

Shampoo swooned in the arms of her Mousse - yes, her Mousse. The kind, gentle, loving man she had spurned all these years. She touched his face, bringing her lips to his as she kissed him again, running her other hand against his muscled chest.

Mousse gasped and nearly keeled over from his happiness. She pressed herself against his chest, allowing complete surrender into his strong, loving embrace. "I love you, Mousse." Shampoo whispered into his chest, and she could hear his heart begin to race at those words, and it made her smile.

Mousse pulled back and kissed Shampoo's head, whispering into her hair. "I love you, my beautiful Shampoo," Mousse spoke. "I always have, and I always will." Mousse and Shampoo embraced for some time, as no words were needed between them. They softly kissed some more until Shampoo pillowed her head on Mousse's chest as they lay on the soft grass, her eyelids growing heavy as she listened to his heartbeat. For the first time in days, she felt safe and content.

Shampoo and Mousse fell asleep under the stars on the soft grass, entwined in each other's loving embrace. What they didn't know was that Cologne and their friends had witnessed their interaction, grinning and laughing at the sight. For Shampoo was resting against Mousse's chest, and he had the biggest grin of his life plastered on his face. Perhaps some things worked out in their own way after all.

"Alright, Mousse!" whooped Ranma before Akane smacked him for being so loud. "You sly dog! I knew ya had it in ya!"

Ukyo and Akane smiled as their gazes met. It felt good to know that after all this time, Shampoo was able to know for sure how much Mousse meant to her. Then the two women smiled smugly at each other. This opportunity was far too good to pass up.

"Come on guys, it's time for dinner!" shouted Akane from the doorway. "We got something special to celebrate the homecoming!"

Mousse and Shampoo awoke in each other's embrace, blushing as they realized they had been caught in the act. Despite this, they took time to enjoy the quiet moment together as the stars dotted the brilliant sky, the landscape covered by the gentle ambiance of the moon. Shampoo giggled to herself at the sheer glow on Mousse's face when she kissed him again.

It was Mousse's victory, really. His dedication to her was the thing that made all the difference. In that moment Shampoo saw the years lift from him. He was a young boy again, reunited with his best friend and true love. Except this time, she loved him back. As she turned to go into the house, a strange new feeling came over her as she saw the shapes of her friends through the window. She loved Mousse, but not just that - she had a family. She had found out that sacrifice, friendship - and even love - were more than just the mushy stuff.

Ranma and Ryoga gave Mousse satisfactory pats on the back as he and Shampoo entered the house, and the entire room was filled with laughter. Shampoo turned to Mousse, the happiness and joy absolutely beaming from him. They were all back together again, after what seemed practically impossible. They actually did it. It felt as if the whole thing was some kind of crazy dream. Mousse picked up Shampoo and spun her around, and they laughed.

Akane held Ranma's hand, and Ukyo held Ryoga's. From that day on, everything would be different between them all - no longer rivals, their friendship would grow. And a beautiful friendship it would be. The kind that lasted a lifetime, or perhaps even further. For Shampoo, at last, for what felt like the first time in her life - she was home.